U.S. President Barack Obama talks to the media as he meets with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. September 14, 2016.
Former US President, Barack Obama has weighed in on the crisis that continues to unfold across Myanmar, stating he was “appalled by heartbreaking violence” it had used against civilians after retaking power in a coup.
Releasing a rare statement, Obama said he supported his President Joe Biden’s move to impose sanctions on the nation and impose costs on Myanmar’s generals.
“The military’s illegitimate and brutal effort to impose its will after a decade of greater freedoms will clearly never be accepted by the people and should not be accepted by the wider world”
Obama has called for those in Myanmar to continue to protest for their democracy.
The world’s attention must remain on Myanmar, where I’ve been appalled by heartbreaking violence against civilians and inspired by the nationwide movement that represents the voice of the people. pic.twitter.com/zBkJqEeq0E
Myanmar was taken over by the nation’s military in February, after detaining the country’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mass protests have been taking place across Myanmar since the military seized control on 1 February.
It comes as elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained, and so do other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.
Hundreds of people, including children, have been killed.
The military is now back in charge and has declared a year-long state of emergency. The armed forces had backed the opposition, who were demanding a rerun of the vote, claiming widespread fraud.
Global Impacts
Countries from across the globe have responded to the crisis in Myanmar, many imposing sanctions on the nation.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 10 of Myanmar’s military leaders, as well as two giant military conglomerates.
The United States has also responded, imposing the following:
The United States has imposed new Myanmar sanctions on state-owned Myanma Timber Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise, according to the Treasury Department. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Experts are now urging that the agenda for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders Meeting in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Saturday should be able to produce concrete actions to end violence in Myanmar.
Calls for Industries to cut ties with Myanmar
IndustriALL ExCo unanimously adopts a resolution on Myanmar, calling on companies to end commercial ties with the military; on all affiliates to pressure governments for economic sanctions; on governments to recognise the new National Unity Government of Myanmar.
Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.
Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.
State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.
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Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.
Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.
What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.
These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.
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PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders
In Short:
– Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, led by Virginia Bell.
– The inquiry aims to foster unity in Australia amid rising tensions and concerns from various community groups.
Anthony Albanese has initiated a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion following mounting pressure.
The inquiry, announced in Canberra, will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, despite opposition from some Jewish groups.The Prime Minister stated the need for a royal commission was essential for promoting unity within Australia, particularly after engaging with families of Bondi attack victims and the Jewish community.
He confirmed discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns and expects the single commission to run over the next 12 months, with further comments from Mr Minns anticipated soon.
The prime minister has been asked if he’s still worried a royal commission would fuel antisemitism.Anthony Albanese insists he doesn’t want the inquiry to weaken social cohesion.
“The royal commissioner will bear in mind how hearings are conducted in the processes of their conduct,” Albanese says.
“We have been working on this for weeks. I have been engaged with the community.”
The prime minister was questioned about whether it was a mistake to reject calls for a royal commission into antisemitism.Following the Bondi terror attack, the federal government faced pressure to establish such a commission.
Anthony Albanese stated that the government has implemented various measures within the 25 days following the attack.
“We have increased funding for security agencies. We have had daily briefings of the National Security Committee,” Albanese says.
“The Commonwealth have particular resources and one of the groups and individuals I’ve spoken to as well have been people outside of New South Wales,” he says.
Highly-respected former High Court judge Justice Virginia Margaret Bell is the PM’s pick to lead the royal commission.
Sustained advocacy
This decision comes after sustained advocacy from various groups, including victims’ families, former leaders, and prominent figures across sectors.
Over recent weeks, Albanese and his team had put forth several arguments against a royal commission, such as concerns over divisiveness and potential exposure of sensitive information.
Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association has suggested that a broader inquiry into all forms of “minority religion” discrimination is needed, expressing wariness within the Muslim community regarding the federal inquiry’s focus.
Broad Support
A significant number of community and cultural organisations back a royal commission addressing social tensions and discrimination related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In support of this sentiment, nearly 50 diaspora and faith groups released an open letter urging a thorough examination of rising anti-Semitism and related issues following the Bondi Beach terror attack.