#Brazil election: Lula makes stunning comeback
Brazil has taken a turn to the left as former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva beat far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential election.
After a divisive campaign which saw two bitter rivals on opposite sides of the political spectrum go head to head, Lula won 50.9% of the votes.
It was enough to beat Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters had been confident of victory.
But the division which this election has highlighted is unlikely to vanish.
It is a stunning comeback for a politician who could not run in the last presidential election in 2018 because he was in jail and banned from standing for office.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-63451470
Brazil has taken a turn to the left as former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva beat far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential election.
After a divisive campaign which saw two bitter rivals on opposite sides of the political spectrum go head to head, Lula won 50.9% of the votes.
It was enough to beat Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters had been confident of victory.
But the division which this election has highlighted is unlikely to vanish.
It is a stunning comeback for a politician who could not run in the last presidential election in 2018 because he was in jail and banned from standing for office.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-63451470
BBC News
Brazil election: Lula makes stunning comeback
The country swings back to the left, four years after electing a far-right leader.
News: #Ethiopia submits application to join #BRICS bloc of developing nations, awaits “positive response”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Ethiopia has officially submitted an application to join the BRICS bloc of developing nations. In a press conference held today, Ministry spokesman Meles Alem acknowledged Ethiopia’s desire to join BRICS, emphasizing the importance of aligning with influential blocs such as BRICS, a consortium, comprising #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #South_Africa.
Over the past years studies show a drastic increase in trade between Ethiopia and BRICS, largely accounted for by #China and #India. BRICS countries are becoming increasingly important trading partners to Ethiopia, especially as sources of Ethiopia’s imports.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-submits-application-to-join-brics-bloc-of-developing-nations/
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Ethiopia has officially submitted an application to join the BRICS bloc of developing nations. In a press conference held today, Ministry spokesman Meles Alem acknowledged Ethiopia’s desire to join BRICS, emphasizing the importance of aligning with influential blocs such as BRICS, a consortium, comprising #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #South_Africa.
Over the past years studies show a drastic increase in trade between Ethiopia and BRICS, largely accounted for by #China and #India. BRICS countries are becoming increasingly important trading partners to Ethiopia, especially as sources of Ethiopia’s imports.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-submits-application-to-join-brics-bloc-of-developing-nations/
BRICS club boom: What to expect in #Johannesburg
The #BRICS nations, consisting of #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #SouthAfrica, are set to discuss the expansion of their group beyond these five countries.
Over 20 nations, including #SaudiArabia, #Indonesia, #Iran, #Argentina, and #Ethiopia, are interested in joining.
This move represents a major shift in the world order and reflects the growing self-confidence of developing and middle-income countries.
https://www.dw.com/en/brics-club-boom-what-to-expect-in-johannesburg/a-66574913
The #BRICS nations, consisting of #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #SouthAfrica, are set to discuss the expansion of their group beyond these five countries.
Over 20 nations, including #SaudiArabia, #Indonesia, #Iran, #Argentina, and #Ethiopia, are interested in joining.
This move represents a major shift in the world order and reflects the growing self-confidence of developing and middle-income countries.
https://www.dw.com/en/brics-club-boom-what-to-expect-in-johannesburg/a-66574913
DW
BRICS club boom: What to expect in Johannesburg
Global South versus Global North? The BRICS summit in South Africa is set to be all about the group's plans to expand and how to deal with sanctions.
Coffee firms won't be ready to comply with #EU deforestation law - report
A new report has revealed that most global coffee firms are not prepared to comply with the European Union's (EU) new law preventing the import of commodities linked to deforestation. This could have detrimental effects on small farmers, especially in countries like #Ethiopia.
The EU's law, which is set to take effect at the end of 2024, requires importers of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, beef, soy, rubber, and palm oil to prove that their goods are not contributing to forest destruction or face significant fines.
The report, called the coffee barometer, highlights the lack of preparedness among coffee firms, which may result in them sourcing from more developed regions like #Brazil that have better traceability. This would leave millions of small-scale and poverty-stricken farmers living in countries like Ethiopia at a disadvantage.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/coffee-firms-wont-be-ready-comply-with-eu-deforestation-law-report-2023-09-13/
A new report has revealed that most global coffee firms are not prepared to comply with the European Union's (EU) new law preventing the import of commodities linked to deforestation. This could have detrimental effects on small farmers, especially in countries like #Ethiopia.
The EU's law, which is set to take effect at the end of 2024, requires importers of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, beef, soy, rubber, and palm oil to prove that their goods are not contributing to forest destruction or face significant fines.
The report, called the coffee barometer, highlights the lack of preparedness among coffee firms, which may result in them sourcing from more developed regions like #Brazil that have better traceability. This would leave millions of small-scale and poverty-stricken farmers living in countries like Ethiopia at a disadvantage.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/coffee-firms-wont-be-ready-comply-with-eu-deforestation-law-report-2023-09-13/
Reuters
Coffee firms won't be ready to comply with EU deforestation law, report says
Most global coffee firms will not be ready to comply with the European Union's new law preventing imports of commodities linked to deforestation, and small farmers may suffer as a consequence, a major coffee sector report has found.
#IsraelPalestineConflict latest: Nearly 3,000 children killed as #Gaza death toll tops above 7,000 #Palestinian officials say.
The #Israeli army says it conducted an overnight ground raid inside Gaza targeting Hamas positions using tanks.
‘It’s not a war, it’s #genocide’: #Brazil’s President Lula da Silva says the escalation in Gaza was not a war but “genocide” that has caused the deaths of thousands of children.
*******
‘Shame for humanity’: #Turkey's #Erdogan slams West’s silence: The Israeli attacks on Gaza have long crossed the threshold of self-defense and turned into open “oppression, brutality, a massacre and barbarism”, Turkey’s President Erdogan says.
Other key updates:
*Around 200,000 housing units have been completely and partially destroyed in Gaza, Palestinian officials say.
Compiled from: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/26/israel-hamas-war-live-un-ceasefire-bid-fails-as-gaza-death-toll-soars
The #Israeli army says it conducted an overnight ground raid inside Gaza targeting Hamas positions using tanks.
‘It’s not a war, it’s #genocide’: #Brazil’s President Lula da Silva says the escalation in Gaza was not a war but “genocide” that has caused the deaths of thousands of children.
*******
‘Shame for humanity’: #Turkey's #Erdogan slams West’s silence: The Israeli attacks on Gaza have long crossed the threshold of self-defense and turned into open “oppression, brutality, a massacre and barbarism”, Turkey’s President Erdogan says.
Other key updates:
*Around 200,000 housing units have been completely and partially destroyed in Gaza, Palestinian officials say.
Compiled from: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/26/israel-hamas-war-live-un-ceasefire-bid-fails-as-gaza-death-toll-soars
#Argentina far-right Javier Milei wins presidency, not to join #BRICS
Far-right candidate Javier Milei achieved a decisive victory over Economy Minister Sergio Massa in the recent presidential runoff elections in Argentina.
Previously, Milei has expressed opposition to Argentina joining BRICS, an international economic bloc consisting of #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #South_Africa. Despite Argentina's main trading partners being China and Brazil, Diana Mondino, Milei’s candidate for Argentine Foreign Minister, said that collaborations with these nations will cease, as Argentina intends to remain within the South American trade bloc Mercosur.
Earlier this year, Argentina was invited to join BRICS alongside other countries such as #Ethiopia, #Egypt, #Iran, #UAE, and #Saudi_Arabia. However, Mondino emphasized that there is no interest from Argentina to pursue BRICS membership, focusing instead on addressing the ongoing economic crisis.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/argentina-far-right-javier-milei-wins-presidency--not-to-joi
Far-right candidate Javier Milei achieved a decisive victory over Economy Minister Sergio Massa in the recent presidential runoff elections in Argentina.
Previously, Milei has expressed opposition to Argentina joining BRICS, an international economic bloc consisting of #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #South_Africa. Despite Argentina's main trading partners being China and Brazil, Diana Mondino, Milei’s candidate for Argentine Foreign Minister, said that collaborations with these nations will cease, as Argentina intends to remain within the South American trade bloc Mercosur.
Earlier this year, Argentina was invited to join BRICS alongside other countries such as #Ethiopia, #Egypt, #Iran, #UAE, and #Saudi_Arabia. However, Mondino emphasized that there is no interest from Argentina to pursue BRICS membership, focusing instead on addressing the ongoing economic crisis.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/argentina-far-right-javier-milei-wins-presidency--not-to-joi
Al Mayadeen English
Argentina far-right Javier Milei wins presidency, not to join BRICS
Diana Mondino, the candidate for the Argentine Foreign Minister, relays to Sputnik after the elections that Argentina will not be joining BRICS.
#Brazilian president Lula to visit #Ethiopia, #Egypt
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to resume his international engagements this year, embarking on trips to Ethiopia and Egypt to bolster diplomatic ties.
On 17 and 18 February, Lula will visit #Addis_Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia, to participate in the assembly of heads of state and government of the African Union. Last year, the #African_Union, comprising 54 nations, secured a permanent seat in the #G20, an assembly uniting the world's 19 wealthiest economies alongside the European Union. #Brazil, which presently chairs the G20, will convene the summit of the group's leaders in Rio de Janeiro come November.
In another diplomatic move, the president will journey to Egypt on 15 and 16 February, where he anticipates discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. This meeting follows months after al-Sissi extended support for the safe withdrawal of Brazilians and their families from the #Gaza Strip, facilitated through Egypt's borders.
https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/politica/noticia/2024-01/lula-visit-egypt-ethiopia-guyana-february
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to resume his international engagements this year, embarking on trips to Ethiopia and Egypt to bolster diplomatic ties.
On 17 and 18 February, Lula will visit #Addis_Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia, to participate in the assembly of heads of state and government of the African Union. Last year, the #African_Union, comprising 54 nations, secured a permanent seat in the #G20, an assembly uniting the world's 19 wealthiest economies alongside the European Union. #Brazil, which presently chairs the G20, will convene the summit of the group's leaders in Rio de Janeiro come November.
In another diplomatic move, the president will journey to Egypt on 15 and 16 February, where he anticipates discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. This meeting follows months after al-Sissi extended support for the safe withdrawal of Brazilians and their families from the #Gaza Strip, facilitated through Egypt's borders.
https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/politica/noticia/2024-01/lula-visit-egypt-ethiopia-guyana-february
Agência Brasil
Guyana
The president should stay in Egypt on Feb. 15–16 to meet his counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. On Feb. 17–18, he will be in Addis Ababa for an African Union assembly. Next, in Guyana, the president
#In_Pictures: In his second official trip to #Africa during his current term, #Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in #Addis_Abeba, #Ethiopia today where he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. According to the official readout from the office of PM Abiy, "the two leaders engaged in substantive discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation and nurturing a more profound partnership."
President Lula will also participate in the African Union Summit. AU's official membership of the G20 in 2024 has received a full backing from Brazil.
According to President Lula's travel itinerary, the other important aspect of his participation in the AU summit is "the convergence between Brazil and African nations on the three priorities that guide the Brazilian presidency of the G20: the fight against inequality and hunger; sustainability and energy transition; and reform of international organizations to allow greater participation of developing countries in the global decision-making system." AS
President Lula will also participate in the African Union Summit. AU's official membership of the G20 in 2024 has received a full backing from Brazil.
According to President Lula's travel itinerary, the other important aspect of his participation in the AU summit is "the convergence between Brazil and African nations on the three priorities that guide the Brazilian presidency of the G20: the fight against inequality and hunger; sustainability and energy transition; and reform of international organizations to allow greater participation of developing countries in the global decision-making system." AS
#Brazil donates food and water assistance for refugees in #Ethiopia
The Government of Brazil has donated 18 tons of food supplies and 65 water purifiers to provide aid for thousands of refugees in Ethiopia's #Gambella region.
Gambella hosts over 385,000 refugees, mainly from #South_Sudan, and struggles with food insecurity. The donation came during a visit by Brazil's First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, who remarked that "it is a priority to fight against hunger and poverty in Africa."
The food assistance and water purifiers will provide nutritional support and clean water access to vulnerable refugee groups in five camps across Gambella. This includes women, children, the chronically ill and recent arrivals fleeing conflict in South Sudan and #Sudan. The aid will also help host communities embracing the refugees.
Brazil's contribution was welcomed by Ethiopia's Refugees and Returnees Service Director General Teyiba Hassen, who thanked the First Lady. She said the assistance means a lot to refugees who rely on aid to survive. The UNHCR's Representative in Ethiopia also expressed gratitude, hoping this marks greater cooperation with Brazil on solutions for displaced populations.
https://www.unhcr.org/africa/news/press-releases/brazil-provides-18-tons-kind-food-donation-and-water-purifiers-unhcr-thousands
The Government of Brazil has donated 18 tons of food supplies and 65 water purifiers to provide aid for thousands of refugees in Ethiopia's #Gambella region.
Gambella hosts over 385,000 refugees, mainly from #South_Sudan, and struggles with food insecurity. The donation came during a visit by Brazil's First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, who remarked that "it is a priority to fight against hunger and poverty in Africa."
The food assistance and water purifiers will provide nutritional support and clean water access to vulnerable refugee groups in five camps across Gambella. This includes women, children, the chronically ill and recent arrivals fleeing conflict in South Sudan and #Sudan. The aid will also help host communities embracing the refugees.
Brazil's contribution was welcomed by Ethiopia's Refugees and Returnees Service Director General Teyiba Hassen, who thanked the First Lady. She said the assistance means a lot to refugees who rely on aid to survive. The UNHCR's Representative in Ethiopia also expressed gratitude, hoping this marks greater cooperation with Brazil on solutions for displaced populations.
https://www.unhcr.org/africa/news/press-releases/brazil-provides-18-tons-kind-food-donation-and-water-purifiers-unhcr-thousands
UNHCR
Brazil provides 18 tons in-kind food donation and water purifiers to UNHCR for thousands of refugees affected by food insecurity…
The Government of Brazil announced it is donating food assistance and water purifiers in support of refugees and host communities residing in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. Gambella is the largest refugee hosting region in Ethiopia, home to 385,000 refugees…
#Brazil refuses to retract Lula's controversial #Israel-#Gaza analogy
Brazil does not plan to retract controversial comments made by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva comparing Israel's military actions in Gaza to the Holocaust, according to government sources. Brazil's foreign ministry has already summoned the Israeli ambassador for talks and recalled its own ambassador to Israel after the remarks sparked a diplomatic rift.
Lula sparked tensions after stating at an African Union summit that Israel's wars in Gaza had "no parallel in history" except for Hitler's persecution of Jews. Israeli leaders condemned the analogy as antisemitic and "unforgivable." In response, Israel's foreign minister said Lula would be considered persona non grata until an apology.
Yet despite the escalating row, Brazilian authorities indicate Lula stands by his criticism of Israeli military tactics in Gaza. The president maintains any further dialogue will occur strictly through diplomatic channels, sources said.
The rift stems from the ongoing violent conflict in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group #Hamas. A Hamas raid in October killed over 1,200 Israelis, prompting a heavy Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza that has left over 29,000 Palestinians dead.
https://www.reuters.com/world/brazil-president-recalls-ambassador-israel-talks-local-media-2024-02-19/
Brazil does not plan to retract controversial comments made by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva comparing Israel's military actions in Gaza to the Holocaust, according to government sources. Brazil's foreign ministry has already summoned the Israeli ambassador for talks and recalled its own ambassador to Israel after the remarks sparked a diplomatic rift.
Lula sparked tensions after stating at an African Union summit that Israel's wars in Gaza had "no parallel in history" except for Hitler's persecution of Jews. Israeli leaders condemned the analogy as antisemitic and "unforgivable." In response, Israel's foreign minister said Lula would be considered persona non grata until an apology.
Yet despite the escalating row, Brazilian authorities indicate Lula stands by his criticism of Israeli military tactics in Gaza. The president maintains any further dialogue will occur strictly through diplomatic channels, sources said.
The rift stems from the ongoing violent conflict in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group #Hamas. A Hamas raid in October killed over 1,200 Israelis, prompting a heavy Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza that has left over 29,000 Palestinians dead.
https://www.reuters.com/world/brazil-president-recalls-ambassador-israel-talks-local-media-2024-02-19/
Reuters
Brazil will not retract Lula's Gaza comments in diplomatic row with Israel -sources
Brazil does not intend to retract President Luiz Inacio da Silva's comment comparing Israel's war on Gaza to Hitler's treatment of Jews that sparked a diplomatic rift between the countries, sources with knowledge of internal discussions said on Monday.
New #BRICS members not keen to support #India, #Brazil’s claim to UNSC permanent seat
India's aspiration for support from new BRICS bloc members in its bid for a permanent seat on the #UN Security Council faces challenges, with countries like Egypt and Ethiopia expressing reluctance, according to sources familiar with the matter. The expansion of the BRICS grouping last year to include #Egypt, #Iran, the #UAE, #Saudi_Arabia, and #Ethiopia was anticipated to strengthen India's position. However, disagreements have emerged regarding the support for India, Brazil, and South Africa's UNSC aspirations.
Initially, there was an understanding that new members would back these aspirations. However, Egypt and Ethiopia, among others, argue that this condition wasn't explicitly communicated to them. Efforts to garner support for UNSC reforms, including backing for India's permanent membership, were highlighted in the Johannesburg Declaration 2023. Despite this, consensus among new members remains elusive.
Russia, set to host the BRICS Summit in October 2024, faces the challenge of aligning all members' positions on UNSC reform. India, alongside Brazil and #South_Africa, continues to advocate for expanded representation of developing countries. The upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod will provide an opportunity to reassess members' stances on UNSC reforms and membership.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/new-brics-members-not-keen-to-support-india-brazils-claim-to-unsc-permanent-seat/article68167729.ece
India's aspiration for support from new BRICS bloc members in its bid for a permanent seat on the #UN Security Council faces challenges, with countries like Egypt and Ethiopia expressing reluctance, according to sources familiar with the matter. The expansion of the BRICS grouping last year to include #Egypt, #Iran, the #UAE, #Saudi_Arabia, and #Ethiopia was anticipated to strengthen India's position. However, disagreements have emerged regarding the support for India, Brazil, and South Africa's UNSC aspirations.
Initially, there was an understanding that new members would back these aspirations. However, Egypt and Ethiopia, among others, argue that this condition wasn't explicitly communicated to them. Efforts to garner support for UNSC reforms, including backing for India's permanent membership, were highlighted in the Johannesburg Declaration 2023. Despite this, consensus among new members remains elusive.
Russia, set to host the BRICS Summit in October 2024, faces the challenge of aligning all members' positions on UNSC reform. India, alongside Brazil and #South_Africa, continues to advocate for expanded representation of developing countries. The upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod will provide an opportunity to reassess members' stances on UNSC reforms and membership.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/new-brics-members-not-keen-to-support-india-brazils-claim-to-unsc-permanent-seat/article68167729.ece
BusinessLine
New BRICS members not keen to support India, Brazil’s claim to UNSC permanent seat
India's hope for UNSC permanent membership faces challenges as new BRICS members like Egypt and Ethiopia seek equal consideration.