Kuwait

Samia launches Dodoma Outer Ring Road Project

admin — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 12:40:01 +0000

Samia launches Dodoma Outer Ring Road Project

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admin Thu, 02/17/2022 - 12:40

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Original Publisher

The Citizen

Original Article

Samia launches Dodoma Outer Ring Road Project

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday launched a 112.3 kilometre Dodoma City Outer Ring Road project which is intended to address the challenge of traffic congestion in the cnation’s capital city.
The project worth $215 million that is equivalent to Sh494.399 billion, is being implemented at the intersection of two international links; the Trans-Africa Highway Corridor (South Africa-Cairo Egypt) and the Central Corridor.
The project is intended to facilitate trade and economic growth not only for Dodoma, but also for entire country.
The Chinese firms - the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the Avic International Project Engineering Company are jointly implementing the project.
The Inter Consult Tanzania Ltd, Pan-Arab Consulting Engineers, Kuwait and Crown Tech (T) Ltd are project consultants.
Giving some details of the project, the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Rogatus Mativila, said the project - funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) - is being implemented in two phases. “The first section stretches from Nala-Veyula-Mtumba and Ihumwa Inland Container Depot (ICD) implemented by the CCECC as Sh100.38 billion covering 52.3 kilometres,” he said.
“The second phase is the 60 kilometre stretch from Ihumwa ICD-Matumbulu and Nala, being executed by the Avic International Project Engineering at a cost of Sh120.86 billion.”
During the live broadcast event, Mr Mativila said the project’s consultants; the Inter Consult and Pace, have been paid Sh5.1 billion each and that Sh16.239 billion has been used to compensate relocated persons.
According to him, since September, 2021, the project phases have been implemented by 2.23 percent and three percent respectively. Mativila said - adding that the road will constitute three bases; four carriageways, five bridges; 61 box culverts; 310 pipe culverts and street lights.
“The outer ring road will be separated by cobblestones for safety reasons. It will also constitute drainage channels in either sides of the road,” he said.
Briefing President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the project, Mr Mativila said there would be roundabouts in Veyula, Ihumwa and Matumbulu allowing roads heading to Manyara, Morogoro and Iringa to interact with the ring road.
He said the road will pass key strategic areas like the Msalato International Airport, University of Dodoma (Udom) and Ihumwa ICD that receive cargo from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
He said other small projects will also be executed including drilling of four water wells; construction of four health centres and rehabilitation of Chimwana Primary School in Ihumwa.
“Others are rehabilitation of Mrisho-Mwangaza-Kisasa and Madeli Road and a 28.7 kilometre road from Kizota to Zuzu as well as procurement of five ambulances, heightening people’s safety and health ,” he said.
He said the total cost of the project s Sh494.399 billion out of which Sh241.7 billion has been disbursed.
Sh16.23 billion of the amount was compensation for dislocated persons; Sh10.26 billion for consultancy and Sh1.19 billion as design costs.
Speaking at the event, President Hassan said having inked the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the project will strengthen and facilitate trade between Tanzania and neighbours countries.

Africa

News

2022 Budget Statement

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:20:01 +0000

2022 Budget Statement

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admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 12:20

Friday, November 26, 2021

Original Publisher

Politics | NOW Grenada

Original Article

2022 Budget Statement

PRESENTED BY

HONOURABLE GREGORY BOWEN
Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Physical Development, and Energy

The House of Representatives
26 November 2021
10:00 am

1. Introduction

Mr Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion standing in my name:

“Whereas it is necessary to provide for the State of Grenada for the year 2022 by means of an Appropriation Act;

Be it resolved that the Estimates of Expenditure for the year 2022 be approved.”

Mr Speaker, as this is a Money Motion, I wish to signal to this Honourable House that I have the consent of the Governor-General to proceed.

Mr Speaker, in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and Regulations under the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Debt Management Act, I wish to advise that the following reports will be submitted to this Honourable House:

The Budget Framework Paper 2022, in accordance with Section 13 of the Regulations for the Public Finance Management Act No. 17 of 2015;
The Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy 2022-2024, in accordance with Sections 5(1) to 5(3) of the Public Debt Management Act No. 28 of 2015, as amended;
The Fiscal Risk Statement, in accordance with Section 12 (1) (e) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act No. 29 of 2015, as amended.
The 2021 Economic Review and Medium-Term Outlook; and,
The 2020 Annual Debt Report.

Mr Speaker, permit me to commence this year’s Budget Presentation by giving thanks and praise to the Almighty God for seeing us through yet another difficult year. At times, the challenge seemed insurmountable but we are a people of resolute faith in the power of the Almighty.

And so today, we are reminded in Jeremiah Chapter 29, Verse 11 and I quote, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Mr Speaker, these eloquent words of wisdom provide the beacon that illuminates the path to the future, for we know that with God, all things are possible.

It has been 20 months since the COVID-19 pandemic started testing the strength and resolve of our nation, challenging us like never before, but through God’s grace and enduring mercies, we continue to survive and I am confident that we will also thrive.

Sadly though, 200 of our beloved citizens, especially our elderly, lost their battle with COVID-19. My heart aches for their relatives and friends and I sincerely pray for God’s comforting touch at this time.

Mr Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives; its far-reaching impact depriving many citizens of their livelihood and leaving entrepreneurs struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

Our health care system, like many others around the world, was stretched to the limit, overwhelming healthcare professionals as they fought desperately to preserve life.

The educational journey of our students was disrupted and school administrators were hard-pressed to find that optimum balance between online and in-person learning. Young people have been deprived of critical socialisation skills as physical distancing replaced social interaction.

Notwithstanding this period of unprecedented challenge, our nation stands firm in the face of adversity, firm in the belief that this too, shall pass. The resilience of the Grenadian people is evident in our renewed sense of hope. With God as our strength and refuge, I am confident that we will emerge from this pandemic better, stronger and more resilient.

Mr Speaker, I applaud the collective efforts of our citizens in confronting this pandemic. I am especially grateful to those on the frontlines: our doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals; our national security personnel; our social workers and caregivers, our essential businesses and all others, who contributed in one way or another, to keeping our country safe.

I am grateful to the many stakeholders, including the business community, farmers, trade unions, religious organisations, youth groups, and civil society organisations for helping to shape Government’s COVID-19 strategy.

There’s an old proverb which says, in unity there is strength, which I believe is quite relevant to our current situation, as fighting this pandemic requires all hands on deck.

I therefore express sincere appreciation to our citizens, friends, and partners outside of Grenada for the outpouring of support during this crisis. We are especially thankful to our brothers and sisters in the diaspora who heeded our call for help in a moment of great need.

Mr Speaker, I am also grateful to the Hon. Prime Minister for the continued confidence reposed in me to lead the Ministry of Finance in this difficult period.

Mr Speaker, as a nation, we have managed this unprecedented crisis with equanimity and resolve. Government moved quickly at the onset of the pandemic to introduce difficult but necessary measures to protect us all.

Government also moved swiftly and decisively to cushion the adverse socio-economic impact on individuals and businesses by launching a COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package in 2020, which amounted to over EC$50 million and benefitted over 7,000 people.

Caribbean

Report: EU banks reap billions from VI, others

admin — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 19:50:01 +0000

Report: EU banks reap billions from VI, others

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admin Sat, 10/09/2021 - 19:50

Monday, September 13, 2021

Original Publisher

Business – The BVI Beacon

Original Article

Report: EU banks reap billions from VI, others

A new report from the European Union Tax Observatory suggests that European banks are reaping about 14 percent of their total profits — about 20 billion euros a year — from the Virgin Islands and 16 other jurisdictions the report identified as “tax havens.”

The report’s authors say the findings will further bolster the case for a global minimum corporate tax rate proposed by the G20 in August and set for final approval next month.

However, some of the banks pushed back against the report’s claims, and other experts have said the VI is likely to be minimally affected by the proposed tax policy.

Among the 36 large banks analysed by the observatory — an independent research laboratory hosted by the Paris School of Economics — Barclays and HSBC were among the ones identified as enjoying the lowest tax rates.

However, spokespeople for both banks told the Guardian that they have paid taxes in the jurisdictions in which they were due and did not employ tax avoidance strategies. The report analysed 36 banks required to report country-by-country data on their activities since 2015, according to its three authors.

“Our findings illustrate the usefulness of country-by-country reporting, a vital piece of information to track profit shifting and corporate tax avoidance,” the authors wrote.

“They also suggest that despite the growing salience of these issues in the public debate and in the policy world, European banks have not significantly curtailed their use of tax havens since 2014. More ambitious initiatives — such as a global minimum tax with a 25 percent rate — may be necessary to curb the use of tax havens by the banking sector.”

Jurisdictions

The authors explained that they combined two “indicators” to identify the 17 jurisdictions: “the effective tax rate on bank profit and the amount of bank profit per employee.”

Besides the VI, other jurisdictions on the list were the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Mauritius, Panama and Qatar.

The VI had the highest calculated profit per employee of
any of the 17 jurisdictions, at over two million euros per employee, with Cayman second at 953,000 euros.

Furthermore, the report showed that the mean profit per employee in the 17 jurisdictions is about seven times higher than that of the entire sample: 382,700 euros compared to 51,400 euros.

Tax rate

The report touted the benefits of taxing the profits of multinationals at a higher 25 percent global minimum tax rate, suggesting that at that rate, the banks in the report would have to pay from 10 to 13 billion euros in additional taxes annually, and that the UK exchequer would be the
biggest beneficiary.

Under a 15 percent tax rate, according to the report, the UK would have collected an extra 940 million euros in 2020. The G20 tax proposal,
which the VI government has endorsed, has come as a response to suspected profit shifting by large multinational corporations to low-tax
jurisdictions.

The proposal — a two-pillar solution from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting — was endorsed in August by a majority
of OECD jurisdictions.

Under Pillar Two, multinational corporations, including tech behemoths like Amazon and Facebook, would have less incentive to shift to low-tax locations such as Ireland or the Netherlands, since their profits would be taxed at a minimum rate no matter where they choose to locate.

The tax proposals — including the global minimum rate — aren’t final, but they are expected to be decided at the G20 meeting in October.

Implications

However, last month a panel of experts convened by BVI Finance suggested that the VI, Cayman and other zero-tax financial centres are not the target of the plan and that they would be treated as “pass-through” jurisdictions. Panellists pointed out that the agreement doesn’t
force countries to impose a global minimum corporate tax rate and that the proposals are not all-encompassing. Companies with less than a threshold of 750 million euros’ worth of turnover would not be affected
under the current proposal. Premier Andrew Fahie, in his response to the plan, reaffirmed the territory’s commitment to international standards
and regulatory practices.

“Efforts by the OECD to develop a solution to the tax challenges posed by the digitalisation of the economy recognise the complexity of the challenge and the need to allow flexibility in its approach,” he stated.

The post Report: EU banks reap billions from VI, others appeared first on The BVI Beacon.

Caribbean

Business

Taste of Jamaica in Kuwait

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 02:20:01 +0000

Taste of Jamaica in Kuwait

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admin Sat, 10/02/2021 - 02:20

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

Taste of Jamaica in Kuwait

Former United States Army food service sergeant and second-generation Jamaican Ayana Ashanti is the proud owner of the only Jamaican restaurant in desert country Kuwait: Taste of Jamaica. Situated in Mangaf, south of Kuwait City, the restaurant is located in her guesthouse, offering an experience of Caribbean cuisine and hospitality.

Nestled in the Gulf region, the tiny oil-rich nation has a different culinary personality from Jamaica's, offering a fusion of Indian, Persian, Mediterranean and Najdi cuisines steeped in ancient tradition.

Ashanti offers curious locals and hungry expats a taste of her family's culinary traditions within this Middle Eastern setting.

Ashanti and her family moved from Spanish Town to New York when she was eight years old. Her childhood kitchen became a culinary classroom under the tutelage of her father. "Dad taught me how to prepare whatever he knew. He would tell me to be original. It's like taking an old song and remixing it." There is a familiarity to the song without becoming stale. So too with her dishes, like Ashanti's brown stew chicken with string beans and oxtail with cabbage, rice and peas.

Tradition is honoured in the cooking method used in brown stew chicken. The aromatic blend of pepper, thyme, ginger and garlic is only part of the flavour journey. Marinated chicken in juicy brown stew gravy is the other. It reminds Ashanti of the comfort of home as she serves her country as a government consultant in new surroundings.

Embracing time-honoured local custom is important to her. "Food in Kuwait is the number one social activity here. If we can't speak the same language, we can eat to understand the culture." But this is not the only thing Ashanti loves about Kuwait.

The hot summers and short cool winters are a refreshing reminder of her days in Jamaica and why her iced tea drink sells so well. Fresh food ingredients are another friendly reminder of Spanish Town, where farmers' markets are the norm. "Kuwaitis love fresh ingredients, and they love to try new things," Ashanti says as she reminisces about how pre-pandemic crowds filled her first coffee shop before she relocated the business a few months ago.

Expats, too, congregated around the culinary delights of Taste of Jamaica. A small representation of Caribbean expats from around the city supports Ashanti together with other nationalities, which turns her business in some ways into a community centre, with her menu being the central talking point.

Jamaicans have always believed that if they provide the opportunity for community, people will come. And with Taste of Jamaica, Ashanti proves that they do. Whilst the pandemic has forced her to pivot to online delivery, she is eager to see her guests enjoy themselves again. For now, the flavours of Jamaica are still available for a nation to enjoy. To be a trailblazer in places where others are yet to tread is just the Jamaican way. It's the Sergeant Ayana Ashanti way.

For more details on Taste of Jamaica, please visit the social media Instagram account @taste_of_jam_ayana

- Bridgett Leslie is an internal auditor by day and a media correspondent by night. She is passionate about Caribbean flavours and the community around this culinary cuisine. She is currently finishing her undergraduate studies in Gastronomy at Le Cordon Bleu.

Caribbean

Living Standard

The elusive River Road flood mitigation

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 07:10:02 +0000

The elusive River Road flood mitigation

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admin Wed, 07/21/2021 - 07:10

Monday, July 5, 2021

Original Publisher

Politics | NOW Grenada

Original Article

The elusive River Road flood mitigation

The rains came and once again, River Road flooded. The result: disruption of life, loss and damage to property for residents, business and schools in the area, and major inconvenience to all users of the road.

River Road is a major hub in the St George’s area and a community that has served Grenada well. The St John’s River runs through River Road before emptying into the Caribbean Sea at the Green Bridge near the National Stadium. For as long as we can remember, River Road has always been an area prone to severe flooding during heavy rainfall.

Governments speak repeatedly of undertaking flood mitigation, usually around elections or right after a flooding episode. NDC is the only party that actually did something about it while in office.

In 2013 when the NDC left office, it left in place a prepared and approved project for flood mitigation in River Road. Added to that, funding from the World Bank of just over $49 million was earmarked for implementing the project. Like the Parliament building, the St Patrick Road Rehabilitation Project, CDB Schools Rehabilitation and the Kuwait-funded Agricultural Feeder Roads Projects, the River Road flood mitigation project just had to be implemented, but NNP failed to deliver.

The people of River Road will remember that just before the 2018 elections, the NNP government made some grand moves to tomfool them. Surveys were done, boundary marks with orange ribbons were planted all over the river bank and a few pretty billboards about the St John’s River food mitigation were erected. All of that were glossy, empty promises.

Since 2018, a few NNP supporters with heavy equipment were given jobs to dredge parts of the river bed. We all know from experience, that dredging is a temporary and entirely ineffective solution to this long standing problem.

The project that was prepared and approved by NDC provided a permanent solution that would also have enhanced the beauty of the area. The failure to implement shows what little regard NNP has for the people of River Road.

We call on the government and MP Peter David to explain to the people of River Road and surrounding areas, what became of the $49 million the NDC left for this project. Explain also, why is it that almost 9 years later, nothing has been done, while residents, businesses and schools suffer hardship every time the river comes down. The people of River Road and nearby communities deserve action and answers.

Meanwhile, we of the NDC empathise with people all over Grenada, who are affected by the heavy rains on 2 July. We will continue to offer support in our various communities, in conjunction with community-based organisations, so that those affected, recover quickly.

NDC

Caribbean

Politics

High-level Ethiopian delegation visiting India to bolster ties

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:50:01 +0000

High-level Ethiopian delegation visiting India to bolster ties

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admin Thu, 02/18/2021 - 10:50

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Original Publisher

News – Ethiopian Press Agency

Original Article

High-level Ethiopian delegation visiting India to bolster ties

ADDIS ABABA-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen is on an official visit to India and attended the India-Ethiopia Business Forum.

Demeke Mekonnen’s visit is the first to Asia as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

The high-level visit to India is being taken place consequent to the last visit of Foreign Minister of Ethiopia to India in 2008 for the 2nd Joint Commission Meeting held between the two countries.

During the visit, Demeke will hold bilateral talks with the External Affairs Minister of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (PhD).

On his first day of visit to New Delhi, Demeke attended the India-Ethiopia Business Forum meeting organized by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi.

The event saw large participation of Indian companies interested to do business with Ethiopia.

Some of the Indian companies, who are members of the Indian Business Forum (IBF) and have their business establishments in Ethiopia, shared their good experiences of doing business in Ethiopia and the opportunities of investing in Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Robert Shetkintong stated that the growing presence of Indian companies in Ethiopia forms a strong link between the two countries, contributing positively to the growing strong partnership between Ethiopia and India.

To date, there are 607 registered Indian companies in Ethiopia employing 75,000 Ethiopian nationals.

“Indian investments are worth about 5 billion USD, out of which 3 billion USD is estimated to be on the ground. About 58.7% of Indian investment is in the manufacturing sector, followed by agriculture (15.6%)., ”

As to the Ambassador, Indian companies have invested in various sectors like agriculture and floriculture, engineering, plastics, manufacturing, cotton and textiles, water management, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Convener of Indian Business Forum and Chairman of Mohan Group of Companies, based in Addis Ababa Mayur Kothari welcomed the visit of Demeke Mekonnen to India.

He stated that the visit will bring momentum to the growing bilateral relations between the two countries especially in the area of business and commerce.

IBF has been contributing to fostering and facilitating business ties between the two countries.

Accordingly, India is one of the largest trading partners of Ethiopia. During 2019, bilateral trade was 1.2 billion USD which slightly dipped to 900 million USD in 2020.

Major imports by India from Ethiopia were: pulses, precious and semi-precious stones, vegetables and seeds, leather, and spices.

Exports from India mainly include primary and semi-finished iron and steel products, drugs and pharmaceuticals, machinery and instruments, manufactures of metal, among others.

India is the third most important source of imports for Ethiopia, contributing 8% of all Ethiopian imports next to China, Kuwait, and USA, it was learnt.

The Ethiopian herald February 18/2021

Africa

News

More opportunities to work overseas coming for Vincentians -Senator Peters

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 19:00:01 +0000

More opportunities to work overseas coming for Vincentians -Senator Peters admin Fri, 02/05/2021 - 19:00

Friday, February 5, 2021

Original Publisher

Searchlight

Original Article

More opportunities to work overseas coming for Vincentians -Senator Peters

BARRING ANY challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade will continue its efforts to expand its foreign engagement so as to secure beneficial opportunities for Vincentian citizens.

Senator Keisal Peters, the minister of state with responsibility for foreign affairs and foreign trade gave her maiden address in the House of Assembly yesterday, during the 2021 Budget debates.

Peters, who is serving her first term as a government senator, outlined how her ministry will make use of the funds allocated and other plans that are underway in the various departments.

“When I look at our foreign engagement, St Vincent and the Grenadines, we are positioning ourselves on the international stage by virtue of our eight missions and we also had plans to have our resident ambassadors accredited to other countries but because of COVID19, that has been put on hold…,” she said.

The eight overseas missions are the Permanent mission to the UN; the Permanent mission in Washington; the High Commission in England, consulates in Toronto and New York and embassies in Cuba, Venezuela and Taiwan.

Peters attributed the international opportunities available for Vincentians to the hard work of the diplomats at these overseas missions and she proffered that once it is possible, even more opportunities and programmes will become available for persons to participate in.

Existing programmes include the Nurses and the Army and Navy recruitment in the United Kingdom, the agriculture work programme in Canada and the Teach English in Asia programme, which currently includes Taiwan and Japan.

“From looking at the budget, I’ve noticed that by virtue of our foreign engagement, our capital receipts amount to $55.9 million and that is remarkable….it covers foreign engagement on bilateral level, $24.99 million and multilateral level, $30.9 million. This is a clear indicator that our diplomats are working. Our foreign policy is working because as I said, their mandate…is to implement our foreign policy and to look for opportunities for our people,” the minister of state said.

Several local programmes will also be implemented through the help of this country’s international partners.

Some of these programmes include the Barrouallie Blackfish facility enhancement project by virtue of Japan; the Arrowroot factory in Orange Hill by virtue of India; the Soil Fertility Mapping project by virtue of Morocco, the PAVE programme by virtue of United Arab Emirates; the construction of village roads across windward side of island by virtue of Kuwait; the Bequia Desalination project by virtue of Italy and the Grenadines Airport rehabilitation project by virtue of Rep of China on Taiwan.

Currently, SVG has diplomatic relations with 138 countries, just over 70 per cent of the United Nations membership.

And Peters said this is indicative of the country’s foreign engagement thrust, which has also resulted in SVG attaining a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council – the smallest country to date to hold such a position.

The minister of state also noted that the 2021 Budget allocates $20.9 million in recurrent expenditure and $334 thousand in capital expenditure to her ministry.

She said recurrent expenditure allocations will cover salaries, allowances, office expenses, contributions to organisations of which SVG is a member and staff training.

The senator told Parliament that at least $84 thousand of the capital expenditure will be allocated to the Overseas Mission enhancement project.

“Our diplomats are living in another man’s land…we have to make them comfortable and, in this project, we will allocate some funds to the refurbishment of the residence in Washington, the purchase of office equipment for the London High Commission and we will purchase fixtures such as furniture for our Embassy in Cuba,” she said.

Other capital expenditure funds will affect foreign trade, particularly as it relates to the standardisation and certification of exportable service providers and a food safety certification system.

“The budget is being laid at a time where the local economy, the regional economy and the international economy is under serious pressure…when I look at the budget, I am of the firm view that it is positioning St Vincent and the Grenadines for an economic comeback. This is the context in which we find ourselves…,” Peters said.

The post More opportunities to work overseas coming for Vincentians -Senator Peters appeared first on Searchlight.

Caribbean

News

World leaders congratulate US President Biden

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:50:01 +0000

World leaders congratulate US President Biden admin Thu, 01/21/2021 - 12:50

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

World leaders congratulate US President Biden

Paris, France, Jan 21 – World leaders said they were looking forward to working with Joe Biden, the Democrat sworn in as US president on Wednesday after four turbulent years under Donald Trump.

– European Union –

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, tweeted congratulations to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, adding: “It’s time to bring back conviction & common sense and rejuvenate our EU-US relationship.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Europe is ready for a fresh start.”

– Iran –

President Hassan Rouhani hailed the departure of “tyrant” Trump, Tehran having repeatedly called on Washington to lift sanctions imposed over its nuclear drive.

“We expect (the Biden administration) to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years,” said Rouhani.

Biden’s administration wants the United States back in the landmark Iran nuclear accord, from which Trump withdrew, provided Tehran returns to strict compliance.

– Israel –

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Biden to strengthen the long-standing alliance between the two countries.

“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the US-Israel alliance, to continue expanding peace between Israel and the Arab world and to confront common challenges, chief among them the threat posed by Iran,” Netanyahu said in a video.

– NATO –

“The bond between North America and Europe is the bedrock of our security, and a strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe,” said NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg.

“NATO Allies need to stand together to address the security consequences of the rise of China, the threat of terrorism, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a more assertive Russia.”

– The Vatican –

Pope Francis urged Biden to promote “reconciliation and peace” around the world.

“At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for far-sighted and united responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom,” the pope said.

– Russia –

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would seek “good relations with the United States”, while a foreign ministry statement said they expected a “more constructive” approach to upcoming arms control talks.

The US and Russia are to discuss extending the landmark 2010 New START nuclear weapons accord shortly after Biden’s swearing in.

– Germany –

Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to a “new chapter of German-American friendship and cooperation”.

“Warmest congratulations on your inauguration, @POTUS Joe Biden and @VP Kamala Harris — a true celebration of American democracy,” Merkel was quoted as saying in a tweet posted by her spokesman Steffen Seibert.

– France –

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people!

“We are together. We will be stronger to face the challenges of our time. Stronger to build our future. Stronger to protect our planet. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement!,” Macron wrote in English.

He was referring to the 2015 international accord committing all nations to cut carbon emissions to limit global warming, but which the United States under Trump formally quit in November last year.

– Britain –

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has faced criticism over his close relationship with Trump, said he was looking forward to “working closely” with Biden.

“In our fight against Covid and across climate change, defence, security and in promoting and defending democracy, our goals are the same and our nations will work hand in hand to achieve them,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth II sent a private message to Biden before he was sworn in, Buckingham Palace said, without revealing the contents of the message.

– Ireland –

“Today a true friend of Ireland @JoeBiden became the 46th President of the USA,” Prime Minister Micheal Martin wrote on Twitter.

“It is a day of history and hope and I look forward to forging ever closer ties between our two great nations.”

– Canada –

“Our two countries are more than neighbours — we are close friends, partners, and allies,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, pledging Canada’s cooperation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, for climate action and for a sustainable economic recovery.

– India –

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “My warmest congratulations to @JoeBiden on his assumption of office as President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership.”

– Japan –

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga tweeted his congratulations, adding “I look forward to working with you and your team to reinforce our alliance and to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

– South Korea –

South Korean President Moon Jae-in hailed Biden’s inauguration, saying: “America is back. America’s new beginning will make democracy even greater. Together with the Korean people, I stand by your journey toward ‘America United’.”

– Gulf states –

The leaders of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all sent messages of congratulations.

– Palestinian president –

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said he was “impatient” to work together with Biden “for peace and stability in the region and in the world”.

burs/spm/mtp/qan

Africa

News

State criticised for ‘abandoning’ Kenyans stranded in Lebanon

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:19:58 +0000

State criticised for ‘abandoning’ Kenyans stranded in Lebanon admin Tue, 08/18/2020 - 17:19

Monday, August 17, 2020

Original Publisher

Nairobi News

Original Article

State criticised for ‘abandoning’ Kenyans stranded in Lebanon

A foreign policy lobby in Nairobi has asked for government consistency in the treatment of Kenyans abroad, arguing they are the country’s frontline ambassadors.
The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) said Kenya must have a policy that gives protection to all Kenyans wherever they are.
The Society, which represents professionals in foreign policy and security issues, was responding to reports by stranded Kenyans in Lebanon that they have been abandoned by the embassy.
“Kenyans abroad have valid expectations that the [diplomatic] missions will protect and help them in case of trouble,” the IRSK said in a statement on Sunday.
“The failure by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their consular division to proactively secure Kenyans’ interests abroad puts them at risk of harm and exploitation and could ultimately damage the image of the country.”

Evacuation delay

Since the blast in Beirut, which killed at least 135 people and injured thousands others two weeks ago, some 20 women have camped at the Kenyan consulate in Lebanon demanding to be evacuated.
But the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait, which is accredited to Lebanon, says the women have been rowdy and refused to cooperate with consulate officials.
On Friday, Kenya’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Halima Mohamud, said the consular aid to the women may delay by a week after Lebanon extended a state of emergency in the capital.
The embassy, she said, had directly written to the group leaders of Kenyans in Lebanon explaining the delays and assured the provision of emergency travel papers should start by Tuesday.

Diaspora remittances

The IRSK, however, said the situation in Lebanon was not isolated and called on the government to be consistent in its treatment of Kenyans in the diaspora.
“The Kenyan passport needs to mean something. The claims of lack of a budgetary capacity to secure Kenyans in times of crisis is tragic,” said the lobby’s secretary, Dr Peter Mwencha.
“The important role that Kenyans abroad play in driving our economy, through remittance of billions of shillings, cannot be overlooked. It is saddening that when they need help, the same government cannot afford to assist them.”
The diaspora remitted some Sh286 billion to Kenya in 2019, according to the Central Bank, more than tourism.

State’s response

The government insists it is always willing to provide consular services to any Kenyan abroad.
Foreign Affairs PS Macharia Kamau rejected the IRSK accusation of inconsistency, arguing that despite lack of budgetary allocations for evacuations, embassies abroad often assist.
“We have always been one of the first, if not the only African country, to evacuate. Every time there is a problem, if it is genuine, we always bring Kenyans home,” he told the Nation.
“Consular services are there to help people deal with the law and order situation and documentation in case they run into difficulties.”
For the Kenyans in Lebanon, officials say help could not arrive earlier because the women arrived in Lebanon as undocumented migrants and their employment situation in the country “was unknown,” according to the embassy in Kuwait.
Ms Mohamud told the Nation the women will only be helped if they cooperate with the consulate and register.

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