📹 Thousands perform ceremonial namaz in Mashhad ahead of Ebrahim Raisi's funeral ceremony
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📹 A Ukrainian border guard who was captured on the Kharkov section of the front line told Sputnik that a company stronghold near the Ukrainian border with Russia existed only on paper, while in reality just a single platoon served there.
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Juraj Cintula, who shot Slovak PM Robert Fico, planned the crime two days before it was carried out, the Pravda news portal reported.
Cintula had prepared two pistol clips for the assassination attempt. According to the portal, he stated that he did not want to kill Fico, but only intended to "damage his health" in order to prevent him from serving as prime minister.
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Cintula had prepared two pistol clips for the assassination attempt. According to the portal, he stated that he did not want to kill Fico, but only intended to "damage his health" in order to prevent him from serving as prime minister.
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📹 Thousands perform ceremonial namaz in Mashhad ahead of Ebrahim Raisi's funeral ceremony 📌 Subscribe to @SputnikInt
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What is known about New Caledonia population, which protests against French colonial policy?
French President Emmanuel Macron visited New Caledonia, where The local Kanak population has rioting for more than a week and the situation remains tense. What are they fighting for?
🔸The anger voiced by independence supporters in New Caledonia is directed against a new constitutional amendment recently passed by the French parliament. It seeks to enable more than 25,000 French people in New Caledonia to vote in elections. Kanaks are convinced that the political weight of their community will be weakened as a result.
🔸The population of the islands, according to the 2019 census, is 271,000 people. The largest national group is the indigenous Kanak population (41%) followed by Europeans (24%).
🔸 French authority in the region is exercised by the High Commissioner. He is appointed by the French president. Executive power is exercised by the local government, all members of which are Kanaks. France transferred most powers to the Kanak government, retaining control of of defense, foreign and monetary policy and justice. The neew law may change that.
🔸Some Kanaks demand independence from France. In referenda held in 2018 and 2020, only 44% and 47% of participants voted in favor of independence. A 2021 referendum was boycotted by independence parties, leading to a skewed result of 97% against.
🔸French High Commissioner Louis Le Frank blames the unrest on the Field Coordination Cell (CCAT), which launched protests at the beginning of last week. The party called on social media for demonstrators to display Kanak flags and banners opposing the French amendment.
🔸Members of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) also participate in mass riots. Its leader Jimmy Naouna wants Macron to scrap the electoral reform during his visit here.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited New Caledonia, where The local Kanak population has rioting for more than a week and the situation remains tense. What are they fighting for?
🔸The anger voiced by independence supporters in New Caledonia is directed against a new constitutional amendment recently passed by the French parliament. It seeks to enable more than 25,000 French people in New Caledonia to vote in elections. Kanaks are convinced that the political weight of their community will be weakened as a result.
🔸The population of the islands, according to the 2019 census, is 271,000 people. The largest national group is the indigenous Kanak population (41%) followed by Europeans (24%).
🔸 French authority in the region is exercised by the High Commissioner. He is appointed by the French president. Executive power is exercised by the local government, all members of which are Kanaks. France transferred most powers to the Kanak government, retaining control of of defense, foreign and monetary policy and justice. The neew law may change that.
🔸Some Kanaks demand independence from France. In referenda held in 2018 and 2020, only 44% and 47% of participants voted in favor of independence. A 2021 referendum was boycotted by independence parties, leading to a skewed result of 97% against.
🔸French High Commissioner Louis Le Frank blames the unrest on the Field Coordination Cell (CCAT), which launched protests at the beginning of last week. The party called on social media for demonstrators to display Kanak flags and banners opposing the French amendment.
🔸Members of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) also participate in mass riots. Its leader Jimmy Naouna wants Macron to scrap the electoral reform during his visit here.
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Republika Srpska set to put forward deal on peaceful division of Bosnia and Herzegovina within 30 days, regional leader Milorad Dodik says.
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“Today, we are beginning with a formal decision to seek a peaceful demarcation. Our first step will be to propose clarifying the political responsibilities for all entities involved, while maintaining the current economic model in order to adapt it to a model of peaceful demarcation over the course of a few years,” he said.
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Congressional warmonger trots out ‘map of Russia’ to 'untie Ukraine's hands' for deep strikes
A map of Russian territory has been trotted out by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul as a prop in Congress, as seen from footage published by C-SPAN.
McCaul was fervently advocating dropping US restrictions for Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia. McCaul rattled off a list of weapons funneled to the Kiev regime, including long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and HIMARS, claiming that restrictions on their use meant that Ukrainians had “they hands tied behind their backs.”
McCaul pointed to the zone that ATACMS missiles could cover as he pressured US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the matter. He also recognized that “we have a really bad situation going on,” in reference to Kiev’s battlefront woes in the face of the Russian army’s steady advance.
As Blinken was testifying before the House Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) noted that, “Congress did not put restrictions on the use of these weapons. It's Jake Sullivan and your administration that has put the restrictions on these weapons.”
Blinken dodged a direct answer, saying that when it comes to endorsing attacks outside of Ukraine, “that’s not something the US has done.” The Ukrainian side will have to make its own decisions, said Blinken.
Earlier, Politico cited a letter by lawmakers from both parties in the US House of Representatives calling on US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to authorize "the use of US-provided weapons to strike strategic targets within Russian territory under certain circumstances."
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “hotheads” in Congress seemed determined to further provoke tensions around Ukraine and follow Washington's general policy of fueling the proxy conflict to the last Ukrainian.
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A map of Russian territory has been trotted out by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul as a prop in Congress, as seen from footage published by C-SPAN.
McCaul was fervently advocating dropping US restrictions for Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia. McCaul rattled off a list of weapons funneled to the Kiev regime, including long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and HIMARS, claiming that restrictions on their use meant that Ukrainians had “they hands tied behind their backs.”
McCaul pointed to the zone that ATACMS missiles could cover as he pressured US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the matter. He also recognized that “we have a really bad situation going on,” in reference to Kiev’s battlefront woes in the face of the Russian army’s steady advance.
As Blinken was testifying before the House Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) noted that, “Congress did not put restrictions on the use of these weapons. It's Jake Sullivan and your administration that has put the restrictions on these weapons.”
Blinken dodged a direct answer, saying that when it comes to endorsing attacks outside of Ukraine, “that’s not something the US has done.” The Ukrainian side will have to make its own decisions, said Blinken.
Earlier, Politico cited a letter by lawmakers from both parties in the US House of Representatives calling on US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to authorize "the use of US-provided weapons to strike strategic targets within Russian territory under certain circumstances."
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “hotheads” in Congress seemed determined to further provoke tensions around Ukraine and follow Washington's general policy of fueling the proxy conflict to the last Ukrainian.
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Russian President Putin to visit Uzbekistan on Sunday and Monday, presidential aide Ushakov said.
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Putin gifted the King of Bahrain with a “long version” of Aurus limo, presidential aide Ushakov said.
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B-2 to B-21: Can Pentagon avoid mistakes that turned its 'backbone' stealth bomber into white elephant?
The US Air Force recently released new images of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bomber during tests at Edwards Air Force Base. The B-21 is expected to join the Air Force fleet between 2025 and 2027, while the aging B-2 Spirit bombers take up the slack until then.
At first glance, the B-21 and B-2 bombers may seem alike. Both boast a sleek, flying wedge-shaped design, ideal for stealthy infiltration into enemy territory for various missions.
B-2 vs. B-21: What changed?
🔸 Payload and Size Differences: Despite their visual similarities, the B-21 is notably smaller than its predecessor, the B-2. This translates to a reduced payload capacity, with the B-21 carrying 10-15 tons compared to the B-2's 18-23 tons. Additionally, the B-21 has a smaller fuel capacity, offering a range of 9,650 km versus the B-2's 11,100 km.
- Engine Configuration: The B-21 features a twin-engine configuration inherited from the Pratt & Whitney F135, while the B-2 is equipped with four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans.
🔸 Stealth Advancements: Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has promised that the B-21 incorporates the latest advances in stealth technology, and that the plane will be able to elude even sophisticated air defenses. Only time will tell.
🔸 Symbolic Naming: While B-2s were named after US states, the B-21 breaks tradition by being named after the Doolittle Raiders, a group of daring WWII-era airmen who played a pivotal role in early air campaigns, including the bombing of Tokyo in 1942.
What hasn’t changed: same high-prices
The B-2, priced at over $2.1 billion each, holds the noscript of the world’s most expensive aircraft. Northrop Grumman's B-21, promised at $692 million per plane, may still exceed this figure. With the Air Force planning to acquire at least 100 B-21s, totaling $69.2 billion, additional expenses like service costs and maintenance could push the overall costs into the trillions.
The US Air Force recently released new images of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bomber during tests at Edwards Air Force Base. The B-21 is expected to join the Air Force fleet between 2025 and 2027, while the aging B-2 Spirit bombers take up the slack until then.
At first glance, the B-21 and B-2 bombers may seem alike. Both boast a sleek, flying wedge-shaped design, ideal for stealthy infiltration into enemy territory for various missions.
B-2 vs. B-21: What changed?
🔸 Payload and Size Differences: Despite their visual similarities, the B-21 is notably smaller than its predecessor, the B-2. This translates to a reduced payload capacity, with the B-21 carrying 10-15 tons compared to the B-2's 18-23 tons. Additionally, the B-21 has a smaller fuel capacity, offering a range of 9,650 km versus the B-2's 11,100 km.
- Engine Configuration: The B-21 features a twin-engine configuration inherited from the Pratt & Whitney F135, while the B-2 is equipped with four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans.
🔸 Stealth Advancements: Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has promised that the B-21 incorporates the latest advances in stealth technology, and that the plane will be able to elude even sophisticated air defenses. Only time will tell.
🔸 Symbolic Naming: While B-2s were named after US states, the B-21 breaks tradition by being named after the Doolittle Raiders, a group of daring WWII-era airmen who played a pivotal role in early air campaigns, including the bombing of Tokyo in 1942.
What hasn’t changed: same high-prices
The B-2, priced at over $2.1 billion each, holds the noscript of the world’s most expensive aircraft. Northrop Grumman's B-21, promised at $692 million per plane, may still exceed this figure. With the Air Force planning to acquire at least 100 B-21s, totaling $69.2 billion, additional expenses like service costs and maintenance could push the overall costs into the trillions.
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🎥The funeral procession of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi takes place in Mashhad, Iran.
According to the mayor of Mashhad, three million people have already taken to the streets to bid farewell to Raisi as the funeral procession moves slowly through the city.
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According to the mayor of Mashhad, three million people have already taken to the streets to bid farewell to Raisi as the funeral procession moves slowly through the city.
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Sputnik International
What is known about New Caledonia population, which protests against French colonial policy? French President Emmanuel Macron visited New Caledonia, where The local Kanak population has rioting for more than a week and the situation remains tense. What are…
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🇳🇨 New Caledonia uprising puts France and Australia on geopolitical collision course
Both countries want to have the small Pacific archipelago in their sphere of influence. If France fails to crack down the mass riots and protests, Australia could very well step in and take advantage of the crisis.
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Both countries want to have the small Pacific archipelago in their sphere of influence. If France fails to crack down the mass riots and protests, Australia could very well step in and take advantage of the crisis.
“Australia could definitely fund the indigenous resistance movement, support them and, if necessary, as Australia has been very robust in the last few days, deploy its military or deploy the Royal Australian Air Force.”
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What the EU mission in Rafah reportedly proposed by the US is about
The US is brokering talks between Israel and Egypt to have a neutral third party take over control of the Rafah border crossing in Gaza, Politico reported, citing sources.
After exploring several options, the US has set its sights on the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) as best suited for the task, the report added.
The Biden administration has been juggling fittingly “outraged” rhetoric about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza with maintaining a lucrative weapons flow to its ally. After issuing warnings to Tel Aviv about the consequences of a full-blown Rafah offensive – warnings largely dismissed by Israel – Washington is now reportedly trying on the role of Rafah stalemate “mediator.”
If the EU group is sold on the idea, then the crossing could reportedly open in the next several weeks.
Here’s why the US is pushing for a “third party” to control Rafah:
◾️ Egypt suggested that control over the crossing point be handed back to officials of the Palestinian-run Gaza Crossings Authority who used to operate it.
◾️ Israel has resisted this over security-related concerns, claiming members of Hamas were among those overseeing the crossing.
◾️ EUBAM has experience operating at the border in Gaza. It was deployed there in 2005 in accordance with the “Agreed Principles for Rafah Crossing” concluded by Israel and the Palestinian Authority
◾️ The unarmed civilian mission consisted of about 70 personnel, mainly police, border police, and customs officers. It professed to offer a “third party” presence to liaison between Palestinian, Israeli, and Egyptian authorities.
◾️ EUBAM suspended its operations in Rafah in 2007 following Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip, citing inability of the Palestinian Authority to provide security for the EU monitors.
◾️ Since then, the mission has maintained its readiness to redeploy to Rafah.
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The US is brokering talks between Israel and Egypt to have a neutral third party take over control of the Rafah border crossing in Gaza, Politico reported, citing sources.
After exploring several options, the US has set its sights on the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) as best suited for the task, the report added.
The Biden administration has been juggling fittingly “outraged” rhetoric about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza with maintaining a lucrative weapons flow to its ally. After issuing warnings to Tel Aviv about the consequences of a full-blown Rafah offensive – warnings largely dismissed by Israel – Washington is now reportedly trying on the role of Rafah stalemate “mediator.”
If the EU group is sold on the idea, then the crossing could reportedly open in the next several weeks.
Here’s why the US is pushing for a “third party” to control Rafah:
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21st century scramble for East Africa: Why is US sweet-talking Kenya?
Kenyan President William Ruto is the first African leader to make a state visit to the US since 2008, with Washington rolling out the red carpet in a no-expense spared push to sweet-talk the strategically-situated East African nation.
🔸 At first glance, Kenya’s significance to Washington may seem uncertain, with trade reaching a modest $1.3 billion in 2023 ($443 million in US exports, $895 million in Kenyan exports).
🔸 The US will announce a $250 million investment package via the US International Development Finance Corporation. On the eve of Ruto’s visit, USAID announced $32 million in funding for Kenya’s education system, while the State Department unveiled a $3.3 million scholarship program.
Notably, US pledges do not include road, bridge and railway infrastructure African countries need, with China committing $5.6 billion in infrastructure assistance to Kenya since 2013 alone.
🔸 A pro-US stronghold during the Cold War and a frontline ally during the so-called ‘war on terror’, Kenya is now a crucial bridgehead for US military operations across East Africa, enjoying access to the Camp Simba, Mombassa and Wajir bases. US deployments in Kenya top 1,000 troops, and the nation’s significance has grown over time after other African countries, including Niger and Chad, began kicking US forces out.
🔸 The US is also interested in Kenyans as potential foot soldiers to enforce its ‘international rules-based order’, with Kenyan forces expected to lead an international intervention in Haiti (providing 1,000 militarized police), for which Nairobi expects $300 million in support.
🔸 Finally, the US is set to designate Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in Sub-Saharan Africa, giving Nairobi access to concessionary loans, US arms stockpiles, and new opportunities for joint training, while giving Washington a chance to expand the size of its footprint in Africa.
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Kenyan President William Ruto is the first African leader to make a state visit to the US since 2008, with Washington rolling out the red carpet in a no-expense spared push to sweet-talk the strategically-situated East African nation.
🔸 At first glance, Kenya’s significance to Washington may seem uncertain, with trade reaching a modest $1.3 billion in 2023 ($443 million in US exports, $895 million in Kenyan exports).
🔸 The US will announce a $250 million investment package via the US International Development Finance Corporation. On the eve of Ruto’s visit, USAID announced $32 million in funding for Kenya’s education system, while the State Department unveiled a $3.3 million scholarship program.
Notably, US pledges do not include road, bridge and railway infrastructure African countries need, with China committing $5.6 billion in infrastructure assistance to Kenya since 2013 alone.
🔸 A pro-US stronghold during the Cold War and a frontline ally during the so-called ‘war on terror’, Kenya is now a crucial bridgehead for US military operations across East Africa, enjoying access to the Camp Simba, Mombassa and Wajir bases. US deployments in Kenya top 1,000 troops, and the nation’s significance has grown over time after other African countries, including Niger and Chad, began kicking US forces out.
🔸 The US is also interested in Kenyans as potential foot soldiers to enforce its ‘international rules-based order’, with Kenyan forces expected to lead an international intervention in Haiti (providing 1,000 militarized police), for which Nairobi expects $300 million in support.
🔸 Finally, the US is set to designate Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in Sub-Saharan Africa, giving Nairobi access to concessionary loans, US arms stockpiles, and new opportunities for joint training, while giving Washington a chance to expand the size of its footprint in Africa.
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Emmanuel Macron has rejected electoral reform in New Caledonia “by force,” giving the parties several weeks to work out an agreement amid the unrest
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Unpacking the aftermath of the 1995 Srebrenica events: UN considers ‘genocide’ resolution
The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a draft resolution put forth by Germany and Rwanda that aims to outlaw the denial of the genocide in Srebrenica, which occurred on the territory of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, both Serbia and Republika Srpska are vehemently against the resolution. What happened then?
◾️In July 1995, the town of Srebrenica, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina near the border with Yugoslavia, came under the control of Serbian forces led by General Ratko Mladic. It is estimated that approximately 8,100 local Muslims perished or went missing, according to data from the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) and other organizations. However, some experts believe that these figures may be overblown.
◾️Serbia and the Republika Srpska acknowledge the deaths of Bosnian Muslim men in Srebrenica, but they both reject the label of genocide.
◾️Serbian President Vucic noted that the UN, by pushing a resolution on the “genocide in Srebrenica” in the General Assembly, is taking revenge on Serbia for its independent policy and the failure of Western policy in other parts of the world.
◾️In turn, Republika Srpska President Dodik highlighted that in July 1995 a criminal mistake was committed in Srebrenica, but not an act of genocide.
◾️Russia has repeatedly criticized the work of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which raised the issue of genocide in Srebrenica, castigating its work biased. Back in 2012, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the tribunal of political bias and double standards in its approach to cases.
◾️In 2024, Russia has also categorically opposed the draft resolution. Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, called on "all sensible countries to do the same." In his opinion, it is “one-sided and has nothing to do with the stated goal of perpetuating the memory of the victims of the 1995 tragedy.”
The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a draft resolution put forth by Germany and Rwanda that aims to outlaw the denial of the genocide in Srebrenica, which occurred on the territory of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, both Serbia and Republika Srpska are vehemently against the resolution. What happened then?
◾️In July 1995, the town of Srebrenica, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina near the border with Yugoslavia, came under the control of Serbian forces led by General Ratko Mladic. It is estimated that approximately 8,100 local Muslims perished or went missing, according to data from the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) and other organizations. However, some experts believe that these figures may be overblown.
◾️Serbia and the Republika Srpska acknowledge the deaths of Bosnian Muslim men in Srebrenica, but they both reject the label of genocide.
◾️Serbian President Vucic noted that the UN, by pushing a resolution on the “genocide in Srebrenica” in the General Assembly, is taking revenge on Serbia for its independent policy and the failure of Western policy in other parts of the world.
◾️In turn, Republika Srpska President Dodik highlighted that in July 1995 a criminal mistake was committed in Srebrenica, but not an act of genocide.
◾️Russia has repeatedly criticized the work of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which raised the issue of genocide in Srebrenica, castigating its work biased. Back in 2012, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the tribunal of political bias and double standards in its approach to cases.
◾️In 2024, Russia has also categorically opposed the draft resolution. Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, called on "all sensible countries to do the same." In his opinion, it is “one-sided and has nothing to do with the stated goal of perpetuating the memory of the victims of the 1995 tragedy.”
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🤡 Israel's "self-defense war is more humane" than that of any other country in the world's history," Nikki Haley claims
US President Joe Biden's recent decision to suspend an arms shipment of 1,800 2,000lb bombs and 1,700 500lb bombs to Israel represents a "totally false and destructive narrative that Israel is acting unjustly," former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the death toll from Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated on October 7, 2023 has exceeded 35,000 as of May 13. Most of the dead are women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities.
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US President Joe Biden's recent decision to suspend an arms shipment of 1,800 2,000lb bombs and 1,700 500lb bombs to Israel represents a "totally false and destructive narrative that Israel is acting unjustly," former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said on Wednesday.
"Israel is conducting its war of self-defense more humanely than any army in history," Haley said during a seminar at the conservative Hudson Institute think-tank.
Meanwhile, the death toll from Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated on October 7, 2023 has exceeded 35,000 as of May 13. Most of the dead are women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities.
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Why is the Srebrenica resolution voted on by the UNGA today a politicized document?
Germany and Rwanda's draft resolution is currently under review by the UNGA in New York. Efraim Zuroff, Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre for hunting Nazi criminals, criticized it as political and deemed the UNGA as a “worst place” for such a vote. As an expert on the Jewish genocide, Zuroff's opinion carries weight.
Here are the arguments by Zuroff and other commentators:
▪️ The Bosnian Muslim leadership is the true force behind the resolution, using Germany and Rwanda as proxies. Consequently, the resolution is not impartial but driven by a party to the conflict
▪️ The resolution will not “reveal the hidden truth” as Belgrade and Banja Luka acknowledge executions in Srebrenica but reject the "genocide" label
▪️ The resolution won't "deliver justice" by demanding apologies from one side, as Serbia has already apologized numerous times for the Srebrenica massacre. Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic issued the last official apology in 2013. “I am on my knees, I ask you for forgiveness for the crimes that were committed in Srebrenica and other places in the name of our people. But I reject the definition of genocide,” Nikolic said
▪️ Serbian President Vucic, who was then prime minister, visited the memorial to the victims of Srebrenica in 2015
▪️ Western sponsors of the resolution argue that "criminal accountability" should not be attributed to any ethnic group, but that is not true in practice. All seven heads of post-Yugoslav states punished by the Hague court were Serbs and not a single one was Muslim or Croat, highlighting an ethnic bias in targeting individuals, according to George Szamuely, a Budapest-based senior research fellow at the Global Policy Institute.
▪️ The resolution is aimed at establishing “collective responsibility,” as professor of law Kosta Čavoški told Sputnik, but there is no such term in modern jurisprudence, making it a politicized act of vengeance rather than a quest for justice.
Germany and Rwanda's draft resolution is currently under review by the UNGA in New York. Efraim Zuroff, Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre for hunting Nazi criminals, criticized it as political and deemed the UNGA as a “worst place” for such a vote. As an expert on the Jewish genocide, Zuroff's opinion carries weight.
Here are the arguments by Zuroff and other commentators:
▪️ The Bosnian Muslim leadership is the true force behind the resolution, using Germany and Rwanda as proxies. Consequently, the resolution is not impartial but driven by a party to the conflict
▪️ The resolution will not “reveal the hidden truth” as Belgrade and Banja Luka acknowledge executions in Srebrenica but reject the "genocide" label
▪️ The resolution won't "deliver justice" by demanding apologies from one side, as Serbia has already apologized numerous times for the Srebrenica massacre. Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic issued the last official apology in 2013. “I am on my knees, I ask you for forgiveness for the crimes that were committed in Srebrenica and other places in the name of our people. But I reject the definition of genocide,” Nikolic said
▪️ Serbian President Vucic, who was then prime minister, visited the memorial to the victims of Srebrenica in 2015
▪️ Western sponsors of the resolution argue that "criminal accountability" should not be attributed to any ethnic group, but that is not true in practice. All seven heads of post-Yugoslav states punished by the Hague court were Serbs and not a single one was Muslim or Croat, highlighting an ethnic bias in targeting individuals, according to George Szamuely, a Budapest-based senior research fellow at the Global Policy Institute.
▪️ The resolution is aimed at establishing “collective responsibility,” as professor of law Kosta Čavoški told Sputnik, but there is no such term in modern jurisprudence, making it a politicized act of vengeance rather than a quest for justice.
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