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L'Orient-Le Jour
30-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Hezbollah disarmament 'essential,' says Michel Issa before U.S. Senate
BEIRUT — Before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Michel Issa, President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, called for urgent action against Hezbollah, stating that its disarmament is not an option but a necessity. "The full disarmament of Hezbollah is not optional; it is essential. The time to act is now," Issa said in his opening remarks as the Senate considered his nomination. He recalled that he was born in Beirut, studied in France and spent 'most' of his adult life in the United States. "My presence here is a testament to the enduring promise of the American dream, which allowed a young man born in Beirut to become a banker, a businessman, and now, a public servant. If confirmed, I will devote myself fully to advancing American interests and values in Lebano," he said. Stating that he "intimately understands the complexity of Lebanese society," he said that this understanding would guide his efforts to "build bridges, promote unity, and support the country's democratic institutions." "I have remained deeply connected to Lebanon over the years and have witnessed the resilience of its people, despite constant obstacles caused by corruption, economic mismanagement and the violent influence of Hezbollah and its Iranian backers," he added. Returning to the consequences of the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, Issa considered that although it was "devastating," it had opened "a narrow but significant window" for progress. "We have witnessed promising developments: an independent president and prime minister, reformers, determined to take their country in a new direction," he said. Emphasizing that the Lebanese government has "begun to reduce Hezbollah's influence" since the cease-fire was implemented, he added that "additional, urgent measures are needed." He also said that "the United States must continue to play a leading role in seizing a genuine historic opportunity: demarcating the borders between Israel and Lebanon, and fostering normalization of relations between the two countries." The prospective diplomat also stressed that "rebuilding Lebanon must go hand in hand with serious reforms ensuring transparent distribution of aid and investments." He also insisted on the importance of the role of the Lebanese Army, a "reliable partner," saying that it "is now taking concrete steps to enforce the cease-fire and dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure in the south." "These efforts demonstrate the value of our ongoing security cooperation," he emphasized. Issa made a point of clarifying his loyalty: "To avoid any potential conflict of interest and to demonstrate that my loyalty is exclusively to the United States, I have voluntarily renounced my Lebanese citizenship." The cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which went into effect on Nov. 27, called for the total withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon, where they still occupy five positions on Lebanese territory, continue to carry out ground incursions, and conduct near-daily strikes. On the Lebanese side, it was supposed to lead to Hezbollah's disarmament, primarily south of the Litani River, and then in the country as a whole, as outlined in U.N. Resolution 1701, which serves as the framework for the cease-fire agreement — something the militia party rejects. Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the past eight months have killed more than 270 people.
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
China steps in as US pulls back from diplomacy, report says
The U.S. and Chinese flags are seen on the day of a bilateral meeting between the U.S. and China, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 11, 2025. KEYSTONE/EDA/Martial Trezzini/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY WASHINGTON - China is increasing its diplomatic reach as President Donald Trump's administration pares back America's international presence, Democrats from the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee said in a report released on Monday. The report, the result of months of staff travel and research, was released as the Trump administration makes deep cuts to the State Department, including beginning on Friday to fire more than 1,350 U.S.-based employees, part of a total reduction of nearly 3,000 people for the U.S.-based workforce. The administration has also cut billions of dollars in foreign aid, effectively shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development, leading to the firing of thousands of its employees and contractors. Critics said the cuts would undermine Washington's ability to defend and promote U.S. interests abroad. Research published in The Lancet medical journal said the cuts to USAID and its dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. The Trump administration says its changes help align foreign policy with Trump's "America First" agenda, and are part of a push to shrink the federal bureaucracy and cut what Trump officials say has been wasteful spending. The Democrats' 91-page report listed ways, from broadcasting to health programs and development efforts, that committee researchers said China is expanding its influence. "China is pursuing a clear vision for the international order while the Trump Administration seeks to diminish America's engagement globally," the report said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Public healthcare institutions to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes: MOH, HSA Singapore Man allegedly attacks woman with knife at Kallang Wave Mall, to be charged with attempted murder Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat It lists dozens of cases in which the committee researchers found that China had stepped in as the U.S. eliminated or cut back international programs, from funding vaccines and providing food to infrastructure development. For example, in Africa, as the U.S. terminated food assistance programs, China in March donated $2 million in rice to Uganda. In May, after the U.S. terminated a $37 million HIV/AIDS grant in Zambia, China said it would help the African nation fight HIV/AIDS, including by donating 500,000 rapid HIV testing kits and planning more meetings to discuss its continued partnership on the issue. In Southeast Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a tour to meet with leaders in Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia, the report said. The trip yielded an agreement in Vietnam for railroad connections, 37 cooperation agreements in Cambodia in sectors including energy, education and infrastructure and technical and manufacturing exchanges in Malaysia. And in Latin America, China in May hosted the "China-Latin American and the Caribbean Forum" and announced it would provide a $9 billion credit line and additional infrastructure investments for the region. REUTERS
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
US with India in fight against terrorism: Deputy Secretary of State tells Indian delegation
The U.S. stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led all-party delegation in Washington to convey India's stance on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The Indian delegation met Mr. Landau in Washington on Friday (June 6, 2025) as it wrapped up the crucial U.S. leg of its multi-nation tour, briefing key interlocutors about Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. 'The all-party parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Landau. The Indian delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor,' the Indian Embassy said on X. Mr. Landau, in a post on X, said it was a 'GREAT' meeting with the Indian parliamentary representatives. 'I reaffirmed that the U.S. stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism. We discussed the U.S.-India strategic relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster growth and prosperity for both countries,' he said. A statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Mr. Landau 'reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries'. The delegation discussed with Mr. Landau the importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster economic growth and prosperity in both countries, according to the statement. The embassy in a statement said that during the meeting with Mr. Landau, the delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. 'The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the United States' strong support for India in the fight against terrorism. The two sides also had a wide-ranging conversation on the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships through advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest,' it said. The delegation also had a 'productive meeting' with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms, the embassy said on X. The senator sympathised with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, saying the U.S. stood with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for New Delhi's right to defend itself. Mr. Tharoor also spoke over the phone with Senator Cory Booker, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and described the conversation as 'warm and productive'. He briefed Booker on the 'monstrous' terror attack in Pahalgam and outlined the repeated provocations of terrorism emanating from across the border, laid out the details of Operation Sindoor, and emphasised India's firm resolve in countering any future acts of terrorism. 'Senator Booker unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed sympathies with the victims. The conversation also touched upon broader themes in the India-U.S. strategic partnership, which enjoys robust support,' Mr. Tharoor said, adding that he hopes to meet Booker 'Next time in person'. Apart from Mr. Tharoor, the delegation comprises MPs Sarfaraz Ahmad, Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and India's former Ambassador to the U.S. Taranjit Sandhu. Several prominent American lawmakers and congressmen, as well as policy experts, attended a special reception hosted by the Indian Embassy on Thursday (June 5) night and interacted with the delegation.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Breaking with tradition, Senate panel backs Trump nominees despite Democratic boycott
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republicans on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee backed five nominees for diplomatic positions on Thursday despite a Democratic boycott, underscoring deep divisions between members of President Donald Trump's party and lawmakers from the minority. It is unusual for Senate committees to press ahead on such votes without the participation of both parties. It was a notable departure for the foreign relations panel, which, more than other committees, has long been known for bipartisan action, including steering the unanimous confirmation in January of then-Senator Marco Rubio, to be Trump's Secretary of State. The committee's 12 Republicans backed Trump's nominees to be ambassador to Chile, the Dominican Republic, France, Ireland and the Netherlands. The panel's 10 Democrats did not attend the meeting, or a subsequent nominations hearing, saying Republicans had bowed to White House pressure to go ahead without a traditional bipartisan agreement on the agenda. Senate divisions along party lines have widened since Trump began his second term on Jan. 20, with Republicans nearly unanimously supporting the president's initiatives like slashing foreign aid that once enjoyed strong bipartisan support as a crucial source of U.S. "soft power." Republicans have not hesitated to take a hard line to overcome what they see as Democratic obstruction. In April, the Republican Majority Leader John Thune scheduled votes after midnight to confirm Trump's nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff after Democrats, angry over Trump's firing of his predecessor, blocked a quick vote. The foreign relations committee's approval of the latest nominees tees up their consideration by the full Senate, where Trump's Republicans have a 53-47 majority and have confirmed every one of his picks who has come up for a vote. 'RULES AND TRADITIONS' "Unfortunately, today the Majority did not agree to the Committee's long-standing rules and traditions to keep the Minority properly informed. Therefore, Democrats did not participate in today's proceedings," Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the panel's top Democrat, said in a statement. Democrats said the majority normally ensures both parties are informed about meeting agendas and time. Asked for comment, a spokesperson for Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, the committee's chairman, pointed to his remarks at the hearing. Risch said little about the Democrats' absence, beyond noting that the committee could vote on the nominees as long as every Republican was present. "Democrats have all been previously notified, have indicated they have no interest in attending this meeting. So be it," Risch said. The nominee for ambassador to Paris backed by the panel on Thursday was Charles Kushner, the father of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The elder Kushner served two years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, witness tampering and other federal charges. He was later pardoned by Trump. The committee also held a confirmation hearing without Democrats for five other Trump nominees, including Kenneth Howery to be ambassador to Denmark, and Trump's picks to serve in Switzerland, Malta, at the Organization of American States and as assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs. Relations between the U.S. and long-time ally Denmark have been chilled of late over Trump's talk of annexing Greenland, a Danish territory. On Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would call in the acting U.S. ambassador for talks after the Wall Street Journal reported Washington had ordered U.S. intelligence agencies to step up spying on Greenland. The Republicans did not question any of the nominees at the hearing. In his opening statement, Howery acknowledged recent "spirited" discussions over the island and expressed belief in "open dialogue and cooperation."
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Arkansas governor promises to support Trump's plans if confirmed Israel ambassador
President Donald Trump nominated former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Huckabee is seen here at a Trump campaign event in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 29, 2024. (Photo by) Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee fielded questions about his nomination as ambassador to Israel during a congressional hearing punctuated by protests Tuesday. President Donald Trump nominated Huckabee for the role in November. The native Arkansan has no foreign policy experience, but has visited Israel several times. The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee also questioned Reed Rubinstein, State Department legal adviser nominee, and Kevin Cabrera, Panama ambassador nominee, but Huckabee's remarks were the only ones interrupted multiple times by audience members who were removed after shouting about 'desecrating the Holy Land' and 'misus[ing] Christianity to justify ethnic cleansing.' Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and tens of thousands of people have died in the conflict since Israel retaliated. A ceasefire negotiated in January was broken last week when Israeli strikes killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza. Ranking committee member and New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen said it's important to get the parties back to the negotiating table. Noting Huckabee's previous support for Israeli annexation of the West Bank and total Israeli control of Palestinian territory, Shaheen called the rhetoric 'highly incendiary across the Middle East and the entire Muslim world.' 'And so I hope that you will think about how to advance long-term peace and stability in the region,' she said. Former Arkansas governor says Trump's Israel ambassador nomination is an honor An evangelical Christian, Huckabee is a long-time supporter of Israel and has opposed a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Huckabee told the committee Tuesday that he wasn't there to defend his views and repeatedly said that if confirmed, he would enforce Trump's policies. 'An ambassador doesn't create the policy, he carries the policy of his country and his president,' he said. Asked by Oregon Democrat Sen. Jeff Merkley if he supports Trump's plans to remove Palestinians from Gaza, Huckabee said the president has never called for forced displacement, but rather to ensure there is 'a safe and secure place for people to live during the process of cleaning out what is a disastrous mess.' Trump last month suggested the idea of the United States taking control of Gaza. When asked during a Fox News interview if Palestinians would have a right to return to the territory, Trump said 'no, they wouldn't,' noting it would be years before the land would be habitable. While it may not be possible today, Nevada Democrat Sen. Jacky Rosen said she firmly believes a two-state solution should be the ultimate goal and inform how the U.S. approaches the Israel-Palestine conflict. Rosen asked if Huckabee agreed and if not, requested an alternative approach. 'The question is not is there a need for people who are Palestinian to be able to live and have a future, the question is where and when,' he said. 'Where will that be? Will it be on top of the Israeli Jewish state or will it be somewhere that is decided upon that would be completely different, only for those who wish to locate there?' Trump's goal is to see 'a real and lasting peace' in the Middle East, according to Huckabee, who said he believes the president could achieve something of 'biblical proportion.' 'If confirmed, I want to be able to take the clarity of his voice and moral understanding of what should happen in the Middle East in dealing with terrorism and being able to be part of something historic, to stop that which has murdered and destroyed the lives and livelihoods, not only of soldiers, but of civilians,' he said. After visiting Israel for the first time in 1973, Huckabee began taking groups there in 1981. He told the committee he's led 'tens of thousands' of people to the 'Bible lands' over the course of approximately 100 trips. An ordained Southern Baptist pastor, Huckabee hosted a talk show on Trinity Broadcasting Network that ended in January. He also previously hosted shows on Fox News and was syndicated on Cumulus Media Networks. Huckabee served as Arkansas' governor from 1996 through 2006 before running for president in the 2008 and 2016 Republican primaries. He is the father of the current governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
