Latest news with #Embassy
Euractiv
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
UK denies Fico's election meddling claim
BRATISLAVA – The UK has firmly rejected Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's claim that it interfered in Slovakia's 2023 election, after Fico threatened to raise the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders. Late Tuesday, the British Embassy in Slovakia issued a firm denial. "Any claim that the United Kingdom sought to influence the outcome of the election or encourage people to vote for or against a particular political party is completely untrue,' Embassy's spokeswoman Monika Holečková told Slovak outlet 'This activity was aimed at encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process in their countries by participating in elections, regardless of their political affiliation or support," Holečková added. Earlier that day, Fico told a press conference that London had paid 'journalists, activists, and influencers' to sway public opinion against his party, Smer-SD, and in favour of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia in an election his party ultimately won. He cited an article published by the British investigative outlet Declassified UK on 16 July. Without presenting further evidence, Fico spoke of a 'deliberate, intentional act by a foreign power with some journalists and political influencers' to influence the vote. Slovakia's foreign ministry has summoned the British ambassador for a meeting on Wednesday. Fico warned that if the ambassador failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, he would write an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and personally contact other EU leaders. 'Our interest is not to escalate tensions, but to clarify the situation,' he said. Author rejects Fico's version The article in question alleges that UK-funded media agency Zinc Network Ltd paid influencers across Central and Eastern Europe to encourage young people to vote – a region it describes as a 'key battleground in the information war with Russia'. Influencers were asked to post content approved by the British Foreign Office. But speaking to Denník N, Williams rejected claims that the UK influenced Slovak elections in favour of any specific political party. 'My investigation showed that influencers on social media were paid to post videos aimed at mobilising young voters ahead of the 2023 elections. It was not an explicit partisan campaign nor support for any particular party,' Williams said. He also dismissed Fico's claim that journalists were involved: 'As far as I know, no journalists were involved in this operation. Therefore, it would be wrong to accuse journalists in this case.' Williams added that the campaign appeared to be a call for electoral participation and support for democracy. (de)
Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day 2025: South African Mission in the State of Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The South African Embassy in the State of Kuwait successfully commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day on 20 July 2025 with a meaningful visit to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) women's shelter in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, which supports expatriate workers facing legal or employment-related challenges. Led by Ms. Busisiwe Mpungose, Acting Head of Mission, the visit was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), specifically the Human Rights and Africa Affairs Departments, and PAM, reflecting Mandela's enduring values of kindness, care, and humanity. The event honoured Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on July 18. The Embassy staff was warmly received by officials from MoFA's Human Rights Department and representatives of PAM. During the tour, Ms Mpungose and Embassy staff were briefed on intake procedures and the operational roles of the various governmental institutions supporting the shelter. The delegation observed the wide range of services provided to residents, including legal aid, healthcare, psychological counselling, and social support. PAM officials shared insightful information about the shelter's residents and responded to questions from Ms. Mpungose and Embassy staff. In a spirit of engagement and solidarity, the South African Embassy dedicated 67 minutes, in tribute to Mandela Day, to acts of positivity and social support, including interactive activities with the residents, such as arts and crafts, indoor billiards, and outdoor volleyball, all aimed at promoting unity and well-being of the residents. As part of the initiative, the Embassy generously also donated clothing items to the shelter to help meet the needs of the residents. Ms Mpungose commended the Government of the State of Kuwait for its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and reaffirmed South Africa's dedication to advancing Mandela's legacy of service and humanity. She concluded by extending warm wishes to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and continued peace and prosperity to the State of Kuwait. Ms Mpungose and the Embassy staff expressed their sincere admiration for the shelter's resolute staff and their commitment to providing protection, care, and legal support to vulnerable women. The Mission extended heartfelt thanks to PAM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all staff involved for their hospitality and tireless efforts in upholding the values of human dignity and compassion. History Of The Nelson Mandela International Day and the 67 Minutes Nelson Mandela International Day was officially declared by the United Nations on November 10, 2009, recognising Nelson Mandel's extraordinary contribution to peace, freedom, and human rights. The day is celebrated annually on July 18th, Mandela's birthday. This day encourages people around the world to honour Mandela's legacy by taking action to improve their communities an promote social justice. The concept of 67 minutes symbolically represents the 67 years of Nelson Mandela's life dedicated for fighting for equality, social justice and human rights. On Mandela Day, individuals are expected to spend at least 67 minutes doing something positive for others, reflecting Mandela's lifelong dedication to making the world a better place.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
US tightens visa interview waiver rules from September 2 in new update
The US Department of State has tightened the visa interview waiver rules in a new update on July 25. The visa interview waiver programme allows some applicants to submit a visa application by mail instead of being interviewed at the Embassy. This will be easily determined while you are registering to apply for your visa online — the website will ask tthe applicant some questions and then may or may not direct them to the visa appointment page, depending on their eligibility. The new programme update will overrule the one issued in February, which means that all those applying for a US non-immigration visa will have to keep these new regulations in mind. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. What's new? From September 2, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, the authority said. Earlier, applicants of broader categories were eligible for the interview waiver programme. Exemptions, who's still eligible? There are some exceptions to this update, which means that the people applying for visas in the categories listed below may be eligible for the visa interview waiver programme. They are: 1. Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1, applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and 2. Renewing a B-1, B-2 visa or a Border Crossing Card Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa's issuance. To be eligible for a waiver based on this, applicants should apply in their country of nationality or residence; should have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Consular officers can also ask for an interview on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Claims of leasing City Hall to the Iranian Embassy clarified
The Tshwane metro has clarified its affairs surrounding the alleged plans to lease the Pretoria CBD's City Hall to the Iranian Embassy. This after DA's Cilliers Brink raised concerns over the metro not being transparent regarding the rescue of the dilapidated City Hall. 'The DA will ask Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya to disclose the details of interactions between the City of Tshwane and the Embassy of Iran,' said Brink in a statement. He said this followed reports about the possible Iranian Embassy's involvement in the repair and leasing of the Pretoria City Hall. 'This is a matter which has never been discussed by the City Council,' he said. In response to the allegations, the metro confirmed that the representatives of the Iranian Embassy did visit the City Hall. However, it said, there were no discussions of any potential arrangement, such as lease terms. 'On May 9, the metro received a formal letter from the Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran proposing the establishment of a permanent Iranian Cultural Complex in Tshwane,' said Sthembiso Skosana, spokesperson for the office of the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services. In the letter supplied by the metro, the Iranian Embassy proposed that the metro consider contributing a parcel of municipal building or land to the Iranian Embassy. This would be for the establishment of a permanent Iranian Cultural Complex in the metro. The letter also outlined the Embassy's vision for the proposed facility, which would include a museum, library, restaurant, cinema, and handcraft shops. Skosana said in response to this and similar requests, the Bad Buildings Sub-Mayoral Committee has been actively exploring opportunities to repurpose assets that have long been dormant. The committee was established earlier this year to identify underutilised municipal properties. 'This work is guided by the urgent need to stimulate economic activity, attract investment for infrastructure upgrades, and address the metro's well-known budgetary constraints,' he said. He said as part of the process, officials from the Group Property Department developed a proposal of potential sites for the Embassy's consideration. 'This included, but was not limited to, Tshwane City Hall, which was clearly identified as a protected public asset that is unequivocally not for sale,' he said. He affirmed that the intention was to open exploratory discussions and assess possible alignments with the metro's revitalisation plans. He further acknowledged that the City Hall, a landmark of historic and civic significance, has not been operational for over a decade. 'City Hall is one of several heritage properties under consideration for appropriate reuse as part of the city's broader inner-city regeneration efforts,' he stated. He said its preservation and responsible revitalisation form part of the metro's broader strategy to restore key heritage assets for public benefit. He added that a site visit was conducted on May 28 with representatives of the Iranian Embassy, who were shown the City Hall building and its surrounding precinct. 'Following this inspection, a subsequent request was received from the Embassy to inspect additional potential sites, as only City Hall had been viewed during the initial engagement,' he said. Skosana emphasised that the interactions were entirely exploratory, and no commitments were made by either party. 'To be clear, no discussions have taken place regarding the mechanics of any potential arrangement, such as lease terms, funding models, or final site selection.' He said the metro has hosted similar engagements as part of its efforts to reclaim and revitalise neglected infrastructure through responsible public-private partnerships. 'Recent consultations have included Institutions of Higher Learning, the diplomatic community, property developers, and private sector stakeholders who share an interest in restoring Tshwane's civic assets for public benefit,' he said. Skosana emphasised the metro's commitment to transparent and responsible governance. 'We remain committed to transparency, responsible stewardship, and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders as we work to breathe new life into the Capital City while preserving its cultural heritage for generations to come,' he concluded. ALSO READ: City Hall scandal: officials face disciplinary enquiries Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Avoid Border Areas: India Issues Travel Warning as Clashes Escalate on Cambodia-Thailand Border
India has issued an urgent travel advisory for its citizens in Thailand and Cambodia. The Embassy of India in Cambodia has warned Indian nationals to stay away from border areas amid ongoing violent clashes. The situation has grown increasingly volatile, with reports of armed conflict and instability in nearby Thai provinces. The Indian Embassy in Thailand also issued a similar warning a day earlier, urging people to avoid seven conflict-hit regions. Indian citizens have been asked to remain in contact with the Embassy in Phnom Penh in case of emergency. As geopolitical flashpoints ignite across Asia, India's swift response signals rising concern for citizen safety abroad. #india #indiatraveladvisory #indiainthailand #indiaincambodia #thailand #cambodia #cambodiathailandborder #indianembassy #borderclash #travelalert #indiansabroad #thailandcambodia #toi #toibharat #bharat #trending #breakingnews #indianews Read More
