World

‘The worry is Russia’: UN delays Myanmar representation decision

Published

2 years ago

December 4, 2022

‘The worry is Russia’: UN delays Myanmar representation decision

Bangkok, Thailand and Yangon, Myanmar – The United Nations has delayed a call on who ought to characterize Myanmar amid concern that Russia, which has change into more and more near Myanmar’s coup leaders, may sabotage efforts to achieve a world consensus on the crisis-torn nation.

The UN’s Credentials Committee, composed of 9 UN-member states, together with China, Russia and america, began assembly on November 29. Into consideration is who ought to characterize Myanmar: sitting UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, appointed by the elected authorities of chief Aung San Suu Kyi, or a nominee of the generals who staged the coup that overthrew her authorities in February 2021.

The committee will submit its suggestions to the United Nations Common Meeting (UNGA), which often rubber stamps the recommendation given.

The query over Myanmar’s UN illustration displays the added difficulties going through the anti-coup motion at a time when geopolitical tensions have escalated after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Described as “two authoritarian powers… working collectively” by NATO Secretary-Common Jens Stoltenberg, the break up between Russia and China on one aspect, and different elements of worldwide group has widened, analysts say, and strongman Vladimir Putin and Chinese language chief Xi Jinping have proven much less urge for food to compromise.

Regardless of that, the US, China and Russia would most likely want to not have a public spat over Myanmar’s illustration, mentioned veteran diplomat and former Dutch ambassador to Myanmar Laetitia van den Assum.

“These powers have sufficient main points on their plates as it’s. On the similar time, nonetheless, China and Russia would little question wish to see Kyaw Moe Tun go.”

Kyaw Moe Tun, who famously made the three-fingered salute of the anti-coup motion contained in the UNGA, stays the nation’s consultant [United Nations via YouTube and AFP]

Kyaw Moe Tun, who remained in his put up after the coup, voted this 12 months to sentence Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to droop Russia’s membership on the UN Human Rights Council. He’s backed by Myanmar’s Nationwide Unity Authorities (NUG), established by the nation’s elected and now-removed legislators.

Each Beijing and Moscow have publicly backed senior common Min Aung Hlaing’s pariah regime, at the same time as international locations in Southeast Asia toughened up their previously-lukewarm pushback towards the army. Greater than 2,500 folks have been killed within the army’s crackdown because it seized energy in February 2021, in accordance with the Help Affiliation for Political Prisoners, a civil society group monitoring the state of affairs.

The UN Credentials Committee had initially agreed to maintain Kyaw Moe Tun for an additional 12 months, in accordance with a Western diplomat concerned within the course of. “The concern all alongside is Russia,” the diplomat mentioned.

Now that the choice has been delayed, critics fear that it opens the door for Russia to choose a battle on behalf of the internationally-isolated Myanmar army. Failure to achieve a consensus on the committee would result in a vote within the UNGA.

“Moscow may very well be problematic, ought to they select to be. Whereas they accepted the NUG to manage the illustration within the UN in 2021, Russia is in a really completely different place diplomatically as we speak following their invasion of Ukraine and their army setbacks,” Zachary Abuza, a professor on the Nationwide Conflict School within the US who focuses on Southeast Asian politics.

“I don’t need to overstate Naypyidaw’s significance to Moscow. It’s a second-tier client-state, however as we speak Russia has few mates, and Min Aung Hlaing has been sycophantic in direction of President Putin, in his determined try to garner worldwide legitimacy.”

Cosying as much as Putin

Moscow has been actively supporting the army, inviting Min Aung Hlaing to Russia, shielding the regime from UN Safety Council sanctions, and offering arms and petroleum.

“Past the re-appointment of Kyaw Moe Tun within the UN, Russia is being tough to work with [in terms of reaching a consensus in the international community to pressure the regime] and is publicly backing the junta. China appears to be consolidating its assist for the regime as properly,” mentioned Scot Marciel, former US ambassador to Myanmar.

“It’s completely different from 2021. They supply tangible assist for the junta, whereas those that assist the resistance and the anti-coup motion are extra rhetorical of their assist.”

Min Aung Hlaing and Vladimir Putin shake hands at a summit in Vladivostok, Russia. They look pleased to see each other and are smiling. The flags of Myanmar and Russia are in the background. — Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing secured a longed-for assembly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 2022 Jap Financial Discussion board in Vladivostok, Russia, in September [Valery Sharifulin/TASS via AFP]

Min Aung Hlaing met Putin for the primary time for the reason that coup in September on the sidelines of the Moscow-organised Jap Financial Discussion board (EEF) in Vladivostok, a metropolis within the far east of Russia.

A delegation from the Myanmar army’s Ministry of Science and Expertise final month studied a nuclear energy plant in Russia and inked some offers, in accordance with Myanmar media Than Lwin Instances. These agreements included a plan to construct a nuclear “know-how hub” with a small reactor in Yangon, mentioned army defector Captain Kaung Thu Win.

“The [Myanmar] army mentioned they received’t use [the project] to make weapons. Nevertheless, out of sight, it might produce weapons after the nuclear plant is constructed,” the defector famous, in accordance with Than Lwin Instances, warning that this could pose a big risk to folks in Myanmar.

Russia’s high-profile interactions with the generals haven’t gone unnoticed in China.

“Myanmar’s army authorities is at the moment shut out of most regional summits and sanctioned by a number of Western international locations. Myanmar, being increasingly remoted, has more and more sought diplomatic assist and armaments from Russia,” famous Chinese language educational Lin Xixing in an evaluation printed earlier this 12 months. Lin was affiliated with Jinan College within the southern metropolis of Guangzhou and used to work within the Chinese language authorities.

The Chinese language scholar mentioned that “Myanmar’s diplomatic stance has utterly shifted to Russia, and it has change into extra assured within the political sport,” referring to the army’s plan to carry an electoral train in 2023.

The pariah regime “appears to get pleasure from some measure of pragmatic acceptance by China and to a lesser extent India, and outright robust assist by Russia”, famous a December 1 briefing paper by Joanne Lin and Moe Thuzar of the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

Min Aung Hlaing has been fast to return the favour to each patrons.

His regime voiced assist for Russia’s invasion whereas the army’s proxy celebration, the Union Solidarity and Improvement Social gathering (USDP), accused then-US Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi of destabilising the area together with her go to to Taiwan in August.

A bunch of worldwide legislators concluded final month, following a four-month inquiry, that “steadfast and uncritical” assist from Russia, China and India was enabling the army to maintain itself regardless of the continued pushback by the anti-coup motion, together with armed fighters.

The NUG continues to throw its weight behind Kyaw Moe Tun.

“The NUG wholly stands behind Kyaw Moe Tun who has risen to the event and on this darkish time has confirmed himself not solely to be an ardent and tireless supporter of human rights and democracy, but additionally a really expert and succesful diplomat,” Dr Sasa, NUG’s Minister for Worldwide Cooperation, instructed Al Jazeera.

“The army hope to manage the worldwide narrative, to suppress the reality, and to stalemate any nascent worldwide response by ‘legitimising’ themselves by way of the credentials committee,” mentioned the minister, who spoke from an undisclosed location.

Anti-coup fighters and protesters at a rally in Myanmar's Sagaing region. They are shouting as they walk. Some have weapons and one is carrying a megaphone. — The Myanmar army continues to face opposition to its rule, together with from civilian armed teams linked to the NUG [File: AFP]

Dr Sasa warns that accepting the army’s nominee would most likely open the door to offering support and doing enterprise with the generals “and naturally, a PR blitz with photographs of generals on the world stage”.

Regardless of assist for the NUG, the trail forward for its formal recognition stays unsure, the ISEAS paper mentioned.

Beijing and Moscow’s veto energy on the UN Safety Council and differing preferences throughout the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations could proceed to offer the regime “with the expectation that it may nonetheless pursue recognition and legitimacy through its plans for an election in 2023,” it noticed.

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World

Five journalists killed in Israeli strike near Gaza hospital

Published

35 minutes ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Journalists from Al-Quds Today were covering events at al-Awda Hospital when their vehicle was struck.

Five journalists have been killed in an Israeli strike in the vicinity of a hospital in central Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities and media reports.

The journalists from the Al-Quds Today channel were covering events near al-Awda Hospital, located in the Nuseirat refugee camp, when their broadcasting van was hit by an Israeli air strike, Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif reported early on Thursday morning.

Footage from the scene circulating on social media shows a vehicle engulfed in flames.

A screenshot taken from a video of the white-coloured van shows the word “press” in large red lettering across the back of the vehicle.

The deceased journalists have been named as Fadi Hassouna, Ibrahim al-Sheikh Ali, Mohammed al-Ladah, Faisal Abu al-Qumsan and Ayman al-Jadi.

Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif said that Ayman al-Jadi had been waiting for his wife in front of the hospital while she was in labour to give birth to their first child.

Breaking: Five journalists lost their lives after their vehicle was incinerated in an Israeli airstrike targeting the broadcasting van of “Al-Quds Today” channel while covering events near Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/oiAmxgZwO5
— أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) December 26, 2024

Civil defence teams retrieved the bodies of the victims and extinguished a fire at the scene, the Quds News Network said.

There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) earlier this month condemned Israel’s killing of four Palestinian journalists in the space of a week, calling on the international community to hold the country accountable for its attacks against the media.

At least 141 journalists have been killed in Israel’s war in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the CPJ.

World

Consejos para disfrutar de las celebraciones de fin de año, sin estrés

Published

10 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Consejos para disfrutar de las celebraciones de fin de año, sin estrés

NUEVA YORK (AP) — Todos conocemos los factores de estrés: obligaciones sociales, rencillas familiares, divisiones políticas, estrés financiero y el deseo de mantenerse alegre y generoso todo el tiempo.

Así que aquí va un recordatorio sobre cómo desterrar a tu perfeccionista interior y disfrutar verdaderamente de la temporada festiva:

“Realmente ayuda dejar de lado algunos de los ‘deberías’”, dice Lynn F. Bufka, jefa de práctica de la Asociación Estadounidense de Psicología. “Decide cuál es la cosa que más importa, y las cosas que te brindan más alegría, y suelta las demás”.

Las tradiciones pueden cambiar y evolucionar, y cuanto más flexibles sean las cosas, más fácil será para todos, dice Bufka.

“Concentra tu energía en crear un espacio cálido para que las personas que amas se reúnan y relajen, se pongan al día y celebren unos a otros. Eso es literalmente todo lo que importa”, concuerda Lauren Iannotti, editora en jefe de Real Simple.

Algunos consejos:

Concéntrate en lo que te hace feliz

Podrías decidir que la conversación es tu objetivo principal y no preocuparte en absoluto por la decoración, dice Bufka. O si la decoración de la mesa es lo que amas, invierte tu energía allí y no te preocupes tanto por otros aspectos.

“Idealmente, debería tratarse de enfocarse en el amor, y eso no significa lo mismo para todos”, dice Bufka.

Permite que otros hagan las cosas por ti.

“La gente quiere ayudar, ¡déjalos!”, dice Iannotti. “Si no te ENCANTA cocinar todas esas guarniciones, o tienes poco tiempo, no hay ninguna vergüenza en aceptar que tu hermana haga el relleno. O busca ayuda de los profesionales: apoya a un restaurante local haciendo un pedido de catering”.

Otra opción es que “cada uno traiga un plato distintivo”, dice Ianotti. “Ahorrarás tiempo y dinero en la preparación y la cocina y tus invitados podrán mostrar sus habilidades”.

Darte permiso para tomar atajos

“Está bien si la casa está un poco desordenada o si la cena se sirve unos minutos tarde”, dice Iannotti. “Si las personas que has invitado están más interesadas en evaluar tu desempeño que en pasar un buen rato, pueden discutirlo con su terapeuta”. (Por cierto, no lo están, añade ella).

Y no dudes en dejar que la gente se sirva por sí misma, cuando sea posible. “Si no tienes tiempo para jugar a ser el barman, crea una bebida insignia con anticipación que puedas servir a todos tus invitados. También puedes simplemente dejar algunos mezcladores para que los invitados se sirvan y hagan sus propias creaciones”, sugiere Caroline Utz, directora editorial y de estrategia en The Spruce.

Está bien tener tiempo a solas

Las cosas funcionarán lo suficientemente bien si no lo supervisas todo, así que cuídate. Tómate pausas o caminatas si eso te ayuda a mantenerte centrado.

“Aunque el mindfulness se está convirtiendo en un término demasiado utilizado en la sociedad actual, hay algo valioso que podemos tomar de esto y aplicar a la temporada de fin de año”, dice Brook Choulet, psiquiatra deportiva y de rendimiento de concierge y fundadora de Choulet Performance Psychiatry.

Ella recomienda “programar microdescansos intencionales” para hacer algo que disfrutes.

“Por ejemplo, podrías programar una llamada telefónica con un amigo de otro estado, tomar un paseo de 15 minutos al aire libre, o incluso ajustar el temporizador y tomar un baño de 15 minutos sin interrupciones”, dijo.

Espera algo de discordia y no te alarmes por ello

“Si te preocupa la polarización y entrar en conversaciones incómodas, intenta pensar en maneras en que puedas terminar una conversación o cambiarla de dirección”, dice Bufka.

Ella recomienda preparar algunas frases de antemano para ayudar a terminar la conversación o cambiarla de dirección.

En resumen, tener la intención de una temporada festiva menos perfecta puede ser justo lo que necesitas.

___

Katherine Roth cubre temas de vida y estilo y otros temas para The Associated Press desde Nueva York.

___

Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

World

Azerbaijan Airlines plane headed to Russia crashes hundreds of miles off course, dozens feared dead

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Azerbaijan Airlines plane headed to Russia crashes hundreds of miles off course, dozens feared dead

Dozens of passengers are feared dead after an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, reports say.

The Embraer 190 passenger jet flying from Azerbaijan to Russia had 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities announced, saying 32 survivors had been rescued.

Flight J2-8243 had flown hundreds of miles off its scheduled route to crash on the opposite shore of the Caspian Sea. Officials did not immediately explain why it had crossed the sea, but the crash came shortly after drone strikes hit southern Russia. Drone activity has shut airports in the area in the past and the nearest Russian airport on the plane’s flight path was closed on Wednesday morning.

Russia’s aviation watchdog, meanwhile, said it was an emergency that may have been caused by a bird strike.

MORE THAN 30 DEAD IN BRAZIL BUS AND TRUCK COLLISION

In this photo taken from a video released by the administration of Mangystau region, the wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lies on the ground near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (The Administration of Mangystau Region/AP Photo)

Those aboard the plane included 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian nationals, six Kazakhstani and three Kyrgyzstani citizens, according to Kazakhstani officials.

Russian news agency Interfax reported that both pilots died in the crash, citing a preliminary assessment by emergency workers at the scene. The news agency also quoted medical workers who stated that four bodies had been recovered from the crash so far.

A total of 29 survivors, including two children, have been hospitalized, the ministry told Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti, the Associated Press reported. Many passengers have yet to be accounted for.

MALAYSIA AGREES TO RESUME ‘NO FIND, NO FEE’ HUNT FOR FLIGHT MH370, 10 YEARS AFTER PLANE DISAPPEARED

More than 30 are feared dead following the crash near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau. (Azamat Sarsenbayev/AP Photo)

Video of the crash showed the plane descending rapidly before bursting into flames as it hit the seashore, and thick black smoke then rising, Reuters reported. Bloodied and bruised passengers could be seen stumbling from a piece of the fuselage that had remained intact.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who had been traveling to Russia, returned to Azerbaijan upon hearing news of the crash, the president’s press service said. Aliyev was due to attend an informal meeting of leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a bloc of former Soviet countries founded after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in St. Petersburg.

Emergency crews at the site of the Azerbaijani airliner crash on Dec. 25, 2024. (Azamat Sarsenbayev/AP Photo)

Aliyev expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in a statement on social media.

“It is with deep sadness that I express my condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote.

He also signed a decree declaring Dec. 26 a day of mourning in Azerbaijan.

The plane was en route from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus, the Associated Press reports. (The Administration of Mangystau Region/AP Photo)

In a statement, Azerbaijan Airlines said it would keep members of the public updated and changed its social media banners to solid black.

“We ask God for mercy on the passengers and crew members who lost their lives,” a translated statement on X said. “Their pain is our pain. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.