Tag: Italy
NATO: Türkiye-Finland-Sweden – Trilateral Memorandum (28.06.2022)
Opinion: Does Berlin want Russian forces closer to its borders?
Ever since the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, which has now been going on for over a 100 days. The Russians has already annexed Crimea in 2014 and been since then inciting rebels and separatist in the Donbass regions. Therefore, the war with Russia was started long before the sudden day in February this year.
The Western nations could see this coming and the allies of the European Union could have supported the Ukrainians earlier. Kremlin and President Putin has used the expansion and adding more members of the NATO as an excuse to takeover or control the former USSR republic’s. This is because Putin wants an empire and revive the “greatness” of the Soviets. That is more important to him than the NATO expansion or anything else.
The ones speaking of a realignment have spoken to soon. The EU and NATO is on the backbone in concern to Ukraine. Yes, certain member-states are going far and beyond to support Kyiv. This being the Baltics, Poland and others who is possibly in the firing-line when Moscow is done with Ukraine. This being Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and so on. There is so many nations in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia, which could easily be invaded next. That is even Georgia, Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan.
While we have seen Berlin being the ugly cousin of Budapest. Berlin is all vibes and no true support. Germany is slow or blocking donated military equipment. Heck, the United States of America also blocked fighter-jets donated from Poland to Ukraine. While Germany has favoured being a close trading partner with Russia and only sanctioned things which isn’t hurting the economy. That’s why there is no difference between Orban or Scholz at this point. They are the same, but just a different package.
However, the Germans should wonder if they want Russian soldiers on their borders? Because, Putin believes the former USSR republics belongs under his influence and control. That’s because they are “colonies” and cannot make “sovereign decisions”. So, who knows if Moldova or another nations can get into the frontline after Ukraine. Berlin should feel responsible for that. They could have avoided it and ensured the Defence of Ukraine was up to speed. Nevertheless, the Germans and the “soft” allies who are trying to “save face” of the warlord in Moscow.
We have seen high ranking officials in Russia speaking of Poland and Kaliningrad. They have talked of corridors and whatnot. So, the Russians could easily get very close to German borders. Who knows if Putin feel attached and that the Russians are righteous owners of the former territory of DDR. Have the leaders of Berlin thought of that? The republic got united after the fall of the Berlin wall, but with people like Vladimir you can never know if he thinks Moscow should have a vassal-state and a capital of Eastern zone of Berlin itself. Therefore, this is just speculations, but never underestimate a warlord like Putin.
That Scholz wants to do soft-diplomacy is fine, but the solidarity talk and vibes aren’t saving people in Ukraine. Neither is it saving or helping the cause of the Western world. No, it is just showing how despicable he is and this is why his just another nationalist like Orban. His more worried about the industries in Germany, than the war happening in parts of Ukraine. The war that can easily go further if the Russians bleed the Ukrainian out. That can happen if they are not getting proper weapons or the capacity to retaliate towards the Russian army.
It seems like the Germans and their leaders wants to be Putin’s friends and not the real allies of the free world. That’s a tragic look. As they are more into the posh words, but inaction in concern to the plights of Kyiv. Instead the German bureaucracy and arms industry isn’t helping in the midst of war. Nevertheless, if it doesn’t do now. Maybe it has to later step up when it gets even closer to its border. They could have stopped it and given what Kyiv needed. However, that was to much to ask. So, now a while later… the Russian forces gets closer to Berlin, which I don’t think the Germans really wants. Peace.
Opinion: Draghi, Macron and Scholz are all copying Orbán [on their way of handling Ukraine]
The last few days European leaders across several nations has shown the same sort of sentiment that we have gotten used to from Budapest, Hungary. That Prime Minister Viktor Orbán doing favours and playing second fiddle to Kremlin is nothing new. However, reading and seeing reports from else where is shocking.
We have seen that the Italian politicians, not only Silvio Berlusconi defending Russia and their interests in Ukraine. This has also been done by the Prime Minister Mario Draghi who has come with a plan to where Ukraine cedes territory to Russia and follows their perimeter for peace. The pointed plan could have been written by the Russian and been hackwork from them. Since, it would give everything Vladimir Putin wishes and humiliate the defending nation Ukraine. Who has not only lost sovereign territory, but also given way to the invader. In such a way that their sacrifice was done for nothing and Moscow got their will. This would be like the Ukrainian saying the Italians should give up Trieste or the nearby region there to Austria or Hungary, since it belonged to the House of Habsburg in the past. Therefore, doing this is ill advised and will do no good to Kyiv.
While the newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron has already been afraid that Putin might loose face in the conflict. He has furthered his ideals that the Ukrainian could cede territory as well. This is a continuation of the favourable ideals of the European leaders to buy “peace” buy giving away territory which isn’t theirs. Not like the French has ever given away territory or pieces of land without retaliating or giving unfavourable agreements. Just ask Haiti or any other former colony, which is still connected to it by Monetary Unions or having their gold reserves in Paris. Therefore, the French should respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, as it values its own. Unless, the French wants to donate territories to the United Kingdom or anyone else for that matter.
Macron has to further the lack lustre support of Kyiv, as he has said the Ukrainian state will take years or decades to be able to join or be a part of the European Union. That means the shallow basis of the solidarity to Ukraine is only skin-deep. Only a show for the voters ahead of the polls. Because, everything else is indirect support of Moscow from the likes of Macron. He is just as spineless and hopeless as Orbán. You would think Ukraine could bring European values and as a unifying ally in the East. However, they have not only fought for their sovereignty, but their own independence to chose allies. Allies who is halting or not understanding their needs. Therefore, they are instead being weak and tolerant towards an imperial and fascist force under the banner Z from Russia.
German Chancellor Olof Scholz have been slow, bureaucratic and done as little as possible. Only spoken of solidarity and haven’t even tried to dig deep with financial sanctions of Russia. Neither has the German nation supported heavily the needs of arms and equipment in the self-defence of Ukraine. It has taken forever to give them anything and it had to be done while negotiating with own military industry.
Scholz continues where Macron left off and not promising help to fast-track Ukraine into the EU. The longer that takes and the harder the possibility to join for the fighting nation. The more it is a target and a possible victim of Russian aggression. It just like Rome, Berlin or Paris doesn’t understand that. They are not on the border with Russia and haven’t the threat close to it. This is why they can play second fiddle and take it easy.
That’s the reason why the Baltic’s have defended Kyiv and directly supported it wholeheartedly. The same can be said about Polen. These four nations have been giving and showing direct support beyond their means. While the big-power of the European Union are showing the same sort of hesitation and slow moving capacity, which only benefits Russia. That’s the sort of thing you would expect from Budapest.
That Macron, Scholz and Draghi all could be distant cousins of Orbán. They are acting like close relatives and family. As they are just so friendly to Moscow and Kremlin. While being so careful to help or show solidarity with Ukraine. It is like they don’t understand what is going on or what’s at stake. If they let the EU Membership gong for a decade or so. That buys Russia time to return again before Kyiv is accepted. Just like the NATO is hesitant too.
If the Europeans really cares about Ukraine and wants to safeguard it. They should be less caring about the villain and the violator of Ukraine. The ones that is killing, raping and destroying their homeland on a daily basis. The Ukrainian people is the victims and the ones bravely fighting for their freedom.
To read such statements, citations and whatnot from leaders of Europe isn’t what Ukraine needs at this point of time. Especially, if these leaders cares about the integrity and independence of Ukraine. Secondly, if Ukraine is a partner and an ally of Europe. Why not allow it into the common market and be a part of the European Union?
Instead, these leaders are acting like Ukraine is the lost member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which is what Russia wants and then it would in its sphere of influence; instead of turning to Europe. Because, I can assure you that Putin would have accepted Kyiv in that hegemony yesterday to boost the EAEU collective. Therefore, the EU and the European leaders should seize the moment and grab the opportunity. In such a way it can safeguard an ally and a nation in need. Instead of toying around and giving a carrot without fulfilling anything. That is insincere and injustice towards Ukraine.
Ukraine needs Europe and Europe needs Ukraine. They are connected and right now Ukraine is on the frontline and fighting for Europe. Because, if Ukraine fails and Russia still have a drive. They could easily continue to their war elsewhere in their path for imperial glory. Therefore, seeing and hearing this from the heads of state of Europe. Its disappointing and these people should know better, but that’s apparently to much to ask.
Who knew that these gentlemen was inspired and following Orbán’s lead? Nobody knew that before, but the conflict and war in Ukraine exposed them all. They are all have a little Orbán at heart. Peace.
Opinion: Can Algerian gas save Europe’s Energy needs?
As Europe are in the middle of war and reacting to the invasion of Ukraine. Which affects the energy markets and the trouble of importing gas from the Russian Federation. This is through the pipelines and other measures, which is not only the Nordstream II, which is put on hold. However, this has been through Gazprom and companies, which is similar selling the gas to European nations like Germany and Italy.
Therefore, the news of a possible significant import importunities from Algeria. That is coming from Sonatrach who could do their part and take market-shares from Russian counterparts. This is really a wise move from the Algeria company. This is a company owned by the Algerian government and has several of subsidiaries. So, this is a wise move of them. Not, only to be in direct market in Europe and ensure partners who needs their supply. While we know there is plans of a pipeline for gas from Nigeria all the way to Algeria. If that is built. There would be even more gas and possible energy to the European continent from Northern-and-Western Africa. Which could secure more direct domestic revenue in these nations.
Here is the newest information:
“Responding to a question on the redeployment of Sonatrach on the European gas market in the context of the Ukrainian crisis, Mr. Hakkar argued that the public oil group “has unused capacity on the Trans-Mediterranean gas pipeline (linking Algeria to Italy), which he believed could be used to increase supplies to the European market. Referring to geographical proximity, he stressed that Europe is the “natural market of choice” for Algerian energy products, specifying that Algeria contributes up to 11% of the continent’s total gas imports. “The European market is supplied via its network of pipelines which accumulates a shipping capacity of 42 billion Cm3 of natural gas and in liquefied form thanks to a production capacity of more than 50 million m3 of LNG and a fleet of 6 LNG carriers”, he detailed” (Hana Saada – ‘Gas: Sonatrach expresses readiness to support European partners in “difficult situations” 27.02.2022, DZBreaking.com).
If the Sonatrach is becoming a new ally and ensure the needs of energy in Europe. Surely, they will cause a serious blow to the addiction of Russian gas, which is a serious issue in the conflict in Ukraine. Central Europe has gotten used to the steady shipment of Russian gas. So, if the Algerian company and subsidiaries can deliver the same. It would be a serious challenge… while also securing the Sonatrach contracts and supplies, which will make the Algerian company more profitable.
What is also cool about this… is that a former French colony is coming to the aide of Europe and helping with it needs. Yes, it is profitable and entrepreneurial of Sonatrach. This is a good business move and hopefully they succeed. It will also make the Europeans less addicted to Russian gas, but have other channels for steady supply. The short proximity from Algeria to Italy and other European counties. Should also be important and be seen positive news for Europe.
For Russia on the other hand. One of their sources for exports and steady revenue could get partially hit by this. The Algerian company and Nation is clever here and we can only hope it pays-off. As this is a smart source for gas to the Central European nations. Peace.
Opinion: I been told with time things will be better, but does it?
Well, in troubling times, as things are moving both forward, backward and sideways. It seems that we can defer from enterprising the idea, that everything gets better with time. Surely, this doesn’t mean we as folk doesn’t change, broaden our minds and expand our patterns of thought. No, we might do this, but this doesn’t change the narrative nor the times we are seeing passing by.
We are not a single leaf in the wind. Neither are we a recycled raindrop, awaiting next part of its existence to become evaporated before becoming clouds and be rained down upon us, yet again. Even if life goes in cycle and we as human beings are repeating history, sometimes even without knowing.
The ignorance of out times, as we are silent to the death of immigrants, as we are deaf to the pleas of separated kids in camps in the United States. The silence and lack of outcry, as the US tried to start a war in Iran and tried to enforce an coup d’etat in Venezuela. This is all happening, but no worries. As well, as the European Union have favourable deals with the Libyan, Egyptian and Sudanese Governments to stop immigrants from coming to the shores of Italy, Spain and Greece. That is just we do to each other, instead of giving a helping hand in need, we let people drown with excuses of nationalism, border security and fear of the unknown.
We are living in a time, where there is no problem to silence the media, weaponize social media and misuse state resources to suppress dissidents. This is happening all over, not only in dictatorships, but also in the “free world”. Where leaders are using their means and using their techniques to sophisticated silence and letting the ones defying their stance suffer. There are plenty of journalists in the recent time died by poison, being arrested and tortured. Plenty of opposition leaders in exile and struggling to regain their vitality. That is all happening, but nothing contemplating on the reasons for this.
The weaponization of social media with bots and big media, where the hacking, leaks and misuse of information combined with blind narrow-minded followers, who doesn’t think of the consequences of the acts nor they think of what the message they are spreading. The parties, the leaders are letting their camps all go out into the battlefield. Build their borders filled with landmines, barbed-wire and trenches. In this field, everyone who disagrees is traitors, radicals or even stupid individuals who has no sense. While the bombs, the hypocrites and the vilified commentators should just be blocked or silenced. Because, they are just fake and frauds, while the almighty leader is the ones to listen too.
While this is happening, the wars are steady, they are not stopping. The trade-wars, the Brexit is pumping in its sketchy way. The troubles of Yemen, Syria and Ukraine continues, like wars of old. The slavery trade of Mauritania continues as well as possible slave-ships on the outside of Libya. While, the Amnesty and Human Rights Watch, appeal to the International Community, the Western Sahara is still a punchline for the Pan-African Political Parties, but the world is not caring about the plights of the people there, as long as the big-companies can fish outside the coast there.
The peacekeeping missions are lacking funding, as the missions are staying and lingering, also paying off dictators to send military forces to conflict zones in Sahel, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and so on. The former colonial powers of France, Belgium, United Kingdom and others are still holding their grips of former colonies, as they have new units to treat the new leadership and “open markets” for their products. If they need, they will kiss the rings of dictators and others, to just get the needed resources for a dime.
We are living in fabulous times, we are living times of adventures of freedom, liberty and justice. Where labels of Fairtrade, trade-unions and others are continuing to pushing the envelope, but still not seeing thing true. As the illicit trade practices continues in many markets and by plenty companies, multi-national earning fortunes on their production units paying little or none to its contractors. This wouldn’t been acceptable in the industrialised world, but in the developing world it is dandy. Some in our time, even says these people should be grateful to even have a job. That is how dark our time is.
They says things are getting better with time, are they? There was a promising generation of leaders in the 80s and 90s, but they became alike the former dictators and militaristic regimes of the past. There are little resemblance of the past positive movement. While we are celebrating mediocrity and lacklustre approach to the future problems. We are supposed to be content and think this spoils of our times is good.
While we are not even able to solve the crimes of the 70s and 80s, while struggling with the aftermath of the politics done in the 90s and 00s. We are supposed to be all smiles, as the first decade of this millennium is here. The millennial’s can vote and we are supposed to promise them a greater future. When we are leaving behind the same old issues, with the same old greed and the lack of will to accept the mantle given to us.
Things was supposed to get better time, but apparently they are not. Maybe I am in a dark place today, but I do not see it. Because, we didn’t make it better, we didn’t push it to a greater place, we just let it be and watched a game of football. We didn’t care and didn’t sign up for a party, NGO or even go in a demonstration. We just looked and wonder, when is our turn?
Well, it isn’t given to us, just like the leaders of our day wasn’t given to them either. They fought and took it. If we want change, maybe we need to do the same. Because, things aren’t getting better. I see darkness, I see sinister acts going unpunished and the innocent dying for no fucking reason. Peace.
The Curious Case of Samuel Eto’o: The Pride and Prejudice!
This is just petty, this is really beneath any sensible character, but in Cameroon this is clearly cool. The professional footballer and former Captain of the National Team, Samuel Eto’o has suction and power in the Republic. As he had the power to put someone behind bars for talking about him.
That Eto’o can order things from above high is evident as how quickly it went from a journalist spreading a rumor about his love life to end behind bars. This was Michael Doppas Dom, who works for Radio Soleil FM in Yaoundé. Since yesterday, he has been behind bars on defamation charges. This has been a case going since a judge ordered it on the 12th November 2018 and the same judge signed it off yesterday, which was the first step of incarceration of the journalist. Therefore, you have to be brave to question Eto’o in Cameroon at this point.
Certainly, Eto’o must have done some favors for the almighty ghost president and his cronies. To get this sort of treatment, as the enemies of state lingers in jail for months before even get put on trial. Like the ones detained of the Ambazonia, which was incommunicado for so long, before popping up recently and getting charged with terrorism charges. Therefore, this journalist will feel the blunt injustice. As he touched one of the untouchable. One of the men of pride and honor, which you are supposed to give a salute.
Samuel Eto’o with this actions are showing it, as he has certainly heard and asked for some actions. As he haven’t accepted this and being talked about this way. However, Eto’o should be enough worried about paying for child-support to Anna Maria Barranca, as he has pledged to pay monthly allowance to the mother. As Eto’o recognized the child as his own two years ago. Still, to this date, struggles to follow up on his commitment as a father, apparently, since she had to file court document in Cagliari.
The Court document states:
“Despite the various enforcement measures taken by Ms. Barranca, despite her actions against Mr. Eto’o Fils and despite numerous attempts (including through his own supporters) to contact the father of Annie to allow the girl to know him and establish a relationship with him, he is always unavailable: he refuses to meet his daughter, he never wants to meet and is not interested in participating and ensuring his education and form. In addition, although he has the means to do so, he has not paid the support determined by the Court for more than three years”
So before, messing up others people’s lives with slander and rumors, maybe just maybe, clear up your own mess. Eto’o is clearly a deadbeat dad, a rich dad, but a POOR dad at the same time. That cannot manage to take of his own kin and show some gratitude of the gift of life. Instead, he ensures that the mother of his child, has to go to court and get what she needs to raise their daughter. That is the sort of man Eto’o is.
That is why he uses his powers and reach in Cameroon to get people detained for spreading rumors, while cannot even spend quality time with his daughter in Italy. Peace.
EUTM-Somalia Convoy Hit in Mogadishu (01.10.2018)
UK urges donors to support African Union Mission in Somalia (27.09.2018)
UK, Somalia, Italy and Ethiopia bring together international partners in support of Somalia’s security, political and economic reforms on 27 September 2018.
LONDON, United Kingdom, September 27, 2018 – Today the UK, Somalia, Italy and Ethiopia brought together international partners in support of Somalia’s security, political and economic reforms.
Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin co-hosted the meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad of Somalia, State Minister Hirut Zemene of Ethiopia and Enzo Moavero Milanesi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy. Alongside senior government representatives, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, AU Peace and Security Commissioner Chergui and Neven Mimica, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development attended.
Minister Baldwin praised the bravery and positive impact of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops and the Somali forces who are fighting against Al Shabaab and restoring stability to the country. She emphasised the importance of a successful transition of responsibility for Somalia’s security to its own forces. A rushed withdrawal, without sustainable and predictable funding in place, would jeopardise the fragile progress made over recent years.
During her visit to Kenya (30 August 2018), the Prime Minister announced over £7m of additional funding to support AMISOM’s work. She called on the international community to join the UK in providing additional funding to AMISOM to ensure it was sufficiently funded to deliver a successful security transition.
Minister Harriett Baldwin said:
“Somalia has a real chance for a better future. One that allows its people to flourish, provides no space for terrorist groups, and contributes to regional stability. Helping to build that future must be a truly international effort. Today I am calling on Somalia’s friends to contribute to ensure sustainable funding for AMISOM.”
Somalia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Ahmed Isse Awad said:
“The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to implementing the key political, economic and security reforms that will help Somalia emerge from the many difficult years it has experienced. The support of the international community has been vital to Somalia thus far. We look forward to continued engagement and support with our international partners as we advance our reform agenda and the transfer of responsibility for Somalia’s security from AMISOM to Somali security forces.”
Today’s meeting also discussed Somalia’s wider state-building efforts, including recent progress on political and economic reforms.
The UK is a leading partner for Somalia, and the second largest bilateral donor. This financial year, the UK will provide approximately £313m of support to Somalia, contributing to the country’s stability and helping to make a tangible difference to the lives of its poorest and most vulnerable people.
During her recent visit to Kenya, Prime Minister May announced additional funding for Somalia. Over £25m will support Somalia’s efforts to build a stable and democratic political system, including future one-person-one-vote elections. Further funding of over £60m will provide lifesaving food, clean water and medicine, along with support to find stable jobs, to help over a million people cope with and recover from the impact of conflict and drought.