Tag Archives: foreign affairs

uk

Joint Statement by Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Britain and the United States – Rocket attack in Erbil (16 February 2021) | Instant News


We, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and the United States strongly condemn the February 15 rocket attack on Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. We extend our condolences to the victims, their families and the Iraqi people. Together, our governments will support the Government of Iraq’s investigation into the attacks with a view to holding those responsible to account. We are united in our view that attacks on the US and Coalition personnel and facilities will not be tolerated.

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New Zealand

Another New Zealand Middle East Military Deal Fails in Prime Minister’s ‘Sniffing Test’ | Instant News


Thursday, 11 February 2021, 5:59 a.m.
Pers conference: Aotearoa Palestinian Solidarity Network

The Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa said the Prime Minister should implement the ‘Middle East sniff test’ again. This time for the New Zealand government’s military dealings with Israel.

It follows that Air New Zealand is repairing equipment for the Saudi Arabian navy, while Saudi Arabia attacks civilians in Yemen, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.

PSNA chairman John Minto said the Prime Minister should sniff out the purchase of New Zealand Defense Force military equipment from Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems Limited.

“The Elbit system acts illegally under international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ‘

“This is too much for the New Zealand Superfund, which withdrew investment from Elbit Systems in 2012.”

The Superfund found Elbit was helping build Israel’s so-called “security wall” inside the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In 2003, the International Court of Justice declared the wall illegal under international law.

John Minto said the Elbit System offers its weapons “battle tested” in Palestine.

“However, despite the stance taken by Superfund, and the ACC as well, the Ministry of Defense ignored the requirements of New Zealand and international law, not to say basic morality, and continued to purchase military equipment from the Elbit System.”

“Previous Defense Minister Ron Mark ignored international law and the brutal persecution of the Palestinian people.”

“The purchase continues,” said John Minto. There is blood on this apparatus.

“The PM must follow his nose and resolve this issue quickly – the office of the new Minister of Defense has not responded to four PSNA communications on the matter since last year’s election.”

“New Zealand’s defense and foreign policy must have an ethical and moral basis in line with international law, United Nations resolutions, and in particular New Zealand’s obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention.”

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Italy

Statement by foreign ministries of France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and the United States (05 February 2021) | Instant News


LIBYA

5 February 2021

The governments of France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and the United States welcomed the agreement reached by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum on Libya’s interim executive authority tasked with leading the country to national elections on December 24, 2021.

This critical step towards achieving an inclusive, negotiated political solution is the result of a process that is truly Libya-led and owned, United Nations mediation, and the support of the Libyan people. In this regard, we laud the outstanding commitment of the United Nations Mission of Support in Libya and Acting Special Representative of Secretary General Stephanie Williams. We look forward to fully supporting the work of Special Envoy Ján Kubiš.

We call on all current Libyan authorities and actors to ensure the smooth and constructive handover of all competencies and duties to the new unified executive authority.

Since the Berlin Conference, Libya has made significant progress towards securing lasting peace and stability, including through the reopening of the energy sector, the 23 October 2020 national ceasefire agreement, the roadmap for holding national elections in December 2021, and now the election of a unified interim executive authority. .

The long road still lies ahead. The unified executive authority must enforce the ceasefire agreement, provide essential public services to the Libyan people, initiate a meaningful reconciliation program, address critical national budgetary needs, and organize national elections. The new interim government, to be proposed by the appointed Prime Minister, must be truly inclusive, allowing all Libyans to be represented, including with regard to gender, ethnicity and regional origin.

We call on the delegates of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum to retain their important functions, ensuring the focus of a new unified executive authority in preparing for and holding the elections decided by the Forum.

At the Berlin Conference on Libya last year, the international community committed to supporting the resolution of the Libyan conflict. In the spirit of that commitment, all Conference participants must now support the new executive authority in fulfilling its duties to the Libyan people, implement a full arms embargo, and support the immediate withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries.

We are ready to hold accountable those who threaten stability or undermine the political process in Libya.

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Marshall islands

Secretary of State Attends Virtual Pacific Islands Forum | Instant News


Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 3:33 pm
Pers conference: New Zealand Government

Hon Nanaia Mahuta

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Hon Aupito William Sio

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Nanaia Mahuta and Hon Aupito William Sio, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs today attended the Virtual Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat from Waitangi.

During this Retreat, Pacific Leaders focused on COVID-19 recovery and response, and in particular fair and timely access to safe vaccines for Pacific peoples.

“Forums play an important role in leading collective action on important issues affecting all of us. The health and well-being of the Pacific population and the recovery of the Pacific economy is paramount for New Zealand, ”said Nanaia Mahuta.

“We have allocated $ 75 million in Official Development Assistance to support access to Pacific vaccines, including purchasing, planning, and shipping. We work closely with Australia and other Pacific Islands Forum Members, as well as our regional partners, to ensure Pacific countries have the total support needed to run a successful immunization campaign. “

Minister Sio said he acknowledged the outstanding work the Pacific region has done collectively to eradicate, and in many cases eradicate, COVID-19.

“There is currently no more pressing and immediate problem than fair access to vaccines for everyone in the Pacific. New Zealand is committed to ensuring everyone in the Pacific has access to a safe and effective vaccine and we will work across the region with Pacific member countries, Australia, WHO, UNICEF, ADB and our external partners to make this happen, “Aupito William Sio said. .

Pacific Leaders will discuss the appointment of the next Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.

“I look forward to discussing with my fellow leaders the importance of appointing a new Secretary General who can guide our collective response to common regional problems,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

Notes to editors:

The Pacific Islands Forum is the region’s premier political and economic policy organization. Founded in 1971, the organization has 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands , Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

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New Zealand

New Zealand statement on Myanmar | Instant News


Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned about the struggle for military power in Myanmar.

New Zealand is a longtime supporter of Myanmar’s democratic transition.

We call for the immediate release of all detained political actors, including Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, and for an immediate return to civilian government.

Elections have taken place and the people’s democratic will must be respected. We affirm our support for Myanmar’s democratic institutions and rule of law.

New Zealand officials are closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar. Consular advice to New Zealanders in Myanmar to avoid unnecessary travel for now and to monitor media reporting for the latest information.

/ Public Release. This material comes from the original organization and may be point-in-time, edited for clarity, style and length. view more here.

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