Category: General

Ukraine said early Monday that the “fighter jet coalition” led by Western countries in support of Kyiv will be discussed during an upcoming Ramstein format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

‘During the meeting, we will discuss the details of the ‘aircraft coalition’. In this case, we are talking about the training of pilots and not only pilots but also our technicians and engineers who will deal with aircraft maintenance. Because this is a very complex system,’ Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said, according to a statement by the ministry on Telegram.

Reznikov said that the issue will be discussed with the teams of the defense ministries of the Netherlands, Denmark, the US, and other countries that have joined the coalition, adding that he included representatives of the Air Force in the Ukrainian delegation.

He also said issues related to the provision of air defense systems, ammunition, and artillery will also be discussed during the meeting.

‘Our priorities have not changed. This war is a war of resources. Resources mean not only weapons but also the ability to repair and maintain them and everything related to this,’ he said, adding opening various types of hubs for repairing equipment is an important issue.

The Western nations continue to support Ukraine with military and financial aid since the war began last year on Feb. 24. So far, they have been reluctant to send fighter jets to Kyiv.

However, Denmark and the Netherlands are playing a lead role among the Western countries, training the Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, tweeted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on May 25.

The US Defense Department announced last Tuesday that an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is scheduled to take place at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels on June 15.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Swiss private lender UBS said Monday it has completed the takeover of its rival Credit Suisse.

UBS said: “Credit Suisse Group AG has been merged into UBS Group AG and the combined entity will operate as a consolidated banking group.”

Credit Suisse, which was in deep financial trouble, was taken over by its rival UBS in March for some $3.2 billion.

It stressed that Credit Suisse’s shares will no longer be traded on the New York Stock Exchange and shareholders will receive 1 UBS share for every 22.48 Credit Suisse shares.

UBS will manage two separate banks under the names of UBS AG and Credit Suisse AG and each lender will continue to have its own subsidiaries and branches.

The statement also announced that Lukas Gahwiler will be chair of Credit Suisse’s board.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Eliminating child labor will remain a pipe dream as long as major countries and big corporations continue to exploit this modern-day ‘slavery’ for their supply chains, according to a prominent rights activist.

‘There are 1 million children working inside the US and more than a million children working inside the EU,’ Fernando Morales-de la Cruz, a rights activist, journalist and social entrepreneur, told Anadolu in a conversation ahead of the World Day Against Child Labor, marked annually on June 12.

‘Sadly, there are tens of millions of children working in the supply chains of the US and EU. This has to stop.’

He said countries such as Norway and Switzerland also continue to ‘profit from the exploitation of millions of children by corporations.’

According to Morales-de la Cruz, more than 75 million children are being exploited in global supply chains.

In Africa, the region with the highest figures, he said child labor in the supply chains of major corporations is akin to ‘slavery in the 21st century.’

He also called out companies with ‘exploitative business models’ for touting the Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CMLRS) or aid efforts as signs of their positive intent.

‘CLMRS and development aid are only tools to pretend they care,’ he added.

The only real way to eradicate poverty and eliminate child labor is to increase ‘the prices paid to farmers and the wages paid to workers,’ he underlined.

2025 goal ‘impossible’

Given the pervasive exploitation of children in global supply chains, the world is ‘very far’ from actually eradicating child labor, Morales-de la Cruz asserted.

According to International Labor Organization (ILO) data, at least 160 million children were being made to work around the globe in 2021 – almost one in 10 of all children worldwide.

Nearly half of them were in hazardous work that directly endangers their health, safety and development.

Morales-de la Cruz, who leads several initiatives working on child labor, slavery and poverty, argued that the actual numbers could be as high as double the ILO figures.

He was referring to a September 2022 study by academics from the University of Zurich and University of Pennsylvania, which said the ILO numbers might ‘greatly underestimate the extent of the issue, since child labor indicators are typically based on surveys with parents – who have no incentive to truthfully disclose that their children work.’

The report said more than 373 million children between age 7 and 14 could be affected by child labor worldwide, ‘nearly 3-fold its global prevalence according to the World Development Indicators.’

Morales-de la Cruz categorically rejected any possibility of the international community achieving its aim of ending child labor by 2025.

‘It’s impossible. Even after the G-7 and EU committed in Elmau and Hiroshima, not a single developed nation has a concrete plan to eliminate child labor in its supply chains or even inside their own countries,’ he said.

He pointed to the concerted efforts underway in various US states to loosen child labor laws to allow companies to employ kids aged 14 and older, as well as recent legislation allowing children as young as 12 to work in small agricultural businesses in Quebec, Canada.

‘This is contrary to the commitments of President (Joe) Biden and Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau at G-7 summits,’ he stressed.

In the US, the Department of Labor reported a 69% rise in children being employed illegally since 2018, including 3,800 violations across 835 companies in the 2022 fiscal year, damning figures that come amid legislative overhauls in Republican-majority states.

Much of the increase was tied to migrant children who entered the US illegally and who do not have a parent in the country, the department said in a February report.

Even international organizations like the UN, which have obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are unable to eliminate child labor in their own supply chains, Morales-de la Cruz added.

He said there can be no effective solution until major countries and big companies are held accountable, and called on the thousands of business and political leaders who gather for the World Economic Forum in Davos each year to take the lead in efforts to address the issue.

The ILO declined to comment on Anadolu’s queries about possible discrepancies in its global child labor statistics, as well as Morales-de la Cruz’s allegations about the prevalence of child labor in supply chains of international organizations such as the UN.

Source: Anadolu Agency

House President Annita Demetriou, who is on an official visit to Ireland, stated that there are clear similarities between Cyprus and Ireland, both of which have experienced the painful ordeal of division.

According to a written statement from the House of Representative, Demetriou visited the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation on Monday. Pat Hynes, the Director of Programs, briefed the House President on the Center’s work since 1974 as an independent non-governmental organization promoting dialogue and reconciliation through the building of trust between the two sides on the issue of Northern Ireland.

Hynes pointed out that the path to reconciliation is a long, continuous, and inclusive process in which it is crucial to involve as many people as possible, particularly women and youth, as active agents of civil society on both sides of the political divide.

The House President congratulated the Center for its substantive and significant mission. Demetriou highlighted the apparent similarities between the two countries, which share the painful experience of division, as well as the particularities of the situation in Cyprus due to the ongoing presence of Turkish occupation forces on its territory and the escalating violations of international law by Turkey.

As politicians, stressed the House President, we have a responsibility to fight for the protection of international legitimacy while at the same time encouraging dialogue that leads to reconciliation, convincing people of the benefits of lasting peace, security, and stability.

In this context, Demetriou underscored the importance of active participation and meaningful contribution of women to peace processes. As she pointed out, women are characterized by empathy, foresight, and persistence and can propose alternative approaches to the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

Furthermore, accompanied by her Irish counterpart, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, the House President visited places of social and cultural interest in County Kildare.

Among other things, the House President visited Teach Tearmainn, a Shelter for Abused Women, where she was briefed about the work of this philanthropic non-profit organization, which provides support services to vulnerable women and children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

President, Nikos Christodoulides, will elaborate on Tuesday morning before the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg on his proposal for a more active involvement of the EU in efforts to lift the deadlock in the Cyprus problem and immediately resume negotiations for a Cyprus settlement within the agreed UN framework.

During his speech before the parliament Christodoulides also aims to highlight Cyprus’ role as an EU member state that can act as a bridge with neighbouring states. In this framework he will refer to the trilateral cooperation which Cyprus and Greece have established with countries of the region, while he will also present his vision for Europe and the way towards the European integration and speak about the Southern Neighbourhood.

Christodoulides will also refer to energy issues, the war Ukraine and migration. While speaking about European issues he will refer to the European elections of 2024 and the 2026 EU Cyprus Presidency.

After his speech the leaders of the seven political European groups at the EP will take the floor. Cypriot MEP Costas Mavrides will speak on behalf of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, as its President Iratxe Garcia Perez will not be present. After the political parties, the other five Cypriot MEPs will also make remarks, while Christodoulides will then take the floor for the second time to refer, among others, to issues related to Cyprus’ domestic policy issues and reforms.

The President of Cyprus speaks on Tuesday before the plenary, at the invitation of the European Parliament’s President, Roberta Metsola, in the framework of debates under the title “This is Europe” with the leaders of EU member states.

Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, has said that Christodoulides will tell Europeans on Tuesday that Cyprus is the common home of all lawful residents of the country, whose rights are respected without discrimination or exceptions.

In his speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, President Christodoulides will also refer to the multiple challenges faced by the EU, he added.

He said that President Christodoulides will present his vision for “our great European family and the path towards European Integration. He will address the multiple challenges we have to collectively manage to tackle major issues such as migration, the environmental crisis, energy, and the need for a transition to a green economy. These are subjects in which the Republic of Cyprus aspires to have a role and a voice, operating as a reliable partner among the states in the region.”

At the same time, President Christodoulides will reiterate the willingness of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to utilize its status as a member state of the European Union to function as a bridge of communication and stability within a framework of cooperation which will be based on an unwavering commitment to international law.

President Christodoulides will also present his proposal for a more active involvement of the EU in the effort to break the deadlock and achieve an immediate resumption of negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem within the agreed UN framework.

Moreover, President Christodoulides will convey a “clear message to the European citizens that the Republic of Cyprus is the common home of all lawful residents of the country, whose rights are respected without discrimination or exceptions”, said Letymbiotis.

Christodoulides program at the EP

On Tuesday at 1000 local time, the President of the Republic will arrive at the European Parliament, where he will be welcomed by President of the EP Roberta Metsola during an official ceremony, during which the national anthems of Cyprus and the EU will be played.

Christodoulides and Metsola will also hold a meeting focusing on the Cyprus problem, immigration and other matters of European interest. They will then give statements to the press.

At 1030 local time, the President will address the plenary of the European Parliament and respond to the comments and questions from MEPs.

After his address, he will have a meeting with President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Manfred Weber, followed by a lunch hosted by Weber in honor of the President, which will also be attended by the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament and the Vice-Presidents of the EPP.

During Christodoulides meeting with the EPP officials the participation of his government’s ministers to EPP ministerial meetings is expected to be discussed.

Later on, the President will have a meeting with President of the European Parliament group “Renew Europe” Stéphane Séjourné and then with Vice-Chair of the Socialists and Democrats Pedro Marques.

Moreover he will participate in a coordination meeting with the EPP political group.

In the evening, he will depart for Vienna, where he will pay a one-day working visit on June 14.

The President attended a dinner with the six Cypriot MEPs on Monday evening during which issues that will be included in his speech on Tuesday were discussed.

Christodoulides is accompanied in Strasbourg, and later in Vienna, by Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office, Marilena Raouna, the Director of the President’s Press Office, Victoras Papadopoulos, and other officers.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Demetris Demetriades, one of the leading trauma surgeons in the world visited the newly established Trauma Unit at the Nicosia General Hospital, to evaluate and provide recommendations to the unit’s health professionals.

According to a press release from State Health Services Organisation (SHSO), Dr. Demetriades, who works as a professor of surgery at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and as Director of Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Intensive Care at the Los Angeles Medical Center, was initially involved in the preparation of a study in view of upgrading the trauma system, which was completed with the contribution of Dr. Chrysanthos Georgiou, Director of the Surgery Clinic at Nicosia General Hospital.

While at the hospital, Dr. Demetriades first visited trauma patients who are being treated in the Surgery Clinic and discussed the treatment plan of each patient with health professionals.

He also had a meeting with hospital management and staff as well as with the General Executive Director of SHSO Kypros Stavrides, with whom they exchanged views on the further growth of the unit. Dr. Demetriades expressed satisfaction on how the unit operates and about the implementation of protocols and procedures as well as provided services.

The trauma unit began its trial operation in September 2022 and opened officially in January 2023 aiming to provide comprehensive, thorough and specialised care to multiple trauma patients.

The unit is expected to significantly reduce deaths from traffic collisions and work accidents as according to statistics, countries where the operation of trauma units was implemented saw a reduction in deaths related to such events of up to 30%

Source: Cyprus News Agency

responsible for employment issues agreed to promote regulation of the work digital platforms workers, by agreeing on the EU Council position ahead of negotiations with the European Parliament, during the Employment and Social Policy Council of the EU which was held in Luxembourg on Monday, and during which Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou stressed the need to tackle the misuse of self-employment.

After the meeting, Panayiotou said that EU Labour Ministers are actively supporting “better regulation of industrial relations, strengthening social dialogue, promoting equality and consolidating the social dimension of EU policies.”

“Today we decided that work on digital platforms must be regulated and that the abuse of self-employment as a form of work must be tackled,” Panayiotou noted.

“I also briefed my colleagues on the progress on labour issues in our country, particularly in relation to teleworking, for which a bill has been forwarded to the House of Representatives,” he added.

According to Labour Ministry press release, the Council of the EU decided to adopt its negotiating position on a proposal for a Directive on better regulation of work on digital platforms, discussed the upgrading of the social dimension with concrete ways of monitoring, agreed on strengthening structures and policies that promote equality, and adopted a recommendation to Member States to upgrade the social dialogue.

During a discussion on the Council’s position on the proposal for a Directive on working conditions on digital platforms, Panayiotou stressed the need for immediate regulation of work in this environment, in order to combat the phenomenon of false self-employment and to ensure labour rights, as well as the safety and health of those employed through digital platforms.

In an intervention during the discussion on the EU’s policy priorities, the Labour Minister highlighted the importance of developing the right skills to ensure sustainable employment for the workforce, promoting policies and actions to improve work-life balance with a focus on teleworking, and ensuring decent wages, both through minimum wage protection and automatic indexation.

During a working lunch on mental health at work and future challenges, Panayiotou said that one of the causes of mental health strain for workers is their constant connection to personal electronic devices, especially in the context of teleworking. He added that the Council of Ministers in Cyprus recently forwarded a bill which regulates teleworking, with a specific provision to the right to disconnect.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

A total of 290 apartments were damaged late Sunday after Russia carried out a drone attack against the city of Odesa in Ukraine, according to media reports.

The Odessa City Council reported the incident where 11 residential buildings were affected, according to the Ukrinform news website.

Two schools and three kindergartens were also struck, said Ukrinform, citing the head of the education department, Olena Buynevych.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed Saturday that the West is making Ukraine “a scapegoat.”

Commenting on media reports that claimed the CIA informed Belgium about Ukraine’s “trace” in the Nord Stream gas pipelines explosions, Zakharova said Kyiv may be blamed for anything at the moment.

“A very convenient moment for the US to solve the murder of President (John) Kennedy. You can hang everything on (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy now. There is no better scapegoat to be found,” Zakharova wrote on Telegram.

As for statements claiming German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to have a telephone discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zakharova asked what was the purpose.

“What, is Scholz ready to tell who blew up Nord Streams?” she rhetorically asked.

Underwater explosions targeted the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines late September. The pipelines deliver Russian natural gas to Germany and the European region through the Baltic Sea.

Ukraine and the US had long warned that the Nord Stream 2 posed national security risks because it would allow Russia to circumvent an existing pipeline that runs through Ukraine and would allow Moscow to instead send energy directly to Germany. But Kyiv has steadfastly denied any involvement in the apparent attacks and has blamed Russia for the explosions.

Moscow accused the US and the UK of being behind the attacks as “few countries have necessary capabilities” to carry out the difficult technical operation.

Intelligence reviewed by US officials suggested pro-Ukrainian groups may have been behind the bombings.

Source: Anadolu Agency

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday slammed the UN Court of Justice’s decision to allow more than 30 countries to take part in a genocide trial against Russia in support of Ukraine.

The ministry said the court authorized 32 countries to take part in the trial — all of them support Ukraine.

“The Court satisfied the demand of the Russian Federation and unanimously refused admission to the USA to this case. At the same time, all states admitted as ‘third parties’ take a pro-Ukrainian position and belong to the Western camp,” it said in a statement on its website.

Russia views the entry of states in favor of one side of the dispute as “an unacceptable violation of the principle of equality of the parties and abuse of procedural rights,” it said.

The ministry warned that the decision will be “for sure” used later against the structure.

The diplomatic service also said the course taken by the “collective West” to politicize the system of international justice and turn it into “a tool of persecution” threatens to undermine the entire system of peaceful dispute resolution, which is the basis of international relations.

“It is quite obvious that such schemes will be used in the future not only against Russia but also against other states opposing Washington’s hegemonic aspirations. This is the whole essence of the so-called ‘rules-based order’ imposed by a narrow group of Western states — justice not for everyone, but for the chosen,” it said.

Ukraine sued Russia on Feb. 26, 2002, in the International Court of Justice under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide because of Moscow’s “special military operation.”

On March 16, 2022, the court ruled that Russia must “immediately suspend the military operations” in Ukraine, while it waits for a final decision on the case.

Source: Anadolu Agency