Archiv: foreign ministries
Blinken and Lavrov meet at G20
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Thursday. Blinken said he urged Russia to return to the New START arms control treaty, but Moscow has already insisted that Washington’s “hybrid war” on Russia makes serious discussions impossible.
The two diplomats met for around ten minutes
PM Modi calls for consensus at G20 foreign ministers‘ meeting
In his video message at the G20 foreign ministers‘ meeting, Modi also invoked Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha to urge the delegates to draw inspiration from India’s civilisational ethos and „focus not on what divides us, but on what unites us.“
China accuses US of ‘outright bullying’ with Russia-linked sanctions
“While the U.S. has intensified its efforts to send weapons to one of the parties to the conflict, resulting in an endless war, it has frequently spread false information about China’s supply of weapons to Russia, taking the opportunity to sanction Chinese companies for no reason. This is outright bullying and double standards,” Mao Ning told reporters, as reported by The Associated Press.
#China is willing to work together with the int’l community to avoid further deterioration of the #Ukraine situation and to strive persistently for peace, Wang Yi said when meeting with Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian FM, on the sidelines of the 59th #Munich Security Conference.
China doesn’t want ‘prolonged’ Ukraine war, top diplomat Wang Yi says as crisis nears 1-year mark
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the position paper will reiterate a number of “important claims” by Chinese President Xi Jinping, including that sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected and legitimate security concerns should be considered.
Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi to pay a visit to Russia, promoting peace talk top on agenda
Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi is scheduled to visit Russia – the last stop of his tour to Europe since February 14. He is expected to promote peace talks as the Russia-Ukraine conflict approaches the one-year mark, with the situation still deteriorating. Analysts said that China’s tangible moves in de-escalating the situation have been in stark contrast to the US‘ fanning of flames.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may hold talks with Wang Yi and he said the agenda for Wang is very „extensive and there is a lot to talk about.“
„I would not like to characterize what was said, it seems inappropriate to me. However, I can say that there was no apology” Blinken said he told Wang Yi that the balloon incident „violated [US] sovereignty and international law.”
Wang Yi engaged in „an unofficial contact“ with Blinken at the request of the US side in Munich on Saturday local time. Wang „stated China’s solemn position on the so-called airship incident“ and asked the US side to address its damage on US-China relations.
China’s Xi plans ‚peace speech‘ on Ukraine invasion anniversary, Italy says
(17.03.2023)
Antonio Tajani told RAI Radio 1 that he used a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Rome on Thursday to urge Beijing to use all its powers to persuade Russia to end the war while ensuring Ukraine’s independence.
Negotiations ongoing for Blinken meeting with Chinese official in Munich
But there are signs that Blinken is operating under the assumption that a Munich meeting with Wang Yi is highly likely. “Some of the officials who would need to be there for such a meeting left with Blinken to Munich in anticipation of a potential meeting,” said a third Washington, D.C.-based diplomat familiar with the trip’s participants. All three diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to give public statements about the negotiations.
US and Chinese officials have been locked in negotiations to broker a meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and diplomat Wang Yi. According to sources, the meeting would take place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Germany forced to apologise to the African Union
GERMANY was forced to apologise on Thursday for using a leopard emoji in a childish jibe at Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Twitter that ended up offending some Africans.
The German foreign ministry poked fun at Russia’s top diplomat during his tour of Africa when it tweeted that he wasn’t there looking for leopards, but using the trip to try and justify Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Hi @GermanyDiplo .Your boss @ABaerbock visited the @_AfricanUnion based in one of the more than 20 African countries that Germany enjoys reciprocal diplomatic relations with. Did she come to see animals? Or is the Continent of Africa, its people & wildlife just a joke to you?
(25.01.2023)
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic: Maybe Germany is at war with Russia again? Well, we are not
„We are at war with Russia.“ I did not know that. Maybe Germany is at war with Russia again, then good luck to them, maybe it will turn out better than 70 years ago. Well, we are not at war with anyone. And I don’t know how tanks will help Ukraine. Maybe they will help, or maybe they will burn down just like in Iraq. We will not consider this, and please take it seriously. I myself will insist on this for as long as I can.“
German foreign minister declares war on Russia
(26.01.2023)
Ukraine war: Animal eye packages sent to embassies ‚from German address‘
They were sent from post offices with no surveillance, he said, and senders took care to hide their identity.
Security was boosted after the first of the packages was sent last week.
Ukraine said at the time that bloody packages containing animal eyes had been sent to eight embassies in Europe, but more have been affected since.
Suspicious packages sent to Ukrainian missions came from Germany – Kyiv
A series of suspicious packages sent to Ukrainian embassies all bore the address of a Tesla car dealership in Germany and were usually sent from post offices without video surveillance, Ukraine’s foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Facebook that 31 Ukrainian missions in 15 countries had received such packages in what he called a „campaign of terror against Ukrainian diplomats“.
Russia’s Double Game in the JCPOA Negotiations
(January 26, 2022)
However, the Russo-Iranian dispute did not end there. Instead, unrest over Ulyanov’s comments led to the voicing of broader concerns over Russia’s “domineering policy” vis-à-vis Iran. The Kremlin’s central role in the Vienna talks has touched off widespread jabs in Iranian mainstream and social media. Given Iran’s refusal to sit one-on-one with the U.S. side, Ulyanov’s release of a photo of a December 29 meeting between Russian and U.S. diplomats concerning the Iran nuclear deal, intensified the criticism.
Pro-government conservative newspapers within Iran downplayed criticisms of the Russian negotiators, which they described as psychological warfare initiated by the U.S. and Israel.
Mohammed Javad Zarif Says Russia Wants to Stop U.S., Iran Nuclear Deal in Leaked Interview
(26.04.2021)
The release of the comments by Zarif set off a firestorm in Iran, where officials carefully mind their words amid a cut-throat political environment that includes the powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, ultimately overseen by the country’s supreme leader. Zarif has been suggested as a possible candidate for Iran’s June 18 presidential election, as well.
Zarif’s comments might complicate talks in Vienna aimed at bringing Tehran and the U.S. back into compliance with Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Islamic Republic of Iran – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(…)
Iran says it has not provided Russia with drones for use in Ukraine
(17.10.2022)
„The published news about Iran providing Russia with drones has political ambitions and it’s circulated by western sources. We have not provided weaponry to any side of the countries at war,“ said Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani during a weekly press conference.
Erdoğan arrives in Uzbekistan to attend SCO summit
First lady Emine Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Dönmez, Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Trade Minister Mehmet Muş, National Intelligence Organization (MİT) head Hakan Fidan, Presidency Defense Industries head İsmail Demir, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairperson and party spokesperson Ömer Çelik also traveled to Samarkand.
Pegasus case: Any person or organization accusing Morocco must provide evidence (FM)
Any person or organization accusing Morocco must provide evidence, or assume their slanderous denunciation in court, said on Thursday Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in connection with the persistent media campaign on an alleged infiltration of the phones of several national and foreign public figures through a spyware.
Foreign Ministry: We hope that Hungary to contribute to unity in EU, including in terms of introducing embargo on oil from Russia, providing Ukraine with military assistance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine hopes that Hungary will contribute to unity in the EU, including in terms of introducing the embargo in relation to the oil of the Russian Federation and the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, speaker of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleh Nikolenko said.
„We hope that Hungary will contribute to unity in the EU, including in terms of introduction of embargo on Russian oil and the provision of military assistance to Ukraine,“ Nikolenko told the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday.
Russian, US officials to attend meeting in China on Afghan situation, amid China’s efforts to mediate heated issues
While the third Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries is scheduled in China’s Anhui Province on Wednesday and Thursday, China will also host a Troika Plus meeting there with Russia, the US and Pakistan over the Afghan situation. Observers said that against the backdrop of the Ukraine crisis, the upcoming meetings on Afghanistan will help congregate the stake-holding parties to help Afghanistan despite their grudges, which showcases China’s efforts to promote regional stability and its capability to mediate heated issues.
Summit to Become Regular Forum, Unity Will ‚Deter Iran,‘ Israel’s Lapid Says
Decrying terror and envisioning peace, the foreign ministers of Israel, Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain, the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates seek to counter Iran through ’new regional architecture‘
Egypt to Join Summit With Blinken, FMs of UAE, Bahrain and Morocco in Israel
Egypt will be joining a historic summit of Middle Eastern foreign ministers in Israel next week, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the senior diplomats of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.
Blinken tries to calm allies ahead of Iran nuke deal
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday tried to soothe the fears of Israel and its Gulf Arab allies ahead of the possible renewal of global powers’ international nuclear deal with Iran.
Blinken made the comments shortly before joining his counterparts from Israel and four Arab countries at a special gathering where the Iranian nuclear deal was expected to top the agenda.
Biden meets with top Ukrainian officials in Poland
Kuleba and Reznikov were in a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Warsaw Marriott Hotel.
The president dropped by for about 40 minutes of the meeting and was seated at a long conference table between Blinken and Austin, with Ukrainian and American flags behind them.
We have established an emergency hotline for African, Asian and other students wishing to leave Ukraine because of Russia’s invasion.
+380934185684
We are working intensively to ensure their safety & speed up their passage. Russia must stop its aggression which affects us all.
Call with my French counterpart @JY_LeDrian . France supports banning Russia from SWIFT. I urged to immediately introduce the third package of EU sanctions to stop Russian invasion. France is also ready to supply weapons and military equipment to help Ukraine defend itself.
Kyiv, our splendid, peaceful city, survived another night under attacks by Russian ground forces, missiles. One of them has hit a residential apartment in Kyiv. I demand the world: fully isolate Russia, expel ambassadors, oil embargo, ruin its economy. Stop Russian war criminal
Ukrainian foreign minister calls for Russian oil embargo
Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Saturday for a full isolation of Russia, including an embargo on the purchases of Russian crude.
„I demand the world: fully isolate Russia, expel ambassadors, oil embargo, ruin its economy,“ Kuleba wrote on Twitter.
China opposes any act of inciting war: FM spokesperson
In response to the U.S. State Department spokesperson’s remarks on Ukraine, Hua said the United States is not qualified to tell China what to do on the issue of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
„Even today, we are still facing the real threat from the United States and its so-called allies wantonly interfering in China’s internal affairs and undermining China’s sovereignty and security on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan issues,“ she said.
Chinese, Russian FMs hold phone conversation
BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Join our Twitter-storm on February 24th from 12 to 2 pm Kyiv, 10 am – 12 pm UTC. Use #StopRussianAggression and #RussiaInvadedUkraine hashtags to tell the world of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and the fact that Ukraine is under attack.
In my conversation today with Foreign Minister Lavrov, I emphasized the willingness of the United States, together with Allies and partners, to continue discussions of mutual security concerns.
Bolivia: Luis Arce Meets with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov
As part of his official agenda, Arce had previously held a meeting with the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mauricio Claver-Carone, in which they discussed various issues and financial support mechanisms in favor of Bolivia.
Global Britain is planting its flag on the world stage
But freedoms need to be defended, so we are also building strong security ties around the world. That is why last week the Prime Minister announced, alongside our friends President Biden and Prime Minister Morrison, the creation of a new security partnership called AUKUS.
We will be working closer together to use a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, from nuclear-powered submarines at first and then looking at artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Aukus: French minister condemns US and Australia ‚lies‘ over security pact
The pact means Australia will become just the seventh nation in the world to operate nuclear-powered submarines. It will also see the allies share cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence and other undersea technologies.
Dominic Raab and Michael Gove lose out as Liz Truss promoted in reshuffle
(15.09.2021)
In all, four ministers were removed from the Cabinet: Mr Williamson, Amanda Milling as party co-chairman, Robert Jenrick as Communities Secretary and Robert Buckland as Justice Secretary.
However, the most high-profile demotion was Mr Raab, who remained in Cabinet but was stripped of one of the great offices of state, the Foreign Office.
Dominic Raab will ‚investigate‘ claims that people were told to go to airport ahead of attack
(01.09.2021)
Chris Bryant then asks about reports that British officials told people to go to the airport on the very day of the terrorist attack.
Dominic Raab says the travel advice was changed the night before the attack, and people were told not to come to the airport. The team was shifted from the Barons Hotel through to the airport to protect them.
He says he saw the report and „I need to investigate it“, but doesn’t reject the possibility.
Afghanistan: Dominic Raab’s answers to five questions from MPs
(01.09.2021)
The foreign secretary promised he would investigate a serious allegation that British officials told Afghans to proceed to the airport’s Abbey gate on Thursday last week, despite a specific warning that Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) was preparing a terror attack that day.
Nearly 200 people were killed in a double bombing at and near the gate used for the British evacuation – but BBC’s Newsnight has reported that Afghans were sent emails earlier that day asking, in one case, if they were “at the correct gate? Abbey gate”.
Kabul Airport bombing: Two British citizens and child of British national killed in terror attack
(27.08.2021)
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab confirmed the deaths on Friday. He added that a further two people were injured in the blast – an adult British national and an Afghan child with a British family.
“These were innocent people and it is a tragedy that as they sought to bring their loved ones to safety in the UK they were murdered by cowardly terrorists,” Mr Raab said.
Raab rejects US claims Britain indirectly to blame for Kabul attacks
(31.08.2021)
“We coordinated very closely with the US, in particular around the Isis-K threat, which we anticipated although tragically were not able to prevent, but it is certainly right to say we got our civilians out of the processing centre by Abbey gate, but it is just not true to suggest that other than securing our civilians inside the airport that we were pushing to leave the gate open.
“In fact, and let me just be clear about this, we were issuing changes to travel advice before the bomb attack took place and saying to people in the crowd, about which I was particularly concerned, that certainly UK nationals and anyone else should leave because of the risk.”
Germany’s Maas due in Turkey for official visit
“During the meetings, bilateral relations and Turkey-EU relations, as well as regional issues, particularly the developments in Afghanistan will be discussed,” said a ministry statement.
Egyptian FM urges dialogue to end Algeria-Morocco diplomatic rift
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Friday urged for dialogue to end the diplomatic rift between Algeria and Morocco
Dominic Raab claims colleague couldn’t make Afghan call due to ‚deteriorating situation‘
He said: „The UK Government’s overriding priority has been to secure Kabul airport so that flights can leave.
„The call was delegated to a Minister of State because I was prioritising security and capacity at the airport on the direct advice of the Director and the Director General overseeing the crisis response.
„In any event, the Afghan Foreign Minister agreed to take the call, but was unable to because of the rapidly deteriorating situation.“
Where was Dominic Raab? Accusations he was ‘too busy’ for Afghanistan call on Crete beach holiday, explained
It has been reported that help for interpreters who supported British troops was delayed because Mr Raab was “unavailable” to make a call to call Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar on Friday.
Mr Raab reportedly delegated the call to a junior minister.
US nearing deal with Qatar to house thousands of Afghans who helped military, as situation worsens in Afghanistan
(14.08.2021)
The Biden administration has been considering using third countries to process the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and on Thursday the Pentagon announced it would send around 1,000 troops to Qatar in the coming days to facilitate the processing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with his Qatari counterpart on Thursday and the State Department said he thanked Qatar for supporting „U.S. efforts to provide safety and security to Afghan nationals.“
Top Taliban leader leaves Qatar for Afghanistan
(17.08.2021)
A top Taliban official has met with a Qatari official before leaving the country for Afghanistan.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar met with Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday.
Remarks by the President at the National Defense University
(May 23, 2013)
So I look forward to engaging Congress and the American people in efforts to refine, and ultimately repeal, the AUMF’s mandate. And I will not sign laws designed to expand this mandate further. Our systematic effort to dismantle terrorist organizations must continue. But this war, like all wars, must end. That’s what history advises. That’s what our democracy demands.
Obama: ‚This War, Like All Wars, Must End‘
(23. Mai 2013)
Now, the speech:
The president who dramatically expanded the CIA secret drone war, ordered a troop surge in Afghanistan and aggressively prosecuted leakers made a forceful defense of his actions and an even more forceful case for winding down the war on terrorism.
The key line: „This war, like all wars, must end. That’s what history advises. That’s what our democracy demands.“
US Blockade on Cuba Beyond Limits of Logic, Mexico FM Says
The comments double down on the calls by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to support Cuba, as the third shipment of humanitarian aid departed from Mexico on Wednesday.
Chinese FM meets U.S. deputy secretary of state, urging rational China policy
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, urging the United States to drop arrogance and prejudice and steer back to a rational and pragmatic China policy.
Mexican president calls for „new coexistence“ of American states
The president made his comments on the 238th anniversary of the birth of Simon Bolivar at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, during the 21st foreign ministers meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
LATAM To Install Its Own Outer Space Agency
On Saturday, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard welcomed the signing of an agreement establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE).
Joint Communiqué by Ministers of Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS
Daesh/ISIS no longer controls territory and nearly eight million people have been freed from its control in Iraq and Syria, but the threat remains. The resumption in Daesh/ISIS activities and its ability to rebuild its networks and capabilities to target security forces and civilians in areas in Iraq and Syria where the Coalition is not active, requires strong vigilance and coordinated action. This includes allocating adequate resources to sustain Coalition and legitimate partner forces’ efforts against Daesh/ISIS, and significant stabilization support, both to address the drivers that make communities vulnerable to recruitment by Daesh/ISIS and related violent ideological groups, as well as to provide support to liberated areas to safeguard our collective security interests. In this regard, the Ministers noted the 2021 Pledge Drive for Stabilization as an important means to help sustain the recovery of areas liberated from Daesh/ISIS and prevent its resurgence. The Ministers reaffirm that Daesh/ISIS will continue to be pressured by curbing its ability to raise revenue, enhancing information sharing on terrorists through bilateral and/or multilateral channels like INTERPOL, and fighting against Daesh/ISIS’ toxic propaganda and denying the group space to exploit social media online.
Honored to participate in “Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ ISIS”, June 28, 2021, Rome.
Four Iranian-backed Fighters Killed in U.S. Strikes in Iraq, Syria
The United States said on Sunday it carried out another round of air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria, which killed four people according to Iran-backed militia groups.
The strikes, the U.S. said, were in response to drone attacks by the militia against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq.
Israeli Foreign Minister #YairLapid will meet his US and Bahraini counterparts in Rome, Lapid’s office said, the first face-to-face diplomatic contacts for a senior member of the new Israeli government that was sworn in two weeks ago
EU HR Borrell meets MFA of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, meets Aureliu Ciocoi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova, David Zalkaliani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia and Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, on 24 June 2021, in Brussels.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the 9th Moscow Conference on International Security, Moscow, June 24, 2021
Ladies and gentlemen,
Colleagues,
I am honoured to be invited once again to address the Moscow Conference on International Security, which is organised by the Defence Ministry of Russia. We are pleased that participants from many states and multilateral organisation are attending it despite the pandemic. I regard this as a shared interest in combining our efforts to improve the international situation and find the best possible solutions to numerous challenges of our time. I am sure that the high level of representation at this event will promote the achievement of these goals.
Eighty years ago today, on June 22, 1941, our homeland was attacked by Nazi Germany, which had occupied nearly all of Europe by that time. The tragedy of World War II is a vivid reminder of what a betrayal of the principle of equal and indivisible security and a feeling of superiority can lead to.
It was through enormous sacrifice and huge losses, above all of the Soviet peoples, that Nazism was defeated and our civilisation was saved. During the terrible war years, the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition demonstrated exceptional teamwork, wisdom, acumen and solidarity, quickly joining forces in the name of routing the aggressor.
U.S.-Germany Dialogue on Holocaust Issues
– Our shared commitment to a regular dialogue underscores our desire to contribute to a world in which knowledge of the Holocaust is abundant, fact-based, and serves as a foundation for tackling today’s challenges, including those that lead to the normalization of hatred that can result in demonization or persecution of those perceived as “the other.”
– Jointly with Germany, we will produce strategies and tools that governments can deploy to improve education and training on the Holocaust, counter Holocaust denial and distortion, combat anti-Semitism, and ensure policymakers have a strong understanding of these issues and of their responsibility to act.
– We will support innovation in education and commemoration, joint initiatives to ensure understanding of the Holocaust remains grounded in historical fact, and training activities for stakeholders in democratic societies on Holocaust issues.
By launching this bilateral consultation, and by raising public awareness about anti-Semitism and the hatred of “the other” that paved the way for the horrific crimes of the Holocaust, we can stand together as Transatlantic partners to ensure such atrocities never again occur.
NATO to Discuss Spending Ahead of Key Summit: Brussels Edition
On a theme dear to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Stoltenberg urged members to “spend more together” on defense in order to send a powerful message of unity and resolve “both to our people and to any potential adversary.” Also on the table will be security challenges posed by climate change and, of course, China — on which Stoltenberg sees allied positions converging.
French FM warns Israel of ‚risk of apartheid‘
The official’s rhetoric echoes recent reports by the Israeli B’Tselem rights group, as well as by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) organization, both of which accused Israel of subjecting Palestinians to a multi-tiered regime of discrimination not unlike the racist system of governance that held sway in South Africa between 1948 and 1991.
EU foreign ministers to arrive in Israel in show of solidarity
Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia’s top diplomats will arrive in Israel as part of Jerusalem’s effort to strengthen its legitimacy as it defends itself against Gaza’s terrorist factions
US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.
Colombia: Foreign Minister Claudia Blum Submits Her Resignation
Her departure from the Foreign Ministry occurs although Blum was scheduled to travel to Madrid (Spain), Brussels (Belgium), and The Hague (Netherlands) to meet with delegates from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the diplomatic staff of her country, to offer the Government’s version on the protests that have been taking place in Colombia since last April 28, and which have caused the death of more than 40 people.
Saudi foreign minister receives calls from French, German counterparts
Prince Faisal also received a call from his German counterpart Heiko Maas, where they discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop them, as well as the latest developments.
Blinken to participate in G-7 foreign minister meeting in London next month
The U.K. has also invited as guests foreign ministers from India, Australia, South Korea and South Africa and the chair and secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
German, Pakistani FMs discuss ties, Afghan situation
German and Pakistani foreign ministers discussed on Monday bilateral relations and international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.
„Peace negotiations need to be continued and violence in the country has to come to an end after decades of conflict,“ Heiko Maas said during a press conference in Berlin with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
US Secretary of State Blinken Talks With Panama’s Counterpart
According to a statement from Panama’s government, both authorities highlighted „the strength of the historic strategic alliance between the United States and Panama, in response to cooperation to face present and future challenges.“
Iran, World Powers to Hold Talks on Friday to Discuss U.S. Return to Nuclear Deal, EU Says
Two diplomatic sources said Britain, France and Germany had already held talks with Iran on Monday.
France claims UK will struggle to source second Covid jabs
“The UK is proud to have vaccinated many people with the first dose, but they will have a problem with the second dose,” Le Drian said. “And we are fully vaccinated with two doses, not one. Today we have the same number of fully vaccinated people in France and the United Kingdom.
Chinese FM arrives in Tehran
The Chinese foreign minister will meet senior Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Russia, U.S. hold space security consultations
Russian-U.S. consultations on space security issues were held via video link on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports citing Xinhua.
Blinken holds first call with Chinese counterpart
Blinken had a phone call with Chinese Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi to extend his best wishes for a happy lunar new year, according to a readout of the call from the State Department. The secretary of State pushed Yang on reports of human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and the crackdown of civil rights in Tibet and Hong Kong, among other security-related issues.
Blue and White’s Ashkenazi expected to quit party, leave politics
(29.12.2020)
The Blue and White party’s No. 2, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, is set to announce in the coming days that he is leaving the party and will likely take a break from politics, Hebrew media reports said Tuesday.
Ashkenazi will declare that he is not running in the coming March elections by Wednesday, according to Channel 12 news and Haaretz.
British Foreign Secretary expresses concern about situation in Iran after killing of nuclear scientist
Strongly condemning the attack, the European Union called it a „criminal act,“ according to media reports.
„We’re still waiting to see the full facts of what’s happened in Iran, but I would say that we stick to the rule of international humanitarian law, which is very clear against targeting civilians,“ said Raab.
Jeyhun Bayramov expresses condolences to his Iranian counterpart
In addition to the discussions held this week via videoconference, the ministers also exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral economic cooperation.
Syria president names Faisal Mekdad new FM
President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday appointed Faisal Mekdad as Syria’s new foreign minister, replacing Walid Muallem who died almost one week ago, the presidency announced in a statement.
Russian, Turkish envoys discussed Syria in Ankara
The Russian delegation currently is in the Turkish capital for a working visit. A source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS that Russian envoys will hold talks in the Defense Ministry in the afternoon.
Germany to include Israel in EU deal for vaccine, citing ‘special relationship’
(14.10.2020)
Berlin’s foreign minister reportedly tells Gabi Ashkenazi that Israel will get AstraZeneca COVID-19 inoculation when it is sold to European countries
Saudi Arabia, US to increase cooperation in energy market, other sectors: Statement
During a press conference last week, Pompeo said the US supported “a robust program of arm sales to Saudi Arabia, a line of effort that helps the Kingdom protect its citizens and sustains American jobs.”
Rwanda, Burundi foreign ministers meet to improve bilateral relations
The meeting comes barely two months after the meeting of military intelligence chiefs from Rwanda and Burundi that was held at the same border post. It is the first of its kind since 2015 when the ties between the two countries became deteriorated after Burundi accused Rwanda of hosting and supporting perpetrators of the 2015 coup plot against then Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza.
On this day in 2011, an Obama-ordered drone strike killed 16 year-old American citizen Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, his teenage cousin, and 5 other civilians as they were eating at an outdoor cafe in Southern Yemen.
(14.10.2020)
Obama: ‚This War, Like All Wars, Must End‘
(23. Mai 2013)
Now, the speech:
The president who dramatically expanded the CIA secret drone war, ordered a troop surge in Afghanistan and aggressively prosecuted leakers made a forceful defense of his actions and an even more forceful case for winding down the war on terrorism.
The key line: „This war, like all wars, must end. That’s what history advises. That’s what our democracy demands.“
Iran FM Zarif to head to China on Friday for talks on bilateral ties, international developments
Zarif’s trip comes as the two sides are fast-tracking implementation of the Sino-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a roadmap outlining the quality of their strategic ties that was announced jointly in 2016.
To America’s dismay, the deal is crafted to help the two sides ditch dollar in bilateral trade and bypass the American sanctions.
Israel FM meets with UAE counterpart in Berlin for ‚historic‘ summit
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said it was a ‚great honor‘ to host the high-level summit
Mike Pompeo shortens Asia trip as Trump falls ill, but will visit Japan
In Tokyo on Tuesday, Pompeo and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will have a meeting with the foreign ministers of Australia and India in a move that is seen as a counter to China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Iraq’s foreign minister makes first visit to Iran
IRNA reported that Fuad Hussein planned to meet his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani, in what marked his first visit to the Iranian capital.
Russia urges ceasefire between Armenia, Azerbaijan
To ease heightened tensions in Transcaucasia, Lavrov held separate phone talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Visit to NATO by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq
There will be no media opportunity.
The UK-Israel relationship is as strong as ever. I expressed enduring friendship to Foreign Minister @Gabi_Ashkenazi this morning.
(25.08.2020)
We discussed the significance of normalisation of
(Flag of United Arab Emirates) – (Flag of Israel) relations, and efforts towards greater peace in the Middle East
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met on Monday with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in Jerusalem. The two discussed the Trump administration’s Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal and Iran’s “destabilizing influence” in the Middle East.
Pompeo Arrives in Israel, First Stop in Tour Promoting Deepening Gulf Ties
British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab is also expected to visit Israel this week, on Tuesday, and meet with his Israeli counterpart Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.
Foreign minister to tour Beirut aid efforts on first overseas trip since COVID
Champagne is also scheduled to visit Switzerland, Italy and Britain during his overseas trip for meetings with UN officials and several of his European counterparts.
E3 Foreign Ministers‘ Statement on the JCPoA – Statement by the United Kingdom, France and Germany on the JCPoA
On 20 August, the US sent a letter to the UN Security Council requesting to initiate the ‘snapback’ mechanism, which allows a participant to the JCPoA to seek the reimposition against Iran of the multilateral sanctions lifted in 2015 in accordance with resolution 2231, adopted by the UN Security Council.
France, Germany and the United Kingdom (“the E3”) note that the US ceased to be a participant to the JCPoA following their withdrawal from the deal on 8 May, 2018. Our position regarding the effectiveness of the US notification pursuant to resolution 2231 has consequently been very clearly expressed to the Presidency and all UNSC members. We cannot therefore support this action which is incompatible with our current efforts to support the JCPoA.
Dendias in Vienna for talks with Pompeo, EU foreign affairs council
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias will meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Vienna on Friday to discuss developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Dendias will also meet with Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg,
Lavrov to hold talks with Algerian foreign minister in Moscow on July 22
The spokeswoman noted that Algeria plays an important role in maintaining regional stability in North Africa. „We believe that the upcoming talks will strengthen multifaceted bilateral cooperation,“ the diplomat concluded.
11 European Foreign Ministers Urge EU to List Options to ‚Deter‘ Israeli Annexation
In a letter sent to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday, they wrote that doing so is essential, because “the window to deter annexation is fast closing.”
The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Haaretz, was signed by the foreign ministers of France, Italy, Holland, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Portugal and Malta.
U.S. special envoy holds talks with Pakistani FM on Afghan peace process
The statement said Khalilzad expressed condolences on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack on Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi on Monday and extended U.S. support.
Pompeo And China’s Top Diplomat Meet In Hawaii As Relations Worsen
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi in Hawaii on Wednesday, in what Chinese state media said was a constructive exchange of views.
FM to take part in a teleconference with EU counterparts on Monday
Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides will take part in a teleconference with his EU counterparts on Monday afternoon as part of the Foreign Affairs Council agenda.
The main topic of the conference, which will also be attended by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, will be the course of the Transatlantic Relations and the EU-US strategic dialogue on foreign affairs issues.
„A response to the corona crisis in Europe based on solidarity“
Article by Heiko Maas, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Olaf Scholz, Federal Minister of Finance, on the corona crisis in Europe. Published April 6th, 2020, in different language versions in Les Echos (France), La Stampa (Italy), El País (Spain), Público (Portugal) and Ta Nea (Greece).
Syria: German Foreign Minister calls for humanitarian zone to be established in Idlib
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said the ceasefire needs to be strengthened by adding a no-fly zone over the province to stop further bombings of hospitals.
“It would be wise to add a no-fly zone,” he told reporters as he arrived for a meeting with EU counterparts in Zagreb.
France summons Mali envoy in dispute over ‚false‘ remarks about soldiers
France on Thursday summoned Mali’s ambassador after dismissing as “false” and “unacceptable” his claims of rowdy behaviour by French soldiers helping the West African nation combat an Islamic insurgency.
Toumani Djime Diallo was summoned to the foreign ministry, where “we expressed our indignation at his baseless and shocking remarks on behalf of an allied country in the fight against terrorism,” the ministry told AFP.
Germany Goes 19th Century with New Statement on Law of Occupation – On Status of US Forces in Syria
In Germany’s current view, the United States cannot be considered an occupying power in these areas, because although it exercises physical control over them, it does not “exercise jurisdiction” there. On this approach, for an occupation to materialize, two cumulative elements must be fulfilled: effective physical control and the actual establishment of an administration in the area.
Granted, this interpretation can be read into the text of Article 42 of the 1907 Hague Regulations,
EU to Step Up Naval Enforcement of Libya Arms Embargo
European Union foreign ministers agreed to revive a naval mission in the Mediterranean Sea to enforce the internationally backed arms embargo on Libya, a move likely to encounter stiff challenges given the recent arms buildup by regional powers in the North African country.
Now is the time for Libyans to decide on a future for themselves – one free from violence fueled by external actors. We urge all parties to seize this opportunity, through @UN -facilitated mediation, to address the political, economic, and security issues that divide them.
‘Detailed proposals for Libyans to take up’: Roadmap for settling every field of Libya war agreed in Berlin, Lavrov says
Now, the Berlin proposals agreed in the German capital will be added to a catalog of ideas which “the international community could use to create conditions for the Libyan sides to come to the negotiation table and start reaching an agreement,” Lavrov said.
Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action: 14 January 2020
Since May 2018, we have worked together to preserve the agreement. The E3 have fully upheld our JCPoA commitments, including sanctions-lifting as foreseen under the terms of the agreement. In addition to the lifting of all sanctions, required by our commitments under the agreement, we have worked tirelessly to support legitimate trade with Iran, including through the INSTEX special purpose vehicle.
UK, Germany, France move to sanction Iran over nuclear steps
Germany, France and the United Kingdom moved on Tuesday to formally sanction Iran over claims that Tehran has violated the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Arrest of Ambassador to Iran: Foreign Secretary statement
Following the brief detention of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:
The arrest of our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law. The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to deescalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards.“
EU HR Borrell meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, France, Italy and United Kingdom: roundtable
Josep BORRELL, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, meets with Heiko MAAS, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany; Jean-Yves LE DRIAN, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France; Luigi DI MAIO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy; Dominic RAAB, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and First Secretary of State of the United Kingdom, on 7 January 2020, in Brussels.
Foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy are meeting to discuss Iran and Libya. Journalist Lucy Hough reports from Brussels
Qatar foreign minister to visit Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif held talks in Tehran on Saturday with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to the official IRNA news agency.
The Qatari minister is expected to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during the visit.
The US‘ act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation. The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.
Kuwait says it respects Iran’s integrity after ‘private’ meet with separatists
In a meeting with Iran’s ambassador, Kuwait’s deputy foreign minister Khaled al-Jarallah stressed that his country’s foreign policy was based on respecting “sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs and good neighborliness,” KUNA said.
US Secretary of State to visit Uzbekistan
Pompeo plans to visit Uzbekistan to discuss pressing issues of bilateral cooperation.
Jordan, Greece discuss bilateral ties, regional developments
They also reaffirmed commitment to boosting cooperation within the framework of the Jordanian-Cypriot-Greek coordination framework.
Israel today tested a nuke-missile, aimed at Iran. E3 & US never complain about the only nuclear arsenal in West Asia—armed with missiles actually DESIGNED to be capable of carrying nukes—but has fits of apoplexy over our conventional & defensive ones.
(06.12.2019)
Zarif: Israel Tested Nuclear Missile Aimed at Iran
France, Germany and the United Kingdom said in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres circulated Wednesday that Iran was developing „nuclear-capable ballistic missiles,“ which they say is in violation of a Securiy Council resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal.
The letter cites footage released on social media April 22, 2019, ..
N. Korean official says Pyongyang not interested in talks ‚that bring nothing‘
North Korea is no longer interested in holding another summit with the United States that will „bring nothing,“ a former chief nuclear envoy of the communist nation said Monday, urging Washington to drop its „hostile policy“ against Pyongyang.
Senior N.K. diplomat departs for Russia
North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, considered leader Kim Jong-un’s top strategist in nuclear negotiations with the United States, departed for Russia on Monday, the North’s state media reported.
International Criminal Court may investigate UK ‚war crimes cover-up‘
The ICC said it took the findings very seriously. The MoD has said the allegations are unsubstantiated.
Army accused of covering up killing of children in Afghanistan and Iraq
The year-long investigation claims to have found evidence of murders by an SAS soldier, as well as deaths in custody, beatings, torture and sexual abuse of detainees by members of the Black Watch.
A senior SAS commander was referred to prosecutors for attempting to pervert the course of justice, the investigation claims.
UK government and military accused of war crimes cover-up
Operation Northmoor was set up by the government in 2014 and looked into 52 alleged illegal killings.
Its closure was announced by the government before Royal Military Police detectives even had a chance to interview the key Afghan witnesses.
NATO Secretary General participates in meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Washington, D.C. on Thursday (14 November 2019).
Chaired by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the meeting was convened to address the Coalition’s next steps following the death of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi, as well as recent developments in northeast Syria.
Turkish FM arrives in Azerbaijan
The Turkic Council is committed to the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states, as well as the maintenance of international peace, security and development of good-neighbourly and friendly relations.
Cypriot, Turkish Foreign Ministers Clash in Public Over Reunification Talks (video)
Earlier that day, Christodoulides had met with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias so that they could brief each other on developments on the Cyprus problem and coordinate their efforts ahead of crucial meetings they will both hold later this week.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Called ‚Warmonger,‘ Town Hall Cut Short
“If you’re for democracy, why do you condone the sale of weapons of mass destruction to Saudi Arabia,” said one unidentified man. “Why are you waging economic war against the people of Venezuela who have done no harm to Canada? Why are you a warmonger?” the protestors chanted.
Swedish FM Wallstrom, who recognized Palestinian state, to resign
Five years in office saw sharp deterioration in ties with Israel, particularly after she called IDF killing of Palestinians carrying out terror attacks ‘extrajudicial killings’
Swedish FM to Resign from Her Post
Swedish Foreign MInister Margot Wallstrom has announced Friday her intention to resign from her post in favor of spending more time with her family.
Arrival and doorstep by Heiko MAAS, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, at the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich), taking place on 29 August 2019, in Helsinki.
(video)
European leaders vow to step up efforts to get US and Iran talking
(29.08.2019)
The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany — the three European parties to the deal — were joined by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini for talks on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Helsinki.
Germany’s Heiko Maas said the trio wanted to build on momentum from last weekend’s G7 summit, where Trump indicated willingness to talk to Iran.
#Iran’s Foreign Ministry says @JZarif, who had arrived in Iran after a short trip to Biarritz, has just left Tehran at the head of a delegation for #China
EU ministers will meet in Helsinki to discuss Middle East and hybrid threats
The meeting will start on Thursday 29 August with a discussion held jointly with the EU defence ministers. Countering hybrid and cyber threats is one of the priorities of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Mike Pompeo arrives in Australia for bilateral talks
Mr Pompeo and newly appointed US Defense Secretary Mark Esper were greeted by US Ambassador to Australia Arthur Culvahouse and US Consul General in Sydney Sharon Hudson-Dean at Sydney Airport on Saturday evening.
Boris’s night of the long knives: New PM makes Brexit hardliner Dom Raab his de facto deputy, Priti Patel Home Secretary and Sajid Javid Chancellor as he brutally sacks Jeremy Hunt and swathe of Remainers to clear way for No Deal
– Boris Johnson launches mass clear out of Cabinet and sacks Jeremy Hunt
– Jeremy Hunt and Penny Mordaunt among those sacked in brutal two-hour cull
– Greg Clark and Liam Fox also leave the government as new PM wields the axe
– Damian Hinds, James Brokenshire, David Mundell and Karen Bradley ousted
– Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Rory Stewart all resigned earlier today
– Priti Patel makes a remarkable Cabinet return as the new Home Secretary
– Sajid Javid has been promoted to crucial role of Chancellor under Mr Johnson
– Brexiteer Dominic Raab was installed as Foreign Secretary replacing Mr Hunt
Jeremy Hunt could be fired TODAY if Boris Johnson thrashes him in Tory leadership vote
– Foreign Secretary has gone head to head with Johnson to be next Prime Minister
– They were often at loggerheads during campaign, with Hunt branding his rival a ‚coward‘
– Now Johnson’s allies say he will have ‚free hand‘ to fire Hunt if he wins by large margin
Strait of Hormuz incident: Foreign Secretary calls with French and German foreign ministers
(21.07.2019)
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt discussed the incident with Jean-Yves Le Drian and Heiko Maas.
Boris Johnson to sack Jeremy Hunt as Foreign Secretary if he becomes Tory leader in landslide victory
Boris Johnson to sack Jeremy Hunt as Foreign Secretary if he becomes Tory leader in landslide victory
BORIS Johnson will sack Jeremy Hunt as Foreign Secretary if he wins the Tory leadership on Tuesday by a big margin, allies believe.
Two of his close confidantes have told The Sun the No10 frontrunner is still furious with his rival for launching a series of personal attacks on him during the race – including branding him a coward for initially refusing TV debates.
Hammond packs his bags: Chancellor prepares for life as a Remainer rebel MP after his threat to bring down the government and block No Deal, as Boris finalizes his Cabinet including ‚David Davis in the Treasury or as Foreign Secretary‘
Mr Hammond was seen loading an array of luggage including cases, bags and holdalls, into the boot of a black saloon outside his residence at Number 11.
It comes just one day after he threatened to back a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson if he tires to take Britain out of the EU without a deal in October.
Gibraltar extends detention of Iranian tanker for a month
(20.07.2019)
Gibraltar said the Iranian vessel, seized by marines in a daring landing in darkness off the coast of the British territory on July 4, was suspected of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of European Union sanctions.
Jeremy Hunt seeks EU and UN backing for stringent new sanctions against Iran after ‚illegal seizure‘ of UK oil tanker
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce a range of measures targeting the Iranian regime following the seizure of the Stena Impero on Friday Afternoon.
Mr Hunt is expected to urge the European Union to support British calls for a host of diplomatic and economic sanctions to target Iran- including reimposing restrictions which were lifted after Tehran signed the 2016 nuclear deal.
Britain warns Iran of ’serious consequences‘ if British-flagged oil tanker not released
„It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region,“ Hunt said late Friday, ahead of an emergency government meeting. He subsequently told British media that „we’re looking at a diplomatic way to resolve the situation, but we are very clear that it must be resolved.“
Kim Darroch: Johnson joins defence of press over cables publication
“It cannot conceivably be right that newspapers or any other media organisation publishing such material face prosecution,” he added.
“In my view there is no threat to national security implied in the release of this material. It is embarrassing, but it is not a threat to national security. It is the duty of media organisations to bring new and interesting facts into the public domain. That is what they are there for.”
The Guardian view on Britain and Iran: a game for losers
he risk is that the president may be goaded into a war by those around him, particularly if things go wrong on the ground – and that Britain will be dragged in by a White House-appeasing prime minister.
Meanwhile the slow slog of diplomacy continues, with European foreign ministers due to meet again on Monday. The EU says that more members, and non-member states too, are buying into the Instex barter-style system created to enable trade. But it still needs proper funding.
Rouhani out of time, support for revised nuclear deal
In reality, the US sanctions and, partly, Europe’s inability to save the JCPOA are gradually radicalizing Iran and its society. Moderates in Tehran risk being accused of betraying their country. They are being undermined and isolated, and their positions are being taken away one by one. For instance, Heshmatollah Falhatpishe, a prominent moderate and pragmatist parliament member, recently tweeted that Iran should give Instex more time. But he’s no longer taken seriously, having just last month lost his position as chairman of parliament’s foreign policy commission to a staunch JCPOA enemy.
Arrival and doorstep by Federica MOGHERINI, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the Foreign Affairs Council, taking place on 15 July 2019, in Brussels.
(video)
UK, France, Germany call for dialogue with Iran
Ahead of the foreign affairs council on Monday 15 July, the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement calling for dialogue between all parties involved.
ahead of his visit to NYC for a UN summit, Pompeo limits Zarif’s movements to the UN Headquarters and the six blocks it takes to get to the Iranian mission. By @CMorelloWP
Zarif arrives in New York to attend UN meeting
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif landed in the American city of New York hours ago.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif left Tehran for New York on Saturday afternoon in order to attend the annual meeting of the high-ranking officials of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Terror cops probe leak of Darroch emails about Trump: Scotland Yard is accused of ‚police state‘ tactics with threat to prosecute publishers who print more secrets
– Police are investigating alleged leaking of ambassador Sir Kim Darroch’s emails
– Scotland Yard say its counter-terrorism command is leading the investigation
– Met Police say ‚there has been damage caused to UK international relations‘
– They said there is clear public interest in bringing person responsible to justice
Iran tanker row: UK to send second warship to the Gulf
HMS Duncan is currently in the Mediterranean and is expected to join HMS Montrose in the region next week.
Jeremy Hunt promises more spending on the Royal Navy to boost ‚hard power‘ in response to Iran crisis
Jeremy Hunt has said the Royal Navy has been “run down too much” as he cited a skirmish between Britain and Iran in the Persian Gulf as proof that more warships are needed.
The Foreign Secretary said the “deeply troubling” events in the Middle East showed that the Navy must be “expanded to meet the threats we face”.
U.S. in call seeks to ease dispute between S Korea, Japan
Japan said last week it would end expedited shipments of chemical compounds used by South Korean companies in the manufacture of microchips and smartphones.
Tokyo is angry at South Korean court rulings that Japanese firms must compensate forced laborers from Japan’s 1910-1945 rule of the peninsula.
Johnson under fire as Kim Darroch quits as UK ambassador to US
After the ambassador submitted his resignation, explaining that he felt that speculation over his future was “making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like”, Johnson faced sharp criticism over his role in the affair, with one minister accusing him of throwing the ambassador “under the bus”.
And in language that will be viewed as an implicit criticism of Johnson’s failure to back Darroch, Theresa May told MPs: “I hope the house will reflect on the importance of defending our values and principles, particularly when they are under pressure.”
Public Split on Kim Darroch Resignation
YouGov have conducted some remarkably speedy polling of the public’s attitude towards the Kim Darroch affair, although the fieldwork was conducted before his resignation.
UK could join US military action against Iran, Jeremy Hunt says
(24.06.2019)
Mr Hunt, who is battling to become the next prime minister, earlier said he has been speaking to counterparts “regularly” about the Iran crisis which he called “extremely serious”.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that he was seeking to build a “global coalition” against Iran, branding Tehran “the world’s largest state sponsor of terror”.
Deeply saddened to hear of the resignation of Sir Kim Darroch. Standing up for Britain means standing up for the finest diplomats on the world. It should never have come to this.
Trump hits back after UK’s top envoy calls his Iran policy ‘incoherent’
He allegedly said the president’s assertion that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, “doesn’t stand up.”
“It’s more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020,” Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election.
Iran risks UK following US in pulling out of Iran nuclear deal warns Jeremy Hunt
(01.07.2019)
The Tory leadership hopeful made the announcement after Tehran said it had amassed more low-enriched uranium than permitted under its 2015 agreement with major powers. The Foreign Secretary told Sky News that Britain still supported the pact. He added: “We want to preserve that deal because we don’t want Iran to have nuclear weapons but if Iran breaks that deal then we are out of it as well.”
UK finds itself in diplomatic maelstrom with Iran and Spain after seizure of Syria-bound oil-tanker
Analysis: UK officials say the aim is to calm the situation and not make it more incendiary – as some in Washington appear to be intent on doing
Jeremy Hunt refuses to rule out sanctions against China
Foreign secretary says UK will always put its principles first, as Hong Kong row escalates
UK seizure of Iranian oil tanker amounts to sea piracy: Official
Noting that the tanker was moving in the international waterways, he said that the UK has no right to exert its or EU’s unilateral sanctions against other countries extraterritorially.
„This is the same US bullying policy that European states have always protested to it,“ he
Iran summons UK envoy over illegal seizure of oil tanker
According to Spanish officials, the Grace 1, Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying Iranian oil, was seized by British patrol ships off Gibralter and was detained on the US orders.
Exclusive: Jeremy Hunt warns of ‘serious consequences’ if China fails to honour Hong Kong agreement
(03.07.2019)
The foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has warned China of “serious consequences” if it fails to honour its agreement over Hong Kong.
Speaking to Channel 4 News, Mr Hunt said China needs to honour a 1984 treaty that guarantees basic freedoms to the former British colony for 50 years.
FM says she believes there are ‚good signs‘ for resuming N.K. nuclear talks
Kang returned from a two-day trip to Russia, where she held talks with her counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on key bilateral issues, including the latest on North Korea’s denuclearization.
UK plans to deploy marines to Persian Gulf: report
(17.06.2019)
British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Friday said the U.K. would make its own assessment, but believed the U.S. claim that Tehran was behind the incident.
One hundred Royal Marines are expected to be deployed “within weeks” to join naval ships operating from the U.K.’s new naval base in Bahrain, the Times reported, citing unnamed military sources.
Gulf of Oman: Unconvinced EU foreign ministers call for independent investigation after US claim Iran is behind tanker attack
There was strong support among EU countries for an independent UN investigation and calls for more evidence – with the UK relatively isolated in its support the Trump administration’s line.
One foreign minister invoked the spectre of US misuse of intelligence over Iraq as a reason for scepticism, as representatives of the 28 countries arrived at the council meeting.
No habrá aplicación de tarifas por parte de EU el lunes. Gracias a todas las personas que nos han apoyado dando cuenta de la grandeza de México.
PM Abe says Japan wants to develop ties with Iran
Japan would like to maintain, and develop, its traditionally friendly ties with Iran, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday. At the start of a meeting in the Japanese capital, Abe also told Zarif that he was concerned about growing tension in the Middle East.
Questions and answers during the press conference by Federica MOGHERINI, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, following the Foreign Affairs Council, on 13 May 2019, in Brussels.
Questions and answers during the press conference by Federica MOGHERINI, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, following the Foreign Affairs Council, on 13 May 2019, in Brussels.
France commends the Libyan National Army’s ‘great progress’ in the south
(20.3.2019)
The French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian lauded the “great progress” made in southern Libya by Libya’s National Army Chief Marshal Khalifa Haftar, pointing out at the same time that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis.
Le Drian said during a visit to the Libyan capital Tripoli that “significant progress has been made in the south of the country in countering terrorist groups, organised crime groups and foreign armed groups, which have heightened instability in the region for a long time,” according to AFP.
EU ambassadors meet Haftar in Benghazi, voice concern about human rights, intl. law violations
(26.3.2019)
The EU delegation in Libya issued a statement saying the ambassadors and representatives of the European Union, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain and Sweden met with Haftar to reaffirm the EU’s support to the efforts of UN SRSG Ghassan Salame towards ending the transitional phase which Libyans have been living through since the February revolution, and to urge all parties to rally behind these efforts to ensure the success of the National Conference which will convene in Ghadames next month.
Italy Should Back Brexit Delay if Requested: Foreign Minister
ROME — Italy should support a delay to Britain’s exit from the European Union if London makes such a request, Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero said on Thursday.
I met with Philipp Ackermann, Director General of @GermanyDiplo for Africa, Latin America Near and Middle East today. We discussed the #Venezuela crisis, the views of the EU, and the results of the Contact Group meeting in Montevideo.
Safadi holds consultations on regional stability with Arab counterparts
Dead Sea talks bring together FMs of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt
German Foreign Minister Confuses Ireland and Ivory Coast
Just flagging the issue up for you, Herr Maas…
Top Kremlin official: We are not that threatening
CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen sat down with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov to discuss President Trump and the situation in Venezuela.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Denies Iran Alliance in Syria: ‚Israel Is a Priority‘
Russia’s deputy foreign minister told CNN Friday that Russia and Iran are not allies in Syria and that Moscow is committed to Israel’s safety.
Asked whether Moscow and Tehran are allies in Syria, Sergei Ryabkov said: „I wouldn’t use this type of words to describe where we are with Iran.“
Estonia opens honorary consulate in San Diego
The Estonian Honorary Consul in San Diego is Michael Chan… The Republic of Estonia has 15 honorary consuls in the United States and they play an important role in advancing Estonian interests in the country. Honorary consuls are prominent and respected locals, and one of their functions is to provide consular services and consular help to Estonian citizens abroad. They also help advance economic and cultural relations.
FMs of India – Central Asia dialogue with Afghanistan’s participation make joint statement
Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the meeting.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers‘ Meeting kicks off in Singapore
This year, a key topic will likely be developments on the Korean Peninsula. As the FMs of both Koreas and Washington are at the same city, many are watching if they will get together.
Boris Johnson FULL resignation speech
Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson makes his resignation speech to the House of Commons after quitting the Government in protest at May’s proposed Brexit deal. From 18 July 2018.
Boris Johnson resignation speech could signal another leadership bid
The former foreign secretary is poised to address the Commons following his dramatic decision to quit over the PM’s Brexit policy.
South Korea-U.S.-Japan foreign ministers‘ press conference
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo came straight from the North Korea-U.S. summit in Singapore to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul. They gave a press conference after their meeting. Let’s start this part of the show by taking a listen to some what they had to say.
Just spoke with FM Kono & FM Kang to provide a brief readout of today’s meeting btw @POTUS & Chairman Kim at #singaporesummit
Pompeo says dialogue efforts to continue: Seoul ministry
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday his country remains committed to dialogue with North Korea despite President Donald Trump’s decision to call off his summit talks with the communist nation’s leader next month, according to Seoul’s foreign ministry.
Pompeo made the remarks in his phone conversation with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha to exchange views on related situations and coordinate a strategy.
USA: Pompeo and Chinese FM Wang talk North Korea and trade
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the upcoming summit between the United States and North Korea during a press briefing alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington DC on Wednesday, as doubt remains over whether or not it will take place.
Wang Yi to Visit France, Spain, Portugal and Argentina and Attend the G20 Foreign Ministers‘ Meeting
At the invitation of French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Alfonso María Dastis Quecedo, Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva and Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Jorge Marcelo Faurie, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay official visits to the aforementioned four countries and attend the G20 Foreign Ministers‘ Meeting in Argentina from May 16 to 24. 20-21 May 2018,
Russia’s Lavrov says may meet U.S.’s Pompeo at G20 in Argentina: Ifax
“Everything is possible,” Lavrov was quoted as saying ahead of the G20, which is due to take place on May 20-21.
G20 – France’s participation in the Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Buenos Aires (20-21 May 2018)
A French delegation will attend the G20 Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Buenos Aires from May 20 to 21. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the contributions and role of the G20 in support of multilateralism and global governance; it will also provide an opportunity to look at ways to promote fair and sustainable development. It should provide an opportunity to prepare for the G20 Leaders’ Summit due to take place for the first time in South America from November 30 to December 1.
Israeli troops kill dozens of Palestinians in protests as US embassy opens in Jerusalem – as it happened
Foreign ministries in the UK, France and Egypt expressed concern about the the violence. UK prime minister Theresa May’s spokesperson said: “We urge calm and restraint to avoid actions destructive to peace efforts.”