https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/russia-expands-list-of-unfriendly-countries

Russia expands list of "unfriendly" countries

The Russian cabinet said on Friday the Russian government has expanded the list of “unfriendly” countries to include Greece, Denmark, Slovenia, Croatia, and Slovakia.

The cabinet statement read that "the government has updated the list of foreign states that commit unfriendly actions against Russian diplomatic and consular missions abroad. The list includes Greece, Denmark, Slovenia, Croatia, and Slovakia.”

The list also specifies the number of persons residing on Russian soil with whom diplomatic missions of hostile nations and their consular offices may enter into employment agreements.

The update specifies that Greece has a limit of 34 people, Denmark 20, and Slovakia 16. Slovenia and Croatia, however, won't be able to fill positions at their consular offices and diplomatic missions. The statement stated that the list was not complete and might be extended.

Previously, on March 7, the Russian Federation's Government adopted a list of foreign governments and territories that engage in hostile measures and sanctions against Russia, its enterprises, and individuals.

Included on the list is the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Montenegro, Switzerland, Albania, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, North Macedonia, and also Japan, South Korea, Australia, Micronesia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan.

The countries mentioned in the list imposed or joined the massive sanctions against Russia after the start of the special military operation by the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine, yet interestingly, most of them remain dependent on Russian energy supplies.

>> Nice list.

>>16781784

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/syria:-air-defenses-intercept-israeli-aggression-on-damascus

Syria: Air defenses intercept Israeli aggression on Damascus

The Syrian TV reported, on Friday, that the Syrian air defenses intercepted hostile missiles in the sky of Damascus countryside during an Israeli aggression, which resulted in the death of three Syrian soldiers and the wounding of at least 7 others.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Syria confirmed that explosions were heard across Damascus and its southern countryside.

Israeli media reported that missiles had been intercepted over Damascus.

Earlier this month, the Syrian news agency SANA confirmed that "the Israeli enemy carried out an air aggression with several missiles that targeted a number of poultry farms in the vicinity of the town of Hamidiyah, south of Tartus."

On June 10, the Syrian air defenses intercepted enemy missiles targeting southern Damascus during another Israeli aggression on the country.

>> with a follow up: https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/syria-calls-on-unsc-to-denounce-israel

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/shoigu-calls-us-presence-in-syria-violation-of-international

Shoigu calls US presence in Syria violation of international norms

During a meeting on Friday with his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu called the US military presence in Syria a violation of international norms, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

"The head of the Russian military department drew Akar's attention to the fact that the US military has been deployed on the territory of the sovereign state of Syria for a long time. Shoigu called their stay there a violation of international norms and stressed that militants of terrorist organizations are being trained at the US bases, such as the one in Al-Tanf," the ministry told reporters.

The minister also stated that unilateral US sanctions against Damascus are illegal and worsen the Arab country's humanitarian situation. The US military has seized several Syria regions from which they illegally extract resources, according to Shoigu.

"Shoigu, in a conversation with Akar, noted the need to maintain a ceasefire in Syria. The departments of the two countries are constantly in contact on this issue at various levels," the ministry added.

US forces in Syria

Earlier this year, a number of US soldiers were injured during an airdrop in Idlib, northern Syria.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent quoting local sources reported that four helicopters belonging to the International Coalition carried out a landing operation near the town of Atma north of Idlib, which resulted in at least 13 civilian casualties, including women and children.

Sources added that after the failed mission, coalition soldiers targeted two homes and completely demolished them, leading to casualties.

Reuters reported quoting the Syrian Civil Defense that at least 13 people, including 6 children, were killed in confrontations after the American landing.

What was the US role in Syria?

Behind the curtains, current and former officials say that for several years, many Israeli missions have been reviewed in advance for approval by senior officials at US Central Command and the Pentagon.

This means that the formal coordination was previously unknown, and the secrecy surrounding it demonstrates how Washington has sought to support its Israeli ally.

The US review, according to the WSJ, mainly focuses on Israeli missions in eastern Syria that pass close to the US occupation's Al-Tanf base.

The vast majority of those Israeli airstrikes were authorized by the United States, but the officials claim the US military does not assist "Israel" in selecting its targets.

What is the US doing in Syria?

Besides being an occupation that backs armed terrorist groups for its own operations and agenda in the region, the US occupation forces continue to steal Syrian oil by smuggling it from their bases in Syria to their bases in Iraq.

Convoys of tens of vehicles, including tankers loaded with stolen oil from oil fields occupied by US forces in Syria, are frequently seen crossing toward northern Iraq, in addition to trucks loaded with military equipment.

The US interference in the war-torn Arab country continues to be exposed, from occupation to military agenda and the theft of oil.

>>16781948

V for Victory

>>16781984

Pepe's family wedding.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/chinese-envoy-urges-immediate-full-lift-of-sanctions-on-syri

Chinese envoy urges immediate, full lift of sanctions on Syria

During a UN General Assembly meeting, on Thursday, the Chinese envoy urged relevant nations to swiftly and completely suspend their sanctions against Syria and asked the UN Security Council to adopt explicit provisions to that effect.

"We have always supported the United Nations and the international community in extending humanitarian relief to Syrians in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality," Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said in a UN General Assembly meeting on the Syrian humanitarian issue.

Dai added that "such measures have become the most significant obstacle to solving the Syrian humanitarian issue, and must thus be immediately and fully lifted. The Security Council must make clear provisions to this end.”

He noted that because unilateral sanctions have impeded the work of international humanitarian organizations in Syria, the effects on the nation's socio-economic recovery and development have been extremely detrimental.

On July 12, the Security Council approved Resolution 2642, renewing a six-month authorization for cross-border humanitarian supplies into Syria. The resolution decides to prolong until January 10, 2023, the authority for humanitarian delivery through the crossing at Bab Al-Hawa on the Turkish border. A different Security Council decision is necessary for an additional six-month extension.

In his remarks, Dai stated that resolution 2642 permits a more flexible mechanism for extending the Security Council's permission for cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria. This will make it easier for the Security Council to promptly evaluate and modify its authorization.

"Most Council members voted in favor of this resolution. We expect all parties to strictly abide by the basic principles governing international humanitarian assistance, stringently adhere to the provisions in the Council resolution, ensure the neutrality and transparency of relief efforts, and make them more targeted and effective," he said.

China urged all parties to remain in consultation and discussion during the consultation on the resolution in an effort to come up with a workable and beneficial solution. Sadly, the Security Council purposefully turned to a vote two days before the authorization's expiration, when there was still room for compromise, which resulted in the use of the veto, Dai stated.

"Forcing a vote in such a manner was not necessary," he noted.

This instance demonstrates how, in the face of disagreements and inconsistencies, Security Council members can only resolve the current problem successfully via continued communication and collaboration. He claimed that forcing a vote would only serve to exacerbate these discrepancies and divergences and would hinder the Security Council's ability to effectively carry out its mandate.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/ex-doj-official-jeffrey-clark-charged-with-violating-legal-p

Ex-DOJ official Jeffrey Clark charged with violating legal practice

Former Trump administration Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark was charged on Friday for violating the rules of professional conduct in the District of Columbia.

Clark was Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources during the Trump administration and is known as a proponent of former President Donald Trump's election fraud claims.

He was the person whom Former US President Donald Trump sought to appoint as attorney general to overturn the 2020 elections.

Clark is held on charges of acting in "dishonesty" about sending a letter to Georgia state officials with false statements and interfering with justice after the 2020 election.

The “Proof of Concept” letter that was supposed to be sent to Georgia state officials unfairly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

The report on Jeffrey Clark, issued by the District of Columbia courts, states that "the disciplinary proceedings instituted by this petition are based upon conduct that violates the standards governing the practice of law in the District of Columbia."

He is also charged with an attempt "to engage in conduct that would seriously interfere with the administration of justice," according to the document.

>> OMG! Yesterday there was a post about Lewis and Clark expedition. This is Clark. Anyone found a Lewis?

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/uk-to-hand-over-fleet-of-nuclear-submarines-to-australia:-re

UK to hand over fleet of nuclear submarines to Australia: Reports

The United Kingdom will deploy a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia in a bid to contain China's influence in the region, UK newspaper the Daily Mail reported on Friday.

According to the newspaper, the head of the UK armed forces Tony Radakin is expected to reach an agreement on the issue at a naval conference in Sydney next week, thereby accomplishing London's commitment under the AUKUS security alliance of Australia, the UK, and the US.

The submarines will be stationed on the west coast of Australia in the city of Perth until 2024 to carry out patrol operations. Australian submarine officers will be integrated into the UK crew to enhance their skills, the newspaper added.

The Royal Navy has declined to disclose how many of its submarines may be dispatched to Australia, saying that all operational details regarding the UK submarine fleet are classified. The UK Defense Ministry has also refused to comment on the issue, the Daily Mail said.

Australian PM hails new start of relations with France

Following the AUKUS row that took place last year, in which Australia broke off a submarine contract with France in favor of establishing AUKUS, ties between Paris and Canberra are off to a new beginning.

On June 1, Australian PM Anthony Albanese welcomed a "new start" in relations with France after he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

"My presence here represents a new start for our countries' relationship," Albanese said after arriving at the Elysees Palace.

"Australia's relationship with France matters. Trust, respect and honesty matter. This is how I will approach my relations," he added.

On his part, the French President said the first talks between him and Albanese since the latter won the elections in May "mark a willingness to rebuild a relationship of trust between our two countries, a relationship based on mutual respect."

Macron further noted the two countries' strategic partnership, shared war history in Europe, and their joint interests in "stability in the Pacific region," alluding to China.

The Australian government agreed in June to pay Aus$830 million ($579 million) to the French Naval Group in restitution for former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's administration's controversial decision to cancel the French attack class submarine project.

“This is a fair and an equitable settlement which has been reached. It follows, as well, discussions that I’ve had with President [Emmanuel] Macron and I thank him for those discussions and the cordial way in which we are re-establishing a better relationship between Australia and France,” Albanese said.

Established in September 2021, the AUKUS partnership aims to provide Australia with its own fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, with at least eight submarines planned to be delivered.

Russia and China have raised concerns about the security challenges in the region stemming from the AUKUS establishment, saying it could result in the collapse of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/sri-lanka-security-forces-raid-main-protest-camp-in-colombo

Sri Lanka security forces raid main protest camp in Colombo

Sri Lankan security forces demolished the main anti-government protest camp in the capital, evicting activists in a nighttime raid.

Troops and police Special Task Force commandos with batons and armed with automatic assault rifles raided the camp where protesters blocked the Presidential Secretariat.

Hundreds of soldiers removed the demonstrators' barricades outside the building, while the last remaining protesters on the premises were evicted.

This came hours before the country's new President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, swore in lawmaker Dinesh Gunawardena as the country's new Prime Minister to try to manage the financial crisis that has crippled the economy and triggered months of protests.

9 arrested, 2 injured

Wickremesinghe himself was elected by legislators on Wednesday to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled to Singapore and resigned after demonstrators chased him from his palace.

The remaining protesters have been demanding Wickremesinghe also quit, accusing him of protecting the Rajapaksa regime which has dominated politics for much of the last two decades.

By morning, police commandos and soldiers armed with automatic assault rifles encircled the complex, and the main roads leading to the area remained blocked.

Hundreds of activists demonstrated at a nearby designated protest site against the authorities' actions, demanding Wickremesinghe's resignation and dissolving the parliament to allow for fresh elections, insisting they would continue their struggle.

"Police and security forces acted to clear protesters occupying the Presidential Secretariat, the main gate and the surroundings," police said in a statement.

"Nine people were arrested. Two of them were injured," it added.

Using force against journalists

Amnesty International urged Sri Lankan authorities to respect the right to protest and condemned the use of force against journalists, including a BBC photographer, covering the military action.

The overnight raid came after

Wickremesinghe's swearing-in, and it was condemned by the head of the influential Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Saliya Peiris, who warned it would hurt the new government's international image.

"Unnecessary use of brute force will not help this country and its international image," Peiris pointed out in a brief statement, adding that a lawyer was among those arrested.

Wickremesinghe warned protesters

Wickremesinghe has pledged to set up a unity government to steer the country out of its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.

A foreign exchange crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and exacerbated by mismanagement has left Sri Lanka suffering lengthy power blackouts and record-high inflation.

The country's 22 million people have also endured months of food, fuel, and medicine shortages.

The cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in later Friday and is expected to include opposition legislators.

After Rajapaksa stepped down, six-time Prime minister Wickremesinghe took over the leadership temporarily, until he was confirmed as the new President on Wednesday.

Wickremesinghe had warned protesters that occupying state buildings was illegal and that they would be evicted unless they left on their own.

The day Rajapaksa was forced to flee, protesters also set fire to Wickremesinghe's private home in the capital.

"If you try to topple the government, occupy the president's office and the prime minister's office, that is not democracy, it is against the law," he claimed.

Sweeping powers

Wickremesinghe has also declared a state of emergency that gives sweeping powers to armed forces and allows police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods without being charged.

Protesters have accused Wickremesinghe of being a proxy of the former president's powerful family - a charge he has denied.

"I am not a friend of the Rajapaksas," he told reporters at the Gangaramaya temple. "I am a friend of the people," the new Prime Minister claimed.

>>16782156