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Unami

Ending the UNAMI Mission Marks a Step for Iraq Regaining Full Sovereignty

In a formal letter, dated 8 May 2024 and addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani called for “ending the mandate of the United Nation’s Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) on 31 December 2025″, emphasizing that “after more than 20 years of democratic transition and overcoming great and diverse challenges, the justifications for a political mission in Iraq are no longer present”.

This letter was delivered in time, by the Iraqi Charge d’Affaires at the United Nations, before the Security Council (SC)’s scheduled meeting on 30 May 2024, to vote on UNAMI’s fate. Iraq is not a member of the Council, however, it will be difficult for the existing SC members to ignore the wishes of an elected Government of Iraq.

The strategic review

In May 2023, Iraq made a formal request to the SC to reduce the UNAMI mandate. In response, the Council set up a three-man committee, headed by Volker Perthes of Germany, to carry out a “Strategic Review” of UNAMI’s mandate, based on the SC resolution 2682 (2023). The committee visited Iraq in Nov 2023 and conducted 250 interviews with various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, political parties, civil society organizations, think tanks and the UNAMI staff all over Iraq. They also reviewed the papers and work of UNAMI both in Iraq and New York, before submitting their report to the Secretary General in Feb 2024.

The ‘Perthes’ report unequivocally acknowledged the progress made in Iraq, and that: “the Iraqi political system has, at least over the past eighteen months, increasingly demonstrated its ability to manage crises”. It further adds “no UN political mission should stay in a country forever. Prolonged third-party presence may discourage local solutions and national ownership”. Perthes therefore recommend that “the…

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Nanticoke

Baseball Game Preview: Honesdale Heads Out

The Honesdale Hornets will head out on the road to challenge the Scranton Prep Cavaliers at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Honesdale comes in on three and Scranton Prep on four.

Honesdale is headed into the contest fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Greater Nanticoke Area on Monday as Honesdale made off with a 12-2 win.

Bryce Dressler looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.

At the plate, Nate Greene and Nick Martin did most of the damage at the plate: Greene scored three runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3, while Martin went 2-for-3 with three RBI, a triple, and a run. Another player making a difference was Jack Eisele, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4.

Meanwhile, Scranton Prep made easy work of Western Wayne on Monday and carried off a 12-2 victory.

The team relied heavily on Brian Kellogg, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Blake Decker was another key contributor, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4.

Honesdale has been performing well recently as they’ve won four of their last five matches, which provided a nice bump to their 14-6 record this season. As for Scranton Prep, they pushed their record up to 11-8 with that win, which was their fourth straight at home.

Honesdale suffered a grim 14-3 defeat to Scranton Prep in their previous matchup on May 3rd. Can Honesdale avenge their loss or is…

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Mohegan

LCCC honors graduates at spring 2024 commencement

WILKES-BARRE TWP. — More than 570 Luzerne County Community College graduates received their associate degrees, certificates and diplomas during the 56th annual commencement ceremony on Thursday at Mohegan Arena.

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Unami

Iraq Requests UN Assistance for Elections Amid UNAMI Dissolution

Iraq Seeks UN Assistance for Upcoming Elections

Sat 25 May 2024 | 09:11 PM

Despite officially requesting the United Nations to disband its mission in Iraq (UNAMI) by the end of next year, after nearly 20 years of operation, the Iraqi government still looks towards the UN for electoral assistance.

The UN mission in Iraq has faced significant criticism over the years, particularly following widespread challenges to the results of the 2018 and 2021 elections. Nevertheless, Baghdad authorities are keen on maintaining the UN’s involvement in electoral matters.

Government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi stated that the Iraqi government would request the UN to form a specialized committee for elections if UNAMI is dissolved before the scheduled parliamentary elections next year.

In May 2023, Iraq submitted a request to the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General to reduce UNAMI’s mandate and conduct an objective evaluation of its work, paving the way for the mission’s termination. Following this request, a strategic committee from the UN visited Iraq in November and recommended ending the mission.

Al-Awadi mentioned that the government’s proposal is for the UN mission to remain until after the elections, suggesting that its final period of presence should be until the end of December 2025, a month after the general elections scheduled for November 2025.

He added that if the mission is dissolved before this date, the Iraqi government would request the UN to form a specialized committee to assist the Independent High Electoral Commission, supervise, monitor, and certify the parliamentary election results, as this is crucial for the political process and governance.

The government spokesman emphasized Iraq’s continued need for UN support in human rights, climate issues, and other areas, but in a new format that does not involve a permanent presence in…

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Delaware Tribe

The Lenape Nation: Past, Present and Future

Consider the following show an acknowledgment – of people. For the foundations of 400 years of New York City history were built upon the homeland of the Lenni-Lenape, the tribal stewards of a vast natural area stretching from eastern Pennsylvania to western Long Island. 

The Lenape were among the first in northeast North America to be displaced by white colonists — the Dutch and the English. By the late 18th century, their way of life had practically vanished upon the island which would be known by some distorted vestige of a name they themselves may have given it – Manahatta, Manahahtáanung or Manhattan.

But the Lenape did not disappear. Through generations of great hardship they have persevered.

In today’s show we’ll be joined by two guests who are working to keep Lenape culture and language alive throughout the United States, including here on the streets of New York

— Joe Baker, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and a co-founder of the Lenape Center, an organization creating and presenting Lenape art, exhibitions and education in New York. 

— Ross Perlin, linguist and author of Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York

LISTEN NOW: THE LENAPE NATION

FURTHER LISTENING

For more information on the subjects discussed in today’s show, visit the Lenape Center and the Endangered Language Alliance.

Joe Baker discusses the cultural significance and history of indigenous seeds and the jewelry they created in this video from the Brooklyn Public Library:

Ross Perlin discussing his book Language City:

…

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Mohican

Luka Modric, the last of the Mohicans

Tributes have poured in in recent hours after Toni Kroos announced he would retire after this summer’s Euros.

The 34-year-old will play his last match at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, and his last match for Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Perhaps the most poignant tribute to Kroos was paid by his long-time midfield partner Luka Modric, who sent a fantastic message to the German maestro on Instagram.

Modric greets Kroos

“Toni, it’s hard for me to write these words. The world of football is sad because a historic player is leaving, and I admit that I am also very sad. My friend, you are a legend of this sport and a legend of Real Madrid. I had a lot of fun playing alongside you. It was an honor to share the Real Madrid midfielder with you. You have qualities that make you a unique and special player, and there will never be another Toni Kroos. Unforgettable European nights, titles, the magic of the Bernabeu – we will never forget this golden age of the club in our lives. You’ve accomplished everything, but you still have one more to go. Together for 15 years. I will miss you, my friend.”

Kroos’ retirement announcement means it is increasingly likely that Modric will stay at Real Madrid for at least another 12 months, although there is no doubt he would prefer they were still teammates…

IN SHORT

  • The 34-year-old Toni Kroos will play his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, before retiring after the Champions League final with Real Madrid.

  • Longtime teammate and friend Luka Modric paid a moving tribute to Kroos on Instagram, calling him a legend of football and Real Madrid.

  • Kroos’ retirement announcement suggests Modric could stay at…

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Nanticoke

Developer withdraws application for Nanticoke housing development; won’t appear at zoning meeting

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Unami

Govt spokesperson reveals new formula for dealing with UN

Baghdad-INA
Government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi revealed on Friday, the new formula for dealing with the United Nations(UN) while he indicated that the work of the UNAMI mission would end on the political side, he stressed that the mission provided great services to the Iraqis and supported the political process.

Al-Awadi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “the UNAMI mission was formed in the eighth month of 2003, after the overthrow of the former regime and the presence of the international coalition, and the absence of a government, but rather a governing council carrying out its new work in Iraq,” indicating that “the idea is to send the nations “UN is a group of experts to provide advice in the fields of political, transitional justice, social reconciliation, etc., in order to assist the Iraqi government and provide advice, consultations and opinions, and they are considered as advisors to the government.”
 
“Files were identified for these experts, most notably supporting the government politically, especially the formation of the government, elections, the relationship with the Kurdistan Region, the issue of Kirkuk, the conflict of the components, the formation of parliament, supporting the judicial and legal framework, independent bodies and civil society organizations, as well as providing advice and assistance on border disputes, whether with Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Jordan the work continued because Iraq’s circumstances at the time required such assistance, he said.
 
He continued, “The mission worked in Iraq and provided great services to the Iraqi people, and tried to push towards the stability of the political process, and submitted important reports to the United Nations, on the basis of which it issued important decisions to support successive Iraqi governments, the political process, and the Iraqi people,” explaining that “the Iraqi government and the people remember these……

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Mohegan

NBA All-Star Chris Paul Announces Teams For 2024 HBCU Hoops Challenge

NBA superstar Chris Paul is bringing the heat to the hardwood once again as he unveils the lineup for the highly anticipated HBCU Hoops Challenge 2024. This year’s showdown promises to be a slam dunk as top talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) gear up to compete for glory on the court.

Paul, known for his electrifying plays and leadership on the NBA court, is championing the cause of HBCU athletics by spearheading this exciting event. With his passion for the game and commitment to uplifting HBCU communities, Paul is rallying basketball enthusiasts nationwide to support these rising stars as they showcase their skills in an epic showdown.

“Chris Paul’s unwavering advocacy for HBCU athletes reflects his deep commitment to their empowerment and success. The Basketball Hall of Fame is honored to collaborate with Chris to promote opportunities for these talented student-athletes,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

“We eagerly anticipate bringing all eight teams and their fans together under one roof at Mohegan Sun Arena in December and bringing HBCU culture to New England.”

Chris Paul smiles during a charity game held at Winston-Salem State University in 2011. | Photo Courtesy of HBCU Gameday

The competition is fierce as HBCU teams from across the country prepare to go head-to-head in a display of athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship. From electrifying dunks to clutch three-pointers, fans can expect nothing short of an adrenaline-packed spectacle as these athletes leave it all on the court in pursuit of victory.

But the HBCU Hoops Challenge is more than just a basketball game—it’s a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the rich legacy of HBCU athletics. It’s a testament to the talent and determination that thrives within these institutions,…

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Delaware Tribe

West Chester University’s GNA Forest Fest Wins a 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

At the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence (L-R): Tom Gilbert, President, Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Nur Ritter (with trophy), GNA Stewardship Manager; Jessica Shirley, Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Brad Flamm (with plaque), WCU Director of Sustainability; and Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Image via WCU.

At the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence (L-R): Tom Gilbert, President, Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Nur Ritter (with trophy), GNA Stewardship Manager; Jessica Shirley, Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Brad Flamm (with plaque), WCU Director of Sustainability; and Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

WCU logo

West Chester University has been honored with a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for “A Forest Festival Celebrating 50 years of the Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Education.”

These awards, presented on Apr. 30 in Harrisburg, highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth.

The Fall 2023 Forest Festival attracted more than 200 individuals from WCU, as well as partners and community members to campus, and served as a testament to the University’s dedication to preserving the land and the vibrant ecological and biotic communities within the Gordon Natural Area (GNA). The event honored the many people who contributed to the establishment and care of the GNA and acknowledged the ongoing work and partnerships that will ensure its long-term preservation.

The 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence were presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize 22 projects completed by schools, businesses, and community organizations around the state. Applications were evaluated for their degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership, economic impact, consideration of climate change, sustainability, and environmental…

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