Latest news with #AntonioGuterres'
Canada Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations : Answer Hate with Humanity, Choose Discussion over Division
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' message for the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, observed on 10 June: The United Nations was built on a fundamental conviction: dialogue is the path to peace. On this First International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations , we celebrate that conviction - and the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity. Today, that mission is more urgent than ever. Where dialogue is missing, ignorance fills the void. Around the world, we hear rising voices of intolerance and xenophobia, amplified by online misinformation and hate speech. In our fractured world, dialogue is not optional - it is essential for building bridges of understanding and trust. So, too, is the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, re-enforced by the global platform for dialogue that it has created over the past two decades. This International Day is a call to action - to listen, to speak, to connect. Let's answer hate with humanity. Let's listen with open hearts and open minds. Let's choose dialogue over division. And let us strive to be one human family, rich in diversity, united in solidarity, and equal in dignity and human rights. What is a civilisation ? The notion of "civilization" is not easy to define and can be subject to misinterpretation. However, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regards it as a universal, pluralistic, and non-hierarchical reality, recognizing that civilizations are inherently shaped by intercultural dynamics while retaining their unique identities. International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations On 7 June 2024 the General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 10 June the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations . Proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, the resolution emphasizes that all civilizational achievements constitute "the collective heritage of humankind." It underscores the importance of respecting civilizational diversity and highlights "the crucial role of dialogue" in maintaining global peace, advancing shared development, enhancing human well-being, and achieving collective progress. The resolution acknowledges the essential role of dialogue in fostering awareness and understanding of universal values, as outlined in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirming that civilizational achievements are part of humanity's shared heritage. Source: Pressenza
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Israel approves 22 new West Bank settlements, drawing global backlash
JERUSALEM: Israel announced Thursday the creation of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing sharp condemnation from Britain, Jordan and others already at odds with the country over its Gaza war. London called the move a "deliberate obstacle" to Palestinian statehood, while UN chief Antonio Guterres' spokesman said it pushed efforts towards a two-state solution "in the wrong direction." Israeli settlements in the West Bank are regularly condemned by the United Nations as illegal under international law and are seen as a major obstacle to lasting peace. The decision, taken by Israel's security cabinet, was announced by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, himself a settler, and Defence Minister Israel Katz, who oversees the communities. "We have made a historic decision for the development of settlements: 22 new communities in Judea and Samaria, renewing settlement in the north of Samaria, and reinforcing the eastern axis of the State of Israel," Smotrich said on X, using the Israeli terms for the southern and northern West Bank, which it has occupied since 1967. "Next step: sovereignty!" he added. Katz said the initiative "changes the face of the region and shapes the future of settlement for years to come." Not all of the 22 settlements are new. Some are existing outposts, while others are neighbourhoods of settlements that will become independent communities, according to the left-wing Israeli NGO Peace Now. Hamas accused Israel of "accelerating steps to Judaize Palestinian land within a clear annexation project." "This is a blatant defiance of the international will and a grave violation of international law and United Nations resolutions," Gaza's rulers said. Britain's minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said the plan imperils "the two-state solution" and does not protect Israel. Jordan called the decision illegal and said it "undermines prospects for peace by entrenching the occupation." "We stand against any and all" expansion of the settlements, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, repeating calls for Israel to halt such activity, which he said blocks peace and economic development. On Telegram, the right-wing Likud party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the move a "once-in-a-generation decision" and said it "includes the establishment of four communities along the eastern border with Jordan, as part of strengthening Israel's eastern backbone." A map posted by the party showed the 22 sites scattered across the territory. Two of the settlements, Homesh and Sa-Nur, are particularly symbolic. Located in the north of the West Bank, they are resettlements, having been evacuated in 2005 as part of Israel's disengagement from Gaza, promoted by then prime minister Ariel Sharon. Netanyahu's government, formed in December 2022 with the support of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, is the most right-wing in Israel's history. Human rights groups and anti-settlement NGOs say a slide towards at least de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank has gathered pace, particularly since the start of the Gaza war triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. "The Israeli government no longer pretends otherwise: the annexation of the occupied territories and expansion of settlements is its central goal," Peace Now said in a statement. In his announcement, Smotrich offered a pre-emptive defence of the move, saying: "We have not taken a foreign land, but the heritage of our ancestors." Some European governments have moved to sanction individual settlers, as did the United States under former president Joe Biden – though those measures were lifted under Donald Trump. The announcement comes ahead of an international conference led by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations next month aimed at reviving the two-state solution.--AFP
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Israel Announces 22 New Settlements In Occupied West Bank, Sparks Global Criticism
Agency: Last Updated: Not all of the 22 settlements are new. Some are existing outposts, while others are neighbourhoods of settlements that will become independent communities Israel announced Thursday the creation of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing sharp condemnation from Britain, Jordan and others already at odds with the country over its Gaza war. London called the move a 'deliberate obstacle" to Palestinian statehood, while UN chief Antonio Guterres' spokesman said it pushed efforts towards a two-state solution 'in the wrong direction". Israeli settlements in the West Bank are regularly condemned by the United Nations as illegal under international law and are seen as a major obstacle to lasting peace. The decision, taken by Israel's security cabinet, was announced by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, himself a settler, and Defence Minister Israel Katz, who oversees the communities. 'We have made a historic decision for the development of settlements: 22 new communities in Judea and Samaria, renewing settlement in the north of Samaria, and reinforcing the eastern axis of the State of Israel," Smotrich said on X, using the Israeli terms for the southern and northern West Bank, which it has occupied since 1967. advetisement 'Next step: sovereignty!" he added. Katz said the initiative 'changes the face of the region and shapes the future of settlement for years to come". Not all of the 22 settlements are new. Some are existing outposts, while others are neighbourhoods of settlements that will become independent communities, according to the left-wing Israeli NGO Peace Now. Hamas accused Israel of 'accelerating steps to Judaize Palestinian land within a clear annexation project". 'This is a blatant defiance of the international will and a grave violation of international law and United Nations resolutions," Gaza's Islamist rulers said. Britain's minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said the plan imperils 'the two-state solution" and does not protect Israel. Jordan called the decision illegal and said it 'undermines prospects for peace by entrenching the occupation". 'We stand against any and all" expansion of the settlements, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, repeating calls for Israel to halt such activity, which he said blocks peace and economic development. On Telegram, the right-wing Likud party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the move a 'once-in-a-generation decision" and said it 'includes the establishment of four communities along the eastern border with Jordan, as part of strengthening Israel's eastern backbone". A map posted by the party showed the 22 sites scattered across the territory. – 'Heritage of our ancestors' – Two of the settlements, Homesh and Sa-Nur, are particularly symbolic. Located in the north of the West Bank, they are resettlements, having been evacuated in 2005 as part of Israel's disengagement from Gaza, promoted by then prime minister Ariel Sharon. Netanyahu's government, formed in December 2022 with the support of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, is the most right-wing in Israel's history. Human rights groups and anti-settlement NGOs say a slide towards at least de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank has gathered pace, particularly since the start of the Gaza war triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. Advertisement 'The Israeli government no longer pretends otherwise: the annexation of the occupied territories and expansion of settlements is its central goal," Peace Now said in a statement. In his announcement, Smotrich offered a pre-emptive defence of the move, saying: 'We have not taken a foreign land, but the heritage of our ancestors." top videos View All Some European governments have moved to sanction individual settlers, as did the United States under former president Joe Biden — though those measures were lifted under Donald Trump. The announcement comes ahead of an international conference led by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations next month aimed at reviving the two-state solution. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - AFP) Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Israel First Published: May 29, 2025, 23:51 IST News world Israel Announces 22 New Settlements In Occupied West Bank, Sparks Global Criticism
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel condemned over "warning shots" fired near diplomats in West Bank
Jenin, West Bank — Several nations that have backed Israel during its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip voiced outrage Wednesday after Israeli troops fired what they called "warning shots" as foreign diplomats visited the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, which partially administers the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, accused Israeli troops of "deliberately" shooting at the delegation near the flashpoint city of Jenin. The Israeli military, already under pressure over its tactics in the Gaza war, said it regretted the "inconvenience." AFP video from Jenin — a frequent target of Israeli military raids — showed the delegation and accompanying journalists running for cover as shots were heard on Wednesday. A European diplomat said the envoys went to the area to see the destruction caused in the West Bank by Israeli military raids during the Gaza war, which was sparked by the Hamas-led, Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack. The Israel Defense Forces said the diplomatic convoy had strayed from the approved route and entered a restricted zone, prompting troops to fire "warning shots" to steer the group away. The IDF added that no one was wounded and it expressed regret for the "inconvenience caused." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesman called the incident "unacceptable." "Diplomats who are doing their work should never be shot at, attacked in any way, shape or form. Their safety, their viability, must be respected at all times," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "These diplomats, including U.N. personnel, were fired at, warning shots or whatever... which is unacceptable." Demands for explanation over Israel's "unacceptable" actions Several countries that had representatives in the group voiced outrage and demanded an investigation. "We call on Israel to investigate this incident and also hold those accountable who are responsible for any threats to diplomats' lives," said European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay summoned Israel's ambassadors or said they would raise the issue directly. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident "totally unacceptable" and pressed for an "immediate explanation." Carney added that Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand has summoned Israel's ambassador to Ottawa. Egypt denounced the shooting as a breach of "all diplomatic norms," while Turkey demanded an immediate investigation. Turkey's foreign ministry said: "This attack must be investigated without delay and the perpetrators must be held accountable." Ahmad al-Deek, political adviser for the Palestinian foreign ministry who accompanied the delegation, condemned what he called a "reckless act by the Israeli army." "It has given the diplomatic delegation an impression of the life the Palestinian people are living," he said. Palestinian news agency Wafa reported the delegation included diplomats from more than 20 countries including Britain, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Jordan, Turkey and Russia. Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, said Wednesday that he'd spoken directly with U.K. diplomats affected by the incident, and he called for an investigation. "Today's events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected," he said in a social media post. "Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation and those responsible should be held accountable." "The Japanese government has protested to the Israeli side and requested an explanation and the prevention of a recurrence," government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said in Tokyo, confirming that diplomatic staff from the country had taken part in the delegation. Israel-Europe ties increasingly strained over Gaza, D.C. murders The incident came as anger mounted over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Palestinians are scrambling for basic supplies after weeks of near-total isolation. A two-month Israeli aid blockade on Gaza was partially eased this week, but not enough to alleviate the hunger crisis facing the enclave's roughly 2 million inhabitants, according to the U.N. and humanitarian agencies. Israel stepped up its military offensive over the weekend, vowing to defeat Gaza's Hamas rulers, whose October 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war. Israel has faced massive pressure, including from its allies, to halt its intensified offensive and allow aid into Gaza. European Union foreign ministers on Tuesday ordered a review of the EU cooperation accord with Israel. Sweden said it would press the EU to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers, while Britain suspended free-trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador. Pope Leo XIV described the situation in Gaza as "worrying and painful" and called for "the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid." Israel's ties with Europe were tested further on Thursday as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar blamed what he called antisemitic and anti-Israel incitement "by leaders and officials of many countries and international organizations, especially from Europe," for the murder of two Israel Embassy staff members in Washington D.C. the previous night. A suspect identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago was taken into custody, and heard shouting, "Free, free Palestine" as he was led away, after the attack outside the Jewish Museum in the U.S. capital. Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Militants also took 251 hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the military says are dead. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said at least 3,509 people have been killed since Israel ended a ceasefire and resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,655. Trump confronts South African president during White House meeting, repeats genocide claims Watch: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asked what habeas corpus is in Senate hearing Watch: Rubio and Van Hollen get into testy exchange during Senate hearing
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Business Standard
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Reprehensible act': UNSC condemns Pahalgam attack; calls for justice
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly denounced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, emphasising the need to bring those responsible — as well as their organisers and sponsors — to justice. Referring to the incident as a 'reprehensible act of terrorism', the Council underscored the importance of accountability. In a press statement issued under the agenda item "Terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir", the 15-member body condemned the April 22 attack, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," the statement said. The Council further urged all countries to actively support relevant authorities, in line with their obligations under international law and Security Council resolutions, to ensure accountability. Statement issued by French Presidency The formal statement was released by the current President of the Council, French Ambassador to the UN Jerome Bonnafont. France holds the rotating presidency for April. Press statements are consensus-based declarations issued on behalf of all 15 Council members. The draft of the statement was reportedly proposed by the United States before undergoing discussion among Council members. Press statements require unanimous agreement among all Council nations, including Pakistan, which is currently serving as a non-permanent member. Also Read Council members extended their deepest sympathies to the victims' families and conveyed condolences to the governments of India and Nepal. Among the victims were 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. Terrorism a threat to global peace, says UNSC Reiterating their stance, the UNSC members declared that terrorism in all forms remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and security. They stressed that any terrorist act — regardless of its motive, location, or perpetrator — is criminal and indefensible. The Council reaffirmed the need for all states to counter threats posed by terrorism through all lawful means, in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant international legal frameworks, including human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law. UN Chief's office monitors situation closely UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN is following the situation between India and Pakistan 'with very deep concern'. He reiterated the UN's condemnation of the Jammu and Kashmir attack that killed 'about 26 civilians' and urged both countries to exercise 'maximum restraint' to avoid further escalation. Asked if Guterres would speak with Indian and Pakistani leaders after returning from Rome, Dujarric replied, 'I hope to have something to share with you.' Rejecting a suggestion that the crisis is being overlooked, he said, 'I don't agree with your comment... we are paying very close attention.' Pahalgam attack On April 22, terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, killing 26 people and injuring several others. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India undertook a series of punitive actions directed at Pakistan. These included halting the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, ceasing water flow to Pakistan, and closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari — one of the primary land routes connecting the two nations. The government also revoked visa privileges under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme and cancelled all previously granted visas to Pakistani citizens. Access to Pakistan's official X (formerly Twitter) handle was blocked within India, and Pakistani nationals in the country were ordered to exit within 48 hours.
