Category: Politics

Thank you President Iohannis, dear Klaus, for your warm welcome. It’s a pleasure to be back in Bucharest. Today we discussed important issues for our European continent. I will focus on three: EU support for Ukraine, Moldova and the Schengen area and border management

Russia continues to attack the free people of Ukraine. And they continue to fight back bravely to defend their freedom. The European Union will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.

Just a few weeks ago, President Zelenskyy attended our European Council meeting in Brussels. He made one thing perfectly clear: Ukraine needs more ammunition. Urgently. And we have responded quickly and decisively. We are again stepping up our military support. Last week, we agreed to urgently deliver one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. We will massively ramp up our production capacity. Klaus, a special thanks to Romania for your contribution to our financial, military, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. And for establishing a Union Civil Protection Mechanism logistic hub to channel EU assistance to Ukraine.

Romania has also played a key role in making our Solidarity Lanes a success. This has brought vital revenue to Ukraine. But I know this has adversely affected Romanian farmers. The EU has mobilised over 50 million euros for farmers from front-line states. But we should look into increasing this amount. You know I fully support your call on that important question.

Klaus, I want to personally thank you for Romania’s efforts in welcoming over 115,000 Ukrainian refugees. And for the international humanitarian hub that has helped the transit of more than 70 international assistance missions. This shows the true spirit of European solidarity.

At last week’s European Council, we also sent a strong message of solidarity to the people of Moldova. And we asked the European Commission to present a support package for Moldova before the summer. We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In recent months, you have mentioned it, Russia and its proxies have stepped up their efforts to destabilise the country. Weaponsing energy, conducting cyber-attacks, staging protests, and other subversive activities. We strongly condemn these attempts to destabilise Moldova. They must stop immediately.

We continue our comprehensive support for Moldova. To bolster its security, stability, and resilience. It’s important that we launch the new Common Security and Defence Policy mission in Moldova as soon as possible. I will be indeed in Chisinau tomorrow, where I will reaffirm our steadfast support. As a candidate for EU membership, the people of Moldova begin a journey towards our European family. And we will be right by their side. I’m grateful to the government — and the people of Romania — for their solidarity with Moldova.

Today, again, we also discussed the Schengen area and the importance of effectively managing the EU’s external borders. I would like to reiterate that I fully support Romania’s efforts to become a fully-fledged member of the Schengen area. I’m pleased to see that the pilot project of EU external border control was successfully launched earlier this month.

Dear President, thank you again, for your warm welcome. I know we can count on you personally and we can count on Romania to help make our Union stronger, more resilient and more prosperous. And Romania can count on the EU. Thank you.

Source: EMM/ European Council Council of the European Union

President Emmanuel Macron summoned government ministers for a crisis meeting on Monday, as tensions ran high a day before another major day of strikes and protests against his pension reforms. Nearly two weeks after Macron rammed the new law through parliament using a special provision sidestepping any vote, unions have vowed no let-up in mass protests to get the government to back down. FRANCE 24's French Politics Editor Marc Perelman tells us more.

Source: France24.com

FRANCE 24 spoke to Artur Smolyaninov, a well-known Russian actor. Once acclaimed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has now been designated a foreign agent by Russia and forced to flee his country. Our guest explains why he has publicly opposed the war in Ukraine and even vowed to fight on Ukraine's side: Ukrainians "are fighting for their freedom".

Speaking from FRANCE 24's set, Russian actor Artur Smolyaninov explained that his choice to support Ukraine in the war has nothing to do with nationality but rather the principle that governs his life: "freedom".

The actor claimed the Russian government is "illegal" and that it violates the country's constitution.

He became popular in Russia for his role as a Soviet soldier during the Afghan war in the 2005 box office hit “The 9th Company”. Vladimir Putin was so pleased with the film that he invited the entire cast and crew to his private residence. The actor recounts this moment on FRANCE 24.

Source: France24.com

A group of female Ukrainian fencers participating at a major international competition in the Chinese city of Nanjing, was blocked from taking a picture in front of a banner condemning Russia’s military campaign, the National Fencing Federation of Ukraine (NFFU) said on Sunday.

In a post on Facebook, the organization said that Ukrainian fencers at the Women’s Epee World Cup had wanted to pose for a photo with a poster dubbed the ‘Angels of Sport’, which it said showed the number of “Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia.”

Despite the athletes’ efforts, “representatives of the FIE [International Fencing Federation] did not allow this to be done,” the NFFU said.

The decision triggered outrage from the Ukrainian athletes, with fencer Darya Varfolomeeva claiming that “Russia violates all Olympic values,” while accusing Moscow of destroying hundreds of sports facilities in her country. Russia has repeatedly insisted it only attacks targets that enhance Ukraine’s military capacity.

IOC cannot be ‘political referee’ – president

Footage of the incident released by the NFFU shows FIE workers trying to roll up the controversial banner as the Ukrainian athletes resist while saying: “You can’t buy us.”

Earlier this month, the FIE voted by a comfortable margin to overturn the ban on Russian and Belarusian fencers competing at the federation’s events.

Athletes from both countries have been prohibited from taking part in many sports events over the past year following advice issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) shortly after Russia started its military campaign against Ukraine in February 2022.

Last week, the NFFU announced that it would boycott all FIE competitions in which Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to take part. It added that not only would Ukrainian athletes skip such events, but coaches and judges from the country would as well.

In January, the IOC outlined a multi-step plan for Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The roadmap was met with strong criticism from Western countries and Ukraine. However, last week, IOC President Thomas Bach defended the initiative, urging the world’s politicians to “keep politics and sports apart” amid the Ukraine conflict.

Source: Russia Today

Ukraine may need to conscript even more people into military service to potentially fight against Belarus, a key ally of President Vladimir Zelensky has told British television.

David Arakhamia, an MP who heads the faction of the president’s Servant of the People party in the Ukrainian parliament, spoke of a potential a clash with Belarus during an interview with SkyNews on Monday. He was commenting on Russia’s announcement last week that it would place tactical nuclear weapons at a facility currently being built on Belarusian soil.

“I think we are facing a real challenge to have a second front opened,” the Ukrainian lawmaker said.

However, Arakhamia downplayed his own concerns by saying that much of the border his country shares with Belarus is rough terrain dominated by swamps and forests, which makes it easier to defend. He also acknowledged that despite Kiev perceiving Belarus as “the same aggressor as Russia,” there actually was “no evidence during one year of war … of any Belarussian soldier crossing the Ukrainian border.”

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has allowed the Russian military to use his nation’s territory in its military operation against Ukraine, but has repeatedly stressed that Belarusian troops were not participating in the conflict.

As casualties mount, why there's a growing backlash against the methods used to conscript Ukrainian men for war

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the decision unveiled on Saturday to place nuclear weapons in Belarus was a step prompted by the UK’s announcement that it would send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine. Putin did say, however, that Lukashenko “has long been asking” for such weapons to be hosted on Belarusian soil.

Ukraine is believed to have suffered significant casualties in the conflict with Russia, in part because Kiev has reportedly been sending untrained soldiers to the frontline as it keeps its more experienced troops behind for an expected counter-offensive.

Ukrainian military officials have already ramped up their mobilization efforts, according to various media sources. Reports have surfaced of conscription officers conducting raids at places where military-age men congregate, such as markets and night clubs.

Some Ukrainians appear willing to risk their lives to avoid joining the military. Last week, a 23-year-old man drowned while trying to sneak into Romania across the Tisza River. This was reportedly the 14th such fatality this year alone.

A spokesman for the Ukrainian border guard service discouraged draft-dodgers from seeking asylum in the EU, noting in an interview on Monday that if the man had succeeded in his border crossing, “he would have been returned to Ukraine.”

Source: Russia Today

People in Turkmenistan are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday. Polling began at more than 2,600 stations at 7 a.m. (0200GMT) and will end by 7 p.m. (1400GMT). Almost 3.5 million citizens are registered to vote, while 42 ballot boxes have also been set up in Turkmenistan's diplomatic missions abroad. Apart from 125 lawmakers of the unicameral parliament, called the Mejlis, voters will also choose members of the national and local councils and other local government bodies. As of 3 p.m. (1000GMT), turnout for all categories was around 75%, the electoral authority said in a statement. At least 175 candidates from three parties - the Democratic Party, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and the Agrarian Party - are vying for a seat in the Mejlis, along with the 83 candidates from civil groups. Some 515 candidates are in the running for the 240-member People's Council, or Halk Maslahaty, and 2,001 candidates are competing for 960 seats in local people's councils. Another 12,098 people are in the race for 5,897 spots in local government bodies. All of the successful candidates will remain in office for five years. The elections are being followed by local observers, as well as representatives of UN institutions, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization of Turkish States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In 2021, Turkmenistan introduced a bicameral legislative system, with the Halk Maslahaty and the Mejlis forming the upper and lower house of what was known as the National Council of Turkmenistan. However, the country switched back to a unicameral parliament this January, when the Halk Maslahaty was made an independent body and all legislative authority was handed over to the Mejlis.

Source: Anadolu Agency

US President Joe Biden on Sunday issued an emergency declaration for the state of Mississippi after the destruction wreaked by deadly tornadoes and severe storms. At least 25 people were killed and dozens more injured as powerful tornadoes and storms ripped through Mississippi on Friday night. One more person was killed in the neighboring state of Alabama. A White House statement said Biden's decision will make 'federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey.' The four counties were the worst-hit areas and account for all of the fatalities reported, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Biden has appointed John Boyle, coordinating officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to 'coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas,' the statement said. 'Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed,' it added. 'The house broke apart on top of us' In Rolling Fork, a small town of some 2,000 people, the tornado devoured all that lay in its path. Almost every building in the town was either flattened or broken, trees uprooted, cars crushed, and infrastructure damaged. Sammy Jackson, a resident, was in his house when it was swept up by the twister. 'All of a sudden there was a big explosion. It picked us up in the air, threw us against the wall. A lot of debris was hitting us,' he told Anadolu, sitting on piles of rubble that were once his home. 'Then it picked the house up and threw it down. The house just broke apart on top of us. We were all stuck under the debris.' Jackson managed to free himself and pull out his grandson, daughter and another family member. 'This was something I hope I never experience again,' he said. 'The only good thing is that I am alive. We lost a lot of people here … Material things don't mean anything to me. I'm just glad to be here and I thank God for that.' Apart from the death and destruction, the disaster has also caused power breakdowns in Mississippi and other nearby states, leaving thousands of people without electricity, according to poweroutage.us.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Trkiye's presidential spokesman said Saturday that Ankara has left the door open to Stockholm's bid to join NATO if it shows will and determination. "The door is not closed to Stockholm now, but how the process will progress, its pace, and when it will be completed depends on Sweden's steps," Ibrahim Kalin said on Turkish television news channel NTV. Sweden's new government is "sincere and diligent in this regard. But it does not have enough instruments to take legal action," to address Trkiye's security concerns, he said. A constitutional amendment was made in Sweden last year and took effect in January, said Kalin, adding that a new counterterrorism law in this context will enter into force June 1. "When they complete it in about two months, it will be possible for them to take more decisive, concrete, and fruitful steps to address our security concerns," he said. The law will come into effect in June, said Kalin, adding that then "we'll see how fast they can move." Sweden and Finland made an application together but Finland has taken "a constructive stance on both the structuring of the PKK and Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the lifting of restrictions in the field of the defense industry, and the inclusion of Trkiye in programs such as PESCO within the European Union," he said. The Permanent Structured Cooperation, or PESCO, is part of the EU's security and defense policy. Finland with its constructive attitude adopted a "more transparent and more fruitful stance" regarding Trkiye's demands, he added. The Turkish parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission approved a bill Thursday to ratify Finland's NATO bid. Meanwhile, asked about the sale of F-16 jets and modernization kits, Kalin underlined that the jets would strengthen not only Trkiye but NATO. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, he said there is a "very strong pro-war climate in Washington, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War. They want war, they want the war to be prolonged and unfortunately, the war will continue." "It will continue to intensify. Of course, this is a great loss not only for Ukraine but also for the region and the world," he said. Stressing the importance of the Trkiye's attempts to end the war and start negotiations, Kalin said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made many initiatives. Ankara has always displayed a principled and balanced attitude from the very beginning. Also, about the normalization of Ankara-Cairo relations, Kalin said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's recent visit to Egypt was "very important and productive. "We clearly believe that the normalization of Turkey-Egypt relations is of vital importance not only for the two countries but also for the dynamics of the region. It is also beneficial for Libya and Palestine. It is in the interest of the whole region in the fight against terrorism," he said. Last June, Finland and Sweden signed a memorandum with Trkiye to address Ankara's security concerns, and senior diplomats and officials from the three countries have held various meetings since then to discuss the implementation of the trilateral agreement. Among the NATO members states, only Hungary and Trkiye have not yet ratified Sweden and Finland's applications for inclusion in NATO. Meanwhile, Sweden passed an anti-terror law last November, hoping that Ankara would approve Stockholm's bid to join the NATO alliance. The new law, which will go into force on June 1, will allow Swedish authorities to prosecute individuals who support terror organizations.

Source: Anadolu Agency

US Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a weeklong trip to Africa beginning this weekend that will be closely watched as she is the first Black woman US vice president to visit the continent. It will come eight years after Barack Obama, the first US Black president, made his trip to the region in office. US administration officials previewing the trip said it is a 'future-oriented' expedition to deepen the relationship and portray Africa as a place for investment -- not just aid packages, a theme Harris emphasized in December during a US-Africa summit in Washington, the only one since 2014, which was hosted by Obama. Senior administration officials said Harris will build off remarks made at the summit where she touted US commitments to invest in innovation and creativity across the continent and announced President Joe Biden would sign an executive order to establish the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement aimed at providing advice and recommendations about how to strengthen the relationships between Africa and the US. 'I'm going to Africa mainly to talk with African leaders about what we, as the United States, are prepared to do to have our role in investing in the future of that continent,' Harris said in a radio interview Friday. 'The vice president is visiting three countries where the government is investing in democracies, specifically at a time where we know there is a global democratic recession,' said a senior administration official. She will visit Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, where she will hold meetings with top leaders, focusing on economic development, climate change and food security, among other issues. She is scheduled to arrive Sunday in Ghana's capital of Accra. Experts said Harris will have to convey the US' sincerity of its long-term commitment to the region and her previous promises that Washington would be a 'better partner' than China for economic stability still rings true. In the wake of the US' absence from the region, amplified by former President Donald Trump ignoring Africa, never visiting the continent and disparaging certain African nations in a 2018 meeting as '(expletive) countries,' other nations made inroads. Harris will see one of the clearest examples of China's influence when lands in Zambia at the newly renovated Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, financed and designed with Chinese money. The vice president's motorcade will likely drive down roads that were also financed by Chinese loans. Her trip is the latest by US officials who plan on visiting or have visited Africa. US first lady Jill Biden returned from her trip to Africa last month. American Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited earlier this year. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Ethiopia and Niger last week and the US president is expected to visit the continent later in 2023.

Source: Anadolu Agency