Latest news with #Newsmaker
Saba Yemen
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Mohammed al-Houthi: What Israeli enemy is doing in Gaza full-fledged terrorism
Sana'a (Saba) – Member of the Supreme Political Council, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, affirmed that the massacres committed by the Israeli enemy in Gaza constitute full-fledged terrorism and ongoing crimes of genocide. In an interview with Russia Today on the "Newsmaker" program, which aired this evening, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi explained that the Israeli enemy's terrorism and crimes against the people of Gaza are being supported by the United States and Europe, while Arab silence prevails. Regarding the Yemeni position in support of Gaza and its sustainability, the Supreme Political Council member affirmed that the Republic of Yemen has more and more options to support the people of Gaza. He explained that violating the Yemeni decision announced by the Leader to prevent ships from reaching occupied Palestinian ports constitutes support for terrorism and complicity with the Israeli enemy in its crimes against the people of Gaza. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi called on Arab and Islamic regimes to take a clear stance on the crimes of the Israeli enemy, adding, "Today's aggression is in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, and tomorrow it will be in Egypt, Jordan, or any Gulf state." He called on the international community to prosecute the leadership of the Israeli entity for the war crimes and genocide they have committed against the people of Gaza. Below is the text of the interview: Russia Today: Dear viewers, good afternoon. Welcome to a new episode of "Newsmaker." We are pleased to host Mr. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Supreme Political Council in Sana'a. Welcome to RT. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: Welcome. Russia Today: Let's start with the humanitarian tragedy the Palestinian people are experiencing. The Israeli massacres are ongoing, around the clock, the blockade is intensifying, devastating children, women, and the general population in the Gaza Strip. How would you describe what is happening in Gaza? Is it a war of genocide or an attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: It is terrorism in all its forms, and it is a crime of genocide, it is better to say it is a war of genocide than a war of genocide, because there is no war of genocide, but rather ongoing crimes of genocide. These crimes of genocide are being perpetrated deliberately and with clear American support and complicity, as well as European support from some European countries and clear European complicity. Russia Today: Despite the daily continuation of these Israeli massacres, there are currently indirect negotiations between Israel, on the one hand, and Hamas. How do you assess these negotiations? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: First, we trust the negotiators from the factions, whether Hamas or others, who stand with Hamas, in their ability, in their knowledge of deception methods, and in their familiarity with the enemy's tactics. Because the enemy seeks gradual progress, given the enormous pressure and global outrage, it is trying to reduce this outrage. But today we tell it: All its methods are exposed, and it will fail, Allah willing. Russia Today: You, the Ansar Allah movement, are at the heart of the battle with Israel. Why did you decide to engage directly in a confrontation with Tel Aviv, despite the geographical distance? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: This position is a humanitarian, Islamic, Arab, and fraternal one. This is our duty, and we must all move in this direction, the Yemeni position is an honorable one, and one that should not be questioned why. Russia Today: Does this mean you are engaged in an open naval war against Israeli shipping as long as the war and the blockade on Gaza continue? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: As long as the blockade and aggression on Gaza continue, the position is clear, the position has been announced by the Leader of the Revolution—may Allah protect him—and by the armed forces. The position has also been announced by the President of the Supreme Political Council and by all its members. Russia Today: Does this mean you are engaged in an open naval war against Israeli shipping as long as the war and the blockade on Gaza continue? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: As long as the blockade and aggression on Gaza continue, the position is clear, the position has been announced by the Leader of the Revolution—may Allah protect him—and by the armed forces. The position has also been announced by the President of the Supreme Political Council and by all its members. Russia Today: Recently, you conducted advanced naval operations in the Red Sea, the most recent of which was the sinking of two ships linked to Israeli shipping. What do these operations mean? Did you intentionally sink the ships? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: The Yemeni Armed Forces' announcement that they would target anything heading to the occupied entity or the occupied territories will be dealt with, they worked to violate the announced decision to prevent these ships from reaching the ports of occupied Palestine, because it is considered complicity with the enemy in its crimes. Russia Today: The Red Sea is an international waterway. You are carrying out your operations in support of Gaza in this vital waterway, some accuse you of threatening international navigation. How do you respond to that? What is your position on the Western military presence in this region? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: The ships passing through—and we have said in previous interviews—confirm the lies of the American-Israeli media campaign, and those who stand with them, that our operations in the Red Sea target navigation. We have repeatedly said and emphasized, as has the Leader of the Revolution—may Allah protect him—that any ship that is not linked to the Israeli enemy and does not go to Palestinian ports to support this enemy cannot be targeted, and we continue to do so. Russia Today: Regarding the understandings reached between you and the United States through Omani mediation, are they still valid? I'm talking here about the understandings not to target American ships and warships in the Red Sea and the Mandab Sea. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: They remain as they are, and these understandings are still being adhered to. If the Americans try to do it again, we will do it again, Allah willing.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russia may provoke crisis in Transnistria ahead of Moldova's elections, Sandu warns
Moscow may instigate a crisis in Moldova's Russian-occupied Transnistria region to destabilize the country ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on June 12, according to Moldovan outlet Newsmaker. "All these years, Russia has been using the residents of Transnistria and can provoke an even greater crisis at any moment if it suits its plans in Moldova," Sandu said. "We can expect this crisis to deepen in the coming months, before the elections." The president's comments come after Transnistria declared a 30-day state of emergency on June 11, due to a sharp reduction in natural gas supplies. The unrecognized region, located along Moldova's eastern border with Ukraine, has faced mounting energy shortages since January, when Russian gas giant Gazprom halted deliveries. Sandu, a pro-European leader of the country, warned that Moscow could combine voter bribery and political manipulation with "blackmail" in Transnistria. "Russia may promise assistance in exchange for votes on the Right Bank. We can expect all sorts of games," the president said. In February, Moldova's government revealed that Transnistria rejected a 60 million euros ($62 million) EU energy aid package under pressure from Moscow. The Moldovan president assured that the country's institutions are monitoring the risks and pledged that the elections would be "free and fair," despite growing instability. Sandu emphasized that Chisinau is prepared to support the population in Transnistria but must first address "the main problem — the withdrawal of Russian troops." "This is a key issue that we must resolve peacefully, because otherwise we will not be able to justify our financial support," she said. Moscow continues to maintain a military presence in Transnistria, which has been under the control of pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that around 1,000 to 1,500 Russian troops are currently stationed in the region. Chisinau has repeatedly called for the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria and the withdrawal of Russian forces, citing it as essential to Moldova's security and development. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean earlier told the Financial Times that Russia plans to send 10,000 troops to Transnistria and establish a pro-Kremlin government in Moldova. Read also: Russia preparing strategic reserves for conflicts beyond Ukraine, Ukraine warns We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russia plans crisis in breakaway Transnistria to sway elections in Moldova
Moldovan President Maia Sandu believes Russia may trigger an even deeper crisis in Transnistria, the Russian-backed breakaway region on the left bank of the Dnister, in an effort to destabilise Moldova ahead of this autumn's parliamentary elections and influence voting there. Source: Sandu on Moldovan TV channel PRO TV, as reported by European Pravda, citing Moldovan news outlet Newsmaker Details: Sandu expects the crisis to deepen in the coming months. "All these years, Russia has been using the residents of Transnistria and can provoke an even greater crisis at any moment if it suits its plans in Moldova. We can expect this crisis to deepen in the coming months, before the elections," Sandu said. The president also believes that Russia may try not only to bribe voters in Transnistria but also to blackmail the population by deliberately provoking instability in the region. "Russia may promise assistance in exchange for votes on the right bank [i.e. Moldovan government-controlled territory]. We can expect all kinds of games," she added. Meanwhile, Sandu said that the relevant state authorities are assessing the risks and will do everything possible to ensure this autumn's elections are free and fair. "We will do everything possible to ensure that the elections are genuine," Sandu stressed, noting that the situation in Transnistria remains unstable and that Chișinău is ready to support the population of the left bank of the Dnister, but first the Moldovan authorities must resolve "the main problem – the withdrawal of Russian troops". "This is a key issue that we must resolve peacefully, because otherwise we will not be able to justify our financial support," Sandu concluded. Background: Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said in an interview with the Financial Times that Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops in the separatist Transnistrian region of Moldova and establish a pro-Kremlin government in Chișinău. In response, Sandu said she had "certain information" that Russia was preparing to expand its military contingent in Transnistria. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Transnistria again declares economic emergency over Russian gas cut
Moldova's Russian-occupied Transnistria region declared a 30-day state of emergency in its economy on June 11, citing a sharp reduction in natural gas supplies, Moldovan media outlet Newsmaker reported. The unrecognized region, located in eastern Moldova along the Ukrainian border, has faced growing energy shortages since January, when Russian gas giant Gazprom halted deliveries to the territory. Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky issued a decree unanimously approved by parliament. Lawmakers said the state of emergency was necessary due to a "severe general economic crisis" and ongoing socio-economic decline from the energy crunch. It is the sixth consecutive extension of emergency measures in the region since December 2024. The most recent 90-day extension expired on June 8. Transnistria had previously received around 2 million cubic meters of gas per day, but since early June, daily supplies have been halved, according to Moldovan energy official Alexander Slusar, cited by Newsmaker. "This is a request from the company Tiraspoltransgaz (the largest gas supplier in Transnistria), which justifies its decision by citing a lack of funds," Slusar said. Chisinau has not been buying Russian gas since 2022, but Russian-occupied Transnistria continued to get its gas from Russia until Jan. 1, 2025. The halt in gas deliveries on Jan. 1 was due to Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit, including supplies to Moldova, and Moldova's debt for gas supplies. Transnistria had been effectively acquiring gas free of charge — a political tool that Russia used to keep the region under its control. The breakaway region's debt for Russian gas amounts to more than $10 billion, according to Moldovagaz, a subsidiary of Russian gas giant Gazprom. On Feb. 14, Transnistria began receiving gas through a new arrangement: fuel is delivered via a Hungarian company through Moldovagaz, the largest energy company in Moldova, with payments funded by a Russian loan. The new arrangement followed extensive power outages in Transnistria, which drove the region toward industrial collapse. In February, Moldova's government said Transnistrian authorities rejected a 60 million euro ($62 million) EU energy aid package under pressure from Moscow, which continues to exert tight political and economic control over the region. Transnistria, home to around 465,800 people, remains internationally recognized as part of Moldova but has been controlled by pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s. Russia maintains a military presence in the territory, despite international calls to withdraw. Read also: As Russia inches closer to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, new Ukrainian region might soon be at war We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
New Statesman
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Letter of the week: The case for immigration
Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone Features George Eaton (Newsmaker, 16 May) exaggerates the Blair-era liberalism on immigration and is too generous to Keir Starmer. As Blair's home secretaries, David Blunkett talked of schools being 'swamped' by immigrant children, while John Reid attacked 'foreigners… stealing our benefits'. Eaton suggests that it is 'overwrought' to find echoes of Enoch Powell in Starmer's 'Island of Strangers' speech, as he has spoken positively about the role of migrants in our society. Yet these token words are overshadowed by his assertion the 'open borders experiment' caused 'incalculable damage'. This is unforgivable pandering to the racist narrative of the far right and tabloid press. Labour must reframe the story about immigration as making an 'incalculably' positive contribution to our society. Immigrants are essential to the NHS, social care, universities, construction, manufacturing, hospitality and sport. Labour's failure to make the case for immigration will not stop Reform – why vote for the copy over the original? – and their hostile rhetoric and punitive policies will push progressives into the arms of the Greens or the Lib Dems. Gideon Ben-Tovim OBE, Liverpool No strangers here George Eaton describes many similarities in Labour thinking at the time of Enoch Powell's 1968 speech (Newsmaker, 16 May), but omits one critical difference. Harold Wilson's Local Government Act 1966 had introduced a system of financial support for local authorities, enabling them to design and deliver special programmes to assist with integrating new immigrants to the UK. So-called Section 11 services grew in scale, scope and impact, providing many highly acclaimed programmes that aided integration and greatly improved new citizens' grasp of written and spoken English. The austerity years ushered in by David Cameron and George Osborne stripped away so much of the remaining adult education provision vital to the process of integration. Without such services, Nigel Farage can lament sitting on a train and not hearing English spoken, and Keir Starmer can express concern about an 'Island of Strangers' – but it doesn't have to be like that. Les Bright, Devon Keir Starmer's 'Island of Strangers' speech reminds me of a line attributed to the poet WB Yeats: 'There are no strangers here, only friends who haven't met yet'. Brendan O'Brien, London N21 Osborne again Thanks to Will Dunn for his exposure of how George Osborne's austerity mantra still shapes Rachel Reeves' and Labour's thinking (Cover Story, 16 May). First, they came to make it harder for children in families with more than two children, then for countless pensioners to keep warm, then for huge numbers of disabled people. No wonder non-Reform voters are fleeing Labour for the Lib Dems and the Greens. If Labour is serious about winning the next election, it must ditch Osbornomics. Colin Hines, Twickenham It is rare for there not to be an illuminating piece of information or statistic within the New Statesman. But one in Will Dunn's Cover Story screamed at you from the page: 'The specialist bank advising on the deal [to purchase the technology company Arm in 2016] made £96m in fees for a few weeks' work.' The man who waved through this deal, George Osborne, said as chancellor that we were 'all in this together'. But the numbers tell a different story and epitomise what is wrong – what is rotten – about the state of our country. Michael Haskell, Broughton The awful truth I read your editorial with despair (Leader, 16 May) that, indeed, the heinous collateral damage of the war in Gaza are the innocent men, women and children who, if they are not killed by an indiscriminate bomb, will likely die from starvation. It breaks my heart to see images of emaciated infants and children, and, as is rightly stated, this is all happening in plain sight of the world's leaders. It is correct, too, that Hamas are unlikely to be vanquished. Our government could play its part, as it has done in trying to broker peace in Ukraine. Our leaders must facilitate some sort of denouement to this utter disaster. The dreadful events of 7 October still resonate profoundly, but the end game is becoming so horrific that it is a total humanitarian tragedy. Judith A Daniels, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe A new Pope Gordon Brown's view that 'we've got to persuade people that generosity should extend further' than those close to us (The NS Interview, 16 May) echoes both Pope Francis's letter to American bishops, prompted by Trump's excesses on migrants, and Pope Leo XIV's putdown of JD Vance's misuse of ordo amoris. Francis's letter said: 'Jesus Christ, loving everyone with a universal love, educates us in the permanent recognition of the dignity of every human being, without exception.' In February, before becoming Pope, in a shared article Cardinal Prevost wrote four words: 'JD Vance is wrong.' He added: 'Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.' The new Pope and Brown might get on well. David Murray, Surrey Much as I enjoy Finn McRedmond's columns, I wonder if she was not overthinking Pope Leo's choice of attire for his first appearance on the St Peter's Square balcony (Out of the Ordinary, 16 May). After all, it had been a hard day for Robert Prevost: maybe he reached into the papal wardrobe and pulled out the first thing he could find. Perhaps he was just following Nick Cave's memorable advice about dressing for a gig: 'I'm kind of lazy and I don't have much interest in it… It's easy to put a suit on in the morning.' Swap St Peter's Square balcony for a stadium concert and there you have it. Like singer/songwriter, like Pope? David Perry, Cambridge Who do you think you are? Megan Kenyon says she dreams about the life of her 18th-century ancestor and wonders 'what of her there is in me' (Personal Story, 16 May). She could work it out. She inherited 50 per cent from each of her parents, 25 per cent from each of her grandparents, 12.5 per cent from her great-grandparents, and so on. By my calculation, she inherited just 0.78 per cent from her ancestor. Michael Bartholomew, Harrogate Write to letters@ We reserve the right to edit letters [See also: Gordon Brown: the moral economist] Related
