MOSCOW  –  Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on the war in Ukraine. The visit has been criticised by EU leaders, who have emphasized that Orban is not acting on behalf of the bloc. Orban is the EU’s only head of national government to have kept close ties to the Kremlin following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

He described the trip as a “peace mission” in a post on X. It comes days after he visited Kyiv. In footage of the meeting, Putin said the Hungarian prime minister was visiting “not just as a long-time partner” but as a European Union representative. Hungary has just taken over the EU’s rotating presidency, and will hold it to the end of the year. Viktor Orban, speaking in the meeting, said: “Hungary will slowly become the last European country that can talk to everyone.”

Some European leaders openly condemned the Moscow trip. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called it “disturbing news”, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk tweeted: “The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. No discussions about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.”

In a statement, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said the trip “takes place, exclusively, in the framework of the bilateral relations between Hungary and Russia”. Russia’s president told Orban he would be happy to discuss “the nuances” of his recent Ukraine settlement plan, in which he offered talks if Ukraine pulled out of Russian-occupied regions The Kremlin leader voiced a number of tough pre-conditions for negotiations, but Kyiv and its Western allies say these would be tantamount to Ukraine’s capitulation. Earlier this week, Orban visited Kyiv, saying “a quick ceasefire could be used to speed up peace negotiations”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – who has had frosty relations with Orban – did not publicly respond to the proposal. Many Ukrainians believe any ceasefire would simply cement Russia’s hold over territory it has seized from Ukraine and, if negotiations were to take place, they would prefer them to be conducted from a position of strength rather than on the back foot. (BBC)

Photo: Viktor Orban. (Reuters) …[+]

PARAMARIBO – The Moravian Church Foundation (MCF) is proud to announce that on July 5, 2024, its business arm, MCF Business Enterprises B.V. (MCFBE) transferred 24% of the shares in C. Kersten en Co. N.V. (Kersten) to the Foundation for Asset Management Moravian Church Suriname (FAMM), the business arm of the Moravian Church in Suriname.

MCFBE was established in 2004 and received all shares in Kersten at that time. In 1981 and later in 2016, the highest governing body of the Moravian Church, the Unity Synod, passed a resolution for the transfer of 24% of Kersten shares to the Moravian Church in Suriname. On November 9, 2022, FAMM was established to hold the shares on behalf of the Moravian Church in Suriname.

In welcoming FAMM, Nonhlanhla Nkosi, President of MCF said, “On behalf of the MCF, I am really pleased to welcome the Moravian Church in Suriname as a co-shareholder of Kersten through its foundation, FAMM. I am proud and grateful that we were able to deliver this historic moment that will no doubt cement and strengthen our relationship going forward, given our common Moravian beliefs and values. This is a special and joyous milestone for the Moravian Church Suriname (EBGS). It has been long awaited by the province of Suriname. Praise, honor and thanks are due to the Lord.”

The collaboration with Kersten dates to June 29, 1768. The name Kersten is derived from one of the missionaries who came to Suriname from Herrnhut, Germany, namely Christoph Kersten. So it’s a historic collaboration that we want to continue. With the share transfer, we are beginning a new chapter together. The most important mission for the EBGS is the proclamation of Jesus Christ, so that His light is spread. Because of this mission, we have now a structure of proclamation of His Word, Education, Reception and Care. The transfer will give us now more opportunities to continue and expand this structure for our country and especially for our church.

Our sincere thanks go to the total Unitas Fratrum, especially the Unity Board, MCF, Kersten and all who contributed to the share transfer. We pray the MCF, Kersten and FAMM God’s assistance and prosperity for the building up of His Church in Suriname and the entire Unitas Fratrum”. Vishal Jadnanansing, CEO of Kersten, said the following in welcoming the new shareholder, “Kersten warmly welcomes FAMM as a new shareholder, and looks forward to a good cooperation and contribution towards growing our company. From a business and operations perspective, everything remains the same within Kersten including our commitment and dedication to providing high-quality services to our customers”.

LONDON – Keir Starmer has become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after his centre-left opposition Labour Party swept to a landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. “The work for change begins immediately,” Starmer said in a speech outside 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s official residence. “We will rebuild Britain. …. Brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity.”

“Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI,” French president Macron posted on X.

“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order. I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage. I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

“He’s a strong supporter of NATO, of the transatlantic alliance,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, congratulating Starmer.

“Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my friend,” Canadian Prime Minister JustinTrudeau posted on X.

“Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. “I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration fostering mutual growth and prosperity.”

“I look forward to working together with him [Starmer] and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on X. Herzog also expressed “deepest “appreciation and gratitude” to Sunak “for standing with the Israeli people especially during this most difficult period”.

“As close friends and Allies, I am looking forward to working with you to enhance our common security and prosperity,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson posted on X.  (Al Jazeera)

Photo: Britain’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer reacts on stage as he is elected for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency, in London. The poll released moments after voting closed indicated that Labour leader Keir Starmer will be the country’s next prime minister. (AP) …[+]

PARAMARIBO – The Planting One Million Trees in 5 Years Project was recently launched in the Commewijne District.

District Commissioner Mohamedsafiek Radjab, legislators, the director of Public Green, Inder Gangabisoensingh and other government officials were present at the launch of this project, which was initiated by the Public Works Ministry. The objective of this project is to plant one million trees nationwide within the next five years. These trees will be planted along public roads, in parks, squares, in school yards, at social institutes, sports fields and other public locations. This project will help to embellish the locations where the trees are planted but it will also help to minimize the effects of climate change…[+]