Richard Walker
@rbsw
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Chief International Editor, DW. Based in Berlin. All the usual disclaimers. @dwnews https://t.co/DIgpGJ6Lwz
Joined January 2008
Does Donald Trump have a strategy for US foreign policy? 1/2. DW special explores three theories:. 1) Trump is a realist.2) He’s attempting a “reverse Kissinger” to draw Russia away from China.3) He’s pursuing a vision of “spheres of influence”.
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Modi & Scholz about to appear before the press in Berlin. - They will announce *14 agreements* between their two governments.- They will take *zero questions* at the insistence of the Indian side
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THREAD.What's going on with India's democracy?. Communal tensions intensifying further. - BJP officials accused of insulting Prophet.- Demolitions of Muslim-owned properties.- Hindu monk seen as anti-Muslim radical re-elected in India’s most populous state. 1/ 🔊
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MINI THREAD.German foreign ministry on India's ongoing detention of journalist Mohammed Zubair. "India describes itself as the world’s largest democracy. So one can expect democratic values like freedom of expression and of the press to be given the necessary space there"./1
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NEW: Rahul Gandhi case.German Foreign Ministry spokesperson comments for first time:. - Takes note of verdict, suspension from parliament.- Appeal will show whether verdict stands & suspension has basis.- Expects standards of judicial independence & democratic principles to apply
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Scholz quotes India’s foreign minister @DrSJaishankar . - Europe has to get out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems. Jaishankar is not in Munich to hear him - but Scholz due to visit India soon
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Massive outcry in India over arrest of journalist Mohammed Zubair, on the very day India signed a G7 statement hailing "independent and pluralistic media". Just as the West is trying to draw India closer, is it really drifting away?. DW series explores:.
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THREAD - 1/.Baerbock-Qin presser. Striking back & forth on the big issues. TAIWAN.Qin: Won't give an inch.Baerbock: Use of force "unacceptable". UKRAINE.Q: Russian talking points.B: Why not tell Putin to stop?. RIGHTS.Q: No such thing as universal rights.B: Oh yes there are
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Zelenskyy criticises Chinese support for Russia 1/. - With China’s support for Russia, the war will last longer.- That's bad for the whole world.- It's also not good for China, which declares that it supports sovereignty and territorial integrity
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German foreign ministry on detention of Mohammed Zubair /2. - Germany aware of this case.- Embassy "monitoring very closely".- In contact with EU partners on the matter.- Importance of press freedom "also applies to India".
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Extraordinary.Head of German army condemns lack of investment. - "I'm fed up!".- Army stands pretty much empty-handed.- Can only provide extremely limited options for supporting the alliance .- We all saw this coming after Crimea, couldn't get arguments across to draw lessons
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PM Narendra Modi is accused of pushing an anti-Muslim agenda over 2 decades. - US denied him visa over deadly Gujarat riots of 2002 citing “severe violations of religious freedoms”.- UN called his Citizenship Amendment Act “fundamentally discriminatory” against Muslims. 2/ 🔊
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THREAD.The Global South & the Ukraine War. Kenya’s President William Ruto speaks out:. “This is not about the North or the South. It's between what’s right & wrong”. - Condemns war + nuclear threats.- Calls on China to do more.- AND condemns West over neglect of Global South. /1
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The Trump campaign is bombarding its supporters with emails asking for money to “fight back” & sowing suspicion about the electoral process. Some angry, some misleading, some bizarre. I received more than a dozen overnight. Here are some of them.
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German foreign ministry on detention of Mohammed Zubair /3. I asked the spokesman why Germany seemed reluctant to criticize the authorities on this specific case, beyond making points of principle. "I would not say that I was not precise in my criticism" he said.
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NEW.German Foreign Ministry spokesperson comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
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Prominent journalist and Modi critic @HartoshSinghBal: . “India is coming to resemble Russia and China far more than it resembles Western democracies.”. 4/
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UN resolution against Russian invasion clearly passes 2/3 majority. Just 5 votes on Russia's side:.- Russia itself .- Belarus.- Eritrea.- North Korea.- Syria . 34 abstentions including .- China.- India
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NEW.German foreign ministry speaks out on India's crackdown on BBC Modi documentary. - Indian constitution enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms.- Freedom of press and speech among those.- Germany shares these values.- Discusses regularly with Indian govt
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THREAD.INDIA’S DILEMMA: New 3-part series. The world needs to think about India. Delhi is under severe geopolitical pressure:.- Reliant on Russia.- Threatened by China.- Wary of the West. Now Russia’s war on Ukraine is forcing Delhi to face up to some massive choices. 1/
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Western leaders are privately worried about what’s happening but reluctant to criticise Modi in public. - Want India on board in democratic pushback against authoritarian China.- Also seeking Indian pivot on Russia.- Some conscious of colonial baggage. 3/
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JUST NOW . Olaf Scholz indicates he *is* prepared to stop Nord Stream 2 if Russia attacks Ukraine. "It's clear that in the event of a military intervention against Ukraine, there will be a high price to pay, and that everything will be up for discussion"
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Baerbock-Qin presser 5/. BAERBOCK ON UKRAINE. - I ask myself why China's position doesn't include demanding the aggressor stop the war?.- Xi’s Moscow visit showed no country has more influence on Russia.- How it uses this influence has direct impact on Europe's core interests
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Baerbock-Qin presser 2/. BAERBOCK ON TAIWAN. - Destabilisation would have dramatic consequences for the world.- Especially for trading nation like Germany.- We recognise sensitivities & abide by our one-China policy.- But conflicts must be resolved peacefully.- Force unacceptable
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John Kerry's response: "I'm absolutely delighted"
BREAK: Xi Jinping says China will stop building coal plants overseas. This almost completely ends the international finance of coal in a single sentence.
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Today's signing ceremony between Chinese and German institutions was quite something. - Three German car giants.- Three Chinese ministries.- Two German ministries.- One Chinese economic planning mega-agency.- One German industrial conglomerate.- No women. 1/
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Scholz on Putin claims of genocide in Donbas: . "This is ridiculous"
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Much more on the media in India - and strains in Delhi-Berlin relations - in Part 3 of DW special "India's Dilemma".
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Baerbock-Qin presser 10/. BAERBOCK COUNTER-REBUTTAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS. - There ARE common standards on human rights as well as international law.- i.e. UN Charter & Universal Declaration of Human Rights.- We understand these to be universal because they bind all states of the UN
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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaking about Hong Kong after EU-China summit. "For the EU, human rights & fundamental freedoms are non-negotiable. We always raise our concerns and always insist on expressing our views.". -> But no word on imposing consequences
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BREAKING from Charité hospital treating Alexei Navalny:. - Clinical evidence points to poisoning with a "cholinesterase inhibitor".- Navalny remains in an induced coma .- Condition serious but his life not currently in acute danger
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JUST NOW .Scholz:. Germany "will continue" supplying weapons to Ukraine. "We've made our decision."
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Yulia Navalnaya still waiting in line, people gathering round. Some of her supporters emotional.
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Just now:.Annalena Baerbock in China. Comments on Taiwan after Macron controversy. - Escalation in Taiwan Strait would be "worst-case scenario worldwide".- Would particularly affect Germany as industrial nation.- Therefore "in our own interest" to work on de-escalation
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Can India and the West come together? Or are they on fundamentally different paths?. “The Call of the West” .Part 3 of new DW special series “India’s Dilemma”. 5/.
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Ingredients of a Taiwan election rally:. - Stirring speeches.- Underscored by even more stirring music.- Culminating in… rapid tidying up
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Baerbock-Qin presser 6/. BAERBOCK ON WEAPONS TO RUSSIA. - Critical to allow no weapons supplies to Russia.- And preventing dual-use goods being used in this war.- Urged this in our talks today
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JUST OUT.G7 communiqué. Four direct mentions of China:.- market practices.- COVID origins.- human rights in Xinjiang & Hong Kong.- South & East China Sea, Taiwan Strait
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Baerbock-Qin presser 8/. BAERBOCK ON HUMAN RIGHTS. - Concerned that space for civil society shrinking, human rights being curtailed.- Links human rights to fair competition.- Highlights UN report on Xinjiang .- Calls for implementation of recommendations
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Zelenskyy criticises Chinese support for Russia 2/. - You cannot say you accept the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and at the same time support the aggressor.- If you do not take part in the peace summit, it means you won't help Ukraine stop the war. #SLD24.
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Baerbock is clear on Nord Stream 2 sanctions if Russia invades:. - We in Germany are prepared to pay a high price. That’s why all options are on the table. Including Nord Stream 2.
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NEW.Germany’s Vice Chancellor says Berlin serious about China rethink. DW interview THREAD. - “We see the problem”.- Opposed Cosco Hamburg deal but approval “only way to get cabinet unity”.- “We have to diversify”.- Taiwan attack wd have “disastrous effect on the whole world”. /1
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Baerbock-Qin presser 11/. BAERBOCK ON DECOUPLING. - We don't want decoupling.- But one-sided dependencies endanger us.- Drawing lessons of dependence on Russian energy.- Hence European approach of "de-risking"
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Here she is: Yulia Navalnaya waiting in line to vote outside the Russian embassy in Berlin
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Baerbock-Qin presser 12/. BAERBOCK ON FEARS OF CHINA'S HEGEMONIC AMBITIONS. - Have to be honest that Europe’s rise 150 years ago was linked to expansionism & colonialism.- Many are asking what path China will take towards its 2049 goal of global power
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Full DW Special.India's Dilemma. Starts here with Part 1:.Russia Goes Rogue.- How India and Russia became close.- Why India has not condemned Putin's war.- Fears that Russia will now become beholden to China - and what that means for the relationship.
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JUST NOW .Standing ovation at the UN as resolution on Russia's invasion passes with over 2/3 majority
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Distinct clash between Maas and Wang on Taiwan. - Wang condemns visit by a Czech delegation as “foreign interference”, justifies his threat against delegation leader.- Maas expresses “full solidarity” with Czechs, says threats against Europeans standing up for values unacceptable
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Baerbock-Qin presser 14/. Notable Baerbock emphasising interests rather than values. - Says China's approach to the war impacts Europe's "core interests" (echoes China on Taiwan).- Taiwan Strait stability = Ger economic interests.- Human rights in supply chain = competitive issue.
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THREAD .Scholz Li presser just ended. Key points /1. SCHOLZ:.- China has responsibility for international security.- Expects China to use influence on Russia .- Xi and I are united that nuclear threats irresponsible, dangerous.
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Wow these guys are popular! Here's another clip from their performance @RealVIXX @jaehwany0406 @CHA_NNNNN @RedBeans93
http://t.co/bFN1EP05DR.
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Big anti-war protest in Berlin right now. Crowd singing John Lennon’s “Imagine”
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Angela Merkel and @EmmanuelMacron have both seemed cagey about joining a Biden-led democratic pushback against China. I asked them why ->
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Zelenskyy on China 3/. Accuses China of undermining Switz. peace summit:. - To disrupt the summit, to weaken representation of leaders & countries - to pressure some leaders not to come - that definitely doesn't bring peace closer.- That is basically support of war. #SLD24.
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THREAD. Ten countries from the Baltic Sea region unite against Russia. Lithuania’s foreign minister:. “By attacking Ukraine, Russia has removed itself from the civilised world as we know it”. “Biggest geopolitical disaster since the Second World War”. /1
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Zelenskyy on China 4/. - Xi Jinping promised me China will stand aside and will not support Russia with weapons.- Today indications from intel services incl ours that something is coming some way into Russia from China.- Some elements of weaponry that come from China.
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Easily the oddest concert I've ever been to. @RealVIXX @ World Bank, screaming teens among the suits #VIXX #IMF2015
http://t.co/tUptq6dcZh.
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Full DW Special.India's Dilemma. Part 2:.The China Threat.- Explaining the world's biggest land dispute.- How China claims an entire Indian state .- China's ties with Pakistan and "string of pearls".
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Nicola Sturgeon getting showered with praise at #M100SC award ceremony outside Berlin. Honoured as a pro-European battling #Brexit. CDU luminaries @ArminLaschet and Wolfgang Schäuble among speakers.
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Kenyan President @WilliamsRuto echoes Indian FM @DrSJaishankar on West neglecting Global South /5. - "When it's our issues, it's our issues. When it's other people's issues, it's global issues"
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Zelenskyy on China 5/. On Chinese components in Russian weapons:. - I must mention there are also some elements from other countries.- This does not mean countries intentionally sell to Russia.- But we pass on all data from our intel to our partners so that they stop such transit.
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Google translation + link here . "Eaten up" approx = fed up," "blank" = "empty handed".
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Baerbock-Qin presser 3/. QIN ON TAIWAN. REBUTS after Baerbock:. - Just like other countries, China defends sovereignty & territorial integrity .- Taiwan internal matter, we allow no foreign intervention.- Separatists & foreign interference root of problem
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BLINKEN at the UN Security Council. If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends.
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Baerbock-Qin presser 7/. QIN ON WEAPONS TO RUSSIA. - We will supply no weapons to parties to the conflict.- Will monitor dual-use goods in line with the law.- See our role as peace & reconciliation.- Won't pour oil on the fire (implicit dig at western supplies to Ukraine)
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Baerbock-Qin presser 4/. QIN ON UKRAINE. - Peace talks are the only way.- Holds up Chinese 12-point paper on political solution.- Echoes Russian talking points: . "Indivisible security". Must acknowledge security interests of all sides
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EU Commission Pres explaining “very negative consequences” for China of Hong Kong #NationalSecurityLaw. - Business confidence .- China's reputation.- Public perception. Still not saying *imposing* consequences. But hint at the end on possible response with international partners
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NEW. China openly threatens to invade Taiwan. The world assumes it won’t. That could be a big mistake. With Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu @BonnieGlaser @Ian_M_Easton @HuiyaoWang @WilliamYang120 @oertel_janka @RepTedYoho & military, intel experts.
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Some more #VIXX rehearsal shots for the fans out there @RealVIXX @jaehwany0406 @CHA_NNNNN @RedBeans93
http://t.co/qt4pK8MZiC.
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Top figures in German security since the invasion began: . - Army chief "fed up" by lack of investment .- Merkel's defence minister "angry" at Germany's "historical failure" to deter Putin.- Spy chief got stuck in Kyiv.
👀.Germany's foreign intelligence chief got stuck in Kyiv as the invasion began, according to reports from Focus and Spiegel magazines. They report he missed an evacuation convoy and is only expected back in Berlin this evening.
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Final tweet as impromptu #kpop correspondent: last (middle) clip of #VIXX @WorldBank. @Twitter: longer clips please! http://t.co/tWwniPSWC0.
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India-China border clash - THREAD. - Reported in Arunachal Pradesh state, known as the "eastern sector".- China claims the ENTIRE state.- Experts describe eastern sector as potentially the most dangerous flashpoint between India & China.- Part of world's largest border dispute./1
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Baerbock-Qin presser 13/. QIN RESPONDS ON CHINA'S AMBITIONS. - Appreciates Baerbock comments on western colonialism, expansionism.- Insists China pursuing peaceful development.- Xi talking point of "community with a shared future for mankind"
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By Merkel’s standards this was a strong rebuttal of Xi Jinping at #DavosAgenda. Xi portrayed himself as a champion of multilateralism & the UN Charter while condemning “meddling in other countries’ internal affairs,” i.e. criticising China on human rights. Merkel’s response ->
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Baerbock-Qin presser 9/. QIN REBUTTAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS. - There are no universal standards for the protection of human rights.- Every country has own circumstances.- China has chosen a system that suits its circs & democracy that really works.- Rejects "lecturers" from the West
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Just now —. Annalena Baerbock landed in Delhi. Press conference due at 14:00 local time with her counterpart S. Jaishankar
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Kenyan President @WilliamsRuto on China & Ukraine war /3. - “I think China should do more than it's currently doing".- Calls on Beijing to "leverage on its friendship with the Kremlin on how to bring this war to an end".- "Even from a strategic PoV, China should push for the end"
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THREAD 1/.Former Taiwan Pres Ma Ying-jeou:. “You can never fight a war with the mainland. You can never win”. DW interview:. - Blames DPP for China tensions.- Rejects⬆️mil spending/conscription.- Doubts US wd aid Taiwan in an attack.- "Have to trust" Xi on cross-strait relations
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JUST NOW.Macron raises prospect of China mediating on Ukraine:. - I believe in the coming months China can take on a role of mediation.- To prevent resumptions of large-scale land offensives after the winter.- I will visit China in early 2023 to discuss this
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Umbrellas out but plenty of enthusiasm for @GovGaryJohnson & @GovBillWeld rally in New Hampshire #LibertarianParty
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Blinken gushing praise for German hosts at Munich Security Conference:. - Germany "absolutely extraordinary" in support for Ukraine.- "Due to leadership of the chancellor and of my friend Annalena"
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Kenyan Pres @WilliamsRuto on climate change /6. "We are at a crossroads:".- "Either we choose to continue exploitation of fossil fuels and accelerate ourselves to climate hell".- "Or we finance renewable green energy in the Global South and save the world"
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Nothing like a k-pop band to liven up the #WorldBank. @RealVIXX rehearse with @jaehwany0406 @CHA_NNNNN @RedBeans93
http://t.co/QhJouMKqBp.
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Lai cracks 5 million votes. He’s won this. Mayhem at the DPP rally
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JUST NOW.US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield compares Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the beginning of World War II. "If the UN has any purpose, it is to prevent war, to condemn war, to end war"
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Kenyan Pres @WilliamsRuto on "rigged" international finance /8. - "Debt crippling many countries".- "Unfair, almost, let me say, deliberate, international financial system is rigged against the Global South".- "We pay 50x more interest . we are priced out of resources by risk"
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Zelenskyy:. The annexation of Crimea and war in Donbas are not just about Ukraine. This is about war in Europe. I’ve been saying this year after year. Will the world finally listen?
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Kenyan Pres @WilliamsRuto on West neglecting Global South /4. - "We've had raging war in DRC. Raging war in Somalia. Challenges in Ethiopia. Issues in South Sudan. And we are all alone".- Had to put Kenyan resources in deploying troops in DRC.
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BREAKING . Merkel on Capitol violence (1/2). - Images made me furious and sad .- Basis of democracy that there are winners and losers .- Deeply regret that Trump still has not accepted defeat .- Stoking doubt about result made last night possible
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BREAKING. Putin: US & Russia will begin interagency consultations on successor to New Start arms control treaty.
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America's motto holds the key to its future says @MichaelEDyson. #EPluribusUnum: out of many, one. #WhatAmerica
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Jaishankar on India in the BRICS. - Distinguish between non-West and anti-West.- We are non-West but have a good and growing relationship with the West.- Can't say that about all BRICS members
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BREAKING. UN Vote on Ukraine /1. For: 141.Against: 7 .Abstentions: 32
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BREAKING - Merkel on US:. - No mention of Trump's refusal to concede .- "Heartfelt" congratulations for Biden who "knows Germany & Europe well".- Kamala Harris "an inspiration for many".- US & Europe must stand together.- Europeans "know we have to take on more responsibility"
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So here he is, Taiwan’s next president. William Lai 賴清德 beat expectations with 40% of the vote, after an unpredictable 3-way race. Beijing won’t be happy. But he’s firmly committed to not shaking up the status quo. His message: This was Taiwan’s choice and nobody else’s.
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Kenyan President @WilliamsRuto on Russia/Belarus /2. - "Threat of nuclear deployment … puts many lives and maybe the globe at risk of a full-blown war".- "This war is not de-escalating. In fact, if anything it's escalating".- "More needs to be done to stem … existential threat"
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