The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • MAI, others decry humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

    MAI, others decry humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

    THE Muslim Awareness International (MAI) has decried the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, where thousands face hunger, displacement, and death amid continued military assaults.

    Addressing a press briefing in Lagos, the Director of MAI, Abdul Waheed Atoyebi, described the situation in Gaza as “a genocide and deliberate starvation” of the Palestinian people.

    The briefing was also attended by the representatives of various Muslim groups and human rights organisations in Nigeria, including the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, the International Institute of Human Heritage (IIHH), Quds Foundation, Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

    “This is never a war or a conflict. It’s genocide and deliberate starvation!” he said, calling on all people of conscience, Muslims, Christians, Africans, and world leaders, to act urgently to end the suffering.

    According to figures cited during the briefing, over 60,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023, with more than 125,000 injured, and 750,000 displaced. Fuel, food, and medicine remain critically scarce, with 90 children among 159 people confirmed dead from starvation as of August 1, 2025.

    Atoyebi painted a grim picture of daily life in Gaza, citing examples like Adel Madi, a 27-year-old man whose weight dropped drastically from 50kg to just 15kg before dying of starvation.

    Read Also: Time to stop the carnage in Gaza

    “Lying on his deathbed with sunken stomach, protruding bones, and a pale face, Adel’s frail frame testified to the hunger war consuming Palestinians in Gaza,” he stated.

    He added that hospitals have collapsed, doctors are overwhelmed, and humanitarian workers are being killed. Over 217 journalists and 224 aid workers have reportedly died, many while trying to deliver emergency assistance.

    Also speaking, the Director of Quds Foundation, Mallam Qasim Akinloye, condemned the role of the United States in the crisis.

    Akinloye accused both the Joe Biden and Donald Trump administrations of enabling Israel’s military operations through weapons supply, diplomatic vetoes at the UN, and obstruction of ceasefires.

    “The U.S.’ role as an unjust ruler is a major obstacle to peace, perpetuating a cycle of violence and deepening the humanitarian crisis,” he said.

    The group also highlighted that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food, and that disease is spreading rapidly due to unsanitary, overcrowded living conditions and lack of clean water.

     Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat, Lagos State Chapter, Hajia Balqees Abdullah, urged Muslims and Christians worldwide to amplify advocacy, mobilize humanitarian aid, and pressure their governments to act. The organization stressed that the situation in Gaza transcends politics and is a moral crisis that threatens the fabric of global humanity.

    “Religious leaders and faithful are called upon to raise awareness, mobilize aid, and advocate for peace rooted in justice. Inter-faith cooperation can amplify this moral imperative,” Hajia Abdullah said.

    Hajia Abdullah, who represented the National Amirah of the Muslim female organization, called on African nations, especially Nigeria, to leverage their positions in international bodies to demand an end to the siege and ensure humanitarian corridors are opened.

    “Our governments must move beyond rhetoric. They must act with urgency to provide aid and apply diplomatic pressure on Israel to end the violence and occupation,” Hajia Abdullah emphasized.

    Responding to recent calls by the world Arab leaders for the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas to disarm, Mr Rasheed Atta, a lawyer, said such demands ignore the roots of the conflict and shift blame to the oppressed.

    “True solidarity lies in defending the oppressed, not appeasing the oppressor,” he said.

    Attah welcomed recent announcements by France, the UK, and Canada to recognize the State of Palestine, but rejected making such recognition conditional on ceasefires or Israeli consent.

    “Recognition of Palestinian statehood must be rooted in the undeniable right of its people to self-determination, free from pre-conditions or political bargaining,” Atta asserted.

  • Igbo community in Ghana mourns loss of ministers, officials in tragic helicopter crash

    Igbo community in Ghana mourns loss of ministers, officials in tragic helicopter crash

    The Igbo community in Ghana has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Ghana following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Minister of Environment, and other senior government officials.

    In a heartfelt message shared on his Facebook page yesterday, the leader of the Igbo community in Ghana, Eze Dr. Ambassador Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, known as Eze Igbo Ghana, extended the community’s sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and the Government of Ghana.

    “This morning, the land we share in brotherhood was wrapped in sorrow,” Eze Ihenetu wrote. “On behalf of the Igbo community in Ghana, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Ghana over the sudden passing of these distinguished leaders.”

    Read Also: Nigeria condoles with Ghana over tragic helicopter crash

    Eze Ihenetu commended the dedication and service of the departed officials, emphasising that their contributions to the nation will not be forgotten.

    “We mourn with Ghana. We pray for the families left behind. And we ask God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed,” he added.

    “May their memory be a blessing. May their legacy inspire peace. May Ghana find comfort in unity.”

    The Igbo community joins the rest of the nation in mourning a profound loss and stands in solidarity during this difficult time.

  • EU, stakeholders discuss plans to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition

    EU, stakeholders discuss plans to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition

    The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the German Embassy, and the Federal Ministry of Power have commenced talks with other stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition.

    During the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of GET.invest Nigeria, stakeholders outlined priorities and agreed on a road map to scale clean energy deployment in the country.

    The Steering Committee meeting of GET.invest Nigeria is co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Power, the EU, and the German Embassy.

    Country Coordinator of GET.invest Nigeria, Lawrence Edeeke presented the committee’s composition, which includes the Federal Ministry of Power, Rural Electrification Agency, EU Delegation, BMZ/German Embassy, Central Bank of Nigeria, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance (REEEA), and GIZ through its Nigeria Energy Support Programme.

    Deputy EU Ambassador, Zissimos Vergos, described GET.invest Nigeria as “the essential ecosystem to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with financiers.”

    Vergos said it will elevate Nigeria’s green economy to global recognition.

    A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Temitope Dina, said: “We want to move from power points to power plants.”

    Dina said that this signals the Federal Government’s resolve to scale up from pilot projects to large-scale clean energy delivery.

    Also, a representative of the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne, called the launch of the committee “a highly symbolic step marking a new phase in Nigeria’s clean energy trajectory.

    A member of Renewable Energy Alliance, Prof. Magnus Oma, highlighted the importance of reducing investment risks through blended finance solutions tailored to Nigerian developers.

    In just nine months, GET.invest Nigeria has received nearly 90 applications from clean energy developers, selecting 35 projects for support.

    Read Also: Airstrike disrupts bandits wedding, neutralises dozens of terrorists

    Through its Edge Finance initiative, it has also partnered with five commercial banks – Sterling Bank, First Bank, WEMA, Fidelity, and Ecobank – surpassing its initial target and positioning these institutions as key drivers of Nigeria’s green finance landscape.

    With its Steering Committee now operational, GET.invest Nigeria will provide strategic oversight, align with national energy goals, and ensure effective governance.

    The committee will meet twice annually, with the next session set for February 2026, to review progress and address emerging challenges.

    GET.invest Nigeria is poised to catalyse systemic transformation, strengthening developers, mobilising finance, and accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

  • UAE, Nigeria deepen ties as trade, investment rise

    UAE, Nigeria deepen ties as trade, investment rise

    Economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have continued to blossom, with both countries strengthening trade ties and investment cooperation in recent years.

    Since the establishment of the UAE Consulate General in Lagos in 2019, the relationship between the two countries has recorded steady growth across several key sectors, including commerce, infrastructure, culture, and security.

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has increasingly become a strategic hub for UAE investments in West Africa, while the UAE maintains its position as one of Nigeria’s most significant trading partners in the Gulf region.

    Data from both countries show that non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE stood at about $2.4 billion in 2022, with Nigeria exporting items such as gold, spices, and charcoal. In 2023, the UAE’s exports to Nigeria hit $1.61 billion, led by refined petroleum, automobiles, and broadcasting equipment.

    Officials say financial inflows between both nations have also surged, placing the UAE among Nigeria’s top sources of foreign direct investment.

    Regular bilateral visits and trade missions have played a pivotal role in expanding business interests. “The UAE’s relationship with Nigeria is one built on trust, shared vision, and mutual prosperity,” a representative of the UAE Consulate General in Lagos said. “We are committed to supporting initiatives that not only promote trade but also contribute to sustainable development and regional cooperation.”

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu will have landslide victory, says SWAGA

    To further boost economic engagement, the Dubai International Chamber recently launched its representative office in Lagos. The opening ceremony, which had in attendance Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, marked a major step in facilitating direct access for Emirati businesses eyeing the West African market.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the event, described the UAE as “a vital economic partner” and expressed optimism that the presence of the Dubai Chamber would deepen commercial ties and open new windows of opportunity for Nigerian businesses.

    The Joint Committee on UAE–Nigeria Cooperation, which oversees bilateral agreements, has continued to drive initiatives around trade, justice, politics, culture, and security. The committee’s work, stakeholders say, has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and facilitating smooth implementation of accords reached by both countries.

    Also, the economic affairs division of the UAE Consulate General in Lagos has remained active in supporting programmes that align with Nigeria’s development priorities, including youth entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and digital innovation.

    A Lagos-based economist, Dr. Chinedu Anosike, noted that the UAE’s growing footprint in Nigeria was a “positive signal of investor confidence,” adding that “the sustained engagement between both countries points to a long-term strategic partnership that goes beyond oil and commerce.”

    Observers believe the expanding relationship between Nigeria and the UAE is not just about economics, but also about shared values and a common vision for inclusive development.

    “The UAE has shown remarkable commitment to fostering South-South cooperation,” said Mrs. Abiola Yusuf, a trade analyst. “Their investments in Nigeria signal a deep belief in the potential of our economy and the resilience of our people.”

    With enhanced collaboration in innovation, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges on the horizon, stakeholders agree that the UAE–Nigeria alliance is poised for greater impact.

    As both nations chart the course for the future, analysts say the flourishing relationship stands as a model for regional integration between the Gulf and West Africa.

  • Nigerians in Libya deportation camp cry out for help

    Nigerians in Libya deportation camp cry out for help

    Nigerians in deportation camp in Libya have cried out for help, alleging that the condition of the camp, which is run by a United Nations agency, is unbearable.

    They, therefore, urged the Nigerian authorities and private organisations to come to their aid.

    The call, which was made in a viral video, showed a number of Nigerians sandwiched in a holding facility.

    They have been in the camp for seven months while awaiting deportation, according to a middle aged man who narrated their ordeal in the video.

    Reacting to the viral video, the Federal Government said it has ordered an immediate investigation into the situation.

    According to the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry has directed its Embassy in Tripoli to investigate the issue and report back.

    According to Ebienfa: “We have contacted the Embassy of Nigeria in Tripoli to find out details and report to headquarters for necessary action.”

    Though unconfirmed, the man said many of them have died in the process, following the maltreatment from the host authorities.

    Read Also: 2025 Flood: 191 dead, 94 missing, 134,435 affected in 20 States – NEMA

    He said they were about 700 when they first got to the camp but they have been reduced to about 400.

    He explained that they are dying almost on a daily basis.

    He said:  “These are  Nigerians as you are watching this video. It is a clear picture of what we are passing through in Libya, today being August 5.  Since over seven months, we have been in this so-called deportation camp, dying in numbers, both children, adult, teenagers and  women.

    “When you take a close look on this video, it will explain the conditions that Nigerians are in, right here in Libya, in a place called Brakchat, 60 kilometres away from Sabhā. And as you are watching this video, it is at our own expense because we are restricted from using phones.

    “You can see how Nigerians are lying here for over seven months. And this is how we keep lying and we keep counting dead souls on a daily basis. Even as of yesterday, we lost a child and a teenager here because of maltreatment and the punishments we are going through here.

    “Please, as you are watching this video, it is a wake-up call for Nigeria’s intervention over our situation right here. And the number of Nigerians here are approximately 400 in number, though we were up to 700 when we came here. But the death rate here has declined the number to about 400 in approximation.

    “Please, we have to do this video as a proof to Nigeria over what we are passing through here.

    “Even the UN that is in charge of this deportation process, none of the officials is here to oversee what Nigerians are passing through here. Since we came here, none of them has come here to monitor the welfare and the well-being of the people. Even to some extent, when they come, they don’t allow them to come and see what people are passing through.

    “These are Nigerians with skills and graduates in numbers; people with futures, fathers, and vibrant youth. But this is the situation we find ourselves. Please, Nigerians, corporate bodies, individuals help us.”

  • U.S. House panel subpoenas Bill, Hillary Clinton over Epstein probe

    U.S. House panel subpoenas Bill, Hillary Clinton over Epstein probe

    The House oversight committee yesterday issued subpoenas to Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as several former attorneys general and directors of the FBI, demanding “testimony related to horrific crimes perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein”.

    The investigative committee’s Republican chair, James Comer, sent the subpoenas in response to two motions lawmakers approved on a bipartisan basis last month, as Congress navigated outrage among Donald Trump’s supporters over the justice department’s announcement that it would not release further details about Epstein, a disgraced financier who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

    The subpoenas raise the possibility that more details will become public about Trump’s relationship with Epstein, which stretched for years but appeared to have petered out by the time Epstein was convicted of sexually abusing girls in 2008.

     Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported on the existence of a sexually suggestive sketch and lewd letter Trump sent to Epstein as a 50th birthday gift in 2003.

    The president and his allies have long flirted with conspiracy theories around Epstein’s death in federal custody, but the justice department upended those by concluding he died by suicide and a long-rumored list of his client did not exist. That prompted some Trump supporters to criticise the president for failing to make good on his pledge to bring full transparency to the case, which Democrats moved to capitalise on by pushing congressional Republicans into tricky votes intended to make the Epstein case files public.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu will have landslide victory, says SWAGA

    Shortly before House lawmakers left Washington DC for Congress’s August recess, the Republican congressman Scott Perry won an oversight subcommittee’s approval to compel depositions from the Clintons and the former top federal law enforcement officials in a bid to reveal more about Epstein’s activities. Democratic congresswoman Summer Lee also successfully pushed a motion to subpoena justice department files related to the case.

    In addition to the Clintons, the committee sent subpoenas to former attorneys general Jeff Sessions, Alberto Gonzales and William Barr, who served in George W Bush and Trump’s presidencies, and Merrick Garland, Loretta Lynch and Eric Holder, who served under Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller also received subpoenas.

    In the letter to Bill Clinton, Comer noted that the former president had flown four times on Epstein’s private jet, and repeated an allegation that he had “pressured” Vanity Fair not to publish sex trafficking claims regarding Epstein. The chair further says that Clinton was “allegedly close” with Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on sex trafficking charges related to Epstein.

    “Given your past relationships with Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell, the Committee believes that you have information regarding their activities that is relevant to the Committee’s investigation,” Comer wrote.

    In his letter to Hillary Clinton, Comer draws a more tenuous connect, writing: “Your family appears to have had a close relationship with both Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell”. In addition to details about them, Comer notes that Clinton “may have knowledge of efforts by the federal government to combat international sex trafficking operations of the type run by Mr. Epstein”.

    Comer set Bill Clinton’s deposition date as 14 October and Hillary’s as 9 October. Others who received subpoenas were given dates ranging from mid-August through early October, while US attorney general Pam Bondi has until 19 August to release documents related to the case.

    In addition to the subpoenas, Republican congressman Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna are collecting signatures for a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation compelling release of the Epstein files. That vote is not expected to happen until the House returns from recess in early September.

    Trump has authorised the justice department to request release of the transcripts from the federal grand juries that indicted Epstein and Maxwell, while last week, deputy attorney general Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell in Florida in what the White House said was a bid to uncover new details about the case.

  • Pakistan reaffirms support for Kashmir, condemns India’s actions

    Pakistan reaffirms support for Kashmir, condemns India’s actions

    The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Nigeria has issued a statement marking Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation), observed annually on August 5 to denounce India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the high commission condemned the Indian government’s move, describing it as illegal and unilateral, and an effort to undermine the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir as well as deprive the Kashmiri people of their right to self-determination.

    The high commission emphasised that the abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted semi-autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir was a tipping point in the decades-long dispute, with grave consequences for the region’s political future and human rights conditions.

    Read Also: 2025 Flood: 191 dead, 94 missing, 134,435 affected in 20 States – NEMA

    “Article 370 enabled Kashmiris to independently manage their internal affairs, barring critical areas such as foreign policy and defense. Its revocation brings Kashmiris closer to a state they do not identify with,” the statement read.

    It accused the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of exploiting the constitutional change for political gains aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s electoral agenda and the interests of the right-wing RSS movement. It also highlighted that the constitutional change was enacted at a time when no elected government was in place in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Rejecting India’s claim of normalcy in the region, the statement said Kashmiris have endured severe human rights violations since 2019, including restrictions on movement, freedom of speech, and the threat of violence from security forces.

    The High Commission also recalled the United Nations Security Council Resolution 47 and historical promises made by India’s early leadership, including Mahatma Gandhi, to conduct a plebiscite in the region.

    In light of recent military tensions between the two countries, the Pakistani statement linked Youm-e-Istehsal to a broader regional context, citing the successful execution of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos as a demonstration of national resolve.

    The mission underscored the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue based on UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

    “Pakistan will continue to extend unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the High Commission asserted.

    Fed Govt disburses N250,000 grants to MSMEs in OndoFrom Tosin Tope, Akure and Bolaji Ogundele, AbujaThe Federal Government has disbursed N250,000 each in unconditional grants to outstanding small business owners in Ondo State.It was at the launch of the s

  • U.S. embassy to Nigerian students: your visa may be revoked for skipping classes, others

    U.S. embassy to Nigerian students: your visa may be revoked for skipping classes, others

    The United States embassy has warned that visas of Nigerian students who drop out of school or abandon their programme of study in the U.S. may be revoked.

    In a statement issued via X yesterday, the embassy urged students to follow the terms of their visas.

    “If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programme of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the statement reads.

    “Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues.”

    According to a notice on the embassy’s website, F-1 and M-1 students studying in the United States must attend all classes and maintain normal academic progress.

    Read Also: 8th African Nations Championship: Nigeria launch quest for another continental title

     “Maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full time, contact your DSO immediately. You may be eligible for a reduced course load in limited circumstances,” the notice reads.

    Speak to your DSO before dropping a class. Talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension if you do not think you will complete your program of study by the end date listed on your Form I-20. An extension must be requested before your program end date.”

    The U.S. has given several warnings and precautions to visa applicants in recent times.

    Last month, the embassy issued a statement warning that visa applicants who present fake documents would face a permanent entry ban from the U.S.

    “Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life,” the statement reads.

    “A nation without borders is not a nation.”

  • Ex-Israeli security chiefs urge end to Gaza war

    Ex-Israeli security chiefs urge end to Gaza war

    More than a dozen former Israeli security officials issued a video appeal yesterday calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza.

    “This war started as a just war. It was a defensive war,” says former director of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service Ami Ayalon in the video.

    “But once we achieved all its military objectives, once we achieved a brilliant military victory against all our enemies, this war stopped being a just war.”

    “It is leading the State of Israel to the loss of its security and identity,” he adds.

    The video shows the men sat around a long table in what appears to be an empty office.

    Among the 19 former senior officials featured are former chief of staff and Prime Minister Ehud Barak, former chiefs of staff Moshe Ya’alon and Dan Halutz, and three former heads of the Mossad foreign intelligence service.

    In the video, the men say the war is being continued for political reasons only and called for an agreement that returns all of the 50 remaining hostages in one go.

    Read Also: My focus in Nigeria is expanding commercial engagements, says U.S. Consul General

    “We are on the precipice of defeat,” former Mossad director Tamir Pardo warns.

    Several of them say Israel is being led by a fundamentalist, extremist government that no longer has the support of the majority. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the military campaign in the Gaza Strip in October 2023 in response to the Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and saw another 250 abducted into Gaza.

    Efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages through indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have dragged on for months without results.

    This came as Lithuanian President, Gitanas Nauseda, criticised Israel over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, saying that starvation cannot be used as a weapon.

    Nauseda made the criticism while hosting Israeli President, Isaac Herzog in Vilnius yesterday.

    He said at a joint news conference that “the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire. I call on the Israeli Government to take urgent steps to resolve the humanitarian crisis.

    “It should be by ensuring adequate delivery and distribution of aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially women and children.

    “Starvation cannot be used as a tool of political or military fighting.”

    Calling on Israel to respect human rights in Gaza, Nauseda also condemned violence in the West Bank and the illegal expansion of settlements.

    He emphasised efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defence and security industries.

    Herzog’s visit to Lithuania came as the international community stepped up criticism of Israel’s campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which triggered humanitarian crisis.

    During Herzog’s visit, several protests took place in the Lithuanian capital against Lithuania’s cooperation with Israel.

    According to the Israeli president’s office, Lithuania is the first stop of Herzog’s official visit to the Baltic States from Aug. 3 to 6.

    To strengthen bilateral relations in areas such as economic, technological, and security cooperation, he would visit Latvia and Estonia as his next stops, accompanied by an Economic delegation.

    But Italy did not believe that there were currently conditions for recognising Palestine as a state, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani said.

     “At the moment, there are no conditions under constitutional and international law for recognising the State of Palestine. We must work to create it.”

    Tajani was quoted by the Italian newspaper Repubblica as saying at a public event of the Forza Italia party held on Sunday.

    On July 27, twenty-four former ambassadors sent a letter to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling for recognition of Palestine.

     “This does not mean that we should not tell Israel that it is time for it to stop bombing, attacking civilians and stop the casualties.

    “Just as we must tell Hamas that it should stop using Palestinians as human shields and holding hostages who bear no responsibility for Israeli policies in inhumane conditions.

    “We must send clear signals aimed specifically at building peace,” Tajani was quoted as saying.

  • Russia willing to cooperate with South to counter U.S. sanctions

    Russia willing to cooperate with South to counter U.S. sanctions

    Russia is ready to step up cooperation with the Global South and BRICS to counter the illegal U.S. sanctions pressure, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said.

    “Nevertheless, we believe that no tariff wars and sanctions can alter the inevitable course of history. 

    “We have a vast network of partners, like-minded people, and allies within the Global South, particularly among BRICS countries, who share this perspective.

    “We are ready to step up cooperation with them to counteract illegal unilateral sanctions and to establish a truly multilateral, just, and equitable global order,” Zakharova said.

    Read Also: Five Caribbean countries Nigerians can visit with only passport

    Such U.S. policy is a direct encroachment on the national sovereignty of states, constituting interference in the domestic affairs of other nations, the spokeswoman said.

    “Sanctions and restrictions are a regrettable reality of the current historical stage, impacting the entire globe.

    “Washington cannot accept the loss of its hegemony in the emerging multipolar world order and continues to pursue a neocolonial policy to uphold its dominance, using politicised economic. 

    “Pressures against those who resist its agenda on the international stage,” she said.