President Jokowi said, Wars, genocide in modern world are unbelievable
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Open wars and genocides that have occurred in today’s world are unbelievable and awful, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated.
“It is really absurd and does not make sense. It is not in accordance with our conscience that in this modern era, we still have wars and genocide,” he remarked at the R20 International Summit of Religious Authorities (ISORA) in Jakarta on Monday.
He called the genocide occurrence in Palestine a massacre that claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including women and children.
The president emphasized that the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine cannot be tolerated at all.
“The massacre (in Palestine) obviously claimed the lives of innocent civilians. A ceasefire must be implemented along with the delivery of humanitarian assistance and peace negotiations that must begin,” he urged.
The head of state said Indonesia believes that independence is the right of all nations, and this is clearly stated in the Indonesian Constitution.
Moreover, Indonesia had years of experience in maintaining diversity and bridging differences in uniting the country, he remarked.
“Indonesia is home to 280 million people consisting of 714 tribes, with more than 1,300 local languages. They believe in different religions and live on 17 thousand different islands. It is not easy to unite them all, but we manage to do such a thing,” he remarked.
According to Jokowi, Indonesia was able to erase tribal, religious, and regional egos to be able to realize its slogan of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.
“Unity in Diversity cannot be realized without support from religious leaders who teach that love for the country and tolerance are part of faith,” he remarked.
The president then affirmed that Indonesia believes the role of religion, religious figures, and society are very important in creating peace, harmony, and unity within a country, in the region, and in the world.
“Therefore, I really appreciate this forum. Let us realize a dialogue between religions and across nations to bridge differences and stop all forms of disputes. We need to create a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous world together,” he stated while inaugurating the opening of R20 ISORA.
He tweets, I appreciate the implementation of R20 in the context of forming dialogue across religions and nations to stop conflict and create a peaceful and prosperous world.
Membuka R20 International Summit of Religious Authorities (ISORA), forum pertemuan para pemimpin agama dunia, di Hotel Park Hyatt, Jakarta, hari ini.
Peran tokoh agama dan masyarakat sangat penting dalam menciptakan perdamaian, kerukunan, dan kebersamaan dalam suatu negara,… pic.twitter.com/kgeA5RIcgz
Trump hints at expanded role for the military within the US. A legacy law gives him few guardrails
BY GARY FIELDS
WASHINGTON (AP) — Campaigning in Iowa this year, Donald Trump said he was prevented during his presidency from using the military to quell violence in primarily Democratic cities and states.
Calling New York City and Chicago “crime dens,” the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination told his audience, “The next time, I’m not waiting. One of the things I did was let them run it and we’re going to show how bad a job they do,” he said. “Well, we did that. We don’t have to wait any longer.”
Trump has not spelled out precisely how he might use the military during a second term, although he and his advisers have suggested they would have wide latitude to call up units. While deploying the military regularly within the country’s borders would be a departure from tradition, the former president already has signaled an aggressive agenda if he wins, from mass deportations to travel bans imposed on certain Muslim-majority countries.
A law first crafted in the nation’s infancy would give Trump as commander in chief almost unfettered power to do so, military and legal experts said in a series of interviews.
The Insurrection Act allows presidents to call on reserve or active-duty military units to respond to unrest in the states, an authority that is not reviewable by the courts. One of its few guardrails merely requires the president to request that the participants disperse.
“The principal constraint on the president’s use of the Insurrection Act is basically political, that presidents don’t want to be the guy who sent tanks rolling down Main Street,” said Joseph Nunn, a national security expert with the Brennan Center for Justice. “There’s not much really in the law to stay the president’s hand.”
A spokesman for Trump’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment about what authority Trump might use to pursue his plans.
Congress passed the act in 1792, just four years after the Constitution was ratified. Nunn said it’s an amalgamation of different statutes enacted between then and the 1870s, a time when there was little in the way of local law enforcement.
“It is a law that in many ways was created for a country that doesn’t exist anymore,” he said.
It also is one of the most substantial exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits using the military for law enforcement purposes.
Trump has spoken openly about his plans should he win the presidency, including using the military at the border and in cities struggling with violent crime. His plans also have included using the military against foreign drug cartels, a view echoed by other Republican primary candidates such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor.
The threats have raised questions about the meaning of military oaths, presidential power and who Trump could appoint to support his approach.
Trump already has suggested he might bring back retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who served briefly as Trump’s national security adviser and twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during its Russian influence probe before being pardoned by Trump. Flynn suggested in the aftermath of the 2020 election that Trump could seize voting machines and order the military in some states to help rerun the election.
Attempts to invoke the Insurrection Act and use the military for domestic policing would likely elicit pushback from the Pentagon, where the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is Gen. Charles Q. Brown. He was one of the eight members of the Joint Chiefs who signed a memo to military personnel in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The memo emphasized the oaths they took and called the events of that day, which were intended to stop certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over Trump, “sedition and insurrection.”
Trump and his party nevertheless retain wide support among those who have served in the military. AP VoteCast, an in-depth survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide, showed that 59% of U.S. military veterans voted for Trump in the 2020 presidential election. In the 2022 midterms, 57% of military veterans supported Republican candidates.
Presidents have issued a total of 40 proclamations invoking the law, some of those done multiple times for the same crisis, Nunn said. Lyndon Johnson invoked it three times — in Baltimore, Chicago and Washington — in response to the unrest in cities after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
During the Civil Rights era, Presidents Johnson, John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower used the law to protect activists and students desegregating schools. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne to Little Rock, Arkansas, to protect Black students integrating Central High School after that state’s governor activated the National Guard to keep the students out.
“They really hammer into us the seriousness of the oath and who it was to, and who it wasn’t to,” he said.
File :In this june 1,2020 file photo,President Donald Trump departs the White House to visit outside St.John’s Church, in Washington. Walking behind Trump from left are, Attorney General William Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Miley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Photo : Patrick Semansky/AP
Ryan said he thought it was universally understood, but Jan. 6 “was deeply disturbing and a wakeup call for me.” Several veterans and active-duty military personnel were charged with crimes in connection with the assault.
While those connections were troubling, he said he thinks those who harbor similar sentiments make up a very small percentage of the military.
William Banks, a Syracuse University law professor and expert in national security law, said a military officer is not forced to follow “unlawful orders.” That could create a difficult situation for leaders whose units are called on for domestic policing, since they can face charges for taking unlawful actions.
“But there is a big thumb on the scale in favor of the president’s interpretation of whether the order is lawful,” Banks said. “You’d have a really big row to hoe and you would have a big fuss inside the military if you chose not to follow a presidential order.”
Nunn, who has suggested steps to restrict the invocation of the law, said military personnel cannot be ordered to break the law.
“Members of the military are legally obliged to disobey an unlawful order. At the same time, that is a lot to ask of the military because they are also obliged to obey orders,” he said. “And the punishment for disobeying an order that turns out to be lawful is your career is over, and you may well be going to jail for a very long time. The stakes for them are extraordinarily high.”
___
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York, and Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report.
Partnership with UAE important for Indonesia’s development: Airlangga Hartarto
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the partnership between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been established since 1976, plays an important role in supporting Indonesia’s development.
Last year, the UAE was Indonesia’s second-largest trade partner among Middle Eastern countries, with trade value totaling US$5.06 billion. In addition, the UAE has become one of Indonesia’s main markets, with crude palm oil as the most important export commodity.
“Cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE plays an important role in supporting development in Indonesia. One of the agreements is the floating solar power plant project in Cirata dam, West Java,” he stated at the 52nd National Day Reception of the United Arab Emirates here on Friday.
According to Hartarto, this collaboration demonstrated the commitment of both countries in the field of renewable energy. In addition, opportunities are still wide open for joint efforts to boost trade volume and maintain trade balance.
Indonesia and the UAE signed the Indonesia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE-CEPA) on July 1, 2022. The agreement has been effective since September 1, 2023.
The two countries are committed to establishing stronger and broader cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade and investment, defense industry, and renewable energy.
“I am also pleased that the United Arab Emirates has been conferred as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner at the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on August 3, 2022, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,” he remarked.
Last night, attended The 52nd National Day Reception of The United Arab Emirates in Jakarta.
Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been well established since 1976, Airlangga Hartarto tweeted
Tadi malam, menghadiri acara The 52nd National Day Reception of The United Arab Emirates di Jakarta.
Hubungan diplomatik Indonesia dan Uni Emirat Arab (UEA) telah terjalin dengan baik sejak tahun 1976. pic.twitter.com/QXv0lQPPgr
Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno said, Israel’s excuse for “self-defense” is unacceptable
JAKARTA (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Foreign Minister said the reason for Israel’s self-defense for its actions in the Gaza Strip was unacceptable, because that reason could not be used by invaders like Israel.
This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Retno at a meeting of the delegation of ministers of a number of member countries of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.
Meeting four hours, Foreign Minister Retno said the OIC ministers again expressed a curse on what Israel had done to Gaza.
He said Israel’s reasons for what is currently being done in Gaza as self-defensive are highly unacceptable.
“This reason cannot be used by invaders like Israel,” said Foreign Minister Retno in a video caption from London, England, Wednesday, November 22.
“The reason for self-defense cannot be used as a license to kill civilians, it cannot be used as an excuse to kill civilians and attack civilian facilities,” Foreign Minister Retno continued.
Foreign Minister Retno said Russia, through Foreign Minister Lavrov, welcomed the visit of the delegation of the Minister of OKI, who was a follow-up from the summit with the OIC and the Arab League in Riyadh, with the aim of stopping atrocities in Gaza and launching humanitarian aid.
He continued, Russia also agreed with the points in the resolution of the OKI-Ligan Arab Summit.
“We convey the importance of all countries seeing the issue of Gaza clearly and taking a fair stance,” said Foreign Minister Retno.
Arrived in Moscow (21/11) to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia & discuss the crisis in #Gaza
Along with FM of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, & @OIC_OCI SG, we reiterated the call for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid & a credible peace process pic.twitter.com/gfWNpG4sYh
— Menteri Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia (@Menlu_RI) November 21, 2023
“It is urgent to immediately take action so that violence can be stopped, a ceasefire can be realized and humanitarian aid can be provided smoothly,” he explained.
He added that to make this happen, support from many countries, especially permanent member states of the UN DK, including Russia, is needed.
Before Moscow, Rento and the OIC foreign minister visited Beijing and met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Next, the group of OIC foreign ministers continued their activities by visiting England to meet Foreign Minister David Cameroon and will continue to Paris to meet President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit to the permanent member countries of the UN Security Council or P5 was carried out because the OIC and Arab League urged the UN Security Council to issue a firm resolution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s meeting with the OIC delegation. (Source: Twitter/@Menlu_RI)
Al Jazeera TV station reported that two-thirds of the victims of Israel atrocities were women and children.
As a result of the genocidal campaign and destruction of hospital, schools, places of worship and residential areas in Gaza, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled Israel a terrorist state.
Together with FM Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine and Sec-Gen OIC, I had a good meeting in Beijing (20/11) with FM Wang Yi of China on the situation in #Gaza. We have a shared commitment on the importance of ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian assistance,
She tweeted
Together with FM Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine and Sec-Gen @OIC_OCI, I had a good meeting in Beijing (20/11) with FM Wang Yi of China on the situation in #Gaza. We have a shared commitment on the importance of ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian assistance pic.twitter.com/E7KYHVipjO
— Menteri Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia (@Menlu_RI) November 20, 2023
Israel itself admits that it lost many of its citizens as a result of the sudden Hamas attack on October 7. However, Israel revised the number of casualties on its side from the original 1,400 people to 1,200 people.
Malaysia arrests 7 Japanese men suspected of phone scam operation
KUALA LUMPUR (KYODO) – Malaysian police said Monday they arrested seven Japanese men suspected of operating a phone scam that targeted citizens in their home country after raiding a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.
The men, aged between 23 and 41, were arrested and immediately charged with violating immigration law.
The police said they raided the apartment in the Malaysian capital and apprehended the suspects, seizing their phones and other items, after being tipped off by the Japanese Embassy.
Investigations showed that “the syndicate was operating a phone scam” targeting Japanese nationals using the Skype call and messaging application to contact their victims, Commercial Crime Investigation Department head Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said.
The syndicate members allegedly impersonated banking staff and told victims there were problems with their accounts, requesting that they transfer funds to another account provided by the scammers.
The suspects are being held by immigration authorities pending further investigation.
Crime syndicates involving Japanese nationals have been reported in other parts of Southeast Asia recently.
Earlier this month, Japanese police arrested 25 Japanese men suspected of running a phone scam out of Phnom Penh after they were deported from Cambodia.
In Thailand, police also apprehended two Japanese citizens this month for conducting similar scams from Bangkok.
South African leader accuses Israel of war crimes, Putin and Xi strike more cautious note at meeting
BY GERALD IMRAY
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Israel of war crimes and acts “tantamout to genocide” in Gaza during a virtual meeting Tuesday of leaders of developing countries, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping.
Ramaphosa also condemned Hamas for its attack on Israeli civilians that sparked the war in Gaza and said both sides were guilty of violating international law.
“The collective punishment of Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force by Israel is a war crime,” Ramaphosa said at the start of the meeting of leaders and top diplomats from the BRICS bloc of countries. “The deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water to the residents of Gaza is tantamount to genocide.”
“In its attacks on civilians and by taking hostages, Hamas has also violated international law and must be held accountable for these actions,” Ramaphosa said.
Putin and Xi struck more cautious notes, calling for a cease-fire and the release of civilian hostages but not launching the same level of criticism of either side as Ramaphosa.
Also joining the meeting were leaders and officials from fellow BRICS members Brazil and India, and from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which are set to join the bloc in January.
Ramaphosa chaired the “extraordinary meeting” and made the opening remarks because of South Africa’s position as current chair of BRICS.
Putin said there was a “humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in Gaza and it was “shocking to watch how surgeries are performed on children without anesthesia.” He again blamed the crisis on what he called failed diplomacy by the United States.
“All these events, in fact, are a direct consequence of the U.S. desire to monopolize mediation functions in the Palestinian-Israeli settlement,” Putin said while appearing on teleconference from the Kremlin. He called for a cease-fire in Gaza, the freeing of hostages and the evacuation of civilians from the Gaza Strip.
Putin’s comments were in line with Russia’s careful approach to the Israel-Hamas war, which may present an opportunity for it to advance its role as a global power broker. Putin proposed last month that Moscow could mediate in the conflict due to its relationships with both Israel and the Palestinians. He said Tuesday that the BRICS bloc could play “a key role” in finding a political settlement.
Putin has condemned the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on towns in southern Israel that led to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, now in its seventh week, while warning Israel over its response and against blockading the Gaza Strip.
More than 12,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank. Officials there say another 4,000 are missing. Around 1,200 people have been killed on the Israeli side, mainly civilians during the Hamas attack.
Russia and China are leading voices in BRICS, which has largely cast itself in recent years as standing against the perceived dominance of the West in global affairs. But it has struggled to adopt united policies or positions on many issues because of the differing priorities of the five current members.
The meeting came a day after China’s top diplomat hosted the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Indonesia in Beijing, their first stop on a tour of U.N. Security Council permanent members. That underlined China’s longstanding support for the Palestinians and its growing geopolitical influence.
India, which also wants to be seen as a leader of the developing world, has long walked a tightrope between Israel and the Palestinians and historically has close ties to both.
South Africa has been fiercely critical of Israel over the war in Gaza and had already filed a request with the International Criminal Court to investigate it over alleged war crimes. South Africa has for years compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank with its own past apartheid regime of racial segregation.
Ramaphosa called for the International Criminal Court to “urgently” initiate prosecutions against those responsible for what he termed war crimes on both sides and said South Africa also wants to see a cease-fire and the deployment of a U.N. force to monitor the cease-fire.
Later Tuesday, a large majority of South African lawmakers voted in favor of a motion to shut down the Israeli Embassy and cut diplomatic ties with Israel until it agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza. Israel had recalled its ambassador for consultations before the vote took place.
Australia wins the Cricket World Cup 2023 for 6th time, as Heartbreak for Kohli and India
BY CHETAN NARULA
AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Virat Kohli covered his face with his India cap. Rohit Sharma walked off with his head down. What felt like the only cheers inside the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi stadium that was a sea of Indian blue all day came from the jubilant Australian players on the field.
Australia regained its status as the king of one-day cricket by claiming a record-extending sixth World Cup title on Sunday, ending India’s dominant run in its home tournament with a six-wicket victory in a low-scoring final on the back of a brilliant innings of 137 by Travis Head.
The crowd — officially announced as 92,453 — was silenced as Head combined with Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out ) in a 192-run partnership to chase down the target of 241.
Australia was wobbling in its chase on 47-3 after seven overs but Head and Labuschagne dug in to help their country add to its 50-over world titles in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015.
Head was dismissed off what proved to be the next-to-last ball of the match, caught in the deep while attempting to hit a title-clinching boundary. In came Glenn Maxwell and he ran two off his first ball, securing a victory that prompted fireworks above the world’s largest cricket venue.
India won all 10 of its matches before the final and was seeking a third trophy in its fourth appearance in a title match that brought a country of 1.4 billion people to a virtual standstill. They were outplayed in every department by battle-ready Australia, though, and restricted to 240 all out on a slow pitch after losing the toss with only Virat Kohli (54) and Lokesh Rahul (66) making half-centuries.
“We were not good enough today,” India skipper Rohit Sharma said. “We tried everything, but it didn’t work. We needed 20-30 more runs — we were looking at 270-280 but we kept losing wickets. When you have 240 on the board, you want to keep taking wickets. We took three, but credit to Head and Labuschagne for their partnership. We couldn’t open up the game.”
Kohli finished with 765 runs in 11 games with an average of 95.62. He was named player of the tournament.
The final, though, belonged to Head who was named man of the match. He became only the seventh player to score a century in a men’s World Cup final – and the third Australian after Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist – and he also delivered a significant moment in India’s innings when taking a diving catch running back from cover to remove Sharma (47).
Head’s ton saw him join an illustrious list, which includes West Indies’ Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards, as well as Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva and Mahela Jayawardene. Ponting’s 140 not out had also helped Australia beat India in the 2003 final. Jayawardene’s century is the only one in a losing cause with India winning the 2011 final.
“What an amazing day, I’m just thrilled to be a part of it,” Head said. “It’s a lot better than sitting on the couch at home.”
Head had started the tournament sidelined by a broken left hand.
“I was a little bit nervous, but Marnus played exceptional and it was just an amazing partnership. It’s going to be an amazing couple of days now,” Head said. “To be able to do that on the biggest stage, in front of a full house, under all that pressure . . . is something I’ll be able to look back on later in my life.”
Australia finished the 2023 tournament with a run of nine straight wins, after starting with back-to-back defeats to India and South Africa.
India won the World Cup in 1983 and 2011. Its last major success was winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Former India winning captains and film stars were at the game, along with prominent politicians including India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
India’s Mohammed Shami (1-47 in seven overs) was the most successful bowler in the tournament with 24 wickets, including the dismissal of attack-minded David Warner in the final. The opener was caught at slip for seven by Kohli, who had a chance to catch Warner off the first ball of the match. Australia’s Adam Zampa finished with figures of 1-44, ending the tournament with 23 wickets and equaling Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (2007) for most wickets by a spinner at a World Cup.
Steve Smith (4) finished on the winning side but will regret not reviewing his lbw dismissal by Jasprit Bumrah (2-43) as he would have been not out on impact.
Head scored 50 off 58 balls, and then reached 100 off 95 balls. In all, Head struck 15 fours and four sixes, each of them met with stoic silence from the stunned crowd.
Earlier, after Australia boldly decided to field first, Sharma provided another quick start for the home side, hitting four fours and three sixes. It made up for Shubman Gill’s tame dismissal for four runs. Sharma and Kohli put on 46 off 32 balls, hitting a flurry of boundaries to the delight of the Ahmedabad crowd.
Maxwell removed the dangerous Sharma, who had hit the spinner for a six and a four, but was greedy in going for another big shot only for Head, running back from cover, to hold a stunning diving catch.
India found itself at 81-3 before Kohli and Rahul stabilized the hosts with 67 runs for the fourth wicket. However, they could only add 50 runs from 88 balls as Australia began to take control of the match.
India lost its last five wickets for 37 runs, ending its innings with a whimper.
Australia captain Pat Cummins bowled exceptionally well, returning figures of 2-34 in 10 overs including the dismissals of Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kohli reached 50 off 56 balls before playing on off Cummins. The ensuing silence following his dismissal was likely not restricted just to the stadium but spreading across all of India.
Taiwan envoy says he’s hopeful Biden-Xi meeting will reduce tensions in the Asia-Pacific region
BY DIDI TANG
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 92-year-old businessman who represented Taiwan at this week’s summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in San Francisco expressed hope Friday that the meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping should help to reduce tensions between the two superpowers and in the region.
Morris Chang, the founder of the microchip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, also suggested the meeting could help to promote economic stability and reliable supply chains.
“You don’t have to be a leader to know that if there is no peace, there is no supply chain to start with,” Chang said at a news conference at the close of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Chang said the Biden-Xi meeting was a “good” one, pointing to their agreement to resume high-level military communications.
“It should help reduce the tensions between the U.S. and China, and it should increase stability of Taiwan Strait,” Chang said.
Taiwan, a self-governed island of 23 million people, remains the thorniest issue in U.S.-China relations, as Beijing and Washington clash over its sovereignty. Tensions have flared in recent years as Beijing increases military pressure on the island, which it claims to be part of Chinese territory and vows to seize by force if necessary to achieve national unification.
Washington has a security pact with Taiwan to deter any armed attack from Beijing and has stepped up its support for the island. The U.S. insists the matter must be solved peacefully, without taking a side.
It was a high priority when Xi and Biden met Wednesday for four hours at an estate outside San Francisco in their first face-to-face meeting in a year.
Xi sought assurances from Biden that the U.S. would not support Taiwan’s independence and requested that Washington support China’s peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
Moris Chang representing Taiwan, left, and Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, arrive for a informal dialouge and working lunch at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference summit, Thursday, Nov.16,2023, in San Francisco. Photo : Godofredo A. Vasquez/ AP
“China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable,” the Chinese president said.
Biden, meanwhile, urged Xi to refrain from military exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait.
Since September 2020, the Chinese military has been sending warships and warplanes near the island on a near-daily basis. In August 2022, Beijing fired missiles toward the island and blockaded it for days after Nancy Pelosi, then the House speaker, visited the island despite Beijing’s objections.
Biden told Xi that Washington remains unchanged in its policy toward Taiwan and that it opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.
“We expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means,” Biden said.
Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, said Washington won’t accept Beijing’s new demand to support peaceful reunification.
“This is categorically different from the U.S. goal that the resolution of the Taiwan issue must be peaceful, which does not impose a precondition on what the outcome will look like, only that it must be peaceful,” Sun said. “This is a request we have seen the Chinese interlocutors floating around recently. It is improbable for the U.S. to accept it.”
In San Francisco, Chang represented Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in attending the summit because Beijing opposed Tsai being present.
Chang, representing Taiwan at the APEC summit for the seventh time, said he was tasked by Tsai to send the message that Taiwan is committed to regional peace and prosperity and that the island will work with its partners to control climate change, build more resilient supply chains and reduce the digital divide.
“I think I’ve done it — that I tried my best to convey the four messages,” Chang said.
Chang said he had “many interactions” with Biden, thought there was no formal talk, and said he spoke with senior U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lael Brainard, Biden’s economic adviser.
Chang said he also had “serious” discussions with at least half of the leaders of the 21 economies in the region, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, on issues such as regional peace, economic development and supply chains, but that he didn’t speak with Xi during the summit.
Ladies of All Nations International (LOANI) hosted a 3-day world summit in Philippines
Manila (DT) – Ladies of All Nations International (LOANI), a humanitarian, non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom, hosted a 3-day world summit held at the Diamond Hotel Philippines last October 18–20, 2023 where 56 nations came together to raise funds, empower women to make a change in the world, and becoming the example that the future needs.
Over the 3-day summit, a diversity of projects, presentations, and discussions demonstrated the integral role of global leaders in making a change in the world. It consisted of eight daily keynote presentations where they invited experts in various fields from the United Kingdom, Europe, Philippines, Mexico, the USA, and more. Aside from the keynote presentations, the world summit also held awarding ceremonies recognizing the achievements and contributions of world leaders and networking with the delegates.
Finally, it was announced that one of the primary goals of holding the summit was to raise funds for LOANI’s charity beneficiaries in the Philippines, including the Maya Foundation, a local charity in Davao City that aims to rehabilitate sexually abused children as well as Seed4Com, a local NGO based in Cebu whose sustainable projects support the livelihood and environmental goals of coastal communities in the Philippines, among others.
The LOANI world summit began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a Parade of Nations, where dignitaries from all over the globe marched down a red carpet, proudly representing their countries with their flags at hand. The opening ceremony was then preceded by a plenary session featuring 8 distinguished speakers, including Prof. Leonor Briones, the former DepEd Secretary; Dr. Sanjay Ramdath, the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Borough of Manhattan Community College; Dr. Val Alino, an award-winning Life, Conscious Parenting & Spiritual Coach, International Keynote Speaker, LP Practitioner, and Author; Dr. Robbie Motter, Founder of Global Society Entrepreneurs; Coach MJ Tolan, an International Speaker; Dr. Ellen Bitters, Member of Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs; Mr. Jamie Long, an Award-winning Publisher, Actor, Model, Director, and Writer; and Ms. Nellie Reyes, the founder of Assistance Service Institute for Asians in North America (ASIAINA).
International Peace Corps Association’s President, Dr. (hc)Marietta Reformado with Brig. Commander Noel Avance Vestur Pa (MNSA)
On the final day of the summit (October 20th), the plenary sessions included keynote presentations from Ms. Ana Marie Locsin, the executive director of Plan International Philipinas Foundation Inc.; Ms. Monica Gomez, a mentor, Founder of Love for Ministry, philanthropist, and Podcast Host; Pastor Osmany Ramos – an international speaker; Ms. Benjamina Gonzalez Flor – a College of Development Communication Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Banos, and the Chair of the Master of Development Communication at UP Open University; Ms. Marcia Gonzalez Sadicon – an overseas job provider for the past 33 years and President of a non-profit organization called Advocates & Keepers Organization of OFWs or AKO OFW INC.; Ms. Elizabeth Prado Falk – the Founder and CEO of United Filipino German International; and Dr. Maria Rosa “Bing” Nieva-Carrion, a distinguished author and social historian.
In the evening was the final event of the world summit: the World-Class Superheroes and Honorary Global Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, where the theme was “To Create a Wonderful World of Inclusion Where All Means All,” which is all about creating a better world and, of course, working towards inclusion, unity, and being the example that the future needs. In this ceremony, attendees are reminded that “not all heroes wear capes.” A total of 59 awards were presented to outstanding individuals in various fields from all over the globe.
Finally, to officially conclude the 3-day event, a congratulatory toast was led by the LOANI CEO and Founder, Dr. Caroline Makaka.
The LOANI World Summit in the Philippines was the first in Asia. It was made possible through the voluntary work of the core committee headed by founder and CEO, Dr. Caroline Makaka and the global chairpersons Dr. Jaya Sajnani (UK), Ms. Loralie Canale (UK), Dr. Marieta Monta (Philippines), and Ms. Janise Oshiro (Hawaii). The successful execution of the live show and events production was spearheaded by AADD Publishing together with the Directorship of Nathan De Leon and his whole team.
Ladies of All Nations International aims to create initiatives towards transforming lives and creating awareness. A unification of solidarity in a caring alliance between world leaders who serve globally is leading the way and pushing for a fairer world. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Programs, Business Development, Supporting Survivors and Underprivileged Communities, International Multicultural Networking, Mentoring, Coaching, Uniting Nations, Women and Girls Empowerment, Youth Leadership, and Awareness Workshops
LOANI comes together as one and unites around a shared commitment to communities, grows stronger, more vibrant regions, and creates initiatives that bind women together and unite as one regardless of race, color, or creed. More importantly, to connect, grow, and make a difference through collective strength.
Antigua and Barbuda and the United Arab Emirates Diplomats meets for Strengthen Bilateral ties and Climate Commitment
Paris (DT) – In a notable high-level meeting held during the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, the Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Daryll S. MATTHEW, engaged in a productive dialogue with the Minister of Culture and Youth of the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi.
This diplomatic encounter provided an invaluable opportunity to reinforce the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two nations. Both ministers emphasized the shared commitment to international collaboration and underscored their nations’ dedication to global causes.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Antigua and Barbuda for their unwavering support during the previous COP (Conference of the Parties) and their forthcoming participation in COP28, which is scheduled to be hosted in Dubai.
The Honorable Minister Daryll S. Matthew reciprocated by congratulating the United Arab Emirates for its relentless efforts in combatting climate change and for championing UNESCO’s inclusion in the COP agenda.
Furthermore, Minister Matthew reiterated the steadfast commitment of Antigua and Barbuda to assisting the success of COP28, offering reassurance that the UAE can rely on their full support to ensure the conference’s triumph.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, in turn, expressed his nation’s unwavering dedication to preserving natural heritage sites under UNESCO’s guardianship, aligning with one of the key priorities articulated by Minister Daryll Matthew in his policy speech. In a symbolic gesture of cultural exchange, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi extended an official invitation to Minister Daryll S. Matthew to attend the upcoming UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education taking place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
Hon. Minister Daryll Matthew warmly accepted the invitation, expressing his sincere gratitude and his intent to attend along with His Excellency Ambassador Boris Latour, Permanent Delegate of Antigua and Barbuda to UNESCO.
The ministers also engaged in a fruitful discussion regarding the interplay between education, emerging technologies, culture, and sports in shaping the future of youth. Recognizing the significance of these interconnected domains, they explored ways to harness their combined potential for the betterment of younger
generations and the advancement of global society.
This bilateral meeting was a testament to the enduring camaraderie between Antigua and Barbuda and the United
Arab Emirates and their shared commitment to address global challenges and promote cultural exchange.
About Antigua and Barbuda Island
Antigua and Barbuda is a small island developing state (SIDS) in the Caribbean Sea with a population of 97,928 (2020). The country’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources. Its low-lying coastal zones and favorable climate conditions, support the tourism sector, which accounts for about 80% of output gross domestic product (GDP), about 70% of direct and indirect employment and 85% of foreign exchange earnings. Antigua and Barbuda is exposed economically, environmentally and socially to projected climate change impacts. Analysis of climate change for the island also projects accelerated coastal erosion and inundation, lower average annual rainfall, increased rainfall intensity causing flooding and a likely increase in tropical storm intensity.
Complementing the Sustainable Island Resource Management and Zoning Plan (SIRMZP), the adaptation targets presented in this first Nationally Determined Contribution (2016) are incremental efforts to the national physical development plan as the targets elevate ambition beyond development, to build resilience through adaptation interventions in preparation for projected climate impacts. Adaptation in the water sector is of national priority. Desalination reliance has already grown to account for 60% of national water supply, and this is the most viable option for enhancing freshwater resources.
About Antigua and Barbuda’s Environment Department
The Department of Environment (DOE) under the Ministry of Health and the Environment of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is a national entity and government agency whose core mandate is to perform its functions for sustainable environmental protection and management in Antigua and Barbuda, including the implementation of various multilateral agreements on environment and climate change.
