News from World, Worldwide readership. Vol. 03 Issue 25 March 01, 2020
Shinzo Abe vows subsidies to fallout from COVID-19
TL Bureau, Tokyo Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Saturday his legislature will furnish sponsorships to adapt to aftermath from rising number of coronavirus cases. Abe said that the legislature will make a crisis bundle by utilizing hold supports worth over $2.5 billion in around 10 days to manage the aftermath from the COVID-19 flare-up. “We deal with those family units by setting up another sponsorship framework,” Abe stated, alluding particularly to easing the monetary hardship of guardians getting some much needed rest work because of surprising school terminations. “I comprehend that it will be a major weight for working guardians, yet the wellbeing and soundness of the youngsters are generally significant.”
COVID-19 death in WA State of Australia TL Bureau, Perth
NT Health and the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre AUSMAT team express their condolences to the family of the man who died in Western Australia overnight from COVID-19. He had been evacuated to Western Australia last week after testing positive for the disease shortly after arrival at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility. He became unwell on the flight from Japan and remained isolated throughout his short stay at the facility. AUSMAT and Australian Border Force are providing support to concerned individuals at the Howard Springs Facility during this sad time.
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More than 800 new cases found affected by COVID 19 in South Korea
TL Bureau, Seoul & Worldwide
South Korea detailed 813 new instances of the new sort of coronavirus Saturday, carrying its aggregate to 3,150, the biggest coronavirus flare-up outside China with in excess of 85,000 cases around the world. South Korean authorities cautioned of a sharp ascent in affirmed cases as they have forcefully been trying a large number of individuals, particularly in the southeastern city of Daegu, where the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has a solid nearness. The congregation’s mysterious strict group has been at the focal point of the episode. In excess of 86 percent of COVID-19 patients in South Korea have been in Daegu and close by towns. As indicated by a tracker kept up by John Hopkins University, South Korea presently has the biggest number of affirmed cases outside China. There are in excess of 79,000 cases in terrain China. The flare-up has hit China’s economy with the nation revealing its most minimal assembling numbers on record for the month February, The Washington Post announced. North Korea has not announced any COVID-19 cases. It shut its 930-mile fringe with China, suspended all flights and prepares to and from China and asked
every outside representative not to leave their mixes. Different units in Sinuji, the capital of the North Pyongan territory, which fringes Dandong, China, are likewise completing endeavors to obstruct the spread, the Korean Central News Agency announced. Italy has the third biggest number of COVID-19 cases, trailed by 705 cases from the Diamond Princess Cruise transport, which was isolated in Japan, 388 cases in Iran and 234 cases in Japan. By correlation, the United Kingdom has 20
cases with 18 in England and one each in Northern Ireland and Wales, yet specialists affirmed Friday the primary instance of nearby transmission of COVID-19. “The infection was passed in the U.K.,” England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said in an announcement. “It isn’t yet certain whether they contracted it straightforwardly or in a roundabout way from a person who had as of late came back from abroad. This is being researched and contact following has started.”
and Taliban political boss Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar consented to the arrangement in a service at the Taliban’s Doha, Qatar, central command. The understanding incorporates a timetable for the U.S. military withdrawal, which incorporates a cutoff time of 135 days for around 4,400 soldiers to
leave. That will leave the United States with somewhere in the range of 8,600 soldiers in Afghanistan. The objective is for there to be a full withdrawal of U.S. furthermore, NATO troops following 14 months, yet that is restrictive upon the Taliban meeting certain security prerequisites. The United States “will intently watch the Taliban’s consistence with their duties, and adjust the pace of our withdrawal to their activities,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who went to the marking in Doha, Qatar. “This is the manner by which we will guarantee that Afghanistan never again serves for universal psychological oppressors,” he included. The marking function came after a weeklong decrease in savagery. The United States made the duty to that incomplete truce a state of the marking of the harmony bargain.
Historic Peace deal signed after long battle between United States & Taliban
TL Bureau, Washington D.C. U.S. furthermore, Taliban mediators marked a noteworthy harmony bargain Saturday that tries to end almost two many years of U.S. military association in Afghanistan. U.S. uncommon emissary Zalmay Khalilzad
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elarus, Lithuania, New Zealand and Nigeria on Friday affirmed their first diseases of the lethal coronavirus as the World Health Organization cautioned nations without an affirmed instance of COVID-19 to get ready for its appearance or pay dearly. “No nation ought to accept it won’t get cases,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “That could be a lethal mix-up, actually. This infection doesn’t regard fringes.” Ghebreyesus offered the remark Thursday after at any rate nine nations affirmed first diseases. Be that as it may, the association’s head specialist kept on repeating the WHO’s hesitance to call the infection’s spread a pandemic as doing so may fuel dread by flagging the flare-up can’t be contained. The term has “no unmistakable advantage” and can superfluously enhance disgrace and incapacitate frameworks, he said. The WHO on Thursday gave a joint proclamation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization explaining it has not made any suggestions to limit travel or exchange as a few nations have executed measures to ban passage of those from the most contaminated nations, for example, South Korea, whose in excess of 2,000 cases has provoked at any rate 52 nations to either disallow goes from the Asian country or increment screening. “We are in a battle that can be won in the event that we do the correct things,” Ghebreyesus said. “Obviously, we won’t stop for a second to utilize the word ‘pandemic’ on the off chance that it is a precise depiction of the circumstance.” He said 14 nations that have revealed cases have not recorded another patient in over a week and nine have no new cases in over about fourteen days. Also, China, the focal point of the episode, is detailing less and less cases, especially outside Hubei region where the infection rose toward the beginning of December. Be that as it may, he portrayed the infection as having “pandemic potential.” The previous not many days have seen Estonia, Denmark, Georgia, Greece, Norway and Pakistan affirm first cases just as Brazil, flagging that the infection has arrived on each mainland however Antarctica. What’s more, on Friday, Belarus, Lithuania, New Zealand and Nigeria added their names to the rundown of in excess of 50 nations and regions that have recorded at any rate one contamination of COVID-19.
COVID- 19 effects worldwide on peak.
Belarus affirmed its first case Thursday, an Iranian understudy who showed up in the nation via plane from Baku, Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Health said in an announcement. “The youngster feels acceptable,” the service stated, including the patient and any other individual who came in close contact with him have been isolated at the Minsk Infectious Disease Hospital. Following the affirmation, the Ministry requested the individuals who have entered Belarus from Iran, Italy and South Korea after Feb. 20 to be tried for the coronavirus. Lithuania declared that its first patient was a female who had returned Monday from Verona, Italy, a nation that has seen its number of affirmed cases skyrocket to 650 over the most recent couple of days. The patient has been hospitalized in seclusion and is experiencing mellow indications, the Lithuania Ministry of Health said in an announcement. Three relatives of the patient are by and large firmly observed at the medical clinic thus far have not shown any side effects of the infection. “Regardless of the endeavors made and the proactive preventive estimates that we took among the main, we lament to announce that Lithuania didn’t maintain a strategic distance from the coronavirus,” Minister of Health Aurelijus Veryga said. “We were very much aware that the risk existed, and we were effectively preparing for this situation.” New Zealand affirmed its first case, expressing “we knew the probability of an imported case in New Zealand was high. Be that as it may, the probability of a far reaching episode is low-moderate.” Furthermore, Nigeria said in an
announcement Friday it turned into the main sub-Saharan African country and the third on the mainland to record a contamination of the illness. The case was affirmed in an Italian resident who works in Nigeria and came back to Lagos, the nation’s biggest city with a populace of around 20 million, from Milan on Tuesday. He was in stable condition, specialists said. “I wish to guarantee all Nigerians that we have been amplifying our readiness capacities since the principal affirmation of cases in China, and we will utilize all the assets made accessible by the legislature to react to this case,” said Health Minister Osagie Ehanire. As the infection spreads over the globe, its first host, China, proceeded on Friday to encounter consoling figures indicating the coronavirus is easing back inside its outskirts. China’s National Health Commission discharged its day by day update Friday for the past 24 hours expressing 44 passings and 452 new cases, generally comparable to the previous not
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many days. Since the episode started, China has affirmed 78,824 instances of the malady and 2,788 passings. Joined Airlines declared Friday it will diminish administration all through Asia because of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the locale, in the midst of declining explorer request. Travel to China has fallen by 75 percent over the most recent half a month following the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency, which started in Wuhan. Joined said it’s additionally slicing its outings to Japan. “We are lessening ability to Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, Singapore and Seoul,” United said in an announcement. “Moreover, we are broadening the suspension of flights between our U.S. center points and Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong through April 30. “We will remain in near contact with the CDC and other wellbeing associations as we keep on assessing our calendar.” Joined flights from Los Angeles and Houston to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport will be influenced from March 8 to April 24, just as administration from Chicago until at any rate March 27. It’s likewise cutting flights from Newark, N.J., to five every week in April and will fly littler planes for its San Francisco to Tapei course in March and April. “Asia keeps on being a significant district for us, and we thank you for your understanding and demonstrable skill as we react to the difficult circumstance before us,’’ United said in a reminder to representatives Friday. “We’ll keep on checking the circumstance and give you the latest data we need to keep you refreshed.’’ Joined’s choice to decrease flights in Asia follows a comparable change this week by contender Delta, which slice week after week flights to Seoul almost fifty-fifty.
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3 Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty statement on a new case of COVID-19 passed on in the UK.
TL Bureau, London The virus was passed on in the UK. It is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad. This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun. The patient has been transferred to a specialist NHS infection centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’. The total number of cases in England is now 18. Following confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and Wales, the total number of UK cases is 20.
world
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Entry of GCC Member States’ Citizens to Makkah, Madinah
TL Bureau, Riyadh
Further to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 2/26/2020, regarding the developments in the spread of the novel Coronavirus (19-COVID), and based on the recommendations of the competent health authorities to apply the highest precautionary standards to surround the virus and prevent its spread locally and globally, and to promote existing preventive measures to provide the maximum degree of protection as well as the application of
safety standards to preserve the health of visitors of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, it was decided - in light of the exceptional health considerations currently in place in some of the Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab States - the temporarily suspension of entry of the Council’s citizens to the cities of Makkah and Madinah. The decision excludes the GCC’s citizens who have been in the Kingdom for 14 consecutive days and did not show signs of Coronavirus infection, of them who wish
Attack on Turkish Soldiers in Idlib
TL Bureau, Washington D.C.
Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State said, ‘We stand by our NATO Ally Turkey in the aftermath of the despicable and brazen February 27 attack on Turkish forces in Idlib, which resulted in the death of dozens of Turkish soldiers. We send our condolences to the Government of Turkey on their deaths. The United States condemns this attack in the strongest possible terms. The Assad Regime, Russia, Iran and Hizballah must cease their ongoing attacks in Idlib’ The actions of the Assad regime, Russia, the Iranian regime, and Hizballah are directly preventing the
establishment of a ceasefire in northern Syria. The attacks must cease, humanitarian access must be granted, and a political solution advanced in line with UNSCR 2254. The United States is engaging with our Turkish Allies and reviewing options to assist Turkey against this aggression as we seek to prevent further Assad regime and Russian brutality and alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Idlib. The United States will do all in its powers to block any reintegration of the Assad regime into the international community until it complies with all provisions of UNSCR 2254, including a nationwide ceasefire that incorporates Idlib.
Act on the Monitoring of Foreign Corporate Acquisitions updated
TL Bureau, Helsinki
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment requests for comments on the amendments to the Act on Foreign Corporate Acquisitions in Finland. The Act will be amended to meet the requirements of the EU Regulation establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union. Needs for amendments due to national considerations that have arisen when implementing the Act will also be assessed. The Act on the Monitoring of Foreign Corporate Acquisitions has been in force for almost eight years. Because of the changes in the national security environment, it is necessary to assess on a regular basis whether the national legislation is up-to-date and functions as it should. In October 2020, the EU will start to use a common framework for the screening of direct foreign investments and a cooperation mechanism to improve the exchange of information between the Member States and
to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet’s Mosque can apply through the website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Umrah online course) to obtain a permit during the period of temporary suspension. The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirms that it is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis, and that the precautionary measures are being reviewed according to any new developments, and additional measures shall be taken if the need arises
Commission. The EU Regulation was adopted on 10 April 2019 and it will be applied in its entirety from 11 October 2020. New tasks to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Purpose of the Act is to monitor foreign corporate acquisitions The objective of the Act is to promote foreign investments and a positive attitude to foreign ownership. Primarily, the Act is intended as a tool for screening and monitoring foreign corporate acquisitions. In practice, the Act aims to secure key national interests, in particular, national defence, security of supply and functions vital to society. The Act enables to restrict the shift of corporate control to foreign owners in the companies covered by the monitoring, should an overriding national interest so require. New provisions are proposed to be included in the Act concerning circumvention of the Act and disclosure of secret documents to an authority. Similar provisions are contained in the EU Regulation on screening
foreign direct investments. As a new obligation, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment would serve as the national contact point in the cooperation between Member States and the EU, exchange of information and matters relating to the implementation of the Regulation. The definitions would be specified in more detail to clarify the application of the Act. Corporate acquisitions in the security sector would be added to the provision concerning corporate acquisitions in the defence sector, which are subject to advance confirmation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. A new provision on decisions not to screen a particular matter would be added to the Act. The draft legislative proposal also contains a new provision that would enable the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to establish conditions for the confirmation of a corporate acquisition and, where necessary, enforce the compliance with the conditions by a conditional fine.
ARCO Chief Hails Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Role Towards Yemen TL Bureau, Riyadh
The Secretary General of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) Dr. Saleh bin Hamad AlTuwaijri has appreciated the humanitarian role being adopted in Yemen by the coalition’s member states under the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted the continuation of the huge relief and humanitarian aid being provided by the Kingdom, represented by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to millions of Yemeni people. In the same context, Dr. Saleh Al-Tuwaijri praised the continuation of the air evacuation bridge, “Mercy Aircraft”, as part of the humanitarian and relief efforts being exerted for favor of Yemeni people to alleviate their suffering. He added that as usual, the coalition countries led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue their usual march to serve humanitarian and relief work inside and outside Yemen, to confirm through this to the world that it has become a model for cooperation and solidarity and to continue to support the Yemeni citizens inside and outside the Kingdom.-
DSS protects at 10,000 feet TL Bureau, Washington, D.C. 10,000 feet, and one-by-one Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agents come from diverse backgrounds and possess unique skills that come in handy when protecting ambassadors and foreign diplomats with specialized hobbies. If a protectee wants to run in a marathon, surf big waves or jump out of an airplane, DSS has a special agent ready to go. Just such an opportunity came up at the Ilopango Airshow in El Salvador in early February. The airshow attracts tens of thousands of spectators, and the U.S. ambassador is often a guest of honor. This year, Ambassador Ronald Johnson was a guest and a participant. He parachuted in the airshow with Salvadoran civilian and military skydivers—and was accompanied by DSS Special Agent Zachary Bowen. Ambassador Johnson and Special Agent Bowen are licensed expert skydivers with more than 2,000 jumps. The clear skies above Ilopango and 80-degree temps made it the perfect day to skydive. The airplane ascended to
the Salvadoran skydivers disappeared into the blue sky beyond the open door. Special Agent Bowen braced himself on the outside of the airplane to film the ambassador’s exit, and together they jumped. They enjoyed 45 seconds of freefall, and the ambassador executed a few 360 degree turns and a backflip before pulling the ripcord and deploying his parachute. The ambassador was clearly enjoying himself, but unexpected wind changes or a malfunctioning parachute could have pushed him off course. Had he not made it to the designated landing area where his protective detail was waiting, Special Agent Bowen was prepared to land with him, report their position and protect him if necessary. Fortunately, all went as planned and they nailed the landing. “It was an honor to accompany the ambassador while he was freefalling over El Salvador,” said Bowen. “DSS agents protect anywhere, anytime— and sometimes we have a hell of a lot of fun doing it.”
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world
National initiative to increase knowledge about the Holocaust and antisemitism TL Bureau, Stockholm
In connection with the Government’s International Forum for Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, the Government is allocating SEK 10 million to a national initiative to increase knowledge in schools and society. “The Holocaust and the crimes against humanity committed during the Second World War must never be forgotten. This national initiative is a continuation of the Government’s strategic and comprehensive work for democracy, tolerance and human rights, and to combat antisemitism, antiziganism and other forms of racism,” says Minister for Education Anna Ekström. This year, it is 75 years since the end of the Second World War, and 20 years since the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration at the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust. In the Stockholm Declaration, Sweden has pledged to strengthen its efforts to promote remembrance, education and research about the Holocaust. In October, the Government will host an international forum on Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism in Malmö. In connection with this, the Government has allocated SEK 10 million in the Budget Bill for 2020 for a national initiative. It is now clear which four assignments will be included in the initiative: The Living History Forum will receive SEK 6 million to implement a national initiative to enhance educational initiatives about the Holocaust,
antisemitism, antiziganism and other forms of racism, to particularly target audiences that are rarely reached by the Forum’s activities. Various parts of the school and liberal adult education systems are to be the focus of the efforts. Civic orientation for newly arrived immigrants is also covered by the assignment. The National Historical Museums will receive SEK 2.3 million to develop a Swedish-language version of the Dimensions in Testimony installation that allows visitors to converse with Holocaust survivors via pre-recorded answers to questions made possible by artificial intelligence technology. There are few Holocaust survivors left alive today to talk about their experiences. There is therefore a need to preserve the survivors’ testimonies in various ways. The University of Gothenburg (the Segerstedt Institute) will receive SEK 1.2 million to prepare a research review and conduct a research seminar on education in the school system that can combat antisemitism and other forms of racism. The assignment is to take both national and international research into account. The research seminar is to be conducted in conjunction with the Malmö Forum in October. The Swedish Defence Research Agency will receive SEK 0.5 million to produce a report on antisemitism in social media and other digital environments. The report will be part of the agency’s assignment to conduct surveys and analyses of violent extremist propaganda that is spread via the internet and social media.
Prime Minister launches 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) all over the country
TL Bureau, New Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations all over the country at Chitrakoot, 29th February 2020. Nearly 86% of farmers are small and marginal with average land holdings in the country being less than 1.1 hectare. These small, marginal and landless farmers face tremendous challenges during agriculture production phase such as for access to technology, quality seed, fertilizers and pesticides including requisite finances. They also face tremendous challenges in marketing their produce due to lack of economic strength. FPOs help in collectivization of such small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength to deal with such issues. Members of the FPO will manage their activities together in the organization to get better access to technology, input, finance and market for faster enhancement of their income. Completion of One Year of PMKISAN The event shall also witness the
completion of one year of the launch of PM-KISAN scheme. Modi Government has launched the Pradhan MantriKisanSammanNidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme as an income support scheme for farmers to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs. Under the Scheme, benefit is provided to the eligible beneficiary to the tune of Rs.6000/- per year. It is payable in three 4-monthly instalments of Rs.2000/- each. The payment is made online directly into the bank accounts of the eligible beneficiaries under Direct Benefit Transfer mode. The Scheme was launched on 24th February, 2019 and has successfully completed one year of implementation on 24th February, 2020. In a historic decision in its first cabinet meeting Modi 2.0 Government has decided to extend the PM-KISAN scheme to all the farmers. Special drive to saturate PMKISAN beneficiaries with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) The Prime Minister shall also be launching
a saturation drive for distribution of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to all the beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN Scheme, on the 29th February 2020. Over 6.5 Crore of the approximately 8.5 Crore beneficiaries under PMKISAN Scheme, possess the Kisan Credit Cards. The saturation drive shall ensure that the remaining about 2 Crore PM-KISAN beneficiaries are also distributed the Kisan Credit Cards. A 15 day special drive has been launched from 12th February to 26th February to provide access to concessional institutional credit to all the PM-KISAN beneficiaries wherein a simple one page form has to be filled with the basic data including bank account number, land record details and a simple declaration that he is presently not a beneficiary of KCC from any other bank branch. All PM-KISAN beneficiaries where applications are received till 26th February and called to the bank branches on 29th February for handing over the Kisan Credit Cards.
of Switzerland, underscores our ongoing commitment to address health crises and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.The United States calls on Iran to cooperate fully and transparently with international aid and health organizations. We will continue to work closely with countries in the region to help address unmet needs in response to the virus. Persons interested in providing support to the Iranian people should note that certain donations to Iran intended to relieve human
suffering, including the donation of medicine, are exempt from U.S. sanctions. In addition, the United States maintains broad exceptions and authorizations to its sanctions for the commercial export of food, medicine, medical devices, and agricultural products to Iran. In support of those exceptions and authorizations, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Government of Switzerland recently announced the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA).
United States Offers Assistance to the Iranian People
TL Bureau, Washington D.C.
Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State said in a statement, The United States stands with the people of Iran during the public health crisis caused by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The U.S. Government is prepared to assist the Iranian people in their response efforts. This offer of support to the Iranian people, which has been formally conveyed to Iran through the Government
FC - Ghanaian President Nana AkufoAddo pays state visit to Switzerland The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens TL Bureau, Bern who is paying a state visit On Friday, 28 February, the full Federal Council, led by President Simonetta Sommaruga, received the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,
to Switzerland. The main subjects addressed during official talks at the Bernerhof included economic relations, cooperation on environmental matters, and peace and security policy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to President Vucic of Serbia.
TL Bureau, London
The Prime Minister spoke to President Vucic of Serbia this afternoon. he two leaders agreed on the importance of the UK-Serbia relationship and the Prime Minister said he looked forward to building on the friendship between our countries. The Prime Minister supported
the resumption of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. He welcomed Kosovo’s partial withdrawal of tariffs on goods from Serbia and encouraged a positive response. He said the UK would continue to press for a full lifting of tariffs. On the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Prime Minister urged President Vucic to use his influence to calm tensions.
Stoltenberg, is currently visiting the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. TL Bureau, Kabul
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with troops of the TAAC-East (Train, Advise, Assist Command – East) Command at Tactical Base Gamberi During his visit, the Secretary General will meet with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and senior Afghan officials. The Secretary General will also meet with the Resolute Support Commander, General Austin Scott Miller; with NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan , Ambassador Sir Nicholas Kay and with
troops contributing to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. The President of Afghanistan, the United States Secretary
of Defense and the NATO Secretary General will hold a joint press conference today, at +/- 13:00 (Kabul time) at the Afghan Presidential Palace.
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australia
Two Prime Ministers met with lot of commitments
TL Bureau, Sydney
Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison MP and Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern met in Sydney on 28 February 2020 for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting. The Australia-New Zealand relationship is a partnership marked by close bonds of friendship, and anchored in common history, shared core values and genuine fondness between our peoples. It is a relationship of family, of whānau. TransTasman cooperation continues to deepen, to the benefit of our two countries and our mutual effort to support an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and deepen partnerships with our Pacific family. National resilience The Prime Ministers commended the instinctive, immediate and united transTasman response to a series of tragic events since their last annual meeting. They remembered the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack, Whakaari/White island volcanic eruption, and Australia’s ‘black summer’, and their families. In response to each, assistance from across the Tasman had been rapid, seamless, and broad-based, involving respective governments, including at State and Territory level, emergency services and community organisations. The Prime Ministers discussed each country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and expressed appreciation for the coordinated way in which consular and other officials had worked to include Australians and New Zealanders in their respective evacuation arrangements from affected areas overseas. Both countries will maintain a high level of information sharing on each other’s domestic developments and responses to COVID-19. The Prime Ministers further agreed on the importance of collaborating actively and, where possible preventatively, in response to any COVID-19 related developments
in our Pacific neighbourhood. The Prime Ministers committed to collaborate on strengthening mental health approaches and responses, including support for affected communities during recovery from natural disasters. Australia would engage with New Zealand in the development of Australia’s cross-jurisdictional mental health framework, led by Australia’s National Mental Health Commission. The framework will set out a shared state and federal approach to disaster response and disaster recovery, focused on accountability and transparency, which might be applied in future trans-Tasman responses to disasters in each other’s countries and internationally. Trans-Tasman Cooperation The Prime Ministers acknowledged the longstanding and deeply integrated economic relationship between Australia and New Zealand, and its enduring benefit to our peoples. With their shared commitment to free and open global trade, they underlined that the partnership needed to remain agile and responsive. They reaffirmed the role of the Single Economic Market agenda (SEM) and Closer Economic Relations agreement (CER) in driving prosperity in both countries. Trans-Tasman economic cooperation would continue to focus on streamlining the experience for business, travellers and citizens, and keeping the SEM agenda ambitious, adaptable, and fit to seize the opportunities presented by the future of work. The Prime Ministers welcomed the progression of key SEM initiatives at the 2019 Single Economic Market Ministerial Meeting, held in Auckland in September 2019. As well as fostering a better operating environment, these initiatives will enable future economic activity, especially for small and medium sized business. Prime Ministers welcomed the activation of domestic and trans-Tasman e-invoicing in December 2019.
Malaysian illegal worker group stopped at the border
The Prime Ministers underlined the need to maintain high security standards for trans-Tasman travel, and welcomed the use of biometrics technology and timely data processing to increase efficiency. They welcomed New Zealand’s successful introduction of the Electronic Travel Authority in October 2019, for both air and cruise passengers, and noted its twin aims of improving border security and enhancing passenger facilitation. The Prime Ministers noted the world’s first 3D auto-detection algorithms for identifying biosecurity risk materials, developed from joint trials in 2019, which will increase border screening effectiveness and efficiency for both countries. Prime Ministers also welcomed joint efforts to improve the transTasman movement of goods and border clearance processes for online purchases sent by mail. Prime Ministers committed to maintaining effective measures that protect the biosecurity of both countries while continuing to facilitate the smooth flow of horticultural goods between New Zealand and Australia, and encouraging all avenues to be explored to this end. They commended joint biosecurity cooperation to be prepared for the possible arrival of African Swine Fever, and directed officials to continue discussions and alignment of trans-Tasman biosecurity systems to counter any spread of the virus. The Prime Ministers welcomed the expansion of collaborative activities under the Australia New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement. These include agreement to establish a shared Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) network to assist transTasman trade and transport, exploring opportunities to collaborate on artificial intelligence, progressing potential areas of space cooperation under the Arrangement Regarding Space Cooperation for Peaceful Purposes signed in October 2019, and
implementation of the trans-Tasman cyber security research program. Prime Ministers warmly welcomed the start of a bilateral dialogue on Women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in November 2019. The Prime Ministers recognised the importance of the trans-Tasman food regulation system, which has been in existence for almost twenty-five years. They emphasised the value of modernising the system, as endorsed by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation in November 2019, to ensure the system remains at the forefront of best regulatory practice. The Prime Ministers agreed that SEM priorities for 2020 should also include work towards mutual recognition of digital identities and business identifiers. They directed officials to develop options for their consideration at the next Leaders’ meeting on influencing international standards and norms for emerging technologies. Prime Ministers also underscored the importance of the SEM agenda remaining forwardlooking to meet the future economic needs of both countries. Promoting streamlined government services, removing barriers across the digital economy, and building productive, well connected and liveable cities, were areas to which the SEM agenda should make practical contributions. People-to-people ties The Prime Ministers discussed measures to improve the unique Pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living and working in Australia. Australia will reduce the number of years in which applicants must meet the minimum income threshold, and will publicise the scheme and its rules to New Zealanders. The Prime Ministers agreed to review the Pathway in 2022 when more data becomes available, to determine whether further improvements should be made.
OPERATION CROSSWAY TARGETS DOCK SAFETY – PORTLAND
TL Bureau, Melbourne
TL Bureau, Perth Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Perth International Airport have prevented a group of five Malaysian nationals from entering Australia to work illegally. A sixth person, a 34 year old Malaysian man, was also refused entry after he admitted to facilitating the group’s travel to Australia. The group arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Thursday, 27 February), all on tourist visas. During initial questioning the 34 year-old
told immigration clearance officers the others were “family and friends”, but later admitted he was paid 500 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately AUD$180) per passenger to facilitate their travel to Australia to work on farms in WA. Investigations did not find any evidence of human trafficking. The facilitator and four adults, two men aged 33 and 31 and two women aged 20 and 27, were placed in immigration detention overnight prior to their removal from Australia earlier today.
Over 25 vessels and more than 400 vehicles were checked this week as part of an operation targeting heavy vehicle and marine safety around Portland and Portland’s coastline. Victoria Police, including the Heavy Vehicle Unit, Operations Response Unit, Technology Enforcement Support Unit, Portland and Hamilton Highway Patrols and local Portland police, along with Australian Border Force (ABF), the Department of Home Affairs, Maritime Safety Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority and VicRoads were in involved in Operation Crossway between 26-27 February. The purpose of the operation was to ensure heavy vehicle operators and associated companies are
complying with the relevant road safety legislation, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the dock precinct was maintained through a range of cargo checks. During the operation 61 heavy vehicles checks were conducted with authorities looking for traffic, fatigue and compliance breaches. Pleasingly no trucks were taken off the road, however overall
when including other vehicles checked 57 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy. Police conducted 86 preliminary breath tests and performed 70 preliminary oral fluid drug tests with no one found to be over the limit or drug driving. Over 45 penalty notices were issued for a range of traffic and maritime offences.
6
Govt books in good position to respond to coronavirus
TL Bureau, Wellington
The Crown accounts are in a strong position to weather any economic uncertainty as a result of coronavirus, with the books in surplus and expenses close to forecast, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Treasury today released the Crown accounts for the seven months to January. The operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) is close to forecast with a surplus of $1.4 billion. Core Crown Expenses were also close to forecast at $53 billion and net core Crown Debt was $0.4 billion lower than forecast at 19.5% of GDP. “The
positive state of the Government accounts means we are well placed to deal with whatever the economic impacts of coronavirus may be,” Grant Robertson says. “The fundamentals of the economy are strong and our careful management has seen the economy continue to grow in the face of constant headwinds like international trade disputes and uncertainty over Brexit. “This has been backed by international rating agency S&P affirming New Zealand’s credit ratings at AA for foreign currency and AA+ for domestic currency and describing the outlook as positive. “S&P also noted that our economy is resilient and flexible,
and that the coronavirus outbreak and slowing Chinese economy are unlikely to weigh on New Zealand’s credit quality,” Grant Robertson says. “The Government is carefully monitoring the impact of coronavirus on all sectors of New Zealand and we are preparing for multiple scenarios. We are ready to support our people and our businesses through any eventuality. “We believe it is sensible and responsible to plan for every possible scenario, but that does not mean we are predicting them. “We are also at a stage in the 2020 Budget process where we can consider the policies required if we need them,” Grant Robertson says.
region has reached the point where assistance is needed to help the rural community get through. “This unlocks initial extra funding of $80,000 for the Waikato, Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust to help speed up the recovery of farming and horticultural businesses,” he said. The Waikato Rural Support Trust region includes South Auckland (Manukau and Papakura) Hamilton, Hauraki, MatamataPiako, Ōtorohanga, South Waikato, Taupo, Thames- Coromandel, Waikato, Waipa, and Waitomo. “Farmers in Waikato are no strangers to dry summers and
they have had good grass silage on hand to date but the longer they go without rain, the harder it becomes to carry on as usual.” Today’s announcement follows adverse event classifications in Northland and North Auckland earlier this month where $80,000 was allocated to the Rural Support Trust to support affected farmers. “I’m continuing to keep a close eye on conditions in Northland as well as many other parts of the country, in case more help is required. The Government is committed to doing all we can to support farmers and growers at what is a very challenging time.”
Supporting New Zealand to make most of digital and data driven technologies will be the focus of a new Digital Council that begins its work today. Minister for Government Digital Services, Kris Faafoi, and Minister of Statistics, James Shaw, have confirmed the group of experts chosen to advise the Government on how to ensure new and emerging technologies and uses of data improve New Zealanders’ lives. “We’ve brought together an impressive mix of people who can help navigate the fast-moving digital and data landscape through a specific New Zealand focus,” Kris Faafoi said. “We want to understand the impact of technological change from a uniquely New Zealand perspective, including te ao Māori. “The Digital Council will also help identify gaps in accessing and using technology, how it can benefit societies and our economy,
help overcome our distance from major trading markets.” Mr Faafoi said. James Shaw said he looked forward to hearing what the Council had to say about how the Government can keep pace with changes in technology to ensure they bring benefits for all New Zealanders. “Technology is changing not just how people do business, or how we buy products, it is reshaping how many of us interact, how we form and maintain relationships, and how we address some of the most pressing challenges we face. “These changes are happening fast and have undoubtedly created opportunities that would have been hard to imagine even a generation ago. But rapid change can also have an effect on people’s lives and it is important we understand what that is. That way we can all work better to ensure that an increasingly digitalised and automated world improves everyone’s wellbeing.
Agriculture Minister declares adverse event for Waikato primary sector
TL Bureau, Wellington
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has today classified the drought conditions in Waikato and South Auckland as an adverse event for the primary sector, unlocking $80,000 in Government support for farmers and growers. “This is recognition that the extreme and prolonged nature of this dry spell is taking its toll on the primary sector and additional support is needed,” said Minister O’Connor. “The lack of any substantial rainfall over the past few months means that the drought situation in the
NZ Upgrade for West Coast ports and roads TL Bureau, Wellington
West Coast ports and roads will benefit from an investment of $18.6 million to improve safety and resilience and enable future economic growth, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. The $12 billion NZ Upgrade Programme announced last month allocated $300 million for regional investment opportunities, to be administered by the Provincial Development Unit. “The operation of the ports has been heavily impacted over recent years by declines in key sectors on the West Coast, including forestry and mining,” Shane Jones said. “The West Coast owned and operated fishing fleet has a relatively small share of the local fishing market but there is potential to expand the region’s fishing sector through today’s investments and utilise the ports for other sectors.
NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA
Government takes further action to protect New Zealanders from COVID-19
TL Bureau, Wellington
Travel restrictions introduced for Iran from today No exemptions for students from China to enter the country Increased health staff presence at international airports The Government has announced a suite of new actions as it steps up its response to the rapidly changing global spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This includes placing temporary restrictions on travel from Iran as a precaution, a decision not to allow any exemptions for overseas students from China to enter the country and bolstering the health presence at international airports. “The Government’s priority continues to be the health and safety of New Zealanders,” Health Minister Dr David Clark said. “Our pandemic plan is in place and our focus remains on keeping COVID-19 out of New Zealand. These enhanced travel restrictions and an increased border presence add to our existing actions to limit the risk of it entering the country. “The situation in Iran is obviously concerning. There is ongoing spread of the disease there, and a large degree of uncertainty about the scale of the outbreak and the ability
to contain it. “Based on the medical and scientific advice, Ministers have put in place further temporary travel restrictions covering incoming travellers from Iran. This means people will not be able to travel from Iran to New Zealand and anyone who has been in Iran in the last 14 days will need to self-isolate. “This is a sensible precaution. Many airlines have already cancelled flights from Iran. “New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will still be allowed to return home, but will be told to self-isolate for 14 days. “These restrictions will come into force immediately, and will initially apply until midnight Tuesday 3 March. They will be reviewed every 48 hours, which is the same approach being taken to the China travel restrictions that have been in place since 3 February. “Border restrictions are a key part of protecting New Zealanders. Immigration New Zealand is ready to implement the entry restriction on travellers from Iran to keep New Zealanders safe,” Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said. “People should check with their travel agents about flight options if their travel plans are disrupted,” Iain LeesGalloway said.
Digital experts to provide advice Ōpōtiki Harbour finally on technological change TL Bureau, Wellington assist our role in the Pacific, and gets green light TL Bureau, Wellington
The Eastern Bay of Plenty will finally get the harbour development it has wanted for decades, thanks to a $79.4 million central Government investment, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. This game-changing project will revitalise the township of Ōpōtiki and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty, creating hundreds of jobs and unlocking new aquaculture industries. The funding is part of the $12 billion New Zealand Upgrade programme which was announced in January and is possible because of the work of the Provincial Development Unit. “Ōpōtiki Harbour has been in the pipeline for such a long time with successive governments unable to make the project stack up. With the full attention of officials from the Provincial Development Unit, including engineer Rosie Mercer from the Fund’s Independent Advisory Panel, we have been
able to develop a concept that is fit-for-purpose yet affordable,” Shane Jones said. “Building a new harbour to support the growth of aquaculture is the biggest transformational investment the Provincial Growth Fund has made to date and will unlock the largest economic development opportunities in the region. “World demand for sustainable seafood is increasing rapidly and large scale aquaculture requires a safe, accessible harbour for harvesting produce and servicing boats. Today’s announcement will provide safe access for more boats into the harbour allowing Ōpōtiki to become a major servicing base for aquaculture and other marine related industries. “The new harbour will enable significant aquaculture initiatives in the region to get underway, which includes mussel farming. This will be the catalyst for private investment in marine related industries, wharves and a residential development.
7
BUSINESS
Minister Lintilä to visit Canada and the United States to promote the battery industry
TL Bureau, Helsinki
Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä will visit Canada and the United States from 1 to 6 March 2020. The aim of the visit is to promote Finnish mining and battery companies’ exports and establishment abroad. The growing popularity of electric vehicles opens up major global business opportunities for the battery industry. “Adaptation to climate change creates opportunities for companies to produce new ideas and solutions that support the move towards a carbon neutral society. Finland is rich in many minerals needed in the battery manufacturing industry. Finland’s other assets in this competition include strong chemical industry clusters, cheap electricity with low emissions, and a stable operating environment,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. World’s largest mining event in Canada On 1–3 March, Minister Lintilä
will attend the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention, PDAC 2020, held in Toronto. A number of Finnish technology and service companies will display their products at the event. A meeting of mining ministers, hosted by Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan will also be held in Toronto. In addition, Minister Lintilä will meet Sweden’s Minister of Business, Industry and Innovation Ibrahim Baylan and representatives of the Canadian battery cluster. Canada is one of the key actors in the mining sector; Canadian companies are engaged in the mining business in different parts of the world, and the country is a key provider of funding for mineral exploration worldwide. Because of similarities in the Finnish and Canadian bedrock, Canadian companies are potential partners for Finnish technology and service businesses and research organisations.
IFC Helping Ethiopia Expand its Leasing Sector to Strengthen Smaller Businesses
TL Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the National Bank of Ethiopia today hosted Ethiopia’s first National Leasing Forum to strengthen Ethiopia’s leasing industry and help it reach its estimated $1 billion potential for supporting thousands of smaller businesses across the country. The forum gathered stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss opportunities to support Ethiopia’s micro, small, and medium-sized businesses with leasing finance, a financial solution under which businesses with limited or even no collateral can more easily acquire the vehicles, equipment, or other items, they need to grow. Speaking at the forum through his representative, National Bank of Ethiopia Vice Governor, Ato
Solomon Desta, said, “Ethiopia’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in the development of our country. We have been working diligently to create an attractive environment to attract investment and new players into the leasing sector so more businesses can access finance through leasing.” IFC Country Manager for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, Cheick-Oumar Sylla, said, “IFC has partnered with Ethiopia to strengthen the country’s leasing infrastructure so more firms can access lease financing and grow. To date, this partnership has helped more than 8,600 MSMEs access lease financing worth $240 million.” Leasing plays a vital role diversifying financial sector product offerings and increasing access to finance. It is particularly suited for micro, small and mediumsized enterprises across a range
of sectors, from agribusiness and manufacturing to health, wishing to finance equipment needs. Leasing finance is accessible for businesses run by both men and women. However, the value of Ethiopia’s current leasing market is only a fraction of its estimated potential. The more support financial institutions are provided to offer leasing – legislatively, technically and financially – the greater the access to finance options available to small and mediumsized businesses. IFC has recently helped Ethiopia’s government create a favorable regulatory environment for leasing and has helped the Development Bank of Ethiopia and the five regional finance companies based in Addis, Debub, Kaza, Oromia, and Waliya launch leasing operations. In 2019, Ethiopia’s first independent leasing company, Ethiolease, launched operations.
usually called ‘the Golden Week’ by those industries, but the coronavirus outbreak happened right within that period. Cinemas were expected to collect $1.4 billion over those seven days and had already pre-sold $64 million in tickets for their New Year’s Day. They only ended up taking $386,000, compared to $310 million same day in 2019. Tourism was also hit hard with cancellations and all tourism hot spots shut. During the Chinese New Year in 2019, 415 million tourists generated $109 billion in tourism revenue. This year, that figure will be a net loss. Cross country travel bans and roadblocks cost the transport industry 68.3 per cent of its business and China Rail lost over 70 per cent of its passengers and significant revenue. Combining retail and hospitality losses, the report indicates that more than $213 billion would be wiped from the economy, which is equal to 4.6 per cent of first quarter GDP in 2019. That figure has not even considered losses from other industries. That is why the think tank predicts that even if coronavirus is contained by April, China’s annual GDP growth will drop to 5.4 per cent in 2020, down from 6.1 per cent last year. The report compares coronavirus with the 2003 SARS outbreak and found that
whilst the coronavirus fatality rate is lower than SARS, its economic impact on China would be much larger. That is because the Chinese economy is much bigger than 17 years ago, and China is an integral trading partner of the world’s biggest economies. China faces a very different economic climate now. It has already faced economic challenges due to sluggish domestic and international demand, as well as a trade war with the US. China faces a very different economic climate now. It has already faced economic challenges due to sluggish domestic and international demand, as well as a trade war with the US. The spillover and increasing uncertainty also make the global economy a concern, with Australia already feeling the pinch in its education and tourism industries. However, not everything is doom and gloom. China’s most popular mobile game, Arena of Valor, made $423 million in one day on Chinese New Year’s Eve, a 53 per cent increase on 2019, thanks for the ‘stay at home’ order. Another winner is e-commerce providing fresh produce and perishables. In the past, older generations tended to resist purchasing fresh produce online as they preferred to buy from wet markets or supermarkets.
Changes to the Banking Coronavirus and its impact Code of Practice as on China’s economy recommended by the Royal Commission will go live tomorrow. TL Bureau
TL Bureau, Canberra/Sydney
The changes coming into effect, as recommended by Commissioner Hayne in his Final Report, include: Ceasing default interest on agricultural loans while farms are affected by drought or natural disaster Ensuring services to people with limited English and those living in remote areas are inclusive and accessible Removing overdraft and dishonour fees on basic, low fee or no fee accounts for concession card holders Guaranteed features for basic bank accounts. “The banking industry has been working hard to implement the recommendations of Commissioner Hayne’s final report, which included important changes to the Banking Code of Practice” Anna Bligh, ABA CEO In addition to the Royal Commission recommendations, the industry has also guaranteed features for basic bank accounts. Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said the industry has fulfilled its
commitment to bolstering its Banking Code of Practice by implementing Commissioner Hayne’s recommendations. “The banking industry has been working hard to implement the recommendations of Commissioner Hayne’s final report, which included important changes to the Banking Code of Practice,” Ms Bligh said. “Initiatives such as guaranteed features for basic bank accounts across the industry and ensuring inclusive and accessible services for people with limited English or who live in a remote area address specific issues raised by Commissioner Hayne is his final report. “These changes come into full effect from tomorrow and will form part of the promises made to customers through the industry’s Banking Code of Practice. “These changes to the Code are in addition to a number of actions already taken by banks as a direct result of the Royal Commission, including ending fees for no service and a remediation bill topping $5.8 billion in the 12 months since the final report,” she said.
Courtesy; Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Melbourne Since the first patient was diagnosed on 8 December 2019 in Wuhan, coronavirus has spread across China and 25 countries around the world. In just 2.5 months, this deadly virus killed more than 1,800 people and infected over 70,000 worldwide. The epicentre in Wuhan is under lockdown and millions of people have been strictly asked to stay at home. All events were cancelled, and many businesses remain closed, even after the Lunar New Year holiday, as the government tried to stop the virus spreading. As most of China grinds to a halt, economists fear that it will have to brace for some serious economic consequences. A Chinese think tank, Evergrande Research Institute, recently released a report evaluating the impact of coronavirus, now officially known as COVID-19, on China’s economy. The report estimates that it may be responsible for China losing two per cent of its domestic growth rate for the first quarter 2020. The report indicates that coronavirus significantly affected the retail, hospitality, tourism, entertainment and transport industries. The seven-day public holiday during Chinese New Year is
8
FEATURE
IOM Monitoring Reports of Increased Belarus Reinforces Partnerships to Migrant Movements in Turkey Fight Online Sexual Abuse of Children Migrant Assistance, migrants in vulnerable situations
TL Bureau, Edirne The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is monitoring reports of an increase in the movement of migrants in Turkey and assessing their emerging humanitarian needs. IOM staff in Edirne reported Friday afternoon that groups of migrants are traveling towards border crossings in the western coastal province of Izmir and the northwestern province of Edirne.
“The journey to Europe poses significant safety risks for migrants and their families who often fall victim to smugglers, adverse weather conditions, and lack of access to food and water,” said IOM Turkey Chief of Mission Lado Gvilava. IOM mobile response teams in both Izmir and Edirne are distributing thermal blankets, food, water, and providing essential humanitarian relief to the vulnerable.
Reducing serious youth violence: our approach
TL Bureau, Minsk
Two girls aged just seven and five are among the latest victims of sexual exploitation in Belarus. Their mothers were paid to allow men to film their daughters being abused. This reallife horror story concerns two girls recently assisted by IOM Belarus. Sadly, the phenomenon is on the rise, and being luridly reported in the press. Overall, the Ministry of Interior of Belarus reports an increase in child victims of trafficking: 21 per cent of all victims of trafficking in 2018, compared to just 11 per cent in 2015. “Child sexual abuse, including online abuse, is a serious problem in Belarus,” says Dmitry Tsayun of the Ministry for Information. “Seven years ago, we began to focus on countering sexual exploitation and abuse towards children. Since then the number of identified crimes has doubled. It’s a hidden problem requiring greater attention and a comprehensive approach.” In response, IOM last year launched a nation-wide awareness campaign: ‘Teach Children To See Lies’, targeting parents. It also set out to provide
specialized training to those involved in identification and reintegration of victims of trafficking, including child victims of sexual exploitation. IOM brought the best expertise from regional and international levels to support the authorities in shaping a better way of identification and referral of children suffering from sexual exploitation, including online cases. Helliana Berner, Child Protection Officer from IOM, was part of two intensive training events for 60 government and civil society partners which finished in the Belarusian capital Minsk this
week. “I am really impressed with the expertise from the Government and NGOs gathered in one room. They are all trying to come up with nationally recognized standards to fight this shocking crime which wrecks innocent lives.” With the focus on prevention of sexual exploitation online, IOM enlisted the help of EPAM Systems, the leading software company in Central and Eastern Europe. The IT giant has previously worked with IOM in the area of prevention and was brought in to explain Internet safety principles and specifics to the partners.
President of Ukraine and media groups agreed to launch non-coded satellite versions of major Ukrainian TV channels by March 16
Neil Rhodes, former Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police and YJB Board member, talks about the YJB’s approach to serious youth violence
TL Bureau, Kyiv
TL Bureau, London After 31 years as a police officer, much of this in chief officer roles, I learned that strong partnerships, robust data and clear strategies are vital parts of any approach to reduce crime. I saw that children involved in violence had often been victims themselves and I wanted to help break that cycle.In my current role as a YJB Board member, and Champion for reducing serious youth violence (SYV), I have
seen plenty of innovative and promising practice from across the sector. We have brought this learning together and are sharing it with youth offending teams (YOTs) to help address this complex issue. We are also offering our support and engaging with central government activity towards a long-term solution to serious youth violence. Our immediate goal is to focus our efforts on delivering practical support for the youth justice community.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with the leadership of major Ukrainian media groups. The participants of the event discussed the problems of television broadcasting, which arose after the beginning of the coding by four media groups of the satellite signal of their TV channels from January 29 this year pursuant to the decision of 2017. The Head of State emphasizes that this issue concerns not only the business of media groups, but also the strategic protection of information security of Ukraine. Due to signal coding, not all Ukrainians can freely watch more than 20 major TV channels. “We have thousands of letters and calls to the President’s
Office claiming that Ukrainians cannot receive this signal due to coding and cannot watch Ukrainian TV channels. This is especially topical for the region along the contact line and the temporarily occupied territories,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to the President, Russian television has become an alternative there as a result. “We came there and saw that Russian radio and television broadcasting is carried out not only in the temporarily occupied territories. It has a very powerful signal in the controlled areas as well. In addition, they then “silenced” our signal with military equipment. And now, it seems to me, they do not even need to use the technical means and money to silence - you have switched yourself off,” the Head of State noted. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted
that the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine had an opportunity to introduce a moratorium on the coding of satellite TV channels, but it would not solve the whole spectrum of problems. “We want to find a way out of this situation now. We have a very simple task: to provide an opportunity for people to watch Ukrainian television, especially in those territories to which we have solely information access now,” he stressed. To address the issue of Ukrainians’ access to information in a comprehensive way, the President suggested that ZEONBUD digital television provider take steps to change signal modulation by March 4, 2020. This will expand coverage of digital television across the state and facilitate public access to television.
9
Updates on Diamond Princess
life and real estate
Health Advisory - Coronavirus
Guest Disembarkation Complete (By P & O Cruises) + Team Member Quarantine
TL Bureau, Tokyo
Princess Cruises can confirm that disembarkation of all guests aboard Diamond Princess is complete. Specialists from the Princess Care Team and Family Assistance programs remain available to both guests and team members. Currently, there are fewer than 500 team members on board, with some awaiting government charter flights. For those team members who will not depart by government charter flights, we have finalized plans with the
Japan Ministry of Health for a quarantine shoreside facility in Japan. Princess Cruises has hired Aspen Medical, an awardwinning and WHO-certified company with extensive global experience in delivering public health services, to provide team members with health and wellbeing care during a quarantine at a land-based center in Japan. The Australia-based company will deploy as many as 60 professionals including clinically certified doctors, nurses and environmental health
New legislation will commence from today to better protect the rights of adults with a disability to make and participate in decisions that affect their lives. The Guardianship and Administration Act 2019 presumes that a person has decision-making capacity unless evidence is provided to the contrary. It also recognises that a person has decision-making capacity if they can make decisions with support. epresenting the biggest change to the state’s guardianship and administration laws in more than 30 years, the legislation reflects a more modern understanding of decision-making capacity and disability.
To protect the health and safety of all onboard, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to the new coronavirus that originated in mainland China. Our medical experts are coordinating closely with international health authorities and have activated enhanced screening, prevention and control procedures for our ships to keep guests and crew safe. To limit the spread of the illness, health authorities in China have restricted travel across many cities in the affected areas, cancelled mass public gatherings and are conducting airport arrival screening. The global health response has adopted similar measures, including entry restrictions and screening requirements for travelers from affected areas. We have also adopted measures intended to keep you safe. These include: As with Guests & crew members who have travelled from or through mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong or South Korea (including transiting through an airport in these locations) OR have travelled from or through a location currently subject to ‘lockdown’ (quarantine) measures by government health authorities (including transiting through an airport in these locations) OR has had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) within 14 days prior to sailing, will not be permitted to board the ship. Pre-Boarding medical evaluations, including temperature checks, for persons with fever or respiratory symptoms. Standard pre-boarding health reporting for all guests advising them of their obligation to report any illness symptoms. Medical
of a person. c. Guests who report feeling unwell or demonstrate any flu-like symptoms. 2. There will be mandatory specialized health screenings performed on: a. Any guest who has travelled from, to or through Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Italy (all regions other than Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto) in the past 15 days. b. Guests who are uncertain about contact with individuals who have traveled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Italy in the past 15 days. Guests presenting with fever or low blood oximetry in the
specialized health screenings will be denied boarding. All guests who are denied boarding due to these restrictions will receive full refunds. We have rigorous medical protocols in place to help passengers and crew members who feel unwell while sailing. Our protocols include professional medical treatment; quarantine of unwell individuals from the general ship population; and intensified ship cleaning, air filtration, and sanitization procedures. We are assessing developments constantly and will update these measures as needed. Guests with questions may contact the customer care department of our individual cruise lines. CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON CHINESE PASSPORT HOLDERS AS OF
officers along with operations personnel. Aspen Medical will provide services at the facility including daily health checks, laundry services, meal service, housekeeping service and assist with recreational activities. This secondary quarantine is required by the Japan Ministry of Health, out of an abundance of caution, to ensure the health and well-being of each team member. Aspen Medical will be operating under the direction of the Japan Ministry of Health, which is ultimately responsible for the quarantine.
More than 13,000 Migrants Reported Victorian Along the Turkish-Greek Border Guardianship
Reforms Now Law TL Bureau, Melbourne
TL Bureau, EDIRNE Thousands of migrants, including families with young children, are passing a cold night along the border between Turkey and Greece, say staff from the International Organization for Migration, who are tracking the movement of people from Istanbul and providing humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable. By Saturday evening, staff working along the 212km-long
border between Turkey and Greece and in the capital had observed at least 13,000 people gathered at the formal border crossing points at Pazarkule and Ipsala and multiple informal border crossings, in groups of between several dozen and more than 3,000. “The number of migrants moving through Edirne towards the border grew through the day as cars, taxis and buses arrived from Istanbul,” said IOM Turkey Chief of Mission Lado Gvilava.
screening for coronavirus on all guests who visit our onboard Medical Center with symptoms of respiratory illness. Reporting to local and national health authorities of all cases of fever and respiratory illness, and any patients with suspected coronavirus infection. Environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols. all respiratory illnesses, particularly during cold and flu season, you can take steps to reduce your risk of illness: Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds Where soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer Avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory illness Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. If you experience any symptoms of respiratory illness which may include fever or feverishness, chills, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact the Medical Center. Updated information on the illness and travel advice, can be found at the CDC website: https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/index.html. Please be aware that as the situation is changing rapidly, you may be required to undergo additional health screening measures by local health officials before you disembark at any of the ports we visit during your voyage and entry requirements are subject to change. If any revisions need to be made to our itinerary due to travel restrictions, or to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, we will update you as soon as possible.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) HEALTH PROTOCOLS By Royal Caribbean International alert.
We are closely monitoring global developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are fully focused on protecting the health and safety of our guests and crew. To comply with guidance from CDC, WHO and other public health authorities around the world, we are implementing several global measures to protect guests and crew. These measures are intentionally conservative and apply to anyone boarding our ships, guests and crew alike. We apologize for the inconvenience created by these precautionary measures. These temporary safety precautions will remain in place for a projected period of 30 days and will be reviewed daily for revision as conditions warrant. Updates will be posted daily on this website.
Until further notice, all ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. fleet will adopt the following health screening protocols: 1. Regardless of nationality, we will deny boarding to: a. Any guest who has travelled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, South Korea, and the Italian regions of EmiliaRomagna, Lombardy and Veneto in the past 15 days. b. Any guest who has come in contact with anyone with 15day prior travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, South Korea, and the Italian regions of EmiliaRomagna, Lombardy and Veneto. The CDC characterizes contact with an individual as coming within six feet (2M)
02/10/2020* Many countries are refusing entry to persons who have traveled from, to or through mainland China in the past 14 days, and often require Chinese guests to submit to additional health screenings and document review. • BAHAMAS: No entry for anyone with prior 20-day mainland China travel, regardless of nationality. • INDIA: No arrival visas for China passports. • INDONESIA: No entry permitted to China passport holders. • JAPAN: No entry permitted for China passports issued in Hubei and Zhejiang provinces. • MALAYSIA: No entry permitted for China passports issued in Hubei, Zhejiang or Jiangsu provinces.
10
SPORTS
BMW MOTORRAD INTERNATIONAL ARIZONA GS TROPHY OCEANIA 2020 CARDINALS TO PLAY
IN MEXICO IN 2020
TL Bureau, California
TL Bureau, Munich The seventh BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy, the 2020 Oceania edition, came to a close on February 16. After eight grueling days, and over 2500km travelled over both the North and South islands of New Zealand, Team South Africa emerged victorious in this most iconic of adventure motorcycling competitions – for the third consecutive occasion. Some 22 international teams, with participants from over 40 countries, took on the challenge of the latest edition of this unique competition. Riding in the Southern Hemisphere summer, the riders mostly enjoyed comfortable temperate conditions, but more than once they also experienced the unique Kiwi phenomenon of ‘four seasons in one day’ as overnight temperatures plummeted and the riders found rain and winds as they tackled the
trails. The GS riders also found themselves everywhere from sea level – on the North Island beaches – to thousands of feet up alpine passes in the South Island. The days were typically long with breakfast calls at 5:30 and up to 12-hours of riding. On the occasion of crossing the Cook Strait to reach the South Island the start was an even earlier 3:30; in all the riders became very familiar with eating breakfast by the light of their head torches. Once on the trails, the riders experienced every terrain New Zealand could offer, from sandy beaches, to gravel tracks, to rocky passes and a good number of river crossings. Their adventure riding skills and their endurance were most certainly tested. This year’s Int. GS Trophy motorcycle was the new F 850 GS, which more than proved itself as being up to the rugged task. It was also a delight to ride, with
so many of the riders expressing satisfaction in the bike’s versatility and performance, while proving fun to ride both on highway and on the trails. Team South Africa’s ‘threepeat’ The Oceania 2020 edition will be recorded in Int. GS Trophy history as one of the closest competitions (although it’s hard to go past the one-point win the UK recorded over the South Africans in 2010). Going into the eighth and final day there were three teams in close contention for the win, with less than 10 points splitting them: South Africa, Italy and France. And after the first test of the day – when the South Africans suffered an uncharacteristic fall – the competition hung on the outcome of the final parcour test. Only then Team South Africa rallied impressively, putting in three almost immaculate rides, while the need to attack saw Team France and Team Italy made some mistakes.
BRAZILL RULED FROM BUSHFIRE RELIEF MATCH
TL Bureau, Sydney Ash Brazill has been ruled out of tomorrow’s bushfire relief match between the Origin Australian Diamonds and the Suncorp Super Netball All-Stars taking place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Brazill injured her knee playing for the Collingwood Magpies in the AFLW’s bushfire relief match on Friday night and will not travel
to Sydney to represent the Origin Diamonds in the netball showdown. Replacing Brazill in the Origin Diamonds team for tomorrow’s match will be Origin Diamonds squad member and Queensland Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson, who was previously selected as part of the Suncorp Super Netball All-Stars team.GIANTS Netball young gun Amy Parmenter has been selected to replace Simpson in the All-Stars
team and will join the team in Sydney today.Brazill will this weekend undergo scans to determine the extent of her knee injury. Origin Diamonds Head Coach Lisa Alexander, who will lead the team into battle one last time tomorrow, expressed sadness in hearing the news. “It was heartbreaking to see Ash go down with an injury last night. We are all feeling for her and wish her all the best for her recovery.
The National Football League today announced the Arizona Cardinals as the home team for the NFL’s game in Mexico in 2020. The Cardinals will return to Mexico for the first time since they played in the NFL’s inaugural international regular-season game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. It will be the fifth regular-season game played in Mexico at Estadio Azteca. “We are incredibly excited to be returning to Estadio Azteca where we had such a positive experience in 2005,” said Cardinals Chairman and President MICHAEL BIDWILL. “The Cardinals are very appreciative of the support we receive from fans in Mexico and look forward to a tremendous experience.” Additional game details, including the visiting team, date and kickoff time, will be released at a later date. A look at the previous regular-season games played in Mexico: Date Opponents & Score Attendance November 18, Kansas City 24, Los 76,252 2019 Angeles Chargers 17 November 19, New England 33, 77,357 2017 Oakland 8 November 21, Houston 20, Oakland 76,473* 2016 27 October 2, 2005 San Francisco 14, 103,467** Arizona 31
Japan keep perfect record, set up gold medal match against Australia
TL Bureau, Palmerston North Welcome to this daily summary of the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, giving you the latest and greatest from the first WBSC event of 2020. Hitto Nagayoshi’s inside the park home run handed Australia their first loss of the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020, also securing a berth for both teams in the final after Japan’s 5-2 Super Round victory on Friday at Colquhoun Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The defeat stops Australia’s run of consecutive wins in this age group at nine,
having last lost to Japan in the final game of the Opening Round of the 2018 edition.The confirmation of Japan and Australia in the final maintain’s both sides’ excellent record at this level, having won the previous two editions - Australia (having beaten Japan in the final) in 2018, Japan in 2016 - with Japan now having medalled an incredible 11 times in 13 editions.Meanwhile, wins for the Czech Republic and Argentina confirmed their spots in the bronze medal game on Sunday.There is one day of Super Round to play on Saturday before the World Championship game and bronze medal match on Sunday.
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tech/auto
The new BMW X5 M Competition and the new BMW X6 M Competition
Some location pictures and footage of the International Media Launch of the new BMW X5 M Competition and the new BMW X6 M Competition in Phoenix, Arizona.
TL Bureau, Arizona
CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION. BMW X5 M Competition: Fuel consumption combined: 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km [21.7 – 22.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 296 – 291 g/km BMW X6 M Competition: Fuel consumption combined: 12.7 – 12.5 l/100 km [22.2 – 22.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 242 – 238 g/km
With its comprehensive range of spare parts, Bosch Classic keeps classic cars and young classic cars running Bosch Classic at the Retro Classics 2020 fair in Stuttgart, Bosch Classic produces spare parts for historic vehicles and provides remanufacturing and replacement solutions for defective components
TL Bureau, Karlsruhe
The great interest in classic automobiles is proven by the high popularity of classic-car fairs and events. For many years, the Bosch Classic business unit has also been committed to preserving historic vehicles. At this year’s Retro Classics taking place in Stuttgart from February 27 to March 1, Bosch Classic will again present itself and its technical know-how as well as its comprehensive range of spare parts to the owners of young classic and classic cars. Moreover, the innovative alarm system “spexor” warning owners of historic vehicles of any attempted theft – will also be presented at the Bosch stand in hall 3. Spare-parts supply for young classic and classic vehicles The classic-car fleet is continuously growing. Nowadays, these vehicles – such as Mercedes SL (R129) launched in 1989 – feature ever more electronic equipment. Bosch also provides a wide range of spare parts for these younger classic cars – for instance for Mercedes-Benz R129 500 SL. Bosch
Classic associates consider spareparts supply for historic vehicles to be their main task in order to keep these vehicles running and on the roads. For this purpose, Bosch Classic relies on different strategies. In case the genuine tools and documentation are still available and as long as the product is still cost-efficient due to the high demand, Bosch Classic might even decide to restart the production of genuine parts. Several relaunched components are also based on modern technical components. One example for this: the black Bosch starter battery. Although it features the
genuine classic design, it is equipped with modern battery technology. The relaunched starter for Porsche 911, 928 and 959 models is yet another example of further development of the original starter. It features a lower weight and a compact design. With its 1:1 REMAN service, Bosch Classic also provides a remanufacturing option for components of historic vehicles that is true to original. The range of components suitable for remanufacturing includes, for instance, Bosch and Kugelfischer mechanic injection pumps, intakemanifold pressure sensors, fuel
distributors or warm-up regulators. In addition, Bosch provides workshops with an exchange and repair service for electronic components of young classic and classic cars, as well. Besides car radios and navigation systems, Bosch Electronic Service professionally repairs instrument clusters and sophisticated switchgear and control units (e.g. for HKZ, D-Jetronic and Motronic). During the remanufacturing process, Bosch Electronic Service technicians use genuine parts or Bosch-approved comparable parts only. In case a historic component cannot be
repaired, the electronic service can often provide reconditioned exchange units. Well-proven contact grease for ignition contacts is available again Bosch Classic restarted the production of the well-proven Ft 1 v 4 contact grease standing out for its high adhesion. The heat-resistant high-temperature grease is used to grease the ignition contacts of ignition distributors. Numerous vehicle manufacturers recommend using this grease in order to increase the service life of ignition contacts. It will be available as of April 2020. Mobile alarm device spexor detects car burglaries In Germany, some 700 thefts related to vehicle burglaries are reported every day. Owners of historic vehicles are also affected more and more often. On its stand, Bosch will present a solution called spexor. The small mobile alarm device first presented at the CES 2020 in Las Vegas can be installed into the cabin without sophisticated cable harnesses and unsuspiciously.
12 NATO expresses strong solidarity with Turkey at special meeting of the North Atlantic Council
Meeting with permanent members of Security Council Vladimir Putin held a meeting with
permanent members of the Security Council.
TL Bureau, Moscow They also had an in-depth discussion of the developments in Idlib, Syria, expressing grave concern in connection with the dramatic escalation in the province provoked by the terrorist groups, which had increased their offensive activities against the Syrian army. It was noted that Turkish military observation posts were established in Idlib by agreement with and at the insistence of the Russian side. Their duty was to monitor the fighters, prevent any terrorist
Norway to reconsider judicial cooperation with Poland under the EEA and Norway Grants
TL Bureau, Oslo
Norway is concerned about developments regarding the rule of law in Poland. An independent judiciary is a vital component of any well-functioning democracy and is essential for safeguarding fundamental human rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been made aware that the Norwegian Courts Administration has decided to withdraw from its planned cooperation with Poland under the justice programme. ‘In the light of recent developments in Poland and the decision of the Norwegian Courts Administration, the Norwegian authorities are not prepared to sign the agreement with Poland on cooperation in the justice sector under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme in its current form. The fact that we are now reconsidering this cooperation is a clear signal to the Polish authorities that the Norwegian Government is concerned about developments regarding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Poland,’ said State Secretary Audun Halvorsen. Poland is the largest beneficiary of funding under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme, with an allocation of approximately NOK 8 billion for the current
funding period (2014-2021), divided between a number of different programmes. The justice programme (approx. NOK 700 million) is still under development. The planned programme has three main elements: cooperation on the work of the correctional services (approximately NOK 480 million), cooperation aimed at combating domestic violence (approx. NOK 60 million) and judicial cooperation (approx. NOK 110 million). In addition to the Norwegian Courts Administration, the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the Norwegian Correctional Service are also involved as partners in the programme. he parties will now review the plans for the justice programme in Poland. Today’s decision will not affect other cooperation with Poland under the EEA and Norway Grants. ‘We still consider it appropriate to continue our other cooperation with Poland under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme. But due to our concerns about rule of law developments in Poland, we will assess the situation continuously and any consequences for the rest of our cooperation with Poland under the Grants scheme, also in the implementation phase,’ State Secretary Halvorsen said.
EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda: political agreement in the Council TL Bureau, Brussels
activities and preclude aggression against Russian military facilities. It was noted that our Turkish partners have not accomplished their mission. The meeting participants emphasised that Russia did everything in its power during the Syrian offensive against terrorists to ensure the safety of Turkish military personnel stationed at the observation posts. No Turkish military personnel stationed there were injured or exposed to danger. The tragic cases when Turkish soldiers lost their lives occurred during the terrorists’ offensive
operations. It was pointed out that Turkish military personnel was not supposed to be anywhere outside their observation posts in Idlib. The permanent members of the Security Council also discussed the work of the Russian interdepartmental operational group, which is holding talks on the Idlib de-escalation zone with their Turkish colleagues. The meeting participants expressed the hope that the Turkish authorities take the necessary measures to protect the safety of Russian missions and citizens in Turkey.
The Council today reached agreement (partial general approach) on the future Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Together with the EIT regulation, which provides the legal basis for the EIT, the SIA complements the legislative framework for the functioning of the EIT for the years 2021 to 2027. It sets out the priority fields and strategy of the EIT for the period 2021-2027 by defining the EIT’s objectives, key actions, mode of operation, expected results and resources needed. The SIA also ensures the coherence of the EIT with Horizon Europe, the future EU framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2021-2027 and is expected to foster synergies with other EU programmes. “Today’s agreement paves the way for more open and more efficient Knowledge and Innovation Communities across the EU. It introduces a streamlined monitoring system that will ensure greater transparency and accountability. We now stand ready to negotiate a swift deal with the European Parliament.” Blaženka Divjak, Croatian Minister for Science and Education.
TL Bureau, UN HQ
where displaced families have sought shelter have been struck by shelling.” He said that the most pressing need was an immediate ceasefire “before the situation gets entirely out of control.” Speaking just hours before the UN Security Council is due to meet in emergency session to discuss the escalation in fighting in Syria, the UN chief said that “now it’s time to give a chance for diplomacy to work, and it’s essential that fighting stops.” Briefing the press in Geneva earlier in the day, WHO Spokesperson Christian Lindmeier
said that health workers were describing “mayhem in their health facilities.” Speaking in Geneva, he explained that nearly 170,000 “newly displaced people are sleeping out in the open” in Idlib - the last opposition-held area of Syria that is the target of a Government-led military campaign – with 100,000 children exposed to temperatures close to freezing. The crisis is the worst that people in northwest Syria have experienced since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, UN humanitarians maintain.
TL Bureau, Brussels Under Article 4 of the Treaty, any Ally can request consultations whenever, in the opinion of any of them, their territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened. Allies offered their deepest condolences for the death of Turkish soldiers near Idlib. They also condemned the indiscriminate air strikes by the Syrian regime and its backer Russia in Idlib province, and called on them to stop their offensive, to respect international law and to back UN efforts for a peaceful solution. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that NATO stands in strong solidarity with Turkey and will continue to support Turkey with a range of measures, including augmenting its air defences.
world
‘Mayhem’ in Syria’s Idlib amid ongoing violence, as Guterres urges immediate ceasefire
The UN chief António Guterres, described the current displacement crisis in and around Idlib, and the escalation in fighting between Turkish and Russian-backed Syrian forces, as “one of the most alarming moments” of the nearly-decade long war. “Without urgent action, the risk of even greater escalation grows by the hour. And as always, civilians are paying the gravest price”, he told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York. “Even camps and other sites
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