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Foreign

China opposes UK sanctions against Chinese firms over Russia

China opposes UK sanctions against Chinese firms over Russia
Sanctions
Beijing, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) China on Wednesday voiced firm opposition to the United Kingdom’s decision to sanction five Chinese firms over the so-called Russian involvement.
In spite of China’s representations and the sound development momentum of China-UK economic and trade relations, the UK insisted on listing Chinese companies in the latest round of sanctions against Russia.
Such move would have a negative impact on the bilateral economic and trade relations, said a spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce.
UK’s unilateral sanctions have no basis in international law and no mandate from the United Nations, which is a typical act of “long-arm jurisdiction,” said the spokesperson.
“China urges the British side to bear in mind the overall interests of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, immediately correct its erroneous practices, and unconditionally cease the inclusion of Chinese enterprises on its sanctions list.
“China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises resolutely,” the spokesperson said.  (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannes.ng)
UMD/AMM
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Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru
Foreign

Arm sales: China sanctions 3 U.S. defence companies

Arm sales: China sanctions 3 U.S. defence companies

Sanctions

Beijing, May 20, 2024 (dpa/NAN) China has placed three defence companies in the United States on its list of “unreliable companies’’ for selling weapons to Taiwan.

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday.

The three companies added to China’s list of “unreliable companies’’ are Boeing Defence, Space & Security, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems.

The sanctions are intended to penalise the U.S. for supplying weapons to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

According to the ministry, the sanctioned companies would be prohibited from making further investments in China and their managers banned from travelling.

At the time the sanctions were announced, Lai Ching-te of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was being sworn in as the self-governing island’s new president.

The latest action adds to a series of sanctions Beijing has imposed on U.S. defence companies for selling weapons to Taiwan.

In September 2023, China had already sanctioned the U.S. firms Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for such arms sales.

It added that five more companies followed in January.

Relations between Washington and Beijing had been very tense for some time, as the U.S. also repeatedly places Chinese companies on its sanctions list.

The Biden administration cites escalating pressure from China on Taiwan including increased military activity both in the air and at sea as justification for delivering arms to the island.

China considered the democratically governed island to be part of the People’s Republic and has threatened to invade on several occasions.

However, Taiwan maintained a strong sense of independence, and Lai has not signaled any intention to deviate from this stance. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

COO/HS
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

Asian FA supports Palestine’s request for sanctions against Israel

Asian FA supports Palestine’s request for sanctions against Israel

Sanctions

Bangkok, May 16, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The Asian football federation AFC is supporting the Palestinian football body’s request for sanctions against the Israeli football association.

This is  ahead of the FIFA Congress in Bangkok due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

“The AFC stands together with the Palestinian federation, and we join them in seeking effective football-related solutions to the grievances raised by the Palestinian federation in their proposal.’’

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said on Thursday.

“It is our duty to support the Palestinian federation for a swift and effective resolution in line with the rules, regulations and statutes of the AFC and FIFA.’’

The Palestinian federation (PFA) submitted a request for appropriate, immediate sanctions against Israeli teams to the world governing body’s congress in Bangkok on Friday.

The PFA accuses Israel of violating international law, particularly in Gaza, and refers to FIFA statutes relating to human rights.

The motion is likely aimed at excluding the Israeli association.

The agenda of the FIFA Congress generally included a discussion on proposals from member associations, but a vote is not yet planned.

According to dpa information, the possibility of transferring the topic to the FIFA Council is being examined.

The Gaza war was triggered by the massacre carried out in Israel by Palestinian militant organisation Hamas and other extremist groups on Oct. 7.

Some 1,200 people were killed while around 250 were taken hostage.

According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 35,000 Palestinians were killed in the ongoing war, although this figure, cannot be verified independently and does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

COO/JPE

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Edited by Cecilia Odey

Foreign

African nations call for sanctions on theft of traditional knowledge

African nations call for sanctions on theft of traditional knowledge
Sanctions
Geneva, May 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A group of African countries has called for a planned international treaty on protecting genetic resources and traditional knowledge to provide for sanctions on companies or countries that infringe its provisions.
“Our group supports adequate sanctions to ensure the treaty is enforced,” the Kenyan representative said in Geneva, speaking on behalf of group on Monday.
The concluding round for a new United Nations treaty has begun in the Swiss city after more than 20 years of talks.
The aim is to conclude the treaty by May 24.
The new treaty aims to prevent what is termed “biopiracy” the theft of genetic resources or traditional knowledge and their use for commercial purposes, such as in medications and health products.
Countries of origin are to share in any profits or receive other compensation.
This was a matter of justice, the Kenyan representative said.
“The African group advocates for an international treaty that recognises and protects the sovereign rights of member states over their traditional knowledge and associated genetic resources,” he said.
The treaty draft provides for companies to indicate when they apply for a patent where the material originates.
Countries of origin can then check whether all the necessary permits have been acquired and participation agreements have been concluded.
No fewer than 1,200 government representatives are participating in the talks of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a UN agency.
WIPO said the future instrument aimed to enhance the efficacy, transparency and quality of the patent system and prevent patents from being granted erroneously.  (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UMD/EAL
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Edited by Ummul Idris/Ekemini Ladejobi
Foreign

EU’s 13th round of Russian sanctions scales final  legal hurdle

EU’s 13th round of Russian sanctions scales final  legal hurdle
Sanctions
Brussels, Feb. 23, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The European Union’s latest round of sanctions against Russia scaled  the final legal hurdle on Friday, one day before the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“We are further tightening the restrictive measures against Russia’s military and defence sector,” the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a press statement.
The sanctions also target countries which `supply equipment to Russia as well as those responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children’.
Senior diplomats for the EU’s 27 member-states agreed on the sanctions in Brussels on Wednesday, but final approval was still needed from EU capitals.
That last hurdle was cleared on Friday.
The sanctions target the Russian defence industry and include export restrictions on technologies such as components for aerial drones.
They also impose restrictions on organisations in countries including India, Sri Lanka, China, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Turkey, for `supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex’.
The package imposes asset freezes and travel bans on 106 individuals and 88 organisations, according to the EU statement.
The new package brings to 2,000, the total number of people and groups sanctioned by the EU for `undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
The measures also prohibit EU citizens and companies from making money available to those on the sanctions list.
The sanctions list will be published by tomorrow in the EU’s statute book.  (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UMD/IGO
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Edited by Ummul Idris/Ijeoma Popoola
Foreign

Gowon urges ECOWAS leaders to lift sanctions on Mali, B’Faso, others

Gowon

By Mark Longyen

Abuja, Feb. 21, 2024  (NAN) Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has called on ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, to lift sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

Gowon, who is one of the founding fathers of ECOWAS, made the call in an open letter to the Heads of State and the ECOWAS member states in Abuja on Wednesday evening.

The three countries, which were slammed with sanctions by the sub-regional politico-economic bloc following military takeovers in their respective countries, recently declared their decision to withdraw from the bloc.

Addressing a press conference at the ECOWAS Commission’s headquarters, Gowon, expressed concern that the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic to exit ECOWAS threatens the unity of the bloc with far-reaching implications for ordinary citizens.

He said: “It saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is threatened with disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – three important Member States, of their intention to leave the Community.

“The impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.

“The ECOWAS authorities should immediately consider the implementation of the lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger.”

Gen. Gowon also urged the West African leaders, including leaders of the three exiting countries, to re-unite for peace and stability in the region.

“Therefore, on behalf of all the founding fathers of the Community and myself, I urge the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Nigerian leader also presented the open letter to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

YEN/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Foreign

EU approves 13th round of Russia sanctions ahead of war anniversary

EU approves 13th round of Russia sanctions ahead of war anniversary
Sanctions
Brussels, Feb. 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The European Union agreed on Wednesday to a new round of sanctions on Russia ahead of the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Welcoming the decision, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X, formerly Twitter, that the latest salvo of sanctions keeps “the pressure high on the Kremlin.”
EU representatives in Brussels signed off on the package, which targets persons and organisations linked to the Russian government and the Russian invasion.
Almost 200 people have been included in the 13th package, top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said.
The package also includes measures to clamp down on sanctions evasion, he said.
The EU recently targeted companies based in China, Uzbekistan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, for example, which are allegedly involved in circumventing the EU’s punitive measures.
The latest measures go after the Russian weapons industry’s access to components to manufacture drones, EU diplomats said.
Companies in the bloc would not be allowed to sell goods and technologies with military connections to Russia.
However, ythis latest round of sanctions does not contain wide-ranging measures to impact whole economic sectors.
A previous round of EU sanctions included a prohibition on importing diamonds and jewellery from Russia.
A far-reaching ban on imports of crude oil, coal, steel, gold and luxury goods, as well as measures aimed at banks and financial institutions, has been in place for some time.
The sanctions agreement now goes to EU capitals for final legal approval.
Persons and organisations would then be listed in the EU Official Journal to take effect on Saturday, the war’s anniversary.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UMD/IFY
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Edited by Ummul Idris/Ifeyinwa Omowole
Defence/Security

NCoS dismisses 2 personnel, sanctions 35 others for misconduct

Misconduct
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, Oct. 18, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed two personnel and sanctioned 35 others for misconduct.

This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr Abubakar Umar, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Umar said the dismissal was part of efforts to ensure discipline among personnel and entrench international correctional best practices.

He said that the officers were sanctioned for misconducts ranging from trafficking in contrabands, unauthorised absence from duty, stealing, negligence of duty, criminal conspiracy, as well as aiding and abetting.

He added that the offences constituted threats to security of correctional facilities and could jeopardise public safety and national security.

He quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa as clarifying that the service would continue to reward diligence and exceptional performance.

He however said that the service would not hesitate to punish erring personnel according to the law.

The Controller General maintained that the service would continue to ensure that bad eggs were flushed out of the system.

He assured that the service would also continue to perform its statutory mandate with integrity and based on ethical standards in line with international best practices.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Foreign

Niger’s new prime minister says country will overcome sanctions

Niger’s new prime minister says country will overcome sanctions

Sanctions

Niamey, Aug. 14, 2023 (dpa/NAN) Niger’s new Prime Minister Lamine Zeine has described the sanctions imposed on the military junta as an “unfair challenge,” but said the country would overcome them.

Zeine, who was appointed by the junta a week ago, said on Monday that Niger was  interested in economic cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

On July 26, Niger’s military ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The military suspended the constitution and appointed a transitional government.

Shortly afterwards, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the new military junta and demanded an immediate return to constitutional order.

It also activated a standby force for a possible military intervention in Niger.

On Sunday, the junta signaled its willingness to negotiate with ECOWAS after a visit by a Nigerian mediation group of Islamic clerics.

Zeine also expressed confidence about possible negotiations with ECOWAS and neighbouring Nigeria, which had led the crackdown on Niger’s rulers.

“We have a great interest in preserving this important and historic relationship,” Zeine said, stressing the original background of ECOWAS as an economic group to increase prosperity in West Africa.

“If, however, we find that instead of this economic solidarity, the political and military principle comes to the fore, we can only regret that.” (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

UMD/IGO
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Edited by Ummul Idris/Ijeoma Popoola

Sports

Wikki Tourists FC appeal for review of IMC sanctions

Wikki Tourists FC appeal for review of IMC sanctions

By Ahmed Kaigama

Sanctions

Bauchi, April 15, 2023 (NAN) Wikki Tourists Football Club (FC) of Bauchi has appealed to the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to review the sanctions against the club over the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between the club and Bayelsa United FC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Match Day 13 fixtures between Wikki Tourists FC and Bayelsa United at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS), Bauchi, on April 9, was alleged to be characterised by irregularities.

The IMC in its penalties after review of the match imposed three points, goals deduction on Wikki Tourists, imposed ₦2.5 million fine and orders the stadium closed to all NPFL matches.

Reacting, Mr Balarabe Douglas, the Chairman of Wikki Tourists FC, made the appeal in an interview with the NAN on Saturday in Bauchi.

He said the IMC accused Wikki management for not providing adequate security, throwing objects in the field and assaulting match officials of the match between visiting Bayelsa United and Wikki FC.

“The management provides adequate security for the match in the stadium with over 40 police personnel, Man O’War, and WAI brigade physically on ground.

“There wasn’t any object throwing of such nature, we noticed at the end of the match some angry fans started throwing sachets and plastic bottles of water to Wikki players to show their displeasure over the poor performances of the players and it abruptly stopped.

“Similarly, none of the match officials visiting team and players was targeted or assaulted during the match,” he said.

Douglas added that they admitted that the match was put on hold for a moment when the aggrieved players of Wikki FC were protesting peacefully to the match officials for cancellation of their earned second goal pursuant to the decision of ARI.

“The aggrieved players return for the continuation of the match after a polite explanation by the officials on the reason for cancellation.

“With these explanations the IMC should reason and review the sanctions because the decision reached by the club is not only harsh but worrisome,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman said the club is yet to formally receive the resignation of the club’s Technical Adviser, Abdullahi Adamu.

Douglas insisted that he and members of the club’s board only saw the resignation letter on social media like other Nigerians. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MAK/MST 

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola