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Thomas Graham Jr., Leading U.S. Nuclear Negotiator, Passes Away at 92

Thomas Graham Jr., Leading U.S. Nuclear Negotiator, Passes Away at 92

Thomas Graham Jr., a pivotal figure in U.S. arms control and nonproliferation efforts for nearly three decades, passed away at the age of 92. Graham was at the forefront of every major international arms control negotiation from 1970 to 1997, serving in various capacities, including as general counsel for the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) and as President Bill Clinton’s special representative for arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament. His career was dedicated to reducing the dangers of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction through robust international agreements and verification measures. A key achievement was his instrumental role in securing the indefinite extension of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1995, a cornerstone of the international nuclear nonproliferation regime. Graham's diplomatic skills and unwavering commitment were widely recognized, as he met with representatives from over 100 treaty parties globally to address concerns and build consensus ...

A galactic Nobel? Experts float the International Space Station among contenders for the Peace Prize

A galactic Nobel? Experts float the International Space Station among contenders for the Peace Prize

Experts say the Nobel Peace Prize might go to the International Space Station this year, highlighting global cooperation

Seoul's anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea

Seoul's anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea

South Korea’s president has threatened to take unspecified punitive steps against Ukraine if it refuses to apologize over its revelation of a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea

US sanctions 10 over allegedly procuring weapons for Iran

US sanctions 10 over allegedly procuring weapons for Iran

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 - The United States has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities, including some based in China, Hong Kong and Pakistan, saying they helped Iran procure weapons and components, the US Treasury Department said Tuesday.

President Trump's Stance on NATO Article 5 Reshapes European Defense Expectations

President Trump's Stance on NATO Article 5 Reshapes European Defense Expectations

President Trump has clearly stated that the United States will no longer intervene in Europe's defense, asserting that European NATO member countries are responsible for their own security. This declaration challenges the traditional interpretation of NATO's Article 5, which posits that an armed attack against one member state is considered an attack against all. According to the source, President Trump's position requires European nations to increase their military spending to approximately 5% of their GDP by 2035, arguing that the U.S. has historically borne a disproportionate share of defense costs. This shift in U.S. policy has prompted American allies in Europe and East Asia to question the extent of Washington's commitment to their defense. The source highlights that the wording of Article 5 is sufficiently vague to allow for varying interpretations, contributing to uncertainty among allies regarding future U.S. support.

US withdraws from European anti-corruption panel in latest shift away from global groups

US withdraws from European anti-corruption panel in latest shift away from global groups

The Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from a top European anti-corruption watchdog

Non-Aligned Movement Urges Nuclear-Weapon States to Engage in Dialogue and Disarmament

Non-Aligned Movement Urges Nuclear-Weapon States to Engage in Dialogue and Disarmament

Countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) have reiterated their stance that the complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against their threat or use. During a meeting marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, established by UN General Assembly Resolution 68/32 in 2013, NAM members called on nuclear-weapon states to fulfill their obligations under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). They emphasized the need for enhanced transparency and the responsible implementation of nuclear disarmament measures according to a concrete roadmap. The Vietnamese ambassador, Do Hung Viet, expressed concern over declining commitments to nuclear disarmament, the expansion of nuclear arsenals, and increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence in security strategies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also warned about the growing nuclear threat, citing expanding and modernizing arsenals and the increased risk of miscalculation due to technological ad...

Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. from European Anti-Corruption Panel GRECO

Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. from European Anti-Corruption Panel GRECO

The Trump administration has formally notified the Council of Europe of the United States' withdrawal from the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). This decision aligns with the administration's broader strategy to disengage from international and multilateral organizations perceived as exceeding their mandates, being inefficient, or not aligning with U.S. policies. A U.S. official confirmed the notification was submitted, ahead of an official State Department announcement. The Council of Europe acknowledged the U.S. participation in GRECO since 2000 as a valuable contributor to its anti-corruption efforts and expressed openness to future cooperation. This move follows a recent decision by the U.S. not to invite members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor upcoming congressional midterm elections. The U.S. has previously withdrawn from other European-based United Nations and multilateral organizations, including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights C...

China's Permanent Representative Engages with Pakistan and Costa Rica on Multilateral Cooperation in Geneva

China's Permanent Representative Engages with Pakistan and Costa Rica on Multilateral Cooperation in Geneva

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, H.E. Mr. Jia Guide, recently held discussions with the Permanent Representatives of Pakistan and Costa Rica. These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation on multilateral affairs. The nature of these discussions indicates an ongoing diplomatic engagement by China within the United Nations framework in Geneva. The interactions are part of broader efforts to coordinate positions and advance shared interests on the international stage, particularly within the context of UN agencies based in Geneva. The specific topics of multilateral affairs discussed were not detailed, but such engagements typically cover a range of global issues relevant to the UN's work.

Mark Carney's stand against Trump leads to Nobel Peace Prize and Time Person of the Year buzz

Mark Carney's stand against Trump leads to Nobel Peace Prize and Time Person of the Year buzz

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has built a global profile by standing up to U.S. President Donald Trump

US removes Syria from arms export ban as Trump administration draws closer to new Syrian government

US removes Syria from arms export ban as Trump administration draws closer to new Syrian government

The Trump administration is removing Syria from a list of countries that aren't allowed to purchase or import U.S. weaponry

US imposes sanctions on 13 tied to Iran weapons procurement

US imposes sanctions on 13 tied to Iran weapons procurement

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Sept 29 - The US government announced fresh sanctions on Tuesday against 13 individuals and entities, including some based in Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan, saying they helped Iran procure weapons and components.