Month: November 2022

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KlasJet acrescenta o Boeing 737 BBJ2 à sua frota exclusiva

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

LONDRES, Nov. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Em 2021, o mercado mundial de jatos comerciais era de US$ 25,87 bilhões e deverá atingir US$ 38,34 bilhões até 2029, crescendo a uma CAGR de 4,06 %. Os jatos comerciais realizaram 3,3 milhões de voos em todo o mundo em 2021, o maior número registrado em um único ano, e 7% a mais do que o recorde anterior em 2019. As estatísticas de jatos privados indicam uma frota global de 21.929 aeronaves registradas.

Para expandir o portfólio de produtos da KlasJet, um charter corporativo baseado na UE e prestador de serviços ACMI (avião, tripulação, manutenção, seguro) está acrescentando o jato Boeing BBJ2, MSN 32971, à sua frota. A aeronave deverá iniciar suas operações em meados de abril de 2023 e sua base será em Dubai. O agente de vendas geral desta aeronave será o escritório da Chapman Freeborn nos EAU em Dubai.

O Boeing 737 BBJ2 é mais uma excelente aquisição da frota exclusiva de aeronaves privadas da KlasJet, pois está preparado para atender às necessidades específicas dos clientes de alto poder aquisitivo que viajam em grupos menores. “Enquanto nossas outras aeronaves Boeing 737 VIP com 56-68 assentos são ótimas para grupos maiores, tais como equipes esportivas, delegações de executivos e políticos, o B737 BBJ2 servirá como uma opção incrível para famílias abastadas, representantes do governo, presidentes, famílias reais e importantes delegações de executivos. Atualmente, a aeronave está no centro de acabamento JetMS Completion do Avia Solutions Group, onde o interior do jato será totalmente renovado”, explica Rita Domkute, CEO da KlasJet.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Os serviços de fretamento de jatos executivos são muito requisitados em todo o mundo, pois grandes grupos podem viajar desfrutando de todas as vantagens da aviação executiva: tempo de voo flexível, serviço de luxo a bordo, assentos especiais e preço por assento semelhante aos assentos de classe executiva em companhias aéreas regulares. “Pretendemos que o recém-adicionado B737 BBJ2 nos permita fortalecer nossas posições no mercado do Oriente Médio em rápido crescimento, pois o jato é uma opção perfeita para pessoas de alto padrão que moram ou visitam a região regularmente”, ela compartilha.

O avião de 23 lugares é um projeto verdadeiramente requintado, com uma espaçosa área lounge, quarto a bordo e chuveiro. “O jato é projetado para atender até mesmo as necessidades mais sofisticadas de nossos clientes. É planejado pensando na conveniência e conforto dos passageiros, e o design é criado usando materiais de alta qualidade”, compartilha a CEO da KlasJet.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

No início deste ano, a companhia aérea acrescentou a lista de serviços ACMI de passageiros, incluindo a crescente linha de fornecedores de capacidade de sua matriz, Avia Solutions Group.

Se você deseja mais informações ou gostaria de marcar uma entrevista com um de nossos representantes KlasJet, entre em contato com Vilma Vaitiekunaite por e-mail vilma.vaitiekunaite@aviasg.com ou pelo telefone +37061112789

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Sobre a KlasJet
A KlasJet é uma empresa exclusiva de fretamento de jatos privados e corporativos, reconhecida como líder na oferta de voos de grupo personalizados em todo o mundo. Operando uma frota de jatos de projeto exclusivo com base em Vilnius, Lituânia, assim como aeroportos da Europa Ocidental e Oriental, África e Oriente Médio, a KlasJet oferece conforto, segurança e atenção aos detalhes desde o início.

A KlasJet controla 7 aeronaves corporativas e BBJ Boeing 737 de 23 a 68 assentos. Também oferece serviços de locação ACMI para companhias aéreas e operadoras de turismo ao redor do mundo que enfrentam desafios com horários de voo, planos de expansão e o fornecimento de aeronaves de apoio. A frota da empresa disponível para os serviços de locação ACMI compreende 6 unidades do Boeing 737-800 – cada uma com capacidade para 189 passageiros.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

A KlasJet é um membro da família Avia Solutions Group, líder mundial em soluções de capacidade completa para companhias aéreas de passageiros e de carga. Seu vasto portfólio de serviços para clientes inclui ACMI, aviação charter e de carga, leasing e comércio de aeronaves, serviços MRO, aviação executiva e aquisição de companhias aéreas VIP, treinamento de pilotos e tripulação, serviços de recrutamento, além de vários serviços complementares que abrangem uma ampla gama de operações associadas. O Grupo administra mais de 100 escritórios e instalações de produção em todo o mundo.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Para mais informações, visite: www.klasjet.aero e www.aviasg.com

As fotos que acompanham este anúncio estão disponíveis em:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f422d423-cd71-40d0-9bcc-6df21bff6482
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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000769110

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KlasJet intègre le Boeing 737 BBJ2 à sa flotte exclusive

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

LONDRES, 27 nov. 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — En 2021, le marché mondial des avions d’affaires représentait 25,87 milliards de dollars US et devrait atteindre 38,34 milliards de dollars US d’ici 2029, avec un taux de croissance annuel composé de 4,06 %. Les avions d’affaires ont effectué 3,3 millions de vols dans le monde en 2021, le plus grand nombre jamais enregistré pour une seule année et 7 % de plus que le précédent pic enregistré en 2019. Les statistiques relatives aux jets privés font état d’une flotte mondiale de 21 929 appareils immatriculés.

Afin d’élargir le portefeuille de produits de KlasJet, un fournisseur de services d’affrètement privé et d’ACMI basé en UE intègre à sa flotte un jet Boeing BBJ2, MSN 32971. L’appareil devrait entrer en service à la mi-avril 2023 et sera basé à Dubaï. L’agent commercial général de cet appareil sera le bureau de Chapman Freeborn UAE à Dubaï.

Le Boeing 737 BBJ2 est un atout majeur pour la flotte exclusive d’avions privés de KlasJet, dans la mesure où il répond aux besoins spécifiques de clients haut de gamme voyageant en comité restreint. « Alors que nos autres appareils Boeing 737 VIP de 56 à 68 sièges au design unique sont parfaits pour les groupes plus importants, tels que les équipes sportives ou les délégations d’affaires et politiques, le B737 BBJ2 sera un choix idéal pour les familles fortunées, les représentants de gouvernements, les présidents, les familles royales et les délégations d’affaires importantes. L’appareil se trouve actuellement au centre d’achèvement JetMS Completion du Groupe Avia Solutions, où l’intérieur du jet sera entièrement rénové », précise Rita Domkute, PDG de KlasJet.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Les services d’affrètement d’avions d’affaires constituent une demande importante dans le monde entier. Les grands groupes peuvent en effet voyager en bénéficiant de tous les avantages de l’aviation d’affaires : horaires de vol flexibles, service de luxe à bord, sièges spéciaux et tarif par siège similaire à la classe affaires des compagnies aériennes régulières. Et d’ajouter : « Nous prévoyons que le B737 BBJ2 récemment acquis nous permettra de renforcer notre position sur le marché du Moyen-Orient, lequel connaît une croissance rapide. Ce jet constitue une option parfaite pour les particuliers de haut rang vivant dans la région ou s’y rendant régulièrement ».

L’appareil de 23 places est un projet vraiment exquis, avec son salon spacieux, sa chambre à coucher et sa douche à bord. La PDG de KlasJet ajoute encore : « Ce jet est conçu pour répondre même aux besoins les plus exigeants de nos clients. Il a été conçu en tenant compte de la convivialité et du confort des passagers et en utilisant des matériaux de haute qualité ».

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Plus tôt cette année, la compagnie aérienne a ajouté des passagers à sa liste de services ACMI, complétant ainsi la liste toujours croissante de fournisseurs de compétences de sa société mère Avia Solutions Group.

Pour plus d’informations ou pour fixer un rendez-vous avec l’un de nos représentants KlasJet, veuillez contacter Vilma Vaitiekunaite à l’adresse suivante : vilma.vaitiekunaite@aviasg.com ou par téléphone au +37061112789

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

La société KlasJet
est une compagnie d’affrètement de jets privés et d’affaires, réputée leader en matière de prestations de voyages de groupes sur mesure dans le monde entier. Exploitant une flotte de jets de conception unique basée à Vilnius, en Lituanie, ainsi que dans des aéroports d’Europe occidentale et de l’Est, d’Afrique et du Moyen-Orient, KlasJet garantit le confort, la sécurité et le sens du détail à chaque instant.

KlasJet exploite 7 Boeings 737 d’affaires et BBJ de 23 à 68 sièges. La compagnie offre également des services de location ACMI aux compagnies aériennes et aux voyagistes du monde entier confrontés à des difficultés liées aux calendriers de vols, aux plans d’expansion et à la disponibilité d’avions de remplacement. La flotte de la compagnie disponible à la location ACMI comprend 6 appareils Boeing 737-800, chacun d’une capacité de 189 passagers.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

KlasJet appartient au Groupe Avia Solutions, leader dans les solutions de capacité de bout en bout destinées aux compagnies aériennes de voyageurs et de fret dans le monde entier. Son vaste portefeuille de services proposés aux clients englobe l’ACMI, l’aviation privée et de fret, la location et le négoce d’avions, les services MRO, l’aviation d’affaires et l’approvisionnement des compagnies aériennes VIP, la formation des pilotes et des équipages, les services de recrutement, ainsi que de multiples services complémentaires couvrant un large éventail d’opérations associées. Le Groupe gère plus de 100 bureaux et sites de production dans le monde entier.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter les sites : www.klasjet.aero et www.aviasg.com

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Les photos jointes au présent communiqué sont disponibles aux adresses suivantes :
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f422d423-cd71-40d0-9bcc-6df21bff6482
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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8733e987-1f82-4e3a-9d9f-bbc6966dc871
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2788ec69-e019-4a47-9a5b-c1c13305f5d1

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000769110

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J&T Express announces Lionel Messi as Global Brand Ambassador

SHANGHAI, Nov. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Global logistics service provider J&T Express today announced football star and global sports icon Lionel Messi as its first global brand ambassador. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and resilience, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner understands the continuous commitment to improvement that is at the heart of J&T Express.

Same as J&T Express who is committed to continuously benefiting the local communities it operates in, Messi is a strong believer of giving back to the society as evidenced by the forward’s contribution as the top scorer. Messi attributes his performance, both on and off the field, in large part to the collaborative effort of his team. This is aligned with J&T Express’ efforts to bring the best technology-enabled solutions to customers in all its global markets through collaboration with local network partners.https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1955884/J_T_Express_names_Lionel_Messi_Global_Brand_Ambassador.jpg

As part of his partnership with J&T Express, Messi will promote greater awareness of J&T Express, not only as a prominent logistics provider, but also as a one-stop e-commerce specialist across each and every touchpoint in the supply chain, as well as a true champion and practitioner of the “better together” spirit.

Commenting on this announcement, Rachel Liu, Global Branding Director of J&T Express said, “We are honored and excited to collaborate with Lionel Messi as our global ambassador. He is a generational athlete whose work ethic, humility and dedication align with the values that we imbue at J&T Express. Through his grit and accomplishments, Messi is an inspiration to many. This resonates deeply with our values of building a caring, responsible and sustainable business.”

“J&T Express has made remarkable achievements since its launch. We share many similarities in our passion and determination to never stop improving. Just as the sport of football unites millions across the globe, J&T Express seeks to develop logistic solutions to connect its customers to the world. I look forward to being part of this journey,” said Messi.

J&T Express and Messi will together elevate the brand’s popularity and promote greater awareness of J&T’s offerings as it seeks to contribute to the transformation of the logistic service value chain.

Messi’s addition to J&T Express launches a series of social media and marketing campaigns under the theme of #JTBetterTogether, among other activations, that the logistics service provider is planning in conjunction with the festive season and the new year ahead.

About J&T Express

J&T Express is a global logistics service provider with leading express delivery businesses in Southeast Asia and China, the largest and fastest-growing market in the world. Founded in 2015, J&T Express’ network spans thirteen countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Mexico, Brazil and Egypt. Adhering to its “customer-oriented and efficiency-based” mission, J&T Express is committed to providing customers with integrated logistics solutions through intelligent infrastructure and digital logistics network, as part of its global strategy to connect the world with greater efficiency and bring logistical benefits to all.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1955884/J_T_Express_names_Lionel_Messi_Global_Brand_Ambassador.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1721319/JT_Express_Logo.jpg

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East African Nations Say DRC Needs Political Reform to Deal With Armed Groups

Kenya is hosting a third round of talks aimed at bringing peace to the volatile eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The East African Community regional bloc has convened a meeting in Nairobi to discuss how to solve the political, security and social problems that have plagued the eastern DRC for decades.

This week’s talks are essentially an inter-Congolese dialogue, involving local community leaders, civil society organizations, and some of the armed groups active in eastern Congo.

The EAC says Congo needs to implement political and institutional reforms that will make it conducive to defeat and disarm the armed groups.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is also the bloc’s peace envoy to the DRC, said the Congolese people need to own the peace process and address the real insecurity problems in Ituri, North and South Kivu and two other provinces.

“To also deepen the consultation of communities and armed groups from the concerned areas for the greater inclusivity and greater ownership of the process, including for the first time with the representatives from Maniema and Tanganyika, and identification of root causes of the conflict in the five provinces and finally to evaluate the concrete modalities for the restoration of state authority in each province,” Kenyatta said.

The eastern DRC is engulfed in violence in part because of armed groups competing over the area’s rich mines. Neighboring countries’ troops have crossed into Congo, chasing rebel groups that they accuse of trying to destabilize their countries.

Most recently, the Congolese army has been fighting with the rebel group M23, which it accuses of receiving military support from Rwanda, an accusation denied by Kigali.

The M23 agreed to a cease-fire last week during talks in Angola but said they will not withdraw from territories captured from the Congolese army.

The rebel group has blamed the army and some rebel groups for attacking their families and uprooting them from their homes.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who joined the conference online, said Congo’s problems can be solved but all communities must be involved in the peace process.

“The internal groups of Congo come from the weakening of the state authority in that area for a prolonged period but even this problem can be solved by combining the political method, i.e. dialogue, with military method,” he said. “The peaceful solution should be the outcome of that dialogue but the victim communities and the refugees should also be consulted.”

Kenyan President William Ruto said the region must work towards peace and respect international laws.

“We are here to emphasize the urgent need for dialogue, de-escalation and to encourage and facilitate every actor to intensify their pursuit through the effective engagement of regional and international dispute resolution mechanisms,” he said. “We also encourage regional states to maintain their commitment to existing regional bilateral as well as multilateral understanding.”

The DRC said it will hold presidential and parliamentary votes by December 2023 and the electoral commission said it will stick to the deadlines despite the threat of armed groups.

Source: Voice of America

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Afghan Taliban to Host Female Pakistan Minister for Bilateral Talks

A high-level Pakistani delegation will visit Afghanistan on Tuesday to discuss with the ruling Islamist Taliban cooperation in trade, education, investment, regional connectivity and security.

Officials in Islamabad said Monday that Hina Rabbani Khar, the female Pakistani minister of state for foreign affairs, will lead the daylong meetings with leaders of the men-only Taliban government in Kabul.

Khar will also renew Pakistan’s “continued commitment and support” for strengthening Afghan peace and prosperity, said the foreign ministry statement.

“As a friend and neighbor of Afghanistan, Pakistan will reaffirm its abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, in particular through its efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and to create real opportunities for economic prosperity of Afghan men, women and children,” the statement added.

Khar is scheduled to meet Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund.

“The high-ranking Pakistani delegation is arriving tomorrow to discuss political and economic relations between the two countries,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed on Twitter.

The visit comes amid intensified international criticism and calls for the Taliban administration to reverse its curbs on women and girls’ fundamental rights to public life and education.

Last week, a panel of independent experts at the United Nations denounced the restrictions as “the most severe and unacceptable” in the world, warning the Taliban that their treatment of women and girls could amount to a “crime against humanity.”

The Islamist rulers rejected the criticism of their governance, saying it is compliant with Afghan culture and Islamic law. The Taliban regained power in August 2021 from the then-U.S. backed Afghan government as the United States, along with NATO allies, withdrew their troops from the country after battling the insurgent group for almost two decades.

Pakistan’s latest round of talks with the Taliban comes just days after deadly clashes between border security forces of the two countries. The tensions had prompted Islamabad to temporarily seal two out of several border crossings with Afghanistan earlier this month.

The landlocked nation mostly relies on Pakistani overland routes and seaports for bilateral and international trade.

Border tensions between the two South Asian nations are not uncommon along their 2,600-kilometer frontier. Afghanistan disputes the more than a century-old boundary drawn by British colonial rulers.

Pakistan rejects Afghan objections and calls the demarcation an international border, and so does the rest of the world.

While several countries, including Pakistan, Russia, China, Turkey, Qatar and Iran, have kept their embassies open in Kabul since the return of the Taliban rule, the world at large has not yet recognized the new government over human rights and terrorism-related concerns.

Officials in Islamabad, however, downplay mutual tensions stemming from border and security concerns. They maintain the two issues would come under discussion but the focus of Khar’s meetings in Kabul would be to exchange views on projects that could help promote bilateral economic connectivity.

Despite prevailing skepticism, Pakistan says it is determined to boost economic and security cooperation with the Taliban to help sustain fragile peace and stability after four decades of deadly hostilities in Afghanistan.

Islamabad says economic stability is key to deterring cross-border terrorism and preventing an influx of refugees to Pakistan, which already hosts nearly 3 million Afghans, both as refugees and economic migrants.

Pakistani authorities have recently removed tariffs and eased visa rules to facilitate bilateral as well as Afghan transit to address a humanitarian crisis in the neighboring country where the United Nations warns millions of people face acute food shortages.

Islamabad has also increased Afghan coal imports since the Taliban returned to power, tilting the annual trade balance in favor of Kabul for the first time in the history of bilateral relations. The annual trade volume as of Monday stood at more than $1.5 billion, with Afghan exports to Pakistan worth more than $800 million.

The change is attributed mainly to increased purchases of Afghan coal in the wake of rising global prices in a bid to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on expensive supplies from countries such as South Africa.

Traders say about 10,000 metric tons of coal is being exported daily to Pakistan, helping the Taliban generate much needed revenue to govern the country.

Khar is expected to discuss whether daily coal imports could be raised to a level where they enable Pakistan to meet its estimated monthly needs of at least 1 million metric tons.

Source: Voice of America

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WHO Renames Monkeypox as Mpox, Citing Racism Concerns

The World Health Organization has renamed monkeypox as mpox, citing concerns the original name of the decades-old animal disease could be construed as discriminatory and racist.

The U.N. health agency said in a statement Monday that mpox was its new preferred name for monkeypox, saying that both monkeypox and mpox would be used for the next year while the old name is phased out.

WHO said it was concerned by the “racist and stigmatizing language” that arose after monkeypox spread to more than 100 countries. It said numerous individuals and countries asked the organization “to propose a way forward to change the name.”

In August, WHO began consulting experts about renaming the disease, shortly after the U.N. agency declared monkeypox’s spread to be a global emergency.

To date, there have been more than 80,000 cases identified in dozens of countries that had not previously reported the smallpox-related disease. Until May, monkeypox, a disease that is thought to originate in animals, was not known to trigger large outbreaks beyond central and west Africa.

The 10 most affected countries globally are: the United States (29,001), Brazil (9,905), Spain (7,405), France (4,107), Colombia (3,803), Britain (3,720), Germany (3,672), Peru (3,444), Mexico (3,292), and Canada (1,449). They account for 86% of the global number of cases, Agence France-Presse reported.

Outside of Africa, nearly all cases have been in gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. Scientists believe monkeypox triggered outbreaks in Western countries after spreading via sex at two raves in Belgium and Spain. Vaccination efforts in rich countries, along with targeted control interventions, have mostly brought the disease under control after it peaked in the summer.

In Africa, the disease mainly affects people in contact with infected animals such as rodents and squirrels. The majority of monkeypox-related deaths have been in Africa, where there have been almost no vaccines available.

U.S. health officials have warned it may be impossible to eliminate the disease there, warning it could be a continuing threat mainly for gay and bisexual men for years to come.

Mpox was first named monkeypox in 1958 when research monkeys in Denmark were observed to have a “pox-like” disease, although they are not thought to be the disease’s animal reservoir.

Although WHO has named numerous new diseases shortly after they emerged, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS and COVID-19, this appears to be the first time the agency has attempted to rechristen a disease decades after it was first named.

Numerous other diseases, including Japanese encephalitis, German measles, Marburg virus and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome have been named after geographic regions, which could now be considered prejudicial. WHO has not suggested changing any of those names.

Source: Voice of America

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South Africa gears up for 16 Days of Activism against GBV

JOHANNESBURG, The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign kicks off at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, on Friday.

According to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), this year’s campaign takes place under the theme: ‘Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment to build Women’s Resilience against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract’.

The theme, according to GCIS, seeks to expose society’s unequal ownership of the economy, increasing women’s susceptibility to abuse.

“Building women’s resilience against gender-based violence and femicide seeks to address barriers women face in accessing the economy through providing platforms for women to connect and contract,” GCIS explained.

The launch event took the form of a women’s trade expo, which brought together hundreds of women-owned businesses from across South Africa displaying their products and services, connect with buyers, and collaborate and network with other women in businesses.

“There will also be breakaway sessions which aim to inform and empower through information sharing sessions on the day.”

GCIS believes that the economic empowerment of women remains a key priority of government, as it is considered a central tenet to ensuring an equal society for all.

“Economic empowerment is one of the most powerful routes for women to achieve their potential and advance their rights. It promotes women’s ability to reduce household poverty, hunger and food insecurity, as well as reducing the heightened levels of inequalities they face daily.”

The drive forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

Source: Nam News Network

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Congo Schedules Presidential Elections for Dec 2023

Democratic Republic of Congo said it will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on Dec. 20, 2023, kicking off a year of complex preparations in the vast Central African country, large parts of which are overrun by militia violence.

Announcing the date at a ceremony in Kinshasa Saturday, the electoral body, CENI, outlined several challenges, including the logistics of transporting ballot materials thousands of miles, health concerns about Ebola and COVID-19, and unrest that has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

But the government has pledged to stick to the timetable in the country of 80 million people.

“It is not a question of negotiating with the constitutional deadlines, it is a question of us respecting them and consolidating our democracy,” said government spokesman Patrick Muyaya.

He said that the election will cost about $600 million, more than $450 million of which has already been budgeted.

Election struggles are common in Congo. The last presidential poll, Congo’s first democratic transition, was delayed by two years until it was finally held in December 2018. In that vote, President Felix Tshisekedi took over from his long-standing predecessor Joseph Kabila.

This time, similar challenges remain.

Candidates are expected to be announced in October next year, with a final list due in November. Tshisekedi is expected to run again, and one likely challenger is Martin Fayulu, who claimed victory in the 2018 poll.

Presidents are limited to two terms under Congolese law.

Despite billions of dollars spent on one of the United Nations’ largest peacekeeping forces, more than 120 armed groups continue to operate across the east, including M23 rebels, which Congo has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting. Kigali denies the accusations.

The M23 has staged a major offensive this year, seizing territory, and forcing thousands of people from their homes.

Source: voice of America

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France-Italy spat triggers EU migration crisis talks

BRUSSELS, European interior ministers gathered for crisis talks as an ugly row between France and Italy over how to handle would-be refugees forced EU migration reform back onto their agenda.

New arrival numbers haven’t yet hit the levels of 2015 and 2016, but European capitals are concerned about new pressure on sea routes from North Africa and overland through the western Balkans.

And now, with winter temperatures descending on eastern Europe and Ukrainian cities facing power cuts under Russian bombardment, the European Union is braced for many more war refugees.

The bloc has been struggling for years to agree and implement a new policy for sharing responsibility for migrants and asylum seekers, but a new dispute has brought the issue to the fore.

Earlier this month, Italy’s new government under Georgia Meloni refused to allow a Norwegian-flagged NGO ship to dock with 234 migrants rescued from the Mediterranean.

The Ocean Viking eventually continued on to France, where authorities reacted with fury to Rome’s stance, suspending an earlier deal to take in 3,500 asylum seekers stranded in Italy.

The row undermined the EU’s stop-gap interim solution to the problem, and Paris called Friday’s extraordinary meeting of interior ministers from the 27 member states.

Complaints from Mediterranean countries closer to North African shores like Italy and Greece that they were shouldering too much responsibility for migrants led to the previous plan.

A dozen EU members agreed to take on 8,000 asylum seekers — with France and Germany taking 3,500 each — but so far just 117 relocations have taken place.

But after Italy refused responsibility for the Ocean Viking, France has declared that it no longer wants to both allow ships to arrive from Italian waters and take in thousands more.

On Monday, in a bid to revive the mechanism, the European Commission unveiled another action plan to better regulate arrivals on the central Mediterranean route.

The plan would see a closer coordination between EU national authorities and humanitarian NGOs on rescues of migrants whose make-shift, overcrowded boats are in difficulty.

And it would see Brussels work more closely with Tunisia, Libya and Egypt to try to stop undocumented migrants boarding smuggler vessels in the first place.

Ahead of the talks, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, warned: “With almost 2,000 people having already died or gone missing so far this year alone, urgent action is needed.”

He welcomed the European Commission’s draft plan for state-led rescues and predictable ports of disembarkation, adding: “While states point fingers and trade blame, lives are lost.”

While France and Italy argue about high-profile cases of dramatic rescues in the central Mediterranean, other EU capitals are more concerned about land routes through the Balkans.

Almost 130,000 undocumented migrants are estimated to have come to the bloc since the start of the year, an increase of 160 percent, according to the EU border force Frontex.

On Thursday, the Czech, Austrian, Slovak and Hungarian ministers met in Prague ahead of the trip to Brussels to stress that this route accounts more than half of “illegal arrivals” in the bloc.

Austrian interior minister Gerhard Karner said the EU should finance border protection and give members “a legal tool to return people who come for economic reasons”.

Diplomats said France and Italy would try to dominate the talks with complaints about sea arrivals, while Greece and Cyprus would point fingers at Turkey for allegedly facilitating illegal entries.

Central and eastern countries would focus on the Balkans route and, as one diplomat said, “Hungary and Poland don’t want anything to do with anything in the field of migration.”

Source: Nam News Network