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Sri Lanka received an Election Observation Mission from the European Union

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a group of people walking down a street with an umbrella
Photo by Brian Kyed on Unsplash

Following an invitation by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, the European Union has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka to observe the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September 2024. The EU has a long history of accompanying electoral processes in Sri Lanka and has deployed EOMs on six occasions, the last in 2019, reflecting the EU’s commitment and partnership with the country.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has appointed Nacho Sánchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.

The High Representative stated: “The deployment of the Election Observation Mission in Sri Lanka this year confirms our long-standing commitment to supporting credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in the country. For the EU, observing the election is a way to support the Sri Lankan people and their efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, in line with our multidimensional and sustainable partnership with the country”.

The Chief Observer declared: “I am honoured to lead the EU EOM to Sri Lanka. The forthcoming presidential election will give a new impetus to democracy following to the 2022 political and economic crisis. This election is important for Sri Lanka to continue making progress on its path of reforms and lasting recovery, in full respect of democratic values”. 

Background

The EU EOM is deployed at the express invitation of the host country and is led by a Chief Observer. It is comprised of different groups of observers. The Core Team consists of a Deputy Chief Observer and nine election experts who will arrive in Colombo on 13 August 2024. Later in August, 26 long-term observers will join the mission and be deployed across the country to follow the election campaign. Thereafter, 32 short-term observers will reinforce the mission on election week, also deployed throughout the country. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.

In line with the EU methodology on election observation, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Colombo after the election. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with national authorities and stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.

The Russian Church presented its goods for “earthly and heavenly protection” at a military forum

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The Tenth International Military-Technical Forum “Army – 2024” held from August 12 to 14 at the “Patriot” Congress and Exhibition Center (Kubinka, Moscow Region).

The event is presented as the world’s leading exhibition of armaments and military equipment, but this year the forum is held in a much more modest format, with representatives from Iran, Belarus, North Korea, Vietnam and China present. Due to the circumstances, the traditional military shows at the Kubinka airport and the Alabino training ground will not be held this year.

One of the central stands of the exhibition was prepared by the Russian Orthodox Church. The stand is of the Synodal Department for interaction with the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, presenting not only the department’s activities, but also the service of the military clergy. Visitors are greeted by military chaplains prepared to answer important spiritual-political questions. The stand presents products of the military-industrial complex, which also offer “heavenly protection” (see the inscription on the display case). This group includes 2 and 3 mm titanium ballistic plates with icons depicted on them (can be used separately or in combination with body armor) and helmets with sacred images.

Since February 2022, the Russian Orthodox Church has sent seven hundred priests to the war against Ukraine and consecrated over 50 thousand military sites and units of military equipment.

TASS has prepared an article about International Military-Technical Forum’s history:

The International Military-Technical Forum “Army” has been held annually since 2015 in accordance with the order of the Russian government. The organizer is the Russian Ministry of Defense. The event includes a large-scale exhibition of the achievements of the Russian defense industry. The forum is designed to promote the technical re-equipment of the Russian Armed Forces (AF) and increase their efficiency, patriotic education of Russian youth, as well as the development of international military-technical cooperation and strengthening the positive image of the Russian Armed Forces. The forum structure includes a static exposition, dynamic and scientific-business programs, as well as protocol and cultural-artistic events.

Photo: Coat of arms of the Military department of the Moscow Patriarchate: “God is with us”

Why cucumbers grow crooked

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An expert from the Union of Gardeners in Russia reveals the secret

Olga Voronova, an expert from the Union of Gardeners in Russia, explained why cucumbers can grow crooked.

The first reason why cucumbers grow crooked is insufficient pollination. The second is sudden stress, usually temperature. For example, it was warm, and then it suddenly got cold with rain and vice versa, says the expert in a comment for Moscow 24.

To protect yourself from temperature differences, it is necessary to cover the cucumbers at night. The same should be done in the conditions of rainy weather and sudden cold, explains Voronova.

To attract bees and other pollinators, you can plant carrots next to cucumbers. They should be placed near the beds or planted in a greenhouse.

The expert points out that you can plant parthenocarpic cucumbers that do not need pollination.

According to forecasters, August will be hot. This means that your vegetable garden will need to be watered regularly.

Source: rambler

Illustrative Photo by Nayan Tiwari: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cucumbers-on-market-21644440/

World News in Brief: Hostilities in Syria, Israeli detention practices, ‘summer wave of COVID-19’ in Europe

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World News in Brief: Hostilities in Syria, Israeli detention practices, ‘summer wave of COVID-19’ in Europe

At least 20 civilians were reportedly killed, and 15 others injured, in recent days, while water stations and other civilian facilities were reportedly damaged or affected, including a UN-supported centre on rural livelihoods.

The fighting has also resulted in power cuts that affected hospitals and water stations.

People living in Deir-ez-Zor continue to experience severe water and fuel shortages, very limited access to healthcare facilities and food insecurity.

OCHA urged warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, including taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of military operations. 

The latest escalation comes as Syria faces record levels of need following 13 years of war, with more than 16 million people requiring assistance this year, amid critical shortfalls in funding.

A $4 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for the country has received $962 million so far, or less than 25 per cent. 

Human rights office renews call for probe into Israel’s detention practices

The UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has reiterated the urgent need for an investigation into Israel’s detention practices following the circulation of another video which allegedly shows a Palestinian man being sexually abused and tortured by soldiers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Office said that “according to a major Israeli media outlet, the video is purportedly of the act in Israel’s Sde Teiman detention camp for which nine soldiers were arrested on 29 July.”

It added that UN Human Rights has documented a number of videos in recent months which show gross violations of the rights of Palestinians detained by Israel, including acts of ill treatment, torture, sexual violence and rape.

“Israel must ensure prompt, independent and effective investigations into all allegations of violations related to the treatment of detainees and conditions of detention, which UN Human Rights monitoring reveals may be widespread, and ensure that perpetrators are held to account,” the Office said.

Vaccines in the spotlight amid ‘summer wave of COVID-19’ in Europe

As Europe confronts a rise in COVID-19 infections, a new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that vaccines do indeed save lives.

The study found that from the time they were introduced in December 2020 through to March 2023, COVID-19 vaccines reduced deaths due to the pandemic by nearly 60 per cent.  As a result, more than 1.6 million lives were saved in the WHO European Region, which comprises 53 countries.

The report also revealed that the known COVID-19 death toll in the region, currently 2.2 million, might have been as high as four million without the vaccines.

“The results are clear: COVID-19 vaccination saves lives,” said Dr. Margaux Meslé, author of the study, which was published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal.

“Without the enormous vaccination effort, we would have seen many more livelihoods disrupted and families losing the most vulnerable among them,” she added.

WHO said the findings are valid as several European countries have reported an uptick in cases in recent weeks, or “a summer wave of COVID-19”.

The agency said this serves as  “a timely reminder that while COVID-19 is fading into distant memory for millions of people, the virus has not gone away.” 

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URIE Interfaith Youth Camp “Seeding the Peace” – A journey of multicultural friendships and interfaith dialogue

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By United Religions International Europe

The “Seeding the Peace” URIE Interfaith youth camp, held in The Hague, Netherlands, brought together 20 young participants and six youth facilitators from across Europe for a unique five-day experience (1-6 of August 2024). This camp aimed to foster multicultural friendships, explore interfaith dialogue, and promote ecological justice.

It was supported by URI Europe and co-organized by 4 URIE CCs Bridges from Bulgaria, Voem from Belgium, Udhetim-i.Lire from Albania and Colorful Segbroek from The Netherlands which hosted the camp in the city of Peace and Justice, The Hague. Also, Sarah Oliver, URI Global Youth and Learning Coordinator, has played an important role in supporting and training youth facilitators.

Day 1: Building Friendships of Trust

The camp started with an official opening at the “Broeders van Sint-Jan Den Haag” Monastery, where participants from Bulgaria, Albania, Belgium, and the Netherlands gathered. Icebreaker games helped the youth bond and introduced the camp’s structure, dividing them into groups representing air, water, fire, and earth. These groups would take turns motivating their peers, maintaining order, and documenting their experiences.

Day 2: Creating Cultures of Interfaith Dialogue

On the second day, participants visited the Peace Palace, where they learned about its history and significance in promoting peace and international justice. This visit was followed by a workshop on interfaith dialogue, centered around the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Through interactive games, the participants deepened their understanding of each other’s cultural and religious backgrounds, setting the stage for meaningful interfaith discussions.

Day 3: Environmental and Social Justice

The third day was a blend of cultural exploration and environmental education. Participants visited a Hindu temple, gaining insights into Hinduism’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions. This was followed by a workshop on environmental protection, where they discussed the importance of sustainability and practical steps they could take to protect the environment. The day concluded with a self-reflective activity where participants wrote postcards to their future selves, capturing their goals and aspirations.

Day 4: Peace and the Arts

A day full of energy, participants explored The Hague, visited famous landmarks, and enjoyed a fun beach activity. The afternoon session was led by HRH Prince Boris of Bulgaria, who came to support and to contribute to the idea of the cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue among young people. Being at the same age as youth facilitators. He accepted with great joy an invitation from Bridges CC to be part of the leading team and to deliver a workshop. “Seeding the creativity” was the title chosen for the session. The idea of peace and eco-justice was beautifully translated into an art piece made by all participants under Prince’s guidance. The day ended with a vibrant cultural exchange night, where participants shared their cultures through music, dance, and food, creating lasting memories and deepening their connections. 

Day 5: Celebrating Peace in Action

 The last day of the camp was marked by a visit to a liberal synagogue, where participants engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the rabbi. The day continued with a creative workshop titled “Express Your Freedom,” led by Carola Goodwin. Through painting, the youth expressed their understanding of freedom and human rights, culminating in a powerful exhibition of their work. The camp concluded with a shared dinner, reflection on the experiences, discussions on future collaborations, and a certificate ceremony.

The “Seeding the Peace” youth camp was a transformative experience, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to be changemakers in their communities. The friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the cultural exchanges that took place will continue to inspire these young leaders as they work towards a more peaceful and just world.

Photo: HRH Prince Boris of Bulgaria at the certificate ceremony

The miniature island that changes its nationality every 6 months

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Gaston de Persigny
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It is located in a river between France and Spain

There are no pheasants on Pheasant Island, Victor Hugo exclaimed when he visited the site in 1843.

In fact, there is almost nothing there. The representatives of the fauna are ducks and migratory birds, there are also a few trees and bushes, plus a monument.

It couldn’t be more – the island is only 200 meters long and its area is 2000 square meters. It is located in the Bidasoa River, which forms the border between the Basque Country in Spain and France and flows into the Bay of Biscay.

The island itself is 10 meters from the Spanish side and 20 meters from the French side. It would be a perfectly ordinary river island if it weren’t for the world’s smallest co-governed territory.

Pheasant Island is under the possession of Spain 6 months of the year – from February 1 to July 31, and in the remaining 6 months – of France.

That is, this very Wednesday, the little piece of land in the middle of the river becomes French again.

The responsibility for the management of the island is shared between the cities of Irun in Spain and Ondai in France. It is not very big – in addition to being uninhabited, the island is also closed to visitors almost constantly. It can only be seen on the days of the handover of power between the two countries or as part of organized tourist tours.

However, the transfer of power itself was accompanied by a solemn ceremony and officials. Responsibilities of the country owning the island are to clean it, maintain the place where boats stop, strengthen the land of the island and take samples of the river water.

Pheasant Island is a condominium – a territory over which at least two countries share their power equally.

For half of the year it is part of France, and for the other half – of Spain.

At the same time, the small piece of land in the river has been divided on both sides for centuries. In the middle of the 17th century – after the end of the 30-year war between France and Spain, it was chosen as the neutral zone on which to negotiate the border.

After the negotiations in 1659, the Treaty of the Pyrenees was also signed there, and the monument on the island commemorates just that.

Agent 007 has a lobular spot, and it’s exactly where he dies in the last movie

As befits the times, the peace is also sealed with a monarchical marriage.

The marriage between the French king Louis XIV and the daughter of the Spanish king – Maria Theresa of Spain – was arranged on the island. It is also where the princess entered France to get married.

Subsequently, the joint authority of the two countries over the territory was also established.

As for the pheasants, the name of the island has nothing to do with them. In Roman times the place was called pausoa, which is the Basque word for cross. The French translated this as peisan – peasant, which was transformed into pheasant – pheasant.

The Czech Republic expelled the head of the Russian court in Prague

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At the beginning of August, the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Czech Republic, Fr. Nikolay Lishchenyuk was declared persona non grata by the authorities. He has to leave the country within a month. He is accused that “with the support of the Russian authorities, he created a structure of influence and threatens the safety of the country.” The case was reported by the Czech publication denikn.cz and RIA Novosti.

Fifty-one-year-old priest Nikolay Lishchenyuk came to the Czech Republic around 2000. According to his official biography, he served in the church of the Russian Embassy in Prague, and later in Karlovy Vary, in the church of St. Peter and Paul”. In 2009, he was appointed as representative of the Moscow Patriarch in Prague, which was opened shortly before that – in 2007.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic terminated his residence permit. He contested and his case reached the Constitutional Court, but lost. Father Nikolay was in the reach of the Czech special services because of “undesirable activity”. The documents in the case state that, with the assistance of the state authorities of the Russian Federation, he organized “an influence structure that aimed to support separatist tendencies in the countries of the European Union.” Therefore, according to the authorities in the Czech Republic, a “reasonable assumption of a threat to the security of the country” has arisen.

Information appeared in the Czech media about the cleric’s connections with Russian businessmen during the renovation of the Karlovy Vary church, as well as about “shadow income” of the ROC from a company for renting accommodation and non-residential premises in the Czech Republic. Already in June of this year, the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic issued a final opinion, and a month later an extraordinary meeting of the Czech Senate was held regarding the activities of the structures of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country.

According to the chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy, Pavel Fischer, “it would be a mistake to allow legal entities that are connected to a country hostile to us to operate in our country.” Moreover, the yard is subordinate to the patr. Kiril, who has been on the Czech Republic’s sanctions list since April 2023, Fischer said during a press conference on the expulsion of the Russian priest.

Czech media recall that this is not the first such case. In September 2023, the representative of the Russian church in Sofia archimandrite Vasian (Zmeev) was deported from Bulgaria along with two priests (one was not actually a cleric). They were summoned to the immigration office to be told that they were declared persona non grata and should leave the country within 24 hours.

In February of this year, the residence permit of the head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of Tallinn Metropolitan Yevgeny (Reshetnikov) was not extended because of his position on the war in Ukraine. Then the Estonian authorities announced that the ROC, which supports Russia’s aggression, is dangerous for the country.

Why do roses have thorns

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Gaston de Persigny
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Roses are one of the most beautiful flowers, but they are distinguished not only by their colors and fragrance, but also by the fact that they have thorns. And probably at least once, while holding a rose in our hand, we have wondered what exactly their purpose is and why nature created them with them. Well, it’s been a mystery for centuries that seems to have been solved today.

The logical explanation of science is that the thorns serve as a defense against animals that want to eat and destroy the plant. This defense mechanism is also found in other crops – such as blackberries, for example. However, the question of how this characteristic develops in different families that arise at different times remains unanswered.

And now scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York have discovered that the presence of thorns in roses is most likely due to their DNA, and specifically to an ancient gene family known as Lonely Guy, or LOG. The genes in question have been shown to be responsible for activating the hormone cytokinin, important for basic functions at the cellular level – including division and expansion. It also plays an important role in plant growth.

In addition, scientists claim that spines have been around for at least 400 million years. Then ferns and their other relatives begin to develop similar growths on their stems. Scientists call the emergence of spines convergent evolution and associate it with adaptation to certain needs and environmental conditions.

Thorns and thorns are thought to have evolved as protection from herbivores, as well as to aid growth, competition between species, and water retention. And attempts at genetic engineering and creation of mutations leading to types of roses without thorns, once again clearly prove how important they are to the survival of the plant species, explains CNN.

Now that the genes responsible for the presence of spines have been identified, the possibility of species without them is also being created by using genome editing techniques that scientists use to modify DNA in living organisms. This can, for example, lead to easier harvesting of rosebushes, as well as easier cultivation. But we also have to think about whether roses would be just as beloved to us if they were without thorns.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-red-rose-15239/

A monastery in the Kursk region severely damaged

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A Ukrainian drone struck a monastery in the Kursk region of Russia, Reuters reported on 19.07.2024. A 60-year-old parishioner was killed in the attack, which took place around 08:30 local time.

A Russian channel in “Telegram” indicated that a drone had fired eight projectiles at the Belogorsky Monastery “St. Nicholas” in the village of Gornal, next to the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the attack.

The men’s monastery was founded in 1671 and the writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky once lived there, who immortalized his conversations with the monks in his novel The Brothers Karamazov.

A child was injured in a previous attack on the monastery in August last year.

St. Nicholas Monastery in Gornal village, Kursk Diocese, has been severely damaged in the hostilities that broke out in the Kursk region after the Ukrainian troops had crossed the state border of the Russian Federation. The Armed Forces of Ukraine shelled St. Nicholas Monastery, which is located in Gornal village, Sudzha district, Kursk region, several kilometres from the border with Ukraine, patriarchia.ru reports.

According to the abbot of the monastery, Hegumen Pitirim (Plaksin), the Ukrainian forces opened fire on the monastery at about 7 a.m. on 6th August 2024, practically destroying the monastery’s main church that was being prepared for consecration. Burnt walls is what is left of the church. The Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and the brethren’s living quarters caught fire and were also seriously damaged.

On 7th August, most of the monks managed to evacuate. Seventeen people left the monastery. During the evacuation, one person, a monastery worker, died. Two monks still remain in the monastery. It is impossible to contact them.

There is continuing uncertainty as to what is going on in the monastery now. According to unverifiable information, it is under control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As the hostilities in the region continue, it is impossible to obtain additional information about the people still remaining in the Gornal Monastery and the damage to its buildings.

As for other churches in the Kursk Diocese that may be damaged by the shelling, information is being clarified.

Photo: DECR Communication Service, 09/08/2024

UN chief calls for inclusive elections in Bangladesh

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UN chief calls for inclusive elections in Bangladesh

In a statement issued by his Deputy Spokesperson late on Monday (New York time), the UN chief also called for full respect of the human rights across the country.

“The Secretary-General welcomes efforts to restore calm and organize parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, with the support of an interim government,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

He also called on the interim administration being led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunis “to continue to make every effort” to be inclusive, taking into account the voices of women and youth as well as those of minority and indigenous communities, as the country moves towards new elections.

Mr. Yunus and the Grameen Bank, which he founded, were the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for their work based around grassroots economic and social development.

He was sworn in last Thursday as the chief adviser to the interim government (a position equivalent to the Prime Minister), after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following weeks of protests.

The statement further noted that the Secretary-General stood in “full solidarity” with the people of Bangladesh and called for the full respect of their human rights.  

“He continues to underscore the need for a full, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all acts of violence,” the statement added.

Dramatic fall of the Government

More than 300 people, including many children, are said to have been killed since student-led protests erupted in July, while more than 20,000 were injured. The bloodshed was among the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh.

The unrest began in July with protests by students against civil service job quotas. Though the scheme was withdrawn, protests erupted again in early August, with the key demand for PM Hasina to quit and for those responsible for the violent suppression of demonstrations to be held accountable.

Ms. Hasina had been in power since January 2009, having earlier led the country from 1996 to 2001.

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