International Politics Focus

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International Politics Focus

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

Italy Asks Europe For Firefighting Planes To Control Sardinia Fires (ndtv.com)

On Sunday, Italy asked for aid from European states, specifically requesting firefighting aircraft to help tame fires that have swept across parts of the island of Sardinia.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated, and thousands of acres of land already burned, causing a great deal of damage to property and wildlife.

Christian Solinas, president of the Sardinia Region, described the fires as “a disaster without precedent”

France update

France ratifies revised version of Emmanuel Macron’s ‘health pass’ law | Financial Times (ft.com)

The French parliament has officially ratified a “watered-down,” version of President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed law to make Covid-19 vaccination compulsory for healthcare workers and to require a “health pass” to enter public places.

Following a weekend filled with street protests, with up to 161,000 people protesting in Paris and elsewhere against the health pass, and resistance met in parliament, especially from the center-right bloc in the Senate, the new version of the health pass is hoped to bring more gradualness to the sanctions.

Channel migrants: France calls on EU border agency Frontex to provide air surveillance of crossings (inews.co.uk)

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said he has asked Frontex to act along the EU’s northern borders, where thousands of migrants attempt the dangerous sea crossing from France to the coast of Britain each year.

Mr. Darmanin and Home Secretary Priti Patel of Britain announced an agreement last week to more than double the number of police patrolling French beaches for the second time in a year to prevent illegal migration and stop small boats from departing France.

The migrant crisis reached boiling point last week when the number of people who had crossed to the UK so far this year up to Tuesday had reached 8,452 – exceeding the figure for the whole of 2020. Last year, 8,417 people had made the trip, according to data analyzed by the PA news agency.


About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Jordan’s monarch strengthens strategic ties to the USA

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Jordan’s monarch strengthens strategic ties to the USA

Crown Prince Hussein, Queen Rania, King Abdullah II, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden – Picture by Royal Hashemite Court.

19-23 July 2021, Washington D.C., USA: US President Joe Biden welcomed on Monday, 19 July, His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for a bilateral summit meeting at the White House. The summit covered expanding the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, and regional and international developments, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.

President Biden was proud to announce the delivery of over 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Jordan, underscoring the U.S. commitment to bringing the same urgency to international vaccination efforts that we have demonstrated at home.

The heads of state and government, discussed pressing economic challenges exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, both at home and across the globe.  They focused on the benefits of investing in infrastructure, and discussed the President’s infrastructure plan as well as Jordan’s plans for a desalination project and Jordan’s potential for greater regional economic integration through investments in energy infrastructure.
The leaders also consulted upon opportunities to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East.

King Abdullah II and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – Picture by Royal Hashemite Court

In that regard, President Biden expressed his strong support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and respect for Jordan’s special role as Custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. The President expressed U.S. support for engagement between Jordan and the new Israeli Government, as demonstrated by their bilateral agreement earlier this month to improve Jordan’s access to fresh water and increase Jordan’s exports to the West Bank.

King Abdullah II and President Biden reflected on the strategic U.S.-Jordan defence relationship. They discussed U.S. support for the modernization of Jordan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which will allow for greater interoperability and effectiveness of the Jordanian Armed Forces. 

Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador in the U.S.A., Dina Kawar attended the meeting.

During the official visit to Washington D.C., the Jordanian delegation headed by King Abdullah II likewise encountered U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan; U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power;  US Vice President Kamala Harris; Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin; Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; State Secretary Antony Blinken; Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen; the Senate leadership; the House of Representatives’ Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and others. 

For further information

 
Royal Hashemite Court: https://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-us-president-hold-summit-meeting-white-house

The White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/19/readout-of-president-joseph-r-biden-jr-meeting-with-king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan/

Interview of HM King Abdullah II with CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/videos/tv/2021/07/25/exp-gps-0725-king-abdullah-biden-middle-east.cnn

Helen Clark to serves as President of Chatham House

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Helen Clark to serves as President of Chatham House

Tuesday, 20 July 2021, London, United Kingdom: 37th New Zealand prime minister and 8th Head of the United Nations Development Programme, The Rt Hon Helen Clark, has been elected president of Chatham House.
The Rt Hon Helen Clark is due to replace erstwhile United Kingdom Prime Minister, Sir John Major, who is retiring from the role. Helen Clark will join Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller and Lord Darling as one of the institute’s three serving presidents.

Helen Clark served in the capacity as prime minister of New Zealand from 1999-2008. Subsequently she became the 8th and first female administrator of the UN Development Programme, completing two terms from 2009-2017.  

Ms Clark was elected at the Annual General Meeting of Chatham House held on 20 July which also marked the last official engagement for Lord O’Neill, who has now handed over to Sir Nigel Sheinwald as Chair of the institute.

For further information


Chatham House: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/07/helen-clark-elected-president-chatham-house

Helen Clark – Picture by Global Commission on Drug Policy through Wikipedia Commons

Today in Italy & France

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Today in Italy & France

International Politics Focus

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

‘Draghi effect’: Protests in Italy – but also surge in vaccine bookings after PM’s health pass announcement – The Local

Protests were organized throughout Italy after Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced on Thursday that there will be an expansion of the country’s health passport scheme. Prime Minister Draghi urged people to get vaccinated or face a new lockdown.

Ironically, there was also at least half a million vaccination appointments made in the 24 hours following Draghi’s announcement.

It was stated that from August 6th, the Italian population will need a health pass to enter gyms, swimming pools, museums, cinemas, theatres, sports stadiums, and other public venues, including indoor seating areas at bars and restaurants.

The health pass will serve as proof that bearers have either been vaccinated, undergone a recent Covid-19 test, or recovered from Covid-19.

Italy finishes with flourish, beats Germany 92-82 – ABC News (go.com)

Italy beat Germany 92-82 in the opening games for both teams at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.

It was Italy’s first game in the Olympics since losing the gold-medal game in 2004. As for Germany, it was making its first Olympic basketball appearance since 2008.

France

France Covid update

French protesters against Covid health curbs, reject passes,vaccine mandate | Business Standard News (business-standard.com)

Up to 160,000 people, protested Saturday across France against a bill requiring everyone to have a special virus pass to enter restaurants and mandating Covid-19 vaccinations for all health care workers.

Legislators in France’s Senate were debating the virus bill Saturday after the lower house of parliament approved it on Friday.

French lawmakers are divided over how far to go in imposing health passes or mandatory vaccinations.

France is seeing about 20,000 new infections a day, up from just a few thousand a day in early July, but despite this, many protestors said they felt they were being rushed into something they’re not ready to do regarding vaccinations.


About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Italy & France today

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Italy & France today

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

Roundup: Venice natives relieved as city avoids UNESCO heritage danger list – Xinhua | English.news.cn (xinhuanet.com)

In Rome, Italy, July 23, residents of the city of Venice were relieved to hear that their city had avoided making a spot on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) list of World Heritage sites in danger.

The city was worried that the Italian government was not doing enough to protect it and its cultural, artistic, and architectural riches.

For example, the presence of large cruise ships in the Venice lagoon had put a strain on the city, before they were recently banned.

All members of the city of Venice have concluded that it is vital they continue to protect their city. This is important before UNESCO is to reevaluate Venice’s status in 2023.

Hôtel de Dieu, France.

France Covid update

New Covid-19 variant ‘probable’ this year: Top French expert, Europe News & Top Stories – The Straits Times

The French government’s top advisor on Covid-19 warned Friday (July 23) that a new variant of the disease is most likely to emerge in the winter months this year.

The country is currently battling a spike in new cases caused by the Delta variant, which was first recognized in India.

It is reported by a top infectious disease specialist in France that a “return to normal” would probably be in 2022 or 2023.

About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America. She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

International Politics Focus: Italy & France

Diplomat Magazine
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International Politics Focus: Italy & France

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy Covid update

Italy to Require Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test for Social Activities

The New York Times (nytimes.com)

The Italian government announce on Thursday that it would require people to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to participate in certain social activities, including indoor dining, visiting museums, and attending shows.

The move follows a similar announcement made by the French government last week and comes as the debate in Western nations heats up over how governments should, or can, go in circumscribing the life of the unvaccinated.

Starting on August 6th, Italians will be required to show proof of having received at least one dose of the vaccine, having taken a recent negative swab, or having recovered from Covid in the past six months to sit at indoor tables in bars and restaurants; access museums, swimming pools, gyms, and theme parks; and attend sports competitions and other events, including public exams.

France update

French army says it has killed two ‘terrorists’ in Mali (msn.com)

The French army has killed two members of the EIGS “terrorist” group, which France says has links to the Islamic State, in Mali.

France is in the process of re-shaping its military presence in West Africa’s Sahel region, which includes Mali, where France has been on the front line in the fight against Islamist militia groups.

Key Trends in the Construction Industry in France 2021-2025: EUR 6.8 Billion Government Spending Planned for Summer Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 | Markets Insider (businessinsider.com)

The French construction sector declined by 13.2% in 2020, because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The industry is expected to recover in 2021 and grow by 8.6% this year, registering an annual average growth of 1.9% between 2022 and 2025.

In preparation for the upcoming summer Olympic games in Paris in 2024, the French government plans to spend EUR6.8 billion to upgrade the country’s infrastructure by 2024.

Long-term growth in the industry will be also driven by the government’s plan to invest EUR80 billion (US$94.4 billion) on transport infrastructure between 2018 and 2037. On a positive note, work is progressing on the EUR31.7 billion (US$37.4 billion) Grand Paris Express Metro Rail project, which is claimed to be the biggest urban mobility project currently underway in Europe.

About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America. She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Ricardo Galindo Bueno sworn in tourism portfolio

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Ricardo Galindo Bueno sworn in tourism portfolio

Minister Ximena Lombana swears in Vice Minister of Tourism, Ricardo Galindo Bueno – Picture by MINCIT

Wednesday, 21 July 2021, Bogotá, Republic of Colombia: Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, María Ximena Lombana Villalba, sworn in her deputy in charge of the tourism portfolio,  Ricardo Galindo Bueno.

Ricardo Galindo Bueno, is a professional in Finance and International Relations, graduated from the Universidad Externado de Colombia.

In his professional career he has served as Deputy Comptroller, General Director of the National Road Safety Agency and manager of Proexport. In addition, he has held various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will also be responsible for continuing the implementation of tourism Law 2068 of 2020 in its four pillars: sustainability, quality, formalisation and reactivation. 

For further information
MINCIT Vice Ministry of Tourism: https://www.mincit.gov.co/minturismo/viceministerio

Maiden foreign trip for Minister Melanie Huml to Prague

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Maiden foreign trip for Minister Melanie Huml to Prague

14-15 July 2021, Prague, Czech Republic: For her first trip abroad after taking office in the capacity as Minister for European Affairs in January 2021, Melanie Huml deliberately chose the Czech Republic’s capital Prague.

In Prague, Minister Huml held numerous talks with high-ranking representatives of the Czech government and parliament with the aim of further developing and strengthening Bavarian-Czech relations. She met with Czechia’s Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek, with the Coordinator of Bavarian-Czech Parliamentary Cooperation Jan Bartošek as well as the Chairman of the EU Committee Ondřej Benešík, with State Secretary Dr. Jindřich Fryč and Vice-Minister Dr. Pavel Doleček at the Ministry of Education and the Czech State Secretary for European Affairs, Milena Hrdinková.

Specifically, Huml agreed with her Czech partners to intensify mutual youth exchange and language acquisition. The Czech Republic will be one of the focus countries of the “Youth Exchange Bavaria” foundation newly established by the Free State of Bavaria. A start-up project is to be a language animation and encounter programme for kindergartens and primary schools in the border region with the Czech Republic.

As part of an expanded language assistance programme, Bavarian and Czech students are to be given the opportunity to assist in language teaching as native speakers in the neighbouring country. With the Czech Secretary of State for Europe, Hrdinková, it was agreed to continue the exchange on European policy, especially on the latest proposals of the European Commission on the Green Deal.

Europaministerin Melanie Huml, MdL, in Prag vom 14.07. bis 15.07.2021 Bild: Bayerische Staatskanzlei Fotograf: Vaclav Bacovsky

During their talks, Minister Huml stressed the need to move forward together after the Corona pandemic. “During the Corona restrictions, the close cooperation between Bavaria and the Czech Republic helped us a lot. The intensive exchange in the past months has made us grow even closer together,” said the Minister as per statement linked below.

With the Czech Foreign Minister Kulhánek, she agreed to draw up an overall inventory of cooperation at the meeting of the joint Bavarian-Czech intergovernmental commission to be held in November 2021 in order to advance topics and structures of Bavarian-Czech cooperation in their full breadth and to set new priorities. For example, the existing coordination for crisis situations is to be expanded, the exchange on topics of innovation and competitiveness of the economy is to be intensified, and cooperation in science and infrastructure is to be strengthened.

In this context, municipal and regional concerns are to be increasingly integrated into the work of the Commission in order to take into account the special importance of the common border region for Bavarian-Czech cooperation. 

For further information
Representation of the Free State of Bavaria in the Czech Republic: https://www.bayern.de/staatskanzlei/bayern-in-prag/

Highlights of the visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGfgRz3XxUQ
German Embassy in the Czech Republic (HE Ambassador Dr. Christoph Israng): https://prag.diplo.de/cz-de

Photography by Europaministerin Melanie Huml, MdL, in Prag vom 14.07. bis 15.07.2021

Bild: Bayerische Staatskanzlei
Fotograf: Vaclav Bacovsky

ICC hosts Third Asia-Pacific Forum of The Hague

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ICC hosts Third Asia-Pacific Forum of The Hague

On 17 July 2021, the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) hosted the Third Asia-Pacific Forum of The Hague via online format bringing together judges and staff from the Court, and around 200 students and young professionals from the Asia-Pacific region. The event was co-organised by the ICC and The Hague Project Peace and Justice.

The event facilitated a dialogue on enhancing the contribution of international justice for the Asia-Pacific region as well as encouraging students and young professionals from the region to consider a career in the field of international justice. Out of the 123 States Parties to the Rome Statute, 19 are Asia-Pacific States.

“Despite the important contributions of the Asia Pacific, we do not have enough staff members from the region at the Court and we would really like to see that situation change in the future. We also hope that more people from the Asia-Pacific region come to work with us – it would help spread the understanding of the ICC, and over time, contribute to interest in and joining the Rome Statute among those States that have not yet done so,” said ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański.

The first session of the Forum was reserved for presentations of ICC Judge Chang-ho Chung and Judge Tomoko Akane, who spoke on the topic of “Enhancing the Contribution of International Justice for the Asia-Pacific Region.”

In the second session of the Forum, ICC staff from the Asia-Pacific region addressed the topic of “A Career in International Criminal Justice,” by sharing their individual career perspectives and experiences with participants.

This Forum forms part of a broader effort to enhance global understanding and support for the Rome Statute and the Court and to promote cooperation at the regional level. These include the organization of or participation in high-level regional cooperation seminars and symposiums, technical events and workshops aimed at Government leaders and officials, parliamentarians, members of the judiciary, academics and civil society representatives.

VIDEO – Third Asia-Pacific Forum of The Hague

Concert National Day of Colombia – 20 July 2021

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Concert National Day of Colombia – 20 July 2021

The Embassy of Colombia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands is celebrating Colombia National Day with the concert Colombia un amor que nos une.

20 of July at 7:30 broadcast by the Ministry of Culture Facebook and Youtube channels.

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