25.11.2024 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
4–5 minutes
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  • Manila and Beijing Clarify Select South China Sea Claims – 21.11.2024

In November 2024, the Philippines enacted two new laws to clarify its maritime claims in the South China Sea, aligning them with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These laws strengthen the Philippines’ position by formalizing its boundaries and providing a framework for negotiations with other claimants, while countering China’s expansive and internationally disputed claims. In response, China announced new baselines around Scarborough Shoal, signaling its determination to assert control, though this move drew further criticism for being inconsistent with international law. While the Philippines’ actions have garnered general support from the international community, historical disputes and China’s uncompromising stance continue to hinder regional cooperation, with tensions in the area likely to persist and escalate.

  • Trump administration takes shape: President-elect completes top 15 Cabinet picks – 23.11.2024

President-elect Trump has finalized his picks for 15 key Cabinet positions in just three weeks, selecting a mix of traditional and unconventional candidates. These choices, united under the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, reflect diverse perspectives and mark a new chapter in Republican leadership. Key appointments include Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (Health and Human Services), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor), Scott Bessent (Treasury), Marco Rubio (State), Pete Hegseth (Defense), Pam Bondi (Attorney General), Doug Burgum (Interior), Brooke Rollins (Agriculture), Howard Lutnick (Commerce), Scott Turner (Housing and Urban Development), Sean Duffy (Transportation), Chris Wright (Energy), Linda McMahon (Education), Douglas Collins (Veterans Affairs), and Kristi Noem (Homeland Security).

  • Developing Nations And Nonprofits Reject ‘Disaster’ COP29 Climate Deal – 25.11.2024

The COP29 climate conference in Baku ended in disarray, as wealthy nations proposed a $300 billion climate aid package by 2035 that was rejected by key developing nations, who demanded at least $1.3 trillion in grants. Countries like India, Nigeria, and Vanuatu condemned the deal, citing inadequate financial support and unfulfilled promises, while civil society groups criticized it as a betrayal of the Global South, pointing to reliance on loans and private funding. The conference faced additional scandals, including alleged favoritism toward oil-rich nations, fueling calls for a complete overhaul of the COP process as global warming surpasses critical thresholds.

  • Middle East latest: Israeli ambassador to US says Hezbollah ceasefire deal could come ‘within days’ – 25.11.2024

Efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are reportedly progressing, with Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. expressing optimism for an agreement within days, though key issues like enforcement mechanisms remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing humanitarian aid and the need for a political solution to establish a Palestinian state. Concurrently, tensions persist with ongoing violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, as both sides accuse each other of violating international resolutions. Additionally, controversies such as Iran’s Supreme Leader calling for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s prosecution and criticism of Israel’s handling of Palestinian prisoners have fueled global tensions over the broader Middle East conflict.

  • Far-right candidate takes shock lead in Romania presidential election – 25.11.2024

Preliminary results from Romania’s presidential election show far-right, pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu leading with 23% of the vote, followed by centre-right candidate Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union and Social Democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Georgescu, who campaigned mainly on TikTok with the slogan “Restore the dignity of the Romanian nation,” defied expectations, as pre-election polls placed him at only 5%. A final run-off on December 8 will likely see Georgescu facing Lasconi, who narrowly surpassed Ciolacu. Key campaign issues included the rising cost of living and public resentment over aid to Ukrainian refugees, with 51% voter turnout.

  • Sudan in danger of becoming a failed state, aid chief warns – 24.11.2024

Sudan faces the risk of becoming a failed state as its civil society collapses amid a brutal 19-month conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), compounded by violence from smaller armed groups targeting civilians. The war has displaced over 10 million people, pushed the country to widespread starvation, and created what aid agencies, including the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), describe as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Aid efforts remain critically underfunded, with starvation reportedly being used as a weapon of war, and fears of ethnic cleansing and genocide persist. Despite ongoing peace talks, little progress has been made, with calls for increased global intervention to prevent further devastation and address the urgent humanitarian needs.

  • One person killed when DHL cargo plane crashes near Lithuania airport – 25.11.2024

A Swiftair-operated Boeing 737-400 cargo plane, flying on behalf of DHL, crashed while landing near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania early Monday, killing one Spanish citizen and injuring three others—a Spanish, German, and Lithuanian national, one critically. The crash, which occurred at 0330 GMT after departing Leipzig, Germany, caused the plane to break apart on impact, with debris damaging a nearby house. Lithuanian authorities and DHL are investigating the cause, though there is currently no indication of sabotage or terrorism. Witnesses reported sparks and flames before the crash. Lithuanian officials emphasized the need to analyze the black boxes, as pilots reported no issues during radio contact. Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte urged against speculation, while a broader EU investigation examines potential links to other parcel-related fires.

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