International allies of the Libyan government, supported by the United Nations, and rebel forces led by General Khalifa Haftar agreed on Sunday to respect a ceasefire initiated a week ago, and an arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council. World leaders are hoping for a way out of the civil war that has plagued the country for five years.
Category: Britain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turkey Obstructs NATO Plans Due to Dispute Over Kurds
Aссоrdіng tо a Reuters rероrt, NATO is fасіng grеаt dіffісultу іn аdорtіng a new dеfеnѕе рlаn. Ankаrа hаѕ refused tо ѕuрроrt a NATO defense plan fоr thе Baltic states аnd Poland until the alliance offers Ankara greater political support in fighting thе YPG іn nоrthеrn Syria, news reports ԛuоtеd fоur NATO ѕоurсеѕ аѕ ѕауіng.
Tony Blair: Labour Ruled by Marxist-Leninists, Conservatives Even Worse
Britain is in a big mess, and the population has had enough. That was the message of former Prime Minister Tony Blair when he spoke at a conference on the challenges of British politics on Monday. In particular, the entire course of Brexit is worrying the nation’s former prime minister.
Prince Andrew Relinquishes Royal Duties Over Epstein Scandal
Prince Andrew, the son of Queen Elizabeth II, has decided to relinquish his royal obligations. The Duke of York says he has made the decision because of how the royal family is being affected by the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal in which he is squarely involved.
UK Ruthlessly Starting DNA Collection – Goodbye Privacy Forever
Britain’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matthew Hancock announced the government’s desire to start collecting DNA of every newborn child. Hence, the privacy of UK citizens will no longer exist. Your DNA is a treasure trove of personal information, including your physical characteristics like eye color, paternity and health. The UK has been a pioneer in privacy intrusion. It is one thing to use DNA to solve heinous crimes and protect society, yet another to use it for the government’s gain and control.
“You? Really?” Zarif Blasts EU in Tuesday Tweetstorm
In rеѕроnѕе tо a ѕtаtеmеnt bу thе Eurореаn Unіоn, urging Iran to stick to their commitments under the Iran Nuclear Deal, Iran’s Foreign Minister ассuѕеd France, Britain, and Germany оf fаіlіng tо соmрlу wіth their оblіgаtіоnѕ. Mоhаmmаd Jаvаd Zаrіf ассuѕеd them оf “kіllіng tіmе,” аnd оf fаіlіng tо meet thеіr оblіgаtіоnѕ undеr thе ѕо-саllеd nuсlеаr dеаl.
Is Russia’s Footprint on the Death of the White Helmets Founder James Le Mesurier in Turkey?
British national James Le Mesurier was found dead in Istanbul, Turkey. He was known to be affiliated with the White Helmets, officially known as the Syria Civil Defense, a volunteer organization that operates in parts of opposition-controlled Syria and in Turkey, founded in the 2014. Le Mesurier was a former MI-6 officer, the foreign intelligence service of the government of the United Kingdom, tasked mainly with covert overseas collection and analysis of human intelligence (HUMINT) in support of the UK’s national security. NETFLIX has a documentary pertaining to The White Helmets.
IAEA Report Finds Undeclared Uranium at Iranian Site
In іtѕ lаtеѕt rероrt on Iran’s nuсlеаr рrоgrаm, thе IAEA ѕаіd іt had fоund urаnіum раrtісlеѕ аt аn undisclosed ѕіtе іn Irаn. In thе report, the аgеnсу dіѕсоvеrеd thаt nаturаl uranium раrtісlеѕ hаd bееn brought tо thе site bу a human agent thаt Iran hаd nоt previously dесlаrеd.
EU Alarmed by Iranian Uranium Enrichment
Hоurѕ аftеr Iranian Prеѕіdеnt Hаѕѕаn Rouhani announced thаt fuel enrichment аt thе Fordow nuсlеаr сеntrіfugе had resumed, Frаnсе, Brіtаіn аnd the European Union еxрrеѕѕеd соnсеrn about thе decision. “With the presence of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran started injecting gas into centrifuges in Fordow,” in central Iran, state TV said today. Rouhani said on Twitter, “Iran’s 4th step in reducing its commitments under the JCPOA by injecting gas to 1044 centrifuges begins today. Thanks to US policy and its allies, Fordow will soon be back to full operation.”
European Union Agrees to Postpone Brexit until End of January
The European Union (EU) has accepted a further postponement of Brexit until January 31, European Council President Donald Tusk revealed on Monday. However, the agreement offers London the possibility of leaving the EU bloc before that date should the British Parliament ratify the exit agreement.
39 Dead in Essex Were Chinese, Officials Say
The 39 dead bodies that were found in a truck on Wednesday in an industrial estate near London were Chinese nationals, according to police, as reported by several local and international media. “We have since confirmed that eight of the deceased are women and 31 are men and all are believed to be Chinese nationals,” police said in a statement on Thursday. There was also one teenager among them.
Essex Police Find 39 Bodies in Truck
Essex police found 39 bodies in a truck in an industrial area Wednesday in the town of Grays in Essex County. The 25-year-old driver of the truck has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Abortion, Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Northern Ireland
Abortion and same-sex marriage were legalized in Northern Ireland Tuesday by a decision of the British Parliament, despite a last symbolic attempt, launched by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Unlike in the rest of the UK, where abortion has been legal since 1967, in Northern Ireland, the practice was illegal, except if a pregnancy threatened a would-be mother’s life. Same-sex marriage was also prohibited.
Johnson, Reluctantly, Asks the EU to Postpone Brexit
According to BBC News, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sent a request to the EU to postpone Brexit, but without signing it. It strongly indicates that Johnson only asked for the postponement reluctantly.
Brexit: All Eyes on “Super Saturday”
After a week of intense negotiations, the British government and the European Union yesterday formalized a new Brexit agreement that will allow the UK to leave the EU on October 31. However, the new agreement has to be approved by the British Parliament for the process to proceed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has until Saturday to convince his party’s Eurosceptics, Northern Ireland Unionists, and opposition members to vote for the deal. None are so far keen on endorsing it.
Brexit: EU and UK Agree on New Deal
The European Union and the UK negotiating teams have reached an agreement for Britain to leave the EU at a meeting in Brussels. “We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control— now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday so we can move on to other priorities like the cost of living, the NHS, violent crime, and our environment,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a tweet.
Prince William and Princess Kate Arrive for “Most Complex Tour” in Pakistan
Britain’s Prince William and Princess Kate arrived at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on October 14 for their “most complex tour” ever. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew, and other members of the Pakistani Foreign Office were present on the occasion to welcome them. The Guard of Honor was also presented to both guests. On this occasion, the strictest security arrangements have been made in the capital of Islamabad. One thousand policemen are stationed around Islamabad where the royal couple is staying.
Brexit Deal “Practically Impossible,” British Government Source Says
A Brexit deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) is “virtually impossible,” British government sources told local media on Tuesday after a telephone call between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Johnson and Merkel spoke on Tuesday morning about Johnson’s proposals to the EU last week.
Journalist Accuses British PM of Sexual Harassment
In news reports carried by several media outlets, a journalist claims that Boris Johnson stroked her thigh insistently in 1999. Charlotte Edwardes said the incident occurred during a luncheon at the offices of The Spectator magazine in London shortly after Boris Johnson became editor-in-chief.
Stena Impero Leaves Iran After Two Months Detention
The British ship Stena Impero, captured by Iran in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, at the gates of the Persian Gulf, has left the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas to international waters, according to the maritime authorities on Friday. The Organization of Ports and Navigation of Hormozgan province, whose capital is Bandar Abas, announced that the ship left the port at 09:00 local time. The commander and crew of Stena Impero gave their formal and written commitment that they have no claims, despite the fact that the ship was seized. The judicial case against the ship remains, “open” in Iranian courts.
France and England – The Two Stilts of a Solid European Defence
Current political turmoil on the continent may have some believing that international cooperation may be entering a strategic winter. But, despite some areas of irrational decision-making, France and England will continue to be the West’s most reliable defence partner on the old continent, come what may.
Thomas Cook Collapse is Just the Beginning – EU Airlines in Financial Trouble
On September 23, 2019 Thomas Cook halted its operations. The company owned Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia. Thomas Cook was formed in 2007 by the merger of Thomas Cook AG and MyTravel Group. The group operated in two separate segments: a tour operator and an airline. Thomas Cook went into compulsory liquidation on September 23, 2019 and is now under the control of the Official Receiver. The company went into liquidation due to £1.7 billion debt. As a result, the UK Government is having to fly home over 150,000 customers from 18 countries. Brexit uncertainty contributed to the faster demise of Thomas Cook. The company was known for its all-inclusive travel model.
UN General Assembly: Macron Plays Matchmaker, Trump Offers to Mediate
French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to arrange a meeting between the US and Iranian leaders continued in New York on Tuesday. Hassan Rouhani described Mr. Macron’s efforts to lift US sanctions against Iran as a success, but Donald Trump said in a speech at the UN General Assembly that sanctions would not be lifted as long as Iran’s threatening behavior continues. Mr. Macron first met with Mr. Rouhani on Monday night. He said on Tuesday evening that Mr. Rouhani was accompanying British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to meet with the British Prime Minister.
Britain Holds Iran Responsible for Saudi Oil Attacks
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attack on Aramco. The United Kingdom is one of the countries participating in the US-led offshore Gulf security mission. According to the Associated Press, Prime Minister Johnson made his announcement and accusation on Sunday.
Will Skripals and Other UK Victims Sue Russia for Novichok Poisoning?
The UK citizen Charlie Rowley, who is a victim of the Novichok poisoning revealed he plans to sue Russia for £1m ($1.25 million). Rowley spent two weeks in a coma due to the neuro-paralizing Russian poison. His girlfriend Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to the nerve agent.
The Rise of Saracens – and Can Anyone Overthrow Them?
While the spine of Saracens’ side head out to Japan to represent England on the biggest stage of international rugby, the 2019 Rugby World Cup, it won’t be long before the Gallagher Premiership is underway for another season. Current champions, Saracens rise to glory may be controversial to some, but there’s no doubting that the North London club are history makers.
Johnson Tells EU He has No Intention of Postponing Brexit
The debate in the UK was re-heated when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today that he would tell European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that he wants to reach an agreement on Brexit, but he does not intend to postpone the October 31 deadline for Brexit. Political commentators began to ask whether Johnson’s remarks meant that he would not recognize the law adopted by Parliament. Last week, the Parliament passed a law asking Johnson to postpone Brexit for three months if an agreement could not be reached by October 19th.
London Rejects Takeover Bid from Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pitched a combined offer to take over the London Stock Exchange for $39 billion. However, London, which is worried about the weakening of its financial center status, has not picked up the olive branch that Hong Kong has thrown.
Report: Two American F-15’s and British Skydivers Involved in Near Miss
Two American F-15 fighters nearly caused an accident on April 17 when they entered airspace reserved for skydiving in Cambridgeshire, a county in eastern England. They did it inadvertently and were close to colliding with two paratroopers who had launched from a plane shortly before the fighters went under them, a report has revealed. The moment was recorded with a GoPro camera that was attached to one of the skydivers’ helmets when traveling with a partner at about 200 kilometers per hour.
Hong Kong Stock Exchange Bids to Acquire London Stock Exchange
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) announced on Wednesday that it will propose a merger plan to the board of directors of the London Stock Exchange Group, with a transaction value of £31.6 billion, to create a global market interconnection platform that is beneficial to Hong Kong, China and the United Kingdom.
British Aircraft Carrier Plans to Sail in South China Sea
China warned Britain not to enter the South China Sea to sail near disputed islands, saying that it constitutes “hostile behavior,” and implied that Beijing would be forced to make a military response. The Chinese ambassador in London said that Britain “should not do this dirty job for somebody else.”
Brexit: Why is UK Still Relying on France?
Brexit continues to dominate world news. If there is a strategy, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s next move will shape the future of the world’s fifth-largest economy. The fate of the Brexit endeavor is at stake, which both sides cast as the United Kingdom’s most significant decision in a century. Brexit is the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union after the referendum held on June 23, 2016 in which 51.9% of those voting supported leaving the EU. They voted for full independence from all EU mandates and laws across the board. The UK Parliament is now closed for five weeks and the recent political turmoil has caused more questions than answers.
House of Commons, Again, Rejects Johnson’s Call for Snap Election
The House of Commons voted for the second time to reject the government’s request for early general elections.The vote comes on the last day of Parliament’s work before a five-week suspension, at the request of the government, until October 14. Members of Parliament will have no further opportunity to vote on any early elections until the end of the suspension period, which means that elections cannot be held until at least late November.
British Airways Cancels Almost All Flights After Pilots Strike
British Airways on Monday canceled almost all flights in the United Kingdom on the first day of a major strike by its pilots. It is the first in British Airways’ history for wage demands.
Johnson Considers Early Elections as Brexit Battle Intensifies
Boris Johnson is considering holding early general elections if MPs want to prevent an exit from the EU without an agreement and defeat the government this week. Reports say that “live debates” were underway at the Prime Minister’s residence, on the request for parliamentary approval for early elections.
African Migrant Explosive Vomiting Blood – Quarantine at Manchester Airport
Passengers “quarantined” on a plane after a suspected Ebola virus outbreak occurred on board. Dozens of emergency services personnel are at the scene and passengers were not allowed to leave the tarmac. Photos taken from inside the aircraft by passengers showed dozens of emergency services vehicles lined up on the tarmac surrounding the plane.
British Government Seeks ‘Parliamentary Suspension’ – Queen Elizabeth Agrees
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government plans to suspend British parliamentarians by blocking the British parliament and its plan to leave the EU. Mr. Johnson, who has recently been elected leader of the Conservative Party and is prime minister, met with Queen Elizabeth II, to convene a special royal council and issue a renewal order. The EU’s deadline for Britain to make a final decision on leaving the EU on October 31.
Brexit Cold Hard Facts – The Pros and Cons
Brexit is the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, after the referendum held on 23 June 2016. The HBO documentary Brexit depicts the behind the scenes experience of the referendum. The UK is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance that is based off of the Westminster system. Executive power rests in the hands of Her Majesty’s Government, the prime minister and the cabinet who are all members of the Privy Council. Legislative power is held within the bicameral parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the former being elected and the later appointed.
Johnson “Very, Very Worried” About China-US Trade War
France hosted the G7 summit in Biarritz from August 24th to 26th, 2019. Although China did not participate, and the China-US trade war is not an issue, it is an unavoidable topic. Only seven Western countries (and the European Union representing Europe) are present, but the group discussed pressing issues, such as the global economy, climate change, Libya, Iran, terrorism and immigration issues.
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