Foreign News
Non-Aligned Summit: UN Assembly President Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza
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The president of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, on Friday, reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages as the “only credible course of action” to address the conflict.
Addressing the 19th Non-Aligned Summit in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, Francis urged the bloc of 120 nations to exert its influence to bring an end to the “carnage” in the war-ravaged enclave.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) originated during the Cold War in 1961, as a response to the binary global power struggle.
Leaders of newly independent countries sought a neutral stance, avoiding alignment with either the US or Soviet bloc.
It aimed to promote cooperation, peace, and development among nations beyond the superpower struggle.
“That situation behoves us to ask; we must ask: how much is enough? And does the very concept of enough even exist in this setting?
“I renew the demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release of all hostages. This stands as the only credible course of action to authentically address – let alone resolve – this conflict,” Francis said in a statement.
Having witnessed cycles of war spanning several decades, the veteran diplomat, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, firmly believes the only viable pathway for both Israelis and Palestinians to achieve their fundamental right to peace is through a negotiated political solution, based on the two-State solution.
“As President of the General Assembly, I will support and encourage any and all initiatives to that end. You can count on me to remain steadfast in that commitment,” he said.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is expected to address the NAM Summit on Saturday.
He is also scheduled to address the Third South Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the Group of 77 plus China, which is also being held in Kampala, according to his spokesperson.
The UN chief is expected to emphasise the critical role that both the NAM and the G77 plus China play in fostering international cooperation at a moment of deep division and rising geopolitical tensions.
His messages will focus on multilateralism and renewed efforts for peace, financing for sustainable development and climate action, and the need for institutional reform. (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)