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Iran nuclear deal

Council lTV - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 21:18
https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/a6030254-5818-11e8-85e2-bc764e092fac_9.41_thumb_169_1526372753_1526372753_129_97shar_c1.jpg

The European Union is committed to the continued full and effective implementation of all parts of the Iran nuclear deal. After international negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme were concluded, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was implemented on 16 January 2016.

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Categories: European Union

Spot Report by Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): Small-arms fire close to an SMM patrol in the area of Donetsk Filtration Station

OSCE - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 21:02

This report is for the media and the general public.

At 09:30 on 15 May, an SMM patrol consisting of six members and two armoured vehicles positioned itself on the H20 road about 1.6km south-east of Kamianka (government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk) and about 1km west of the contact line. The patrol was monitoring the security situation and facilitating access for employees of the Voda Donbassa water company to the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS) to keep the station operational. At 09:34, three monitoring officers were standing close to the SMM vehicles when they heard the whistling sound of a bullet flying at a distance of approximately 20cm to 1m above their heads, assessed as small-arms fire originating from a south-south-easterly direction at an unknown distance. The incident occurred in an area covered by explicit security guarantees provided by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the armed formations.

The SMM patrol safely left the location at once. As a result of the incident, the SMM suspended operations in the area of the DFS and the facilitation of access for Voda Donbassa employees to the DFS was not completed. 

 

 

 

 

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Categories: Central Europe

Resilient Social Contracts and Sustaining Peace

European Peace Institute / News - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 21:00
Event Video
Photos

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On May 15th, an IPI policy forum invited participants to discuss how social contracts are developed and adapted to different contexts to transform what are often unsustainable, short-lived elite bargains into more inclusive and durable arrangements for sustaining peace.

Hosted in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the University of Witwatersrand, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN, this conversation allowed member states and other key national stakeholders to engage with the findings of the research project Forging Resilient National Social Contracts. Using case studies from South Sudan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Tunisia to explore the creation of social contracts within contexts of conflict and fragility, the discussion highlighted the mechanisms through which agreements are struck that support prevention and sustaining peace.

In welcoming remarks, Endre Stiansen, Senior Research and Policy Advisor at the Oslo Governance Centre of UNDP, said that the subject of the event was “very opportune” for development organizations such as UNDP “because there is something about bringing the whole of society approach to the challenges that we face in the field now.”

Introducing the study, Bettina Luise Rürup, Executive Director of FES New York, explained that it “highlights the need for inclusive peace agreements and the importance of vibrant societal relations” in sustaining peace. Considering the 2030 agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, she asserted that social contracts can be “the much-needed mechanism for inclusiveness and national ownership for peace sustaining processes.”

The specific challenges that the study sought to address, said Fabrizio Hochschild, Assistant Secretary General for Strategic Coordination, were how to create political settlements and institutions that deliver results inclusively, as well as drive social cohesion. “Inclusion is in essence about non-discrimination,” he said, “It is about bringing in those who are otherwise being excluded socially, excluded economically, excluded politically and often persecuted; it’s about upholding rights.”

Erin McCandless is an Associate Professor at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa and Research and Project Director of Forging Resilient Social Contracts. Her aim was to propose durable solutions to recurring conflict in fragile environments. Introducing her research, she defined the concept of social contract, as it is understood in the classical western tradition, as “forfeiting some rights for the achievement of others.”

While she contended that this “utilitarian decision of citizens” may not look the same everywhere, in her research she found “enduring themes that have kind of cut across different civilizations and across the globe.” Her research posed questions on the establishment of a governing body including, “what is the purpose of such agreements, who are they between, what mechanisms drive social contracts, and how do people address, with their leaders, questions of moral obligation and conflicting interests?”

Among the key findings were that “elite political settlements are just not sustainable. There is an emerging consensus in the policy realm around the importance of inclusion for sustaining peace,” she said. Inclusivity is necessary for a strong consensus among citizens to create a sustainable agreement.

Dr. McCandless said that the research findings pointed in particular to two compelling reasons why political settlements fail to become more inclusive and resilient social contracts. The first was the fact that core conflict issues are not effectively addressed over time through appropriate political settlements, allowing social conflict to become protracted and unresolvable. The second was that social contract-making mechanisms are “not effectively treated in coherent ways in the peace process.” She concluded that there was a need for greater focus on strengthening state-society relations and creating more accountable, durable policy.

Luka Kuol, Professor of Practice at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies of National Defense University in Washington, DC and Associate Professor at the University of Juba, South Sudan, called his country “the most fragile country in the world.” Even with its three peace agreements signed in 1972, 2005, and 2015, he said, the country is still in conflict.

“Such fragility is definitely a result of misrule by the elites,” he said, “But I think equally important was despite the good intention of the international actors, that they, to a certain degree, I could say, were less informed about the political marketplace and the drivers of social contracts.”

The peace processes failed from the lack of inclusivity in the country’s transition to statehood, including the constitution-making process, he said. “The process itself was so exclusive, it was led by one political party in isolation of the rest.” Uniquely for South Sudan, amid other African countries that emerged out of colonialism, “this idea of ‘common enemy,’” he said, “Is not glue for forging a social cohesion. South Sudan was anchoring its unity to how much they hate North Sudan. But once that common enemy is gone, then these tensions start surfacing.”

Dr. Kuol said he still believed there was hope for peace in South Sudan if it is built nationally. Ultimately, he said, it should be the role of the state and the citizens to create a social contract that focuses on inclusivity. “South Sudan stands a better chance of putting itself on the path of social contract and addressing the core driver of conflict,” he said. “What is lacking is the political leadership and visionary leadership.”

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, an “elite social contract maintains the status quo,” said Jasmin Ramović, Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manchester. Such a contract “exploits communal fears that existed…during the war and are persisting after,” he said. “Through patronage, they also maintain a control of their respective communities. But the underlying reason behind this elite social contract is mismanagement of economic resources to the advantage of a very small clique of people,” he said.

Dr. Ramović explained that the peace agreement ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed in Dayton, Ohio, “unfortunately, and paradoxically, actually preserved the unity of the country and also divided the country in the same time.” This political settlement perpetuated the core conflict issue which was competing conceptions of territorial boundaries and loyalties, and the Dayton Peace Agreement created a hybrid government comprised of actors of each major ethnic group. This “bloated” administrative structure, though, ended up helping nationalist elites control employment and the public sector.

Instead, he said, “international actors should encourage initiatives, especially grassroots initiatives, which can expose the links between political, business, and judiciary elites.” This would, he argued, “unravel the elite social contract and provide channels so that the voice of a majority of the population could be heard.”

Youssef Mahmoud, IPI Senior Adviser and the event’s moderator, suggested three lessons for cultivating successful peace agreements based on the situation in Tunisia, his own country. The first was that “when the broad-based constitution was adopted in 2014, it became the social contract in post-revolution Tunisia.” The second, he explained, was that, “as you anxiously look for ways to strengthen the state, ensure that this does not put the onus on the state as the sole penholder of the social contract.”

The third was, “In attempts to keep at bay all kinds of isms, do not sacrifice on the altar of stability and security the oxygen that keeps voice alive and free, a voice that Tunisians have wrenched out of the jaws of the state. Without the oxygen, a resilient social contract is atrophied.”

86th IPRM meeting takes place in Ergneti

OSCE - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 20:30

ERGNETI, 15 May 2018 - The 86th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting was held in Ergneti, on 15 May 2018. The meeting was conducted in a business-like atmosphere.

Erik Høeg, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Ambassador Günther Bächler, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, co-facilitated the meeting.  

Mr. Høeg provided a brief overview of events that occurred since the last IPRM meeting on 1 March 2018. The security situation along the administrative boundary line was assessed as relatively calm and stable.

The case of the tragic death of Mr. Tatunashvili was discussed at length. The co-facilitators insisted on a thorough and transparent investigation, and called for a cooperative approach on all aspects of the case. The co-facilitators reaffirmed their readiness to support ongoing investigation and to facilitate exchange of information. A technical meeting of experts was also proposed. The case of Mr. Basharuli was also discussed.

The issue of borderisation was discussed by participants. The dismantling of vacant houses in South Ossetia and access to agricultural land, on both sides of the administrative boundary line, was also addressed. Water supply issues were also addressed during the meeting. The co-facilitators encouraged dialogue to find mutually acceptable solutions for those farming in the vicinity of the administrative boundary line and called for a humanitarian approach. 

The co-facilitators stressed the need for the EUMM to be allowed to conduct its monitoring activities unhindered, in line with its mandate. 

All participants reiterated their willingness to exchange information addressing any security concerns in the vicinity of the administrative boundary line in a timely manner and commended the effective use of the Hotline. 

The next IPRM meeting will take place in June 2018.

 

 

 

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Categories: Central Europe

Nach Gewalt in Gaza: Debatte über EU als Nahostvermittler

EuroNews (DE) - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 19:15
Palästinenser fordern von Brüssel erneut Anerkennung ihres Staates
Categories: Europäische Union

Vor dem Balkan-Gipfel: Serbien bemüht sich um EU-konforme Flüchtlingspolitik

EuroNews (DE) - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 18:48
An diesem Donnerstag kommen in Sofia die Staats- und Regierungschefs der EU zu einem Gipfeltreffen mit den Staaten des westlichen Balkans zusammen
Categories: Europäische Union

OSCE Representative raises concern over raid against Russian News Agency and TV today in Ukraine

OSCE - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 17:40

VIENNA, 15 May 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir raised concern today over a raid by security services of Ukraine against Russian state news agency RIA Novosti and TV channel RT offices today in Kyiv as well as the searches of homes of journalists and their arrests.

“I express serious concern about this morning’s raid on Russian media offices in Kyiv, the arrest of journalists, and the search of journalists’ homes. I reiterate my call on the authorities to refrain from imposing unnecessary limitations on the work of foreign journalists, which affects the free flow of information and freedom of the media. I recall that under the Helsinki Final Act, the OSCE participating States have committed to facilitating the conditions under which journalists from one participating State exercise their profession in another participating State,” Désir said. “This applies to the accreditation of journalists and correspondents of foreign media.”

“The fight against propaganda must not fall short of international standards and should not represent disproportionate interference in media activities,” the Representative said.

According to reports, Ukrainian security services raided the RIA Novosti and TV Channel RT offices in Kyiv this morning. The bureau chief of RIA Novosti Ukraine, Kirill Vyshinsky, a Ukrainian citizen who also has a Russian passport, was arrested along with other journalists.

The authorities are accusing the media outlets of anti-Ukrainian activities and announced several raids as part of the investigation.

The Representative continues to follow the developments surrounding today’s searches by the Ukrainian security services closely.

 

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

 

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Categories: Central Europe

Serbian Minister of Defence visits EDA

EDA News - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 17:21

Aleksandar Vulin, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, visited the European Defence Agency this week for discussions with EDA Chief Executive Jorge Domecq. 

The Republic of Serbia concluded an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency (EDA) in 2013 enabling it to participate in EDA projects and programmes on a case by case basis. Mr Domecq welcomed the opportunity to discuss with Minister Vulin Serbia’s participation in EDA projects following  detailed updates provided by EDA on a range of ongoing projects including on the EDA Helicoper Exercises Programme, its work on Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED), medical, standardisation and airworthiness as well as the EU Satcom Market in which Serbia has been participating since 2016.

Minister Vulin expressed interest on Serbia’s involvement in areas such as Helicopter Exercises, standardisation, medical and ammunition.  Other topics discussed during the visit was EDA’s role in the new European defence initiatives as well as Serbia’s defence planning and its priorities related to security and defence.

EU-Cuba

Council lTV - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 17:20
https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/cuba_thumb_169_1515408796_1515408795_129_97shar_c1.png

On 10 February 2014, the EU adopted negotiating directives for a bilateral EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement  to consolidate existing bilateral relations in the areas of political dialogue, cooperation and trade.

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Categories: European Union

Aktivisten loben Serbiens Umgang mit Flüchtlingen

EuroNews (DE) - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 16:43
Belgrad erweist sich als kooperativer Partner der EU in der Flüchtlingspolitik
Categories: Europäische Union

Amendments 1 - 328 - Recommendation to the Council on the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly - PE 620.977v01-00 - Committee on Foreign Affairs

AMENDMENTS 1 - 328 - Draft report Recommendation to the Council on the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP
Categories: Europäische Union

Peace and Security in 2018: Overview of EU action and outlook for the future

Written by Elena Lazarou,

© fotomaster / Fotolia

The promotion of global peace and security, following the model of its own peace project, is a fundamental goal and central pillar of the external action of the European Union (EU). Both within and beyond the EU, there is a widespread expectation among citizens that the Union will deliver results in this crucial area. Yet, the deteriorating security environment of the past decade has posed significant challenges. Following the release of its Global Strategy in 2016, and in line with the wording and spirit of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has been intensifying its work in pursuit of peace and security in a number of key policy areas. In this respect, 2017 was a year of implementation and of transforming vision into action.

The world has become more peaceful in recent centuries. Europe in particular has experienced the longest period of peace in its history, not least thanks to a regional network of international organisations, of which the EU is a major example. Today, peace is defined in a positive way, not only as ‘the absence of war’, but also in terms of the quality of government, the free flow of information and low levels of corruption. In this context, out of the 39 most peaceful countries in the world, based on the 2017 Global Peace Index of the Institute for Economics and Peace, 22 are EU Member States. Nevertheless, the instability that characterises the geopolitical environment has translated into a sharp deterioration of peace in the EU’s neighbourhood and has challenged its internal security.

The over-arching objectives of the EU guide it in all facets of its activity in this area, including common foreign and security policy (CFSP); democracy support; development cooperation; economic, financial and technical cooperation; humanitarian aid; trade; and neighbourhood policy. As foreseen in the Lisbon Treaty, the 2016 Global Strategy introduced several elements to refine and improve the EU’s efforts, including the promotion of resilience and capacity-building in the world. This approach is reflected in the EU’s external policies.

Read also: ‘Peace and Security in 2018: An evaluation of EU peacebuilding in the Western Balkans‘.

As far as development is concerned, a significant share of EU aid goes to fragile states and to issues related to securing peace. In 2017 the EU committed to a ‘new consensus on development’, which emphasises the role of development cooperation in preventing violent conflicts, in mitigating their consequences and in aiding recovery from them. The new consensus clearly focuses on fragile and conflict affected countries, which are the main victims of humanitarian crises. On the ground, the EU has been able to strengthen the nexus between security, development and humanitarian aid through the implementation of comprehensive strategies, for example in the Horn of Africa and in the Sahel.

With the launching of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Fund and other such initiatives, 2017 saw remarkable progress towards a more autonomous and efficient EU common security and defence policy (CSDP). Of all the policy fields in the area of peace and security, this is the one that has enjoyed the greatest support from EU citizens (75 %) for more EU spending. Through the CSDP, the EU also runs 16 missions and operations, making it one of the UN’s main partners in peacekeeping. These elements of ‘hard power’, together with the EU’s long-standing experience in the practice of soft power, form the backbone of its action for peace and security.

Looking to the future, the complexity of the global environment is expected to increase.  At the same time, an analysis of ongoing EU legislation indicates that the EU is aiming to strengthen its presence and efficiency in the area of peace and security. The discussions on the funding of specific initiatives in the context of the 2019 annual budget and the post-2020 multiannual financial framework (MFF) will focus on streamlining the EU’s various programmes and instruments, allowing for sufficient flexibility to respond to unforeseen threats, as well as implementing innovative financial instruments. Underlying the quest for flexibility, efficiency and innovation, is the strategic goal to empower the EU in its global role as a promoter of peace and security, while adapting to the new realities of the international order.

Read this study on ‘Peace and Security in 2018: Overview of EU action and outlook for the future‘ on the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Categories: European Union

EU-Tunisia

Council lTV - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 13:55
https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/tunis_thumb_169_1475143613_1475143613_129_97shar_c1.png

EU-Tunisia relationship emphasises close cooperation on democratic reform, economic modernisation, and migration issues, under the European Neighbourhood Policy. Tunisia and the EU are bound by the legally binding treaty in the form of an Association agreement.

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Categories: European Union

Video einer Ausschusssitzung - Dienstag, 15. Mai 2018 - 09:08 - Unterausschuss für Sicherheit und Verteidigung

Dauer des Videos : 183'
Sie können dieses Video manuell herunterladen im WMV (1.6Gb)-Format

Haftungsausschluss : Die Verdolmetschung der Debatten soll die Kommunikation erleichtern, sie stellt jedoch keine authentische Aufzeichnung der Debatten dar. Authentisch sind nur die Originalfassungen der Reden bzw. ihre überprüften schriftlichen Übersetzungen.
Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2018 - EP
Categories: Europäische Union

Cérémonie de remise de matériel militaire français à l’armée tchadienne

Aumilitaire.com - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 10:55
Dans le cadre de la montée en puissance de la Force conjointe G5 Sahel, l’ambassadeur de France au Tchad, Philippe Lacoste, a officiellement procédé, à N’Djamena, à la mise à disposition de la dernière tranche des matériels destinés aux unités tchadiennes de la Force conjointe G5 Sahel. Lire la suite sur http://forcesoperations.com/materiel-militaire-francais-a-disposition-de-larmee-tchadienne/
Categories: Défense

Holnap kezdődik a ramadan

Balkáni Mozaik Blog - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 10:48

Szarajevótól Mostárig, Zágrábtól Belgrádig, Pristinától Tiranáig a nyugat-balkáni országok muzulmán hívői a szent hónapra, a ramadanra készülnek. A bosnyák fővárosban a Szarajevói Filharmonikusok adott koncertet, Tuzlában  égősorokkal díszítették fel a város utcáit.

Holnap, május 16-án kezdődik, ma este van az első extra ima, a taravih ima, ami nyolc, húsz vagy harminckét imaszakaszból áll. (angolul tarawih, a bosnyákoknál teravija).

Az iszlám öt alappillérének – hit, ima, böjt, adakozás, zarándoklat – egyike a böjti hónap, amikor arra emlékeznek, hogy Allah kinyilatkoztatta Mohamed próféta akaratát.   

Azt mondja a Korán: „Ti, hívők! Előíratott nektek a böjtölés, ahogy az előírattatott elődeiteknek, hogy megszabaduljatok a bűntől.”

A ramadan az iszlám holdnaptár kilencedik hónapja. Az iszlám naptár rövidebb, mint az általunk használt Gergely-naptár, ezért minden évben más időpontban van, általában 11 nappal korábbra esik, mint az előző évben.

A böjt kezdetét hagyományosan úgy határozzák meg, hogy az előző hónap végén nagyhitű, megbízható emberek hiteles tanúk előtt igazolják, hogy a Holdat látni lehet. Ugyanezt az eljárást követik a böjti hónap végén is. Egy-egy felhősebb éjszaka, vagy éles szemű muzulmán így akár napokkal is meghosszabbíthatja vagy megrövidítheti a böjtöt. Idén előre láthatólag június 15-ig tart.

A böjt kötelező minden fizikailag és pszichésen egészséges nagykorúnak, betegeknek és azoknak, akik úton vannak, könnyített böjt engedélyezett azzal, hogy a kihagyott napokat később pótolni kell. Felmentést kapnak a böjt alól a 14 éven aluliak, a terhes és szoptatós anyák, és a csatában harcolók.

A ramadan idején napkeltétől napnyugtáig tilos az evés, ivás, a dohányzás, a nemi érintkezés, a veszekedés, erőszakos cselekedet.

A böjtölésen kívül a hívők imádkoznak, külön imákon vesznek részt, rendezik gondolataikat, keveset beszélnek, tanulmányozzák és értelmezik a Koránt, közös étkezéseket, iftarokat szerveznek.

A szolidaritás és az együttérzés is a ramadan velejárója. Ebben a hónapban fokozottan kötelező az adakozás minden hívő számára, akinek legalább annyija van, hogy napi egy étkezésre futja. Ennek célja, hogy a gazdagok és a szegények közötti szakadékot némileg csökkentse, és erősítse a muzulmánok közötti testvéri köteléket.

Néhány nappal ezelőtt a ramadanra felkészülés jegyében gyűltek össze a Sydney-ben élő bosnyákok és barátaik közös ünneplésre. Az estén összegyűjtöttek ötezer dollárt, ami Srebrenicában 250 iftar költségét fogja fedezni idén.

Eszembe jutnak a Szarajevóban töltött évek ramadanjai. A lányom muzulmán középiskolába járt, ahol az osztálytársai egy része böjtölt és ő szolidáris volt velük. Soha nem evett, ivott előttük. Az iskola is könnyített, rövidített órák voltak, a böjti hónapban nem írattak dolgozatot.

A Maléves alkalmazottak is böjtöltek, ezt a férjem úgy igyekezett segíteni, hogy lehetőség szerint biztosította nekik a városi irodai munkát és mentesítette őket a repülőtéri munkavégzés alól. Szinte nem volt olyan nap, hogy valamelyik barátunktól, ismerősünktől ne kaptunk volna egy kis süteményt, kóstolót az esti iftarból.

Volt egy ramadan tv csatorna, ahol a műsorvezetők figyelmeztettek arra, hogy hajnalban még mennyi idő van a böjt kezdetéig, esténként pedig, hogy mikortól lehet újra enni. Emlékszem, sétáltam hazafelé a konzulátusról, a sarkon volt egy pékség (nagyon jó pékség, még most is megvan), ahol délutánonként tucatnyian várták a friss somunt (lepénykenyér) az esti vacsorához.

A böjti hónapot a közös ünnep, a három napos bajram követi. 


Categories: Nyugat-Balkán

Holnap kezdődik a ramadan

Balkáni Mozaik Blog - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 10:48

Szarajevótól Mostárig, Zágrábtól Belgrádig, Pristinától Tiranáig a nyugat-balkáni országok muzulmán hívői a szent hónapra, a ramadanra készülnek. A bosnyák fővárosban a Szarajevói Filharmonikusok adott koncertet, Tuzlában  égősorokkal díszítették fel a város utcáit.

Holnap, május 16-án kezdődik, ma este van az első extra ima, a taravih ima, ami nyolc, húsz vagy harminckét imaszakaszból áll. (angolul tarawih, a bosnyákoknál teravija).

Az iszlám öt alappillérének – hit, ima, böjt, adakozás, zarándoklat – egyike a böjti hónap, amikor arra emlékeznek, hogy Allah kinyilatkoztatta Mohamed próféta akaratát.   

Azt mondja a Korán: „Ti, hívők! Előíratott nektek a böjtölés, ahogy az előírattatott elődeiteknek, hogy megszabaduljatok a bűntől.”

A ramadan az iszlám holdnaptár kilencedik hónapja. Az iszlám naptár rövidebb, mint az általunk használt Gergely-naptár, ezért minden évben más időpontban van, általában 11 nappal korábbra esik, mint az előző évben.

A böjt kezdetét hagyományosan úgy határozzák meg, hogy az előző hónap végén nagyhitű, megbízható emberek hiteles tanúk előtt igazolják, hogy a Holdat látni lehet. Ugyanezt az eljárást követik a böjti hónap végén is. Egy-egy felhősebb éjszaka, vagy éles szemű muzulmán így akár napokkal is meghosszabbíthatja vagy megrövidítheti a böjtöt. Idén előre láthatólag június 15-ig tart.

A böjt kötelező minden fizikailag és pszichésen egészséges nagykorúnak, betegeknek és azoknak, akik úton vannak, könnyített böjt engedélyezett azzal, hogy a kihagyott napokat később pótolni kell. Felmentést kapnak a böjt alól a 14 éven aluliak, a terhes és szoptatós anyák, és a csatában harcolók.

A ramadan idején napkeltétől napnyugtáig tilos az evés, ivás, a dohányzás, a nemi érintkezés, a veszekedés, erőszakos cselekedet.

A böjtölésen kívül a hívők imádkoznak, külön imákon vesznek részt, rendezik gondolataikat, keveset beszélnek, tanulmányozzák és értelmezik a Koránt, közös étkezéseket, iftarokat szerveznek.

A szolidaritás és az együttérzés is a ramadan velejárója. Ebben a hónapban fokozottan kötelező az adakozás minden hívő számára, akinek legalább annyija van, hogy napi egy étkezésre futja. Ennek célja, hogy a gazdagok és a szegények közötti szakadékot némileg csökkentse, és erősítse a muzulmánok közötti testvéri köteléket.

Néhány nappal ezelőtt a ramadanra felkészülés jegyében gyűltek össze a Sydney-ben élő bosnyákok és barátaik közös ünneplésre. Az estén összegyűjtöttek ötezer dollárt, ami Srebrenicában 250 iftar költségét fogja fedezni idén.

Eszembe jutnak a Szarajevóban töltött évek ramadanjai. A lányom muzulmán középiskolába járt, ahol az osztálytársai egy része böjtölt és ő szolidáris volt velük. Soha nem evett, ivott előttük. Az iskola is könnyített, rövidített órák voltak, a böjti hónapban nem írattak dolgozatot.

A Maléves alkalmazottak is böjtöltek, ezt a férjem úgy igyekezett segíteni, hogy lehetőség szerint biztosította nekik a városi irodai munkát és mentesítette őket a repülőtéri munkavégzés alól. Szinte nem volt olyan nap, hogy valamelyik barátunktól, ismerősünktől ne kaptunk volna egy kis süteményt, kóstolót az esti iftarból.

Volt egy ramadan tv csatorna, ahol a műsorvezetők figyelmeztettek arra, hogy hajnalban még mennyi idő van a böjt kezdetéig, esténként pedig, hogy mikortól lehet újra enni. Emlékszem, sétáltam hazafelé a konzulátusról, a sarkon volt egy pékség (nagyon jó pékség, még most is megvan), ahol délutánonként tucatnyian várták a friss somunt (lepénykenyér) az esti vacsorához.

A böjti hónapot a közös ünnep, a három napos bajram követi. 


Categories: Nyugat-Balkán

EU Military Committee

Council lTV - Tue, 05/15/2018 - 09:00
https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/c4f7124e-c395-11e7-860d-bc764e093073_198.14_thumb_169_1510048292_1510048292_129_97shar_c1.jpg

The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body set up within the Council. It directs all EU military activities and provides the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on military matters.

Download this video here.

Categories: European Union

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