Malaysia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Malaysia welcomes the Adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Standing Mandate for a General Assembly Debate when a Veto is Cast in the Security Council (29.04.2022)

The North Korean Embassy of Jakarta (DPRK) Letter to the Commonwealth of Australia – “Open Letter to Parliaments of Different Countries” (28.09.2017)

Opinion: Donald J. Trump VS. Ri Yong Ho made UNGA General Debates into a spectacle!

In New York this week the United Nations General Assembly of the 72^nd Session. We can clearly see that the world has changed. Not to the better, but a grim state of affairs. Where the greatest nation and former superpower United States of America (USA) having their President on direct war-talk at the General Assembly. This is not something that is normal, I can never recollect anyone talking like this at this venue. That the United Nations are used in this way is flabbergasting, but Trump never cares about audience or how it affects them. As long as he get PR and becomes the megalomaniac as he always is. Someone, should have learned him this, but the flawed education and obvious indifference of the world. Has been transpired to world long time ago.

I will look first at the most striking words President Donald J. Trump has against the North Korea, than do the same from North Korea Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. This will be interesting, before discussing their approach from the General Debate at the UNGA. Look!

President Donald Trump on the 19^th September:

“If the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph. When decent people and nations become bystanders to history, the forces of destruction only gather power and strength. No one has shown more contempt for other nations and for the well being of their own people than the depraved regime in North Korea. It is responsible for the starvation deaths of millions of North Koreans, and for the imprisonment, torture, killing, and oppression of countless more. We were all witness to the regime’s deadly abuse when an innocent American college student, Otto Warmbier, was returned to America only to die a few days later. We saw it in the assassination of the dictator’s brother using banned nerve agents in an international airport. We know it kidnapped a sweet 13-year-old Japanese girl from a beach in her own country to enslave her as a language tutor for North Korea’s spies. If this is not twisted enough, now North Korea’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of human life. It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime, but would arm, supply, and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict. No nation on earth has an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles. The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime. The United States is ready, willing and able, but hopefully this will not be necessary. That’s what the United Nations is all about; that’s what the United Nations is for. Let’s see how they do. It is time for North Korea to realize that the denuclearization is its only acceptable future. The United Nations Security Council recently held two unanimous 15-0 votes adopting hard-hitting resolutions against North Korea, and I want to thank China and Russia for joining the vote to impose sanctions, along with all of the other members of the Security Council. Thank you to all involved. But we must do much more. It is time for all nations to work together to isolate the Kim regime until it ceases its hostile behavior” (Donald J. Trump, 19.09.2017).

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho on the 23^rd September:

“Since Trump uttered such reckless and violent words provoking the supreme dignity of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) at this very platform, I think it is fair enough for me to make a response in the corresponding tone. During his 8 months in power, he has turned the White House into a noisy marketing place full of crackling sounds of abacus beads and now he has tried to turn the UN arena into a gangsters’ nest where money is respected and bloodshed is the order of the

day. The absurd reality that the person like Trump, a mentally deranged person full of megalomania and complacency, the person who is chastised even by American people as “Commander in Grief, “Lyin King”, “President Evil” is holding the seat of the U.S. President, and the dangerous reality that the gambler who grew old using threats, frauds and all other schemes to acquire a patch of land holds the nuclear button; these are what constitute the gravest threat to the international peace and security today. Due to his lacking of basic common knowledge and proper sentiment, he tried to insult the supreme dignity of my country by referring it to a rocket. By doing so, however, he committed an irreversible mistake of making our rockets’ visit to the entire U.S. mainland inevitable all the more. None other than Trump himself is on a suicide mission. In case innocent lives of the U.S. are lost because of this suicide attack. Trump will be held totally responsible. The respected supreme leader Comrade Kim Jong Un stated: as a man representing the DPRK and on behalf of the dignity and honor of my state and people and on my own, I will make the man holding the prerogative of the supreme command in the U.S. pay dearly for his speech calling for totally destroying the DPRK. Trump might not have been aware what is uttered from his mouth but we will make sure that he bears consequences far beyond his words, far beyond the scope of what he can handle even if he is ready to do so” (Ri Yong Ho, 23.09.2017).

The words are really out of bound. It is not the ordinary, it is no code, no brief statement that could been for many issues or many nations. In this particular event both gentleman and representatives of their nations went in for the kill. First Trump went on his way to offend and endanger the situation. The special thing is that both Yong Ho and Trump claims they are on a suicide mission, either its the American President or the North Korean one. There both of them are saying it. If this is true, than them both are possibly killing themselves and their nations for some brownie-points. That has clearly not sunk in at any of the parties.

The second thing you see, is how they both are envisions the United Nations and their role. That Trump think its a tool for his use and that the powers inside UN are for his causes and favors. He will see in the future that he is wrong. Since that is a consensus and majority vote in favors of sanctions and change of protocol towards a state. Nothing that happens on just a popularity contest. North Korea on the other hand, is worried about the vision Trump has and his agenda to destroy them. That is natural defense from them, as they have the worries of the rest world blowing them to bits. Trump doesn’t understand that others has self-defense and natural reactions to threats. Neither understanding the consequences of his actions. Which makes it ironic, that the North Korean counterpart see the same.

This here will not end here with these statements from either parties. The tide has not turned. And that is sad since the conflict and warfare will hurt someone in the end. Just like the United States Sanctions against North Korea and sudden move by China to stop selling Petrol. Not that anyone want another state with Atomic Bombs, but clearly it is hard to trust Trump with it either. He is not the stable world-leader, its hard to know if his fit to it. Since, he attacks without thinking consequence of his actions.

We will see how this goes, but these sort acts and statement cannot become the new normal. This sort of diplomacy and risk-taking shouldn’t be played on the grand-stage like this. It is not the place and neither is the possible result. United States should know better, they have been involved in conflicts for decades and are vital part in plenty. North Korea, who knows the Americans has interests in the South-East China Sea, should be careful, but they have to answer to not lose face. That is natural in the circumstance. They are squeezed by sanctions and further pressure, the United States knows this. United Nations should be used for peaceful means and possible place for debate for a better future. Not create war… Peace.

“Africa’s best-kept secret is Namibia. I personally welcome you.” (21.09.2017)

By Dr. Hage Geingob, President of Namibia.

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 21, 2017 – Many African nations aspire to attract foreign investment and hope to create environments to facilitate the flow of people and capital. Namibia has the great advantage of being one of the most attractive destinations for investors and offering stability, social justice, a government focused on good governance and transparency, gender equality, respect for the environment, improved quality of life, and one of the most beautiful landscapes and unspoiled coastlines in the world.

If you haven’t already heard much about Namibia it is mostly likely because our nation is peaceful and our national culture is characterized by our quiet determination and our modest nature. We don’t make a lot of noise, but as President of Namibia I do want to personally invite interested business leaders and investors to come see for yourselves. Our desire to diversify our economy and achieve greater inclusive growth is captured in our Harambee Prosperity Plan that I would like to share with you.

In the context of competition in an emerging Africa, the case for Namibia is compelling. I am in New York this week to address the United Nations General Assembly. I spoke of the challenges of middle-income countries. I referred to Namibia’s economic development blueprint and our vision for youth employment, our strong support for the Paris Agreement on climate change, and our steadfast belief in the United Nations’ role in fostering prevention and mediation for sustaining peace in the world.

But, above all, all Namibians wish the world to know that we are proud of our nation – as large as France but with only 2.4 million inhabitants – and we are open for welcoming a family of investors and visitors who embrace our values and wish to become part of our growing success story.

Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia

Kenya: Operational Update: KDF Engages and Successfully Destroys Al Shabaab Terrrorists’ Camp (10.04.2017)

Kenya: Operational Update – Destruction of Al Shabaab Bases in Baadhadhe District (27.03.2017)

Kenya: Potential U.S. Military sale to Kenya in support of the fight against terrorism (18.02.2017)

U.S. House Representatives wants to block the January Arms trade sold to the Kenyan Government!

“The arms trade – an intricate web of networks between the formal and shadow worlds, between government, commerce and criminality – often makes us poorer, not richer, less not more safe, and governed not in our own interests but for the benefit of a small, self-serving elite, seemingly above the law, protected by the secrecy of national security and accountable to no one.”

― Andrew Feinstein

As of today there two United States Representatives from the Republican Party Ted Budd of North Carolina and Duncan Duane Hunter from California that for their own reasons to stop sales of U.S. arms to Kenya, this they have forwarded a joint resolution. This was first from Ted Budd, but Duncan Hunter became his co-sponsor of the bill. Of today it has been transmitted to the Committee at the House Foreign Affairs that will work on it, before initial voting.

“That the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to any of the following proposed sales to the Government of Kenya (described in the certification Transmittal No. 16–79, sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate pursuant to section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(b)(1))) on January 19, 2017, is hereby prohibited:

(1) Twelve Air Tractor AT–802L.

(2) Two AT–504 trainer aircraft.

(3) Weapons package, technical support and program management” (Budd & Hunter, 2017).

It is not long ago since this was sanctioned to the Kenya Defense Force and their missions, as this was a supplement to the on-going missions that the Kenya contingent in Somalia and might even be used as blue-helmets inside South Sudan. Still, the U.S. Representatives think these will be misguided and not well used arms for their ally in East Africa. This is the double-standard and double moral from the U.S. counterparts that easily has dropped and sold this sort of weapons to others, but has to all of sudden sanction Kenya for buying the same thing.

Just take a look at the timing of the deal between the U.S. and Kenyan earlier in 2017:

“The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the possible sale on 19 January and disclosed the potential sale on 23 January” (…) “The DSCA said Kenya had requested the sale of up to twelve Air Tractor AT-802L and two AT-504 trainer aircraft, weapons, technical support and programme management worth $418 million” (…) “This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a strong regional partner who is a regional security leader undertaking critical operations against al-Shabaab and troop contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM),” the DSCA said” (…) “The proposed sale provides a needed capability in the ongoing efforts to counter al-Shabaab. The platform maximizes the Kenyan Defense Force’s Close Air Support (CAS) ability because it is a short-field aircraft capable of using precision munitions and cost effective logistics and maintenance.” (DefenceWeb, 2017).

So a purchase accepted in January is now in question in February, as the new Trump Administration will not care for the allies and friends as such before. The DSCA sanctioned the sale on the 23^rd January 2017 and now on the 14^th February 2017 the U.S. Representatives questions the sale. So the AMISOM mission and their allies who fights in it doesn’t matter as much, as that was the destination for the arms and technical weaponry in this transaction. That the sales of close worth over $400m that suddenly goes into the wind!

We will see if the Foreign Affairs Committee at the House of Representatives will work with this and see if this will go for voting in the House or Senate to sufficiently go forward with joint communique of Ted Budd and Duncan Hunter. That then will become legislation as the deal will not happen as the Committee will put forward a motion or legislation that the stops the arms agreement and trade between the DSCA and the Government of Kenya. Therefore the U.S. Arms trade to the Kenyan Defense Force.

This story is certainly not over. Peace.

Reference:

DefenceWeb – ‘US approves possible Air Tractor, weapons sale to Kenya’ (24.01.2017) link: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46563:us-approves-possible-air-tractor-weapons-sale-to-kenya&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107

Representative Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) & Representative Duncan Duane Hunter (R-California) – ‘H.J.Res. 72: Relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Kenya of Air Tractor aircraft with weapons, and related support’ (14.02.2017)

Somalia: Operational Update – Kolibiyow (27.01.2017)

H.E. President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to Hold a Press Conference on 2016 UNGA Trip (18.10.2016)