Brexit: The Tories answers to Brexit questions leaves the public and representatives in the dark!

Today, I will just post a few questions that has been answered today by the Department for Exiting the European Union (DeXEU) Secretary Mundell and also State Minister Eustice, both Tories MPs and ministers, who are proving that the they will assess the situation and find invisible deals, but not give clear information on the possible split form the Union and the possible effects. It must be bleak and vicious if they as politicians fear the aftermath of the release of the damages of the leaving the Union goes public. They must know the score and sore wound will struggle to heal after the departure of Membership.

That is why these answers from the Tories Government is revealing, not because they say much, but because they say so little. They are not giving signs or even signals of where the United Kingdom are heading post-EU Membership. This is now proven with Mundell and Eustice, these two cabinet ministers are proving their loyalty, but also how little they will reveal. Take a look!

Seema Malhotra MP of Feltham and Heston asked the government this question on the 25th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his Department was consulted by the Department for Exiting the European Union on the economic impact assessments conducted for the UK leaving the EU” (Malhotra, 25.10.2017). This was answered by the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, the Conservative Party MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale. Mundell answered on the 2nd November: “The UK Government is carrying out an ongoing programme of comprehensive analytical work that will inform our negotiating position with the EU, to define our deep and special partnership with the EU and inform our understanding of how EU exit will affect the UK’s domestic policies and frameworks. The Scotland Office is working with officials across government, in close coordination with the Department for Exiting the European Union, to ensure the delivery of a holistic programme of analysis across government” (Mundell, 02.11.2017).

Chris Ruane MP of Vale of Clwyd asked this question on the 26th October: “To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on the volume of exports of Welsh lamb to Europe of leaving the EU without a deal”. This was answered George Eustice MP, the Conservative Party of Camborne and Redruth, who is the State Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who answered this: “We are fully aware of the importance of the EU market as a destination for Welsh and UK lamb. We want to secure a deep and comprehensive Free-Trade Agreement as an alternative to membership of the Single Market, which preserves our access to EU markets for lamb and all agricultural products. We are conducting ongoing analysis to help to develop a detailed understanding of how various trade scenarios will impact on all regions of the UK” (Eustice, 02.11.2017).

Chris Ruane MP of Vale of Clwyd asked this question on the 26th October: “To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussion he has had with his (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) counterpart in the Welsh Government on the effect of leaving the EU without a deal on the export of Welsh lamb to Europe” (Ruane, 26.10.2017). This was answered by Alun Cairns MP of Vale of Glamorgan, the Secretary of State of Wales, who answered this: “Leaving the EU presents a major opportunity for Welsh and wider UK agriculture and we are working towards achieving the best possible deal for the agricultural industry across the UK. We want to secure a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement as an alternative to membership of the Single Market, which preserves our access to EU markets for red meat, including Welsh lamb, and all agricultural products. The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales will continue to work with other Government departments including the Department for Exiting the European Union, directly with farmers and farming industry representatives, and Welsh and local Government to support the Welsh economy and promote a prosperous Wales within a strong United Kingdom after we leave the EU” (Cairns, 02.11.2017).

If you felt your were getting wiser, you are not, because that is the intention of the Tories Government. To keep the people in the dark, that is why the Brexit Assessment Reports on effects on Industry and the country in general are kept hidden on the desks and inside the Departments. They are kept as government secrets as the tactics and the negotiations are also kept in secret. The Tories are trying to this all in secrecy, instead of having an open policy.

These answers to the Scottish and Welsh representative on their constituencies and their industries are really proving their lack of understanding. That the non-answers combined with secrets makes the locals and constituents uncertain about the future prospects. The same with businesses that don’t know if they have a market to trade in or possible to import within a affordable price-range to make profits. It is like the UK Government want the unknown and uncertain to loom, since they have numbers and possible analysis that are damaging. Since the loss of direct access to the European Markets will hurt the economy and also the export industry. Also, the possible investments from European businesses in the United Kingdom. All of this can be put in question, when Mundell and Eustice are answering like they do today.

This is worrying for the United Kingdom, that they are trying to blind-fold businesses and the public, even their representatives, as they walking like Stevie Wonder to the unknown future outside the European Union. Peace.

Brexit: Hilary Benn MP letter to David Davis MP on “Brexit Impact Assessment Reports” (02.11.2017)

UN should investigate ‘suspect’ appointment of Mugabe, WHO chief should meet Zimbabwe victims & apologize (23.10.2017)

GENEVA, Switzerland, October 23, 2017 – The non-governmental human rights group UN Watch welcomed the WHO’s cancellation of its “absurd, immoral and insulting” appointment of Robert Mugabe as goodwill ambassador but called for a full, independent and international inquiry into any possible deals made between the WHO chief—Ethiopia’s former foreign minister—and Zimbabwe’s ruler.

There must be more to the story. How could Dr. Tedros, a sophisticated political figure, have chosen to honor a man who has brutalized human rights activists, crushed democracy dissidents, and turned the breadbasket of Africa and its health system into a basket-case?” asked UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer.”We regret that Dr. Tedros’ statement shows no remorse, nor any mention of Mugabe’s gross human rights abuses. On the contrary, he seems to double down and justify his decision by speaking of the need to ‘include everyone’, presumably tyrants as well.”

“We ask Dr. Tedros to agree to a meeting in Geneva of victims of Mugabe, which we will gladly organize, giving the WHO chief a chance to compensate for the damage he has done to the cause of human rights in Zimbabwe. He should now honor the victims, instead of the perpetrator.”

“The tyrant of Zimbabwe is the last person who should have been legitimised by a U.N. position of any kind,” said Neuer. “Something is very ill at the U.N.’s world health agency.”

Opinion: Dr. Tedros rescinded Mugabe as a Goodwill Ambassador, but he has now shown his admiration of dictators!

The public outcry and the shaming of the appointment of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador has really hurt the newly elected director-general. Clearly, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Ethiopian Director-General didn’t consider how the world view of Mugabe and his position in the United Nations Organization. WHO has ideals and barren structure of the human rights and the needs for health care across the nations and member states. So with the backslash and the disappointing idea is now proven. The character of the leader is at least shown.

Parts of Dr. Tedros Adhanom statement today:

Over the last few days, I have reflected on my appointment of H.E. President Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for NCDs in Africa. As a result I have decided to rescind the appointment. I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns, and heard the different issues that they have raised. I have also consulted with the Government of Zimbabwe and we have concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the World Health Organization. It is my aim to build a worldwide movement for global health. This movement must work for everyone and include everyone” (WHO, 2017).

What is striking and what is unique, is that he is taking away the honor to Mugabe, but at the same time. He was in close connection and talking with them. Not trying to figure it out on his own. I am sure if the public and the human rights organizations didn’t blast the hell out of the decision. He would still be the Goodwill Ambassador for NCDs in Africa. Surely, he can pick someone with a little flair and legitimacy for it. Not someone who has been thieving and looting since the 1980s. There must someone else who has the ability and the compassion to care about the subject.

We can clearly see that the WHO General-Director have no trouble with dictatorships and the totalitarian leadership, since he can easily honor them and work for them. If they do quell opposition and hurt citizens who oppose the central government. He will most likely be behind them and give them honorable notes. The Ethiopian Revolutionary People’s Democratic Front (EPRDF) has teached him well, as the years in the central government of Addis Ababa have served him well.

We can just imagine who is the next man or woman he appoints, what sort of person will that be? Is he inflicted from the party at home he represent, as they haven’t had democratic principals and neither respected their liberties or freedoms. This being in Amhara and Oromia states, as the people are demonstrating the control and the oppression of the EPRDF. A party that he has been part of and in the close-knit centralized leadership. That should set off some signals and the ones who said this before his win, wasn’t strong enough or able to get enough votes.

What we do know, he is compassion and care for the longstanding dictators, that he will serve them and give them honors. We know that now, as the role he had in Addis Ababa is now reflected on the position in the World Health Organization. Peace.

Reference:

World Health Organization (WHO) – ‘Director General rescinds Goodwill Ambassador appointment’ (22.10.2017) link: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2017/goodwill-ambassador-rescinded/en/

Opinion: Dr. Tedros are you mad? Making Mugabe a Goodwill Ambassador of the WHO!

The newly elected WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus of Ethiopia. Have started with something really controversial. I am impressed by his act and his decision to pick Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as a Goodwill Ambassador!

The report said the WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made the controversial announcement on Wednesday in a speech at a global conference on noncommunicable diseases in Montevideo, Uruguay. Tedros, as he is known, described himself as “honored” that Mugabe — whose government has repressed protesters and has been implicated in widespread human rights violations — had agreed to serve as a goodwill ambassador on noncommunicable diseases for Africa. Those diseases include conditions like heart disease and cancer” (ESAT – ‘Tedros Adhanom appoints Robert Mugabe as WHO goodwill ambassador’ 20.10.2017, link: https://ethsat.com/2017/10/tedros-adhanom-appoints-robert-mugabe-goodwill-ambassador/).

Tedros, have you followed the Zimbabwean President and his efforts in his state. If you should make them ambassador, should they make their health system good enough for themselves get the healing there? Since Mugabe is even traveling steady to Singapore for better hospitals and care of his advanced age.

I am wondering, what sort of idea was this? When did you get this striking idea? What did you eat and drink? Certainly, it was not injeera or Ethiopian coffee, must been something stronger and more powerful to your veins, so your pump stopped working for a temporarily moment. Since the moment of insanity must have hit your bloodstream and not carried enough air to your heart. Because, it is not with a good heart you could give him the goodwill ambassador position within the World Health Organization.

The 93 year old President, that has ruled since early 1980s, the former liberation warrior and who has attacked, oppressed and made sure no-one is questioning his rule, until this day. Has not done anything positive for the last two decades, unless it is letting his sons and wife spending fortunes in South Africa. Having a house in Dubai and surely emptying the state reserves for his lavish lifestyle. This sort of behavior shouldn’t be awarded!

Tedros, that is what you do? Who is next in line and who will get the next honor of your organization? Will the be another totalitarian dictator, maybe the one in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan for their will to fight specialized Asian diseases. Maybe, I should come with this suggestion, you might offer them a goodwill position too.

What went through your head and made this a profound idea, maybe that was why he came from the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and was a part of the elite in Ethiopia. Who are so used of oppression and not caring about democratic principals. That giving a price of this stature to another fellow, who is making this system in his country. Just seems fair. Mugabe a goodwill ambassador, only in World Hell Organization, since he has created a living hell for so many in his nation for decades upon end. He has killed, he has silenced, he has oppressed and used all means to stay in power.

You shouldn’t extend an honor to a man of this stature, he should get sanctioned, he should lose his titles. Not get more, this is insane and shows the lacking character of Tedros and his reign as WHO Director-General. We now know that he favors dictators and their total controlling ways. Therefore, expect more insane leadership choices and know that Tedros do not care. He is used to get away with it in his Ethiopian government too. That is why the Ethiopian government has sent the army and militia to stop demonstrations in Amhara and Oromia. They have done this and the same have they done in Zimbabwe, that is why Tedros understand Mugabe and will show the older supposed statesman some honor. Even though most of the world will say he doesn’t deserve it.

This is insane, Mugabe shouldn’t get an honor, but instead a dishonor. Peace.

Zimbabwe: People’s Rainbow Coalition – Dr Joice T.R. Mujuru – Presidential Nomination Aceptance Speech (20.10.2017)

Brexit: Sir Vincent Cable letter to David Davis on “his extraordinary claim I should sack Lib Dem MEP Cathrine Bearder for doing her job” (13.10.2017)

Post-Brexit Costumes Implications could be dire for the UK, as revealed in Irish Parliament Draft Report of September 2017!

The Republic of Ireland Parliament has started their works and their initial searching for solutions Post-Brexit. This September Draft report from the Irish Parliament is more structured and more explained than any of the ones offered the public from the United Kingdom counterparts. The Irish government clearly are open within their troubles and possible hurdles in the new state between Republic of Ireland as a Member State in the European Union and United Kingdom on the outside. This will significantly change the prospects of trade, movements of goods and direct costumes operations within Ireland and in the United Kingdom. The Brexit agreement between the EU and UK will be vital to the borders and trade between the neighbor states.

Out of the report, this is for me, the vital quotes, that significantly says what it means for both parties. They are really explaining clearly the impact and being direct in the problems that are coming with Brexit. Something certainly the British should look into, if they wants to have good trade and movement of goods to and from Ireland. This will not happen as it is done today, since the United Kingdom will need new regulations and new sorts of security checks. Since they are not a member state and in the new system need to follow other protocols of movement than of today.

Brexit implication:

There are two distinct processes in the e-manifest procedure, depending on whether the goods are non-union or union goods. Currently goods coming from the UK are union goods and, while a manifest is required for the enforcement of national prohibitions and restrictions, there are no systematic controls imposed on these goods. However, post Brexit these goods will be non-union goods and as a result the manifest will be fully processed and the goods in question will not be released until all customs formalities have been completed” (Oireacthas, P: 8, 2017).

Goods to the UK:

Goods to be exported to the UK will need to be presented to customs at the customs office of exit11 and be made available for examination if required. This extra layer of formalities for movements that are currently intra-union movements will not only place a considerable administrative burden on traders it will also have a negative impact on trade flows and delay the release of goods” (Oireacthas, P: 10, 2017).

Goods passing through UK:

Under transit, it is possible for goods to proceed directly to an inland location before customs formalities need to be completed. Where a trader wishes to move goods arriving from or through the UK directly to their premises they will need to be approved as an authorised consignee and also have the appropriate premises approved as a Temporary Storage facility as the goods will have the status of non-union goods. Where traders are not approved as authorised consignees then those goods declared for the transit procedure would be required to be presented at the declared customs office of destination for control purposes and in order to end the transit procedure. This in effect would require that current Revenue offices not assigned the function of a customs office of destination in NCTS would need to be assigned that status and be in a position to provide suitable examination facilities where necessary controls can be performed. Providing suitable facilities and associated human resources may prove difficult for Revenue” (Oireacthas, P: 13-14, 2017).

If this isn’t seen as important for the British, the United Kingdom and their possible trading operations with Ireland and the whole European Union. Than they better come up with solutions. If not they have to trade Yorkshire Tea with themselves and Tetley can be sold just within the Kingdom. Since it will be expensive with routine checks and costumes arrangements to fix the new hurdles for people who orders their stocks into their shops. They rather pick up another brand with similar flavor of their tea, than ordering the famous British tea suppliers. Why take Lipton, when you can order a French Tea without any problems and time consuming costumes and tax-operation. This is what that can appear, as well as sudden extra time in storage and other new need of expenses. That will mean the costumers will have to pay the extra prices for the same product, as well as pay for the added time it takes before the products hit the market.

This is just between Ireland and the United Kingdom. If you we’re too consider all member states of the Union, you know the issue becomes more dire for the United Kingdom. That these issues will hit their trading partners, the producers and the ones that produced and exported products for decades. Will be hit or have to become more expensive abroad, this may even make the consumers in outside markets pick other products than the British. Why pay more for British, when the French has a similar tasting product? Why buy an extra expensive British Cheese, when the Belgian one taste as good?

So if the Costumes and added taxes between UK and EU Members States grows, that will make the products less worth as it will be more luxurious and less of common product in the shelves. Also, that the time consuming import together with the cost of transit, manifests and checks of the products. Will also hurt the bottom-line and the profitability of imports from British producers. This should worry all producers and factory made product-lines that is made for exports. The Irish government has clearly outlined the issues and are striking factors for simple movement of goods between the states. It might not become so hard, but the possibility is still there. Peace.

Reference:

Oireacthas – ‘Brexit and the consequences for Irish Customs – DRAFT’ (September 2017)

Ethiopia: The Economy is struggling, not a rising lion as previously forecasted!

For as long as I can remember there gone stories of the amazing rise of the Ethiopian economy, the financial markets and the outputs out of this world. Where the money would grow ten-folds within minutes of its arrival. Like a mirage the number’s must have appeared in front of our eyes and stories that, we are told over the recent years. The Ethiopian powerhouse and the serious contender with Nigeria and South Africa. With their railways, banks and development projects, the powerful dam and all the others. It must have been a ride for the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalgn, must be so proud of his achievement.

Why I say that, because a booming economy does not do this:

“Ethiopia and World Bank have signed a 1.3 billion dollar grant and loan agreement to enhance equitable services and reduce food insecurity. The agreement was signed by Abraham Tekeste (PhD), minister of Finance & Economic Cooperation (MoFEC) and Carolyn Turk, World Bank’s country director for Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan” (All Africa, 2017).

So when a booming economy, that has such magnificent rates and growth prospects should not and no need for extensive borrowings from the World and subsidiaries, to say they need so is a lie. The debt and the international support for projects and food security is not a sign of a sound and strong economy. More of the latter if I beg to differ. On that, alas the recent weeks has proven this. World Bank was ushered in the end of September, but it is now cash-crunch time.

Not the jolly Captain Crunch, but the credit is due.

“Ethiopia will devalue its currency to attract foreign investment and close the gap in foreign trade, President Mulatu Teshome said at the opening of the bicameral parliament on Monday. He said his government is faced with a serious shortage of hard currency and export trade has dwindled in last three years. Mulatu said major projects like the construction of railway and universities will not be carried out this budget year due to a serious shortage of finances” (ESAT, 2017).

The seriousness is there and it is bleak, when the President Teshome shows up and spread enlightenment to the world. That the economy is fragile and not at its peak, is clear when all the prestige and the giant projects are now put on hold until further notice. Clearly, the financial strains have hit the economy, as well as their exports has given them less hard currency.

It does not go well, when just days ago, when this hit the fan as well:

Double-digit inflation keeps threatening the macroeconomic conditions of the country as the headline inflation rate hit 10.8pc last month, according to the Central Statistical Agency (CSA)- the highest since October 2015. It is in contrary with the target of the government in the second edition of Growth & Transformation Plan (GTP II) to keep inflation in a single digit. The hike in the price of cereals such as teff, maize, wheat, barley, beans and sorghum coupled with holiday-driven price upsurge is the primary reason for the inflationary pressure last month, keeping the food inflation stagnant around 13pc.“As September is a time of multiple holidays, it is believed to influence the increase in the inflation rate,” the report of CSA reads” (Berhane, 2017).

That the cash crunch and the double-digit inflation hits the Republic is not a good look. The proof of the currency value falling, lack of hard currency and new Multi-National loans proves that the Financial Sector and Financial Institutions are strained. There is nothing more to give, it is just bones and not meat. It is just a matter of time before the boiling bones gives no taste to stew as well!

In addition, you the economy is bonkers when their agency spread out this sort of tales, at the time the devalued currency is told to the public on other platforms.

This is from the Ethiopian News Agency:

“The diplomats, who observed the government’s direction at the joint session of the parliaments, whom ENA has talked to also forecasted the country`s economic growth to be amplified in better manner referring the current stability of the nation. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Ethiopia Monirul Islam said the growth that Ethiopia’s economy has witnessed was ‘wonderful’ despite the drought and other problems. “It was 10.9 percent and this year I hope it will be more than that because there is a good rain, everything is good, the state of emergency has been lifted and everything is normal”. “So I think the economy should perform better especially in the agriculture sector as well as in the industry sector”, he pointed out” (ENA, 2017).

I do not know if Ambassador Islam lives in alternative reality or trying to sugarcoat the situation of the dire economic state that the Republic is facing, but it makes good propaganda for the ones who still want the fantastic picture spread around the globe. That the Ethiopian economy is sound and still growing. However, it is hard to grow when you lack currency, you have growing inflation and you are borrowing more funds. I do not know, which economy or financial system that it works splendid in. Certainly not this one.

In addition, the news of the financial rising tiger or lion of Ethiopia has been a mirage, a fraud and play for the world to see. At this stage and in time, it is far from it. The Ethiopian economy is plummeting and at amp speed. If you eat up the crap the ENA serves you, it must certainly serve your kind, but it is not reality. The President even said so, the reports are striking and the added loans proves the dire state.

The ones who is the most hurt. It is the citizens who needs the hard currency to buy food and live, they are punished for the reckless care of the financial system. They are the ones who suffers, because of how the state decided to conduct their affairs. They are the ones who feels the inflation, the rising prices and still has to get by. It is not right, but that is how it is. The Ethiopian government should subsidize and make sure the people get enough. However, do not expect that. This is from the same government that sent Agazi squad to Amhara and Oromia to kill and destroy. They do not care, unless they have too or if it keep them in power. Peace.

Reference:

All Africa – ‘Ethiopia: World Bank Assents U.S.$1.3 Billion Finance to Ethiopia’ (30.09.2017) link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201710090243.html?utm_campaign=allafrica%3Aeditor&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=promote%3Aaans%3Aabljpw

Berhane, Samson – ‘Gov’t Sees Double Digit Inflation, Again’ (08.10.2017) link: https://addisfortune.net/articles/govt-sees-double-digit-inflation-again/

ESAT – ‘Ethiopia President Says Country is Broke’ (09.10.2017) link: https://www.tesfanews.net/ethiopias-president-says-country-financial-crisis/

ENA – ‘Diplomats Laud Economic Performance of Ethiopia’ (10.10.2017) link: http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/3814-diplomats-laud-economic-performance-of-ethiopia

 

Zimbabwe: Press Statement on Ministrial Re-Assignments and New Appointments (09.10.2017)