Mexico President issues ‘respectful’ criticism of Canada for new visa requirements
Mexico City, MEXICO (Reuters) – Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador issued a “respectful reproach” to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a regular press conference on Thursday for reinstating some visa requirements for Mexican nationals.
The move by Canada, reported on Wednesday, is in a bid to curb the flow of asylum seekers, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp earlier said citing a senior official.
Lopez Obrador said he felt a “small, fraternal, respectful reproach to the prime minister” for Canada’s decision but also that Mexico would act with “prudence” in response.
Brasil is to invest R$27 billion in ecological transition with international support
Partnership between the Brazilian government, the World Bank and the IDB aims to promote a green economy and attract foreign investment. International cooperation seeks to strengthen climate finance and create a favorable environment for sustainable investments in the country.
São Paulo, BRAZIL (DT) – “The time to take advantage of this window is now,” defended Rogério Ceron, Secretary of the National Treasury (STN), during the presentation of the Foreign Private Capital Mobilization and Exchange Protection Program – Eco Invest Brasil, on Monday, February 26, in São Paulo. Through international cooperation, the Brazilian government will set aside R$27 billion to boost private investment in sustainable transition projects, responding to Brasil’s priority in the forum being debated by the G20’s Sustainable Finance working group.
The cooperation aims to encourage foreign investment in sustainable projects in the country and to offer exchange rate protection solutions, so that the risks associated with exchange rate volatility are reduced and do not disrupt these investments, which are so crucial to Brasil’s ecological transformation.
Ceron recalled that the transition to a low-carbon economy is a global necessity, that economies are making efforts to make this transition and that the moment is crucial and favorable for Brasil as a unique economic and strategic opportunity. “80% of our energy matrix is already clean, which means that the country has a very significant competitive edge and, from this, can develop an entire economy. We need to immediately take advantage of this timeframe so that we don’t miss out on this historic opportunity that Brasil fortunately has the chance to have,” emphasized the secretary.
The STN secretary also explained that the economies of the Global South are fundamental to the processes of ecological transition, but have the lowest private capital effort. “It’s notorious that in the Brazilian case, and that of other emerging economies, domestic investment won’t be able to cope with all the necessary effort. It is essential to attract foreign savings to the country in order to resolve these issues,” explained Ceron.
Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), pointed out that the timing of the debate is especially important because the G20 member countries hold 80% of the world’s financial and technological resources, while they also account for almost 80% of emissions of CO² (carbon dioxide), currently approximately 31 billion tons.
“The challenge of the ecological transformation that Brasil and the world need won’t happen if we only have the hub of public investment. We’ll have to combine it with private investment, and that’s what will make the difference. If we correctly integrate the efforts of the public and private sectors, we can make a difference in an agenda that is strategic to the balance of the planet and the maintenance of life,” said Silva.
Eco Invest Brasil was developed in a partnership between the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Brasil (Banco Central do Brasil – BCB), with resources and technical support from Inter-American Development Bank (BID) and World Bank (BM), within the framework of the Brasil’s Ecological Transformation Plan.
According to Ilan Goldfajn, president of the IDB, the bank acted as a technical partner in designing the operationalization of the derivatives packline and the operationalization of the credit line. “We supported the program on two sides: one with US$3.4 billion, to help with the issue of derivatives and options; and another with US$2 billion, to provide liquidity to companies. A total of R$27 billion will be made available by the IDB to support the development, liquidity and efficiency of the country’s foreign currency protection market, by purchasing derivatives on the foreign market and passing them on to local financial institutions,” explained.
Putin warns West of risk of nuclear war, says Moscow can strike Western targets
Moscow, RUSSIA (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin told Western countries on Thursday they risked provoking a nuclear war if they sent troops to fight in Ukraine, warning that Moscow had the weapons to strike targets in the West.
The war in Ukraine has triggered the worst crisis in Moscow’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has previously spoken of the dangers of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, but his nuclear warning on Thursday was one of his most explicit.
Addressing lawmakers and other members of the country’s elite, Putin, 71, repeated his accusation that the West was bent on weakening Russia, and he suggested Western leaders did not understand how dangerous their meddling could be in what he cast as Russia’s own internal affairs.
He prefaced his nuclear warning with a specific reference to an idea, floated by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, of European NATO members sending ground troops to Ukraine – a suggestion that was quickly rejected by the United States, Germany, Britain and others.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual address to the Federal Assembly, in Moscow, Russia, February 29, 2024. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina
“(Western nations) must realise that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilisation. Don’t they get that?!” said Putin. Speaking ahead of a March 15-17 presidential election when he is certain to be re-elected for another six-year term, he lauded what he said was Russia’s vastly modernised nuclear arsenal, the largest in the world.
“Strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness,” he said, noting that new-generation hypersonic nuclear weapons he first spoke about in 2018 had either been deployed or were at a stage where development and testing were being completed. Visibly angry, Putin suggested Western politicians recall the fate of those like Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler and France’s Napoleon Bonaparte who had unsuccessfully invaded Russia in the past.
“But now the consequences will be far more tragic,” said Putin. “They think it (war) is a cartoon,” he said, accusing Western politicians of forgetting what real war meant because they had not faced the same security challenges as Russians had in the last three decades.
MORE TROOPS FOR WESTERN BORDER
Russian forces now had the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine and were advancing in several places, Putin said. Russia must also boost the troops it has deployed along its western borders with the European Union after Finland and Sweden decided to join the NATO military alliance, he added. The veteran Kremlin leader dismissed Western suggestions that Russian forces might go beyond Ukraine and attack European countries as “nonsense”. He also said Moscow would not repeat the mistake of the Soviet Union and allow the West to “drag” it into an arms race that would eat up too much of its budget. “Therefore, our task is to develop the defence-industrial complex in such a way as to increase the scientific, technological and industrial potential of the country,” he said. Putin said Moscow was open to discussions on nuclear strategic stability with the United States but suggested that Washington had no genuine interest in such talks and was more focused on making false claims about Moscow’s alleged aims. “Recently there have been more and more unsubstantiated accusations against Russia, for example that we are allegedly going to deploy nuclear weapons in space. Such innuendo… is a ploy to draw us into negotiations on their terms, which are favourable only to the United States,” he said. “…On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, they simply want to show their citizens and everyone else that they still rule the world.”
Agreement for Air Services between Japan and the Czech Republic was signed in Tokyo
Tokyo, JAPAN (DT) – On February 29, Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Jan Lipavský, Czech Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the “Agreement between Japan and the Czech Republic for Air Services” in Tokyo.
The agreement, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and promoting tourism and business exchanges between the two nations, marks a milestone in bilateral relations. It encompasses various aspects of air services, including routes, frequencies, and operational protocols, ensuring smoother travel experiences for passengers traveling between Japan and the Czech Republic.
The signing ceremony, held in Tokyo, reflects the commitment of both countries to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties. The agreement is expected to facilitate increased air traffic between Tokyo and Prague, the capital cities of Japan and the Czech Republic, respectively.
This agreement opens up new opportunities for airlines from both countries to expand their operations and offer more convenient and efficient air travel options for passengers. It also paves the way for deeper cooperation in the aviation sector, fostering mutual growth and development.
The foreign ministers of Japan and the Czech Republic exchaning the Air Services agreement in Tokyo On Thursday, February 29, 2024. Photo : @MofaJapan_en
The signing of the “Agreement between Japan and the Czech Republic for Air Services” underscores the importance of collaboration and connectivity in today’s globalized world. It is anticipated to contribute positively to the growth of tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Czech Republic, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Highlights of the agreement for Air Services
1.The Agreement establishes a legal framework for the stable operation of scheduled air services between Japan and Czech Republic. The Agreement provides for the mutual granting of the right to operate scheduled air services and also stipulates basic principles for determining capacity, principles and procedures concerning tariffs, exemptions from taxes and other charges concerning fuel and other items used by aircraft, and ensuring measures for air safety and security. It is expected that this Agreement will further promote people-to-people and economic exchange between Japan and Czech Republic.
2. Each Contracting Party of this Agreement will send through diplomatic channels to the other Contracting Party the notification confirming that its internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement have been completed (in the case of Japan, the approval of the Diet is required.). The Agreement will enter into force on the first day of the third month following the date of receipt of the latter notification.
Zelenskyy, Moldovan President discuss events in Transnistria, tools to counter Russia’s influence
Tirana (Interfax) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Moldova Maia Sandu held a meeting as part of their participation in the Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit in Tirana.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian head of state, the parties discussed recent events in Transnistria, as well as attempts by the aggressor country to destabilize the situation there and effective tools to counter the influence of Russia.
“Thank you for your words of support. We are absolutely on your side. We support you and your people,” Zelenskyy said.
Під час нашої зустрічі в Тирані ми з Президенткою Маєю Санду обговорили останні події у Придністровському регіоні Молдови, зусилля Росії з дестабілізації регіону та ефективні шляхи протидії зловмисному впливу держави-агресора.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2024
The state leaders also discussed the functioning of transport corridors for the export of Ukrainian products through the territory of Moldova.
“The interlocutors emphasized that the integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union is a common goal of the two countries, and agreed on further mutual support and coordination of efforts on the path to EU membership,” the service said.
Funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to be held on Friday, his spokesperson says
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS – The funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died earlier this month in a remote Arctic penal colony, will take place on Friday in Moscow after several locations declined to host the service, his spokesperson said.
His funeral will be held at a church in Moscow’s southeast Maryino district on Friday afternoon, Kira Yarmysh said Wednesday. The burial is to be at a nearby cemetery.
Navalny died in mid-February in one of Russia’s harshest penal facilities. Russian authorities said the cause of his death at age 47 is still unknown, and the results of any investigation are likely to be questioned abroad. Many Western leaders have already said they hold Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for his death.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, she said most venues said they were fully booked, with some “refusing when we mention the surname ‘Navalny,” and one disclosing that “funeral agencies were forbidden to work with us.”
Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, said the funeral was initially planned for Thursday –- the day of Putin’s annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly -– but no venue would agree to hold it then.
“The real reason is clear. The Kremlin understands that nobody will need Putin and his message on the day we say farewell to Alexei,” Zhdanov wrote on Telegram.
Shortly after the announcement of the funeral plans, Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, addressed European lawmakers in Strasbourg.
Speaking at the European Parliament, she confirmed that her husband would be buried on Friday and expressed fears that the police might interfere.
“I’m not sure yet whether it will be peaceful or whether police will arrest those who have come to say goodbye to my husband,” she said.
At some points appearing tearful amid applause from lawmakers but largely resolute, Navalnaya said her husband’s death “showed everyone that Putin is capable of anything, and that you cannot negotiate with him.”
She appealed to the European Parliament to be “innovative” in its approach to the Russian president and those close to him.
“You cannot hurt Putin with another resolution or another set of sanctions,” she said, urging lawmakers instead to “apply the methods of fighting organized crime, not political competition.”
She asked the parliament to investigate “financial machinations” and “mafia associates” in their countries and “discreet lawyers and financiers who are helping Putin and his friends to hide money.”
In introducing Navalnaya, the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, paid tribute to Navalny.
“For many in Russia and outside, he represented hope. Hope in better days. Hope in a free Russia. Hope in the future,” she said.
Navalnaya and Navalny were married for more than 20 years, and she was at his side as he helped lead the biggest protests in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Ukrainian President Zelensky lands in Saudi Arabia to push for peace and a POW exchange with Russia
Dubai, UAE (AP/SPA) — Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and met the kingdom’s powerful crown prince to push for a peace plan and the return of prisoners of war from Russia.
At the Royal Terminal in King Khalid International Airport, the Ukrainian President was received by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of State, and Member of the Cabinet (accompanying minister), Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, the Mayor of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the Saudi Ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed Al-Mas-har Al-Jibreen, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Anatolii Petrenko, and several other officials.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought to position himself as a potential mediator to end the war between Ukraine and Russia — even as Riyadh remains closely aligned with Russia on energy policies through the OPEC+ group of countries. The day before, the prince hosted Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russia’s Duma, the lower house of its parliament, and a host of other Russian officials.
Zelenskyy’s trip came as Kyiv’s forces were slowly being pushed back in eastern Ukraine. Russia has gained the initiative due to its big advantage in troop numbers and weapon supplies, military analysts say, as Kyiv waits for news of new provisions from its Western partners.
Ukrainian troops have pulled back from Sieverne and Stepove, Dmytro Lykhovyi said on national television. The two villages had a population of some 100 people in total before the full-scale invasion, he said.
Ukraine continues to “rely on Saudi Arabia’s ongoing active support” in pushing forward with what has been described as a “Peace Formula” to end the full-scale invasion, which marked its second anniversary over the weekend, Zelenskyy said in a message on X, formerly Twitter.
Zelenskyy has presented a 10-point peace formula that, among other things, seeks the expulsion of all Russian forces from Ukraine and accountability for war crimes — at a time when the two sides are fighting from largely static positions along a roughly 1,500-kilometer (930-mile) front line. Such ideas are rejected out of hand by Moscow.
“The second topic is the return of POWs and deportees,” Zelenskyy wrote. “The kingdom’s leadership has already contributed to the release of our people. I am confident that this meeting will also yield results.” He also said economic cooperation would be discussed.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency said that Zelenskky arrived at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and was met by government officials. Later footage showed Zelenskyy along with top officials in his government meeting with a smiling Prince Mohammed. Also on hand was Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz.
In this photo provided by state-run Saudi Press Agency, SPA, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is greeted by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Feb.27,2024.Photo : SPA via AP
Footage showed the prince and Zelenskyy, both of whom speak English, talking among themselves without translators in a vast greeting hall at a palace as other officials sat nearby.
Over the last several years, Crown Prince Mohammed has reached a detente with Iran, pursued a peace deal with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and also offered himself as a leader in other crises worldwide. That’s after facing widespread international condemnation for the Saudi-led war in Yemen and the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence agencies believe was carried out on his orders.
Neither Saudi Arabia nor Ukraine immediately offered a detailed readout of the leaders’ discussions. On Monday, the kingdom described Prince Mohammed discussing “issues of common interest” with the Russian Duma leader.
“Volodin relayed the greeting and good wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin,” Russia’s state-run Tass news agency said.
In May, Zelenskyy traveled to Saudi Arabia for a meeting of Arab leaders and also met then with Crown Prince Mohammed. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar — all neighbors on the Arabian Peninsula — have been involved in prisoner exchanges since the war broke out in 2022.
Associated Press writer Susie Blann in Kyiv, Ukraine contributed to this report.
Bulgaria and Slovenia Forge Bilateral Relations Rooted in Mutual Respect and Friendship: Slovenian President, Natasa Pirc Musar
Sofia, BULGARIA (BTA/DT) – Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar stated during a joint news briefing with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Tuesday that Bulgaria and Slovenia have resolved all outstanding issues and can now concentrate on collaborating on matters crucial to Europe and the global community.
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar is currently undertaking an official visit at the invitation of President Radev.
Natasa Prits Musar expressed gratitude for Bulgaria’s support to Slovenia following the floods last year. “Numerous countries extended assistance during this challenging time.
The alterations in our climate are undoubtedly a result of human negligence. Slovenia is actively addressing this issue to prevent similar disasters in other nations and share our expertise,” she stated. “The solidarity demonstrated during our ordeal underscores the strong bond that exists among us and the European Union member states,” added the Slovenian President.
She also highlighted the cultural ties between the two nations.
Her itinerary encompasses a trip to the southern city of Plovdiv on Wednesday, during which she will pay tribute to the Slovenian journalist and shorthand expert Anton Bezenšek.
She further emphasized, “Peace and security stand as the two pillars binding us together. Over the years, our two countries have been steadfast partners within the EU and NATO. This year marks Slovenia’s 20th anniversary since joining both organizations. We appreciate your support for the notion that the inclusion of Western Balkan countries will foster a more peaceful and stable region, although we acknowledge that this endeavor requires collective effort. Since Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union, the region has experienced increased stability, and it is incumbent upon us to extend our assistance.”
She expressed her aspiration for Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia to resolve their outstanding issues. She emphasized that it is crucial for the Western Balkan countries to join the EU “because without their inclusion, the security framework will remain incomplete.”
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar engages in discussions with businessmen in Sofia on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Photo : Slovenian President’s Twitter/X
Natasa Prits Musar highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, stating, “This tragic event still haunts us, and we must redouble our efforts to facilitate the accession of these countries to the EU.”
The Slovenian President highlighted her arrival in Bulgaria with a substantial business delegation. Later today, at a business forum, they will deliberate on enhancing cooperation, fostering economic ties, and promoting trade exchanges.
“We experienced a 40% surge in investments and exchanges in 2022. We aspire for further growth in the future. Bulgaria holds significant appeal for numerous Slovenian enterprises, particularly in the culinary and agricultural sectors, and across various industries,” remarked the Slovenian President.
Diplomatic Relations Between Bulgaria and Slovenia
Diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Slovenia were established in 1992, with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ljubljana opening its doors in 1993. Conversely, Slovenia inaugurated its Embassy in Sofia on October 24, 2018.
Bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Slovenia are characterized by their excellence, with no outstanding issues. These relations are marked by regular political dialogue and the deepening of cooperation across various sectors. The successful progression of bilateral relations is underpinned by shared objectives stemming from their membership in the EU and NATO, as well as their joint commitment to supporting the European integration of Western Balkan countries and ensuring regional security and prosperity.
Both nations boast strong bilateral cooperation in public order, crime prevention, and the protection of external Schengen borders.
Efforts to bolster bilateral economic cooperation are encouraged. The re-establishment of the Trade and Economic Affairs Office of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ljubljana underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to furthering fruitful economic ties between the two nations.
Biden signals there could be a truce in Gaza soon but Israel and Hamas indicate no deal is imminent
Jerusalem, ISRAEL (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden signaled that a cease-fire in Gaza could be at hand, saying that Israel has agreed to pause its offensive during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some hostages held by Hamas.
But both Israel and Hamas downplayed on Tuesday the idea that a breakthrough was imminent.
In the wake of Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, Israel’s air, sea and ground campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of people, obliterated large swaths of the urban landscape, displaced 80% of the battered enclave’s population and sparked concerns that a famine could be imminent, according to the United Nations.
Now, the prospect of an invasion of Rafah has prompted global alarm over the fate of civilians trapped there.
Talks to pause the fighting have gained momentum recently and were underway Tuesday. Negotiators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been working to broker a cease-fire that would see Hamas free some of the dozens of hostages it holds in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a six-week halt in fighting and an increase in aid deliveries to Gaza.
The start of Ramadan, which is expected to be around March 10, is seen as an unofficial deadline for a deal. The month is a time of heightened religious observance and dawn-to-dusk fasting for hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have flared in the past during the holy month.
“Ramadan’s coming up and there has been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out,” Biden said in an appearance on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers” that was filmed Monday.
In separate comments the same day, Biden said that he hoped a cease-fire deal could take effect by next week.
At the same time, Biden did not call for an end to the war, which was triggered when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted roughly 250 people, according to Israeli authorities.
President Joe Biden talks with seth Meyers during a taping of the “Late Night with Seth Meyers” Monday, Feb. 26,2024, in New York. Photo : Evan Vucci/AP
Israeli officials said Biden’s comments came as a surprise and were not made in coordination with the country’s leadership. A Hamas official played down any sense of progress, saying the group wouldn’t soften its demands.
The Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the sensitive talks with the media, said Israel wants a deal immediately, but that Hamas continues to push excessive demands. They also said that Israel is insisting that female soldiers be part of the first group of hostages released under any truce deal.
Hamas official Ahmad Abdel-Hadi indicated that optimism on a deal was premature.
“The resistance is not interested in giving up any of its demands, and what is proposed does not meet what it had requested,” he told the Pan-Arab TV channel Al Mayadeen.
Hamas has previously demanded that Israel end the war as part of any deal, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called “delusional.”
At a news conference in Doha on Tuesday, Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said “we feel optimistic” about the talks, without elaborating.
A senior official from Egypt has said the draft deal includes the release of up to 40 women and older hostages in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners — mostly women, minors and older people.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations, said the proposed six-week pause in fighting would allow hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day, including to the hard-hit north.
Biden, who has shown staunch support for Israel throughout the war, left open the door in his remarks for an eventual Israeli ground offensive in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, on the border with Egypt, where more than half of the enclave’s 2.3 million people have fled under Israeli evacuation orders.
Netanyahu has said a ground operation in Rafah is an inevitable component of Israel’s strategy for crushing Hamas. This week, the military submitted for Cabinet approval operational plans for the offensive, as well as evacuation plans for civilians there.
Biden said he believes Israel has slowed its bombardment of Rafah.
“They have to and they have made a commitment to me that they’re going to see to it that there’s an ability to evacuate significant portions of Rafah before they go and take out the remainder Hamas,” he said. “But it’s a process.”
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 29,700 people, most of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. It does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.
The first and only cease-fire in the war, in late November, brought about the release of about 100 hostages — mostly women, children and foreign nationals — in exchange for about 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as a brief halt in the fighting.
Roughly 130 hostages remain in Gaza, but Israel says about a quarter of them are dead.
Shurafa reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
Czech, Polish leaders say they’re united in their support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia
PRAGUE (AP) — The prime ministers of Czech Republic and Poland said Tuesday their countries are united in their support for Ukraine and pledged to look for ways to increase their help in its fight against Russian military aggression.
“I’m glad that we absolutely share the same view of Ukraine, the Russian aggression and what we need to do,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said at a joint news conference with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk.
“We know who’s the aggressor, we know who’s the victim,” Fiala said. “We’re clearly ready to strongly support Ukraine and to look for all possible ways of further boosting our support.”
Tusk said it is important “that in this region, quite complicated recently, there are two capital cities that speak in one voice practically on all issues. On Ukraine, on Russia’s aggression, on the responsibility for this tragedy, we have been speaking in one voice since the beginning of this conflict.”
Poland says it is ready to contribute to a Czech plan to acquire ammunition that Ukraine badly needs from third countries outside the European Union.
Fiala and Tusk spoke ahead of a meeting in Prague later Tuesday with their counterparts from Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, whose views of the war in Ukraine differ sharply from theirs.
The four countries form an informal grouping within the EU known as the Visegrad Four.
Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala, right, welcomes Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, at the V4 meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Feb. 27,2024. Photo : Petr David Josek/AP
Slovakia and Hungary have refused to give Ukraine arms and ammunition.
Fico, a leftist populist, has repeatedly said the West’s approach to the war is “an absolute failure.”
Orbán, a right-wing populist, has forged close ties with Russia.
Fico has repeated Russia’s narrative about the causes of the Ukraine war, including Putin’s unsupported claim that the current Ukrainian government runs a Nazi state from which ethnic Russians living in the country’s east needed protection.
He also opposes EU sanctions on Russia and wants to block Ukraine from joining NATO. He said no amount of Western weapons for Ukraine would change the course of the war.
Fiala and Tusk also welcomed Monday’s vote in Hungary’s parliament to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO, ending more than 18 months of delays that frustrated the alliance as it sought to expand in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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Associated Press writer Monika Scislowska in Warsaw contributed to this report.
