Day: January 3, 2023

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Compliance with UN Charter, compensation for losses conditions for talks with Russia, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday put conditions for talks with Russia, calling on Moscow to comply with the UN Charter and pay compensation for losses caused by the ongoing war.

Addressing the 27th UN Climate Change Conference via a video link, Zelenskyy also reiterated his calls for the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the punishment of every war criminal, and guarantees that this will not happen again.

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian president said that his country is only prepared to enter negotiations with Russia if its troops leave all parts of Ukraine, including Crimea and the eastern areas of Donbas, de facto controlled by Russia since 2014, during an interview to Czech television.?

Last month, Zelenskyy signed a decree that declared Russia’s annexation of parts of Ukraine null and void, and also signed another decree on Sept. 30 that stated the “impossibility of negotiations” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.?

The US administration has “privately” encouraged Ukrainian leaders to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia, according to The Washington Post.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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New Zealand deploys people, assets to help Ukraine: Top diplomat

New Zealand has deployed people and assets to facilitate the flow of supplies to Ukraine against Russia, said the country’s top diplomat on Tuesday.

Speaking at a conference, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said her country is also providing military assistance to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself.

“In the UK, we are training Ukrainian troops and supporting intelligence efforts (and) we have provided humanitarian assistance to refugees and those still inside Ukraine,” she said.

Mahuta accused Moscow of breaking international law by attacking its neighbor on Feb. 24 this year and said this was the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II.

“There’s a temptation by some to characterize Russia’s actions as the West versus Russia or democracy versus autocracy, but what it really comes down to is simple, and it’s something that New Zealanders instinctively get: one sovereign country invaded another,” she said, adding that “this is unacceptable.”

Briefing the participants on actions taken by the New Zealand government so far, she said her country sanctioned more than 1,200 individuals and entities including Russian President Vladimir Putin, key members of his inner circle, oligarchs, and other elites, as well as key Russian defense, financial and economic actors.

“We have also sanctioned individuals and entities in the nation of Belarus for its assistance to Russia’s invasion,” she added.

Last week, New Zealand sanctioned 14 more individuals and seven entities, including military personnel, defense entities and executives, Russian-directed disinformation outlets, and a paramilitary organization and its senior commanders.

“Our regulations include asset freezes, prohibitions on dealing with services and securities, prohibitions on traveling to New Zealand, and a ban on entry into New Zealand by certain aircraft and vessels,” said the top diplomat.

Russia is currently the world’s most-sanctioned country since it launched its war on Ukraine in February.

* Writing by Islamuddin Sajid

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Brazil announces star-studded World Cup squad

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced Brazil’s squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Monday.

English Premier League regulars Alisson Becker of Liverpool and Manchester City’s Ederson have been called up as the national team’s goalkeepers along with Weverton of Palmeiras.

Thirty-nine-year-old right-back Daniel Alves, who is the third most capped Brazilian with 124 appearances, is also among those called up for the Brazilian squad. The other wing-backs are Sevilla left-back Alex Telles, who will play his maiden World Cup, and two Juventus players, Danilo and Alex Sandro.

Bremer of Juventus, Eder Militao of Real Madrid, Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva, who will play his fourth World Cup, are among the national team defenders.

Five Premier League players — Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, Liverpool’s Fabinho and Manchester United’s Fred and Casemiro — will play in the midfield of the World Cup squad.

The Brazil squad will have several world-class attackers including PSG star Neymar and Real Madrid stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.

The other teammates of this trio, which include Manchester United’s Antony, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Barcelona’s Raphinha, Tottenham’s Richarlison and Flamengo’s Pedro, are also forces to reckon with.

Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino didn’t make the cut to the squad despite having no known injuries.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Real Madrid handed their 1st loss, defeat send Barcelona to top of Spanish La Liga

Spanish La Liga’s title contenders Real Madrid were handed their first loss of the season as a 3-2 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening sent Barcelona to the top of the league.

The first half of the Madrid derby was 2-2 at Rayo Vallecano’s Vallecas Stadium.

Santiago Comesana scored the opener for Rayo Vallecano, but Real Madrid came back from 1-0 deficit after Luka Modric scored from penalty and Eder Militao netted a header for the visitors.

Alvaro Garcia leveled the match near the end of the first half, firing a left-footed volley. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could not parry it.

Rayo Vallecano took the lead again after a penalty that was re-taken by Oscar Trejo in the 67th minute.

The home team secured a 3-2 win to end Real Madrid’s unbeaten streak.

Second-placed Real Madrid now have 32 points in 13 matches.

Barcelona have collected 34 points to lead the La Liga.

Real Madrid’s French star Karim Benzema missed his team’s last three matches due to muscular problems.

Without Benzema, Real Madrid drew with Girona 1-1 at home.

Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano increased their points to 21 to move to the eighth spot in the league table.

After matchday 14 this week, the Spanish league will enter a must break as the 2022 FIFA World Cup is approaching.

The tournament in Qatar will begin on Nov. 20, and go through to Dec. 18.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Brazil leading FIFA World Cup with most titles, victories

Football fans can’t think of a FIFA World Cup without Brazil, as the South American football powerhouse is leading the competition with the most titles and match wins.

World Cup frequenter Brazil are the only team to compete in all 21 World Cup editions.

The record holders won five world titles, the last in South Korea and Japan 2002. The Brazilian national team beat Germany 2-0 in Yokohama, Japan in the 2002 final.

The 2014 champions, Germany, are willing to level with Brazil as Die Mannschaft secured the World Cup four times.

In Qatar 2022, a Neymar-led Brazil will be on the pitch to extend their record.

In 21 World Cup tournaments, Brazil had 73 victories in 109 matches to lead in overall wins. They have 237 points in total.

Germany bagged 67 wins in 109 World Cup games to tally 221 points.

Italy are third on the list with 45 wins in 83 matches. They have 156 points in total.

The Italians, who last bagged the World Cup in 2006, did not qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.

Argentina, who were the 1978 and 1986 champions, have 144 points with 43 wins in 81 matches.

Defending world champions France are fifth on the list with 115 points.

Les Bleus played 66 matches to take 34 wins.

France won the World Cup twice in 1998 (hosts) and 2018.

79 nations played in World Cup

As of the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, 79 national teams played at the final tournaments.

Following Qatar’s debut this winter, this number will be increased to 80.

Eight countries including Brazil, Germany and Italy have won the World Cup.

Uruguay were the inaugural winners in 1930, and France are the current champions, beating Croatia 4-2 in the Russia 2018 final in Moscow.

England won it in 1966, and Spain secured the world title in South Africa 2010. These were both nations’ only World Cup triumphs.

Five nations reached the final but have never won the World Cup.

They were the Netherlands (1974, 1978 and 2010), Czechoslovakia (1934 and 1962), Hungary (1938 and 1954), Sweden (1958) and Croatia (2018).

World Cup champions as hosts

In 21 final tournaments, there were six times that the hosts won the World Cup.

The 1930 hosts, Uruguay, were the champions. Italy were the 1934 hosts and winners.

England won the 1966 World Cup for the first time after a 4-2 win against West Germany in London.

In 1974, West Germany won the World Cup title as the tournament’s hosts.

A Gerd Muller-led West Germany defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in Munich.

The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina, which was their first.

Argentina beat the Netherlands 3-1 to be the world champions in Buenos Aires. Argentine star Mario Kempes scored six goals in that tournament to carry his nation to World Cup success.

The 1998 World Cup was staged in France as Les Bleus, who were led by Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane in the offense, were crowned the world champions at home.

France stunned 1994 world champions Brazil 3-0 in Saint-Denis to win their first world title.

In 1998, Brazil was a team composed of many special players such as goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel, left-back Roberto Carlos, right-back Cafu, midfielder Leonardo and forwards Rivaldo and Ronaldo but returned home with a silver medal after losing to France.

Qatar 2022, the first World Cup ever to be held during the Northern Hemisphere winter, will start on Nov. 20.

During the 29-day event, 32 teams will compete in a total of 64 matches for the 2022 World Cup trophy.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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US stock market closes higher ahead of midterm elections

Major indexes in the US stock market closed higher on Monday, the day before midterm elections.

Americans will head to polling centers on Tuesday for midterms, in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and 35 out of 100 seats in the Senate are being contested.

Before the key elections, the Dow Jones index jumped 423 points, or 1.31%, to close at 32,827. The S&P 500 rose 36 points, or 0.96%, to 3,806.

The Nasdaq increased 89 points, or 0.85%, to finish the first trading day of the week at 10,564.

The VIX volatility index, also known as the fear index, was down 0.3% to 24.48. The 10-year US Treasury yield rose 1.5% to 4.222%.

The dollar index was down 0.67% to 110.14, but still around its highest in 20 years, while the euro soared 0.6% to $1.0020 against the greenback.

Precious metals were down, with gold losing 0.4% to $1,674 and silver shedding 0.4% to $20.78.

Oil prices were on the decline, with global oil benchmark Brent crude trading at $98.08 per barrel, down 0.5%. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was around $91.97 – down 0.7%.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Oil down over demand fears after China reinforces strict Covid policy

Oil prices declined on Tuesday due to looming demand fears after China reaffirmed the continuation of its strict pandemic policy.

International benchmark Brent crude traded at $97.82 per barrel at 10.01 a.m. local time (0701 GMT) for a 0.10% decrease from the closing price of $97.92 a barrel in the previous trading session.

The American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $91.60 per barrel at the same time, a 0.21% loss after the previous session closed at $91.79 a barrel.

China reaffirmed its unwavering adherence to its long-standing “zero-Covid” policy amid fears of falling oil demand, bolstering bearish market sentiment.

China’s strict pandemic policies “are completely correct, and the most economical and effective,” said Hu Xiang, a disease control official, on Monday.

However, according to official customs data, China’s imports of crude oil increased in October for the first year-on-year growth since May, to 43.14 million tons.

Meanwhile, OPEC producers have started cutting their collective output by 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in accordance with their recent decision, adding to supply concerns.

The looming sanctions deadline on Russian oil exports to Europe, which takes effect on Dec. 5, is also weighing on the market.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Biden congratulates Israel’s Netanyahu on election victory

US President Joe Biden called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to congratulate him on his recent parliamentary victory.

Biden congratulated Netanyahu on his recent win, and commended “Israel’s free and fair elections,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

“The President reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and underscored his unwavering support for Israeli security. We will continue to closely monitor the government formation process,” said Jean-Pierre.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Israeli Government on our shared interests and values,” she added.

Netanyahu’s camp won 64 seats versus 51 for the current government led by Yair Lapid in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu’s Likud party won 32 seats, 14 seats went to the Religious Zionism alliance led by far-right Itamar Ben Gvir, ultra-Orthodox Shas secured 11 seats, and United Torah Judaism won seven seats, according to the Israeli election commission.

Lapid’s Yesh Atid (There is a Future Party) won 24 seats in parliament.

The results give Netanyahu, Israel’s longtime former prime minister, an outright majority in the Knesset to form an upcoming Israeli government.

Tuesday’s elections were the fifth in less than four years in Israel. Some 71% of voters turned out, the highest in 20 years.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Students back in class in Canada’s Ontario after end of strike

Some 55,000 educational workers will return to work Tuesday after the Ontario government agreed to repeal its controversial Bill 28 that made a strike illegal, meaning hundreds of thousands of students will be back in class.

Faced with mounting pressure from a coalition of unions and criticism from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for enacting a clause that overrides a union’s right to strike, the government of Premier Doug Ford blinked first and offered to repeal Bill 28 if the members would return to the classroom. They walked off the job Friday in defiance of Bill 28.

The bill, passed Thursday, would have imposed a four-year contract on the members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and subjected members to fines up to CAN$4,000 a day (US$3,000). As a result of Monday’s promise from Ford, union members agreed to end their strike.

After union leaders said at a press conference they would return to classes, Education Minister Stephen Lecce released a statement.

“CUPE has agreed to withdraw their strike action and come back to the negotiating table,” Lecce said in the statement. “In return, at the earliest opportunity, we will revoke Bill 28 in its entirety and be at the table so that kids can return to the classroom… As we have always said and called for, kids need to be back in the classroom, where they belong.”

Mark Hancock, national president of CUPE, said Bill 28 was an attack on the right to strike which united various unions in the labor movement. And the unions won, he said Monday.

“They took on the Ford government, and the government blinked,” Hancock said. “We’ve shown that when under attack, our (labor) movement is strong and we will stand up for each other.”

Wages are the main issue, with the Ford government offering about two percent increase and the union demanding about 11% because of inflation and minor pay increases over the last decade.

Source: Anadolu Agency