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Mint
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- Mint
All-party delegations show India's unified stance against terrorism worldwide: A look at top 10 developments
The seven delegations from India are on a visit to key partner countries, comprising members of the UN Security Council, to showcase 'India's national consensus' and firm approach to combating terrorism in all forms, stating a strong message of zero-tolerance against terrorism after Operation Sindoor which launched in Pakistan, PoJK on May 7. MPs like Shashi Tharoor, INC, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP, Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, JDU, Shri Baijayant Panda, BJP, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK, Supriya Sule, NCP, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena are leading the seven delegations. On Thursday, all party delegations met with global leaders and nearly two dozen ambassadors, who unanimously condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasised the urgent need for united international efforts to combat this threat. Colombia has formally retracted its earlier statement that expressed condolences to Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor. 'I expressed India's concerns regarding Colombia's May 8 statement. The Minister assured us of its withdrawal and reaffirmed support for our position. The Vice Minister graciously confirmed that the statement we had raised concerns about has been withdrawn. She also conveyed that Colombia fully understands India's position, which we deeply appreciate," Tharoor stated. 2. BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda says, 'Taking forward India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism & strengthening India-Algeria ties. We began engagements in Algeria with a detailed briefing by Ambassador Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni, covering the strong India-Algeria relationship, shared concerns on terrorism, and the global message of #OperationSindoor. #IndiaAgainstTerror.' 3. MP Kanimozhi, leading an all-party delegation to Latvia on Friday (local time), highlighted India's unity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, declaring that 'nothing is going to divide us anymore', ANI reported. 4. Sierra Leone was the first country whose parliament held a moment of silence to honour the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant shared. He said, 'Wherever we go, people condemn that attack and the perpetrators. Sierra Leone is the first country where the parliament observed a moment of silence for those who lost their lives (in the Pahalgam terror attack).' 5. On Friday (local time), Prasad responded to Pakistani nationals who chanted anti-India slogans outside a venue hosting an Indian parliamentary delegation in Copenhagen, stating that they had come out of "desperation" and urged people to "ignore them with impunity." 6. On Saturday, the delegation led by Sule met with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional development, and the global fight against terrorism. 7. In Jakarta on Thursday, the delegation led by MP Sanjay Kumar Jha engaged with ambassadors from 20 friendly nations, who unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed the urgent need for a unified global response to combat this threat, PTI reported. 8. In Riyadh on Thursday, the Indian delegation led by MP Panda visited the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and the Gulf Research Centre think tank to express serious concerns over cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. 9. In Rome, the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Prasad met with senior Italian officials to reiterate India's "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism and New Delhi's determination to fight all forms of terror. 10. The delegation led by MP Panda concluded a two-day visit to Kuwait focussed on enhancing bilateral relations and reaffirming India's unified stance against terrorism. The Indian representatives emphasised their 'Zero Tolerance' policy and the 'New Normal' approach to counter-terrorism, which makes no distinction between terrorists and those who support them. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
China's global mediation body: Pakistan becomes co-signatory
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become a co-signatory to China's newly setup Hong Kong-based International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. According to details, Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony, while representatives from 20 international bodies and organisations, including the United Nations, were also present to sign the Convention on Establishment of IOMed. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Friday, signed on behalf of Pakistan, the Convention on the establishment of IOMed in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China, the spokesperson added. Speaking on the occasion, the deputy prime minister appreciated the Chinese leadership for its wisdom in developing and consistently leading efforts for the establishment of IOMed and in fostering a global community with a shared future. Dar stated that the creation of IOMed underscores the indispensability and significance of multilateralism as the centre piece for international peace, stability, and development. 'The IOMeD also offers new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. As one of the founding members of IOMed, Pakistan would continue to be an active voice in this noble mission,' he added. Dar underlined Pakistan's strong commitment towards promoting peace and security as well as development. He underlined the critical importance of advancing and preserving multilateralism through faithful adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions as well as international law. Dar drew attention to India's violation of international law through its acts of aggression against Pakistan and its unlawfully holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. He also highlighted the occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and occupied Palestinian Territories as drivers of conflict to regional peace and security. Dar called for resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people. The idea for the establishment of the IOMed was one of the key outcomes of the second Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing in April 2019. China initiated discussions for the establishment of IOMed in 2021, and invited Pakistan to join negotiations as one of its founding members. The organization is open to all countries; is based on respect for the sovereignty, core interests and legitimate concerns of every country; aims to promote dialogue and trust between parties concerned based on equality; and desires inclusion of various legal systems, and their mediators. Meanwhile, Dar met with Chief Executive John Lee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The deputy prime minister congratulated the Chief Executive on the successful establishment of IOMed while highlighting Hong Kong's unique role as a global hub linking East and West and its growing significance in international mediation. Recalling long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Hong Kong, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister commended the Chief Executive and SAR Government for its impressive economic and social development strides under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework. Dar and Chief Executive discussed proposals to further deepen economic, investment and trade cooperation with Hong Kong through multiple streams. Hailing the launch of IOMed as a milestone inspired by President Xi Jinping's vision, Dar noted its alignment with Pakistan's commitment to dialogue-driven diplomacy and UN Charter's principles. Dar also commended the Pakistani community in Hong Kong for strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the city's diversity and economy. The Chief Executive warmly welcomed Dar's visit and expressed eagerness to further enhance collaboration between Hong Kong and Pakistan. Dar is in Hong Kong to attend the official ceremony for signing the Convention on establishment of IOMed. AFP adds: China signed a convention setting up a global mediation body in Hong Kong, which aims to be comparable to organisations such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Beijing has taken a more proactive approach in international affairs in recent years, expanding its influence in global bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization — especially as the United States has taken the opposite direction under President Donald Trump. The move is also being seen as an attempt to shore up Hong Kong's reputation as a leading place to conduct business, after Beijing's imposition of a wide-ranging national security law in 2020 shook confidence in the impartiality of the city's legal system. Initiated by Beijing, the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was co-signed by 31 other 'like-minded' countries ranging from Serbia and Pakistan to Papua New Guinea and Venezuela. 'The birth of IOMed will help transcend the zero-sum mentality of 'win or lose', promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and build more harmonious international relations,' said China's foreign minister Wang Yi, who presided over the signing. Hong Kong's government said IOMed will be the first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation, while Wang said it would 'fill a gap in the field'. Mediation is when a neutral third party intervenes into a dispute to help two sides negotiate a jointly acceptable resolution to a conflict, as opposed to, for example, political bargaining or litigation. The body will mediate disputes between countries, between countries and individuals from another country, and between private international entities. IOMed 'is on a par with' the United Nations' ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, said the Hong Kong government. One of the latter's more well-known rulings was in favour of the Philippines against China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing refused to take part in the proceedings and has ignored the judgement. Paul Lam, Hong Kong's secretary for justice, wrote in an article that IOMed's establishment came as 'hostile external forces are attempting to de-internationalise and de-functionalise' Hong Kong. IOMed will start operating by the end of this year or early 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Washington Post
4 hours ago
- General
- Washington Post
Divided UN extends arms embargo on South Sudan as fears of renewed civil war grow
UNITED NATIONS — A divided U.N. Security Council voted Friday to extend an arms embargo on South Sudan, where escalating political tensions have led the U.N. to warn that the country could again plunge into civil war. A U.S.-sponsored resolution to extend the embargo and other sanctions was approved by the narrowest margin — the minimum nine 'yes' votes required. Six countries abstained – Russia, China, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Pakistan.
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Divided UN extends arms embargo on South Sudan as fears of renewed civil war grow
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A divided U.N. Security Council voted Friday to extend an arms embargo on South Sudan, where escalating political tensions have led the U.N. to warn that the country could again plunge into civil war. A U.S.-sponsored resolution to extend the embargo and other sanctions was approved by the narrowest margin — the minimum nine 'yes' votes required. Six countries abstained – Russia, China, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Pakistan. The arms embargo, and travel bans and asset freezes on South Sudanese on the U.N. sanctions blacklist, were extended for a year until May 31, 2026. There were high hopes for peace and stability after oil-rich South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world's newest nation. But the country slid into civil war in December 2013 when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, who is from the largest ethnic group in the country, the Dinka, started battling those loyal to Riek Machar, who is from the second-largest ethnic group, the Nuer. A 2018 peace deal that brought Machar into the government as first vice-president has been fragile, and implementation has been slow. A presidential election has been postponed until 2026. Last month, the U.N. envoy to South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, warned that the escalating rivalry between Kiir and Machar had degenerated into direct military confrontation between their parties and led to Machar's arrest. A campaign of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech is 'fueling political and ethnic tensions — particularly on social media,' he warned. And 'these conditions are darkly reminiscent of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, which took over 400,000 lives.' U.S. Minister Counselor John Kelley thanked the council after the vote, saying the arms embargo 'remains necessary to stem the unfettered flow of weapons into a region that remains awash with guns.' 'Escalating violence in recent months has brought South Sudan to the brink of civil war,' he said, urging the country's leaders to restore peace. Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Anna Evstigneeva countered by saying the easing of Security Council sanctions on South Sudan is long overdue. She said the arms embargo and other sanctions are restricting implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. She accused the resolution's supporters of 'putting a brake on a successful political process unfolding in Sudan, as well as complicating the deployment and proper equipping of the national armed forces.' South Sudan's U.N. ambassador, Cecilia Adeng, expressed 'deep disappointment' at the extension of the arms embargo and other sanctions. 'The lifting of the sanctions and the arms embargo is not only a matter of national security or sovereignty, but also a matter of economic opportunity and dignity,' she said. 'These measures create barriers to growth, delay development, discourage foreign investment, and leave the state vulnerable to non-state actors and outlaws.'
eNCA
7 hours ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Turkey proposes to host Trump-Putin-Zelensky summit
Turkey on Friday proposed hosting a summit with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine and the United States as it strives to broker an elusive deal to end Russia's three-year invasion an invitation swiftly dismissed by the Kremlin. Moscow said it was sending a team of negotiators to Istanbul for a second round of direct talks with Ukraine on Monday though Kyiv has yet to confirm if it will attend. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has fostered warm relations with both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, has become a key mediator amid Donald Trump's push for a deal to end the over three-year war. "We sincerely think that it is possible to cap the first and second direct Istanbul talks with a meeting between Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky, under the direction of Mr. Erdogan," Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said during a visit to Kyiv. The Kremlin pushed back against the idea of a face-to-face meeting involving Putin and Zelensky. "First, results must be achieved through direct negotiations between the two countries," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Fidan met Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga in Kyiv and was due to meet Zelensky later in the day. He held talks with Putin in Moscow earlier this week. Ukraine has said it is open to further negotiations, but has not confirmed it will be in Istanbul on Monday. At talks in Istanbul on May 16 the first in over three years the sides agree to swap documents outlining possible roadmaps to peace. The Kremlin repeated Friday that it would hand over its version at the talks on Monday, but Kyiv is pressuring Moscow to send a copy in advance. - 'Disregard for diplomacy' - Ukraine has for more than two months been urging Russia to agree to a full, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire an idea first proposed by Trump. Putin has repeatedly rejected those calls, despite pressure from Washington and Europe, while the Russian army has intensified its advances in eastern Ukraine. He has said that a ceasefire is possible as a result of negotiations, but that talks should focus on the "root causes" of the war. Moscow typically uses that language to refer to a mix of sweeping demands that have at times included limiting Ukraine's military, banning it from joining NATO, massive territorial concessions and the toppling of Zelensky. Kyiv and the West have rejected those calls and cast Russia's assault as nothing but an imperial-style land grab. Russia's invasion in February 2022 triggered the biggest European conflict since World War II. Tens of thousands have been killed, swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine destroyed and millions forced to flee their homes. Trump has been growing increasingly frustrated at both Zelensky and Putin for not having struck a deal yet. AFP | SERGEY BOBOK At a UN Security Council meeting Thursday a US diplomat reaffirmed that Washington could pull back from peace efforts if it does not see progress soon. Despite the sides having held their first peace talks in more than three years, there has been little sign of movement towards a possible compromise agreement. At the talks earlier in May, Ukraine said Russia threatened to accelerate its ground offensive into new regions and made a host of maximalist demands, including that Kyiv cede territory still under its control. Along with its European allies, Ukraine has been ramping up pressure on Trump to hit Moscow with fresh sanctions a step he has so far not taken. "Talks of pauses in pressure or easing of sanctions are perceived in Moscow as a political victory and only encourage further attacks and continued disregard for diplomacy," Zelensky said Friday on social media. Russia has meanwhile been pressing its advance on the battlefield, with its forces on Friday claiming to have captured another village in the northeastern Kharkiv region. By Sergii Volskyi And Victoria Lukovenko
