Prime Minister Trudeau apologized September 27 after a Nazi-allied war veteran was formally recognized by then House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota during last week’s visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Embarrassed at home and abroad, the PM also said the government had reached out diplomatically to Ukraine. [node:read-more:link]
Expelled from the UN Human Rights Council after invading Ukraine, Russia is applying to rejoin for a three-year term despite the fact that President Vladimir Putin and his military stand accused of war crimes. In its application, Russia seeks to stop the council becoming an “instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries.” [node:read-more:link]
Commenting on the diplomatic fallout from Prime Minister Trudeau’s explosive allegation that India was involved in the murder of a B.C. Sikh activist last June, Defence Minister Bill Blair said September 23 that a criminal investigation is more appropriate. “Move beyond credible intelligence to evidence […] of exactly what happened so that we and the Indian government can know the truth, have the facts and then work together to resolve it.” [node:read-more:link]
French President Emmanuel Macron said September 23 that he will withdraw diplomatic staff and 1,500 troops from Niger in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pullout “by the end of the year.” Military leaders who overthrew democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July have been pressing for a withdrawal. [node:read-more:link]
As Canada’s diplomatic row with India continues over Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegation that Indian agents were involved in the killing of a Sikh activist in B.C. last June, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada has confirmed that “shared intelligence […] helped lead Canada to making the statements that the Prime Minister made.” [node:read-more:link]
The UN Security Council has been urged by U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken to authorize deployment of a Kenya-led security mission to Haiti. He has also promised “robust financial and logistical assistance” for a campaign to address ongoing gang violence which has paralyzed Haiti for more than two years. [node:read-more:link]
Canada reportedly amassed domestic and foreign intelligence during a months-long investigation of the killing last June of a B.C. Sikh activist branded a “terrorist” by India. Prime Minister Trudeau’s suggestion that India was involved set off a diplomatic row but his National Security & Intelligence Adviser was in India in August and again this month ahead of the PM’s meeting with his Indian counterpart during which Trudeau shared his concerns. [node:read-more:link]
When it was noted by a moderator at a UN Climate Ambition Summit September 20 that Canada remains a major fossil fuel source, Prime Minister Trudeau replied that Canada is on track to address the industry’s methane emissions. Draft regulations due before year’s end would allow Canada to meet or exceed its goal of a 75% reduction from 2012 levels by 2030. [node:read-more:link]
Canada is pulling some diplomats out of India as tensions continue to rise over allegations that India’s government may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh activist in B.C. “With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement,” GAC says. Canada has a High Commission in New Delhi and consulates in Bangalore, Chandigarh and Mumbai. [node:read-more:link]
Canada’s diplomatic rift with India widened today when India suspended visa processing services at offices in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa. “Operational reasons” were cited by the agency which handles applications. [node:read-more:link]
The UN was criticized today by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not fulfilling its fundamental obligation in dealing with Russia’s invasion. Calling for Russia to be stripped of its Security Council veto, he said “it is impossible to stop the war because all actions are vetoed by the aggressor.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated a claim that the West had staged a “coup” in Ukraine to install a pro-Western president. [node:read-more:link]
Indian citizens and students have been advised by their government to “exercise extreme caution” amid “growing anti-India activities” in Canada. It’s the latest development in rising tensions after Prime Minister Trudeau said Indian agents may have been involved in the murder of a Sikh activist in B.C. last June. [node:read-more:link]
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with the challenges of climate change, sustainable development, poverty, the coronavirus pandemic aftermath and even the UN’s fundamental roles are casting a gloomy shadow over New York this week. There is particular focus on a potential September 20 face-off between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. [node:read-more:link]
U.S. and Saudi Arabian officials are discussing a mutual defence treaty akin to those the U.S. has with Japan and South Korea. It’s seen as a key element of a diplomatic push to normalize Saudi relations with Israel. [node:read-more:link]
Hours after Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat when Prime Minister Trudeau said India was involved in the murder of a Sikh activist in B.C. last June, India has responded in kind while dismissing the accusation as “absurd” and “unsubstantiated.” [node:read-more:link]
