De interventie van de NAVO in 1999 in Kosovo, zónder mandaat van de VN-Veiligheidsraad, wordt de NAVO niet alleen in Servië nagedragen, maar ook in China en Rusland, zei @robdewijk in gesprek met journalist @MarjoleinCK en @ajboekestijn bij @BNR [_link]

— HCSS - The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (@hcssnl) June 3, 2023

Translation:
NATO's intervention in Kosovo in 1999, without a mandate from the UN Security Council, is echoed by NATO not only in Serbia, but also in China and Russia, @robdewijk said in conversation with journalist @MarjoleinCK and @ajboekestijn

'Sapere aude'

Speech by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the conference of the Heads of German Missions in the EU member states and of the Permanent Representation to the EU | 21.04.2023 |

After the peaceful revolution of 1989 in the GDR and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, people wanted membership of the European Union and NATO because they wanted to be free.

The Reagan administration's strong rhetoric in support of the political aspirations of Eastern European and Soviet citizens was met, following 1985, with a new type of leader in the Soviet Union. Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (transparency) further legitimized popular calls for reform from within. Gorbachev also made clear--at first secretly to the Eastern European leaders, then increasingly more public--that the Soviet Union had abandoned the policy of military intervention in support of communist regimes (the Brezhnev Doctrine).

And I would like to remind you that it was people in Central and Eastern Europe who were the first to rise up against dictatorship and tyranny, thus laying the foundation for German reunification and for a free, united Europe.

As I said when I was in our neighbouring country Poland, in Warsaw on 3 October, we should therefore always remember that, of course, the accession of ten Central and Eastern European countries to the EU on 1 May 2004 would have been inconceivable without German reunifications on 3 October 1990.

However, 3 October 1990 is inextricably linked to 1 May 2004. For a reunited Germany belongs in a united, free Europe - together with its eastern neighbours. We should think of this when we see the immense appeal that the European Union once more has for millions of people in Europe. We're again experiencing a historic moment when our generation can resolve to further develop the European Union as our community of freedom.

For we Europeans are facing a turbulent world in which this freedom clearly cannot be taken for granted. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe. Autocratic states are undermining international law and using their economic clout to push through political goals.

[...]

At the same time, Spain will use its special expertise to ensure that we strengthen our partnerships beyond Europe - in our southern neighbourhood, in Latin America and, in particular, in the spheres of climate action and the energy transition.

José Manuel, we said again today that if you need support then you can rely on us in the coming months, that we will be there by your side.

I know that José Manuel and I agree on three further points:

First of all, the European Union can only succeed as a community of freedom in the world if it acts together with the United States. European sovereignty and transatlantic partnership are two sides of the same coin.

That is particularly clear in light of the accession to NATO of our partners Finland - and hopefully Sweden soon. Their accession will bolster our shared freedom on both sides of the Atlantic.

Secondly, the European Union can only be effective vis-à-vis a player such as China if it presents a united front to Beijing. Only by working together can we reduce risks and one-sided economic dependencies through de-risking.

Such a concerted European approach to China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival will also form the core of Germany's new strategy on China, which we're drafting at present.

Thirdly, José Manuel and I agree that the European Union can only be credible in the world if it also treats freedom at home as a precious asset - each and every day. I therefore want to state very clearly that we will take even more decisive action in future whenever democracy and the rule of law are undermined in our Union.

We can have impassioned debates in the European Union about subsidiarity, directives and regulations, the distribution of competences between Brussels and national capitals.

What is not up for discussion, however, is that free societies are our community's DNA: the independence of judges, the freedom of journalists and the dignity of each individual.

The European Union unites democracies which are rightly proud of their very different cultures and histories. This diversity makes us strong. And that's why diversity is part of our daily reality in the European Union.

However, our national and cultural autonomy must not be used to justify undermining the fundamental rights of minorities, the fundamental rights of women or LGBTIQ people.

Every member state must guarantee its citizens these fundamental rights. After all, it's these rights that make our European Union a community of freedom, also of individual freedom.

Beginning in the early 1970s, the Soviet regime proclaimed a policy of détente and sought increased economic cooperation and disarmament negotiations with the West.

See also the key role of German SPD leader Willy Brandt. Is Baerbock somewhat of a programmed fool with little historical perspectives and facts? That explains a lot how see acts and performs in her role. The Fall of the Berlin Wall isn't event that fell from a clear blue sky ... people worked over many years to make it happen ... courageous leaders Europe are lacking in a new generation of politicians.

'Sapere aude'

Biden's separate meetings with the leaders of two key NATO allies -- he'll huddle with Denmark's Mette Frederiksen on Monday and the UK's Rishi Sunak on Thursday -- come at a crucial period in the 15-month war as Ukraine readies to launch a counteroffensive.

"One of the things we'll be looking for their perspectives on and the President will be interested in sharing his perspectives on is the long term security needs of Ukraine," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. "And that's really where the F-16s kind of come into this discussion."

Denmark has purchased dozens of American-made F-16s since the 1970s and has indicated it is open to the possibility of providing Ukraine with some. Britain strongly advocated for a coalition to supply Ukraine with fighter planes, and says it will support Ukraine getting the F-16s it wants. But the U.K. does not have any F-16s, and has ruled out sending Royal Air Force Typhoon jets.

Last week, Frederiksen and Sunak were among 45 European leaders who traveled to Moldova for the first second summit of the European Political Community [EPC] where they underscored support for Eastern Europe's ambitions to draw closer to the West and keep Moscow at bay.

Biden is also expected to discuss with Frederiksen and Rishi [samm.dsca elevator pitches] for next month's NATO summit in Lithuania that comes amid growing pressure on the alliance from Zelensk* on NATO to offer Ukraine concrete security guarantees and a defined path for Kyiv to eventually win membership into the group.
[...]

"Leading New Zealand's response to the 2019 terrorist attacks and to the Covid-19 pandemic represented periods of intense challenge for our 40th prime minister," PM Hipkins said. [_link]

— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) June 5, 2023

Blinken's Battle Hymn | by Seymour Hersh |

Biden's favorite hawk calls for no end to the bloodshed in Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in a June 2 speech in Helsinki welcomed Finland as NATO's newest member state. A career hawk when it comes to Russia, he outdid himself in the fierceness of his commitment to the Ukraine war. Once again he was dismissive of any talk of a ceasefire--something desperately needed by an increasingly besieged Ukrainian army and citizenry.

"Now, over the coming weeks and months," Blinken explained, "some countries will call for a ceasefire. And on the surface, that sounds sensible--attractive, even. After all, who doesn't want warring parties to lay down their arms? Who doesn't want the killing to stop? But a ceasefire that simply freezes current lines in place and enables Putin to consolidate control over the territory he's seized, and then rest, re-arm, and re-attack--that is not a just and lasting peace. It's a Potemkin peace. It would legitimize Russia's land grab. It would reward the aggressor and punish the victim."

Does America's secretary of State not know--or want to know--the historical importance and success of international peace-keeping forces? Is he not aware of the work done by the diplomat Richard Holbrooke, controversial as he may have been? In 1995 he negotiated an end to the murderous ethnic violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina among Serbs, Croats, and Muslims. Their hatred for each other was as intense as the feelings now simmering among the citizenry and military in Ukraine for their Russian adversaries.

Blinken concluded his speech: "when a free people like the Ukrainians have at their backs the support of free nations around the world--nations who recognize their fates and freedom--their rights and security are inextricably bound together, the force they possess is not merely immense. It is unstoppable."

His real message might be put more bluntly:

I hate the Russians and let the blood flow. ...

XI JINPING: "Your contribution to China-Honduras relations will go down in history."

XIOMARA CASTRO: "These initiatives can better help us build the peace we so desperately need to advance the path of human development."pic.twitter.com/0gsplhgEFh

— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) June 12, 2023

Earlier diary ...

Honduras Establishes Close Ties with China | March 15, 2023 |

Burning candles late at night in the Oval Office ... blatant violation of the spirit of the Monroe doctrine.

He instruido al Canciller Eduardo Reina, para que gestione la apertura de relaciones oficiales con la República Popular China, como muestra de mi determinación para cumplir el Plan de Gobierno y expandir las fronteras con libertad en el concierto de las naciones del mundo.

— Xiomara Castro de Zelaya (@XiomaraCastroZ) March 14, 2023

Biden and British PM Sunak offer "unwavering" support to Ukraine | CBS News |

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby would not comment on whether Biden would ask Stoltenberg to extend again, but praised the former Norwegian prime minister for doing a "superb job" heading the alliance.

Last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made the case for U.K. Defense Minister Ben Wallace directly to Biden. The Democratic president also met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, another potential contender.

Asked about the NATO job at a news conference with Sunak by his side, Biden called Wallace "very qualified" but noted that the conversation among NATO leaders to find a "consensus" pick to replace Stoltenberg was ongoing. Biden's opinion carries enormous weight as the U.S. spends more than any other member in the alliance on defense.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) is also considereda candidate

Excellent scoop for NATO ... diversification, glass ceiling, excellent PR for a face of less aggression ... 🤥 🤥 🤥

Confrontation for Brussels, Old Europe is leading ... more Russophobia.

'Sapere aude'

"Confronting Threats" examines NATO's expansion from Türkiye's perspective. Why does Türkiye have concerns about Sweden joining NATO, and why are these concerns crucial for regional security?

Watch our full documentary: [_link] pic.twitter.com/FiNOBw9FIO

— TRT World (@trtworld) June 14, 2023

Sweden must fulfil anti-terrorism duty under deal for NATO bid: Erdogan | TRT World |

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Türkiye cannot readily approve Sweden's NATO membership at Vilnius summit next month unless it fulfils its duty under memorandum.

Did Erdogan add Fethullah Gülen extradition to the demands package?

'Sapere aude'