California Thomas fire becomes largest in state's history
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42464835
A deadly wildfire which has destroyed more than 700 homes in California is now the largest blaze in the state's recorded history.
The Thomas fire has burned more than 1000sq km - an area greater than New York City, Brussels and Paris combined.
The blaze broke out in Santa Paula in early December and has moved west towards the coast, one of several major fires in California in recent months.
Thousands of firefighters have been deployed to bring it under control.
Most of California's largest wildfires have been recorded this century. Scientists say the warming climate and spread of buildings into wilderness areas have contributed.
【一蓮托生】國際時事政治選舉集中理性討論區（二）
濕鳩塞鷗
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[Opinion] 假才子: 簡介加泰選舉結果
https://nonintellect.blogspot.hk/2017/12/blog-post_22.html
唔qoute晒，大家可以去佢個blog睇，相當高質的選舉分析。
有網民說結果相差不遠，中央能否說未定勝負？事實上統派的得票確實稍微高於獨派，因選舉制度和策略的差異才令獨派佔較多議席，計入投票率後獨派亦只佔全部選民37.1%，中央的確可藉此說獨派仍未過半。但政治上搞了這麼多大動作鎮壓獨派後，獨派仍獲如此支持和勝出選舉，中央特別是首相拉霍伊 (Mariano Rajoy) 無疑是輸家。
雖說中央會很頭痛，但獨派亦只能開心一陣，因為前方仍有很多變數。對於流亡和被囚的獨派領袖，他們未來會否獲准返回加泰仍未清楚。就算返回加泰，他們已經宣布過一次獨立，接下來是退一步再跟中央談判還是繼續實行獨立大計，就算想實行中央也有很多方法限制他們。所以加泰未來會怎樣走我真是看不清楚，只能說靜觀其變。
https://nonintellect.blogspot.hk/2017/12/blog-post_22.html
唔qoute晒，大家可以去佢個blog睇，相當高質的選舉分析。
有網民說結果相差不遠，中央能否說未定勝負？事實上統派的得票確實稍微高於獨派，因選舉制度和策略的差異才令獨派佔較多議席，計入投票率後獨派亦只佔全部選民37.1%，中央的確可藉此說獨派仍未過半。但政治上搞了這麼多大動作鎮壓獨派後，獨派仍獲如此支持和勝出選舉，中央特別是首相拉霍伊 (Mariano Rajoy) 無疑是輸家。
雖說中央會很頭痛，但獨派亦只能開心一陣，因為前方仍有很多變數。對於流亡和被囚的獨派領袖，他們未來會否獲准返回加泰仍未清楚。就算返回加泰，他們已經宣布過一次獨立，接下來是退一步再跟中央談判還是繼續實行獨立大計，就算想實行中央也有很多方法限制他們。所以加泰未來會怎樣走我真是看不清楚，只能說靜觀其變。
[EU-China-HK] European Parliament condemns China’s ‘constant interference’ in Hong Kong’s internal affairs
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/12/16/european-parliament-condemns-chinas-constant-interference-hong-kongs-internal-affairs/
The European Parliament has condemned the “constant interference” of China in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, warning that it may put at risk the long-term viability of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
At a plenary session on Hong Kong, Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said: “We care about Hong Kong. And we know that its autonomy has been the foundation of its success.”
He said “One Country, Two Systems” has come under increasing pressure: “The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Hong Kong have been questioned. The implementation of the electoral reform has been postponed.”
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/12/16/european-parliament-condemns-chinas-constant-interference-hong-kongs-internal-affairs/
The European Parliament has condemned the “constant interference” of China in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, warning that it may put at risk the long-term viability of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
At a plenary session on Hong Kong, Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said: “We care about Hong Kong. And we know that its autonomy has been the foundation of its success.”
He said “One Country, Two Systems” has come under increasing pressure: “The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Hong Kong have been questioned. The implementation of the electoral reform has been postponed.”
[US] United States Sanctions Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors Across the Globe
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243
New Executive Order Implements Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Provides for Treasury Sanctions Against Malign Actors Worldwide
Today, the Trump Administration launched a new sanctions regime targeting human rights abusers and corrupt actors around the world. Building on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act passed by Congress last year, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order (Order) today declaring a national emergency with respect to serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world and providing for the imposition of sanctions on actors engaged in these malign activities. In an Annex to the Order, the President imposed sanctions on 13 serious human rights abusers and corrupt actors. In addition, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, imposed sanctions on an additional 39 affiliated individuals and entities under the newly-issued Order.
“Today, the United States is taking a strong stand against human rights abuse and corruption globally by shutting these bad actors out of the U.S. financial system. Treasury is freezing their assets and publicly denouncing the egregious acts they’ve committed, sending a message that there is a steep price to pay for their misdeeds,” said Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin. “At the direction of President Trump, Treasury and our interagency partners will continue to take decisive and impactful actions to hold accountable those who abuse human rights, perpetrate corruption, and undermine American ideals.”
As a result of today’s actions, all of the assets within U.S. jurisdiction of the individuals and entities included in the Annex to the Order or designated by OFAC are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243
New Executive Order Implements Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Provides for Treasury Sanctions Against Malign Actors Worldwide
Today, the Trump Administration launched a new sanctions regime targeting human rights abusers and corrupt actors around the world. Building on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act passed by Congress last year, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order (Order) today declaring a national emergency with respect to serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world and providing for the imposition of sanctions on actors engaged in these malign activities. In an Annex to the Order, the President imposed sanctions on 13 serious human rights abusers and corrupt actors. In addition, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, imposed sanctions on an additional 39 affiliated individuals and entities under the newly-issued Order.
“Today, the United States is taking a strong stand against human rights abuse and corruption globally by shutting these bad actors out of the U.S. financial system. Treasury is freezing their assets and publicly denouncing the egregious acts they’ve committed, sending a message that there is a steep price to pay for their misdeeds,” said Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin. “At the direction of President Trump, Treasury and our interagency partners will continue to take decisive and impactful actions to hold accountable those who abuse human rights, perpetrate corruption, and undermine American ideals.”
As a result of today’s actions, all of the assets within U.S. jurisdiction of the individuals and entities included in the Annex to the Order or designated by OFAC are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
[US] FBI investigates Russian-linked Cyprus bank accused of money laundering
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/24/fbi-investigates-russian-linked-cyprus-bank-accused-of-money-laundering
The FBI has asked officials in Cyprus for financial information about a defunct bank that was used by wealthy Russians with political connections and has been accused by the US government of money laundering, two sources have told the Guardian.
The request for information about FBME Bank comes as Cyprus has emerged as a key area of interest for Robert Mueller, the US special counsel who is investigating a possible conspiracy between Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and the Kremlin.
People familiar with the FBI request told the Guardian that federal investigators and the US Treasury approached the Central Bank of Cyprus in November seeking detailed information about FBME, which was shut down earlier this year.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/24/fbi-investigates-russian-linked-cyprus-bank-accused-of-money-laundering
The FBI has asked officials in Cyprus for financial information about a defunct bank that was used by wealthy Russians with political connections and has been accused by the US government of money laundering, two sources have told the Guardian.
The request for information about FBME Bank comes as Cyprus has emerged as a key area of interest for Robert Mueller, the US special counsel who is investigating a possible conspiracy between Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and the Kremlin.
People familiar with the FBI request told the Guardian that federal investigators and the US Treasury approached the Central Bank of Cyprus in November seeking detailed information about FBME, which was shut down earlier this year.
[Russia] Thousands of Russians endorse Navalny to challenge Putin in 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/russians-navalny-opposition-putin-2018
Alexei Navalny, seen as the only Russian opposition leader who stands a fighting chance of challenging Vladimir Putin, has attempted to get his name on the ballot for a March presidential election, with supporters gathering across Russia to endorse the move.
Thousands of people who back him were meeting in 20 Russian cities on Sunday to formally nominate his candidacy in the presence of electoral officials in an attempt to boost his chances of making the vote.
Russian electoral officials have deemed him ineligible to run due to a criminal conviction, saying “only a miracle” would help him get registered.
Putin, 65, announced this month he would seek a fourth presidential term, which would extend his rule until 2024 and make him the longest-serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.
But Navalny, who has tapped into the anger of a younger generation who grew up under Putin and yearn for change, said he would not give up. He hopes that popular support for his Kremlin bid would pressurise authorities into putting his name on the ballot.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/russians-navalny-opposition-putin-2018
Alexei Navalny, seen as the only Russian opposition leader who stands a fighting chance of challenging Vladimir Putin, has attempted to get his name on the ballot for a March presidential election, with supporters gathering across Russia to endorse the move.
Thousands of people who back him were meeting in 20 Russian cities on Sunday to formally nominate his candidacy in the presence of electoral officials in an attempt to boost his chances of making the vote.
Russian electoral officials have deemed him ineligible to run due to a criminal conviction, saying “only a miracle” would help him get registered.
Putin, 65, announced this month he would seek a fourth presidential term, which would extend his rule until 2024 and make him the longest-serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.
But Navalny, who has tapped into the anger of a younger generation who grew up under Putin and yearn for change, said he would not give up. He hopes that popular support for his Kremlin bid would pressurise authorities into putting his name on the ballot.
[UK-The Queen] Queen's message hails terror-hit London and Manchester
[url]http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42475052
[/url]
The Queen will pay tribute to London and Manchester in her Christmas Day broadcast for the way in which they dealt with this year's terror attacks.
Looking back over the events of 2017, the Queen says both cities' "powerful identities" had "shone through".
The Queen will also praise the Duke of Edinburgh for his support, in the year of their 70th wedding anniversary.
She will spend the day at Sandringham with the Royal Family, including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle.
It will be the first time someone who is yet to marry into the Royal Family will have joined its Christmas celebrations.
The Queen's Christmas message will be broadcast at 15:00 GMT
[url]http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42475052
[/url]
The Queen will pay tribute to London and Manchester in her Christmas Day broadcast for the way in which they dealt with this year's terror attacks.
Looking back over the events of 2017, the Queen says both cities' "powerful identities" had "shone through".
The Queen will also praise the Duke of Edinburgh for his support, in the year of their 70th wedding anniversary.
She will spend the day at Sandringham with the Royal Family, including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle.
It will be the first time someone who is yet to marry into the Royal Family will have joined its Christmas celebrations.
The Queen's Christmas message will be broadcast at 15:00 GMT
Pope Francis pleads for migrants at Christmas Eve Mass
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42475252
Pope Francis has urged the world not to ignore the plight of millions of migrants "driven from their land", during Christmas Eve Mass.
The pontiff compared them to Mary and Joseph, recounting the Biblical story how they had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem but found no place to stay.
Many migrants, he said, were being forced to flee from leaders who "see no problem in shedding innocent blood".
Francis will give his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas address on Monday.
"So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary," the 81-year-old Argentine pontiff, himself the grandson of Italian migrants, told worshippers in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City on Sunday evening.
"We see the tracks of millions of persons who do not choose to go away but, driven from their land, leave behind their dear ones."
The leader of the world's estimated 1.2bn Roman Catholics also stressed that faith demanded that foreigners be welcomed everywhere.
Pope Francis has made defence of migrants around the world a major theme of his papacy.
His comments come as the number of refugees worldwide exceeds 22 million, with the latest cross-border influx being the Rohingya fleeing violence in Myanmar.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42475252
Pope Francis has urged the world not to ignore the plight of millions of migrants "driven from their land", during Christmas Eve Mass.
The pontiff compared them to Mary and Joseph, recounting the Biblical story how they had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem but found no place to stay.
Many migrants, he said, were being forced to flee from leaders who "see no problem in shedding innocent blood".
Francis will give his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas address on Monday.
"So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary," the 81-year-old Argentine pontiff, himself the grandson of Italian migrants, told worshippers in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City on Sunday evening.
"We see the tracks of millions of persons who do not choose to go away but, driven from their land, leave behind their dear ones."
The leader of the world's estimated 1.2bn Roman Catholics also stressed that faith demanded that foreigners be welcomed everywhere.
Pope Francis has made defence of migrants around the world a major theme of his papacy.
His comments come as the number of refugees worldwide exceeds 22 million, with the latest cross-border influx being the Rohingya fleeing violence in Myanmar.
[US] US secures $285M cut in UN budget
http://thehill.com/news-by-subject/foreign-policy/366404-us-secures-285m-cut-in-annual-un-budget
The U.S. Mission to the United Nations announced Sunday that it negotiated a major reduction in the U.N.’s budget for the upcoming fiscal years.
According to a statement from the mission, the 2018-2019 U.N. budget will have a $285 million reduction from the previous two years.
“In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key U.S. priorities throughout the world, and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system,” the statement reads.
One of the Trump administration’s goals has been to reduce the amount of contributions that the U.S. makes to the U.N. The U.S. currently provides for about 22 percent of the annual budget, or about $3.3 billion per year, according to PolitiFact.
http://thehill.com/news-by-subject/foreign-policy/366404-us-secures-285m-cut-in-annual-un-budget
The U.S. Mission to the United Nations announced Sunday that it negotiated a major reduction in the U.N.’s budget for the upcoming fiscal years.
According to a statement from the mission, the 2018-2019 U.N. budget will have a $285 million reduction from the previous two years.
“In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key U.S. priorities throughout the world, and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system,” the statement reads.
One of the Trump administration’s goals has been to reduce the amount of contributions that the U.S. makes to the U.N. The U.S. currently provides for about 22 percent of the annual budget, or about $3.3 billion per year, according to PolitiFact.
[Peru] Peru's jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori pardoned, sparking protests
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/perus-jailed-ex-president-alberto-fujimori-pardoned-sparking-protests
Peru’s president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has pardoned the jailed former autocrat Alberto Fujimori in a Christmas Eve announcement that has sparked protests across the country.
The president, who last week survived a vote to force him out of office, said in a statement on Sunday night that he had “decided to concede a humanitarian pardon to Mr Alberto Fujimori”.
“A medical panel has determined Mr Fujimori has a progressive, degenerative and incurable disease and the jail conditions present a grave risk to his life and health,” it read.
The move comes a day after Fujimori, 79, who is serving a 25-year sentence for corruption and human rights crimes, was rushed to hospital on Saturday after suffering a severe drop in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm. His doctor said he could die.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/perus-jailed-ex-president-alberto-fujimori-pardoned-sparking-protests
Peru’s president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has pardoned the jailed former autocrat Alberto Fujimori in a Christmas Eve announcement that has sparked protests across the country.
The president, who last week survived a vote to force him out of office, said in a statement on Sunday night that he had “decided to concede a humanitarian pardon to Mr Alberto Fujimori”.
“A medical panel has determined Mr Fujimori has a progressive, degenerative and incurable disease and the jail conditions present a grave risk to his life and health,” it read.
The move comes a day after Fujimori, 79, who is serving a 25-year sentence for corruption and human rights crimes, was rushed to hospital on Saturday after suffering a severe drop in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm. His doctor said he could die.
[Russia] Bus crashes into Moscow subway killing four people
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42479316
A bus left a road in Moscow before ploughing into a subway entrance, leaving at least four people dead and 15 injured, Russian media say.
CCTV video shows people scattering as the vehicle ran down the subway's wide steps before being brought to a halt by the tunnel's roof.
The incident occurred near Slavyansky Bulvar metro station in western Moscow.
The cause of the incident was not immediately clear but there was no suggestion it was a terror attack.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42479316
A bus left a road in Moscow before ploughing into a subway entrance, leaving at least four people dead and 15 injured, Russian media say.
CCTV video shows people scattering as the vehicle ran down the subway's wide steps before being brought to a halt by the tunnel's roof.
The incident occurred near Slavyansky Bulvar metro station in western Moscow.
The cause of the incident was not immediately clear but there was no suggestion it was a terror attack.
[Middle East] Jerusalem: Guatemala follows US in planning Israel embassy move
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42475253
Guatemala says it plans to move the country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, following a similar announcement from Donald Trump.
Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said the decision was taken after speaking to the Israeli PM.
It was one of only nine nations to vote against a UN resolution effectively repudiating the US' recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Mr Morales made the announcement on Facebook. Noting the "excellent relations" between Guatemala and Israel, he said "one of the most important topics was the return of Guatemala's embassy to Jerusalem".
"For this reason I am informing you that I have given instructions to the foreign ministry that it start the necessary respective coordination to make this happen," he added. He did not say when the move would happen.
Israel has welcomed the announcement, with the foreign ministry saying it was a sign of "true friendship".
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42475253
Guatemala says it plans to move the country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, following a similar announcement from Donald Trump.
Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said the decision was taken after speaking to the Israeli PM.
It was one of only nine nations to vote against a UN resolution effectively repudiating the US' recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Mr Morales made the announcement on Facebook. Noting the "excellent relations" between Guatemala and Israel, he said "one of the most important topics was the return of Guatemala's embassy to Jerusalem".
"For this reason I am informing you that I have given instructions to the foreign ministry that it start the necessary respective coordination to make this happen," he added. He did not say when the move would happen.
Israel has welcomed the announcement, with the foreign ministry saying it was a sign of "true friendship".
[Spain] Spain's king attempts to calm Catalonia crisis in Christmas speech
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/spains-king-attempts-to-calm-catalonia-crisis-in-christmas-speech
Spain’s King Felipe VI has urged Catalan leaders to respect their region’s diversity and avoid another confrontation over independence in a Christmas speech.
Felipe’s remarks on Sunday came three days after separatist parties in Catalonia, led by ousted president Carles Puigdemont, won an absolute majority of seats in a parliamentary vote.
The wealthy north-eastern region’s newly elected parliament must “face the problems that affect all Catalans, with respect to plurality and bearing in mind their responsibility to the common good”, the monarch said.
On Christmas Eve, he reiterated his call for unity, though his tone was more conciliatory. He called on the region’s leaders to help “Catalonia’s society – diverse and plural as it is – to recover its serenity, stability and mutual respect, in such a way as to ensure that ideas... do not separate families and friends from each other”.
Spain is now “a mature democracy, where any citizen can ... defend, freely and democratically, his opinions and ideas; but not impose his ideas in a standoff with the rights of others”, the king said in his fourth Christmas speech since his accession to the throne.
Spain’s King Felipe VI's Christmas Message:
http://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=13413
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/spains-king-attempts-to-calm-catalonia-crisis-in-christmas-speech
Spain’s King Felipe VI has urged Catalan leaders to respect their region’s diversity and avoid another confrontation over independence in a Christmas speech.
Felipe’s remarks on Sunday came three days after separatist parties in Catalonia, led by ousted president Carles Puigdemont, won an absolute majority of seats in a parliamentary vote.
The wealthy north-eastern region’s newly elected parliament must “face the problems that affect all Catalans, with respect to plurality and bearing in mind their responsibility to the common good”, the monarch said.
On Christmas Eve, he reiterated his call for unity, though his tone was more conciliatory. He called on the region’s leaders to help “Catalonia’s society – diverse and plural as it is – to recover its serenity, stability and mutual respect, in such a way as to ensure that ideas... do not separate families and friends from each other”.
Spain is now “a mature democracy, where any citizen can ... defend, freely and democratically, his opinions and ideas; but not impose his ideas in a standoff with the rights of others”, the king said in his fourth Christmas speech since his accession to the throne.
Spain’s King Felipe VI's Christmas Message:
http://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=13413
[UN-Burma] China and Russia oppose UN resolution on Rohingya
[url]https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/china-russia-oppose-un-resolution-myanmar-rohingya-muslims
[/url]
The UN general assembly has urged Myanmar to end a military campaign against Muslim Rohingya and called for the appointment of a UN special envoy, despite opposition from China, Russia and some regional countries.
A resolution put forward by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation was adopted by a vote of 122 to 10 with 24 abstentions.
China, Russia, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam joined Myanmar in voting against the measure as did Belarus, Syria and Zimbabwe.
The resolution calls on the government to allow access for aid workers, ensure the return of all refugees and grant full citizenship rights to the Rohingya.
[url]https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/china-russia-oppose-un-resolution-myanmar-rohingya-muslims
[/url]
The UN general assembly has urged Myanmar to end a military campaign against Muslim Rohingya and called for the appointment of a UN special envoy, despite opposition from China, Russia and some regional countries.
A resolution put forward by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation was adopted by a vote of 122 to 10 with 24 abstentions.
China, Russia, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam joined Myanmar in voting against the measure as did Belarus, Syria and Zimbabwe.
The resolution calls on the government to allow access for aid workers, ensure the return of all refugees and grant full citizenship rights to the Rohingya.
[Follow-up] Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny barred from running for president
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/russian-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-barred-from-running-for-president
Russian election officials on Monday formally barred Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny from running for president, prompting calls from him for a boycott of next year’s vote.
The central election commission decided unanimously that the anti-corruption crusader is not eligible to run.
Navalny is implicitly barred from running for office because of a conviction in a fraud case which has been viewed as political retribution. He could have run if he was given a special dispensation or if his conviction was cancelled.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/russian-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-barred-from-running-for-president
Russian election officials on Monday formally barred Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny from running for president, prompting calls from him for a boycott of next year’s vote.
The central election commission decided unanimously that the anti-corruption crusader is not eligible to run.
Navalny is implicitly barred from running for office because of a conviction in a fraud case which has been viewed as political retribution. He could have run if he was given a special dispensation or if his conviction was cancelled.
[UK-Russia] HMS St Albans: Russian warship escorted by UK frigate in North Sea
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42481216
A British frigate has escorted a Russian warship through the North Sea near UK waters on Christmas Day, the Royal Navy has revealed.
It said HMS St Albans monitored the Admiral Gorshkov's "activity in areas of national interest".
Russia has not commented on the issue.
The Royal Navy said there had been a recent "upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters". Britain recently warned of a new threat posed by Russia to internet cables under the sea.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, the chief of the defence staff, said earlier this month that Britain and Nato needed to prioritise protecting the lines of communication.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42481216
A British frigate has escorted a Russian warship through the North Sea near UK waters on Christmas Day, the Royal Navy has revealed.
It said HMS St Albans monitored the Admiral Gorshkov's "activity in areas of national interest".
Russia has not commented on the issue.
The Royal Navy said there had been a recent "upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters". Britain recently warned of a new threat posed by Russia to internet cables under the sea.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, the chief of the defence staff, said earlier this month that Britain and Nato needed to prioritise protecting the lines of communication.
[Syria-Russia] Rebel groups reject talks on Syrian conflict hosted by Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/rebel-groups-reject-talks-on-syrian-conflict-hosted-by-russia
Syrian rebel groups on Monday rejected Russia’s planned Sochi conference on Syria, saying Moscow was seeking to bypass a United Nations-based Geneva peace process and blaming Russia for committing war crimes in the country.
In a statement by around 40 rebel groups who include some of the military factions who participated in earlier rounds of Geneva peace talks, they said Moscow had not put pressure on the Syrian government to reach a political settlement.
“Russia has not contributed one step to easing the suffering of Syrians and has not pressured the regime that it claims it is a guarantor by move in any real path towards a solution,” the rebel statement said.
Russia, which has emerged as the dominant player in Syria after a major military intervention over two years ago, received backing from Turkey and Iran for holding a Syrian national dialogue congress in the Russian city of Sochi on 29 January.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/rebel-groups-reject-talks-on-syrian-conflict-hosted-by-russia
Syrian rebel groups on Monday rejected Russia’s planned Sochi conference on Syria, saying Moscow was seeking to bypass a United Nations-based Geneva peace process and blaming Russia for committing war crimes in the country.
In a statement by around 40 rebel groups who include some of the military factions who participated in earlier rounds of Geneva peace talks, they said Moscow had not put pressure on the Syrian government to reach a political settlement.
“Russia has not contributed one step to easing the suffering of Syrians and has not pressured the regime that it claims it is a guarantor by move in any real path towards a solution,” the rebel statement said.
Russia, which has emerged as the dominant player in Syria after a major military intervention over two years ago, received backing from Turkey and Iran for holding a Syrian national dialogue congress in the Russian city of Sochi on 29 January.
[Canada-Venezuela] Canada expels Venezuela diplomat in tit-for-tat move
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42480986
Canada has announced it is expelling Venezuela's ambassador to Ottawa, Wilmer Barrientos Fernández, and its charge d'affaires, Ángel Herrera.
Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the move was in retaliation for the expulsion of its most senior diplomat from Caracas over the weekend.
Venezuela had accused Canada of meddling in its internal affairs.
Canada has criticised the government of President Nicolás Maduro over its human rights record.
More than 120 people were killed during months of anti-government protests earlier this year.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42480986
Canada has announced it is expelling Venezuela's ambassador to Ottawa, Wilmer Barrientos Fernández, and its charge d'affaires, Ángel Herrera.
Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the move was in retaliation for the expulsion of its most senior diplomat from Caracas over the weekend.
Venezuela had accused Canada of meddling in its internal affairs.
Canada has criticised the government of President Nicolás Maduro over its human rights record.
More than 120 people were killed during months of anti-government protests earlier this year.
[Trump's 2017] Trump’s top 10 accomplishments of 2017 (According to the Hill)
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/366429-trumps-top-10-accomplishments-of-2017
1. The tax-cut bill
2. Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation to the Supreme Court
3. Roll-back of regulations
4. The travel ban
5. Declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel
6. Withdrawal from Paris climate deal
7. Pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership
8. Roll-back of some of Obama’s Cuba policies
9. Moving to repeal Obama’s net neutrality rules
10. Fighting — and further degrading — ISIS
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/366429-trumps-top-10-accomplishments-of-2017
1. The tax-cut bill
2. Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation to the Supreme Court
3. Roll-back of regulations
4. The travel ban
5. Declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel
6. Withdrawal from Paris climate deal
7. Pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership
8. Roll-back of some of Obama’s Cuba policies
9. Moving to repeal Obama’s net neutrality rules
10. Fighting — and further degrading — ISIS
[Netherlands] Dutch king Willem-Alexander has called on people to work towards a sense of community in his traditional Christmas address to the nation.
People, the king said, should ‘not be looking for a bigger I, but for the greater we.’ Speaking at his home on the De Eikenhorst estate, the king said it is becoming more difficult to meet people in daily life. ‘The places where people used to come together – the church, the office, the café, the sports club, the school – are loosing their role as places which bind us.’
‘Perhaps the hospital is the only place where you come into contact with people with a different background and way of living,’ the king said.
In his speech, the king also referred to the fake news phenomenon. ‘Communication via internet gives us fantastic opportunities but that does not mean an open window on the world,’ he said.
Read more at DutchNews.nl: Dutch king calls for community – we need the ‘greater we’ not the ‘big I’
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2017/12/dutch-king-calls-for-community-we-need-the-greater-we-not-the-big-i/
People, the king said, should ‘not be looking for a bigger I, but for the greater we.’ Speaking at his home on the De Eikenhorst estate, the king said it is becoming more difficult to meet people in daily life. ‘The places where people used to come together – the church, the office, the café, the sports club, the school – are loosing their role as places which bind us.’
‘Perhaps the hospital is the only place where you come into contact with people with a different background and way of living,’ the king said.
In his speech, the king also referred to the fake news phenomenon. ‘Communication via internet gives us fantastic opportunities but that does not mean an open window on the world,’ he said.
Read more at DutchNews.nl: Dutch king calls for community – we need the ‘greater we’ not the ‘big I’
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2017/12/dutch-king-calls-for-community-we-need-the-greater-we-not-the-big-i/
[Taiwan] Taiwan says Chinese air force exercised near island 16 times in last year
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-china/taiwan-says-chinese-air-force-exercised-near-island-16-times-in-last-year-idUSKBN1EK0JV?il=0
TAIPEI (Reuters) - China’s air force has carried out 16 rounds of exercises close to Taiwan in the last year or so, Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Tuesday, warning that China’s military threat was growing by the day.
China considers self-ruled and democratic Taiwan to be its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring what it views as a wayward province under Chinese control.
China has taken an increasingly hostile stance towards Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen from the island’s pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won presidential elections last year.Beijing suspects her of pushing for the island’s formal independence, a red line for China. Tsai says she wants peace with China, but that she will defend Taiwan’s security and way of life.
In a lengthy report, Taiwan’s defense ministry listed the number of times China’s air force had drilled near the island since the end of October last year and which aircraft were involved, including bombers and advanced fighter jets.
國防報告書:
https://www.mnd.gov.tw/PublishForReport.aspx?a=1&title=%E8%BB%8D%E4%BA%8B%E5%88%8A%E7%89%A9&SelectStyle=%E6%AD%B7%E5%B9%B4%E5%9C%8B%E9%98%B2%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A%E6%9B%B8%E5%B0%88%E5%8D%80
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-china/taiwan-says-chinese-air-force-exercised-near-island-16-times-in-last-year-idUSKBN1EK0JV?il=0
TAIPEI (Reuters) - China’s air force has carried out 16 rounds of exercises close to Taiwan in the last year or so, Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Tuesday, warning that China’s military threat was growing by the day.
China considers self-ruled and democratic Taiwan to be its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring what it views as a wayward province under Chinese control.
China has taken an increasingly hostile stance towards Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen from the island’s pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won presidential elections last year.Beijing suspects her of pushing for the island’s formal independence, a red line for China. Tsai says she wants peace with China, but that she will defend Taiwan’s security and way of life.
In a lengthy report, Taiwan’s defense ministry listed the number of times China’s air force had drilled near the island since the end of October last year and which aircraft were involved, including bombers and advanced fighter jets.
國防報告書:
https://www.mnd.gov.tw/PublishForReport.aspx?a=1&title=%E8%BB%8D%E4%BA%8B%E5%88%8A%E7%89%A9&SelectStyle=%E6%AD%B7%E5%B9%B4%E5%9C%8B%E9%98%B2%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A%E6%9B%B8%E5%B0%88%E5%8D%80
[UK] Asylum offices 'in a constant state of crisis', say whistleblowers
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/25/asylum-offices-constant-state-crisis-say-whistleblowers-home-office
Staff in the Home Office’s asylum directorate are undertrained, overworked and operating in a “constant state of crisis”, two whistleblowers have claimed, as applicants endure long waits to have their case dealt with due to internal pressures.
The Home Office staff have also told the Guardian that asylum case workers are making poor decisions about applications because they are under pressure to focus on more profitable visa applications. Despite a “shocking increase in complaints (from applicants) and MP enquiries questioning delays”, they say caseworkers have been told to brush off all enquires and “just give standard lines” of response when called to account.
A source from the UK Visa and Immigration Unit (UKVI) has alleged that caseworkers have been ordered to kick applications for spousal visas “into the long grass” because they can make more money for the directorate by processing student visas. Spousal visas, also known as settlement visas, cost more than student visas but take much longer to process.
The source also claims visa applications are routinely labelled “complex” or ”non-straightforward” by staff – a term which excuses the UKVI from adhering to their standard processing times – it is, the source claimed, “just a euphemism for ‘there’s more profitable stuff we could be doing’”. Paying hundreds of pounds for priority services to try to avoid delays on decisions is a “waste of time”, they warned applicants.
The allegations reflect concerns expressed in a report earlier this year by David Bolt, the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, who said the Home Office is not “in effective control” of its asylum process.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/25/asylum-offices-constant-state-crisis-say-whistleblowers-home-office
Staff in the Home Office’s asylum directorate are undertrained, overworked and operating in a “constant state of crisis”, two whistleblowers have claimed, as applicants endure long waits to have their case dealt with due to internal pressures.
The Home Office staff have also told the Guardian that asylum case workers are making poor decisions about applications because they are under pressure to focus on more profitable visa applications. Despite a “shocking increase in complaints (from applicants) and MP enquiries questioning delays”, they say caseworkers have been told to brush off all enquires and “just give standard lines” of response when called to account.
A source from the UK Visa and Immigration Unit (UKVI) has alleged that caseworkers have been ordered to kick applications for spousal visas “into the long grass” because they can make more money for the directorate by processing student visas. Spousal visas, also known as settlement visas, cost more than student visas but take much longer to process.
The source also claims visa applications are routinely labelled “complex” or ”non-straightforward” by staff – a term which excuses the UKVI from adhering to their standard processing times – it is, the source claimed, “just a euphemism for ‘there’s more profitable stuff we could be doing’”. Paying hundreds of pounds for priority services to try to avoid delays on decisions is a “waste of time”, they warned applicants.
The allegations reflect concerns expressed in a report earlier this year by David Bolt, the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, who said the Home Office is not “in effective control” of its asylum process.
[Russia] Thousands of Russians endorse Navalny to challenge Putin in 2018[Follow-up] Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny barred from running for president
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/russians-navalny-opposition-putin-2018
Alexei Navalny, seen as the only Russian opposition leader who stands a fighting chance of challenging Vladimir Putin, has attempted to get his name on the ballot for a March presidential election, with supporters gathering across Russia to endorse the move.
Thousands of people who back him were meeting in 20 Russian cities on Sunday to formally nominate his candidacy in the presence of electoral officials in an attempt to boost his chances of making the vote.
Russian electoral officials have deemed him ineligible to run due to a criminal conviction, saying “only a miracle” would help him get registered.
Putin, 65, announced this month he would seek a fourth presidential term, which would extend his rule until 2024 and make him the longest-serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.
But Navalny, who has tapped into the anger of a younger generation who grew up under Putin and yearn for change, said he would not give up. He hopes that popular support for his Kremlin bid would pressurise authorities into putting his name on the ballot.[/red]
[/red]
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/russian-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-barred-from-running-for-president
Russian election officials on Monday formally barred Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny from running for president, prompting calls from him for a boycott of next year’s vote.
The central election commission decided unanimously that the anti-corruption crusader is not eligible to run.
Navalny is implicitly barred from running for office because of a conviction in a fraud case which has been viewed as political retribution. He could have run if he was given a special dispensation or if his conviction was cancelled.
[Follow-up] Russia's Kremlin suggests Alexei Navalny's calls to boycott election 'are breaking the law'
[url]http://www.dw.com/en/russias-kremlin-suggests-alexei-navalnys-calls-to-boycott-election-are-breaking-the-law/a-41934332
[/url]
The opposition leader has urged Russians to boycott the vote, saying "Putin is terribly scared." Human rights groups have urged authorities to end a campaign of "harassment and intimidation" against the opposition.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said authorities need to determine whether Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's call to boycott next year's presidential election are illegal.
"Calls for boycott ought to be carefully studied to see if they are breaking the law," said Peskov, a day after the country's top electoral body voted to formally ban Navalny from running in the 2018 presidential election.
係咪又羸架啦其實
其實係，仲要個反對派俾政府告緊貪污