Finland Admits to Repatriating Islamic State Members from Prison Camp
22 Dec 2020
Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto has admitted that the country has repatriated Islamic State members from a prison camp in Syria with the assistance of Germany.
Finland facilitated the return of two Islamic State women and six children from the al-Hol prison camp in Northern Syria where Kurdish forces have kept members of the terrorist organisation in custody.
While the Nordic nation has repatriated children in the past, the new operation is the first time adult Islamists have been brought back to the country, broadcaster YLE reports.
“I would like to thank both the officials of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other branches of government. Cooperation with the Finnish Security Intelligence Service and child welfare authorities worked. Warm thanks also to the German Foreign Ministry,” Haavisto said on Monday.
Ministry for Foreign Affairs reintroduces advice against travel to the United Kingdom
Published
22 December 2020
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs decided on 21 December 2020 to reintroduce advice against non-essential travel to the United Kingdom. The decision came into force immediately.
The decision was made after the Ministry for Foreign Affairs considered the prevailing exceptional and uncertain circumstances concerning travel from the United Kingdom.
Travellers are urged to maintain close contact with their travel operators and review their insurance cover. It should be noted that all travel, including within Europe, will probably involve a great deal of uncertainty for a long time to come.
Door opens for TPPA claimants into trade talks 22 Dec 2020 13:24 PM Photo: Radio Waatea Image Database.
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In a mediated settlement, Waitangi Tribunal claimants and the crown have agreed a new body will be created to enable effective Māori influence on trade negotiations.
Ngā Toki Whakarururanga will replace a non-claimant body working with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Te Taumata.
Titewhai Harawira, who is part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Claim representing kuia and kaumatua of Ngapuhi Nui Tonu, says Māori have been trying for generations to have a say in the way New Zealand does business with the world.
Claimants tackle trade risk Photo: It s Our Future.
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One of the claimants against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is welcoming what she calls a process to develop a new process to give Māori a say on trade negotiations.
Moana Maniapoto says recognises here is an existing partnership or treaty relationship with Māori which needs to be taken into account.
After mediation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade the crown has agreed to support the establishment of a new body,
Ngā Toki Whakarururanga, which can have input into negotiations, including consulting Maori and conducting independent Tiriti impact assessments of proposed trade and investment agreements.
Sweden’s Export Strategy
21 December 2020 The Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party committed in the 2019 January Agreement to implementing an export initiative for more jobs throughout the country and to updatet he existing export strategy with a focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability.
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Increase Sweden’s exports, both in absolute figures and as a share of GDP
Ensure that more small and medium-sized enterprises export
Ensure that Sweden is a driving force for free, sustainable and fair international trade
Use Sweden’s innovation leadership to enhance the export capabilities and international competitiveness of Swedishbusiness
Increase Sweden’s attractiveness to foreign investments, skills, talent and visitors.