Ljubljana, Slovenia(DT) — Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar extended her heartfelt condolences following the passing of former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter.
In a statement, President Pirc Musar praised Carter’s lifelong commitment to peace and humanitarian causes, emphasizing that his legacy would endure as an inspiration to the world. “His unwavering dedication to peace and humanitarian values remains a lasting legacy. My thoughts are with the Carter family and the American people during this difficult time,” she said.
Carter, celebrated for his global efforts in promoting human rights and conflict resolution, leaves behind a profound impact on international peacebuilding and diplomacy.
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, was renowned for his post-presidency activism, including his work with The Carter Center to advance human rights, eradicate diseases, and mediate international conflicts. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, his efforts extended far beyond politics, reflecting a lifelong commitment to building a better world.
President Pirc Musar also acknowledged Carter’s legacy as a reminder of the critical role leaders play in fostering dialogue and understanding in an increasingly divided world. “His vision of a fairer and more just global community is one we must strive to uphold.”
Carter’s passing has elicited tributes from leaders and citizens worldwide, underscoring his enduring influence on the global stage.
Johannesburg, South Africa (DT) –Deputy Police Minister, Cassel Mathale has announced that more than 34,000 suspects have been arrested across the country since December 16. Amongst those arrested were more than 4,000 suspects wanted for various crimes including murder and rape.
Mathale was speaking during a festive season operation at the Mall of Africa in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
“Since the 16th of December to the 29th of December police have arrested more than 34,000 suspects countrywide for various crimes ranging from murder to rape. 4,200 of these suspects were wanted criminals for various crimes including rape, murder and business robberies,” says Mathale. Police in the Northern Cape have arrested some 429 suspects during the weekly Safer Festive Season operations – a continuation of Operation Shanela.
According to a police statement, SA Police Service members arrested the suspects on a range of charges, including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale is leading a walkabout at the Mall of Africa as police continue to ensure that people in Gauteng are and feel safe this festive season. Photo : @SAPoliceService
Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be taken this New Year’s Eve.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond.
“She reiterated that a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted and the abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts,” the statement said.
Johannesburg, South Africa (DT) – South Africa’s government said that the petrol pump price would increase by up to 19 cents a liter and the diesel price would rise by up to 10.50 cents a liter from January 1. South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly due to factors including global oil prices and the rand exchange rate. Motorists will face higher fuel costs at the pumps starting January, as South Africa implements its first fuel price adjustments of the New Year.
These changes, effective from January 1, reflect a combination of global market trends and domestic economic factors.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed that the price of 93-octane petrol will increase by 19 cents per litre, while the price of 95-octane unleaded petrol will rise by 12 cents per litre. Additionally, diesel prices will see a hike of up to 10.50 cents per litre, further impacting transport and logistics sectors.
The monthly fuel price adjustments, influenced by global oil prices and the rand’s exchange rate, are a standard measure to align domestic prices with international market conditions. These increases come at a time when motorists are already grappling with rising costs, adding further strain to household budgets.
Seoul, South Korea (DT) — South Korean law enforcement authorities have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an investigation into whether his brief martial law declaration on December 3 constituted an act of rebellion.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, spearheading a joint probe with police and military agencies into the short-lived power seizure, confirmed filing the warrant request with the Seoul Western District Court. Investigators plan to question Yoon on allegations of abuse of power and orchestrating a rebellion.
Yoon Kap-keun, the president’s lawyer, denounced the detention attempt and filed a challenge with the same court, arguing that the warrant request was invalid. He also claimed the anti-corruption agency lacked the legal authority to investigate rebellion charges. Still, he evaded answering how the legal team would respond if the court approved the warrant for the president’s detainment.
Police have tried but failed to successfully raid the presidential office as part of the investigation. A Seoul court will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant following the request. Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the suspended president, said the arrest request was “unfair” and the anti-corruption agency has no authority to do so.
On Friday, the court conducted its first preparatory hearing, rejecting a request from Yoon’s legal team to postpone the proceedings for additional preparation. Emphasizing the need for efficiency, the court stated it would proceed without delay. The next hearing is scheduled for January 3.
Atlanta, US (DT) – Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953. He later managed his family’s peanut farming business before entering politics. Carter served as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967 and as the state’s governor from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he was elected President, serving a single term until 1981.
The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, roughly 22 months after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said.
Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in New York, July 15, 1976. (AP Photo, File)
“Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others.
“To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement.
Biden spoke later Sunday evening about Carter, calling it a “sad day” but one that “brings back an incredible amount of good memories.”
Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, June 10, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
“I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years,” Biden said in his remarks.
He recalled the former president being a comfort to him and his wife Jill when their son Beau died in 2015 of cancer. The president remarked how cancer was a common bond between their families, with Carter himself having cancer later in his life.
“Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,” said Biden, who scheduled a state funeral in Washington, D.C., for Carter on Jan. 9.
Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the nation and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday.
Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s.
“My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said.
The President of Azerbaijan has stated that the plane crash in Kazakhstan on Wednesday was likely caused by “fire” from Russian territory, with evidence indicating it may have been struck by a Russian anti-aircraft missile.
Baku, Azerbaijan (DT) – In an interview with state media on Sunday, Aliyev demanded that Moscow admit responsibility for the disaster and cease attempts to cover up the cause.
“We have clearly expressed our demands to the Russian side,” said President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with AZERTAC news agency.
“These demands were officially communicated to them on December 27. What do they consist of? First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, as well as to the injured passengers and crew members.
These are our conditions. The first of these was fulfilled yesterday.
I hope the other conditions will also be accepted. All these demands are fair. There are no extraordinary requests or issues here; all of this is based on international experience and normal human conduct,” the head of state emphasized.
The AZAL flight, which was attempting to land in Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region, is believed to have been hit by a Russian air defense system.
Aliyev claimed that the plane was damaged by fire from the ground and electronic warfare systems, which caused it to almost lose control.
He criticized Russia for initially suggesting theories, including a bird strike, to explain the crash—describing them as “absurd” and out of touch with reality, given the damage to the plane’s fuselage.
Azerbaijani President claimed that the passenger plane had been damaged by accidental gunfire from the ground in Russia.
Aliyev stated, “Our plane was shot down by accident,” and added that the aircraft had been subjected to electronic jamming before coming under fire while approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has rejected Mikheil Kavelashvili’s legitimacy as Georgia’s new president, citing alleged irregularities in the election process
Tbilisi, Georgia (DT) – Mikheil Kavelashvili has been sworn in as the new president of Georgia amidst political turmoil and accusations of election fraud. A staunch critic of the West, Kavelashvili was elected by lawmakers following the October parliamentary elections.
His inauguration comes during a political crisis after the government froze European Union application talks, triggering widespread protests.
Georgia’s new president Mikheil Kavelashvili looks on during his swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze/Pool
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU opponent of the ruling party, has rejected Kavelashvili’s legitimacy, citing alleged irregularities in the election process. In a defiant speech to her supporters outside the presidential palace, Zourabichvili declared that while she would leave the residence, she still held the legitimacy of her office.
“I will come out of here and be with you,” she said. “I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me.” Zourabichvili, who remains popular among opposition parties, maintains that Kavelashvili’s election was flawed due to fraud in the parliamentary vote.
The opposition has rallied behind Zourabichvili, asserting that she is the legitimate president until new elections are held. Kavelashvili’s election, however, is backed by the Georgian Dream ruling party, which secured nearly 54 percent of the vote in the October elections. Both the ruling party and the country’s election commission have maintained that the election was free and fair.
International observers have raised concerns about the electoral process, with both local and international monitors pointing to violations that may have affected the results. Western nations have called for an investigation into the allegations.
Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player who briefly played for Manchester City, has expressed strong anti-Western views, accusing Western intelligence agencies of trying to provoke conflict between Georgia and Russia. “The Georgian people have always understood that peace is the main prerequisite for survival and development,” he said following his swearing-in.
This standoff between Kavelashvili and Zourabichvili marks a significant moment in Georgia’s political trajectory. Once seen as one of the most democratic and pro-Western states in the former Soviet Union, Georgia is now deeply divided over its future direction.
The situation also comes amid growing criticism of the Georgian ruling party for its perceived shift away from the West and closer ties with Russia. In response, the United States imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party, accusing him of pushing Georgia towards an anti-Western stance.
South Korea faced its deadliest aviation disaster today as Jeju Air Flight 2216 claimed the lives of 179 people.
Seoul, South Korea (DT) – Acting President has announced a national mourning period following the catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed at least 179 lives. In a solemn statement, the Acting President extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, vowing comprehensive government support for recovery efforts and a meticulous investigation to uncover the cause of the disaster.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our nation,” the Acting President said. “We will come together to support the bereaved families and take all necessary measures to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.”
During the mourning period, flags across the country will fly at half-staff, and many public events are expected to be canceled or scaled back as a mark of respect. Citizens have been encouraged to join in national remembrance activities to honor the victims of one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent history.
He declared a seven-day national mourning period, effective starting Sunday, lasting until midnight on Saturday.
Choi has also designated Muan as a special disaster zone, making it eligible for state support.
“We will provide all necessary assistance for recovery efforts, support for the bereaved families and medical treatment for the injured,” he stated.
The acting president further instructed relevant agencies to deploy all available resources, including equipment, personnel and infrastructure.
Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, stepped into the interim leadership role on Friday following the suspension of acting President Han Duck-soo’s duties by the National Assembly.
Han was impeached less than two weeks after he took over for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 14, who was impeached for his mishandling of martial law.
Muan County, South Korea (DT) – A tragic incident unfolded at Muan International Airport on Sunday when an airliner veered off the runway, crashing into a wall and erupting into a fireball.
According to the national fire agency, at least 179 people lost their lives in the disaster. Two individuals, presumed to be crew members, were rescued, the agency confirmed.
Efforts are made to lift the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
The 181 people were aboard the Boeing 737-800 plane that had departed from Bangkok at 1:30 a.m. It was scheduled to arrive in Muan at around 8:30 a.m. The passengers were all Koreans, except for two Thai nationals.
Of those on board, 82 were men and 93 were women, ranging in age from as young as three to 78 years old. Many were in their 40s, 50s and 60s.
Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, with 175 passengers and six crew members on board, was attempting to land at the airport in southern South Korea shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT), according to South Korea’s transport ministry.
Two crew members survived and were being treated for injuries. The deadliest air accident on South Korean soil was also the worst involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades, according to the transport ministry.
Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, December 29, 2024. Yonhap via REUTERS
The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 was seen in local media video skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before crashing into navigation equipment and a wall in an explosion of flames and debris.
Investigators are considering bird strikes and weather conditions as potential causes of the crash, according to Lee, a spokesperson for the investigation team. Yonhap news agency reported that airport authorities suspect a bird strike may have led to the malfunction of the aircraft’s landing gear.
The tragedy marks the deadliest crash for any South Korean airline since the 1997 Korean Air disaster in Guam, which claimed over 200 lives, based on transportation ministry data. The most severe crash on South Korean soil before this incident occurred in 2002, when an Air China flight went down, killing 129 people.
Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, December 29, 2024. Yonhap via REUTERS
Aviation experts highlighted that the preliminary findings raise more questions than answers. Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, remarked, “A bird strike is not unusual, and issues with an undercarriage are not uncommon. However, bird strikes alone typically do not result in the complete loss of an aircraft.”
Under international aviation regulations, South Korea will spearhead a civil investigation into the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States, where the aircraft was designed and manufactured, will also be involved in the inquiry.
New Delhi, India (DT) – The body of Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose death has sparked outpourings of grief at home and accolades from abroad, was cremated on Sunday on the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi with full state honours. The funeral was conducted in the Sikh tradition as priests chanted hymns, after Singh’s body, draped in the Indian flag, was carried through the capital on a flower-decked carriage pulled by a ceremonial army truck.
The flag was respectfully removed, and the body was draped in a saffron cloth before being placed on the funeral pyre.
Security officials and others walk with the hearse carrying the coffin with the mortal remains of India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his funeral procession in New Delhi, India, December 28, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer
Since Singh’s passing on Thursday at the age of 92, many have reflected on his poignant remark near the conclusion of his decade-long tenure as Prime Minister: “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.”
This statement was a response to criticisms of weak leadership during his time heading a coalition government that grappled with multiple corruption scandals. The administration ultimately lost power in the 2014 election, which brought his successor, Narendra Modi, to office.
Modi, who called Singh one of the nation’s “most distinguished leaders” after his death, attended the funeral, along with President Droupadi Murmu and representatives of various countries. Modi’s government has decided to allocate land for Singh’s memorial. Singh, considered the architect of India’s economic liberalization, had criticized Modi’s economic policies such as demonetization and introducing a goods and services tax.
Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accompanied Singh’s family on the truck carrying his body to the Nigambodh Ghat cremation site. The funeral procession began at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi, where party leaders, members, and the public gathered to pay their final respects.
Leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Sri Lanka, China, and Pakistan were among those mourning Singh’s passing, praising his significant contributions on the international stage.
