peace

Council of Europe rapporteur visits Varosha

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Council of Europe rapporteur visits Varosha

– Piero Fassino visited Varosha on Wednesday
– Fassino hopes Varosha will become a “living town” again with the agreement of the two parties concerned
– Fassino’s findings from the visit will be compiled into a report for the PACE’s next assembly in June
– All Council of Europe member states are expected to take the vote on the report into consideration
– Turkish Cypriot observers thanked Fassino for listening to both sides before preparing his report

Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?

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Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will involve missile forces in the Southern Military District, alongside aviation and navy units, with Belarus also participating. The significance lies in linking the drills to current tensions, with mock warheads likely to be used in training exercises. The message is seen as nuclear signaling to deter NATO and the West from escalating the conflict in Ukraine. There is speculation about Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons defensively, rather than offensively on the battlefield.

Ireland to recognise Palestinian state by end May, foreign minister says

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Ireland to recognise Palestinian state by end May, foreign minister says

Ireland will recognize a Palestinian state before the end of the month, as part of a joint effort with other European Union members. The decision is based on the belief that a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region. This move comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, with calls for a ceasefire and a lasting peace solution. Israel has criticized the recognition plan, calling it a “prize for terrorism.”

Unficyp chief briefs Pace on peace-building efforts in Cyprus

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Unficyp chief briefs Pace on peace-building efforts in Cyprus

Colin Stewart briefed Italian MP Piero Fassino on peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus.

‘We obviously disagree on Cyprus, but only dialogue can be the antidote’

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‘We obviously disagree on Cyprus, but only dialogue can be the antidote’

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan disagree on the Cyprus problem, but both support dialogue as the solution. Erdogan emphasized the importance of reaching a fair and permanent solution based on the facts on the island to strengthen stability and peace in the region. United Nations Envoy Maria Angela Holguin is working on finding a solution within the framework of UN Security Council decisions, but there is currently no common ground between the parties involved.

Israel protests after Nobel laureate denounces Gaza invasion at Vatican

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Israel protests after Nobel laureate denounces Gaza invasion at Vatican

Israel’s Embassy to the Holy See protested against Yemeni Nobel Prize winner Tawakkol Karman for accusing Israel of “genocide” in Gaza during an event at the Vatican. Israeli embassy rejected the accusations as “lies” and criticized the anti-Semitic speech. The tension between the Vatican and Israel has increased since the war in Gaza, with Jewish groups accusing Pope Francis of not recognizing Israel’s actions as self-defense.

Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

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Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

Tens of thousands of faithful prayed for peace at Portugal’s Fatima shrine amid wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other places. The shrine marks the site of reported visions of the Virgin Mary over 100 years ago. The Roman Catholic Church believes she gave three messages to three Portuguese children in 1917. Pope Francis made two of the children saints in 2017. Some pilgrims brought Ukrainian flags in support following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

‘No space for division in Cyprus’ future’

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‘No space for division in Cyprus’ future’

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that Cyprus’ future cannot be one of a divided and occupied country. The government’s efforts are focused on achieving a solution for an independent, sovereign state, free of anachronistic guarantor powers and the Turkish army. The goal is the reunification of Cyprus as a symbol of peace, stability, and progress in the area. Letymbiotis emphasized the importance of offering hope and potential for future generations, as the country remains divided 50 years on.

Switzerland breaks the Eurovision code as Cyprus finishes 15th

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Switzerland breaks the Eurovision code as Cyprus finishes 15th

Switzerland won Eurovision 2024 in Malmo, beating Croatia. The winning song, “The Code,” was performed by Swiss rapper and singer Nemo, who expressed hope for peace and dignity. Israel’s entry faced protests due to the conflict in Gaza.

Eurovision chaos: Ireland a no-show for dress rehearsal as French act sends anti-war message [VIDEO]

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Eurovision chaos: Ireland a no-show for dress rehearsal as French act sends anti-war message [VIDEO]

Ireland, along with Greece and Switzerland, did not appear during the parade at the start of the Family Rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Bambie Thug, representing Ireland, was absent from the stage, citing an urgent situation requiring attention from the organisers. The European Broadcasting Union is currently discussing necessary actions in response to the absence. France’s act Slimane stopped his performance midway to send a peace message, chanting “United by music yes, but for love, for peace.” The Eurovision contest has been thrust into political conflict with protests calling for Israel’s exclusion and demands for changes to Israel’s entry lyrics.