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Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.AP Top 25: Alabama, Mississippi out of top 10 and Miami, SMU are in; Oregon remains unanimous No. 1

Fox News hosts suggest Jill Biden ‘flirted’ with Trump because ‘she gravitates towards power’Andrew Luck returns to Stanford as the GM of the football programVPN concerns After November 30, it will be impossible for ordinary internet users to access all banned websites, including X The Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) has officially informed that after the end of this month, all unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPN) will be completely blocked across the country. In a briefing to the Senate Committee on IT and Telecom, the PTA chairman said that individuals and organisations related to software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, freelancers and others should register their VPN on the PTA’s website. After November 30, it will be impossible for ordinary internet users to access all banned websites, including the X (formerly Twitter). I frequently express my views to ensure responsible use of social media. That is why when a new debate related to VPNs started, I thought it appropriate to review the situation internationally. Two years ago, a new law was introduced in India that required VPN service providers based in India to keep the logs of their users for at least five years. Local VPN service providers are required to share the data with law enforcement agencies. Similarly, the Indian government is trying to control the use of WhatsApp by anti-social and criminal elements. The use of a VPN is not prohibited in the UAE, but using a VPN to access prohibited content is a strictly punishable offence under Emirati laws. Under the guidelines issued by the UAE Telecom & Digital Regulatory Authority, the usage of VPNs for illegal access to prohibited websites, changing IPs for unlawful purposes, copyright infringement, defamation and dissemination of fake news is strictly forbidden with a heavy penalty of imprisonment and a fine not less than Dh500,000 and not exceeding Dh2,000,000 or either of these two penalties. Even making illegal WhatsApp audio or video calls through VPN is a punishable cybercrime in the UAE and some other countries. After studying the internet laws of various countries including China, the UK, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, I came to know that technically there is no ban on VPNs, but some restrictions are being enforced to prevent illegal use of VPNs. On the other hand, in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, concerns are being raised about the threats to national security and social harm due to the unrestricted free use of VPNs. I mentioned in my column published in these pages on March 22 this year that the Canadian parliament has introduced the Online Harm Act, under which the Digital Safety Commission of Canada is being established to combat extremism and violent terrorism through internet-based social media content. I further highlighted in my column on April 26 that due to the Great Firewall of China, there is no room for any external force or local facilitator to take any step against the country’s security. On May 31, 2017, I presented some suggestions including internet registration and a code of conduct for social media, which can be implemented to prevent the dissemination of hateful content on the Internet. The misuse of the internet by extremist elements in Pakistan has increased a lot. Undoubtedly, impersonating identity on the internet through VPN is a major hurdle to combat cybercrimes. However, with the recent announcement by the PTA, many genuine concerns are arising at a larger scale: if X (Twitter) is banned by the government, then why are our rulers, public bodies and the authorities continuously using it? Under which act of parliament is the PTA authorised to restrict VPNs and what will be the penalty for using an unregistered VPN after November 30? What were the factors behind the recent fatwa declaring VPN illegal religiously? In my view, our authorities have made a huge mistake by not taking stakeholders into confidence and by not conducting a vigorous public awareness campaign regarding the VPN issue. There is a dire need for the PTA to review the November 30 deadline immediately. Being a democratically responsible state, no such action should be taken without legislation in parliament. The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwaniThe Onion's bid to buy Infowars goes before judge as Alex Jones tries stopping sale The Onion's bid to buy conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars has returned to a Texas courtroom. A federal judge in Houston is hearing arguments Monday on whether a bankruptcy auction was run properly as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. The hearing is expected to continue into Tuesday. The Onion satirical news outlet was named the winning bidder last month over a company affiliated with Jones. The auction was held to help pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments that Jones was ordered to pay families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The families won lawsuits against Jones for calling the shooting a hoax. Juan Soto agrees to record $765 million, 15-year contract with Mets, AP source says DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto’s deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego. Soto's deal does not include deferred money, the person said. TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban until Supreme Court review TikTok on Monday asked a federal appeals court to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews the case. The legal filing was made after a panel of judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban as soon as next month, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have said the popular app will shut down by mid-January. Pinheiro Braathen performs snow samba to celebrate Brazil's first podium in a World Cup ski race It’s not just soccer anymore. Brazil is finding World Cup success in skiing now too. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first Brazilian skier to finish on a World Cup podium when he placed second in a giant slalom in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on Sunday. Pinheiro Braathen celebrated the achievement in truly Brazilian style: with a samba dance on the podium, the Brazilian flag wrapped around his waist and cowboy boots on his feet. Pinheiro Braathen’s mother is Brazilian and his father is Norwegian. He raced for Norway until switching his nationality for this season. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Dave Parker and Dick Allen elected to baseball's Hall of Fame DALLAS (AP) — Dave Parker and Dick Allen have been elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame by the classic era committee. Parker received 14 of 16 votes and Allen got 13. A vote of 75% or more was needed for election. They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27 along with players voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose balloting will be announced on Jan. 21. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally “Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. That surpasses the take for the original “Moana” and brings the sequel's global tally to a staggering $600 million. It also puts the film in this year's top five at the box office. “Wicked” came in second place for the weekend with $34.9 million and “Gladiator II” was third with $12.5 million. The 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar” also earned an impressive $4.4 million even though it played in only 165 theaters. Hemingway look-alikes visit Cuba and some of the late writer's favorite places HAVANA (AP) — Eighteen white-bearded men who resemble the late U.S. author Ernest Hemingway have arrived in Havana for the weekend to visit some of the his favorite places when he lived on the island decades ago. Members of the Hemingway Look-alike Society visited the author’s favorite bar in Havana, La Floridita, where the music immediately picked up, and tourists and locals gathered around to take photos. The visit comes as Cuba and the United States are in the midst of tense relations. Hemingway lived in Cuba from 1939 to 1960. 'Reindeer' volunteers bring holiday magic to Ukrainian children living on the frontlines IZIUM, Ukraine (AP) — A volunteer group is trying to fulfill the holiday dreams of thousands of children living near the frontlines in Ukraine. The St. Nicholas’ Reindeers initiative publishes letters online detailing the children's wishes. Some ask for gifts, such as a bicycle or a pet mouse, alongside more complicated requests for their family members to be released from captivity or to be able to return to their homes. Donors fulfill the gift requests and volunteer “reindeers,” named for the magical beasts that pull Santa's sleigh, deliver them in the weeks following Dec. 6, when Ukraine celebrates St. Nicholas Day. Project co-founder Inna Achkasova says the reindeer volunteers aim to ensure that every child feels seen, heard and loved.

Cavaliers vs. Celtics Injury Report Today – December 1

Introduction Two weeks ago, we suspended this treatise to look at a very tropical issue burning the nation. However, in our last outing, we examined the legal and legislative dimension of the issue under discussion, its constitutional and legislative framework, the role of the judiciary in protecting educational rights, educational autonomy and the rights of educational institutions to administer their affairs. We then looked at the implications and the path forward, its potential impact on Nigeria’s educational system Bottlenecks in academic progression, impact on student motivation and mental health, potential increase in drop-out rates and undermining educational inequality, after which we examined the way forward, with a call for holistic educational reform including repealing the minimum age policy and its implications, implementing a merit-based admission system and special provisions for gifted students. Today, we shall continue with the same followed by suggestions for strengthening legislative and judicial oversight, investing in educational infrastructure and reforming secondary education. Enjoy. Special provisions for gifted students (Continues). Gifted students represent a unique group within the educational system, and their needs must be addressed to ensure they reach their full potential. Special provisions for these students could include early admission to university, access to advanced courses, or participation in accelerated learning programs. Universities could establish talent identification programs that work with Secondary schools to identify and support gifted students from an early age. These programmes could offer scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities for enrichment activities, such as research projects, internships, and participation in national and international competitions. In addition, universities could develop specialized programs or schools within their institutions that cater specifically to gifted students, offering a challenging curriculum and opportunities for intellectual growth. These programmes could be modeled on existing programs in other countries, such as the Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth or the UK’s National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. By investing in the development of gifted students, Nigeria can cultivate a new generation of leaders, innovators, and scholars who can contribute to the country’s development and global competitiveness. Now this Strengthening legislative and judicial oversight Legislative and judicial oversight is essential to ensure that educational policies are fair, effective, and in line with constitutional provisions. The National Assembly should take an active role in reviewing and debating educational policies, particularly those with significant implications for access to higher education. To enhance legislative oversight, the National Assembly could establish a dedicated committee on education that includes representatives from all levels of government, as well as stakeholders from the education sector. This committee could be responsible for reviewing proposed policies, conducting public consultations, and making recommendations for improvement. Judicial oversight is equally important, as it provides a mechanism for challenging policies that may infringe on constitutional rights or violate international obligations. The judiciary should be prepared to hear cases related to educational policies and to issue rulings that protect the rights of students and ensure that policies are implemented fairly. To support judicial oversight, it may be necessary to establish specialised courts or tribunals that can handle education-related cases more efficiently. These bodies could provide a forum for resolving disputes over university admissions, access to education, and other issues that arise within the educational system. Investing in educational infrastructure Investment in educational infrastructure is critical to support the reforms outlined above. This includes upgrading school facilities, providing modern learning materials, and training teachers to meet the needs of a diverse student population. The government should prioritize investments in areas where the need is greatest, such as rural and underserved communities. This could involve building new schools, expanding existing facilities, and ensuring that all schools have access to the resources they need to provide a quality education. In addition to physical infrastructure, investment in digital infrastructure is also important. As technology plays an increasingly central role in education, the government should work to ensure that all students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world. This includes providing access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital learning platforms. Teacher training is another key area for investment. To ensure that teachers are equipped to deliver a high-quality education, the government should provide ongoing professional development opportunities, including training in new teaching methods, technology integration, and inclusive education practices. And this Reforming secondary education Reforming secondary education is essential to ensuring that students are better prepared for the demands of higher education. This could involve revising curricula to focus more on critical thinking, problem-solving, and other skills that are essential for success in university and beyond. Government should also consider expanding access to vocational and technical education, which can provide students with practical skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job market. By offering a broader range of educational pathways, the government can ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and develop the skills they need for their future careers. Reforms to secondary education should also focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning. This includes providing teachers with the support and resources they need to deliver effective instruction, as well as implementing assessment systems that accurately reflect students’ progress and achievements. Finally, government should work to reduce the inequalities and inefficiencies that currently plague the secondary education system. By addressing issues such as overcrowding, dilapidated facilities, outdated curricula and inadequate resources, the government can create a more supportive and effective educational environment that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. Conclusion Nigeria’s minimum age policy for university admission reflects a complex intersection of legal, societal and educational challenges. While the intention to ensure emotional and intellectual maturity among students is clear, the policy obviously overlooks the diverse and peculiar realities of Nigerian society where children are often thrust into adult responsibilities much earlier in their age. By imposing an age restriction, government risks stifling the academic potential of young and intellectually gifted individuals and widening the educational inequality gap. The policy also highlights broader inconsistencies in Nigeria’s approach to child development, particularly when compared to practices such as early child marriage and juvenile incarceration. A more flexible, merit-based system would better serve Nigeria’s youth, allowing academically ready students to advance without unnecessary barriers. This approach, coupled with targeted reforms in secondary education and improved legislative oversight, would foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. In doing so, Nigeria can better align its educational framework with the aspirations and potential of its young people, ensuring that talent and intellect are not hindered by arbitrary age limits. The future of Nigeria’s education system hinges on finding a delicate balance between structure and flexibility, and this balance will ultimately determine whether the nation’s young scholars can contribute fully to its progress and development. I do not support a blanket imposition of age limit to attainment of tertiary education. (The end). Thought for the week I believe that education is the greatest equalizer; thus, I will continue to fight to equalize the playing field in an educational atmosphere that is not always level- Erin Gruwell Last line God bless my numerous global readers for always keeping faith with the Sunday Sermon on the Mount of the Nigerian Project, by humble me, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb., LL.M, Ph.D, LL.D, D.Litt, D.Sc, DHL, DA. Kindly come with me to next week’s exciting dissertation.This week, a hostage video emerged of captured soldier and Australian man Oscar Jenkins being detained and interrogated by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. While diplomats say they are still working to confirm the 32-year-old's location and conditions, the ABC learnt that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was alerted to concerns regarding his whereabouts last month. Ukraine has been enlisting foreign volunteers into its international allegiance since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. At least seven Australians are believed to have died fighting in Ukraine since, but Mr Jenkins is believed to be the first Australian soldier to be captured and held as a prisoner of war. So, what happens now? And what legal protection do people who joined Ukraine's forces have if they are captured by Russia? What are the conditions of a POW kept in Russia? Speaking to ABC's RN Breakfast on Tuesday, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham said Russia should be treating all prisoners, including Mr Jenkins, "humanely and fairly, with respect and in accordance with the laws of war". And while he said it was up to Russia to "live up to those standards", he acknowledged "far too many reports" have been seen of Russia failing to do so. Mr Jenkins identified himself as a former teacher in a video posted by pro-Kremlin social media accounts on Sunday that shows a man with dirt across his face being interrogated and struck on the head by Russian captors. The ABC also verified Mr Jenkins's identity independently. Keir Giles, Russian military expert and senior consulting fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House told RN Breakfast Mr Birmingham's expectations are "extraordinarily unlikely". "As painful as it is to say, we have to face up to the unfortunate reality that it would be extraordinarily unlikely for Russia to do that," he said. If a prisoner is not murdered immediately after capture — which is becoming increasingly routine — Russia follows a standard procedure of subjecting prisoners to extreme psychological duress and systemic physical torture, Mr Giles explained. Through placing pressure on the families of those who have been captured, and on the Ukrainian government, Russia "incentivises prisoner exchanges". "This is a tactic implied to by Russia to secure high-profile assets being returned from Ukrainian captivity," he said. Could Australia and Russia perform a prisoner swap? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday declined to say if the government would consider a prisoner swap deal for Mr Jenkins, but that they had made representations to the Russian government on Mr Jenkins's behalf. He also refused to say when the government first became aware of the case. Mr Giles said that Mr Jenkins, however, may have been captured at an almost "favourable time" due to the increased interest on the Russian side in negotiating swap agreements and to start negotiations with the Ukrainian side. "It appears that Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region of Russia has actually captured highly valuable Russian individuals they want back," he said. "In terms of looking for opportunities for making exchanges, this is a good time. As soon as you get these people back, the less they suffer in Russian captivity." Donald R. Rothwell, professor of international law at ANU College of Law, said that Mr Jenkins would join a larger pool if Russia decides to treat Mr Jenkins as a prisoner of war. The pool would consist of Ukrainian prisoners of war who "may be transferred for Russian prisoners of war during the conflict or at the end of the war". "That is not a process Australia would be involved in as it is not a party to the war," he said. Otherwise, any other form of prisoner swap would have to be done "through political means" which could include Simeon Boikov, Professor Rothwell said. Known by his online moniker Aussie Cossack, Mr Boikov is an Australian pro-Russian influencer currently holed up in the Russian consulate in Sydney to avoid an arrest warrant. Reposting the hostage video of Mr Jenkins, Mr Boikov stated that he should be part of a prisoner swap deal. Mr Giles said that the swap would "solve quite a few problems" if Russia were willing to an exchange of that kind but "is fairly far-fetched" compared to the regular prisoner exchanges seen with Ukraine. What is the difference between a prisoner of war and a mercenary? The description of a mercenary is one which Russia routinely applies to foreign fighters who have been captured instead of a prisoner of war — whether or not they meet that category, Mr Giles said. As such, captured prisoners can be treated as criminals and prosecuted as one. "Often these people are actually signed up with Ukraine armed forces and are not mercenaries in any recognised sense of the term," Mr Giles said. "This pretence by Russia that they are [mercenaries] allows them to put them through a sham legal trial and on occasion, sentence them to death." Professor Rothwell said the main legal issue concerning Mr Jenkins is what Russia chooses to classify him as. "Prisoner of war status applies to combatants and they enjoy protections under the 1949 Geneva Convention to which both Australia and Russia are parties," he said. "Alternatively, Mr Jenkins could be classified as a mercenary, and the 1977 Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions makes clear that a mercenary shall not have the right to be a combatant or a prisoner of war." But he says that as Mr Jenkins is a foreign national, admitted to his captor that he was being paid, and was taking part in the hostilities it is "therefore legally significant." Mr Giles said it was all part of the "threat" that Russia creates and there was "sadly" no way of telling what could happen and at what pace. "It is all part of the routine, part of the theatre and the fiction that Russia has created about the foreign fighters who are assisting Ukraine out of their own goodwill." Recent Russian executions Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights says that Russian forces have recently executed five Ukrainian prisoners of war. Dmytro Lubinets said on the Telegram messenger app on Sunday that Russian troops had shot five unarmed soldiers after capturing them. Mr Lubinets gave no details, but said he would report the executions to the UN. "Russian war criminals who shoot Ukrainian prisoners of war should be brought before an international tribunal and punished with the most severe punishment provided for by law," Mr Lubinets wrote. Russia did not immediately comment on the incident. They have previously denied committing war crimes. The Australian government is warning Australians not to travel to Ukraine or join the military efforts against Russia. ABC ABCSegall Bryant & Hamill LLC Makes New $1.21 Million Investment in International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT)Global Smart Weight, Body Composition, & Body-Mass Index Scales Market Apt to Reach $107.51 billion At a CAGR of 6.6%

After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.Preview: Huddersfield Town vs. Stockport County - prediction, team news, lineups

( MENAFN - The Peninsula) QNA Doha: Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the State of Qatar's priority in handling the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic is currently humanitarian to ensure providing all the essential help to maintain stability there. During the weekly media availability organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari, said the air bridge being operated by the State of Qatar to help the brotherly people of Syria is underway, as long as, there is a need for that, highlighting that the fifth aircraft of the Qatar Armed Forces landed in Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, on Monday, with over 33 tons of medical, food and shelter items onboard provided by Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) to Syria, thereby bringing the total number of aid, heretofore, provided to the Syrians to 144 tons. He reiterated the State of Qatar's call for the essential lifting of the international sanctions on Syria as soon as possible to ensure there would be no hindrance in getting all kinds of humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of Syria and extend the Qatari air bridge to all airports within the Syrian territories, thereby facilitating the delivery of these aids. Dr. Al Ansari added the Qatari position regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria is crystal clear, especially since the reasons behind sanctions, which are represented in the former regime, have been diminished, implying that they no longer exist, and it is incumbent on international community to promptly act to lift those sanctions. Within the framework of the Qatari delegation's visit to Damascus led by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, aboard the first flight of Qatar Airways to Damascus International Airport, the foremost needs were discussed there, alongside how the State of Qatar can directly contribute to meeting those needs, pointed out Dr. Al Ansari, underling that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in providing the essential support for the brotherly people of Syria. He pointed out that the technical team that accompanied HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Damascus was intended to get familiarized with the airports technical needs and discussed how Qatar can perform a positive role in this respect to ensure it is swiftly recommissioned as an international airport, especially that it had been neglected for a very long time and came under shelling from the Israeli occupation. Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that the symbolic message associated with the landing of the Qatar Airways plane in Damascus International Airport reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to taking all essential measures to ensure the airport's recommissioning and resuming flights to the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, noting that flights will return to the airport simultaneously when technical requirements are in place. Dr. Al Ansari said the Syrian Arab Republic's needs are being scrutinized for the aid to be announced - whether urgent, short-term or strategic. The priority is for urgent humanitarian needs to ensure a successful and unhindered transition process, especially on the humanitarian side, followed by efforts for Syria's returning to the Arab nation, Al Ansari added. He pointed out that the embassy of the Syrian opposition in the State of Qatar is the first of the new Syrian embassies - a stance that reflects the State of Qatar's unchanged position since the first day of the Syrian crisis, and supports the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people by all available means. In this context, Al Ansari highlighted the resumption of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Syrian Arab Republic on December 17, and the appointment of HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Charge d'Affaires there. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the resumption of embassy operations comes after approximately 13 years since all diplomatic relations were severed with the Syrian regime in 2011, expressing Qatar's principled stance in support of the Syrian people's revolution and its steadfast support for their demands for a dignified life, freedom, and social justice. It also reaffirms Qatar's unequivocal rejection of all the oppressive policies of the Syrian regime against the Syrian people. Dr. Al Ansari added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the resumption of the embassys work in conjunction with the victory of the Syrian peoples revolution reflects the continued firm and supportive position of the State of Qatar towards the Syrian people and their struggle to obtain their legitimate rights to a decent life, and enhances its relief efforts that began with an air bridge to help the Syrian people overcome the requirements of the transition process, noting the raising of the Qatari flag on December 21 in Damascus for the first time in 13 years. Referring to Monday's meeting between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and Leader of the new administration of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa as part of a Qatari delegation visit to Damascus, Al Ansari said the meetings covered close bilateral relations and ways to boost them, the future of Syria and the prospects of the State of Qatars unwavering support for the brotherly Syrian people across all fields. He pointed out that HE Al Khulaifi stressed the State of Qatar's continued firm support for the Syrian brothers to build a state of institutions that is governed by justice, freedom, development and peace, and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people. Noting the State of Qatar's position has always remained supportive of the revolution of the brothers in Syria, HE Al Khulaifi stressed the need for Syrians to take decisions independently, ensure the unity of Syria and work on a peaceful power transfer through a political process that includes the whole spectrum of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ansari said that it is too early to talk about investing in Syria at the present time, noting that the focus is now on providing everything necessary to support Syrians, especially in areas such as energy, the humanitarian aspect and infrastructure. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and HE Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria HE Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the negotiations are ongoing, with technical talks taking place in Doha and other tracks occurring in Cairo with continuous coordination with the Arab Republic of Egypt in this regard, adding that no one can predict a specific timeline for reaching an agreement. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari confirmed that the situation in Gaza has not improved at all, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening, reiterating the call to all parties to engage seriously with the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation without any actions that might hinder the success of these negotiations. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's resolution to refer the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the International Court of Justice. Qatar considers the adoption of the resolution, with 137 votes in favor, as reflecting the broad international rejection of the Israeli occupation authorities' decisions to ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. He pointed out Qatar's warning that banning UNRWA's activities will lead to severe humanitarian and political consequences, especially depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria of essential services, as well as the liquidation of the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their homes. Separately, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Qatar-Iran relations are strong and solid, with both sides collaborating on certain gas projects in the region, praising the bilateral relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that their discussions on regional events are ongoing. Regarding Qatar's relations with Russia, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stated that Qatar's relationship with the Russian Federation remains ongoing and positive, highlighting Qatar's involvement in another mediation between Russia and Ukraine, aimed at reuniting children affected by the war with their families. On the Lebanese front, Al Ansari referred to the meeting of HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi on December 16 with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament HE Nabih Berri, and Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon HE Najib Mikati. He explained that these meetings discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, emphasizing the critical role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in Lebanon, preserving the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid increasing security and political challenges, and reaffirming Qatar's steadfast position towards the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, and territorial integrity, and its continued support for the Lebanese people. MENAFN24122024000063011010ID1109028577 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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