Politics
Biden at NATO: Ready to talk China, Russia and soothe allies
Published
3 years agoon
By
FNN NEWSBRUSSELS (AP) — President Joe Biden made his entrance at the NATO summit aiming to consult European allies on efforts to counter provocative actions by China and Russia while highlighting the U.S. commitment to the 30-country alliance that was frequently maligned by predecessor Donald Trump.
The summit Monday comes as Biden tries to rally allies for greater coordination in checking China and Russia, two adversaries whose actions on economic and national security fronts have become the chief foreign policy concerns in the early going of the Biden presidency.
Biden shortly after arriving at the alliance’s headquarters sat down with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and underscored the U.S. commitment to Article 5 of the alliance charter, which spells out that an attack on one member is an attack on all and is to be met with a collective response.
“Article 5 we take as a sacred obligation,” Biden said. “I want NATO to know America is there.”
The White House said the communique to be signed by alliance members at the end of the NATO summit is expected to include language about updating Article 5 to include major cyber attacks — a matter of growing concern amid a series of hacks targeting the U.S. government and businesses around the globe by Russia-based hackers.
The update will spell out that if an alliance member needs technical or intelligence support in response to a cyber attack, it would be able to invoke the mutual defense provision to receive assistance, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
The president started his day meeting with leaders of the Baltic states on NATO’s eastern flank regarding the “threat posed by Russia,” China and the recent air piracy in Belarus, according to Sullivan. He’ll also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Biden’s itinerary in Europe has been shaped so that he would first gather with Group of Seven leaders for a three-day summit on the craggy shores of Cornwall and then with NATO allies in Brussels before his much-anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on Wednesday.
At the G-7, leaders sought to convey that the club of wealthy democracies — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States — is a better friend to poorer nations than authoritarian rivals such as China and Russia.
The G-7 meeting ended with a communique that called out forced labor practices and other human rights violations impacting Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in the western Xinjiang province. The president declined to discuss private summit negotiations over the provision, but said he was “satisfied” with the communique, although differences remain among the allies about how forcefully to call out Beijing.
Biden is focused on building a more cohesive bond between America and allies who had become wary of U.S. leadership after enduring four years of Trump’s name-calling and frequent invectives about the relevance of multilateral alliances like NATO.
Trump complained that the NATO alliance allows “global freeloading” countries to spend less on military defense at the expense of the U.S. and dismissed the alliance as “obsolete.”
Biden offered a pointed rejoinder on Sunday, saying: “We do not view NATO as a sort of a protection racket. We believe that NATO is vital to our ability to maintain American security for … the remainder of the century. And there’s a real enthusiasm.”
When alliance members last met for a summit in England in December 2019, Trump grabbed headlines by calling Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “two-faced” and French President Emmanuel Macron “nasty.”
Trump lashed out after Trudeau was caught on a hot mic gossiping with other leaders about Trump turning photo opportunities into long news conferences. Ahead of the summit, Macron had declared NATO “brain dead” because of a void in U.S. leadership under Trump.
Biden has already acknowledged during his Europe tour that the alliance needs to ensure better burden sharing and needs more American leadership. He’s also highlighted NATO members’ contributions in the war in Afghanistan, noting that “NATO stepped up” after America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.
The U.S. and the alliance are winding down their involvement in the nearly 20-year war that killed tens of thousands of Afghans and more than 3,500 U.S. and allied troops. The war also raised profound questions about whether NATO’s most ambitious effort was worth it.
For now, NATO plans to leave civilian advisers to help build up government institutions. It’s unclear who will protect them. The alliance is also weighing whether to train Afghan special forces outside the country.
NATO members are also expected to endorse the creation of a new cyber defense policy to improve coordination with countries impacted by the increasing frequency of ransomware attacks, a climate security action plan to reduce greenhouse gases from military activities in line with national commitments under the Paris agreement and a commitment to strengthen NATO’s deterrence to meet threats from Russia and elsewhere, according to the White House.
Biden will meet with Turkey’s president, Erdogan, on the summit sidelines.
Biden has known Erdogan for years but their relationship has frequently been contentious. Biden, during his campaign, drew ire from Turkish officials after he described Erdogan as an “autocrat.” In April, Biden infuriated Ankara by declaring that the Ottoman-era mass killing and deportations of Armenians was “genocide” — a term that U.S. presidents have avoided using.
The two leaders were expected to discuss Syria and Iran as well as what role Turkey can play on Afghanistan following the U.S. troop withdrawal, according to the White House. Also on the agenda: how Washington and Ankara “deal with some of our significant differences on values and human rights and other issues,” Sullivan said.
The unsettled security situation in Libya, as well as overlapping concerns on China and Russia are also expected to be discussed.
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Politics
Orange County Commissioners Wilson, Uribe, and Semrad Sworn In for New Four-Year Terms
Published
11 hours agoon
December 5, 2024By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In a momentous ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center, Commissioners Nicole Wilson (District 1), Mayra Uribe (District 3), and Kelly Semrad (District 5) took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of their new four-year terms on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.
The event, attended by community leaders, family, and supporters, highlighted the importance of continuity and fresh perspectives in guiding Orange County’s growth and development over the next four years.
Nicole Wilson – Championing Sustainability and Community Growth
Commissioner Nicole Wilson, re-elected for District 1, reaffirmed her commitment to sustainability, conservation, and managing the region’s rapid development. During her previous term, Wilson focused on preserving natural resources and ensuring responsible growth that balances environmental and economic interests.
Wilson emphasized, “We have a responsibility to manage growth in a way that honors our community’s character and protects our environment for future generations.”
Mayra Uribe – Prioritizing Infrastructure and Family Advocacy
Representing District 3, Commissioner Mayra Uribe vowed to continue her focus on improving infrastructure, addressing housing affordability, and championing family-friendly policies. Known for her dedication to practical solutions, Uribe has been a strong advocate for improving roads, schools, and public services.
Uribe noted, “Our community’s success depends on how well we address the needs of our families and ensure every resident has access to essential resources.”
Kelly Semrad – A Vision for Economic Innovation
Newly elected to represent District 5, Commissioner Kelly Semrad brings a fresh perspective to the Board, leveraging her background in business and academia. Semrad’s priorities include fostering economic innovation, enhancing workforce development, and ensuring Orange County remains competitive on a global scale.
“This is an exciting time for Orange County,” Semrad stated. “I’m honored to work with my colleagues to drive initiatives that strengthen our economy and create opportunities for all residents.”
Takeaways from the Ceremony
- Unity and Collaboration: Each commissioner emphasized the importance of working together to address Orange County’s challenges.
- Community Engagement: Residents are encouraged to participate in discussions shaping Orange County’s future.
- Innovation and Sustainability: The Board aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead
The Orange County Board of Commissioners faces key priorities in the coming term, including tackling housing affordability, managing population growth, enhancing public transportation, and promoting sustainability. With a mix of experience and fresh leadership, the commissioners are poised to make significant progress in these areas.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Stephanie Daltirus, and J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Politics
Kelly Loeffler Nominated as SBA Administrator, Co-Chair of Presidential Inaugural Committee
Published
11 hours agoon
December 5, 2024By
FNN NEWSWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Former U.S. Senator and business leader Kelly Loeffler, a prominent figure from Georgia, has been nominated to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The announcement highlights Loeffler’s extensive experience in business and public service, positioning her as a key figure in advancing opportunities for small businesses across the nation.
Championing Small Business Growth
The SBA Administrator role is critical in fostering growth and innovation within America’s small business sector. Loeffler’s nomination underscores her dedication to reducing regulatory barriers, cutting government waste, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our great economy,” the statement emphasized. “Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape and unleash opportunities for small businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Loeffler, who served as U.S. Senator during the Trump Administration, was instrumental in advancing key legislation, including the first-ever bill to protect women in sports. Before her Senate tenure, she built a 25-year career in financial services and technology. As Executive Vice President of a Fortune 500 company, she and her husband, Jeff, grew the business from 100 employees to over 10,000.
Her professional journey is deeply rooted in her belief in the “American Dream.” Raised on her family’s farm in Illinois as a fourth-generation farmer, Loeffler became the first in her family to attend college, earning a Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from DePaul University. She also made history as the first CFA charterholder to serve in the Senate.
Commitment to Public Service
Since leaving the Senate, Loeffler has dedicated herself to voter outreach and election integrity through her nonprofit organization, Greater Georgia. Her leadership in restoring confidence in elections and expanding voter registration efforts has been widely recognized.
In addition to her SBA Administrator nomination, Loeffler has been appointed Co-Chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, further reflecting her integral role in shaping the administration’s vision for the future.
A Vision for Accountability and Innovation
As SBA Administrator, Loeffler is expected to focus on ensuring taxpayer accountability, combating waste and fraud, and fostering an environment where small businesses can flourish without undue regulatory burdens. Her financial acumen and public service experience position her as a strong advocate for the nation’s entrepreneurs.
This nomination celebrates a career defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering businesses and communities across the country.
Politics
Governor DeSantis Appoints Judges to 17th, 18th, and 20th Judicial Circuits
Published
1 day agoon
December 4, 2024By
FNN NEWSTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis announced three new judicial appointments on Monday, filling vacancies in the Seventeenth, Eighteenth, and Twentieth Judicial Circuits. Each appointee brings extensive legal experience to their new roles.
The Appointees:
- Johnathan Lott, of Fort Lauderdale, appointed to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court:
Lott has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida since 2020. Before that, he was an Associate Attorney at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the University of Chicago. Lott will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Murphy. - Laura Moody, of Rockledge, appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court:
Moody has been the Chief Legal Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Moody holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a juris doctor from Florida A&M University. She steps into the position left vacant by the retirement of Judge Maloney. - Darrell Hill, of Labelle, appointed to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court:
Hill has served as a County Court Judge for Hendry County since 2018. Previously, he owned his private practice, Darrell R. Hill, P.A. Hill received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the Cumberland School of Law. He fills the judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
Background on the Appointments
These judicial appointments highlight Governor DeSantis’ focus on selecting experienced professionals with a commitment to serving the public and the judiciary. The appointees will play a crucial role in their respective circuits, addressing the legal needs of Florida’s residents and upholding the law.
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