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Securing Peace, Empowering Women, A Call to Action

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Women Peace Security Un

On behalf of the current and incoming Security Council signatories to the shared commitments on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, a coalition of nations including Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Republic of Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, and Panama have reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to advancing this vital initiative. This declaration underscores the enduring importance of intergenerational dialogue and the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in all aspects of peace and security processes.

The Context: Global Conflicts and Their Disproportionate Impact on Women

In the decades since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the world continues to grapple with alarmingly high rates of armed conflict. These conflicts have devastating consequences, disproportionately affecting women and girls of all ages. Women face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, alongside widespread violations of their human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law.

The prevention, cessation, and punishment of such violations are imperative for achieving sustainable peace and security. It is essential that the global community continues to denounce these atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable.

Women’s Contributions to Peace and Security

History demonstrates that the most successful peace and security processes have benefited immensely from the inclusion of women from diverse societal strata. Despite this, too many peace processes still fail to provide women with meaningful opportunities to participate.

The African Union has set a laudable example, recently committing to a 30% quota for women’s participation in conflict prevention and management missions, peace processes, and election observation missions. The UN Secretary-General’s Common Pledge initiative also reflects promising progress by encouraging mediation actors to take concrete steps to ensure women’s active participation in peace processes.

Expanding Representation Through CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 40

The recent launch of CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 40-2024, which emphasizes the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems, presents a timely opportunity to further elevate women’s roles in peacebuilding. By fostering avenues for women of diverse backgrounds to engage meaningfully in peace and security processes, the international community can strengthen judicial and security sectors while empowering women and girls through knowledge, skills, and capacity building.

The Role of Intergenerational Dialogue

Intergenerational partnerships remain pivotal to advancing and sustaining the gains achieved under Resolution 1325 and its successors. These partnerships institutionalize gender-responsive approaches, foster solidarity across generations, and safeguard against regression in rights or representation.

A Call for Action: Investment and Commitment

To ensure the success of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, increased investment and focused initiatives are essential. The UN Security Council and its member states must prioritize gender-responsive approaches through peacekeeping mandates, sanctions, accountability mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks. Additionally, humanitarian actions and protective efforts must incorporate gender considerations at every stage.

The United States, in its national capacity, serves as a testament to the importance of women’s leadership in diplomacy. For over 15 years, women have helmed the U.S. mission to the United Nations, a legacy of representation that continues to inspire.

The path forward is clear: Member States must promote the rights of women and ensure their full, equal, and meaningful participation at every phase and level of peace and security processes. Only through sustained commitment, innovation, and implementation of the WPS agenda can the international community fulfill its mandate to maintain international peace and security for all.

This reaffirmation by the Security Council signatories serves as a rallying cry for global action and progress in achieving these shared goals. Let us collectively work towards a future where women’s voices and contributions are integral to building a more peaceful, secure, and equitable world.

Bitcoin Surpasses $100,000 Amid Trump’s Government Appointments

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Robert Johnson
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Dall·e 2024 12 06 12.47.11 A Dynamic And Futuristic Financial Scene Illustrating Bitcoin's Historic Surge Past $100,000. The Image Features A Massive Glowing Bitcoin Coin Promin

Bitcoin reached a historic milestone, surpassing the $100,000 mark for the first time. This surge in value is largely attributed to recent announcements from Donald Trump, the incoming U.S. president, who has appointed Paul Atkins, a staunch advocate for cryptocurrencies, as the head of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

During his campaign, Trump pledged to transform the United States into the global capital of cryptocurrencies. He has been vocal about his support for Bitcoin, famously stating at a rally five months ago, “If Bitcoin is going to the moon, I want the United States to be at the forefront.” To solidify this vision, Trump has promised to purchase one million Bitcoins for the Federal Reserve, the world’s largest central bank.

Experts believe that such a move would not only legitimize Bitcoin as a viable asset but also position it as a strategic reserve for the country. “This is tremendously important because it elevates the asset beyond institutional investment, establishing it as a national-level asset,” said one financial analyst. This potential shift could encourage other central banks to consider similar strategies.

Over the past year, Bitcoin’s value has doubled, fueled by significant developments in the investment landscape. Since January, Bitcoin-based investment funds have been publicly traded, leading to a massive influx of capital from banks and financial institutions. However, experts and regulators caution that these investments carry high risks due to Bitcoin’s notorious volatility.

“Uninformed investors, lacking financial education, may enter the market at a time that could lead to significant losses,” warned a financial advisor. “It’s crucial to be well-informed and technologically savvy before investing in cryptocurrencies.”

As the cryptocurrency market evolves, initial regulatory frameworks are beginning to emerge. Europe is set to introduce its regulations in 2025, while Trump’s administration appears to be moving in the opposite direction. His cabinet appointments, filled with business leaders with vested interests in the crypto sector, signal a potential conflict in regulatory approaches.

As Bitcoin continues to soar, the implications of Trump’s policies on the cryptocurrency market and the broader financial landscape remain to be seen. The coming months will be critical in determining how these developments will shape the future of digital currencies in the United States and beyond.

Addressing Anti-Christian Hatred: COMECE’s Call for an EU Coordinator Gains Momentum

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Juan Sanchez Gil
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Dall·e 2024 12 06 12.00.54 A Symbolic Representation Of Catholic Bishops Gathered In A Solemn Setting, Addressing The European Union. The Scene Includes A Group Of Bishops In Tr

On December 4, 2024, the European Parliament hosted the 27th edition of the European Prayer Breakfast, where the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) made a compelling case for the appointment of an EU Coordinator dedicated to combating anti-Christian hatred. The conference, themed “Safeguarding Religious Freedom in Europe – Current Challenges and Future Prospects,” underscored the urgency of addressing rising anti-Christian sentiments across Europe.

Alessandro Calcagno, COMECE’s adviser on fundamental rights and Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), articulated the pressing need for equal protection of religious freedoms, emphasizing that all dimensions of this fundamental right should be safeguarded. “Freedom of religion is too often seen as a ‘problematic’ right,” Calcagno remarked. He stressed that the collective dimension of religious freedom must be prioritized alongside individual rights, warning against the dangers of reducing tolerance to a mere substitute for genuine protection.

Calcagno highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities, particularly regarding the visibility of religious symbols and expressions. He asserted that as long as these expressions are viewed as potentially offensive or coercive, true freedom of religion remains unattainable. The conference emphasized the importance of mainstreaming religious freedom protections in EU policies, including the safeguarding of places of worship and data protection measures.

A pivotal moment came when Calcagno called for the establishment of an EU Coordinator specifically to combat anti-Christian hatred, reinforcing that this is not about creating a hierarchy of victimhood but ensuring equitable access to protective measures. “The time is mature for this step,” he stated, acknowledging the existing coordinators for Jewish and Muslim communities while advocating for similar support for Christians.

The discussion also touched on the vital role of religious literacy in fostering understanding and respect among different faiths. Calcagno urged public authorities and institutions to engage with religious education to develop informed policies that effectively address discrimination based on religion.

The conference concluded with a call to action, urging policymakers to leverage Article 17.3 of the TFEU to translate discussions into concrete policy initiatives rather than remaining at the level of abstract principles. The event was moderated by MEP Paulius Saudargas from Lithuania and featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Katharina von Schnurbein, the EU Coordinator on combating antisemitism, and Anja Hoffmann, Executive Director of The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe.

As the European Prayer Breakfast drew to a close, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, offered a prayer, invoking blessings for the participants and the vital work ahead in safeguarding religious freedom across Europe. The call for an EU Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred signals a significant step towards ensuring that all religious communities in Europe receive the protection and respect they deserve.

Petra Hielkema Appointed Vice Chair of IAIS Executive Committee, Signaling Global Insurance Supervision Collaboration

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Newsdesk
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A woman in a red suit speaking at a panel discussion, holding a microphone, with a blue background and floral arrangements.
A woman in a red suit engages the audience during a panel discussion.

In a significant move for the international insurance regulatory landscape, Petra Hielkema, currently serving as the Chairperson of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), has been elected as Vice Chair of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) Executive Committee.

A Strategic Appointment for Global Insurance Oversight

The two-year appointment underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in insurance supervision. Hielkema’s new role will focus on developing and implementing critical principles and standards that aim to create a more cohesive and effective framework for the global insurance sector.

“This appointment reflects EIOPA’s strong commitment to international cooperation and our role as a key player in shaping the global insurance supervisory landscape,” Hielkema stated. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she looks forward to working closely with the IAIS Secretariat, members, and stakeholders to advance the organization’s objectives.

What This Means for Global Insurance Regulation

The IAIS Executive Committee plays a crucial role in providing strategic direction and managing the association’s activities. By appointing a prominent figure like Hielkema, the organization signals its dedication to strengthening international insurance supervision mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities and Impact

In her new capacity, Hielkema will:

  • Contribute to developing comprehensive insurance supervision principles
  • Assist in implementing global standards
  • Promote a more resilient and stable insurance sector
  • Enhance the IAIS’s ability to meet diverse member needs

Her appointment comes at a critical time when global financial systems require robust, adaptive regulatory frameworks. The insurance industry, which plays a vital role in economic stability and risk management, stands to benefit significantly from such collaborative leadership.

Background and Expertise

Petra Hielkema brings extensive experience from her leadership role at EIOPA, making her an ideal candidate for this international position. Her deep understanding of European insurance markets and regulatory dynamics positions her uniquely to contribute to global insurance supervision strategies.

Looking Ahead: A More Connected Insurance Landscape

This appointment highlights the increasing interconnectedness of global financial regulatory bodies. By fostering closer collaboration and standardization, organizations like IAIS are working to create more transparent, efficient, and resilient insurance ecosystems worldwide.

As the insurance sector continues to evolve in the face of technological disruptions, climate risks, and changing economic landscapes, leadership like Hielkema’s will be instrumental in navigating complex challenges and opportunities.

European Courts’ Landmark Micula Ruling Sends Shockwaves Through Investor Protections

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Marijana Milić
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Dall·e 2024 12 06 10.52.36 A Photorealistic Depiction In 16 9 Proportions Of A Legal Dispute Involving The Micula Brothers And Romania. The Image Features A Symbolic Pair Of Sca

BRUSSELS — Few investment disputes have garnered as much global attention as the case of the Micula brothers, two Romanian  investors based in Sweden, who embarked on a decades-long legal battle against Romania. What began as an effort to enforce their rights under a bilateral treaty has spiralled into a legal odyssey, raising profound questions about the European Union’s handling of international arbitration and its respect for investor protections.

The dispute, formally known as Micula and Others v. Romania, traces back to 1998, when Ioan and Viorel Micula invested in Romania under the Sweden-Romania Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The treaty was designed to promote economic development in rural areas, offering incentives to foreign investors. But in 2004, as Romania prepared to join the European Union, it abruptly terminated these incentives to comply with EU state aid rules. This decision not only breached the BIT but also left the Miculas facing significant financial losses.

What followed was a 20-year battle for restitution that would pit the principles of international law against the European Union’s increasingly assertive stance on its jurisdiction over investor-state disputes.

A Battle Between International and European Law

In 2013, an arbitration tribunal under the World Bank’s ICSID Convention ruled in favor of the Miculas, awarding them significant damages for Romania’s treaty violations. Yet the European Commission intervened, declaring the compensation unlawful under EU state aid rules.

Despite the Commission’s objections, courts in the United Kingdom sided with the Miculas, affirming their right to the compensation in 2020. This ruling triggered further tensions between the EU and the UK, with the Commission suing Britain in 2024 for allegedly breaching the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement by allowing the compensation to proceed. How Britain will respond remains an open question, especially amid its fraught political relationship with the European Court of Justice.

A Controversial Turn: The General Court’s 2024 Ruling

On October 2, 2024, the EU General Court escalated the stakes by ordering the Micula brothers to repay the €400 million awarded to them. In a striking and controversial move, the court also declared the brothers personally liable for recovering the funds.

This decision represents uncharted legal territory. By retroactively applying EU state aid rules to an international arbitration award, the European Commission sought to reinterpret the ICSID Tribunal’s findings. In doing so, it expanded the notion of “state aid” to hold not only the Miculas but also five affiliated companies—none of which received the disputed compensation—liable for repayment.

Perhaps most alarming, the ruling opens the door for Romania to seize the personal assets of the Micula brothers, including property and pensions. Critics have labeled this as an unprecedented breach of legal norms, effectively “piercing the corporate veil” that shields individuals from liabilities incurred by their businesses.

Limited Liability Under Threat

The implications of the ruling extend far beyond the Miculas. Under Romanian law, as defined by Law No. 31/1990, corporate entities and their shareholders enjoy clear protections under the principle of limited liability. This legal framework, common across EU member states, ensures that shareholders are not personally responsible for corporate debts except under extraordinary and narrowly defined circumstances.

The European Commission’s decision, however, circumvents these protections. By retroactively assigning personal liability to the Miculas, the ruling undermines established principles of corporate law and raises questions about the consistency of EU legal standards.

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent,” said one legal expert familiar with the case. “If the European Commission can hold individuals personally liable in this way, it creates a chilling effect on foreign investment across the EU.”

A Chilling Message to Investors

At its core, the Micula case highlights the tension between the EU’s internal legal order and the broader framework of international arbitration. By disregarding the ICSID Tribunal’s clear legal basis for the damages award, critics argue, the EU is penalizing investors for exercising their right to seek legal recourse.

The implications are profound. For decades, international arbitration mechanisms have provided investors with a sense of security, offering an impartial forum for resolving disputes with states. But the EU’s handling of the Micula case has cast doubt on the reliability of these protections within its borders.

“This decision erodes trust in the EU as a safe destination for foreign investment,” said an analyst from a leading global law firm. “It signals to investors that their rights can be retroactively invalidated in pursuit of political objectives.”

Awaiting the Next Chapter

The Micula brothers are not backing down. They will file to appeal the ruling, however a judgment could take at least a year. This case is likely to remain a touchstone for debates about the intersection of EU law and international arbitration for some time to come, and its outcome will reverberate far beyond the Miculas, shaping the future of investor protections in Europe and beyond.

TikTok Under Scrutiny by EU During Romanian Elections

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Dall·e 2024 12 06 10.31.32 A Refined Digital Illustration In 16 9 Proportions Of A European Map With A Magnifying Glass Focusing On Romania. Inside The Magnifying Glass, The Tik

EU Commission Intensifies Monitoring of TikTok During Romanian Elections Amidst Concerns of Foreign Interference

As the Romanian elections unfold, the European Commission has ramped up its scrutiny of TikTok, invoking the Digital Services Act (DSA) to address potential threats to electoral integrity. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that social media platforms uphold their responsibilities in safeguarding democratic processes.

The Commission has issued a retention order to TikTok, mandating the platform to freeze and preserve data related to systemic risks that its services may pose to electoral processes and civic discourse within the European Union. This order is specifically aimed at preserving critical information and evidence for any future investigations into TikTok’s compliance with the DSA.

TikTok is required to maintain internal documents concerning the design and functioning of its recommender systems. This includes measures taken to counteract intentional manipulation, such as the coordinated use of inauthentic accounts. The retention order is particularly relevant for national elections in the EU scheduled between November 24, 2024, and March 31, 2025.

The urgency of this order follows recent intelligence that suggests potential foreign interference in the Romanian elections, particularly from Russian sources. However, the Commission has clarified that it is currently monitoring compliance and has not yet taken a position on whether TikTok has violated any obligations under the DSA.

To further bolster its efforts, the Commission has convened a meeting of the European Board for Digital Services Coordinators on December 6. This meeting aims to discuss steps taken thus far and respond to emerging evidence, including reports of accounts targeting the Romanian diaspora from other EU member states.

In addition, the Commission is enhancing its collaboration with the Cyber Crisis Task Force, which includes various EU agencies and Romanian cybersecurity authorities. This task force is vital for sharing information and coordinating responses to digital threats.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We ordered TikTok today to freeze and preserve all data and evidence linked to the Romanian elections, but also for upcoming elections in the EU. This preservation order is a key step in helping investigators establish the facts and adds to our formal requests for information which seek information following the declassification of secret documents yesterday. We are also intensifying contacts with digital and cyber regulators across Europe in light of emerging evidence of systematic inauthentic activity. I am committed to diligent and robust enforcement of the Digital Services Act.”

The Commission’s proactive approach also includes activating the Rapid Response System (RRS) under the Code of Practice on Disinformation. This system facilitates swift cooperation among civil society organizations, fact-checkers, and online platforms during electoral periods, providing a mechanism for addressing time-sensitive threats to electoral integrity.

The Romanian-Bulgarian hub of the European Digital Media Observatory is also participating in the RRS, monitoring the online landscape for disinformation tactics, including violations of electoral law and unmarked political content disseminated through influencers.

As the Commission continues to engage with TikTok and other major platforms, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in the digital sphere, particularly as the Romanian elections approach. The actions taken now could set a precedent for how digital platforms are regulated during future electoral processes across the EU.

Religious Freedom Awards 2024: A Tribute to Coexistence and Human Dignity

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Premios Global 2024 Scientology

Religious Freedom // Last November 29, 2024, at the Church of Scientology of Spain, located just meters from the National Parliament in Madrid, the 11th edition of the Religious Freedom Awards, was held.

This event, organized each year by the Foundation for the Improvement (Foundation MEJORA) of Life, Culture and Society (a Scientology foundation recognized by the United Nations), brought together academics, activists, and human rights defenders in an event that highlighted freedom of thought, religion and belief as a fundamental pillar of democracy and peaceful coexistence.

The winners of this edition were Ana Isabel Planet, Santiago Cañamares and Fernando Amérigo-Cuervo. The event was attended by many personalities in the field of religious freedom, such as Daniel Pelayo (Deputy Director General of Religious Freedom of the Spain Ministry of Presidency), Gustavo Suarez Pertierra (former Minister of Education, Minister of Defense and Director of Religious Affairs at different times and current President of UNICEF Spain), Ana Fernandez Coronado, Luis Morente of the Federation of Buddhist Communities, among others.

A tribute in difficult times

The event was opened by Isabel Ayuso-Puente, Secretary General of the Fundacion Mejora, who highlighted the importance of these awards in an international and European context and the need to improve the application of the same by the states.

As it could not be otherwise, she also had words to remember and raise awareness about the recent tragedies in Valencia. Ayuso-Puente highlighted the solidarity shown by volunteers from various religions, including Scientology volunteer ministers, who have volunteered and coordinated more than 18,000 hours of service in the recovery efforts. “Solidarity and collaboration have shown that, in the face of adversity, we can all work together without differences,” she said in her emotional speech.

The president of the Foundation, Ivan Arjona-Pelado, who also represents Scientology before the EU and the United Nations, and who was elected president of the NGO Committee on Religious Freedom of UN Geneva last september, presented a special surprise: a publishing project funded by the Coexistence Project Foundation (of the Ministry of Presidency), which distributes a book compiling the works of the winners in the last 10 years to university libraries and which was coordinated by Arjona himself and by the Full Professor of Constitutional Law, Professor Alejandro Torres. According to Arjona-Pelado, “spreading knowledge about religious freedom is crucial to building a future of respect and tolerance”.

The award winners: a tireless defense of fundamental rights

Ana Planet Contreras

Full Professor of Sociology of Islam at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Ana Planet was awarded for her academic and research work on the rights of Muslim communities in Spain and the impact this work has on other minority faiths.

During her speech, Planet recalled key moments in her career, such as her research in Melilla and Ceuta and her work in the development of the legislative framework for religious pluralism in Spain. “Plurality and religious freedom do not endanger the cohesion and identity of European societies; on the contrary, they strengthen them,” she said.

Planet highlighted the impact of the 1980 Constitutional Law on Religious Freedom and called on the new generations to maintain the political consensus that allowed historic advances in fundamental rights. “Today, more than ever, we must combat hate speech and reinforce democratic values based on pluralism and equality,” she concluded.

Santiago Cañamares Arribas

Full Professor of State Ecclesiastical Law at the Complutense University of Madrid, Santiago Cañamares focused his speech on the current challenges facing religious freedom in the West. He analyzed cases in which religious beliefs are relegated to the private sphere and situations of labor discrimination, such as the use of the Islamic veil or conscientious objection in matters such as abortion and euthanasia.

“Religious freedom allows us to live according to our convictions and values, but it remains necessary to defend it even in democratic societies,” he said.

Cañamares also highlighted the role of European courts in promoting inclusive solutions, stressing that “religious freedom is a crucial human right that must be protected against any discrimination or arbitrariness.”

Fernando Amérigo-Cuervo Arango

A recognized expert in Ecclesiastical Law and Full Professor, as well as a prominent member of the Spanish Society of Religious Sciences, Fernando Amérigo-Cuervo gave a moving speech in which he linked human dignity with fundamental rights. “Freedom of conscience is an essential value in the construction of plural, tolerant and inclusive societies,” he said. He also warned about the risks posed by discourses of intolerance and xenophobia in modern democracies.

The professor thanked both his students and teachers, and paid tribute to historical figures such as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Voltaire and René Cassin, and contemporary ones such as Dionisio Llamazares, recalling that the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are fundamental to overcome today’s challenges. “We are children of a tradition that defends human dignity as a pillar of our societies,” he concluded.

Special Recognition to L. Ron Hubbard

The event also included a tribute to L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, for his contribution to the defense of human rights. This recognition, promoted by attorney Arroyo, was received by Jetmira Cremonesi, representative of L. Ron Hubbard‘s personal office in Europe.

Following the award, Arjona-Pelado noted that Mr. Hubbard’s legacy inspires Scientology members to fight injustice and promote universal values such as justice and tolerance “no matter who or what is put in front of them.”

A call to action

The 11th edition of the Religious Freedom Awards underlined that the defense of religious freedom is essential to ensure inclusive and democratic societies. In the words of Fernando Amérigo-Cuervo, “beliefs sustain us as human beings and freedom of conscience is essential to build a just society”. This event not only recognized outstanding figures, but also reaffirmed the collective commitment to equality, human dignity and peaceful coexistence.

Live updates: Global Humanitarian Overview launch

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Every year, the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview is an opportunity to highlight where needs are greatest – and how much funding is needed to help some of the most vulnerable people on earth. We’ll be bringing you news from the events taking place in Kuwait, Nairobi and Geneva, hosted by the UN’s new Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher. UN News app users can follow here. 

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Christians in Aleppo Uncertain Fate

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The fate of Christians in Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo, is uncertain, having been seized by an Islamist group dominated by the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda and other factions hostile to the Assad regime. The HTS group, whose Arabic name means “Organization for the Liberation of the Levant,” controlled parts of northwestern Syria before taking Aleppo. Although the group has toned down its rhetoric about establishing an Islamic caliphate, according to the New York Times, the group still wants to replace the government in Damascus with one inspired by Islamist principles.

On November 30, the jihadists imposed a 24-hour curfew. They have assured the population that they will not use violence against civilians or buildings. A local Christian priest, who wished to remain anonymous, told La Croixq that the armed groups indeed “have not touched anything, but this is only the beginning. We have no idea what can happen after this. Time has stopped for Christians.” The cleric wonders how a city of 4 million people without functioning institutions will be governed.

A local bishop also told Aleteia that in the first days after the capture of the country’s economic and cultural center, the situation was calm but very uncertain: “The attackers took care to reassure the citizens and promise them security and tranquility. Let’s hope they will keep their promises.” However, people fear that the city of many millions will still become an arena for military action with the Syrian army: “In a murderous civil war, death will reap both combatants and innocents.”

More than 350 people have already been killed and thousands displaced, and the toll is expected to rise, said Cardinal Mario Zenari, the nuncio in Damascus. The Franciscan monastery complex in Aleppo was badly damaged by a Russian airstrike on December 1, but the monks said there were no casualties among them. “Syrians only want to flee their country after so many years of conflict, extreme poverty, international sanctions, an earthquake and a new wave of violence,” said Cardinal Zenari. Since the war began in 2011, Aleppo has welcomed many Christians, refugees from Idlib, in northwestern Syria, a stronghold for rebels and jihadists. These families have tried to rebuild their lives in Aleppo, but now their fears are returning and many have fled the city. In 2011, Aleppo had about 250,000 Christians, most of them Orthodox, or 12 percent of the city’s total population. As of 2017, there were fewer than 100,000 people; today, there are between 20,000 and 25,000.

The parish priest of St. Francis Church in Aleppo, Father Bahjat Karakach, said people were tired “and did not have enough energy to face another battle, the beginning of another war.” Decisive intervention by the international community was more urgent than ever, he said.

The Orthodox Greeks in Aleppo, known as the Levantine Greeks, have appealed to the Greek government in Athens to do everything possible to protect the Antiochian Greeks, who live mainly in Aleppo, Banias, Tartus and Damascus. Several dozen such families remain in the city. In their letter to the Greek foreign minister, they wrote: “In Aleppo, the children of our relatives and their families are living in great danger. Their lives are at risk, abandoned to their fate. Last month, they commemorated the tragic memory of the 1850 massacre in Aleppo, when Christian neighborhoods were destroyed, one of the reasons for this tragedy being the support of the Antiochian Greeks of Aleppo for the Greek Revolution. … For centuries we have suffered oppression – under the Ottomans and during Islamic rule – because we have never renounced our connection to Constantinople and the rest of Greece. Today, the Christians of Aleppo are alone. The regime has abandoned our neighborhoods, leaving us to face these challenges alone. Now we call on you, our brothers and sisters in faith and heritage, to act. Aleppo was once the greatest Christian city in the Levant, a center of Hellenic culture, faith, and art. Do not let it fall. Use all the diplomatic power of Greece to protect the Christians of Aleppo. Work with the nations – Turkey, the United States, and others – to ensure that this ancient community survives. “The children of Aleppo, whose ancestors supported Greece in its darkest times, are counting on you. The blood in their veins is the same as yours. Their future is linked to yours, as it always has been.”

The Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Ephrem (Maalouli), of the Patriarchate of Antioch, has called on Orthodox Christians to pray and behave prudently, limiting unnecessary outings and maintaining calm. Greek diplomats told Greek Reporter that the historic Greek community in Aleppo is approximately 50 families and that all Greeks in Aleppo are safe. Metropolitan Ephrem was elected to the see in late 2021 after the then Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi), brother of the Patriarch of Antioch, was kidnapped by Islamist rebels in the vicinity of Aleppo in 2013 and has been missing since.

More than half a million people have been killed in Syria’s civil war, which erupted after the Syrian government cracked down on pro-democracy protests in 2011. The Assad regime is militarily supported by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah.

Estimates of the number of Christians in Syria in 2022 range from less than 2 percent to about 2.5 percent of the total Syrian population. Most Syrian Christians are members of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch (700,000) or the Syro-Jacobite (Monophysite) Church. There are also Catholics, members of the Uniate Melkite Church.

Bulgarian President on the War in Ukraine: It’s Time for Diplomacy

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President 240

This was stated today by the President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev at a lecture at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, dedicated to the prospects and challenges facing young people. The head of state answered questions from students.

A student asked the president about the “disturbing political situation” in the country and whether he thinks people are hoping that the head of state will take measures and change it. “I get asked this question wherever I go. I do everything I can within the framework of my powers as president. This question saddens and worries me. This hope and expectation in people means that trust in the institutions that are actually supposed to do this work has been exhausted,” Radev replied.

The issue is not about saving one person, the issue is for everyone, especially young people, to realize their responsibility that the future is in your hands, the president also said.

Diplomacy should come before the bombs and missiles, not after them to extinguish the consequences, Radev said, after being asked about the war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

I am convinced that hostilities can be stopped if there is a clear political will and diplomacy is given the go-ahead, and not just ambitious politicians and generals. The main value of diplomacy is that it should prevent conflicts. In recent years, we have increasingly violated these principles, and this is because, in my opinion, life has ceased to be a basic human value, the head of state commented.

So far, only two instruments have been activated – the military and the economic, but diplomacy has remained in the background. Even Ukraine, in the first months after the start of the war, passed a law prohibiting negotiations with the other side. You can see what happened now – Ukraine itself already wants diplomacy and negotiations, said Radev.

According to the president, an infinite number of wrong strategic decisions were made in the war in Ukraine, and the price is already almost a million killed and maimed. The first strategic mistake was made by the Russian side – they underestimated the will of the Ukrainian people to resist and fight for their freedom, the head of state commented.

The president pointed out as strategic mistakes the expectations that the Russian economy would collapse under the pressure of sanctions, as well as the claims that Russia had run out of missiles and shells. Now the NATO Secretary General has also admitted that Russia produces three to four times more ammunition and military equipment, said Rumen Radev.

It is time for diplomacy. I respect one of the greatest diplomats of the 20th century, Kissinger, who in the first months came up with a clear plan – “yes, these territories will remain, but the rest of Ukraine will have the right to be a free, democratic state, a member of the European Union and NATO.” Kissinger was totally criticized, and now everyone is returning to his plan, the president said.

Source: Trud online.

Photo: President of Bulgaria Official website.

Note: Along with Le Duc Thọ, Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1973, for their work in negotiating the ceasefires contained in the Paris Peace Accords on “Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam”, signed the previous January.

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