Photo : Arab News
By Padmashree Anandhan
CYPRUS
President remembers the Turkish invasion after 50 years
On 20 July, Cyprus government marked the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion. During 1974 invasion, several died and Greek Cypriots mourned which showcased the division in the country by ethnicity. The invasion was due to a coup, supported by Athens to unify Greece. During which the Turkish Cypriots saw it as a redemption from Greek-dominated Cyprus. This led to Turkey capturing third of Mediterranean island displacing 40 per cent population. In 1960, Cyprus gained independence from the British after a treaty ban on union with Greece or Turkey. It also barred partition and London, Athens and Ankara became the guarantors of Cyprus’s independence. While Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s President gave a speech dismissing the chance of reunification which is still demanded by Greek Cypriots. Erdogan said: “We believe that a federal solution is not possible in Cyprus. It is of no benefit to anyone to say let's continue negotiations where we left off in Switzerland years ago.” (“Divided Cyprus marks 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion,” Deutsche Welle, 21 July 2024)
FRANCE
Protests emerge against reservoir construction in La Rochelle
On 20 July, Deutsche Welle reported on damage of several shops in France’s La Rochelle port city after demonstrations against local irrigation project. During the demonstration, one police officer and five protestors were reportedly injured when police attempted to control the protest using water cannon and tear gas. One of the protestors said: “We were in the demo, they started blocking ahead and behind… They isolated us off to one side to charge everyone else.” The protests were due to the construction of massive irrigation reservoir in La Rochelle. According to Gerald Darmanin, Interior Minister the reservoir was to help farmers and agricultural companies at the cost of small producers and environment. They also claimed the reservoirs to save farms from severe droughts. Close to 2,000 who were part of the protest were charged by police and to control they installed barricades. Darmanin said: “A number of radical, extreme left-wing participants have attacked property and rampaged a supermarket… It is hard to see a link to defense of the environment.” (“French police, protesters clash over La Rochelle reservoirs,” Deutsche Welle, 20 July 2024)
THE UK
Government announced review of pension scheme
On 20 July, Politico reported on the UK government launch of pension review which it claims to reopen billions of investments. This review into the pensions and investment market is viewed as a way to boost support for schemes to improve savings for pensioners. The government is also seen to be viewing defined contribution schemes which is expected to manage GBP 800 billion in assets by 2030. In this one per cent of shift of assets into productive investment could also give a GBP eight billion boost to its economy according to the government. It also intends to review the investment potential of a pension scheme of local governments worth GBP 360 billion while cutting down GBP two billion in fee. According to Rachel Reeves, UK’s Chancellor: “The latest in a big bang of reforms to unlock growth, boost investment and deliver savings for pensioners… There is so much untapped potential in our pensions markets, with an industry worth around £2 trillion.” (Pieter Haeck, “UK launches pensions review in bid to boost investments,” Politico, 20 July 2024)
REGIONAL
EU and Serbia sign deal on lithium mining
On 20 July, the BBC reported on EU’s pact with Serbia on lithium mining. Earlier, Serbia restored mining giant Rio Tinto’s licence to extract the minerals from Jadar Valley in the west. Later Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor visiting Belgrade stated the deal would aid Europe’s economic security and expressed his keenness for Germany’s auto industry meeting the supplies. According to the report, the carmakers will require lithium for batteries as they move into use of zero-emission vehicles. The Rio Tinto’s Jadar project is expected to give nine-tenths of Europe’s lithium needs and major car manufacturers such as Mercedez-Benz and Stellantis view the deal as “strategic partnership” over sustainable raw materials and production of battery and electric vehicles. (Guy Delauney, “EU seals 'historic' pact on Serbia's lithium deposits,” BBC, 20 July 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan criticizes Germany for not giving protection to its Frankfurt mission
On 21 July, Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister raised a complaint to Germany following a group of protestors barged into Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt and removed the national flag. This comes after a group of 400 holding Afghanistan flag demonstrated outside the consulate. Dar asked Germany: “Fulfill its responsibilities under the Vienna Conventions and ensure the security of the diplomatic missions and staff of Pakistan in Germany.” A similar statement was released by the ministry condemning German authorities to give protection. As per 1961 Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Relations mentions the rights and protections of diplomatic missions allowing diplomats their freedom to implement their duties without disturbance from host country. On the same lines, Dar stressed to German authorities to take necessary measures to detain those involved in the incident. The demonstration took place to showcase the complaints against Pakistan’s military and intelligence which were accused for killing the “critics and political opponents.” According to the Frankfurt police, they had evacuated the protestors and clamped down the protests. (“Pakistan complains over flag removal at Frankfurt consulate,” Deutsche Welle, 21 July 2024)