Archiv: meetings
Anti-Netanyahu Rally in London Gives pro-Israel and pro-Palestine Protesters a Common Cause
“It’s strange and rather sad to be protesting against your country’s government while in another country,” said Amos Morris-Reich, a history professor at Tel Aviv University, currently on sabbatical at University College in London. “But anyway, my head is constantly in Israel and everything that’s happening there, so it’s almost as if we’re back home.”
For a few hours Friday morning, a long section of Whitehall, the street leading to the Houses of Parliament – and studded with government departments – was transformed into another location of Israel’s growing pro-democracy protest movement.
Sunak lightly challenges Netanyahu as protesters accuse Israel PM of ‘destroying democracy’
But Mr Sunak did dedicate a smaller part of the meeting to raising difficult subjects, including “international concern at growing tensions in the West Bank and the risk of undermining efforts towards the two state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The Prime Minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” a statement from No 10 said, hinting at a delicate challenge of his policy.
U.S. Conducts Airstrikes in Syria in Response to Deadly UAV Attack
The intelligence community assess the UAV to be of Iranian origin.
„At the direction of President Biden, I authorized U.S. Central Command forces to conduct precision airstrikes tonight in eastern Syria against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC),“ said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
Jerusalem has warned the United States and several European countries that Iranian enrichment of uranium beyond 60 percent could trigger an Israeli military strike
Israel’s PM Netanyahu to leave for London visit for meeting with British counterpart Sunak
After visits in Paris, Rome and Berlin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will leave Thursday evening for a diplomatic visit to London where he will meet with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Their meeting will focus on the Iranian issue and the need to formulate a united international front against Iran in order to stop its nuclear program.
Xi-Putin meeting sends important signal to promote peace talks: Global Times editorial
During the meeting with President Putin, President Xi emphasized that „the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue.“ This was positively responded by President Putin, who stated that Russia has carefully studied China’s position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine issue and is open to talks for peace. Previously, the Ukrainian side also made positive comments on China’s stance. Obviously, China’s persistent peace efforts have produced results, increasing the hope and motivation of the international community’s peace forces. This is very precious.
A Chinese summary of the Xi-Putin meeting doesn’t suggest any breakthroughs.
Talks in Moscow on Monday between President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir V. Putin covered their plans to strengthen bilateral relations and also the war in Ukraine, according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting that gave no sign that any breakthrough had been reached over the fighting.
Kishida visits Kyiv for meeting with Zelenskyy
Kishida was in India on Monday and had been expected to return to Tokyo, but instead flew to Poland, where he boarded a train to cross into Ukraine.
He will express „respect for the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people“ and offer „the solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine of Japan and the G7, chaired by Japan,“ the foreign ministry said.
Phone call ‘scheduled’ between Xi Jinping and Zelensky
“Let’s reinforce the fact that China has to date had an informal policy of neutrality in this war,” Mr Shmigel told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
“It has not directly provided a military support to Russia. There are still open lines of communication between Ukraine and China.”
China: the ten thousand li path to a bipolar world begins with the first steps, or what can Ukraine expect from Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow?
The last but not least. The announcement of the so-called “China’s 12-point peace plan for Ukraine” is another step by China in which it tries to be on the same level, at least, diplomatically, as the United States.
This is an attempt to really turn into a powerful world player capable of solving crises of a truly planetary scale. This is another step towards the formation of a new pole of power, at least in the imagination of the Chinese themselves.
The harsh negative reaction of the US and EU to China’s efforts to reach a new mediation level has been palpable. The Western partners of our country are clearly not interested in this.
It is within this framework that the visit of the leader of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to Moscow, should be viewed.
Russia becomes China’s top oil supplier in Jan-Feb; energy acts as ‘ballast stone’ of bilateral trade
It is not the first time for Russia to top China’s oil supplier list. In 2022, Russia shipped the most crude oil to China on a monthly basis in May and November. In terms of the whole year of 2022, Russia exported a total of 86.25 million tons of oil to China, ranking second after Saudi Arabia’s 87.49 million tons, according to customs data.
Russia is also China’s main source of natural gas and coal imports, and the „ballast stone“ role of energy in bilateral trade has been further highlighted, Chinese newspaper the Economic Daily reported on Monday, citing Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.
Why China is so important for the Russian economy
The Chinese currency, the yuan, has become a major player in Russia’s foreign trade, according to data from the country’s central bank. The share of renminbi in Russia’s import settlements jumped to 23% by the end of last year from only 4% in January 2022. The yuan’s share in export settlements also surged from 0.5% to 16%. At the same time, the two countries have been slashing the share of the US dollar and euro in their bilateral trade.
Russia, China contribute to strengthening multipolar world, says Putin
Putin and Xi Jinping will hold their basic talks on March 21 with the participation of delegations from both countries.
Xi’s visit warmly welcomed by Russia, ‘brings hope of peace for Ukraine crisis’
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday to kick off his three-day state visit, with the warm hospitality of the Russian side expressed through the high-standard welcoming ceremony arranged for the Chinese president upon his arrival. Experts from both China and Russia said the visit will be symbolic and have global significance, as it will not only greatly promote the development of bilateral ties, but also bring hope and confidence for a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis.
Upon his arrival, Xi said in a written statement at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, „It gives me great pleasure to once again set foot on the soil of Russia, our friendly neighbor, and pay a state visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.“
Ukraine war: Zelensky wants Xi Jinping meeting following China’s peace plan
(25.02.2023)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he plans to meet China’s leader Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing’s proposals on ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking on the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he said the proposal signalled that China was involved in the search for peace.
Xi Jinping could visit Vladimir Putin next week, earlier than expected
The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Kremlin said it had nothing to announce yet. Ukraine’s president’s office did not immediately respond.
Biden Unveils Landmark Submarine Deal With Australia and Britain
Standing next to Mr. Biden in front of the flags of the three countries, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain stressed the economic benefits from the deal, which they said will provide thousands of good-paying jobs for those who design, build and operate the subs.
Xi Jinping plans to talk with Zelenskyy after visit to Moscow – media
„Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the start of the Ukraine war, likely after he visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to people familiar with the matter,“ the edition said on Monday.
As expected, the conversation with Zelenskyy will be held virtually.
Netanyahu’s pre-trip interview with La Repubblica contains interesting language before meeting ‚post-fascist‘ Meloni: History ‚favors the strong,‘ he opines, trashing the idea that the far-right is dangerous. The true threat comes from the „extreme left“
Big Oil to take centerstage at Houston meet as markets, alliances shift
The war in Ukraine sparked a rally in crude oil and fuel prices that led to record industry profits, prompting the U.S. government and others to accuse Big Oil of profiteering and for Britain and some other governments to impose windfall taxes on energy companies.
Biden, Scholz to ‚get into the weeds‘ on Ukraine war, China concerns in Washington
The German leader arrives as United States is sounding out close allies about the possibility of imposing sanctions on China if Beijing provides military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials and other sources.
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.“
Belarusian president kicks off China visit with trade ties, Ukraine crisis in focus
Analysts said that Belarus‘ support for China’s position on a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis paves the way for future cooperation in multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which Lukashenko said he expects Belarus will become a full member in 2023.
But as a neighbor of Russia and Ukraine, Belarus faces a tough geopolitical situation, and the risks to its security environment are increasing. If the conflict expands, Belarus could be dragged into it, experts said.
Belarus President Lukashenko to arrive in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday, kicking off a three-day trip in which he will meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
The state visit by Lukashenko — a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin — comes after Beijing released a position paper on Russia’s war in Ukraine insisting it is a neutral party and calling for dialogue between the two sides.
Wang Yi: Partnerschaft zwischen China und Russland richtet sich nicht gegen Dritte
Die umfassende strategische Partnerschaft zwischen China und Russland zur Koordinierung einer neuen Ära hat sich nie gegen eine dritte Partei gerichtet und duldet auch keine Einmischung durch Dritte. Dies sagte Wang Yi, Direktor des Büros des Komitees für auswärtige Angelegenheiten des Zentralkomitees der Kommunistischen Partei Chinas bei einem Treffen mit dem russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin am Mittwoch.
China outlines Xi Jinping’s plan for world peace as top diplomat set for Moscow talks
Beijing has been positioning itself as a broker for the end of the Ukraine conflict, and has said its president Xi Jinping will deliver a “peace speech” on 24 February, the one-year anniversary of the war.
Chinese state media on Tuesday released Mr Xi’s “Global Security Initiative” or GSI, a concept paper that the Global Times said was released “with the aim of eliminating the root causes of international conflicts and improving global security”.
When will President Xi come to Russia? At a meeting in Moscow, Vladimir Putin tells Beijing top foreign policy official, Wang Yi, that he’s waiting for a visit from the Chinese leader
China’s top diplomat meets Putin, pledges to extend cooperation
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, and pledged to strenghthen cooperation between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. China is willing to work with Russia to deepen political trust, extend pragmatic cooperation, and play a constructive role for both countries in promoting world peace and development, Wang told Putin.
#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.
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.“
BREAKING: US President Joe Biden has made a surprise visit to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
„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.
In rare move, Netanyahu to bring army chiefs to meet Putin in Moscow
(September 21, 2015)
IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot and Military Intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Herzl Halevi will accompany Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a lightning trip to Moscow on Monday, in a clear signal that regional arms transfers and Russia’s troop deployments in Syria will be the main focus of the discussions.
Meeting between Saudi and Syrian intelligence chiefs hints at detente
The Saudi delegation was led by Gen Khalid Humaidan, the head of the country’s General Intelligence Directorate. He was received by Syria’s Gen Ali Mamlouk, the architect of the push to crush the early years of the anti-Assad revolution and the key interlocutor with Russian forces, which took a significant stake in the conflict from September 2015.
Two years earlier, Riyadh had been central to a plan to oust Assad by arming anti-Assad forces near Damascus and encouraging defections to nearby Jordan, from where the Saudi leadership had expected Barack Obama to launch a push by US proxies to take the Syrian capital.
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.
In Munich, the U.S. and China’s top diplomats see a chance to clear the air over balloons as the two sides discuss a possible meeting between Antony Blinken and Wang Yi, according to people familiar with the matter.
Live: Zelensky to meet with Macron, Scholz in Paris following address to UK parliament
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the Élysée Palace in Paris Wednesday evening. The Ukrainian leader’s visit to France comes hours after he addressed a joint session of the British parliament in London, where he thanked the British people for their support from “day one” of Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky in the UK: Ukrainian President thanks Britain for its ‚big support‘ since Russia’s invasion as he holds talks with Rishi Sunak in No10 before meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace – as PM vows to train Kyiv’s fighter jet pilots
Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Britain’s ‚big support‘ for Ukraine today as he held talks with Rishi Sunak in Downing Street.
The Ukrainian President said he was ‚honoured‘ as he met the PM in Downing Street – where he is thought to have again made the case for more weaponry to face down Vladimir Putin.
The pair shared a warm embrace earlier as Mr Zelensky landed at Stansted Airport in Essex for his surprise visit.
President al-Assad meets UAE’s Sheikh Abdallah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussions deal with distinguished bilateral relations
Damascus, SANA-President Bashar al-Assad discussed on Wednesday with His Highness Sheikh Abdallah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates the distinguished brotherly relations between Syria and the UAE and cooperation in a number of fields, and means of enhancing economic and Trade relations in the interests of the two countries and peoples.
Volodymyr Zelensky held another meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and commanders of troops of operational directions reported on the current situation at the front.
Graham to Biden: ‘I am tired of the s***show,’ send US tanks so others will follow
“All three of us, one Republican and two Democrats, share the same goal — for Ukraine to drive the Russians out of Ukraine. To achieve that goal, the Ukrainian military needs tanks,” Graham said in remarks after meeting Zelensky. “I am tired of the s***show surrounding who is going to send tanks and when they are going to send them. …
Israel, US to hold air drill simulating striking Iran nuclear program
(November 28, 2022)
The NIS 58 billion defense budget set for the IDF in the coming year is expected to allow the Israeli military to focus on the threats posed by Iran across the region, with some NIS 3.5b. designated specifically for this.
UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir
A date has not been set for the Security Council meeting — which was formally requested by the United Arab Emirates and China on behalf of the Palestinian and Jordanian UN missions — but it could take place as early as Thursday, a diplomat on the top panel told The Times of Israel.
Russian army chief in Syria meets Kurds over Turkey tensions
Siamand Ali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, confirmed to The Associated Press that Lt. Gen. Alexander Chaiko met Sunday with Kurdish commander Mazloum Abdi in northeast Syria, adding that he has no details about what they discussed.
Me reuní con los voceros de Wikikeaks, para apoyar la lucha mundial por la libertad del periodista Julian Assange. Le soliciaré al presidente Biden con otros presidentes latinoamericanos que no se pongan cargos a un periodista solo por decir la verdad
(22.11.2022)
‚Israel, Russia to coordinate in air, sea, and electromagnetic arena‘
(October 27, 2015)
In Russia, Eisenkot met with his Russian counterpart, General Valery Vasilevich Gerasimov – the first time chiefs of staff from Russia and Israel held a direct meeting in Moscow. Eisenkot also participated in part of the meeting held between Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Afterward, the two sides agreed to set up a joint working group led by the deputy chiefs of staff from each country.
Key Takeaways From Asean Meeting Before Xi-Biden Summit at G-20
This is the first gathering of leaders ahead of President Joe Biden’s first in-person meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week at the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia. It will be followed by the leaders’ meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Bangkok.
Before heading to US, Herzog says he’ll discuss Iran threat, Lebanon deal with Biden
Noting that he is traveling at the invitation of “my friend” Biden, Herzog says his visit will focus on regional developments, chief among them “the Iranian threat, which is destabilizing not only the Middle East, but the entire world, requiring a firm and united stand against it.”
He will also discuss the Abraham Accords, the imminent maritime border deal with Lebanon, and “our desire and hope to have more nations join the circle of regional peace.”
‚Israel, Russia to coordinate in air, sea, and electromagnetic arena‘
(October 27, 2015)
In Russia, Eisenkot met with his Russian counterpart, General Valery Vasilevich Gerasimov – the first time chiefs of staff from Russia and Israel held a direct meeting in Moscow. Eisenkot also participated in part of the meeting held between Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Afterward, the two sides agreed to set up a joint working group led by the deputy chiefs of staff from each country.
Iran has declared war on Britain and the West
Following Putin’s visit to Tehran in July, Iran offered to assist Russia with avoiding those sanctions by using its so-called “dark” fleet of oil tankers.
In return, Moscow agreed an arms deal with Iran, including the purchase of 2,400 Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones.
These Iranian kamikaze drones are now at the forefront of Vladimir Putin’s attempts to wreak havoc against Ukraine, with their participation all the more important because the Russian military is running low on stockpiles of its conventional missiles. Nor is Iran’s involvement likely to be confined to providing drones.
Despite familiar denials of wrong-doing, under a deal agreed in Moscow earlier this month with senior officials from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Tehran has promised to provide Russia with surface-to-surface missiles as well.
The Chancellor’s briefing with Tory MPs has finished. A Government source said Mr Hunt „emphasised the need for stability and said that the PM should be commended for changing tack in the face of the deteriorating global economic situation“
#WATCH | My dear friend, tomorrow you are about to celebrate your birthday…,says Russian President Vladimir Putin to PM Modi ahead of his birthday
Putin meets Raisi, say ‘our positions are close’
The SCO heads of state are expected to finalize the admission of Iran and grant the status of a dialogue partner to Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Putin told Raisi that he was happy that Iran was joining the SCO.
PM Shehbaz Sharif with President Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin at the #SCO2022 in Uzbekistan.
Pipeline gas supplies to Pakistan are possible, says Putin
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand on Thursday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to further strengthen cooperation.
On Thursday, Mossad Director David Barnea concluded a “security-diplomatic” visit to Washington whose main goal was to dissuade the Biden administration from signing the JCPOA.
(09.09.2022)
Israel believes Iran deal unlikely before November
“In my estimation, it’s not going to happen in the very near future, not in the next few weeks,” one source, speaking not for attribution, said Sept. 6. “I think we’ll see continuation of a dialogue, very low key, until after the midterm elections.”
The assessment comes as the head of Mossad was the latest senior Israeli official to arrive for consultations in Washington this week.
However, Mossad director David Barnea has canceled earlier plans to brief the Senate Intelligence committee on Israeli objections to the Iran deal, sources said, and a committee spokesperson confirmed.
Barnea has completed a series of meetings with Burns, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and other top US national security officials.
During those meetings, he presented „sensitive intelligence“ to highlight the Islamic Republic’s lies.
Mossad chief Barnea flies to Washington to try to halt Iran nuclear deal
(06.09.2022)
Mossad Director David Barnea left on Monday for Washington DC to hold a series of meetings with top officials from the White House, CIA Director William Burns, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon and the State Department to try to halt the reportedly impending Iran nuclear deal.
Right before meeting with Putin in Iran, Turkey’s Erdogan threatens to ‚freeze‘ Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday once again threatened to stand in the way of Finland and Sweden joining NATO — a day before he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Iran.
‚Israel, Russia to coordinate in air, sea, and electromagnetic arena‘
(OCTOBER 27, 2015)
In Russia, Eisenkot met with his Russian counterpart, General Valery Vasilevich Gerasimov – the first time chiefs of staff from Russia and Israel held a direct meeting in Moscow. Eisenkot also participated in part of the meeting held between Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Afterward, the two sides agreed to set up a joint working group led by the deputy chiefs of staff from each country.
Putin to make rare trip abroad to meet Erdoğan and Raisi in Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a rare foreign trip Tuesday for a summit in Iran with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Why it matters: With Syria, Ukraine and oil on the agenda, all three leaders have something to gain from the summit.
Biden fails to secure major security, oil commitments at Arab summit
President Joe Biden told Arab leaders on Saturday that the United States would remain an active partner in the Middle East, but he failed to secure commitments to a regional security axis that would include Israel or an immediate oil output rise.
Exclusive: Saudi Arabia doubles second-quarter Russian fuel oil imports for power generation
(15.07.2022)
Energy analytics firm Vortexa found rising flows of Russian-origin fuel oil cargoes through Egypt and Estonia boosted imports, Vortexa said.
It found Saudi fuel imports from Egypt spiked to a record 110,000 bpd in June as Egypt’s imports of Russian fuel oil jumped to a record 70,000 bpd in the same month.
Ukraine war prevents formal communique at G20 finance talks
In place of a formal communique would be a 14-paragraph statement issued by Indonesia, the G20 chair’s Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said in closing remarks on Saturday.
SAUDI ARABIA – the world’s largest oil exporter, more than doubled the amount of Russian fuel oil it imported in the 2nd qtr, to feed power stations And have just told Biden they will be increasing oil in small amounts & sticking to OPEC ie. Russia. That went well then
Steps Toward Israel-Saudi Normalization: Biden Announces Red Sea Islands, Airspace Deals
The United States and Saudi Arabia also signed a bilateral framework for cooperation on 5G/6G broadband cellular networks. The U.S. believes new technological cooperation in this area could help bring 5G to low and middle income countries in a non-exploitative manner. They also reached agreements on energy security and clean energy production and cooperation.
Other areas of agreement include bolstering Saudi-Iraq relations and further integrating Iraq in the Gulf Cooperation Council, cybersecurity cooperation, space exploration and public health cooperation.
Met FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of the Bali #G20FMM. Discussed bilateral matters of mutual interest. Also exchanged views on contemporary regional and international issues including the Ukraine conflict and Afghanistan.
War looms large over G20 event as Russia meets rivals in Bali
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi late on Thursday said it was important for the host to “create an atmosphere that’s comfortable for everybody” and the G20 was an opportunity for progress.
“This is the first time, since February 24, all major players are sitting in the same room,” she said, referring to when the start of the Russian invasion.
Lapid’s Hectic Start as PM to Get Even Busier With Biden, Macron Meetings
He had little time to relax ahead of a busy first week that will already include a trip abroad – a visit with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday.
Lapid is also preparing for a historic visit by U.S. President Joe Biden on July 13. Both of these meetings were already planned, but now they will be with Lapid, not Naftali Bennett, who stepped down at the end of the month when infighting and defections made his government unworkable.
Indonesian President hands over invitation to Zelensky to personally attend G20 summit
He noted the need for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Widodo said he would soon meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and express his desire for peace.
„I will have a meeting very soon with President Putin, and I will also express our desire for peace to him,“ the Indonesian president said.
PICTURE: President Vladimir #Putin greets President #Raisi of #Iran at the start of 6th Caspian Sea Summit in #Ashgabat, #Turkmenistan. #Russia
Being straightforward – to end the war we need heavy weapons parity: 1000 howitzers caliber 155 mm; 300 MLRS; 500 tanks; 2000 armored vehicles; 1000 drones. Contact Group of Defense Ministers meeting is held in #Brussels on June 15. We are waiting for a decision.
Jens Stoltenberg met with Joe Biden. He expressed confidence that war in #Ukraine would end at the negotiating table The war in Ukraine has become “a war of attrition,” and Western nations must prepare for „the long haul,“ said Stoltenberg following talks with U.S. President.
Pentagon, CENTCOM Deny Reports US Refueling Planes Took Part in Israel Iran-Strike Drill
(23.05.2022)
According to Buccino, the fuel tankers simulated refueling two US F-15s and four Israeli F-16s. The timing of the refueling exercise was coincidental, Buccino said.
“There is no direct US military involvement in that exercise,” Buccino said, referring to “Chariots of Fire.”
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Rob Lodewick also denied that the Department of Defense was “directly participating” in the exercise, according to the report.
“A small number of personnel from across US Central Command are observing portions of the exercise,” Lodewick added.
Report: In 1st, US refuelers to take part in major Israeli drill for strike on Iran
(17.05.2022)
According to the unsourced report, the US Air Force will serve as a complementary force, with refueling planes drilling with Israeli fighter jets as they simulate entering Iranian territory and carrying out repeated strikes.
The unprecedented Israel- US aerial collaboration in a drill simulating a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is seen as a potential message to Iran amid long-stalled negotiations in Vienna over a return to the 2015 nuclear deal, a possibility Israel has repeatedly voiced its objection to, warning it would lead to “a more violent, more volatile Middle East.”
Israeli military to hold large-scale drill simulating widescale strike on Iran
(17.05.2022)
Gantz is slated to meet with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, on Thursday at the Pentagon in Washington. Meanwhile, Michael Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), arrived in Israel on Tuesday for his first official visit.
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting: List of confirmed Public Figures
Heads of State and Government 50
Foreign Affairs 30
Finance / Economy 43
Trade / Commerce / Industry 27
Central Bank 7
International Organizations 36
Digital / Information, Communication and Technology 11
Energy and Resources 11
Environment 17
Health 6
Labor / Social Affairs / Education 6
Transport and Infrastructure 5
Defence and Intelligence Chiefs 3
Others 58
World Economic Forum: Volodymyr Zelensky to join annual Davos meeting
Scheduled for Graubünden, a canton in eastern Switzerland, it is the first in-person meeting for three years and will feature the 44-year-old, who is set to address world political, economic and social leaders on May 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to visit Kyiv on May 9, the day Russia marks the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II.
NATO Military Committee to meet on May 19; chiefs of general staffs of Ukraine, Finland, Sweden invited
The Chiefs of General Staffs of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden will take part in the meeting of the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium on May 19, according to the alliance’s website
Whatever outcome about Ukraine’s EU membership, Ukraine has very long path to recovery – von der Leyen
„This is an unusual path that Ukraine is going. Ukraine has whatever the outcome is a long period, an intensive period of reconstruction ahead of it because Russia brutally destroys infrastructure, livelihoods and cities. And therefore in this process we want to reach out to really work with you to reform, to build up, to reconstruct, and this will determine in a positive way the path towards the European Union,“ von der Leyen said at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday.
UK and partners to step up economic pressure on Russia – Johnson
He said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday in Kyiv that it is necessary to provide all kinds of support to Ukraine and together with partners we will increase economic pressure, and we will intensify sanctions against Russia every week.
Germany will stop importing Russian gas ‘very soon’, says Olaf Scholz
The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has said his country is doing all it can to wean itself off Russian energy, but declined to endorse a claim by Boris Johnson that it would stop importing Russian gas by the middle of 2024.
Ukraine President Zelensky addresses United Nations Security Council — 4/5/22
(video)
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.
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.
‚NATO Has Never, Never Been More United Than It Is Today:‘ Biden Remarks From Brussels | WSJ
Watch live coverage of a news conference with President Biden from Brussels.
‘I raised the possibility’ of ejecting Russia from the G20, Biden says after two summits and ahead of a third.
President Biden said that Russia should be removed from the G20 group of industrialized and developing nations because of the country’s invasion of Ukraine, but said that if the member nations do not agree to the measure, then Ukraine should be allowed to participate in the group’s meetings in the future.
No indication of imminent Russian chemical weapons attack in Ukraine -U.S. defense official
(22.03.2022)
The U.S. official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, shared Biden’s assessment but added: „There’s no indication that there’s something imminent in that regard right now.“
Biden holds emergency NATO talks in Europe as Ukraine war hits one month
In a flurry of meetings, Biden and major allies are expected to announce plans to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, new sanctions and more military deployments to Eastern Europe — even as divisions emerge about how to deter Moscow. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden will also discuss “potential contingencies” in the event of a Russian cyberattack or chemical weapons.
Biden warns of chemical warfare threat as he leaves for Europe
When asked what he will say to European leaders, Biden said he will say it face-to-face when he arrives.
“All I have to say, I’m going to say it when I get there,” Biden said, adding that he will be “happy to talk to you guys when I get back,” referring to reporters.
Ukraine says Belarus leader was with Putin at time of ‚false-flag attack‘
Moscow did not immediately comment on a statement by Ukraine’s border service that several Belarusian border villages had been bombed by Russian warplanes to create a reason for Belarus to join Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Gerhard Schröder in Moscow to meet Putin in Ukraine peace bid
Schröder’s Moscow visit followed talks in Istanbul with a Ukrainian politician who is a member of the country’s delegation for peace talks with Russia, according to a detailed account of the initiative provided to POLITICO by a person closely involved.
“Ukraine wanted to see if Schröder could build a bridge for dialogue with Putin,” one of the sources said.
Last week, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, suggested Schröder could try to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv.
Kuleba UA:“I would like to commend Çavuşoğlu who really did his best to facilitate the discussion, but I have the impression that Lavrov came to talk but not decide, so we didn’t find common ground on these issues. I proposed a number of solutions…”
Possibility of talks between presidents was discussed with Ukrainian top diplomat — Lavrov
The possibility of talks between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine was discussed at Thursday’s meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, Russian top diplomat Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference following the meeting, which also involved Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Ukraine – Security Council, 8974th meeting | United Nations | UNTV Live (23 Feb 2022) – Official
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António Guterres (UN Secretary-General) on Ukraine – Security Council, 8974th meeting
Remarks by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on Ukraine. to the Security Council during the 8974th meeting
Ukraine – Security Council, 8970th meeting
Letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/136)
VP Kamala Harris on the way to the Munich Security Conference, where she will meet with NATO’s president on Friday and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this weekend for the first time.
EU leaders present united front after talks on Ukraine crisis
„We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia,“ he said in Berlin, where he was to debrief German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish leader Andrzej Duda on his Kremlin meeting and his talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
Standing alongside Macron and Duda, Scholz stressed the trio „are united by the goal of maintaining peace in Europe through diplomacy and clear messages and the shared will to act in unison“.
News conference following Russian-French talks
For our part, we will do our best to find compromises that suit everyone. There is not a single point that we consider unachievable in the proposals we sent to NATO and Washington.
There is also the ongoing issue related to the situation in Donbass. The President said that Russia is conducting exercises and has amassed a large group of forces. But has Ukraine not amassed them also? They have the same 100,000 or 125,000 troops concentrated in Donbass.
To reiterate, they have tried to resolve the Donbass issue through military means twice, and they did not conceal this as they used equipment and aviation. Who will give us guarantees that this will not happen? This is also a legitimate question on our part.
Putin says ready for compromise with West after talks with Macron on Ukraine
Repeatedly thanking the French leader for coming to Moscow, Putin said at a joint press conference that Macron had presented several ideas worth studying.
„A number of his ideas, proposals… are possible as a basis for further steps,“ Putin said, adding: „We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone.“
Macron: No security for Europeans if there is no security for Russia
While President Joe Biden was unsuccessfully trying to strongarm German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House Monday into saying he would give up Russian gas if that country invades Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron was in Moscow actually making what appears to be some potential headway in defusing the crisis over Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on Russia set alarm bells ringing
Domestic critics of Emmanuel Macron, Nato hardliners and the leadership in Ukraine will be suspiciously examining the French president’s late-night remarks at his Moscow press conference on Monday for signs of freelancing.
Rebel MPs plot to oust Boris Johnson, as Covid ‘Plan B’ restrictions to be scrapped
Details of ‘pork pie plot’ among Tories first elected in 2019 emerge as PM prepares to drop work from home guidance and Covid passports
D-day for Boris as dozens of newly elected and Red Wall MPs threaten to trigger vote of no confidence TODAY with letters handed in after PMQs after group launched ‚Pork Pie Plot‘ to force him out following his car-crash interview
Fifty-four is the number required to trigger a vote, and while it is unclear how close the plotters are to reaching that figure, such discussions among so many MPs represents a worry for Mr Johnson.
Seven letters are known to have gone in already, but the process is designed to be secret and more may have been received by chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady.
‚Pork Pie Plot‘ to ditch Boris Johnson as 20 Tory MPs submit no confidence letters
More than a dozen Tory MPs who were elected at the 2019 election met at Westminster to conspire over Boris Johnson’s future, The Mirror understands. The PM has been accused of lying to the House of Commons
US security adviser in Egypt for talks on Libya
US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser met Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday for talks aimed at ensuring Libya’s December elections go ahead as planned, Sisi’s office said.
India, the Quad and AUKUS
Delhi has deep concerns about Chinese actions and intentions in the region. The ongoing border crisis and fatal military clash last year brought Sino-Indian relations to their worst point in decades. Given these circumstances, Delhi watches the U.S. and other countries’ stance on China very closely. And, notwithstanding the emphasis on competition with China from two consecutive U.S. administrations and the hardening of the U.S.’s attitudes on China, Delhi worries about the possibility of American commitment to the region waning or a reversion to a more accommodating position on China.
Quad Countries Have 1st In-Person Summit At The White House
President Biden hosted the first face to face summit with leaders of Japan, Australia and India. The four countries are known as the Quad and see themselves as a democratic bulwark against China.
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.
Biden tells Israeli PM he’ll try diplomacy first with Iran
(28.08.2021)
“We’re putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes us,” Biden said during an Oval Office meeting that was delayed by the suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan. “But if diplomacy fails, we’re ready to turn to other options.”
Bennett arrived at the White House aiming to dissuade Biden from returning to the Iran nuclear deal that was brokered during the Obama administration and later scrapped by President Donald Trump.
Seoul’s nuclear envoy to visit Washington for talks on N. Korea
Noh Kyu-duk’s four-day trip to Washington comes after his U.S. counterpart Sung Kim’s visit to Seoul last week, during which the two discussed humanitarian aid to the North amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang’s protest against military exercises between the South and the U.S.
Iraq summit seeks to mend Middle East fractures
Officials from around the Middle East began arriving in Baghdad, Iraq, on Friday ahead of a summit aiming to promote peace and reconciliation in the region, including improving ties between arch rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Bennett in Washington Ahead of First Meeting With President Biden
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his first visit to Washington since taking office. Later, he is set to meet with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan before a meeting with President Joe Biden on Thursday.
Israel’s Bennett seeks US ‚reset‘ in first White House visit
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett heads to Washington Tuesday for talks with US President Joe Biden, seeking to „reset“ relations with Israel’s closest ally and reach common ground on arch-foe Iran.
US VP Harris begins Asia trip amid Afghan debacle
Harris, an Asian-American whose mother was of Indian origin, landed in Singapore Sunday and will start her activities Monday by meeting the city-state’s leaders.
Here is Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, meeting with Mullah Abdul Ghanu Baradar – the co-founder of the Taliban who has taken over Kabul – on November 21, 2020, after the Trump administration helped to secure his release from prison.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai holds talks with senior Taliban leader
A Taliban commander and senior leader of the Haqqani Network militant group, Anas Haqqani, met for talks with former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a Taliban official told Reuters on Wednesday. Karzai was accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the Afghan National Reconciliation Council.
Russian ambassador to meet Taliban in Kabul Tuesday
Russia said its ambassador to Afghanistan will meet with the Taliban in Kabul on August 17 and that it will decide on whether to recognise the new government based on its conduct.
Kenyan leader meets with Somali prime minister to mend ties
“His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta has received visiting Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Hussein Mohamed Roble and his delegation at State House, Mombasa,” the presidency said.
Cop26: Glasgow climate change conference 2021 – Governments must agree to end use of coal power, says UK’s Cop26 president
(26.07.2021)
This week’s meeting was the first in-person meeting of climate and environment ministers since the last Cop [conference of the parties under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change] in December 2019, just before the Covid-19 outbreak became a pandemic. The lack of in-person meetings has been an obstacle to achieving the progress needed on key issues including emissions cuts, technical agreement on implementing the Paris climate agreement, and climate finance.
Egypt’s president, Iraq’s DM discuss military cooperation
The meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo discussed „military cooperation between the two countries, including joint training programs, exchange of expertise and boosting capabilities,“ in addition to a number of Arab and regional issues of common interest, said Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Rady in a statement.
Turkish President Erdogan receives Libyan premier in Istanbul
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Libya’s Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh had a one-on-one closed-door meeting at the Vahdettin Mansion in Istanbul that lasted for an hour-and-a-half.
Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Incoming Israeli National Security Advisor Dr. Eyal Hulata
(02.08.2021)
Mr. Sullivan congratulated Dr. Hulata on his new role and emphasized that he looks forward to working together to strengthen all aspects of the U.S.-Israel partnership. Mr. Sullivan and Dr. Hulata discussed the strategic challenges in the region, including the threat posed by Iran, and agreed to consult closely on these issues.
Venezuela and Angola Deepen Cooperation for Mutual Benefit
On April 20 of this year, the Minister of People’s Power for Ecological Mining Development, Magaly Henríquez, met with Fernándes Da Costa, for the reactivation and consolidation of the strategic alliances between both nations, in the re-launching of Venezuela’s diamond production activity.
China, US enhance mutual understanding through ‘deep and thorough talks’: Chinese FM
The trip to Tianjin by Deputy Secretary Sherman is another important diplomatic interaction between China and the US after the dialogue in Anchorage, Zhao said at a regular press conference on Tuesday. During her brief 24-hour stay, Ms Sherman spent altogether six hours in the meeting with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and talks with Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, he added.
Top US and Chinese Diplomats Hold ‘Frank and Open Discussion’
The meeting came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing and marked the first high-level meeting since Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Alaska in March. Sherman met with Wang and Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng.
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).
Israeli Billionaire Dan Gertler Embroil Him in One of Biggest Graft Probes Ever
Surprisingly, Gertler submitted the documents that got him into trouble while he was receiving legal counsel from top lawyers in Israel. In the arbitration, Gertler is represented by attorneys Dori Klagsbald and Boaz Ben Zur. The latter is also former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense attorney in the so-called Case 4000, in which Netanyahu is accused of offering favors for positive media coverage.
UAE deputy PM and Iran envoy discuss ‚cooperation‘ in Abu Dhabi
The charge d’affaires is the highest-ranking Iranian diplomat in the UAE, and Sheikh Mansour is the brother of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAE’s de facto ruler. He is also minister of presidential affairs.
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
Ecuador’s Indigenous Peoples and Nationalities Hold Congress
On Friday, 14 Indigenous peoples and 18 Indigenous nationalities meet in Tunguragua province for the 7th congress of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE).
U.S. warns Israel ‚far-right provocations‘ could light up Jerusalem
The Biden administration warned Israel that a Jewish nationalist march that was scheduled to take place in East Jerusalem next Tuesday could reignite violence across Israel and kick off another round of fighting in the Gaza Strip, Ynet has learned on Thursday.
U.S. officials conveyed to Defense Minister Benny Gantz they expected Israel to avoid moves that could further escalate tensions, and especially what they call „far-right provocations.“
NATO Secretary General meets with President Biden at the White House
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with US President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington D.C. on Monday (7 June 2021), to discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit on 14 June. The Secretary General thanked President Biden for his leadership and the “powerful commitment” of the United States to NATO, saying that he welcomed the President’s “strong message on the importance of alliances.”
Anti-Netanyahu Party Heads Meet for the First Time to Discuss New Government
new Israeli government may be sworn in as soon as Wednesday after securing a coalition to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Egypt’s intelligence chief holds talks with Hamas in Gaza Strip
(31.05.2021)
Khalil al-Haya spoke after meeting Abbas Kamel, who visited Gaza after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a trip aimed at shoring up an informal ceasefire brokered by Cairo.
#Israel: Interparty negotiations accelerate in an attempt to form a government i24NEWS @AlecHaimPollard with the latest
Lapid, Bennett, Sa’ar meet to hammer out final coalition deal ahead of deadline
What To Expect From Arctic Council Meeting in Iceland?
The 12th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting is to be held Thursday in Reykjavik, Iceland. As the United States and Russia will use this multilateral stage to have bilateral talks, this year’s meeting has attracted more attention.
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.
Bennett, Lapid aim to swear in government Thursday
Bennett made significant progress in a meeting with Ra’am (United Arab List) head Mansour Abbas on Sunday, and he will meet with him again with Lapid on Monday.
We will not let @netanyahu drag us to war. Not with our neighbours and not among ourselves! @yairlapid @naftalibennett it’s your turn to put an end to this once and for all!
Israel Coalition Talks: United Arab List Leader Presents His Demands to Bennett and Lapid
Yamina chairman Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid are meeting with United Arab List chairman Mansour Abbas in order to secure Abbas‘ support for a unity government.
Israel’s Mossad Chief Met With Biden Amid Attempts to Prevent Return to Iran Deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed Cohen before the meeting.
Cohen also met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Thursday, alongside Israel’s ambassador to Washington, in which the Israeli officials expressed „deep concern“ about Iran’s nuclear activities, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Bennett, Abbas Meet to Discuss Next Steps for Forming a Government
Meeting at the Knesset, the two leaders said the meeting „went well.“
A number of parties that form the the ‚anti-Netanyahu‘ bloc, Yesh Atid, Yamina and Tikva Hadasha, have been discussing coalition plans with „positive energy“ in recent weeks.
Bennett meets with Ra’am head in effort to form unity government
Despite promising before elections he will never form coalition backed by Islamist party, Yamina chief meets with Mansour Abbas at his office in the Knesset in an apparent bid to draft a plan to unseat Netanyahu
High Court cancels hearing as PM agrees to Gantz as justice ministe
In addition, a few moments before Netanyahu announced his decision to back Gantz for the position, he apparently was made aware that Bennett held his first meeting with Mansour Abbas – the leader of the Islamist Ra’am party – in an effort to form a unity government.
Qatar’s emir hold talks with Saudi foreign minister
The two foreign ministers also held talks and discussed activating the mechanisms of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council and all that would enhance bilateral relations and develop joint work in various areas of coordination and cooperation between the two countries, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
France, G5 Sahel ’support‘ Chad’s transition‘
French President Emmanuel Macron and his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger jointly met with General Mahamat Idriss Deby before the funeral of his father, a presidential official said.
U.S.- Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement: “U.S. – JAPAN GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR A NEW ERA”
(16.04.2021)
President Biden and Prime Minister Suga exchanged views on the impact of China’s actions on peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world, and shared their concerns over Chinese activities that are inconsistent with the international rules-based order, including the use of economic and other forms of coercion. We will continue to work with each other based on universal values and common principles. We also recognize the importance of deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the region. We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea.
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.
So #Bennet meets w#Netanyahu. No surprise if will recommend him to President for PM #IsraElex4 #Israel #israelelection BB will still need Mansour 4 a majority
(04.04.2021)
Bennett Says Ready to Join Right-wing Government With Netanyahu’s Likud
Yamina chairman Naftali Bennett said on Monday that he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his Likud party can count on his faction’s vote to form a right-wing government.
Iran sees new chapter in JCPOA revival – President Rouhani
„We are witnessing a new chapter in revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, all (signatory) countries of the deal are gathered in Vienna in different combinations including P4+1 with Iran and P4+1 and the US or in any other form today united voice is heard,“ said Hassan Rouhani
Israel: Netanyahu to begin coalition talks ahead of meeting with Bennett
Netanyahu to speak with right-wing and religious allies from Shas, UTJ and Religious Zionist party
US defense chief Austin to visit Israel: report
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit Israel next week for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Axios reported Tuesday.
European Council President Charles Michel in Libya to bolster interim government
No details have been released of Michel’s visit, which comes as Libyan leaders try to move towards reconciliation in a UN-backed peace process.
Afghan leader proposes peace road map in three phases – document
A senior government official said Ghani has already shared his road map with foreign capitals.
US, Japan, S.Korea show united front on N.Korea
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, held a rare in-person meeting jointly with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan, Suh Hoon and Shigeru Kitamura, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Gantz courts Abbas, warns against Netanyahu plan to cancel graft trial
Prior to the meeting, Gantz took to Facebook to announce his support of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid for the premiership and warned Mansour Abbas that “Bibi will use you” — referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his Israeli nickname.
Can Eritrea’s Afwerki hold on to power after the Tigray war?
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed travelled to Asmara to meet Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki on March 25, 2021
‚Change bloc‘ floating 1-year rotation agreement between Bennett and Lapid – report
Such an arrangement, according to the Hebrew-language broadcaster, would possibly last for 12 months and followed by a new election.
But prospects for such a deal are being hampered by ideological and political differences, as well as a disagreement over who would serve as premier first, with Channel 12 reporting that Bennett is insisting he go first in the rotation.
US defence boss Austin meets Afghan president in unannounced trip
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in a previously unannounced visit to Kabul.
US-China tensions run high ahead of critical meeting
Blinken will also arrive in Alaska following his first trip abroad engaging U.S. allies Japan and South Korea, part of the administration’s strategy to approach the Chinese from a position of strength in lockstep with key allies in the region.
Top Biden officials to meet with Chinese in Alaska
Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected to travel to Japan and South Korea next week, in what will be the first overseas trip for senior Biden officials.
Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sistani call for unity at Iraq meeting
Pope Francis, 84, the head of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, 90, the spiritual leader of most of the world’s Shia Muslims, talked for almost an hour during the first ever papal visit to Iraq, the pontiff’s first trip abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
CENTCOM chief arriving in Israel for talks with Kochavi on Iran
McKenzie’s arrival – he is scheduled to spend one day in Israel – is the first high-level visit by a top American official since Joe Biden was sworn in as president last week.
The EU Commission has confirmed that a meeting with the Astrazeneca pharmaceutical company will go ahead later today.
The meeting comes as a row escalates over the supply of its coronavirus vaccine. #sabcnews
AstraZeneca says it has not pulled out of talks with the EU on vaccine deliveries, plans meeting later Wednesday
AstraZeneca says it has not pulled out of talks with the EU on vaccine deliveries, plans meeting later Wednesday.
AstraZeneca cancels steering board meeting with EU
The cancellation follows an explosive interview with AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot on Tuesday night, in which he insisted the company didn’t have a contractual obligation but rather a „best effort“ to supply the EU with its vaccine.
Instead of the meeting, the company will respond in writing to Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides‘ demand for more information, the Commission official said. AstraZeneca did not immediately confirm this plan.
EU to monitor vaccine exports, but says it’s not a ban
EU countries learnt late last week that deliveries of the vaccine from AstraZeneca, which is expected to be approved on Friday, would be some 60% lower in the first quarter than initially indicated.
There have also been reduced deliveries of a vaccine jointly produced by Pfizer and BioNTech.
With our Member States, we have requested from AZ a detailed planning of vaccine deliveries and when distribution will take place to Member States. Another meeting will be convened on Wednesday to discuss the matter further.
In addition, today we discussed with the 27 Member States in the Steering Board that an export transparency mechanism will be put in place as soon as possible. We want clarity on transactions and full transparency concerning the export of vaccines from the EU.
Press statement by Commissioner Kyriakides on vaccine deliveries and on the vaccine export transparency scheme
Good evening.
You know that AstraZeneca’s vaccine is currently in the final stages of the approval process with the European Medicines Agency.
If all requirements are met, the European Medicines Agency could recommend market authorisation by the end of this week.
But there is a problem on the supply side.
Last Friday, the company AstraZeneca surprisingly informed the Commission and the European Union Member States that it intends to supply considerably fewer doses in the coming weeks than agreed and announced.
This new schedule is not acceptable to the European Union.
. @EU_Commission and Member States expressed deep dissatisfaction with this. We insisted on a precise delivery schedule on the basis of which Member States should be planning their vaccination programs, subject to the granting of a contitional marketing authorisation. /2
The @EU_Commission will continue to insist with @AstraZeneca on measures to increase predictability and stability of deliveries, and acceleration of the distribution of doses/3.
“My first thought was that the Iranians had followed through on their threat to strike the Capitol” -an actual US senator
Pompeo Says Al-Qaida Has New Base in Iran, Gives No Hard Evidence
With just eight days left in office for President Donald Trump, Pompeo alleged that Iran has given safe haven to Al-Qaida leaders and support for the group, despite some skepticism within the intelligence community and Congress.
On Monday, Pompeo was seen meeting with Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen, according to Politico’s White House Correspondant Meredith McGraw.
Pompeo was complicit in inciting violent attacks on the #Capitol. Now with days left of an illegitimate administration, he’s meeting with the Mossad & tomorrow he wants to give a speech on his number one obsession: #Iran. I’m sure he’s only planning good things.
Three Days to Stave Off Election: Gantz Met With Netanyahu Rival Sa’ar
Defense Minister and Kahol Lavan chairman Benny Gantz met on Saturday with breakaway Likud lawmaker Gideon Sa‘ar, three days before the Knesset is expected to disband.
PM Orbán Sticks to Veto of EU Budget if Rule of Law Conditionality Stays
Commenting on a proposal by European People’s Party group leader Manfred Weber that decisions on issues concerning the rule of law should be left up to the European Commission while disputes should be settled by the Court of Justice of the European Union, Orbán said: “Everyone’s talking all kinds of nonsense and this is also true for Mr. Weber.”
“We’re not stupid, we weren’t born yesterday . we can put two and two together,” the prime minister said, insisting that Weber’s proposal meant that the EU wanted to “force anything onto member states that can be painted as a rule of law issue with a simple majority vote”.
Compromise on offer for Poland as EU leaders seek deal on budget
Speaking during a working visit to Prague, where he met Czech President Milos Zeman, Duda said: “There is a preliminary agreement drawn up. Work on it is still underway.”
He added: “The agreement is the result of very strenuous efforts by Poland, Hungary but also the German presidency” of the EU.
Brexit: EU offers no-deal contingency measures for planes, lorries and fishing boats
It follows her dinner with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday night, after which the pair agreed trade talks should continue despite „major differences“ remaining between the two sides.
Ms von der Leyen on Thursday outlined four areas – air connectivity, aviation safety, basic road connectivity and fisheries – where short-term agreements could be made in the absence of a trade deal on New Year’s Day.
JCPOA to holding meeting in Vienna
The Joint Commission will be chaired on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell by the Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Helga Maria Schmid and will be attended by the representatives of E3+2 countries (China, France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom) and Iran.
ANALYSIS-Covert Israeli-Saudi meeting sends Biden a strong message on Iran
„It’s Iran, Iran, Iran,“ Israeli cabinet minister Tzachi Hanegbi told Israel’s Army Radio when asked about the visit. „It is very, very important to create the axis which isolates Iran.“
Saudi UN ambassador: Nobody ‘naive enough’ to rejoin Iran nuclear deal – including Biden administration
He added: “If there is a new deal in which Saudi Arabia is involved in the discussion and which covers the shortcomings of the previous deal, such as Iran’s hydromantic behavior in the region and the issue of the missiles and the supply of weapons to rebel groups and so forth, then we will be all for it.”
It seems pretty clear Netanyahu would want this meeting leaked, just a couple of days after calling on Biden not to rejoin JCPOA. This will be a very long two months.
Saudi Foreign Minister’s tweet denying the meeting with Israeli officials was rather polite and shows that Saudi Arabia is in a stage where they are preparing their own public opinion, @i24NEWS_AR ’s Ali Waked tells @benitalevin
Netanyahu Secretly Flew to Saudi Arabia, Met MBS and Pompeo, Israeli Sources Say
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Saudi Arabia and met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Israeli sources said Monday.
Mossad chief Yossi Cohen also attended the meeting, which took place in the city of Neom, according to the sources.
Iraq’s defense minister due in Iran to talk military cooperation
Heading a high-ranking delegation of military commanders, Anad will arrive in the Iranian capital on Saturday upon an official invitation by Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami.