CALAIS, France: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday asking France to immediately start taking back all migrants who land in England after crossing the Channel, after at least 27 died when their boat foundered off Calais.
Taking back migrants "would significantly reduce — if not stop — the crossings, saving thousands of lives by fundamentally breaking the business model of the criminal gangs" behind the trafficking, he said in a letter sent to Macron on Thursday evening.
The record wave of illegal migrants seeking to cross the English Channel is a volatile issue for both leaders amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment and controversy over what critics say is a callous attitude in both capitals.
Johnson's letter also set out areas for greater cooperation with France, proposing joint border patrols, aerial surveillance and intelligence sharing.
"We are ready to begin such patrols from the start of next week," Johnson said.
Britain and France had earlier called for a coordinated European response to stop people-trafficking in the Channel after the deadliest accident since the waterway in 2018 became a key route for migrants from Africa, the Middle East and Asia trying to reach England from France.
Home Secretary Priti Patel spoke with French counterpart Gerald Darmanin to put forward plans for greater "collaboration and innovation", according to a statement.
The two will meet this weekend and Patel will send officers to Paris after having offered to provide more people on the ground, it said.
However even as Paris invited European ministers to an emergency meeting at the weekend, the response risked being undermined by continued Franco-British squabbling after Brexit.
Macron, after vowing France would not allow the Channel to become a "cemetery", spoke earlier to Johnson to agree on stepping up efforts to thwart the traffickers blamed for the surge in crossings.
And in a terse readout of the talks, the Elysee Palace said Macron told Johnson that France and the UK have a "shared responsibility" and added he "expected the British to cooperate fully and refrain from exploiting a dramatic situation for political ends".
Patel had earlier refused to rule out the controversial step of turning migrant boats back across the Channel, under legislation now making its way through parliament."France is a transit country, we are fighting against these networks of smugglers who exploit people's misery, but for this we must improve European cooperation," Macron said on a visit to Croatia, saying that when the migrants arrived in northern France "it is already too late".
Seventeen men, seven women and three minors died when the inflatable boat lost air and took on water off the northern port of Calais on Wednesday. A manslaughter probe has been opened.
Darmanin said five suspected traffickers accused of being directly linked to the doomed crossing had been arrested.
Darmanin said only two survivors, an Iraqi and Somali, had been found and they were recovering from extreme hypothermia and would eventually be questioned.
Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart said a pregnant woman was also one of the victims.
About 200 people, mainly activists and some exiles, gathered early on Thursday evening in Calais to pay tribute to the victims.
The circumstances of the tragedy have not yet been clarified, but Mohamed, a 22-year-old Syrian, told AFP he was one of the last people to see them: "They were with me here in Calais three days ago.
"Three days ago, the group told us 'we're leaving for England', and they left," he said.
He said conditions were dangerous yesterday.
"In addition they went to sea without equipment," he said.In telephone talks, Johnson and Macron agreed on the "urgency of stepping up joint efforts to prevent these deadly crossings", according to Downing Street.
But Johnson told British media London had faced "difficulties persuading some of our partners, particularly the French, to do things in a way that the situation deserves".
In a sign of the tensions, Britain's biggest-selling tabloid newspapers all carried a front-page picture of a French police vehicle apparently sitting idly by as migrants entered the waters off northern France.
More than 25,700 people have made the cross-Channel journey in small boats this year -- three times the total for the whole of 2020, according to data compiled by Britain's PA news agency.
Darmanin insisted that Paris was doing all it could to break the trafficking networks, saying France had arrested 1,500 people smugglers since the start of the year.
Prime Minister Jean Castex also held a crisis meeting on Thursday with ministers to discuss new measures and invited the British, Belgian Dutch and German immigration ministers to a meeting in Calais on Monday.
UK PM asks France to take back Channel-crossing migrants
https://arab.news/c97z8
UK PM asks France to take back Channel-crossing migrants
- Britain and France had earlier called for a coordinated European response to stop people-trafficking in the Channel after the deadliest accident
On International Day of Education, Pakistan vows to embrace ‘promise of AI’
- Theme of this year’s International Day of Education is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation”
- Around the world, AI is being increasingly used in education to improve the learning experience for both students and teachers
KARACHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, the International Day of Education, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing an education system that embraced the “promise of AI” and supported the country’s youth in thriving in an evolving technological landscape.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Education is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” Around the world, AI is being increasingly used in education to improve the learning experience for students and teachers. AI can automate tasks, provide real-time feedback, and create personalized learning experiences.
“As AI-driven systems become increasingly integrated into our lives, the boundaries between human intervention and machine-driven actions continue to blur,” Sharif said in a statement.
“This presents both opportunities and challenges, raising the critical question of how we can uphold and enhance human agency amidst the growing tide of automation.”
He said his government recognized the transformative power of education in preparing Pakistan’s youth to thrive in the evolving technological landscape.
“By fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility, we aim to equip our citizens with the tools not only to adapt to technological changes but to shape them in ways that uphold our values, protect our freedoms, and advance our society,” the PM said.
He highlighted steps taken in Pakistan to prepare its educational institutions to embrace technological advancements. These initiatives include the establishment of High-Impact IT Labs in ICT degree colleges, Digital Hubs in rural ICT schools, the Google Center of Excellence, SMART Classrooms, and the E-Taleem Portal for blended learning.
“Additionally, we have introduced E-Rozgar Centers, Software Technology Parks, Robotics and Mind Games programs, and STEAM Labs to foster innovation. It is imperative that our schools are equipped with the latest technologies to equip our children with the requisite skills,” the PM said.
“On this day, while we reaffirm our resolve to advancing an education system that embraces the promise of AI while safeguarding the essence of human creativity, compassion, and purpose.”
Trump says he will reach out to North Korea’s Kim again
- Trump had a rare diplomatic relationship with the reclusive Kim during his previous administration
- Trump called the North Korean leader with whom he previously met three times a ‘smart guy’
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will reach out to Kim Jong Un again, he said in an interview aired Thursday, calling the North Korean leader with whom he previously met three times a “smart guy.”
The Republican had a rare diplomatic relationship with the reclusive Kim during his previous administration from 2017 to 2021, not only meeting with him but saying the two “fell in love.”
But his own secretary of state, Marco Rubio, acknowledged at his confirmation hearing that the effort did not produce any lasting agreement to end North Korea’s nuclear program.
When asked during a Fox News interview if he would “reach out” to Kim again, Trump replied: “I will, yeah. He liked me.”
North Korea says it is seeking nuclear weapons to counter threats from the United States and its allies, including South Korea.
The two Koreas remain technically at war since the 1950 to 1953 conflict ended in an armistice not a peace treaty.
The isolated and impoverished North, which has conducted multiple nuclear tests and periodically test fires missiles from its ballistic arsenal, also likes to tout its nuclear program as a sign of its prestige.
Washington and others warn that the program is destabilizing, however, and the UN has passed multiple resolutions banning North Korea’s efforts.
Rubio branded Kim a “dictator” during his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this month.
“I think there has to be an appetite for a very serious look at broader North Korean policies,” Rubio said.
Rubio called for efforts to prevent a war by North Korea with South Korea and Japan and to see “what can we do to prevent a crisis without encouraging other nation-states to pursue their own nuclear weapons programs.”
During the Fox interview, Trump recalled his attempt to reach an arms deal with North Korea’s allies Russia and China at the end of his first term.
The 2019 effort would have set new limits for unregulated Russian nuclear weapons and to persuade China to join an arms control pact, according to reports from the time.
“I was very close to having a deal. I would have made a deal with (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin on that, denuclearization... But we had a bad election that interrupted us,” he said, referring to his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, recently labelled North Korea as a “nuclear power” in a statement submitted to a Senate panel, according to reports.
Seoul’s defense ministry said in response that Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear power “cannot be recognized” and that it will work with Washington to denuclearize.
Pyongyang fired several short-range ballistic missiles in the days leading up to Trump’s inauguration on January 20, prompting analysts to speculate on whether Kim was seeking to send a message to Trump.
Pakistan rejects Afghanistan’s allegations it hosts Daesh militant camps
- Foreign Office says Afghanistan is a source of “support and logistics” for militant operations against Pakistan
- Ties between neighbors are strained over surge in militant attacks in Pakistan it blames on Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Thursday rejected Afghanistan’s allegations Pakistan was hosting and facilitating Daesh militant camps, calling it “weird propaganda.”
The remarks come in response to allegations by Afghan officials that Pakistan was operating training camps for Daesh fighters and facilitating their movement through the Islamabad and Karachi airports for training in its southwestern Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces with the aim of carrying out militant activities in Afghanistan.
Islamabad also frequently accuses neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks amid a surge in militancy in its KP and Balochistan provinces. The Taliban government in Kabul says it does not allow Afghan soil to be used by militants, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter for Islamabad.
“Frankly, we completely reject these allegations. They are not grounded in reality,” Khan said during a weekly press briefing when asked about the Afghan allegations on Daesh camps. “It’s just some kind of weird propaganda.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s concern over sanctuaries of the Pakistani Taliban or Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) in Afghanistan, accusing the country of being a source of “support and logistics” for TTP militant operations against Pakistan.
“It couldn’t do without the sanctuaries it’s enjoying in Afghanistan,” Khan added. “And we continue to impress upon the Afghan authorities to address this genuine and serious concern so that our bilateral relations can achieve full potential as good neighbors.”
Islamabad says it has consistently taken up the issue of cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration. The issue has also led to clashes between the border forces of the two countries on multiple occasions in recent months.
In December, the Afghan Taliban said bombardment by Pakistani military aircraft in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province had killed at least 46 people, most of whom were children and women. Just days later, the Afghan defense ministry said Taliban forces targeted “several points” in neighboring Pakistan, further straining tense ties.
Relations between the two countries have also soured since Pakistan launched a deportation drive in November 2023 against illegal aliens residing in the country. Though Pakistan insists the campaign does not only target Afghans but all those residing in Pakistan unlawfully, it has disproportionately hit Afghans, with at least 800,000 repatriated so far.
Ludvig Aberg, Lanto Griffin share lead after fierce coastal wind interrupts Farmers Insurance Open
- Some gusts moved stationary balls and ripped hats off heads before marshals suspended play
- Nobody had a bogey-free round while battling the wind that blew clouds of dirt and sand into the Pacific Ocean all afternoon
SAN DIEGO: Ludvig Aberg and Lanto Griffin shared the lead Thursday at Torrey Pines in the Farmers Insurance Open after ferocious wind forced an 86-minute delay and prevented dozens of players from finishing the second round.
First-round leader Aberg fought to a 3-over 75, while Griffin had a 72 — both on the South Course — to sit even with Aberg at 6-under 138.
Danny Walker was 5 under, while Chris Gotterup had a 69 to match the day’s best round and join Hayden Springer and Sungjae Im at 4 under.
The players battled strong, inconsistent wind gusts measured at more than 35 mph on the famed coastal course better known for foggy marine layers than disruptive weather. Some gusts moved stationary balls and ripped hats off heads before marshals suspended play.
“Throw the score out the window,” said Griffin, who earned his PGA Tour card at Q-school last month. “(On) a normal day, 72 is good on this golf course, and today was just head-down grind. ... Walking to (the 13th) tee, it started gusting 35 miles an hour, probably, so there are certain shots like 13 tee that were just brutal, (or the) 9 tee blowing straight off the left. It was kind of hang on for dear life, try and save pars on majority of the holes and sprinkle in a birdie or two.”
The delay began just after 2 p.m. and lasted until 3:31 p.m., forcing the players to play quickly in barely diminished wind for a shot at finishing their rounds.
The North Course is more exposed to the ocean, so the wind was particularly brutal on players like World No. 4 Hideki Matsuyama, who could only watch in disgust while his well-considered putts went nowhere near their intended destination. Matsuyama still managed a 75 and made the cut at 1 under.
In the opening round, the scores on the easier North Course (70.2) were significantly better than on the South Course (72.5). Thanks to the wind, the South Course (75.3) actually played easier than the North (75.6) on Thursday.
“It was extremely difficult,” said Eric Cole, who was three shots off the lead after managing to finish his second-round 71 moments before the stoppage. “It started really blowing on like our second or third hole, so we had a solid six holes of really heavy winds. Then it almost died down and switched directions for a few holes. Very tricky and very unique. I know it can blow here a little, but it just seemed like extra gusty and (was) kind of switching directions for a little, so it made it tough.”
Nobody had a bogey-free round while battling the wind that blew clouds of dirt and sand into the Pacific Ocean all afternoon.
A brush fire also broke out about four miles south of Torrey Pines and burned three acres near the UC San Diego campus, but 175 firefighters quickly stopped its forward progress, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue.
Some players didn’t wait for the resumption of play: Max Homa, the 2023 champion of this event, withdrew during the stoppage with just three holes left to play, citing illness late in his second straight dismal round.
Amateur Luke Clanton, a Florida State junior, moved up the leaderboard on the front nine before making three bogeys amid the worst wind conditions. He elected to stop for the day with his tee shot on the 17th sitting in the right rough, where he’ll resume his second round Friday.
Pakistan says Hong Kong conglomerate discussing $1 billion investment in maritime sector
- Pakistan maritime affairs minister holds meeting with Hutchison Ports officials
- Proposal includes upfront $200 million in foreign direct investment for Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: A Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate has expressed interest in investing $1 billion in Pakistan’s maritime sector to improve the South Asian nation’s port infrastructure, the maritime ministry said on Thursday.
Hutchison Ports, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, is a leading global port operator and logistics company, operating in 52 ports across 26 countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. It provides container terminal operations, cargo handling, logistics, port management, transportation, and distribution services.
Pakistan’s seaports in Karachi, located along the Arabian Sea, are essential for global trade and provide job opportunities for thousands of citizens. The country has been actively working on restructuring and enhancing its port infrastructure.
On Thursday, Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh held a meeting with a high-level delegation from Hutchison Ports, led by the company’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Andy Tsoi, to discuss the $1 billion investment plan, the maritime affairs ministry said.
“This groundbreaking proposal includes an upfront $200 million Foreign Direct Investment,” the ministry said, adding that the investment would focus on modernizing the Karachi International Container Terminal and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited “with advanced automation technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and adopting eco-friendly solutions.”
The plan includes introducing “electrified and remote-control equipment” to reduce carbon emissions and establishing a state-of-the-art warehousing depot for Pakistan’s growing trade sector as well as funding to improve roads around the south wharf to ensure “smooth container traffic flow and boost supply chain efficiency.”
The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and seek international partnerships to expand maritime activities.
In August 2024, state media reported that Danish shipping firm Maersk was in discussions with local authorities to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s port and transport infrastructure over the next two years.
In October last year, the maritime minister signed an agreement with Denmark’s Minister Morten Bodskov to restructure Pakistan’s maritime sector and provide technical training at its ports.
