Latest news with #peace
NHK
3 hours ago
- General
- NHK
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of 'deception' for not sharing peace memorandum
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of "deception" for not presenting a peace memorandum as promised. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a statement saying Russia is ready to present the memorandum to the Ukrainian delegation and provide the necessary explanations during the next round of direct talks in Turkey on Monday. Meanwhile Kyiv said it has already handed over its memorandum to the Russian delegation. Kyiv urged the Russian side to share its version as soon as possible, saying Moscow was supposed to do so immediately after the prisoner swap that took place through last Sunday. In a video address on Thursday, Zelenskyy said it was "Another Russian deception" and called on his country's partners to step up pressure on Moscow. Also on Thursday, US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told American media outlet ABC News that senior officials from the United States, Germany, France and Britain will attend the discussions on the peace memorandum in Turkey. The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, had met with high-ranking officials of those countries ahead of the first direct talks with Russia that took place on May 16.
Zawya
5 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
United for Peace: United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers Day commemoration promotes shared desire for unity in South Sudan
'For very long time, we have been waiting for peace. With peace, there will be no more war. The time for change is here now,' crooned prominent South Sudanese reggae singer, WJ De King and fellow artist Irene Toss. Their electrifying performance brought hundreds of people to their feet, singing and dancing together, at the flagship event commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeeping in Bor, Jonglei State. 'Peace begins with self-love, with self-reliance. Peace begins with celebrating diversity and embracing unity.' The dynamic duo embraced the theme for the day by launching a new song, commissioned by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, as part of a campaign to promote peace in the world's youngest country, under the theme 'Peace Begins with Me'. The campaign calls on every individual to take action, no matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. It also recognizes the persistence and unwavering commitment of the people of South Sudan to end conflict and secure sustainable peace and democracy. 'This event means a lot as coming together is the only way forward. If there is music, there is peace,' stressed WJ De King, who is also renown for being a peace activist. The event, held at the Jonglei State Secretariat, was all about engagement and inclusion, with participants including women's groups, children from a variety of schools, government officials, and UNMISS peacekeepers. 'Today is the day to make friendships. Make sure you don't go home without making a friend,' was the first thing people heard when entering the location, from young community mobilizer and writer, Mnyok Akech Atem, who seized the opportunity to promote the change he would like to see in his country. By giving space to different communities, the commemoration ceremony celebrated diversity and encouraged participants to embrace unity by resolving grievances, promoting reconciliation, and working together to implement locally led peace processes. 'It is our responsibility to foster mindsets and actions that will contribute to sustainable long-term peace in this country,' said the Guest of Honor, Jonglei State Deputy Governor, Matiop Lueth Atem. 'The UNMISS peacekeepers have been leading by example, and we want you to know that we, and the world beyond our nation's borders, see your sacrifice for the service to others.' UNMISS Head of Bor Field Office, Geeta Pious, stressed the mission's commitment to supporting South Sudan as it navigates the difficult journey from war to peace. She highlighted the contribution being made by peacekeepers in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area to protect civilians, deter violence, build critical infrastructure, and even help revolutionize the agricultural sector to encourage economic growth. For once, during the notorious rainy season, the weather was kind with the sun shining down on those gathered to celebrate the day, while it was noted that, at the same time, UNMISS peacekeepers were tirelessly labouring to drain water from areas hit by severe flooding, including the event venue, earlier in the week. It was the perfect conditions for hosting a wide variety of performances by Indian, Ethiopian, South Korean and Sri Lankan peacekeepers as well as the Nuer, Dinka and Anyuak communities. As event moderator UNMISS' Mach Samuel put it: 'It's like watching the world live'! 'The fact that so many local communities came here and showed their appreciation with their performances really made us feel the significance and impact of our work here,' shared UNMISS engineering peacekeeper, Captain Sylvia Nzila. At the end of the day, there was a sense that change is possible. Even after the event was officially concluded, participants from all communities stayed to exchange hugs, contact details, and share their feelings. The outcome demonstrates that peacekeeping is more than just protecting civilians, it is about building trust and confidence in support of sustainable peace, so that the people of South Sudan can secure the brighter future that they deserve. It illustrates that peace really does begin with me, you and all of us. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Asharq Al-Awsat
7 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Türkiye Hopes to Host Leaders of US, Russia, Ukraine after Potential Next Round Peace Talks
Türkiye hopes that Russia and Ukraine will largely finish work on technical issues at their next potential talks aimed at ending the war, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday. He added that Ankara wanted to host a leaders' summit afterwards with the Turkish and US presidents also present. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, to where he travelled after talks in Moscow earlier this week, Fidan said the May 16 talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul - the first direct contact between them in three years - marked a new start, adding he believed further meetings were possible.
BBC News
10 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
African legends bring hope to Somalian football
When the wider world thinks of Somalia, the first things that are most likely to come to mind are conflict and the pirates who have threatened ships around the Horn of Africa in recent instability has restricted the development of sport in the country and the men's national football team, nicknamed the Ocean Stars, have not played competitively on home soil since game has historically united a population of around 17 million troubled by clan divisions, and Mogadishu could soon be granted permission to stage international matches at its 65,000-capacity National legends of African football - Emmanuel Adebayor, Samuel Eto'o and Jay Jay Okocha - travelled to the Somali capital this week to take part in an exhibition match which players and officials hope will help pave the way for the continent's top stars to return on a regular basis."This football showcase is truly a historic moment. It marks the day Somalia earned a golden place on the world stage," local youth coach and player Cabdulaahi Geesey told BBC Somali."Sharing the pitch with Okocha, Eto'o and Adebayor, wearing the same kit and even scoring a goal is a dream come true."The image these guests will carry back with them is of a peaceful Somalia, a united people and a football culture that is rising once again."Somalia deserves the trust to start hosting matches on home soil again." Former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker Adebayor hailed the match, part of a 'peace tour' backed by world governing body Fifa, as a "wonderful" thousands in attendance created an electric atmosphere in a stadium that has endured a chequered past."I know a little bit about Somalia," the 41-year-old former Togo captain said."We just pray for God to give you peace so that you can build your country."Yet the security situation in Somalia remains challenging, and the mood was tense outside the stadium, with a heavy police contingent guarding the State-aligned Al-Shabab militants launched a major offensive earlier this year and have made territorial gains since in April killed senior Somali military officials in a village 30km from Mogadishu, while several people died this month when a suicide bomber targeted an army recruitment centre in the security minister Mohamed Ali Haga described the match as a chance to "change the perception of the world towards Somalia and show the world that Mogadishu is peaceful". 'First step' to international return Somalia's footballers have always struggled to make an impact on the continental stage, and its men are currently ranked 201st out of 210 national teams in the world – with only Seychelles and unranked Eritrea beneath them in have never made it past the preliminary round in qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations and have only ever registered one win in qualifying for the Fifa World has become Somalia's most frequent venue for 'home' games during almost four decades in exile, during which time their stadium in Mogadishu was repeatedly requisitioned for military Football Association president Souleiman Waberi, who also holds high office at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and Fifa, says the legends game is the first step to the return of the Ocean Stars."Maybe the next step will be a friendly match with another country," Waberi added."Then the Somalia FA can send a letter to Caf to request them to come to check the stadium."If it meets all criteria, Somalia can host international games here in Mogadishu."Recent home qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have been staged as far afield as Morocco and Mozambique, but supporters are eager for their side to return to home Maxamuud was among the thousands in attendance on Tuesday to see Adebayor, Eto'o and Okocha in action."I'm genuinely very happy having three world-renowned footballers visit us, be warmly welcomed, and return safely," she told the BBC."To Somalia, I say may this peace last."Just as these players came and left in peace and good health, I hope the same will happen for others." A new dawn for stadium Built in 1977 with Chinese assistance, Mogadishu's main ground was closed in 1991 when the country descended into anarchy after the overthrow of President Siad Barre's military from the United States and Pakistan used it as a base for two years until 1995, when it reopened for a nine-year troops were then stationed there before Al-Shabab made it their main Mogadishu stronghold between 2009 and 2011.A new internationally-backed government was installed in 2012, leading to a new peacekeeping force using the stadium as an operational suffered heavily during the years of military use, but artificial turf was laid and facilities restored during a renovation in official reopening for a game between Horseed SC and Mogadishu City Club in July 2021 drew a capacity is now hoped the legends match will help demonstrate that sport can reclaim a space once dominated by violence."I know Somalia," Waberi said."It's a people of sport. There's football every day."We have a legends game, you see the stadium is full. I am sure this stadium will host international games."
Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Pope Leo XIV appeals for ‘no more war' in first Sunday message
Pope Leo XIV delivers his blessing from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica during his first Sunday blessing after his election at the Vatican. (AP pic) VATICAN CITY : Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world's major powers for 'no more war' in his first Sunday message to crowds in St Peter's Square since his election as pontiff. The new pope, elected on May 8, called for an 'authentic and lasting peace' in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all Israeli hostages. Leo also welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and said he was praying to God to grant the world the 'miracle of peace.' 'No more war!' the pope said, repeating a frequent call of the late Pope Francis and noting the recent 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which killed some 60 million people. Leo said today's world was living through 'the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal,' again repeating a phrase coined by Francis. The new pope said he carries in his heart the 'suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine.' He appealed for negotiations to reach an 'authentic, just and lasting peace.' He also said he was 'profoundly saddened' by the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid and release of the remaining hostages held by the militant group Hamas. Leo said he was glad to hear of the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire and hoped negotiations would lead to a lasting accord between the nuclear armed neighbors. He added: 'But there are so many other conflicts in the world!'
