Embattled President Biden greets NATO allies in Washington

A banner promoting the NATO 75th anniversary celebratory event is seen outside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC. (Reuters)
A banner promoting the NATO 75th anniversary celebratory event is seen outside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC. (Reuters)
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Updated 09 July 2024
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Embattled President Biden greets NATO allies in Washington

Embattled President Biden greets NATO allies in Washington
  • Zelensky is due to meet with Biden in Washington
  • NATO, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has found new purpose in opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion

WASHINGTON DC: US President Joe Biden welcomes the heads of NATO member states to Washington on Tuesday for an annual summit that gives the embattled Democrat an international stage to convince allies at home and abroad he can still lead.
Biden, 81, has vowed to press on in his race against Republican Donald Trump, 78, despite concern from Democrats on Capitol Hill and donors that he will lose the Nov. 5 election after a halting debate performance on June 27.
Biden made restoring the United States’ traditional alliances abroad to counter the threat of autocracies the centerpiece of his foreign policy after Trump challenged allies as part of an “America First” approach. Who wins in November could have a substantial impact on NATO’s and Europe’s future.
Trump has suggested that, given a second term, he would not defend NATO members that did not meet the alliance’s defense spending target of 2 percent of their respective GDP if they came under military attack. He has also questioned the amount of aid given to Ukraine in its battle against Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington to attend NATO summit on Tuesday and said he would “fight” for strong decisions to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses and for more F-16 fighter jets.
“We are fighting for additional security guarantees for Ukraine — and these are weapons and finances, political support,” he said in a video on the Telegram messaging app.
Zelensky is due to meet with Biden in Washington and is scheduled to deliver an address on Tuesday evening at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington.
Aides said Biden’s opening speech expected at 5 p.m. Eastern time (2100 GMT) will highlight what his administration sees as a key accomplishment: a stronger and more united NATO, under Washington’s leadership, with more members and a resolve to meet their collective security needs.
That brings, they say, tangible results for American voters: a safer country, with a strong international economic position, more alliances and power abroad, and less at risk of conflict with its adversaries.
Trump and many of his Republican allies reject such arguments.
“Republicans, of course, celebrate the peace and prosperity that NATO has secured and will continue to stand by our partners as we prevent needless wars,” said US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a top Republican and Trump ally, on Monday. “But we also believe that NATO needs to be doing more.”

WORRY FROM ALLIES ABOUT BIDEN’S STAYING POWER
NATO, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has found new purpose in opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion and welcomed Finland and Sweden as new members.
The grinding Ukraine-Russia war will dominate private conversations between the leaders of the 32 NATO member countries, who have an agenda focused on military and financial aid for Ukraine and offering some pathway toward eventual NATO membership for Kyiv.
But those leaders, already anxious about the prospect of Trump’s return, come to Washington with fresh concern about Biden’s staying power, according to diplomats from their countries. One described Biden as bruised after a difficult political period and said their government was looking for signs about whether he would survive.
NATO leaders face political uncertainty in Europe, with paralysis looming in France after gains for left and far right parties, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition weakened after a poor showing in European Parliament elections.
The week’s events in Washington will give Biden a chance to address the concerns, including his high profile speech on Tuesday and a rare solo press conference on Thursday.
Biden will highlight new support for Ukraine. During the summit, NATO leaders are expected to endorse an initiative that will see the alliance coordinate arms supplies and training for Ukrainian forces. They may also get more support on air defense.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said before a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba that the summit would “further strengthen” Ukraine’s ties to NATO and its path to membership. He said he expected it would produce “a very strong package” for Ukraine.
A senior NATO official told reporters on Tuesday Russia lacks the munitions and troops to start a major offensive in Ukraine and needs to secure significant ammunition supplies from other countries beyond what it already has.
But he estimated Russia would be able to sustain its war economy for three to four more years and also said “it will be some time” before Ukraine has amassed the munitions and personnel it needs to mount its own large-scale offensive operations.
Ukraine ultimately wants to join NATO to ward against further future attacks by Russia, but candidates have to be approved by all of the alliance’s members, some of which are wary of provoking a direct war with Russia.
US officials have said the summit will offer Ukraine a “bridge to membership,” which would include the new NATO effort to coordinate arms supplies and training.
Some members want the alliance to make clear Ukraine is moving toward NATO “irreversibly” and are keen for language in a summit statement beyond the alliance’s pledge last year that “Ukraine’s future is in NATO.”


Sister of North Korea’s leader threatens South Korea over drone flights

Updated 13 sec ago
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Sister of North Korea’s leader threatens South Korea over drone flights

Sister of North Korea’s leader threatens South Korea over drone flights
The ministry said North Korean forces will prepare “all means of attack” capable of destroying the southern side of the border and the South Korean military
“The moment a South Korean drone is discovered once again in skies above our capital, a terrible calamity will surely occur,” she said

SEOUL: The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday accused South Korea of deliberately avoiding responsibility for the alleged flights of South Korean drones over the North’s capital, and warned of a “terrible calamity” if they continue.
The statement by Kim Yo Jong came a day after North Korea’s Foreign Ministry claimed that South Korean drones carrying anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets were detected in the night skies over Pyongyang on Oct. 3, and Wednesday and Thursday this week.
The ministry said North Korean forces will prepare “all means of attack” capable of destroying the southern side of the border and the South Korean military, and respond without warning if South Korean drones are detected in its territory again.
South Korea’s defense minister initially denied the accusation, but the South’s military later adjusted its response, saying it couldn’t confirm whether or not the North’s claims were true.
In comments published through state media, Kim, one of her brother’s top foreign policy officials, said that the South Korean military’s vague statements should be taken as proof that it was “either the main culprit or accomplice in this incident.”
“If the military stood by while its own citizens employed drones, a widely recognized multi-purpose military tool, to violate another country’s sovereignty, thereby increasing the risk of armed conflict with a potential adversary, this would amount to intentional acquiescence and collusion,” she said.
“The moment a South Korean drone is discovered once again in skies above our capital, a terrible calamity will surely occur. I personally hope that does not happen.”
South Korea’s military and government didn’t immediately respond to Kim’s comments.
Tensions between the Koreas are now at their worst in years as the pace of both North Korea’s missile tests and the South’s combined military training with the United States have intensified in tit-for-tat. The animosity has been exacerbated by Cold War-style psychological warfare campaigns between the Koreas in recent months.
Since May, North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying paper waste, plastic and other trash to drop on the South, in what it described as retaliation against South Korean civilian activists who flew balloons with anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets across the border.
South Korea’s military responded to the North’s balloon campaign by using border loudspeakers to broadcast propaganda and K-pop to North Korea.
North Korea is extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of the authoritarian government of leader Kim Jong Un and his family’s dynastic rule.
South Korean officials have been raising concern that North Korea may seek to dial up pressure on Seoul and Washington ahead of the US presidential election in November. Experts say Kim’s long-term goal is to eventually force Washington to accept North Korea as a nuclear power and to negotiate security and economic concessions from a position of strength.
In written answers to questions by The Associated Press this month, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea is likely preparing major provocations around the US election, possibly including a test detonation of a nuclear device or flight-test of an intercontinental ballistic missile test, as it tries to grab Washington’s attention.


The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday accused South Korea of deliberately avoiding responsibility for the alleged flights of South Korean drones over the North’s capital, and warned of a “terrible calamity” if they continue. (AP/File)

Nelson Mandela’s grandson reportedly denied entry to UK ahead of pro-Palestine speaking tour

Nelson Mandela’s grandson reportedly denied entry to UK ahead of pro-Palestine speaking tour
Updated 8 min 21 sec ago
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Nelson Mandela’s grandson reportedly denied entry to UK ahead of pro-Palestine speaking tour

Nelson Mandela’s grandson reportedly denied entry to UK ahead of pro-Palestine speaking tour
  • Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, a former South African MP, was due to attend events in eight cities

LONDON: The grandson of the late South African president Nelson Mandela has reportedly been denied entry to the UK ahead of a planned speaking tour supporting the Palestinian cause, it was reported this weekend.

Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, a former South African MP, was due to attend events in eight cities, including London, Edinburgh and Brighton, as part of Black History Month.

However, he was forced to join remotely for a Sheffield event after being informed that he required a visa, The Independent reported on Friday.

The Sheffield Palestine Coalition against Israeli Apartheid said in a statement that British officials had initially informed Mandela he did not need a visa due to his South African government passport.

However, on Monday, he was informed otherwise, and despite efforts from senior ANC figures, no visa has been issued.

Mandela, who has openly expressed support for the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, said during the Sheffield event: “It seems that there are those who are intent on preventing me from being physically with you in Britain.”

He added: “I have been criticized for statements that I have made in support of the Palestinian resistance and its various formations.”

Some of Mandela’s remarks have attracted controversy, including his praise of late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, whom he called “one of the great freedom fighters,” according to Iranian state media.

The UK Home Office has faced pressure regarding Mandela’s entry into the country, with concerns raised over his past statements. A Home Office spokesperson responded by saying: “The UK has robust safeguards to ensure visas are only issued to those who we want to welcome to our country.”

Mandela is expected to visit the Irish capital, Dublin, later this month, and his visa requirement has reportedly been waived.

His grandfather, Nelson Mandela, was an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause.


Fire at Chechnya petrol station kills four, including children

Fire at Chechnya petrol station kills four, including children
Updated 12 October 2024
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Fire at Chechnya petrol station kills four, including children

Fire at Chechnya petrol station kills four, including children
  • “Unfortunately, four people died, including two children,” Russia’s emergency ministry said
  • Officials said the petrol station is on Grozny’s Mohammad Ali Avenue

MOSCOW: A fire at a petrol station in Russia’s Chechnya killed four people, including two children, emergency services said Saturday.
Authorities released images of more than two dozen firefighters extinguishing the blaze at an almost totally destroyed petrol station with burnt-out cars in Chechnya’s main city, Groznyy.
“Unfortunately, four people died, including two children,” Russia’s emergency ministry said.
It said the fire had been put out.


Officials said the petrol station is on Grozny’s Mohammad Ali Avenue, close to the center of the Chechen capital.
Social media videos showed a large explosion with flames going into the air.
Russia’s North Caucasus has seen several deadly blasts at service stations recently.
Last month, an explosion at a petrol station in the neighboring Dagestan region killed 13 people. In August 2023, a similar explosion killed 35 people in Dagestan and injured dozens.


Ukrainian recruiters descend on Kyiv’s nightlife in search of men not registered for conscription

Ukrainian recruiters descend on Kyiv’s nightlife in search of men not registered for conscription
Updated 12 October 2024
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Ukrainian recruiters descend on Kyiv’s nightlife in search of men not registered for conscription

Ukrainian recruiters descend on Kyiv’s nightlife in search of men not registered for conscription
  • It is unusual for such raids to take place in the capital, and reflects Ukraine’s dire need for fresh recruits
  • All Ukrainian men aged 25-60 are eligible for conscription, and men aged 18-60 are not allowed to leave the country

KYIV: Ukrainian military recruitment officers raided restaurants, bars and a concert hall in Kyiv, checking military registration documents and detaining men who were not in compliance, local media reported Saturday.
Officers reportedly descended on Kyiv’s Palace of Sports venue after a concert Friday night by Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy. Video footage aired by local media outlets appears to show officers stationed outside the doors of the concert hall intercepting men as they exit. In the footage, officers appear to be forcibly detaining some men.
Checks were also conducted at Goodwine, an upscale shopping center, and Avalon, a popular restaurant.
It is unusual for such raids to take place in the capital, and reflects Ukraine’s dire need for fresh recruits. All Ukrainian men aged 25-60 are eligible for conscription, and men aged 18-60 are not allowed to leave the country.
Local reports said raids were also conducted in clubs and restaurants across other Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv and Dnipro in eastern and central Ukraine.
Ukraine has intensified its mobilization drive this year. A new law came into effect this spring stipulating that those eligible for military service must input their information into an online system or face penalties.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military said on Saturday that it struck a Russian-controlled oil terminal in the partially occupied Luhansk region that provides fuel for Russia’s war effort.
“Oil and oil products were stored at this base, which were supplied, in particular, for the needs of the Russian army,” Ukraine’s General Staff wrote on Telegram.
Russian state media reported that the terminal close to the city of Rovenky had come under attack from a Ukrainian drone and said there were no casualties and that the fire had been extinguished, but did not comment on the extent of any damage.
On Monday, Ukrainian forces said they struck a major oil terminal on the south coast of the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula.
Both sides are facing the issue of how to sustain their costly war of attrition — a conflict that started with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and that shows no signs of a resolution.
Ukraine’s aim is to impair Russia’s ability to support its front-line units, especially in the eastern Donetsk region where the main Russian battlefield effort is stretching weary Ukrainian forces.
Kyiv is still awaiting word from its Western partners on its repeated requests to use the long-range weapons they provide to hit targets on Russian soil.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said 47 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted and destroyed by its air defense systems overnight into Saturday: 17 over the Krasnodar region, 16 over the Sea of Azov, 12 over the Kursk region and two over the Belgorod region, all of which border Ukraine.
Belgorod regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said Saturday that one person had been killed and 14 wounded in Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks over the previous 24 hours.
In Ukraine, the country’s Air Force said air defenses had shot down 24 of 28 drones launched overnight against Ukraine.
Zaporizhzhia regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov said two women were wounded Saturday in Russian attacks on the capital of the southern Ukrainian region, also called Zaporizhzhia.


Tribal clashes kill at least 11 people in Pakistan

Tribal clashes kill at least 11 people in Pakistan
Updated 12 October 2024
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Tribal clashes kill at least 11 people in Pakistan

Tribal clashes kill at least 11 people in Pakistan
  • Vehicles were targeted in different areas of the district, leading to more casualties
  • Efforts were being made to secure travel routes and restore normalcy

PESHAWAR: Tribal clashes killed at least 11 people in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday and injured eight, including women and children, a local official said.
Tensions rose in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, after two people were critically injured in a shooting incident between rival tribes. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the shooting.
Vehicles were targeted in different areas of the district, leading to more casualties, said senior official Javedullah Khan.
Khan said efforts were being made to secure travel routes and restore normalcy. The injured were taken to a hospital.
Pir Haider Ali Shah, a former parliamentarian and member of a tribal council, said elders had arrived in Kurram to mediate a peace agreement between the tribes.
“The recent firing incidents are regrettable and have hampered efforts for lasting peace,” he said.
Last month, at least 25 people were killed in days of clashes between armed Shiites and Sunni Muslims over a land dispute. Although both live together largely peacefully in the country, tensions have existed for decades between them in some areas, especially in Kurram, where Shiites dominate in parts of the district.