https://english.almayadeen.net/news/economics/germany-in-trade-deficit-for-the-first-time-in-3-decades

Germany in trade deficit for the first time in 3 decades

On Monday, data revealed that declining exports, along with an increase in imports, caused a $1.04 billion trade imbalance in the month of May, according to The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

This would mark the third trade deficit in over 3 decades. Recently, German businesses faced increasing costs of imports and less demand for German goods.

In May, cross-border trade saw a decline of 0.5%, while imports rose 2.7%. From last year compared to this year, German exports and imports rose by 11.7% and 27.8% to €125.8 billion and €126.7 billion, respectively.

In May, in comparison with April, according to Destatis, German exports to Russia increased 29.4%, to €1 billion. However, in comparison with May 2021, the exports declined 54.6%, whereas German imports from Russia dropped 9.8% month-on-month in May.

International supply chains have been hit by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, which consequentially affected the German economy, which is largely reliant on export.

In May, in comparison with May 2021, the cost of food and energy imports, among others, have increased by over 30%. German exporters were only able to charge half that rate in increases.

“It’s not that surprising that exports are declining in the current environment,” Oliver Rakau, an economist at Oxford Economics in Frankfurt told Bloomberg. “You have to focus on the imports, and there especially on price developments.”

>>16596770

Best Flotus ever.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/economics/lavrov:-russia-will-stand-with-venezuela-as-us-freezes-forei

Lavrov: Russia will stand with Venezuela as US freezes foreign assets

Given that the US had frozen overseas assets for both Venezuela and Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, on Monday, that his country could help shield Venezuela’s economy from continuous US attempts to undermine it.

At a press conference in Moscow, after Russia had hosted Venezuelan Foreign Minister Carlos Faria, Lavrov declared that "we know how determined the Americans and their allies were and still are to undermine the Venezuelan economy. We can already see that these plans will not succeed. The Venezuelan economy is demonstrating the ability to withstand this pressure. Of course, we will help it in any way we can."

The two counterparts agreed that the US determination to block assets of sovereign states held in foreign accounts was “not just blatant robbery… but a gross violation of social and economic rights of the citizens," Lavrov said.

In the past months, the United States has been spearheading a western campaign to impose sanctions on Russia in light of the war in Ukraine, which saw Moscow coming under a tide of draconian comprehensive sanctions, including restrictions on the Russian central bank, export control measures, SWIFT cutoff for select banks, and closure of airspace to all Russian flights. Many of their companies have suspended their Russian operations.

On June 2, the British newspaper The Guardian said Russia is winning the economic war the western nations have been waging with an aim to force it to back down on Ukraine.

Economic sanctions against Moscow resulted in a hike in the prices of global fuel and food, which boosted Russia's trade balance, financed its operation, and put a significant strain on Western economies, according to the daily.

Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, said that Europe is "dancing" on the brink of a global economic crisis because of sanctions against Russia.

>> Iran flipped, then joined BRICS. Venezuela flipped, will join BRICS soon.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/economics/turkeys-inflation-reaches-two-decade-high-at-786

Turkey's inflation reaches two-decade high at 78.6%

Turkey's annual inflation rate jumped to 78.6 percent in June, the highest in 24 years, according to official figures released on Monday, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's unorthodox economic policies continue to take their toll.

The statistics released by Turkey's state agency are the highest since January 1998.

Turkey's official inflation rate was above 70% in April, according to figures released on Thursday, posing a significant challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

Economy Minister Nureddin Nebati "promised" on Friday that consumer prices will begin to fall in December.

According to the report, headline inflation was driven by a 123.4 % increase in transportation costs and a 94% increase in non-alcoholic beverages.

The price of home products increased by 81.1%, according to the statistics office.

Turkey's economic crisis began last year when Erdogan compelled the central bank to implement a series of interest rate cuts.

Despite growing consumer prices, the policy rate was reduced.

However, Turkey's leader defies mainstream economics and believes that high-interest rates induce price increases.

Turkey hiked the minimum wage significantly for the second time in a year on Friday to cushion the shock to households.

The increase in net monthly take-home pay to 5,500 liras ($330) implies that the nominal minimum salary has nearly quadrupled since last year's conclusion.

In late December, it was 2,826 liras, and in January, it was 4,253 liras.

Economists warn that significantly enhancing the salary of a broad segment of the population would cause inflation and should be accompanied by interest rate rises or other measures of restricting expenditure.

According to official figures, more than 40% of Turks earned the minimum wage at the start of the year.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/economics/russian-forces-boost-numbers-after-turkey-threatens-operatio

Russian forces boost numbers after Turkey threatens operation in Syria

Since the beginning of the Russian special operation in Ukraine and the Turkish threat to launch a new military offensive in Syria, Russia has increased the number of its deployed forces in Northern Syria by about a third, as confirmed by Al Mayadeen sources.

The sources indicated that "two Russian cargo planes (Yuchen) arrived on Sunday at Qamishli Airport,” adding that these measures are part of Russia’s military measures in the region. According to Mehr, the planes were carrying more than 500 soldiers from the Russian paratroopers unit.

Furthermore, the sources revealed that Qamishli’s geographical location plays a significant role in its proximity to the “illegal bases of the American occupation in the province of Hasaka, and the fact that it is in contact with the Turkish border, which is, at the same time, a border for NATO."

The same sources pointed out that the current increase in the number of ground forces has been accompanied by an increase in its air force fleet about a month ago where “two warplanes and 6 combat helicopters arrived at the area and were added to the air forces previously stationed at the airport."

Given that information, and according to Al Mayadeen sources, "Al-Qamishli base became the second most important Russian base, after the Hmeimim base, in terms of armament and number of personnel, which gives an indication that the region may witness new developments.”

In the previous weeks, there have been indications that “Turkey will launch an imminent military attack after bringing in large military reinforcements, and conducting Ground maneuvers between the Turkish army and factions known as the "National Army"."

On May 23, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that "the Turkish army intends to carry out anti-terror military operations at the Turkish state borders," noting that "the decision on these operations will be taken soon."

Commenting on this, the Russian envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, said the possible Turkish military operation in northern Syria would create "new security threats" to Turkey, as "the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the SDF will not disappear under this scenario."

Lavrentiev added that "Russia will try to convince Turkey of the futility of the possible military operation in northern Syria," stressing that his country "will not fight the Turkish forces and the “National Army" affiliated with Ankara."

Earlier on Monday, July 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that Turkey believes Russia would not interfere with the operation of Turkish offensive forces in northern Syria, although tensions persist.

>> Perfect timing.

>>16596914

Bring the Storm.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lapid-formally-invites-netanyahu-for-security-meeting

Lapid formally invites Netanyahu for security meeting

On Sunday, Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid formally invited opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu to a regular security briefing, as the two remained at odds over the matter.

In the letter, Lapid wrote “In accordance with Knesset Law, I would like to invite you as soon as possible to a status update meeting on the national affairs on the agenda,”

During a phone chat with the opposition leader, Lapid summoned Netanyahu to a security briefing alongside the prime minister's military secretary, Avi Gil.

According to Netanyahu's spokesperson, the opposition leader answered that he wanted the legally obligatory security briefings from Lapid's military secretary, but without Lapid there, "to prevent the security briefing from turning into a political tool ahead of elections."

Netanyahu's evident worry is that he not be seen, and potentially photographed, being informed by the prime minister he is attempting to depose in the November 1 elections, "Israel's" sixth national ballot since 2019, following the breakdown of the eight-party coalition led by Yamina leader Naftali Bennett.

Bennett has taken on the job of alternate prime minister, which Lapid formerly held as part of their power-sharing deal.

While the opposition leader is obligated by law to get security reports from the prime minister, Netanyahu has repeatedly refused to comply with the routine over the last year, arguing that Bennett's legitimacy as premier is questionable.

Instead, he got information from Bennett's military secretary, Avi Gil, while avoiding being photographed while receiving a briefing from his political opponent.

Netanyahu's call to Lapid on Friday was the first public contact between the two since the latter took over as PM hours earlier, entrusted with guiding the Israeli regime through the elections and until a new government is formed.

Netanyahu told Lapid that he hoped the prime minister's four-month pre-election period would be distinguished by "security quiet," but warned him that his political opponents would not be the ones offering calm in the run-up to the November 1 poll.

Lapid officially became prime minister between Thursday and Friday, and whereas Netanyahu referred to Lapid as "interim prime minister", Lapid refers to himself as simply prime minister in the office readout.

During his first speech, Lapid took a dig at Netanyahu, who breached a power-sharing arrangement with Security Minister Benny Gantz in 2020 and only conducted a 30-minute transition meeting with Bennett last year.

>>16597027

It's always amazing how they happen to be at the right place at the right time.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/west-bars-kiev-from-thinking-about-peace:-kremlin

West bars Kiev from thinking about peace: Kremlin

The United States and its allies are still interested in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Sunday. According to the official, Western nations essentially hinder Kiev's leadership from even considering future peace negotiations.

When asked about the possible reasons for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to stop calling Russian President Vladimir Putin, Peskov said it was again another proof that Western leaders are not interested in attaining peace through conversation and negotiations.

“At the moment, the Western nations are actively betting on the continued war,” Peskov told the TV show ‘Moscow. Kremlin. Putin.’ on Russia’s Rossiya 1 channel. The position of the Western nations –led by Washington– leads to a situation where they “allow Ukrainians neither to think nor talk about or discuss peace,” the Russian president’s spokesman added.

The Kremlin believes that “common sense” would eventually prevail and the sides will return to the negotiation table. “Now, the demand for pacifying the situation is low,” Peskov commented, adding that “we are sure … that the time for talks will come.”

Kiev will still have to “once again understand” all the demands put forward by Moscow before the talks could continue, the Kremlin spokesman pointed out. The Ukrainian government is well aware of Russia’s position, he said, adding that Kiev just needs to “sit down at the [negotiation] table” and “sign a document that has already been largely agreed.”

Moscow and Kiev started peace talks just four days after the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine in late February. The sides have held several rounds in person in Belarus and then continued the talks via a video link. In late March, the delegations from Russia and Ukraine met once again in Istanbul.

The discussions have since stopped since the Ukrainian side has insisted on returning to the table only when it is in a "stronger bargaining position." In April, Putin accused Kiev of stymieing the process. Peskov stated at the time that Russia had sent a draft agreement to Ukraine and was waiting for a response.

In June, Ukraine’s top negotiator David Arakhamia suggested that Kiev believes it could achieve this “favorable position” by late August after it conducts “counteroffensive operations in certain areas.”

On February 24, Russia moved soldiers into Ukraine due to Kiev's failure to fulfill the Minsk agreements, which were intended to grant Donetsk and Lugansk special status within the Ukrainian state.

>>16596875

>>16596854

>>16597061

That was a threat, fren. They are threatening the States. Read between the lines. They always say publicly the opposite of what they really mean. It's always a 180 degrees with them.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/we-believe-russia-wont-interfere-with-turkish-op-in-syria:-c

We believe Russia won't interfere with Turkish op. in Syria: Cavusoglu

Turkey believes Russia would not interfere with the operation of Turkish offensive forces in northern Syria, although tensions persist, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Earlier, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Ankara was ready to begin a new military offensive in northern Syria at any time.

Damascus has consistently condemned the presence of the Turkish forces in Syria's border area, where they conduct operations against Kurdish groups, and urged Ankara to withdraw its troops.

"No, I don't think that Russia will interfere. We have disagreements with Russia on many issues, including actions in Ukraine, non-recognition of Crimea, etc.

"But we have economic and political relations," Cavusoglu said in an interview with the NTV broadcaster. Turkey did not receive any sharp reaction or protest from Russia, he said.

"The United States and Russia did not keep their word given to Turkey on terrorists in Syria, so we will have to resolve the issue ourselves. On the other hand, the United States and Russia do not have the right to speak about the planned operation of the Turkish Armed Forces, they did not keep their word," Cavusoglu said.

Russia opposes Turkey operation in Syria

Russia is opposed to Turkey's plans to hold a military offensive in northern Syria, the Turkish Hurriyet newspaper reported last month.

Moscow has spoken out against Turkey's operation in the Raqqa province, as the strategic M4 Highway passes through the area. Russia's criticism, alongside discussions between Ankara and Moscow, prompted Turkey to drop the preparations for an operation in the area, while Russia bolstered its military presence there, Hurriyet said.

Regardless, the newspaper - without citing any source - reported that Turkey's cross-border offensive into Syria may kick off later this week, with Ankara continuing to amass troops near the border and into the Tell Rifaat and Manbij region.

The Russian statement came after the Turkish President renewed threats that he would target Kurdish fighters that he described as "terrorists", and added that he is pushing forward with a military offensive in two areas in northern Syria.

"We are taking another step in establishing a 30-kilometer security zone along our southern border. We will clean up Tell Rifaat and Manbij", he said.

Erdogan's stance against the Kurdish fighters has also soured relations with Finland and Sweden, who have not yet received Turkey's approval to join the Atlantic Alliance because they refused to brand the PKK as a terrorist group. Erdogan is currently trying to pressure both countries into branding the PKK as terrorists in exchange for their accession to NATO.

Syrian army shoots down Turkish UAV

Recently, Turkish occupation forces in Syria targeted the position of the Syrian army with rockets and artillery. According to Syrian news sources, Turkish forces attempted again to target a Syrian army checkpoint in the north of Aleppo, but the Syrian army downed a Turkish drone that intended to target the checkpoint.

In light of reports over an operation in northern Syria, the Syrian People's Assembly stressed Damascus' "right to use all means to confront the occupation and its terrorist mercenary tools."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on May 23 that the Turkish army intends to carry out military operations to "combat terrorism" at the Turkish state borders, explaining that his government "will start taking new steps to complete the safe zone 30 km north of Syria."

On June 14, Turkish media reported that Ankara's troops have assumed combat formation and are all set to start Turkey's fifth military operation on the northern Syrian border, which it claims is aimed at the Kurdistan Workers' Party and what it considers as its military wing, the YPG.

>>16597157

>>16597207

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/raisi:-us-crimes-in-vietnam-will-not-be-forgotten

Raisi: US crimes in Vietnam will not be forgotten

Luong Quoc Huy, the new ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, offered his credentials to the Islamic Republic of Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi. Following the ceremony, President Raisi made some remarks in the discussion about potential relational developments between the two countries.

The US atrocities committed in Vietnam were also discussed.

The Iranian President stated that the degree of collaboration and relations between Iran and Vietnam at the moment is not proportionate to the various capacities present in the two nations.

Raisi noted that conducting frequent meetings for the joint commission for economic cooperation can aid in figuring out how to make it possible for the nations to engage in operations in the domains of transportation, technology, and agriculture.

Raisi said the Vietnamese people are renowned for having resisted colonialism and imperialism and that the US atrocities against the Vietnamese people will not be forgotten.

For his part, Luong Quoc Huy, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam's new ambassador, stated that his nation has always had cordial ties with Iran and that efforts are being made to enhance cooperation, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres.

Huy further highlighted the importance of Iran’s proactive foreign policy and emphasized the need for deepening ties with countries across the region and the world.

>> Iran has already flipped. This is coms. Is this pointing to Bay of Pigs? Nam war declass around the corner? Any Qposts with Bay of Pigs mentioned?

>>16597308

>>16597269

Yes we are. Been on standby for 2 months now. Only waiting for the Green Light from Potus.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-dos:-abu-akleh-unintentionally-killed-palestine-refutes-r

US DoS: Abu Akleh 'unintentionally' killed, Palestine refutes report

On Monday, the United States came down to its own verdict: Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was likely killed by gunfire from Israeli positions, but there was no reason for the US, as always, to believe that her murder was intentional.

The US State Department said that Washington could not make a "defintiive conclusion" on where the bullet came from.

"Ballistic experts determined the bullet was badly damaged, which prevented a clear conclusion," said Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson, after what he described as an "extremely detailed forensic analysis."

Read more: Palestine hands bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh over to US team

"By summarizing both investigations, the USSC [US Security Coordinator] concluded that gunfire from IDF positions was likely responsible for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh," the State Department said, referring to the Israeli occupation forces.

"The USSC found no reason to believe that this was intentional but rather the result of tragic circumstances…"

"We will remain engaged with Israel and the PA on next steps and urge accountability. We again offer our deepest condolences to the Abu Akleh family," said the rare July 4 statement.

Shireen Abu Akleh, famed Al Jazeera journalist and veteran reporter, was murdered on May 11 when Israeli occupation forces storming the Jenin refugee camp, north of the West Bank, shot her with a live bullet to the head as she was covering the events of the storming.

Rejecting the Israeli US narrative

After knowing of the report, the Palestinian Authority rejected Washington's efforts to conceal the truth about the murder of Abu Akleh.

"We will not allow attempts to conceal the truth or to have shy references in pointing the finger of accusation (at) Israel," senior PA official Hussein Al-Sheikh tweeted.

This remark followed the "extremely detailed analysis" which came down to no "definitive conclusion" of how the bullet struck and killed the journalist.

The Palestinian Public Prosecution Office also rejected the report, asserting that there were no armed confrontations at the moment and area of the killing.

The Palestinian presidency accused the occupation government of trying to abandon its responsibility in Abu Akleh's killing, calling on the US administration to "preserve its credibility."

On his part, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Wasel Abu Yousef, accused the United States of "protecting Israel after the forensic examination failed to reach a conclusion about the source of the bullet that killed Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh."

Abu Youssef told Reuters, "The truth is clear, but the US administration is reluctant to announce it. We say that Israel killed Shireen Abu Aqleh, and it must bear responsibility for its crime."

Shireen Abu Akleh's family called on the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to take immediate measures to achieve justice after knowing of the report.

The family said, "There were many eyewitnesses to the killing, and we have reports from multiple local and international media, human rights organizations and the United Nations that an Israeli soldier fired the fatal shot, and that there were no other armed elements in Jenin where Shireen was killed."

"We will continue our procedures at the international courts. We will not allow attempts to conceal the truth or to have shy references in pointing the finger of accusation (at) Israel," Hussein Al-Sheikh wrote on Twitter.

>> Nothing to see here. Case dismissed. Move on sheep.

>>16597331

Potus ain't talking about J6. This is coms.

We are with you sir.