EDITORIAL
Special Ring to ‘Happy Fourth of July!’
July 4 (EIRNS)—This year’s U.S. holiday greeting of “Happy Fourth of July,” has a special ring to it, given the present potential for ending once and for all time, the British imperial system, against which the American Revolution was originally waged, over 200 years ago.
There are shrieks of horror, and dirty operations, coming from London—the enemy quarter—because of the prospect of their losing control. They are facing how their enforcement system of EU/Maastricht rules, Wall Street “markets” rules, NATO defense rules, and even “entertainment” mind-control rules, can be ignored and defeated. People, including President Donald Trump, are now more and more breaking such stinking rules. For example, the July 2 London Financial Times bemoans how Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, head of the Lega party in the Italian government, won’t stay in line. Titled, “Fearless Matteo Salvini’s Threat to the EU Establishment,” the article covers how the new Italian government “is going to challenge Franco-German dominance.” This London paper reports that Salvini, at a recent Italian mass rally, when asked whether it is worth Italy remaining in the Eurozone, replied, “The happiness of the people comes first.”
As in the American Revolution—and spelled out in the 1776 Declaration of Independence, from Leibniz and earlier—the idea of “the pursuit of happiness” is a commitment, even a battle cry. It is not a leisure pastime. So today, all people of good will have the responsibility to intervene in all ways they can, to realize this condition for humanity.
High-level diplomacy towards this end is underway. The foreign ministers of Russia and the United States conferred yesterday by phone, and agreed on their intent to meet personally after the July 16 Trump-Putin summit, to carry out whatever summit mandates are agreed upon. Likewise, foreign envoys of Russia and Japan met today in Tokyo, towards preparing the way for a successful summit in September between President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Vladivostok.
The special contribution of Lyndon and Helga Zepp-LaRouche and collaborators, to this process of serving humanity, is seen throughout the deliberation at last weekend’s Schiller Institute international conference in Germany. Actual development programs were put forward there for Africa, Southwest Asia, and Europe, under the “Silk Road Spirit,” which can end the mass displacement of people, and warfare, otherwise known by the misleading name of the “migrant crisis.” Likewise, in the Americas, the so-called “illegal alien” crisis will end with the turn towards immediate and long-term development programs in the New Silk Road spirit, for the good of all.
Happy Independence Day for humanity!
ENDING THE STRATEGIC WAR DANGER
Lavrov and Pompeo Conferred on Upcoming Trump-Putin Summit, Syria
July 4 (EIRNS)—Yesterday, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov conferred by phone on matters relating to the upcoming Trump-Putin summit July 16, on Syria and other matters.
Lavrov confirmed today that he and Pompeo are planning to meet after the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki. “We agreed to choose a date and place right after the meeting of our Presidents in Helsinki, to find ways for the realizations of goals which will be hopefully set at this summit,” he said. Lavrov said that Pompeo cited his tight schedule as to why the two could not meet personally before the July 16 Presidential summit.
Syria was also discussed, particularly the situation in the southwestern part of the country near the Israeli and Jordanian borders. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters yesterday during a regular press briefing, that the U.S. is particularly concerned about the ceasefire situation, given the Syrian army assault on jihadi-held territories in Daraa province, humanitarian aid (which the U.S. is not giving), and safety concerns. She said, “So we’re continuing to have talks with the Russians, we’re continuing to have talks with the Jordanians and express our extreme concern about the situation there.”
New START, INF Treaties May Be on Putin-Trump Agenda, Says Russian Ambassador
July 4 (EIRNS)—Anatoly Antonov, the Russian Ambassador to the U.S., told RT America in an interview aired yesterday, that the July 16 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will allow for progress in all areas of U.S.-Russian relations, including in arms control. Antonov also said that if the United States treats Russia as an equal partner, Moscow and Washington can find a solution to every issue before them. On arms control, he suggested that it is quite possible that Trump and Putin might start a discussion on both New START and the INF Treaty on strategic and intermediate-range nuclear weapons.
“The Russian Federation is not in favor of arms race,” Antonov stated. “We made it clear many times and Russian President Putin has confirmed it many times, and even while presenting our new models of modern arms he made it clear that we would like to invite the United States at the table of negotiations, and it is high time for us to find solutions on various issues such as the New START treaty. What should we do with this treaty by the way? What should we do with the INF treaty? It seems to me that two presidents could have time to discuss strategical issues.”
The new START is up for renewal in 2021, while the U.S. has been accusing Russia of violating the INF Treaty since 2014.
Russia and Japan Cooperate on Putin-Abe Summit in Vladivostok in September
July 4 (EIRNS)—Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov met with Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Takeo Mori today in Tokyo, as part of a regular Russian-Japanese strategic dialogue, but also to get ready for another summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to be held at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September.
“We held a fruitful meeting between Prime Minister Abe and President Putin in May, and now we are getting ready for a meeting between our countries’ leaders at the EEF,” Mori said. “We need to focus on the current challenges, analyze the situation, and find solutions to such problems as the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” he said, reported TASS. Ryabkov also stressed that Russia is ready for active interaction with Japan on regional issues, considering that the two countries are neighbors.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry readout, the two diplomats “discussed a wide range of issues of global and regional security, with an emphasis on ways to develop effective cooperation between Russia and Japan in resolving them. From this perspective, an exchange of views took place on arms control and WMD non-proliferation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program, the situation in Syria, and dealing with new challenges and threats.”
Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine Wins Appeal for Official Registration
July 4 (EIRNS)—Today, the Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine (PSPU), headed by internationally prominent economist and Schiller Institute friend Dr. Natalia Vitrenko, won its appeal in the PSPU’s lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice for failing to accept the party’s revised Charter and Bylaws, thereby preventing the PSPU from running candidates and participating in democratic debate. The blatantly illegal action of the Ministry of Justice was matched by a campaign of fascist thuggery and criminality deployed against Vitrenko, PSPU party members, activities, and property.
A former member of Parliament who ran for President several times, winning as much as 11% in 1999, even after her campaign was disrupted by an assassination attempt, since 2014 Dr. Vitrenko has spoken out internationally of the danger to all Europe if Victoria Nuland’s fascist coup in Ukraine is allowed to stand, including at several Schiller Institute conferences.
In the court hearing, in addition to presenting the facts, Dr. Vitrenko informed the judges that the European Commission had taken note of the Ministry of Justice’s efforts to silence her party. On Feb. 20, 2018, Member of the European Parliament Marco Zanni (Italy) filed a formal query with EU Commission Vice President and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on the Kyiv regime’s actions against the PSPU. On April 24, Mogherini issued an official reply in the name of the Commission. She wrote that the EC was aware of the case, and although it could not speak about an ongoing judicial procedure, “full compliance with international commitments is an integral part of value-based relationships between the European Union and Ukraine … [and] international rules on chartering and activities of political parties should be duly respected.”
The following translation of the notice on the court victory posted today on Vitrenko’s website provides key background on the case:
“On July 4, 2018 the Kyiv District Administrative Appeals Court considered the Progressive Socialists’ appeal of the lower court decision, which had rejected the PSPU’s lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
“Ever since the Euromaidan regime came to power, a brutal struggle has been under way against the only extra-parliamentary systemic opposition party, the PSPU. The Party’s central office has been seized. Law enforcement agencies have instigated bandit and Nazi gangs against the Party’s leaders and against peaceful protest demonstrations organized by the PSPU. The Police and the SBU [Security Service of Ukraine] fail to investigate or call these thugs to account.
“In parallel, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has refused to acknowledge and register either the decisions of three congresses of the PSPU, which changed the PSPU Program and Charter in accordance with the requirements of [new] laws, or the new composition of the Party’s Central Committee. The Ministry of Justice has thereby flouted Ukrainian and international law, through its political discrimination against the PSPU.
“The Kyiv District Administrative Court, which is the lower court in question, took the side of the Ministry of Justice, with its unlawful decision of March 20, 2018. The PSPU appealed, and now has won, by defending the PSPU’s rights and demonstrating that the Ministry of Justice was politically motivated.
“The Party was represented in court by PSPU Chairman, People’s Deputy of Ukraine of the II and III Convocations, Dr. of Economics Natalia Vitrenko.”
COLLAPSING WESTERN SYSTEM
Is Italy’s Salvini Going To Crush the EU?
July 4 (EIRNS)—The Financial Times has profiled Lega leader and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini as the outsider who might crush the EU. He is already seen as the one who almost provoked a government crisis in Germany which could end Angela Merkel’s career.
An article in the Financial Times on Monday, under the headline “Fearless Matteo Salvini’s Threat to the EU Establishment,” reported about the Lega national rally in Pontida July 1. The new Italian government, the author wrote, “is going to challenge Franco-German dominance in all aspects of EU policy. In the past, Italy was driven by fear of isolation and the former Cabinets often agreed to legislation that was against the national interest. But now, when Matteo Salvini expressed the new vision of Italy, the EU understood he is the first modern Italian politician without an emotional need to be among friends in Davos or Brussels.
“Although Italy is the country where the EU’s two crises come together—immigration and Eurozone, a majority of Italians still support the EU. The rising Euroskepticism in Italy made the EU rethink solutions to both problems, not just paper over the cracks as it did last week.
“During the recent League [Lega] party’s event held in sweltering heat in Pontida, Mr. Salvini shared his vision of a League of Leagues that will ‘put together all the free, sovereign movements.’ Being asked whether it is worth it for Italy to remain in the Eurozone, Salvini said: ‘The happiness of the people comes first’
“He asked supporters if they would ‘swear, yes or no, to liberate the people from this Europe.’
“ ‘Yes’ came the resounding reply from the crowd.”
China Progresses in Curbing Financial Risks, as IMF Report Warns U.S. of Increased ‘Volatility’
July 4 (EIRNS)—On July 2, Chinese financial authorities met under the auspices of the State Council, to review measures taken that will enhance financial stability. The group issued a statement, which said, as reported today by Xinhua, that, “the country’s financial system has seen positive development in supervisory system and risk-handling…. Structural de-leveraging is advancing in a well-ordered manner, highly risky financial businesses are shrinking … financial disorder has been contained….”
The committee that met this week was set up in 2017 to oversee actions to diminish financial risks; they issued a three-year plan. Vice Premier Liu He, a top economist, heads the committee. Central Bank Chairman Yi Gang is the deputy head of the committee. They will continue to function, holding regular plenary meetings.
Also, on July 3, the IMF issued its annual country review of the United States. In an exercise of the “pot calling the kettle black,” the IMF Executive Board warned the U.S. of the potential of risky actions, to result in “volatility in financial markets”—a polite term for chaos. By risky actions, the IMF refers to the administration’s tax cuts, increased spending, and trade friction.
The IMF Executive Board said, in its statement on the June 29 Article IV consultation on U.S. economic policies: “At the current stage of the business cycle, the expansionary fiscal policy stance, while boosting U.S. and global output in the near term, could increase risks and uncertainties in the medium term.” The IMF Executive Board further stated that, “They pointed to an inflation surprise as an important risk that, if realized, could create volatility in financial markets, with negative global consequences.”
THE NEW GLOBAL ECONOMIC ORDER
Austrian Proposal for ‘European Silk Road’ To Build Bridges, Highways, Railroads…
July 4 (EIRNS)—The Vienna Institute of International Comparative Economics (WIIW) has released a proposal for a “European Silk Road” with investments ranging up to €1 trillion over a 10-year period, focussed on two main corridors. The WIIW proposal is addressed in particular to the Austrian government, for an initiative among the EU partner countries, to be launched during Austria’s half-year rotating EU presidency, which began on July 1.
The WIIW proposals delineate the two corridors. One is Between Lyon and Moscow, extended to Barcelona and Lisbon in the west, and to Nishny Novgorod, Samara and Uralsk in the east. The second corridor runs from Milan to Zurich, Vienna, and Budapest, Bucharest, and Constanta, extended eastward to Novorossyisk and Volgograd, with another branch running to Poti, Tbilisi, and Baku. This can, the survey says, create up to 7 million new jobs, in projects of building bridges, railroads, highways, ports, and other infrastructure.
Explaining the survey, WIIW board member Dionys Lehner said that if Europe had plenty of money to stabilize the volatile banking sector after 2008, money should not be held back where infrastructure projects of this importance are concerned. Particularly the Russian aspect of it is of immediate interest for Austria: More than €300 million of new exports for the Austrian economy annually could be expected to result from such a program.
SCIENCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
China’s High-Intensity Neutron Source Is Open for International Fusion and Fission Experiments
July 2 (EIRNS)—China has opened its High Intensity Neutron Source, (HINEG) at its Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, to cooperative international experiments, Dr. Steven Dean reported June 29. This is a relatively new institute, founded in 2011, with a staff 500, some 80% of whom hold doctoral degrees. It conducts a broad range of leading-edge research in both fission and fusion technology.
The Neutron Source creates an experimental platform “consistent with the fusion neutron environment,” and can be used for materials research, radiation protection, and neutron applications, relevant to both fission and fusion, and fission/fusion hybrids, the Institute states.
A series of experiments has been carried out in the laboratory, including some with international cooperation. The Institute itself states: “HINEG is an open experimental platform for scholars all over the world. Cooperative experiments are always greatly welcomed.”
Russia May Shift Its Cooperation in Manned Space from the U.S. to China
July 4 (EIRNS)—Later this week, in what would be a dramatic and potentially life-changing shift in international space cooperation, Sputnik reports today that a delegation from the China National Space Administration will hold talks with Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos. The topic on the agenda, according to a space industry source, will be creating a jointly-run space station.
This would be a project, if it were to emerge, that would reshuffle historic manned space relationships. Russia’s only manned space cooperation has been with the U.S. (until 2003, the only other manned space power), in the 1970s Apollo-Soyuz program, the 1990s Shuttle/Mir missions, and the current operation of the International Space Station.
The article reports that the Chinese government is interested in Russia’s experience with long-duration space missions, and the construction of large-scale space projects. The Sputnik source also said that China lacks access to key technology, and would partner with Russia in exchange for Russian “know-how.” It is a good match, in that the Chinese program has the resources and long-term plans, and Russia has the expertise and experience.
At this point, even though the Russians have talked about it, China is the only country or organization that is actually going to build an Earth-orbiting station, with the first segment set to launch next year. It would appear that the framework of the Chinese station would be the platform for cooperation.
Although the Russian space program has had some important input into the Chinese manned program in the recent past, as was reported in an article in Popular Mechanics, Russia is “considering” shifting its human spaceflight cooperation “away from the U.S. toward China.” It appears they are close to making a decision on doing so.
OTHER
Saudi War Has Pushed Yemen ‘Deep into the Abyss’ Charges UNICEF Director
July 4 (EIRNS)—The genocidal war on Yemen has already pushed a nation on the brink “deep into the abyss,” warned UNICEF Executive Director Henriette Fore in a briefing to reporters in Geneva on July 3.
“Social services are barely functional. The economy is in ruins. Prices have soared. Hospitals have been damaged. Schools have turned into shelters or have been taken over by armed groups,” she said in describing her trip to Aden and the capital Sana’a, according to a UN press release. She said that children were routinely “taken out of school, forced to fight, married off, hungry, dying from preventable diseases,” and stating further that “today, 11 million children in Yemen—more than the entire population of Switzerland—need help getting food, treatment, education, water, and sanitation.”
Since 2015, health facilities have been cut by more than half; 1,500 schools have been damaged by airstrikes and shelling; and at least 2,200 children have been killed, with around 3,400 injured, according to the UNICEF chief. “These are only numbers we have been able to verify. The actual figures could be even higher,” she said. “There is no justification for this carnage.”
There are efforts in the U.S. Congress to cut the flow of weapons and munitions to Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., the two Gulf states leading the genocidal war against Yemen. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, is holding back support for the sale of tens of thousands of U.S. precision-guided munition kits to Saudi Arabia, until the Trump Administration justifies U.S. military aid to Riyadh’s campaign in Yemen, Defense News reported yesterday.
Menendez sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis last week, in which he said that the administration must provide more public testimony and private briefings to lawmakers before he can be satisfied.
“I am not confident that these weapons sales will be utilized strategically as effective leverage to push back on Iran’s actions in Yemen, assist our partners in their own self-defense, or drive the parties toward a political settlement that saves lives and mitigates human suffering,” Menendez said in his June 28 letter. “Even worse, I am concerned that our policies are enabling the perpetuation of a conflict that has resulted in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” he said.