Poland's president signed into law on Tuesday a bill that imposes jail terms for suggesting the country was complicit in the Holocaust, prompting sharp criticism from Israel and the United States. Andrzej Duda said in a televised address the legislation would safeguard Poland's international reputation, but Israel called for amendments, saying the two countries had a "joint responsibility" to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. The United States, a close NATO ally of Poland, expressed disappointment at Duda's decision. "(This bill) ... protects Polish interests ... our dignity, the historical truth... so that we are not slandered as a state and as a nation," said Duda, an ally of the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) which introduced the legislation. But it also "takes into account the sensitivity of those for whom the issue of historical truth, the memory of the Holocaust is incredibly important", Duda added. The Polish law would impose prison sentences of up to three years for … [Read more...] about Polish president signs Holocaust bill, triggers Israeli, US criticism
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President awards Fatherland Defense Order to guard force
President Tran Dai Quang presenting a Fatherland Defence Order, Third Class, to the People’s Public Security Guard High Command on February 6. In his remarks at the event, President Tran Dai Quang lauded efforts and achievements of the guard force over the past 65 years. The country’s new era comes with not only many opportunities but also challenges, putting the public security forces, including the guard force, under greater pressure to ensure social order and security, the president said. He urged the guard force, together with other forces under the Ministry of Public Security, to continue effectively enforcing the Party and the State’s policies in protecting national security, improving fighting capacity and ensuring the safety of senior officials, international events and foreign guests. He also asked them to enhance the efficiency of their operations and take steps to prevent any acts of sabotage, terrorism, crimes and anti-State movements. The guard force, … [Read more...] about President awards Fatherland Defense Order to guard force
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades re-elected
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades (Source: EPA) The official final result after a second round run-off put the conservative incumbent with 55.99% percent of the vote, ahead of Communist-backed Stavros Malas, at 44%. "My dear friends, I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for the trust and the clear mandate," Mr. Anastasiades told hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside his election campaign headquarters in the center of the capital, Nicosia. "A new era begins tomorrow," he said from the building's balcony. "People demand cooperation and unity because this is the only way to solve the problems we're facing." Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and many other foreign leaders have congratulated the 72-year-old politician from Limassol on his victory. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated Anastasiades and said he hoped the victor would "continue to … [Read more...] about Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades re-elected
President awards Fatherland Defence Order to guard force
President Tran Dai Quang presents a Fatherland Defence Order, Third Class, to the People’s Public Security Guard High Command on February 6th. (Photo: VNA) In his remarks at the event, President Tran Dai Quang lauded efforts and achievements of the guard force over the past 65 years. The country’s new era comes with not only many opportunities but also challenges, putting the public security forces, including the guard force, under greater pressure to ensure social order and security, the president said. He urged the guard force, together with other forces under the Ministry of Public Security, to continue effectively enforcing the Party and the State’s policies in protecting national security, improving fighting capacity and ensuring the safety of senior officials, international events and foreign guests. He also asked them to enhance the efficiency of their operations and take steps to prevent any acts of sabotage, terrorism, crimes and anti-State movements. The … [Read more...] about President awards Fatherland Defence Order to guard force
State President pays pre-Tet visit to armed forces in Gia Lai
He asked the Army Corps No.3 to fully grasp as well as seriously and effectively implement resolutions and decrees on military affairs and national defenceof the Party, State, the Central Military Commission, and the Defence Ministry, thoroughly analyse and forecast sabotage activities by hostile forces in the new situation. “You should reinforce friendship and cooperation with Cambodia in order to protect our border and at the same time build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development in line with the Vietnamese Party and State’s unwavering policy,” he said.Mr. Quang asked the Army Corps No.3 to partner with departments and agencies to urge the people to comply with Party guidelines, and State laws and policies; offer support in poverty reduction, socio-economic and cultural development and disaster prevention. It was also required to pay attention to building a transparent and strong Party unit with political … [Read more...] about State President pays pre-Tet visit to armed forces in Gia Lai