Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said today that, after his meeting with the leader of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, Athens expects European countries to reject the two memoranda that Turkey signed with the Libyan Government of National Accord led by Fayez Al-Sarraj. Dendias added that Athens encouraged Haftar to “constructively act” at the Berlin conference on Sunday, which aims to try to end the fighting in Libya.
Category: Europe
UN and European Union Calls to Stop Military Operations in Syria
On Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Idlib, saying that the latest ceasefire in Syria “failed again to protect civilians.” This came the day after 10 people, including 3 Turkish soldiers, were killed in an explosion that rocked Raqqa. “It is deeply distressing that civilians are still being killed on a daily basis in missile strikes from both the air and ground,” Bachelet said in a statement about the Russian-Turkish ceasefire, which was supposed to be implemented about a week ago in Idlib.
Canadian Foreign Minister: The World Waits for Iran’s Proper Response
Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne promised that Iran would be “pressured” to respond to the “exact cause” of the downing of the Ukrainian aircraft. “The world is waiting for the answer and will not calm down until the right answer is received,” he said in London today. Foreign ministers of five countries whose citizens were killed by two Iranian Revolutionary Guards missiles fired on Ukrainian planes met on Tuesday to pressure Tehran into conducting “full and transparent” investigations into the tragedy.
Grow Your Brand on Social Media
Social media is more than a sounding board for political activists, bored teenagers, and stifled stay-at-home moms. Rather, social media is an incredibly powerful online platform that makes it incredibly easy for brands and customers to connect, regardless of locales, time zones, and work schedules. With the right pitch, you’ll be able to effortlessly grow your brand.
Rheinmetall – German Champion Facing Disruptions in the Defense World
Rheinmetall, a top-performer in arms exports
Post-war Germany isn’t the best place to manufacture and sell guns, let’s face it. Despite the difficult domestic market, Rheinmetall has succeeded in developing, through an aggressive and effective internationalization strategy.
GlobalNet analyst Otfried Nassauer writes: “For more than ten years, Rheinmetall AG has been pursuing a strategy of internationalization. Its argument is that, since Germany orders too little military equipment, and at the same time is very restrictive with arms-export licenses, the firm is forced to internationalize its business and produce increasingly abroad, and without making use of German intellectual-property rights that would give the German government the right of approval. Only in this way can Rheinmetall maintain its military competence and capacities, and utilize the production capacity.”
Putin Nominates Head of Tax Service to Succeed Medvedev
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that the head of the Federal Tax Service, Mikhail Mishustin, should take over as Prime Minister on Wednesday. The Kremlin made the announcement after the sudden resignation of the Russian government’s top officials. In a statement issued by the President’s office, Putin submitted the nomination of Mishustin to the Duma, the Russian parliament, which must ratify the appointment.
German Foreign Minister Heads to Libya to Meet Khalifa Haftar
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas headed to Libya today to hold talks with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the so-called Libyan National Army. Maas’ visit takes place just three days before the planned Libyan summit in the German capital, Berlin.
Libyan Conflict – What is the Turkish and Russian Agenda?
Russia will host Fayez al-Serraj and Khalifa Haftar in Moscow in an attempt to achieve peace in Libya. According to Russian news, Haftar is already in Russia. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who is a Turkish politician and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey since 24 November 2015, is expected to join them. Hakan Fidan is a retired Turkish army sergeant, teacher, diplomat and the head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization. he is expected to attend as well. Hulusi Akar is the current Turkish Minister of Defense and a former four-star Turkish Armed Forces general who served as the 29th Chief of the General Staff. He will be arriving with al Serraj for the talks. Observers from Egypt and United Arab Emirates will be in attendance. The latest development is that Haftar left without signing any type peace resolution.
Haftar Rejects Ceasefire, Perplexing Adversaries, Allies
In a new step, the Libyan National Army commander, Khalifa Haftar, decided to postpone the signing of a ceasefire agreement, leaving Russia and his delegation. Russia hosted international talks in cooperation with the Prime Minister of the Libyan government, Fayez al-Sarraj, and the Turkish side. This opened speculation about the factors that may have prompted Haftar to take this position, despite allegations raised about the imminent signing of a binding ceasefire agreement in Libya once the negotiations in Moscow ended.
German Security Forces Launch Raids Against Islamists
German authorities have launched raids and search campaigns in several states on suspicion of preparing for a “crime that poses a threat to state security.” In the context of proactive policy, the security authorities periodically launch raids and searches in the strict Islamic circles.
Elizabeth II Okays Harry & Meghan’s Decision to Leave Monarchy
Queen Elizabeth II gave her blessing to the decision of Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, to step aside from their duties as high representatives of the monarchy and to lead an independent life. That’s according to a statement issued on Monday, after a family reunion convened to solve the crisis caused after the couple announced that they wished to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
Spanish Speaking Nations Now Have Worldwide Access to Low Cost Freelance Global Gigs
Spanish is the fourth largest language in the world behind English, Chinese and Hindi. There are 23 counties that have Spanish as their official language and those countries are spread over four continents. Now all Spanish speaking countries of the world have access to post their Freelance Global Gigs services in Spanish which is then available in over 100 leading worldwide languages.
Merkel and Putin Call for Solution to Conflict in Libya
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, called for a solution to the crisis in Libya Saturday. After a meeting in Moscow, which also discussed the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, both leaders urged the parties to negotiate. Earlier this week, Russia and Turkey— which support opposing sides— called for a cease fire.
New Particle Discovery in Physics by Russian Researchers – CERN Large Hadron Collider
A new neural network has been developed by Russian researchers. It became possible while analyzing data from the world’s large Hadron collider. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It consists of a 27-kilometre ring of superconducting magnets with a number of accelerating structures to boost the energy of the particles along the way. The Collider has been operational, since 2009.
Iran Admits “Unintentionally” Shooting Down Ukrainian Plane
Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff admitted on Saturday that, by “human error,” a missile launched by its army shot down the Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 plane with 176 people aboard. In a statement, the Iranian government said the aircraft was wrongly identified as a “hostile aircraft,” and hit it at the time the enemy threat was “at the highest level.” Tehran has apologized for the incident.
Communal News Now Writes, Submits and Publishes Articles and News for Facebook News
Communal News (CN) has notched another milestone achievement. It is now being published on Facebook News. For the thousands of CN contributors, this is another venue in which your contributions to CN can be read. For Facebook readers, we have our new service at your Facebook News fingertips. Facebook News joins Communal News and Google News in delivering CN’s global fact-based news, often written by you the public. Along with the news service, CN is being published in over 100 global languages, on social media, and often finds advanced placement in organic search engines such as Google, Bing, Baidu, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo.
Trump to Attend Davos Summit, Claims Soleimani Killing was Self Defense
US President Donald Trump plans to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland later in January. Last year, the President didn’t attend the meeting because of the record-long federal government shutdown. The annual World Economic Forum Summit, held in the popular ski resort of Davos, attracts high-profile businessmen and politicians, as well as academics and other community leaders.
Poland Will Not Attend Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel
January 27 will be International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Jerusalem. Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Day is in May of each year, but International Holocaust Remembrance Day falls out in January of each year. The function is dedicated to the remembrance of 75th anniversary of the liberation of Jews from Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The occasion will also give its attention to the problems of Anti-Semitism in Europe, America, and throughout the world.
Iran: Ukrainian Airliner Crashes, IRGC Attacks U.S. Bases
A plane flying from Tehran, the capital of Iran, to Kyiv, Ukraine, crashed at dawn Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board, the local Iranian press reported. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. The model is a Boeing 737-800 of the company Ukraine International Airlines, and had 167 passengers and nine crew members on board.
Xiaohongshu, Chinese Social Media Platform, Growing Rapidly
On January 6, the 2020 New List Conference was held in Beijing. Minako, the leader of the ecological cooperation of Xiaohongshu Social media, revealed in the conference speech that as of December 2019, the number of single-day exposures of the Xiaohongshu social media has exceeded 4.5 billion. In 2018, overall active users increased by 4.4 times, and male active users increased by 14.5 times.
Iran Abandons Nuclear Deal Over Soleimani Slaying
Iran announced, through its national television station Sunday, that it would no longer comply with any restrictions under the 2015 Nuclear Agreement (JCPOA). Although Tehran will continue to cooperate with the United Nations’ nuclear oversight agency, the (IAEA), it will no longer fully comply with the restrictions of the nuclear agreement, with the intervention of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Nations Urge Restraint After Soleimani Strike
Many countries have issued statements urging calm and restraint among all parties, since the U.S. launched a rocket attack on Baghdad International Airport early Friday, killing Qasem Soleimani. The Iranian general was the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. At least eight other people have died in this and other subsequent American airstrikes.
Powerful Iranian General Killed by US Drone Strike – What Will Russia’s Role Be in Any Conflict?
Iran’s Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani has been killed in a drone strike at the Baghdad Airport. The strike was carried out by the US and was ordered by President Donald Trump. Soleimani was a powerful Iranian General and a veteran of the Syrian War. Soleimani led the work of Iranian military advisers in Iraq, and also led the Quds organization, which is responsible for military and intelligence and sabotage activities outside of Iran itself. The force reports directly to the supreme leader of The Republic of Iran, Ali Khamenei.
Technology Writers / Contributors: Submit Your News and Articles to be Published Globally
Do you have a technology idea, article or concept that you want to write about, but don’t have the distribution platform to get the word out? Well the internet has changed and your articles are welcome here.
Communal News has a global platform where you can publish your technology news on our website. This same technology news is then translated and published in the globe’s largest languages, including over 100 languages worldwide. It is also published on Google News and posted on our social media sites.
Low Cost Global Freelance Gigs Opens to French Language in 29 Countries
The French language is the fifth largest language in the world behind English, Mandarin, Hindi and Spanish. France itself is the second largest French speaking county in the world behind DR Congo. Today, French language Gigs can be translated into over 100 different languages– not just English– allowing the French gig poster to greatly increase their markets.
Turkey’s Parliament Approves Plan to Send Troops to Libya
Turkey’s parliament has approved the deployment of soldiers to Libya for one year. The Turkish soldiers are to support Libya’s internationally-recognized government, currently under pressure from General Khalifa Haftar’s forces. During Thursday’s vote, 325 MPs voted in favor and 184 against the move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.
U.S. Helps Russia Thwart St. Petersburg Bombing
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that “great and important coordination” between the United States and Russia helped prevent an attack on St. Petersburg. “President Putin of Russia called to thank me and the U.S. for informing them of a planned terrorist attack in the very beautiful city of Saint Petersburg,” Trump wrote on his Twitter account. “They were able to quickly apprehend the suspects, with many lives being saved . . . Great and important coordination!” The US president added.
Can the Russian Low Cost Global Freelance Market Grow Its Population and Wealth?
The Russian population peaked 28 years ago at over 48 million, just after the USSR collapsed in 1991. Today the Russian population is about 144 million (the current population dos not include the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol). Domestic GDP per capita is under $12,000 per year. The Russian GDP per capita is equivalent to only 93% of the world average.
Russian computer usage is remarkably high at 71% (in 2016) and the Russian Global Gig Economy Index is 8th in growth at a strong 20%.
2019: A Year in Review of Events that Influenced the Geopolitical Balance and Defense Around the Globe
There has been a tug of war for geopolitical influence and attempts to disrupt the already established balance throughout 2019. We also saw the formation of interesting and very invasive social media polices around the globe. Hence, there were ramifications and changes to the social media landscape:
- France implementing new measures to track and monitor the social media of its citizens.
- Russia is working to complete their digital iron curtain.
- China implementing draconian verification process impacting social credit and privacy.
- UK to ruthlessly start collecting DNA.
- We’ve also seen the rise of deep fake technology that could have a great impact on the US 2020 Presidential elections as well as on the global scale.
Let’s look at the world’s main players and regions:
Bolivia Expels Mexican Ambassador, Two Spanish Diplomats, Over Morales “Extraction”
Bolivia’s interim government announced on Monday that it had expelled the Mexican ambassador to the country and two other Spanish diplomats for trying to “facilitate” the departure of former top officials of the government of former President Evo Morales, who is currently a refugee in Argentina. The foreign diplomats in question have been given 72 hours to leave the country.
Goodbye Privacy in France! New Measures to Track and Monitor the Social Media of French Citizens
The French government announced additional measures to curb tax evaders. France’s constitutional council ruled the government has a right to expand its powers to monitor the social media of its citizens in order to collect information pertaining to tax evasion. The Constitutional Council is the highest constitutional authority in France. It was established by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic in 1958 to ensure that constitutional principles and rules are upheld. It is housed in the Palais-Royal, Paris.
Russian Hacker, Yakubets, Undeterred and Unafraid
Some of the world’s most proficient hackers reside in Russia. The country, which is renowned for its cyber-intrusion culture, has spawned some of the most dangerous hacker groups of modern times. According to a recent FBI report, members of a unit, dubbed Evil Corp, are the most prolific in the world. The agency has announced that the group is led by Maksim Yakubets, 32, who currently resides in Russia.
Will Advancements in the Freelance Global Gigs Market in Ukraine Slow Down or Stop the Outflow of Skilled Workers?
Ukraine currently has a shortage of almost all skilled labor. The number of Ukrainian workers has decrease from 18 million in 2013 to around 15 million today. According to Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Oleg Ustenko,
“Ukraine continues to lose labor resources, which carries serious risks and threats to the country. If the current pace of the outflow of human resources continues, then fulfilling the ambitious task set by the president to sharply increase the rate of economic growth will not be feasible.”
Erdogan: Turkey to Send Troops to Libya
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Thursday that the country’s national Parliament would vote in January to allow troops to be sent to Libya. Turkey is backing the interim government of the Libyan National Agreement (GAN), against the forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Russia and Egypt.
The Spanish Language Should Be Exploding on the Low Cost Freelance Gig Markets, But It’s Not. Why?
The freelance gig market is where you offer for sale your expertise in a specialized service. For example, you might be an expert in: building websites; launching a social media presence; buying Google and/or Facebook advertising; providing coding; editing and writing; creating educational or online books; or translations. The world is unlimited.
Macron Vows to Defend Sahel States Against Jihad
A rise in the attacks by terrorists in West Africa has raised concerns over French military involvement in the region. The current French operation has been on-going since 2014, coordinating security related issues with Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Chad. Currently, over 4,500 French troops are in the region. Despite the challenge, the French President, Emmanuel Macron vows to give a new force to the fight armed groups in the Sahel states in West Africa.
10 Most Beautiful Capitals of the World
Often the capital of every country worldwide is more beautiful than its other cities since the capital city is that particular country’s very face.
Here are the 10 most beautiful capitals of the world:
London, England and the United Kingdom – Possessing a deep-rooted history, the world’s artistic capital London is the British Empire’s leading economic city. Located on the banks of the Thames, the city of London is famous for its exquisite architectural buildings such as the London Eye, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
Netanyahu Working to Free Israeli-American “Drug Smuggler” in Russia
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is continuing his efforts to free Naama Issachar, a 26 year-old Israeli-American woman from New Jersey, who was sentenced in October to seven-and-one-half years in prison in Russia for drug offenses. Netanyahu is reportedly in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issues of her release. Netanyahu has stated, that Israel will continue to exert every effort to free her and return her to her family. Israel news media continues to publicize this injustice.
British Tourist Shot Dead in Robbery in Argentina
A British millionaire from Northamptonshire was shot dead in front of a five-star hotel in broad daylight in Argentina by two robbers who police believe had followed him from the airport. It is said that Matthew Charles Gibbard, 50, arrived with other family members at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport on a British Airways flight that landed at 9:30. They then took a taxi to Faena Art Hotel in Puerto Madero. As they got out, they were attacked by the robbers on a motorcycle, who tried to rob them. Authorities have said that Gibbard and a stepson, Stefan, resisted the theft and were shot in the struggle.
New Russian Town 30km from EU Border – Could it Be Another Strategic Location By the Water?
Russia is building a new town named Ust-Luga. It is located 30km from the European Union’s (EU) border. The exact location is in the Kingiseppsky District of Leningrad Oblast, situated on the Luga River near its entry into the Luga Bay of the Gulf of Finland. This location is about 110km west of St. Petersburg. Ust-Luga has a 60,000 resident capacity. So far, it is 50% finished and they are already moving people into the town. The final phase will be completed by 2030.
House Judiciary Committee Approves Articles of Impeachment Against Trump
The US House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment against President Trump on Friday, alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. In total, 23 members— all Democrats— voted in favor, and 17 members— all Republicans— voted against.
Boris Johnson’s Tories Win Landslide Election in Britain
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party has won a large majority in Thursday’s parliamentary elections. This election result guarantees the Prime Minister the number of parliamentarians he needs to “get Brexit done” by January 31. The Conservatives won 365 out of the 650 seats in the House of Commons— more than enough for a comfortable absolute majority and for Johnson to remain Prime Minister.
The Council of Elders of the Circassian Diaspora of Jordan Condemns Actions of Anti-Russian Adyghe Communities
A number of representatives of the diaspora of Jordan, in cooperation with the Circassian organizations of Turkey, the US and Georgia, who have condemned Russia’s policy on the Circassian item, will not benefit the people as a whole, according to Khayredin Khakuz, a member of the Council of the Elders of the diaspora of Jordan, during his visit to Adygea.
Earlier in the media there was information that the head of the Jordanian organization “Society of Friends of the North Caucasus,” Adel Bashkavi announced about the need to file an international lawsuit against Russia at a recent meeting with the American Circassians, and also in 2013 and 2014 urged the Polish authorities to adopt anti-Russian resolutions. At the same time, his statements are presented as initiatives of the diaspora leadership.
Gunman Kills Six, Commits Suicide, in Czech Republic
A man stormed a hospital and opened fire in a hospital in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and killed six people before fleeing and committing suicide on Tuesday. This is the worst attack in the country since 2015, when another gunman shot eight people, and was later killed in a restaurant in the southeastern city of Uhersky Brod. It is not yet known what provoked and angered the man to the extent of carrying out such an inhuman attack.
EU to Create Their Own Magnitsky Act – Will Russia Be the First Violator?
The European Union (EU) announced the beginning of the development of a Human Rights sanctions regime that would be similar to the Magnitsky Act in the US. The announcement came after a meeting with 28 nation representatives in Brussels. The proposal originally came from the European Stability Initative, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee at the end of 2018.
Normandy Talks – A Breakdown of Each Nation’s Geopolitical Interests
The Normandy Format talks started on December 9, 2019 in Paris. The countries present are Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France. The main goal is to resolve the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The group was created in 2014 but the talks have been stalled until now. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky stated peace with Russia is his top priority.
Assad’s Uncle on Trial for Money Laundering in France
The uncle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Rifaat al-Assad, is on trial in France in a case of “unlawful enrichment.” The trial began Monday in the French capital, Paris. Assad is accused of building a real estate empire in France from Syrian public funds. Rifaat al-Assad was one of the former pillars of the Assad regime, and the commander of the “Defense Brigades,” a special force that was instrumental in the devastating attack on the city of Hama in central Syria in 1982.
Communal News and Freelance Global Gigs Marketplace Open Platforms Have Gone Global
Communal News platform is now published in over 97% of the world’s languages. CN has over 1,000 contributors from every corner of the planet and we wanted to bring all their interesting work to every reader with access to a computer. Use the drop down menu to select your language and enjoy all CN articles, blogs and gig listings in the language that you prefer. A reader checked it out and commented:
“I tried Mandarin, Spanish, French and Catalan and they all look pretty good!”
Germany Expells 2 Russian Diplomats – How Will Kremlin Retaliate?
Germany expelled two Russian diplomats due to the murder of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old who fought against Russia in the Second Chechen War and allegedly had links with Georgian intelligence. Khangoshvili and his family made an asylum claim in Germany in 2016, under their new identities secured in Georgia. His asylum was denied in 2017 and it was under appeal at the time of his murder.
Trump Calls Macron’s NATO Statement “Highly Offensive”
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump described French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that NATO was “brain dead” as “very offensive.” In an interview with The Economist in November, Macron stated that NATO is in a “brain dead” state, due to a lack of strategic coordination between European allies on the one hand, and the United States and Turkey on the other.
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