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JUST IN: European Council Grants Ukraine, Moldova EU Candidate Status

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2022

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The European Council, on Thursday, has granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status for European Union membership.

In what the European Council president, President Charles Michel, called a “historic moment,” the announcement was made after discussions among leaders of the EU’s 27 member states during a summit Thursday in Brussels.

The European Commission had, last week, recommended that Ukraine should be granted candidate status to pave way for the country’s membership of the bloc. The commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, had said Ukraine had “already implemented roughly 70 per cent of rules, norms and standards.”

In a statement approving the candidate status, The European Council said, “The European Council recognises the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union.

“The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova.

“The Commission is invited to report to the Council on the fulfilment of the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinions on the respective membership applications as part of its regular enlargement package. The Council will decide on further steps once all these conditions are fully met.”

The European Council added that, “The progress of each country towards the European Union will depend on its own merit in meeting the Copenhagen criteria, taking into consideration the EU’s capacity to absorb new members.”

Announcing the development, an excited European Commission tweeted to its verified Twitter page, @EU_Commission, “Today is a good day for Europe! Ukraine and Moldova are granted the candidate status to become part of the European family. Georgia is given the perspective to become a member of the EU.”

In a series of tweets posted to her verified Twitter page, @vonderleyen, after the announcement, European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, saying “Your countries are part of our European family.”

Ursula von der Leyen wrote, “Today is a good day for Europe. Congratulations to President @ZelenskyyUA, President @Sandumaiamd and Prime Minister @GharibashviliGe. Your countries are part of our European family. And today’s historic decision by Leaders confirms that.

“Very pleased with the Leaders’ endorsement of our Opinions. (Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia) all have work to do before moving to the next stage of the process. I know that they will move swiftly. They know how crucial this is for their democracies, their economies and their citizens.

“This decision strengthens us all. It strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in the face of Russian imperialism. And it strengthens the EU. Because it shows once again to the world that we are united and strong in the face of external threats.”

French President, Emmanuel Macron, reacting to the announcement via a tweet, said, “In Kyiv last week, we made a commitment: to work towards offering Ukraine the status of candidate for membership of the European Union. Here we are. Tonight we open a new stage for Ukraine, for Moldova, for Europe. It’s historic.”

Reacting, Ukrainian President Zelensky tweeted, “Sincerely commend EU leaders’ decision at #EUCO to grant Ukraine a candidate status. It’s a unique and historical moment in Ukraine-EU relations. Grateful to @CharlesMichel, @vonderleyen and EU leaders for support. Ukraine’s future is within the EU. #EmbraceUkraine“

The Kyiv Independent also quoted Zelensky as saying, “It’s a victory. Now, we will defeat the enemy, rebuild Ukraine, become a EU member state, and then – we will finally rest.”

What a candidate status means for Ukraine
It is a first official step to EU membership.

There are three stages involved in the process of becoming a full member of the European Union:

When a country is ready it becomes an official candidate for membership (which Ukraine has become today)– but this does not necessarily mean that formal negotiations have been opened.

The candidate moves on to formal membership negotiations, a process that involves the adoption of established EU law, preparations to be in a position to properly apply and enforce it and implementation of judicial, administrative, economic and other reforms necessary for the country to meet the conditions for joining, known as accession criteria.

When the negotiations and accompanying reforms have been completed to the satisfaction of both sides, the country can join the EU.

Although candidate status is not membership yet, it does carry major cachet. For countries aspiring to be part of Europe’s most important political and economic bloc, candidate status amounts to a first seal of approval.

Naming Ukraine as a candidate country would also send a strong signal to Russia — that the EU won’t be intimidated by Moscow and is ready to welcome Kyiv as a member, according to Politico.

PUNCH

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Living-in-China: Meet Half-Nigerian, Half-Chinese Youth Who Speaks Igbo, English, Chinese Fluently [VIDEO]

Published

13 hours ago

May 7, 2024

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L-R: Emmanuel Chibike, and Real Mc Ezegetive Comedy

A half-Nigerian and half-Chinese man, Emmanuel Chibike, has left social media users in awe with his ability to speak Igbo, English, and Chinese fluently.

The discovery was made by content creator and social media influencer known as Real Mc Ezegetive Comedy during his visit to an estate in China.

“If you look around, you’ll see that I’m in an estate in China. I met our brother, and as I was looking at him, I was wondering if he was Chinese,” Real Mc Ezegetive Comedy said in a video interview posted on Monday.

“I noticed that as I was speaking (in Igbo language), he was laughing, and I was wondering if he could understand what I was speaking,” he added.

It was then that the comedian learned of Chibike’s unique background.

“After discussions with him, he explained who he was to me. Apparently, his father, who is from Ozubulu (a town in Anambra State), came to China and married a Chinese woman,” he explained.

Chibike’s ability to effortlessly switch between the three languages left a lasting impression on the influencer. “This boy here, he can speak English, Chinese, and Igbo languages,” he marvelled.

In the video, Chibike showcased his multilingual skills by introducing himself in English, Chinese, and then Igbo.

His fluency in all three languages show his knowledge of his cultural heritage.

Real Mc Ezegetive Comedy seized the opportunity to encourage Igbo parents to teach their children their native language.

“It is quite shameful that some Igbo children based in Igbo land can’t speak their native language,” he lamented, emphasising the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural identities.

Watch the video below courtesy The PUNCH:

𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐢𝐧-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐈𝐠𝐛𝐨, 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲https://t.co/a0iM56ZKoL pic.twitter.com/gXCDUpObjZ
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) May 6, 2024
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Pandemonium During Church Service As Man Pulls Gun, Attempts To Shoot Pastor [VIDEO]

Published

14 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Editor

A church service in Pennsylvania was paused on Sunday, May 5, when a man pulled a gun on the pastor and allegedly attempted to shoot him during his sermon but his firearm failed to discharge.

The incident happened at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, shortly after 1:00 p.m. ET, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

The suspected gunman, who police identified as 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite, entered the church and allegedly attempted to shoot the pastor, Glenn Germany, as he was delivering his sermon on a live steam.

The suspect’s firearm failed to discharge and a congregation members and the pastor were able to subdue and disarm him before anyone was harmed, police said.

“I’m thankful to God that I’m still here because he definitely pulled the trigger,” Pastor Germany told ABC News affiliate WTAE.

Describing the alarming encounter, Germany told the outlet Polite smiled at him before the attempted attack.

“I started to begin to preach, and all of a sudden, from my left-hand side, I saw him move from the back to the front of the church, and he set up in the front corner of the church and smiled at me,” Germany said.

“All of a sudden, I just saw a gun pointing right at me. And at that point, all I could try to do is run for cover,” he said.

Church service comes to a halt as man pulls gun and attempts to shoot pastor (video)

The pastor went on to praise the congregation member who sprang into action to subdue Polite, saying, “He could have lost his life in that struggle, but he sacrificed himself for everyone, and he’s the hero.”

The suspect was held at the church until Pennsylvania State Police troopers arrived at the scene and arrested him.

Police said charges have been filed.

Watch a video of the incident below.

Headline

Kenya Deports Nigerian Captured On CCTV Assaulting Woman In Wheelchair [VIDEO]

Published

2 days ago

May 5, 2024

Editor

A Nigerian national who was caught on CCTV camera assaulting a Kenyan woman confined to a wheelchair in Nairobi has been deported.

In the footage that went viral on April 26, 2024, the Nigerian man identified as John Nwankwo Noko, is seen clobbering a helpless Ms. Pauline in the head before two other ladies looking on intervened to stop the act.

In a statement signed by State Department of Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, Nwankwo was deported on Saturday, May 4, 2024, for assaulting his partner, Ms Pauline.

He is accused of physically assaulting his partner, a Kenyan woman confined to a wheelchair, raising concerns about cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“The act of violence has not only violated the rights of an individual but has also highlighted the broader issues of gender-based violence, that is rampant in our society,” Orwoba said in the statement.

The case was first brought to the attention of the police by Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba on Wednesday, May 1.

Orwoba, acting on the video that first went viral on social media on April 29, visited the woman at her home, who confirmed that her life was in danger.

She [the woman] claimed that her Nigerian partner “had been threatening to kill her and her two domestic workers if they outed him,” Orwoba said.

Senator Orwoba then reported the matter to Karen Police Station, after which it was picked up by the offices of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure, and that of Immigration PS Julius Bitok.

“Mr Nwankwo Noko has been arrested and processed for deportation,” Gender PS confirmed.

The nominated senator, who has continually advocated for violence against women has since demanded an end to the rising cases, saying they not only leave women with physical and emotional damage but also tear the moral fabric of our society.

“We strongly condemn such behavior and we shall continue working towards creating a safer environment for women, free of fear,” Orwoba added.

Watch footage below:

John Nwankwo, a devil, assaults woman in wheelchair in Kenya…
Criminal:
John Nwankwo Noko
Crime:
Nigerian man by the name of John Nwankwo Noko was captured on CCTV assaulting a woman in a wheelchair. In the footage, the ruthless man is seen raining kicks and blows on the… pic.twitter.com/COGgqaFEzd
— CitizenOlu (@jagabanolu) April 26, 2024