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Italy floods leave 13 dead and force 13,000 from their homes

Shasi Kumar
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Italy floods leave 13 dead and force 13,000 from their homes

Italy floods leave 13 dead and force 13,000 from their homes

ROME(BBC)- More than 20 rivers have burst their banks in Italy, leaving 13 people dead and forcing thousands from their homes after six months’ rainfall fell in a day and a half.

More bodies were found on Thursday after almost every river flooded between Bologna and the north-east coast 115km (70 miles) away. Some 280 landslides have taken place.

“It was a very bad 48 hours. Water and mud took over our whole village,” said Roberta Lazzarini, 71.

Her home of Botteghino di Zocca, south of Bologna, was hit by a torrent on Wednesday. Streets, houses and gardens were inundated and Roberta said she was still scared.

“I’ve never seen anything like that here. We were stuck and didn’t know what to do. I just hope it doesn’t happen again.”

Firefighters helped residents flee their houses, including a 97-year-old woman who had to leave her bedroom in a rubber dinghy.

READ MORE : Nine dead in northern Italy floods, Formula One race called off

“Our community is broken,” said Roberta’s daughter, Ines, who runs the local cafe in the central square. “We felt completely cut out, isolated, some of us were truly terrified.”

“We’ve had floods before, but it has never been this bad as far as I can remember,” said Lamieri, 74, as he removed mud from his basement, where his son stores products to sell at the souvenir shop he runs in central Bologna.

“The street turned into river. We lost all of our stuff which was stored down here. We estimate thousands of euros in damage.”

This is one of many villages and towns flooded in the province of Emilia-Romagna, not just from rivers, but overflowing canals too.

More evacuations took place west of Ravenna on Thursday and more bodies were found, including a couple in a flat in the village of Russi, which was flooded hours before.

Many are warning that Italy needs a national plan to respond to the effects of climate change.

Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said tropical conditions had already reached Italy, with 20cm of rain falling in 36 hours, and in some areas up to 50cm.

“Soils that remain dry for a long time end up becoming cemented, drastically limiting their capacity to absorb water,” he said.

No regional dams had been built for 40 years, he said, and a new approach to hydraulic engineering engineering was needed.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has called a crisis meeting next Tuesday.

Many factors contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely. Already, the world has warmed about 1.1C since the industrial era began, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.

Antonio Francesco Rizzuto, a 55-year-old lawyer who lives by the river with his wife, was forced to leave on Tuesday night and is now living at his daughter’s in a nearby village.

“It was something no-one was expecting in these proportions,” he said. “Before we left our house, the water level was getting higher by the minute. When we got back yesterday… our living room was completely submerged. We will have to throw away most of our furniture.”

The house has belonged to the family for generations and his daughter had just finished renovating it.

Inside his kitchen, the water is is up to our ankles. The day before, it was more than 2m (6.5ft) high.

“We’ve had to get rid of the water with everything we’ve got: buckets, pots and pans.” Lino complained the local rivers had not been dredged for years.

“No-one has showed up to help. We’ve received zero help from the government or local authority,”

Rescue operations have proved difficult because so many roads have been flooded and many towns have gone without electricity.

The only help Lino had was from a teenage boy who lives near by. “He walked past and saw that we needed help. He helped us move our furniture.”

By Davide Ghiglione & Sofia Bettiza

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the BBC. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

Rescue of Stranded Indonesian Fishers Amid Cyclone Ilsa Raises Concerns for Missing Crew

Shasi Kumar
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Rescue of Stranded Indonesian Fishers Amid Cyclone Ilsa Raises Concerns for Missing Crew

Rescue of Stranded Indonesian Fishers Amid Cyclone Ilsa Raises Concerns for Missing Crew

A group of Indonesian fishers have been rescued after six days stranded on a tiny island off the coast of Western Australia amid Cyclone Ilsa, but authorities hold grim concerns for nine others who were shipwrecked.
The eleven fishermen had no food or water when they came to shore on Bedwell Island in the Rowley Shoals after they were shipwrecked, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said. Their vessel was seriously damaged when they came into the path of Cyclone Ilsa.

READ MORE : Nine dead in northern Italy floods, Formula One race called off

They had been spotted by a Border Force plane, before an AMSA helicopter was dispatched to rescue them yesterday.
But authorities have grim fears for another group of Indonesian fishermen caught up in the path of Cyclone Ilsa.
Their boat was sunk in the powerful storm, with ten on board.

The surviving boat’s crew managed to save one of the stranded fishermen before their boat ended up on Bedwell Island.

But the remaining nine fishermen are feared dead

The survivors rescued from Bedwell Island were taken to Broome Hospital for treatment.

The Rowley Shoals are a series of coral reefs about 300km off the coast of Western Australia, west of Broome.
The area is known for its deep-sea fishing, Bedwell Island itself is nothing but a long patch of sand.

While the rescue brought hope for some, the plight of another group of Indonesian fishermen caught in Cyclone Ilsa’s path casts a shadow of sorrow. Tragically, their boat was sunk by the powerful storm, and only one fisherman was saved by the crew of a surviving vessel before they all ended up on Bedwell Island. The fate of the remaining nine fishermen remains unknown, and fears are growing that they may have lost their lives at sea. Authorities are working tirelessly to gather any information that could lead to their whereabouts and provide closure to their families.

Rescue Efforts Bring Relief to the Stranded Fishermen:

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) played a vital role in the successful rescue mission. After the stranded fishermen were spotted by a Border Force plane, AMSA swiftly mobilized a helicopter to reach the island. With little time to spare, the rescuers managed to reach the fishermen and transport them to safety. It was a moment of relief and triumph as the survivors were brought back to civilization, leaving behind the harsh realities of their island ordeal.

By Nick Pearson

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the 9news. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

 

Latvia takes over Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Iceland

Diplomat Times
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Latvia takes over Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Iceland

Latvia takes over Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Iceland

RIGA (T&T)- On May 17, Latvia is taking over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from Iceland, LETA learned from the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir, will transfer the Presidency powers in rotational order to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity), for a six-month term. The handover ceremony will take place during the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe in Reykjavík, Iceland.

READ MORE : EU appoints Luigi di Maio Special Representative for the Gulf region

This is Latvia’s second Presidency since joining the organization. During the period, the Latvian Foreign Minister will be Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and his duties will include reporting to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the work of the Committee of Ministers.

One of the main tasks of the Latvian Presidency is to work on the practical implementation of the decisions of the Council of Europe’s summit in Reykjavik – strengthening the role and influence of the Council of Europe, addressing the current challenges in the field of human rights, providing the organization’s support to Ukraine, including to achieve Russia’s international accountability for the crime of aggression in Ukraine.

The national priorities of the Latvian Presidency at the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe are as follows: 1) strengthening of democracy and the rule of law; 2) promotion of freedom of expression, safety of journalists and digital agenda of the Council of Europe; 3) advancing reforms of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe, created in 1949, is the oldest political organization in Europe and includes 46 European countries. The organization aims at building a common democratic and law-based space and adherence to, and safeguarding its fundamental values – human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Latvia joined the organization in 1995.

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the T&T. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

 

Nine dead in northern Italy floods, Formula One race called off

Diplomat Times
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Nine dead in northern Italy floods, Formula One race called off

Nine dead in northern Italy floods, Formula One race called off

ROME (Reuters)- Nine people died and thousands were evacuated from their homes as torrential rain battered Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region, triggering floods and landslides, officials said on Wednesday.

Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said some areas had received half their average annual rainfall in just 36 hours, causing rivers to burst their banks, sending water cascading through towns and submerging thousands of acres of farmland.

The dire situation prompted the cancellation of Sunday’s Formula One Grand Prix in Imola, a decision made to alleviate the strain on emergency services

Sunday’s Formula One Grand Prix in Imola, which is close to many of the worst-hit areas, was called off in an effort to relieve pressure on emergency services and prevent motor racing fans from converging on the inundated region.

Stefano Bonaccini, the president of the Emilia-Romagna region, addressed the press, describing the unfolding events as unprecedented catastrophes.

He emphasised that the region received an astonishing amount of rain that the already waterlogged land could no longer absorb. “We need to ensure safety and not create extra burden for the authorities while they deal with this very awful situation,” he said.

“We are facing catastrophic events that have probably not been seen before,” the president of the Emilia-Romagna region Stefano Bonaccini told reporters. “Extraordinary amounts of rain have fallen on land no longer capable of absorbing them.”

The Adriatic coastal city of Ravenna, famed for its early Christian heritage sites, was badly affected. The local interior ministry representative said some 14,000 people would have to be evacuated from the area as soon as possible.

Authorities said flooding had hit 37 towns and communities and around 120 landslides had been registered. At least one bridge, near the city of Bologna, collapsed, some roads were undermined by floodwaters and many rail services were suspended.

READ MORE : Migrant boat breaks apart off Italy; 45 dead, 80 survive

Nine bodies had been retrieved from various locations, Bonaccini said. Irene Priolo, vice president of the region, told reporters that although the rains were easing, river levels were still rising.

Civil Protection Minister Musumeci said he would ask the cabinet to find 20 million euros ($22 million) for the affected area when it meets on May 23 to consider relief measures.

Government officials said tax and mortgage payments would be suspended for flood-hit regions during the emergency.

FLOODS FOLLOW MONTHS OF DROUGHT

It was the second time this month that Emilia-Romagna has been battered by bad weather, with at least two people dying during storms at the beginning of May.

The torrential rain months of drought which had dried out the land, reducing its capacity to absorb water and worsening the impact of the floods, meteorologists said.

Muddy waters flowed through the historic centres of Faenza, Cesena and Forli, washing over the roofs of parked cars, submerging some stores and forcing locals to flee to the top stories of their homes.

Drone footage from the Imola race circuit showed part of the paddock area under water. Organisers said the decision to call off the Grand Prix had been taken “because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel”.

“It’s probably been the worst night in the history of Romagna,” Ravenna Mayor Michele de Pascale told RAI public radio, saying 5,000 people were evacuated from his city on Tuesday night.

“Ravenna is unrecognisable after the damage it has suffered.”

Minister Musumeci said between 200mm to 500mm of rain fell in some parts of the region in 1-1/2 days, compared with average annual rainfall of 1,000 mm.

By Claudia Greco and Crispian Balmer

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

 

Biden off to Japan for Group of Seven summit : G7 summit

Kyung An
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Biden off to Japan for Group of Seven summit : G7 summit

Biden off to Japan for Group of Seven summit : G7 Summit

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said there’s “work to do” on the global stage as he headed to Japan on Wednesday to consult with allies on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s assertiveness in the Pacific at the same time that a debt limit standoff looms at home.

With high-stakes talks to head off a federal default are underway in Washington, Biden pledged to remain in “constant contact” with negotiators in the Capitol while he conducts international diplomacy.

The president departed Washington aboard Air Force One a day after scrapping plans for a historic stop in Papua New Guinea and a key visit to Australia amid the showdown with House Republicans over raising the federal debt limit. The three-nation trip had been meant as a triumphant global leadership showcase, and instead threatened to become a truncated reminder of how partisan disagreements have undercut U.S. standing on the global stage.

READ MORE : Biden to leave for Hiroshima for G-7 summit on May 17 as planned

“I’ve cut my trip short in order to be here for the final negotiations and sign the deal with the majority leader,” Biden said in remarks before departing the White House. “I’ve made clear America is not a deadbeat nation, we pay our bills.”

For Biden, the intertwined dynamics of the debt standoff and his foray abroad put a spotlight on two key aspects of his presidency — his efforts to assert U.S. prowess on the international stage and to address economic concerns at home. They also are playing out as Biden is in the early weeks of his candidacy for reelection, adding political overtones to the situation.

The president was still set to attend the annual Group of Seven summit of advanced democracies in Hiroshima, where sustaining support for Ukraine’s expected counteroffensive against Russia is set to take center stage, alongside economic, climate and global development issues. More than a year after Moscow’s invasion, Biden and allies have armed Kyiv with ever-more-advanced weaponry and maintained deep sanctions on Russia’s economy, though maintaining resolve has grown more challenging in Washington and other global capitals.

While in Hiroshima, Biden also plans to sit down with the so-called Quad leaders of Japan, Australia and India, a partnership meant to serve as a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific, a region that he bills as a top priority in U.S. national security strategy. That meeting had originally been scheduled to occur next week on what would have been his inaugural visit to Canberra and Sydney as president.

Off the agenda entirely is a stop in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where Pacific Island leaders were to gather for a first-of-its-kind meeting with a U.S. president. It was meant to be a rejoinder to China’s increasing military and economic pressures in the region. The U.S. has recently opened embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga and has expressed a desire to reverse a decades-long pullback in the region.

No U.S. president has ever visited the island nation, and high hopes for the visit were dashed by Biden’s announcement that he wouldn’t make the stop.

When asked whether he thought his shortened trip was a win for China, he said: “No. “Because we still work with allies,” he said.

During a roughly hour-long meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy designated chief negotiators to try to draft an agreement to allow more government borrowing in conjunction with GOP-demanded spending cuts. The Treasury Department has warned that action is likely needed by June 1 to assure the U.S. can continue to meet its financial obligations.

U.S. officials have warned in increasingly urgent tones that a default would not only spark a deep recession, but also weaken its standing on the world stage.

“Countries like Russia and China that would love nothing more than for us to default so they could point the finger and say, ‘You see, the United States is not a stable, reliable partner,’” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday. “So, that is a high priority, as it should be, for the president.”

For weeks, White House officials have said Biden could manage both the Capitol Hill negotiations and foreign commitments while on the trip. But in recent days aides have fretted as McCarthy has repeatedly called for Biden to scrap his trip, worried that while abroad, the president would appear to the public as disengaged from the swelling crisis.

“It would underscore for partners that despite welcome U.S. focus on the region and the focus on allies and partners at the heart of U.S. foreign policy, domestic politics is still a constraint on U.S. engagement and perhaps on budgetary commitments as well,” he said last week. “And I think that’s something that will be talked about widely.”

___

By ZEKE MILLER and JOSH BOAK and Boak reported from Hiroshima, Japan.

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the AP NEWS. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

USA Revises F-1 and M-1 Regulations to Ease Visa for International Students

Kyung An
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USA Revises F-1 and M-1 Regulations to Ease Visa for International Students

USA Revises F-1 and M-1 Regulations to Ease Visa for International Students

​In good news for international students, the Department of State announced before the holiday break that consular offices would have more flexibility in determining non-immigrant intent for F-1 and M-1 student visa applicants.

Current rules require international students applying for these visas to show “non-immigrant intent” by demonstrating that they plan to return home when they are done with their program of study. The updated guidance states that consular officers should focus on the student’s immediate intent and “keep in mind that the applicant’s intent is to be adjudicated based on present intent—not on contingencies of what might happen in the future, after a lengthy period of study in the United States.”

READ MORE : Diplomats of 3 Nations US, Qatar, Monaco Present Credentials to the President of India

This guidance essentially returns the State Department to the previous guidance established by the “Rice cable,” which allows for flexibility in determining non-immigrant intent for student visas.

ACE encouraged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to restore the guidance in a January 2021 community letter, writing that “you can deliver a welcoming message to current and prospective international students, which can do much to restore the U.S. as a destination of choice, as well as supporting an important economic activity as the U.S. economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the difference between F-1 and M-1 Visa

Both visa categories for International Students only but F-1 and M-1 little small changes that students must be known.

                       F-1                                                      M-1 

1. Are in an academic program, often with      a core academic curriculum. Are in a vocational program, typically
without a core academic curriculum.
2. Are eligible for annual vacation. Are not eligible for annual vacation.
3. Can change their major
or program of study.		 Cannot change their major
or program of study
4.Can transfer anytime during
their program or begin a new
program after completing one.		 Can only transfer in the first six months
after arrival and must apply to U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services for
transfer by filing Form I-539, “Application
to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.”
5. Can work during and after their
program of study, with permission.		 Can only work after their program
of study ends and with permission.
6. Can participate in up to four
types of work including, on-campus,
off-campus for economic hardship,
curricular practical training (CPT) and
optional practical training (OPT)		 Can participate in one type of work,
practical training (PT), one month for
every four months of their program.
7. Can remain in the United States for the
duration of their program of study		 Can only remain in the United
States for up to one year unless
they apply for an extension.
8. Can stay in the United States
for up to 60 days after their
program or OPT end date.		 Can stay in the United States for
up to 30 days after their program
or PT end date.

 

For more information visit StudyintheStates.dhs.gov/Maintaining-Your-Status

 

Zelensky meets Federal Chancellor Scholz in Germany

Shasi Kumar
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Zelensky meets Federal Chancellor Scholz in Germany

President Zelensky meets Federal Chancellor Scholz in Germany

BERLIN (EI) – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid an official visit to Germany on May 14 for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. During his visit, President of Ukraine met with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

President Zelenskyy expressed his sincere gratitude to Olaf Scholz and the entire German people for every Ukrainian life that was saved thanks to the support of Germany.

“I want to emphasize that Germany’s assistance is about protecting lives. The lives of our people in cities and villages, which are reliably protected, in particular, by the air defense systems you have provided. The lives of our soldiers on the battlefield, which are protected by the armored vehicles you have provided.

READ MORE : Zelensky shores up weapons pledges as EU honours Ukraine fight

Social life in Ukraine, which is protected by your financial support, which is very important. Ukraine knows how to be grateful and will always be grateful to your country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with the head of the German government in Berlin.

“I believe that your leadership – yours, Olaf, and that of the entire Germany – leadership in the defense of peace can make the world safer. The more we cooperate for peace, the more Germany is a leader in defending peace, the more stability international relations will have,” he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Germany earmarked more than 11 billion euros for the current and future years to continue its security support for Ukraine. In addition, Germany’s participation in the European Peace Facility is extremely significant.

“Today, Germany is second only to the United States in terms of aid. This is very powerful,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to every German family, taxpayer, city and federal state for the sincere and rational support for Ukrainians who have taken refuge in Germany to flee Russian military aggression.

“Saving lives is saving the world. These words are worth saying today, on Mother’s Day. I congratulate every mother, every child, every family on this day,” the President of Ukraine said.

President Zelenskyy emphasized that in order for this war to end with a just and fair peace, for Ukraine and the whole of Europe to be free, and for the territorial integrity and security of all European nations to be guaranteed, we must act now.

“This year we can make the aggressor’s defeat irreversible. I am grateful for the largest security package for us since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, amounting to more than 2.7 billion euros. This is a powerful support. These are additional air defense systems and missiles to them, new guns, shells… Everything in this security package will significantly strengthen our defense against Russian terror. Thank you for this!” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For his part, the German Chancellor emphasized that Russia’s brutal aggression has major geopolitical consequences, but it primarily affects the citizens of Ukraine. He assured of further support for the Ukrainian people. This solidarity continues, it is stable and powerful, Olaf Scholz stated.

“The close relations between our countries will last for decades. Given the terrible war, we are working even more closely with you today. We support Ukraine not only in the humanitarian sphere, but also in the political sphere, we support it financially and, of course, we provide military assistance. I have repeated this many times and I say it again today: we will support you for as long as you need us,” he assured.

The German Chancellor noted that as part of its military assistance to Ukraine, Germany provides modern weapons for defence. Leopard tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, IRIS-T air defense systems, howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems, etc. A new package worth 2.7 billion euros has also been approved recently.

Olaf Scholz emphasised that Germany is among the countries that support bringing Russia to justice for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

During the negotiations, the President of Ukraine informed the German Chancellor of the situation on the frontline and the ability of Ukrainian troops to restore freedom and security.

The two parts also considered preparations for international events, for the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and strengthening global coordination for the sake of stability and peace in international relations. They also coordinated positions on the eve of the Group of Seven summit to be held in May in Hiroshima, Japan.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz also discussed Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and NATO.

During the meeting, a Joint Statement on Comprehensive Cooperation was approved, which reflects the level of relations and cooperation between Ukraine and Germany.

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the EI. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

EU appoints Luigi di Maio Special Representative for the Gulf region

Diplomat Times
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EU appoints Luigi di Maio Special Representative for the Gulf region

EU appoints Luigi di Maio Special Representative for the Gulf region

Diplomat Times (ROME)- Today the Council appointed Luigi di Maio as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Gulf region.

The tasks of the new EU Special Representative will be to further develop a stronger, comprehensive and more strategic EU partnership with the countries in the Gulf region by supporting the High Representative in the implementation of the foreign policy and security aspects of the EU joint communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf of 18 May 2022 and the related Council conclusions of 20 June 2022.

The EUSR will seek best ways to contribute to the stability and security of the region by engaging and supporting dialogue and long-term regional solutions with individual Gulf partners and relevant regional organisations.

He will equally support and cooperate with the Council and the European Commission to help ensure the consistency of the EU’s external action in the region, and contribute to increase the visibility and understanding of the role of the EU.

Mr. Di Maio will take up his duties on 1 June, with an initial mandate of 21 months.

READ MORE : Cyprus Foreign Minister Participates in EU and Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meetings

Mr. Di Maio served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy from 2019 to 2022. He held previously the positions of Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Minister of Labour and Social Policies, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies and Member of the European Union Affairs Committee in the 17th Italian legislature.

EU Special Representatives are proposed by the High Representative to promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries, and provide the EU with an active political presence in those areas.

Currently, ten EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

 

 

Cyprus Foreign Minister Participates in EU and Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meetings

Roshan Bilung
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Cyprus Foreign Minister Participates in EU and Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meetings

Cyprus Foreign Minister Participates in EU and Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meetings

The Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, recently participated in two important ministerial meetings, the informal meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union (Gymnich) and the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meeting held in Stockholm. During these meetings, he addressed various issues including Ukraine, EU-China relations, and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Kombos also highlighted Cyprus’ support for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

EU-China Relations and Ukraine: Kombos’ Interventions at the Gymnich Meeting

At the Gymnich discussions, Kombos addressed two important issues that were discussed by the foreign ministers, namely Ukraine and EU-China relations. On the issue of Ukraine, Kombos emphasized the importance of EU’s long-term planning and tangible support towards Ukraine. He also stressed the need to avoid any gaps or “blind spots” in the EU’s approach towards Ukraine, especially on the issue of sanctions. Kombos highlighted that Ukraine’s future lies within the EU, but it would require an ambitious reform programme in the country.

READ MORE : EAM Jaishankar discusses Indo-Pacific, Ukraine war with his 8 counterparts in Sweden

Regarding EU-China relations, Kombos emphasized the importance of a structured dialogue between the EU and China, which focuses on the issues that are important for the union while maintaining European principles and values.

Cyprus’ Support for the Peaceful Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Kombos’ Intervention at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meeting

At the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meeting, Kombos participated in a roundtable discussion on security challenges in the region. He highlighted Cyprus’ longstanding support for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Kombos emphasized that the dispute settlement mechanisms of the Convention provide the international community with the appropriate means to deal effectively with critical issues such as maritime safety, exploration and exploitation of natural resources, and dispute resolution.

Meetings with Foreign Ministers from India, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore

On the sidelines of these meetings, Kombos held meetings with his counterparts from India, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore. These meetings were aimed at enhancing cooperation and promoting Cyprus’ interests in these regions.

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the BNN. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

Syed Algazi, officially appointed as India’s Honorary Consul General of Republic of Liberland a European Country

Shasi Kumar
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Syed Algazi, officially appointed as India’s Honorary Consul General of Republic of Liberland a European Country

Mr. Syed Algazi, officially appointed as India’s Honorary Consul General of Republic of Liberland a European Country

New Delhi (PTI) – Mr. Syed Algazi has been officially appointed as, India’s Honorary Consul General of Republic of Liberland in India for 3 years.

His tenure begins with immediate effect from May 11th 2023 in the city of Hyderabad with the consular district including the entire territory of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States.

The official appointment ceremony is being held in London on 18th May 2023 at Millennium Gloucester Hotel, Kensington, London, UK in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of State and Deputy Lieutenant (DLs) greater London, House of Lords members and many dignitaries from across the globe followed by 2 ceremonies in Delhi and Hyderabad respectively for Indian officials and Consulates of different countries.
Republic of Liberland is a sovereign state in Southeast Europe surrounded by other 11 Balkan countries in Europe.

READ MORE : Diplomats of 3 Nations US, Qatar, Monaco Present Credentials to the President of India

It has more than 105 representative offices, embassies and consulates across the globe includes UK, USA with more than 7 million further citizenship requests from all across the globe. The business incubator has been established for foreign investors in Ark Liberland Aptian, Serbia as well as in Republic of Liberland.

Republic of Liberland will also be the first European country to be built in the virtual world by the world-renowned London based architectural firm, Zaha Hadid Architects who have been working on a vision for a virtual city.
A Multi- Million Dollar state-of-the-art Consulate of Republic of Liberland in Hyderabad Telangana has already begun its 6-storey construction work with a ground breaking ceremony in 2023 with 20 thousand square feet area for many international businesses and incubators for Europe, UAE, Philippines, UK, USA to connect with Liberland.

This will be a significant development for the Liberland – India Diplomatic and strategic partnership and will create jobs.
H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi will be flying to Delhi soon to meet the officials to present his credentials as the Hon. Consul General of Republic of Liberland in India and to discuss various bilateral trade, business, recognition, collaborations and diplomatic relations between both countries.

H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi will also be meeting the officials of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States, as well the Consulate Generals of different countries in India to discuss and promote bilateral trade, business, investment, arts, cultural, films, sports, youth, tourism, diplomatic relations for Republic of Liberland.
A consular team for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will be selected by H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi from India to be appointed from the bracket of top entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, HNWI and highly experienced achievers for day-to-day Consulate functioning for Diplomatic relationship with different countries.
We are very sure that, H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi will make India, his city Hyderabad, State of Telangana, Republic of Liberland and its citizens proud with his extraordinary work between both countries by helping businesses, startups’, entrepreneurs to flourish in Europe.

About H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi Hon. Consul General

H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi belongs to the Royals and Great Nobles family of Hyderabad. He is the Great Grandson of Nawab Fakhr ul Mulk Bahadur who built great Palaces (Errum Manzil Palace) Monuments (Tomb of Nawab Fakhr ulk Mulk – known as the Taj Mahal of Hyderabad Deccan, Nizam Collage and many other Palaces around Hyderabad Deccan. He is also the Great Grandson of Salar Jung III (Maternal) and Nephew of Prince Mouzam Jah, 2nd Son of 7th Nizam.

He is the Alumni of Rashtriya Military School Bangalore 1986 batch.

H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi has been invited twice at the Presidents Estate, Rashtrapati Bhavan Delhi for his wonderful, selfless, humanitarian and dedicated services towards the Indian Armed Forces & Martyrs families all across the globe.

He started his entrepreneur’s journey at the very young age of 16 in 1986. He provided employment to number of boys at that time who were unable to meet the ends.

He has been awarded as the youngest entrepreneur of Andhra Pradesh in 1987 by the Indian Chamber of Commerce at Bhaskar Palace (Present day – Care Hospital).

He is also the recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi award for his services towards Indian Armed Forces, Martyrs and their families’ initiatives and food drive campaigns across the globe.

He is also the first civilian in the history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to be awarded by the high rank Army officials at HQ 35 Infantry Brigade Vasant Vihar New Delhi for his services towards Indian Armed Forces, Martyrs and their families all across India.

He is credited for creating the first ever Digital War Memorial in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh history by a Cadet.

H.E. Mr. Syed Algazi became the 1st personality in the history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to be awarded Sir Syed Ahmad Award by the Aligarh University Council for his contribution to the nation, Martyrs families and social work all across India.

He is also credited for the initiative of forming the Telangana Police Youth Club. This initiative is to connect students and eliminate crime. Lakhs of students will get connected with this initiative was launched in Hyderabad on 18th March 2018.

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the PTI. Diplomat Times holds no responsibility for its content.

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