EU adopts new sanctions against Russia

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19 December 2023

EU adopts new sanctions against Russia — © Council of the EU

The twelfth package of new sanctions against Russia includes a ban on the import, purchase or transfer of diamonds from Russia. It also reinforces enforcement and measures against circumvention of sanctions.

The Council adopted today a twelfth package of economic and individual restrictive measures in view of the continued Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. These measures deliver a further blow to Putin’s ability to wage war by targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions.

The agreed package includes the following measures:

Diamonds

The EU is imposing a prohibition on the direct or indirect import, purchase or transfer of diamonds from Russia. This prohibition applies to diamonds originating in Russia, diamonds exported from Russia, diamonds transiting Russia and Russian diamonds when processed in third countries.

A direct ban applies to non-industrial natural and synthetic diamonds as well as diamond jewellery, as of 1 January 2024. Furthermore, an indirect import ban of Russian diamonds when processed (i.e. cut and/or polished) in third countries, including jewellery incorporating diamonds originating in Russia, will be phased in progressively as of 1 March 2024 and be completed by 1 September 2024. This phasing-in of indirect import bans is justified by the need to deploy a traceability mechanism that enables effective enforcement measures and minimises disruptions for the EU market.

The ban of Russian diamonds is part of a G7 effort to develop an internationally coordinated diamond ban that aims at depriving Russia of this important revenue source.

No Russia clause

Today’s decision requires that EU exporters contractually prohibit re-exportation to Russia and re-exportation for use in Russia of particularly sensitive goods and technology, when selling, supplying, transferring or exporting to a third country, with the exception of partner countries. The clause covers prohibited items used in Russian military systems found on the battlefield in Ukraine or critical to the development, production or use of those Russian military systems, as well as aviation goods and weapons.

Import-export controls and restrictions

The Council added 29 new entities to the list of those directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. They will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. Some of these 29 entities belong to third countries involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions, or are Russian entities involved in the development, production and supply of electronic components for Russia’s military and industrial complex.

Furthermore, today’s decision expands the list of restricted items that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector to include: chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats, DC motors and servomotors for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), machine tools and machinery parts.

Lastly, the EU introduced further restrictions on imports of goods which generate significant revenues for Russia and thereby enable the continuation of its war of aggression against Ukraine, such pig iron and spiegeleisen, copper wires, aluminium wires, foil, tubes and pipes for a total value of €2.2 billion per year. A new import ban is introduced on liquefied propane (LPG) with a 12-month transitional period.

Lastly, the Council decided to introduce some exemptions to import restrictions concerning personal use items, such as personal hygiene items, or clothing worn by travellers or contained in their luggage, and for cars that have a diplomatic vehicle registration plate to enter the EU. Additionally, in order to facilitate the entry into the Union of EU citizens living in Russia, member states can authorise the entry of their cars provided that the cars are not for sale and are driven for strictly personal use.

Enforcement and anti-circumvention measures

The transit ban that currently applies to dual use goods and technologies exported from the EU to third countries via the territory of Russia will be extended to all battlefield goods.

In order to further limit circumvention, today’s decision includes a ban on Russian nationals from owning, controlling or holding any posts on the governing bodies of the legal persons, entities or bodies providing crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents.

Additionally, the existing prohibition on the provision of services will be extended to also include the provision of software for the management of enterprises and software for industrial design and manufacture.

Lastly the EU is imposing notification requirements for the transfer of funds outside the EU by any entity established in the EU that is owned or controlled by an entity established in Russia, or by a Russian national or natural person residing in Russia.

Enforcement of oil price cap

The Council is introducing tighter compliance rules to support the implementation of the oil price cap and clamp down on circumvention. Furthermore a strengthened information sharing mechanism will allow better identification of vessels and entities carrying out deceptive practices, such as ship-to-ship transfers used to conceal the origin or destination of cargo and AIS manipulations, while transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products.

The Council also decided to introduce notification rules for the sale of tankers to any third country in order to make more transparent their sale and export, in particular in the case of second-hand carriers that could be used to evade the import ban on Russian crude or petroleum products and the G7 Price Cap.

Iron and steel

Today’s decision adds Switzerland to a list of partner countries which apply a set of restrictive measures on imports of iron and steel from Russia, and a set of import control measures that are substantially equivalent to those of the EU.

It also extends the wind-down periods for the import of specific steel products.

Individual listings

In addition to economic sanctions, the Council decided to list a significant amount of additional individuals and entities.

Background

In the European Council conclusions of 26-27 October 2023, the EU reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter and reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression.

The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.

The leaders of Hungary and Turkey exchanged generous gifts

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Newsroom

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19 December 2023

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This happened upon the arrival of the Turkish president in Budapest. Viktor Orbán surprised him with a gift – a horse, – “A gift from one horse nation to another horse nation: Aristocrat, a stallion of the Nonius breed from the Mezehedish horse farm,” he wrote on Facebook and accompanied the post with a photo.

In return, he received an electric car from Recep Erdogan.

The two demonstrated a serious warming of relations. This is Erdogan’s second visit to Hungary in the last few months. The official occasion is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, but the focus is on the subject of Sweden’s membership in NATO – which neither Turkey nor Hungary has yet ratified.

“For Hungary, Turkey is very important. Hungary has no security without Turkey. We cannot stop the migration that threatens us without their help. The only country that was able to achieve some result in the direction of peace between Ukraine and Russia was Turkey – with the grain deal,” Orban specified.

The world’s fourth Harry Potter store opens in Istanbul

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Newsroom

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19 December 2023

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The store will become a hub for fans not only from Turkey, but also from the Middle East, the Balkans and neighboring regions who share their passion for the wizarding world of Harry Potter

Anticipation among “Harry Potter” fans in Istanbul is reaching its peak as the fourth Wizarding World store worldwide is set to open its doors in the city, Daily Sabah reported. The company “Magic Shop” started preparations for the opening of the store with an investment amounting to millions of euros.

The store aims to become a hub for fans not only from Turkey, but also from the Middle East, the Balkans and neighboring regions who share their passion for the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

The series of books “Harry Potter”, created by the author J. K. Rowling, gained worldwide fame and became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages with her books and films.

This distinctive and innovative store will offer a variety of products under one roof, providing Harry Potter lovers with an unparalleled shopping and immersive experience featuring local and international merchandise.

Located in the Mall of Istanbul, the store occupies an area of 200 square meters. “Wizarding World Shop by Sihir Dükkanı” will be able to boast a wide range of about 1,500 products from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” series.

The store will reflect the captivating atmosphere of the Harry Potter universe in its interior design and will feature excerpts from the series on the walls, iconic figurines of the characters in the windows and unique details around every corner.

Visitors can expect exclusive experiences such as “Choosing a Wand”, “Determining a Home from the Sorting Hat”, “Trying on the Invisibility Cloak” and “Platform 9 ¾ Photos” daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Photo: Dukes Chocolate Frog Cauldron Mug / Wizarding World Shop by Sihir Dükkanı. – “Win the Trophy and You’ll Be in the Harry Potter World… We often encounter these miraculous drinks in the magical world of Harry Potter. These potions are made in a witch’s cauldron. As the Magic Shop, we create valuable and unique mugs that will transport you to the mysterious and fantastic universe and make you think as if you are with Harry Potter. Honey Dukes Chocolate Frog Cauldron Mug is a very valuable mug that will create a feeling of magic that we brought for you from this fantastic world.”

Financial scandal in the Vatican: Cardinal was sentenced to prison

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Gaston de Persigny

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19 December 2023

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This is happening for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church

A cardinal was sentenced to prison by a Vatican court. This is happening for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, and the sentence was pronounced in a landmark case for a financial scandal involving questionable transactions for millions of euros, DPA reported.

A Vatican court has sentenced Italian Cardinal Angelo Beccu to five years and six months in prison for his role in a willful embezzlement scandal. Never before has a cardinal of the Roman Curia been sentenced to prison by a Vatican court. Bechu’s lawyers said they would appeal the verdict.

Vatican prosecutor Alessandro Didi initially asked for seven years and three months in prison for Bechu, 75, and a heavy fine. Nine other people are accused along with him.

The process is one of the most noisy in the history of the Vatican. For the first time, a high-ranking cardinal stands on the dock.

The case, which had been going on for more than five years, had as its main subject the purchase of luxury properties in the London district of Chelsea by the Vatican Secretariat of State, where Bechu held an important position for several years.

The accusation against him was that the deal caused significant financial damage to the Vatican, since more money was invested in its conclusion than expected. This has cost the Vatican hundreds of millions.

Meanwhile, along with the investigation into the dubious multi-million euro deal in London, dubious relationships and machinations in the Vatican itself were also revealed.

The Vatican Prosecutor’s Office accused the Italian cleric and nine other people of extortion, money laundering, fraud, corruption, misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.

The case caused significant damage to the image of the world’s smallest country.

After the accusations were brought against him, Bechu, who is originally from Sardinia, lost his rights as a cardinal and thus, for example, could not participate in the election of a new pope, or the so-called conclave.

However, Bechu, who was once considered a possible candidate for the papacy, still has the right to be called a cardinal.

When the scandal surrounding him broke out, Pope Francis removed him from his position as prefect of the Congregation for Canonization. Pope Francis and the Vatican administration learned a lesson from the property scandal. The pontiff restructured the responsibilities of the Curia, as the Vatican government is known.

It took away the right of the powerful Secretariat of State to dispose of assets and other powers of the Holy See. It is now the responsibility of the Vatican property administration, known as the Administration for the Property of the Apostolic See, and the Vatican Bank, known as the Institute for Religious Activity

Photo by Aliona & Pasha: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-vatican-city-3892129/

Gaza hospital destroyed, WHO chief reiterates ceasefire call

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EuropeanTimes

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18 December 2023

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Gaza hospital destroyed, WHO chief reiterates ceasefire call — ©WHO - Thousands of families are taking refuge in camps in southern Gaza.

The head of the UN health agency Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has spoken out against the “effective destruction” of a Gaza hospital in the north by Israeli forces over the weekend, leading to the deaths of eight patients including a nine-year-old child.

Kamal Adwan Hospital was raided by the Israeli military over four days last week and the World Health Organization (WHO) said that many health workers were reportedly detained.

“Gaza’s health system was already on its knees and the loss of another even minimally functioning hospital is a severe blow,” Tedros wrote on social platform X.

Less than a third of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are at least partially functional, including only one in the enclave’s north.

“Attacks on hospitals, health personnel and patients must end. Ceasefire NOW,” Tedros insisted.

Table of Contents

Displaced persons’ tents ‘bulldozed’

The WHO chief said that many patients at Kamal Adwan had to self-evacuate “at great risk to their health and safety” while ambulances were unable to reach the facility.

UN humanitarian affairs coordination office OCHA said in an update that on Saturday Israeli forces withdrew from the hospital and according to media reports “an Israeli military bulldozer flattened the tents of a number of internally displaced persons outside the hospital, killing and wounding an unconfirmed number of people”.

Tedros said on X that WHO is “extremely concerned” for the well-being of those displaced people.

According to OCHA the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah has called for an investigation into the incident. OCHA also quoted the Israeli army as saying that it had detained 90 people as part of the operation and “found weapons and munitions inside the hospital”.

Communications blackout

Due to a telecommunications and internet blackout in Gaza which started last Thursday and continued into the weekend, OCHA stressed that its latest update on the humanitarian situation in the Strip provided only “limited” information from the past 24 hours.

Gaza’s health authorities have not updated their casualty numbers since the start of the blackout, which at that point stood at 18,787 fatalities and over 50,000 people injured since 7 October.

The UN Office reported continuing “heavy Israeli bombardments” across the Strip over the weekend in particular in Khan Younis in the south and in several areas of Gaza city in the north.

Intense fighting raged between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in Khan Younis and Rafah, as well as continued firing of rockets by Palestinian armed groups into Israel, OCHA said.

© UNOCHA – The Kerem Shalom border crossing. (file)

Second border crossing opens for aid

The humanitarian situation in the enclave remains desperate as most of the population is displaced, crowded into a small area in the south, facing dire sanitary conditions and lacking food and water.

Hopes for a scale-up of aid deliveries saw a boost with the announcement on Friday of the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza, which was welcomed by the aid community.

The crossing reportedly opened on Sunday for the first time since 7 October. Up until this moment only the Rafah border crossing in the south had been open since deliveries resumed on 21 October.

“The fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid,” UN emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths, who heads OCHA, said in reaction to the development, “but what the people in Gaza need most is an end to this war”.

Pope Francis celebrated his 87th birthday in the presence of dozens of children

By

Gaston de Persigny

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18 December 2023

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Children from the Vatican-run pediatric clinic sang several songs for the Holy Father

Pope Francis turned 87 today, greeted by children who helped him blow out the candle on a celebratory white cake, Reuters reported. Children from the Vatican-run pediatric clinic sang several songs to the Holy Father and presented him with a bouquet of sunflowers.

Later, in a traditional Christmas season event during his weekly address in St. Peter’s Square, he blessed small figurines of the baby Jesus held by children who would then place them in their homes.

“Happy birthday” (Buon Compleanno in Italian), shouted the dozens of small children in the square, holding placards with the same greeting.

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents. On March 13, 2013, the cardinals elected him the first pope from Latin America.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also greeted the Holy Father with a post on the X platform, until recently Twitter, and thanked him for his “strong commitment to peace” around the world.

Illustrative Photo by Javon Swaby: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-beige-concrete-building-during-nighttime-2762485/

MEPs Call on Borrell to Take Action to Protect Minority Rights in Iran

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Newsroom

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16 December 2023

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The Iranian oppressive regime barred Mahsa Amini’s family from traveling to France to receive her prestigious Sakharov Prize, awarded posthumously. Following this, Fulvio Martusciello, head of the Forza Italia delegation and MEP for the EPP group, posed questions before the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, concerning the plight of women and minorities in Iran and called on him to take a stand on this pressing issue.

Mahsa Amini, who was killed by the Iranian regime, was of Kurdish descent, and there are many other non-Persian minorities in the country such as Azerbaijanis, Arabs, Baluchis and Turks. Martusciello emphasized that the Azerbaijani population, which is the largest minority in the country, is brutally oppressed by the Iranian regime. The so-called southern Azerbaijanis, who number approximately 30 million in Iran, are deprived of basic rights. Even the exact number of Azerbaijanis living in Iran is unknown, as the authorities consider this information too sensitive.

The Persian-controlled Iranian administration seeks to eradicate the culture and sense of self-determination of the Azerbaijani people, turning them into “Persians”. Simply put, the regime does not recognize their children as citizens of Azerbaijani origin.

The very essence of the national identity and culture of the Azerbaijani people is not allowed to exist. Their language has never been recognized as an official language, it is not used in official correspondence, and the government forbids its use, study and teaching.

The poverty rate among Azerbaijanis in Iran is one of the highest. They are underrepresented in key positions. They are not allowed to form their own ideological groups and associations.

EU institutions have been informed about the human rights situation thanks to several significant associations of southern Azerbaijanis and prominent media organizations. They continually send reports about human rights violations by the IRGC against Azerbaijani activists demanding equal rights. The Iranian regime imprisoned Hamid Yeganapur from Maragha, Arash Johari from Mughan, Peyman Ibrahimi from Tabriz, Alirza Ramezani from Qazvin and many other Azerbaijani activists

Members of the EU Parliament called on Mr. Borrell personally, as well as the EU Parliament as a whole to take a tougher stance against Tehran’s violations. They demanded an immediate end to social, ethnic, economic and environmental discrimination against Azerbaijanis and other minorities.

Pope Francis wants to be buried outside the Vatican

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Newsroom

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16 December 2023

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Francis has revealed he is working with the Vatican’s ceremonial leader to pardon the complex and proverbially long papal funeral rites

Pope Francis, who eschews much of the pomp and privilege of the Vatican, has decided to relax significantly the elaborate rites of a papal funeral. Under the entrepreneurial steps, Francis would be the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican, Reuters reported.

Francis, who turned 87 on Sunday, revealed his funeral plans in an interview with Mexican TV station En Plus on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

In the interview, recorded before the pope celebrated mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis appeared recovered from the bronchitis he suffered recently. Prior to the interview with the journalist, the pope laughs as he discusses various topics, including his health, migration, and his relationship with his predecessor, Benedict X. He also talked about his plans to travel abroad. The head of the Roman Catholic Church says he hopes to make three trips throughout the year – to Polynesia, Belgium and his first visit to his native Argentina since he was elected pope in 2013.

Francis revealed that he is working with the Vatican’s ceremonial leader to pardon the elaborate and proverbially long papal funeral rites that were used for his predecessors.

He also stated that because of his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, he decided to be buried in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where he traditionally goes to pray before and after each of his overseas trips.

For more than 100 years, the mortal remains of popes have been laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Reuters notes.

Photo by Kai Pilger: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-building-and-people-standing-near-water-fountain-1243538/

Turkey introduces non-alcoholic all inclusive in some hotels

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Newsroom

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15 December 2023

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The head of the Mediterranean Association of Hoteliers and Tour Operators (AKTOB) Kaan Cavaloglu motivated the need for this initiative with the rising costs against the background of the complex economic situation in Turkey

Representatives of the Turkish tourism industry propose to review the “all inclusive” system in some hotels. In such cases, it is envisaged that tourists will be able to choose which food and drinks they will pay for, writes the Turkish newspaper “Tourism Gazetesi”.

In general, in many places the “all inclusive” system will remain.

The head of the Mediterranean Association of Hoteliers and Tour Operators (AKTOB) Kaan Cavaloglu motivated the need for this initiative with the rising costs against the background of the complex economic situation in Turkey, as well as with the creation of new types of services with lower prices for tourists.

The proposed model, tentatively called “pay as much as you use”, is primarily aimed at the non-alcoholic version of “all inclusive”.

In Turkey, there are hotels with a non-alcoholic “all inclusive” system, and in recent years many such packages have been sold, including on the Russian market. This type of package is mainly oriented towards family vacations.

According to tour operators, vacations in Turkey with a non-alcoholic version of the “all inclusive” system are 7-10 percent cheaper than usual. It is not yet clear how much more economical the pay-as-you-use format will be compared to traditional packages.

Illustrative Photo by LADY LUCK: https://www.pexels.com/photo/eftalia-aqua-resort-in-turkey-14360313/

Why do dogs destroy things when they are alone

By

Gaston de Persigny

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15 December 2023

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You come home after a long day at work and your dog greets you at the door – tail wagging and sloppy kisses. You smile, grateful for this kind welcome. And then your gaze goes slightly to the sides. To the pillows you bought last week, which are now strewn across the floor with stuffing everywhere… Next to them rest your new sneakers, also torn, and your favorite sweater, which has clearly been used as your dog’s bed, is also among the remains.

If this tragic scene sounds familiar to you, then we hasten to reassure you – you are not alone! Many dog owners have promptly parted with some of their favorite possessions this way. Because a lot of pets tend to destroy things when they are alone. But why do they do it? The reason varies depending on the animal’s needs and temperament, but loneliness and boredom stand out as the most common motivating factors.

The root of behavior

According to Dr. Gregory Burns, a neuroscientist at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, dogs have the emotional and intellectual capacity of a small child. They are capable of affection and affection, but it is quite likely that they do not understand that when you leave the house, you will soon be back. Oppressed and stressed, they act by tearing and biting everything within their reach. Of course, not all quadrupeds react this way. That’s why veterinarians still aren’t sure why some pets tolerate loneliness better than others. Statistics show that adopted dogs are more prone to separation anxiety than those who have been with their owners since they were puppies. Separation anxiety usually occurs after changes in a dog’s usual routine and lifestyle, such as a new job that requires you to stay out of your home late.

It is also possible that your dog is simply bored. All four-legged friends, even the smaller breeds, need regular physical and mental activity. Our pets feel best when they have a regular schedule that includes a variety of games, exercise and socialization. This, of course, varies by breed. But in any case, a dog that hasn’t had enough of these things may try to get what it needs in less constructive ways.

Behavioral encouragement

The dog has no way of telling you if it’s feeling bored or anxious, so it’s your job as its owner to try to understand what it’s trying to show you through its behavior. If you think his schedule needs more activity, try this first. Don’t forget to direct him to the toys while you’re there, too, so he can figure them out on his own when you’re gone.

Sometimes you may think you’ve done everything you can to keep your dog from exhibiting destructive behavior in your absence. You took him for a long walk, you paid attention to playing and cuddling, to eating and treats… So far so good! But as soon as you grab your keys, your pet seems on command to become nervous. Professional dog trainer Karin Lyles of Toronto shared with PetMD that sometimes dogs look for signs that their owners are about to leave them, and they stress them out.

Sometimes something as simple as picking up the keys or putting on your shoes in the other room can break the connection the animal is making and prevent it from associating these actions with you leaving.

Even if you’re sure you know what’s causing your pet to destroy things in your absence, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your veterinarian. The specialist’s professional experience will help you understand if the animal’s behavior shows the beginnings of separation anxiety, restlessness or boredom.

Whatever the problem may be, remember that fixing it will take time. And during this process, you should not forget that your pet does not destroy your favorite things maliciously. It is trying to express its emotional state – be it boredom or anxiety, neither of which will go away if you punish it afterwards.

Redirect him, give him alternatives, but try not to yell or try to make him feel bad.

Photo by nishizuka: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-chihuahua-485294/

Latest news of Europe and the world.

EU adopts new sanctions against Russia

Diamonds

No Russia clause

Import-export controls and restrictions

Enforcement and anti-circumvention measures

Enforcement of oil price cap

Iron and steel

Individual listings

Background

The leaders of Hungary and Turkey exchanged generous gifts

The world’s fourth Harry Potter store opens in Istanbul

Financial scandal in the Vatican: Cardinal was sentenced to prison

Gaza hospital destroyed, WHO chief reiterates ceasefire call

Displaced persons’ tents ‘bulldozed’

Communications blackout

Second border crossing opens for aid

Pope Francis celebrated his 87th birthday in the presence of dozens of children

MEPs Call on Borrell to Take Action to Protect Minority Rights in Iran

Pope Francis wants to be buried outside the Vatican

Turkey introduces non-alcoholic all inclusive in some hotels

Why do dogs destroy things when they are alone

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