Category: News

  • Desmond Tutu was ‘spiritual father’ of the new South Africa, says country’s president

    (Photo: Livestream of the funeral, the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, courtesy World Council of Churches) Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa delivers a eulogy at the funeral of Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu at Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral on Jan. 1, 2022. Photo: Livestream of the funeral, the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

    While Nelson Mandela, the “beloved Madiba,” was the father of South African democracy, Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu was the “spiritual father” of “our new nation,” the president of South Africa said in the main eulogy at a State funeral for the Nobel Peace laureate.

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    President Cyril Ramaphosa was during the final struggle against apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s inside the country with Tutu drawing the wrath of the then-government.

    He spoke at Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral, where an Anglican requiem mass was held on Jan. 1 for Desmond Mpilo Tutu who died on 26 December at the age of 90, after a long illness with cancer.

    Tribute was paid to Archbishop Emeritus Tutu, known for his perennial infectious laugh and humour against adversity.

    His widow Leah Tutu, his children and grandchildren, were also at the funeral in the cathedral where Tutu had lain in state for two days in a simple coffin of his choosing made of cheap pinewood and also sometimes referred to a a pauper’s coffin.

    It was a small service of only 100 people in the cathedral where Tutu and others confronted the apartheid police during the old era.

    The mass was conducted in the three primary languages spoken in Cape Town, isiXhosa, English, and Afrikaans, three of South Africa’s 11 official languages.

    Singing the hymns at the service were Imilonji kantu Choral Society, the Soweto Gospel Choir, St Georges Parktown Choir and a recording from the St George’s Cathedral Choir.

    “It is only the few among us, the rarest of souls, who attain the stature of global icon during their lifetime,” said Ramaphosa.

    “Our departed father was a crusader in the struggle for freedom, for justice, for equality and peace, not just in South Africa, the country of his birth, but around the world as well.”

    Ramaphosa recounted how Tutu, who had spoken after being arrested in 1988 during a clergy-led protest against a crackdown on anti-apartheid groups, had with his Bible in hand told a news conference he would continue with his defiance.

    ‘We are not defying the law,’ he declared, ‘we are obeying God,’ ” said the president, quoting Tutu.

    Such was Tutu’s overarching impact and influence, said Ramaphosa, that tributes had been received from current and past presidents, religious leaders, monarchs, lawmakers, political parties, musicians and artists, and ordinary people from all corners of the globe.

    Among them were King Letsie III and the consort Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, surrounded by South Africa where Tutu served a spell as bishop along with Dutch princess, Mabel van Oranje and former Irish president Mary Robinson.

    ‘HUMBLE AND BRAVE’

    “A humble and brave human being who spoke up for the oppressed, the downtrodden and the suffering,” said Ramaphosa.

    The South African president spoke of Tutu’s criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians of Israeli settlers encroaching their land, including that of Christians on the West Bank. Tutu always said he loves Jews and right of the state of Israel to exist.

    “He was an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause and in 2014 wrote a powerful article calling on Israelis and Palestinians to find each other and to make peace,” said Ramaphosa in his eulogy.

    “In his words, ‘peace requires the people of Israel and Palestine to recognise the human being in themselves and each other, and to understand their interdependence,’” said the South African presisent.

    The current Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, presided over the service, and the preacher was Rev. Michael Nuttall, retired Bishop of Natal, who worked alongside Tutu when he headed the Anglican church of southern Africa.

    The guard of honour for Tutu was not military, but made of clergy and church wardens, who lined Cape Town’s inner streets to pay their respects as his cortege arrived at the cathedral for him to lie in state in the days before the funeral.

    ‘TUTU’S AUTHENTICITY’

    Bishop Nuttal praised Leah Tutu who was so close to her husband throughout his life and preached of Tutu’s authenticity.

    “That is why we loved him and respected him and valued him so deeply. Small in physical stature, he was a giant among us morally and spiritually. His faith was authentic, not counterfeit or half-hearted,” said Nuttal.

    “He lived it, even at great cost to himself, with an inclusive, all-embracing love. His friend, Nelson Mandela, put it perfectly when he said: ‘Sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humour, Desmond Tutu’s voice will always be the voice of the voiceless.’”

    Tutu worked for the World Council of Churches in Geneva from 1972-1975. WCC deputy general secretary Dr. Isabel Apawo Phiri represented the council at the service in St George’s Cathedral where Tutu’s remains will be buried.

    WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca sent a message to the family on behalf of the WCC.

    The message said, “In Desmond Tutu, we all experienced a man of many gifts and accomplishments, as an educator and churchman, a leader in the liberation struggle here and abroad and in the quest for reconciliation, as a husband and father and friend.

    “But here, in this house of God, I would lift up one indispensable passion in all he did, namely, his lifelong faith. Desmond Tutu was, first and last, a man of God.

    “Yet his faith was not a solipsistic search for certainty, security or a therapeutic comfort. It was rather a confidence in God’s loving presence and activity among us, God’s fulsome affirmation of our being human, and the fire for justice by which God energizes prophetic action,” reads the message.

    “Desmond Tutu’s faith was, in the broadest and best sense, ecumenical, driving to overcome division in a zealous quest for God’s reign.”

    (Photo: Peter Williams/WCC)About 5000 people were crammed in and around Copenhagen’s city square on a Sunday morning to see Archbishop Desmond Tutu hand over more than half a million signatures to the UN Climate chief.

  • EU Taxonomy: Commission begins expert consultations on Complementary Delegated Act covering certain nuclear and gas activities

    The European Commission began consultations yesterday with the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and the Platform on Sustainable Finance on a draft text of a Taxonomy Complementary Delegated Act covering certain gas and nuclear activities.

    The EU Taxonomy guides and mobilises private investment in activities that are needed to achieve climate neutrality in the next 30 years. The existing energy mix in Europe today varies from one Member State to another. Some parts of Europe are still heavily based on high carbon-emitting coal. The Taxonomy provides for energy activities that enable Member States to move towards climate neutrality from such different positions.

    Taking account of scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as varying transition challenges across Member States, the Commission considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future. Within the Taxonomy framework, this would mean classifying these energy sources under clear and tight conditions (for example, gas must come from renewable sources or have low emissions by 2035), in particular as they contribute to the transition to climate neutrality.

    In addition, to ensure transparency, the Commission will amend the Taxonomy Disclosure Delegated Act so that investors can identify if activities include gas or nuclear activities, and to what extent, so they can make an informed choice.

    The activities covered in this complementary Delegated Act would accelerate the phase out of more harmful sources, such as coal, and in moving us towards a more low-carbon greener energy mix.

    As for the other activities under the Taxonomy Regulation, the criteria for the gas and nuclear activities will be updated as technology evolves.

    Next steps

    The Platform on Sustainable Finance and the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance must be consulted on all Delegated Acts under the Taxonomy Regulation, given their expert role foreseen by the Taxonomy Regulation. They will have until 12 January to provide their contributions.

    The Commission will analyse their contributions and formally adopt the complementary Delegated Act in January 2022. It will be then sent to the co-legislators for their scrutiny.

    Similar to the first Climate Delegated Act, the European Parliament and the Council (who have delegated the power to the Commission to adopt this Delegated Act) will have four months to scrutinise  the document, and, should they find it necessary, to object to it. In line with the Taxonomy Regulation, both institutions may request for additional two months of scrutiny time. The Council will have the right to object to it by reverse reinforced qualified majority (which means that at least 72% of MS (i.e. at least 20 MS) representing at least 65% of the EU population are needed to object to the Delegated Act), and the European Parliament by simple majority (i.e. at least 353 MEPs in Plenary).

    Once the scrutiny period is over and assuming neither of the co-legislators object, the (complementary) Delegated Act will enter into force and apply.

    Background

    The EU Taxonomy is a robust, science-based transparency tool for companies and investors. It creates a common language that investors can use when investing in projects and economic activities that have a substantial positive impact on the climate and the environment. It will also introduce disclosure obligations on companies and financial market participants.

  • Could a digital euro offer greater possibilities for research and innovation?

    Could a digital euro offer greater possibilities for research and innovation?

    Could a digital euro offer greater possibilities for research and innovation?

    A digital euro could spur greater opportunity for research and innovation, says President Charles Michel on the 20th anniversary of the euro

    20 years already. In many ways, it feels like yesterday. I can remember the excitement of discovering the euro – the banknotes, the coins – for the first time.

    The euro is our money, our European currency, and it is a concrete symbol of success that our citizens carry, every day, in 19 out of 27 member states, and in the pockets of nearly 350 million citizens. 

    That’s quite a journey – the euro has come a long way. It’s a true European achievement. I would even say the euro has become part of who we are and how we see ourselves as Europeans. Part of our mind-set. Part of our European spirit. The euro belongs to all of us, all European citizens.

    But it isn’t just a success within our EU borders. It has also anchored itself on the international stage. And despite the crises, the euro has proven to be resilient – a symbol of European unity and stability, and never has that been truer than during COVID-19. The euro has served as a bedrock of stability. A stable asset for the Union. The euro also fuels our recovery, unlocking the full potential of sustainable development, quality jobs, and innovation.  

    A trusted, dynamic and solid currency – an attractive euro will boost our strategic autonomy and help achieve our bold ambitions. A strong international euro gives us more latitude in our geopolitical decision-making, and it also offers greater access to international financial markets.

    Strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union will make the euro an even more attractive international currency. The euro is also crucial to drive forward our green and digital transitions. The euro is a leading currency for investments in climate-friendly projects – today roughly half of global green bonds are issued in euro.

    And our joint efforts help fund the massive investments needed to modernise our economies for the 21st century. The euro is also pivotal for our digital transformation. A digital euro could spur greater opportunity for research and innovation. And one thing is clear: massive investments are needed to make a success of our green and digital transitions. That’s why completing the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union is so vital.

    The euro is the monetary expression of our shared European destiny. And today we have a clear compass: protecting our planet and generating prosperity through our climate and digital innovation. We have the talent, we have the skills, and the passion to make it happen. So we need the resources and determination to back up these ambitions and make them a reality.

    If we want to promote our European values, if we want to lead on the big issues of the 21st century, we need a global currency that matches our global ambitions. Let’s make today – this anniversary – a day that reinvigorates our commitment to collective European action, to strengthen our Economic and Monetary Union and to go forward with confidence.   

    Bon anniversaire! Happy Birthday!

    First published here

    Article reference by EuropaHoy.ES

  • Reflections on 20 years of the euro: joint article by Eurogroup members

    Twenty years ago tomorrow, around 300 million Europeans held a brand new currency in their hands, the euro. From Lisbon to Helsinki to Athens, citizens were able to withdraw euro banknotes in their local ATMs, buy their groceries with euro coins and travel abroad without exchanging currency.  

    The changeover from 12 national currencies to the euro was a one of a kind operation in history: the European Central Bank printed more than 15 billion euro banknotes and some 52 billion coins were minted ahead of 1 January 2002.

    Building on the expansion of the Single Market, the euro became one of the most tangible achievements of European integration, together with the free movement of people, the Erasmus student exchange programme or the lifting of roaming charges within the EU.

    On a deeper level, the euro is reflective of a common European identity, symbolic of integration as a guarantor for stability and prosperity in Europe.

    As the finance ministers and members of the European Commission steering euro area economic policy, we take a collective look back at the past 20 years and identify some priorities for the future of our common currency.  

    The past 20 years – coming of age

    It is fair to say that the euro has had an eventful first two decades.

    From the great enthusiasm of its beginnings, the euro has grown to become the world’s second most widely used currency. Our shared currency remains highly popular – about 80% of citizens think the euro is good for the EU – and the euro area has continued to expand, from the 11 initial members, to 19 countries today, and more on the path to joining in the coming years.

    This progress was made in the face of severe challenges. Some were sceptical about the project already at its infancy.

    When it reached its teens, there was a wider realisation among the member states and institutions that the architecture of the euro was not originally designed to respond to the seismic shock of the global financial and subsequent sovereign debt crises. This prompted the reform of the euro area’s governance framework, the establishment of a joint support mechanism for countries in financial distress, and a common supervisory system for European banks: a recognition that the solution had to be found in greater coordination and deeper integration.

    These early crises enabled the euro to mature and strengthen its international role. We have also learned valuable lessons that have stood us in good stead in the current pandemic: its borderless nature revealed both the depth of our inter-dependence and the strength of our unity.

    When the scale of the COVID-19 crisis became evident, it was met with much swifter, more decisive and more coordinated policy action, in contrast to previous shocks. While existing tax and welfare systems worked to cushion the economic impact, the EU took unprecedented decisions to further protect lives and livelihoods, complementing the ECB’s supportive monetary policies. Our collective response included the SURE financial assistance scheme that has contributed to protecting about 31 million jobs, as well as the ground-breaking recovery plan for Europe – Next Generation EU.

    Our coordinated policy response, coupled with the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, helped the euro area to quickly rebound from the economic effects of the pandemic. Moreover, the financial and liquidity supports provided were designed to limit the risks of long-term damage so that our economies could rapidly recover lost ground.

    The next 20 years

    We have achieved a lot in the first 20 years of the euro, but there is more to be done.

    We need to keep pace with innovation and promote the international role of the euro. The euro itself must be fit for the digital age. That is why we support and contribute to the ongoing work of the European Central Bank on a digital form of our currency.

    At the same time, the euro area needs to be further reinforced. While we have set strong foundations to our European banking system, we have more work to do to strengthen our banking union and unlock new opportunities for economic recovery and growth. The same applies to our capital markets: we must take decisive action to improve the way private investments and savings flow across the Single Market to provide much-needed financing to companies, including our SMEs, and in turn create new job opportunities.

    Investment levels have been too low for too long: we must invest heavily and sustainably in our people, infrastructure and institutions. Coupled with responsible budgetary policies and the contribution of the private sector, Next Generation EU will play a key role in delivering many necessary reforms and investments. This is the best route we have to boost our growth potential, improve our living standards and tackle the critical challenges facing humanity.

    We must also ensure fiscal sustainability as our population is ageing. In the context of the review of our common budgetary rules, we need to guarantee that euro area fiscal and economic policies are fit for purpose in a changed environment and responsive to future challenges.

    Our common currency is an unprecedented collective endeavour, and a testament to the unity that underpins our Union.

    As the world recovers from the pandemic, we must now combine our efforts and resources to reap the benefits of a rapidly digitalising world and to tackle the climate emergency. None of these issues can be addressed by countries acting alone. The euro is proof of what we can achieve when we work together – looking ahead to the next 20 years, let’s make it a symbol of our commitment to secure a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for coming generations.

    This article was published in several European media. It has been co-signed by Magnus Brunner, Minister of Finance of Austria, Nadia Calviño, First Vice President and Minister for Economy and Digitalisation of Spain, Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance and Employment of Malta, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for An Economy that Works for People, Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup and Minister of Finance of Ireland, Daniele Franco, Minister of Economy and Finance of Italy, Paolo Gentiloni, EU Commissioner for the Economy, Pierre Gramegna, Minister of Finance of Luxembourg, Wopke Hoekstra, Minister of Finance of the Netherlands, João Leão, Minister of State for Finance of Portugal, Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery of France, Christian Lindner, Minister of Finance of Germany, Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for financial services, financial stability and Capital Markets Union, Igor Matovič, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Minister of Finance of Estonia, Constantinos Petrides, Minister of Finance of Cyprus, Jānis Reirs, Minister of finance of Latvia, Annika Saarikko, Minister of Finance of Finland, Andrej Šircelj, Minister of Finance of Slovenia, Gintarė Skaistė, Minister of Finance of Lithuania, Christos Staikouras, Minister of Finance of Greece, Vincent Van Peteghem, Minister of Finance of Belgium.

  • Pope at Angelus: May Mary inspire harmony in our hearts and world – Vatican News

    By Vatican News staff writer

    After presiding over the morning celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Pope Francis greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, offering his New Year’s good wishes and reflecting on the day’s liturgy. In the Church, the first day of the civil New Year is also observed as the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, as well as the World Day of Peace.
     

    In today’s Gospel, we hear about the wonder of the crib when the shepherds hasten to see the Christ Child announced to them by the angel. The Pope said we can imagine Mary, “like a tender and caring mother,” placing Jesus in the manger, not only holding Him in her arms, but inviting us to look at Him in adoration and with welcome. “Behold Mary’s maternity,” he said. “She offers the Son who is born to all of us.”




    New Year’s Day Angelus

    God is near, within our reach

    Mary’s presentation of Jesus gives us “a wonderful message” that “God is near, within our reach,” the Pope said, not in order to be feared but with the “frailness of someone who asks to be loved.” He added that God shared in our human condition to be with us as one of us, “born little and in need so that no one would ever again be ashamed,” and to draw ever nearer to us, excluding no one, making us all brothers and sisters.




    New Year’s Day Angelus

    God gives us courage with tenderness

    “God with us” in the Christ Child gives us “courage with tenderness,” the Pope pointed out, and this needed encouragement is light in these uncertain and difficult times caused by the pandemic. The resulting economic and social problems cause fear for the future, the Pope acknowledged, recalling modern-day young mothers and their children fleeing conflicts and famine, or waiting in refugee camps. Like Mary, we too can make ourselves available to others to bring positive change in our world. “If we become craftsmen of fraternity, we will be able to mend the threads of a world torn apart by war and violence.”

    Peace is a gift and shared commitment

    Recalling today’s World Day of Peace, the Pope pointed out that peace comes from God and is the fruit of a shared commitment. We need to implore the gift of peace from on high, the Pope stressed, since we are not capable of preserving it without His help. We need to have peace in our hearts from the Prince of peace, he reiterated, saying we must also be committed to peace, by taking concrete actions. This means being attentive to the poor, working for justice, and having the courage to forgive others in order to put out the fire of hatred. We also need a positive outlook, he said, both in the Church and in society, that is fostered by seeing the “good that unites us.” The Pope added that “getting depressed or complaining is useless,” saying we need to “roll up our sleeves” and work for peace, praying that Mary, the Queen of Peace, may “obtain harmony in our hearts and in the entire world.”




    New Year’s Day Angelus

    After imparting his apostolic blessing, Pope Francis wished everyone peace in a special way on this New Year’s Day when the Church celebrates the annual World Day of Peace started by Saint Pope Paul VI back in 1968. He recalled this year’s message, which has as its theme: “Dialogue Between Generations, Education and Work: Tools for Building Lasting Peace,” recalling that these three elements are key for establishing a solid base for building peace in our world. The Pope also thanked the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, for his New Year’s Year’s greetings wishing him the same. He also paid tribute to all the pilgirms gathered in the Square, in particular members of the Sant’Egidio community working for peace around the world.

  • Pope at Mass: May Mary help us to keep and ponder all things – Vatican News

    By Vatican News staff writer

    Pope Francis presided over morning Mass on New Year’s Day in Saint Peter’s Basilica with a smaller congregation present in accordance with pandemic health guidelines.

    In his homily for this Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God – also marked as the World Day of Peace – the Pope recalled the joy experienced by the shepherds at Bethlehem upon visiting the baby Jesus lying in the manger, proof of God’s closeness to them and to all who are poor or marginalized. Jesus being born in “littleness and poverty” fills our hearts “with love, not fear.”

    The scandal of the manger

    Mary’s experience of this time required enduring “the scandal of the manger,” the Pope explained. Long before the shepherds, she received the message of an angel announcing she would bear a son and name him Jesus, who would be called Son of the Most High; but now “Mary has to lay Him in a trough for animals.” How can “she reconcile the glory of the Most High and the bitter poverty of a stable?” the Pope asked, adding how this must have caused her distress, especially seeing her new born child suffering such a precarious situation. Yet, Mary “does not lose heart” and “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

    To keep and to ponder

    The shepherds instead are joyous and tell everyone about their experience of the angel that appeared in the night and his words about the Child to whom they went to pay homage. The Pope noted that “words and amazement” describe their reaction, whereas, Mary is “pensive,” pondering this reality in her heart. These two different reactions recall aspects of faith experience in general, the Pope said: where the shepherds remind us of the beginnings of faith, when all seems easy and clear, Mary’s “pensiveness” expresses a “mature, adult faith.” 

    The Pope said we can learn from the Mother of God here by taking on the same attitude of “keeping and pondering,” since we may also have to endure great challenges in life where our expectations clash with reality, putting our joy of the Gospel to the test. Mary teaches us that we can learn, grow, and mature in faith from these difficult situations, as “it is the narrow path to achieve the goal, the Cross, without which there can be no resurrection.” 

    The ideal and the real

    The Pope explained that managing and overcoming this clash between the ideal and the real requires “keeping,” as Mary did, the experiences of what happens to us, and not trying to forget or reject them. Mary kept in her heart both the amazing and the troubling life experiences – the angel who gave her great news, the lowly stable where she had to give birth: “she does not pick and choose; she preserves. She accepts life, without trying to camouflage or embellish it.”

    She keeps and ponders

    The Pope went on to describe Mary’s “second” attitude: “she keeps and she ponders,” bringing together in her heart and prayer the beautiful and challenging aspects, discerning greater meaning in them by considering them from God’s perspective. She realizes that “the glory of the Most High appears in humility,” and “she welcomes the plan of salvation whereby God must lie in a manger.” The Pope observed that this inclusive vision of “keeping” and “pondering” is “the way of mothers” who embrace the challenges in raising their children. This maternal “gaze” and love is able to see everything from a wider perspective, he noted, both “conscious and realistic” and “one of care and love that gives birth to new hope.” The Pope said we need such people, “capable of weaving the threads of communion in place of the barbed wire of conflict and division.”

    A mother’s gaze, a path to rebirth

    As this New Year begins under the sign of Mary, our Mother, whose gaze is “the path to rebirth and growth,” the Pope encouraged everyone to make greater efforts to safeguard mothers and protect women, lamenting the terrible problem of violence again women today. “To hurt a woman is to insult God, who took on our humanity from a woman.” The Pope prayed that, through Mary’s maternal protection, she might help us all “to keep and ponder all things, unafraid of trials and with the joyful certainty that the Lord is faithful and can transform every cross into a resurrection.” He encouraged everyone to call upon her as did the People of God at Ephesus, repeating three times her title: “Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God!”

    January 1, 2022

  • Address of President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year

    AZERBAIJAN, January 1 – – Dear fellow compatriots.

    2021 is now in the past. 2021 was a successful year for our country. We have achieved all the goals we set for ourselves during the year. Azerbaijan has developed successfully, and a stronger Azerbaijan is known in the world today.

    We have strengthened our standing in the international arena. Our international reputation has enhanced and we have successfully operated within several international organizations. As you may know, as a country chairing the Non-Aligned Movement, we have defended the interests of all member states, defended the norms and principles of international law, and it is no coincidence that all member states of the Non-Aligned Movement unanimously extended Azerbaijan’s chairmanship for another year. The second largest organization to the United Nations, numbering 120 members, it has once again unanimously expressed its support for Azerbaijan.

    This year, we have successfully completed our chairmanship of the Turkic Council. As you may know, the Organization of Turkic States was established at the November summit, and this organization has always supported Azerbaijan in our just cause – like the Non-Aligned Movement.

    The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is an international organization that traditionally supports the rightful position of Azerbaijan. This year, we have felt this support, and I appreciate the work of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for accepting the consequences of the war.

    At the same time, I had successful visits to NATO and the European Union in December. During the summits, NATO consistently adopted resolutions supporting Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These resolutions were adopted by nine summits. This support was expressed again this time. The final document adopted at the end of the EU Eastern Partnership Summit once again supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries.

    In other words, the whole world accepts the results of the second Karabakh war. I think that the post-war processes have once again proved to the whole world that we are right. This is very important. Because baseless accusations were voiced against us during the second Karabakh war. None of those unfounded allegations have been substantiated, and the post-war period has shown this again. Therefore, I think that accepting the realities of the war, the post-war realities, can be viewed as a very important event from a political point of view.

    As for our activities in the international arena, I must say that our relations with neighboring countries have developed successfully. These relations are traditionally based on friendship and cooperation. The Shusha Declaration signed with Turkey this year officially raises Turkish-Azerbaijani relations to the level of an alliance, although in fact it was already an allied relationship. However, it has already been officially confirmed and, of course, the signing of this declaration in Shusha had a special meaning.

    Our relations with Russia are developing successfully. I am confident that in the forthcoming period, our relations with Russia will be officially raised to a higher level.

    Friendly and partnership relations have been further developed during regular contacts and exchanges of views with other neighbors, Iran and Georgia. A platform for multilateral cooperation is already being formed in the region, and, of course, this is in our interests.

    Speaking of neighbors, of course, I never included Armenia in this category of countries. I still do not include it today. But I do hope that one day neighborly relations with Armenia will be established. In any case, by accepting the results of the second Karabakh war, Armenia can also increase its role in the regional framework. The meetings held in Sochi and Brussels in November and December are at least encouraging, and I hope that the agreements reached at these meetings will be reflected in real life in 2022.

    We must never forget the second Karabakh war. We must not and will not forget the atrocities committed during the occupation. We will always keep the memory of our martyrs in our hearts. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace! It is thanks to their heroism and the heroism and professionalism of thousands, tens of thousands of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers that we have put an end to the occupation, liberated our native lands and won this historic Victory. And this Victory will remain in our history forever. The people of Azerbaijan are already known in the world as a victorious people, and the Azerbaijani state is recognized as a victorious country. I must also say that this year the traditional support and respect for Azerbaijan has increased, and the main reason for that has been our victory in the second Karabakh war, our observance of all the rules of war during the war and our post-war dignified behavior.

    At the same time, we will continue to increase our military strength. In 2021, tangible steps have been taken in this direction, new weapons and equipment have been purchased and will continue to be purchased. At the same time, great importance is being attached to the training of our military units. In the second Karabakh war, the whole world saw the military power of Azerbaijan. The special forces of the Ministry of Defense are already recognized all over the world. Their heroism, selflessness and professionalism have become an epic. I must also say that a new military unit has been established in Azerbaijan this year – the Commando Forces. These Commandos are ready to perform any military task, and their number is constantly growing and will continue to grow. Thus, the creation of a new agile, professional armed force with great capabilities gives us reason to say that we must be ready for the protection of our lands and borders at any moment. Some incidents on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in 2021 showed that Azerbaijan retains the upper hand.

    Extensive construction and restoration work has begun on the liberated lands this year. I can say that in the history of world wars, no reconstruction work has been carried out at this speed after a war. Azerbaijani citizens are regularly updated about this work. If I start talking about it, it will probably take a few hours. Everything is clear. Our main task is to return the former IDPs to their ancestral lands as soon as possible, and we will achieve that.

    At the same time, development is in evidence in all regions of Azerbaijan. The regional development program is being successfully implemented. This year, I have made effort to find additional opportunities through numerous visits to the regions, and my visits are of regular nature. I visited the regions of Azerbaijan 47 times this year, 32 of which were visits to liberated lands. I went to Shusha alone seven times. We have started large-scale construction work in Shusha, and naturally, the largest-scale restoration work among the liberated lands is being carried out in Shusha. At the same time, large-scale work is being and will be carried out in other cities and villages.

    Of course, in order to achieve all this, our economy must develop successfully. Everyone in Azerbaijan and indeed the world knows that Azerbaijan is doing this alone, without receiving a single manat or a dollar from the outside. Work done in all liberated lands is carried out at the expense of the state budget of Azerbaijan. We have not received any assistance, we have not received any loans, so we are doing this work on our own. Of course, if economic development does not go fast, it will not be possible to do it at this speed. As a result of the work done, we can say that we have already entered the post-crisis period. Azerbaijan’s economy grew by 5.3 percent in the first 11 months of this year, while the non-oil economy grew by 6.4 percent. Industrial production increased by 5.5 percent and in the non-oil sector by 20.7 percent. Our foreign exchange reserves have increased by $2.2 billion. The positive balance of our trade relations is $9.4 billion. Our external public debt accounts for only 17 percent of our gross domestic product, and this year the external public debt has decreased, both in absolute terms and in relation to GDP.

    In other words, any country would be proud of such indicators. But for us it is natural. Because the people of Azerbaijan see that economic development is envisaged as a result of the implementation of a long-term and correct strategy. At the same time, economic reforms, transparency and the fight against corruption and bribery are bearing fruit. Thanks to the tax authorities alone, 1.4 billion manats have been transferred into the treasury in addition to the forecast, and using this money we are implementing large-scale social initiatives. From 1 January, salaries, pensions and benefits will be significantly increased. The total amount of this social package, which covers two million and one hundred thousand people, is 1.5 billion manats. As you can see, tax authorities have attracted 1.4 billion manats into the treasury in addition to the forecast, and all of that, in excess, is aimed at addressing social problems. I have said before that as additional funds are raised, we will first channel these funds into social projects. At the same time, work done in the liberated lands is socially oriented. Because the vast majority of this work is of social nature, it is intended to return the former IDPs to those territories as soon as possible.

    I think that good results have been achieved in the fight against COVID this year, and the pandemic is under full control. Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries where the situation in this area is acceptable. At the same time, the large-scale vaccination policy and vaccination work are proving helpful. About 50 percent of the population has already received two doses of the vaccine. As for the population over 18 years of age, this figure reaches 62 percent. In total, more than 11 million doses of vaccine have been administered, and we will continue to fight this scourge in the new year.

    In 2022, we will celebrate the 270th anniversary of Shusha. Panahali Khan laid the foundation of Shusha in 1752, and we will celebrate this anniversary with great solemnity in the coming year. Taking into account this glorious history and in order to accelerate the restoration of Shusha, I declare the new year a “Year of Shusha”.

    As you know, it is the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis today. I am sure that Azerbaijanis around the world are celebrating this holiday with great enthusiasm. It is the second year they have been celebrating with such enthusiasm. Because I know that this period of occupation and the issues related to the occupation had caused great suffering to the Azerbaijanis living abroad. Because, in communicating with the Armenians in different countries, I know that their arrogant looks had been offending the Azerbaijanis of the world. The situation is completely different now. We have never been arrogant, but we have always felt our strength. Today, I am sure that the Azerbaijanis of the world, whatever country they may live in, are keeping their head high, are confident and are justifiably proud of their historical homeland Azerbaijan.

    Dear fellow compatriots, as I said, this year has been successful for our country. I am confident that 2022 will also be successful. Because the unity, solidarity and beautiful atmosphere in the country will provide us with this reality. As President and Commander-in-Chief, I will always stand guard over the interests of Azerbaijan, do my best for the comprehensive development of our country, increase its military power and make the lives of our citizens even better.

    I heartily congratulate you. Happy Holidays!

  • Do Hangover Cures Work? Here’s the Latest Scientific Research Review

    New Years Party

    A new systematic review has found only very low-quality evidence that substances claiming to treat or prevent alcohol-induced hangover work. 

    The researchers call for more rigorous scientific exploration of the effectiveness of these remedies for hangovers to provide practitioners and the public with accurate evidence-based information on which to make their decisions. 

    Numerous remedies claim to be effective against hangover symptoms; however, up-to-date scientific examination of the literature is lacking.  To address this gap, a team of researchers from King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust conducted a systematic review to consolidate and assess the current evidence for hangover treatments.

    The study, published today (December 31, 2021) by the scientific journal Addiction, assessed 21 placebo-controlled randomized trials of clove extract, red ginseng, Korean pear juice, and other hangover cures.  Although some studies showed statistically significant improvements in hangover symptoms, all evidence was of very low quality, usually because of methodological limitations or imprecise measurements. In addition, no two studies reported on the same hangover remedy and no results have been independently replicated.

    Of the 21 included studies, eight were conducted exclusively with male participants. The studies were generally limited in their reporting of the nature and timing of alcohol challenge that was used to assess the hangover cures and there were considerable differences in the type of alcohol given and whether it was given alongside food.

    Common painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin have not been evaluated in placebo controlled randomized controlled trials for hangover

    According to the researchers, future studies should be more rigorous in their methods, for example by using validated scales to assess hangover symptoms. There is also a need to improve the participation of women in hangover research.

    Lead author Dr. Emmert Roberts says “Hangover symptoms can cause significant distress and affect people’s employment and academic performance. Given the continuing speculation in the media as to which hangover remedies work or not, the question around the effectiveness of substances that claim to treat or prevent a hangover appears to be one with considerable public interest. Our study has found that evidence on these hangover remedies is of very low quality and there is a need to provide more rigorous assessment. For now, the surest way of preventing hangover symptoms is to abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation.”

    The hangover cures assessed in this study included Curcumin, Duolac ProAP4 (probiotics), L-cysteine, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), Rapid Recovery (L-cysteine, thiamine, pyridoxine and ascorbic acid), Loxoprofen (loxoprofen sodium), SJP-001 (naproxen and fexofenadine), Phyllpro (Phyllanthus amarus), Clovinol (extract of clove buds), Hovenia dulcis Thunb. fruit extract (HDE), Polysaccharide rich extract of Acanthopanax (PEA), Red Ginseng, Korean Pear Juice, L-ornithine, Prickly Pear, Artichoke extract, ‘Morning-Fit’ (dried yeast, thiamine nitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and riboflavin), Propranolol, Tolfenamic acid, Chlormethiazole, and Pyritinol.

    Reference: “The efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologically active interventions for alcohol-induced hangover symptomatology: A systematic review of the evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials” 31 December 2021, Addiction.
    DOI: 10.1111/add.15786

  • UK completes its economic break from the European Union, ending five-decade partnership and turning the page on Brexit

    UK completes its economic break from the European Union, ending five-decade partnership and turning the page on Brexit

  • Britain completes formal economic break with European Union


    • People raise a glass and celebrate in Parliament Square as the bell known as Big Ben strikes 2300, and Britain ends its transition period and formally leaves the European Union in London, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on gatherings people were moved on by police if they met in any number . less
      People raise a glass and celebrate in Parliament Square as the bell known as Big Ben strikes 2300, and Britain ends its transition period and formally leaves the European Union in London, Thursday, Dec. 31, … more


      Photo: Matt Dunham, AP


    Photo: Matt Dunham, AP

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    People raise a glass and celebrate in Parliament Square as the bell known as Big Ben strikes 2300, and Britain ends its transition period and formally leaves the European Union in London, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on gatherings people were moved on by police if they met in any number . less
    People raise a glass and celebrate in Parliament Square as the bell known as Big Ben strikes 2300, and Britain ends its transition period and formally leaves the European Union in London, Thursday, Dec. 31, … more



    Photo: Matt Dunham, AP



    LONDON (AP) — Britain’s long and sometimes acrimonious divorce from the European Union ended Thursday with an economic split that leaves the EU smaller and the U.K. freer but more isolated in a turbulent world.

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        Britain left the European bloc’s vast single market for people, goods and services at 11 p.m. London time, midnight in Brussels, completing the biggest single economic change the country has experienced since World War II. A different U.K.-EU trade deal will bring new restrictions and red tape, but for British Brexit supporters, it means reclaiming national independence from the EU and its web of rules.

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        Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose support for Brexit helped push the country out of the EU, called it “an amazing moment for this country.”

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    “We have our freedom in our hands, and it is up to us to make the most of it,” he said in a New Year’s video message.

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        The break comes 11 months after a political Brexit that left the two sides in the limbo of a “transition period” — like a separated couple still living together, wrangling and wondering whether they can remain friends. Now the U.K. has finally moved out.

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    It was a day some had longed for and others dreaded since Britain voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the EU, but it turned out to be something of an anticlimax. U.K. lockdown measures to curb the coronavirus curtailed mass gatherings to celebrate or mourn the moment, though a handful of Brexit supporters defied the restrictions to raise a toast outside Parliament as the Big Ben bell sounded 11 times on the hour.

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    A free trade agreement sealed on Christmas Eve after months of tense negotiations ensures that Britain and the 27-nation EU can continue to buy and sell goods without tariffs or quotas. That should help protect the 660 billion pounds ($894 billion) in annual trade between the two sides, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs that rely on it.

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        But companies face sheaves of new costs and paperwork, including customs declarations and border checks. Traders are struggling to digest the new rules imposed by the 1,200-page trade deal.

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        The English Channel port of Dover and the Eurotunnel passenger and freight route braced for delays as the new measures were introduced, though the pandemic and a holiday weekend meant cross-Channel traffic was light, with only a trickle of trucks arriving at French border posts in Calais as 2020 ended. The vital supply route was snarled for days after France closed its border to U.K. truckers for 48 hours last week in response to a fast-spreading variant of the virus identified in England.

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    The British government insisted that “the border systems and infrastructure we need are in place, and we are ready for the U.K.’s new start.”

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        But freight companies were holding their breath. Youngs Transportation in the U.K. suspended services to the EU until Jan. 11 “to let things settle.”

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        “We figure it gives the country a week or so to get used to all of these new systems in and out, and we can have a look and hopefully resolve any issues in advance of actually sending our trucks,” said the company's director, Rob Hollyman.

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        The services sector, which makes up 80% of Britain’s economy, does not even know what the rules will be for business with the EU in 2021. Many of the details have yet to be hammered out. Months and years of further discussion and argument  over everything from fair competition to fish quotas lie ahead as Britain and the EU settle into their new relationship as friends, neighbors and rivals.

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        Hundreds of millions of individuals in Britain and the bloc also face changes to their daily lives. Britons and EU citizens have lost the automatic right to live and work in the other’s territory. From now on, they will have to follow immigration rules and obtain work visas. Tourists face new headaches including from travel insurance and pet paperwork.

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        For some in Britain, including the prime minister, it’s a moment of pride and a chance for the U.K. to set new diplomatic and economic priorities. Johnson said the U.K. was now “free to do trade deals around the world, and free to turbocharge our ambition to be a science superpower.”

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        Conservative lawmaker Bill Cash, who has campaigned for Brexit for decades, said it was a “victory for democracy and sovereignty.”

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        That’s not a view widely shared across the Channel. In the French president’s traditional New Year’s address, Emmanuel Macron expressed regret.

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        “The United Kingdom remains our neighbor but also our friend and ally,” he said. “This choice of leaving Europe, this Brexit, was the child of European malaise and lots of lies and false promises.”

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        The divorce could also have major constitutional repercussions for the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland, which shares a border with EU member Ireland, remains more closely tied to the bloc’s economy under the divorce terms, a status that could pull it away from the rest of the U.K.

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        In Scotland, which voted strongly in 2016 to remain, Brexit has bolstered support for separation from the U.K. The country’s pro-independence First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Scotland will be back soon, Europe. Keep the light on.”

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        Many in Britain felt apprehension about a leap into the unknown that is taking place during a pandemic that has upended life around the world.

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        “I feel very sad that we’re leaving,” said Jen Pearcy-Edwards, a filmmaker in London. “I think that COVID has overshadowed everything that is going on. But I think the other thing that has happened is that people feel a bigger sense of community, and I think that makes it even sadder that we’re breaking up our community a bit, by leaving our neighbours in Europe.

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        “I’m hopeful that we find other ways to rebuild ties,” she said.

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        Associated Press writers Renee Graham in London and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France, contributed to this report.

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        Follow all AP stories on Brexit at <a href="https://apnews.com/Brexit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://apnews.com/Brexit</a>