THE GUARDIAN: Iranian foreign minister meets Taliban negotiators in Tehran, while Turkey offers troops to protect Kabul airport
Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Russia have moved to fill the military and diplomatic vacuum opening up in Afghanistan as a result of the departure of US forces and military advances by the Taliban.
In Tehran the Iranian foreign minister, Javad Zarif, met Taliban negotiators to discuss their intentions towards the country, and secured a joint statement saying the Taliban do not support attacks on civilians, schools, mosques and hospitals and want a negotiated settlement on Afghanistan’s future.
The Taliban side was led by Abbas Stanekzai, a senior negotiator and head of the group’s political bureau in Qatar, while the Afghan government side was led by the former vice-president Yunus Qanooni.
Three other Afghan delegations were in Tehran at the same time. The value of the joint statement promising further talks is contestable, but Tehran’s diplomatic activism underlined fears in Iran about a spillover created by a prolonged civil war on its long border.
Estimates suggest as many as 1 million Afghans will pour over the border to avoid the fighting or Taliban rule. Iranian social media showed Afghan forces deserting two of three customs offices along the border at Islam-Qata and Farah. With an estimated 700km of its border with Afghanistan now in Taliban hands, Iran does have much choice but to take an active interest. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Friday, July 9, 2021
Christmas has come early for Putin this year! – Mark
In Forceful Defense of Afghan Withdrawal, Biden Says U.S. Achieved Its Objectives »
Friday, July 09, 2021
Brexit ‘Divorce Bill’ Higher Than UK’s Forecasts, Brussels Estimates
THE GUARDIAN: Figure of £40.8bn buried in EU’s 2020 accounts dismissed by UK as not reflecting amount it will pay
The UK’s Brexit “divorce bill” is €47.5bn (£40.8bn) according to estimates from Brussels that are higher than the government’s forecasts.
The first tranche, €6.8bn, is due for payment by the end of the year.
The final bill, buried in the European Union’s consolidated annual accounts for 2020, is significantly higher than an earlier estimate from the UK’s fiscal watchdog.
In 2018 the Office for Budget Responsibility put the Brexit bill at €41.4bn (£37.1bn). During the Brexit negotiations, British government officials said the final bill would be around £35-39bn.
The bill covers the UK’s share of EU debts and liabilities during 47 years of membership, such as paying for infrastructure projects, pensions and sickness benefits for EU officials. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Thursday, July 8, 2021
The UK’s Brexit “divorce bill” is €47.5bn (£40.8bn) according to estimates from Brussels that are higher than the government’s forecasts.
The first tranche, €6.8bn, is due for payment by the end of the year.
The final bill, buried in the European Union’s consolidated annual accounts for 2020, is significantly higher than an earlier estimate from the UK’s fiscal watchdog.
In 2018 the Office for Budget Responsibility put the Brexit bill at €41.4bn (£37.1bn). During the Brexit negotiations, British government officials said the final bill would be around £35-39bn.
The bill covers the UK’s share of EU debts and liabilities during 47 years of membership, such as paying for infrastructure projects, pensions and sickness benefits for EU officials. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Thursday, July 8, 2021
Grüezi Schweiz – Die Einwanderer | Neue Heimat Schweiz | Doku | SRF DOK
Aug 31, 2019 • Jedes Jahr beginnen mehr als 100'000 Menschen ein neues Leben in der Schweiz. Und jedes Jahr gehen auch mehrere Zehntausend Menschen wieder zurück in ihre alte Heimat. Das Schweizer Fernsehen hat vier Familien über mehrere Jahre begleitet. Wer bleibt, wer geht?
Ein Leben ohne Hausangestellte. Der erfolgreiche indische Manager Rahul Budhwar aus Delhi tritt eine Stelle als CEO in der Schweiz an. Zusammen mit seiner Frau Megha und der gemeinsamen Tochter baut er sich in der Schweiz ein neues Leben auf. Bisher lebte die Familie mit Chauffeur und einer Vollzeit-Hausangestellten. Dies können sie sich in der Schweiz nicht mehr leisten. Also müssen sie das tägliche Überleben im Alltag und im Haushalt lernen. Wie managen sie ihr Leben mehrere Jahre nach dem Umzug in die Schweiz ihr Leben?
Ein Leben ohne Familie. Eigentlich sind ihre beiden erwachsenen Söhne und ihre betagte Mutter der Lebensinhalt von Lisa Maria Araujo aus Portugal. Doch finanzielle Gründe zwingen sie, in der Schweiz eine Arbeit in einem Alters- und Pflegeheim anzunehmen. Zugleich hat sie die Hoffnung, in der Schweiz einen neuen Lebenspartner zu finden. Hat sich dieser Wunsch nach mehreren Jahren in der Schweiz erfüllt? Ein Leben ohne soziale Kontakte. Die schottisch-deutsche Familie McKay zieht aus dem ostdeutschen Meissen nach Disentis. Vater Iain zieht zunächst mit den zwei Töchtern voraus, die Mutter Marion soll später mit dem gemeinsamen Sohn nachkommen, so der Plan. Doch die McKays tun sich schwer damit, im Graubündner Bergdorf Anschluss zu finden. Zudem erweist sich die Distanz zwischen den Familienteilen als schlimmer als erwartet. Nach acht Monaten fällt die Entscheidung: Die McKays ziehen zurück nach Deutschland. Jetzt leben sie wieder in dem Haus, von welchem sie in die Schweiz aufgebrochen waren. Werden sie nun ihr Glück finden?
Ein Leben ohne Krieg. Der syrische Flüchtling Aziz und seine Familie waren vor dem Krieg in die Schweiz geflüchtet. Der Arzt hatte sich dort aufgrund seiner medizinischen Ausbildung gute Chancen auf Arbeit ausgerechnet. Doch seine syrischen Diplome werden in der Schweiz nicht anerkannt. Der ehemalige leitende Arzt muss als Asylbewerber fast ganz von vorne anfangen. Wird er alle Hürden nehmen und es erneut zu einem Job als Arzt und sozialem Ansehen schaffen?
«DOK» hat die vier Familien über mehrere Jahre begleitet und ihre Hoffnungen, Zweifel, Erfolge und Niederlagen dokumentiert. Der Film zeigt auf, was es braucht, um das persönliche Glück zu finden – in der neuen oder in der alten Heimat.
Ein Leben ohne Hausangestellte. Der erfolgreiche indische Manager Rahul Budhwar aus Delhi tritt eine Stelle als CEO in der Schweiz an. Zusammen mit seiner Frau Megha und der gemeinsamen Tochter baut er sich in der Schweiz ein neues Leben auf. Bisher lebte die Familie mit Chauffeur und einer Vollzeit-Hausangestellten. Dies können sie sich in der Schweiz nicht mehr leisten. Also müssen sie das tägliche Überleben im Alltag und im Haushalt lernen. Wie managen sie ihr Leben mehrere Jahre nach dem Umzug in die Schweiz ihr Leben?
Ein Leben ohne Familie. Eigentlich sind ihre beiden erwachsenen Söhne und ihre betagte Mutter der Lebensinhalt von Lisa Maria Araujo aus Portugal. Doch finanzielle Gründe zwingen sie, in der Schweiz eine Arbeit in einem Alters- und Pflegeheim anzunehmen. Zugleich hat sie die Hoffnung, in der Schweiz einen neuen Lebenspartner zu finden. Hat sich dieser Wunsch nach mehreren Jahren in der Schweiz erfüllt? Ein Leben ohne soziale Kontakte. Die schottisch-deutsche Familie McKay zieht aus dem ostdeutschen Meissen nach Disentis. Vater Iain zieht zunächst mit den zwei Töchtern voraus, die Mutter Marion soll später mit dem gemeinsamen Sohn nachkommen, so der Plan. Doch die McKays tun sich schwer damit, im Graubündner Bergdorf Anschluss zu finden. Zudem erweist sich die Distanz zwischen den Familienteilen als schlimmer als erwartet. Nach acht Monaten fällt die Entscheidung: Die McKays ziehen zurück nach Deutschland. Jetzt leben sie wieder in dem Haus, von welchem sie in die Schweiz aufgebrochen waren. Werden sie nun ihr Glück finden?
Ein Leben ohne Krieg. Der syrische Flüchtling Aziz und seine Familie waren vor dem Krieg in die Schweiz geflüchtet. Der Arzt hatte sich dort aufgrund seiner medizinischen Ausbildung gute Chancen auf Arbeit ausgerechnet. Doch seine syrischen Diplome werden in der Schweiz nicht anerkannt. Der ehemalige leitende Arzt muss als Asylbewerber fast ganz von vorne anfangen. Wird er alle Hürden nehmen und es erneut zu einem Job als Arzt und sozialem Ansehen schaffen?
«DOK» hat die vier Familien über mehrere Jahre begleitet und ihre Hoffnungen, Zweifel, Erfolge und Niederlagen dokumentiert. Der Film zeigt auf, was es braucht, um das persönliche Glück zu finden – in der neuen oder in der alten Heimat.
Thursday, July 08, 2021
Nach Brexit: Freihandelsabkommen mit UK unterzeichnet
LIECHTENSTEINER VATERLAND: Regierungsrätin Dominique Hasler hat heute in London das Freihandelsabkommen zwischen den EWR/EFTA-Staaten Island, Liechtenstein und Norwegen und dem Vereinigten Königreich (UK) unterzeichnet.
UK ist einer der wichtigsten Handelspartner Liechtensteins. Nach dem Brexit war es deshalb das Ziel, einen möglichst weitgehenden Marktzugang in UK zu erhalten.
Das am Donnerstag unterzeichnete Abkommen ist das umfassendste Freihandelsabkommen, das Liechtenstein bisher abgeschlossen hat.
Es umfasst neben dem grenzüberschreitenden Dienstleistungsverkehr, einschliesslich Finanzdienstleistungen, auch Bereiche wie Investitionen, Schutz des geistigen Eigentums, Digitaler Handel, Kapitalverkehr und öffentliches Auftragswesen. » | ikr | Donnerstag, 8. Juli 2021
UK ist einer der wichtigsten Handelspartner Liechtensteins. Nach dem Brexit war es deshalb das Ziel, einen möglichst weitgehenden Marktzugang in UK zu erhalten.
Das am Donnerstag unterzeichnete Abkommen ist das umfassendste Freihandelsabkommen, das Liechtenstein bisher abgeschlossen hat.
Es umfasst neben dem grenzüberschreitenden Dienstleistungsverkehr, einschliesslich Finanzdienstleistungen, auch Bereiche wie Investitionen, Schutz des geistigen Eigentums, Digitaler Handel, Kapitalverkehr und öffentliches Auftragswesen. » | ikr | Donnerstag, 8. Juli 2021
Le Portugal élargit l’usage du pass sanitaire aux hôtels et restaurants
LE QUOTIDIEN : Les Portugais devront désormais présenter un pass sanitaire ou un test négatif au Covid pour loger dans un hôtel ou avoir accès aux restaurants des régions les plus touchées par la recrudescence de l’épidémie, a décidé jeudi le gouvernement.
“Nous continuons à observer une aggravation de la pandémie”, a affirmé la porte-parole du gouvernement portugais, Mariana Vieira da Silva, en annonçant que le pays comptait désormais 60 municipalités présentant un risque de contagion “élevé” ou “très élevé”, contre 45 la semaine dernière.
Le couvre-feu nocturne imposé depuis vendredi dernier continuera à s’appliquer dans ces zones à risque, concentrées pour l’essentiel à Lisbonne et ses environs, puis dans la région touristique de l’Algarve. » | LQ/AFP | jeudi 8 juillet 2021
“Nous continuons à observer une aggravation de la pandémie”, a affirmé la porte-parole du gouvernement portugais, Mariana Vieira da Silva, en annonçant que le pays comptait désormais 60 municipalités présentant un risque de contagion “élevé” ou “très élevé”, contre 45 la semaine dernière.
Le couvre-feu nocturne imposé depuis vendredi dernier continuera à s’appliquer dans ces zones à risque, concentrées pour l’essentiel à Lisbonne et ses environs, puis dans la région touristique de l’Algarve. » | LQ/AFP | jeudi 8 juillet 2021
SUPERNOVA - Official Trailer - Starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci
Sep 22, 2020 • It is deep Autumn and Sam and Tusker, partners of twenty years, are on holiday.
They are travelling across England in their old campervan visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with young-onset dementia two years ago their lives have had to change. Jobs have been given up and plans put on hold. Their time together is now the most important thing they have.
As the trip progresses however, their individual ideas for their future begin to collide. Secrets are uncovered, private plans unravel and their love for each other is tested like never before. Ultimately, they must confront the question of what it means to love one another in the face of Tusker’s irreparable illness.
Written and directed by Harry Macqueen (Hinterland), and from the award-winning producers of 45 Years and I Am Not A Witch.
They are travelling across England in their old campervan visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with young-onset dementia two years ago their lives have had to change. Jobs have been given up and plans put on hold. Their time together is now the most important thing they have.
As the trip progresses however, their individual ideas for their future begin to collide. Secrets are uncovered, private plans unravel and their love for each other is tested like never before. Ultimately, they must confront the question of what it means to love one another in the face of Tusker’s irreparable illness.
Written and directed by Harry Macqueen (Hinterland), and from the award-winning producers of 45 Years and I Am Not A Witch.
A Quarter of Global COVID-19 Deaths Have Been in Latin America | COVID-19 Special
Jul 8, 2021 • A quarter of the world's coronavirus deaths have been in Latin America. A third of new infections are happening in the region - a region where just three percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
In some countries people blame their governments - for making the wrong moves, or making them too late. Poverty, too, is playing its part, making social distancing impossible. Healthcare systems are overwhelmed and economies are shrinking.
So what hope is there for Latin America?
In some countries people blame their governments - for making the wrong moves, or making them too late. Poverty, too, is playing its part, making social distancing impossible. Healthcare systems are overwhelmed and economies are shrinking.
So what hope is there for Latin America?
Dutch Police Arrest Suspects in Shooting of Investigative Journalist De Vries | DW News
Hungary’s Anti-LGBT Law: How Should the EU Respond? - BBC Newsnight
Jul 7, 2021 • As new anti-LGBT legislation comes into force in Hungary, despite EU warnings, how can the block deal with Orbán’s increasingly oppressive nature?
Hungary has long sailed close to the wind with its interpretation of European values. But right now, it’s on territory the EU is finding hard to ignore.
The country has introduced new laws banning any material that they say could 'promote' homosexuality in schools. The European commission has called this disgraceful - and an excuse to severely discriminate against people.
But will they go further than words? Ursula von der Leyen warned Viktor Orbán's government to repeal the legislation - or face the full force of EU law. But if Orbán resists - then what? Is this fight - that goes to the heart of what the bloc believes it stands for - one it is willing to have?
Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis is joined by campaigner Tamás Dombos from the Háttér Society.
Hungary has long sailed close to the wind with its interpretation of European values. But right now, it’s on territory the EU is finding hard to ignore.
The country has introduced new laws banning any material that they say could 'promote' homosexuality in schools. The European commission has called this disgraceful - and an excuse to severely discriminate against people.
But will they go further than words? Ursula von der Leyen warned Viktor Orbán's government to repeal the legislation - or face the full force of EU law. But if Orbán resists - then what? Is this fight - that goes to the heart of what the bloc believes it stands for - one it is willing to have?
Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis is joined by campaigner Tamás Dombos from the Háttér Society.
Hungary's Anti-LGBTQ Law Comes into Effect | DW News
Jul 8, 2021 • A new Hungarian law that prohibits "promoting" LGBTQ content to young people comes into effect on Thursday. The controversial legislation has sparked a chorus of criticism, with European Union institutions threatening to take action against Hungary.
The restriction on young people's access to information about LGBTQ is part of a broader "Anti-Pedophilia Act," which originally focused on tougher penalties against child abuse. But the Hungarian parliament last month passed the bill with further amendments, including a ban on sex education and media content.
The law prohibits the "display or promotion" of homosexuality or gender reassignment in educational material or TV shows for people under 18. Balazs Hidveghi, a Hungarian MEP from the ruling Fidesz party, told DW that the law was "solely" to protect children. "It does not concern adults. It does not concern how they want to live their lives. It does not concern what information they get. It does not concern even the operation of LGBT groups. They are free to operate, but they have nothing to do in kindergartens and in schools." It is unclear what punishments would be given if the law is broken or what constitutes LGBTQ content due to the law's vague wording. But some fear that even the display of rainbow flags in public could be punishable.
The law has triggered a backlash in Hungary and across Europe. Critics say it equates homosexuality with pedophilia.
Viktor Orbán is a disgrace! Hungarians should kick the little tyrant out of office! – Mark
The restriction on young people's access to information about LGBTQ is part of a broader "Anti-Pedophilia Act," which originally focused on tougher penalties against child abuse. But the Hungarian parliament last month passed the bill with further amendments, including a ban on sex education and media content.
The law prohibits the "display or promotion" of homosexuality or gender reassignment in educational material or TV shows for people under 18. Balazs Hidveghi, a Hungarian MEP from the ruling Fidesz party, told DW that the law was "solely" to protect children. "It does not concern adults. It does not concern how they want to live their lives. It does not concern what information they get. It does not concern even the operation of LGBT groups. They are free to operate, but they have nothing to do in kindergartens and in schools." It is unclear what punishments would be given if the law is broken or what constitutes LGBTQ content due to the law's vague wording. But some fear that even the display of rainbow flags in public could be punishable.
The law has triggered a backlash in Hungary and across Europe. Critics say it equates homosexuality with pedophilia.
Viktor Orbán is a disgrace! Hungarians should kick the little tyrant out of office! – Mark
WHO Urges Countries ‘Not to Lose Gains’ by Prematurely Lifting Covid Restrictions
The World Health Organization has urged countries to use extreme caution when easing Covid-19 restrictions to reopen their economies. Dr Michael Ryan, director of the WHO health emergencies programme, said: ‘The idea that everyone is protected and it’s Kumbaya and everything goes back to normal, I think right now is a very dangerous assumption.’ Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added that the pandemic was not over and that the milestone of 4 million reported deaths had just been passed.
Their comments came as Boris Johnson set out plans to end social and economic coronavirus restrictions in England on 19 July
Their comments came as Boris Johnson set out plans to end social and economic coronavirus restrictions in England on 19 July
Mexico City’s Congress Passes LGBT Rights Law
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Law for the Recognition and Attention of LGBTTTI Persons of Mexico City, which aims to guarantee and prevent discrimination against people of this group, was passed on Wednesday by the Mexican capital Congress.
The law contains a comprehensive perspective on the welfare of LGBT people of all ages, with priority to trans and intersex identities, which experience increased discrimination.
In addition, it recognizes sexual and gender diversity, the right to dignified treatment without discrimination in public and private health services, education, work, health, culture, legal security and political participation, among others. » [R$] | Latin America News | Thursday, July 8, 2021
He Went from Banana Exporter to President: ‘I Am Not a Dictator’
MIAMI — It was a battle from the start for Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse.
Even before he took office, Mr. Moïse had to fight off accusations that, as a virtually unknown banana exporter, he was nothing but a handpicked puppet of the previous president, Michel J. Martelly.
“Jovenel is his own man,” Mr. Moïse told The New York Times in 2016, shortly after having won the election, trying to rebut the accusations. He promised to show results within six months in office.
After more than four years in office, he was killed in his home early Wednesday at the age of 53. He left a wife and three children. In his last year in office, as protests against him grew and he declined to step down, he had to defend himself in other ways: “I am not a dictator,” he told The Times earlier this year.
Mr. Moïse was the former president of the chamber of commerce in Port-de-Paix, the country’s northwest region, when he ran for president. When he emerged as a leading candidate in 2015, few people had ever heard of him. They called him “the Banana Man.” » | Frances Robles | Published: Wednesday, July 7, 2021; Updated: Thursday, July 6, 2021
Hitzewelle in Amerika wäre ohne den Klimawandel »nahezu unmöglich« gewesen
SPIEGEL: Der Ausstoß von Treibhausgasen hat laut Forschern die Hitzewelle in Nordamerika mindestens 150 Mal wahrscheinlicher gemacht. Bei weiterer Erwärmung dürften solche Phänomene häufiger werden.
46,6, 47,9, 49,5 Grad: Das kanadische Örtchen Lytton riss in der vergangenen Woche gleich drei Temperaturrekorde hintereinander – an drei aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen. Der bisher höchste je gemessene Wert in Kanada betrug 45 Grad, das war 1937. Nur einen Tag nach den jüngsten Meldungen wurde der Ort durch einen Brand nahezu vollständig zerstört.
Ist das Schicksal von Lytton ein Menetekel für die eskalierende Klimakrise? Laut den Befunden einer Schnellstudie führender Klimawissenschaftler, die dem SPIEGEL vorliegt, kann man das durchaus so lesen. » | Von Kurt Stukenberg | Donnerstag, 8. Juli 2021
46,6, 47,9, 49,5 Grad: Das kanadische Örtchen Lytton riss in der vergangenen Woche gleich drei Temperaturrekorde hintereinander – an drei aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen. Der bisher höchste je gemessene Wert in Kanada betrug 45 Grad, das war 1937. Nur einen Tag nach den jüngsten Meldungen wurde der Ort durch einen Brand nahezu vollständig zerstört.
Ist das Schicksal von Lytton ein Menetekel für die eskalierende Klimakrise? Laut den Befunden einer Schnellstudie führender Klimawissenschaftler, die dem SPIEGEL vorliegt, kann man das durchaus so lesen. » | Von Kurt Stukenberg | Donnerstag, 8. Juli 2021
EuroMillions : quel est le secret du gagnant de 30 millions d’euros ?
9 -17-21-33-39, ainsi que les étoiles 7 et 11. C’est en cochant cette combinaison qu’un père de famille a remporté 30 millions d’euros à l’EuroMillions, le 11 juin dernier, à Châtellerault dans la Vienne. Seul Français vainqueur d’une super cagnotte en 2021 pour l’instant, le nouveau millionnaire n’avait pas choisi ces nombres au hasard, assure la Française des jeux au Parisien. Le vainqueur, qui a désiré conserver son anonymat, s’est appuyé au fil des années sur des statistiques et des formules mathématiques bien à lui avant de valider ses bulletins à l’EuroMillions. » | Par LePoint.fr | mercredi 7. juillet 2021
Indonesien: „Ich habe noch nie so eine Krankheit erlebt“
Die Grundschullehrerin Susi Johannes erinnert sich selbst nicht mehr daran, wie sie eingeliefert wurde. Sie hatte schon das Bewusstsein verloren, als ihr Ehemann sie zusammen mit einem Bekannten auf dem Motorrad in das Krankenhaus im Westen Jakartas brachte. „Es fiel mir schwer zu atmen. Mein Brustkorb fühlte sich so schwer an, als ob jemand einen Stein darauf gelegt hätte“, berichtet die 52 Jahre alte Covid-19-Patientin der F.A.Z. aus dem Krankenhaus.
Zuvor hatte ihre Familie vergeblich versucht, in mehreren Krankenhäusern Jakartas ein Bett für sie zu ergattern. Sie war kurz nach ihrem positiven Testergebnis Mitte Juni schon einmal eingewiesen, dann aber wieder entlassen worden. Einige Tage später verschlechterte sich ihr Zustand, die Sauerstoffsättigung in ihrem Blut fiel auf einen gefährlich niedrigen Wert. „Ich habe noch nie so eine Krankheit erlebt“, sagt die Indonesierin, die neben den Lungenschmerzen vor allem an Fieber und Kopfschmerzen leidet. » | Von Till Fähnders, Singapur | Donnerstag, 8. Juli 2021
Le président haïtien Jovenel Moïse assassiné
Haïti poursuit sa descente aux enfers. Cette fois, c'est le président Jovenel Moïse qui a été assassiné dans sa résidence privée dans la nuit de mardi à mercredi. Une bande armée aurait pénétré chez lui, le tuant et blessant de deux balles son épouse, qui a été transférée à l'hôpital. Elle était dans un état très critique mercredi après-midi et devait être évacuée à Miami, selon l'ambassadeur haïtien aux États-Unis, Bocchit Edmond. Alors que la garde présidentielle est composée d'une trentaine de personnes, le commando semble être entré puis être sorti de la résidence du président sans incident. C'est le premier ministre Claude Joseph qui a annoncé les meurtres. » | Par Patrick Bèle | mercredi 7 juillet 2021
Haitis Präsident Jovenel Moïse ermordet »
Après l’assassinat du président Jovenel Moïse en Haïti, quatre « mercenaires » tués »
Vatican : dix responsables bientôt jugés pour un scandale financier
Le Vatican est secoué par un scandale financier de grande ampleur. Le 3 juillet dernier, le Saint-Siège a annoncé le renvoi de dix personnes devant son tribunal pénal. Elles devront répondre notamment des chefs de détournement de fonds, abus de pouvoir, extorsion, corruption, subornation de témoin, blanchiment et fraude. En cause : l’achat ruineux d’un immeuble de standing à Londres, explique Catholic News Agency.
L’investissement au cœur du scandale est un immeuble dans le chic quartier londonien de Chelsea, sur Sloane Avenue, 17 000 mètres transformés en une cinquantaine d’appartements de luxe. Entre juin 2013 et février 2014, Secrétairerie d'État (le gouvernement du Vatican) emprunte 200 millions de dollars (170 millions d’euros) au Crédit Suisse pour investir dans le fonds de l’homme d’affaires italien Raffaele Mincione, Athena Capital Global Opportunities. Au 30 septembre 2018, les actions ont déjà perdu plus de 18 millions d’euros de leur valeur et « la perte globale est estimée à un montant beaucoup plus important », écrit Vatican News. » | LePoint.fr (avec AFP) | jeudi 8 juillet 2021
When Will Monaco Reach Herd Immunity?
The latest data by the Prince’s government shows that, as of 1st July, 20,178 people in Monaco had received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, equivalent to 58.6% of the eligible population aged 12 and older. Of those, 88% had also received their second shot.
While the figure places Monaco high in the chart of vaccination rates per country – the United Arab Emirates has a vaccination figure of 64%, followed by Chile with 57% and the UK at 50% – it does mean that close to 40% of the eligible population in Monaco is still unvaccinated, despite ample supplies.
Health authorities are continuing their push for everyone over the age of 12 to take advantage of Monaco’s vaccination programme, which uses Pfizer exclusively. As of 28th June, even cross-border workers employed in the public sector are now able to access the free shot. » | Cassandra Tanti | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Outrage over Crackdown on LGBTQ WeChat Accounts in China
An online clampdown of social media accounts associated with China’s campus LGBTQ movement has sparked outrage, solidarity and backlash against the authorities’ treatment of the country’s sexual and gender minorities.
Dozens of WeChat accounts run by LGBTQ university students were blocked and then deleted on Tuesday, without warning. Some of the accounts – a mix of registered student clubs and unofficial grassroots groups – had operated for years as safe spaces for China’s LGBTQ youth, with tens of thousands of followers.
Attempts to access the WeChat accounts were met with an error message which said the content had been blocked and account deactivated “after receiving relevant complaints”. Other messages said the accounts “had violated regulations on the management of accounts offering public information service on the Chinese internet”, Reuters reported. » | Vincent Ni, China affairs correspondent, and Helen Davidson in Taipei | Thursday, July 8, 2021
China's LGBTQ+ community seize census chance to stand up and be counted »
Australia Covid Update: NSW Records 38 Cases, Highest Daily Number Since Sydney Outbreak Began
THE GUARDIAN: Gladys Berejiklian urged people to restrict movement and not visit family members unnecessarily during Sydney lockdown, as Queensland recorded two coronavirus cases
New South Wales has recorded 38 new local Covid-19 cases, including 20 people who were in the community for part or all of their infectious period, as the premier urged people to further restrict their movement.
Gladys Berejiklian said on Thursday those numbers, the highest in NSW since the current outbreak began, were “too high” but that it was still “achievable” for the lockdown to end next Friday, “assuming everybody does the right thing”
. But she backed away from a suggestion NSW would just lift lockdown regardless of case numbers, saying “you can’t live with the Delta variant unless you have a certain proportion of the population vaccinated”.
“We need to get those numbers down,” she said. » | Australian Associated Press and Calla Wahlquist | Thursday, July 8, 2021
New South Wales has recorded 38 new local Covid-19 cases, including 20 people who were in the community for part or all of their infectious period, as the premier urged people to further restrict their movement.
Gladys Berejiklian said on Thursday those numbers, the highest in NSW since the current outbreak began, were “too high” but that it was still “achievable” for the lockdown to end next Friday, “assuming everybody does the right thing”
. But she backed away from a suggestion NSW would just lift lockdown regardless of case numbers, saying “you can’t live with the Delta variant unless you have a certain proportion of the population vaccinated”.
“We need to get those numbers down,” she said. » | Australian Associated Press and Calla Wahlquist | Thursday, July 8, 2021
Wednesday, July 07, 2021
Cambridge University Accused of Faustian Pact in Planned £400m Deal with UAE
The University of Cambridge has been accused of entering “a Faustian pact” over plans for a £400m collaboration with the United Arab Emirates in what would be the biggest deal of its kind in the university’s history.
According to internal documents seen by the Guardian, the 10-year collaboration would help Cambridge, one of the wealthiest higher education institutions in the UK, “weather the challenges faced by universities as a result of Covid, Brexit and a constrained funding environment”.
The documents state that the UAE has pledged to commit £312m – the biggest single donation by far that the university has received – and £90m will be paid in kind through Cambridge staff time. » | Sally Weale | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Netherlands Crime Journalist Peter R. de Vries Shot in Amsterdam | DW News
Jul 7, 2021 • Dutch crime journalist Peter R. de Vries was fighting for his life after being shot and wounded in a gun attack in the center of Amsterdam on Tuesday evening.
De Vries, 64, was taken to hospital in a seriously wounded state. He had been taking part in a live television show where he was a regular guest and was shot close to the RTL studios.
In 2019, de Vries wrote on Twitter that he had been informed by police and justice officials that he was on the hit list of a fugitive criminal.
According to NOS, de Vries had recently acted as an adviser and confidant to a state witness testifying against an alleged drug kingpin, who was extradited to the Netherlands from Dubai in 2019.
De Vries, 64, was taken to hospital in a seriously wounded state. He had been taking part in a live television show where he was a regular guest and was shot close to the RTL studios.
In 2019, de Vries wrote on Twitter that he had been informed by police and justice officials that he was on the hit list of a fugitive criminal.
According to NOS, de Vries had recently acted as an adviser and confidant to a state witness testifying against an alleged drug kingpin, who was extradited to the Netherlands from Dubai in 2019.
Franklin Graham: LGBTQ+ Pride Celebrates Sin, Like Adultery or Murder
Right-wing preacher Franklin Graham says celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride is like celebrating “lying, adultery, or murder.”
Graham’s comment came in a Facebook post Saturday, marking the end of Pride Month. He quoted the BBC as saying “Pride has gone mainstream” and went on to lament that fact. “This is an entire month set aside to celebrate a lifestyle that God defines as sin,” he said.
“The Bible also tells us that God hates pride,” he continued. “Shame on the nation that celebrates and glorifies sin.” He noted that everyone sins, but added, “Instead of celebrating and taking pride in our sin, we should come to God, our Creator, in repentance, asking Him to forgive us and cleanse us.”
Graham, who heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, founded by his late father, has a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, delivered supposedly in the name of Christianity. » | Trudy Ring | Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Isn’t it also a sin to make gazillions on the back of Jesus Christ, Mr. Graham? Jesus lived the simple life: he didn’t live high on the hog! Interestingly, Jesus said zippo about homosexuality. Moreover, if you are going to use Leviticus from the Old Testament to justify your bigotry, then you should also condemn so many other things that people do, too, including eating shellfish, adorning one’s body with tattoos, piercing one’s body, and men wearing make-up (see above)! (I very much doubt that Jesus wore make-up before making speeches to his followers as you do, Mr Graham.) I should ask you a very pertinent question: As a fervent Trump supporter, weren't you also supporting "sin" when you supported him? How many sex scandals has Trump allegedly been involved in? So, Mr Graham, let’s have a little consistency apropos of this topic, please. – © Mark
England’s Reopening Plan Is a ‘Dangerous Experiment’, Ministers Told
THE GUARDIAN: Health experts say ending most Covid rules on 19 July will affect certain groups disproportionately
Boris Johnson’s decision to lift a vast swath of Covid restrictions on 19 July is “a very dangerous experiment” that will disproportionately affect a host of people already susceptible to coronavirus, according to experts involved in an independent inquiry into the government’s pandemic response.
The damning report states that disabled people, those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds or those on low incomes are now at greater risk after rules on mask-wearing and self-isolation, as well as the requirement to work from home when possible, are set to be axed.
Dr Tolullah Oni, an epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, warned that lifting restrictions would affect communities unequally. “We’re further widening the health inequalities we’ve seen play out in the last year,” she said. » | Rachel Hall | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
What else should we expect from a dangerous, self-aggrandising fool but a “dangerous experiment”? BoJo’s government is not fit for purpose! – Mark
Just in case you have forgotten what BoJo looks like, this is he:
Boris Johnson’s decision to lift a vast swath of Covid restrictions on 19 July is “a very dangerous experiment” that will disproportionately affect a host of people already susceptible to coronavirus, according to experts involved in an independent inquiry into the government’s pandemic response.
The damning report states that disabled people, those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds or those on low incomes are now at greater risk after rules on mask-wearing and self-isolation, as well as the requirement to work from home when possible, are set to be axed.
Dr Tolullah Oni, an epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, warned that lifting restrictions would affect communities unequally. “We’re further widening the health inequalities we’ve seen play out in the last year,” she said. » | Rachel Hall | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
What else should we expect from a dangerous, self-aggrandising fool but a “dangerous experiment”? BoJo’s government is not fit for purpose! – Mark
Just in case you have forgotten what BoJo looks like, this is he:
LGBT : si Budapest ne revient pas sur sa loi, l’UE lancera une procédure
“Si la Hongrie ne corrige pas le tir, la Commission fera usage des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés en sa qualité de gardienne de traités”, a déclaré la responsable allemande devant le Parlement européen. Elle a de nouveau qualifié de “honte” cette loi interdisant la diffusion de contenus sur l’homosexualité auprès des mineurs. » | AFP/LQ | mercredi 7 juillet 2021
Peru’s Middle Class Shrank by Almost Half in 2020
THE RIO TIMES: According to the new data, only 24% of Peruvians now belong to that category against 43.6% in 2019 due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus health crisis.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A new study released Tuesday (6) by the Institute of Economics and Business Development (Iedep) of the Lima Chamber of Commerce showed that some 6.3 million Peruvians fell out of the country’s middle-class social group during 2020.
According to the new data, only 24% of Peruvians now belong to that category against 43.6% in 2019 due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus health crisis.
The Iedep survey specified that 7.9 million people remain within the concept of the middle class, while that group consisted of about 14 million in 2019.
To be classified into that category, individuals need to at least live in four-person households with monthly incomes ranging between S/2,150 and S/10,750 (between US$560 and US$2,795).
The coronavirus crisis has thus dealt a severe blow to the country’s fight against poverty which can also be expressed as a ten-year setback, as the number of people under that line grew to be 30.1% of the population during 2020, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI). » | Latin America News | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
More news from Peru HERE »
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A new study released Tuesday (6) by the Institute of Economics and Business Development (Iedep) of the Lima Chamber of Commerce showed that some 6.3 million Peruvians fell out of the country’s middle-class social group during 2020.
According to the new data, only 24% of Peruvians now belong to that category against 43.6% in 2019 due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus health crisis.
The Iedep survey specified that 7.9 million people remain within the concept of the middle class, while that group consisted of about 14 million in 2019.
To be classified into that category, individuals need to at least live in four-person households with monthly incomes ranging between S/2,150 and S/10,750 (between US$560 and US$2,795).
The coronavirus crisis has thus dealt a severe blow to the country’s fight against poverty which can also be expressed as a ten-year setback, as the number of people under that line grew to be 30.1% of the population during 2020, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI). » | Latin America News | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
More news from Peru HERE »
«Tschüss Schweiz» – Warum Deutsche der Schweiz den Rücken kehren | Reportage | SRF DOK
Feb 11, 2014 • Es gibt gute Gründe, warum Deutsche der Schweiz den Rücken kehren. Heimweh, ein erfreulicher Arbeitsmarkt, staatliche Rundumhilfe bei der Job- und Wohnungssuche.
Dann aber gibt es Deutsche, die sich in der Schweiz beim besten Willen nicht emotional ansiedeln können. Zwei bewegende Beispiele.
Dann aber gibt es Deutsche, die sich in der Schweiz beim besten Willen nicht emotional ansiedeln können. Zwei bewegende Beispiele.
How the 20-Year War Changed Afghanistan | FT Film
One Year of China's Hong Kong Security Law | DW News
Jun 30, 2021 • Global rights group Amnesty International sharply criticized the national security law the Chinese government imposed on Hong Kong one year ago. It has created a "human rights emergency" in the city, it said.
Hong Kong authorities have been using the law to target dissent and justify "censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights," Amnesty added.
"In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," Amnesty's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra said.
China introduced the controversial national security law a year ago to crack down on what it deems subversion, secessionism, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.
Beijing insisted the measure was needed to restore stability in Hong Kong, which witnessed huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. But rights activists and critics of the Chinese government view it as a means for Beijing to impose its will on Hong Kong and crush dissent.
Hong Kong authorities have been using the law to target dissent and justify "censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights," Amnesty added.
"In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," Amnesty's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra said.
China introduced the controversial national security law a year ago to crack down on what it deems subversion, secessionism, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.
Beijing insisted the measure was needed to restore stability in Hong Kong, which witnessed huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. But rights activists and critics of the Chinese government view it as a means for Beijing to impose its will on Hong Kong and crush dissent.
Myanmar Police Defect to Anti-government Militias as Civil War Looms - BBC News
Jul 7, 2021 • As Myanmar heads towards a new civil war, the police are coming under intense pressure to decide whether to stay loyal to the military or join the civilian militia, the People’s Defence Force.
Since the military coup on 1 February, police have been used to brutally suppress mass protests. Some protesters have taken up arms to fight back, forming civilian militias called the People’s Defence Force.
The BBC has been given rare access to the first group of police officers who defected and joined the people’s side. Some of those officers even say they’re prepared to use their weapons against their former colleagues.
Since the military coup on 1 February, police have been used to brutally suppress mass protests. Some protesters have taken up arms to fight back, forming civilian militias called the People’s Defence Force.
The BBC has been given rare access to the first group of police officers who defected and joined the people’s side. Some of those officers even say they’re prepared to use their weapons against their former colleagues.
COVID in Latin America: Peru Struggles with Lamda Variant +++ Cuba Ships Out Vaccine | DW News
EU Urged to Suspend Funds to Hungary over ‘Grave Breaches of the Rule of Law’
Ursula von der Leyen is being urged to suspend EU funds to Hungary to force Viktor Orbán to address concerns over politicised courts and corruption.
MEPs who work on the European parliament’s budgetary control committee are calling on the European Commission president to use a newly created EU law to freeze payments to Hungary for “grave breaches of the rule of law”.
It is the latest salvo against the Hungarian prime minister, who last month faced unprecedented criticism from fellow EU leaders over a law that bans the depiction of gay people in educational material. The European parliament is expected to condemn that law in a resolution on Thursday that will urge the commission to launch a fast-track legal case against Hungary over discrimination against LGBT people. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Trump Told Chief of Staff Hitler ‘Did a Lot of Good Things’, Book Says
On a visit to Europe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war, Donald Trump insisted to his then chief of staff, John Kelly: “Well, Hitler did a lot of good things.”
The remark from the former US president on the 2018 trip, which reportedly “stunned” Kelly, a retired US Marine Corps general, is reported in a new book by Michael Bender of the Wall Street Journal.
Frankly, We Did Win This Election has been widely trailed ahead of publication next week. The Guardian obtained a copy.
Bender reports that Trump made the remark during an impromptu history lesson in which Kelly “reminded the president which countries were on which side during the conflict” and “connected the dots from the first world war to the second world war and all of Hitler’s atrocities”.
Bender is one of a number of authors to have interviewed Trump since he was ejected from power.
He reports that Trump denied making the remark about Hitler.
But Bender says unnamed sources reported that Kelly “told the president that he was wrong, but Trump was undeterred”, emphasizing German economic recovery under Hitler during the 1930s. » | Martin Pengelly in Washington | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Nightmare Scenario review: Trump, Covid and a lasting national trauma »
Can You Be Gay in China? | Ricky Bradbury
What Do the Chinese Think of Gays?
Chinese Court Ruled Homosexuality Can Be a Mental Disorder
Welsh Red: Ex-postal Worker and Retired Nurse Grab Gold with a Pinot Noir
First it was English winemakers that had vineyards in traditional wine-making regions such as France looking over their shoulder, now it is Wales, after a “deliciously fresh” pinot noir from Monmouthshire scooped a prestigious wine award.
White Castle Vineyard’s “pinot noir reserve 2018”, a red wine that costs £25.50 a bottle, has become the first Welsh vintage to win a gold medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
Robb Merchant, a former Royal Mail worker who runs White Castle with his wife, Nicola, a retired nurse, described the win as “fantastic” for the vineyard which had been his “wife’s dream” to establish. » | Zoe Wood | Wednesday, July 7, 2021
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