The United Kingdom’s support for Gibraltar

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FCO logo Copyright Protected by LawForeign Secretary Philip Hammond visited Gibraltar for high level talks on the United Kingdom’s support for the Territory and the upcoming EU referendum.

Foreign Secretary visits Gibraltar May 11 206

 

 

 

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond visiting Royal Navy RFA Mounts Bay. May 11, 2016 © UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

“The UK’s support for Gibraltar and the Gibraltarian people is firm and unconditional. I look forward to holding strategic talks with the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister on the territory’s thriving economy, defence and security issues, and the upcoming EU referendum.”  highlighted  Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. May 11, 2106   © UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office     Continue to read

Finland’s Leadership in the Baltic Sea Region

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Kristian Jensen, Børge Brende and Timo Soini 2016 Minister  Kristian Jensen for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Minister Børge Brende for Foreign Affairs of Norway, Minister Timo Soini for Foreign Affairs of Finland.  May 3, 2016 © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland

 “The Nordic countries are working together to ensure stability and welfare in an effort to co-ordinate our development co-operation, promote Free Trade and to participate together in International crisis management and Peacekeeping Missions. The Nordic perspective in all these issues involves a concentrated focus on Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.”  May 3, 2016 © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland                      Continue to read

News from Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs
News from Finnish Armed-Forces

The Netherlands EU Presidency and the Celebration of Freedom

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  Logo kleur hoge resolutie Protected by Copyright LawCelebration of Freedom opens the State of Europe Forum 2016

For centuries, Amsterdam has been seen as a city of Freedom.  On Sunday 8 May, Freedom has been celebrated at the official opening of the two-day State of Europe Forum. This annual forum brings together politicians, religious leaders, educators, academics, media specialists, activists and many other parties with a stake in the future of Europe.  May 4, 2016 © Dutch MFA

State of Europe Forum 2016. The paradox of Freedom – how can we sustain Europe’s Freedoms in the face of multiple threats?

The United States praised Denmark for its vital Military Leadership in NATO and in the World

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The U.S Defense Secretary Carter met with  Defense Minister Peter Christensen of Denmark in Stuttgart, Germany on May 4th to discuss a range of Security-Defence issues and the upcoming NATO summit in July.

Defense Secretary Carter thanked Denmark for intensifying its Military presence in Counter-ISIL combat and Denmark’s Military Leadership in continuing its support to NATO and the regional Security.  (Source: May 4, 2016 U.S Department of Defense)

Denmark’s vital contribution to  NATO includes: 

  • Continuation of support for NATO’s regional Security
  • The Deployment of F-16 Fighter Aircraft to the Baltic and the Ballistic Missile Defense
  • Denmark’s leadership in Arctic security
  • And the continuation of support for NATO Resolute support Mission in Afghanistan

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Follow news from Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Follow news from Minister for Foreign Affairs  Kristian Jensen

Follow news from Ambassador Lars Gert Lose of Denmark to the USA
 

Additional Reference:  The Danish Parliament gave a milestone support for  Denmark to thrust ahead as a Frontrunner in the fight against Da’esh

Transatlantic Partnership the U.S and the United Kingdom

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President Obama’s trip to the United Kingdom, this time was not just a Diplomatic Traditional visit, but it implied far more deeper reflection in many ways……. by displaying the United States inner heart and aspiration…… by expressing forthrightly…… the American hope and the fervour wish– that the United Kingdom maintain its Leadership in Europe.

In the world of our time ……that is characterized with the unknown challenges and the abruption of unsteady mode– more than ever the West has to be prepared as a Fortified Force –and remained United.  And in this front the United Kingdom’s Leadership is not a luxurious requirement yet a crucial need …..and a profound imperative.   In an explicit tone that was the essence of the message President Obama delivered from America to the United Kingdom.  

President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron April 22, 2016President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron during the Press briefing, April 22, 2016 © U.S. Embassy London

Excerpt of President Obama’s remark:

 “We are so bound together that nothing is going to impact the emotional and cultural and intellectual affinities between our two countries. So I don’t come here, suggesting in any way that that is impacted by a decision that the people of the United Kingdom may make around whether or not they’re members of the European Union. That is there. That’s solid. And that will continue, hopefully, eternally.

 But, as David said, if one of our best friends is in an organization that enhances their influence and enhances their power and enhances their economy, then I want them to stay in it. Or at least I want to be able to tell them, you know, I think this makes you guys bigger players. I think this helps your economy. I think this helps to create jobs. ” April 22, 2016 ©U.S. Embassy London  Continue to read

Official References:

Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron at a Joint Press Conference, by the White House April 22, 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron and President Barack Obama at a Joint Press conference, by Prime Minister’s Office April 22, 2016

President Obama’s visit to the UK from April 21-24, by Diplomatic Mission of the United States in London

A view to U.S Relations with the United Kingdom, by Department of States the Office of Historian

 by Catherine Stella Schmidt

Norway on ‘World Press Freedom Day’

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Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende on World Press Freedom Day:

Norway MFA‘Access to information is crucial if people are to be able to make informed decisions about matters that affect them, and to understand and exercise their rights. A broad range of independent media outlets is also vital so that people can have access to a variety of information. These media outlets can shine a critical spotlight on the exercise of power and authority and promote transparency and accountability,’ ©Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway     Continue to read

Additional references:

The Human Rights at the heart of Norwegian Foreign Policy

Follow news from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway 
Follow news from Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
See the interview with H.E  Ambassador Vibeke Lilloe of Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bosnia-Herzegovina
 

The Netherlands EU Presidency on the railway infrastructure governance

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On 19 April 2016 the Netherlands Presidency reached an informal agreement with the European Parliament regarding the opening of the domestic rail passenger markets in the Member States and the strengthening of the independence of rail infrastructure managers to ensure effective and non-discriminatory access to infrastructure. Continue to read

Canada and its leadership on ‘World Press Freedom Day’

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Statement by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage:

“Canada resolutely supports journalists, Human Rights defenders, bloggers and all others who use media platforms to promote inclusion and diversity, demand transparency and accountability from their governments, and ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected.

No person should ever be afraid to speak freely. No person should ever face intimidation, harassment, violence or death for voicing an opinion. 

According to a Freedom House survey, 2015 was the worst year in the past 12 for global press freedom.  On World Press Freedom Day, Canada recognizes the important role the media play in keeping the public dialogue vibrant. We also acknowledge the journalists, bloggers and activists who face censorship, imprisonment, and personal attacks as a consequence of carrying out their work, and we remember those who have lost their lives while exercising their right to report and speak freely.”  Press released  from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada. May 3,  2016 – Ottawa, Ontario © MFA of Canada/Media Relations Office of Global Affairs

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OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Foreign Minister Dr. Steinmeier on ‘World Press Freedom Day’

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Germany’s OSCE Presidency 2016 Statement by OSCE Chairperson-in- Office Foreign Minister Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier on May 3rd  The World Press Freedom Day:

“Today, we pay tribute to journalists worldwide who brave violence, persecution and intimidation to record and report the truth.

Free, independent media are an indispensable cornerstone of free and democratic societies. The OSCE has a crucial role to play in setting and upholding common standards to promote this principle.
Times of conflict are, unfortunately, also times of propaganda and of distorted images. That is why as OSCE Chairmanship Germany is putting a special focus on freedom of the media and on how to ensure access to independent information in times of crisis.”  © Federal Foreign Office May 3, 2016

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The United Kingdom’s Foreign Policy on promoting Human Rights in the World

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The United Kingdom through its Political and Diplomatic stance, has been the strongest Advocator, the consistent Promoter and the uncompromising Defender of Human Rights,  and Freedom in the World.

 

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On the importance of this concept in the UK Foreign Policy– Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon Philip Hammond elaborated:

“The promotion of Human Rights is a core part of the everyday work of the Foreign Office and is the responsibility of British diplomats around the world. This year we are doubling the funding available for Human Rights projects to £10 million, through the Magna Carta Fund – a true measure of the importance we attach to this agenda.” April 21, 2016 ©UK Foreign Office

The announcement by the Foreign Office states:

The Fund is launched on 18 January 2016 by FCO Minister Baroness Anelay which aims to further British interests overseas by tackling the root causes of Human Rights violations, strengthening institutions and governance, promoting and protecting Human Rights, and supporting Democracy and the Rule of Law.

The Fund has three priority themes:

 •Democratic values and the rule of law – Uphold universal rights, democracy and the rule of  law as key building blocks for more secure and prosperous societies;
•The rules-based international order – Support an effective rules-based international order that stands up for universal rights;
•Human rights for a stable world – Promote a more stable world by upholding universal rights in tackling conflict and extremism. April 21, 2016 ©UK Foreign Office

Additional References on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to defend Human Rights and promote Democracy around the World:

• Human Rights Internationally Report by the UK Foreign Office
• The United Kingdom’s Human Rights and Democracy Reports

• Follow News form The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond
• Follow News from Foreign office

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