NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –DANTE FRAZIER (“FRAZIER”), age 45, was sentenced on February 6, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 188 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to an emergency call and found FRAZIER passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. After becoming aware of NOPD’s presence, FRAZIER drove onto the Saint Claude Avenue neutral ground, struck a median, and then drove into a gas station parking lot before fleeing on foot. While fleeing, FRAZIER fired five shots from a Mossberg International Model 715P, .22 caliber handgun, at NOPD, before hiding beneath a nearby house. Soon after the pursuit, NOPD officers located FRAZIER, and his vehicle containing over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 14 grams of cocaine, that FRAZIER intended to distribute. Before this shooting incident, FRAZIER had been convicted of three counts of armed robbery and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 6, 2025, KANISHA FLORENCE (“FLORENCE”), age 28, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted for theft of mail by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to the indictment, on February 6, 2023, FLORENCE removed a gift card from an article of mail that had come into her possession as an employee of the United States Postal Service.
If convicted, FLORENCE faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –MERVYN LUCAS (“LUCAS”), age 33, was sentenced on February 6, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 75 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a car stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659.
According to court documents, law enforcement tracked a brand new, $80,000 Ford F-150 Raptor stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard to LUCAS’s residence. The vehicle had a fraudulent temporary license plate and inside the residence, in an envelope addressed to LUCAS,there was a second fraudulent plate. Law enforcement also found over 10 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana in LUCAS’s residence that he intended to distribute. Additionally, they found a Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco AK-47-style firearm, loaded with over 40 rounds of ammunition, that LUCAS possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
This photo taken on Feb. 8, 2025 shows the site of a landslide in Jinping Village, Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. (Xinhua) 29 people remain missing after a landslide in southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Saturday, according to a press conference held early Sunday morning. The number of the missing people is still being verified. Due to continuous rainfall and geological conditions, the landslide has transformed into debris flows that resulted in an accumulation of debris stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers, with a total volume of over 100,000 cubic meters, according to a preliminary assessment. As of now, the landslide is still ongoing. The landslide occurred at about 11:50 a.m. in Jinping Village, Junlian County in the city of Yibin.
China’s public security authorities have made significant strides in enforcing check-in requirements for hotel operators accommodating minors to ensure their safety, the Ministry of Public Security said on Saturday. Hotel operators are required to verify the identity of minors, inquire about guardian information, and record details of accompanying persons when accommodating minors to prevent crimes such as child trafficking. In 2024, hotels nationwide reported over 42 million minor check-ins, and public security authorities conducted 522,000 checks on suspicious activities, according to the ministry. The ministry released several typical cases regarding information checks of minors at hotel receptions. In one case from September 2024 in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, three adults attempted to check in with an infant but failed to provide valid identification for the child. The hotel staff immediately reported the situation to the police. Subsequent investigations revealed that the baby had been abducted, ultimately leading to the resolution of a child trafficking case. In another case from June 2024 at a hotel in Shanghai, two underage boys refused to provide their guardians’ contact information. The hotel staff promptly notified the police, who later discovered that the boys had run away from home after arguments with their parents. Authorities then ensured their safe return.
Three men have been rescued after being reported missing while rafting on the Waikaia River near Piano Flat.
Police were alerted at around 9.30pm yesterday that the men did not reach their designated pick-up point after a planned trip on the river.
After making initial enquiries overnight, Police Search and Rescue began the search at first light this morning.
Police would like to thank Fire and Emergency New Zealand for providing a Command Truck for a forward search base at Piano Flat.
Southern Lakes Helicopters – Te Anau assisted the search by providing a helicopter, which located two inflatable watercrafts in a gorge section of the river, about 6.5km north of Piano Flat.
At around 11.30am, one of the men was sighted by the helicopter near the river’s edge with a leg injury.
The other two men were located nearby a short time later, cold but otherwise uninjured.
The trio were winched from the river to safety by the helicopter and were medically assessed. The man with the leg injury was transported to hospital by Ambulance.
Police would like to thank Land Search and Rescue volunteers from Southland, Eastern Southland, Catlins, and Fiordland, alongside Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
Police would also like to thank the public who provided vital information of the area and terrain.
Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday in the fifth prisoner-for-hostage swap under the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
People welcome a released Palestinian prisoner in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Abdullah al-Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, said the released prisoners, transported by buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross, had arrived in Ramallah. TV footage showed the released Palestinians being greeted by a large crowd at a square in the city.
Of the freed prisoners, 42 were from the West Bank, three from Jerusalem, and 27 from the Gaza Strip, all serving life sentences or lengthy terms. Additionally, 111 prisoners were arrested in the Gaza Strip after Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the Commission of Detainees’ Affairs said in a press statement.
Seven of the freed prisoners would be deported outside the Palestinian territories, according to the statement.
Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said that Israeli vehicles stormed Beitunia, a Palestinian city west of Ramallah, immediately after the bus carrying Palestinian prisoners left Ofer Prison, to prevent any celebratory demonstrations by their families.
Israeli forces also raided the homes of some prisoners in the West Bank and warned their families against organizing celebrations to mark their release, according to the sources.
Earlier on Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages it had been holding in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the Israeli hostages had crossed the border into Israel.
This release marks the fifth hostage-prisoner swap under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States.
According to a report by the Times of Israel last month, Israel demanded that Palestinians convicted of the most serious crimes not be released to the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.
China and Thailand on Saturday issued a joint statement pledging to strengthen cooperation in cracking down on online scam operations, human and drug trafficking and money laundering.
Online scam operations have plagued many Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand, becoming increasingly rampant in recent years. In these operations, people lured by false advertisements for high-paying jobs are trafficked into secretive compounds, where criminal groups force them to run online scams targeting victims worldwide, including in China.
Both sides stressed the urgency and necessity of enhancing cooperation to combat these transnational crimes. They agreed to further discussions to establish effective coordination mechanisms for tackling these crimes at an early stage and to promote judicial cooperation among Lancang-Mekong countries.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military exchanges, joint training, defense industry collaboration, capacity building, and technology transfer to promote regional peace and stability.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic ties. In their statement, both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in high-quality development, clean energy, the digital economy and green growth. They aim to boost bilateral trade by expanding market access, promoting high-quality products, and enhancing e-commerce collaboration.
Additionally, both sides emphasized the importance of connectivity in driving regional economic integration and shared development. They agreed to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation, including the China-Thailand railway project, to enhance regional connectivity.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
As Secretary Rubio said: My number one job as Secretary of State is determining what is in the best interest of the United States, ensuring our diplomacy takes actions in line with President Trump’s America First policy.
With that in mind, he traveled to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic on his first international trip since taking office.
“We’ve seen that the more prosperous and safer these countries are, the more prosperous and safer it makes us. I reinforced this truth in my visit to the region this week, as I talked with senior officials and business leaders about ways we can promote regional cooperation on our shared interests: stopping illegal and large-scale migration, fighting the scourge of transnational criminal organizations and drug traffickers, countering China, and deepening economic partnerships to enhance prosperity in our hemisphere. In each of these countries, we value our allies, and we look forward to continuing to deepen and strengthen our partnerships.”
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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The Hubei Performing Arts Group brought a vibrant showcase of Chinese folk arts to Belgrade, on Saturday evening with a flash performance at Galerija Shopping Mall, as part of Serbia’s Spring Festival celebrations.
The “Charming Hubei” program kicked off with a suona solo, “Snow Lantern Festival,” immediately drawing a crowd. This was followed by a mesmerizing display of Wudang martial arts, which earned enthusiastic applause. The highlight of the evening was a face-changing opera performance, where enthusiastic children and teenagers eagerly interacted with the performer.
The 30-minute show concluded with a series of traditional and classical Chinese folk music performed on Chinese instruments, including the guzheng, pipa, and erhu.
Adding a cross-cultural touch, Serbian violinist Milica joined the Chinese performers. “It is a great pleasure to work and perform with musicians from China. It’s always a unique experience to share music together,” she said.
Milica, a member of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, noted that although she had met many Chinese musicians during previous visits to China, this was her first official collaboration with a Chinese ensemble. “The music is amazing. I love its melodies and unique style,” she added.
Audience member Andjela praised the performance for its artistry, costumes, and diverse instruments. “It was something different and truly beautiful. I haven’t seen a Chinese show like this before, but now I definitely want to experience more,” she said.
This marked the Hubei Performing Arts Group’s third appearance in Serbia’s Spring Festival celebrations, following performances in Bor and Nis.
Two cultural events celebrating the traditional Chinese Spring Festival were held in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, on Saturday afternoon, providing attendees with an immersive cultural exchange experience.
The Confucius Institute in Sofia hosted a vibrant Spring Festival celebration, attracting attendees eager to experience Chinese culture. The event featured performances by students from Chinese-language classes across Bulgaria, including Sofia, Vidin, Stara Zagora, Burgas, and Montana. Prizes were also awarded to winners of the institute’s recent Chinese language competition.
Addressing the event, Yang Tian, head of the education section at the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, highlighted the Spring Festival’s significance as China’s most festive and culturally rich holiday, symbolizing family reunion, harmony, and prosperity.
“This festival has become an important cultural bridge, emotionally connecting people worldwide,” Yang said, commending the Confucius Institute’s efforts in fostering mutual cultural appreciation through the Year of the Snake celebrations.
In a joint speech delivered in their respective languages, Chen Ying, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and Aksiniya Koleva, the institute’s Bulgarian director, emphasized the institute’s ongoing efforts to increase the number of Bulgarian youth studying Chinese. “We are dedicated to expanding cultural and educational exchanges between our two countries,” they said.
Angel Apostolov, chief expert at the international cooperation department of the Ministry of Education and Science, shared his impressions after attending the event. He first experienced Chinese New Year celebrations 15 years ago, he told Xinhua, adding, “It’s remarkable that the hall is always full, which reflects the growing Chinese cultural presence in Bulgaria.”
Meanwhile, another Spring Festival celebration event took place at the Toplocentrala Center for Contemporary Arts. The gathering featured a 90-minute China-Bulgaria joint concert with performances by Chinese and Bulgarian musicians, along with various Chinese cultural activities.
Eighteen-year-old Raya Popova traveled 310 km from Ruse to attend the event. “I came because my former Chinese teacher is here, and I want to meet her before she returns to China,” said Popova, who last year won the Bulgarian national qualifications of the 17th “Chinese Bridge” competition.
“Chinese Bridge” is an annual international contest in which non-Chinese students showcase their proficiency in the Chinese language and their knowledge of Chinese culture.
“I have made many new contacts with Chinese people, which helps me improve my Chinese every day,” she told Xinhua.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Foreign ambassadors impressed by Chinese New Year celebrations
Updated: February 9, 2025 09:40Xinhua
Diplomats and envoys from 11 countries visited north China’s Langfang City on Friday and were deeply impressed by the cultural charm of the Spring Festival by engaging in the diverse celebrating activities.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT BALL (“BALL”), age 45 of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 6, 2025 to a total of 248 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, after previously pleading guilty to one (1) count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), as well as one (1) count of Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a). BALL was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment on Counts 1 and 2, followed by an additional 60 months on Count 3 to run consecutive. Judge Morgan also ordered that BALL serve five (5) years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, law enforcement in Ontario, California intercepted a package suspected of containing methamphetamine that was enroute to New Orleans. Further investigation revealed that Felipe Garcia had mailed two similar packages from the same United Parcel Service store in California to New Orleans. After determining the intercepted package in California contained methamphetamine, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) intercepted the second package before its delivery to a New Orleans address. It was later determined that BALL was the intended recipient of this drug package. BALL had previously been arrested by the Louisiana State Police after a traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine and firearms in his possession.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Ontario California Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
China’s first batch of hybrid diesel locomotives has been delivered, according to a report in the Science and Technology Daily on Saturday.
The locomotives were developed by Anshan Iron and Steel Group Company Limited and CRRC Dalian Co., Ltd. (CRRC Dalian). Compared to conventional diesel locomotives, these new products have significant advantages in terms of performance and environmental friendliness, the report said.
Equipped with dual power systems and centralized control units, the new locomotives can intelligently switch power modes according to different scenarios and working conditions, achieving a fuel-saving efficiency of more than 30 percent, according to the report.
When the outdoor temperature is between minus 40 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius, a thermal support system cools or heats the locomotive’s power battery.
Compared to older diesel locomotives, these new vehicles can reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by about 45 percent, hydrocarbons by approximately 73 percent and carbon monoxide by roughly 83 percent, according to the report.
As people travel back home from the Burt Munro Challenge, we remind motorists that our highways are not racetracks and there is no prize for getting home first.
Thousands of people are leaving the Invercargill region in the coming days, prompting our reminder to drive safely so you reach your destinations safely.
Ensure you plan your journey ahead and allow plenty of travel time in case of delays. With a significant increase in traffic heading out of the region, it is crucial to keep your cool all times.
Please drive to the conditions, obey all speed limits and restrictions, don’t drive impaired and keep your phone away. If you are feeling fatigued, pull over or have somebody else drive.
If you are on a motorcycle, wear all the appropriate safety gear and check your bike is road safe before setting off.
We hope everyone enjoyed the events in our region, and if you’re on the road, expect to see us out and about, making sure everyone’s safe.
The Government is modernising visa settings to incentivise migrants to invest in New Zealand. “Foreign investment has the potential to provide jobs for Kiwis, lift incomes by delivering new businesses and investing in existing ones. We should be rolling out the welcome mat and encouraging investor migrants to choose New Zealand as a destination for their capital,” Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. “Unfortunately, changes made to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa category by the previous government had the effect of discouraging potential investors from seeking New Zealand residence. Since 2022, migrants entering New Zealand under the AIP category have invested just $70 million. By contrast, in the two years prior to COVID-19 migrants invested $2.2 billion. “Rather than turning potential investors away, this Government is intent on welcoming people who want to contribute to New Zealand. We are already making it easier for digital nomads to work remotely while visiting here and have established Invest New Zealand to promote investment into this country,” Ms Willis says. “Capital is highly mobile and in an increasing complex world, people are looking for a safe and stable country to do business. We are now making our investor visa simpler and more flexible to incentivise investors to choose New Zealand as a destination not just for their capital, skills and international connections, but to build a life for themselves and their family here,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. From 1 April the current complex weighting system for the AIP will be replaced with two simplified investment categories:
The Growth category will focus on higher-risk investments, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It will require a minimum investment of $5 million for a minimum period of three years. The Balanced category will focus on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There will be a minimum investment of $10 million over five years.
Other changes include expanding the scope of acceptable investments and removing potential barriers to investment, such as the English language requirement. “Incentivising, simplifying and broadening the investment offerings will make New Zealand more attractive and accessible to more foreign high-value investors. These changes will turbocharge our economic growth, bringing brighter days ahead for all Kiwis,” Ms Stanford says.
There is no doubt that Australia has the best beaches in the world, and Tourism Australia’s official 2025 Best Australian Beaches list highlights just how extraordinary our coastline is.
For the first time Tasmania has won the title of Australia’s ‘best beach,’ with the coveted top spot going to a 10-kilometre section of pristine coastline in the Bay of Fires, stretching across a handful of beach bays from The Gardens to Binalong Bay.
Other notable beaches on the list include Little Lagoon which is an egg-shaped inlet at Shark Bay in Western Australia and Fishery Bay on the Eyre Peninsula which is located about 20 minutes southwest of Port Lincoln.
The Best Australian Beaches list helps international travellers and local holidaymakers, to discover hidden gems and explore different parts of the country beyond our capital cities.
Congratulations to all of the communities connected with the top 10 Best Australian Beaches for 2025:
Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Woolgoolga, New South Wales
Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
North Kirra Beach, Queensland
Little Lagoon, Western Australia
Fishery Bay, South Australia
1770, Queensland
Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
Caves Beach, New South Wales
Cowes Beach, Victoria
Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, curates the list each year, which helps to refine the top 10 from the almost 12,000 beaches on Australia’s mainland and islands.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:
“There will be many families, just like mine, that love looking through the “Best Australian Beaches” list every year to pick which ones they want to visit next.
“It’s a very difficult job choosing just 10 places to highlight from the almost 12,000 beaches on Australia’s mainland and islands – but Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador does an exceptional and thorough job.
“I was thrilled to see Fishery Bay on the Eyre Peninsula in SA make the top 10 – my great grandfather was the first harbour master at nearby Arno Bay, which is also a stunning spot.
“This year’s list will highlight to the world what many in Australia know – that Bondi and Brighton are wonderful, but it’s worth the journey to regional SA to see some truly unique beaches.”
Images, vision and grabs are available via the Dropbox library.
A national Palestine advocacy group has hit back at critics of its “genocide hotline” campaign against soldiers involved in Israel’s war against Gaza, saying New Zealand should be actively following international law.
“Why is concern for the sensitivities of soldiers from a genocidal Israeli campaign more important than condemning the genocide itself?,” asked PSNA national chair John Minto in a statement.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and the New Zealand Jewish Council have made statements “protecting” Israeli soldiers who come to New Zealand on “rest and recreation” from the industrial-scale killing of 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza until a truce went into force on January 19.
“We are not surprised to see such a predictable lineup of apologists for Israel and its genocide in Gaza from lining up to attack a PSNA campaign with false smears of anti-semitism,” Minto said.
He said that over 16 months Peters had done “absolutely nothing” to put any pressure on Israel to end its genocidal behaviour.
“But he is full of bluff and bluster and outright lies to denounce those who demand Israel be held to account.”
Deny illegal settler visas Minto said that if Peters was doing his job as Foreign Minister, he would not only stop Israeli soldiers coming to Aotearoa New Zealand — as with Russian soldiers in the Ukraine war — he would also deny visas to any Israeli with an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Whlle the commission said it had received 90 complaints about the hotline, it had also received eight complaints about immigration policy allowing Israeli soldiers to enter New Zealand under the visa waiver scheme that applies to Israel.
“Our campaign has nothing to do with Israelis or Jews — it is a campaign to stop Israeli soldiers coming here for rest and recreation after a campaign of wholesale killing of Palestinians in Gaza,” Minto said.
“To imply the campaign is targeting Jews is disgusting and despicable.
“Some of the soldiers will be Druse, some Palestinian Arabs and others will be Jews.”
The five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, shot 355 times by Israeli soldiers on 29 January 2024. Image: @Onlyloren/Instagram
Israeli soldiers are facing a growing risk of being arrested abroad for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, with around 50 criminal complaints filed so far in courts in several countries around the world.
Earlier this month, a former Israeli soldier abruptly ended his holiday in Brazil and was “smuggled” out of the country after a Federal Court ordered police to open a war crimes investigation against him. The man fled to Argentina.
A complaint lodged by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) included more than 500 pages of court records linking the suspect to the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza.
‘Historic’ court ruling against soldier The foundation called the Brazilian court’s decision “historic”, saying it marked a significant precedent for a member country of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to enforce Rome Statute provisions domestically in the 15-month Israeli war on Gaza.
The foundation is named in honour of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab who was killed on 29 January 2024 by Israel soldiers while pleading for help in a car after her six family members were dead.
According to The New Arab, the foundation has so far tracked and sent the names of 1000 Israeli soldiers to the ICC and Interpol, and has been pursuing legal cases in a number of countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, France, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, together with a former Hamas commander, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Minto accused the New Zealand Jewish Council of being “deeply racist” and said it regularly “makes a meal of false smears of anti-semitism”.
“It’s deeply problematic that this Jewish Council strategy takes attention away from the real anti-semitism which exists in New Zealand and around the world.
“The priority of the Jewish Council is to protect Israel from criticism and protect it from accountability for its apartheid policies, ethnic cleansing and genocide.
“We are demanding that accountability.”
NZ ‘going through the motions’ In a later statement, PSNA said the government had begun to “go through the motions” of questioning Israeli soldiers at the border but it was just a “look busy policy – too little too late”.
NZ requires Israelis to disclose IDF service details as condition for entry – a similar policy to Australia. Image: Times of Israel screenshot APR
Immigration questioning Israeli of soldiers about their military service in Gaza at the New Zealand border was revealed in a Times of Israel report today which said:
“New Zealand’s government immigration authority has begun to require Israelis applying for a visa to report details of their military service as a condition for entry, and at least one person has been denied admission after doing so.”
PSNA’s Minto said the government must also uphold the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 which called on global governments to end support for Israel’s illegal occupation.
“This means we should also deny entry to every Israeli wanting to visit here who has an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” Minto added.
The parking zone already exists for both of the city’s current major football stadiums at Goodison Park and Anfield.
Given the scale of the events to be hosted at Everton’s brand new 52,888 capacity stadium, the council is asking for views from residents, businesses and other stakeholders on introducing new controls in the area when the venue is hosting events.
Although not yet complete (scheduled for completion in the 2024/25 season), the stadium has already been named as a potential host venue in the FA’s bid for the UEFA European Championships in 2028 and will also be capable of hosting major non-footballing events.
The proposals focus on the area within a 30-minute walk of Everton Stadium, which will encompass the surrounding Ten Streets district and into the city centre.
These include: • New resident parking areas • New taxi ranks • New match day bus stands • New parking restrictions • New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Great Homer Street area • New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Ten Streets and Love Lane areas • New industrial parking zone south of Boundary Street • New industrial parking zone north of Boundary Street
The overall aim of the controls is to reduce congestion, improve air quality, safety and journey times to and from the stadium. The proposals have also been designed to complement the modernisation of parking across the city centre, the plans for which is also currently the subject of a public consultation.
Liverpool City Council has already invested more than £20m in the highways infrastructure around Bramley-Moore Dock, including a permanent segregated cycle lane running from the city centre up to Liverpool’s northern border at Bootle in Sefton, which passes right in front of the new stadium.
Details of the three-week long consultation can be found online at https://liverpool.gov.uk/bramleymoorepermits which includes a survey and an FAQs document explaining the proposed scheme and its implications.
People can provide additional feedback by email or request the relevant documents in alternative formats, by writing to: liverpooltraffic@amey.co.uk
As well being able to provide feedback online, the council will also be hosting a hat-trick of consultation events on: • Tuesday 6 December, 10am to 6pm – Ten Streets Social, 8 Regent Rd, L3 7BX • Tuesday 13 December, 10am to 6pm – Kirkdale Neighbourhood Community Centre, 238A Stanley Road, L5 7QP • Thursday 15 December, 10am to 6pm – Vauxhall Neighbourhood Council, Blenheim Street, L5 8UX
Once the consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday, 22 December the responses will be collated and fed back to the Divisional Manager for Highways and Transportation toward the end of January 2023.
A decision will then be made on whether or not to proceed with the proposals or amend them in any way. If the proposals are agreed, a statutory notification process will begin in early Spring, when for a period of 28 days, members of the public can submit their formal objection or support for the proposed scheme.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Everton Stadium is going to be a real game changer for the surrounding Ten Streets district and the wider Kirkdale community.
“As well as the much anticipated and needed economic benefit, the vast volume of people the stadium will attract – and how they arrive and depart – needs to be carefully managed.
“The North Docks area has never had to cope with such large numbers of people in such concentrated time periods but fortunately the city has the experience and knowledge thanks to Goodison Park and Anfield. By extending the match day parking zone, we’ll be looking to adopt and incorporate those controls which so effectively move tens of thousands on a weekly basis.
“Bramley-Moore Dock is also a unique location given its very close proximity to the city centre and the fact the surrounding transport infrastructure is well developed – be it the new cycle lane to the nearby train station at Sandhills. We’ll be looking to encourage as many active travel options as possible for those attending the games or other events there, which is a win-win for everyone in terms of managing congestion and air quality and promoting healthy habits.
“There’s lots of residents and businesses who will be affected by these proposals and we want as many people as possible to read them and ask questions of them. Only through their feedback can we refine and improve the proposals before we look at the next stage of a formal statutory notification process. Of course we want to hear from Everton fans too and I look forward to the responses to help us make the decisions that best suits the needs of all involved.”
Cervical screening is a vital health check that can save lives, yet many people miss their appointments due to busy schedules or uncertainty.
To make screening more accessible, a mobile cervical screening service will be at different areas across Liverpool.
Women and anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are encouraged to come along. The test takes just five minutes and can prevent up to 70% of cervical cancer deaths.
No appointment is needed, people can simply drop in when the mobile service visits their area.
Screenings are conducted with care and sensitivity, and a family member or friend is welcome come for support.
Drop-ins are taking place:
Date
Time
Location
Wednesday 12th February
10:30 – 4:00pm
South Liverpool Homes – Parklands, Conleach Rd, Speke, L24 0TY
Friday 7th March
10:30 – 4:00pm
Abdullah Quillam, 8-10 Brougham Terrace, West Derby Road, Liverpool, L6 1AE.
Saturday 15th March
10:30 – 4:00pm
Beacon Health Kensington, 157 Edge Lane, L7 3HE
Friday 28th March
10:30 – 4:00pm
Chung Wah Supermarket, Hardy Street Liverpool L1 5JN
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Variety of job fairs held across China
Updated: February 9, 2025 08:17Xinhua
Job seekers fill in application forms during a job fair in Zhangzhou City, southeast China’s Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2025. A variety of job fairs are held across the country after holidays. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2025 shows job seekers taking part in a job fair in Zhangzhou City, southeast China’s Fujian Province. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers learn about job opportunities during a job fair in Zaozhuang City, east China’s Shandong Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers take part in a job fair in Wuxi City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers learn about job opportunities during a job fair in Changxing County, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A job seeker looks for job opportunities during a job fair in Wuxi City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers learn about job opportunities during a job fair in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers take part in a job fair in Hangzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A job seeker talks with a recruiter during a job fair in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers talk to recruiters at a job fair held in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. A job fair was held here on Saturday, right after the Spring Festival holiday. More than 250 employers showcased over 10,000 openings that attracted a large number of job seekers. [Photo/Xinhua]A foreign job seeker (C) talks to a recruiter (1st L) at a job fair held in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on Feb. 8, 2025 shows a scene at a job fair held in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]Job seekers talk to recruiters at a job fair held in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
First phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield commences production in China’s Bohai Sea
Updated: February 9, 2025 08:19Xinhua
A worker tests crude oil sample at an offshore production platform of the first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield in China’s Bohai Sea, Feb. 8, 2025. The first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield, by far the largest metamorphic rock oilfield in the world, commenced production on Friday, according to its developer, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Tianjin branch. The Bozhong 26-6 oilfield is located in the Bohai Sea, about 170 km from north China’s Tianjin Municipality, with an average water depth of about 20 meters. Discovered in 2022, its cumulative proven oil and gas reserves has exceeded 200 million cubic meters. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2025 shows an early morning view of the offshore production platform of the first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield in China’s Bohai Sea. [Photo/Xinhua]A worker operates at an offshore production platform of the first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield in China’s Bohai Sea, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2025 shows a view of the offshore production platform of the first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield in China’s Bohai Sea. [Photo/Xinhua]A worker checks the power supply system at an offshore production platform of the first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield in China’s Bohai Sea, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Curling event at Asian Winter Games
Updated: February 9, 2025 08:53Xinhua
Han Yu (R) and Wang Zhiyu of China compete during the mixed doubles bronze medal match of the curling event between Han Yu/Wang Zhiyu of China and Kathleen Sumbillo Dubberstein/Marc Pfister of the Philippines at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Han Yu of China competes during the mixed doubles bronze medal match of the curling event between Han Yu/Wang Zhiyu of China and Kathleen Sumbillo Dubberstein/Marc Pfister of the Philippines at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Han Yu (L) and Wang Zhiyu of China greet the audience before the mixed doubles bronze medal match of the curling event between Han Yu/Wang Zhiyu of China and Kathleen Sumbillo Dubberstein/Marc Pfister of the Philippines at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Han Yu (R) and Wang Zhiyu of China clap hands during the mixed doubles bronze medal match of the curling event between Han Yu/Wang Zhiyu of China and Kathleen Sumbillo Dubberstein/Marc Pfister of the Philippines at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Gold medalists Koana Tori (4th L)/Aoki Go(3rd L) of Japan, silver medalists Kim Kyeongae (2nd L)/Seong Jihoon(1st L) of South Korea, and bronze medalists Han Yu (2nd R)/Wang Zhiyu of China, pose for a group photo during the mixed doubles awarding ceremony of the curling event at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Bronze medalists Han Yu (R, front)/Wang Zhiyu (L, front) of China attend the mixed doubles awarding ceremony of the curling event at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Grampians – Wallaby Rocks and Little Desert bushfires are now contained following nearly two weeks of incredible work by crews on the ground, in the air and in the control centres.
The firesbegan on 27 January afterdry lightning started fires in two new sections of the Grampians National Park and at the Little Desert National Park.
The Little Desert fire spread quickly within the first couple of days and ended up burning more than 95,000 hectares.
The Grampians fires merged with the original Yarram Gap Road fire from 17 December 2024 due to ongoing fire activity and back burning. The Wallaby Rocks section of the fire was contained on 8 February with more than 59,000 hectares burnt. The Yarram Gap Road section was contained on 6 January and declared under control on13 January, with a fire footprint circumference of 422 kilometres, more than 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land burnt.
Several Emergency Warnings have been issued over the past couple of weeks with communities near both fires urged to leave.
Four residential properties were lost from the Grampians fires and one property and one business from the Little Desert fire. There were also 40 outbuildings lost at the Grampians and two at Little Desert along with significant stock losses and impacts to wildlife and vegetation across both fire regions.
Fire crews remain on scene at both fires treating hazardous trees, monitoring hot spots and consolidating containment lines.
Conditions over the next few days are still going to be challenging with strong winds forecast from the south accompanied by warm to hot conditions for the rest of the week.
Quotes attributable to State Response Controller David Nugent
“We’ve had a long and challenging fire season so far with crews from across the state and interstate working on the bushfires since December.
“It has been incredible work by everyone involved to contain these two latest bushfires at the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.
“The impacts to the local communities and tourism in those areas has been tough and hopefully we can now begin the process of re-opening those areas.
“Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fires for a number of weeks. It is likely we will still see smoke and small flare–ups in the area, but we will continue to be present to deal with these when and as they arise.
“I want to thank the community and the public for their remarkable supportduring these fires.
“Your cooperation in following our messaging and adhering to road closures has been invaluable. It has allowed our crews to focus their efforts on fighting the fire effectively while prioritising community safety.”
Victorians are reminded toalways have more than one source of information, including:
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHN SPOSATO (“SPOSATO”), age 73, a resident of Kiln, Mississippi, was sentenced February 6, 2025 by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1344. Separately, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced SPOSATO to 6 months in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed by Judge Fallon, for violating the terms of his supervised release from a prior conviction in United States v. Sposato, 15-134 (E.D. La.).
According to court documents, SPOSATO began serving a three-year period of supervised release after his release from prison because of his previous conviction on about August 9, 2022, in United States v. John Sposato, 15-134 (E.D. La.). While on supervised release, SPOSATO claimed to be President of several companies, including Pegasus Consulting and Development, LLC (“Pegasus Consulting”). These companies neither performed work nor generated income. SPOSATO opened a financial account at Keesler Federal Credit Union in the name of Pegasus Consulting and on March 27, 2023, attempted to deposit a $10,000.00 check he received from a co-conspirator, knowing it to be counterfeit. The check was purportedly drawn on the financial account of an all-volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt organization that supported a Florida public library. SPOSATO’s attempted deposit placed Keesler at risk of both civil liability and financial loss. When asked about the check, SPOSATO falsely told a United States Probation Officer that the check was compensation for consulting work he performed, both directly and through an associate named “Jack Morgan,” for the non-profit entity. In fact, SPOSATO knew he was not entitled to the check and had never performed work for the non-profit.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Probation Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.
There will be a visible Police presence in the Hawke’s Bay on Monday for the tangi of a senior member of the Mongrel Mob.
In the morning, the deceased will be taken from Mahora to Moteo for burial, with more than 100 gang members and associates possibly taking part.
Police have been working with whanau and gang leaders to minimise the impact to the community and the tangi itself. We have also been speaking with residents in the Mahora and Moteo Pa areas advising them of the increased presence of gang members and Police.
Our focus for the tangi is keeping people safe, preventing or minimising disruption to the public and responding to any unlawful behaviour. Neighbouring districts are providing additional policing teams to support the operation and help us monitor the movement of gang members through the region.
Illegal, antisocial or disruptive behaviour won’t be tolerated.
Police will take every opportunity to immediately intervene and enforce the law, including the Gangs Act 2024. In instances where immediate enforcement isn’t possible, officers are instructed to gather evidence that allows us to hold people accountable for their actions.
If you are on the roads, expect to see us; Police will be running checkpoints to breath test drivers, ensure passengers are properly restrained, and check that vehicles are roadworthy.
Everyone in the community has the right to be safe and feel safe.
If you see any illegal behaviour, call police on 111 if it is happening now, or make a report at 105.police.govt.nz if it’s after the fact.
By the time US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on China and Canada last Monday which could kickstart a trade war, New Zealand’s diplomats in Washington, DC, had already been deployed on another diplomatic drama.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz had said on social media it was “difficult to treat New Zealand as a normal ally . . . when they denigrate and punish Israeli citizens for defending themselves and their country”.
He cited a story in the Israeli media outlet Ha’aretz, which has a reputation for independence in Israel and credibility abroad.
But Ha’aretz had wrongly reported Israelis must declare service in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as part of “new requirements” for visa applications.
Winston Peters replied forcefully to Cruz on X, condemning Ha’aretz’s story as “fake news” and demanding a correction.
Winston Peters puts Ted Cruz on notice over the misleading Ha’aretz story. Image: X/RNZ
But one thing Trump’s Republicans and Winston Peters had in common last week was irritating Mexico.
His fellow NZ First MP Shane Jones had bellowed “Send the Mexicans home” at Green MPs in Parliament.
Winston Peters then told two of them they should be more grateful for being able to live in New Zealand.
‘We will not be lectured’ On Facebook he wasn’t exactly backing down.
“We . . . will not be lectured on the culture and traditions of New Zealand from people who have been here for five minutes,” he added.
While he was at it, Peters criticised media outlets for not holding other political parties to account for inflammatory comments.
Peters was posting that as a politician — not a foreign minister, but the Mexican ambassador complained to MFAT. (It seems the so-called “Mexican standoff” was resolved over a pre-Waitangi lunch with Ambassador Bravo).
But the next day — last Wednesday — news of another diplomatic drama broke on TVNZ’s 1News.
“A deal that could shatter New Zealand’s close relationship with a Pacific neighbour,” presenter Simon Dallow declared, in front of a backdrop of a stern-looking Peters.
TVNZ’s Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver reported the Cook Islands was about to sign a partnership agreement in Beijing.
“We want clarity and at this point in time, we have none. We’ve got past arrangements, constitutional arrangements, which require constant consultation with us, and dare I say, China knows that,” Peters told 1News.
Passports another headache Cook Islands’ Prime Minister Mark Brown also told Barbara Dreaver TVNZ’s revelations last month about proposed Cook Island passports had also been a headache for him.
“We were caught by surprise when this news was broken by 1News. I thought it was a high-level diplomatic discussion with leaders to be open and frank,” he told TVNZ this week.
“For it to be brought out into the public before we’ve had a time to inform our public, I thought was a breach of our political diplomacy.”
Last week another Barabara Dreaver scoop on 1News brought the strained relationship with another Pacific state into the headlines:
“Our relationship with Kiribati is at breaking point. New Zealand’s $100 million aid programme there is now on hold. The move comes after President [Taneti] Maamau pulled out of a pre-arranged meeting with Winston Peters.”
The media ended up in the middle of the blame game over this too — but many didn’t see it coming.
Caught in the crossfire “A diplomatic rift with Kiribati was on no one’s 2025 bingo card,” Stuff national affairs editor Andrea Vance wrote last weekend in the Sunday Star-Times.
“Of all the squabbles Winston Peters was expected to have this year, no one picked it would be with an impoverished, sinking island nation,” she wrote, in terms that would surely annoy Kiribati.
“Do you believe Kiribati is snubbing you?” RNZ Morning Report’s Corin Dann asked Peters.
“You can come to any conclusion you like, but our job is to try and resolve this matter,” Peters replied.
Kiribati Education Minister Alexander Teabo told RNZ Pacific there was no snub.
He said Kiribati President Maamau — who is also the nation’s foreign minister — had been unavailable because of a long-planned and important Catholic ordination ceremony on his home island of Onotoa — though this was prior to the proposed visit from Peters.
Public dispute “regrettable’ Peters told the same show it was “regrettable” that the dispute had been made public.
On Newstalk ZB Peters was backed — and Kiribati portrayed as the problem.
“If somebody is giving me $100m and they asked for a meeting, I will attend. I don’t care if it’s my mum’s birthday. Or somebody’s funeral,” Drive host Ryan Bridge told listeners.
“It’s always very hard to pick apart these stories (by) just reading them in the media. But I have faith and confidence in Winston Peters as our foreign minister,” PR-pro Trish Shrerson opined.
So did her fellow panellist, former Labour MP Stuart Nash.
“He’s respected across the Pacific. He’s the consummate diplomat. If Winston says this is the story and this is what’s happening, I believe 100 percent. And I would say, go hard. Winston — represent our interests.”
‘Totally silly’ response But veteran Pacific journalist Michael Field contradicted them soon after on ZB.
“It’s totally silly. All this talk about cancelling $104 million of aid is total pie-in-the-sky from Winston Peters,” he said.
“Somebody’s lost their marbles on this, and the one who’s possibly on the ground looking for them is Winston Peters.
“He didn’t need to be in Tarawa in early January at all. This is pathetic. This is like saying I was invited to my sister’s birthday party and now it’s been cancelled,” he said.
Not a comparison you hear very often in international relations.
“While the conspiracy around Kiribati and China has deepened, no one is noticing the still-viable Kiribati-United States treaty which prevents Kiribati atolls [from] being used as bases without Washington approval,” he added.
Kiribati ‘hugely disrespectful’ But TVNZ’s Barbara Dreaver said Kiribati was being “hugely disrespectful”.
In a TVNZ analysis piece last weekend, she said New Zealand has “every right to expect better engagement than it has been getting over the past year.”
Dreaver — who was born in and grew up in Kiribati and has family there — also criticised “the airtime and validation” Kwansing got in the media in New Zealand.
“She supports and is part of a government that requires all journalists — should they get a visa to go there — to hand over copies of all footage/information collected,” Dreaver said.
Kwansing hit back on Facebook, accusing Dreaver of “publishing inane drivel” and “irresponsible journalism causing stress to locals.”
“You write like you need a good holiday somewhere happy. Please book yourself a luxury day spa ASAP,” she told TVNZ’s Pacific Affairs reporter.
“Despite this media issue, the government of Kiribati remains convinced the strong bonds between Kiribati and New Zealand will enable a resolution to this unfortunate standoff,” it said.
Copping the blame Another reporter who knows what it’s like to cop the blame for reporting stuff diplomats and politicians want to keep out of the news is RNZ Pacific’s senior journalist and presenter Lydia Lewis.
Last year, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese questioned RNZ’s ethics after she reported comments he made to the US Deputy Secretary of State at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga — which revealed an until-then behind closed doors plan to pay for better policing in the Pacific.
She’s also been covering the tension with Kiribati.
Is the heat coming on the media more these days if they candidly report diplomatic differences?
TVNZ Pacific senior journalist and presenter Lydia Lewis . . . “both the public and politicians are saying the media [are] making a big deal of things.” Image: RNZ Pacific
“There’s no study that says there are more people blaming the media. So it’s anecdotal, but definitely, both the public and politicians are saying the media (are) making a big deal of things,” Lewis told Mediawatch.
“I would put the question back to the public as to who’s manufacturing drama. All we’re doing is reporting what’s in front of us for the public to then make their decision — and questioning it. And there were a lot of questions around this Kiribati story.”
Lewis said it was shortly before 6pm on January 27, that selected journalists were advised of the response of our government to the cancellation of the meeting with foreign minister Peters.
Vice-President an alternative But it was not mentioned that Kiribati had offered the Vice-President for a meeting, the same person that met with an Australian delegation recently.
A response from Kiribati proved harder to get — and Lewis spoke to a senior figure in Kiribati that night who told her they knew nothing about it.
Politicians and diplomats, naturally enough, prefer to do things behind the scenes and media exposure is a complication for them.
But we simply wouldn’t know about the impending partnership agreement between China and the Cook Islands if TVNZ had not reported it last Monday.
And another irony: some political figures lamenting the diplomatically disruptive impact of the media also make decidedly undiplomatic responses of their own online these days.
“It can be revealing in the sense of where people stand. Sometimes they’re just putting out their opinions or their experience. Maybe they’ve got some sort of motive. A formal message or email we’ll take a bit more seriously. But some of the things on social media, we just take with a grain of salt,” said Lewis.
“It is vital we all look at multiple sources. It comes back to balance and knowledge and understanding what you know about and what you don’t know about — and then asking the questions in between.”
Big Powers and the Big Picture Kwansing objected to New Zealand media jumping to the conclusion China’s influence was a factor in the friction with New Zealand.
“To dismiss the geopolitical implications with China . . . would be naive and ignorant,” Dreaver countered.
Michael Field pointed to an angle missing.
“While the conspiracy around Kiribati and China has deepened, no one is noticing the still viable Kiribati-United States treaty which prevents Kiribati atolls being used as bases without Washington approval,” he wrote in his Substack.
In the same article in which Vance called Kiribati “an impoverished, sinking island nation” she later pointed out that its location, US military ties and vast ocean territory make it strategically important.
Questions about ‘transparency and accountability’ “There’s a lot of people that want in on Kiribati. It has a huge exclusive economic zone,” Lewis said.
She said communication problems and patchy connectivity are also drawbacks.
“We do have a fuller picture now of the situation, but the overarching question that’s come out of this is around transparency and accountability.
“We can’t hold Kiribati politicians to account like we do New Zealand government politicians.”
“I don’t want to give Kiribati a free pass here but it’s really difficult to get a response.
“They’re posting statements on Facebook and it really has raised some questions around the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability for all journalists . . . committed to fair media reporting across the Pacific.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.