Foreign News
Democracy Needs ‘Courage and Cooperation,’ says German President
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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on citizens to embrace democracy, rather than turn their backs on it, in a Christmas address coming at the close of a turbulent year.
“Yes, we yearn for clarity. Yes, it is reasonable to expect those in positions of political responsibility to struggle for the right course, but also to give answers that help us as a country,” said Steinmeier.
“You as citizens should be able to expect democrats to work together when what is at stake is our common whole,” Steinmeier told the public.
His reference to democrats comes amid growing support for the far right in Germany, and burgeoning discontent with the government.
“Many have missed that. Some turn away, others complain about everything and everyone,” he said, in a speech shared in advance by his office.
But in a democracy, “when the going gets tough, there are better counsellors than anger and contempt,” Steinmeier said.
“Better counsellors than those who pretend that there is always one simple answer to the questions of the future. They include courage and cooperation,” he added.
It is also important to keep everyone in mind, young and old alike, whether they come from Germany or other countries, the German president said.
“We will only ever make progress if we work together – and not if everyone shrinks back into their own worlds.”
Recent months have been especially turbulent in Germany. Just weeks before the turn of the year, a landmark court ruling left the coalition government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz scrambling to find ways to plug a huge budget gap.
Germany’s Constitutional Court ruled in mid-November that €60 billion ($66 billion) in emergency loans to combat the coronavirus pandemic could not be reallocated to a climate fund, sending the Berlin government’s budget planning into disarray.
Meanwhile, the growing strength of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has traditionally been on the fringes of German politics, has raised alarm among many who view the party as extremist, anti-democratic and xenophobic.
The year leaves with many unresolved issues in Germany, Steinmeier noted. “Some people are looking sceptically at government and politicians. And some are worried about the future.”
With Russia’s war on Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, 2023 presented its dark side, Steinmeier said, pointing to “images of suffering and destruction, images of hatred and violence.”
“My wish for you today and in the days ahead is that you can close
your front door and enjoy this time with your loved ones,” Steinmeier said.
He also thanked those working on Christmas to enable people to celebrate “safely and in peace,” mentioning the police, fire brigade and armed forces.
He also paid tribute to those working “in hospitals, care homes and other institutions that look after people even on this day – people who are in distress, people with no roof over their heads. Thank you for being there.”
Steinmeier said people who are committed to community gave him strength and courage. “They bring warmth to our country,” he said.
Next year, Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its democracy, he added, noting the constitution is something to be proud of. “I want to encourage us all to trust in this foundation,” also in the future, he said. “Germany is and remains a good country.” (dpa/NAN)
Foreign News
At Least 5 Dead in Fresh Russian Attacks on Ukraine
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Russia has attacked Ukraine for the second consecutive night with heavy airstrikes involving various weapon types, initial reports from Ukrainian authorities said on Monday morning.At least five people were killed, two due to a rocket strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih and three others due to drone attacks on Zaporizhzhya, they said.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian army once again used long-range bombers, launching cruise missiles. Hypersonic missiles of the Kinzhal (Dagger) type were also fired.The attacks were primarily aimed at Ukraine’s energy system, analysts observed.On Monday, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine involving 127 missiles and cruise missiles, along with over 100 combat drones.This was the highest number reported by the Ukrainian military in two and a half years of conflict. (dpa/NAN)Foreign News
Electricity Consumers Laud Jos Disco for Exceptional Service in Benue
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From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A broad spectrum of electricity customers in Benue State yesterday, commended Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for delivering consistent, stable and reliable services in the region.They gave the commendation during a radio interactive program on Brothers FM and monitored by our correspondent, heralding the launch of a customer consultative forum in Gboko, the traditional capital of the Tiv nation.
His Royal Highness, Ikpa Ahua, representing the paramount ruler of Gboko, led the commendations. He praised the company’s significant improvement in electricity supply over the past few months, noting its positive impact on local businesses.Ahua also appreciated the company’s metering policy, which has increased access to prepaid meters for customers.He however lamented the frequent cases of vandalism of electricity installations and pledged to intensify efforts to safeguard these facilities.Other dignitaries, including Prince Makir Zakpe, Kindred head of Gboko South, Zaki Amachi Terkimbi and Zaki Linus, also commended the company’s efficient service.In his opening remarks, Pastor Emma Ameh who represented the Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, urged customers to settle their energy bills promptly, given the improvements in service delivery.He emphasized the need for customers to fulfill their obligations to enable the company to continue meeting its energy delivery mandate.Presentations by Lucky Akpobi, Head of Customer Complaints and Relationship Management, and Comrade Ojochide Matthew Agbata, Regional Manager of Makurdi, highlighted the benefits of prepaid meters in resolving billing disputes.Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, emphasized the importance of vigilance in combating energy theft and vandalism, urging customers to report suspicious activities to the company or law enforcement agencies.Foreign News
2 Pilots Killed in France as Military Jets Crash Mid-flight
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Two French pilots died when their military jets collided mid-flight in eastern France, the nation’s Air Force said in a post on X.
The two Rafale fighter jets were returning from a mission in Germany when they collided near Colombey-les-Belles, close to the city of Nancy, Wednesday’s post said.
A third pilot ejected safely and was quickly found, unharmed, the post said.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, expressed the country’s condolences to the families of the two pilots.
The aircraft were stationed in Saint-Dizier, in eastern France.
No details were initially provided regarding the cause of the accident. (dpa/NAN)