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This Week in DPPA: 25 November

DPPA’s Policy and Mediation Division and PBSO separately briefed a meeting of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security at the level of Permanent Representatives on 27 November. As chair of the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) for November and December, DPPA provided an update on the work of the joint initiative established in 2018 between DPPA, Department of Peace Operations, UN Development Programme and UN Environment Programme. The CSM Joint Programme works to catalyze climate-informed approaches to peace and security, advance peace positive climate actions, and forge partnerships at all levels to exchange information and build the evidence base. 

13th Annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asia held in Bishkek

The thirteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), took place in Bishkek on 27-28 November. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on challenges in Central Asia and ways to address them, such as climate change, trans-boundary water management, preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism, as well as risks related to the situation in Afghanistan. Participants explored ways on how the UN Regional Centre could further support preventive diplomacy efforts, including through the increased role of women and youth in decision making.  

Central Africa: A regional conference on non-constitutional changes in the course of 2024

The Member States of the UN Permanent Advisory Committee on Security Issues in Central Africa (UNSAC) met in Kigali from 20 to 24 November. The member states decided to organize a regional conference on unconstitutional changes of government in 2024, with the support of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (

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‘We are over the moon to work with Asda once again to launch 10 new products into stores in the lead up to Christmas’

Party time as Finnebrogue works with Asda to produce 10 new Christmas products including roast fillet of no beef, no turkey & trimmings for one, no turkey joint with unami gravy and mushroom no pigs in blankets

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Food producer Finnebrogue has worked with Asda to produce 10 new Christmas products, bringing the total number of listings for the Downpatrick-based company to 36, across fresh meat, meat-free, chilled, frozen meat and party food.

The new seasonal products, which are exclusive to Asda and will be available across the retailer’s stores in the UK include Extra Special truffle & parmesan pigs in blankets and Extra Special brown butter & spiced rum stuffing wreath, Asda own brand Jingle the reindeer pork, sage & onion rosy noses, cheesy pigs in blankets and mini hot dogs, as well as new additions to Asda’s OMV! range, including roast fillet of no beef, mushroom wellington, no turkey & trimmings for one, no turkey joint with unami gravy, and mushroom no pigs in blankets.

Finnebrogue’s relationship with Asda began in 2014, when the company secured the business to produce Extra Special gluten-free sausages. Now Finnebrogue supplies all Asda own-label gluten free sausages, including Just Essentials, Asda Brand and Extra Special, three Asda Brand nitrite-free bacon products, a selection of plant based by Asda & OMV! meat-free products, as well as a selection of fresh and frozen Christmas lines.

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Lost City Golf to create 15 jobs as it opens another Belfast venue in time for C…

Barbara Mullan, product developer at Finnebrogue, explained: “We are over the moon to work with Asda once again to launch 10 new products into stores in the…

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This Week in DPPA: 18

This week, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča visited Armenia and Georgia. On 17 November in Yerevan, he met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahe Gevorgyan and discussed UN-Armenia relations, support for Karabakh Armenians and the situation in the South Caucasus, including perspectives on the peace process. In Tbilisi, on 20 November, the ASG met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Lasha Darsalia and State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Tea Akhvlediani, focusing on UN-Georgia relations and ways to promote peace and security in Georgia and the South Caucasus. In both capitals, the ASG discussed cooperation on the implementation of A New Agenda for Peace and preparations for the Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future, as well as regional connectivity and the promotion of Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas. In Georgia, ASG Jenča also visited conflict-affected populations and UN-approved projects.

ASG Khiari addresses ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue on Climate, Peace and Security  

This week, the ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue on Climate, Peace and Security was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and the United Nations. Senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the UN, academics, civil society and other regional partners met to discuss the impacts of climate change. Noting that the “far-reaching effects of climate change, in the words of the United Nations Secretary-General, are a danger to peace”, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari said: “We can – and must – do more to prevent the unavoidable impacts of climate change from putting lives and stability at risk.” 

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Baghdad confirms to the UN that it is able to ensure security

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, confirmed on Thursday that the security forces can ensure security and confront any challenge.

Al-Shammari’s statement took place during his meeting with the representative of the UN secretary-general, Volker Peretz, where they discussed the role of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The Iraqi Interior Minister made it clear that the security forces are always evolving and that the Ministry of Interior is making every effort to serve the people to the best of its ability.

The Iraqi official also demonstrated how well border controls, the fight against drugs and crime, and human rights are being upheld.

Al-Shammari’s remarks follow condemnation expressed by the Iraqi government of the strikes carried out by US forces against sites belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Jurf Al-Nasr in Babylon governorate.

The spokesperson of the Iraqi government, Basem Al-Awadi, mentioned in a statement on Wednesday that the Iraqi government considers the recent escalation a dangerous step involving an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

“We strongly condemn the attack that targeted the Jurf Al-Nasr area, which took place without the knowledge of the Iraqi government,” Al-Awadi explained.

At least five people were killed in the early hours of Wednesday after PMF sites southwest of Baghdad were targeted by air strikes carried out by US forces.

US Central Command forces carried out separate and precise strikes on two facilities in Iraq, according to a statement released by the US Army.

The US Army added that the strikes were a direct response to attacks on American and coalition forces by Iran and groups supported by Tehran.

The Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, Sabrina Singh, said in a…

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Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (UNAMI) on the situation concerning Iraq

Mr. President, Distinguished members of the Security Council,

 

Today we are roughly one year on from the formation of Iraq’s current Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Since its inception, several important steps and promising initiatives have emerged. To name but a few:

 

·      Long-awaited reforms in the banking and finance sectors are now underway. One example is the launch of an electronic platform for foreign currency sales, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to both transparency and efficiency.

·      A new Iraq Fund for Development has been established. This, coupled with the change ushered in by the recently adopted federal budget, has the potential to spur private sector investment.

  

·      The passing of a new law on social security means that, for the first time, all Iraqi workers can benefit from public entitlements, such as health insurance, as well as maternity and unemployment benefits.

 

·      And, as most of you will know, a trailblazing initiative for regional infrastructure, known as the Development Road Project, was launched some months ago.

 

·      Meanwhile, Iraq is taking further steps towards leveraging its own natural resources more effectively and responsibly, thereby aiming to reduce energy waste and shore up its energy independence.

 

·      Also, and importantly, to address the concerning issue of rapid drug proliferation, the Government has developed a National Strategy for the Prevention of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, among other measures.

Mr. President, I already briefly mentioned the recently adopted federal budget.

 

It charts an ambitious course for the country until the end of 2025 and includes allocations with the potential to address critical needs, such as infrastructure development and reconstruction.

 

Notably, this budget represents the highest proportionate allocation to the delivery of social services yet…

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Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at UNSC briefing on the situation in Iraq

Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at UNSC briefing on the situation in Iraq

10 October 2023

Mr.President,

We thank SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert for the briefing on the situation in Iraq and reiterate our standing support for the activity of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). We listened carefully to civil society representative Ms. Dhefaf Al-Jarahi.

We must note with regret that the Republic of Iraq continues to face complex internal political and socio-economic challenges against the backdrop of remaining region-wide instability and terrorist threat. In this regard, we welcome efforts of the Council of Ministers headed by M.Al-Sudani that aim at improving the situation in the country, ensuring stability and security, and countering international terrorism. This being said, we note the commitment of the Iraqi government to implementing economic reforms in order to, among other things, better the quality of state-provided services and boost people’s trust in state bodies. We hope that when carried out, this program will unlock opportunities to resolve such pressing issues for the Iraqi nation as countering unemployment and supporting vulnerable groups of population.

Our consistent and unfailing support for the government of Iraq has been reiterated again during the visit of M.Al-Sudani to Moscow, which is underway at the moment. At his meeting with President Putin, a whole range of pressing issues for the Middle East was raised, including the recent escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which can be overcome only if fundamental interests of the Palestinian people are taken onboard and relevant decisions of this Council are properly implemented.

We also count on all Iraqi political forces to continue to demonstrate a responsible approach and seek to settle the existing disputes only through dialogue and in the interests of all ethno-confessional communes and…

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Meridian Bank House of the Week: 123-Year-Old Converted Farmhouse in Quakertown

By John Fey

Published: 5:26 am EDT September 29, 2023Published: September 29, 2023Updated: 1:56 pm EDT September 28, 2023

A unique estate in Quakertown has recently hit the market, offering a historic property with plenty of modern amenities.

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The Historic Mill was originally built in the 1700s and converted to a home in the 1900s on Unami Creek.

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The original character of the mill, with its exposed beams and rustic charm, has been retained while incorporating all the modern conveniences for comfortable living.

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It’s the perfect place to entertain guests, dine al fresco, or simply unwind in the tranquility of your own oasis.

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With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this home is the perfect size for large families looking to live in luxury.

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Read and see more of this house at 2045 Hillcrest Road in Quakertown, listed for $949,000, on EveryHome.com.

Check out BUCKSCO.Today’s previous Houses of the Week here.



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Johnnie Walker and a Michelin 3-Starred Chef Created a Blue Label Whisky With Umami

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

Michelin-starred chef Kei Kobayashi and blended scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker have collaborated on a new Blue Label release called Elusive Umami. We had a chance to talk to the chef and Johnnie Walker master blender Emma Walker about the new release, the importance of aroma, and how the name of this whisky could cause some confusion.

Kobayashi is the owner of the restaurant Kei in Paris, which earned three Michelin stars in 2020 making him the first Japanese chef to achieve that honor in the City of Light. Robb Report spoke to him over Zoom (with the help of a translator) about this new whisky collaboration and the inspiration behind it. “I feel like there’s a slight misunderstanding of this concept,” he said. “Umami is two words—the word ‘delicious’ and the word ‘taste,’ so it literally means ‘delicious taste.’ I wanted to focus on creating something delicious, not so much umami as a fifth flavor.”

In other words, don’t expect the intensely salty, savory notes you probably associate with anything labeled “umami.” Official tasting notes describe a combination of sweet and savory on the palate along with a bit of smoke and fruit, and a nose full of nutty, salty brine. The nose is of particular importance to Kobayashi, who puts fragrance front and center in his cooking. “As a chef, we have to stimulate all five senses,” he said. “But taste comes last. First is vision and second is aroma. Since whisky combines fragrance with taste, which is my speciality, I focused on how we can have those two elements coexist…

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This Week in DPPA: 26 August

ASG Khaled Khiari called on the Security Council to fund and institutionalize the YPS Agenda 

On 28 August, the Permanent Mission of Ghana hosted an Arria formula meeting of the Security Council on “Reinforcing the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda for a peaceful and stable Africa”. The meeting highlighted the increasing efforts to institutionalize the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda at the national and regional levels and paid tribute to the African Union for its leadership on inclusion of youth. Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, representing DPPA, called for better financial and political support to the YPS agenda. The meeting also heard from a young woman peacebuilder from the Central African Republic, Chido Mpemba (African Union Youth Envoy) and Farhad Peikar (Special Representative from the World Bank). Several Member States stressed the importance of holding regular Security Council debates on YPS and stepping up the implementation of YPS mandates in UN missions. The importance of ensuring a strong collaboration on YPS with regional organizations, such as the African Union, was also highlighted as a priority. 

Assistant Secretary-General Jenča meets with Cyprus leaders to advance peace efforts

Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations Miroslav Jenča visited Cyprus from 27 to 29 August. The visit was part of the UN’s continued engagement with the parties to explore common ground on the way forward on the Cyprus issue. He met separately with the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, among others. Recent developments on the ground and operational issues related to the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus were also discussed. He also met with…

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JVMI Co-founder Tahar Boumedra: We Must End the Impunity of Iran’s Regime

Tahar BoumedraTahar Boumedra

An international conference was convened on August 21 at the headquarters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), near Paris, to address the political prisoner massacre that took place during the summer of 1988 in Iran.

Among the distinguished guests and speakers, was the former Chief of UNAMI Human Rights Office in Iraq (2012), Mr. Tahar Boumedra, Director of the Justice for the Victims of the 1988 Massacre in Iran (JVMI).

Drawing from his own experience as the former UNAMI Human Rights Office Chief, Mr. Boumedra recalled his observations and pointed out that during his tenure, he directly witnessed atrocities committed by the pro-Iranian regime government in Baghdad.

He highlighted the government of Nouri al-Maliki deliberately starving and depriving political refugees in Camp Ashraf of necessary medical care while poisoning the potable water with uranium-contaminated substance. Mr. Boumedra stressed that these actions amounted to a blatant crime of denying people sustenance.

The full speech of Mr. Tahar Boumedra’s speech follows:

 

Madam Rajavi, brothers and sisters, eminents, specialists, here with us. My experience is very hard in Camp Ashraf. And I would like to borrow the statement, Cheller’s statement, that you do not need a PhD to recognize a crime.

What I personally witnessed is that a government decides to starve a population and they do it under the supervision of the United Nations. I witnessed when the convoys bring in provisions to Camp Ashraf, the Iraqi government used to stop the convoy before the camp, expose the provisions, the food, to 50 degrees centigrade sun, three days out of the camp to make sure that the food perishes before they allow it into the camp. So, we…

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