World

China: 2022 New Year Address

Published

2 years ago

January 1, 2022

News Net Global

China: 2022 New Year Address

By: President Xi Jinpin

The past year has been a year of exceptional significance. We have lived through landmark events in the history of our Party and our country. At the historical convergence of the Two Centenary Goals, we have set out on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects and are making confident strides on the path toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

From the beginning to the end of the year, the Chinese people have been hard at work in the fields, enterprises, communities, schools, hospitals, barracks and research institutes, among other places. Throughout the year, we have put in our efforts, contributed our part, and received much in return. In the passage of time, we have seen and experienced a resilient and dynamic China, a country with its amicable and respectable people, a country developing rapidly with each passing day, and a country making continual progress in all its undertakings.

On July 1, we solemnly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Standing on the Tian’anmen Rostrum, one could only marvel at the extraordinary journey traveled by this major Party, a journey of Chinese Communists leading the Chinese people, in their hundreds of millions, in an unyielding struggle against all obstacles and challenges, and scoring spectacular, epoch-making achievements over the past century. To accomplish our great mission, we must always remain true to our original aspiration. Only through vigorous and determined endeavor can we fulfill our responsibility to history, prove worthy of our times and live up to people’s expectations.

The sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee has adopted the Party’s third resolution on historical issues. The CPC’s 100-year achievements provide a source of motivation and its 100-year experience a wellspring of inspiration. I have referred to Chairman Mao’s conversation with Mr. Huang Yanpei at his cave-dwelling in Yan’an, and the importance of carrying out bold self-revolution so as to gain the historical initiative. To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be no easy task like a walk in the park; it will not happen overnight, or through sheer fanfare. We must always keep a long-term perspective, remain mindful of potential risks, maintain strategic focus and determination, and “attain to the broad and great while addressing the delicate and minute”.

Our country, big as it is, also has its list of priorities. The myriad of things we attend to all boil down to matters concerning every household. Through my field trips to different places, I have seen and heard a lot of things which I find very inspiring and rewarding. Every time I visit people in their homes, I would ask if they have any more difficulties, and I would remember everything my folks have to share with me.

The concerns of the people are what I always care about, and the aspirations of the people are what I always strive for. Having worked in the countryside myself, I know precisely what poverty feels like. Thanks to the sustained efforts of the Chinese people from generation to generation, those who once lived in poverty no longer have to worry about food or clothing, or access to education, housing and medical insurance. Realization of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and elimination of extreme poverty is what the CPC has delivered to our people, and it is also a contribution to the world. To ensure that everyone leads a better life, we must never rest on what we have achieved, and there is still a long way to go.

A Yellow River well harnessed is a millennia-long aspiration of the Chinese people. Over the past few years, I have visited all nine provinces or autonomous regions on the upper, middle and lower streams of the Yellow River. From the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, two “mother rivers” of the Chinese nation, to the limpid Qinghai Lake and the mighty Yarlung Zangbo River; from the South-North Water Diversion, known as a project of the century, to the Saihanba forest, shown as a patch of green on the map; from the northward trek and homecoming of elephants in Yunnan Province, to the migration and return of Tibetan antelopes — all these remind us that “If we do not fail Nature, Nature shall never fail us”.

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This year has also recorded many memorable Chinese voices, Chinese moments and Chinese stories: youthful vows of “pledging to the Party to make my country strong”; affectionate expression of “pure, true love saved for the motherland”; the Zhurong rover probing Mars, the Xihe satellite chasing the sun, and the Tianhe space station core module traveling among the stars; athletes outdoing themselves to excel on the sports field; the whole nation staying united in solid COVID-19 response; people in disaster-stricken areas standing together to rebuild their homes; members of the People’s Liberation Army and Armed Police devoted to building a strong military and protecting our country. The hard work and dedication of countless unsung heroes have all added to the great momentum of China’s march forward in the new era.

The prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is always close to the heart of the motherland. Only with unity and concerted efforts can we ensure sound implementation of One Country, Two Systems in the long run. The complete reunification of our motherland is an aspiration shared by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. I sincerely hope that all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation will join forces to create a brighter future for our nation.

In my phone calls and virtual meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, I have heard many times plaudits for China’s fight against COVID-19 and contribution to the global COVID response. To date, China has provided two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

In just over a month, the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will open. Greater public involvement in winter sports also contributes to the Olympic Movement. We will spare no effort to present a great Games to the world. The world is turning its eyes to China, and China is ready.

The bell is about to ring for the New Year. As we speak, three Chinese astronauts are on duty in outer space; our fellow compatriots overseas are still working very hard; our people posted to diplomatic missions and businesses abroad as well as overseas Chinese students are bravely holding on; and our numerous dream-chasers are keeping up their good work. I salute all your great efforts, and extend to you best wishes for the New Year.

Let us all work together for a shared future. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!

China: 2022 New Year Address

World

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

Published

5 months ago

December 6, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

By: Michael Mike

The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Mirjana Spoljaric has called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.

Spoljaric, who was in Gaza to advance efforts that alleviate the devastating humanitarian toll the ongoing conflict is taking on civilians, reiterated the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.

She also reiterated the ICRC’s call for the hostages to be immediately released.

According to a statement from ICRC, Spoljaric travel to the region is happening in several stages, with a visit to Israel expected over the coming weeks.

The statement issued before her visit read: “In Gaza, President Spoljaric will spend time with the ICRC team on the ground and visit the European Hospital, where ICRC medical teams have been conducting life-saving surgery alongside local healthcare workers.

“The ICRC has also been providing medical and other supplies to health care facilities as well as livelihood support to displaced people.

“The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been providing ambulance and other core healthcare services in extremely dangerous circumstances in Gaza since the fighting escalated. Many humanitarian and health workers, including members of the PRCS, have been tragically killed in the conduct of their duties over the last weeks.”

Spoljaric was quoted in the statement to have said: “The level of human suffering is intolerable. It is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible.

“The purpose of my visit is to advance efforts that alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation. I will convey my deep concern for the plight of civilians and underline the ICRC’s utmost commitment to doing everything we can to ease their suffering. We have urgently appealed for civilian life to be protected and respected on all sides, in line with international humanitarian law, and I reiterate that appeal today.

“An unimpeded and regular flow of aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely. The hostages must be released, and the ICRC must be allowed to safely visit them.

“The last week provided a small degree of humanitarian respite, a positive glimpse of humanity that raised hopes around the world that a path to reduced suffering could now be found. As a neutral actor, the ICRC stands ready to support further humanitarian agreements that reduce suffering and heartbreak.”

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

News

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

Published

6 months ago

October 30, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has received Germany support in the sum of €81 million grant to address vital areas of development in the subregion

This brings to €500 million, the total Germany’s support over a decade.

The President of ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray made the announcement on Sunday when he received the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz who is in Abuja on a two day visit to Nigeria.

Touray revealed that the grant will cover peace and security, social protection in the sub-region amongst other things.

The Commission’s President, said: “Recently, we concluded an agreement of €81 million that the government of Germany and the people of Germany has decided to grant ECOWAS to support in various areas.

“The grant will cover areas such as peaceful and inclusive society, climate and energy transition, sustainable and economic development, health, social protection and population. These are important sectors and we appreciate Germany for their support.”

He equally disclosed that ECOWAS and Germany have agreed to work closely to address the numerous challenges facing the sub-region.

Touray during a joint press briefing with the German counsellor, said: ” Your Excellency during our discussion, we talked about the challenges that this region is facing such as insecurity, and infrastructure deficit. We have agreed to continue working together. Our regions are closely linked. What happens in one area affects the other and then we appreciate what Germany is doing individually and through the European Union for supporting this region.

“We are appreciative of the partnership that the region continues to enjoy with Germany and the EU particularly in the area of peace and security, and strong governance.”

On his part, the German Chancellor stressed the need to support the subregion in developing its infrastructure and other institutions, noting that it was important to improve trade exchanges in the subregion.

He said: “These are structures that have to be set up in order to improve the exchange at the level of ECOWAS countries. Strengthen the economic, strengthen power of countries that are united in this organisation.”

He also listed health, peace and security amongst other areas of cooperation with ECOWAS.

The German Chancellor In the area of security, said his country is in support of ECOWAS stand on Republic of Niger.

He stressed that his country does not support the evil take over of government .

He said: “The situation of peace and security in the region is important. The times are turbulent and we have to make sure that in such times peace and security can be provided for and ECOWAS has played an important part in the recent past as far as that is concerned.

” So we particularly value the exchange with ECOWAS on this subject matter. It is about not accepting military coups demanding that a return to constitutional authority takes place and provide for peace and security in the region.

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

News

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador

Published

7 months ago

October 11, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador

By: Michael Mike

Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has said his country would stop at nothing to exterminate the Hamas group.

Freeman described as act of terrorism, the killings of about 1000 unsuspecting civilian Israeli citizens by Hamas group.

According to him, Israel would do what it ought to do to finally exterminate the Hamas group.

Freeman said, “So, Israel is going to react, we have declared war on Hamas.

“It is important to state at this point that this is not a war that is between Israel and Palestine, this is not about Israel and Palestine.

“This is about Israel and Hamas, this is about good and evil, this is about civilization and barbarism.

“Either you stand with people who are defending themselves or you stand with those who cut the heads of babies.

“That is what this is about, it is not about anything else.”

He assured of Israel’s plan to do everything within its ambit to avoid civilian casualties in the cause of the war against Hamas.

He mentioned that the Israeli move would not be about religion or Islam, Judaism or Christianity, but evil and good.

The ambassador further said that Israel does not desire war in any circumstances, but would remain committed to protecting its citizens in all possible ways.

“If Hamas will surrender this will be over tomorrow morning, if terrorism will be over that is not realistic.

“I am not asking the Palestinians anything, I am saying to the Palestinians I want a better day. I am saying this with focus on Hamas.

“I am focused on dealing with Hamas and I am focused on stopping it.,” the envoy added.

Earlier, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdallah Shawesh, underscored the need for application of international laws to resolve the lingering crisis between Palestine and Israel.

Shaweh, who made the call while briefing journalists in Abuja in view of the ongoing war between the two countries urged the international community to stop treating Israel as a nation above the law.

In his response on the Palestinian government position about Hamas, the envoy said the group is not a terrorist organisation.

According to him, there should be fair treatment of all parties, saying the lives of all individuals mattered and thereby, condemned the incessant killings ongoing in both countries.

Shaweh said, “ The group is not a terrorist organisation, but it is fighting the course of the people, to liberate their land from Israeli occupation.

“The ceasefire agreement between the warring parties depends on Israel, which own a comprehensive military formation with support from allies like the United States.

“Many women and children were killed, medical doctors displaced and Ambulances destroyed in the renewed onslaught, the oldest churches in the world was destroyed by the Israeli forces.”

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador