Latest news with #GLOBSEC
Gulf Today
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE reiterates condemnation of Israeli attack on Iran, stresses need for diplomacy to avert war: Gargash
Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, reiterated the UAE's condemnation of the Israeli attack on Iran, emphasizing the country's unwavering approach to prioritizing diplomacy and avoiding war. Gargash said in a post on the X platform: "I was pleased to participate in two dialogue sessions at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague. In these difficult times, I reiterated the UAE's condemnation of the Israeli attack on Iran, in line with our unwavering approach to prioritizing diplomacy, avoiding war, and striving to de-escalate and find political solutions for a region exhausted and devastated by conflict." On Friday, the UAE has condemned in the strongest terms Israel's military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and expressed its deep concern over the ongoing escalation and its repercussions on regional security and stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed the importance of exercising the utmost self-restraint and judgment to mitigate risks and prevent the expansion of the conflict. The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE's position that enhancing dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states constitute essential principles for resolving the current crises.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Czech president calls for greater European autonomy within NATO
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for NATO to have stronger "operational autonomy" within its command structure in Europe, urging the alliance to prepare for missions without relying on active US involvement. Speaking at the GLOBSEC security forum in Prague on Thursday, the 63-year-old former general said European nations should consider "mirroring" command posts currently held by US military officers with European personnel. Such a move, he argued, would ensure Europe-specific operations remain viable regardless of Washington's decisions. Pavel, who served as chairman of the NATO Military Committee from 2015 to 2018, said Europe must respond to shifting US attitudes toward European security, particularly under President Donald Trump. "It is time that we draw the necessary conclusions from the fact that the United States' role in European security has changed. The new US administration has unsettled transatlantic relations and forced Europe to face strategic questions it cannot postpone," he said. "The aim is not to create an alternative to NATO, but to strengthen NATO's European pillar. To succeed, this European pillar cannot remain an abstract ambition. It needs to be institutionalized, embedded in NATO's standard planning, in budgeting and force development processes," he continued. Security conference under way in Prague Top politicians, defence officials, and experts are meeting in Prague this week for the 20th annual GLOBSEC security forum. Discussions are focused on global security challenges and strategies for overcoming ongoing crises. The Czech Republic, a NATO member since 1999, has taken a prominent role in supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia's war of aggression. Prague's conservative government has backed an initiative to supply Kiev with artillery ammunition and continues to advocate for robust support for Ukraine across the alliance.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Ukraine's NATO Ally Can Shoot Down Russian Drones Under New Law
A law has come into effect in Romania that allows its armed forces to down unmanned aerial vehicles unlawfully breaching its airspace, as the NATO member acts to tackle a growing number of Russian drones landing on its shores. Ilie Bolojan, Romania's acting president, signed the law, which the Romanian parliament passed in February in response to the threat posed by the devices landing in its territory, often in spillover incidents from the war in Ukraine. Newsweek has contacted the Romanian Foreign Ministry for comment. Romania shares a 380-mile border with Ukraine, and because of its proximity to the war zone, it has seen drones repeatedly land in its territory, although there is no evidence that Moscow has deliberately targeted the country. Romania's new law allows it to shoot down such drones and could lead other neighboring NATO countries to follow suit, with the potential for escalation and increased questions over the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense clause. The law to shoot down drones violating Romanian airspace was initially drafted in October following a spate of Russian drones landing in the NATO member. Their target had been southern Ukraine's Odesa Oblast. The incidents prompted legislation that the Romanian parliament passed on February 26. Far-right parties challenged the law but lost the case. On Monday, Bolojan signed the legislation, which stipulates that any aircraft without a pilot that illegally crosses the border and flies in Romania's national airspace without authorization may be destroyed or neutralized. He also signed a law on the peaceful conduct of military missions and operations on Romanian territory. Romania must establish the aircraft's position and identity, attempt contact, intercept and fire warning shots. Piloted vehicles can only be destroyed if they conduct an attack or respond aggressively to interception, the law states. Roger Hilton, a research fellow at the GLOBSEC think tank in Slovakia, told Newsweek in February that Romania's move was a significant but measured escalation by a NATO member to Russian drones strafing its border. He said that while there might be the risk of escalation, Bucharest was left with little alternative as it issued a signal to Moscow and NATO that it would not tolerate unchecked airspace violations. Roger Hilton, a research fellow at GLOBSEC, said: "Romania's decision to approve neutralizing drones encroaching its airspace marks a significant but measured escalation by a NATO ally." In March, Romania confirmed another case of a Russian drone crashing in its territory, in the border area near the Ukrainian settlement of Reni. Romania has a new president following elections on Sunday, and there is anticipation over how the NATO country will react if another drone breaches its airspace or whether Russia will be more careful. Related Articles Europe's 'MEGA' Stutter: Far-Right Bid for Power Falters Despite GainsWho Is Nicușor Dan? Romania's Liberal Centrist Mayor Sweeps to VictoryRomanian Exit Polls Show Clear Winner as Rival Declares VictoryFar-Right Parties Bid for Power in Europe's Election 'Super Sunday' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
