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Category: Foreign

  • German state leader demands action from Scholz on migration

    German state leader demands action from Scholz on migration

    Action

    Dusseldorf, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been urged to make specific proposals on migration ahead of a meeting next week between the federal government and the premiers of Germany’s 16 states.

    “This is the last opportunity for the chancellor to show that he really will make proposals for effective control and order with respect to the migration issue.’’

    The premier of the industrial heartland state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, told journalists on Thursday.

    The conservative politician spoke just days after anti-migration parties made strong gains in Sunday’s European elections, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Germany.

    The three parties in Scholz’s centre-left coalition performed poorly, managing together less than a third of the vote.

    “We have to put a stop to irregular migration’’, Wüst said in the state capital Dusseldorf, calling for plans for asylum procedures outside the European Union to be speeded up.

    Wüst said he expected expert reports resulting from an exchange between the Federal and State Governments to be presented at the June 20 ministers’ conference.

    “We really need a line from the Federal Government on this issue,’’ he said.

    While the Federal Government sets asylum policy, the states and local authorities provide the accommodation and services. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • China blasts ‘indiscriminate’ U.S. sanctions on Russia’s war economy

    China blasts ‘indiscriminate’ U.S. sanctions on Russia’s war economy

    Blast

    Beijing, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The Chinese Foreign Ministry sharply criticised a new package of U.S. sanctions targeting the Russian war economy, including Chinese companies accused of aiding the invasion of Ukraine.

    “We call on the United States (U.S.) to stop the indiscriminate, illegal, unilateral sanctions,’’ said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing on Thursday.

    She said that China was neither a party nor the cause of the Ukraine crisis and that Beijing would act to protect the rights of Chinese companies and citizens.

    China has forged strong ties with Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

    Washington said that while Beijing may not directly provide weapons for Moscow’s campaign, it has become a critical lifeline for Russia’s sanctioned economy and its military.

    On Wednesday, a day before G7 leaders gathered in southern Italy to discuss Ukraine, the Biden administration announced it was imposing 300 new Russia-related sanctions.

    Among them were multiple Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies, with the U.S. alleging some of them sent dual-use items that could be used in Russian military equipment? (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

  • Far-right group rejects Germany’s AfD in spite dropping Krah

    Far-right group rejects Germany’s AfD in spite dropping Krah

    Rejection

    Brussels, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament currently has no plans to readmit the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

    In spite of the exclusion of controversial politician Maximilian Krah from the party’s parliamentary delegation would not readmit.

    An AfD spokesperson confirmed a report by Politico on Thursday, stating that France’s National Rally party along with other ID representatives had made the decision at a meeting in Brussels.

    Last month, the ID group had expelled the AfD over scandals involving their top election candidate Maximilian Krah shortly before the June 6-9 European Parliament elections.

    After last week’s election, the newly elected AfD members of parliament decided by a majority on Monday not to include Krah in their delegation.

    Excluding Krah from the delegation was seen as part of an effort by the AfD to patch things up with the other far-right parties in the European Parliament that form the ID bloc.

    Krah described the decision as a mistake and predicted that it would not change the ID’s mind.

    Krah has been battered by several scandals, including allegations of accepting funds from Russia and China.

    A former top aide to Krah was separately arrested on allegations of having spied for China.

    Krah also made highly controversial remarks to an Italian newspaper in which he said that members of the notorious Nazi SS paramilitary were not all criminals. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

     

  • German concerns delaying EU’s latest Russia sanctions

    German concerns delaying EU’s latest Russia sanctions

    Sanction

    Brussels, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Berlin is bogging down negotiations on the latest EU sanctions package intended to prevent Russia from circumventing existing punitive measures imposed over the war in Ukraine, dpa has learnt.

    Diplomats in Brussels said German concerned and requesting for changes were a decisive factor in the delay of the latest Russian sanctions package.

    They said it recently felt like Germany had become the new Hungary, referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly delayed decisions on Russia sanctions at EU level.

    A spokesman for Germany’s permanent representation to the EU did not comment on the negotiations when asked by dpa on Thursday, saying that the discussions among the advisers of member states were confidential.

    The latest planned EU punitive measures were aimed at preventing the circumvention of existing sanctions, with Russia’s defence industry currently still able to benefit from Western technology.

    The technology that would help produces weapons for war in the neighbouring Ukraine.

    For the first time, the EU also plans to impose strict sanctions against Russia’s multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

    According to diplomats, the European Commission is looking to bar the shipment of Russian LNG to third countries from EU ports such as the one in Belgium’s Zeebrugge.

    The hope being this would reduce Russian LNG profits and thus available investments for the war in Ukraine.

    German reticence mainly concerns the planned measures aimed at preventing sanctions circumvention, according to EU diplomats.

    Among other things, Berlin is calling for a planned rule for subsidiaries to be held liable in the event of violations to be limited to certain goods or cancelled altogether.

    This is amid apparent fears that German companies could be held responsible for sanctions violations. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited b y Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • UNICEF urges Taliban to allow girls return to school

    UNICEF urges Taliban to allow girls return to school

    Girls

    Islamabad, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Marking 1,000 days since girls in Afghanistan were banned from secondary school, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF has urged the Taliban to allow girls to go back to school.

    “For 1.5 million girls, this systematic exclusion is not only a blatant violation of their right to education, but also results in dwindling opportunities and deteriorating mental health,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement on Thursday.

    The statement emphasised the far-reaching consequences of the ban, extending beyond the immediate loss of education.

    “It exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis and has serious ramifications for Afghanistan’s economy and development trajectory,” the statement added.

    Russell appealed for the return of girls to schools, pointing to the fact that no country could move forward when half its population was left behind.

    “I urge the de facto authorities to allow all children to resume learning immediately. And I urge the international community to remain engaged and support these girls, who need us more than ever.”

    Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has banned girls and women from studying beyond primary school.

    However, in some parts of the country, women and girls still attend religious schools, as well as midwifery and nursing schools.

    The Taliban government is not recognised internationally.  (dpa/NAN)(www.nannes.ng)

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    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • EU court orders Hungary to pay €200M fine over asylum policies

    EU court orders Hungary to pay €200M fine over asylum policies

    Order
    Luxembourg, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Hungary has been ordered by the European Court of Justice to pay a fine of 200 million euros (216 million dollars) and a further one million euros per day for failing to comply with the bloc’s asylum rules.

    The ruling followed a previous court judgement in December 2020 concerning procedures for granting international protection and returning third-country nationals.

    According to a court statement released on Thursday, the failure to implement that judgement “constitutes an unprecedented and extremely serious infringement of EU law’’.

    The judges ruled that Hungary has not taken the measures necessary to comply with the 2020 judgment as regards access to the international protection procedure.

    “The right of applicants for international protection to remain in Hungary pending a final decision on their appeal against the rejection of their application and the removal of illegally staying third-country nationals.’’ (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Canada announces rockets, other military aid for Ukraine

    Canada announces rockets, other military aid for Ukraine

    Aid

    Brussels, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Canada says it will supply Ukraine with rockets, small arms ammunition and remote-controlled weapon mounts for vehicles, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair announced in Brussels on Thursday.

    “Canada will provide Ukraine with 2,300 Canadian Rocket Vehicle 7s or CRV rocket motors,’’ Blair said.

    He added, “Canada will send an additional number of rounds of small arms ammunition, as well as 29 Nanuk remote systems,’’ which are remote-controlled weapon mounts for military vehicles.”

    He said the CRV7s were “formerly used by the Royal Canadian Air Force on our CF-18 aircraft.’’

    Meanwhile, “the Nanuk is a remotely-controlled weapon station used by the Canadian Army on our own light armoured vehicles.’’

    He added, this week, Canada would begin the shipments of a new fleet of 50 armoured vehicles to Ukraine.

    ”The first four vehicles would be departing Canada this week, and they would be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces in the coming weeks,’’ Blair said. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited b y Cecilia Odey/Bashir Rabe Mani

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  • UNHCR: 1.5% of the world’s population displaced

    UNHCR: 1.5% of the world’s population displaced

    Population

    Geneva, June 13, 2024(dpa/NAN) Report from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) released on Thursday, says that more people than ever before were forcibly displaced worldwide in May due to war, conflict, violence, and persecution.

    The UNHCR said that in May, 120 million people were displaced globally, almost 10 per cent more than the previous year, and some 1.5 per cent of the world’s population,.

    According to the agency, more than two-thirds of the refugees have been internally displaced.

    Two-thirds of those who had fled abroad remain in neighboring countries, under often difficult conditions, in the hope of quickly returning to their home countries.

    In 2023, the United States and Germany were the top destinations for those seeking long-term protection, with Germany receiving the second highest number of asylum applications after the US.(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

  • Guterres hails 60 years of UN trade, development action

    Action

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has commended the works of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) agency 60 years after its establishment.

    Guterres gave the commendation in his address to mark the diamond anniversary of the UN agency on Wednesday while addressing the UN Trade and Development Global Leaders Forum.

    According to him, the right to development is inextricably linked with trade, which the world’s poorest countries – now “mired in debt” through no fault of their own – have every right to pursue on much fairer terms

    The secretary-general, however, highlighted the multiple challenges against a more sustainable and inclusive global economy for all.

    “New and protracted conflicts are having a ripple effect across the global economy.

    “Global debt has soared while key development indicators, including poverty and hunger, have regressed,”

    On a visit to Switzerland, Guterres reprised previous warnings that the world’s international financial architecture “has been exposed as outdated, dysfunctional, and unjust”.

    ”It has ‘failed to provide a safety net for developing countries mired in debt’, the UN chief insisted.

    He also issued the worrying assessment that the international trading system faced pressure “on all sides”, to the extent that it is now “teetering on the verge of fragmentation”.

    Against this deeply concerning backdrop, and amid escalating geopolitical tensions, rising inequality and soaring debt, Guterres insisted that the role of UNTAD was more relevant than ever in working for a more sustainable and inclusive global economy, through trade and investment.

    The UN agency cannot be neutral on development problems – “just as the World Health Organization could not be neutral on malaria”, the UN chief said, referencing the famous words of Raul Prebisch, UNCTAD’s first Secretary-General.

    “Trade has become a double-edged sword: a source of both prosperity and inequality; interconnection and dependence; economic innovation and environmental degradation,” Guterres said.

    He urged greater dialogue between nations in the face of a near-tripling of trade barriers since 2019, “many driven by geopolitical rivalry, with no concern for their impact on developing countries”.

    He added: “The world cannot afford splits into rival blocs. To implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and to ensure peace and security – we need one global market and one global economy, in which there is no place for poverty and hunger.” (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • FG seeks support for establishment of Energy Bank in Nigeria

    FG seeks support for establishment of Energy Bank in Nigeria

    Support

    By Chinenye Offor

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has called for support to establish an African Energy Bank (AEB), in Nigeria.

    Lokpobiri, thus, urged Heads of Mission, Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), during a reception in Abuja, to support Nigeria in the bid to establish AEB in the capital city.

    He said that Nigeria offers a strategic geographical location, robust infrastructure and a dynamic energy sector, which made it suitable for the project.

    He explained that the establishment of the bank would represent a bold and strategic move toward ensuring energy security, fostering economic growth and promoting sustainable development across Africa.

    According to him, Nigeria’s bid to host the headquarters of this pivotal institution is a testament to its unwavering commitment to the goals.

    He added that the nation was committed to fostering a collaborative environment that would enable AEB to thrive and achieve its mandate effectively.

    “We have achieved significant milestones, including a comprehensive assessment by the APPO Afrexim-Bank Inspection Team. Its positive evaluation underscores Nigeria’s readiness and capability to host the AEB.

    “However, the journey does not end here, to secure the hosting rights, we need the collective support of all APPO member countries.

    “Our competitors have intensified their efforts by appointing special envoys to lobby for their bids. In response, we are appealing to each of you to recognise the advantages of situating the AEB headquarters in Nigeria.

    “Let us use this opportunity to engage, collaborate, and forge stronger ties.

    ”Together, we can ensure that the AEB finds its rightful home in Nigeria, where it can spearhead the next phase of Africa’s energy renaissance,” he said.

    Lokpobiri also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to campaign vigorously through its missions in APPO member countries, adding that their support was crucial to the success.

    Amb. Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, said that hosting the AEB would boost collaboration and provide a neutral and inclusive platform for African countries to come together and exchange ideas.

    Ella said that it would also provide an opportunity for member countries to chart a collective path toward energy security and sustainable development.

    He said that Nigeria’s bid to host the bank’s headquarters was grounded in a deep-seated conviction that Abuja stood as the quintessential epi-center of energy innovation and cooperation on the continent.

    According to him, Nigeria’s strategic location at the crossroads of West Africa renders Abuja as an unrivalled nexus of connectivity and accessibility with its extensive network of transportation, infrastructure and logistical capabilities.

    “Abuja offers a strategic gateway to the entire African continent, providing the bank with unparalleled access to key energy markets, stakeholders and decision-makers across Africa.

    “By selecting Abuja as its host city, the AEB can serve as a linchpin of connectivity, fostering collaboration and catalysing progress on a continental scale.

    “Nigeria’s rich endowment of oil, gas and renewable energy resources present an unparalleled opportunity for the bank to harness the continent’s vast energy potential and drive sustainable development.

    “With proven reserves of over 37 billion barrels of oil and five trillion cubic meters of natural gas, Nigeria ranks among the top energy producers in Africa.

    “Nigeria’s burgeoning renewable energy sector, characterised by abundant solar and wind resources, holds immense promise for powering Africa’s future,” he said.

    He added that Nigeria’s distinguished legacy of leadership within APPO underscored its unwavering commitment to fostering unity, stability and prosperity within the African energy sector.

    The permanent secretary also said that Nigeria’s proactive approach to regulatory reform had positioned the country as a paragon of stability and transparency within the global energy landscape.

    He added that with a robust regulatory framework in place, Nigeria offers a conducive environment for the AEB to thrive, attract investment, foster innovation and ensure accountability across all facets of energy governance.

    Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the establishment of the AEB by APPO members held the power to shape the trajectory of energy cooperation and development.

    Lamuwa, whose keynote address was delivered by Amb. Ben Okoye, expressed gratitude for unwavering dedication of APPO members to the cause and their steadfast commitment to fostering collaboration and partnership among African nations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Abiemwense Moru