The General Assembly this morning adopted six resolutions by recorded vote -- two on the situation in the Middle East and four on the question of Palestine -- as it concluded its consideration of those items.
With 96 voting in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States), and 55 abstaining (see Annex II), the Assembly adopted a resolution on the Syrian Golan, by the terms of which it declared that Israel had failed so far to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and that the Israeli decision of 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan was null and void, and had no validity whatsoever. The Assembly called upon Israel to resume the talks on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks and to respect the commitments and undertakings reached during previous talks. It also demanded that Israel withdraw from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of 4 June 1967.
In action on the question of Palestine, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in a recorded vote of 106 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States), and 48 abstentions (see Annex III). By that resolution, the Assembly authorized the Committee to continue to exert all efforts to promote the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, to make such adjustments in its approved programme of work as it may consider appropriate and necessary in the light of developments, and to give special emphasis to the need to mobilize support and assistance for the Palestinian people.
The recorded vote on the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat was 107 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States), and 48 abstentions (see Annex IV). By that resolution, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to continue to provide the Division with the necessary resources and to ensure that it continued to carry out its programme of work.
The resolution on the Special Information Programme on Palestine of the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat was adopted in a recorded vote of 151 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States) and 2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands). (See Annex V.) By the terms of the resolution, the Assembly requested the Department to continue, with the necessary flexibility as may be required by developments affecting the question of Palestine, its special information programme for the biennium 2000-2001, and, in particular, to disseminate information on all the activities of the United Nations system relating to the question of Palestine. The Assembly also requested the Department of Public Information to promote the Bethlehem 2000 Project.
A draft text on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine (document A/55/L.48) was adopted by a recorded vote of 149 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States), and 3 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru). By the resolution, the Assembly expressed its full support for the ongoing peace process, which began in Madrid and for the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements of 1993, as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, including the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip of 1995 and the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum of 1999. It expressed the hope that the process would lead to the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. It stressed the need for commitment to the principle of land for peace and the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and the need for the immediate and scrupulous implementation of the agreements reached between the parties, including the redeployment of Israeli forces from the West Bank.
Responding to statements made during yesterday afternoon's and this morning's debate, the representative of Israel said that, despite recent setbacks, tremendous progress had been made in turning enemies into partners for peace. In May this year, Israel had unilaterally withdrawn its forces from southern Lebanon. In confirming Israel's compliance with Security Council resolution 425, the Secretary-General had specifically determined that the area known as "Shabaa" was not Lebanese territory. Consequently, subsequent Lebanese claims against Israel regarding that area, justifying aggressive activity by terrorists emanating from Lebanese territory, were in direct contravention of the Secretary-General's findings.
He said any discussion of the situation in the Middle East must not only consider Israel's immediate neighbours, but also address the threats to peace and stability on the periphery of the region. Iran, "a stalwart of Middle Eastern rejectionism", continued to support the terrorist activities of Hezbollah and continued efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Meanwhile, Iraq's persistence in developing weapons of mass destruction was particularly troubling in light of that country's proven enthusiasm for firing missiles at civilian populations.
He said Israel envisioned a broad circle of peace in the Middle East that would encompass all of its neighbours and constitute a complete and final end to the state of conflict. For Israel, he said, normal peaceful relations included the establishment of full diplomatic ties, the removal of boycotts, repeal of discriminatory legislation and practices, transportation and communication links, and the free movement of goods and people over borders. "Surely, the triumph of peace, true peace, will be the triumph for all people in the Middle East and for all generations to come," he said.
The representatives of the Russian Federation, Turkey, Chile, Ukraine, Indonesia and Norway also spoke this morning. Representatives of the United States, France (on behalf of the European Union and associated States), Argentina, Israel and Mexico spoke in explanation of the vote, while the representatives of Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Israel exercised their right of reply. The Permanent Observer of Palestine also spoke.
The Assembly will meet again at 3 p.m. to take up consideration of the role of diamonds in fuelling conflicts.
The fifty-fifth regular session of the General Assembly met this morning to continue its consideration of the situation in the Middle East.
It was also expected to take action on draft resolutions introduced during the debate on the question of Palestine.
ANDREI E. GRANOVSKY (Russian Federation) said that, unfortunately, on the threshold of the twenty-first century, the international community was forced to admit that the situation in the Middle East remained unstable. The Madrid process, however, had shown that the international community was capable of finding ways to deal with the situation. From the start of the crisis, the Russian Federation had been tirelessly seeking to do all it could to bring the opposing parties to the negotiating table. One of the important items on the agenda of recent Moscow talks had been finding a way to get the peace process back on track and to improve relations between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon.
It was important that all concerned parties be brought into the process to find an acceptable solution for all on the basis of Security Council resolutions. The Russian Federation considered it important that the international community do its utmost to implement the guidelines laid down in Sharm el-Sheikh. True peace in the Middle East would not be possible without constructive dialogue between Israel and Syria and the return of the Golan Heights. Similarly, if there was to be true and stable peace, there must be a resolution to the problem in southern Lebanon. The international community did not have any right to lose sight of the political achievements scored in recent times.
UMIT PAMIR (Turkey) said that the Middle East was passing through difficult and strenuous times, taxing the best efforts of everyone working for the establishment of a lasting peace. It had been frightening and saddening to see the violence erupting in the way it had, claiming the lives of more than 300 people, predominantly Palestinian, causing thousands of injuries and great material damage. Indeed, one could but take the long view and look forward, he said. The results of Sharm el-Sheikh must be upheld by all parties, as the peace process represented the only real and viable chance for future generations.
The establishment of the Fact-Finding Committee in the aftermath of the Summit was an important and encouraging development. It had been vested with a crucial task, and he looked forward to the successful completion of its mandate within the agreed timetable. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict lay at the heart of the Middle East issue, and it was the key for a solution. He added that the Holy City of Jerusalem must be a potent symbol of tolerance and co-existence; its religious, cultural and historic status must be kept intact for all.
Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 remained the basis for achieving a lasting peace in the region, a peace that would pave the way for prosperity and enlightened cooperation. Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, in accordance with resolution 425, was another crucial step in the right direction. Turkey respected the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and had tried to alleviate their suffering. Many injured Palestinians were receiving medical treatment in Turkey. Medical assistance had also been sent to the region. In addition to Turkish financial humanitarian assistance, amounting to $500,000, $3 million in structural financial assistance was being provided to the Palestinian Authority.
YEHUDA LANCRY (Israel) said that, despite recent setbacks, tremendous progress had been made in turning enemies into partners for peace. The time had come to break the cycle of tragedy, and begin a new era of triumphs in the making of peace. The first of those triumphs was the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979. Fifteen years later, a peace treaty was established between Israel and Jordan. In May this year, Israel had unilaterally withdrawn its forces from southern Lebanon. It must be stressed that, in confirming Israel's compliance with Security Council resolution 425, the Secretary-General had specifically determined that the area known as "Shabaa" was not Lebanese territory. Consequently, subsequent Lebanese claims against Israel regarding that area, justifying aggressive activity by terrorists emanating from Lebanese territory, were in direct contravention of the Secretary-General's findings. A continuation of acts of aggression by Lebanese terrorists carried with it a danger of imminent escalation.
He said that, this year, his country had also continued in its quest to achieve a comprehensive peace with Syria, on the basis of the framework established at the Madrid Peace Conference of 1991. The most recent effort took place at meetings between Prime Minister Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Al-Shara in the United States in January. At those talks, Israel had presented "a territorial proposal which was quite significant", as President Clinton had said. Yet that and other proposals went unanswered by the Syrian side, which chose to break off the negotiations.
"We must not forget that any discussion of the situation in the Middle East must not only consider Israel's immediate neighbours, but also address the threats to peace and stability on the periphery of the region," he said. Iran, "a stalwart of Middle Eastern rejectionism", continued to support the terrorist activities of Hezbollah and continued efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction. He had evidence that Iran had developed chemical weapons and reason to believe it had developed biological warfare capabilities as well. Iranian officials continued to call for jihad and the destruction of the State of Israel. Meanwhile, Iraq's persistence in developing weapons of mass destruction was particularly troubling in light of that country's proven enthusiasm for firing missiles at civilian populations. Iraq's denial of access to United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission teams, and its history of hostility towards Israel, made that country a continued threat to Israel's security and to regional stability.
He said Israel envisioned a broad circle of peace in the Middle East that would encompass all of its neighbours and constitute a complete and final end to the state of conflict. It sought to establish clearly defined borders that would eliminate all territorial disputes, a peace that would provide a framework for regional security and would curb the threat to stability posed by extremist elements. It sought a peace that would improve the lives of all the peoples of the Middle East, creating a predictable economic environment, attracting foreign investment and facilitating sustainable economic and social development.
JUAN EDUARDO EGUIGUREN (Chile) expressed deep sorrow at the tragic events that had taken place in the occupied territories and in Israel since 28 September. His Government called for restraint and calm so that the parties could restart the peace process. Chile was pleased by the fact that Israel had complied with Security Council resolution 425 by withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon. On another matter, he hoped that Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic would renew their discussions on the Golan Heights, in conformity with the pertinent resolutions of the Council.
Further, Chile welcomed the creation of a fact-finding mission in the current crisis between the Palestinians and Israelis. In addition, it supported the activities of the Secretary-General in exploring concrete measures to put an end to the violence. He cited the principles that formed the basis of Chile's foreign policy because of their applicability to the general situation in the Middle East, specifically: peaceful settlement of disputes; compliance with Security Council resolutions 242 and 338; observance of international humanitarian law, in which the protection of civilian populations was fundamental; recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people; and the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live within safe and internationally recognized borders.
His country urged both parties "to begin to speak the language of peace, hope and reconciliation". What Israelis and Palestinians must internalize was that violence left no one victorious. A just, negotiated and lasting settlement was the only path open for both parties, he added. In closing, Chile noted that it had excellent relations with the Arab countries, with Israel and with the Palestinian Authority. The prolongation of the crisis day by day was disquieting to the international community. He felt that the Middle East was dear to Chile, which had a large Palestinian population as well as a large Jewish population; moreover, they all lived together amicably, demonstrating that coexistence was not only possible but produced great results.
VALERI P. KUCHYNSKI (Ukraine) noted that the situation in the Middle East had remained at the top of the United Nations agenda for more than half a century. Over the past year, the peace process had witnessed its ups and downs. The Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, the resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian permanent status talks, the second Camp David Summit had all rekindled hopes that the beginning of a new millennium would finally bring a long-awaited peace to the whole region. Regrettably, hopes had not been met, and the upsurge of violence during the last two months in the Palestinian territories, in Israel and recently in Lebanon had brought the Middle East peace process to the most crucial stage of its history.
Ukraine condemned acts of excessive and indiscriminate use of force against Palestinian civilians, and called on Israel to stop them immediately. He was also convinced that Israel had to stop its settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, and must no longer resort to economic sanctions against the Palestinian population. It was well known that violence begot only violence. At this critical juncture, he called on the Israelis and Palestinians to demonstrate their political courage, wisdom and restraint. Both parties must resume their negotiations as soon as possible, based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.
He welcomed the fact that the Israeli-Lebanese track had seen significant progress this year. He was satisfied with the implementation of Security Council resolution 425, which led to the deployment of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and established the blue line along the border between Israel and Lebanon, this restoring Lebanese Government control over its territory. He regretted that the Israeli-Syrian track had been stalled for a long time. It was in the interest of all peoples in the region to have the Israeli-Syrian talks on the occupied Syrian Golan resumed without further delay and without preconditions. He called on the Governments of Syria and Israel to further explore the direct talks that followed the Washington summit meeting in December 1999.
MAKARIM WIBISONO (Indonesia) said his country could not but express its dismay at the current state of affairs, where military aggression had been substituted for peace negotiations. Israel must be called upon to cease its aggression without preconditions, as failure to prevent further escalation on the ground would ignite the whole region and result in incalculable consequences, not only for the Middle East but for the world at large. The stakes involved in bringing peace to the Palestinians and to the people of the region were high, for it involved not only the question of peace, territory and settlement, but also the future of an entire people and its never-ending struggle for freedom and independence.
Peace was, however, illusory if it meant unimplemented agreements, broken deadlines and unmet commitments. Neither could peace flourish and grow when accords were reached but untenable policies continued unabated. Those had included the expansion of settlements, confiscation of Arab lands, demolition of houses and property and the economic strangulation of the Palestinian territories. The interests of peace could never be served if its sole purpose was to legitimize occupation and dispossession. A just and lasting settlement in the Middle East, with the question of Palestine at its core, could only be attained by fully taking into account the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to their homeland and due recognition of the rights of all States in the region to live within internationally recognized borders.
OLE PETER KOLBY (Norway) appealed to both sides not to respond to provocations. The parties must implement the Sharm el-Sheikh understandings and do their utmost to cease all actions that could escalate the conflict. He said the peace process contained both political and economic elements. Continued economic development in the Palestinian territories was critical to a lasting peace and would also benefit Israel. The violence of the last two months was threatening positive development. If security measures continued to impede the normal functioning of the economy, it might also undermine support for the political process. He, therefore, urged Israel to lift the closure of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and, instead, to encourage the development of the Palestinian economy.
His country had always understood and supported Israel's quest for security and had condemned terrorist attacks from any quarters. But lasting security could not be sustained at the expense of others. Israel must respect the safety and security of the Palestinians. Excessive and disproportionate use of force against the Palestinians had exacerbated the tensions and fuelled further violence.
The only long-term solution to the ongoing conflict was a final peace agreement. Such an agreement must be just and fair. Great efforts and sacrifices would have to be made on both sides in order to reach such an agreement, possibly to be preceded by a new interim agreement. Significant progress had been made at Camp David. He urged the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to use that window of opportunity and to take brave steps to ensure peace and stability for all.
LARRY CARP (United States), explaining his votes on the situation in the Middle East, said that the United States continued to support a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. It would do everything it could to assist the parties in reaching a negotiated agreement which would resolve their differences. The situation in the Middle East was at a crucial point, he said. The Assembly must now concentrate on supporting the parties' efforts to take the difficult step to end the cycle of violence and return to a negotiated settlement.
The resolution entitled "The Syrian Golan", like so many of the other resolutions dealing with the Arab-Israeli dispute, sought to interject the General Assembly into ongoing negotiations. Syria and Israel continued to publicly support the principle of a negotiating process to resolve their differences, and resolutions such as this did not contribute to that goal. The United States would vote against it. The United States would abstain on the resolution on Jerusalem, consistent with the belief that the future of Jerusalem must be decided through permanent status negotiations.
The Assembly, by a recorded vote of 145 in favour, 1 against (Israel) and 5 abstentions (Angola, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States), adopted resolution A/55/L.49 on Jerusalem.
Also in a recorded vote, the Assembly adopted resolution A/55/L.50 on the Syrian Golan, with 96 Member States voting in favour, 2 against (Israel and United States) and 55 abstaining.
CHRISTOPHE BIGOT (France), explaining his vote on behalf of the European Union and associated States, said the European Union reiterated its firm commitment to a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, on the principle of "land for peace" and on the Madrid and Oslo Accords. The European Union wished to express once again its extreme concern in the face of the current crisis in the occupied territories and in Israel. It reiterated its wish for an early resumption of the peace talks, interrupted despite the hopes created by the meeting at Camp David. The European Union also fully supported early resumption of negotiations on the Lebanese and Syrian tracks.
As in previous years, the draft resolution regarding the Syrian Golan contained geographical references which prejudged the outcome of bilateral negotiations. That was why the European Union had again abstained in the vote.
MATEO ESTREME (Argentina) said that his country had voted in favour of draft resolution A/55/L.50, on the Syrian Golan, because the essential aspect of that resolution was related to the illegal acquisition of territory by force. Article 2, paragraph 4, of the United Nation Charter prohibited the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of States. That was an imperative aspect of international law. With regard to operative paragraph 6 of the relative resolution, the Argentinian vote did not necessarily prejudge the geographical references it contained.
SELIM TADMOURY (Lebanon), speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said that the statement by Israel made it seem as if Lebanon was being the offending party -- as if it had been Lebanon that had occupied Israel for 22 years and not the reverse. Since 24 May, the beginning of the Israeli withdrawal, there had been many reports proving that Israel was violating the borders, shooting civilians on their way to work and terrorizing entire villages with supersonic overflights. He also questioned Israel's activity in the Shabaa Farms area, which had been recognized as Lebanese territory.
There were 19 Lebanese prisoners of war in Israeli prisons, denied the right to a legal hearing. That was a grave violation of the Geneva Conventions. Why was Israel not releasing them, he asked, and why was Israel violating the Fourth Geneva Convention? Another source of tension was the 350,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Israel had to stop accusing and threatening Lebanon at every turn, as it had done continuously for 22 years. Lebanon had made a considerable effort in establishing stability in southern Lebanon, in full accordance with United Nations provisions.
MAHDI HAMZEHEI (Iran), exercising his right of reply, said Iran would like to see peace and justice prevail in the Middle East. Israeli assertions about the bombing in Buenos Aires were a ploy to divert attention from its own violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The question was whether those fighting against occupation were freedom fighters or terrorists. Hezbollah and others should not be labeled terrorists, and the world knew it.
It was astonishing that the regime which stockpiled weapons of mass destruction should accuse another country in the Middle East of doing the same. Iran was a full party to the instruments that were the main pillars of disarmament, including the Biological and Chemical Weapons Convention, which Israel refused to join. Israel remained the only non-party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in the Middle East. Its nuclear programmes threatened peace and security. In the biological and chemical areas, there were numerous reports that Israel had such programmes. Israel's refusal to join the conventions on weapons of mass destruction was of deep concern.
FAYSSAL MEKDAD (Syria), speaking in right of reply, said that, at the beginning of this session, the General Assembly had listened to another Israeli statement that distorted the truth and reflected the aggressive Israeli logic. The Israeli representative had papered over his numerous threats with expressions of peace, as if Israel were the country that sought true peace. The Israeli representative did not talk about the occupation of Arab land or Israel's refusal to implement legitimate international resolutions. He did not talk about the settlements that had spread like cancer in Arab lands. The Israeli representative believed that he was capable of hoodwinking the representatives in the General Assembly. He had tried to give the impression that the Arab leadership was not sincere in the pursuit of peace, whereas, in fact, Syria was the country that had opened the road before the peace process in Madrid.
Everyone in the General Assembly had the right to talk about the implementation of Security Council resolutions -- except for the Israeli representative. As was mentioned by Lebanon, Israel had not implemented resolution 425 in full, and had not fully withdrawn from southern Lebanon. The Israeli occupation continued. If Israel wanted peace, why had it waited 23 years to withdraw even incompletely from Lebanon? The peace sought by Syria was a peace which would restore the rights of their owners. Israel had blocked the peace process on all tracks. When Israel was ready to achieve peace, then the peace process could succeed. But as long as Israel had not withdrawn from all occupied Arab lands, the ball was in the Israeli court.
MOHAMMED AL-HUMAIMIDI (Iraq) said that that the Zionist entity represented the most brutal occupying force in the modern age, perpetrating crimes against international humanitarian law and human rights. The last two months were the best testimony of the bloodiness of the regime -- a regime now speaking with the tongue of a victim. The executioner was speaking as a victim. If such methods had ever been successful, they certainly would not convince anyone these days. The delegation of the Zionist entity had expressed a number of falsifications which they were trying to market in this forum. Their methods were quite clear to everyone, and the Zionist entity had never been committed to the resolutions of the Security Council or the General Assembly.
With regard to weapons of mass destruction, he said that the Zionist entity had the largest arsenal of chemical and biological weapons and more than 200 nuclear warheads, targeting all Islamic nations. Its acquisition of such weapons had taken place outside the international safeguard regime. Furthermore, those weapons were acquired in cooperation with a State that was permanent member of the Security Council.
The Zionist entity's charges against Iraq were easy to understand. The inspectors who came to investigate Iraqi weapon arsenals were actually spies reporting to Mossad and the Central Intelligence Agency. If the representative thought that those spies would be allowed to return to Iraq, he was under huge illusions, on a par with the illusion that Israel could abolish the Palestinian identity. The Palestinian State would be created, ranging from the sea to the River Jordan.
Mr. LANCRY (Israel), exercising his right of reply, noted that the representatives of Iran and Iraq were struck with paralysis on hearing the word Israel. They always used the term "Zionist entity". He was proud to be part of that entity. He said the reputations of the Iraqi and Iranian regimes were well established since the conflict between the two countries and the occupation of Kuwait. Nothing needed to be added to that.
The Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, last May, was intended to calm an area with a high risk of tension, in full respect of Security Council resolution 425. At the time of the withdrawal, there was a certain amount of incomprehension on the part of Syria and Lebanon. The Syrian President had warned Israel not to withdraw at that time, because it could transform the region into a powder keg. Could anyone imagine such a paradox? The Israeli withdrawal left the Lebanese Government in a state of confused indifference regarding its sovereignty over its own territory. The resolution had called for Lebanon to extend its army to the "Blue Line", among other things. Lebanon's indecision was, no doubt, related to its imposed cohabitation with Syria, still present in Lebanon. That was a very risky proposition in the border region. Lebanon and Israel had no divergence of any nature. The representative of Lebanon said that Israel was carrying out actions against Lebanese civilians on their way to work. He invited the representative to look at pictures of his own civilians throwing rocks at legitimate Israeli officials along the Blue Line. Speakers had asked what Israel was doing in Shabaa. That zone was subject to negotiations between Israel and Syria. It was not Lebanese. When it became Lebanese through international treaty, Israel would take note of it and act appropriately. He called upon Lebanon to shoulder its responsibilities and prevent an escalation of violence.
He asked the Syrian representative to listen carefully to the voices rising in Lebanon itself. On the basis of which Security Council resolutions was Syria occupying Lebanon? It should leave that country, and put an end to the escalation of tension in the region.
Mr. MEKDAD (Syria), exercising his second right of reply, said he wished that the Israeli representative would have drawn the right conclusions from the vote he had witnessed, and had not exercised his right to reply. After Israel had been indicted and condemned by the crimes it committed every day, it should not continue to falsify facts. Syria had said yesterday and on every other occasion that Israel must withdraw from all occupied Arab territories. Full withdrawal, particularly from all Lebanese territories, and in particular the Shabaa Farms, was essential. Syria had sent letters to the Secretariat and the Security Council affirming that Shabaa was Lebanese territory. Whatever the issue, he said, why did Israel want to stay in Shabaa and the Syrian Golan? If there were truly an Israeli desire for peace, then why stay there -- and until when? Those were the questions that Israel must answer, together with the question of when the daily killings that were taking place against Palestinians and others in the occupied Arab territories would stop.
Mr. TADMOURY (Lebanon) said he could not accept what he had just heard -- that apparently, even though the Lebanese had continued to struggle against Israel for 22 years, the Israeli representative believed Lebanon had refused to let Israel withdraw. Did that sound reasonable or even logical? With regard to the Lebanese reaction to recent events, he explained that Lebanon was not an island; its people reacted to and interacted within the region. Having observed events in the Palestinian occupied territories, of course, stones would be thrown. What did Israel expect after 22 years of occupation -- that the people of Lebanon would throw roses and rice?
Mr. LANCRY (Israel) said the litany about 23 years of occupation was worth defining with more clarity. That occupation corresponded exactly with the years of attacks from southern Lebanon against northern Israel. He had personally witnessed decades of attacks. Later, that region had become the Hezbollah stronghold from which rocket attacks were launched, targeted at Israeli towns and villages along the border. There had been aggression for 22 years, and that aggression continued. A recent example was last Sunday's attack against Israeli soldiers.
Israel had been asked to withdraw from all Lebanese territories. The Security Council had confirmed that Israel had done so. Double standards could not be applied, and selective application of resolutions could not be used. Israel had implemented Council resolution 425 fully. The Security Council had recognized that the kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers was a violation of its resolution 425. The report of the Secretary-General praised the actions of Israel. If there was still a foreign Power in Lebanon, if there was occupation in Lebanon, it was not Israeli occupation, he said.
Mr. Al-HUMAIMIDI (Iraq) said that what the General Assembly had heard from the Israeli representative was sickening. The occupation by the Zionist entity of southern Lebanon was not an occupation, but a matter of self-defence? What a lie! It was an attempt to hoodwink the delegates in the General Assembly, to make them look stupid. Every delegation present knew how ugly the Israeli occupation had been.
Mr. GARDNER (United States), explaining his vote on the question of Palestine, said the United States Government opposed the resolutions grouped under agenda item 41. The first three of those resolutions supported institutions whose activities and approach to the issues continued to be unbalanced and outdated. The Assembly should focus on creating a positive atmosphere, one where the two parties were encouraged to return to negotiations.
The current cycle of violence must end, he said. The tragic loss of life, Palestinian and increasingly Israeli, could only do more harm to a process that was until recently a source of hope for the parties and the region in general. The Assembly should be in the business of supporting the process of negotiation, supporting the attempt to reach agreements that could lead to a peaceful settlement of disputes. It should not be in the business of issuing one-sided criticism or authorizing the wasteful expenditure of funds for anachronistic committees and reports. The resolution entitled "peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine" laid out the position of one party to the negotiations –- a position that was obviously unacceptable to the other party. It was not only unhelpful, it was counterproductive.
The United States had worked hard –- and would continue to work hard –- to encourage achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinians had yielded significant progress and could yield still further progress if they were resumed. Today's resolutions could only complicate the efforts of the parties to achieve a settlement. The Assembly should ask itself whether those resolutions helped to advance, in any concrete and practical way, the real interests of the Palestinian people, including their desire for a Palestinian state. The United States answer was clear and it would vote against the four texts.
Mr. LANCRY (Israel) said he would vote against draft resolutions L.45, L.46, L.47 and L.48. The ritualistic recycling of those outdated texts reflected utter obliviousness to the burgeoning peace process and the new realities in the Middle East. Draft resolutions L.45 and L.46 referred to what were termed the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, and the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat. Since their inception, those bodies had obstructed dialogue and understanding through a preset, one-sided portrayal of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and had expended valuable resources which could be better invested in responding to the real needs of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Draft L.47 endorsed the special information programme on the question of Palestine of the Department of Public Information (DPI). That programme also promoted a distorted and one-sided perspective of the conflict. Draft L.48 claimed to support a "peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine", just as it made reference to Israeli-Palestinian agreements, beginning with the Israeli-Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993. Yet, the draft resolution, in content and purpose, actually went against those agreements and undermined the peace process it professed to support. The Declaration, as well as the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement, directly prohibited the use of such extraneous and prejudicial instruments as that resolution.
He recalled that all diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East, beginning with the Camp David Accords, through the peace treaty with Jordan, right up to the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum of last year, were arrived at exclusively through direct negotiations between the parties. However, the draft openly sought to predetermine the issues to be resolved by those negotiations. Therefore, the draft both violated existing agreements and undermined the integrity and the foundations of the peace process.
The Assembly was informed that Guyana and Togo had joined as co-sponsors of the draft resolution contained in document A/55/L.45 on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
The Assembly approved the draft by a recorded vote, with 106 in favour, two against (Israel, United States), and 48 abstaining.
It was then announced that Guyana had joined as a co-sponsor of the draft resolution contained in document A/55/L.46, on the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat. The Assembly adopted that text by a recorded vote of 107 in favour, two against (Israel, United States), and 48 abstentions.
The draft resolution on special information programme on the question of Palestine of the DPI (document A/55/L.47), which Guyana joined as co-sponsor, was adopted by a recorded vote of 151 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States), and 2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands).
Togo joined as co-sponsor of draft resolution A/55/L.48, on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. The Assembly adopted the draft by a recorded vote of 149 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States), and 3 abstaining (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru).
Mr. BIGOT (France), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that important progress had been made in the Middle East peace process over the years. The Israelis and the Palestinians had offered courageous gestures during the summit held at Camp David last summer. They had never been so close to reaching an agreement. Ever since, tragedy had overridden negotiation. The European Union had expressed many times the extreme concern which the current situation inspired.
The European Union regretted that the mandate of the two United Nations entities in charge of the "Question of Palestine" did not adequately reflect the spirit of the peace process. That was why the European Union, as in previous years, was abstaining in the vote on the two draft resolutions contained in documents A/55/L.45 and A/55/L.46. He, nevertheless, wished to commend the work achieved this year by the division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat, and welcomed the ongoing dialogue with the Bureau of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
PABLO MACEDO (Mexico) said his delegation had voted in favour of draft resolution A/55/L.48. However, he had some reservations regarding operative paragraph 3. Mexico took note that one of the basic understandings in the peace process had been the exchange of land for peace. That formula had proved its usefulness in this particular conflict, yet it would seem risky to make it a universal legal principle to be applied as a norm in all conflicts. Higher than that basic understanding was the general principle of international law which held that conquest did not grant territorial rights. Everyone recognized that the acquisition of land through the use of force was inadmissible. As a corollary to that universal principle, it must be concluded that the entirety of any territory occupied during an armed conflict must be retuned to its legitimate owner without conditions.
For those reasons, while his delegation recognized the political value of the basic understanding, it felt it would be unsound to raise it to the level of a general principle of international law. Mexico would like to call for greater precision in the language used to describe a political understanding that was not, and could not be, a universal legal principle. In the preambular section of draft resolution A/54/L.50 on Syrian Golan, the term used was "the formula of land for peace". The word "formula" was one that his country would prefer to see in all draft resolutions on the matter.
NASSER AL-KIDWA, Permanent Observer for Palestine, expressed his thanks to all the Member States that had supported the resolutions adopted by such a large majority. He particularly appreciated the support of the co-sponsors of the resolutions. One representative had proposed that the Assembly question itself whether those resolutions served the interests of the Palestinian people. He, as a representative of Palestinians, said that the answer was affirmative. He appreciated that this was the answer that the majority had reached. Those resolutions meant a lot to the Palestinian people and the Middle East region in general, and sent the right message to the concerned party.
The resolutions also sent a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a confirmation of the continuing responsibility of the United Nations vis-à-vis the Palestinians. Finally, the resolutions sent a message to Israel that its practices were unacceptable to the international community. The most important resolution was that on Jerusalem. The voting results showed the importance that the international community attached to the Holy City and the Israeli position. It was interesting to note that on that particular resolution, only Israel had voted against. That showed that the world was on one side and that Israel was alone on the other. That must lead Israel to review its position.
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Abstain: Angola, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States.
Absent: Albania, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Abstain: Andorra, Angola, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Yugoslavia.
Absent: Albania, Azerbaijan, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Abstain: Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia.
Absent: Albania, Angola, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Iraq, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Somalia, Suriname, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Absent: Albania, Angola, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Abstain: Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands.
Absent: Albania, Angola, Armenia, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Abstain: Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru.
Absent: Albania, Angola, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.


(ボク、運命の人です。)is a April 15, 2017 TV series directed by Noriyoshi Sakuma Japan.
Makoto Masaki ( Kazuya Kamenashi ) and Haruko Kogetsu ( Fumino Kimura ) are both 29 years old and single. Since they were children, they have passed each other at various places like on the beach and shrines. Yet, the two are not aware of each other at all. One day, a man appears in front of Makoto Masaki and introduces himself as God. He tells Makoto Masaki about his destined soul mate and that she works next door. When he faces Haruko Kogetsu, he tells her "I'm your destiny."


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Who are the Illuminati - and what do they control?
Doctor promoted by Donald Trump shared conspiracy theory linked to secretive global cabal
by Asya Likhtman
Brendan Smialowski/Getty
A doctor who has received support from Trump for her stances on the coronavirus has previously claimed the Illuminati is working to destroy the world, it has emerged.
Stella Immanuel appeared among a group of doctors in a viral video this week claiming that neither masks nor shutdowns are necessary to fight the pandemic.
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The video has been viewed more than 14 million times and was retweeted by the president, before being removed from social media for spreading unsubstantiated information.
Immanuel, whom Trump described as "very impressive" in a news conference, has made wildly outlandish claims before, including that uterine disorders are caused by sex with demons that takes place in dreams.
And in a 2015 sermon, Immanuel also "laid out a supposed Illuminati plan hatched by 'a witch' to destroy the world using abortion, gay marriage, and children's toys", The Washington Post says.
The mysterious and fictitious group is often accused of being behind nefarious global events, and coronavirus has prompted further speculation about the illuminati's powers on online forums.
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Who are the Illuminati?
The original Illuminati group was founded in Bavaria in the 18th century by Adam Weishaupt, an anti-clerical professor who wanted to limit the interference of the Church in public life.
Convinced that religious ideas were no longer an adequate belief system to govern modern societies, "he decided to find another form of 'illumination'; a set of ideas and practices that could be applied to radically change the way European states were run", reports National Geographic. He based his secret society on the Freemasons, with a hierarchy and mysterious rituals, and named it the Order of Illuminati to reflect the enlightened ideals of its educated members.
Chris Hodapp, the co-author of Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies for Dummies, says a defining feature of early Illuminati members is that they did not trust anyone over 30, because they were too set in their ways.
In terms of their legacy, historians tend to think the original Illuminati was only "mildly successful — at best — in becoming influential", says Vox. The order did boast some influential members, with the most famous of these alleged to have been the German thinker Johann Goethe.
The Illuminati was stamped out by a government crackdown on secret societies in the late 1780s, but rumours that it continued to survive as an underground organisation have persisted into the modern day.
Among the alleged members of the secret society are not just politicians and religious leaders, but also actors and pop stars.
The Illuminati theory has no small number of committed adherents, particularly in the US - according to a poll by Insider, around 15% of the American electorate believe that the Illuminati exists.
The news site says the age groups most likely to believe were Gen X-ers and older millennials, and "Republicans were more likely to believe in the secret society than Democrats".
"An estimated 200 million Americans were registered to vote in the 2016 presidential election," the site notes. "If Insider's poll is an accurate picture of the entire US population, 30 million of those voters would be people who believe in the Illuminati."
How did the modern-day myth develop?
In a 2017 interview with the BBC, David Bramwell, "a man who has dedicated himself to documenting the origins of the myth", said the modern-day Illuminati legend was influenced not by Weishaupt but rather by LSD, the 1960s counter-culture, and specifically a text called Principia Discordia.
The book extolled an alternative belief system – Discordianism – which preached a form of anarchism and gave birth to the Discordian movement which ultimately wished to cause civil disobedience through practical jokes and hoaxes.
One of the main proponents of this new ideology was a writer called Robert Anton Wilson who wanted to bring chaos back into society by "disseminating misinformation through all portals – through counter culture, through the mainstream media," claims Bramwell.
He did this by sending fake letters to the men's magazine Playboy, where he worked, attributing cover-ups and conspiracy theories, such as the JFK assassination, to a secret elite organisation called the Illuminati.
Wilson went on to turn these theories into a book, The Illuminatus Trilogy, which became a surprise cult success and were even made into a stage play in Liverpool, launching the careers of British actors Bill Nighy and Jim Broadbent.
What is the New World Order?
The idea of a powerful modern Illuminati conspiring to rule the world remained a niche belief upheld by a handful of enthusiasts until the 1990s.
The internet changed all that, giving conspiracy theorists a global platform to expound their beliefs and present their evidence to a massive audience.
Theories about how the New World Order operates run from relatively straightforward ideas to the outright bizarre.
Conspiracy theorists obsessively analyse public events for "evidence" of Illuminati influence. The symbols most associated with the Illuminati include triangles, pentagrams, goats, the all-seeing eye – such as the one that appears on US bank notes - and the number 666.
This has led to claims some of the American Founding Fathers were members, with Thomas Jefferson accused in the aftermath of the War of Independence.
Another commonly cited Illuminati symbol, which appears on US currency, is the so-called Eye of Providence, which is said to represent the omniscience of God watching over humanity.
According to a 2013 survey by Public Policy Polling, 28% of US voters believe that a secretive power elite with a globalist agenda is conspiring to eventually rule the world through an authoritarian global government. It found that 34% of Republicans and 35% of independents believe in the New World Order threat compared to just 15% of Democrats.
Who is supposedly a member?
As well as being king and queen of the charts, Beyonce and Jay-Z are frequently depicted as lords of the New World Order. Beyonce's immense fame and popularity have long made her a favourite target for conspiracy theorists.
Illuminati "experts" seized upon her half-time performance at the 2013 Super Bowl as an example of her "devil-worshipping" choreography, even accusing her on-stage alter ego Sasha Fierce of being a "demonic entity".
However, some musicians seem to enjoy deliberately playing with symbols connected to secret societies.
For instance, Rihanna frequently incorporates Illuminati images into her music videos, and even joked about the theories in the video for S&M, which featured a fake newspaper with a headline declaring her "Princess of the Illuminati".
Jay Z has also been accused of hiding secret symbols such as goat imagery and devil horns in his music videos. Most damningly, the logo for his own music label, Roc-A-Fella Records, is a pyramid – one of the most well-known Illuminati logos.
Rob Brotherton, a professor at Barnard College and author of Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe in Conspiracy Theories, explains that real-life government conspiracies targeting black people in America, such as FBI infiltration of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 60s, planted the seeds for Illuminati theory's popularity among hip-hop artists and fans.
Speaking to Complex, he said: "Hip-hop served as this [soapbox] for people to talk about issues that were relevant to them, things like discrimination, poverty, the criminal justice system, which are often seemingly slanted against African-Americans".
"It's a short leap to go from noticing some kind of injustice to thinking about whether there's something behind it. Hip-hop was just a good candidate to revive this myth," he says.
What do celebrities have to say about the theories?
Katy Perry told Rolling Stone in 2014 the theory was the preserve of "weird people on the internet" but admitted she was flattered to be named among the supposed members: "I guess you've kind of made it when they think you're in the Illuminati!" She added she was tolerant of people who wanted to believe in the theory because: "I believe in aliens".
Madonna, on the other hand, might just be a believer – all the more interesting given that she has frequently been accused of being a member herself. Speaking to Rolling Stone, she hinted that she had secret knowledge of the group. The claim is not so shocking given that she released a single titled 'Illuminati'. She said: "People often accuse me of being a member of the Illuminati, but the thing is, I know who the real Illuminati are."
In 2016, Beyonce thrilled her fans by unexpectedly releasing a new single, Formation, in February – but conspiracy theorists were excited for another reason. The very first line of the track acknowledged the rumours: "Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess."
When Prince died suddenly of an accidental overdose in April of the same year, a small but vocal corner of the internet accused the Illuminati of killing the singer-songwriter, who was famous for fiercely protecting his copyrights and artistic freedom from industry interference.
"The Illuminati talk won't stop coming and what doesn't help is that Prince himself seems to have been genuinely convinced that the organisation existed," reports one gossip website.
In 2009, the singer appeared on TV to warn of powerful mystery figures controlling the world through "chemtrails" – chemicals pumped into the air via jet planes to manipulate human behaviour.
Penny Mordaunt: the 'dark horse candidate' to become next Tory leader
Ten Things You Need to Know Today: 16 January 2022
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Bhat named Social Sciences Employee of the Month
Valerie Bhat, administrative assistant in the Department of Women and Gender Studies, was named the Employee of the Month for the Division of Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences for the month of September. She was presented this honor by Dean of Social Sciences, Dr. David Brown in recognition of her dedication, passion and hard work.
"Valerie has been a vital part of this two-person staff team for several years, and as of late, has jumped in, in a way that has really provided valuable support to the department faculty and students. In the COVID environment, Valerie has adapted to creating virtual events like spring commencement, assisting with producing virtual forums and becoming an expert in the needs for remote teaching. Multiple nominations shared how valuable Valerie's assistance has been in transitioning from hands-on, interactive classroom formats to remote. We're told she has provided countless hours of assistance with Zoom, CANVAS and expert remote-learning technical support to faculty and students. She always does this with kindness, patience and care. Valerie has been described as 'treasure' to the department and 'simply amazing'. How wonderful to see how expertly people are adapting during these challenging times, and putting themselves out there as a source of support to those who need them. Please join me in congratulating Valerie for receiving this well-deserved award."
Valerie will celebrate ten years working with WGST this January. In her time off work, she enjoys writing and performing music, painting, metalwork, building guitar pedals, and attempting to keep the Cottage's ivy plant alive while she works remotely.
WGST news
Return to Bolder Voices Fall 2020
Hazel Gates Woodruff Cottage
Telephone: 303-492-8923 • Fax: 303-492-2549
WGST@Colorado.edu
The Women & Gender Studies Department acknowledges that the University of Colorado Boulder sits upon land within the territories of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples. Further, we acknowledge that 48 contemporary tribal nations are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado.


Hover over the images and click and hold with your mouse to slide the bar left and right to see "then" and "now" images.
The Quincy School was founded in 1847 to serve the rapidly growing city. It provided education for the successive waves of immigrants in the South Cove – Irish, Jews, Greeks, Syrians and Chinese. It was a pioneer in urban education – the first school with graded classrooms and a seat for every student. In 1976, the school moved into the new Quincy Community School which incorporated community facilities into the building. The building is now occupied by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association providing space for classes, meetings and community groups.
The First Christian Church was built around 1860 to serve the first settlers in the South Cove mostly Yankees in-migrating from rural New England. It was replaced by a garment building about 1910. In 1928, Kneeland St. was widened and one bay of the building was removed creating a truncated building. Today it houses various Chinese businesses. The row houses to the left of the church remain mostly intact but now occupied by restaurants etc.
The Municipal Building at Oak and Tyler Streets was opened in 1914 as part of Mayor James Michael Curley's campaign to improve the lives of the immigrant neighborhoods. The building provided a gymnasium, baths for men and women and a branch library. It served Irish, Italians, Jews, Greeks, African-Americans, Syrians and Chinese.
The building was torn down about 1970 for the site of Tai Tung Village, a subsidized housing project sponsored by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. Tai Tung Village provides 214 apartments along with shops and restaurants. The Friend of the Library have been organizing to bring a branch library back to Chinatown.
The 1914 photo is in the Boston Public Library collection and is on Flickr.
Then: The Washington St El Portal.
Now: The Metropolitan and Tufts Medical Center.
From 190- until 1980, the Washington St El started its descent into the tunnel at Oak St. When the Orange Line was, it opened up the adjacent sites for development.
Now this formerly dismal area is teeming with activity. In the foreground is the side yard of the Oak Terrace with … units of housing. After a long battle to prevent the building of a garage by Tufts Medical Center, a plan was worked out to meet divergent needs. On the left is now the … Bldg of TMC. Just visible on the right is the corner of the Metropolitan complex with …units of housing and several community organizations.


Many of us are familiar with the English children's fairy tale, The Three Little Pigs. There were three little sibling pigs, that each built houses, made of straw, wood and bricks, respectively. Along came a big bad wolf that knocked successively on each house, telling the pigs to open up the door or he will blow their houses down. Naturally, the pigs don't open the doors to their houses, however the wolf blows down the house made of straw, and then the house made of wood. Luckily, the residing pigs managed to find refuge in the third house, which was made of brick, and which belonged to their brother. The wolf made his way over to the house made of brick, knowing that there were three little pigs inside and he demanded that they open the door. The third little pig refused, (while his brothers cowered in terror) and the wolf said, "Then I will huff and puff and blow your house down!" Well, its hard to blow down a house made of bricks, and in the end, the wolf decides to get into the house by crawling down the chimney, unaware that the third little pig has outsmarted him. The horrible wolf falls into a pot of boiling water and the pigs eat him for dinner, instead of the other way around.
Due to laziness, the first two little pigs did not build strong houses. The third little pig worked very hard and made sure that he built a house that had a solid foundation. If we compare the story of The Three Little Pigs to Gresham's Law and Alcoholics Anonymous, we can see an analogy between the different materials and methods that the pigs used to build their houses and various ways of working a 12-step program. And we can deduce that the wolf is a metaphor for drug addiction and alcoholism.
The three ways of working the 12-step program include a feeble way, which really amounts to not working the program at all. This could involve a person who goes to meetings, but doesn't work their steps, or a person who hits a few meetings a month and manages to stay clean and sober, but according to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, suffers from being "restless, irritable and discontented." This is dry drunk syndrome, and it's a miserable way of life. A recovering alcoholic/addict who works the program in a weak way is like the little pig that built a house of straw! In the end, the wolf or addiction was able to blow the house down. People who work the program in an ineffective manner are prone to relapse.
Then there are the people who work the program in a medium manner. Perhaps they go to regular meetings, and have worked their steps. But other disorders might have popped up, including sexual addiction, gambling or kleptomania. They are oblivious to these defects, and still manage to stay clean and sober and consider themselves honorable members of the 12-step fellowship. Often these are the people who try to pick up newcomers at meetings, or who try to use the program for their own devious motives. These people are comparable to the little pig that built a house of wood. And yes, the wolf managed to blow that house down, too!
And finally, there are the people who work a strong program, very similar to the little pig that toiled away, and built a house made of bricks. This little pig provided refuge for his brothers and maintained serenity even when the wolf was at his door. In the end, the third little pig overcame the wolf, and if we compare a person who works a strong 12-step program to that third little pig, we can ascertain that person will probably maintain his or her recovery, while being happy and clear headed, even when there is danger lurking around the corner.
At Cycles of Change, we offer a comprehensive 12-step approach, along with an evidence-based protocol that will help you build a strong foundation in recovery. We will teach you how to work a 12-step program the strong way, and help you learn tools that will help you find serenity, clarity, as well as lifelong sobriety.


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Blackhawk OKs $2.7 million in improvements
Bob Bauder, Calkins Media
CHIPPEWA TWP. - Blackhawk school directors on Thursday unanimously approved nearly $2.7 million in bids for improvements at various school buildings, including about $1.4 million in upgrades to district sports facilities.
Work ranges from the building of three new tennis court at the high school to door and emergency generator replacement at school buildings. Buildings included in the work are Patterson and Northwestern primary schools, the Blackhawk Intermediate School and high school. The 11 contracts approved total $2,699,329.
The project is unrelated to a separate one under board consideration: renovation of Highland Middle School. School directors are still in planning stages with Highland, but could move on it as early as next construction season.
About 51 percent of Thursday's bids - $1,385,345 - is for upgrades to sports facilities, including the construction of three new tennis courts and renovations to two existing courts, a new asphalt track surface, refinishing the high school gym floor and painting the gym, and replacement of lockers in locker rooms. Lockers will be replaced in the boys physical education locker room and freshman and varsity team rooms, all at the high school.
The remaining contracts totaling $1,313,984 are for paving and concrete repairs at the two primary schools and replacement of doors, fire alarms and emergency generators at various school buildings. It also includes engineering for replacement of school zone lights and improvement of cafeteria kitchens.
Money is available through a previously approved $10 million bond issue, of which about $7.5 million remains.
Last year, a committee made up of school directors, employees and community members assessed all school buildings, noting all physical problems and prioritizing them for repair and upgrade. The construction this year represents a first phase of that project.
School directors said they opted to deal with conditions this year that could be finished quickly. All but the door replacement and paving are expected to be completed by August. The remaining work should be finished by October if not earlier.
VEBH Architects of Mt. Lebanon is working on design for projects on a list for next construction season, including replacement of the roof at Northwestern Primary School and paving at the high school and intermediate school.


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Urban Meyer Unsurprisingly Blames His Failed Jaguars Stint on Coaches and Players Acting 'Fragile'
by David Esser twitter linkedin on December 19, 2021
When news broke that Urban Meyer was officially being relieved of his Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching duties, most NFL fans were unsure what would happen next. Meyer reportedly disappeared from the Jaguars practice facility without a trace, leaving some to believe he would vanish from the NFL landscape altogether.
However, such a reality did not occur. It only took a few days for Meyer to thrust himself back into the media's crosshairs with lousy apologies and quickly thrown together excuses as to why he failed to last one measly season in the NFL.
Urban Meyer turned to excuses during an exit interview with NFL Network
NFL Network published the report that helped bring down Urban Meyer, and it included specific allegations he disputed. So his first post-termination interview is with . . . NFL Network?
The Jaguars' reasoning behind firing Meyer was pretty cut and dry. He was a horrible head coach who got caught up in multiple off-field and on-field controversies. Between skipping team flights to hang out at college bars to physically kicking players during practice, Meyer was creating an unbelievably toxic work environment in Jacksonville.
Add in the fact the Jaguars were 2-11 through Meyer's first 13 games, and recent No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence was getting worse, and the decision to ax Meyer was an easy one.
However, the since-fired Jags coach doesn't feel the same. In an interview with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Meyer blamed many of his shortcomings on the people around him acting "fragile."
"I think college has changed quite a bit, too," Meyer said. "Just society has changed. You think how hard you pushed…I believe there is greatness in everybody and it's the coach's job to find that greatness however you do that. Positive encouragement. Pushing them to be greater, making them work harder, identifying flaws, and trying to fix [them].
"I think everything is so fragile right now. And that includes coaching staffs. When I got into coaching, coaches weren't making this kind of money, and they didn't have agents. Everything is so fragile where it used to be team, team, team. I remember talking about it in a staff meeting three days ago. I got into this profession because I had the greatest high school coach, and it was all about team. All about the huddle."
Urban Meyer's message is unsurprising
Urban Meyer | Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Meyer's stay in the NFL was brief. However, the league learned quite a bit about the former college coach. He's an incredibly power-hungry individual who lacks compassion — someone who doesn't handle losing well in the slightest.
In college, Meyer won wherever he went. Due to the nature of college football recruiting, Meyer consistently worked with some of the top college football players in the world year over year. This isn't to take away from his collegiate achievements. However, it was unquestionably an easier job than coaching the lowly Jaguars.
In Jacksonville, Meyer lost early and often — and he lost hard. This led to him blaming players and assistant coaches around him. These individuals not exactly taking to this coaching style is presumably what led to Meyer deeming them "fragile."
Either way, it's the message of someone who still can't come to terms with the fact that he failed. It's always someone else's fault for Urban.
The Jaguars are instantly a hot landing spot for HC candidates
I asked Joe Cullen if the younger guys + first year players will play more vs #Texans
Spoiler alert: he knows how many snaps Andre Cisco has played #Jaguars | @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/2ZeJZCcdN0
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) December 17, 2021
Things look messy in Jacksonville now. However, they should be able to attract some intriguing names this offseason.
They have a ton of cap space, a patient owner, and an elite quarterback prospect begging to be coached into something special. It's, in all honestly, a dream landing spot.
It speaks volumes that Meyer wasn't able to figure things out.
RELATED: The Jaguars Finally Cutting Ties With Urban Meyers Is Fantastic News for Recently-Benched RB James Robinson
Tags:Jacksonville Jaguars


I have been to a pretty interesting screening recently. Among other enthusiastic volunteers, a friend of mine, Nóra Margitta contributed in the making of it and as far as I live in walking distance from the place where the documentary was actually shot: Teleki square and especially the small Jewish praying house in the heart of the eighth district, called the Teleki square shtiebel, there was no question of going. My grandfather frequently went to the famous Teleki square market for decades to buy groceries, second-hand clothes, kitchenware or live-goose before and after the second world war, he had his favourite, well-tried sellers and stalls. All regulars did. He had his own stories about this neighbourhood. Just like all the interviewed people in the film. I really enjoyed watching them. Their tales were truly sincere, extremely informative, heart-wrenching and sometimes funny at the same time. Touching. I learnt a lot about their lives, the history of the neighbourhood and the shtiebel, its past, miraculous survival and its revival through the vivid testimonies of different generations, having entirely different but always-to-remember memories. I am still astonished that before the war, this today less-known but once thriving Jewish district of Pest hosted about as many small shtiebels (usually working in one of the apartments in several residential buildings of the area) as you find in Brooklyn today. Amazing!
The filmmakers, most of them members of the congregation, were shooting a huge, a more or less 200 hour-long material over the years. It must have been an extremely tough task for them to cut it into a 90 minute frame. I have actually seen a part of a planned trilogy. Although this part has not been completely finished there are pre-release screenings of it every now and then till its hopefully soon-coming premiere.
Jakab Gláser, the so-called Uncle Juci, a religious Teleki square Jew, who was born and lived in the eighth district and devoted all his life to make this shtiebel survive the Nazi and the Communist era as well, would be really proud now: what he believed in and did everything he could to keep it up, seems to be on the right track. The revival through the new generations is perceptible. Once you are there in the neighbourhood, visiting the the tiny Teleki square synagogue is a must. A really open, enthusiastic community welcomes you.


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Q: A question about the log of a rational function We have the rational function :
$$f(x)=\frac{(1+ix)^{n}-1}{(1-ix)^{n}-1}\;\;\;,\;\;n\in \mathbb{Z}^{+}$$
It's not hard to prove that :
$$\frac{(1+ix)^{n}-1}{(1-ix)^{n}-1}=(-1)^{n}\prod_{k=1}^{n-1}\frac{x+i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}{x-i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}\;\;\;,\;\;\xi_{n}^{k}=e^{2\pi i k/n}$$
Now we want to compute $\log f(x)$ for $x>0$. The logarithm of the individual factors can be written as :
$$\log\left(\frac{x+i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}{x-i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}\right)=2i\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{1-\xi_{n}^{k}}\right)+i\pi;\;\;\;\;x>0$$
So, one would expect:
$$\log f(x)=-i\pi+2i\pi n+2i\sum_{k=1}^{n-1}\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{1-\xi_{n}^{k}}\right)$$
But it looks nothing like what wolframalpha returns. What am i doing wrong here ?

A: I think that, if you use the standard branch of $\log$ used by Wolfram Alpha, your third identity should read:
$$\log\left(\frac{x+i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}{x-i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}\right)=2i\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{1-\xi_{n}^{k}}\right)-\pi i,\quad x>0.$$
Compare for exampe: arctan and log.
You are using a branch of the logarithm, so in general it is not true that $\log (ab) = \log(a) + \log(b)$. You can check that the difference between the corrected expression
$$\log f(x)=-\pi(n-1)i + 2i\sum_{k=1}^{n-1}\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{1-\xi_{n}^{k}}\right),$$
and the original $\log f(x)$ is a multiple of $\pi$.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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It's smooth railing for Tyler Brûlé, who has house news and Christmas plans to share.
It might seem as though the world has slowed down but new ideas and changes to make the world a better place are being pursued every day, from a Peru-based app designed to combat dangerous driving to a roadside journalism school in Colombia. For those wanting to start small, there's always etiquette lessons in Paris or the meditative power of regular sketching.
Driven by success
An app-based solution to Lima's dangerous roads.
The world might be becoming more casual but the French aren't about to drop their standards of etiquette. From boardroom to dining table, you will be scrutinised. And one other tip – don't ask whether all of this matters. That really would be most rude.
Months of lockdown-induced reflection brought about a new career direction for 'Washington Post' fashion critic Robin Givhan. Her favourite diversion is a day with her dog in a Capitol Hill cemetery.
At a febrile time for the US, we meet three figures who are speaking up about social justice, civil rights and the power of fair reporting.
The change-makers
Whether they've required minor nips and tucks or major new infrastructure, the following five urban interventions have cleverly reimagined their neighbourhoods and cities for the better.
The US plan to sell F-35s to the UAE throws up problems, while Taiwan opens a new MRO centre and Japan sees sales of radars go to the Philippines.
Canada's ambassador to the US on closing a busy border and Croatia and Serbia's closer ties.
A rebel-turned-lawmaker keeping peace in Colombia, Myanmar's elections and Radio Free Europe.
Cambodia builds a school for mayors and we ask Arnhem's alderman how to prepare for climate change.
A new urban farm in Paris is boosting the city's food supply. And it's an idea that's bearing fruit in cities across the world.
The need to trial initiatives in our cities has never been greater – and finding the right test bed is key. These experiments, from air mobility in Singapore to co-ordinated transport services in Pittsburgh via a technology hub on the fringes of Kigali, could soon be fixtures in urban centres worldwide.
The leatherware company who joined Office, mail-order wine and a Taiwanese airline on the rise.
Marlene Taschen, CEO of art-book publisher Taschen, talks leadership ethos, her hopes for the publishing industry's future and why she doesn't need to prove herself.
Holding sway
Does regional media still have its part to play in influencing floating voters? As US election day draws ever closer, we meet some of the journalists, publishers and broadcasters whose editorial output could change the outcome where it matters the most.
Culture Briefing
From art thievery to murderous intentions, warzones to Japanese suburbs, we highlight the latest releases on screen, page and stereo that will keep you diverted and delighted as winter draws near. There's plenty to keep you dancing too, courtesy of Kylie.
Look this way
Copenhagen's Chart Art Fair, which champions Nordic art, has reinvented itself. Could its new format be a template for the future?
Finely chiselled
Change starts at home, so we select 20 pieces, people and studios creating products that will enhance your environment and improve with age. Sitting comfortably?
Installations at Concéntrico, a design and architecture festival in the Spanish city of Logroño, are challenging residents to look at what surrounds them in new ways.
Communal living with like-minded folk can be a source of inspiration. And there's no better example than Helsinki's Lallukka, an artists' residence nurturing global talent.
The way to build?
Canny property developers can create spaces that profit communities as well as their bottom lines. We visit a school, shop and housing project that are built to last.
The Monocle Shop
It's time to layer up. And now that it's getting cooler there is more scope to play around with your wardrobe. We have teamed up with our favourite brands to bring you handy pieces to keep you warm and dry, from cardies and beanies to chunky socks. Plus: get organised for 2021 with our selection of diaries and notebooks.
Island of plenty
Bruny Island might be remote but this Tasmanian outpost has all it needs to eat and drink well, and live a slower life.
To the manor born
Wine from England? Surely not, you might think. But vineyards are proliferating in the country's sunny south and wine-makers are right at home in the rolling hills.
A first look at a London restaurant group's latest bakery, a Parisian spot par excellence plus Sydney's best new bar.
Architect Kengo Kuma has graced a provincial Japanese town with a studio for storied watch-maker Grand Seiko.
The times they are a changing but from personal service to the editor's view, some things are just fine as they are.
From luggage that will leave you longing to get back on a plane to elegant Japanese skincare prodcuts that will keep you looking fresh, we round-up new releases.
Alfresco drinking and dining is here to stay this winter. And with the right clothing, it will be a toasty treat. We head out onto the streets of Zürich for a multi-layered introduction to outsider fashion.
Change attire
A roadtrip in a southern German region rich with wine, dining and climbing.
Travel Briefing
Be it a beach club in Stockholm, a design-led Athens retreat or a tasteful Mexican restoration, there are plenty of recent openings with bright futures. We round-up a few of our favourites.
There is one place that is always and entirely yours: your bedside table. And it is also the area where fine takes on useful wares should be within easy reach.
In the planet's most isolated and sparsely populated settlements, a trusted community newspaper can serve as a common bond. Behind these bulletins are dedicated journalists with a passion for publishing and a pride in their parish. Here we step off the beaten path to find out how they write the headlines at newsrooms in the back of beyond.
Briefing / Global
Fork in the road
washington — planning
With the northern hemisphere heading into winter and concerns over a second wave of coronavirus infections prompting a hollowing out of many urban centres, city halls are currently facing some tough economic decisions. But it's also a moment for reflection. Anthony Williams, who spent two terms from 1999 to 2007 as the mayor of Washington was widely credited for remaking the US capital as a leading city – alongside London, Paris and New York – for foreign property investments and righting budgets in the process. He tells monocle that cities are now facing "two scenarios". The first involves a vaccine, quickly rolled out, and a return to normality in early 2021. The second is less desirable. "This is our permanent state, in which case there is going to be a rethinking of how people want to lead their lives in cities," says Williams.
"It's really important now for leaders in cities to take a snapshot of where they are"
While this second scenario is likely to alarm most mayors, particularly in the short term, it also presents an opportunity. "It's really important now for leaders in cities to take a snapshot of where they are, in order to really establish where their strengths are economically – and where their weaknesses are." Williams points to housing and retail space as two particular areas that leaders should be looking at. But no part of urban living, from public transport to road usage and green spaces, should avoid scrutiny. Should certain roads be permanently pedestrianised? Is there a pocket of the city crying out for a park? While the landscape might be uncertain in the short term, if people in city hall start thinking down the road, the first steps to solving previously intractable problems could be taken.
Because if there is one thing that Williams is certain of, it's that the appeal of city living isn't going anywhere. "Cities have survived plagues, floods, pestilence," he says. "And they're still standing. So the electrical force of people moving to cities is always going to be there."
For more from Anthony Williams, tune in to Monocle 24's 'The Urbanist' on 29 October.
cathelijne bouwkamp
City alderman
The Dutch city of Arnhem has put forward a 10-year plan to re-landscape its urban environment in order to protect the city against climate change. Alderman Cathelijne Bouwkamp explains the proposal.
What prompted Arnhem to implement the plan and what does it involve?
In 2014 and 2016 many streets and houses were flooded and damaged. In the past couple of years, Arnhem was also confronted with very high temperatures – in 2019 it had the hottest temperatures in the Netherlands. We need a way to cope with a changing climate. We made a plan that consists of changing 10 per cent of the city's asphalt to grass planting more trees to create shade in places where a lot of people walk and building new homes to stay cool in the summer.
Are you hoping to get residents involved?
Many citizens are already involved. There is an organisation called Arnhem Klimaatbestendig ("climate proof") from which citizens can find out how to adapt to climate change. For example, there is a lot of unnecessary paving in urban areas – people can find out how to replace concrete tiles with plants in their gardens, which helps with draining, or where to find water-permeable paving.
How important is it for cities in the Netherlands to start incorporating climate- adaptation strategies into their planning?
All cities should have a strategy in place. Big cities where a lot of people live and work should be taking measures. To succeed, city halls should work in conjunction with partners like housing corporations, and citizens too.
cambodia — education
Cambodia will soon be home to a dedicated school for mayors, provincial governors and city officials. The Asian Development Bank has approved a $9.4m (€7.9m) loan to help the country build its National School of Local Administration, which will offer courses and research programmes on governance and democratic development.
Due for completion in 2023, the campus is based in a former police complex on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. It's set to become an essential tool in helping the country's 11,000 local-government workers deliver education, health, transport and water infrastructure.
Images: Alamy. Illustrator: Angus Greig