07/23/2014RUSSIA - UKRAINE Moscow Patriarchate on downed plane: Those who know the truth should speak before God by Nina Achmatova Archpriest Chaplin invites those responsible and aware of the facts to "get rid of the burden of this guilt." The bodies of the victims traveling to the Netherlands. Patriarch Kirill calls for prayers to avoid a "great war". Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Russian Orthodox Church
has launched an appeal to the people involved in the crash on July 17, in eastern
Ukraine, to tell "the
whole truth before God and
the people".
Meanwhile the tragic odyssey of
recovery of bodies seems to have...
07/22/2014UKRAINE - RUSSIA Downed plane: bodies moved in Ukraine, the black boxes delivered to Malaysians Parties continue to trade accusations. Moscow now blames a Ukrainian fighter that flew on the same path as the civilian plane. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the remains of 282 victims will be processed, whilst another 16 are still officially missing.
07/20/2014VATICAN Pope: I am with the persecuted Christians of Mosul and the Middle East "May the God of peace inspire in all a genuine desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence is never defeated with violence. Violence is defeated with peace." At the Sunday Angelus Francis comments on the parable of the wheat and the weeds. God is "patient" He knows "the same weeds in the end, may become good wheat". But "at the time of the harvest, that is, of judgment, the reapers will execute the order of the master separating the weeds to be burned".
07/19/2014UKRAINE - RUSSIA Ukraine, inquiry into downed flight hindered Despite yesterday’s statements, pro-Russian separatists restrict OSCE observers access to area. Mystery on the actual responsibility. The White House claims "Putin has the power to defuse violence but does not want to”. The Pope prays for victims and calls on all parties to the conflict "for peace and for a commitment to find negotiated solutions."
07/18/2014VATICAN - ISLAM Christians and Muslims should work fraternally for "justice, peace and respect for the rights and dignity of every person" The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue issues a message for the Muslims of the world to mark the end of Ramadan. "Despite being aware of our differences, [. . .] We perceive the importance of promoting a fruitful dialogue built upon mutual respect and friendship. Inspired by our shared values and strengthened by our sentiments of genuine fraternity, we are called to work together for justice, peace and respect for the rights and dignity of every person."
07/18/2014MALAYSIA - RUSSIA - UKRAINE Ukraine: Malaysia Airlines flight shot down, 298 deaths. Moscow and Kiev trade blame The tragedy has "deeply shocked" Malaysians still reeling from the disappearance of flight MH370. Prime Minister Najib calls for thorough investigations to clarify the dynamics. Interceptions reveal involvement of Russian separatists; Putin rejects the charges and blames the Ukrainian government which has taken over the military actions in the area. Emergency meeting of the UN.
07/17/2014RUSSIA - UKRAINE Moscow reacts angrily to new US sanctions, calling them illegal, pledging reaction Washington adopts new measures against certain individuals and companies, including top energy companies Rosneft and Novatek, which are close to Putin. The EU is also set to take a hard-line. Russia accuses the EU of being blackmailed by the US.
07/16/2014ASIA BRICS lays down challenge to IMF and World Bank and launches own bank The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will create a 100 billion dollar emergency fund and a development bank to the tune of 50 billion dollars. Indian prime minister Modi and Chinese President Xi meet for the first time at summit.
07/13/2014VATICAN As pope makes "heartfelt appeal" for peace in the Holy Land, he notes that prayer is not "in vain" After the Angelus, Pope Francis called on those present to pray during a minute of silence. He made the same plea to local and international policy makers. Prayer helps us "not allow ourselves be overcome by evil, nor accept that violence and hatred take over from dialogue and reconciliation." The parable of the sower asks, 'How is our heart? To what ground does it look like: a road, rocky ground, or a bush? We must remember that with our words "we too are sowers". Indeed, "Our words can do so much good and so much evil; they can hurt and heal, encourage and depress." And "please, do not forget to pray for me."
07/12/2014ASIA - UNITED NATIONS More than half the world's population lives in cities India will lead the way, as the country's urban population is expected to swell by 404 million people between now and 2050. Tokyo will continue to top the mega-city list followed by Delhi, Shanghai, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Beijing, Osaka, and Cairo. This trend will be challenge for health care, schools, food, and housing.
07/11/2014ASIA WHO: Coronavirus alert remains high in Asia but its spread is "unlikely" Experts downplay alaram, Philippine government warns to citizens to postpone their pilgrimage to Mecca. However, those who must travel to Saudi Arabia invited to pay particular attention to personal hygiene and avoid contact with likely carriers.
07/09/2014ISLAM The desperate dream of the Islamic Caliphate by Samir Khalil Samir Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s rhetoric is bankrupt. No Muslim wants to live in a caliphate. Moreover, no-one accepts him as "caliph". But he is correct in pointing out that the Islamic world is in decline, and Muslims themselves are responsible for this. Israel and "conspiracy” theories. The rebirth of Islam through open dialogue in society, based on universal and shared values. Otherwise the demise of Islam is likely.
07/08/2014UKRAINE - RUSSIA Volodymyr's succession at the helm of Ukrainian Church already under discussion by Nina Achmatova The Assembly of bishops is set to meet on 13 August. Moscow wants to prevent the proclamation of autocephaly and unity with the Orthodox Church of Kyiv. Ukrainian politicians might weigh into the debate. Candidates include Metropolitan of Chernivtsi and Bukovina Onufry, Metropolitan Aleksandr (Drabinko), and Metropolitan Simeon of Vinnitsa.
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