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15 September 2013
The General Court of the European Union held that the European Union must unfreeze the funds of a number of Iranian banks, companies and one individual that were hit by EU sanctions, aimed at restraining Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Court held that there was not enough evidence that these banks and corporations were involved in nuclear proliferation. Asset freezes imposed on two banks (e.g. Bank Melli Iran, Iran’s biggest bank) were however found to be justified by the Court.
Source: BBC | Iran nuclear: Firms' asset freeze annulled by EU court
Source: General Court of the European Union | PRESS RELEASE No 99/13 | Luxembourg, 6 September 2013
13 September 2013
The Washington Post reported that in the last few weeks, the CIA has started delivering (light) weapons to rebels in Syria, mainly in order to support fighters that are under the command of General Idriss, the commander of the Supreme Military Council. Separate deliveries (e.g. vehicles) have been made by the State Department. Aid in the form of nonlethal gear (e.g. medical kits and communications equipment) has also been delivered to the Syrian rebels.
Source: The Washington Post | U.S. weapons reaching Syrian rebels
13 September 2013
Nicholas Kay, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, while briefing the UN Security Council on the Secretary-General’s most recent report on the situation in Somalia, stated that the agreement between Somaliland and Somalia on shared management of airspace ‘could be a model for other areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.’ In July 2013, Somalia and Somaliland agreed to establish a joint committee to manage air traffic control and equitable revenue sharing.
Source: UN News Centre | UN Envoy: with Somalia on verge of 'great things,' more international assistance needed to secure gains
Source: SABAHI | Somalia, Somaliland region to form joint airspace control committee
13 September 2013
Wang Guanzhong, Deputy Chief of General Staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army, said during talks with US colleagues on the topic of the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea that ‘This issue should not become a problem between China and the United States, and China hopes that the United States does not become a third party in this issue.’ He further stated that ‘The United States should maintain a consistent stance and policy, not send wrong signals nor support and connive with the relevant country to do as they please.’
Source: Reuters | China military tells U.S. not to encourage Japan over isles
13 September 2013
Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated on 11 September 2013 that the UN was responsible for a ‘collective failure’ to halt more than two years of terrible violence in Syria.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly Vuk Jeremic stressed on 12 September 2013 the need for a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis and said that ‘if allegations regarding the use of chemical agents by a party to the conflict are proven accurate, Member States should unite and develop an appropriate response, in full respect of international law, including the centrality of the Security Council’s role under the UN Charter.’
Source: UN News Centre | UN General Assembly President urges international push for diplomatic solution to Syrian crisis
Source: The New York Times | U.N. Leader Admits Failure to Halt Syrian Atrocities