Category: English

Posted on

UN General Assembly President: Peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 2, 2025 Peace and security

Decades after the adoption of the resolution calling for a two-state solution, the Palestinian people remain deprived of their rights, primarily the right to self-determination. This was stated by UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock at a meeting on the Palestinian question.

She emphasized that this issue has been discussed for 78 years, almost as long as the UN itself has existed, but Palestine has never become a full member of the Organization.

According to Baerbock, it is time to take decisive action to end this situation.

Speaking about recent events, the General Assembly President noted that the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, marked the beginning of "one of the darkest chapters" of this protracted conflict. She recalled that the two-year war in Gaza has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians.

Baerbock drew attention to the humanitarian dimension of the crisis and the dire situation in Gaza: food shortages, destroyed infrastructure, and families unable to return to their homes. She also recalled the former Israeli hostages suffering the psychological effects of captivity.

“And while the horrors unfolding in Gaza have dominated the news for two years, settlement expansion, demolitions and rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continue to undermine the prospects for a sovereign, independent, contiguous and viable Palestinian state,” the General Assembly President added.

Baerbock emphasized that the violence is accompanied by daily humiliations faced by West Bank residents, including children on their way to school and pregnant women trying to reach hospitals: they are stopped at checkpoints or by roadblocks. These restrictions, she said, create a reality incompatible with a peaceful future.

“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved through illegal occupation, de jure or de facto annexation, forced displacement, persistent terror or permanent war,” the General Assembly President said.

She emphasized that lasting peace is only possible with the existence of two states – Israel and Palestine – with mutually recognized borders and full integration into the region. In this context, Baerbock mentioned UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which enshrines a comprehensive roadmap for resolving the conflict.

She called for the "consolidation" of the ceasefire and said that humanitarian work, including the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), must continue uninterrupted to meet international obligations.

“This is not just a gesture of goodwill, but a legal obligation,” Baerbock emphasized.

Turning to the draft resolution currently before the General Assembly, Baerbock noted that the document reaffirms the key parameters of a peaceful settlement: the unity of Gaza and the West Bank, the inadmissibility of occupation, siege, forced displacement, and territorial reduction.

“The right to live in one’s own state in conditions of peace, security and dignity is not a privilege to be earned, but a right to be defended,” she recalled.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Russia is preparing for a surge in Chinese tourists after visa abolition, according to the vice president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 2 (Xinhua) — The introduction of a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens creates new opportunities for the development of tourism infrastructure in Russia. The number of individual travelers from China could increase by at least 50 percent, according to Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).

"Any visa waiver is a powerful marketing tool for the country," noted A. Musikhin. He added that Russia is actively preparing for the summer season, which traditionally sees peak tourist traffic.

"The profile of a tourist is changing significantly. While tourists used to be primarily interested in iconic places with a rich history, now historical tourism is gradually shifting to experiential tourism. That means, for example, trying Russian cuisine—not just tasting pelmeni, but participating in their preparation. And figure skating, too. Not just watching competitions, but trying them out and learning for yourself," the expert explained.

Work is underway to translate information into Chinese, expand the number of UnionPay card terminals, and improve mobile communications for foreign visitors. According to A. Musikhin, the existing infrastructure is capable of handling the projected increase in tourist traffic.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree according to which, based on the principle of reciprocity, Chinese citizens will be able to enter the Russian Federation visa-free for tourism and business trips of up to 30 days until September 14, 2026. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Japan's letter to the UN Secretary-General is full of misconceptions and hypocritical lies, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, December 2 (Xinhua) — Japan's letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres is full of misconceptions and hypocritical lies, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

As Lin Jian noted at a regular press briefing, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous statements on Taiwan openly challenge the results of the Second World War and the post-war international order, and seriously contradict the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The letter China sent to the UN Secretary-General outlining its firm position was entirely justified and necessary, the official representative emphasized.

According to him, the Japanese letter is full of misconceptions and lies. The message mentions Japan's so-called consistent position on the Taiwan issue, but Japan has yet to provide China with a direct answer to the question of what exactly this "consistent position" consists of, consistently evading clear language and remaining vague.

“We once again ask the Japanese side: can the Japanese government give the international community a comprehensive and precise explanation of its ‘consistent position’ on the Taiwan issue in the context of the four Sino-Japanese political documents?” Lin Jian continued.

The Japanese side asserts Japan's "purely defensive" policy and "passive defense" strategy, insisting that Sanae Takaichi's statements are based precisely on this position, the Chinese diplomat noted. He emphasized that Taiwan is Chinese territory, the resolution of the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese themselves, and external interference is unacceptable. Nevertheless, the Japanese prime minister linked the "existential threat to Japan" to the "emergency situation in Taiwan," hinting at the possibility of using force against China.

"Is this really the hidden meaning of the 'exclusively defensive' policy and the 'passive defense' strategy?" asked the official representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lin Jian recalled that Chapter 1, Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter states: “All Members of the United Nations shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force.”

"As the current leader of a country defeated in World War II, Sanae Takaichi threatens the victorious country with the use of force in the event of an 'existential threat.' How can Japan have the audacity to claim that it 'consistently respects and strictly adheres to international law, including the UN Charter?'" the diplomat added.

As he noted, the Japanese side accuses other countries of developing defensive forces and “forceful coercion,” which is nothing more than shifting blame.

In fact, Lin Jian pointed out, since Japan's defeat, right-wing forces in that country have never ceased their attempts to whitewash their history of aggression. Japan has increased its defense budget for 13 consecutive years, lifted its ban on exercising the right of collective self-defense, repeatedly relaxed restrictions on arms exports, strengthened its so-called base-attack capability, and intends to revise the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, thereby gradually eroding the provisions on Japan clearly outlined in the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations and retreating from its constitutional obligations.

According to Lin Jian, Japan itself is "building up its military power," "coercing other countries by force," and "attempting to unilaterally change the status quo, ignoring the objections of neighboring states." Given this, the Permanent Mission of China to the UN once again sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General, reiterating China's firm position in this regard.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He stated China's strong opposition to Japan attempting to reverse the wheel of history, challenging the post-war international order, and honoring militarists.

“We once again call on the Japanese side to truly reconsider and correct its mistakes, fulfill the responsibilities of a country that suffered defeat in the war, back up the promises it made to China and the international community with concrete actions, and not allow itself to continually and perfidiously violate its obligations,” Lin Jian concluded. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The Forum of Foreign Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities Opens in Beijing

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) — The Forum of Foreign Alumni of Soviet and Russian Universities opened in Beijing on Tuesday, bringing together about 200 representatives from more than a dozen countries, including China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Mongolia.

Speaking at the forum's opening ceremony, Sergei Kramintsev, Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China, noted that Russian-Chinese educational contacts are on the rise, recalling that 2026-2027 have been declared the years of educational cooperation between Russia and China.

According to its statistics, approximately 66,000 Chinese citizens are studying in Russia, 56,000 of whom are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Another 10,000 are taking preparatory language courses. Meanwhile, approximately 21,000-22,000 Russian students are studying in China at any one time each year.

The two-day forum aims to strengthen and expand the Russian language, cultural, and educational space abroad, develop international university cooperation, and establish direct contacts between representatives of ministries and departments in the fields of education and healthcare through the participation of graduates of Soviet and Russian universities, as well as leaders and members of alumni associations.

The event was organized by Rossotrudnichestvo and its representative office in China /Russian Cultural Center in Beijing/ together with the Tula State Pedagogical University named after L.N. Tolstoy. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The Georgian Prime Minister denied BBC reports that the poisonous substance "kamit" was used to disperse demonstrations.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Tbilisi, December 2 (Xinhua) — A BBC report about the use of a toxic substance to disperse demonstrations in Georgia contains completely false information, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters on Tuesday.

On December 1, a BBC investigative report was published claiming that Kamit, a World War I-era nerve agent, could have been used in Georgia to disperse demonstrations in 2024.

According to I. Kobakhidze, it is unacceptable for an international media outlet like the BBC to be guided by the standards applied by "fake TV channels" in Georgia. "We see that standards have become completely equal—in a negative sense. A TV channel allows itself to spread simple lies, and in this case, it's the BBC doing it. This is sad and regrettable," the head of the Georgian government emphasized.

"Certain substances may indeed be mixed with the water jet, but the key question is what substance was used. The BBC lied about this. The substance 'kamit' was not used at all," stated I. Kobakhidze.

The Georgian State Security Service has launched an investigation aimed at establishing in detail what information the interviewees used by the BBC as sources relied on, what data they provided, and how relevant this information might be.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

UN mission concludes work in Iraq: UN Security Council briefing

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 2, 2025 UN

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will conclude its work on December 31 of this year after 22 years of operation. At a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Mission Head Mohamed Al-Hassan emphasized that this is a "worthy conclusion" to the UN mandate.

UNAMI was established in 2003, at a time when Iraq was reeling from decades of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflicts, occupation and terrorist activities of ISIS (Daesh)".

"The path to peace, security, and stability was long and difficult. However, with the support of the international community, Iraq was able to emerge victorious—but at the cost of unimaginable sacrifice," Al-Hassan noted, honoring the memory of all those who perished, including UN staff.

Humanitarian challenges persist

The head of UNAMI noted the successes of the democratic process in the country and called for an uninterrupted process of forming both a new federal government and a regional government in Kurdistan, negotiations on which have been ongoing for over a year.

He also noted that, despite the overall stabilization, approximately 1 million Iraqis remain displaced within the country. Among them, over 100,000 people—mostly Yazidis—from Sinjar have been living in camps for 11 years. Moreover, the rate of return home is estimated to have slowed significantly this year.

Furthermore, Iraq continues to repatriate its citizens from camps in northeastern Syria. According to the latest data, approximately 20,800 people have returned.

Al-Hassan stated the need for comprehensive and sustainable support for displaced persons, including access to housing, employment, social protection, and programs in local communities.

Iraq is a member of the UN Human Rights Council

The head of the mission congratulated Iraq on its election to the UN Human Rights Council, but noted that this work also comes with additional responsibilities.

The issues at stake include the protection of the rights of minorities, women and youth, freedom of expression and the prevention of child marriage.

Relations between Iraq and Kuwait

In accordance with the decision of the Security Council, UNAMI transfers the mandate related to missing Kuwaiti and third-country citizens and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, to a new senior representative. More than 300 people remain missing.

Al-Hassan also called on both countries to continue dialogue on delimiting the maritime border.

"I see no reason why Iraq and Kuwait cannot maintain the best relations," he said.

The UN will remain in Iraq

The end of UNAMI's mandate "is not the end of the partnership," the UN representative emphasized. From 2026, the UN country team will continue its work, supporting Iraq on sustainable development, human rights, climate change, women and youth, and displacement.

"I want to reiterate my complete confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders to overcome any challenges that may arise, as they have done so admirably over the past twenty years," Al-Hassan said. "I urge them to continue to build bridges of trust and friendship, advance common interests with all neighboring countries, and restore Iraq to its former glory—the cradle of civilization."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Domestic tourism in Russia increased by 4.8 percent in January-October.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 2 (Xinhua) — Domestic tourism in Russia is showing strong growth, with the number of tourist trips within the country from January to October 2025 reaching 76.2 million, a 4.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This was reported on the Russian government's website, citing Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The most popular destinations during this period were Siberia, the south, and the northwest of the country. D. Chernyshenko noted that positive trends in domestic tourism have been maintained in Russia for five years now. In 2024, the number of domestic tourist trips increased by 37% compared to 2021.

Moscow (10.3 million), Krasnodar Krai (8.3 million), and St. Petersburg (6 million) received the largest number of domestic tourists in the first ten months of 2025. The highest growth rates were demonstrated by the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (128%), the Republic of Adygea (65%), and Tver Oblast (49%).

Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov noted that interest in Russia from foreign tourists is also growing. In addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Krai, the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Russian Far East are becoming increasingly popular with foreign visitors.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

A forum to strengthen connectivity and trade with Central Asian countries has opened in Xinjiang.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

URUMQI, December 2 (Xinhua) — The Tianshan Forum on Central Asia Economic Cooperation opened on Tuesday in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The event brought together more than 300 government officials, representatives of financial institutions, think tanks, and the private sector to discuss trade and investment development in the region.

The two-day forum, entitled “Promoting Connectivity and Unlocking Investment Potential,” featuring Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) member countries, will focus on trade, transport, energy, and digital connectivity in Central Asia.

In his opening remarks, Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an emphasized that cooperation within CAREC has made significant progress and should be continuously expanded and deepened to benefit the people of the member states.

"The Tienshan Forum will serve as a bridge connecting policymakers, the private sector, development partners, and academia to propose solutions to overcome our common challenges," said Charymuhammet Shallyev, Director of the CAREC Institute, which organized the event. He reported that since opening its headquarters in Urumqi in 2015, the institute has conducted over 180 research studies and advanced the skills of over 2,000 civil servants from CAREC member countries through 150 training programs.

Pakistan's Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, for his part, noted that the modern global landscape is undergoing profound changes, with the Central Asian and South Asian regions emerging as key drivers of global economic growth. The minister highlighted a number of successfully implemented Pakistani-Chinese projects and called for deeper cooperation in industrial production, humanitarian exchanges, agriculture, and technology.

During the forum, the Research Center for Financial Cooperation in Central Asia, established by the CAREC Institute and the Department of Finance of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, was officially opened.

Central Asia is a vital hub of connectivity located at the heart of the Eurasian continent. Since the first China-Central Asia Summit in May 2023, trade between China and Central Asian countries has increased significantly, reaching $94.8 billion in 2024. Xinjiang, which borders several Central Asian countries, is currently strengthening its role as a key hub for the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative with countries in the region.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The Netherlands has begun protecting a logistics hub through which NATO supplies aid to Ukraine.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Kyiv, December 2 (Xinhua) — On Monday, the Netherlands officially began protecting a key logistics hub in Poland through which NATO military aid flows to Ukraine. This was reported on Tuesday by the Ukrinform news agency, citing the Dutch Ministry of Defense.

Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, counter-drone systems, and 300 military personnel are deployed to protect the facility. The mission will last until June 1, 2026.

Ukrinform clarified that before the Netherlands, Germany provided protection for the logistics hub in Poland. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Record rains and floods in Southeast Asia have claimed hundreds of lives.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 2, 2025 Climate and environment

On Tuesday, UN agencies reported that tropical cyclones, which brought record rainfall and flooding, have killed hundreds of people across vast swathes of Southeast Asia. Massive destruction and displacement are also reported.

The countries hardest hit include Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) spokesperson Clare Nullis.

"Asia is extremely vulnerable to floods," Nullis said, noting that floods top the list of climate risks in the region, according to the WMO's annual State of the Climate reports.

However, she stressed that tropical cyclones like Cyclone Senjar, which brought "heavy rains, massive flooding and landslides" to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand last week, rarely come so close to the equator.

“We don’t see this very often, and the consequences are more serious because local residents… don’t have this kind of experience,” she emphasized.

Hundreds dead

A WMO representative cited data from Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, released on Tuesday: 604 people were killed, 464 were missing, and 2,600 were injured. Overall, approximately 1.5 million people in Indonesia were affected, with 570,000 forced to flee their homes.

Commenting on the situation in Vietnam, Nullis noted that the country "has been hit by the elements for several weeks now" and is "preparing for more heavy rains."

"Exceptional rainfall in recent weeks has flooded historic sites, popular tourist resorts and caused extensive damage to [infrastructure]," she said.

Almost two meters of precipitation in one day

At the end of October, a weather station in central Vietnam recorded a record daily rainfall of 1,739 millimeters.

"This is the second highest daily rainfall in the world," Nullis said.

These data are currently undergoing official verification by the WMO. The organization clarifies that a reading of over 1,700 mm would be an absolute record for Asia and the entire Northern Hemisphere.

A Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Ricardo Pires, a representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), described the situation in Sri Lanka as a "rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency." Last week, Cyclone Ditwa struck the country's east coast, affecting approximately 1.4 million people, including 275,000 children.

"There are communication problems, roads have become impassable, and the number of child victims is likely even higher," Pires warned.

"Houses have been washed away, entire communities are left isolated," he added.

A UNICEF representative stressed that displaced families are forced to live in unsafe and overcrowded shelters, while flooding and damage to water systems increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

"The needs [of those affected] far exceed available resources," Pires said, calling for additional humanitarian funding.

"It's a law of physics": extreme precipitation will intensify

Commenting on the intensity of destructive weather events, Nullis explained that rising temperatures "increase the potential risk of more extreme precipitation events because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture."

"It's a law of physics… We're seeing an increase in extreme precipitation events, and that will continue in the future," she concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.