AsiaPresswire: January 2023

1/31/23

Truescope Acquires US Firm Universal Information Services

SYDNEY, AU, Feb 1, 2023 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Australian media intelligence company, Truescope, has strengthened its position in North America by acquiring leading agency, Universal Information Services (UIS).

Todd Murphy, Truescope President, North America & John Croll, Truescope Co-founder and CEO

Founded in 2019 and now operating in Singapore, New Zealand, and North America, Truescope is experiencing rapid growth in all markets – a commercial response to the company’s advanced SaaS platform, product innovation and experienced people. The acquisition of UIS will immediately welcome many hundreds of clients to the Truescope solution, with the integration of services presently underway.

UIS is led by industry authority, Todd Murphy based in Omaha, Nebraska. The competitive media intelligence agency has a rich heritage and proud reputation for its service-first approach, and as a trusted partner to businesses and communication professionals across the United States.

Truescope co-founder and CEO, John Croll, said the acquisition was a significant move to accelerate growth in the large US media intelligence market, which he believes has been underserved for some time and is ready to evolve through innovation.

“Truescope has been active in the US for almost a year and the response we have had to our platform has been overwhelmingly positive” he said. “Todd’s leadership, the Universal team’s decades long local expertise and loyal client base, coupled with Truescope’s technology, will enable us to deliver a powerful and truly unparalleled service that will help better inform communications,” said John.

Following the departure of Meg Crumbine in late 2022, Todd Murphy will take on the role of Truescope President, North America, effective immediately, with his first strategic priority being to oversee the UIS integration.

Todd is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead for the new alliance saying, “John’s vision and ability to build game-changing tech is the perfect alignment for the evolution of not only Universal’s clients but the media intelligence industry, broadly. I’m thrilled to be leading the company and delivering a truly superior service never before seen,” he said.

Migration of UIS clients to the Truescope platform is currently underway, with the merger of the UIS brand and business to Truescope to take place over the coming months.

For media information or to interview John Croll and/or Todd Murphy, contact:
Shelley Hammond | shelley@oneroofagency.com.au | +61 427 547 898

About Truescope
Truescope was founded in Australia to better inform communications. Our people and technology deliver real-time, actionable media intelligence and information to clients across Asia, New Zealand, and the United States. Visit www.truescope.com for more.

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/truescope-acquires-us-firm-universal-information-services/

Job Market in Malaysia Thrives with 65% Increase in Retail Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1, 2023 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Malaysia recorded a robust 21% year-on-year growth in e-recruitment activity in December ’22 compared to the same month a year ago, according to the foundit Insights Tracker (fit), formerly published as Monster Employment Index (MEI). The growth is attributed to the country easing travel restrictions and opening its borders. The company Monster APAC & Middle East was rebranded as foundit in ‘December 2022.

The Index stands at 76 with 3% month-on-month growth, driving a spree in hiring activity in December ’22. According to fit, the job market has shown noteworthy growth month over month, projecting a continuous demand in the job market. Moreover, over the last three months, there has been a robust 10% growth in hiring across sectors, indicating a persistent demand in the labour market.

The retail industry experienced an impressive 65% increase in hiring activity year-over-year, primarily due to robust retail sales and an upward trend in consumer sentiment. The easing of Covid rules and regulations, fast-growing retail business, along with borders reopening to boost import/export and resume travel have aided the boost in retail jobs. Similar trends were observed in the hospitality sector, where job demand increased significantly by 55%. With a 34% increase in hiring activity, the BFSI sector also maintained its upward trend.

Commenting on job trends for December 2022, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit APAC & ME, said, “The job market in Malaysia is showing strong and sustained demand, as reflected in the impressive growth numbers reported by the foundit Insights Tracker. This is a testament to the country’s success in easing travel restrictions and reopening its borders, which has led to a surge in demand across various sectors, particularly in retail, hospitality, and BFSI. The overall picture is of resilience and growth, even though some sectors have experienced difficulties due to global economic uncertainty. We believe that this trend will persist in the upcoming months.”

Other sectors that showed encouraging growth in December ’22 are Logistic, Courier/ Freight/ Transportation, Shipping/ Marine (+32%), Oil and Gas (+1%), Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary (+2%) and Engineering, Construction and Real Estate (+2%) sector from the year-ago level. The advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment industry also saw tremendous growth (+15%) in December 22, led by a surge in digital marketing initiatives and artificial intelligence (AI) deployment.

While the Index reflects a year-on-year hiring dip in IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES by 13%, the monthly hiring demand in the sector has seen a notable increase. However, hiring in this sector has slowed in recent months, primarily due to ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Online recruitment surpassed the year-ago level in 8 of the 9 occupation groups monitored by the tracker, with Hospitality & Travel leading the charge at (+212%). This is due to the opening of land and air borders as the country has completely eased out of the Covid-19 pandemic and opened its land borders with Singapore. This factor has also contributed to the positive growth in Sales & Business Development job roles (+28%). The increased penetration of digitization across all sectors, followed by a pickup in Finance & Accounts (+29%) roles, registered an increased demand and has maintained resolute growth rates since April ’21. However, among all monitored functions, customer service is the only one to have registered a de-growth of 17% in December ’22.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report
The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is 1st to 31st December, 2022.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in the world of recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalized job searches, and precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn’t define one’s potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf,

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/job-market-in-malaysia-thrives-with-65-increase-in-retail-hiring-foundit-insights-tracker/

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group 宣布擴充在中東和北非的服務

加州特曼庫拉, Feb. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via SEAPRWire.com) — Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group（下稱「集團」）是 Nikkiso Co., Ltd（日本）的子公司，自豪地宣布將再次擴充在中東和北非市場的製造與服務能力。隨着此次擴充，集團將為其全系列產品（包括 J.C. Carter 泵）提供泵和透平膨脹機的售後維修。集團嶄新、先進的服務中心將允許在當地進行維修，而無需運送至其他地方。

新設施位於沙迦自由區，旨在為中東和北非市場提供更多支援。集團新增了現場服務支援，以及經過專門培訓以支援 Marine、J.C. Carter、Nikkiso 低溫泵（ACD 和 Nikkiso Cryo）和透平膨脹機的車間技術人員。除門店內和現場維修外，集團還將提供售後服務。

Nikkiso Cryogenic Services 總裁 Jim Estes 表示：「此設施使 Nikkiso CE&IG 能夠更快地回應客戶的需求，提供個別的服務和解決方案，並透過我們的當地業務進一步支援客戶。」

此次業務擴充體現了對中東和北非市場客戶的承諾與支援。

關於 CRYOGENIC INDUSTRIES
Cryogenic Industries, Inc.（現為 Nikkiso Co., Ltd. 成員）成員公司製造與維修工程低溫氣體處理設備（泵、透平膨脹機、熱交換器等）以及用於工業氣體、液化天然氣 (LNG)、液化氫 (LH2) 廢熱回收有機朗肯循環的工藝裝置。Cryogenic Industries 成立於 50 多年前，是 ACD、Nikkiso Cryo、Nikkiso Integrated Cryogenic Solutions、Cosmodyne 和 Cryoquip 的母公司，亦是一個由 20 個營運實體組成的共同控制集團。

更多資訊，請瀏覽 www.nikkisoCEIG.com 和 www.nikkiso.com。

傳媒聯絡人：
Anna Quigley
+1.951.383.3314
aquigley@cryoind.com

此公告隨附的照片可在以下網址查看：
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a782646f-6550-4069-9f74-4f531a3eae7d

source https://netdace.com/globenewswire/nikkiso-clean-energy-industrial-gases-group-%e5%ae%a3%e5%b8%83%e6%93%b4%e5%85%85%e5%9c%a8%e4%b8%ad%e6%9d%b1%e5%92%8c%e5%8c%97%e9%9d%9e%e7%9a%84%e6%9c%8d%e5%8b%99/

JE Cleantech (Nasdaq: JCSE) Takes Major Step towards Carbon Neutrality with the Installation of Solar PV Systems

SINGAPORE, Jan 31, 2023 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – JE Cleantech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: JCSE), (the “Company”), a Singapore-based cleantech company, today announced that the Company has completed the commissioning of solar photovoltaic systems installation at its facilities. The installation of the solar systems is one step further in the Company’s efforts toward reducing the impact of its carbon footprint as aligned with its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The solar photovoltaic systems were installed in October last year and successfully connected today. The solar photovoltaic systems are expected to generate a total of approximately 205,000 kWhs per year, which will respectively cover 29 percent of the energy consumption for the facility manufacturing precision cleaning system and 10 percent of the total energy necessary for the operation of the facilities. Collectively, the implementation of the solar systems will generate an estimated savings of approximately 205,000 kWhs of electricity per year, or approximately SGD 77,000.00 per year for JE Cleantech. Utilization of electricity produced through solar energy is also critical to reducing the Company’s dependence on electricity produced by the burning of fossil fuels.

As a leading manufacturer of precision cleaning systems in Singapore, JE Cleantech attaches great importance to its social responsibilities. The installation of solar systems at the Company’s facility continues to demonstrate JE Cleantech’s efforts towards reducing the impact of its carbon footprint by utilizing non-polluting solar energy as well as maintaining its sustainable growth. The Company plans to take a further step in expanding the coverage of its solar system to another facility, with an aim to increase the overall savings and to facilitate its sustainable goal.

Last year, Singapore committed to reducing emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Along with this, the Government plans to meet 28% of its peak power demand from solar power by 2030. Solar energy is among the fastest-growing sources of new electric generation in Singapore and it is considered the main renewable energy focus by the Government. In line with this, JE Cleantech is sparing no efforts to support the Government and the local community along this journey.

Ms. Bee Yin Hong, CEO and Founder, JE Cleantech, said “We are proud to take one further step in fulfilling our social responsibilities and support the Government’s 2050 net zero initiatives. The installation of solar systems is a milestone of JE Cleantech’s support of nature conservation, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation. This showcases JE Cleantech’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing renewable efforts and ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for the community. Looking ahead, we will keep proactively committing to social responsibilities, striving for sustainable growth, and bringing sustainable returns to our shareholders and investors in the long run.”

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. For more information about JE Cleantech, please visit our website: www.jecleantech.sg.

Disclaimer: Forward looking statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such words or phrases as “should,” “intends,” “is subject to,” “expects,” “will,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “estimated,” “projected,” “may,” “I or we believe,” “future prospects,” “our strategy,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements made in this press release that relate to our future contract revenues among other things involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expected and stated in this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update “forward-looking” statements.

For Media Enquiries and Investor Relations, please contact:
jcse@preciouscomms.com

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/je-cleantech-nasdaq-jcse-takes-major-step-towards-carbon-neutrality-with-the-installation-of-solar-pv-systems/

1/30/23

Ex-Brazil president Bolsonaro applies for US tourist visa

In this photo taken on Jan 9, 2023, Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro lies on his hospital bed in Kissimmee, Florida. (PHOTO / AFP)

WASHINGTON — Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has applied for a six-month tourist visa to remain in the United States, his lawyer said on Monday, despite calls for any US visas held by Bolsonaro to be revoked following violent protests in Brasilia.

The United States received his application on Friday, his lawyer, Felipe Alexandre, said, adding that Bolsonaro will remain in the United States while his application is pending.

A State Department spokesperson said visa records are confidential under US law, adding that the department cannot discuss details of individual visa cases

"He would like to take some time off, clear his head, and enjoy being a tourist in the United States for a few months before deciding what his next step will be," Alexandre said in an email response to Reuters.

READ MORE: Over 1,500 Bolsonaro supporters detained after Brasilia riots

"Whether or not he will use the full six months will be up to him and whatever strategy we agree to embark on based on his plans as they develop," Alexandre added.

The Financial Times first reported that Bolsonaro had requested a tourist visa.

A State Department spokesperson said visa records are confidential under US law, adding that the department cannot discuss details of individual visa cases.

Far-right Bolsonaro flew to Florida two days before his term ended on Jan 1 and leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office, before the former president's supporters stormed the country's capital.

Supporters of Bolsonaro ransacked Brazil's Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace, calling for a military coup to overturn the October election that Lula won.

Brazil's Supreme Court has agreed to open an investigation into Bolsonaro for allegedly encouraging anti-democratic protests that ended in the storming of government buildings by his supporters in Brasilia.

READ MORE: Brazil police amass at camp of Bolsonaro's backers after riot

Earlier this month, 41 Democratic members of the US House of Representatives asked US President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday to cooperate with Brazil's investigation into violent protests in Brasilia and revoke any US visas held by Bolsonaro.

The State Department has said repeatedly its policy is not to discuss specific visa cases.

The State Department has said it was incumbent on an individual who entered the United States on a so-called "A" visa reserved for diplomats and heads of state to depart the country within 30 days or apply for a change of immigration status if they are no longer engaged in official business. Bolsonaro is believed to have entered on such a visa.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/ex-brazil-president-bolsonaro-applies-for-us-tourist-visa/

Austral Gold Announces Filing of Q4 2022 Quarterly Activity Report

SYDNEY, AU, Jan 31, 2023 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has filed its Q4 2022 Quarterly Activity Report. The complete Report is available under the Company’s profile at www.asx.com, www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.australgold.com/.

About Austral Gold

Austral Gold Limited is a gold and silver explorer and mining producer whose strategy is to expand the life of its cash generating assets in Chile, restart its Casposo-Manantiales mine complex in Argentina and build a portfolio of quality assets in Chile, the USA and Argentina organically through exploration and via acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Austral owns a 100% interest in the Guanaco/Amancaya mines in Chile and the Casposo-Manantiales mine complex (currently on care and maintenance) in Argentina, a non-controlling interest in the Rawhide Mine in Nevada, USA and a non-controlling interest in Ensign Gold which holds the Mercur project in Utah, USA.

In addition, Austral owns and has options on an attractive portfolio of exploration projects in the Paleocene Belt in Chile (including the Jaguelito project in San Juan, Argentina, projects acquired in the 2021 acquisition of Revelo Resources Corp), a noncontrolling interest in Pampa Metals and a 51% interest in the Sierra Blanca project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Austral Gold Limited is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: AGLD) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: AGD). For more information, please consult Austral’s website at www.australgold.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Release approved by the Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information please contact:

Jose Bordogna
Chief Financial Officer
Austral Gold Limited
jose.bordogna@australgold.com
+61 466 892 307

Ben Jarvis
Director
Austral Gold Limited
info@australgold.com
+61 413 150 448

Austral Gold Limited ABN 30 075 860 472 (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD)
Level 5 126-130 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000 | T +61 2 9380 7233 | F +61 2 9251 7455 | info@australgold.com | www.australgold.com

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/austral-gold-announces-filing-of-q4-2022-quarterly-activity-report/

Venezuela tightens oil prepayment rules

A Citgo gas station, the US-based subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, is seen in Washington, DC, Jan 31, 2019. (PHOTO / AFP)

HOUSTON – Venezuela's state oil firm PDVSA is toughening terms for buyers after a month-long halt to most exports of crude and fuel, demanding prepayment ahead of loadings in either cash, goods or services, company documents showed.

PDVSA's new Chief Executive Pedro Tellechea put the move in place this month. It reinforces measures implemented last year after several buyers skipped out on payments for oil, which provides most of the South American country's income.

After taking the helm, Tellechea launched an extensive audit of supply contracts, according to a written order to PDVSA seen by Reuters.

His order froze loadings, even pushed some vessels away that had begun receiving oil, until the review was complete and sale contracts could be modified or ratified, according to internal documents and three people familiar with the matter.

As of Jan 27, a total of 28 vessels including 21 supertankers were waiting near PDVSA's ports to load some 45 million barrels of crude and fuel for exports. Another four ships had loaded but were waiting for authorizations to depart, according to vessel monitoring service TankerTrackers.com

As of Jan 27, a total of 28 vessels including 21 supertankers were waiting near PDVSA's ports to load some 45 million barrels of crude and fuel for exports. Another four ships had loaded but were waiting for authorizations to depart, according to vessel monitoring service TankerTrackers.com.

The new terms narrow a wide variety of contract modalities to a few requiring prepayment of cargoes entirely in cash or allowing payment via goods and services to Venezuela, but they must be received before Venezuela will release the oil, according to the documents.

PDVSA did not reply to a request for comment.

ALSO READ: Crude oil cap not the right way forward

'Solve' economic woes

PDVSA explained in a contract viewed by Reuters that cash prepayment puts the company "in a favorable business position because it would secure income for the country that is essential to solve its economic situation."

The new models set deadlines of less than 30 days for completing bank transfers or settling outstanding debt balances.

In cases of swaps where the related oil sale exceeds the value of the goods or services, Venezuela must receive any outstanding balance in kind before the state will assign the next cargo, one of the documents showed

In cases of swaps where the related oil sale exceeds the value of the goods or services, Venezuela must receive any outstanding balance in kind before the state will assign the next cargo, one of the documents showed.

Even long-term buyers must abide by the new rules that require payment in full by cash before each oil delivery.

So far this month, swap contracts with Cuba's Cubametales and Iran's state firm Naftiran Intertrade Co (NICO) were among the few in force.

A contract with Chevron Corp for repaying debt was unaffected. PDVSA has continued to load Chevron-chartered vessels and discharge imports from the US firm.

Since the suspension was imposed in early January, only one of PDVSA's list of new clients and intermediaries, Hangzhou Energy, has been authorized to resume loading following a 12-month contract extension agreed this week, according to the documents and one of the sources.

Other contracts are in the final review and should be authorized soon, another source said.

READ MORE: Venezuela accuses US of distorting human rights issues

Under the radar

Before US sanctions, PDVSA used to receive letters of credit as guarantees if buyers were cleared to become established customers, and payments were completed in 90 days. Audit mechanisms were suspended about two years ago as the sanctions forced out traditional clients who were replaced by little known intermediaries with no track record of oil sales.

Some of those new intermediaries have faced court cases under accusations of corruption and embezzling.

Following an increase in the number of oil cargo departures without proper compensation to PDVSA, the company last year demanded to be prepaid at least partially in cash or goods. But the measure had not fully stopped the furtive cargoes.

Now, most of the proposed contracts imply a form of swap, so PDVSA pays with oil in return for the government receiving food, medicine or services, including home reconstruction and telecommunications equipment.

The suspension has caught even PDVSA employees off-guard.

"While contracts remain suspended, we have been told to register all exports in Excel sheets," instead of using PDVSA's contract administration system, a company employee said.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/venezuela-tightens-oil-prepayment-rules/

Finland says to stick with Sweden in NATO process

In this file photo dated Jan 25, 2023, Finland's Foreign Affairs Minister Pekka Haavisto attends a joint press conference with Latvia's foreign affairs minister (unseen) after talks in Riga, Latvia. (PHOTO / AFP)

HELSINKI – Finland is sticking to its plan to join NATO at the same time as Nordic neighbor Sweden, and hopes to do so no later than July, Finnish foreign minister Pekka Haavisto said on Monday.

Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO following the Ukraine crisis, but raised objections.

The three countries signed an agreement in Madrid over a way forward, but last week, Türkiye suspended talks after protests in Stockholm that included the burning of a Koran.

Finland and Sweden had been hoping for a rapid accession process and were taken by surprise by Türkiye's objections

Türkiye's President Tayyip Erdogan signaled on Sunday that Ankara could agree to Finland joining NATO ahead of Sweden and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday made similar statements.

ALSO READ: Türkiye: Finland's NATO bid may be handled 'differently'

However, Haavisto said Finland will stick with Sweden, its closest military partner, during the application process.

"Our strong wish is still to join NATO together with Sweden," Haavisto told a news conference in Helsinki.

"We have underlined to all our future NATO partners, including Hungary and Türkiye, that Finnish and Swedish security go together," he said.

A spokesperson for Sweden's foreign ministry declined to comment.

Of NATO's 30 members, only Türkiye and Hungary are yet to ratify the Nordic countries' membership applications.

ALSO READ: Sweden's NATO process paused, says foreign minister

Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in Türkiye in May and many analysts believe that it will be hard to make progress before that.

But Haavisto said he still hoped Finland and Sweden would become NATO members in the next few months.

"I still see the NATO summit in Vilnius in July as an important milestone when I hope that both counties will be accepted as NATO members at the latest," Haavisto said.

Finland and Sweden had been hoping for a rapid accession process and were taken by surprise by Türkiye's objections.

Türkiye wants Sweden, in particular, to take a clearer stance against what it sees as terrorists, mainly Kurdish militants and a group it blames for a 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye.

ALSO READ: Protests in Stockholm draw condemnation from Türkiye

Sweden has said it takes Türkiye's security concerns seriously and is implementing the three-way agreement signed in June last year, but Ankara says it is not doing enough

Sweden has said it takes Türkiye's security concerns seriously and is implementing the three-way agreement signed in June last year, but Ankara says it is not doing enough.

That has led to speculation Finland – which shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia – could proceed without Sweden.

But Haavisto said security assurances from the United States, Britain and other NATO members meant that Finland could be patient.

"We appreciate those security assurances very much even if we understand that it is not the same as the NATO Article 5, but it is very important for us," he said.

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, NATO's founding document, commits all members to mutual defense, stating that an attack against one is an attack against all.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/finland-says-to-stick-with-sweden-in-nato-process/

Eight killed in mass shooting at birthday party in South Africa

Members of the Forensic Pathology Services stand near their vehicles on the scene of a mass shooting in Gqeberha, South Africa, on Jan 29, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

JOHANNESBURG – Gunmen killed eight people and wounded three others at a birthday party in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, police said, adding that manhunt was underway to find the killers.

The mass shooting was carried out by two attackers and occurred between 5:15 and 5:30 pm (1515 and 1530 GMT) on Sunday at a house in Kwazakele, Gqeberha, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

ALSO READ: China's support for Africa's goals reaffirmed

South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with around 20,000 people killed every year out of a population of 60 million

The gunmen fled after the attack, and no arrests have been made, the police said. Investigations into the circumstances and possible motives for the attack were ongoing. Police have not named the victims, but confirmed that the owner of the house was among them.

"These victims were killed by criminals, and we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for (this) callous and cold-blooded attack on these unsuspecting victims," said Eastern Cape SAPS Commissioner Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene.

The latest incident follows a spate of mass shootings last year that shocked the nation. In July, gunmen killed 19 people in random shootings within hours of each other.

South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with around 20,000 people killed every year out of a population of 60 million.

READ MORE: Nation's peacekeepers empower Africa

According to campaign group Gun Free South Africa, there are about 3 million guns registered in the country, though there are many more unregistered.

Police Minister Bheki Cele and SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola are expected to visit the site of the latest outrage lager on Monday.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/eight-killed-in-mass-shooting-at-birthday-party-in-south-africa/

Russia warns US: End of nuke arms control may be nigh

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov arrives to attend security talks on soaring tensions over Ukraine, at the US permanent Mission, in Geneva, on Jan 10, 2022.
(PHOTO / POOL / AFP)

LONDON – Russia told the United States on Monday that the last remaining pillar of bilateral nuclear arms control could expire in 2026 without a replacement due to what it said were US efforts to inflict "strategic defeat" on Moscow in Ukraine.

Both Russia and the United States still have vast arsenals of nuclear weapons which are currently partially limited by the 2011 New START Treaty, which in 2021 was extended until 2026.

What comes after Feb 4, 2026, however, is unclear, though Washington has indicated it wants to reach a follow-on agreement with Russia.

Ryabkov, Russia's top arms control diplomat, said the United States had in recent years ignored Russia's interests and dismantled most of the architecture of arms control

Asked if Moscow could envisage there being no nuclear arms control treaty after 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA state new agency: "This is quite a possible scenario."

ALSO READ: New START treaty: Russia raises concern over US compliance

Ryabkov, Russia's top arms control diplomat, said the United States had in recent years ignored Russia's interests and dismantled most of the architecture of arms control.

"New START may well fall victim to this," Ryabkov told RIA. "We are ready for such a scenario."

His remarks constitute a warning to Washington that its continued military support for Ukraine could scupper the final major post-Cold War bilateral arms control treaty with Russia.

The United States has supplied more than $27 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the conflict last year, including over 1,600 Stinger anti-aircraft rocket systems, 8,500 Javelin anti-tank missile systems and over 1 million 155mm artillery rounds.

"The entire situation in the sphere of security, including arms control, has been held hostage by the US line of inflicting strategic defeat on Russia," Ryabkov said.

"We will resist this in the strongest possible way using all the methods and means at our disposal."

Nuclear controls

US-Russia talks on resuming inspections under the New START treaty were called off at the last minute in November 2022. The sides have not agreed on a time frame for new talks.

Russia and the United States, which during the Cold War were constrained by a tangle of arms control agreements, still account together for about 90 percent of the world's nuclear warheads.

READ MORE: US, Russian envoys tight-lipped as arms control talks start

The New START Treaty limited both sides to 1,550 warheads on deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine ballistic missiles and heavy bombers. Both sides met the central limits by 2018.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/russia-warns-us-end-of-nuke-arms-control-may-be-nigh/

US’ Blinken meets Egypt’s Sisi in first leg of Mideast tour

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Jan 30, 2023. (PHOTO / POOL VIA AP)

CAIRO – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday during a three-day visit to the Middle East that comes during a flare-up of violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

In Cairo, Blinken is meeting Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and is expected to address regional issues including attempts to relaunch a political transition in Sudan and the deadlock between rival factions in Libya.

Blinken heads later on Monday to Jerusalem, where he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid concern at home and abroad over the policies of Netanyahu's new right-wing government.

READ MORE: US to test nuclear-powered spacecraft by 2027

Blinken will also travel to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/us-blinken-meets-egypts-sisi-in-first-leg-of-mideast-tour/

Austral Gold Announces Drill Results at Casposo-Manantiales

SYDNEY, AU, Jan 30, 2023 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (“Austral”) is pleased to announce the results from its recent drilling campaign (“drilling program”) at the Casposo-Manantiales Project located in the province of San Juan, Argentina. The Company drilled 4,265 metres of diamond drilling (“DD”) in 15 DD holes.

Casposo-Manantiales Project

Manantiales Vein Long Section

Manantiales Vein Drill-hole map

Table 1: Manantiales and Cerro Amarillo Drill hole Results

The focus of the drilling program was to follow up on the results achieved in previous drilling campaigns at the Manantiales vein disclosed in the 27 July 2022 and 26 October 2021 announcements. The follow-up drilling program at the Manantiales vein intercepted high gold grades at the top and bottom of the central ore-shoot, indicating possible continuity at depth. The best two holes intercepted high-grade gold confirming the continuity of mineralisation in the central ore-shoot and opening the upside at depth. During 2022, 6,585 metres were drilled in 27 DD holes and total exploration costs were US$2.8 million.

At Cerro Amarillo, which is close to the Manantiales vein (see map below), two holes were drilled; one in Awada (152 metres), and the other in La Puerta (326 metres) to test for new structural and ore controls. Favourable alteration was intercepted with discrete gold anomalies.

The AWD-22-003 hole located in the western sector of Awada recognised strong silicification in approximately 50 metres, although with low gold anomalies. At La Puerta, the objective of drill hole LPO-22-004 was to intercept the veins in more favourable host rock, however the structures were intercepted in Oveja Negra Fm without significant gold values.

Austral Gold’s Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva said: “We are pleased to complete the 2022 drilling program of approximately 7,000 metres over two phases at the Casposo-Manantiales project. The outcome of the program was positive with some encouraging assays reported, and we look forward to the design of our next drilling campaign considering our objective to restart mining operations at the Casposo-Manantiales project.”

Casposo-Manantiales Project
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/690/152868_26e07484945ba909_002full.jpg

Manantiales Vein Long Section
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/690/152868_26e07484945ba909_003full.jpg

Manantiales Vein Drill-hole map
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/690/152868_26e07484945ba909_004full.jpg

Competent Person

Technical information in this media release that relates to Exploration Results is based on work supervised, or compiled on behalf of Robert Trzebski, a Director of the Company. Dr. Trzebski, who is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and qualifies as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ consents to the inclusion of the technical information that he has reviewed and approved or has been compiled on his behalf.

About Austral Gold Limited

In addition, Austral owns and has options on an attractive portfolio of exploration projects in the Paleocene Belt in Chile (including the Jaguelito project in San Juan, Argentina, projects acquired in the 2021 acquisition of Revelo Resources Corp), a noncontrolling interest in Pampa Metals and a 51% interest in the Sierra Blanca project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Austral Gold Limited is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: AGLD) and the Australian Securities Exchange. (ASX: AGD). For more information, please consult Austral’s website at www.australgold.com.

Release approved by the Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information please contact:

Jose Bordogna
Chief Financial Officer
Austral Gold Limited
Jose.bordogna@australgold.com
+61 466 892 307

Ben Jarvis
Director
Austral Gold Limited
info@australgold.com
+61 413 150 448

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections – statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “may”, “could”, “potential”, “should”, “anticipates”, “likely”, “believes” and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include next steps are to review and analyse historical exploration data and mineral structures prior to the design of the next drilling campaign.

All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, business integration risks; uncertainty of production, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets especially in light of the effects of the novel coronavirus,, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral reserves and resource estimates, Austral’s ability 1ttarct and retain qualified personnel and management, potential labour unrest, reclamation and closure requirements for mineral properties; unpredictable risks and hazards related to the development and operation of a mine or mineral property that are beyond the Company’s control, the availability of capital to fund all of the Company’s projects and other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents filed on the ASX and on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral’s forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Confirmation: For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 5.23.2, Austral confirms that is not aware of any information or data that materially affects the information included in its press releases dated 27 July 2022 and 26 October 2021.

Table 1: Manantiales and Cerro Amarillo Drill hole Results
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_AustralGold20230130-4.jpg

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/austral-gold-announces-drill-results-at-casposo-manantiales/

NEC announces executive personnel changes

TOKYO, Jan 30, 2023 – (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – NEC Corporation (“NEC”; TSE: 6701) today announced executive personnel changes that will become effective as of April 1, 2023, and a decision made at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on January 30, 2023, to transition NEC’s structure to a Company with a Nominating Committee, etc. as well as executive personnel changes that are both subject to approval at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be convened in June 2023 (“GSM”).

The Board of Directors will consist of 5 inside directors and 7 outside directors, with the majority of the directors being independent outside directors. In addition, 12 new Corporate Officers will be appointed, including 2 women and 2 foreign nationals, as part of strongly promoting the strategy execution of the Mid-term Management Plan 2025 from a variety of perspectives.

For the full press release, please visit www.nec.com/en/press/202301/images/3003-01-01.pdf.

source https://netdace.com/jcn-newswire/nec-announces-executive-personnel-changes/

1/29/23

President Joko Widodo Launches Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship

JAKARTA, Jan 30, 2023 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – The Kick Off of Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023 was held at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout on Sunday (29/01) morning. The event was marked by a rebana biang musical instrument struck by President Joko Widodo at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, witnessed by thousands of people. President Joko Widodo expressed optimism that ASEAN will remain relevant, create a peaceful and stable Indo Pacific, and become a centre of economic growth.

President Joko Widodo (middle) is hitting tambourine as a sign to kick off Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship at Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Jakarta, Sunday (January 29, 2023). Under his leadership, the President is optimistic that ASEAN will keep growing and being regionally and globally contributive.

The Kick Off event was a collaboration between the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Coinciding with the Motor Vehicle Free Day (HBKB), the atmosphere appeared different and livelier than usual with the Nusantara Parade. The parade line-up was colourful and lively, consisting of marching bands, carnival outfits, percussion music groups, and Jakarta art groups, such as Betawi dancers and ondel-ondel. After a leisurely bike ride accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta, and a number of Ministers, President Joko Widodo joined the parade line in front of Sarinah, walking together towards the HI Roundabout.

The parade involved more than 500 people from various representative groups, namely Mawar Budaya group, Jakarta Music House, DKI Jakarta Paskibra, students from a number of Jakarta high schools, Altajuru music group, Firefighters and SSY. Also participating in the parade were Ambassadors of friendly countries and representatives of international organisations. The joy of HBKB was further enhanced by the presence of an entertainment stage enlivened by a number of artists, including Rara Lida, Putra Lida and Maria Callista.

The handover of ASEAN Chairmanship from Cambodia to Indonesia took place at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh last November 2022. Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship period began on 1 January 2023 and will last for a year until 31 December 2023. As one of the founding countries of ASEAN and the largest country in ASEAN, many parties rely on Indonesia to be able to make various breakthroughs and innovations in dealing with various world problems that are also faced by the region.

Through the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship, namely: “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, Indonesia is determined to direct ASEAN cooperation in 2023 to continue and strengthen ASEAN’s relevance in responding to regional and global challenges, and strengthen ASEAN’s position as the epicentre of regional economic growth, for the prosperity of the people of ASEAN.

The kick-off was held ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting on 3-4 February 2023, which will take place at the ASEAN Secretariat Building, Jakarta.

–Antara

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/president-joko-widodo-launches-indonesias-2023-asean-chairmanship/

Death brings calls for US police reform

A group of demonstrators protest outside a police precinct in response to the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers, in Memphis, Tennessee on Jan 29, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Memphis, a city in the US state of Tennessee, disbanded on Saturday the special police unit whose officers fatally beat a young black man, after graphic videos of the incident sparked widespread shock and outrage.

The videos released on Friday, which show five officers repeatedly kicking and punching 29-year-old Tyre Nichols as he moans and calls out for his mother, triggered waves of criticism and calls for police reform.

The city in the southern United States announced on Saturday that it had deactivated the officers' special unit, known as SCORPION — short for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods. The unit was launched in 2021 to reduce illegal activity by assigning more police to high-crime areas.

Demonstrators called for police reform as they gathered on Saturday afternoon in chilly rain in front of city hall, shouting "No justice, no peace!" and carrying signs with slogans such as "Justice for Tyre Nichols"

The five Memphis officers, all of whom are black, were charged with second-degree murder in the beating of Nichols, who died in a hospital on Jan 10, three days after being stopped by police on suspicion of reckless driving.

ALSO READ: Ex-US police officer pleads guilty to manslaughter in Floyd's death

Demonstrators called for police reform as they gathered on Saturday afternoon in chilly rain in front of city hall, shouting "No justice, no peace!" and carrying signs with slogans such as "Justice for Tyre Nichols".

Wei Nanzhi, a researcher at the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "Violent conflicts have intensified in the US in the past two years due to economic hardship and social disruption caused by COVID-19. This also leads to an increase in insecurity among police officers, so they tend to overreact in the face of conflict," Wei said.

A makeshift memorial is seen where Tyre Nichols was beaten by police and later died, at Bear Creek Cove and Castlegate Lane in Memphis, Tennessee on Jan 28, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Despite nationwide calls for police reform and protests after George Floyd, a black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2020, the number of people who died during interactions with police reached a 10-year high of 1,186 in 2022, according to the website Mapping Police Violence.

Wei said the fact that all five officers are black is "frightening and sad" and "shows that the black community in the US has somehow identified with and internalized the values that have been shaped by white supremacy for so long: that black people are dangerous".

READ MORE: US police arrest Sacramento mass shooting suspect

Therefore, the incident goes beyond police violence, Wei added.

Agencies contributed to this story.

zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/death-brings-calls-for-us-police-reform/

Protester dies in Lima as Peru’s political crisis continues

Demonstrators light a fire at the Añashuayco bridge, near the Rodriguez Ballon airport, in Arequipa, Peru, during a protest against the government of President Dina Boluarte and to demand her resignation on Jan 20, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

A man in Peru's capital Lima died on Saturday and others were hospitalized as nationwide clashes between protesters and police continued in the eighth week of the South American country's political crisis.

The death of Victor Santisteban Yacsavilca, 55, brings to 58 the nationwide toll in the protests that began in early December after the impeachment and arrest of President Pedro Castillo.

Initially focused in Peru's rural, mountainous south, protests have gained steam in the capital in recent weeks. Saturday's protests were mostly in Lima and the southern Cusco region, Peru's ombudsman said

Initially focused in Peru's rural, mountainous south, protests have gained steam in the capital in recent weeks. Saturday's protests were mostly in Lima and the southern Cusco region, Peru's ombudsman said in a statement.

Santisteban had suffered a severe head injury, the national health insurance agency said in a statement.

Some protests escalated as demonstrators armed with rocks and makeshift shields clashed with police, who deployed gas and rubber bullets.

ALSO READ: Peru recalls envoy to Honduras for 'unacceptable interference'

Peru's ombudsman condemned reports of attacks against journalists covering the protests.

President Dina Boluarte expressed regret early on Saturday after Congress refused to speed up the timeline for a presidential election amid the unrest, her office said.

Lawmakers had given an initial green light to moving elections from 2026 to 2024, but on Friday voted down proposals hold the election this year.

Boluarte has repeatedly backed moving up elections as she struggles to quell the protests calling for her resignation.

A motion to move elections up to April 2024 passed one vote and has a final vote in February. Congress will continue debate on Monday.

READ MORE: Peru arrests 200 in Lima; Machu Picchu ordered closed

On Friday Boluarte said an election could happen this year.

"We urge lawmakers to put down their partisan and group interests and put the interest of Peru first. Our citizens promptly await a clear response that will pave a way out of the political crisis and build social peace," Boluarte's office said on Twitter.

Boluarte, who took office after Castillo's removal, has maintained she will stay on as president until elections are held.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/protester-dies-in-lima-as-perus-political-crisis-continues/

Italy’s Eni signs $8b Libya gas deal as PM Meloni visits Tripoli

(Left to right) Italian multinational oil and gas company ENI's CEO Claudio Descalzi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Libya's Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah and National Oil Corporation chief Farhat Bengdara attend an agreement-singing ceremony in the Libyan capital, on Jan 28, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

ROME/TRIPOLI – Italian energy company Eni and Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) signed an $8 billion gas production deal on Saturday aimed at boosting energy supplies to Europe despite the insecurity and political chaos in the North African country.

The deal, signed during a visit to Tripoli by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to increase gas output for the Libyan domestic market as well as exports, through the development of two offshore gas fields.

Dbeibah and Meloni said they had also discussed illegal migration from Libya to Italy, a subject that Rome's right-wing leader had made central to her political campaigning during her rise to power

Output will begin in 2026 and reach a plateau of 750 million cubic feet per day, Eni said in a statement.

"This agreement will enable important investments in Libya's energy sector, contributing to local development and job creation while strengthening Eni's role as a leading operator in the country," said its chief executive, Claudio Descalzi.

Meloni met Libya's Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, head of the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli for talks that also focused on migration across the Mediterranean.

At a joint news conference with Descalzi, the NOC chief, Farhat Bengdara, said the gas deal had a duration of 25 years and called it the most important new investment in Libya's energy sector for a quarter of a century.

ALSO READ: Meloni's victory another sign of public discontent in Europe

European countries have increasingly sought to replace Russian gas with energy supplies from North Africa and elsewhere over the past year because of the conflict in Ukraine.

Italy has already taken a lead in sourcing gas from Algeria, building a new strategic partnership there that includes investment to help state energy company Sonatrach reverse years of declining output.

However, agreements struck in Tripoli may be undermined by Libya's internal conflict, which has divided the country between rival factions who vie for control of government and dispute each other's claims to political legitimacy.

Underscoring the uncertainty, Dbeibah's own Oil Minister Mohamed Oun has rejected any deal that NOC might strike with Italy, saying in a video on the ministry website that such agreements should be made by the ministry.

ALSO READ: Libya's Tripoli quiet after worst fighting in two years

Eni's Descalzi said the agreement will also entail a carbon capture facility and solar power.

NOC chief Bengdara was appointed last year by Dbeibah, whose own interim government was installed in 2021 through a UN-backed process.

The eastern-based parliament and factions that support it said early last year that the government was no longer legitimate, rejecting both the appointment of Bengdara and deals that Tripoli has struck with foreign states.

Chaos in Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted autocrat Muammar Gaddafi has left much of the country in the hands of armed factions.

In statements to the press, Dbeibah and Meloni said they had also discussed illegal migration from Libya to Italy, a subject that Rome's right-wing leader had made central to her political campaigning during her rise to power.

READ MORE: Ship with 54 migrants being barred from docking in Italy

Italy will support Libya by providing new search and rescue ships, Dbeibah said.

Insecurity and lawlessness has made Libya a major, albeit dangerous, route for migrants seeking to reach Europe, often via Italy. Hundreds of migrants die each year attempting to make the journey.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who oversees the migration issue for Rome, accompanied Meloni to Libya, as well as Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/italys-eni-signs-8b-libya-gas-deal-as-pm-meloni-visits-tripoli/

Polls open in Tunisian election with turnout under scrutiny

A Tunisian voter casts their ballot in the second round of parliamentary elections on Jan 29, 2023, in the capital Tunis.
(PHOTO / AFP)

TUNIS – Tunisia opened polls on Sunday for run-offs in a parliamentary election that drew only 11 percent turnout in the first round last month.

With political parties boycotting the vote, most candidates are independents and attention is likely to focus on whether there will be higher participation than there was in December.

Of the 161 electoral districts, runoffs will be held on Sunday in the 131 for which no candidate won more than half the votes in December. In several districts, only one candidate ran at all, and they have each been elected to the new parliament

"I'm not interested in elections that do not concern me," said Nejib Sahli, 40, passing an empty polling station in the Hay Ettahrir district of Tunis shortly before voting was due to begin.

President Kais Saied has decreed the new, mostly powerless, parliament as part of a reconfigured presidential system that he introduced after shutting down the previous parliament in 2021.

ALSO READ: Tunisian election to entrench president's rule

Saied's critics accuse him of seeking to dismantle the democratic system enacted after Tunisia's 2011 revolution, which sparked the Arab Spring, and they ridiculed December's ultra-low turnout as evidence that his changes lack popular support.

The president says his actions have been legal and necessary to save Tunisia from years of economic stagnation and political crisis, and has accused his critics of treason, urging action against them.

A worsening economic crisis, that has caused shortages of some foods and medicines and led the government to seek an international bailout, has added to widespread disillusionment with politics.

On Friday Moody's credit ratings agency downgraded Tunisian debt saying the country would likely default on sovereign loans.

ALSO READ: New Tunisia constitution passed in vote with low turnout

Under the previous system, the parliament took the lead in choosing governments that set state policy and handled the daily running of the country. The president was only directly responsible for foreign affairs and defense.

Saied's new rules make the parliament subservient to the president, who now takes the lead in forming or dismissing governments. The rules also reduce the role of political parties, with parliamentary candidates listed only by name without reference to their party affiliation.

Since December's vote, state television has increased its focus on Sunday's runoff votes including through debates between candidates. The opposition has said this is part of an effort by the state to boost turnout.

READ MORE: Tunisian constitution panel head blasts president's draft

Of the 161 electoral districts, runoffs will be held on Sunday in the 131 for which no candidate won more than half the votes in December. In several districts, only one candidate ran at all, and they have each been elected to the new parliament.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/polls-open-in-tunisian-election-with-turnout-under-scrutiny/

1/28/23

Trump kicks off presidential campaign with low-key events

Former US president Donald Trump speaks at a 2024 election campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina, on Jan 28, 2023. Trump hits the campaign trail Saturday for the first time in a third bid for the US presidency overshadowed by intensifying criminal investigations and a firestorm of political controversy. The twice-impeached Republican, whose party lost the White House and both chambers of Congress during his term, makes his case for another four years with appearances in New Hampshire and South Carolina. (PHOTO / AFP)

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – Former US president Donald Trump hit the campaign trail on Saturday for the first time since announcing his bid to reclaim the White House in 2024, visiting two early-voting states and brushing aside criticism that his run was off to a slow start.

"I'm more angry now, and I'm more committed now, than I ever was," Trump told a small crowd at the New Hampshire Republican Party's annual meeting in Salem, before heading to Columbia, South Carolina, for an appearance alongside his leadership team in the state.

In contrast to the raucous rallies in front of thousands of devotees that Trump often holds, Saturday's events were notably muted. In Columbia, Trump spoke to about 200 people in the state's capitol building, with Governor Henry McMaster and US Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina flanking him.

Once the undisputed center of gravity in the Republican Party, an increasing number of elected officials have expressed concerns about Trump's ability to beat Democratic President Joe Biden, if he decides to run again as is widely expected

Once the undisputed center of gravity in the Republican Party, an increasing number of elected officials have expressed concerns about Trump's ability to beat Democratic President Joe Biden, if he decides to run again as is widely expected.

Numerous Republicans are considering whether to launch their own White House bids, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, widely seen as the biggest threat to Trump. Top Republicans in both states that the former president visited – including New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley – are among those weighing bids of their own.

ALSO READ: Trump's firm sentenced to pay $1.61m penalty for tax fraud

There were several conspicuous absences in South Carolina, including the state party chairman, five Republican US representatives from the state and South Carolina US Senator Tim Scott, who has himself been floated as a potential Republican presidential candidate.

Trump attempted to allay those concerns, telling the crowd that he expected a wave of additional endorsements from South Carolina's state and federal lawmakers within days.

Several Republican state lawmakers decided against attending after failing to gain assurances from Trump's team that doing so would not be considered an endorsement, according to a person with knowledge of the planning.

William Oden, the chair of the Republican Party in Sumter County, South Carolina, said he was a fan of the former president, but was keeping his options open.

Former US President Donald Trump, joined by members of his leadership team, speaks at a 2024 election campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina, on Jan 28, 2023. Trump hits the campaign trail Saturday for the first time in a third bid for the US presidency overshadowed by intensifying criminal investigations and a firestorm of political controversy. The twice-impeached Republican, whose party lost the White House and both chambers of Congress during his term, makes his case for another four years with appearances in New Hampshire and South Carolina. (PHOTO / AFP)

"I haven't decided," Oden said. "We're waiting until everybody comes out. And like I'd do in business, I make no choices until we hear all the candidates."

Eyes on DeSantis?

At both stops on Saturday, Trump echoed some of the themes that animated his 2016 campaign, including sharply criticizing illegal immigration.

But he also emphasized social issues, perhaps in response to DeSantis, whose relentless focus on culture wars has helped build his national profile.

In Columbia, the former president railed against transgender rights and the teaching of critical race theory, a once-obscure academic concept that has sparked school board protests and classroom bans in some states.

"We're going to stop the left-wing radical racists and perverts who are trying to indoctrinate our youth, and we're going to get their Marxist hands off our children," Trump said.

"We're going to defeat the cult of gender ideology and reaffirm that God created two genders: men and women. We're not going to allow men to play women's sports."

READ MORE: Capitol riot panel calls for Trump to face insurrection charge

Trump did not spend much time on his grievances about the 2020 election, though he made allusions to his false claim that the election was stolen from him, calling the election "ridiculous."

Since launching his campaign in November, Trump has maintained a relatively low profile. He called multiple conservative Republicans in the US House of Representatives in early January to persuade them to vote for Kevin McCarthy, an ally, as the new speaker.

Most brushed off his entreaties, though McCarthy was elected to the position after a bruising battle.

Trump retains a significant base of support, particularly among the grassroots. While he loses in some head-to-head polls against DeSantis, he wins by significant margins when poll respondents are presented with a broader field of options.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/trump-kicks-off-presidential-campaign-with-low-key-events/

Memphis disbands police unit in fatal beating as protests mount

Protestors rally against the fatal police assault of Tyre Nichols, at Washington Square Park in New York City, on Jan 28, 2023. The city of Memphis on Jan 27, 2023 released a graphic video, depicting the fatal police assault of Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. (PHOTO / AFP)

MEMPHIS, Tenn – The specialized police unit that included at least some of the Memphis officers involved in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols was disbanded on Saturday, the police department announced, as more protests were planned in US cities a day after harrowing video of the attack was released.

In a statement, the department said it was permanently deactivating the SCORPION unit after the police chief spoke with members of Nichols' family, community leaders and other officers.

Nichols' death is the latest high-profile example of police using excessive force against Black people and other minorities. The 2020 murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes, galvanized worldwide protests over racial injustice

Video recordings from police body-worn cameras and a camera mounted on a utility pole showed Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, repeatedly calling "Mom!" as officers kicked, punched and struck him with a baton in his mother's neighborhood after a Jan. 7 traffic stop. He was hospitalized and died of his injuries three days later.

ALSO READ: Video shows Memphis police officers beating Tyre Nichols

The release of the clips on Friday sparked protests in Memphis and elsewhere and prompted numerous cities to prepare for additional demonstrations on Saturday.

Nichols' family and officials, including President Joe Biden, have expressed outrage and sorrow but have urged protesters to remain peaceful. Demonstrations so far have been free of violence.

Five officers involved in the beating, all Black, were charged on Thursday with murder, assault, kidnapping and other charges. All have been dismissed from the department.

In Memphis on Saturday, protesters chanting, "Whose streets? Our streets!" angrily catcalled a police car that was monitoring the march, with several making obscene gestures. Some cheered loudly when they learned of the disbandment of SCORPION.

ALSO READ: US’ police expose myth of ‘American exceptionalism’

The unit, the Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in our Neighborhoods, was formed in October 2021 to concentrate on crime hot spots. Critics say such specialized teams can be prone to abusive tactics.

Taken together, the four video clips showed police pummeling Nichols even though he appeared to pose no threat. The initial traffic stop was for reckless driving, though the police chief has said the cause for the stop has not been substantiated.

Friends and family say Nichols was an affable, talented skateboarder who grew up in Sacramento, California, and moved to Memphis before the coronavirus pandemic. The father of a 4-year-old child, Nichols worked at FedEx and had recently enrolled in a photography class.

Protestors rally against the fatal police assault of Tyre Nichols, at Washington Square Park in New York City, on Jan 28, 2023. The city of Memphis on Jan 27, 2023, released a graphic video, depicting the fatal police assault of Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. (PHOTO / AFP)

Nate Spates Jr, 42, was part of a circle of friends, including Nichols, who met up at a local Starbucks.

"He liked what he liked, and he marched to the beat of his own drum," Spates said, remembering that Nichols would go to a park called Shelby Farms to watch the sunset when he wasn't working a late shift.

Nichols' death is the latest high-profile example of police using excessive force against Black people and other minorities. The 2020 murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes, galvanized worldwide protests over racial injustice.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/memphis-disbands-police-unit-in-fatal-beating-as-protests-mount/

Retired general Pavel wins Czech presidential election

Presidential candidate Petr Pavel, former Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army, and his wife Eva arrive for a press conference in Prague, Czech Republic on Jan 28, 2023, after Pavel became the fourth president of the Czech Republic according to official results. (PHOTO / AFP)

PRAGUE – The second round of the Czech presidential election concluded Saturday, with retired general Petr Pavel winning over former prime minister Andrej Babis, according to official results.

With 99.99 percent of precincts counted, Pavel won with 58.32 percent of the vote to Babis' 41.67 percent. Turnover for the election surpassed 70 percent.

In his victory speech, Pavel called on Czechs to work together to get through differences and solve the country's various challenges

Voters cast their ballots on Friday and Saturday, with Czechs abroad heading to the polls on Thursday. The first round, which took place on Jan 13-14, featured eight candidates before going to a run-off between the two men after Pavel received 35.4 percent of the vote and Babis received 34.99 percent.

ALSO READ: Former Czech general Pavel commands lead ahead of run-off

Pavel, 61, served as head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee. He was endorsed by the current ruling government coalition. Babis, 68, the head of the Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO) party, served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021.

In his victory speech, Pavel called on Czechs to work together to get through differences and solve the country's various challenges.

"It is important that we are able to solve problems together, as one community," Pavel said at an election watch party in Prague. He said that the Czech society was not only divided by the campaign but also by the hardships the country is currently facing.

READ MORE: Pavel, Babis head to 2nd round in Czech presidential race

The president of the Czech Republic is chosen in a direct election and serves a term of five years. The mandate can be held for a maximum of two consecutive terms. Incumbent President Milos Zeman's term concludes in March.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/retired-general-pavel-wins-czech-presidential-election/

Peruvian president urges Congress to approve early polls

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte addresses lawmakers after being sworn-in at Congress in Lima, Peru on Dec 7, 2022. (PHOTO / AP)

LIMA – Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Friday called on Congress to move general elections forward to December 2023, in order to get the country out of the "quagmire" with near-daily protests.

The Peruvian government initially proposed holding the elections in April 2024, rather than a previously scheduled date in 2026. The proposal was already approved by the legislature in December.

With support growing among lawmakers to bring the elections forward even earlier to December 2023, a Congressional debate on the issue will be held in February

With support growing among lawmakers to bring the elections forward even earlier to December 2023, a Congressional debate on the issue will be held in February. At least 87 votes in favor are needed to pass the new proposal since it is a constitutional reform.

ALSO READ: Peru arrests 200 in Lima; Machu Picchu ordered closed

Advancing the elections to later this year could help Peru "get out of this quagmire we're in," Boluarte said Friday after participating in an event, noting protests continued in Peru with "more violence" in the streets.

"No one has any interest in clinging to power and I, Dina Boluarte, have no interest in remaining in the presidency any longer," she said.

Political unrest in Peru was sparked on Dec 7, when Boluarte took office following the ouster of her predecessor Pedro Castillo. The Peruvian Congress impeached Castillo just hours after his failed attempt to dissolve the legislature. Castillo was then detained by security forces.

READ MORE: Over 50 injured in Peru as protests cause 'nationwide chaos’

Among the protesters' demands are early elections and Castillo's release from custody.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/peruvian-president-urges-congress-to-approve-early-polls/

Moscow orders Latvian ambassador to leave Russia

This photo taken on March 10, 2022 shows the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

MOSCOW – The Latvian ambassador to Russia, Maris Riekstins, should leave Russia within two weeks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.

Latvian Charge d'Affaires Dace Rutka was summoned to the ministry in protest over Latvia's decision to lower the level of Russian-Latvian diplomatic relations, the ministry said in a statement.

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said on Monday his country recalled its ambassador from Russia and downgraded diplomatic relations with Russia to the level of charge d'affaires as of Feb 24. Rinkevics said the decision was made in a show of solidarity with its neighbor Estonia.

READ MORE: Russia, Estonia expel envoys, downgrade relations

The Russian Foreign Ministry called Latvia's justification of its decision completely unacceptable. It said that the only way the Baltic states had shown solidarity was through their "total Russophobia" and their efforts to promote hostility against Russia.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/moscow-orders-latvian-ambassador-to-leave-russia/

1/27/23

Czechs vote in 2nd round of presidential election

People cast their ballot at a polling station during the presidential elections on Jan 27, 2023 in Cernoucek village, Czech Republic. (PHOTO / AFP)

PRAGUE – Voters in the Czech Republic began to cast their ballots on Friday afternoon in the second round of this year's presidential election. The first round was held on Jan 13-14.

Since postal ballots is not an option, Czechs living abroad could already go to the polls on Thursday so that their votes can make it in time for the final tally on Saturday.

Analysts predict a higher voter turnout this weekend, pointing to aggressive campaigning by both candidates

The two candidates in the two-day runoff are retired army general Petr Pavel and former prime minister Andrej Babis.

The winner will succeed incumbent President Milos Zeman, whose second and final term ends in early March.

ALSO READ: Former Czech general Pavel commands lead ahead of run-off

The election results are expected to be announced late on Saturday.

Analysts predict a higher voter turnout this weekend, pointing to aggressive campaigning by both candidates.

Public opinion polls have given Pavel an edge over Babis. In the first round, which included eight candidates, Pavel received 35.4 percent of the vote to Babis's 34.99 percent.

READ MORE: Pavel, Babis head to 2nd round in Czech presidential race

Voter turnout was 68 percent, about six percentage points higher than that in the 2018 election.

The president of the Czech Republic is chosen in a direct election and serves a term of five years. The mandate can be held for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/czechs-vote-in-2nd-round-of-presidential-election/

Mexico finds over 50 kids from Guatemala in migrant truck

In this file photograph dated Aug 26, 2021, unaccompanied Guatemalan children who were deported by plane from Mexico arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. (PHOTO / AP)

MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities on Thursday stopped a crowded truck transporting nearly 70 migrants from Guatemala, mostly unaccompanied children, the country's National Institute of Migration (INM) said in a statement.

The INM said federal Mexican agents spotted the truck at a checkpoint in Mexico's northern Chihuahua state, which borders the United States.

It said there were 67 migrants from Guatemala traveling in the truck, including 57 unaccompanied minors, mostly boys, aged between 14 and 17. The group also included a mother and daughter, it added, all without proper migration permits.

The truck driver was referred to Mexico's Attorney General's Office, while the family and unaccompanied kids will be handed over to state authorities for the protection of children and teenagers

The truck driver was referred to Mexico's Attorney General's Office, it added, while the family and unaccompanied kids will be handed over to state authorities for the protection of children and teenagers.

Earlier in January, Mexican immigration agents found three unaccompanied Salvadoran children stranded on an islet on the Rio Grande, which straddles the US-Mexico border.

READ MORE: First migrants cross into US from Mexico using mobile app

December saw a near record number of apprehensions at the border, according to US Customs and Border Protection, though this number plummeted in January in the wake of new migrant restrictions imposed by US President Joe Biden.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/mexico-finds-over-50-kids-from-guatemala-in-migrant-truck/