Foreign Service Updates

Albania govt removed visa regime to Albania for Kuwait + UAE citizens {90 day stay within a period of 6 months} *official candidate for accession to European Union since June 2014 http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=203086 Poland Warsaw, campaigning militantly to remove all references  to "Nazi Poland" from pop culture, articles, or even historical discourse http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/194547 Poland Mattel offers apology after 'Nazi Poland' card game outrage http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/mattel-offers-apology-after-nazi-poland-card-game-outrage-1498426 Italy / Sardinia Terrorist network Pakistani nationals since 2005 18 arrested / financing al-Qaeda http://www.brecorder.com/top-stories/0/1179546/ Italy  /   Milan ‘Expo Milan 2015’ May 1 to Oct. 31 140 countries participating likely to attract 20 million visitors http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/737861 Italy Milan  - Lombardy region >capital of fashion + design >industrial hub >national stock XCH >financial centre http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/737861 Germany - India German Embassy does Bollywood, starring German Ambassador Michael Steiner Title:  Lebe jetzt - Kal Ho Naa Ho VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XK3BVXbVsU Sweden Swedish companies bullish on India's investment climate / increased companies / increased investment http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/swedish-companies-bullish-on-indias-investment-climate-115042400928_1.html ==========================================  Israel South Africa expressed outrage after Israel decision to deny a visa to Higher Education Min. Blade Nzimande Palestine Embassy in South Africa described decision as "racist" BDS-South Africa wants to expel Israel ambassador to SA However:  "Nzimande has been a vocal critic of Israel" ['vocal critic' probably explains the Israeli decision] http://allafrica.com/stories/201504241940.html Israel Israeli tanks fire at Hamas in Gaza rocket launched on Israel Biden promises  F-35 Joint Strike jets Israel bought  Lockheed Martin x19 F-35s in 2010 for $2.75 billion signed a contract in Feb to buy additional x14 for abt $3 billion x2 delivery = end 2016 balance = by 2021 https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Apr-25/295680-israeli-tanks-strike-gaza-after-rocket-fired.ashx Syria - Sweden - Palestine Palestinian intel operatives helped free Sweden al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front Syria hostages held 17 mths http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/836484/Official--Palestinian-operatives-helped-free-Syria-hostages.html?isap=1&nav=5033 Syria - Sweden - Palestine Palestinian Intel Reveal Their Role in Releasing x2 Swedish Monk Hostages in Syria Thomas Olson (50 years) + Martin Rein (33) arrived to Sweden on Saturday. http://english.pnn.ps/index.php/international/9582-palestinian-intelligence-reveal-their-role-in-releasing-swedish-hostages-in-syria [ This is very intriguing.  Were these guys really monks?  Would it be cynical to wonder whether Sweden's recent recognition of Palestine might have helped things along in the hostage freeing exercise?  I don't know the answer to those questions; I'm just taking some wild guesses here. ] Palestine – Human Rights Islam Hamed, Brazilian-Palestinian hunger strike in Palestine prison https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/18272-brazilian-on-hunger-strike-in-palestine-gets-support-from-social-media Kuwait - KSA - Yemen Saudi Arabia Embassy in Kuwait filed request to FM calling for prosecuting Shia Kuwaiti lawmaker for "repeated insults" to SA re Yemen Strongly critical of SA handling of the Yemen situation https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/18273-riyadh-wants-kuwaiti-mp-prosecuted-over-insults ========================================== Pakistan January CIA drone strikes killed: 1) US doctor Warren Weinstein & 2) Italian aid worker Giovanni Lo Porto http://english.eastday.com/auto/eastday/world/u1ai8485176.html Pakistan - US Consulate Lahore Police say Pakistan guard shoots, kills himself in front of US Consulate in city of Lahore FS Trivia:  US diplomatic posts worldwide use armed local police + private guards for external security. US Marines = security on grounds. http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/08a2e9228cd446c3bd235457e3792e0f/AS--Pakistan-US-Consulate-Shooting/ Pakistan - 1951 Murder First PM Previously declassified docs of US State Dept disclosed that USA murdered first elected PM of Pakistan in 1951 http://www.milligazette.com/news/12191-pakistan-s-first-prime-minister-liaquat-ali-khan-was-assassinated-by-america [Found this very interesting.] ========================================== Vietnam South Swedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander promotes helmet safety http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/27702/hundreds-of-children-join-swedish-embassys-event-on-traffic-safety Philippines US embassy Manilla - protesters clash with the police over US troops, calling for withdrawal US troops US military biggest joint exercises with Philippines in15 years on April 20, 2015 over 6,600 American forces, 61 Australian US efforts to increase its presence in region Philippines protests re foreign military {incl. Aussie troops} http://www.spyghana.com/philippines-protesters-clash-with-the-police-over-us-troops/ PHL - Canada Philippines dropped demand on Canada govt to take back trash that was illegally shipped 2 years ago. 50 containers of trash arrived from Canada in 6 batches 2013 household waste incl. adult diapers passed off as scrap materials Canadian Embassy subject of demonstrations & petitions, refuses to take back Canada trash http://globalnation.inquirer.net/121534/ph-gives-in-to-canada-over-garbage-dispute/ [So disrespectful.  Canadian authorities should be ashamed.] Philippines President Aquino state visit to Canada - May 7 to 9 bilateral: labour, development, infrastructure Philippines President Aquino 1-day working visit to USA  - May 10th http://globalnation.inquirer.net/121534/ph-gives-in-to-canada-over-garbage-dispute/ Malaysia - US Embassy NGOs hand US Embassy Kuala Lumpur memo demanding extradition of sex blogger Alvin Tan to Malaysia http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/25/Sex-blogger-just-wants-to-stir-up-trouble-says-Wee/ Malaysia can convict of sedition in absentia & demand extradition from US *has sedition prior* http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/alvin-tan-can-be-convicted-of-sedition-though-in-us-umno-youth-exco-claims China Canada national - Uyghur ethnic claims: harshly interrogated & pressured to spy on Uyghur China via US propaganda channel: Radio Free Asia Origin: USA govt funded source, Radio Free Asia http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php/sid/232263121 [ US propaganda or the real deal? ] ========================================== South Africa Xenophobia in SA: Zimbabwe man attacked - buttocks sliced off & had penis skinned   http://nehandaradio.com/2015/04/26/xenophobia-in-sa-zimbo-has-manhood-skinned/ South Africa Nigeria recalls envoy to South Africa over attacks on foreigners 7 killed in attacks since 20 March South Africa deployed troops to quell violence criticism by nations including China & Zimbabwe for failing to protect citizens v. mobs http://www.globalpost.com/article/6528486/2015/04/25/nigeria-recalls-envoy-south-africa-over-attacks-foreigners South Africa Somalis under xenophobic intimidation over 100 killed last few years / merciless SA gangs http://www.raxanreeb.com/2015/04/untold-story-somalis-in-south-africa-under-xenophobic-intimidation/ [ South Africa looks scary.  The riots aren't people just smashing up shops, or something like that.  They're actually attacking other people with lethal intent:   bricks, rocks, massive knives, tomahawks etc, going by the photos of mobs on the streets. ] South Sudan US Donates Additional $16 Million For Humanitarian Aid US emergency assistance now exceeds $1 billion USAID invested an additional $700 million in long-term assistance South Sudan http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/16548/US-Donates-Additional-16-Million-For-Humanitarian-Assistance-South-Sudan.aspx Nigeria Nigeria recalls ambassador to South Africa re xenophobic armed mobs SA significant bus. interests in Nigeria http://www.gbooza.com/group/crime/forum/topics/xenophobic-attacks-nigeria-recalls-ambassador?xg_source=activity Somaliland {autonomous region Somalia} postponement of Somaliland presidential & parliamentary elections visiting British delegation from UK Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia led by deputy ambassador Ms Cate Evan current administration extended 1 year. extension / now elections due: 26th June 2016. http://somalilandsun.com/index.php/politics/7296-somaliland-uk-diplomats-and-guurti-elders-brainstorm-postponed-elections [ Why is UK interfering in Somaliland's domestic affairs? ] Tanzania - China economic cooperation has reached unprecedented scale surpassed US$4 billion over 500 Chinese cos. http://www.touch.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/44187-chinese-firms-invest-trillions ========================================== USA - Bangladesh - Injured Workers Wal-Mart Stores Inc. + J.C. Penney Co. Inc. & ors lawsuit Bangladesh 2013 building collapse victims http://www.nationallawjournal.com/legaltimes/home/id=1202724527483/WalMart-JC-Penney-Sued-Over-Bangladesh-Factory-Collapse?mcode=1202615432600&curindex=0&back=NLJ&slreturn=20150324231410 USA - Human Rights USA:  Stop deporting people to places they never lived http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/end-this-pattern-stop-deporting-people-to-places-they-never-lived/ USA - Pakistan - CIA flexi drone program Yemen - both CIA + US military drone strikes campaign Somalia  - US military targeted killing Pakistan - CIA drone program exempt from “imminent threat” CIA can do signature strikes + more targeted drone attacks US EMBASSY - Uruguay day 2 protests. x4 former Guantanamo detainees want more assistance http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/04/25/4260410/former-guantanamo-detainees-keep.html [ So if the US isn't deporting those in USA who have fallen foul of the law to places they've never lived (after a prison stint); they're forcibly settling Guantanamo prison detainees in places they've never lived - without adequate compensation.   So much for the US govt as human rights 'champions'.  ] ========================================== New Zealand -  John Key in Saudi Arabia free trade deal b/w Gulf states NZ "very close" $1.5-billion bilateral trade Gulf states import 90% of food http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1180918/ ========================================== Colombia - Monsanto Military defends use of controversial weed-killer in US-backed coca fumigation program Since 2000, US has spent between $1 billion & $2 billion on fumigation program alone. http://www.nasdaq.com/article/colombia-health-minister-wants-spraying-of-coca-plants-suspended--2nd-update-20150428-01652 El Salvador US threatens aid over support for Venezuela US pressure to force fall into line https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/58861 Lat Am Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle US funding social & economic projects in Guatemala, Honduras + ElSalvador GUATEMALA HONDURAS EL SELVADOR Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle US $1-billion funding US protection commercial & security interests Alliance for Prosperity pouring money into & uplifting successful corporates not innovation & domestic economic growth Alliance for Prosperity = opportunity for large businesses, US owned corporations, & local elites monopolizing $1 billion plan Alliance for Prosperity has potential to spur investment & market opportunities for US + interl firms http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2015/04/20/u-s-alliance-for-prosperity-program-could-deepen-troubles-in-central-america/ El Salvador - abortion rights 4 activists arrested Friday at El Salvador’s embassy in WA http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/04/24/four-arrested-in-protest-against-el-salvador-abortion-laws COMMENT Just recent things that caught my attention - including trivia I found interesting, or even amusing (eg the Germans going Bollywood video). Couldn't sleep, even though I'm super tired and sort of cranky. Lying in bed I kept thinking how detached or alienated I feel from my 'real' life (as opposed to the things that absorb my interest). Lying between sleep and wakefulness, I felt a freaky floating away, bobbing or elevator type of feeling (like motion but obviously not really being in motion).  That put an end to trying to sleep.  Guessing that's anxiety. Thought I'd mess around on here to relax and it's worked.  I'm feeling pretty chilled out now.