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Rhondda Records is with you every day bringing the news ------- that gives a view of world events different to the mainstream media or social media!
Except Sundays - our day of rest.
Journalist:To end war ------
prosecute UK, US officials
who wage(d) it illegally
October 22nd, 10:12pm (PressTV)
The world must finally put an end to the impunity of war
criminals, by holding US and UK officials responsible
for launching the illegal war on Iraq, done without
the approval of the UN Security Council, and
prosecuting them --- under the Nuremberg
principles, US journalist Don DeBar said.
DeBar made the remarks in an interview with Press TV while
commenting on a report which has revealed that the British
military inquiries into abuse against Iraqi nationals... have
been closed without a single prosecution being brought,
even though the credibility of many "shocking and
shameful incidents" during the war in the Middle
Eastern country, have been confirmed.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement
this week that the Service Police Legacy Investigations,
which was looking at claims of abuse in Iraq, had now
"officially closed its doors."
In March 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant
violation of international law and under the pretext of
finding WMDs; but no such weapons were ever
discovered in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed - as the result of
the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq
--- according to the California-based investigative
organization, Project Censored.
The US war in Iraq cost US taxpayers $1.7 trillion with
an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war veterans, expenses that could grow to more than $6 trillion over the next four decades counting interest, according to a study called Costs of War Project --- by the Watson Institute for
International Studies at Brown University.
DeBar told Press TV that the Iraq war
was illegal from the very beginning.
"It is illegal for a nation to make war on another nation if it
does not have the approval of the UN Security Council, if
any of those nations are signatories to the original UN
Charter. And it’s been adopted - that happened with
the US, as a charter member of the UN -- and it was
approved by the US Senate in the 1940s.
Consequently, the US involvement in Iraq from the beginning, and the UK involvement in Iraq from the beginning, was illegal,” he said.
“And under the Nuremberg standards, which would then
apply, each and every death consequent – intentional
or not - to either US or UK military action there, or
condoning of the US action there, by the media
or public officials, or any act facilitating that,
is an individual war crime. And, by the way,
there’s a death penalty for that,” the
journalist noted.
“No one will prosecute these people. That’s why I started
with the word impunity. And we might bookend with that
because that’s the problem. And until the world puts an
end to that impunity, until the world sees the major
contradiction in all international relations, is US,
UK, and EU imperialism, then it’s going to
continue until this eats our species,”
he stated.
A damning White House memo had revealed details of the
so-called “deal in blood” forged by former British Prime
Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush
over the Iraq war.
The document, titled “Secret... Memorandum for the
President”, was sent by then-US Secretary of State
Colin Powell to President Bush on March 28th, 2002, a week before Bush’s summit with Blair at his Crawford ranch in Texas.
The sensational memo, revealed that Blair had agreed to
support the war a year before the invasion even started
while publicly, the British prime minister was working to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The document also disclosed that Blair agreed to act as a
spin doctor for Bush and convince a skeptical public that
Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had Weapons of Mass
Destruction, which actually did not exist.
In response, Bush would flatter Blair and give the
impression that London was not Washington’s
poodle but an equal partner in the
“special relationship.”
Powell told Bush that Blair “will be with us” on the
Iraq war, and assured the president that “"the UK
will follow our lead in the Middle East."
Blair has always denied the claim that he and Bush
signed a deal “in blood”, at Crawford, to launch a
war against Iraq that began on March 20th, 2003,
that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.
The Powell memo, however, showed how Blair and
Bush secretly prepared the Iraq war plot behind
closed doors at Crawford.
Powell told Bush: “He will present to you the strategic,
tactical and public affairs lines, that he believes will
strengthen global support for our common cause.”
People hold up a banner as they protest
against Israel at the entrance of the
International Criminal Court.
000000000000000000000000000000000
Israeli army faces a deepening
manpower crisis - as hundreds
seek early retirement: Reports
November 19th, 11:37pm
(PressTV)
A personnel crisis.... looms large over the Israeli military
as hundreds of career forces, including senior officers,
have formally requested early retirement.
Israeli media outlets -- reported the development on Wednesday,
noting that the wave of departures comes amid mounting draft
evasion, internal political turmoil, and the regime’s lingering
presence in the Gaza Strip...... that has overstretched the
army’s capabilities.
According to the Yedioth Ahronoth paper, representatives from
the military’s Personnel Administration told the Knesset (the
Israeli parliament)’s relevant committee -- that roughly 600
career troopers and officers had asked to “resign” early.
Many have been enlisted in, what the military has outlined as,
“critical roles” that it has struggled to fill since October 2023
-- when the Israeli regime began a war of genocide on Gaza.
“There were those whose retirement we postponed throughout
the war simply because we have no replacements for them,” a military official told legislators ----- underscoring the urgency of the manpower shortage.
Approximately 85% of career forces... retire at the rank of
lieutenant colonel or below, magnifying, what observers
call, the loss of operational mid-level command.
Bar Kalifa, a senior personnel official with the Israeli military,
linked the accelerating crisis to a Supreme Court decision
striking down pension supplements for career officers,
describing it as a blow to the forces’ morale.
The ruling came as the war has tasked the regime’s coffers to
the tune of billions of shekels, despite unprecedented US
military support that has accounted for around two-
thirds of the forces’ equipment.
The reports also emerged amid raucous protests among the
regime’s settlers against, what they have defined as, Tel
Aviv’s abandoning the interests of the forces ------- by
pursuing the genocide --- at their risk.
‘Dodging draft now normal’
Kalifa added that the military currently needed an additional
12,000 forces to meet operational demands, even as
thousands attempt to avoid service altogether.
“We now have more than 17,000 draft dodgers,” he said.
“Dodging the draft has become the norm,” he noted,
adding, “An army of lawyers ......is securing
fraudulent exemptions.”
The crisis is exacerbated, by the long-running exemption of
ultra-Orthodox men, known as Haredim, whose leadership
continues to rally opposition to conscription.
Haredi rabbis have urged followers to reject enlistment orders
outright, fueling protests that have strained both the military
and police.
Opposition members of the Knesset say the Israeli prime
minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing legislation to
permanently exempt the Haredim, in exchange for
political loyalty from the ultra-Orthodox parties.
_________________________________________________
Anti-genocide British activist asks for
‘quiet show of support’ at ‘terror’ trial next week
November 19th, 7:17pm
(PressTV)
A British pro-Palestine campaigner and human rights activist,
Natalie Strecker, arrested and charged following posts
criticizing Israeli genocide, has called for "quiet
support" .....as her trial approaches.
In a video message ---- released on Wednesday, Strecker urged
activists to attend her trial in the self-governing British island
(and ''tax haven'') country of Jersey next week, where she
faces charges of "terrorism" --- for posts advocating for
international law.
She requested that supporters refrain from protesting outside
the court, instead encouraging a “quiet show of support”
for those who can attend.
Strecker emphasized that the right to resist “by all available
means” is recognized and guaranteed under international
law. However, the administration of Prime Minister Keir
Starkers --- has viewed her actions as support for a "proscribed" terrorist group, which she
firmly denies.
She accused the British government of waging a "lawfare"
campaign against journalists and activists who expose
and oppose Israeli war crimes and the genocidal war
in Gaza. The government - has used the Terrorism
Act ------- to criminalize humanitarians opposing
Israel’s mass murder of Palestinian civilians.
Strecker, who has campaigned tirelessly for a ceasefire and
against the Israeli occupation, was first arrested in
November last year after returning from a peace
trip to the West Asia region.
Protests in support of her ----- occurred outside the
States of Jersey Police headquarters at that time.
In January, she was charged with expressing support for the
Palestinians’ right to resist occupation. These charges --
reflect a continuing escalation of the British regime’s actions against anti-genocide activists by misusing
anti-terror legislation.
Additionally, the Palestine Action group --- which targets Israeli
weapons factories in the UK, has been designated a “terrorist
organization” by the UK government. Membership or public
support for the group is now a criminal offense,
punishable ---- by up to 14 years in prison.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk criticized
the UK’s ban on Palestine Action in July, describing it as a
“disturbing” misuse of counterterrorism laws ---- and
urged the government to reverse its decision.
Volker Turk calls on the UK government to revise its counter-
terrorism legislation in line with "international human rights
norms and standards.”
Western governments have largely supported the Israeli regime's
genocide against Gaza since October 7, 2023, which has killed
nearly 70,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children.
A ceasefire was reached last month, but the Israeli regime
has killed at least 279 Palestinians in almost daily attacks
across Gaza since then --- in violation of the US-brokered
ceasefire deal.
____________________________________________
Netanyahu Inspects Occupied Golan Heights
amid Escalating Israeli Violations in
Southern Syria
November 19th, 5:01pm
(al Manar)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu....... visited the Israeli-
occupied Syrian Golan Heights on Wednesday, accompanied by
several ministers and security officials. The group included -
Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar,
Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David
Zini, and National Security Council Director.
During the visit, Netanyahu and Katz received a security briefing on
the region’s developments. Netanyahu emphasized the importance
of Israeli forces’ presence in the buffer zone within Syrian territory,
stating it’s crucial ......for ensuring the security and stability of the
Israeli entity. He also highlighted the significance of the soldiers’
role in maintaining defensive and offensive readiness amid the
ongoing tensions on the Syrian front.
The Israeli army maintains control over Mount Hermon and eight
other sites within the Syrian Golan, all located.. just a few
kilometres from the 1974 ceasefire line. This presence
has been a point of contention, with Netanyahu
previously disregarding the agreement.
The visit comes amid growing concerns within Israel’s military and
security establishments --- about the US approach towards Syria, particularly following Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s meeting
with US President Donald Trump. Israeli officials are worried
about potential pressure resulting from this development.
On the ground, Israeli occupation forces ---- have escalated their
violations in Quneitra, southern Syria, over the past few weeks.
This includes - advancing into agricultural lands, destroying
large areas of forests, conducting arrests, and setting up
army checkpoints. According to Syria's News Agency
(SANA) - Israeli forces infiltrated several villages in
Quneitra, including Um al-‘Azam and Ruhayyina,
with military vehicles.
The Syrian government has condemned these ongoing Israeli
violations, calling on the international community to take
a firm stance against them.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
______________________________________
Israeli Warplanes - Strike Southern
Lebanon’s Residential Areas Amid
Flagrant Ceasefire Breaches
November 19th, 3:01pm
(al Manar)
The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on residential buildings
--- in the southern Lebanese towns of Deir Kifa, Shehour,
Aynata and Teir Felsay on Wednesday, after earlier
threats to the areas.
The strikes forced residents - particularly those living near the targeted buildings - to flee, and schools in both towns were temporarily evacuated. No casualties were reported.
Al-Manar correspondents reported that the attacks come amid
intensified Israeli reconnaissance flights over southern
Lebanon, with drones and warplanes -------- closely
monitoring multiple villages along the border.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli drones struck a car in the town of
Al-Tiri in southern Lebanon. According to our correspondent,
Hashem Al-Sayed Hasan, this attack resulted in the
martyrdom of one citizen and damaged a bus
carrying students. The statement from the
Lebanese Ministry of Health, confirmed
one martyr and eleven wounded in
the raid.
Source: Al-Manar Website
____________________________
Hezbollah Strongly Condemns Deadly
Israeli Attack ----------- on Sidon’s
Ain Al-Hilweh Refugee Camp
November 19th, 1:42pm
(al Manar)
Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance in Lebanon issued on Wednesday a
strong condemnation of the horrific massacre carried out by the
Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday night in the Ain Al-Hilweh
camp in Sidon. The attack claimed the lives of 13 Palestinian
civilians and left many others wounded, targeting a densely
populated area filled with civilians and children. The party
described the assault as a brutal act that adds to the
Israeli enemy’s long record of crimes and
systematic oppression --- against
Palestinians, Lebanese, and
peoples --- across
the region.
The statement emphasized that this bloodshed constitutes not only
an assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty but also a blatant violation of
the ceasefire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701
which Israel repeatedly breaches with the overt support - and at
times planning — of the United States administration.
Hezbollah warned ------- that any display of leniency, weakness, or
submission by Lebanon’s state authorities, would only embolden
Israel’s aggression, leading to further massacres and violations.
Mere reactive measures, the statement stressed, are
insufficient and risk encouraging continued
Israeli attacks.
The group called for a firm and unified national stance to confront
Israeli crimes, urging Lebanon to leverage all available means of
power to deter and counter aggression, safeguard its
sovereignty, and protect its security.
Hezbollah concluded by extending its deepest condolences to
the families of the martyrs, the residents of Ain Al-Hilweh,
and the Palestinian people, praying for mercy on the
deceased and swift recovery for the wounded.
Source: Al-Manar Website
____________________________________
UNIFIL Report:7,300 Israeli
Airspace Breaches Since
Lebanon Ceasefire
November 19th, 10:51am
(al Manar)
A new UN report has documented an overwhelming number
of violations by “Israel” in southern Lebanon, accusing it
of systematically breaching the terms of the ceasefire.
According to UNIFIL, Israeli forces have violated
Lebanese airspace over 7,300 times ---- since
the truce took effect in November 2024.
In an interview with RIA Novosti on Wednesday, UNIFIL
spokesperson Danny Goffrey stated ------- that these
repeated incursions ------ along with thousands of
other military activities north of the Blue Line,
constitute a clear violation of UN Security
Council Resolution 1701. This resolution
has governed the rules of engagement
in the region since the end of the
2006 war.
Wall Construction Encroaches on Lebanese Territory
In a significant territorial violation, UNIFIL confirmed that “Israel”
is constructing concrete barriers that cross the internationally
recognized Blue Line. A geographic survey... conducted in
October found a wall built southwest of Yaroun crossing
into Lebanese territory. Goffrey confirmed - that a
second barrier, observed southeast of Yaroun
in November, also surpasses the boundary.
The UNIFIL spokesperson stated that the mission will formally
notify “Israel” of these violations, which directly contravene
Resolution 1701. This resolution specifically calls for a full
cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a
demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and
the Litani River.
Goffrey further emphasized the responsibility of Israeli forces
to refrain from any hostile actions that could threaten UN
peacekeepers operating in the area.
Source: Agencies (editted by
Al-Manar English Website)
________________________________________
President Aoun: Army’s Sacrifices
Guarantee Lebanon’s Security
November 19th, 9:50am
(al Manar)
In a 'phone call with the Army Commander, President Joseph Aoun
affirmed that the military institution is once again paying the
price with the blood of its soldiers to protect Lebanese
society from the scourge of drugs and to enforce
the law, regardless of the challenges.
Aoun emphasized that the army’s role is unwavering and will not
be shaken by suspicious campaigns, incitement, or attempts
to sow doubt — whether from within or abroad. He
characterized the challenges facing the
institution, as a clear targeting
of its national missions.
He stated that the sacrifices of the army’s personnel will remain the
fundamental guarantee for the security of the Lebanese people,
stressing that nothing will prevent the army from carrying out
its national duties, to the end.
Source: Agencies (translated by
Al-Manar English Websites)
___________________________________
Gaza’s Collapsing Hospitals
Leave 100,000 Untreated
as Crisis Deepens
November 19th, 8:50am
(al Manar)
The health system in Gaza has collapsed, leaving more than
100,000 wounded people without adequate care and at
least 17,000 - in urgent need of evacuation abroad,
according to Salah Abdel Shafi, the Palestinian
ambassador to Vienna.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Ambassador Shafi revealed
the staggering scale of the medical catastrophe, stating
that “out of 36 hospitals, only eight are partially
functioning.” The rest, he confirmed, have
been completely or largely destroyed,
eliminating any local capacity
to treat the injured.
The crisis extends far beyond healthcare. Shafi emphasized that
infrastructure across the strip has been devastated, with an
“acute shortage of medical supplies and medicine.”
He earlier reported that roughly 80% of the Gaza Strip is
in ruins, forcing over a million people to live in tents
or exposed to the elements.
The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating as winter sets
in. The Israeli occupation continues to block essential supplies,
including heating units, sanitary facilities, tents, mattresses,
and blankets. With temperatures dropping and rain
worsening conditions, more than 288,000
displaced families ----- are facing
extreme hardship.
Hamas Urges Global Action to Break the Siege
In a statement released on Monday, Hamas called on Arab nations
and people of conscience worldwide to intensify pressure on the
Israeli occupation and its backers. The movement demanded
an immediate halt to the aggression, a full lifting of the
blockade on Gaza, and the opening of
humanitarian crossings.
Hamas highlighted the rapidly worsening conditions Palestinians
face after two years of what it described as a “genocide war.”
The statement detailed severe shortages of food, medicine,
clean water, and shelter, coupled with the total collapse
of the healthcare system.
These dire circumstances pose an immediate threat to civilians,
particularly women and children, as increased rainfall and cold
weather arrive. The movement stressed -------- that urgent
intervention is required to rescue civilians and facilitate
the entry of vital aid, tents, and prefabricated shelters.
Source: Agencies (translated
and edited by Al-Manar
English Website)
____________________________________
Civilian Blood......on the Ceasefire Lines:
Israeli Attack Hits Students in Al-Tiri
November 19th, 7:50am
(al Manar)
The escalating death toll in Lebanon exposes the falsehood of
Zionist propaganda, regarding its adherence to the ceasefire.
The Zionist enemy has renewed its brutal attacks on Lebanese
territory, continuing its violations of the truce. This morning,
the enemy targeted the southern town of Yaroun, with
two artillery shells.
In a significant escalation targeting civilians, enemy drones struck
a car in the town of Al-Tayri in southern Lebanon. According to
our correspondent, Hashem Al-Sayed Hassan, this attack
resulted in the martyrdom of one citizen and damaged
a bus carrying students. A statement from the
Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed one
martyr and eleven wounded, in the raid.
Furthermore, Al-Manar’s correspondent in southern Lebanon
reported that shortly after midnight, the enemy carried out
another attack on the town of Blida, targeting an
uninhabited house. Fortunately, no
injuries were reported.
In a related development on Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force launched
an airstrike on a car in the town of Blida. The Lebanese Ministry of
Health reported that the attack killed one Lebanese citizen.
Israeli reconnaissance aircraft were also observed conducting
intensive flights over numerous villages along the southern
border. Al-Manar’s correspondent noted --- that enemy
drones were constantly present, from the south
......all the way to the Bekaa Valley.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the final toll
from the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory has
reached sixteen martyrs in the past few hours.
Speaker Berri: Lebanon Must Press Its Complaints
Later on Wednesday, the Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri,
commented on the Israeli attack that struck the town of
Al-Tiri this morning, injuring several university and
school students.
“Once again, the Israeli enemy repeats its crime of targeting
civilians, children, and students — most recently today in
al-Tayri — acting as though it is above accountability
and beyond any form of reckoning. Regrettably,
Lebanon - despite its full commitment to
Resolution 1701, and to the ceasefire
agreement of November 2024 - has
become the party subjected to
criticism and censure,”
Berri stated.
“Lebanon must continue submitting complaints to the UN Security
Council. Today, the Council must be called: to convene an urgent
session to reaffirm Lebanon’s rights and to condemn the Israeli
violations, whether through targeting civilians ------ or the
annexation of land,” the Lebanese Speaker added.
Source: Al-Manar Engish Website
Today, November the 19th, is the
Day of Missile Forces and Artillery
The Day of Missile Forces and Artillery is a
memorable day celebrated in Russia and
Belarus, each year, on November 19.
The holiday was first established by a Presidium of Supreme
Soviet of the Soviet Union decree on 21 October 1944, as
Artillery day of the Red Army.
The date was chosen because the Red Army began their
successful counter-attack (Operation Uranus) - in the
battle of Stalingrad on November the 19th, in 1942,
with much help from the artillery of the Red Army.
Since 1964, the holiday bears its present name.
‘Worst gift ever’----- Global calls mount
to boycott Reebok over sponsorship
tied to Israeli settlements
November 11th, 12:06pm
by Maryam Qarehgozlou
When a global sportswear name appears on the kit of a regime
waging a genocidal war, the sneakers in shop windows stop
being just shoes — they become symbols.
Reebok, a US footwear and clothing brand, is finding itself at the
centre of a growing international storm, over its sponsorship
of the Israel Football Association (IFA).
For Palestinian athletes and human-rights campaigners, the deal
crosses a line: a multinational brand is lending prestige — and
heaps of money — to an association embedded in an
occupation that kills and displaces Palestinians
daily in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The result has been a coordinated global call for a boycott
and a “Day of Action” on November 22,urging consumers
to turn their purchases ---- into political pressure.
Anti-Israel protesters holding a banner in Dublin, Ireland, calling on UEFA and FIFA to ‘show Israel the red card’.
Irish football body votes ---
to seek Israel’s ban: from
European competition
November 8th, 7:26pm
(PressTV)
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) ....has overwhelmingly
passed a resolution calling on the Union of European Football
Associations (UEFA) ---------- to suspend Israel from all
international competitions.
The resolution, proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, says that
the Israel Football Association (IFA) failed to enforce an
effective anti-racism policy and continues to organize
clubs in Israeli settlements in the occupied West
Bank without the consent of the Palestinian
Football Association.
The motion passed Saturday with 74 votes in favour, seven
against, and two abstentions, according to the FAI. The
association confirmed that it plans to submit a formal
motion to UEFA’s executive committee requesting
--------- Israel’s immediate suspension from
its competitions.
The Irish resolution --- follows similar calls from the Turkish
and Norwegian football associations, which urged Israel’s
suspension from international competitions.
These requests came after United Nations experts - appealed to
FIFA and UEFA to act, citing a UN Commission of Inquiry report
that concluded Israel ------ was actively committing genocide
against Palestinians.
In a letter to the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, the experts
described banning Israel as “imperative” and urged the football
governing body and its members to “fulfil their legal and moral
obligations to uphold international law --- and move forward
with an immediate and complete ban of Israeli football.”
The letter highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s actions
on football in Gaza as at least 421 Palestinian footballers have
been killed since the regime launched its war on the
Palestinian territory in October 2023.
__________________________________________
Microsoft - forced to block Israel’s use of its
cloud, AI...in mass spying on Palestinians
September 27th, 10:20am
(PressTV)
US tech giant Microsoft has been forced to terminate the Israeli
military’s access to some of its services ------ which the illegal
regime uses for espionage activities and data surveillance
against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza and the
occupied West Bank.
Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, confirmed in a
blog post that the company had “ceased and disabled a set of
services” to a unit within the Israeli ministry of military affairs
------- in response to an August 6 joint investigation by The
Guardian, +972 Magazine, and the Hebrew-language
outlet Local Call.
The investigation revealed that following a 2021 meeting between
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Israel’s Unit 8200 leader Yossi
Sariel, an agreement was reached -- to collaborate on moving
large volumes of ''sensitive'' intelligence material into the
company’s Azure platform.
The probe revealed that Unit 8200, the Israeli military’s notorious
spy outfit in charge of carrying out clandestine operations and
collecting signal intelligence, used Microsoft’s Azure cloud
computing platform to store phone call data obtained
through mass surveillance in war-torn Gaza and
the occupied West Bank.
The joint investigation said the spying unit, equipped with Azure’s
near-limitless storage capacity and computing power - had built
an indiscriminate new system allowing its intelligence officers
to collect, play back, and analyze the content of cellular calls
.....of the entire Palestinian population.
According to several sources, the enormous repository of
intercepted calls – which amounted to as much as 8,000
terabytes of data – was held in a Microsoft data centre
--- in the Netherlands.
Sources familiar with the matter, said Microsoft told Israeli officials
late last week that Unit 8200 had violated the company’s terms of
service by storing the vast trove of surveillance data in its Azure
cloud platform.
The decision brings to an abrupt end a three-year period
in which the spy agency operated its surveillance
program using Microsoft’s technology.
Although the initial focus of the spying system was the occupied
West Bank, where an estimated three million Palestinians live
under Israeli military occupation - intelligence sources were
reported to say the cloud-based storage platform had been
used in the Gaza war......... to facilitate the preparation of
deadly airstrikes.
The revelations highlighted how Israel, in cahoots with major US
technology companies, used their services and infrastructure
----- to bomb Gaza, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians,
mostly civilians, and creating a humanitarian crisis.
US technology giant Microsoft plays a significant role and is
complicit in the Israeli regime’s genocidal war on the Gaza
Strip by providing the occupying entity with advanced
artificial intelligence (AI) tools, finances, and
workforce, says a recent report.
Last month, Quds News Network said in a report - that Microsoft is
among the most prominent global technology companies that has
established a strong and influential presence, in the Israeli war
on Gaza.
Microsoft was reported to have employed over 1,000 former Israeli
soldiers and officers in its offices within the occupied territories,
with many also working in its global branches.
Investigations based on leaked employee records reveal
that more than 300 former Israeli spies currently work
at Microsoft, according to the report.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide
in the Gaza Strip by killing, starving, and displacing
Palestinians, ignoring international calls and
orders from the International Court of
Justice - to halt it.
The genocide has left 65,549 dead and 167,518 injured, most of
them children and women. Over 11,000 people are missing, in
addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and
a famine that has claimed more than 210 lives.
_______________________________________________
UN blacklist updated:68 more companies
linked to illegal activities - in Israel
September 26th, 6pm
(africanews)
The United Nations has significantly expanded -------- its blacklist of
companies accused of contributing to human rights violations
against Palestinians ---- through their activities in Israeli settlements.
The UN added 68 new companies from 11 countries
to its database, bringing the total to 158 firms.
The list, first established just under a decade ago,
predominantly features Israeli companies - but
also includes major Western companies from the US, Germany, Spain, and many others.
The update - primarily targets firms in construction,
real estate, mining, and quarrying - ruling their
operations supportive... of settlements that
are illegal ------ under international law.
Notable additions, include Germany's Heidelberg
Materials and Spain's Ineco, while travel giants
like Expedia and Airbnb - remain listed.
This update arrives at a politically sensitive time, as
some European nations have recently recognized a
Palestinian state in protest of Israel's military
actions in Gaza.
It also follows Israeli threats of the annexation
of the West Bank and its approval of more
new ''settlements''.
The UN human rights office stated it urges businesses to
conduct due diligence ---- to avoid human rights abuses.
However, the list is a symbolic tool from the UN Human
Rights Council, says africanews ---- lacking power to
enforce compliance.
Rhondda Records adds: unless others find
the UN list -- and boycott those firms on it.
_________________________________________
Edinburgh --- to become first Scottish city
to boycott Israeli regime over genocide
September 26th, 3:35pm
(PressTV)
Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, has aimed to become the first
Scottish city to boycott the Israeli regime over its ongoing
genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
City Councillors voted on Thursday in favour of a motion.. which
moves the capital closer to implementing Boycott, Divestment
and Sanctions (BDS) against the Zionist regime: in opposition
to the Gaza genocide.
Green Councillor Ben Parker said the Council.. took a step towards
ensuring that no public money is being used to support the regime.
“The people of Edinburgh have repeatedly voiced their solidarity
with the people of Palestine, and Green Councillors have long
been trying to find ways to turn that solidarity into practical
actions against the Israeli regime," Parker said.
“BDS is one way of doing this, but local councils have previously
been blocked from taking this action against Israel ...due to an
outdated piece of legislation," he added.
“As we approach two years of continued bombardment, torture and
mass starvation of Palestinians, it seems bizarre to be debating
motions about regulations and process," Parker said.
“But we’re hoping that the move by the Scottish Government will
allow Edinburgh to follow suit and take real, practical steps
towards a free Palestine --- so, we need clarity on exactly
what it means for local government procurement rules."
Meanwhile, former co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie,
said, "We fully support our Green Councillors motion, and we hope
that Edinburgh will lead the way in taking action to boycott Israel."
“There is a role for every level of government in taking action and
showing true solidarity with the Palestinian people who are
subjected to horrific killing and dehumanisation by
Israeli military forces," he said.
“Scotland must divest from any Israeli-linked companies and arms
dealers who profit from the state-sanctioned genocide in Gaza,"
he stated.
“The Scottish Government has already voted in favour of our
proposals, and now they must explain how they will carry
them out, and how they will work with local councils
to enable them to do the same.”
The Greens hope to use the international sanctions and boycotts to
pressure the Israeli regime into ending the genocidal war against
Gaza ---- and uphold its responsibilities to international law.
Scottish Conservatives, who are opposed to the move,
labelled the motion as “warped” and “anti-Semitic”.
Jackson Carlaw, a former leader of the Scottish Conservatives,
claimed Edinburgh residents expect the city Councillors to be
focused on menial jobs -- like emptying their bins and filling
potholes, instead of putting forward legislation aimed at
ending the suffering and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Since the Israeli regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza in
October 2023, at least 65,502 Palestinians, mostly women
and children, have been killed.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war
minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against
humanity in Gaza.
The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at
the International Court of Justice (ICC) for its
crimes in the besieged Palestinian land.
__________________________________________
Eurovision body to vote
- on Israel's expulsion
by Steven McIntosh
Entertainment reporter
September 26th, 12:54pm
(by the state owned BBC)
Share
The organisation behind the Eurovision Song Contest has
confirmed it will hold a vote on whether or not Israel
should be allowed to participate next year.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed it will
invite 68 member countries to give their view at a
general assembly meeting in early November.
A decision will be taken by a simple majority, meaning that
if more than 50% of members vote to exclude Israel,
the country will not take part in 2026.
Israel's continued participation in Eurovision has been
controversial due to the ongoing ''war'' in Gaza, and
several countries have already called for
their exclusion.
The EBU confirmed all 68 member countries will be
invited to vote, including broadcasters who don't
take part in Eurovision, such as Tunisia, Egypt,
Turkey, Algeria, Jordan and Lebanon.
Recently, countries including Ireland, the Netherlands,
Slovenia, Iceland and Spain, have all said they will
drop out of Eurovision ...if Israel is not banned.
The Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, said that Ireland's participation
in the event "would be unconscionable given the ongoing
and appalling loss of lives in Gaza".
The Dutch public broadcaster, Avrotros, said it too could
no longer justify Israel's inclusion "given the ongoing
and severe human suffering in Gaza".
However, Israel's public broadcaster Kan said it should be
allowed to take part, adding it was "one of the contest's
longstanding, popular and successful participants".
In the UK, Eurovision is broadcast by the BBC. Last week,
the corporation's director-general Tim Davie said he was
"aware of the concerns" ....around Israel taking part.
Rhondda Records adds:
It's amazing that a violent colonizing apartheid state
The Council of Ministers of the Government of Spain today
approved implementing the arms embargo on Israel, a
measure that is added to others, in rejection of the
genocide in Gaza.
It was the Minister of Economy, Commerce and Business, Carlos
Body, who was in charge of commenting on the announcement
to the media regarding the Royal Decree Law, which
coincidentally was accompanied in parallel by a
minute of silence for the victims of Gaza in
the Congress of Deputies..
“(...) urgent measures are adopted against the genocide in Gaza
and to support the Palestinian population (...) We consolidate
the total arms embargo on Israel’, the Corps highlighted.
In this way, the total arms embargo on Israel is legally established
and prohibits the trade of products from the occupied Palestinian
territories, which establishes that exceptions can be applied to
safeguard the general national interest, he added.
Likewise, he stressed - that the Royal Decree-Law is ‘a forceful and
pioneering step’ and another example of the political commitment
of the Government and Spain's leadership to be able to achieve a
just peace and lasting in the area, and that ‘the genocide stops”.
Going deeper into the issue, the Corps explained that the
consolidation of the total arms embargo on Israel, the
ban on exports to Israel and imports originating in
Israel of all defense material and dual-use
products or technology - are essential.
In addition --- the denial of the transit request for aircraft fuels
with possible military use in Israel, which were not included
until now in the Foreign Trade Control Regulation, they are
today... included.
Another aspect is the prohibition of importing products originating
from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory
and finally the prohibition of advertising for the marketing of
goods originating from these settlements..... of services
provided in them.
The head of the Economy pointed out that the Government is
committed to reporting to Congress every quarter, of which
he trusts that he will give his support to this package of
sanctions within a deadline of 30 days.
On the other hand, Spain firmly maintained this Tuesday its will to
preserve the security and protection of the humanitarian flotilla
that brings humanitarian aid to Gaza ------- while rejecting
Israel's threats.
In a statement released by the Spanish Foreign Ministry and
endorsed from New York by the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
José Manuel Albares, the Iberian nation confirmed that
it will provide all diplomatic and consular protection
to the Sumud Global Flotilla.
The diplomat recalled the peaceful and humanitarian nature
of this civil society initiative and assured that “we will
react to any act that violates their freedom of
movement, their freedom of expression
and international law”.
_______________________________________
Over 1,300 Artists Pledge Boycott
of Israeli Film Institutions ----
as Gaza War Escalates
September 9th, 5:58am
(teleSUR)
More than 1,300 artists, among them Mark Ruffalo, Riz
Ahmed, and Tilda Swinton, have pledged to cut ties
with Israeli film institutions accused of complicity
in violations against Palestinians.
More than 1,300 artists, including high-profile Hollywood actors
and filmmakers, have pledged to withdraw from Israeli film
institutions accused of supporting violations against
Palestinians, as Israel’s war on Gaza enters its
23rd month.
The initiative, announced Monday, brings together figures such
as Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda
Swinton, and Javier Bardem. Their statement condemned
what they called the “unrelenting horror” in Gaza, where
Israeli attacks have killed over 64,000 Palestinians and
devastated most of the enclave.
“Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid who refused
to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, we pledge not
to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film
institutions – including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and
production companies – that are implicated in genocide and
apartheid against the Palestinian people,” the
declaration read.
The signatories defined complicity as “whitewashing or justifying
genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government
committing them.” The pledge also cited International Court
of Justice findings that the genocide case against Israel is
legally plausible -------- and reaffirmed the illegality of the
occupation of Palestinian territory.
Human rights groups, academics, and UN experts have repeatedly
accused Israel of committing genocide, one of the gravest war
crimes defined by the United Nations as acts carried out “with
intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical,
racial or religious group.”
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mike Lerner described the initiative
as a “non-violent tool” to challenge impunity. “It is the
responsibility of every independently minded artist
to use whatever powers of expression they
possess to support the global resistance
to overcome this horror,” he said.
The boycott reflects a shift within an industry long known for
pro-Israel narratives. Hollywood.. once produced films such
as the 1960 feature Exodus that glorified Israel’s founding,
and has frequently embedded positive references to the
country in mainstream productions. Yet recent years
have seen actors and directors, openly criticize
Israeli policies, often at a professional cost.
In 2023, Susan Sarandon, who signed the current pledge, was
dropped by her talent agency after attending a Palestine
solidarity rally. Actress Melissa Barrera, another
signatory, lost her role in the Scream franchise
following social media posts critical of Israel.
At the same time, Palestinian stories are gaining visibility. In
March, the Israeli-Palestinian co-production No Other Land,
documenting the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the
occupied West Bank, won the Academy Award for
best documentary feature. In September, The
Voice of Hind Rajab — recounting the final
calls of a five-year-old Palestinian girl..
before she and her family were killed
by Israeli forces — received a 23-
minute standing ovation at the
Venice Film Festival.
The artists’ statement concluded: “As filmmakers, actors, film
industry workers, and institutions, we recognise the power
of cinema to shape perceptions. In this urgent moment of
crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the
carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can, to
address complicity in that unrelenting horror.”
The collective action -- adds cultural weight to mounting calls for
accountability, as artists mobilize their influence to challenge
Israel’s conduct in Gaza and spotlight Palestinian voices on
the global stage.
The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.
Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!
Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposedWorld War One.
His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
ROGER WATERS TO MUSICIANS:- "BOYCOTT ISRAEL"
Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter, calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.
“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments [to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters … to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists around the world, to declare a cultural boycott on Israel,” Roger Waters says in his letter.
Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of major breaches of human rights and international law by international organizations, UN officials and the International Court of Justice.
He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).
Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7 years, and now wants other musicians to also join the anti-Israeli front.
“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.”
The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th, 2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.
In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist regime’s violations of the international law and the lack of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian people from achieving their inalienable rights, especially the right of self-determination.
____________________
AT THE FACTORY
Tickets from
www.wegottickets.com/thefactory
www.ticketweb.co.uk
browse venues in Wales
www.ticketlineuk.com
02920 230130
Cash tickets from:
The Factory, Porth Instrumental Music, Penygraig Spillers Records, Cardiff
Indulge in a delicious cake and a cup of tea while enjoying music and sing-along songs from fantastic Welsh musicians.
Ticket information:
The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:
08000 147 111 or book online at
www.rct-arts.co.ukÂÂ
*************************************************
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...
7pm - 9pm
Tonyrefail Comprehensive School Mid Rhondda Modelling Club
has been running for over 30 years.
We meet on a regular basis
& enjoy making models for display.
We encourage both Gentlemen
and Ladies to attend, and also young people aged 12+.
However, Young people under 16, must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket information
£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free
Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658
************************************************
Comedy In The Laughter Lounge
The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.
COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE
Join us once a month in the intimate setting of the Laughter Lounge for some top notch comedy with some of the biggest and brightest rising comedians on the circuit.
Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!
Hilarious - TimeOut.
www.rct-arts.co.uk
Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring, and socialist.
A Rhondda very aware of the media's poisonous tricks -- how they con working class people into attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often, even their best allies and friends... instead of seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate the very idea that working people can think, create, or achieve a fairer society.
Thatcher said her proudest achievement was Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop local Labour members having a say, and who made genuine socialist MPs leave the Labour party in disgust and many members and voters to despair... and the young to stop voting.
Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because he was trying to reverse all that New Labour corruption --- that's why membership was flooding in all over the UK.
______________________________________
Get Involved!
– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’, take this online survey:
– Request all your own data that the Labour Party holds on you:
http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy
_______________________________________
IF - YOU THINK you HAVE BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:
“Any member who is suspended & intends to appeal the decision should throw in a ‘Subject Access Request in accordance with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL data that the Labour Party hold on them.
The Labour Party are Data Controllers and therefore have to, by law, provide you with all material/information they hold on you.”
If anyone is in contact with anyone who was barred from voting --- please can you pass this info on:
The Labour leadership election was under the jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.
If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge your complaint, and inform them of your Data Protection request.
https://www.electoralreform.co.uk
The notification letters barring new members did not give a clear reason, or information on how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that anyone in this situation, could also contact Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com
She is a barrister --- who can advise members on what to do.
**************************************
PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?
A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs, caused a massive drop in support among voters with similar backgrounds, reveals research seeking to explain why support has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.
The study says past leaders like Kinnock and Blair made a concerted effort to pick “more and more middle-class candidates to run for office, during the 80s and 90s, as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which had initial successes at the ballot box.
But this “conscious electoral strategy” stored up problems, as working-class voters who initially, just didn’t vote in response, now seek an alternative.
The solution?Trust each constituency to put forward its own candidates, and don't impose ‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.
Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist" MPs who, for decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda... - and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.
‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide to Reselection and Democratic Accountability by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:
http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i- deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to- reselection-and-democratic-accountability/ CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS' LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!
Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP, was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST go, because it was the ONLY way to act in the Labour Party's interest...
Chris Bryant's voting record: from TheyWorkForYou.com
On Tuition Fees:
On 27 Jan 2004: Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000 per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000 per year, and to make other changes to higher education funding and regulation arrangements.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income homes, and changes to the country's higher education system.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.
On 25 May 2016: Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies - Further Rises in University Tuition Fees
On Human Rights:
Consistently voted for introducing ID cards
Almost always voted for requiring the mass retention of information about communications
Generally voted for mass surveillance of people’s communications and activities
On the Environment:
Generally voted against greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract shale gas
On Special Interests:
Almost always voted against limits on success fees paid to lawyers in no-win no fee cases
Generally voted against a statutory register of lobbyists
On War or Peace:
Generally voted for use of UK military forces in combat operations overseas
Consistently voted for the Iraq war
Consistently voted against an investigation into the Iraq war
Generally voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On Independence:
Generally voted for more EU integration
____________________________
Chris Bryant Labour MP From Wikipedia
(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant 1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John Bryant MP.)
Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.
He was educated at Cheltenham College, an independent school for boys in the spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he was captain of the school swimming team, and Mansfield College at the University of Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English. This was later promoted to a Master of Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.
After completing his first degree, Bryant began training to be a priest in the Church of England at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. There, he obtained a degree in theology.
Although a member of the Conservative Party, and an elected office-holder in the Oxford University Conservative Association, he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after leaving Oxford.
He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in 1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989; then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough, as well as travelling in Latin America.
In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after deciding that being gay and being a priest, were incompatible. Statements made by Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford, also influenced his decision.
After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant worked as the election agent to the Holborn and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party, where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat in the 1992 general election.
From 1993, he was Local Government officer for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and was elected to Hackney Borough Council in 1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of the Christian Socialist Movement.
He is both a member of the Labour Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was London manager of the leader-grooming "charity", Common Purpose.
He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the 1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes), and Head of European Affairs for the BBC, from 1998.
His selection for the very safe Labour seat of Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex- Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory, while studying at Oxford, and a member now, of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' --- described by The Guardian newspaper as 'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO and pro-military intervention, as well as being fundamentally anti-socialist.
Fifty-two people applied for the candidature and a local councillor was hot favourite to win, before Bryant was parachuted in.
In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his underpants, which he had posted to a gay dating website, was published in 'papers.
When an interviewer suggested he was a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied: "They can't get rid of me."
His pay, allowances and some expenses:
The basic annual salary for an MP, from April 1st, 2016 is £74,962. MPs also get expenses: to cover the costs of running an office, employing staff, having some- where to live in London, plus, in their constituency and travelling between Parliament and their constituency.
His MP's expenses story:
Chris Bryant changed second home twice to claim £20,000: the deputy leader of the House of Commons, "flipped" his second home twice, in 2 years, allowing him to claim almost £20,000 for renovations and fees.
Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over £92,000 of expenses between 3 properties in Wales and London --- within five years.
In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to overhaul his second home in Wales, after allegedly complaining that properties in his constituency were "terrace or mine owners' houses".
Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman, wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen, and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.
He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for £58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum. He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.
His alleged justification was disclosed... in correspondence between Commons officials. By email, an official wrote: "He had problems finding a suitable property because in the Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced property or mine owners' houses." When approached by the Daily Telegraph, Mr Bryant said: "I have never said or thought anything of the sort".
In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000 for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004. Along with other bills, his annual claim was £20,902.
In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April 2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage interest, along with other bills. After claiming over £3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005 for £477,000.
Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000. He immediately flipped his second home expenses there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.
He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000 a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.
In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.
Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in London, so as to be closer to Parliament."
Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place – a move one Labour backbencher described as “a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:
“Our investigation found that many of the MPs bought their London properties with the help of the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system allowed them to claim back mortgage payments. But when those claims were banned, following the expenses scandal, they switched to letting out their properties, in some cases for up to £3,000 a month. They then started claiming expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”
Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow leader of the House of Commons. He had already bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage claims under the old system.
But after the expenses scandal, he started renting the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.
Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range secure quantum communication system.
A group of scientists from ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed a new approach to constructing quantum communication systems for secure data exchange.
The experimental device based on the results of the research is capable of transmitting single-photon quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs or more, which is on par with its cutting edge analogues, the ITMO press-service says.
"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system, that will generate & distribute quantum keys and transmit useful data simultaneously", ITMO says.
Information security is becoming more and more of a critical issue not only for large companies, banks and defense enterprises but even for small businesses and individual users.
But the data encryption algorithms we currently use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless of how complex and intricate the algorithm is, getting around it, is just a matter of time.
Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems that protect information, by making use of fundamental laws of quantum physics, can make data transmission totally immune to hacker attacks, in the future.
Information in a quantum channel is carried by single photons that change irreversibly if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them. The legitimate users will instantly know about any kind of intervention.
Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre of the International Institute of Photonics and Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni., Russia, along with their colleagues from the Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have devised a new way to generate and distribute, quantum bits.
This makes it possible to share quantum signals --- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.
"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so- called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim, head of the Quantum Information Centre, at ITMO University,
"This unique approach gives us a number of advantages -- such as a considerable simplification of the device architecture and the large pass-through capacity of the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate and operating distances, our system is comparable to absolute champions in the field of quantum communications."
According to Robert Collins, research associate at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors of the study, this may become a pivotal point for the whole field of quantum communication and cryptography:
"Down the track, this new approach can enable smooth coexistence of numerous data streams with different wavelengths in one single optical cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines --- along with conventional communications."
The research paper is published in the Optics Express journal.
Scottish universities are to be congratulated for their strong & growing links with Chinese and Russian universities....
What a shame, that Wales is lying low --- with academics too scared to break from US military research.
KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES
Did you know that each time a local authority
closes a care home for the elderly, within 8
months, around half the residents are dead?
Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect to euthanasia of the UK's elderly. What to do?
We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:
EDM 2251: The contents
This House notes with deep concern the worsening crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local authority and private care homes face closure
Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and, in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when vulnerable, elderly people are forced to leave their homes
Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis will increase needs for local authority care
And therefore calls on the government to hold a public inquiry into the deaths after closures, of local authority care homes, and impose a moratorium on the closure of local authority care homes, until that inquiry publishes its results, to ensure that vulnerable, elderly people's lives are not put at further risk.
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MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES
Households across three more English areas will be able to access superfast broadband in the latest phase of a Government scheme to connect rural homes and businesses.
The £50 million funding package for Devon and Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million) and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out of superfast broadband services unable to be reached by the market alone.
Areas will also receive financial support from their local authorities and private investors, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says.
So it's Broadband Heaven for England...
and crapola for Wales' broadband - the
slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!
Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet, in Scotland, their campaign centred on it becoming the "most connected country in Europe," to massively boost their economy.
In Wales, which political party is now willing to put into practice scientists' recommendations: that Wales' hilly topography requires establishing
free 'wireless' broadband?
It could connect the people of Rhondda and the world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration, like no other move.Wireless technology is now supplying free broadband to an entire island off New Zealand's coast.
Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!
Western China has embraced "green-mode development" - with painful changes from which, Wales could well learn.
Eastern China has seen fast growth and urban mess. The West, a mining and agricultural area, has not.
Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model for reclaiming old mining areas.
It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing the world how best to change, by turning a badly polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all new environment-friendly development.
As China's economic focus moves from east to west, it's using the lessons learned during 30 or more years of rapid industrial development.
The green way for China's west, is to combine green industrialization & green urbanization.
The western region's strategy is to adopt effective energy-saving and environmental protection technologies... AND to extend its industry through science and products unique to China's West, together with strong vertical growth in agriculture and all its ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.
In undertaking this industrial revolution, the western region will keep a sharp eye out - to avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.
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A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!
Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing season in Yunnan province, in China.
Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.
Local beekeepers and many from other places, such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up their base in tents among the rapeseed farms.
The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in Luoping attract myriads of bees, which produce 15 - 20 million tons of honey a year.
Local people now look to brand their county as a honey production base & increase sales to outside markets.
Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair, Zhu Hongkun, founded his enterprise in 2009.
It mainly produces honey, propolis and propolis powder.
His company works with 270 plus beekeepers, who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.
Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.
Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?
The whole of the uplands of south Wales could be as beautiful & productive, if used wisely!
CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD
As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos", perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting all our mineral wealth has been stopped (apart from sand and rock) we find ourselves "in" the 1st World of the UK, but with a 3rd World economy, only just kept going by quangos which promise much... but deliver little... and rely on weak public support.
We could WAKE UP & understand that we either do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.
China's premier points the way forward for Wales:
"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative and high value added products can our companies and economy, achieve sustainable development."
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WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...
An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese news portal, finds that 91% of its over 800,000 respondents, are against raising the current official Chinese retirement age.
745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose raising retirement ages -- 72,456 support it.
China's scholars & the public have been debating whether to raise the retirement age, for the past few years, but the issue rose to prominence after remarks by an official.
Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security, said at a press conference that the government was "studying the matter"...
The retirement age in China is generally set at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.
Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!
FARMING AND SCIENCE COULD REGENERATE WALES
A new UN General Assembly report warns "vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each year, and that this could lead to unrest.
The report says up to 30 million hectares, an area the size of Italy, is lost each year to environmental degradation, industry & urbanization - the growth of cities - and all because of speculative building and greed.
The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter, gives the example of eastern Africa, where the amount of cultivated land has declined by half --- in just one generation! "
As rural populations grow and competition with large industrial units increases, plots cultivated by smallholders are shrinking year after year," says De Schutter.
"Farmers are often relegated to soils that are arid, hilly or without irrigation."
The UN officer also mentions India as another example, where the average landholding fell from 2.6 hectares in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in 2000. A cut of nearly half in 40 years!
He says 500 million small farmers suffer from hunger, partly because their right to land is being violated. The expert warns of the devastating consequences, as foreign investors compete for larger and larger areas of the world's land for "their" agriculture.
Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild its new economy by basing it on a fresh approach to high-value added products, using science and agriculture... such as the Altzeim project in Gwent.
