Connect with us

News

Biden, Putin agree to meet in France-brokered summit over Ukraine

Avatar

Published

on

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agree to hold summit, which can only happen if Moscow does not invade Ukraine, says French presidency.

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have accepted “in principle” to hold a summit, which can only happen if Moscow does not invade Ukraine, the French presidency has announced.

The summit, proposed by France’s Emmanuel Macron, will be expanded to relevant stakeholders to discuss “security and strategic stability in Europe,” a statement from the Elysee said early on Monday.

It said that preparations would start between Russia and the US on Thursday.

President Biden has accepted in principle a summit with Russia’s Putin after the two countries’ foreign ministers meet next week and if an invasion has not occurred, the White House said.

“Currently, Russia appears to be continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon,” press secretary Jen Psaki said in a release.

READ MORE: US tells Americans in Russia to have evacuation plan amid Ukraine tensions

France brokers summit

The announcement –– released after a volley of phone calls between Macron and leaders on both sides of the Atlantic –– comes after a week of heightened tensions spurred by Russia’s military buildup up and down the Ukrainian border.

Nerves were further frayed after the Belarusian Defence Ministry announced that Russia would extend military drills in Belarus that were due to end on Sunday.

Satellite images appeared to show new deployments of Russian armour and troops close to Ukraine.

The White House said Biden was canceling a trip to Delaware and remaining in Washington following a two-hour meeting of his National Security Council.

US.-based satellite imagery company Maxar reported multiple new deployments of Russian military units in forests, farms, and industrial areas as little as 15 km from the border with Ukraine –– something Maxar said represented a change from what had been seen in recent weeks.

“Until recently, most of the deployments had been seen primarily positioned at or near existing military garrisons and training areas,” the company said.

READ MORE: The Ukraine crisis has its roots in an EU failure in a Dutch town in 1992

Tense borders

Western countries say fears of an invasion have escalated in recent months as Russia amassed more than 150,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders.

The Kremlin insists it has no plans to attack Ukraine, which has angered Moscow by seeking long-term integration with NATO and the European Union.

Moscow is demanding written guarantees that its neighbour will never be allowed to join NATO, and for the US-led military alliance to roll back deployments in eastern Europe.

READ MORE: EU: West can’t keep offering olive branch to Russia

Source: TRT

News

Fourth meeting of High-Level Core Group on withdrawal of Indian troops held in Delhi

FI

Published

on

By

The fourth meeting of the High-level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Indian capital New Delhi on Friday.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation between nations during Friday’s meeting while discussions were also held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defense cooperation.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said it was reiterated that the Indian government will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10th, adding both sides expressed satisfaction with the fact that all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule.

Both sides also agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level core Group will be held in Male’ on a mutually agreeable date in June or July.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.

Source(s): sun.mv

Continue Reading

News

Minister of Islamic Affairs to attend the OIC Summit as the President’s Special Envoy

FI

Published

on

By

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

Continue Reading

News

Vice President pledges govt’ support for journalists welfare

FI

Published

on

By

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration’s steadfast commitment to supporting journalists, addressing their needs and aspirations.

In an interview with PSM news on its 7th anniversary and in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, Vice President Hussain Mohamed highlighted the administration’s awareness of the challenges faced by journalists, noting President Muizzu’s proactive engagement with them upon assuming office.

Furthermore, Vice President stressed the importance of public trust in the current administration’s ability to effectively address journalists’ concerns, particularly on World Press Freedom Day. He further reiterated that while journalism may not be explicitly delineated in the constitution, it serves as the country’s “fourth power” and urged responsible reporting avoiding misleading information, anticipating positive societal changes with these efforts.

In support of journalist’s financial independence, Vice President confirmed the formulation of a policy allocating a specific percentage of the state budget to them and the resolution of land plots for establishing a special media village.

Additionally, Vice President met with PSM news employees.

Source(s): PsmNews

Continue Reading

Trending