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Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Russia's Lavrov says radical groups engaged in 'ethnic cleansing' in Syria
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrives at the Itamaraty Palace on the day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 29, 2025. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares MOSCOW/DAMASCUS - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow is deeply concerned by what he said was ethnic cleansing being carried out by "radical militant groups" in Syria. The comments came as Syrian sources and Russian social media channels reported an apparent attack on one of the two military bases Moscow maintains in Syria. "Radical militant groups are carrying out real ethnic cleansing, mass killings of people based on their nationality and religion," Lavrov said, according to a transcript of his comments published on the Foreign Ministry website. There was no indication as to what groups he was referring to in his speech to a reception to mark the last day of the Easter period for Orthodox Christians. Russia, which maintains two military bases in Syria, was a key backer of the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who is now in Russia, where he was given asylum. A March outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria's coastal northwest, which was an Assad stronghold, left hundreds of members of the former leader's Alawite sect dead. Russia has attempted to maintain ties with Syria's new authorities, who have said that they may yet allow Moscow to retain use of the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base. Two sources in Syria familiar with the matter said that the Hmeimim airbase had come under attack earlier on Tuesday. Military Informer, a pro-Russian Telegram channel that focuses on military matters, published what it said was video of a firefight between Russian troops and Syrian fighters at the base. Reuters could not verify the footage. The Syrian sources said that the motive for the attack on the airbase, which has sheltered Alawite refugees since the March attacks, was unclear. One, a Syrian security official based in the coastal city of Latakia, said an investigation was underway. U.S. President Donald Trump this month ordered sanctions on Syria imposed during Assad's rule removed, in a major policy shift for Washington. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Russia's Lavrov says radical groups engaged in 'ethnic cleansing' in Syria
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrives at the Itamaraty Palace on the day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 29, 2025. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares MOSCOW/DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow is deeply concerned by what he said was ethnic cleansing being carried out by "radical militant groups" in Syria. The comments came as Syrian sources and Russian social media channels reported an apparent attack on one of the two military bases Moscow maintains in Syria. "Radical militant groups are carrying out real ethnic cleansing, mass killings of people based on their nationality and religion," Lavrov said, according to a transcript of his comments published on the Foreign Ministry website. There was no indication as to what groups he was referring to in his speech to a reception to mark the last day of the Easter period for Orthodox Christians. Russia, which maintains two military bases in Syria, was a key backer of the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who is now in Russia, where he was given asylum. A March outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria's coastal northwest, which was an Assad stronghold, left hundreds of members of the former leader's Alawite sect dead. Russia has attempted to maintain ties with Syria's new authorities, who have said that they may yet allow Moscow to retain use of the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base. Two sources in Syria familiar with the matter said that the Hmeimim airbase had come under attack earlier on Tuesday. Military Informer, a pro-Russian Telegram channel that focuses on military matters, published what it said was video of a firefight between Russian troops and Syrian fighters at the base. Reuters could not verify the footage. The Syrian sources said that the motive for the attack on the airbase, which has sheltered Alawite refugees since the March attacks, was unclear. One, a Syrian security official based in the coastal city of Latakia, said an investigation was underway. U.S. President Donald Trump this month ordered sanctions on Syria imposed during Assad's rule removed, in a major policy shift for Washington. (Reporting by Timour Azhari and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Damascus, Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
See - Sada Elbalad
02-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
BRICS Foreign Ministers held series of bilateral talks on key issues
SEENEWS The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting concluded in Brazil, where they discussed key issues on the global agenda as well as the association's priorities for the current year. Following the meeting, the Brazilian side issued a statement, according to BRICS TV. In addition to the meetings with the participation of representatives of the group's states and BRICS partner countries, a number of bilateral meetings were held. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, as well as the Foreign Ministers of China and Ethiopia, Wang Yi and Gedion Timothewos. Wang Yi assured of China's full support for Brazil's BRICS presidency and emphasised readiness to strengthen the voice of the global South in the international arena, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's press service reported. Vieira, for his part, said it was necessary to deepen co-operation with China in the fields of economy, science, health, and technology. The talks with Gedion Timothewos focused on joint efforts on food security, increasing agrarian productivity, transition to green energy and ecosystem restoration. This is reported by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS . Wang Yi also met with counterparts from Russia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Cuba, Nigeria, and Thailand on the margins of the BRICS Ministerial meeting. The Head of the South African Ministry, Ronald Lamola, emphasised the high level of trust between South Africa and China, saying they intend to deepen ties in trade, energy, education, and other areas. For his part, the Ethiopian minister in talks with Wang Yi expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with China on the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. In addition, on the margins of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a series of meetings with the heads of agencies of the group's partner countries, including Thailand, Bolivia, and Cuba. With Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, he discussed the possible conclusion of a free trade area (FTA) agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Kingdom. "During productive talks with Russia – another key player in BRICS – I expressed Thailand's desire to move forward with FTA negotiations with the EAEU, expand tourism exchanges and expressed appreciation for the organisation of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra's successful tours in Moscow and St. Petersburg," Sangiampongsa wrote on social media following the meeting. The talks between the representatives of the BRICS partner countries drew separate attention among the packed agenda of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting. According to Prensa Latina, a TV BRICS partner, the Bolivian side agreed with Cuba and Belarus to intensify cooperation in strategically important areas – energy, health, agriculture, tourism, and in the field of biotechnology. Text copied from read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi deputy foreign minister attends BRICS meeting in Brazil
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji on Tuesday attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Kingdom is not a member of BRICS, which aims to foster economic cooperation among emerging economies and promote their interests in the realm of international politics. It was invited in 2023 to join the group but has yet to do so. Al-Khuraiji addressed the meeting during a session focusing on the 'role of Global South countries in promoting multilateralism,' the Saudi Press Agency reported. He said the Kingdom aims to enhance the work of BRICS, and remains committed to efforts to resolve crises and tensions while working closely with the international community to promote a multilateral and prosperous world. The Kingdom is leading efforts to gain international support for a two-state solution to the conflict between Palestine and Israel as a way to achieve lasting peace and security for all, he added. Faisal Ghulam, the Saudi ambassador to Brazil, and Shaher Al-Khenini, the director general of the Saudi Foreign Ministry's International Organizations Department, joined the deputy foreign minister at the meeting. BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa became a member the following year, and in late 2023 Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE accepted invitations to join. Indonesia became a member in January 2025. Several other countries have accepted invitations to participate as 'partner' nations.
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
BRICS ministers fail to reach joint statement, Brazil warns against protectionism
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira gives a press conference during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 29, 2025. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares BRICS Foreign Ministers pose for a family photo during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 29, 2025. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares RIO DE JANEIRO - Foreign ministers from the BRICS group of developing nations failed to reach a joint communique on Tuesday after meeting in Rio de Janeiro, but chair Brazil issued a statement speaking out against trade protectionism. In the statement, Brazil said the group's foreign ministers expressed "serious concern at the prospect of a fragmented global economy and the weakening of multilateralism". The United States has implemented a new tariffs-focused trade policy under President Donald Trump, raising concerns about a global economic slowdown, although the statement did not name the U.S. The expanded BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as well as new joiners Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran, faces daunting challenges from U.S. trade actions. "The ministers voiced serious concerns about the rise of unjustified unilateral protectionist measures inconsistent with WTO rules, including indiscriminate raising of reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff measures," the statement said. Brazilian Foreign Relations Minister Mauro Vieira told journalists the BRICS ministers had reached a consensus on the tariffs issue, saying it could be seen in the statement issued by the South American country. He added that the nations were working to have a final joint statement at their July summit, also in Rio de Janeiro. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
