Daily Archives: January 13, 2020

2020-01-13: News Headlines

RT (2020-01-13). Russia among Europe's top performing stock markets in 2019. rt.com While last year was marked by political and economic uncertainty across the world, Greece, Russia and Italy have been Europe's top performing stock markets. | Some investors dismissed these markets as "too dangerous, too politically unstable, too reliant on commodities, too weak economically or a combination of all four," Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, a UK investment platform, said in a note to clients seen by CNBC."But this just goes to show that buying what is comfortable is rarely the route to big profits," he added. | According to economists, Greece, which was once Europe's sick man, seems to…

RT (2020-01-13). 'A month or 2 ago nobody thought it could happen': Moscow hosts talks between Libya's rival parties in hopes of ending civil war. rt.com Russia enjoys a unique position as the most-trusted and impartial player in the Libyan peace process, which helped the country bring together the two chief civil war rivals for talks in Moscow. | The years-long chaos in Libya "didn't give much room for optimism," so "a month or two ago no one had thought that the leaders of the two main warring factions would arrive in Moscow and sit down to negotiate," President of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vitaly Naumkin, told RT. | The talks in Moscow are a serious [diplomatic] breakthrough for Russia in Libya… They have solidif…

RT (2020-01-13). Moscow talks offer chance for peace in Libya's post NATO-intervention bloody civil war. rt.com Peace talks in Moscow bringing together the leaders of Libya's warring parties were a serious step forward in attempts to put an end to a brutal civil war sparked by NATO's disastrous 2011 military intervention. | Fayez al-Sarraj, who heads the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and Khalifa Haftar, who commands the rival Libyan National Army (LNA) forces, spent six hours in closed-door discussions mediated by Russia and Turkey. The meeting came as a bit of a surprise as Haftar previously snubbed the ceasefire suggested by Moscow and Ankara. | By Monday evening Moscow time, a draft agreeme…

RT (2020-01-13). Libya's warring parties vow to observe ceasefire without preconditions, stop all offensive military actions — draft agreement. rt.com The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli have pledged to observe the ceasefire suggested by Russia and Turkey after negotiations in Moscow. | The draft document suggests that all parties would stop military actions and observe the ceasefire conditions. Meanwhile, a commission is to be established to determine a contact line between the warring sides. Russia and Turkey promised to support all sides in the conflict to help them implement the agreement. | Libya has been plunged into chaos for years after its longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was…

RT (2020-01-13). We really want Libya ceasefire signed, Moscow talks are heading in 'positive direction' — Turkey's Erdogan. rt.com The two rival Libyan leaders, Fayez al-Sarraj and Khalifa Haftar, both arrived in Moscow for talks facilitated by Russia and Turkey. The negotiations are going well, Turkey's president said expressing hope for a ceasefire deal. | "We want the ceasefire to be signed in Libya as soon as possible," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Italian PM Giuseppe Conte in Ankara on Monday, shedding some light on the ongoing talks in Moscow. | I think it will end in the evening, I received the information that [the talks] continue in a positive direction. | The Moscow talks come ahead of a m…

Staff (2020-01-13). Turkey's Bounty on Ex-Palestinian Security Chief Reveals Web of Intrigue. therealnews.com Palestinian security chief Mohammed Dahlan was involved in mercenary operations in Palestine and Yemen, and was expelled from Palestine's Fatah party. Evidence of his involvement in the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey reveals his operations are more extensive than previously thought.

RT (2020-01-13). King of Jordan says ISIS on the rise, warns thousands of fighters moved to Libya from Syria's Idlib, spelling more trouble for EU. rt.com Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) is once again on the rise in the Middle East, King Abdullah of Jordan has warned, adding that "thousands" of fighters moved from Syria to Libya — bringing the whole problem even closer to Europe. | The revelation was made by the king during an exclusive interview with France 24 which aired on Monday. The monarch said that his "major concern is that we have seen over the past year the re-establishment and rise of ISIS, not only in southern eastern Syria but also in western Iraq." | We have to deal with the reemergence of ISIS. | Ironically, the timeframe given by King Abd…

RT (2020-01-13). Catalan leader Puigdemont attends EU Parliament session despite Spain arrest warrant. rt.com Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has arrived for his first session as a member of the European Parliament despite facing an arrest warrant against him in Spain. | The former Catalan president is bent on using the parliament to continue his political fight for an a independent Catalonia breaking away from Spain. His parliamentary position also gives him immunity. | Puigdemont used his arrival on Monday to demand the immediate release from a Spanish jail of another Catalan leader who was elected to the European Parliament, former Catalonia Vice President Oriol Junqueras, AP said. | Puigdemont was together with f…

RT (2020-01-13). Spain's new coalition cabinet ministers take oaths. rt.com Twenty-two cabinet members have taken their oaths to join Spain's center to far left-wing coalition administration, a first in a country once dominated by two main parties. | Spain's King Felipe VI presided over the short ceremony on Monday, marking the inauguration of an administration led by Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez with five ministers from the anti-austerity United We Can (Podemos) party, AP reported. | The leader of that party, Pablo Iglesias, is one of four deputy prime ministers in the enlarged cabinet. | The prime minister has set achieving social reforms, sound economic growth and "dialogue" with…

RT (2020-01-13). Australian Open 2020: Defending Novak Djokovic says tournament is 'really open' ahead of first Grand Slam of the year. rt.com Reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic says the tournament field is wide open ahead of the first Grand Slam tournament of 2020. | The Serbian star, who helped his country to victory at the ATP Cup at the weekened, has been installed as the bookmakers' favorite to retain his title in Melbourne later this month. | But Djokovic said the challenge of retaining his title will be tougher than ever, with legitimate championship threats coming not just from the established stars, but also from a crop of talented rising contenders looking to make their mark in the first big tournament of the year. | Also on r…

RT (2020-01-13). Double success: Russian ice-dancing duos take gold & silver at 2020 Youth Olympic Games (VIDEO). rt.com Russian ice-dancing couples have brilliantly finished their performances at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland taking the first two places on the podium after flawlessly delivered free programs. | Irina Khavronina and Dario Cirisano twizzled their way to first place setting a new personal best of 101.11 for their dynamic free routine. | READ MORE: Russian figure skating duo Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov claim gold at 2020 Youth Olympics (VIDEO) | The couple perfectly executed al…

RT (2020-01-13). Good progress made in Libya ceasefire talks in Moscow although not all sides signed the deal – Lavrov. rt.com Negotiations in Moscow helped to achieve some progress in the Libyan peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. However, not all parties signed the document. | The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) have agreed upon some ceasefire details, but they are still working on a document elaborating some concrete aspects of the ceasefire deal. | Some warring parties signed the agreement immediately, but General Khalifa Haftar, the LNA commander, requested until Tuesday morning to study the document. | The talks in Moscow, which involved the leaders of…

RT (2020-01-13). Libya ceasefire talks in Moscow: Good progress made although not all sides signed the deal, Lavrov says. rt.com Negotiations in Moscow helped to achieve some progress in the Libyan peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. However, not all parties signed the document. | The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) have agreed upon some ceasefire details, but they are still working on a document to elaborate upon some aspects of the ceasefire deal. | Some warring parties signed the agreement immediately, but General Khalifa Haftar, the LNA commander, wanted to wait until Tuesday morning to have more time to study the document. | The talks in Moscow, which i…

RT (2020-01-13). Civilians in Syria's Idlib can flee via 3 new checkpoints — Russian military. rt.com Syrian civilians could leave a de-escalation zone in the Idlib province via three new checkpoints, the Russian Defense Ministry has said. | Many requests had been received from Syrian civilians in Idlib in areas controlled by armed groups to return to their homes in territory controlled by Syrian government forces, the statement issued late on Sunday added. The Russian military warned armed groups to allow people to leave Idlib if they want to. | Local military sources earlier said that the Syrian Army has prepared three humanitarian corridors for civilians to leave Idlib. They are located in the area of &sbqu…

RT (2020-01-13). Unstoppable rally: World's most precious metal rhodium is now 5 times more costly than gold. rt.com The extremely rare, silvery-colored metal rhodium has extended its multi year growth, surging 32 percent so far this month and touching the highest mark since 2008. | The metal which is mainly used in autocatalysts for cars has risen 225 percent year on year. It has rallied 12-fold in the past four years, far outperforming all major commodities, on rising demand from the car sector. | "Rhodium is subject to crazy volatility," Anton Berlin, head of analysis and market development at Russia's Norilsk Nickel, told Bloomberg. The Russian company mines about 10 percent of all rhodium. | | © Wikipedia | Tight…

RT (2020-01-13). 'First step in right direction': World reacts to talks between Libya's warring parties in Moscow. rt.com Talks in Moscow between the two major rivals in the Libyan civil war have been called progress and a positive development as they ended with one party signing a draft document and the other taking time until Tuesday. | The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the UN-backed Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) have joined a ceasefire suggested by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the leaders of the two warring factions arrived in Moscow for talks aimed at brokering a lasting truce. | Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Russian counterpart, Sergey…

RT (2020-01-13). Libyan leaders Sarraj & Haftar to hold talks in Moscow on Monday — Russian Foreign Ministry. rt.com Libya's two key political figures — Fayez al-Sarraj, the prime minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), and Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar will take part in talks held under the auspices of the Russian and Turkish Foreign and Defense Ministries in Moscow on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS. | "In [the] context of implementing the initiative of the Russian and Turkish presidents announced following a summit in Istanbul, inter-Libyan contacts will be held today in Moscow," the diplomats said. "The contacts are expected to be attended by Sarraj, Haftar an…

RT (2020-01-13). French lawyers throw off their robes to back ongoing STRIKE against pension reform (VIDEOS). rt.com Lawyers across France are discarding their robes in a dramatic show of solidarity, signaling they will not give up on what has become a two-month strike against unpopular pension reforms – even if it disrupts high-profile trials. | Bar associations in cities all over France have staged theatrical demonstrations to draw the public's attention to the longest general strike in decades, which has been underway since December 5. Videos posted on social media show the lawyers tossing off their robes, carrying a "coffin of justice," spelling out "SOS" with law books, and singing protest songs as they demand a retract…

RT (2020-01-13). Macron meets leaders of 5 Sahel states as France's military role is questioned. rt.com French President Emmanuel Macron will on Monday host counterparts from five Sahel countries seeking more backing in the fight against a jihadist uprising as France's military role is being questioned, AFP said. | Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in the southwestern city of Pau, to be attended also by the heads of the UN, African Union, and EU Council. | Macron insists his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad must use the occasion to express public support for France's military presence. It has been the largest…

RT (2020-01-13). 'Free Hong Kong': Denmark's iconic Little Mermaid statue sprayed with protest graffiti (PHOTO). rt.com Denmark's famous 'Little Mermaid' sculpture in Copenhagen Harbour has been defaced with slogans from the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. | "Free Hong Kong" was scrawled onto the base of the statue in both large red letters and smaller white script overnight Sunday. The slogan has been frequently used by anti-government demonstrators in Hong Kong in protests which started in March 2019. | Also on rt.com | | China-UK stock trade scheme 'suspended' over Britain's stance on Hong Kong protests | Copenhagen Police have cordoned off the sculpture and…

RT (2020-01-13). UkraineGate documentary shows Joe Biden's 'someone solid' for Ukrainian General Prosecutor was anything but. rt.com Former US vice-president and White House hopeful Joe Biden "brazenly lied" about supporting anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine while actually hindering them, according to a new hard-hitting documentary film. | US President Donald Trump was impeached in the House of Representatives based on the narrative that he interfered in Ukrainian domestic affairs for personal political gain — but it was Biden himself who interfered while he was Barack Obama's deputy, according to 'UkraineGate: Inconvenient Facts.' | The documentary was produced by F…

Staff (2020-01-13). "A System Failure": Iran Admits to Downing Airplane, Sparking Renewed Anti-Government Protests. democracynow.org Iranian protesters have taken to the streets for a third day, after the Iranian military acknowledged it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner last week, killing all 176 people on board, including 82 Iranians and 57 Canadians. Iran initially denied downing the plane, but Iran's Revolutionary Guard took responsibility for what authorities now describe as a "disastrous mistake." The plane was downed hours after Iranian forces fired 22 rockets at military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops, in retaliation for the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Millions of Iranians took to the streets la…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-01-13). Danish trade unions demand hike in minimum wages. peoplesdispatch.org Ahead of the 'OK 2020' collective bargaining negotiations with the industry, trade unions in Denmark on January 8, Wednesday, mobilized for an increase in the minimum wage. Demonstrations at the Copenhagen City Hall Square on Wednesday saw the participation of hundreds of activists from several professional trade unions in the private and public sectors. | As of now, there is no statutory minimum wage in Denmark. The current minimum salary in Copenhagen for a full-time position holder is reportedly around DKr 110 (USD 16.37) per hour or DKr 17,000 (USD 2,580) per month. | Trade unions representing 2,30,000 worker…

Staff (2020-01-13). Headlines for January 13, 2020. democracynow.org Esper Says He Did Not See Specific Evidence Soleimani Was Planning Embassy Attacks, Iran Admits It Mistakenly Shot Down Plane Last Week, Sparking Protests, House Expected to Vote to Send Articles of Impeachment to Senate This Week, Coveted New Hampshire Union SEIU Local Endorses Sanders, White House Press Secretary Under Pressure to Hold Press Briefing, Volcanic Eruption in Philippines Forces Residents to Evacuate Homes, French Government Backing Down on Efforts to Raise Retirement Age, Taiwan: Voters Re-elect President Tsai Ing-wen in Rebuke to Beijing, Malta: New Prime Minister to Be Sworn In, After Journalist'

Paul Antonopoulos (2020-01-13). Turkish-backed GNA Leader Fayez al-Sarraj Is on the Verge of Losing Tripoli. globalresearch.ca Italy, Russia and Turkey have been pressing for an end to the war in Libya between the Parliament-backed Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Turkish-backed Muslim Brotherhood Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. Pressure to put an end to …

Paul Antonopoulos (2020-01-13). U.S. Media Says Russia the True Winner in Hostilities Against Iran. globalresearch.ca While the final outcome of the U.S.-Iran conflict is not yet clear, US media outlets and think tanks are already claiming that Russian President Putin is the winner. The U.S.-Iran hostilities has undermined Washington's confidence and reputation in the region, …

Vanessa Beeley (2020-01-13). UN Security Council Extends Aid Runs for Al Qaeda in Idlib. globalresearch.ca "Al-Qaeda terrorists operating in the north of Syria and oppressing millions of Syrians can now breathe comfortably after the United Nations Security Council extended their supply routes from their regional sponsor NATO member state Turkey for an additional Six months …

teleSUR (2020-01-13). Saudi Arabia Executed 184 People in 2019: Rights Organization. telesurenglish.net 184 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2019, according to a statement released Monday by United Kingdom-based human rights organization Reprieve. | RELATED: | Human Rights Advocates Demonstrate, Demand Guantanamo's Closure | The organization said the figure is the highest in a calendar year since it started tracking down executions six years ago. | "This is another grim milestone for Mohammed Bin Salman's Saudi Arabia," Reprieve dire…

WSWS (2020-01-13). Spain's new PSOE-Podemos government commits itself to austerity and war. wsws.org Described by its architects as Spain's most progressive government since the Second Republic (1931-1939), it is in fact committed to austerity, repression and militarism.

sputniknews (2020-01-13). Why Does Northern Ireland Power Sharing Deal Involve Raking Up the Past? sputniknews.com Boris Johnson is visiting Belfast on Monday after Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agreed a deal which allows for the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland. Sputnik looks at a key part of the deal – legislation on dealing with the so-called "legacy" cases from The Troubles.

teleSUR (2020-01-13). Libya Talks in Russia Progress but Fail to Sign Ceasefire. telesurenglish.net Talks between Libya's warring factions, aimed at agreeing an unconditional and open-ended ceasefire failed to achieve a breakthrough Monday despite making good progress, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters. | RELATED: | Libya's Rival Factions Accuse Each Other of Violating Ceasefire | The head of the United Nations-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj signed a draft ceasefire agreement, while General Kalifa Haftar who leads th…

sputniknews (2020-01-13). Medic Reveals Injuries Sustained by Russian Model After Fall from Window Amid Rumours of Foul Play. sputniknews.com Russian model Ksenia Puntus, who has posed for Russian Vogue and Tatler, supposedly fell three feet from an apartment balcony in Moscow, sustaining multiple injuries, in circumstances that are being investigated.

sputniknews (2020-01-13). NATO Chief Stoltenberg Reveals How Alliance Will 'Respond' to Russia's Iskander-M Missiles. sputniknews.com The Russian military upgraded its tactical missile units with Iskander-M launchers throughout 2019, with the systems replacing the older Tochka-U missile systems. Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads, the mobile, high-precision systems have an operational range of up to 500 km.

WSWS (2020-01-13). Iran admits to inadvertently shooting down Ukraine International Airlines jet, killing 176. wsws.org The felling of Flight 752 came amid a war crisis fomented by Washington's campaign of "maximum pressure" on Tehran and its January 3 assassination of Suleimani.

Brett Wilkins (2020-01-13). Ukraine Airliner Tragedy: Memories of Iran Air Flight 655 Shootdown, Cubana Flight 455 Attack. globalresearch.ca On July 3, 1988 the US guided missile destroyer USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655, an Airbus A300 flying in Iranian airspace and carrying 290 civilians from Tehran to Dubai via Bandar Abbas, killing all aboard. | *** | "I'll …

sputniknews (2020-01-13). Five Nations Affected by Ukrainian Plane Crash to Discuss Legal Action Against Iran – Kiev. sputniknews.com Iran admitted on Saturday to downing a Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 by mistake. The plane earlier crashed, killing all passengers on board.

yenisafak (2020-01-13). Turkey nabs over 2,500 irregular migrants past week. yenisafak.com Nearly 2,530 irregular migrants were arrested across Turkey over the last week, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency from security sources.Turkish gendarmerie forces held 962 of migrants in the northwestern Edirne province, which borders Greece and Bulgaria.According to local sources in Edirne, Greece has stepped up efforts to send irregular migrants to Turkey in violation of the Geneva Conventions, the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.In the coastal western cities of Mugla, Canakkale, Izmir and Aydin, the Turkish Coast Guard and gendarmerie forces rounded up more…

yenisafak (2020-01-13). EU hails Libya cease-fire as 'first fundamental step'. yenisafak.com The European Union's foreign policy chief and the head of bloc's parliament Monday welcomed the cease-fire in Libya."The announcement of a ceasefire in Libya provides an important opportunity to resume dialogue for a political solution to the crisis. It is now to the parties to fully implement it," said Josep Borell, high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, on Twitter."The EU is ready to help Berlin process and efforts of UN. All Libyans deserve peace and prosperity," he added.Separately, David Sassoli, the president of the European Parliament, welcomed the decision in a written stat…

yenisafak (2020-01-13). Cease-fire takes hold in Libya's Tripoli amid talks. yenisafak.com A cease-fire called by Turkey and Russia took hold for the second day in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Monday amid talks between warring rivals in Moscow.The cease-fire came into force on Sunday amid accusations by both sides of violating the agreement.The UN-recognized government said a civilian was killed by forces loyal to renegade commander Khalifa Haftar south-east of Tripoli.Gunfire was also reported in Salahuddin district in the Libyan capital."Our forces are fully committed to the cease-fire, but are on alert on respond to any breach by Haftar's forces," a commander of the UN-recognized government's force…

yenisafak (2020-01-13). Ballet Romeo and Juliet to be staged in Antalya, Turkey. yenisafak.com A local public opera and ballet in southern Turkey is set to stage Romeo and Juliet ballet for the first time this season.The Antalya provincial ballet announced it would on Jan. 18 stage orchestral work composed by Russian Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, based on William Shakespeare's tragedy.Shakespeare's renowned play centers on two lovers defying obstacles to their marriage, ultimately ending in tragedy and the death of them both.In 2019, the play was also staged in capital Ankara with thousands of people flocking to theaters.

yenisafak (2020-01-13). EU welcomes Libya ceasefire, says UN must lead reconciliation. yenisafak.com "A ceasefire, yes it is a first step in the right direction, but what you need is a process for consolidation, for reconstruction and a government of unity. There is a long way to go. This has to be a U.N.-led process," she told reporters after a meeting with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel."This is of utmost importance."

yenisafak (2020-01-13). Iraq | considers buying Russian S-400 missile system as Mideast tensions | boil. yenisafak.com The Iraqi government has gravitated toward the Russian defense industry amid simmering tensions between Washington and Baghdad after the killing of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in a move that might trigger U.S. sanctions.Members of the Iraqi parliament said the country was considering purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems, the Wall Street Journal on Monday quoted Karim Elaiwi, a member of the Iraqi parliament's Security and Defence Committee, as saying."We are talking to Russia about the S-400 missiles but no contracts have been signed yet. We need to get these missiles, especiall…

yenisafak (2020-01-13). Finnish court rejects Rotenberg's suit against Nordic banks. yenisafak.com Boris Rotenberg, a Russian businessman under U.S. sanctions over the Ukraine conflict due to his close ties with President Vladimir Putin, on Monday lost a discrimination lawsuit he filed in a Finnish court against four Nordic banks."Helsinki District Court has rejected Boris Rotenberg's complaint over the right to banking services and damages for discrimination," the court said in its decision.Rotenberg, who also holds Finnish citizenship, accused Nordea, Danske Bank, Handelsbanken and OP Bank of refusing to allow him to make payments and of violating his right to equal treatment as an EU citizen.

yenisafak (2020-01-13). 'Grieving nations' to discuss legal action against Iran over downed airliner. yenisafak.com Five nations whose citizens died when an airliner was shot down by Iran last week will meet in London on Thursday to discuss possible legal action, Ukraine's foreign minister told Reuters.Speaking at the sidelines of an official visit to Singapore on Monday, Vadym Prystaiko said the countries would also discuss compensation and the investigation into the incident. All 176 people on board the flight died in the crash on Wednesday, minutes after the plane took off from Tehran airport.

Staff (2020-01-12). As Trial Nears, Trump Keeps Discredited Ukraine Theory Alive. truthdig.com The theory took root in vague form well before Donald Trump laid claim to the White House in 2016. The candidate's close confidant tweeted about it. His campaign chairman apparently spoke about it with people close to him. | What if, the idea went, it was actually Ukraine — and not Russia — that was interfering in the 2016 election? | Never mind that the notion has since been amplified by the president of Russia, the country that U.S. intelligence agencies unequivocally blame for interfering in that year's presidential race. Or that Trump's hand-picked FBI director and other American officials have sa…

RT (2020-01-12). 'Impeached for life': Pelosi sets off Twitter fireworks, falsely claims Dems pursuing subpoena-defying witnesses. rt.com House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made numerous odd claims about Trump impeachment in a new interview, including that Dems are pursuing subpoena-defying witness from the Ukraine investigation. | While speaking on ABC's 'This Week' Pelosi told host George Stephanopoulos that "this president is impeached for life, regardless of any gamesmanship on the part of Mitch McConnell." | While Congress passed articles of impeachment against the president, he still technically needs to go through a trial in the Senate to determine his guilt. One is not "impeached" until a decision is made through a trial. Congress merely conduct…

teleSUR (2020-01-12). Libya's Rival Factions Accuse Each Other of Violating Ceasefire. telesurenglish.net Libya's warring factions, the United Nations-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al Sarraj and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Kalifa Haftar, have accused each other of violating an agreed ceasefire Sunday. | RELATED: | Russia and Turkey Call for Ceasefire in Libya | Early on Sunday morning, Reuters reported that fire exchange could be heard in Salaheddin and Ain Zara districts in Tripoli. | The GNA warned in a statement that it had recorded gunfire in the Salaheddin and…

Miri Wood (2020-01-12). Additional 6 Months Granted to NATO Terrorists North of Syria by the UN Security Council. globalresearch.ca Al-Qaeda terrorists operating in the north of Syria and oppressing millions of Syrians can now breathe comfort after the United Nations Security Council extended their supply routes from their regional sponsor NATO member state Turkey for an additional Six months …

teleSUR (2020-01-12). Brazil to Go Through With Mining on Tribal Lands. telesurenglish.net Brazil's right-wing regime said it was pushing ahead with its plans to mine on tribal lands, despite the objections of the people that live in these targeted areas. | RELATED: | Number of Fires in Brazilian Amazon Increased 30% in 2019 | The Brazilian regime held a briefing on Friday to inform European diplomats about the proposals that have drawn criticism from Indigenous advocates in Brazil and overseas. | According to a public statement on the ministry's website, the Mning and En…

teleSUR (2020-01-12). Workers Remember Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht's Legacies. telesurenglish.net The European left's largest conference Saturday began in Berlin paying tribute to the memory of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, two communist revolutionaries killed by far-right paramilitaries on January 15, 1919. | RELATED: | New Film on German Communist Playwright Bertolt Brecht | Over 3,000 people are sharing and analyzing experiences of the struggle around the world at the Rosa Luxemburg International Conference (RLIC), which has been running since 1996 every second Saturday i…

2020-01-13: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

How Democracies Die
Chris Hedges | truthdig.com | 2020-01-13
Leo Tolstoy wrote that happy families are all alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. So too with failed democracies. There is no one route to the dissolution of the open society, but the patterns are familiar, whether in ancient Athens, the Roman Republic or the collapse of the democracies in Italy and the Weimar Republic in Germany that led to fascism. The ills that beset Germany and Italy in the 1930s are sadly familiar to us–an ineffectual political system, a retreat by huge sectors of the population into a world where facts and opinions are interchangeable, the seizure of national ec…
truthdig.com/articles/how-democracies-die/

Danish trade unions demand hike in minimum wages
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-13
Ahead of the 'OK 2020' collective bargaining negotiations with the industry, trade unions in Denmark on January 8, Wednesday, mobilized for an increase in the minimum wage. Demonstrations at the Copenhagen City Hall Square on Wednesday saw the participation of hundreds of activists from several professional trade unions in the private and public sectors. | As of now, there is no statutory minimum wage in Denmark. The current minimum salary in Copenhagen for a full-time position holder is reportedly around DKr 110 (USD 16.37) per hour or DKr 17,000 (USD 2,580) per month. | Trade unions representing 2,30,000 worker…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/13/danish-trade-unions-demand-hike-in-minimum-wages/

'A month or 2 ago nobody thought it could happen': Moscow hosts talks between Libya's rival parties in hopes of ending civil war
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Russia enjoys a unique position as the most-trusted and impartial player in the Libyan peace process, which helped the country bring together the two chief civil war rivals for talks in Moscow. | The years-long chaos in Libya "didn't give much room for optimism," so "a month or two ago no one had thought that the leaders of the two main warring factions would arrive in Moscow and sit down to negotiate," President of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vitaly Naumkin, told RT. | The talks in Moscow are a serious [diplomatic] breakthrough for Russia in Libya… They have solidif…
rt.com/news/478140-libya-moscow-talks-haftar/

Moscow talks offer chance for peace in Libya's post NATO-intervention bloody civil war
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Peace talks in Moscow bringing together the leaders of Libya's warring parties were a serious step forward in attempts to put an end to a brutal civil war sparked by NATO's disastrous 2011 military intervention. | Fayez al-Sarraj, who heads the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and Khalifa Haftar, who commands the rival Libyan National Army (LNA) forces, spent six hours in closed-door discussions mediated by Russia and Turkey. The meeting came as a bit of a surprise as Haftar previously snubbed the ceasefire suggested by Moscow and Ankara. | By Monday evening Moscow time, a draft agreeme…
rt.com/news/478165-libya-moscow-talks-peace/

Good progress made in Libya ceasefire talks in Moscow although not all sides signed the deal – Lavrov
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Negotiations in Moscow helped to achieve some progress in the Libyan peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. However, not all parties signed the document. | The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) have agreed upon some ceasefire details, but they are still working on a document elaborating some concrete aspects of the ceasefire deal. | Some warring parties signed the agreement immediately, but General Khalifa Haftar, the LNA commander, requested until Tuesday morning to study the document. | The talks in Moscow, which involved the leaders of…
rt.com/news/478151-lavrov-progress-ceasefire-talks/

Libya ceasefire talks in Moscow: Good progress made although not all sides signed the deal, Lavrov says
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Negotiations in Moscow helped to achieve some progress in the Libyan peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. However, not all parties signed the document. | The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) have agreed upon some ceasefire details, but they are still working on a document to elaborate upon some aspects of the ceasefire deal. | Some warring parties signed the agreement immediately, but General Khalifa Haftar, the LNA commander, wanted to wait until Tuesday morning to have more time to study the document. | The talks in Moscow, which i…
rt.com/news/478151-lavrov-progress-ceasefire-talks/

French lawyers throw off their robes to back ongoing STRIKE against pension reform (VIDEOS)
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Lawyers across France are discarding their robes in a dramatic show of solidarity, signaling they will not give up on what has become a two-month strike against unpopular pension reforms – even if it disrupts high-profile trials. | Bar associations in cities all over France have staged theatrical demonstrations to draw the public's attention to the longest general strike in decades, which has been underway since December 5. Videos posted on social media show the lawyers tossing off their robes, carrying a "coffin of justice," spelling out "SOS" with law books, and singing protest songs as they demand a retract…
rt.com/news/478169-french-lawyers-general-strike-pension/

'Free Hong Kong': Denmark's iconic Little Mermaid statue sprayed with protest graffiti (PHOTO)
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Denmark's famous 'Little Mermaid' sculpture in Copenhagen Harbour has been defaced with slogans from the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. | "Free Hong Kong" was scrawled onto the base of the statue in both large red letters and smaller white script overnight Sunday. The slogan has been frequently used by anti-government demonstrators in Hong Kong in protests which started in March 2019. | Also on rt.com | | China-UK stock trade scheme 'suspended' over Britain's stance on Hong Kong protests | Copenhagen Police have cordoned off the sculpture and…
rt.com/news/478129-little-mermaid-statue-hong-kong/

"A System Failure": Iran Admits to Downing Airplane, Sparking Renewed Anti-Government Protests
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-01-13
Iranian protesters have taken to the streets for a third day, after the Iranian military acknowledged it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner last week, killing all 176 people on board, including 82 Iranians and 57 Canadians. Iran initially denied downing the plane, but Iran's Revolutionary Guard took responsibility for what authorities now describe as a "disastrous mistake." The plane was downed hours after Iranian forces fired 22 rockets at military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops, in retaliation for the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Millions of Iranians took to the streets la…
www.democracynow.org/2020/1/13/iran_protests_ukraine_airlines_flight_752

"A System Failure": Iran Admits to Downing Airplane, Sparking Renewed Anti-Government Protests
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-01-13
Iranian protesters have taken to the streets for a third day, after the Iranian military acknowledged it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner last week, killing all 176 people on board, including 82 Iranians and 57 Canadians. Iran initially denied downing the plane, but Iran's Revolutionary Guard took responsibility for what authorities now describe as a "disastrous mistake." The plane was downed hours after Iranian forces fired 22 rockets at military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops, in retaliation for the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Millions of Iranians took to the streets la…
www.democracynow.org/2020/1/13/iran_protests_ukraine_airlines_flight_752

Turkish-backed GNA Leader Fayez al-Sarraj Is on the Verge of Losing Tripoli
Paul Antonopoulos | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-13
Italy, Russia and Turkey have been pressing for an end to the war in Libya between the Parliament-backed Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Turkish-backed Muslim Brotherhood Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. Pressure to put an end to …
globalresearch.ca/turkish-backed-sarraj-losing-tripoli/5700393

U.S. Media Says Russia the True Winner in Hostilities Against Iran
Paul Antonopoulos | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-13
While the final outcome of the U.S.-Iran conflict is not yet clear, US media outlets and think tanks are already claiming that Russian President Putin is the winner. The U.S.-Iran hostilities has undermined Washington's confidence and reputation in the region, …
globalresearch.ca/u-s-media-says-russia-true-winner-hostilities-against-iran/5700479

UN Security Council Extends Aid Runs for Al Qaeda in Idlib
Vanessa Beeley | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-13
"Al-Qaeda terrorists operating in the north of Syria and oppressing millions of Syrians can now breathe comfortably after the United Nations Security Council extended their supply routes from their regional sponsor NATO member state Turkey for an additional Six months …
globalresearch.ca/un-security-council-extends-aid-runs-al-qaeda-idlib/5700438

Russia among Europe's top performing stock markets in 2019
rt.com | 2020-01-13
While last year was marked by political and economic uncertainty across the world, Greece, Russia and Italy have been Europe's top performing stock markets. | Some investors dismissed these markets as "too dangerous, too politically unstable, too reliant on commodities, too weak economically or a combination of all four," Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, a UK investment platform, said in a note to clients seen by CNBC."But this just goes to show that buying what is comfortable is rarely the route to big profits," he added. | According to economists, Greece, which was once Europe's sick man, seems to…
rt.com/business/477205-europe-top-performing-stock-markets/

Turkey's Bounty on Ex-Palestinian Security Chief Reveals Web of Intrigue
Staff | therealnews.com | 2020-01-13
Palestinian security chief Mohammed Dahlan was involved in mercenary operations in Palestine and Yemen, and was expelled from Palestine's Fatah party. Evidence of his involvement in the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey reveals his operations are more extensive than previously thought.
therealnews.com/stories/turkey-bounty-dahlan-security-chief-web-intrigue

Saudi Arabia Executed 184 People in 2019: Rights Organization
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-13
184 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2019, according to a statement released Monday by United Kingdom-based human rights organization Reprieve. | RELATED: | Human Rights Advocates Demonstrate, Demand Guantanamo's Closure | The organization said the figure is the highest in a calendar year since it started tracking down executions six years ago. | "This is another grim milestone for Mohammed Bin Salman's Saudi Arabia," Reprieve dire…
telesurenglish.net/news/Saudi-Arabia-Executed-184-People-in-2019-Rights-Organization–20200113-0008.html

Catalan leader Puigdemont attends EU Parliament session despite Spain arrest warrant
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has arrived for his first session as a member of the European Parliament despite facing an arrest warrant against him in Spain. | The former Catalan president is bent on using the parliament to continue his political fight for an a independent Catalonia breaking away from Spain. His parliamentary position also gives him immunity. | Puigdemont used his arrival on Monday to demand the immediate release from a Spanish jail of another Catalan leader who was elected to the European Parliament, former Catalonia Vice President Oriol Junqueras, AP said. | Puigdemont was together with f…
rt.com/newsline/478141-catalan-puigdemont-european-parliament/

King of Jordan says ISIS on the rise, warns thousands of fighters moved to Libya from Syria's Idlib, spelling more trouble for EU
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) is once again on the rise in the Middle East, King Abdullah of Jordan has warned, adding that "thousands" of fighters moved from Syria to Libya

Spain's new PSOE-Podemos government commits itself to austerity and war
wsws.org | 2020-01-13
Described by its architects as Spain's most progressive government since the Second Republic (1931-1939), it is in fact committed to austerity, repression and militarism.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/13/spai-j13.html

Spain's new coalition cabinet ministers take oaths
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Twenty-two cabinet members have taken their oaths to join Spain's center to far left-wing coalition administration, a first in a country once dominated by two main parties. | Spain's King Felipe VI presided over the short ceremony on Monday, marking the inauguration of an administration led by Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez with five ministers from the anti-austerity United We Can (Podemos) party, AP reported. | The leader of that party, Pablo Iglesias, is one of four deputy prime ministers in the enlarged cabinet. | The prime minister has set achieving social reforms, sound economic growth and "dialogue" with…
rt.com/newsline/478158-spain-coalition-ministers-oaths/

Why Does Northern Ireland Power Sharing Deal Involve Raking Up the Past?
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-13
Boris Johnson is visiting Belfast on Monday after Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agreed a deal which allows for the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland. Sputnik looks at a key part of the deal – legislation on dealing with the so-called "legacy" cases from The Troubles.
sputniknews.com/uk/202001131078023891-why-does-northern-ireland-power-sharing-deal-involve-raking-up-the-past/

Australian Open 2020: Defending Novak Djokovic says tournament is 'really open' ahead of first Grand Slam of the year
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic says the tournament field is wide open ahead of the first Grand Slam tournament of 2020. | The Serbian star, who helped his country to victory at the ATP Cup at the weekened, has been installed as the bookmakers' favorite to retain his title in Melbourne later this month. | But Djokovic said the challenge of retaining his title will be tougher than ever, with legitimate championship threats coming not just from the established stars, but also from a crop of talented rising contenders looking to make their mark in the first big tournament of the year. | Also on r…
rt.com/sport/478110-australian-open-2020-novak-djokovic-really-open/

Libya Talks in Russia Progress but Fail to Sign Ceasefire
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-13
Talks between Libya's warring factions, aimed at agreeing an unconditional and open-ended ceasefire failed to achieve a breakthrough Monday despite making good progress, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters. | RELATED: | Libya's Rival Factions Accuse Each Other of Violating Ceasefire | The head of the United Nations-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj signed a draft ceasefire agreement, while General Kalifa Haftar who leads th…
telesurenglish.net/news/Libya-Talks-in-Russia-Progress-but-Fail-to-Sign-Ceasefire–20200113-0007.html

Medic Reveals Injuries Sustained by Russian Model After Fall from Window Amid Rumours of Foul Play
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-13
Russian model Ksenia Puntus, who has posed for Russian Vogue and Tatler, supposedly fell three feet from an apartment balcony in Moscow, sustaining multiple injuries, in circumstances that are being investigated.
sputniknews.com/russia/202001131078023941-medic-reveals-injuries-sustained-by-russian-model-after-fall-from-window-amid-rumours-of-foul-play/

Unstoppable rally: World's most precious metal rhodium is now 5 times more costly than gold
rt.com | 2020-01-13
The extremely rare, silvery-colored metal rhodium has extended its multi year growth, surging 32 percent so far this month and touching the highest mark since 2008. | The metal which is mainly used in autocatalysts for cars has risen 225 percent year on year. It has rallied 12-fold in the past four years, far outperforming all major commodities, on rising demand from the car sector. | "Rhodium is subject to crazy volatility," Anton Berlin, head of analysis and market development at Russia's Norilsk Nickel, told Bloomberg. The Russian company mines about 10 percent of all rhodium. | | © Wikipedia | Tight…
rt.com/business/478123-rhodium-price-unstoppable-rally/

'First step in right direction': World reacts to talks between Libya's warring parties in Moscow
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Talks in Moscow between the two major rivals in the Libyan civil war have been called progress and a positive development as they ended with one party signing a draft document and the other taking time until Tuesday. | The Libyan National Army (LNA) and the UN-backed Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) have joined a ceasefire suggested by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the leaders of the two warring factions arrived in Moscow for talks aimed at brokering a lasting truce. | Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Russian counterpart, Sergey…
rt.com/news/478159-libya-moscow-talks-world-leaders/

Double success: Russian ice-dancing duos take gold & silver at 2020 Youth Olympic Games (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Russian ice-dancing couples have brilliantly finished their performances at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland taking the first two places on the podium after flawlessly delivered free programs. | Irina Khavronina and Dario Cirisano twizzled their way to first place setting a new personal best of 101.11 for their dynamic free routine. | READ MORE: Russian figure skating duo Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov claim gold at 2020 Youth Olympics (VIDEO) | The couple perfectly executed al…
rt.com/sport/478135-ice-dancing-youth-olympics-russia-gold-silver/

NATO Chief Stoltenberg Reveals How Alliance Will 'Respond' to Russia's Iskander-M Missiles
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-13
The Russian military upgraded its tactical missile units with Iskander-M launchers throughout 2019, with the systems replacing the older Tochka-U missile systems. Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads, the mobile, high-precision systems have an operational range of up to 500 km.
sputniknews.com/military/202001131078024707-nato-chief-stoltenberg-reveals-how-alliance-will-respond-to-russias-iskander-m-missiles/

Unstoppable rally: World's most precious metal rhodium is now 5 times more costly than gold
rt.com | 2020-01-13
The extremely rare, silvery-colored metal rhodium has extended its multi year growth, surging 32 percent so far this month and touching the highest mark since 2008. | The metal which is mainly used in autocatalysts for cars has risen 225 percent year on year. It has rallied 12-fold in the past four years, far outperforming all major commodities, on rising demand from the car sector. | "Rhodium is subject to crazy volatility," Anton Berlin, head of analysis and market development at Russia's Norilsk Nickel, told Bloomberg. The Russian company mines about 10 percent of all rhodium. | | © Wikipedia | Tight…
rt.com/business/478123-rhodium-price-unstoppable-rally/

Macron meets leaders of 5 Sahel states as France's military role is questioned
rt.com | 2020-01-13
French President Emmanuel Macron will on Monday host counterparts from five Sahel countries seeking more backing in the fight against a jihadist uprising as France's military role is being questioned, AFP said. | Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in the southwestern city of Pau, to be attended also by the heads of the UN, African Union, and EU Council. | Macron insists his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad must use the occasion to express public support for France's military presence. It has been the largest…
rt.com/newsline/478102-macron-sahel-fight-jihadist/

Ukraine Airliner Tragedy: Memories of Iran Air Flight 655 Shootdown, Cubana Flight 455 Attack
Brett Wilkins | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-13
On July 3, 1988 the US guided missile destroyer USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655, an Airbus A300 flying in Iranian airspace and carrying 290 civilians from Tehran to Dubai via Bandar Abbas, killing all aboard. | *** | "I'll …
globalresearch.ca/ukraine-airliner-tragedy-evokes-memories-us-iran-air-shootdown-cubana-flight-455-attack/5700461

Five Nations Affected by Ukrainian Plane Crash to Discuss Legal Action Against Iran – Kiev
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-13
Iran admitted on Saturday to downing a Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 by mistake. The plane earlier crashed, killing all passengers on board.
sputniknews.com/world/202001131078024553-london-talks-on-plane-downing-to-include-possible-action-against-iran—ukraine-foreign-minister/

Iran admits to inadvertently shooting down Ukraine International Airlines jet, killing 176
wsws.org | 2020-01-13
The felling of Flight 752 came amid a war crisis fomented by Washington's campaign of "maximum pressure" on Tehran and its January 3 assassination of Suleimani.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/13/iran-j13-1.html

UkraineGate documentary shows Joe Biden's 'someone solid' for Ukrainian General Prosecutor was anything but
rt.com | 2020-01-13
Former US vice-president and White House hopeful Joe Biden "brazenly lied" about supporting anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine while actually hindering them, according to a new hard-hitting documentary film. | US President Donald Trump was impeached in the House of Representatives based on the narrative that he interfered in Ukrainian domestic affairs for personal political gain

Turkey nabs over 2,500 irregular migrants past week
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
Nearly 2,530 irregular migrants were arrested across Turkey over the last week, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency from security sources.Turkish gendarmerie forces held 962 of migrants in the northwestern Edirne province, which borders Greece and Bulgaria.According to local sources in Edirne, Greece has stepped up efforts to send irregular migrants to Turkey in violation of the Geneva Conventions, the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.In the coastal western cities of Mugla, Canakkale, Izmir and Aydin, the Turkish Coast Guard and gendarmerie forces rounded up…
yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-nabs-over-2500-irregular-migrants-past-week-3509547

EU hails Libya cease-fire as 'first fundamental step'
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
The European Union's foreign policy chief and the head of bloc's parliament Monday welcomed the cease-fire in Libya."The announcement of a ceasefire in Libya provides an important opportunity to resume dialogue for a political solution to the crisis. It is now to the parties to fully implement it," said Josep Borell, high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, on Twitter."The EU is ready to help Berlin process and efforts of UN. All Libyans deserve peace and prosperity," he added.Separately, David Sassoli, the president of the European Parliament, welcomed the decision in a written stat…
yenisafak.com/en/world/eu-hails-libya-cease-fire-as-first-fundamental-step-3509545

Cease-fire takes hold in Libya's Tripoli amid talks
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
A cease-fire called by Turkey and Russia took hold for the second day in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Monday amid talks between warring rivals in Moscow.The cease-fire came into force on Sunday amid accusations by both sides of violating the agreement.The UN-recognized government said a civilian was killed by forces loyal to renegade commander Khalifa Haftar south-east of Tripoli.Gunfire was also reported in Salahuddin district in the Libyan capital."Our forces are fully committed to the cease-fire, but are on alert on respond to any breach by Haftar's forces," a commander of the UN-recognized government's force…
yenisafak.com/en/news/cease-fire-takes-hold-in-libyas-tripoli-amid-talks-3509539

Ballet Romeo and Juliet to be staged in Antalya, Turkey
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
A local public opera and ballet in southern Turkey is set to stage Romeo and Juliet ballet for the first time this season.The Antalya provincial ballet announced it would on Jan. 18 stage orchestral work composed by Russian Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, based on William Shakespeare's tragedy.Shakespeare's renowned play centers on two lovers defying obstacles to their marriage, ultimately ending in tragedy and the death of them both.In 2019, the play was also staged in capital Ankara with thousands of people flocking to theaters.
yenisafak.com/en/news/ballet-romeo-and-juliet-to-be-staged-in-antalya-turkey-3509540

EU welcomes Libya ceasefire, says UN must lead reconciliation
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
"A ceasefire, yes it is a first step in the right direction, but what you need is a process for consolidation, for reconstruction and a government of unity. There is a long way to go. This has to be a U.N.-led process," she told reporters after a meeting with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel."This is of utmost importance."
yenisafak.com/en/world/eu-welcomes-libya-ceasefire-says-un-must-lead-reconciliation-3509551

Finnish court rejects Rotenberg's suit against Nordic banks
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
Boris Rotenberg, a Russian businessman under U.S. sanctions over the Ukraine conflict due to his close ties with President Vladimir Putin, on Monday lost a discrimination lawsuit he filed in a Finnish court against four Nordic banks."Helsinki District Court has rejected Boris Rotenberg's complaint over the right to banking services and damages for discrimination," the court said in its decision.Rotenberg, who also holds Finnish citizenship, accused Nordea, Danske Bank, Handelsbanken and OP Bank of refusing to allow him to make payments and of violating his right to equal treatment as an EU citizen.
yenisafak.com/en/news/finnish-court-rejects-rotenbergs-suit-against-nordic-banks-3509550

Iraq | considers buying Russian S-400 missile system as Mideast tensions | boil
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
The Iraqi government has gravitated toward the Russian defense industry amid simmering tensions between Washington and Baghdad after the killing of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in a move that might trigger U.S. sanctions.Members of the Iraqi parliament said the country was considering purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems, the Wall Street Journal on Monday quoted Karim Elaiwi, a member of the Iraqi parliament's Security and Defence Committee, as saying."We are talking to Russia about the S-400 missiles but no contracts have been signed yet. We need to get these missiles, especiall…
yenisafak.com/en/world/iraqconsiders-buying-russian-s-400-missile-system-as-mideast-tensionsboil-3509546

'Grieving nations' to discuss legal action against Iran over downed airliner
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-13
Five nations whose citizens died when an airliner was shot down by Iran last week will meet in London on Thursday to discuss possible legal action, Ukraine's foreign minister told Reuters.Speaking at the sidelines of an official visit to Singapore on Monday, Vadym Prystaiko said the countries would also discuss compensation and the investigation into the incident. All 176 people on board the flight died in the crash on Wednesday, minutes after the plane took off from Tehran airport.
yenisafak.com/en/news/grieving-nations-to-discuss-legal-action-against-iran-over-downed-airliner-3509548

Additional 6 Months Granted to NATO Terrorists North of Syria by the UN Security Council
Miri Wood | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-12
Al-Qaeda terrorists operating in the north of Syria and oppressing millions of Syrians can now breathe comfort after the United Nations Security Council extended their supply routes from their regional sponsor NATO member state Turkey for an additional Six months …
globalresearch.ca/additional-6-months-given-nato-terrorists-north-syria-unsc/5700309

Libya's Rival Factions Accuse Each Other of Violating Ceasefire
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-12
Libya's warring factions, the United Nations-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al Sarraj and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Kalifa Haftar, have accused each other of violating an agreed ceasefire Sunday. | RELATED: | Russia and Turkey Call for Ceasefire in Libya | Early on Sunday morning, Reuters reported that fire exchange could be heard in Salaheddin and Ain Zara districts in Tripoli. | The GNA warned in a statement that it had recorded gunfire in the Salaheddin and…
telesurenglish.net/news/Libyas-Rival-Factions-Accuse-Each-Other-of-Violating-Ceasefire-20200112-0012.html

Workers Remember Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht's Legacies
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-12
The European left's largest conference Saturday began in Berlin paying tribute to the memory of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, two communist revolutionaries killed by far-right paramilitaries on January 15, 1919. | RELATED: | New Film on German Communist Playwright Bertolt Brecht | Over 3,000 people are sharing and analyzing experiences of the struggle around the world at the Rosa Luxemburg International Conference (RLIC), which has been running since 1996 every second Saturday i…
telesurenglish.net/news/Workers-Remember-Rosa-Luxemburg-and-Karl-Liebknechts-Legacies-20200112-0002.html

Bolivia: De Facto Regime Supporters Kidnapped Evo's Ex-Minister
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-12
Evo Morales' former Interior Minister Carlos Romero denounced Saturday that The Resistance, a shock group supporting the coup-based government led by Jeanine Añez, kept him kidnapped for two days inside his home. | RELATED: | Bolivia: Coup Govt. Tries to Convince Europe There Was No Coup | "They have kidnapped me in my own house. They've locked the water stopcock, I had no food or water," Romero told reporters at the hospital where he is still convalescing.
telesurenglish.net/news/Bolivia-De-Facto-Regime-Supporters-Kidnapped-Evos-Ex-Minister-20200112-0007.html

Brazil to Go Through With Mining on Tribal Lands
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-12
Brazil's right-wing regime said it was pushing ahead with its plans to mine on tribal lands, despite the objections of the people that live in these targeted areas. | RELATED: | Number of Fires in Brazilian Amazon Increased 30% in 2019 | The Brazilian regime held a briefing on Friday to inform European diplomats about the proposals that have drawn criticism from Indigenous advocates in Brazil and overseas. | According to a public statement on the ministry's website, the Mning and En…
telesurenglish.net/news/Brazil-to-Go-Through-With-Mining-on-Tribal-Lands-20200112-0004.html

"Sweden does not constitute an example of 'welfarism' or the success of social democracy"
Muhammed Shabeer | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-12
Politics in Scandinavian countries has been a subject of great interest to political and social analysts due to several factors, including the comparatively better living standards, the policies of social welfare, and relatively lesser political violence. However, Scandinavian politics is undergoing a challenging period, with the countries of the region dealing with austerity, the climate emergency and the rise of hyper-nationalism. Peoples Dispatch (PD) spoke to Andreas Sà∂rensen, Chairman of the Communist Party of Sweden (SKP) regarding the recent trends in Swedish polity, characteristics of the current go…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/12/sweden-does-not-constitute-an-example-of-welfarism-or-the-success-of-social-democracy/

As Trial Nears, Trump Keeps Discredited Ukraine Theory Alive
Staff | truthdig.com | 2020-01-12
The theory took root in vague form well before Donald Trump laid claim to the White House in 2016. The candidate's close confidant tweeted about it. His campaign chairman apparently spoke about it with people close to him. | What if, the idea went, it was actually Ukraine

'Impeached for life': Pelosi sets off Twitter fireworks, falsely claims Dems pursuing subpoena-defying witnesses
rt.com | 2020-01-12
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made numerous odd claims about Trump impeachment in a new interview, including that Dems are pursuing subpoena-defying witness from the Ukraine investigation. | While speaking on ABC's 'This Week' Pelosi told host George Stephanopoulos that "this president is impeached for life, regardless of any gamesmanship on the part of Mitch McConnell." | While Congress passed articles of impeachment against the president, he still technically needs to go through a trial in the Senate to determine his guilt. One is not "impeached" until a decision is made through a trial. Congress merely conduct…
rt.com/usa/478086-pelosi-impeached-for-life/