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Pope voices pain over Canada deaths, but doesn’t apologise

Pope Francis

This comes as the mass burial place of 215 children, aged from three years, was found at the site of a school, closed in 1978, near the Canadian town of Kamloops…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis on Sunday expressed sorrow over the findings of the remains of more than 200 indigenous children at a former indigenous boarding school in western Canada, which was run by the Church.

“I observe with pain the shocking discovery in Canada of the remains of 215 children, pupils of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, in the province of British Columbia. I join the Canadian Bishops and the whole Catholic Church in Canada in expressing his closeness to the Canadian people, who have been traumatized by the shocking news,” the pontiff at a mass as quoted by the Vatican news.

This comes as the mass burial place of 215 children, aged from three years, was found at the site of a school, closed in 1978, near the Canadian town of Kamloops, Sputnik reported.

Following the discovery of graves, a probe has been opened into the circumstances and the accountability of these fatalities.

The pope requested Canadian authorities “to continue to work together with determination to shed light on this sad event and to commit themselves humbly to a path of reconciliation and healing.”

According to Francis, the incident was a strong call to abandon the “colonial model” and work toward the recognition of rights of the ingenious communities in Canada.

However, he stopped short of a direct apology that some Canadians had demanded.

“We’re all pained and saddened. Who isn’t? This is a worldwide travesty,” Bobby Cameron, chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan.

“How hard is it for the Pope to say: ‘I’m very sorry for the way our organization treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times. We are sorry. We pray,” Cameron said.

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Thomas Collins also said an apology “may very well be something that will be on the path ahead”.

Under the Canadian schooling system for indigenous children, at least 150,000 students were forcibly separated from their families and incarcerated in residential schools, according to the Russian news agency. It is estimated that up to 6,000 children could have died in such schools. (ANI/IANS)

ALSO READ: Remains of 215 kids found in Canada, UN urges probe

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-Top News Afghanistan Europe

Russia, Belarus warned against threatening allies

Stoltenberg

Stoltenberg said NATO was seriously concerned about the closer cooperation between Moscow and Minsk in recent months…reports Asian Lite News

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday warned Russia and Belarus against threatening the alliance’s allies, following the forced landing of a passenger plane within the European Union (EU0 by Belarusian authorities.

“We are of course ready, in an emergency, to protect and defend any ally against any kind of threat coming from Minsk and Moscow,” dpa news agency quoted Stoltenberg as saying to the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

“We are vigilant and we are following what is happening in Belarus very closely,” he said.

Belarus is becoming “more and more dependent” on Russia, he added.

Stoltenberg said NATO was seriously concerned about the closer cooperation between Moscow and Minsk in recent months.

“We have had to learn in the past that Russia has massively violated the territorial integrity of states such as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.”

He did not want to speculate too much, Stoltenberg said, noting, “NATO is a defensive alliance.”

Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, all members of NATO, share borders with Belarus.

On May 23, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko forced a Ryanair commercial flight between two EU capitals, Athens and Vilnius, to make an emergency landing in Minsk.

Dissident journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega, passengers on the plane, were arrested and are being held in custody.

While the EU responded with sanctions on Belarus, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Lukashenko for talks and said Moscow would support Belarus with $500 million in credit.

Putin also underlined his continuing support for Lukashenko in his confrontation with the West.

ALSO READ: Russia vows response to EU hostility yet ready for dialogue

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-Top News Europe USA

Russia officially pulls out of Open Skies Treaty

Putin

The law went into effect upon publication by the Kremlin on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law withdrawing Moscow from the Open Skies treaty, an arms control pact with the US that permitted unarmed surveillance flights over military facilities in both countries.

The law went into effect upon publication by the Kremlin on Monday, reports dpa news agency.

Putin himself had ordered the withdrawal from Open Skies.

The military observation flights were seen as key to building confidence between Russia and the West after the Cold War.

The decision to abandon the pact was mutual.

The administration of former US president Donald Trump announced a year ago that Washingtonwould withdraw from Open Skies, alleging Russia had violated its terms.

The incumbent Joe Biden administration decided in May to stick to that decision.

Russia blamed the US for the end of the agreement.

Last week, Russia’s upper house of parliament voted to scrap the treaty.

Putin’s signature was the last legal act to withdraw from the deal, signed in Helsinki on March 24, 1992.

It has been in force since 2002.

The topic is now expected to be off the table at Putin’s summit with Biden on June 16 in Geneva.

Only one key arms control agreement remains between the US and Russia — the New START nuclear disarmament treaty.

Shortly before it was set to expire in February, Biden and Putin had agreed on an extension.

The New START treaty limits the nuclear arsenals of both countries to 800 delivery systems and 1,550 ready-to-use nuclear warheads.

ALSO READ: Russian Parliament votes to exit Open Skies Treaty

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-Top News Europe USA

Putin likens US behaviour to Soviet Union

Putin made the comments during a press briefing late on Friday as he spoke about US sanctions against Moscow…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is “powerful enough” to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union.

Putin made the comments during a press briefing late on Friday as he spoke about US sanctions against Moscow, according to Russia’s news agency TASS.

He was speaking just days before a meeting with President Joe Biden whose cabinet in April imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia, including curbs to its sovereign debt market.

“We hear threats from the Congress, from other sources. It is all done within the context of the United States’ domestic political process,” Putin was quoted as saying.

“The people who do this, they probably assume that the United States has such economic, military and political might that it can get away with that. It is no big deal, that is what they think.”
Putin said such behaviour reminded him of the Soviet Union.

“The problem with empires is that they think they are powerful enough to make some mistakes. We will buy these (people), bully them, make a deal with them, give necklaces to them, threaten them with battleships. And this will solve all the problems. But problems accumulate. A moment comes when they cannot be solved anymore.”

Biden and Putin will meet in Geneva on June 16, the White House and the Kremlin have said, to discuss “the full range of pressing issues”, according to Washington.

ALSO READ: Biden reinvigorates tariff war against India

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Europe UAE News

UAE suspends arrivals from Vietnam

The decision exempts transit flights coming to the UAE and heading to Vietnam…Reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates have announced that entry from Vietnam will be suspended for all incoming passengers on national and foreign carriers, and those carrying transit passengers, starting from 5th June, 2021 at 23:59.

‎‏The decision exempts transit flights coming to the UAE and heading to Vietnam.

‎‏It applies to travellers who were in Vietnam in the last 14 days before coming to the UAE.

‎‏Flights between these countries and the UAE will continue to operate, allowing the transportation of passengers from the UAE to Vietnam.

‎‏It will also allow the transfer of some exempted groups from Vietnam to the UAE, with strict enforcement of precautionary measures.

‎‏These groups include UAE citizens and their first degree relatives, and diplomatic missions accredited between the UAE and Vietnam, including administrators working in embassies, official delegations, chartered flights by businessmen, those holding golden and silver residency visas, provided that they receive prior approval, and those who have received the full vaccine doses approved by the World Health Organisation, provided that 28 days have passed since receiving them.

‎‏This can be approved through the applications approved in the two countries or an approved vaccination certificate.

‎‏The holders of essential jobs according to the classification of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the crews of foreign shipment and transit aircraft are exempted, provided they obtain a negative PCR test for COVID-19 within 48 hours of departure and upon arrival and adherence to quarantine until departure.

‎‏The exempted groups are required to undertake preventive measures that include a 10-day quarantine and a PCR test at the airport, as well as on the fourth and eighth day after entering the country.

‎‏Moreover, the validity of the PCR test period has been reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours before travel, provided that it is administered by accredited laboratories that issue results with a QR code.

‎‏The authority also confirmed that it is required for those coming from Vietnam through other countries to stay in those countries for at least 14 days before being allowed to enter the UAE.

‎‏Cargo flights will continue to operate between the UAE and these countries.

‎‏The authority called upon all travellers affected by the decision to follow up with the relevant airlines to change or reschedule their flights and to ensure their safe return to their final destinations without delay.

ALSO READ: ‘Operation Smile UAE’ offers free surgeries

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-Top News Europe USA

US ‘looking closely’ at retaliation over ransomware attack

Joe Biden

The latest ransomware attack came weeks after a similar cyberattack targeting Colonial Pipeline…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden said that his administration was “looking closely” at whether to retaliate against Russia for a recent ransomware attack.

“We’re looking closely at that issue,” Biden told reporters at the White House on Wednesday when asked if the US would retaliate against Russia for the latest ransomware attack.

Biden replied “no” when asked if he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin was testing him with the hack ahead of their first-ever face-to-face meeting in Geneva on June 16.

Major meat producer JBS USA said on Sunday that it suffered a cyberattack and notified the administration that the ransom demand came from a criminal organization likely based in Russia.

The US was in direct touch with Russia and conveyed concerns about the issue, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at a briefing on Wednesday.

“We do expect this to be one of the issues that the president will discuss with President Putin at the summit.

“Harbouring criminal entities that are intending to do harm, that are doing harm to the critical infrastructure in the United States is not acceptable,” she added.

The latest ransomware attack came weeks after a similar cyberattack targeting Colonial Pipeline, which forced the company to shut down approximately 5,500 miles of fuel pipeline for days.

The Biden administration concluded that the Kremlin was not involved in the attack against Colonial Pipeline, while indicating criminals behind the hack were living in Russia.

The President said last month that he would raise the cybercrime issue in talks with Putin.

Relations between Washington and Moscow have been adversarial in recent years.

The two sides have obvious differences on issues related to Ukraine, cybersecurity, human rights, and US election interference.

The Biden administration noted it seeks “a more predictable, stable relationship” with Russia.

The much-anticipated Russia-US summit in a third country was first proposed by Biden during a telephone conversation with Putin on April 13, according to the Kremlin.

ALSO READ: Biden announces vaccine sharing plan

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-Top News Europe

EU unveils plans to reform Schengen area

The Schengen area is home to more than 420 million people across 26 countries — 22 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland…reports Asian Lite News.

The European Commission has unveiled a new plan to make the Schengen area, the largest free travel area in the world, a stronger and more resilient zone.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on Wednesday that the new plan will ensure that the European Union (EU) truly upholds the freedom to move, live and work in the different member states, reports xinhua news agency.

EU President Ursula von der Leyen

“Today, we are presenting a way forward that makes sure that Schengen can bear the test of time, one that will ensure the free flow of people, goods and services whatever the circumstances to rebuild our economies and for us to emerge stronger together,” she said.

Giving details of the strategy at a press conference, European Commission Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas explained that plan aims to ensure effective management of the EU’s external borders, reinforce the Schengen area internally as well as improve preparedness and governance.

He said the Commission is proposing to revise the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism. Changes include accelerating the evaluation process as well as a fast-track procedure in case of significant deficiencies that could put the zone as a whole at risk.

He said there will also be more political focus on evaluations as their results will be included in the annual report on the State of Schengen and discussed with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

The revised mechanism includes enhanced monitoring for the respect of fundamental rights.

The Schengen area is home to more than 420 million people across 26 countries — 22 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The removal of internal border controls between the Schengen states is an integral part of the European way of life: almost 1.7 million people reside in one Schengen state and work in another, according to the Commission.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said that state-of-the-art IT systems will improve external border management while enhanced police cooperation and common migration management will help reinforce the Schengen area without border checks.

ALSO READ-Russia vows response to EU hostility yet ready for dialogue

READ MORE-7 EU nations launch Digital COVID Certificate

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Europe UAE News

Air Arabia resumes flights to Vienna

Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies….reports Asian Lite News

Air Arabia airline has announced the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna, starting 15th October, 2021.

Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies.

Last month, Air Arabia, which is also Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), had announced the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Bishkek starting July 2nd, 2021.

Seasonal direct flights between Sharjah and Batumi will also be starting from June 29.

Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

ALSO READ: ‘Operation Smile UAE’ offers free surgeries

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-Top News Europe

Italy marks 75th national day with low-key celebrations

Addressing the nation on TV, President Sergio Mattarella stressed the need for Italy and the European Union to be united during difficult times…reports Asian Lite News.

People across Italy marked the country’s 75th national day with scaled-back celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the government scrapping the traditional military parades and public speeches.

But Rome’s streets on Wednesday were still filled with people venturing out amid the newly eased coronavirus restrictions, Xinhua news agency reported.

On June 2, 1946, a national referendum created the first Italian Republic, which removed the monarchy that had officially ruled the country since it was unified in 1861.

One of the most recognisable traditions of the day remained unchanged for this year’s celebration: a formation of nine fighter jets trailing green, white, and red smoke — the colours of the Italian flag — soared over the Altar of the Fatherland, the over-sized monument standing over Rome’s main square, Piazza Venezia.

But other traditions including a military parade along the city’s Via dei Fori Imperiali and speeches by political and military leaders were scrapped for the second consecutive year.

Addressing the nation on TV, President Sergio Mattarella stressed the need for Italy and the European Union to be united during difficult times.

“The conception of a common good, more important than any idea since, has led us to be a dedicated part of the European Union, which is an essential element of its own national identity,” he said.

“This terrible experience of the pandemic … has made evident the profound interdependence of the destiny of our people and has shown that the only effective forms of coordination have proved able to defeat it.”

Earlier in the day, Mattarella laid a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland at Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The scaled-back celebrations marking the anniversary did not reduce the number of people on the streets of the capital.

“This is a holiday about the new Italy after World War II and this time it also has the feeling about a new Italy after the worst of the pandemic,” said Leo Esposito, a municipal government worker enjoying ice cream with his wife and two young children.

“We are all hoping things will continue getting better for us.”

Annalisa Bettin, a university student out in Rome’s Trastevere neighbourhood with two classmates, agreed.

“We all spend most of the last year or more inside social distancing,” Bettin said.

“We need to get out and to take a step back toward normal. The situation is improving. Using the June 2 holiday as an excuse to get outside and do some things and relax a little makes good sense to me.”

ALSO READ-Italy cable car crash kills 13

READ MORE-flydubai resumes its operations to Italy

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-Top News COVID-19 Europe

Germany to lift vax prioritisation scheme

Last week, the BioNTech-Pfizer Covid jab received the first authorisation in the European Union (EU) for adolescents…reports Asian Lite News.

Germany will lift its vaccination prioritisation scheme on June 7, making all citizens older than 12 years eligible to receive a Covid-19 jab, Minister of Health Jens Spahn announced.

The vaccination campaign in Germany “gained enormous speed” and the prioritisation would be lifted in order to “keep the momentum”, Spahn was quoted as saying at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday.

So far, appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations in Germany were assigned in prioritisation groups, which were primarily based on citizens’ age, previous illnesses and occupation.

Last week, the BioNTech-Pfizer Covid jab received the first authorisation in the European Union (EU) for adolescents and the German government decided that children over the age of 12 years could sign up for vaccination.

Starting next week, company doctors will be more involved in Germany’s vaccination campaign and provided with around 700,000 doses of BioNTech/Pfizer in the first week alone, according to Spahn.



More than 15.6 million people in Germany have been fully vaccinated till date, bringing the country’s vaccination rate to 18.8 per cent, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

Almost 36.5 million Germans have already received at least one dose of a vaccine.

ALSO READ-France, Germany, Spain reach new fighter jet deal

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