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June 2025 - Vol 2 Issue 4
Trump signs proclamation banning African Union expresses concern on US travel ban travel from 12 nations
Washington, June 5 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a travel ban on 12 countries and restricting the entry of seven others to the US, citing national
security concerns. According to the proclamation, the 12 countries that were banned include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, the order partially restricts and limits the entry of nationals of the following seven countries -- Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
US vetoes UN Security Council draft resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire
United Nations, June 5 (IANS) The United States vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. The draft resolution, tabled by the 10 elected members of the
Security Council on Wednesday, won the support of 14 out of the 15 members of the council. The United States, which holds veto power, voted against it. The draft resolution would have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale. continued on pg. 3
The announcement of the ban followed a recent violent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, on participants of a peaceful rally calling for the safe return of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary
continued on pg. 3
Damascus, June 5 (IANS) In Damascus's bustling marketplaces, a muted mood pervades the narrow alleys ahead of Eid al-Adha. Though vendors hawk their wares and decorations
Sydney, June 5 (IANS) The head of the Australian government's top climate change advisory body has warned that the country is facing a shortfall on its 2030 renewable energy target. Matt Kean, the chair of the Climate Change Authority (CCA), said in a speech on Wednesday night that the federal government may fail to achieve its goal of 82 per cent of Australia's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030. The governing Labor Party
"Frankly, the situation needs more time and patience," said Firas Edam, a man in his 40s browsing for groceries in the Old City. "We hope for the best. But we're waiting for real movement in the country." Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's most sacred holidays, is typically marked by feasting, family gatherings, and bustling markets. continued on pg. 3
Germany backs NATO military expansion continuing in that role." while battling troop shortage are NATO Secretary-General Mark
Berlin, June 5 (IANS) German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that Germany supports NATO's large-scale www.mccq.org.au
military expansion plan, which is expected to be approved during the alliance's defence ministers' meeting in Brussels. However, the country is currently grappling with a significant shortage of troops. To meet the increased defence requirements under the plan, the German Bundeswehr will need to add 60,000 active-duty soldiers, Pistorius told the media ahead of the meeting. "Given Germany's size and economic strength, we will shoulder a significant part of NATO's military build-up," he said. "As the alliance's traditional second-largest military force, we
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Australia at risk of falling short of 2030 renewable energy target: Climate Change Authority
Damascus faces quiet Eid as economic struggles persist flutter from storefronts in al-Midan and other commercial districts, foot traffic remains light and sales sluggish. Six months after Syria's new authorities assumed power, many residents say the country has barely begun its journey toward economic recovery. With prices volatile and purchasing power weak, Syrians are banking on patience rather than prosperity this holiday season.
Addis Ababa, June 5 (IANS) The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over the potential negative impact of newly imposed travel restrictions by the United States, which affect
nationals from several countries, including some in Africa. In a statement issued Thursday, the African Union Commission (AUC) acknowledged the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens. However, it urged the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective
Rutte emphasised on Wednesday that the alliance needs "more resources, troops, and capabilities" to fully implement collective defence strategies and respond to any threat. He highlighted air and missile defence, long-range weapons systems, logistics, and large land force formations as top priorities. However, Germany continues to face a persistent shortage of military personnel. Despite intensified recruitment efforts, the Bundeswehr saw a further decline in troop numbers last year, while the average continued on pg. 3
committed to the renewable target in 2022, the same year it set a 2030 emissions reduction target of at least 43 per cent from 2005 levels, reports Xinhua news agency. Kean, who has served as CCA chair since August 2024, said that Australia could fall short of the target by the equivalent of 10 gigawatts (GW) worth of renewable generation capacity. "Given we need to add about 6 GW a year of solar or wind farms to 2030, such a projected shortfall is sizable," he said in a keynote address at the Australian Museum in Sydney. He said that progress could be accelerated by supporting
household solar and speeding up approvals for large-scale renewable and transition projects. Formerly the treasurer of the state of New South Wales, Kean used the speech to urge politicians who aim to "prolong the life" of fossil fuel industries to "get out of the way." "Stop holding our country back and stop holding your political parties back. Try acting in the national interest, or take the low road to political oblivion," he said. The CCA is currently preparing advice for the government on Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target.
North Korea’s Kim vows to ‘unconditionally’ support Russia in war against Ukraine
Seoul, June 5 (IANS) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to "unconditionally" support Russia over the war against Ukraine and "responsibly" observe the articles of a mutual defence treaty signed between Pyongyang and Moscow, the North's state media reported on Thursday. Kim made the remarks during his meeting with Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu the previous day in Pyongyang, reports Yonhap, quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Shoigu, Russia's top security official, arrived in North Korea on Wednesday, amid deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, highlighted by the North's troop dispatch to Russia to support the war against Ukraine. During the meeting, Kim affirmed that North Korea will "unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues, including
the Ukrainian issue," according to the KCNA. Kim also said his country will "responsibly observe the articles of the treaty" between the two nations, it reported, referring to the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by him and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year in Pyongyang. During the talks, both sides "confirmed the consensus" of the two nations' stance on the Ukraine situation and pledged to develop the bilateral ties into the "powerful and comprehensive relations of strategic partnership." Kim and Shoigu discussed prospects for rebuilding the Kursk front-line region and specific steps to "commemorate the memory of North Korean soldiers' feat," Russia's news agency Tass reported Wednesday, citing Russia's Security Council. Seoul's unification ministry said the agenda items probably included North Korea's dispatch of additional troops to Russia, ceasefire negotiations underway for the Ukraine war and Kim's potential trip to Russia. Given that the talks came on the inauguration day of South continued on pg. 3
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