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UN General Assembly- Russia’s Suspension from UNHRC
Source: The Hindu (https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-general-assembly-votes-to-suspend-russia-from-un-human-rights-council-india-abstains/article65300553.ece)
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has intensified global resentment across all domains. Russia's deadliest attack on the cities of Ukraine not only destroyed the military forces but also took the life of the innocents. Russia's intense airstrikes and military actions lead to the civilian mortals in the suburbs of Kyiv. This attracted a severe backlash for Russia as Ukraine and its partners accused Russia of committing war crimes. In response to this, the UN General Assembly, on April 8th 2022, moved the motion for Russia's suspension from the UN-Human Rights Council. Less than half of the member nations voted in support of the motion.
"We need to take action today to save the council from sinking," Ukraine's UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya said before the vote. Out of the 193 member nations, 93 nations- (the US, EU nations, UK and Ukraine) voted in favour of the motion, 24 nations- (China, Belarus, Syria) voted against the motion, and India, Egypt, Mexico, South Africa and 53 other nations remain to abstain.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, took it to Twitter to thank the members of the UN who voted in favour of removing Russia from the council. In the message, he wrote- "War criminals have no place in UN bodies aimed at protecting human rights."
Editorial board
EU considers coal blockade on Russia, although gas and oil are exempted
The series of imposing sanctions by the western authorities on Russia continues. On April 6, 2022, the European Union (EU) imposed a new bundle of sanctions on Russia with a ban on coal imports worth €4bn. The move is interpreted as cutting down and bringing a sluggish genre to Russian economic sources. EU president Ursula von der Leyen stated that the coal embargo would reduce the vital income source for Russia. While referring to the proposal from Estonia, "We're engaged on further sanctions, together with on oil imports, and we're reflecting on among the concepts offered by the member states, resembling taxes or particular cost channels, resembling an escrow account," von der Leyen stated.
A number of proposals have been tabled by EU member nations, including a ban on Russian banks and refraining Russian vessels from accessing EU ports. However, though the sanctions on coal imports are in place, the EU has ingeniously found ways to leave two essential resources untouched by Russia, i.e., oil and gasoline, considering some EU member nations' huge dependency on Russian fossil fuels. According to the data, coal imports from Russia to the EU will be around 20% in 2020, while oil and gasoline imports to the EU will be about 37%–40%, respectively.
Though the EU has to react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it also has to take its member nations' interests into consideration.
By Hitendra Boradey - Batch 20-22
Israel, UAE Strike Free Trade Deal
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/1/israel-and-uae-agree-on-milestone-free-trade-deal
Israel and United Arab Emirates (UAE) concluded talks for the free trade agreement on 1st April 2022. It is the first landmark economic agreement between both countries. This deal came after Israel and UAE normalised their relations in 2020, which was part of the US-arranged treaty of Abraham Accords.
The bilateral trade talks began in November 2021. They were agreed upon after four negotiation rounds, including proceedings between Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and UAE Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi in December 2021 and in Egypt last month.
This significant trade deal will gradually eliminate customs duties on 95 percent of goods, consisting of several agricultural, medical supplies, food and cosmetic products. It will also intensify market access and foster investment circulation. According to the Israel Economic Ministry statement, “The agreement covers regulations, customs, services, government procurement and electronic trade”.
Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett said, “The good relations forged between our two countries are strengthened by this free trade agreement, which will significantly improve economic cooperation for the benefit of the citizens of countries.” The agreement will come into practice as soon as both governments complete the process of ratification and the necessary documentation required for the deal.
By Nihal Kothavale - Batch 20-22
India and Russia- A strategic relationship navigating through turbulent times
India and Russia have a time tested and strategic partnership. The Soviet Union, as Russia was called then, was the most important ally of newly independent India. Even today, Russia remains a vital partner due to its defence capabilities and resources, even as India has grown closer to the West. This partnership presently stands to face another test that would determine its future course. Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine has put India in a dilemma.
While India has made its best possible attempt at neutrality, its response is evidently being perceived as 'shaky' by Western leaders and officials who have left no stone unturned to make India pick sides and condemn Russia. Recent visits by Liz Truss and Daleep Singh have clearly shown that the West is trying to woo and coax India into siding against Russia. India has clearly been skeptical of such attempts and charted its own course. The recent visit by Sergei Lavrov showed clear signs that India still views Russia as a critical partner. However, time would only tell us whether India can manage its new Western friends without losing its old friend.
The Step Away from the Sunshine
Illustration: Craig Stephens
Attempts to reconcile North and South Korea have been plenty since the cessation of violence of the Korean War in 1953. The Reconciliation Policy adopted by South Korea in 1998 is known as the Sunshine Policy. The policy became the basis of all future reconciliation talks advocating cooperation and non-aggression from the North. North Korea’s nuclear program and USA’s influence in the South tend to always come in the way of the reconciliation process.
Cut to 2022, against the backdrop of North Korea ramping up its ballistic missile testing; the Koreas are at odds ends. The tests have brought a great deal of anxiety, making the future of the reconciliation process, once again, uncertain.
The North Korean leader’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, announced that North Korea would ‘annihilate’ the South Korean military with its nuclear weapons if they launched a preemptive strike against them. This was the 2nd threat issued in a week, following South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook’s declaration that South Korea had the military capability to ‘accurately hit any target’ in North Korea. Kim Yo Jong’s heavily worded statement initially received a subdued response from South Korea, calling for de-escalation of tensions and a return to dialogue.
By Kaira Vartak - Batch 20-22