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The European Times Solidifies Its Position as a Leading Online Media

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The-European-Times-News
The-European-Times-News

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.

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.

The European Times referenced in the media, universities and NGOs
The European Times Solidifies Its Position as a Leading Online Media 4

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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The oppression of minorities in Iran: The Azeri community as an example:The oppression of Minorities in Iran : The Azerbaijani community as a symbol of Iranian tragedyThe oppression of minorities in Iran: The Azeri community as an example

An international conference “The oppression of Minorities in Iran: The Azeri community as an example” was organised at the European Parliament by the AZfront organization and EPP group.

The conference was attended by 6 MEPs and 5 high-level speakers including human rights organizations as well as experts and researchers in Iran from France, Belgium and Israel.

The oppression of Minorities in Iran The Azeri community as an example 3 The oppression of minorities in Iran, the Azerbaijani community as a symbol of Iranian tragedy

The debate was moderated by Manel Msalmi, International Affairs advisor and expert on Iran. Mrs Msalmi opened the debate by highlighting the issues faced by minorities in Iran and the fight of Ahwazis, Kurds, Baluch, Azeris and Turks for equal rights that has been going on for decades. He emphasized the need to bring this issue into the focus of European and international politicians.

The key speaker, MEP Donato, stressed the role that the EU plays in supporting democracy, gender equality and freedom in Iran and the Middle East, and the need to have an efficient dialogue with the EU parliament and the EU commission in order to guarantee the rights of women and minorities in Iran.

The participants watched a video showing an Iranian Azeri woman sharing a testimony about the discrimination she endures on a regular basis: linguistic, cultural and political, including strict rules concerning modesty (hijab is forced on all women in Iran regardless of their culture or creed).

Dr Mordechai Kedar from Israel, took the floor right after to mention the atrocities of the regime with regard to women and minorities including the Arabs, the Kurds, the Baluchs and the Turks that they have been witnessing for decades. They were denied their civil rights and subject to social, cultural and economic discrimination.

Thierry Valle, the President of CAP Liberté de Conscience discussed the situation of religious freedom in Iran, specifically the discrimination and persecution suffered by religious minorities. He mentioned the case of the Baha’i community, which has just commemorated the 40th anniversary of the execution of 10 women on June 18, 1983, for refusing to renounce their beliefs. He also mentioned the lesser-known case of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light community, which is enduring severe state-sponsored religious persecution. He concluded by urging Iran to put an end to the systematic discrimination and persecution of minorities and to comply with universal principles of respect for human rights for all Iranians.

Claude Moniquet, former journalist and former French intelligence officer and co-director of ESISC, emphasized that the Iranian regime is known for its repression of women, minorities and the execution of homosexuals. Minorities are discriminated against in terms of religion, culture, and social and economic backgrounds which led to demonstrations and violence because they are denied their basic rights. He also reminded us that Iran is effectively a terrorist regime that doesn’t hesitate to take hostages to reach its goals.

In Iran, over 350 executions are carried out annually. The victims include disproportionate numbers of ethnic and religious minorities. But these killings are not happening solely in Iran: dissidents were also killed outside Iran on European soil.

It is important to note that there is a tendency to think that the Azeri minority is privileged, which is not true. On the contrary, Azeris are viewed as one of the major threats to the regime, with a full-fledged system of oppression and propaganda rolled out against them. A video that sums up the situation of the Azeri minority included outrageous examples, such as pictures from the state media that depict Azeris as insects.

MEP De Meo, in his turn, underscored the importance with which the EU takes minority issues, and stressed that the international community should give support to Iranians, including non-Persian populations, who strive to be free and equal. The EU should offer a helping hand to everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

MEP Adinolfi focused on culture and the need to stop discrimination in terms of education and culture. Minorities in Iran should have the right to learn their own language and celebrate their cultural heritage freely.

MEP Lucia Vuolo spoke about the importance of religious freedom and cultural identity, and the need to stop violence against minorities, in particular the Azeri minority in Iran. MEP Gianna Gancia, who has been working for many years to help Iranian dissidents, mainly women and minorities persecuted by the regime, said that the EU is committed to protecting vulnerable groups and helping refugees fleeing from dictatorship and prosecution.

Andy Vermaut, president of Postversa, said that “We have a role to play, a responsibility to uphold for the people of Iran who have endured so much. Let us be a beacon of hope and a force of positive change. When they look back at this dark chapter of history, let them remember not just the hardships they faced but the global coalition that stood by them, fighting for their rights, amplifying their voices, and fighting relentlessly for their rights for a just and a free Iran”.

The Director of CAP Liberté de Conscience, Christine Mirre, exposed the repression of Iranian women in Iran. She highlighted the status of women in Iran, including those of Kurdish, Arab, Baluchi, and Azeri ethnic backgrounds. Those women are facing various forms of discrimination and marginalization, including limited access to education, employment opportunities, and political representation. She also mentioned the emblematic and recent case of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, who died on September 16, 2022, three days after being arrested in Tehran by the regime’s morality police.

The death of Mahsa Amini shocked the world and demonstrated the ethnic discrimination and sexist policies characteristic of the Iranian regime.

The conference concluded with the speech of MEP host Fulvio Martusciello, who has been working for many years to support minorities in Iran. He stressed that the EU did a lot by adopting a resolution to protect women and girls.

There were some important initiatives like the conference in Vienna and the letter of 32 Israeli Knesset members. Such activities should continue to jointly pursue the cause of granting freedom and rights to the Southern Azerbaijanis and other minorities in Iran.

Canada to eliminate heat deaths – Trudeau

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Trudeau government says Canada will eliminate deaths from extreme heat as it sets new goals to fight climate change

The Canadian government unveiled its new “national adaptation strategy,” reports the Toronto Star, which includes goals such as “eliminating all deaths from extreme heat by 2040 and halting and reversing the destruction of Canada’s nature within the next seven years.”

The paper continues: “The strategy also says that by 2026 the federal government will develop new rules to incorporate climate considerations into building and highway codes, by next year it will include climate resilience factors in all new federal infrastructure programs , will produce hundreds of new high-risk flood maps by 2028 and aim to create 15 new urban national parks by 2030.

In a speech to a province that has been hit by flash floods that washed out highways, a deadly heat dome that killed more than 600 people and a wildfire that burned the inland British Columbia town of Layton to ashes two years ago, Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeau said, that there is no doubt that the impacts of climate change will continue for decades to come.”

Meanwhile, Reuters reports that emissions from Canada’s wildfires have reached record highs “as smoke reaches Europe.”

The news bulletin added: “Forest fires burning across large swathes of eastern and western Canada have released a record 160 million tonnes of carbon, the EU’s Copernicus atmospheric monitoring office said on Tuesday.”

This year’s wildfire season is the worst in Canadian history, with about 76,000 sq km (29,000 sq mi) burning across eastern and western Canada. That’s more than the total area burned in 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022, according to the Canadian Interagency Center for Wildfires.”

Separately, the Guardian reports that, further south, “the record heat wave that hit parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico has become at least five times more likely due to human-induced climate change, scientists have found [from Climate Central ], marking the latest in a series of recent extreme heat dome-type events that have scorched various parts of the world”.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-fire-68768/

If you are a tourist in Dubrovnik, be careful with your suitcase – you risk a hefty fine

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Under a new law, suitcases must be carried rather than dragged through the streets of Dubrovnik’s old town in Croatia, and anyone caught rolling their luggage will be fined €265.

Anyone planning to visit Dubrovnik this summer should make sure they don’t get caught out by the new rule banning wheeled suitcases in its historic center, reports The Mirror.

The Croatian city sees a huge influx of visitors every year, which is great for the hospitality industry there, but not so fantastic for those who suffer from the sound of miniature wheels clattering on cobblestones.

Anti-luggage legislation is set to become even stricter in November, when all suitcases and bags will have to be left outside the old city walls before visitors can enter. Those laden with luggage who want to enter the old part of Dubrovnik will have to pay a courier to have their bags delivered to their accommodation by electric car.

Every year, 1.5 million people visit the city, which is almost 40 times more than the 41,000 people who live there.

Another newly introduced additional noise abatement measure will see cafes and bars with terraces where the noise level exceeds 55 decibels be fined and forced to close for seven days.

Walking shirtless, riding bicycles or electric scooters in the city center and climbing statues are behaviors that will be banned.

The city is currently trying to retain its World Heritage status six years after UNESCO warned that disrespectful hordes of tourists were ruining the city.

Photo by Luciann Photography: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-a-city-and-island-3566139/

Myanmar atrocities and impunity must end: Türk

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Myanmar atrocities and impunity must end: Türk

Repeated, horrific violations have been recorded by the UN human rights office, including mass killings, extra-judicial executions and beheadings, Mr. Türk said, while the military has continued to carry out atrocities in Rakhine state where the Rohingya minority are denied citizenship.

In an address to the Council he called for an end to impunity by the ruling junta who overthrew the democratically elected Government in February 2021.

“I encourage States to consider a referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC). We also need to ensure accountability for possible crimes committed by different armed groups.”

‘Deadly freefall’

The High Commissioner said the country was continuing a “deadly freefall into even deeper violence and heartbreak.”

Where once there had been optimism and hopes of a more peaceful and prosperous future, civilians were now living “at the whim of a reckless military authority that relies on systematic control tactics, fear and terror.”

He said the economy was spiralling with the generals exploiting natural resources there “at dangerous rates, causing irreversible environmental harm.”

Voices of civil society and journalists have been strangled, which arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and torture continue.

He said credible sources indicate that 3,747 people have died at the hands of the regime since taking power with close to 24,000 arrested.

Barriers to life-saving aid

Mr. Türk’s report focuses on the systematic denial of life-saving aid for civilians and he accused the military of putting in place “a raft of legal, financial and bureaucratic barriers”.

With a third of the population in need, he said the obstruction constituted a deliberate, targeted and calculated denial of fundamental human rights.

He repeated is call for an immediate end to the “senseless violence” and for the release of over 19,000 political prisoners detained, including the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Mynt. 

The Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, also advocated before the Council for less rhetoric and more action by UN Member States to support the “heroic” people of Myanmar, asking them to “deny the junta the three things that it needs to sustain its brutality and oppression – weapons, money, and legitimacy”.

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Guterres appeals for humanitarian, security and political action to end Haiti’s ‘living nightmare’

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Guterres appeals for humanitarian, security and political action to end Haiti’s ‘living nightmare’

He said citizens of the Caribbean nation are “trapped in a living nightmare” as armed gangs encircle the capital, Port-au-Prince, blocking roads, controlling access to food and healthcare, and undermining humanitarian support.

Mr. Guterres was speaking at UN Headquarters fresh from a visit to the country and a summit of regional leaders, held in Trinidad and Tobago, during which he participated in a special session on Haiti.

Terrorizing local communities

He told reporters that predatory gangs there are using kidnappings and sexual violence as weapons to terrorize entire communities.

“I have heard appalling accounts of women and girls being gang-raped, and of people being burned alive,” he said.

During his one-day visit to Haiti on Saturday, Mr. Guterres met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and representatives from many sectors of society, acknowledging signs of hope and possibility.

Fund humanitarian ‘lifeline’

“But it requires action on several fronts – and a recognition of a core truth,” he said.

“There can be no sustainable security without a political solution that allows for the restoration of democratic institutions.  And there can be no lasting and inclusive political solutions without a drastic improvement in the security situation.”

Mr. Guterres urged the international community to take action in what he called three essential areas, starting with addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in the country. A $720 million plan to support more than three million people there is currently only 23 per cent funded.

“I appeal to the world to extend a lifeline of support and fill that financial gap without delay,” he said.

Deploy multinational force

The Secretary-General also appealed to the UN Security Council “and all relevant potential contributing countries” to create the conditions for allowing the deployment of a multinational force to assist the Haitian National Police, which the Government had requested back in October.

“I repeat: We are not calling for a military or political mission of the United Nations,” he said. “We are calling for a robust security force deployed by Member States to work hand-in-hand with the Haitian National Police to defeat and dismantle the gangs and restore security across the country.”

He added that the police force will also need financing, training and equipment, which are all critical to restoring State authority and delivery of vital services.

Step up political efforts

Mr. Guterres also appealed for all social and political actors in Haiti to step up efforts toward a desperately needed political solution. He also expressed full support for mediation efforts by the regional bloc, CARICOM.

“Taken together, these three vital and simultaneous steps are fundamental to breaking Haiti’s cycle of suffering – by addressing dramatic humanitarian and security challenges – and forging a political pathway out of the crisis,” he said.

The UN Security Council will discuss the Secretary-General’s latest report on Haiti during a meeting on Thursday afternoon. 

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Sofia under blockade for Zelensky’s arrival

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will land in Sofia on a government plane.

There are extraordinary security measures in the center of the capital. There are police teams stationed along “Brussels” and “Tsarigradsko shose” boulevards, from where official delegations usually move.

According to NOVA and according to the data of the flightradar24 application, the Airbus A-319 government plane took off from Sofia at 7:12 a.m. and landed in the Moldovan capital Chisinau shortly after 8:00 a.m. Bulgarian time. The return flight of the machine to the Bulgarian capital has not yet started.

Zelensky’s visits are always closely watched and kept secret until the last for security reasons. It often happens that his program changes at the last minute.

This is the 17th visit of the Ukrainian president abroad since the beginning of the war. His first official visit was to the US on December 22 last year. Zelensky has been to a total of 13 countries on three continents.

Photo by Stefan Mitev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-city-buildings-10900220/

Scientology in Europe Celebrated World Drug Day on June 26

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EINPRESSWIRE // In commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, European cities were abuzz with activities aimed at raising awareness about the devastating consequences of drug use. Volunteers from the Church of Scientology and the “Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe” took to the streets, as they have been doing for approximately 25 years, to inform tens of thousands of individuals about the detrimental short-term, medium-term, and long-term effects of drugs.

The release of the World Drug Report 2023 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) sheds light on the continued surge in illicit drug supply and the increasingly agile trafficking networks that exacerbate global crises and pose challenges to health services and law enforcement responses.

Key Findings from the UNODC World Drug Report 2023

According to the report(1), new data reveals that an estimated 13.2 million people worldwide engaged in drug injection in 2021, marking an 18% increase from previous estimates. Additionally, global drug use reached over 296 million individuals in 2021, signifying a 23% rise over the past decade. Shockingly, the number of people suffering from drug use disorders has soared to 39.5 million, reflecting a staggering 45% increase over the course of ten years. The report also delves into various critical aspects, including drug trafficking’s impact on the environment in the Amazon Basin, clinical trials involving psychedelics and medical cannabis use, drug use in humanitarian settings, innovations in drug treatment and other services, and the connection between drugs and conflict.

Remarkable Drug Prevention and Education Initiatives in Europe:

In response to the report’s findings and in celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, various drug prevention activities were organized across Europe. These initiatives aimed to raise awareness among youth, parents, and the wider public about the severe health repercussions of drug use.

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Scientology in Europe Celebrated World Drug Day on June 26 11

Let’s take a closer look at some of these remarkable initiatives:

  1. Czech Republic: The 19th Cyclo-run for a Drug-Free Czech Republic kicked off from Prague, covering a distance of approximately 1,300 kilometers over ten days and passing through 41 cities. During the event, volunteers had the opportunity to engage with 50 city representatives, enlightening them about the drug situation concerning teenagers and the urgent need for primary drug prevention and education. The campaign successfully educated 8,100 children and distributed 95,000 drug information materials from The Truth About Drugs. The leaders of the initiative were also invited to present their action on national TV Nova.
  2. France: Volunteers from the French non-profit association “Dites Non à la Drogue – Oui à la Vie” actively participated in drug prevention activities across various cities, including Agen, Angers, Avignon, Chatelaudren, Epinay-sur-Seine, Lannion, Lyon, Maffliers, Marseille, Tregastel, Ploumanach, Perros-Guirec, and Vaux-en-Velin. They spread awareness in streets, shops, pharmacies, and other locations, receiving warm welcomes and support from the public, including law enforcement personnel and even a former drug addict. In addition, the Paris team conducted a public lecture.
  3. Belgium: Members and volunteers of the Say No To Drugs Belgium association set up information booths in several towns and organized a well-attended public lecture in Brussels. The lecture, titled “The Truth About Drugs,” took place in the Auditorium of the Churches of Scientology for Europe. Additionally, the President of Drug Free Belgium was interviewed on Brussels’ radio station Arabel, discussing the significance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and providing crucial information to the public.
  4. Portugal: In Lisbon, the drug prevention team conducted a large-scale distribution near the iconic Belem Tower, a popular tourist destination. The volunteers reached out to the public, including visitors, to raise awareness about the health-related problems associated with drug use.
  5. Italy: The Drug prevention “Dico No Alla Droga-Bergamo” team organized the 6th Motogiro to promote a drug-free Italy. Participants, wearing green jackets, embarked on a journey that took them through picturesque locations such as Passo di Zembla, Lovere, Iseo Lake, Riva di Solto, and Sale Marasino. The event lasted four hours and concluded with a warm reception from the President of the association, officials, sponsors, and supporters.
  6. Austria: The “Sag Nein Zu Drogen” team from Vienna set up an information stand at the Donauinselfest, a popular cultural festival. Volunteers were amazed by the high level of interest from young people in obtaining drug educational brochures from The Truth About Drugs series. Additionally, the team distributed bracelets with the message “Say No To Drugs – Say Yes to Life,” which garnered significant attention and support, including from a social worker and addiction counselor.
  7. Switzerland: In Chapelle (Fribourg), the drug prevention team organized the 6th Olympiades, which included briefings on drugs and engaging games for approximately 40 participants. Volunteers in Geneva set up a drug information stand at Cornavin station, while the Lausanne team distributed 800 booklets of The Truth About Drugs in the city center. Furthermore, drug education materials were distributed at the Fribourg station. In Ticino, the southern region known for Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, the “Dico No alla Droga” team actively distributed information and raised awareness about the harmful effects of drug use, receiving appreciation from young people, parents, and the general public.
  8. Spain: Seventeen volunteers gathered at Puerta del Sol, a bustling location attracting people from Spain and around the world. They distributed booklets to approximately 4,000 individuals and families, aiming to prevent drug crises at a time when substances like marijuana are increasingly portrayed as socially acceptable.
  9. Greece: Volunteers in the Zappeion area distributed anti-drug information booklets to pedestrians, as well as motorcycle and car drivers. They recommended visiting the website, which provides audiovisual material translated into at least 17 languages.
  10. Germany: Volunteers from the “Say NO to drugs, say YES to life” initiative organized various information events and distribution campaigns in Hamburg, Stuttgart, Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt am Main. Their goal was to raise awareness of the drug crisis and educate the public. During these campaigns, nearly 4,000 educational booklets from the “Facts about Drugs” series were distributed to interested citizens. The volunteers received encouragement from the population, including educators and social workers who expressed appreciation for the free availability of educational material. The events highlighted the underestimated dangers of drug use and the deceptive promises made by dealers. One individual shared a personal story of how drug use negatively impacted a family member, emphasizing the importance of education on the adverse effects of drugs.

These impactful initiatives across Europe were supported by the “Foundation for a Drug-Free World,” established in 2006 to distribute educational materials and develop new resources to address the ever-changing landscape of drug trends. As a network of organizations, including the “Foundation for a Drug Free Europe,” they strive to combat drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.

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Scientology in Europe Celebrated World Drug Day on June 26 12

Conclusion:

The collective efforts of volunteers, organizations, and communities in Europe underscore the urgent need to prioritize prevention, education, and access to treatment services. By taking a people-centric approach and eliminating stigma and discrimination, society can tackle the drug crisis more effectively. Moreover, law enforcement agencies must adapt to combat agile criminal networks and the proliferation of synthetic drugs. Only through comprehensive and coordinated actions can Europe and the international community address the challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking, safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals and communities alike.

The “Foundation for a Drug-Free World” serves as the central organization for the “Foundation for a Drug Free Europe” and all its national and local branches. Established in 2006, its primary mission is to distribute educational materials and develop new resources to address the ever-evolving landscape of drug trends. Over time, the Foundation has grown into a global network encompassing approximately 200 local groups around the world. With the invaluable support of the Churches of Scientology and Scientologists, the Foundation ensures the widespread availability of the secular “Truth About Drugs program” and drug education materials, free of charge, on a global scale. Individuals interested in learning more can enroll in Drug-Free World’s free e-courses at drugfreeworld.org/course.

Recognizing the destructive role of drug abuse in the disintegration of society’s fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard set the foundation for drug prevention and education programs that continue to make a positive impact. By celebrating World Drug Day and supporting initiatives that prioritize prevention and education, Europe takes significant strides towards creating a safer, drug-free future for all.

Furthermore, the Scientology Network features documentaries from the original “Voices for Humanity” series, showcasing how people worldwide are utilizing the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Truth About Drugs initiative to effectively address the urgent problem of drug abuse through prevention and education.

The Scientology religion, founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, traces its origins back to the establishment of the first Church of Scientology in Los Angeles in 1954. Since then, the religion has expanded to include more than 11,000 churches, missions, and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries. The Church of Scientology has achieved religious recognition in numerous countries, including the USA, ECtHR, Spain, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Portugal, Canada, Sweden, Italy, South Africa, and a growing number of nations.(2)

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References:

1) https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2023/June/unodc-world-drug-report-2023-warns-of-converging-crises-as-illicit-drug-markets-continue-to-expand.html
2) https://www.scientologyreligion.org

The general director of TASS Sergey Mikhailov replaced

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Andrey Kondrashov, who until that moment was the first deputy general director of the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, was appointed to the post.

The Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin, signed an order by which Sergey Mikhailov was released from the position of director general of the news agency of Russia – TASS, the press service of the Russian government reported, quoted by BTA.

Andrei Kondrashov, who until that moment was the first deputy general director of the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, was appointed to the post.

The 52-year-old Mikhailov headed the country’s oldest news agency – TASS, since 2012. He was the chairman of the Council of Heads of State News Agencies of the CIS countries, vice president of the Organization of News Agencies of the Asia-Pacific region, and also the head of the media council of the Assembly of the Peoples of Eurasia.

His successor Kondrashov was born in 1973 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at the Independent Environmental and Political Science University in Moscow. After that, he also graduated with a master’s degree in political science from the Russian Academy of National Economy and Civil Service.

Since 1991, he has been working as a television journalist. According to Reuters, Kondrashov is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2018, the new CEO served as press secretary in Putin’s campaign staff during his presidential campaign.

Next year, TASS will celebrate its 120th anniversary. It was established in 1904 as the St. Petersburg Telegraph Agency, the first official news agency in Russia. The name TASS is left over from the USSR era as the abbreviation stands for Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union.

Reuters notes that the Kremlin has tightened media controls since the start of the war in Ukraine, causing the closure of a number of independent newspapers and branding many journalists as “foreign spies”.

Illustrative Photo by Lubov Tandit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-walking-on-concrete-road-with-mid-rise-buildings-under-clouded-sky-92412/

“Quiet Asphalt” will reduce the noise on the roads in Istanbul by 10 decibels

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Reduces noise caused by friction between the wheels and the road surface.

“Quiet Asphalt” will reduce the noise level on the roads in Istanbul by ten decibels. The project aims to deal with the deepening problem of noise pollution in the metropolis, reported in “Hurriet Daily News”.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, there are a total of 4,940,010 registered vehicles in Istanbul, which is equal to the total population of 23 (out of a total of 81) counties of the country. This influx of vehicles not only increases concerns about air pollution and congestion, but also exacerbates the problem of noise pollution, the publication noted.

To combat this problem, İSFALT, a subsidiary of Istanbul Greater Municipality, is implementing the Quiet Asphalt Project to reduce traffic noise, especially in areas located in close proximity to residential areas.

Quiet asphalt, which is produced to reduce the noise caused by the friction between the wheels and the road surface, can significantly eliminate the noise generated on the roads. The air spaces in this special asphalt mixture, produced with resin-based additives, contribute to the quieter movement of cars.

Through tests, it was found that the level of noise emitted by vehicles on specially designed roads covered with quiet asphalt is reduced by 10 decibels compared to driving on ordinary roads.

Across Europe, at least 100 million people are exposed to damaging levels of noise just from road traffic. Exposure to unwanted noise can cause stress and interfere with sleep, rest and study. Moreover, prolonged exposure can also trigger serious illness such as hypertension and heart disease.

Photo by Burak Karaduman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-concrete-dome-building-at-night-1549326/