by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, controversies, diplomacy and diplomats, international relations, politics
The former South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, stated on Sunday that he came back home without any remorse.
After a 32-hour trip from the United States through Qatar, Rasool and his spouse, Rosieda, landed at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday morning. They were greeted warmly by several hundred supporters upon their arrival.
Earlier this month, Rasool was deemed “undesirable” by the United States after making critical comments about President Donald Trump during an online event organized by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, a South African research organization.
Speaking to approximately 300 supporters at the airport, Rasool said that although he was intended to be embarrassed by being called a persona non grata, the enthusiastic welcome transformed this label into an emblem of pride for him.
“When you come back to a community filled with such warmth and an understanding of Ubuntu (the African concept of ‘I exist through others’), then I’ll embrace being unwelcome as a sign of honor… as proof that we’ve made the correct choice,” Rasool stated, conveying his joy at returning to a place “where Ubuntu holds great value.”
Rasool mentioned that even though efforts were made towards traditional diplomacy, South Africa eventually had to adopt what he referred to as the “Ubuntu-style diplomacy.”
“The diplomacy of Ubuntu does not involve deceiving others for your nation’s sake. Instead, it entails telling the truth with kindness. Ubuntu’s diplomacy doesn’t consist of mere flattery towards your hosts nor ignoring what is incorrect. Rather, it involves thoughtful interaction and convincing your host of a superior approach,” he stated.
Rasool wished that President Cyril Ramaphosa could locate an individual competent enough to repair relations with the United States without compromising South Africa’s principles. “We have to strive for this, yet we should maintain our dignity,” he stated.
In response to queries about the failure of diplomatic efforts, he stated that drawing the notice of both President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led to their declaration of him as persona non grata, indicating that his statement had made an impact at the pinnacle of the United States’ governmental hierarchy.
“They were shocked by our description, and they weren’t pleased about it. Therefore, the diplomatic approach of Ubuntu has clearly been effective since we demonstrated the principles of our community,” Rasool stated.
Rubio declared Rasool’s dismissal via social media, characterizing him as a “politician adept at stirring racial tensions, one who harbors hatred towards both America and its leader.” A deadline of 72 hours was set for Rasool to vacate the United States, and he was labeled “persona non grata,” prohibiting his future representation of South Africa in Washington.
Rasool is anticipated to furnish an extensive report on the issue to Ramaphosa. Last Monday, he reaffirmed that South Africa remains dedicated to interacting with Washington, characterizing the expulsion as a slight obstacle in their diplomatic ties.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, government, international relations, politics, politics and government
Leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold their second combined summit on Monday evening to discuss the security issues in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The virtual summit will be led jointly by President William Ruto, who holds the position of EAC Chairperson, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the SADC Chairperson.
The leaders will discuss a report from the joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting held on March 17 in Harare, Zimbabwe, as they look for answers to address the continuing unrest in the area.
The leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold their second combined summit on March 24, 2025, to discuss the significant security issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a portion of the announcement.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be represented by its Double Troika consisting of Zimbabwe (the current chair), Angola (the previous chair), and Madagascar (the upcoming chair). Additionally, countries guiding the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs include Tanzania (current chair), Malawi (upcoming chair), and Zambia (previous chair).
South Africa, which contributes troops to the SADC mission in the DR Congo, will join the virtual meeting alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The gathering will be the second collaborative summit since President Ruto jointly chaired the first meeting in January, following an agreement made during the EAC Summit on January 26.
Although DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame had both confirmed their presence at the gathering, Tshisekedi did not attend the meeting.
His spokesperson, Tina Salama, subsequently attributed the conflict to scheduling issues in her statement to the press.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | news, politics, politics and government, politics and law, public policy
Bengaluru
(
Karnataka
[India], March 24 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
BJP
) leaders organized an event on Monday
protest
against Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
According to his alleged statement
Constitution
.
earlier in the day, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat criticized individuals who, as he put it, had formerly pledged to safeguard the
Constitution
, blaming them for exploiting it solely as a political instrument.
In discussions with ANI, Shekhawat remarked, “Individuals who were wandering about carrying
Constitution
And pledging to defend it, their identity and appearance have been revealed once more. Those who consistently disregarded the
Constitution
in line with their preferences, they have once more revealed their character and showcased it to the nation’s populace… For them, this has been
Constitution
was merely a strategy to secure victory in the elections.”
This comes after
DK Shivakumar
On Sunday, during an event, they discussed the legislation that introduced a four percent quota for minority groups and other backward classes in public contracts within the state. It was claimed that he said, “
Constitution
will be changing.
A commotion broke out within a few minutes of the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.
Karnataka
Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
as mentioned in his reported comments regarding “altering the
Constitution
“.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asked the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, to explain the Congress party’s stance on reservations for Muslims. In response, the head of the Congress stated that no one could alter their position on this issue.
Constitution
.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Kiren Rijiju described Shivakumar’s comments as “highly grave.”
Responding to Kiren Rijiju, Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Opposition (LoP) and head of the Congress party, stated that their party initiated the Bharat Jodo Yatra nationwide with the aim of safeguarding the nation.
Constitution
.”
Nobody can change the
Constitution
Drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, reservations cannot be abolished. To safeguard this, we undertook the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. “They [pointing at NDA MPs] are breaking India,” Kharge stated.
Kiren Rijiju responded to Kharge and called for the resignation of
Karnataka
Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
.
By raising the topic of Muslim reservations, Congress has tarnished the reputation of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Constitution
“If you’ve got courage, call for the Deputy Chief Minister’s resignation right now,” Rijiju stated.
Karnataka
Deputy CM
DK Shivakumar
hit back at the
BJP
indicating that they were attempting to distort his comment.
“I prefer not to elaborate too much… Regarding quotas, multiple rulings have been issued, and following each ruling, modifications have been made to the
Constitution
There isn’t anything else… Therefore, they are attempting to distort it. They do not face any problems. I am pleased that Jairam Ramesh has initiated the privilege motion. Additionally, I am seeking advice from my legal consultants,” he stated. (ANI)
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).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | journalism, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Gregor Gysi will begin the inaugural session of the new Bundestag when it meets on Tuesday, March 25. The 77-year-old from the left-wing party has full liberty to choose both the topic and duration of his address.
According to the rules of the German parliament, the longest-serving member has the privilege of opening the inaugural session of a new Bundestag following a general election. In this instance, that role falls to 77-year-old Gregor Gysi, who has been a nearly continuous member for 31 years, from October 3, 1990—the date of Germany’s reunification.
Gysi was raised in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was a communist regime.
The accomplished attorney, who was also the offspring of ex-GDR Cultural Minister Klaus Gysi, entered the political arena amid the nonviolent upheaval of the late ’80s. Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, which put the influential Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) at a crossroads, Gysi assumed leadership swiftly. Against considerable doubt, he managed an extraordinary feat: steering the SED away from oblivion.
How the Left Party Developed Over Time
To signal a new beginning for a new democratic era, the SED adopted the name PDS (Party of Democratic Socialism) and went on to win 16% of the vote in the last and only free East German election, to the GDR People’s Chamber.
Next, Gysi took on the role of the primary contender for the PDS in the initial post-reunification election to the Bundestag, which was headquartered in Bonn, the capital of Western Germany at that time.
“When I entered the Bundestag in 1990, I wasn’t held in high regard; instead, I was despised by certain individuals,” Berlin-native Gysi recounted to the weekly paper lately.
Das Parliament
He mentioned having to gain respect over many years, yet he ended by saying that now things have changed: “I think most members of the Bundestag acknowledge my political contributions.”
Stasi allegations
Many people also criticize the left-wing politician due to allegations that were never completely resolved. In the mid-1990s, documents from the notorious East German Ministry for State Security, commonly referred to as the “Stasi,” came to light, indicating that Gysi might have been a Stasi informer. However, no evidence was ever found to substantiate these claims.
Nevertheless, a Bundestag committee examining potential Stasi involvement among Members of Parliament concluded that Gysi was indeed an informal informant for the East German secret service. Despite having previously advocated for those opposed to the government during the GDR period, Gysi managed to successfully defend himself multiple times in court against recurring allegations.
The accusations regarding his history failed to diminish his popularity, even within the former West Germany. Known as an adept speaker, he frequently intimidates fellow Members of Parliament with his clever parliamentary addresses. Additionally, he is a favorite among television talk show audiences and much in demand as an interview subject.
Safeguarding East German interests
Gysi has consistently viewed himself as an advocate for the interests of eastern Germany. Following reunification, millions of former GDR residents found themselves without work due to the struggling state-run businesses (VEB) being incapable of competing within the capitalist framework. As a result, they rapidly started feeling like inferior citizens.
Gysi aimed to alter this situation, yet his efforts were only partly successful. At first, the newly formed leftist group achieved electoral success with more than 20% of votes in the former East Germany. However, gradually, numerous individuals distanced themselves from the party known as The Left. Consequently, many residents in Eastern Germany shifted their support toward the right-populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
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Gysi is particularly delighted with the unforeseen success of his party during the federal elections held on February 23rd. Having secured slightly less than nine percent, they nearly doubled their previous outcome from 2021. The rise in backing for the AfD has left him feeling disheartened. Likely due to this concern, he’s anticipated to address the condition of societal affairs in his inaugural speech as a former speaker of the Bundestag. Additionally, he plans to weigh in on matters concerning international relations amidst multiple conflicts and upheavals.
Thirty-five years since German reunification, it is both an honor and a responsibility to kick off the inaugural session of the new Bundestag, as Gysi stated.
Das Parlament
He will deliver both his opening and closing remarks at this event – with no restrictions on how long he can speak. “Don’t fret,” he quipped, “I won’t take advantage of that liberty.”
The original version of this piece was penned in German.
If you’re still around: Each Tuesday, the LIFEHACKeditors compile updates on developments in German politics and society. You can subscribe here for the weekly email newsletter called Berlin Briefing.
Author: Marcel Fürstenau
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | foreign policy, foreign relations of iran, international relations, iran and the middle east, politics
________________
On Monday, Iran stated it was willing to engage in indirect discussions with the United States following President Donald Trump’s call for negotiations toward a new nuclear agreement.
Indirect negotiations are now possible,” stated Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, ruling out direct discussions “unless there is a shift in the other party’s stance toward the Islamic Republic.
The top Iranian diplomat said Tehran would not engage in direct talks with Washington under threats and so long as Trump maintain his “maximum pressure” policy.
During his initial presidential term, Trump enacted a policy that led to the U.S. withdrawing from an important accord regarding Iran’s nuclear program in 2018 and reinstated stringent economic penalties against Tehran.
The agreement reached in 2015 involving Tehran and the Western nations mandated that Iran curb its nuclear aspirations in return for easing of economic sanctions.
Several Western nations, such as the United States, have frequently alleged that Iran has been seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran refutes. Iran maintains that all its uranium-enrichment efforts are strictly intended for civilian use only.
On March 7, Trump stated that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging for discussions on nuclear matters and threatening potential military action should Tehran decline.
The letter reached Tehran on March 12, according to Fars News Agency, and was brought there by UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash.
On Friday, Khamenei stated that U.S. threats would “achieve nothing,” and he cautioned about retaliatory actions “should they take any harmful steps” against Iran.
On Thursday, Araghchi stated that Trump’s letter was more like a threat, yet he also mentioned it might present certain opportunities. He further indicated that Tehran would provide a response shortly.
The US Middle East special representative Steven Witkoff stated in an interview released on Friday that Trump’s objective was to prevent military confrontation by fostering trust with Iran.
He maintained that the letter was never intended as a threat.
Following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-supported shah, Tehran and Washington severed their diplomatic relations.
Ever since, the Swiss embassy in Tehran has been instrumental in facilitating communication between the two countries.
Oman, a Gulf nation, has facilitated indirect discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear matter through what is known as the “Muscat Process”. In October, Araghchi mentioned that this process had been temporarily suspended, according to him.
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).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government of the united kingdom, politics, politics and government, politics and law, uk politics
A member of the British Parliament has voiced backing for the notion of the United States possibly becoming part of the Commonwealth down the line.
Nigel Farage
, a right-wing figurehead who spearheaded the Brexit movement in 2016 alongside his political party
Reform UK
, endorsed
Donald Trump
His proposal that the United States might someday join the Commonwealth, an organization mainly comprising ex-British colonies.
Even though the War of Independence separated these two countries, London and Washington have kept robust diplomatic relations through the decades.
”
Forming an association with the USA within the Commonwealth would solidify the coalition of English-speaking nations and aid in curbing the expansion of CCP influence. In 2017, I assisted in launching the Royal Commonwealth Society of America.
,”
Farage
wrote on
X
.
A week ago, the U.S. President posted an article from
The Sun
claiming that
King Charles III
was preparing a ”
secret offer
for the White House, indicating that the U.S. might join the Commonwealth.
(QG – Source: Newsweek – Image: © Unsplash)
