- Cameroon-Ciad-Nigeria, Voice of America: Cameroon has blamed arms smuggling from its neighbors for fueling Boko Haram terrorism, anglophone separatists, and crime. The military says it has recovered only a small fraction of illegal small arms out of what is thought to be more 100,000, most of them smuggled from neighboring Chad and Nigeria. Cameroon’s military pointed the finger at its neighbors after meetings Tuesday on arms smuggling in the towns of Maroua and Garoua on the borders with Chad and Nigeria. Cameroon Struggling to Rein In Arms Smuggling From Chad, Nigeria
- China, Global Times: China said it welcomes intl partners to participate in its space exploration projects and hopes to encourage strategic communication to involve more developing countries. It also rejects the formation of exclusive blocs targeting certain countries. Adhering to transparency and openness, China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with all countries around the world and create new opportunities for all countries, especially developing ones, to explore and exploit outer space, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Monday in an action statement to promote a new global partnership for space exploration and innovation. China welcomes intl partners in its space projects
- China, Xinhua: The 2022 China-Nordic Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum & Fortune 500 Dialogue with Hubei kicked off Tuesday in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, with the aim of enhancing cooperation between Hubei, Nordic countries and Fortune 500 enterprises. During the opening ceremony of the event, which concludes Wednesday, 24 key cooperative projects worth 75.3 billion yuan (about 10.5 billion U.S. dollars) were signed, spanning areas including high-end equipment manufacturing, information technology and new energy. China’s Hubei, Nordic nations seek closer economic ties
- China-Mongolia, Global Times: President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsuh will pay a state visit to China from November 27 to 28, which reflects the high-level development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, expressing China’s hope to work with Mongolia to take the visit as an opportunity to set a good example of neighborly relations and further deepen mutual trust and practical cooperation. Mongolian president to visit China, reflecting excellent growth of comprehensive strategic partnership
- China-USA, Global Times: The defense chiefs of China and the US met face to face for the first time in Cambodia on Tuesday since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s provocative visit to Taiwan island in early August, which was responded with large-scale military exercises around the island by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe drew the red line of the Taiwan question to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin once again after Chinese President Xi Jinping had done so to US President Joe Biden at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last week. Aside from urging the US to honor the commitments made by Biden so that the China-US relations can resume healthy, stable development, the talks released a positive signal that would hopefully lower the risk of an unpredictable military confrontation and put the two countries’ worsening military relations back on track, analysts said. Wei was attending the ninth ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cambodia when held talks with Austin at the latter’s request. The talks were a practical measure to implement the important consensus reached during the meeting of the two countries’ top leaders, and were of very important significance to promote China-US military ties to return to the right track of healthy, stable development, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson at China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing in Cambodia after Wei and Austin’s talks. It was a frank, deep, pragmatic and constructive strategic communication, in which Wei introduced to the US side the main information and important achievements of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and the two sides deeply exchanged views over the relations between the two countries and the two militaries, the Taiwan question as well as international and regional affairs, Tan said. Red line over Taiwan question reiterated in talks between Chinese, US defense chiefs
- Egypt-Israel, Al Monitor. Taking advantage of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) hosted by Egypt in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh Nov. 6-18, Israel and Egypt seem to be considering different ways to promote cooperation in technology and investments, while increasing their trade exchange. Egypt, Israel seek to boost trade exchange following COP27
- Germany-Asia, Anadolu Agency. Germany is to increase its efforts to diversify its trade beyond China, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday. One overlooks the fact that there are not only profitable markets like China and India in Asia “but also many other strong, great (trade) nations in Asia which are not noticed here (in Germany) at all,” Scholz told the Suddeutsche Zeitung’s Business Summit. Germany to step up efforts to diversify trade beyond China: Chancellor
- Germany-Russia-Ukraine, Reuters: Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday Germany must be ready for the situation in Ukraine to escalate but that his recent trip to China was worth it alone for spelling out the two countries’ joint stance against using nuclear weapons. “In view of the development of the war and Russia’s visible and growing failures, … we must be ready for an escalation,” Scholz said at a conference in Berlin hosted by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. Germany’s Scholz: must be prepared for Ukraine war escalation
- Iran, Reuters: The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday that the situation in Iran was “critical”, describing a hardening of the authorities’ response to protests that have resulted in more than 300 deaths in the past two months. “The rising number of deaths from protests in Iran, including those of two children at the weekend, and the hardening of the response by security forces, underline the critical situation in the country,” said a spokesperson for U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk at a Geneva news briefing. Iran situation ‘critical’ with more than 300 killed -UN rights chief
- Iran-Israel, Al Monitor: Israel was apparently not surprised on the morning of Nov. 22 by the Iranian news agency ISNA report that the country has begun to enrich uranium to 60% purity at its underground Fordo site. Analysts explain that this move brings Iran technically closer to weapons-grade levels of 90% enrichment. The Israeli security system has been warning for several months that Iran is continuing its nuclear program, mainly regarding the enrichment of uranium. Israel warns Iran could attempt to enrich uranium at 90%
- Iraq, Middle East Eye. A confidential report obtained by Middle East Eye reveals intricate details of a plot involving fraudulent cheques dubbed the “theft of the century” by Iraqi media in which trillions of dinars were stolen from Iraq’s tax authority. The report sets out the findings of an investigation by Iraq’s ministry of finance that uncovered how hundreds of cheques purportedly issued by the tax authority were cashed at branches of a state-owned bank between September 2021 and August 2022. Iraq’s ‘theft of the century’: How $2.5bn in public money ‘evaporated’
- Israel-Palestine, Al Monitor. Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is tasked with forming the Israeli government, and leader of the far-right Jewish Power party Itamar Ben-Gvir agreed on Nov. 16 to legalize 65 settlement outposts within 60 days of forming the new government and amend the Disengagement Law under which Israel dismantled four settlements in the northern West Bank and all settlements in the Gaza Strip in 2005. Netanyahu deal on West Bank settlements dims hope for peace process
- Kosovo-Serbia, TASS. Kosovo and Metohija Serb leader Goran Rakic on Tuesday said that Serbs will no longer tolerate harassment by Pristina and will hold protests in all establishments across the region. “We have nowhere to go and I hope we won’t have to defend ourselves. People can no longer tolerate the torture carried out by Pristina. We will hold protests in schools, health centers and all other institutions. People are asking why we should pay tribute and [tolerate] cruelty. We didn’t pay the Turks, we won’t [pay Prime Minister of the unrecognized Kosovo Albin] Kurti,” Rakic said, according to the Kosovo Online portal. Kosovo Serbs announce plans to hold protests in institutions across Kosovo, Metohija – World – TASS
- Kuwait-Saudi Arabia-OPEC, Al Monitor. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have denied supporting an oil production increase among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Kuwait, Saudi Arabia deny supporting OPEC oil production increase
- Libya, The Libya Observer: Algeria renewed its call to find a settlement to the Libyan crisis based on a consensual solution, and to achieve comprehensive national reconciliation that leads to the holding of elections to enable the Libyan people to choose their representatives at the level of political institutions. Algeria calls for reconciliation that leads to elections in Libya
- Mali-France, Voice of America. Mali’s military government has ordered all non-governmental organizations, including aid groups, financed by France to stop activity in the country. The government’s official statement was read on state TV station ORTM Monday evening by presenter Ibrahim Traore and later posted on the station’s Facebook page. Mali Orders French NGOs to Stop Activities
- Russia-Arctic, Reuters. President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday touted Russia’s Arctic power at a flag-raising ceremony and dock launch for two nuclear-powered icebreakers that will ensure year-round navigation in the Western Arctic. Presiding via video link from the Kremlin at the launch ceremony in the former imperial capital of St Petersburg in northern Russia, Putin said such icebreakers were of strategic importance for the country. Putin touts Russia’s ‘Arctic power’ with launch of nuclear icebreakers
- Russia-Ukraine, Voice of America. Ukraine’s security service said Tuesday it carried out a raid at a historic Orthodox monastery in Kyiv in order to counter suspected “subversive activities by Russian special services.”. The raid took place at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. A Ukrainian security service statement said the action was aimed at preventing the monastery from being used to shelter sabotage and reconnaissance groups, foreign citizens, or weapons stores. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin condemned the raid. Ukraine Security Services Raid Kyiv Monastery
- Russia-Ukraine, Ukrinform. Russia keeps six warships in the Black Sea, none of them carrying Kalibr cruise missiles, but there are five carriers of cruise missiles in the Mediterranean Sea. Russia keeps six warships in Black Sea, all of them without Kalibr missiles
- Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Reuters: Saudi Arabia and Turkey are discussing Riyadh placing a $5 billion deposit at Turkey’s central bank, a Saudi Ministry of Finance spokesperson said on Tuesday. “We are in final discussion to make a USD 5 billion deposit with the central bank of (Turkey),” the spokesperson said in an emailed response to a Reuters query. Saudi Arabia says it is close to making $5 billion deposit with Turkey
- Syria, The Syrian Observer: Syrian National Army factions in the northern countryside of Aleppo have raised their full readiness in preparation for a “nearby ground offensive,” a commander told al-Souria Net. Turkey is likely to begin a ground offensive against YPG areas of influence, complementing the air operation it began two days ago, dubbed “Claw Sword.”. The leader, who asked not to be named, said on Monday: “At the moment, there is a cut off of vacations and raising maximum readiness.”. “The current and immediate readiness includes all corps. There is a likelihood of an attack soon.”. Syrian National Army Raises Readiness for “Ground Offensive”
- Syria, The Syrian Observer: The representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in the U.S., Sinem Muhammad, said Sunday that the “U.S. Department of State informed the SDC office in the country of its rejection of any [Turkish] military operation, whether air or ground, against the areas held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in north and east Syria.”. In a statement to North Press, Muhammad said that the U.S. intends to keep its forces in their positions in north and northeast Syria, despite the repeated Turkish bombardment and Turkey’s attempt to impede the work of the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Muhammad added that the U.S. had known about Ankara’s intention to launch heavy airstrikes. Despite the vehement U.S. rejection of the Turkish airstrikes and artillery shelling, Turkey did it anyway, she said. U.S. State Department Rejects Turkish Incursion Into Syria, SDF Commander Vows to Respond
- Syria, The Syrian Observer: Less than a week after the Istanbul bombing, and before the final results of its investigations were released, Turkish forces carried out raids on Syrian army and SDF positions on the Syrian-Turkish border. Some reports indicated that Turkey could not take this step without obtaining a US green light and Russian acceptance. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar published an article about this, in which it drew attention to some details that indicate the existence of an American green light and Russian approval for this operation. It noted the statement issued by the US consulate in Erbil, in which it warned its citizens against travelling to the regions of northern Syria and Iraq. The newspaper stated that there are reports confirming Ankara’s intention to launch raids on the regions of northern Syria. The Syrian newspaper Al-Watan, in this regard, quoted its sources that Turkey got an American green light for this targeting, with the aim of Washington’s desire to gain Ankara’s confidence at this stage. Is There Russian and American Approval for Turkish Operation in Northern Syria?
- Syria, The Syrian Observer: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani affirmed that launching any aggression against Syria or violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity is a flagrant breach of international laws, and it is condemnable. Iran: Aggression on Syria “Condemnable” , Flagrant Violation of International Laws
- Syria, The Syrian Observer: The conflict between the National Defense and Maher al-Assad’s Fourth Division began with the start of the “settlement” operations in Deir-ez-Zor governorate, according to Orient Net. Conflict Between Maher Assad Militia and the National Defense in Deir-ez-Zor
- Turkey-Syria, Voice of America. Turkey says it will continue its military operations against U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces, after blaming Kurdish separatists for a recent bombing in Istanbul. Ankara says it’s ready to launch a Syrian cross-border operation but faces growing international calls for restraint. International pressure is growing on Ankara as Moscow joins calls for restraint as Turkish forces continue their military operations against the YPG, a Syrian Kurdish militia. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Tuesday a land operation could be imminent. Turkey Threatens to Hit US-backed Syrian Kurds
- Ukraine-Austria, Ukrinform. Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Austria’s Ministry of Finance have signed a memorandum on cooperation in the area of digitalization. Ukraine, Austria sign memorandum on cooperation in area of digitization
- Ukraine-EU, Ukrinform. Ukraine will receive the last tranche of the eighth EU macro-financial assistance program by the end of this year. Ukraine to get additional EUR 500M from EU this year – finance ministry
- Ukraine-Hungary, Reuters: Ukraine will summon the Hungarian ambassador to protest that Prime Minister Viktor Orban went to a football match wearing a scarf depicting some Ukrainian territory as part of Hungary, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Ukrainian media showed images of Orban meeting a Hungarian footballer wearing a scarf which the outlet Ukrainska Pravda said depicted a map of “Greater Hungary” including territory that is now part of the neighbouring states of Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Ukraine. Ukraine to protest over Orban scarf showing part of Ukraine as Hungarian territory
- UN Alliance of Civilizations, Anadolu Agency. The UN Alliance of Civilizations is one of the most widely supported initiatives at the bloc, said the Turkish foreign minister on Tuesday, praising it as a “timeless initiative.”. Addressing the 9th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Morocco’s Fez city, Mevlut Cavusoglu recalled that Türkiye and Spain launched the alliance nearly 17 years ago. “… we could not have known at the time that this was going to be a timeless initiative,” he said. UN’s Alliance of Civilizations ‘timeless initiative,’ says Turkish foreign minister
- UN Alliance of Civilizations, Anadolu Agency. Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Tuesday expressed his appreciation to Türkiye and Spain for ensuring the continuity of the Alliance of Civilizations. The 9th global forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations kicked off in the northeastern city of Fez on Tuesday. “We stand in honor and appreciation for all those who contributed, especially Türkiye and Spain, to ensuring the continuity of the Alliance of Civilizations organization and its institutionalization as a reference for understanding, trust and dialogue between cultures, religions and civilizations,” King Mohammed said in an address to the two-day meeting. Morocco hails Türkiye, Spain for role in Alliance of Civilizations
Media room (22 novembre 2022 pm)
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