Category Archives: international relations

British PM Keir Starmer Joins His Business Delegation For Photo At London’s Heathrow Airport Ahead Of India Visit – VIDEO

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**London:** In a special gesture, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood with his business delegation for a photo at London’s Heathrow Airport before departing for India on a two-day visit, with economic ties as a key focus area. This will be Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India.

During the visit, on October 9 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart will take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with ‘Vision 2035’. This vision is a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programmes and initiatives covering key pillars such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders to explore opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.

The two Prime Ministers are scheduled to attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.

This visit aims to build on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UK in July. It provides a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership.

In July this year, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a bilateral free trade agreement marking a major milestone in their longstanding partnership. The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of PM Modi and PM Starmer. It reflects the shared ambition of two major economies to deepen economic ties.

Bilateral trade between India and the UK has already reached USD 56 billion, with a target to double this figure by 2030.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/british-pm-keir-starmer-joins-his-business-delegation-for-photo-at-londons-heathrow-airport-ahead-of-india-visit-video

‘Country That Bombs Its Own People…’: India Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls It Out Over Systematic Genocidal Campaign – Video

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**India Reminds the World of Pakistan’s Campaign of “Genocidal Mass Rape” in Bangladesh During UN Debate**

India has reminded the world of Pakistan’s campaign of “genocidal mass rape” of women in Bangladesh during its independence struggle, as Islamabad attempted to divert attention from its own record through “misdirection and hyperbole”.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, made the statement during a Security Council debate on Women, Peace, and Security on Monday. Reacting to Pakistan’s attempt to bring up the Kashmir issue during the discussion, Harish said, “This is a country that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army.”

Harish added, “The world sees through Pakistan’s propaganda.” His reminder of Pakistan’s atrocities in Bangladesh came as the Dhaka regime, led by Mohammad Yunus, responded to Islamabad’s overtures.

Harish also condemned Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s criticism of India as a “delusional tirade,” pointing to Pakistan’s persistent references to Jammu and Kashmir — Indian territory that Pakistan covets. “A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole,” he said.

The Indian envoy highlighted that Pakistan frequently inserts its Kashmir narrative into almost every discussion at the UN, regardless of the topic, even though none of the other 192 member countries raise the issue. While Ahmad accused India of repression in Pakistan, Pakistani security forces reportedly killed at least 12 people last week in the part of Kashmir it administers during its campaign to suppress demands for government reform.

During the debate, UN Secretary-General António Guterres referred to the landmark Security Council resolution adopted 25 years ago that elevated the role of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, and peace-building.

Since then, he noted, progress has been made with women leading local mediation, shaping new laws, and advancing justice for survivors of gender-based violence. The number of women peacekeepers has doubled, and gender provisions in peace agreements have become more common.

However, Guterres warned that “gains are fragile and—very worryingly—going in reverse,” citing troubling global trends including rising military spending, more armed conflicts, and shocking brutality against women and girls.

Harish lauded the adoption of the Council resolution as a “transformative moment that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of peace and security—recognising that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women.”

He emphasized that India’s commitment to the principles behind the resolution predated its adoption by several decades. Indian medical officers pioneered women’s participation in peacekeeping by joining UN operations in Congo in 1960.

In 2007, India contributed the first all-female Formed Police Unit in the UN’s history. Deployed in Liberia, the unit “catalysed a transformation in Liberian society, inspiring local women to join law enforcement and participate actively in rebuilding their nation,” Harish said.

He also recalled Kiran Bedi, India’s first woman officer of the Indian Police Service, who made history at the UN as its first female Police Advisor and head of the United Nations Police Division in 2003.

“It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping; rather, it is whether peacekeeping can do without women,” Harish stated.

India continues to invest in building women’s leadership in peacekeeping through the Indian Army’s Center for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi. The Center launched a special course in 2016 exclusively for women military officers, with officers from dozens of countries having participated.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/country-that-bombs-its-own-people-india-hits-back-at-pakistan-at-un-video

‘Country That Bombs Its Own People…’: India Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls It Out Over Systematic Genocidal Campaign – Video

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**India Reminds World of Pakistan’s Campaign of Genocidal Mass Rape in Bangladesh During UN Security Council Debate**

India has reminded the world of Pakistan’s campaign of “genocidal mass rape” of women in Bangladesh during its struggle for independence, as Islamabad attempted to divert attention from its record through “misdirection and hyperbole.”

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, made these remarks during a Security Council debate on Women, Peace, and Security held on Monday. Reacting to Pakistan’s attempt to bring up Kashmir during the debate, he said:

“This is a country that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army.”

He added, “The world sees through Pakistan’s propaganda.”

The reminder of Pakistan’s atrocities in Bangladesh came amid responses from the Dhaka regime, led by Mohammad Yunus, to Islamabad’s overtures.

Harish described Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s, criticism of India as a “delusional tirade” that brought in Jammu and Kashmir — “the Indian territory they covet.”

He stated, “A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole.”

Pakistan has a pattern of inserting its view of Kashmir into nearly every UN discussion, regardless of the topic, despite the fact that none of the other 192 countries raise the Kashmiri cause.

Although Ahmad accused India of repression in Pakistan, security forces in the part of Kashmir occupied by Islamabad killed at least 12 people last week during efforts to brutally crush demands for government reform.

—

**UN Secretary-General Highlights Progress and Challenges in Women, Peace, and Security**

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the landmark Security Council resolution adopted 25 years ago this month, which elevated women’s roles in preventing conflicts, peace negotiations, and peacebuilding.

He acknowledged progress made since then, noting that women have “led local mediation, shaped new laws, and advanced justice for survivors of gender-based violence.” The number of women peacekeepers has doubled, and gender provisions in peace agreements have become more common.

However, Guterres warned, “But gains are fragile and – very worryingly – going in reverse.” He pointed to troubling global trends such as increased military spending, more armed conflicts, and alarming brutality against women and girls.

—

**India’s Commitment to Women in Peacekeeping**

P. Harish called the adoption of the Council resolution a “transformative moment that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of peace and security — recognising that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women.”

He emphasized that India’s commitment to the principles behind the resolution predates its adoption by several decades. Indian medical officers pioneered women’s participation in peacekeeping, joining UN operations in Congo as early as 1960.

In 2007, India contributed the first all-female Formed Police Unit in UN history, which was deployed in Liberia. This unit “catalysed a transformation in Liberian society, inspiring local women to join law enforcement and participate actively in rebuilding their nation,” Harish said.

He also highlighted the achievements of Kiran Bedi, the first woman officer of the Indian Police Service, who made history at the UN as its first female Police Advisor and head of the United Nations Police Division in 2003.

Harish concluded, “It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping; rather, it is whether peacekeeping can do without women.”

India has invested in building women’s leadership in peacekeeping through the Indian Army’s Center for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi. The Center launched a special course in 2016 for women military officers, with officers from dozens of countries having participated so far.

—

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/country-that-bombs-its-own-people-india-hits-back-at-pakistan-at-un-video

Iran and the Western double standards

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The reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, initially imposed by the Security Council between 2006 and 2010, reflects the continued determination of the US-led West to subject Iran’s nuclear programme to arbitrary controls that go far beyond the requirements of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

These sanctions, alongside others imposed by the US, are ostensibly aimed at nuclear non-proliferation. However, their real objectives include overcoming Iranian opposition to Western hegemony in the Middle East, maintaining the West’s stranglehold on the region’s vast energy resources, controlling vital international trade routes, and ensuring the security of Israel, which serves as the United States’ military outpost in the Middle East.

The Western countries’ selective approach to nuclear non-proliferation is evident in how most of them have turned a blind eye when Israel— not a signatory to the NPT— embarked on its nuclear weapons programme. Countries like France and the UK have directly or indirectly aided Israel in this effort, while the US has tacitly accepted Israel’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. As a result, Israel is widely believed to possess over 80 nuclear warheads.

Regarding Iran, historical records show that during the reign of the Shah—a US ally—negotiations took place between the US and Iran to allow Iran to receive US nuclear technology. In 1975, President Ford approved a policy decision permitting the use of US material and equipment in Iran’s nuclear programme, including the provision of a full nuclear fuel cycle. This would have included plutonium reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities under safeguards, as allowed under the NPT.

However, the US position changed dramatically after the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, which interrupted the planned sale of US reprocessing and enrichment plants. The main reasons for denying these technologies to Iran were the growing animosity between the two countries, especially following the 1979 hostage crisis; Iran’s revolutionary government’s commitment to the Palestinian cause; and its resistance to American hegemony in the Middle East.

The discovery of clandestine Iranian uranium conversion and enrichment facilities at Isfahan and Natanz in 2002 led to Western pressure on Iran and UN Security Council resolutions demanding the suspension of uranium enrichment. Iran’s refusal to comply with these resolutions resulted in the Security Council imposing sanctions through various resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010.

In July 2015, Iran and the P5+1—which includes the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, and the European Union—signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement placed Iran’s nuclear programme under several restrictions to ensure it remained peaceful, in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

However, the reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran threatens to further weaken its economy and may destabilize it internally. In May 2018, President Trump announced America’s withdrawal from the JCPOA, citing domestic criticism over the deal’s sunset clauses—allowing restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme to expire—and insufficient restrictions on its ballistic missile programme. He also signed an order reinstating US nuclear sanctions on Iran that had previously been waived under the JCPOA.

In response to the US withdrawal, Iran gradually reduced its compliance with the agreement by exceeding the agreed limits on enriched uranium stockpiles and enrichment levels and by installing advanced centrifuges used for uranium enrichment. Subsequent talks between Iran and the US and European Union failed to resolve the outstanding issues.

Following President Trump’s re-election, additional attempts were made by the US and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) to find a mutually satisfactory settlement. These efforts failed mainly due to America’s insistence that Iran completely abandon uranium enrichment. This impasse ultimately led to Israeli and American airstrikes on June 13 and June 22, respectively, causing extensive damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities. Notably, the US airstrikes severely damaged Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow.

Against this backdrop, the European powers triggered the snapback mechanism about a month ago to reimpose UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, which had been lifted under the JCPOA provisions, accusing Iran of failing to comply with its obligations under the nuclear deal. A resolution tabled by China and Russia to delay the reimposition of sanctions for six months to allow more time for diplomacy failed to secure the necessary support in the Security Council, due to opposition from the US and European powers. Pakistan and Algeria voted in favor of the Sino-Russian resolution.

The reimposed UN Security Council sanctions, which came into effect on September 28, include an arms embargo, asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on transferring sensitive nuclear and missile technologies to Iran. Russia has condemned the reimposition of sanctions as unlawful, while Iran has warned of a harsh response.

The renewed sanctions are likely to further weaken Iran’s economy and increase the risk of internal destabilization. Externally, increased Western pressure may push Iran closer toward political, security, and economic cooperation with China and Russia.

If diplomatic reason prevails, Iran might seek to foster closer, friendly relations with neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to promote a more secure regional environment.

At the global level, the treatment of Iran sends a stark message: the world appears to be moving toward anarchy, where power rather than international law or morality will prevail, and the United Nations may be sidelined in addressing major issues of war and peace.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1348317-iran-and-the-western-double-standards

London Court To Hear Nirav Modi’s Petition To Reopen Extradition Trial Over Possible Agency Interrogation In India

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New Delhi: A London court is set to hear fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s petition on November 23 to reopen his extradition trial. Modi’s plea is based on the claim that he may face interrogation by agencies if repatriated to India. Authorities, however, are expected to counter this claim by assuring the court that Modi will not be subjected to any such questioning.

Modi, who has exhausted all his legal appeals up to the Supreme Court, approached the Westminster Court seeking to reopen his extradition trial. The petition reportedly contends that if extradited, Modi could be interrogated by various agencies, potentially leading to torture.

Officials familiar with the developments stated that the investigative agencies handling the case may reiterate their previous assurances to the court. They will likely emphasize that Modi will be tried strictly according to Indian laws and will not face interrogation upon extradition.

“We have already filed chargesheets in the case. His questioning is not needed at this stage as the investigation is almost complete. He is required to face trial. If the UK court seeks clarification, we may reiterate that he will not be subjected to interrogation if extradited. We have provided such assurance before as well,” said an official.

All investigative agencies probing the allegations against Modi—who is accused of siphoning off over Rs 6,498 crore through hundreds of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking issued from Punjab National Bank (PNB)—are reportedly aligned in their stance that interrogation is unnecessary.

India has also informed the UK authorities that Modi will be held at barrack 12 of Arthur Road Prison in Mumbai upon extradition. This facility reportedly offers protection from violence, is not overcrowded, and provides adequate medical care. The agencies have assured the UK that Modi will face trial in accordance with Indian law and no new charges will be filed against him.

Once a shining star of the Indian jewellery industry, whose brand ‘Nirav’ attracted global celebrities, the 54-year-old diamantaire was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019. The then UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, ordered his extradition in April 2021. Modi has been in prison in London for nearly six years.

Despite multiple bail applications, all have been rejected due to his deemed real and substantial flight risk. Modi faces three sets of criminal proceedings: a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) fraud case involving Punjab National Bank, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case concerning alleged money laundering linked to the fraud, and a third case relating to interference with evidence and witnesses in the CBI case.

—
*(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/london-court-to-hear-nirav-modis-petition-to-reopen-extradition-trial-over-possible-agency-interrogation-in-india

India-Singapore: Piyush Goyal Holds Discussions With Prime Minister Wong On Strengthening Trade & Investment Ties

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New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday held a series of important discussions with Singapore’s leadership to strengthen trade and investment linkages between India and Singapore. The talks focused on enhancing cooperation in innovation, digital connectivity, and exploring new opportunities in sustainable development.

According to an official statement, Goyal met with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

“Delighted to call on H.E. @LawrenceWongST, Prime Minister of Singapore. Discussions reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership, building on the strong momentum and vast potential for future growth,” Goyal said in a post on X.

In response, Prime Minister Wong posted: “Strengthening Ties with India. Met India’s Commerce & Industry Minister @PiyushGoyal. We had a good discussion on deepening our economic partnership from industrial park development to emerging tech like AI.”

Goyal also held a productive bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. “Had a fruitful bilateral meeting with Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Trade & Industry, Singapore. There are immense avenues for our nations to collaborate across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, skilling, infrastructure, and digital connectivity, among others. Look forward to building on these opportunities, strengthening investment ties, and further deepening the India-Singapore partnership,” Goyal added in another post.

During this meeting, both sides discussed in detail ways to further deepen industrial and trade cooperation between the two countries.

As part of his three-day official visit to Singapore, Goyal also met Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan. The meeting reaffirmed strategic trust and alignment on regional and global economic priorities.

The visit highlighted India’s strong growth trajectory and its commitment to investment-led reforms, showcasing vast opportunities available for global partners across manufacturing, infrastructure, financial services, and the green economy.

A major highlight of the visit was the Business Roundtable on Foreign Direct Investment in the Manufacturing Sector, attended by key decision-makers from AmCham, EuroCham, the German Chamber of Industry & Commerce, and other leading business figures.

Delivering the keynote address, Goyal emphasised India’s robust economic growth, pro-investment policies, and strategic initiatives aimed at positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.

In addition to leadership engagements, Goyal held strategic business meetings with top corporates and institutional investors in Singapore.

At SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), discussions focused on India’s fast-growing Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) sector and the need to fast-track the India–Singapore Skilling Centre for MRO professionals, in collaboration with Indian universities.

Capital Land Investment expressed its commitment to expanding renewable energy solutions for data centres in Maharashtra, while exploring opportunities in industrial parks, worker housing models, and potential entry into credit financing.

Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) shared updates on its tissue and pulp operations in India, discussed operational challenges, and showed interest in knowledge exchange on sustainable forestry and reforestation practices.

The Indian minister also met with Bryan Yeo, CEO-Designate of GIC, and Dilhan Pillay, CEO of Temasek. Discussions focused on scaling up India-focused portfolios across infrastructure, hospitality, renewable energy, financial services, and urban development.

The visit reaffirmed the strong and growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Singapore, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in manufacturing, infrastructure, the green transition, digital economy, and financial investments, the official statement added.

*Disclaimer: This story is from the syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/india-singapore-piyush-goyal-holds-discussions-with-prime-minister-wong-on-strengthening-trade-investment-ties

UN experts shocked at ‘industrial-scale’ executions in Iran

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**UN Experts Shocked at ‘Industrial-Scale’ Executions in Iran**

*By Snehil Singh | September 30, 2025, 3:47 PM*

United Nations human rights experts have expressed deep shock at what they describe as a “dramatic escalation” of executions in Iran. Over 1,000 people have been executed in the first nine months of 2025 alone, marking a staggering increase in the use of capital punishment.

The five UN special rapporteurs issued a joint statement emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “The sheer scale of executions in Iran is staggering and represents a grave violation of the right to life,” they said. Notably, half of these executions were carried out for drug-related offenses, and recent records indicate an average of nine hangings per day.

### Government Response

Iran’s government has yet to respond directly to the UN experts’ condemnation. However, it has historically defended its use of the death penalty for what it terms “the most severe crimes.”

The criticism came on the same day that Iran executed a man accused of spying for Israel. According to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency, the individual identified as Bahman Choubi Asl was a database expert involved in sensitive telecommunications projects. He was reportedly working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.

### Execution Statistics

Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights have both documented over 1,000 executions in Iran since January 2025. This figure has already surpassed last year’s total of 975 executions.

The majority of those executed faced drug-related charges (50%), followed by murder offenses (43%). The remaining executions were for security-related charges—including “armed rebellion against the state,” “corruption on Earth,” and “enmity against God”—accounting for 3%, with 1% executed on spying charges.

Both groups have raised serious concerns about the fairness of the trials leading to these executions, reporting widespread allegations of torture and due process violations.

### Global Response and Calls for Action

UN experts described Iran’s execution practices as occurring on an “industrial scale,” violating international human rights standards. They urged the global community to take stronger diplomatic measures to pressure Iran into halting this alarming surge in executions.

Particular concern was voiced regarding the 499 people executed for drug offenses, which, according to international law, do not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes.” The experts underscored the urgent need for action to defend fundamental human rights and the right to life.

—

*Stay tuned for further updates on this critical human rights issue.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/un-experts-condemn-staggering-scale-of-executions-in-iran/story

Three presidential candidates face off in first TV debate in race for Áras

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The first televised debate of the presidential campaign was shown on Virgin Media One on Monday night. Hosted by Kieran Cuddihy, the debate featured the three candidates: Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, and Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin.

The 60-minute programme began with opening statements from the candidates. This was followed by questions on neutrality before moving on to the issue of Irish flags being erected in certain communities, which led to a broader debate about immigration.

The topic raised the first real clash concerning direct provision and asylum seekers. Gavin welcomed immigration but emphasized the need for a robust yet fair immigration system. Connolly was strongly critical of the direct provision process and, when asked about those who are not asylum seekers or whose claims have been rejected, she stated: “We are talking about human beings and about a conflation of issues.”

The debate then moved on to safety on the streets of Dublin and other towns. Humphreys asserted that there are more gardaí on the streets, while Connolly countered that there is a lack of Garda presence on the ground, particularly community gardaí.

There were also strong exchanges on the situation in Gaza between Connolly and Gavin before the discussion turned to the challenging topic of housing. Connolly was adamant that the Government has failed miserably in this area. Humphreys defended the Government’s performance to date, acknowledging that ambitious goals were not achieved but noting that the solution is very complex.

A potential United Ireland was also discussed, with all three candidates outlining their experiences with communities in the North. Humphreys spoke of her experience as a “proud Ulsterwoman and Republican.”

### Opening Statements

In the initial addresses, Catherine Connolly opened proceedings, saying:

> “As President and working together, we can shape a new United Republic, where everyone is valued, where diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right.

> A country where we raise our voice for the peaceful resolution to conflicts and war, drawing on our history of colonization, of famine and our lived experience of the successful peace process in the North.”

Heather Humphreys said:

> “I want to bring my life experience to the role of President. I worked for many years as a Credit Union manager; where I got to know people; and the challenges they faced. It was a great apprenticeship for public life.

> I was honoured to serve in Cabinet for over a decade. I led the 1916 Commemorations. I supported businesses through the pandemic; and I worked hard to ensure children across our country receive a Hot School meal.

> I’m a daughter, a mother and a grandmother. All my life I have seen the quiet strength of women.

> In my own family, in my community and right across this country, women have been the ones holding things together. I can’t promise perfection, but I will promise honesty, compassion and service.”

Jim Gavin said:

> “Over the last four decades I’ve served my country and its values in many different roles. From working in our most disadvantaged communities to leading peacekeepers in Africa, I’ve always worked to serve others.

> I’ve built teams which show how much we can achieve when we listen and when we respect each other. There’s no problem we cannot overcome when we work together.

> At a time of growing division, my commitment to you is that I will be a President for every section of society. A voice for all.”

### Campaign Activity and Upcoming Debates

Earlier today, Humphreys and Gavin were canvassing in Dublin, while it is understood that Connolly was focusing on her debate preparation.

Further presidential debates are planned to be broadcast on Prime Time and The Week in Politics.

The election takes place on Friday, October 24th, with counting beginning the following day.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/three-presidential-candidates-face-off-in-first-tv-debate-in-race-for-aras-1812756.html

‘A disgrace’: MKs slam Netanyahu apology to Qatari PM on Doha strike

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A Disgrace: MKs Slam Netanyahu’s Apology to Qatari PM over Doha Strike

Members of Knesset Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Liberman, and Golan have condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for apologizing to Qatar following the Hamas strike in Doha. The politicians criticized Netanyahu’s apology as weak and described it as a disgrace.

In a related event, U.S. President Donald Trump greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., on September 29, 2025.

(Photo credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-869015

Lemkin relatives move to block US institute from using his name

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**Lemkin Relatives Move to Block US Institute from Using His Name**

The dispute arises after the institute’s repeated accusations against Israel, which began soon after the October 7 massacre.

An “End the Genocide in Gaza” lawn sign was seen in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S., on November 6, 2024.
(Photo Credit: Rebecca Cook/Reuters)

*By Jerusalem Post Staff*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-869005