World Geography And Politics Daily News | 13 Jun 2023
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Blinken: Successful Ukrainian counteroffensive could force Putin to negotiate an end to the war
A successful Ukrainian counteroffensive could force Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate with Kyiv for an end to Russia's war on Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Washington on June 12.
"It’s very important to note that, in terms of what President Putin was trying to achieve in Ukraine, it’s already been a strategic failure, because the objective that Putin had – that he stated himself – was to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate its independence, and to absorb Ukraine, in one fashion or another, into Russia. That has failed and it cannot succeed," Blinken said.
Both officials shared hopes that the counteroffensive would bring about peace and ultimately push Russia out of Ukraine in a way that will guarantee long-term stability in Ukraine.
Ukraine's success in a counteroffensive would "strengthen its position at any negotiating table that emerges, and it may have the effect as well of actually causing Putin to finally focus on negotiating an end to the war that he started," Blinken said.
Turkey's president unwavering on two-state policy to resolve Cyprus' ethnic division
Turkey’s president said Monday that any deal resolving Cyprus’ nearly half-century ethnic division must be based on recognition of a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the island nation’s northern third. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks in the north during his first overseas visit after his reelection last month aren't new, but suggest that Ankara’s policy line on Cyprus remains unwavering, despite international condemnation of the two-state deal proposal that runs contrary to U.N. resol
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Turkey’s president said Monday that any deal resolving Cyprus’ nearly half-century ethnic division must be based on recognition of a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the island nation’s northern third.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks in the north during his first overseas visit after his reelection last month aren't new, but suggest that Ankara’s policy line on Cyprus remains unwavering, despite international condemnation of the two-state deal proposal that runs contrary to U.N. resolutions calling for a single, federated Cyprus.
“No one can bear to waste another 50 years of time,” Erdogan said during a joint news conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. "If there is to be a return to the negotiating table, the only way to do this is to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."
It also dashes hopes harbored by Cyprus’ internationally-recognized government of a speedy return to negotiations, although a spokesman for President Nikos Anastasiades said Monday that Erdogan will be judged by his deeds rather than his words.
Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkish Cypriots declared independence nearly a decade later, but that's only recognized by Turkey, which maintains more than 35,000 troops and an array of armaments in the north.
U.N.-led peace talks haven't resolved the dispute. The most recent round in July 2017 broke down over a Turkish insistence on maintaining military intervention rights and a permanent troop presence under any new arrangement. Another stumbling block was a Greek Cypriot rejection of a Turkish Cypriot demand for the right to veto all government decisions on a federal level. Turkish Cypriots number approximately about a quarter of Greek Cypriots.
Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots say it would be pointless to carry on negotiations based on a federated Cyprus and have instead pushed a two-state deal as a new starting point. Greek Cypriots say they can't agree to a deal that would formalize the country's division.
“The just demands of the Turkish Cypriots are clear and unequivocal. Turkish Cypriots have never been a minority and never will be,” Erdogan said.
The Turkish president said Ankara would also push ahead with plans to supply Turkish Cypriots with electricity through an undersea cable. The north has for years experienced chronic power supply issues.
The electricity cable would complement 66.5-mile (107-kilometer) undersea pipelines Turkey constructed in 2015 to supply fresh water to the arid north. The Cyprus government decried the pipeline project as a means for Ankara to “augment Turkey’s influence and control over Cyprus.”
Family members say beloved AP photo assistant, driver dies at 64
Moustafa Bassiouni, an intrepid photo assistant and driver for The Associated Press’ Cairo bureau, has died at age 64, family members said Monday. The relatives said he died in a Cairo hospital on Saturday after experiencing a heart attack. Bassiouni, who started as a driver for the bureau in 1991, became a pillar of the AP's Cairo operation.
CAIRO (AP) — Moustafa Bassiouni, an intrepid photo assistant and driver for The Associated Press’ Cairo bureau, has died at age 64, family members said Monday.
The relatives said he died in a Cairo hospital on Saturday after experiencing a heart attack.
Bassiouni, who started as a driver for the bureau in 1991, became a pillar of the AP's Cairo operation. Staffers relied on his street smarts and quick reflexes behind the wheel to cover assignments across the massive metropolis and wider Egypt.
He drove generations of AP photographers, writers, bureau chiefs and regional managers through the rule of former President Hosni Mubarak, the chaos that followed Egypt’s 2011 Arab Spring protests, and the 2013 ouster of the popularly elected but divisive President Mohammed Morsi. He was later promoted to photo assistant because of his inventiveness in getting access to difficult locations, including once by horseback. He retired in 2018.
“Moustafa was our driver, translator, fixer and most of all a good friend,” said AP’s Deputy Director of Photography for Global Enterprise, Enric Marti, who was based in Cairo from 1995 to 2001. “I personally wouldn’t have survived without him. And he also was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.”
He was also a second set of eyes, vigilant and steadfast in precarious situations. AP photographer Amr Nabil recalled how Bassiouni spirited him back to Cairo after he sustained a grave eye injury while covering a 2005 anti-government protest in a Nile Delta town. Nabil said he would be completing this year's hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a duty for all Muslims, in his former colleague's honor.
Bassiouni was remembered by colleagues for his warm smile and an infectious laugh that echoed across the newsroom, but also his blunt expressions of frustration with Cairo’s snarling traffic.
“He was a wonderful person; generous, funny, smart and committed," said Santiago Lyon, former director of photography for the AP who was based in Cairo between 1991-1995. “He truly understood the value of the work.”
Bassiouni is survived by his son Ahmed, daughters Reham and Sarah, and his wife, Manal.
Radio DJ Creates His Own Country In A California Desert
Randy ‘R Dub!’ Williams, a renowned DJ specializing in late-night slow jams, has undertaken an extraordinary endeavor. Having traversed nearly every nation on the planet, Williams found himself faced with a novel idea—establishing his own sovereign state upon exhausting the list of United Nations-recognized countries. Thus, the inception of the Republic of Slowjamastan came to… Continue reading Radio DJ Creates His Own Country In A California Desert
On December 1, 2021, Williams, in his finest attire, publicly announced the emancipation of Slowjamastan from the U.S. The declaration reverberated through the airwaves, disseminating from his open-air administrative headquarters in Dublândia, the bustling capital of this developing nation. Since then, Slowjamastan has rapidly evolved into a burgeoning state, complete with distinctive passports, its own currency, and a resounding national anthem.
The Republic of Slowjamastan proudly touts its roster of over 500 registered citizens. The new nation also has an impressive queue of 4,500 individuals awaiting their turn for conditional approval or citizenship. As Williams inches closer to fulfilling his lifelong ambition of visiting every country, he envisions transforming Slowjamastan into the preeminent micronation worldwide, attracting tourists from far and wide.
During his extensive travels, Williams gleaned inspiration from a plethora of micronations he encountered along the way. Notably, his sojourn to the Republic of Molossia left an indelible imprint on his vision. The 11.3-acre self-proclaimed state in Nevada seceded from the United States in 1998. Empowered by eccentric enclaves like Molossia, Williams procured a plot of land in California’s desert expanse for a modest sum of $19,000, solidifying Slowjamastan’s independence in December 2021.
In his quest for diplomatic recognition, Williams has collected passport stamps from an impressive roster including notable destinations like South Africa, New Zealand, Vanuatu, and even the United States. Slowjamastan, by technical definition, meets the requirements for a sovereign nation-state as outlined in the revered Montevideo Convention of 1933. With a permanent population, a defined territory, an established government, and the ability to engage in diplomatic relations, Slowjamastan embodies the essential elements of an independent entity.
“I’m a little frustrated to admit that, despite emails and DMs to President Biden on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and MySpace, our messages have all been left unread,” explains Williams. “Perhaps they are stuck in his spam folder. We’re going with that.”
As Slowjamastan embraces the arrival of tourists, visitors can indulge in an array of activities. Capture picturesque moments near the iconic Slowjamastan sign or immerse yourself in the charm of Independence Square. Visitors can even embark on a quest to spot the enigmatic Slowjamastan raccoon, the national animal.
Williams, with his unwavering spirit, harbors grand ambitions for Slowjamastan’s future. Among his visionary plans is the construction of several more entertainment features for travelers and locals to enjoy. A lazy river, an armadillo farm, and an all-you-can-eat Mongolian BBQ paradise are in the plans for future development. Most notably, Williams has plans to erect a statue commemorating himself as the revered Great Leader.
Facing its 'biggest security crisis' in years, NATO has kicked off its largest ever air drill with hundreds of aircraft to send a 'clear message'
A US ambassador said they'd be 'surprised' if world leaders weren't taking note of what this display of air power shows. "That includes Mr. Putin."
NATO's biggest ever air exercise is happening in Germany.
The drill is aimed at sending a "clear message," the alliance said, noting it is a "more dangerous world."
The exercise was planned years ago and isn't tied to any current events, but officials still expect Putin to take note.
A massive NATO show of strength is underway as the alliance faces daunting security challenges amid Russia's war in Ukraine, a conflict entering a new phase.
Around 10,000 personnel and 250 aircraft, including about 100 from the US, are in Germany for the alliance's two-week Air Defender exercise. The big exercise involves armed forces from two dozen NATO countries and Japan.
The large military exercise has been planned for around five years and is not a reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but a US official noted that Russian leadership is likely taking note.
"I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance," she said. "And that includes Mr. Putin."
Russia seized control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 while fueling a brutal fight between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces that has raged for years in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. In 2022, Russia attacked again, this time launching a full-scale invasion.
As for the NATO air exercise, the drill will focus on protecting NATO cities and critical infrastructure, which Russia has attacked repeatedly throughout the war in Ukraine, from aircraft, drones, and missile attacks.
2 active-duty Marines plead guilty to Capitol riot charges
Two men who were active-duty members of the Marines Corps when they stormed the U.S. Capitol pleaded guilty on Monday to riot-related criminal charges. Joshua Abate and Dodge Dale Hellonen are scheduled to be sentenced in September by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes. Many Capitol rioters are military veterans, but only a few were actively serving in the armed forces when they joined a mob’s attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
Many Capitol rioters are military veterans, but only a few were actively serving in the armed forces when they joined a mob’s attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
All three men face a maximum sentence of six months of imprisonment.
As of May 19, the Marines were still in the service. No additional information was available Monday.
David Dischley, an attorney for Abate, declined to comment on his client's guilty plea. An assistant public defender who represents Hellonen didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Authorities arrested the three men in January: Abate at Fort Meade, Maryland; Coomer in Oceanside, California; and Hellonen in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Witnesses stationed with Coomer at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia and with Hellonen at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina identified them in videos of the Jan. 6 riot, according to the FBI. A third witness — also a Marine — identified Abate from footage captured inside the Capitol, the FBI said.
During a June 2022 for his security clearance, Abate said he and two “buddies” had walked through the Capitol on Jan. 6 "and tried not to get hit with tear gas,” according to an FBI special agent.
“Abate also admitted he heard how the event was being portrayed negatively and decided that he should not tell anybody about going into the U.S. Capitol Building,” the agent wrote in an affidavit.
After the riot, Coomer posted photos on Instagram with the caption “Glad to be (a part) of history.” The angles of the photos and the caption indicated he had been inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, the FBI said. The phone number listed for Coomer in his military personal file matched the Instagram account.
Coomer drove to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6 from his military post in Virginia. He attended then-President Donald Trump's “Stop the Steal” rally with Abate and Hellonen before they entered the Capitol. Inside the Rotunda, they placed a red “Make America Great Again” hat on a statute before taking photos of it, prosecutors said. The three men spent nearly an hour inside the Capitol before leaving.
Less than a month after the riot, Coomer told another Instagram user that he believed “everything in this country is corrupt."
"We honestly need a fresh restart. I’m waiting for the boogaloo,” he wrote, according to the FBI.
When the other user asked what that term meant, Coomer wrote, “Civil war 2.”
___ Associated Press writer Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.
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