A damaged car and rubble from a house affected by the earthquake are pictured in Cuenca, Ecuador. March 18, 2023. REUTERS/Rafa Idrovo Espinoza
At least 14 people were killed in a strong earthquake that shook a coastal region of Ecuador and northern Peru on Saturday, causing structural damage to multiple homes, schools and medical centers.
The quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured at magnitude 6.8, struck at a depth of 66.4 km (41.3 miles) about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city of Balao in the province of Guayas.
The earthquake did not appear likely to generate a tsunami, authorities said.
"We remain in the territory verifying the damage caused by the earthquake this morning. I want to confirm that I am with you and express my solidarity and commitment to the victims," Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso said in a tweet.
The presidency's communication agency said the quake left 14 people dead, and more than 380 people were injured, largely in the El Oro province.
style="font-size:20px">The agency said at least 44 homes were destroyed, while 90 more were damaged. Around 50 educational buildings and more than 30 health centers were also affected, while multiple roadways were blocked by landslides caused by the earthquake. The Santa Rosa airport suffered minor damage, but remained in operation.
Ecuador's Secretariat of Risk Management said in an earlier statement that one death in Azuay province occurred when a wall collapsed on to a vehicle. In other provinces, structural damage included a collapsed wharf and a fallen wall in a supermarket.
State-run oil company Petroecuador had evacuated and suspended activities in multiple facilities out of precaution, but had not reported damage, the agency said.
"We all ran out into the streets... we were very scared," Ernesto Alvarado, a resident of Isla Puna near the epicenter, told Reuters, adding that some homes had collapsed.
The initial quake was followed by two weaker aftershocks in the following hour, according to the Geophysics Institute of Ecuador.
Peruvian authorities said the quake was felt in the country's northern region, but there were no immediate reports of harm to people or structures.
Russia’s armed forces struck 92 Ukrainian artillery units at firing positions in 114 areas over the past day during the special military operation in Ukraine, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov reported on Sunday.
"Russian operational/tactical and army aviation aircraft, missile troops and artillery struck 92 artillery units at firing positions, manpower and military hardware in 114 areas over the past day," he said.
Battles in Kupyansk direction
The western group of the Russian forces struck Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kupyansk area, eliminating up to 50 troops over the past day, Konashenkov said.
"In the Kupyansk direction, aircraft and artillery of the western battlegroup struck the Ukrainian army units in areas near the settlements of Dvurechnaya, Timkovka, Olshana in the Kharkov Region and Novoselovskoye in the Lugansk People’s Republic," the spokesman said.
The strikes eliminated the enemy manpower and military hardware, the general noted. "Up to 50 Ukrainian personnel, two armored vehicles and two cars were destroyed," Konashenkov reported.
📹 2A36 Giatsint-B and 2S1 Gvozdika artillery guns in combat action (video courtesy of Russia's MoD)
Fire is adjusted by an unmanned aerial vehicle, the camera monitors target engagement.
Russian combat aircraft shot down a Ukrainian Air Force Mi-8 fighter jet near the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkov Region, he added.
Battles in Krasny Liman direction
Russian forces eliminated over 90
Ukrainian troops in the Krasny Liman area over the past day, Konashenkov said.
"In the Krasny Liman direction, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems of the battlegroup Center struck the enemy units," eliminating "over 90 Ukrainian personnel, three infantry fighting vehicles, three vehicles, one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers," the general specified.
Battles in Donetsk direction
The units of the southern group Russian forces eliminated more than 80 Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk area over the past day, Konashenkov reported.
"In the Donetsk direction, more than 80 Ukrainian personnel, three armored combat vehicles, four pickup trucks, three Grad multiple rocket launchers and one Msta-B howitzer were destroyed in the past 24 hours as a result of active operations by units of the southern battlegroup, air strikes and artillery fire," the spokesman said.
Battles in southern Donetsk, Zaporozhye directions
Russian forces destroyed over 50 Ukrainian troops in the southern Donetsk and Zaporozhye areas over the past day, Konashenkov reported.
"In the southern Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, operational/tactical aircraft and artillery of the battlegroup East employed combined firepower to inflict damage on the Ukrainian army units near the settlements of Novomikhailovka, Ugledar, Prechistovka, Privolnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic and Orekhov in the Zaporozhye Region," the spokesman said, adding that the enemy’s losses in those directions in the past 24 hours exceeded 50 Ukrainian personnel, three pickup trucks and one D-30 howitzer.
Battles in Kherson direction
Russian forces destroyed two hangars with military equipment of the 122th territorial defense brigade of the Ukrainian forces near the Otradokamenka in the Kherson Region, Konashenkov reported.
Moreover, up to 20 Ukrainian troops, three vehicles and two Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers were eliminated over the past day in the Kherson direction.
Russian air defenses intercept nine HIMARS, Olkha rockets, seven drones
Russian air defense forces intercepted nine HIMARS and Olkha rockets and downed seven drones of the Ukrainian forces over the past day, Konashenkov reported.
In all, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 402 Ukrainian combat aircraft, 222 helicopters, 3,464 unmanned aerial vehicles, 414 surface-to-air missile systems, 8,338 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,069 multiple launch rocket systems, 4,388 field artillery guns and mortars and 9,011 special military motor vehicles since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, Konashenkov concluded.
Special operation, March 18. Main:
▪️The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that more than 355 Ukrainian military personnel were destroyed in the main directions;
▪️Rogov said that a foreign mercenary base had been struck in Zaporozhye, the number of militants killed was in the tens;
▪️Zakharova said that an integral part of the settlement in Ukraine should be the abolition of all illegal sanctions and lawsuits against the Russian Federation in international courts;
▪️Nebenzya said that the Russian Federation is receiving more and more evidence of the direct involvement of Western countries in the conflict in Ukraine;
▪️Putin signed a law on the termination of Ukrainian citizenship for Russians from the date of application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Burning of Quran by Ukrainian troops evidence of their Nazi ideology, Syrian observer says
Chechen Republic chief Ramzan Kadyrov promised to track down and punish Ukrainian servicemen who filmed themselves ripping apart a Quran and burning its pages in a viral TikTok video, asking Allah to “hasten” their “inevitable demise.”
Commenting on the footage, Syrian political analyst Usama Dannura said it shows that the direct allies of the Ukrainian regime include groups which, under the banner of liberalism and freedom, carry out acts to desecrate the Holy Book.
“The governments of the NATO countries indulge in these actions. Today they are supporting the Ukrainian Army with weapons, and this army insults the Islamic religion and its symbols,” Dannura said.
“In this act, the Ukrainian Army represents hatred itself as an ideology. The irreconcilable Nazi ideology of theses troops lies in their contempt for other religions,” the observer added.
The stance of some German government officials on the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Russian President Vladimir Putin causes concern and indicates their intention to further escalate tensions with Moscow, Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechaev said on Sunday.
"The irresponsible statements by some German representatives that they support the illegal and completely absurd ICC decision and are prepared to implement it are extremely worrying and indicate how far removed from reality they are in their efforts to escalate the conflict with Russia further," Nechaev was quoted as saying by the Russian Embassy in Berlin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly stated that Russia is not a party to the ICC and its jurisdiction is not recognized by Moscow so any of its decisions against the country are null from the legal point of view.
Russia will proceed based on its interests in the issue of the Russian-German diplomatic relations after Berlin's statement on the arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov said.
"Russia is doing and will do everything which corresponds to its interests," Peskov told reporters.
The Kremlin spokesman reiterated that Russia considered any decisions of the ICC "legally null" for Moscow.
Earlier in the day, German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said that the warrant for the arrest of Putin would be in effect after the International Criminal Court (ICC) makes a request on the warrant's enforcement.
On Friday, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin as well as Russia's Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, citing "unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."
Meanwhile, German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann told German media that the arrest warrant for Putin will be in effect in Germany after the ICC makes a request on its enforcement. German Chancellor Olaf Sholz also backed the warrant during his visit to Japan on Saturday, saying that "nobody is above the law."
Senior US officials have been in talks with billionaire investor Warren Buffet on the unfolding banking crisis and possible ways out of it, Bloomberg reported on Sunday, citing sources within President Joe Biden’s administration.
Known as the 'Oracle of Omaha', Buffett is one of the globe’s most successful investors with a fortune worth roughly $101.6 billion. He is head of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, which owns dozens of successful companies, including insurer Geico, battery maker Duracell and restaurant chain Dairy Queen.
The alleged talks between the billionaire and Washington officials took place over the past week and reportedly focused on possible investment by Buffet in the banking sector and his advice regarding the volatile situation in the industry.
Officials turned to the tycoon following the collapse of three US regional lenders earlier this month – Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature – following mass deposit outflows. The bank runs were triggered by investor worries over the financial health of the institutions following recent interest rate hikes.
The fallout has shaken the entire US banking industry, with dozens of other lenders seeing their stocks plunge despite extraordinary measures announced by regulators last week to assuage customers. Nearly 200 US banks currently face risks similar to those that led to the collapses, according to a study posted this week to the Social Science Research Network.
Buffett has aided banks before. He invested $5 billion in Goldman Sachs following the financial crisis of 2008 and the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings. Bank of America secured a capital injection from the billionaire in 2011 when its stock fell due to losses from subprime mortgages.
Anonymous sources told Bloomberg that the calls between Buffett and President Biden's administration have centered around him possibly investing in the regional banking sector.
But they add he is also offering advice to officials about how to weather the storm as officials fear the failures will create a domino effect through the banking system.
It comes after it emerged nearly 200 banks would fail if half of their depositors suddenly withdrew all of their funds following the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and First Signature bank
Midsize banks plead for unlimited FDIC backstop for two years
A coalition of midsize U.S. banks is calling on the government to insure all deposits for the next two years, in the wake of Silicon Valley Bank's emergency rescue that insured all of the firm's deposits regardless of size
Driving the news: The Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America sent a letter to regulators arguing that a temporary suspension of the FDIC's deposit insurance limit is necessary to ensure that smaller banks can navigate the current banking crisis, Bloomberg reported.
"Doing so will immediately halt the exodus of deposits from smaller banks, stabilize the banking sector and greatly reduce chances of more bank failures," the letter said, according to Bloomberg.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also endorsed the idea in a Twitter post early Saturday, saying the move was needed to "stop bank runs."
Why it matters: After the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and New York's Signature Bank, the spotlight is on banks that may also be vulnerable to a sudden outflow of deposits.
The FDIC currently insures deposits up to $250,000, though the agency's decision to protect SVP and Signature depositors suggests a broader willingness to back customer funds.
Separately, Bloomberg also reported that billionaire investor Warren Buffett was in contact with the White House, heightening speculation that he could provide financial support to regional banks.
The recipients: The MBCA sent its letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the FDIC, the Comptroller of the Currency and the Fed, according to Bloomberg.
What we're watching: Whether Washington answers the growing clamor to broaden FDIC deposit protection. California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna is preparing to introduce legislation that removes the agency's coverage cap, Dealbook reported on Saturday.
Footnote:
FDIC : The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is an independent agency created by the Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system.
MBCA : Model Business Corporation Act is is a Model Act promulgated and periodically amended by the Corporate Laws Committee of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association (Committee).
MEP Mick Wallace previously accused the US and NATO of using Ukraine to undermine Russia, while warning that providing arms to Kiev was only going to prolong the conflagration.
"Warmongers" in the European Parliament have been accused of attempts to silence the truth about the "madness" of continuously fanning the flames of the Ukraine conflict by funneling weapons to the Kiev regime.
Michael Wallace, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Ireland for the South constituency, went on Twitter to denounce the continuing US and NATO proxy war in Ukraine.
Warmongers in #EuropeanParliament are uncomfortable with the Truth about stupid #US#NATO Proxy War - They'd like to silence anyone who has the cheek to expose the madness of pumping endless weapons into Ukraine condemning so many Ukrainians to die....https://t.co/b4PJtykhFF
What does it say about Western Governments that are more than happy to welcome these War Criminals to their country...? And now they're drooling over the prospect of getting the latest Warmonger #Biden to honour them with his presence...? Hard to be well.... https://t.co/3U6quAtMgg
Wallace, a member of the GUE/NGL Left group (Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left in the European Parliament), has repeatedly weighed in on the ongoing proxy war in Ukraine, and denounced how the Europen allies of Washington willingly toed the line, pumping more and more milutary supplies to the Kiev authorities.
Prof Richard Sakwa said "NATO exists to manage the risks created by its existence" - Ukraine War grinds on, thousands are dying, but #NATO doesn't want War to stop - Boris Johnson went to Kyiv to stop Peace breaking out. There'll be no Peace or stability as long as NATO exists... pic.twitter.com/vu8H0qw3ZI
Western countries have been supplying Ukraine with various types of weapon systems, including air defense missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, tanks, self-propelled artillery and anti-aircraft guns since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Amid this US-spearheaded resolve to prop up Kiev authorities, MEP Wallace has claimed that Ukraine was being used by the United States and NATO to undermine Russia "down to the last Ukrainian”.
Speaking on a local Irish radio station he said providing arms to Ukraine was only going to prolong the war. They would “give all the guns” to prolong the conflagration, he added. Furthermore, there shall be no peace or stability as long as NATO exists, Wallace warned.
“You’d be killed for saying it, but Europe needs a different security structure and Russia is part of Europe,” stated the MEP.
Last year, together with another MEP, Clare Daly from Ireland, Wallace had defended his decision not to vote in favour of a European Parliament resolution urging increased military support for Ukraine. "We don't believe that pouring more weapons into Ukraine is a good idea. We think more Ukrainians will die and it's going to have a terrible impact on an awful lot of people," he had stated.
Clare Daly had added that she disagreed with a one-sided narrative that excuses the Western role in what is now happening.
"I urge a ceasefire, negotiations and genuine EU efforts to secure a peace. I oppose the policy of collective punishment, sanctions that also hurt European citizens, the flooding of Ukraine with weapons, and other actions that escalate the war and run the risk of igniting a direct conflict between NATO and Russia."
Since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the so-called collective West started drumming up military support for the Kiev regime, and funneling weapons there. Moscow repeatedly warned the US, its NATO allies, other European leaders of the folly of weapons support for Kiev, underscoring that it risked turning the Russia-NATO “proxy conflict” in Ukraine into a global conflagration.
Bashar Assad : 'World War III Already Unleashed by West in Form of Proxy War'
Syrian President Bashar Assad was interviewed by Sputnik after his summit with Putin. Assad stressed that modern conflicts between rival powers are waged as proxy wars, citing Kiev's "army of Nazis" and Western-backed jihadists in Syria. The Syrian leader believes only a coalition of countries led by Russia and China can topple the US hegemony.
Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday in the Kremlin to discuss economic and political cooperation. Sputnik was the first international news agency to interview the Syrian leader, immediately after the talks.
Sputnik: Mr. President, may you please share with us the key results of the meeting with President Putin and whether we should expect any new developments in Russian-Syrian relations?
President Assad: In past years, in the years of the war in Syria, meetings with President Putin always touched upon important issues. We can say that all the visits were important, but this visit was particularly important in two respects.
The first is political: this was my first meeting with President Putin since the start of the war in Ukraine, and possibly since the end of the coronavirus-related crisis. Because the coronavirus and the war in Ukraine have affected the global situation. Now we see that the alliances and alignments in the world have changed. It was necessary to discuss and analyze this situation to develop a joint Syrian-Russian vision, through which we will determine how we will interact at the next stage.
On the other hand, joint Russian-Syrian commissions have held meetings several times, but their results have not been what we had been striving for. There is also trade exchange and development, but that is still weak. This time, the meeting of the joint commission was different. It in particular focused on investment projects, as well as on the agreement that will be signed.
It concerns 40 specific investment projects in energy, electricity, oil, transport, housing, industry-related areas and many other spheres, but with well-defined projects. Mechanisms for the control and successful implementation of these projects were added to them. This is the economic aspect, and this is a new stage in relations. The delegation that went to Russia was large, because work on this deal lasted not months, but years, but intensive work has been carried out in recent months.
The second aspect is global transformations, but in the settlement, we are primarily concerned about the Turkish issue and talks with the Turkish side, taking into account that it is a party to the war in Syria, where its forces are present occupying territory.
Sputnik: Regarding economic cooperation, has any agreement been signed between Russia and Syria following the talks?
President Assad: No, projects are being considered now, and the agreement will be signed later, in a few weeks, but this item [on the agenda] was left for consideration by each company and each project. Each project will later be evaluated individually. This is a part of the mechanism to monitor the projects and their success. However, that will come later. The idea was that there were more goals in the agreement than numbers at the moment.
Sputnik: We are deeply saddened by the suffering that the earthquake has brought to the Syrian people. Russia came to the rescue and our news agency collected and sent 25 tons worth of aid. During the meeting, have you discussed any additional aid from Russia for overcoming the aftermath of the earthquake?
President Assad: This topic was not a key one in the talks today. I expressed my gratitude to President Putin and the Russian government for the assistance, as the Russian government began dealing with this from the first hours, and the Russian army was involved in the rescue operations, and this assistance continues.
But there is another aspect to earthquake support. It concerns rebuilding and returning displaced people to their homes. We need to put in place the mechanisms and agencies in Syria for reconstruction before asking for help from any other side on this vital issue in the next phase, and that is what we are working on. At the core, we are asking countries to participate with us in the process of reconstruction and the return of temporarily displaced people to their homes or other places of residence.
Sputnik: This has been your first meeting with President Putin since the launch of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. During the talks, you expressed support for Russia's actions. What forms does this support take? Do Syrian volunteer fighters take part in the military operation on Russia's side?
President Assad: If volunteers were to go there, it would not be on behalf of the Syrian government - they would go directly to those Russian bodies that are dealing with this issue, and we would not know about it. But certainly, the Syrian people are very enthusiastic about supporting Russia for a number of reasons. On the one hand, it is solidarity since the Russian Federation has supported the Syrians in the fight against terrorism; on the other hand, there is a more global view of this war: this particular war will begin changing the world balance since part of the suffering experienced in Syria, Iraq, and many other countries is caused by a unipolar world. When the Russian Federation wins this war, as most Syrians wish, a new world, a safer and more peaceful world will emerge. This is the real perception of Syrians of this war.
Sputnik: Speaking of political support, would Syria recognize Russia's new borders? Would Syria recognize the new regions that joined Russia?
President Assad: We recognized these regions before they joined Russia, as referendums were held there and their results were announced, and we recognized them. Before these referendums took place, I had received a delegation from the State Duma a few months before the war and told them we were ready to recognize them now. Then we told them that we recognized them [new regions] before Russia [officially] did it. This issue has been clear to us from the very beginning, and we will not hesitate in our position. Syria's position is clear and firm, at the same time. We are convinced regarding this matter not only for the sake of friendship with Russia, but also because these territories are Russia's territories. It has been clear throughout history. They were handed over to Ukraine probably around 100 years ago, I believe, [it happened] under Lenin. But Russian people live there, and facts on the ground show that this is Russia's land. We are convinced in this position.
Sputnik: Syria recognizes the new borders of Russia?
President Assad: Of course. I am saying that these are Russian territories. And even if the war had not happened, this is historically Russian land.
Sputnik: Speaking of global consequences, some argue that this conflict may result in World War III. What’s your take on that?
President Assad: I believe that World War III is underway but it differs in its form. What I mean is that world wars used to be conventional in the past. The armies of several states were fighting against each other. This is also true when it comes to the current situation, but because of modern weaponry, especially nuclear, it is different from conventional war. That’s why wars are now moving toward becoming proxy wars.
That’s why Zelensky is now fighting a war on behalf of the West, using, of course, its army of Nazis. The same goes for terrorists, they are the armies operating on behalf of the West in Syria and other regions.
Sputnik: Mr. President, can you confirm the report, published by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), that the US continues to operate in Syria illegally and train terrorists on its territory, such as in al-Tanf?
President Assad: We have had direct encounters with terrorist groups near the al-Tanf area, and of course, we know from these encounters and from detainees where they came from. Al-Tanf represents an entire terrorist camp, and it has no other goal. What does the US get out of its presence in this area in the heart of the desert? No doubt that they have camps for terrorists that house tens of thousands with their families. From time to time, they send these people to carry out terrorist attacks against the Syrian Army to disperse the units in different directions. We are sure of this, the evidence is actually there.
Sputnik: Do you have any information on terrorist fighters being sent from al-Tanf to Ukraine?
President Assad: Regarding this, we have no evidence, but it's to be expected. The US redeploys terrorists from one place to another, in addition to the fact that terrorists move on their own. But the terrorists in Syria are what they call "Islamic terrorists", who hide behind religion.
There is no religious war in Ukraine, but they are there, judging by the videos circulating on the internet. They did not go there because of jihad. It is certain that someone has deployed them [there] and undoubtedly this was done under the auspices of the United States and its agents from Western countries. This is a common issue that happens all the time and has nothing to do with Syria or Ukraine, it has to do with the mechanism of action of America and Western countries in the matter of using terrorism as their agent in the wars they are waging. Eventually, there are terrorists who are transferred from other regions, including from Syria, to fight against Russia in Ukraine.
Superpowers today cannot defend themselves or play their role by staying within their own borders, they must go beyond them through regional allies around the world or through bases. We believe that if Russia has a desire to expand its bases or increase their number, then this is a matter of a technical or logistical nature. If there is such a desire, then we believe that the expansion of the Russian presence in Syria is good, it will serve this idea. Just like if this expansion happens in other countries, perhaps in other regions, it will serve the same idea. And, yes, we are saying that this is something that may be needed in the future.
Sputnik: Would the expansion of military cooperation include deployment of hypersonic weapons in Syria, for example, ships with Zircon missiles?
President Assad: The difference is in the quality of weapons, but the principle is the same. Of course, if you are to build [military] bases, the goal is not to make these bases weak militarily. The bases are supposed to be capable of having a deterrent or counterbalancing effect, these must be armed with the best weapons, it is natural and logical. Whether it would be hypersonic missiles or any other more advanced weapons now and in the future, the principle is, of course, the same as I said.
Sputnik: How is Moscow helping Syria and Turkiye in terms of the normalization of relations between the countries at this moment? Is there a chance for a meeting between you and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan?
President Assad: Direct contact between us and the Turkish side are impossible because of the war and the negative role which Turkiye has played in this war, Ankara’s support of terrorists in Syria, because a part of the Turkish army has entered the territory of Syria.
Turkiye for us is an occupying state. Russia’s role is important because Moscow has contacts with Turkiye and good relations with Syria.
We trust the Russian side because it has played a mediator role to make these contacts easier, while doing so within the principles on which Russian policy is based. Among these principles are respect for international law, recognition of the sovereignty of states, the rejection of terrorism, respect for the territorial integrity of Syria and the sovereignty of the Syrian state on its territory, and the need to withdraw illegitimate foreign armed forces from Syria.
In our opinion, anything can change the trajectory of the war and direct it to its conclusion by having fully returned the Syrians their rights, occupied territories, and the full sovereignty of the Syrian state. We need to move in this direction and try, maybe. Sometimes we lose hope that any meaningful results will be achieved, but we cannot lose a single chance without trying to seize that opportunity. After all, this very possibility, in spite of the very slender hope, can become the very solution.
This is what Russia, together with Syria, is working on, making attempts along with other attempts that you are familiar with; there are negotiations in Geneva, in Astana, and other cities. All these negotiations have one aim – to restore stability in Syria.
With regards to a meeting with Erdogan, it’s tied to us reaching a stage where Turkiye is clearly and unambiguously ready for the full withdrawal of the Turkish military from the territory of Syria, for the cessation of supporting terrorism and restoration of the situation to the state it was before the start of the war in Syria.
Fenomena langka jutaan ikan mati terdampar di sungai dekat sebuah kota kecil di Australia, menurut pejabat negara terkait dengan "kondisi gelombang panas" yang melanda negara itu.
Video muncul minggu ini menunjukkan massa ikan mati mengambang di kolam Menindee Weir dekat Broken Hill, yang diriis dalam cuitan Rose Jackson.
Jumlah ikan yang significant, termasuk ikan mas dan herring bertulang, bersama dengan nutrisi dan bahan organik dari dataran banjir, telah dipaksa kembali ke sungai karena cuaca panas, menurut Departemen Industri Primer (DPI) di New South Wales.
Another catastrophic mass fish death in the Menindee Lakes.
The reality is the Darling River is very sick.
Years of mismanagement by the NSW Govt has exacerbated the impact of our changing climate - this local ecosystems has been pushed to breaking point. pic.twitter.com/KyDREzmIuG
"Kematian ikan ini terkait dengan rendahnya kadar oksigen di dalam air (hipoksia) saat air banjir surut," jelasnya dalam sebuah pernyataan minggu ini.
"Peristiwa ini sedang berlangsung sebagai gelombang panas... terus memberi tekanan lebih lanjut pada sistem yang telah mengalami kondisi ekstrem akibat banjir skala besar," kata DPI.
"Cuaca panas saat ini di wilayah tersebut juga memperburuk hipoksia, karena air yang lebih hangat mengandung lebih sedikit oksigen daripada air dingin dan ikan memiliki kebutuhan oksigen yang lebih tinggi pada suhu yang lebih hangat," tambahnya.
Gelombang panas di seluruh Australia menjadi lebih sering dan intens seiring dengan memburuknya perubahan iklim dan suhu global yang terus meningkat.
Para ahli dan lembaga pemerintah telah memperingatkan bahwa Australia akan terus mengalami lonjakan curah hujan dan panas yang ekstrem, serta kebakaran yang lebih berbahaya.
Satu juta ikan telah mati di lembah sungai dekat Menindee, New South Wales, Australia. Menindee, sebuah kota pedesaan di ujung barat negara bagian New South Wales, memiliki populasi sekitar 500 penduduk, menurut angka sensus.
Penampakan ikan mati juga dilaporkan minggu ini di Lembah Macquarie, di mana terdapat pinggiran kota dan taman nasional.
Ini bukan pertama kalinya warga Menindee menyaksikan kematian ikan secara massal.
Ribuan ikan mati dilaporkan di daerah tersebut pada bulan Februari dan peristiwa serupa terjadi di wilayah tersebut pada tahun 2019.
