The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Russia

  • Russia to retaliate as U.S., EU, Canada others expel envoys

    Moscow will retaliate against a series of expulsions of Russian diplomats from European countries and response with regard to each case, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Monday.

    “There will be a mirror-like response. We will work it out in the coming days and give our response with regard to each country,” the source said.

    The European Council President Donald Tusk announced that 14 EU member states decided to expel Russian diplomats over the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in the UK.

    The U. S. also expelled 60 Russian diplomats in a coordinated response to the poisoning of former double agent.

    The U.S. also ordered the closure of Moscow’s consulate in Seattle.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has adamantly denied any Russian state involvement in the incident.

    The former spy, Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, are in hospital in critical condition after being found unconscious on a bench in the southern English city of Salisbury.

    The elder Skripal was convicted of selling Russian state secrets to Britain in 2006 and was traded to Britain in a high-profile spy swap four years later.

    British authorities have said the Skripals were attacked with a Russian-developed nerve toxin identified as Novichok

    Canada is expelling four Russian diplomats over the poisoning of an ex-spy in Salisbury, U.K., prompting harsh condemnation and the threat of retaliation from Russia.

    Canada’s action will cover seven Russian personnel in all, including four members of Russia’s diplomatic staff posted at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ottawa or the consulate in Montreal.

    “The four have been identified as intelligence officers or individuals who have used their diplomatic status to undermine Canada’s security or interfere in our democracy,” Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement.

    As well, three applications by the Russian government for additional diplomatic staff in Canada will now be denied.

    Freeland called the March 4 nerve agent attack on a close ally and partner of Canada “a despicable, heinous and reckless act” that potentially endangered the lives of hundreds.

    The steps have been taken pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, she said.

    The UK announced it was expelling 23 Russian diplomats earlier this month.

    Various countries announced they were making the same move in solidarity on Monday. These are:

    EU countries: France (4); Germany (4); Poland (4); Czech Republic (3); Lithuania (3); Denmark (2); Netherlands (2); Italy (2); Spain (2); Estonia (1); Croatia (1); Finland (1); Hungary (1); Latvia (1); Romania (1); Sweden (1)

    Ukraine: 13

    Albania: 2

    Norway: 1

    Macedonia: 1

    Iceland has also announced it is suspending high-level dialogue with Russian authorities, and its leaders will not attend the World Cup, which starts in Russia in June

  • Brazil in cruise control beat Russia 3-0

     

    World Cup hosts Russia will need to fortify their team before the real battle begins following their 3-0 defeat Friday in an international friendly by Brazil at the Luzhniki Stadium.

    Barcelona stars Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho were on the score sheet as Brazil enjoyed a cruise control playing without injured Neymar who is being tipped to bounce back from injury before the world cup begins.

    Igor Akinfeev made a string of fine saves to keep Russia level in the first half but the goalkeeper was at fault for Brazil’s opener, failing to divert a Thiago Silva header out of the danger zone, with Miranda on hand to turn home the rebound.

    Within nine minutes Brazil had doubled their lead from the penalty spot, Aleksandr Golovin clumsily fouling Paulinho in the box, his club team-mate Coutinho stepping up to score.

    Paulinho added his name to the score sheet as Brazil moved through the gears, William hanging up the perfect cross for the midfielder to nod in at the back post.

    A burst of three goals in 13 minutes left the result in no doubt, but substitute Alan Dzagoev went close to grabbing a consolation for Russia, sending a drive narrowly wide.

    Brazil created their first clear chance in the fifth minute, a lofted Dani Alves pass sending Gabriel Jesus into the box, but the striker slipped as he shot and Akinfeev saved.

    Russia’s first chance arrived in the 32nd minute, Alisson tipping Aleksandr Samedov’s drive over the crossbar after Alves lost possession on the halfway line, allowing the hosts to break.

    Neat build-up play then saw Aleksey Miranchuk fire over a first-time shot after a one-two with Fedor Smolov as Russia – now winless in four friendlies gained confidence.

    Paulinho should have given Brazil the lead shortly after the restart, but Akinfeev saved with his legs after Willian tied the Barca midfielder up in the box.

    Brazil open their campaign against Switzerland on June 17, followed by clash against Costa Rica before rounding off the group stage with a tie against Serbia.  Russia on the other hand will flag off the World cup with the first match against Saudi Arabia June 14 before facing pharaohs of Egypt and then Uruguay on June 25.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Football stakeholders call on Super Eagles to win Poland friendly

    Football enthusiasts in Abuja have called on the Super Eagles to win the Polish national team in an international friendly match scheduled for Poland on March 23.

    Fidelis Ilechukwu, coach of MFM FC told the News men that their expectation was nothing short of victory.

    Ilechukwu, who described the Super Eagles as very vibrant and youthful team, said a win over Poland would boost the team’s morale.

    “If we win, certainly, the following opponents in the other friendlies will be cautious.

    “They will know that we are prepared for the World Cup and indeed, ready for any team in the world,” he said.

    Also speaking, Akinade Onigbinde, coach of FRSC FC said the match would be a good test for the Super Eagles.

    Onigbinde expressed confidence in the fitness of the Super Eagles to crush Poland, adding however that this would be possible if only they could work as a team.

    Read Also:  Super Eagles to camp Monday for Poland Friendly

    According to him, they had to play as a team with technical uniformity in order to stay alive.

    Ugonna Bethel, a footballer with a Port Harcourt club, urged the Gernort Rohr boys to make Nigeria proud.

    Bethel described all the friendlies ahead of the super Eagles as qualitative matches which he said would truly strengthen the team.

    Also speaking, Hassan Bello, a football fan also called on the super Eagles to live up to expectations by winning Poland before facing countries like England.

    The news men reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will play against Poland in a warm up friendly match ahead of the FIFA World Cup scheduled for Russia from June 14 to July 15.

    NAN

  • Russia expels 23 British diplomats, shuts Council, Consulate

    Russia yesterday set   in motion the process of expelling 23 British diplomats following London’s “provocative” measures over the poisoning of a double agent that has triggered an escalating war of words.

    The affected personnel have been declared persona non grata and are required to exit Russia within the next one week.

    A British consulate is also to be shut and the activities of the British Council in Russia to be halted in a tough series of retaliatory measures announced after summoning British ambassador Laurie Bristow.

    The Russian response was announced on the eve of a presidential election which is expected to hand Vladimir Putin a fourth term in the Kremlin.

    The crisis erupted after Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were exposed to a Soviet-designed nerve agent on March 4 in the English city of Salisbury, leaving them in critical condition.

    London has blamed Moscow and on Friday, even directly implicated Putin in the attack, prompting the Kremlin’s fury.

    “Twenty three diplomatic staff at the British embassy in Moscow are declared persona non grata and to be expelled within a week,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

    It said this was a response to Britain’s “provocative actions” and “baseless accusations over the incident in Salisbury on March 4”.

    Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov was found dead in London on March 12, with police opening a murder inquiry after a post mortem found he died from “compression to the neck”

    Russia also said that it was withdrawing permission for Britain to operate its consulate in the North western city of Saint Petersburg, citing a “disparity” in the number of diplomatic missions held by the two countries.

    And it said it had halted the activities of the British Council, Britain’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, across the country.

    “Due to the unregulated status of the British Council in Russia, its activity is halted,” the foreign ministry said.

    “The measures are harsh but the British deserved them. And I don’t rule out that something else could follow,” first deputy head of the Russian Senate’s foreign affairs committee Vladimir Dzhabarov told Interfax news agency.

     

  • Why Enyeama won’t be in Russia —Rohr

    Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has reiterated that he would not rescind his decision to omit Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama from Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup roster.

    Enyeama called time on his international career in October 2015 following a row with former Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh, but there were insinuations that he may go back on his decision and rejoin the national team.

    Enyeama’s inactivity for Ligue 1 strugglers Lille has counted against him and Rohr has kept faith with the goalkeepers he used during the World Cup qualifiers and November’s friendly against Argentina in his latest roster.

    ”He has problems in Lille. He is currently not playing and is only the number three at his side,” Rohr told Soccer Laduma.

    ”He wanted to switch clubs, but he didn’t find a new team. As a consequence, the question about Enyeama returning is not really up for debate.”

    Enyeama, 35, was part of Nigeria’s roster for the 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Enyimba’s Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Chippa United’s Daniel Akpeyi and Spanish-based Francis Uzoho are far ahead of other candidates as the three goalkeepers to be named in the squad for this summer’s football fiesta in Russia.

  • U.S. will condemn Russia if it was behind attack on ex-spy – Trump

    President Donald Trump suggested that he thinks Russia was involved in the attempted murder of an ex-spy, Sergei Skripal, in Britain and said that the U. S. will condemn Moscow if this is determined conclusively.

    “It sounds to me like it would be Russia based on all the evidence they have,” Trump told reporters.

    “It sounds to me like they believe it was Russia and I would certainly take that finding as fact,” he continued.

    “As soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be.”

    Russia has denied involvement in the poisoning of Skripal, and is ready cooperate with the UK on the issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

    On Monday, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that it was “highly likely” that Russia was responsible for the suspected poisoning of Skripal.

    May said that the substance used in the poisoning was identified as a Novichok class, military-grade nerve agent developed in Russia.

    “We have already made a statement that this [Russia’s involvement] is rubbish … Russia is innocent, Russia is ready to cooperate in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, if the UK … implements its international legal obligations under this document,” Lavrov told reporters.

    In an ultimatum to Russia, May demanded an explanation for the poisoning by the end of Tuesday and threatened to apply harsh response measures.

    The prime minister added that she would discuss the measures against Russia with parliament on Wednesday.

    “If procedures envisioned by the convention are implemented, then I assure you Russia will respond to the relevant request in the time allotted to prepare a response,” he added.

    dpa/NAN

  • Russia: ‘British threats to boycott World Cup hurt ties, sport’

    Russia’s foreign ministry said on Monday that British threats to boycott the 2018 FIFA World Cup would damage ties with Moscow and hurt world sport, Interfax news agency reported.

    The British government it would respond decisively to any Russian government’s involvement,  in the wake of the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in England.

    Prime Minister Theresa May said earlier on Monday it was “highly likely” that Moscow was responsible for the attack.

    Some British officials have suggested boycotting the Russia-hosted World Cup later this year in response.

    “We want to emphasize once again: such provocative statements, which fan anti-Russian hysteria, only complicate relations between our countries and are blow to world sport,” Interfax quoted the ministry as saying in a statement. (Reuters/NAN)

  • 2018 World Cup: Nigerians will not accept failure – Wike tells NFF

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to intensify preparations for the World Cup as Nigerians will not accept failure at the Mundial.

    Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike said that exiting the World Cup at the group stage will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

    According to Governor Wike: “If you fail to advance beyond the group stage, don’t bother to return.  Find excuses to stay there in Russia. Nigerians expect the best from the Super Eagles. That is why the NFF must intensify preparations.”

    Governor Wike urged the management of the NFF to close ranks and work in unity for the development of football in the country.

    “There must be disagreements, but these disagreements should be platforms for Development. Disagreements should not destroy the place.  It should make NFF stronger “, he said.

    The governor said that the State Government is using football as a source of empowerment for the youths.

    Read Also: Wike’s commitment to Rivers people

    He said football is a unifying factor in the country, as it douses tension whenever the nation is engaged in international sporting events.

    Governor Wike commended the NFF for the notable improvements in the country’s league, charging the NFF to develop it to the level where teams can win on the strength of their capacity.

    Earlier, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick said that the NFF were in the State to thank Governor Wike for providing the foundation for the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.

    He said the journey to Russia 2018 started in Port Harcourt after the Super Eagles  defeated Swaziland.

    “The governor created the right environment  that led to the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.  This journey started here in Port Harcourt.  Today, Port Harcourt has become a destination of choice “.

    He formally invited Governor Wike to be part of the country’s delegation to the World Cup, saying that the country will benefit from the sporting experience of the Rivers State Governor.

     

  • World Cup: NFF has more work to do for Super Eagles

    World Cup: NFF has more work to do for Super Eagles

    Yinka Ogundimu, a lawmaker in Lagos State, on Wednesday said that the success of the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup in Russia would depend largely on the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ).

    Ogundimu, who represents Agege Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the assertion in an interview with our reporters,   in Lagos.

    According to him, the NFF should strive to provide the necessary logistics for the coaching crew that would enable them to perform maximally at the World Cup.

    “The NFF has a lot to do if the Super Eagles are to fly high at the World Cup.

    “What I think the federation has to do right now is to equip the coaching crew to start the preparations in earnest.

    “NFF should not wait until the time there will be no opportunity to spring any surprise again.

    “So, we need to play more of friendly matches for the players to actually blend and play together.

    “Football is a team work and only this can bring results,’’ the lawmaker said.

    Ogundimu, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Finance, said that the team that would represent Nigeria should be selected on merit and nothing else.

    “We must pick our team based on competence and not on quota system. If we can do this and shut the door against favoritism, it shall be well.

    “We have a lot of potential that can carry us to the level of quarter-finals.

    “The team handlers must just toe the way of merit and avoid personal interest,’’ the football enthusiast added.

    Read Also: NFF partners travel agency to support Super Eagles World Cup campaign

    On the national coach, Ogundimu said: “I don’t doubt the competence of Super Eagles Coach, but he should be given a free hand to operate and do his job.

    “Gernot Rohr should have a perfect control of team. If we reach quarter-finals, it will be a good mark for us, but there is nothing stopping us from going further.

    “For us to reach quarter-finals, it means we have a team. Any team in quarter-finals can spring a surprise.

    “No team is push over. We must prepare well and have the right selection and with this, we have nothing to fear,’’ he said.

    Our reporter,  reports that the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to hold in Russia between June 14 and July 15.

    The original trophy which would be handed over to the 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15, will arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday.

    The trophy is on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the commencement of the 21st FIFA World Cup.

    NAN

  • Iran to produce higher enriched uranium

    Iran to produce higher enriched uranium

    Iran said on Monday it could produce higher enriched uranium within two days if the United States quit a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six major powers, Tehran’s Arabic language al-Alam TV reported.

    “If America pulls out of the deal … Iran could resume its 20 per cent uranium enrichment in less than 48 hours,” Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, told al-Alam TV.

    Uranium refined to 20 per cent fissile purity is well beyond the 5 per cent normally required to fuel civilian nuclear power plants, though still well short of highly enriched, or 80 to 90 per cent, purity needed for a nuclear bomb.

    Read Also: Aspirant promises to restore Ekiti’s glory

    Kamalvandi said the deal, under which Iran curbed its uranium enrichment to help ensure it was for peaceful purposes only and secured an end to financial sanctions in return – is not re-negotiable, as demanded by the United States.

    The deal’s European signatories – Germany, Britain and France, as well as Russia and China – are committed to preserving the agreement.

    The Iranian nuclear deal, internationally known as JCPOA, was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (Russia, China, the U.S., Britain, France and Germany).

    Trump has threatened to scuttle the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal unless amendments are made to it.

    NAN