All fines that can be imposed on you in Greece

The former director, Valentin Nikolov, of the Bulgarian Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant specified already in May this year that the Ukrainians are interested because very few countries in the world are already building such reactors.

Ukraine has two units almost fully built, lacking only the long-cycle production equipment that Bulgaria has, purchased from Russia. Thus, Ukraine is the only buyer in the world for Bulgarian equipment, and Bulgaria is the only seller for them.

“Information has come out that Ukraine is interested in buying our reactors for the Belene NPP, which are in storage. The Ukrainians are interested because very few countries in the world are already making such reactors”. This was stated by Valentin Nikolov, former head of the Bulgarian Energy Holding, to NOVA NEWS.

“The Ukrainians have many factories that manufacture equipment based on Russian technologies, they have experience with Russian technologies. This is an option to build their missing capacities, because the Zaporizhzhia NPP is under Russian control,” explained the former director of the Kozloduy NPP.

GERB-SDS MP Delyan Dobrev announced on Facebook on July 4 that a decision was submitted to the National Assembly, which mandates the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev to conduct negotiations with Ukraine for the sale of the equipment for the Belene NPP.

Dobrev emphasized that after the start of the war in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia, the Belene NPP project is finally doomed.

“I have just submitted with my colleagues a Decision of the National Assembly to instruct the Minister of Energy to conduct negotiations with Ukraine on the sale of the equipment for Belene. The price is subject to negotiation, but it cannot be lower than what Bulgaria paid for the equipment in question – almost BGN 1.2 billion,” said the GERB deputy and former energy minister.

As of 2020, the “Belene” NPP project has been stopped again, but it continues to swallow costs – for conservation and maintenance of the equipment and for security – of several million BGN per year. The equipment for the nuclear island of the project, worth BGN 1.2 billion, which was brought to our country in 2017, after the Russian “Atomstroyexport” condemned the “National Electric Company” (NEK) to pay it for the ordered components.

Photo: Belene Nuclear Power Plant

OHCHR ‘very concerned’ over militarization of public security in Honduras

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7 July 2023

OHCHR ‘very concerned’ over militarization of public security in Honduras

OHCHR Spokesperson Marta Hurtado told journalists in Geneva that the Government had issued a 45-day extension on Wednesday.

“The state of emergency, in force in 17 of the 18 departments in Honduras, enables the military police to support the national police in carrying out public security tasks. It also derogates the right of personal liberty, freedom of association, assembly, and movement, and allows security and armed forces to carry out arrests and searches without a warrant,” she said.

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Military operations

The Spokesperson said that on 21 June, the authorities announced that the command and control of the entire Honduran prison system was being transferred to the military police.

“This decision came in the wake of a violent incident at the national women’s prison in the town of Tamara, where 46 female inmates were killed when members of one gang attacked a part of the prison housing members of a rival gang,” said Ms. Hurtado.

Rights violations

She also voiced concerns about human rights violations and adequate access to food, water, and the practice of subjecting inmates to sleep deprivation. Ms. Hurtado also reported ill treatment of inmates by the military police.

“Initial monitoring by our Office, as well as information from civil society organizations and other sources with regard to military operations in prisons, indicates that inmates, in particular those allegedly associated with gangs, have been beaten and kicked by military police,” she said.

Criminal justice challenges

She called on authorities to end the abuse, halt violence against inmates, and prevent further violations of human rights. She also called for accountability and prompt investigation of allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.

“Efforts should immediately be redoubled to address long-standing criminal justice and prison challenges. These include the extensive use of incarceration, overcrowding, unsuitable living conditions, the lack of basic services, and inmates controlling some prisons,” Ms. Hurtado said.

“All efforts to address the prison challenge should be based on international human rights law and standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (known as the Nelson Mandela Rules),” she said, empasizing that OHCHR in Honduras remains available to provide technical assistance.

UN relief chief calls for continued support for Syria and other crisis regions

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7 July 2023

UN relief chief calls for continued support for Syria and other crisis regions

The “relief chief” was speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York just as these two separate lifesaving initiatives are set to expire in the coming days.

He also voiced concern over gender-based violence in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and noted lack of hope over the crisis in Sudan.

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Syria cross-border renewal

The northwest region is the last opposition stronghold in Syria, and aid has been delivered there from Türkiye through a cross-border mechanism first authorized by the UN Security Council in 2014. He said negotiations on its extension are at a critical juncture.

“We’re three days away, I think, from the decision point for renewal of that resolution, which we are all very clear about,” he said.

Mr. Griffiths also underscored the need to ensure increased humanitarian support for Syria, where a staggering 90 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line after more than a decade of war.

Severe funding shortfall

A $5.4 billion plan for aid operations this year is only 12 per cent funded, he added, and the fallout could include the World Food Programme (WFP) being forced to cut rations by 40 per cent.

“The big story for me on Syria, among many, many other aspects of the tragedy of that conflict, is this absence of sufficient aid,” he said.

Mr. Griffiths also touched on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, part of landmark UN-brokered accords signed last July with Russia, Ukraine, and Türkiye.

Grain deal running out

The deal has facilitated the export of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs and aims to ensure the same for Russian food and fertilizer. It is due to expire mid-month and Moscow has repeatedly said it sees no reason to continue participating.

In a statement on Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the importance of “full and continued implementation of the agreements”.

“The world has seen the value of the Black Sea initiative,” said Mr. Griffiths, responding to a journalist’s question. “So, this isn’t something you chuck away.”

‘No hope’ in Sudan

Mr. Griffiths will travel to Ethiopia this weekend to participate in a meeting on Sudan, where fighting between rival military forces has displaced nearly three million people since mid-April.

“Sudan is a story that has not got any better in the last weeks at all,” he said, noting that access to the Darfur region “remains virtually nil”.

Although authorities in neighbouring Chad have been helpful in getting humanitarians into West Darfur, the security situation there remains extraordinarily dangerous, he said. Moving aid from Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast has also been challenging.

“Sudan is, from my perspective, a place of no hope at the moment and a place where there is only everything to do,” he said, referring to the need to mobilize funding and to ensure cross-border access from Egypt, Chad, and Ethiopia, as well as within the country.

Mr. Griffiths highlighted the critical role of civil society partners in delivering aid in Sudan, who “risk life and limb daily to help their local communities and their neighbourhoods”.

Gender-based violence

The humanitarian chief also addressed gender-based violence in the DRC, describing it as among the “terrible, terrible tragedies” in the country. He warned that there could be “an extraordinary” 125,000 cases this year if the current rate of incidence continues.

“We need to shine a light on this issue because it’s not just the DRC,” he said. “The Secretary-General spoke about it in the context of Haiti. It’s also in Sudan. But, the DRC for me epitomizes the appalling nature of man’s inhumanity, mostly to women and girls.”

Climate change challenge

Turning to climate change, Mr. Griffiths pointed to the unprecedented drought in the Horn of Africa following six consecutive failed rainy seasons. Humanitarian response also continues in the wake of the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye in February, and historic flooding in Pakistan last year.

He said humanitarians have stepped up their engagement in relation to UN climate change conferences, known as COPs, the latest of which will be held in the United Arab Emirates this November.

“Our emphasis…going into COP will be to try to maximize the use of climate funds for frontline communities around the world which are directly impacted by climate. So, it’s about adaptation and resilience,” he said.

UN rights experts ‘appalled’ by attack on Russian journalist and lawyer in Chechnya

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7 July 2023

UN rights experts ‘appalled’ by attack on Russian journalist and lawyer in Chechnya

Yelena Milashina, who works for the independent investigative news service Novaya Gazeta, was travelling with Alexander Nemov when they were attacked on Monday morning on their way to covering the trial of Zarema Musaeva, the mother of exiled opposition activists who challenged the leader of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov.

The experts urged Russia to fully investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. According to news reports, Russian authorities have opened a criminal case into the attack.

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Blatant disregard for safety

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteurs described the brutal assault by a group of masked assailants as “another example of the blatant disregard for the safety of journalists and human rights defenders in the Russian Federation”.

The pair were assaulted and badly beaten shortly after arriving in the Russian Republic of Chechnya on Tuesday.

President Kadyrov stated on social media in January 2022 that the family of Ms. Musaeva “was waiting for a place either in prison or in the ground”.

Mr. Nemov is part of the team of lawyers defending her. Due to the attack, he was unable to attend court for the hearing.

Ms. Milashina is a journalist who has reported for years on Chechnya, investigating human rights abuses in the region, said the experts in a press release issued by the UN Human Rights Office, OHCHR.

‘Terrorist’ accusation

Because of death threats from the Chechen leader, she had to temporarily flee Russia in February 2022 after Mr. Kadyrov publicly called her “a terrorist”, saying “we have always eliminated terrorists and their accomplices”.

The experts pointed out that Ms. Milashina’s investigative reporting followed in the footsteps of two other women journalists, Novaya Gazeta colleague Anna Politkovskaya and Chechen campaigner Natalia Estemirova, both murdered to silence their investigative work in Chechnya.

According to reports, the assailants beat them with clubs and kicked them, took their phones, smashed their equipment, and destroyed documents. They repeatedly shouted: “You were warned. Get out of here and do not write anything.”

Dangers and risks

“This incident highlights the dangers and risks faced by journalists and human rights defenders in their efforts to protect human rights and seek justice for victims in the Russian Federation, and particularly the Chechen Republic,” the experts said.

Both of the victims were admitted to hospital in the capital city of Grozny with serious injuries. Ms. Milashina is suffering from a head injury and periodically lost consciousness in the hospital.

Fingers on both her hands were broken, her body was covered in bruises, and her head was shaved by the attackers and doused with brilliant green dye, which is a severe form of humiliation against women in the North Caucasus, OHCHR said.

Due to further concerns about their safety, they were transferred to a medical facility in the city of Beslan in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia.

“We are relieved that Yelena Milashina and Alexander Nemov escaped alive from the attack and appreciate efforts to bring them to safety,” the experts said. “However, we are gravely concerned about continuing threats to their lives and well-being.”

Close watch on the case

“We will be closely monitoring this case, which is another attempt to silence independent voices advocating for justice for the victims of human rights violations in Russia,” they said.

They called on Russia to end the current “climate of impunity and demonstrate its willingness to create an enabling and safe environment for all journalists and human rights defenders, free from intimidation and threats to their lives, in line with its international obligations and commitments”.

Experts’ mandate

Independent human rights experts are all appointed under the Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures.

They are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations. They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.

UN-brokered grain and fertilizer deals ‘indispensable’ to global food security

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7 July 2023

UN-brokered grain and fertilizer deals ‘indispensable’ to global food security

In a statement issued by his Deputy Spokesperson, António Guterres reiterated “the importance of full and continued implementation” of the agreements signed last July in Istanbul, known as the Black Sea Initiative – allowing Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs safe passage to world markets – and the Memorandum of Understanding with Moscow over fertilizer exports.

Russia is still weighing up if it will continue to be a part of the deal, agreed with Ukraine and administered along with the UN and Türkiye, past a deadline of 17 July. Last May, Russia had agreed to a 60-day extension, and the UN has been leading negotiations to ensure its continuation.

A Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul with representatives from all parties administers the deal, but in recent weeks, shipping movements have declined along with vessel inspections.

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Smooth passage

The UN chief’s statement said it was vital to ensure that food and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia can keep on heading to countries in need, “smoothly, efficiently and at scale”.

“These agreements are an all-too-rare demonstration of what the world can do when it puts its mind to the great challenges of our time,” he said.

“Together, the agreements are contributing to sustained reductions in global food prices, which are now more than 23 per cent below the record highs reached in March last year.”

Harvest season approaching

Earlier on Friday, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s chief economist, Maximo Torero, said the initiative to allow grain to leave Ukrainian ports had allowed the delivery of 32 million tonnes, much of it to meet the needs of developing nations, as well as food aid for the World Food Programme (WFP).

The renewal would happen on “a critical date because it’s when the harvest starts”, he said. “We hope it will be renewed, and if not, then we will observe a spike in terms of the prices of cereal commodities.”

‘Lifeline’ for food security

In a note to correspondents last week, the UN said the agreements were “a lifeline for global food security” at a time when 258 million people face hunger in 58 countries.

“The Secretary-General and his team remain fully committed to building on the progress already made and are in constant contact with a wide range of stakeholders in this regard,” the Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said in his Friday statement.

“The Secretary-General calls on all concerned to prioritize global food security,” he said.

‘Grim milestone’ as Ukraine war reaches 500-day mark

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7 July 2023

‘Grim milestone’ as Ukraine war reaches 500-day mark

The war began on 24 February 2022, and the UN’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has confirmed that more than 9,000 civilians, including over 500 children, have been killed since then, though the real number could be much higher.

“Today we mark another grim milestone in the war that continues to exact a horrific toll on Ukraine’s civilians,” said Noel Calhoun, deputy head of the Mission.

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Recent deadly attacks

The HRMMU reported that overall monthly casualties decreased earlier this year when compared to 2022, but the average number rose again in May and June, with the last two weeks among some of the deadliest since fighting began.

Recent attacks include the missile strike on a busy shopping area in the eastern city of Kramatorsk on the evening of 27 June, which killed 13 people.

Among the victims was award-winning writer and human rights defender Viktoriia Amelina, who succumbed to her injuries earlier this week.

Just days after the attack, 10 civilians were killed in another missile strike in Lviv, located in western Ukraine.

Thousands of casualties

The information about civilian deaths is contained in the latest report on civilian casualties in Ukraine, published by the UN Human Rights Office, OHCHR, which covers the period from the start of the war through 30 June 2023.

Overall, 25,170 civilian casualties were recorded, with 9,177 killed and 15,993 injured.

Of this number, and whose sex was known, 61 per cent were men and 39 per cent were women. Boys comprised more than 57 per cent of casualties among children whose sex was known, and girls 42.8 per cent.

OHCHR also received information regarding 22 civilian casualties in Russian-occupied Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. They included five men and one woman who were killed, and 16 people who were injured – two children and 14 adults, whose sex is yet unknown.

Nuclear power plant update

Meanwhile, experts deployed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine have not observed any visible indications of mines or explosives there, Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on Wednesday.

Europe’s largest nuclear plant has been in Russian hands since the early days of the war, and both sides have accused the other of shelling the facility.

The IAEA had previously indicated that it was aware of reports that mines and other explosives have been placed in and around the plant, which is located on the frontline of the conflict.

“Following our requests, our experts have gained some additional access at the site. So far, they have not seen any mines or explosives, but they still need more access, including to the rooftops of reactor units 3 and 4 and parts of the turbine halls,” Mr. Grossi said, expressing hope that access will be granted soon.

The experts have inspected parts of the plant in recent days and weeks, and continued to conduct regular walkdowns across the site.

On Wednesday, they were “also able to check a wider section of the perimeter of the ZNPP’s large cooling pond than previously”, the IAEA said.

Jan Figel, The EU must not support a caretaker government in Bangladesh

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Ján Figeľ

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7 July 2023

Almost nine years ago, newly appointed EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was being lauded for leading the world in standing up to the junta who usurped power away from the elected government in Thailand four months prior. Alongside the accolades came a foreboding warning: Once the military has its grip on power, it will not easily let it go. Specifically, it was suggested that the military will rewrite the constitution in such a way that its own grip on power will be built into the system in perpetuity.

As expected, the new constitution was promulgated in 2017, cementing the military’s powers. Much delayed elections were finally held in 2019, seeing the junta leader shed his uniform for a suit and tie to transition into Thailand’s new ‘civilian’ PM. Unfortunately, in the nine years which have transpired, the EU and much of the Western world have dropped sanctions and abandoned principle, returning to full cooperation with Thailand’s undemocratic government, choosing to take part in the charade rather than stand up for democracy.

In May of this year, a second election was held under the new constitution. This time, nine years after the coup d’Etat which swept the military into power, a landslide victory for pro-democracy parties Move Forward and Pheu Thai and a complete sidelining of the plain-clothed military political parties. Yet, as Nikkei Asia reports, three weeks after the elections, the pro-democracy coalition’s nominated PM is still in limbo while the powers that be deliberate whether to allow him to assume his rightful office.

In contrast, earlier this year the EU adopted further restrictive measures against leaders of the junta which usurped power in Thailand’s immediate neighbour to the West, Myanmar, in February 2021. One can only hope that the EU will not buckle in Myanmar as it has in Thailand and stay steadfast in its resolve to support the Burmese people in their aspiration for a fully democratic transition.

All eyes must now turn one more country to the West, with general elections scheduled in Bangladesh for January 2024. Following a highly criticized and disputed general election in 2018, Bangladesh’s main opposition party, Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami both demand the next elections be held under a caretaker government, at the threat of boycott. Veteran Bangladeshi PM of 15 years Sheikh Hasina has vowed never again to hand over power to an unelected body and has rejected this demand outright.

The last caretaker government was taken over by the military, extended its 90-day term and postponed elections by over two years from 2006-2008. Ironically, in full role-reversal, it was then-opposition Awami League (today’s ruling party)’s boycott of the 2006 elections which triggered the declaration of the State of Emergency and military intervention. Political leaders of all parties from across the political spectrum were jailed and indicted on various trumped-up charges by the caretaker government – a common practice by juntas designed to exclude popular political leaders from ever contesting future elections. In fact, both of BNP’s current co-leaders, Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman, are ineligible to run in the upcoming elections due to convictions which date back to the military-backed caretaker government of 2006-2008. Incumbent Sheikh Hasina too had been jailed during this period – which may play a major factor in her outright rejection of the opposition’s demands.

The caretaker government was a unique arrangement which does not exist anywhere else in the world, and in 2011 Bangladesh’s Supreme Court ruled that the system of interim administrations was unconstitutional. The Awami League government has reasoned that in the previous elections, a caretaker government was needed because the Election Commission (EC) never had a legal basis in Bangladesh. But in January 2022, the country passed a new law promulgating the formation of the EC.

In response to pressure from the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in June 2023, PM Sheikh Hasina has committed to hold free & fair elections and has welcomed international observers to monitor elections. Recent local elections in the strategic city of Gazipur in June 2023 were held peacefully and without incident, despite an independent candidate defeating the ruling party’s candidate by a narrow margin. BNP did not contest these elections – a possible harbinger of things to come. With both sides at an impasse and a likely boycott of elections by opposition, the stage is set for yet another military intervention in the region. The military seems to be chomping at the bit with anticipation. If they are to be deterred, the international community must make it clear to the generals that the consequences will be swift, harsh and personal.

The European Times Solidifies Its Position as a Leading Online Media

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Newsdesk

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7 July 2023

2022 MAY – THE EUROPEAN TIMES NEWS – Special Edition_onlineversion Download

The European Times, a distinguished online media platform, is thrilled to announce a significant achievement of surpassing 1 million readers in the past year and circa 14000 articles published.

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Delivering High-Quality Content and Gaining Recognition from Mainstream Media Outlets

This milestone is a testament to the platform’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality news and engaging content that has made it a leading source of information across a wide range of topics, which can be read in 100 languages with the help of its integrated system of neural translation, which thanks to collaborative improvements and AI continues to get better and better.

This integrated system of neural translation not only ensures pretty much accurate translations (although not human) but also provides a seamless reading experience for users worldwide allowing more and more people from all around the world, to learn what is happening in Europe and everywhere. By constantly refining its AI capabilities, the platform remains at the forefront of delivering reliable and accessible information to a diverse global audience.

With a sharp focus on journalistic excellence, The European Times has garnered attention from numerous mainstream media outlets, which frequently reference and quote the platform’s articles in their own publications. This recognition solidifies The European Times’ position as a reliable and respected news source, not only within Europe but also on a global scale.

Among the articles referenced you have those from our editorial team but also from our Chief Editor Petar Gramatikov, as well as from our reporters and contributors such as Juan Sanchez Gil, Willy Fautre, Lahcen Hammouch, Robert Johnson, Jan Leonid Bornstein, Charlie W Grease, Jan Figel, Gaston de Persigny, and others.

The European Times referenced in the media, universities and NGOs — The European Times Solidifies Its Position as a Leading Online Media 3

Recognition from Academic Circles and a Commitment to Unbiased Reporting

The European Times’ dedication to providing insightful articles, captivating features, and in-depth analysis has gained recognition from academic circles as well. The platform’s articles have been incorporated into university media reviews, serving as a valuable source for further research. This acknowledgement underscores The European Times’ contribution to the academic discourse and its commitment to delivering reliable and comprehensive information.

A Multifaceted Approach to Informing and Engaging Readers from The European Times

The European Times takes pride in delivering accurate and unbiased reporting to keep readers well-informed on the latest developments across various sectors. Its coverage spans politics, business, technology, culture, religion, human rights, entertainment, and more. By catering to the diverse interests and concerns of its expanding readership, The European Times continues to engage and captivate a wide audience.

Looking Towards the Future

As an online media platform, The European Times remains steadfast in upholding journalistic integrity and ethical reporting practices. With its growing influence and reach, the platform aspires to expand its readership base to new geographic regions, granting even more individuals access to reliable and trustworthy news.

To achieve this goal, the outlet has implemented a strategic plan that involves collaborating with local journalists and experts in various fields. By forming partnerships with these professionals, the platform ensures that it delivers accurate and diverse perspectives on global events.

By constantly evolving and adapting to the changing media landscape, it remains committed to providing comprehensive news coverage that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about the world around them. With its unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence, is poised to continue expanding its readership base and solidifying its position as a trusted source of news and information worldwide.

By continuously evolving and adapting, The European Times is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its readers and maintain its status as a leading online media platform. It has also done 3 special paper editions, which plans to continue doing as it grows.

The oppression of minorities in Iran, the Azerbaijani community as a symbol of Iranian tragedy

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Newsroom

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6 July 2023