'Purpose of US foreign policy to create bad image of Iran' - expert

Iran, which has been repeatedly slammed by Washington over its poor human rights record, has published its own scathing report on rights violations in the United States. The report by Iran’s paramilitary Basij (bah-SEEJ) force says Washington is using human rights as a tool to wage war on other countries, while violating them at home. The Voice of Russia talked to Foad Izadi, faculty member at the University of Tehran.

The report focuses on rights abuses in 2013 and questions the United States’ role as the self-proclaimed defender of human rights and accuses Washington of an array of abuses.

 

The 30-page document lists death penalties, violation of prisoners’ rights, lack of free speech and breach of privacy rights among abuse practices in the United States.

It also refers to specific cases, including whistle-blowing activities of Edward Snowden that triggered privacy concerns and diplomatic scandals all over the world.

Tehran is also concerned about police discrimination targeting Muslims ‘for nothing but their faith’, specifying that they are viewed as suspects and are stigmatized by the authorities who are supposed to protect them.

The report - available in Persian, English and Arabic - was issued just a week after the United Nations published its survey focusing on human rights violations in the Islamic Republic, which was immediately dismissed by Iranian officials.

Foad, what do you make of a UN report on rights violations in Iran that was that was released recently?

I think, after keeping in mind that the source of that report was opposition figures and organizations that have been trying to overthrow the Iranian government for the last thirty-some years, and because of that type of source, you should imagine that the report is going to be critical of the Iranian government. Unfortunately, in the UN they have a number of countries like the United States that have more power than just one vote. Since the US is part of the Security Council, and because of its historical role in the United Nations, what happens is some issues that interest the US government, there is more exercise of power, and I think the UN report needs to be viewed from that angle, that the people who actually managed to write it and provided information for that had that in line to damage the reputation of Iran internationally.

So, as you’re saying, I wish to considerer the source here. And probably America was behind this, America really wants to show how bad Iran is, even if’s true or not true. So, do you feel that this report was accurate?

Well, in any type of research that you look at, there are two questions that you have to have an answer for. One is, who is doing it, and in this case we have one person, Ahmad Shahid his name is, who is connected with the US government, is in line with the US foreign policy, and this report having this purpose of sort of creating a bad image of Iran. So, this is the one question you want an answer for: who has done it. And the second question is what they said, what sources did they use. And this is true for any type of research. So, if you want to answer these two questions in regard to that report, I think, you will end up with the conclusion that you have to read this report keeping in mind these two factors.

Well, how would you describe the current situation with human rights in Iran?

We have a country that relatively, in this part of the world that we live in, is doing better than its neighbors. For example, in Iran, women go to universities, 60% of universities in Iran have females as students. We have some countries in this part of the world, say, maybe, Saudi Arabia, that actually hush up the treating of its female population, they don’t even have the right to elect. In terms of freedom of the speech, if you go to any news stand in Iran, you would see 20, 25 sometimes, newspapers that are published daily in Iran. If you look at the US in this regard, generally, if you go to any news stand in the United States, you’ll get 3 – 4 newspapers, you’ll get the New York Times, you’ll get the USA Today, Wall Street Journal and the local paper. So, in terms of quantity, we are doing better than many countries, and in terms of the range of opinions that are presented, you have newspapers that are criticizing the government on daily basis and press that is supporting the government on daily basis, and so there’s a wide range of opinions that is being presented, and anyone in Iran who wants to have criticism of government, something that views the government from a critical prospective, turns to newspapers that are focusing on that.

In your opinion, why does the West continually slam Tehran for its human rights record, then?

You know, in Iran, we had a government that the West liked, we had the shah government, dictatorship that imprisoned a lot of people, killed a lot of its opponents, and was fully, fully supported by the US government. In fact, the shah’s secret service, was funded and managed by the CIA for many decades. And what happened with the shah, in fact, during the 1979 revolution, was that people of Iran finally got tired of this tyrant, had a popular revolution, overthrew the tyrant, and then overthrew that structure that supported him, kicked out the Americans from Iran, and since that time, the US government – you know, they don’t like to be kicked out of countries – so, it’s obviously something that they haven’t forgotten, and this has been the history of animosity, and since, during the Iran-Iraq war, the United States’ government supported Saddam’s army. In fact, they have published reports during the war, the US was providing satellite images of Iranian troops, and the government of Iraq at that time, Saddam’s government was using this intelligence, these satellite images to attack Iranian troops with chemical weapons. When we were talking last time about the Syrian crisis, we mentioned that the United States caused a lot of emotion internationally claimed at the Syrian government was using chemical weapons. But during the Iran-Iraq war, the US actually was providing the intelligence to the Iraqi army to attack Iranian troops with chemical weapons. The sanctions that Iranian people are experiencing are quite difficult, the US is behind that, you know, and Russia wanted to sign an agreement of Iran selling oil to Russia and then getting goods from Russia, and the US is opposing this deal, just because they don’t want Iran’s economy to prosper, in fact, they don’t want the Russian economy to prosper either.

Let’s talk about America. And what can you say about human rights in the United States? In your opinion, do you feel that there… Do they protect them?

Well, you have to basically look at impartial reports that are available, done by American human rights organizations, you have a number of American human rights organizations that are doing a good work, in fact, the report that was published in Iran recently was provided by American human rights organizations, The organization that published that report did not do any investigation of its own, they used the data that was available in the United States. And for human rights situation in the US, I guess, you need to talk to someone who is living there right now, but I guess the revelations of Edward Snowden show that first of all, the US government has no respect for people’s privacy. This is an indication that the US has major, major social problems. Then, a lot of prisoners in the United States come from minority groups. The US government, I think, is violating human rights on daily basis, killing people on daily basis, generally innocent civilians, bombing weddings, bombing just normal people who are going about their business. This is done by a country that I don’t think is having respect for human rights, because people are getting killed on daily basis by US drones are also human beings. The overall, I think, a lot of your listeners know the hypocrisy that exists in the US’s notorious adherence to human rights. As I said, they have a number of organizations within the United States that look on human rights issues, some of these organizations are facing difficulties, they are facing pressure from the US government. One of these organizations’ computers were confiscated, so it’s not easy for them to continue this type of work, but they are doing it.

Tejas to officially replace MiG-21 FL

SHILLONG (PTI): The indigenously developed light combat aircraft 'Tejas' would officially replace the MiG-21 FL fighter jet, Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said Thursday.

"One major phase has passed over and now we look toward the new induction into the force. The LCA will replace the MiG-21," Browne told reporters at the headquarter of Eastern Air Command here.

"We will get 40 aircraft and that will be the Mark-I type.

Tejas will be battle ready by end of 2014," he said.

Defence Minister A K Antony would officially hand over initiation of acceptance of the Tejas into the force at its birthplace in Bengaluru on December 20, the IAF Chief said.

Browne, accompanied by his wife Kiran, was here on a two-day farewell visit and also attended a Commanders' Conference of the Eastern Air Command.

According to Browne, works are on for developing Mark-II type 'Tejas' with improvement in radar system and other add-ons and it will be inducted into the force at a later stage.

Asked on air defence scenario in the Northeast region, Browne said, "North East area is important to us. We have plans for induction of radars for the hilly terrain. We have a series of systems that ensure that the air defence is impregnable."

He said one squadron of Sukhoi would be based in Tezpur by next year, adding that the latest squadron was being formed at Sirsa in Punjab.

On the MiG-21 FL which was phased out after 50-years of service, at a function at Kalaikunda Air base in West Bengal yesterday, Browne said, "It's been a memorable moment for the Air Force and also a watershed moment as the aircraft which trained all the fighter pilots including myself and generations of pilots."

"It has done its job. It has done well," he added.

Malaysian Defence Modernisation (Article)

A looming general election which must be held by April 2013 has generally led to the government giving little priority to military procurement under the 10th Malaysia Plan of 2011-2015 which governs all Malaysian government spending for that timeframe. It should however be noted that the Malaysian government did initiate two major procurement programmes in 2010; the development and order to Deftech of Malaysian for 257 indigenously produced AV8 8×8 AFVs and the construction of six Second Generation Patrol Vessels to be built locally by Boustead Naval Shipyards with the assistance of France’s DCNS. Since then no major procurement programme has been initiated save for the signing in December 2011 of an MYR294 million ($97.3 million) contract for the construction of two training ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) by Malaysia’s NGV Tech which would be built with the assistance of South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

Other than that no major procurement has occurred since, despite an intense marketing effort by aviation companies for a requirement of 18 multi-role combat aircraft to replace the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMAF’s) MiG-29 fleet, which is scheduled to be phased out by 2015. However, the Malaysian government has yet to indicate when a decision will be made on that programme save to only say that it will be made after the General Election. The issue of Malaysian defence developments post-Election is a conundrum by itself, while the ruling National Front coalition is expected to win and remain in power, there does exists the possibility that the opposition People’s Alliance could win by a slim margin. Should they do so, it is an open question as to how defence developments in Malaysia will proceed as the People’s Alliance has yet to issue any official statement as to their plans in regards to defence. Rhetorically, the People’s Alliance has made statements stating that they consider defence spending a wasteful expenditure and in one year, proposed that the existing annual defence budget be cut by 90 percent. How much they would actually do so in practice should they gain power is open to question. Even with the ruling National Front retaining power, it is also open to question as to whether any defence programme or requirement will proceed immediately given the Malaysian government’s lack of emphasis on such. For example, the Royal Malaysian Navy has had a requirement for a multi-purpose support ship since 2008 and even the loss to a ship fire in 2009 of the RMN’s sole amphibious capability ship, the Newport class LST KD Sri Inderapura, failed to spur any priority towards this requirement by the Malaysian government. RMN Chief Admiral Tan Sri Aziz Jaafar said in December last year that he expected acquisition of the MPSS to only take place in the 11th Malaysia Plan of 2016-2020. Still there remains open the possibility that the government may approve some programmes post elections though this would depend on the circumstances and finances involved.

Army

The Army’s key current ongoing programme is the indigenous AV-8 AFV to be built by Malaysia’s Deftech and based upon the Turkish FNSS PARS AFV. Deftech is partnered with a number of foreign companies in this programme including Britain’s BAE, Turkey’s FNSS, France’s Thales and South Africa’s Denel among others. 257 vehicles in twelve variants are to be produced with the basic prototype currently under development and scheduled for a sixth month trial in Malaysia by March 2013 with full production expected to begin in 2013 and completed in 2018. The 257 vehicles are expected to be an initial batch with the Army expected to order additional vehicles down the line. Potentially down the line, the Army plans to upgrade its tactical 4x4s and its truck fleet. In the case of tactical 4x4s, though no formal tenders have been called, the Malaysian Army’s table of organisation for the Standard Infantry Battalion calls for at least 15 vehicles per battalion to act as weapons platforms/carriers for the battalion’s support weapons, with the Malaysian Army keen to have its over 30 infantry battalions to be equipped as such, a potential order of over 500 vehicles could emerge in the future should funding be approved. In regard to military trucks, while the Malaysian Army uses the Deftech supplied Handalan series of three tonne general service trucks for much of its requirements, the Army is now planning to establish a second line fleet of trucks to supplement the general service trucks. This fleet would be comprised of trucks capable of carrying more than three tonnes of cargo in rear echelon areas. Again funding has yet to be approved or formalised for this.

Other programmes also on the Army’s development plans but not formalised or budget approved for include the requirement for a medium range air defence capability, self propelled howitzers, a tactical transport helicopter squadron and an attack helicopter squadron. Both the attack helicopter squadron and the tactical transport helicopter squadron are part of the Army’s 2010 Plus 10 overall development plan which calls for the Army Air Corps to have a squadron each for the light observation, tactical transport and attack role. Currently only the light observation helicopter squadron, equipped with eleven Agusta Westland A109s is in existence. The attack helicopter squadron appears to be a priority for the Army, as the lack of transport helicopters can be made up through co-operation with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Navy

The Royal Malaysian Navy’s key programme is the six ship Second Generation Patrol Vessel – Littoral Combat Ship (SGPV-LCS). The SGPV-LCS are to be the follow-on to the six Kedah class Next Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV) built by Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) though the SGPV-LCS will be bigger and more heavily armed compared to the Kedah class. Despite the LCS name, the SGPV-LCS is a conventional design hull based on DCNS’ Gowind design, DCNS being selected as the foreign partner to work with BNS on the SGPV-LCS programme. The ship is to have an overall length of 107m, a full load of 2750 tons, a 106 personnel crew, maximum speed of 28 knots with a cruising speed of 16 knots, range of the ship expected to be 5000nm, with an endurance of 21 days. The weapon systems of the SGPV-LCS have been a source of continuing disagreement between the RMN and BNS with the RMN insisting that the ships be outfitted with their exact choice while BNS have pressed for systems of their choice in order to ensure that integration of the ship systems go smoothly and that costs in building the ships be kept down. At the time of writing, no decision has been made yet as to the primary weapon systems for the ship. The RMN is said to prefer the Raytheon ESSM for the surface to air missile with the Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Naval Strike Missile for the surface to surface missile while BNS have been said to have recommended the Mica system for the SGPV-LCS’ SAM and the MBDA’s Exocet as its SSM. The main gun is expected to be the BAE Bofors Mk3 57mm, which BNS’s parent company, Boustead Heavy Industry Corporation has an existing joint venture partnership known as BHIC Bofors Asia. The first ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2017 with subsequent ships delivered every six months thereafter. All will be built at the BNS facilities in Lumut. However with this ship class only to be delivered beginning from 2017, it is clear that the RMN will face a capability gap till then and likely a situation of concern giving the tensions surrounding the Spratly Islands, which Malaysia claims and where the RMN maintains a presence on five islands and reefs. There has been moves by the US to offer surplus Perry class frigates being decommissioned from the US Navy though little has emerged from this partly as any such acceptance would require funding approval from the Malaysian government, which has appeared to have put any defence decision involving funding on hiatus until after the election.

The first of the two locally manufactured training ships ordered in 2011 was launched on 14th December and RMN Chief Admiral Tan Sri Aziz Jaafar has called additional two ships to be built and outfitted as combat ships. In his speech during the launch of the 75.9m training ship ‘Gagah Samudera’, the RMN Chief urged the Malaysian government to consider the purchase of two additional hulls during the timeframe of the 11th Malaysia Plan of 2016-2020 as replacements for the current eight aging Handalan and Perdana class Fast Attack Crafts which entered service in the 1970s. The second training ship is scheduled to be launched in January 2013 with the Gagah Samudera scheduled to be commissioned and entering service in 2013 while the second ship will enter service in July 2014.

As stated earlier, the purchase of the Multi-Purpose Support Ship is unlikely to commence until the 11th Malaysia Plan of 2016-2020, possibly also likely to take place in that timeframe, though the RMN would like to have it commence as soon as possible, is the purchase of at least 6-12 anti-submarine warfare helicopters. The US has been heavily promoting the MH-60R Seahawk for this requirement.

Royal Malaysian Air Force

The much talked RMAF programme is the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft replacement for the MiG-29 fleet, though the RMAF has indicated that it would like to have the aircraft delivered by 2015 to coincide with the phasing out of the MiG-29 though such a date would now be impossible to achieved given that the manufacturers of the aircraft in contention have all stated a 28-36 month delivery date after signing of contract. As such this calls into question the Malaysian government’s sense of urgency on the programme, given that the timeframe to sign the contract in order to meet the RMAF date of when they would like the aircraft to be delivered has slipped by and it is possible that contrary to expectations, that a deal for up to 18 aircraft may not be signed in 2013 following the elections. The aircraft in contention are the Boeing Superhornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon (marketed for BAE) and Saab Gripen. Long term plans for the RMAF call for the RMAF to have a force posture of six front line MRCA squadrons. Currently the RMAF has two MRCA squadrons, No. 11 with the Su-30MKMs and No. 18 with the F/A-18 Hornet though No 18 is only a half squadron with Malaysia only having eight Hornets in its inventory. The RMAF also has a number of other procurement and upgrade requirements amongst them the procurement of Airborne Early Warning and Command (AEW&C) aircraft, additional PC-7 Mk II trainers, the construction of support facilities for the A400M transports scheduled to enter service in 2015, the upgrade of the BAE Hawks currently in RMAF service, upgrades of the RMAF’s C-130 fleet and either the obtainment of additional Eurocopter EC-725 helicopters or a service life extension programme for part of the RMAF’s S-61 ‘Nuri’ helicopter fleet. However some of these programmes, notably the AEW&C aircraft, additional PC-7 trainers and upgrades to the BAE Hawks are unlikely to proceed anytime soon due to the lack of funding, particularly for the AEW&C aircraft in which Saab has been marketing its Erieye system and Northrop Grumman the E-2D Hawkeye. The RMAF is looking at an operational requirement for eight AEW&C aircraft though the costs of such is likely to ensure that a lesser number, if any, will be purchased. Both the C-130 fleet upgrade and the S-61 helicopters SLEP have been allocated for but the government has yet to give approval for the RMAF to proceed. Some 15 S-61 helicopters are to undergo the planned SLEP while the C-130 upgrades would involve the upgrading of its avionics to meet international civil aviation standards and the installation of self-protection systems.

Two of the twelve EC725s ordered by the RMAF were delivered on 3rd December. Originally only one EC725 was to be delivered but the second one was completed ahead of schedule. A third will be delivered by March 2013 and the current delivery schedule calls for delivery of all 12 helicopters to be completed by January 2014. The RMAF would like to obtain another twelve EC725s and also obtain funding to fully equip the current twelve with self protection systems and additional specialized equipment but no indication has been given by the Malaysian government as to these requirements. The RMAF expects to take deliveries of its four A400Ms in 2015-2016 and is expected to soon issue a tender for the construction of facilities at RMAF Subang to house the A400Ms which will be stationed there.

akistan Ordinance Factory POF Eye (Corner Shoot Gun)

Pakistan Ordinance Factory POF Eye (Corner Shoot Gun) is designed to be used by the Special Operations Forces of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy in Anti-Terrorism operations.

Pakistan has been actively promoting this Corner shot gun to the international users in international defence exhibitions.

Pakistan Ordinance Factory offers its POF Eye (Corner Shoot Gun) with 9 mm semi-automatic pistol as well as with the sub-machine gun option.

Turkish T-129 (AW729) Attack Helicopter

Turkish T-129 (AW729) Attack Helicopter developed by the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with AgustaWestland as its partner for Turkish Army. Turkey is also actively promoting its T-129 (AW729) Attack Helicopter to international customer like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Libya etc. T-129 can carry upto 12x UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi) long range air-to-surface anti-tank guided missiles and Roketsan Cirit laser-guided 70 mm rocket system.

 

 

Iranian Taftan 2 Mechanized Mine Clearance Equipment

Iranian Taftan-2 Mechanized Mine Clearance Equipment

 

Arming F-22 Raptor With AIM-120 Amraam And AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles

F 35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) With AMRAAM & AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles

 

Lockheed Martin has announced that United States Air Force (USAF) version of the F 35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has conducted test flights with AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, (AMRAAM) beyond-visual-range (BVR), AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking, short-range,air-to-air missile (AAM) and 2,000 pound bombs.

 

Two AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two 2,000 pound bombs were carried internally while two AIM-9X Sidewinder were carried on two of the six external hardpoints.

Growth of Pakistan's International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS)

IDEAS is a biennially held defence exhibition, started from the year 2000. Over the years, it has grown very well in its reach, participation and international attendance to a level that is second to none.

 

 

The IDEAS-2014 team will welcome you at Karachi Expo Centre for the 8th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) event from 1 to 4 December 2014. The IDEAS 2014, being the most strategically important event of the region, will once again bring together all the industry's players across the globe to showcase the latest technological innovations. The 4 days of the Show are exclusively for trade visitors and high official defence delegates. 

 

 

 THE REGIONAL DEFENCE MARKET

The most volatile geopolitical region of Asia is one of the largest markets for Defence Products. In a bid to effectively meet the new challenge posed by the transformed regional and global security dynamics, the Asia as well as governments of the neighboring continent of Africa allocates significant budgets for modernization and up-gradation programs for their armed forces. 

 

 

Source: www.ideaspakistan.gov.pk

Malaysia for 20 AIM-9X Block II Missiles

The Malaysian government has requested the purchase of 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II which will cost around $52 million.

The Malaysian SIDEWINDER  deal include following 
20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All-Up-Round Missiles,
8 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles,
4 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units,
2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units,
2 Dummy Air Training Missiles

Sea of Japan, Gulf of Oman, Atlantic Ocean

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 flies in front of the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56).

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 28, 2014) Sailors spray the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a wash down exercise in preparation for returning to homeport. Ronald Reagan is underway conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Estes/Released)

BANGOR, Wash. (Jan. 28, 2014) Sailors from the ballistic-missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) blue crew, right, help moor the ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 740) as it returns home to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ahron Arendes/Released)

SEA OF JAPAN (Jan. 28, 2014) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) participate in a live-fire .50-caliber exercise aboard the ship. Shiloh is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Flewellyn/Released)

An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, assigned to the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, receives cargo from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a replenishment-at-sea in the Gulf of Oman.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 30, 2014) Chief Aviation Boatwain's Mate (Handling) Reginald Hopson, a damage control weapons instructor, observes Sailors combat a live fire during high risk shipboard firefighting training at the Yokosuka Firefighting School at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Fifteen Sailors assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) attended the class to practice damage control techniques in a realistic training environment. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Phillip Pavlovich/Released)

China and Malaysia to further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries

Senior Chinese and Malaysian military officials reached consensus on Friday to further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), said the PLA hopes to bring the bilateral relations between the two armies to a higher level by strengthening high-level exchange, strategic consultations, joint training and other forms of cooperation.

 

He made the remarks when paying a visit to the Defense Ministry of Malaysia, during which he held talks with Deputy Minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad and Armed Forces chief Zulkifeli Mohd. Zin respectively.

Qi said China and Malaysia, with a long history of traditional friendship, have fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade, culture, among others. Abdul Latiff praised China's efforts to keep world peace and promote common development. He said Malaysia is willing to increase exchange and cooperation with China, in order to further promote the military relations between the two countries.

Zulkifeli, during his talk with the Chinese general, said Malaysian military attaches great importance to PLA's positive role in international and regional affairs. Malaysia would like to further boost practical cooperation with China and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region, Zulkifeli added.

Israel has offered Turkey of millions in compensation

Israel has offered Turkey $20 million in compensation to the families of those killed and wounded in its botched 2010 raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, Haaretz newspaper reported on Monday. Citing unnamed Western diplomats briefed on the ongoing negotiations with Ankara, the daily said Turkey had yet to respond to the Israeli offer.

Once-close relations between the two nations fell apart after Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish nationals during a botched pre-dawn raid on a six-ship flotilla seeking to break Israel's naval blockade on Gaza in May 2010.

The assault provoked a major diplomatic crisis between the former regional allies, with Ankara demanding a formal apology and compensation for the families of the victims.

Talks finally began in March 2013 after Israel extended a formal apology to Turkey to get relations back on track following to-level intervention by US President Barack Obama.

The talks stalled for several months but were revived in December when Israeli negotiators travelled to Istanbul and Turkey lowered its demands for compensation, Haaretz said.

Western diplomats quoted by the paper said Ankara had demanded $30 million, but Israel was initially willing to give only $15 million.

Voice of Russia, AFP

New nuclear threat? Radiation levels hit record high at crippled Fukushima

TEPCO has detected a record 1.9 million becquerels per liter of ray-emitting radioactive substances at Fukushima’s No. 2 reactor. Besides, the analysis of water samples from beneath the No. 4 reactor's well has shown radioactivity in deeper groundwater, raising new concerns of radioactive substances leakage into the ocean, NHK broadcasting company reports.

The previous record of 1.8 million becquerels of beta-ray sources per liter was registered at reactor No. 1 on December 13.

Apart from beta-ray emitting substances, 6.7 bq/liter of radioactive cesium and 137, 89 bq/liter of strontium were found by TEPCO experts, but the company’s officials urged not to jump to conclusions, adding that more examinations are needed. They also suggested that the figures could be wrong due to the possibility of mixing up radioactive substances while getting the samples.

Radiation-contaminated water leakages have been the major threat to Japan’s population and environment since March 2011 when the Fukushima disaster happened.

So far TEPCO has reported about two major leaks of highly radioactive water into the ocean from storage tanks – a 300-ton leak in August and 430 liters in October.

Japanese ministry of education has recently concluded that the children living in the proximity of the Fukushima nuclear plant are prone to obesity more than those living in the rest of the country. The reasons for the phenomenon the ministry officials see in the children’ changed daily routine as they are forced to reduce their out-door time due to the air pollution; authorities also claim relocation of families to other parts of the prefecture to have a huge impact on the children’s lifestyles as well.

The proportion of obese children in Fukushima was the highest compared to Japan’s other 46 prefectures in six of the 13 grades, from kindergarten to the third grade of high school. In total Fukushima’s young population is on average 20% heavier than in the rest of the country, and that’s in every school grade, while before the disaster the number were within the average around the country.

Ever since the earthquake and the tsunami crippled the plant in 2011, 56 schools were forced to confine the children to indoors for the bulk of time, having them spend very little time in the open air.

Parents who express great concern for their children’s well-being tried to leave the area, but the ones who stayed could in fact damage them becoming the circumstantial cause for their obesity.

However, the general studies indicate that the recent trend of obesity is becoming more and more overwhelming among young people, as they are getting accustomed to westernized diet replacing Japanese tradition meals containing a lot of fish and vegetables. Also, kids are less athletic now, as well.

The concerns of people who stayed in the vicinity of the crippled plant are have surely not been lifted by the authorities’ recent claims that the prefectural government had failed to monitor the progress of decontamination work.

Garbage bags filled with dirt and debris collected from contaminated areas have been left by workers in a park near the apartments, and the children used them to climb on.

According to research of the Mainichi newspaper, that radiation levels near the bags was 2.23 microsieverts per hour, and that is 10 times the legal limit. Waste has also been dumped close to schools.

No US warships in Black Sea – Russian Defense Ministry

No US warships have entered the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry’s official spokesman said on Monday.

The guided missile frigate USS Ramage (DDG-61) and the command ship USS Mt. Whitney with 600 marines deployed aboard have come to the Black Sea, a military diplomat told the Russian news agency on Monday. "The frigate USS Ramage and the flag ship of the US Sixth Fleet, the USS Mt. Whitney, have arrived in the Black Sea. They have passed through the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits lately with Turkish consent. More than 600 U. marines are stationed aboard the ships," the source said.

Judging by the vector of their movement, one may presume the US warships are headed towards the Ukrainian Black Sea coast.

A visit of the US warships to the Russian territorial waters is not on the agenda as of yet, the source said.

The USS Mt. Whitney, a Blue Ridge class command ship, is the flag ship of the US Sixth Fleet. It has a displacement of 18,400 tonnes, a length of 189 meters and a speed of 23 knots. The ship carries defensive artillery weaponry and a helicopter.

The USS Ramage (DDG-61) is a guided missile frigate commissioned on July 22, 1995. It has a displacement of 8,775 tonnes and a speed of 32 knots. It carries tactical strike weapons, Tomahawk cruise missiles, guided air defense missiles, artillery, anti-sub, mine and torpedo armaments, and a helicopter. The ship has a crew of 337, including 23 officers.

The Pentagon told reporters earlier that the ships would pay the visit as a part of standard military planning for security purposes during the Sochi Olympic Games.

Voice of Russia, Interfax, TASS

Some of Syria's chemical weapons will be destroyed on US vessel - OPCW

The most dangerous types of toxic substances from Syria's chemical weapons arsenals will be removed from the country by December 31 and destroyed on a vessel provided by the United States, Ahmet Uzumcu, director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said in a statement.

"The United States has offered to contribute a destruction technology, full operational support and financing to neutralize Syria's priority chemicals, which are to be removed from the country by 31 December," the statement says.

"The neutralization operations will be conducted on a US vessel at sea using hydrolysis," the statement says.

Uzumcu also reiterated that 35 commercial companies have expressed on interest in participating in the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons. These offers will now undergo evaluation, he said.

The US government has begun outfitting a ship in its reserve ready force with equipment to enable it to destroy some of Syria's chemical weapons at sea in the event Washington is asked to assist in the effort, a defense official said on Sunday.

The Maritime Administration vessel MV Cape Ray is being equipped with the newly developed Field Deployable Hydrolysis System, which was designed by the Defense Department to neutralize components used in chemical weapons, a defense official said on condition of anonymity.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which supervising the disposal of Syria's chemical arms, said last week the United States had offered to destroy some of the components on a US ship and was looking for a Mediterranean port where the work could be carried out.

"The United States is committed to supporting the international community's efforts to destroy Syria's chemical weapons in the safest, most efficient and effective means possible," Caitlin Hayden, a spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council, said in an email on Sunday.

"We have offered and are currently outfitting a US vessel with field deployable hydrolysis system technology to support the OPCW's efforts," she said, adding the US remained "confident that we can meet the milestones for destruction set out by the OPCW."

The OPCW aims to remove the most critical chemicals out of Syria by the end of December, with the remainder due out by Feb. 5.

The Cape Ray, a 648-foot (198-meter) vessel with built-in ramps to enable cargo to be efficiently rolled on and rolled off, is part of the Maritime Administration's ready reserve force of 46 ships.

The force was organized to provide strategic sealift for US military forces, but it is part of the Transportation Department. The Pentagon would lease the Cape Ray if it participates in the Syrian chemical weapons destruction, the defense official said.

The OPCW said last week 35 firms had expressed an interest in bidding for commercial contracts to dispose of some 800 tonnes (1 tonne = 1.102 metric tons) of bulk industrial chemicals that are safe to destroy in commercial incinerators.

Another 500 tonnes of chemicals, including nerve agents, were seen as too dangerous to import into a country or to process commercially. The OPCW was considering the US offer to neutralize those chemical agents on a vessel at sea.

The United States has offered to destroy Syria's priority chemicals on a US vessel at sea using hydrolysis, adding that a naval vessel was undergoing modifications to support the operation, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said.

The OPCW also said it had received expressions of interest from 35 firms for the safe disposal of Syria's chemical stockpile.

"The United States has offered to contribute destruction technology, full operational support and financing to neutralise Syria's priority chemicals," the organisation said in a statement.

The United States has offered to destroy Syria's chemical stockpile and plns to do so at sea, the world's chemical watchdog said on Saturday.

"The Director-General stated that the neutralisation operation will be conducted on a US vessel at sea using hydrolysis," the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in a statement.

The Obama administration is offering to destroy some of Syria’s chemical weapons in international waters on one of its ships, Itar-Tass reports.

The destruction would likely be on the MV Cape Ray, a US government-owned ship, in the Mediterranean Sea, with US Navy warships patrolling nearby. The US would use what it calls a mobile Field Deployable Hydrolysis System to neutralize the chemical material, making it unusable in weapons.

This approach would avoid the vexing diplomatic, environmental and security problems posed by disposing of the materials on any nation’s soil. The plan still needs final approval by the UN chemical watchdog, the OPCW.

Jonathan Lalley, a spokesman for the president's National Security Council, stressed that no decisions had been made regarding destroying chemicals outside of Syria.

"We and our international partners are pursuing alternative means of destruction, and we will continue discussing with other countries how they might best contribute to that effort," Lalley said in a statement.

"We remain confident that we will complete elimination of the program within the milestones agreed upon."

US Navy tightens its presence at Black Sea ahead of Olympics

USS Ramage (DDG-61)

The guided missile frigate USS Ramage (DDG-61) and the command ship USS Mt. Whitney with 600 marines deployed aboard have come to the Black Sea, a military diplomat told the Russian news agency on Monday. "The frigate USS Ramage and the flag ship of the US Sixth Fleet, the USS Mt. Whitney, have arrived in the Black Sea. They have passed through the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits lately with Turkish consent. More than 600 U. marines are stationed aboard the ships," the source said.

Judging by the vector of their movement, one may presume the US warships are headed towards the Ukrainian Black Sea coast.

A visit of the US warships to the Russian territorial waters is not on the agenda as of yet, the source said.

The USS Mt. Whitney, a Blue Ridge class command ship, is the flag ship of the US Sixth Fleet. It has a displacement of 18,400 tonnes, a length of 189 meters and a speed of 23 knots. The ship carries defensive artillery weaponry and a helicopter.

The USS Ramage (DDG-61) is a guided missile frigate commissioned on July 22, 1995. It has a displacement of 8,775 tonnes and a speed of 32 knots. It carries tactical strike weapons, Tomahawk cruise missiles, guided air defense missiles, artillery, anti-sub, mine and torpedo armaments, and a helicopter. The ship has a crew of 337, including 23 officers.

The Pentagon told reporters earlier that the ships would pay the visit as a part of standard military planning for security purposes during the Sochi Olympic Games.

Voice of Russia, Interfax

US sends ballistic missile destroyer to Spain to support NATO missile shield

USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) above

The US deployed a ballistic missile defense destroyer to Spain to boost NATO’s anti-missile shield in Europe. Washington says the deployment is aimed at curbing possible missile threats from Iran while Russia considers the move as a national security threat.

The USS Donald Cook will travel to its new home port of Rota, Spain, as part of the Obama administration's "phased adaptive approach" for European missile defense. Three other Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are to be deployed to Rota within the next two years, the Pentagon said in a press release.

"The US has a historically strong partnership with Spain, and the strength of that relationship is exemplified today as the first of four US Navy destroyers departs for Rota, Spain," Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said in provided comments. "Permanently forward-deploying four ships in Rota will enable us to be in the right place, not just at the right time, but all the time."

Hagel said the US is committed "to deploying missile defense architecture there," as a part of Phase 3 of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA).

The other three destroyers tasked for fielding in Spain are the USS Ross, USS Porter and USS Carney. All of the ships are to be equipped with Aegis systems and Standard Missile 3 Block 1B interceptors designed to defeat short- and medium-range ballistic missile threats.

The US Navy estimates that 1,239 military personnel will move to Spain's port of Rota as part of the EPAA plan, according to the Congressional Research Service. The move will cost $92 million, with another $100 million being spent annually on maintaining the ships in Spain.

In the meantime, if the US continues boosting its anti-missile capabilities through developing its missile defense system in Europe, Russia may eventually be forced to withdraw from the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the Russian Foreign Ministry’s top disarmament official, Mikhail Ulyanov, has warned.

"We are concerned that the US is continuing to build up missile defense capability without considering the interests and concerns of Russia,” Ulyanov told Interfax. “Such a policy can undermine strategic stability and lead to a situation where Russia will be forced to exercise [its] right of withdrawal from the [START] treaty.”

Source: The Voice of Russia