Brazil's Lula Slams US Visa Restrictions as 'Arbitrary'
Brazilian President Lula da Silva issued a sharp rebuke on Saturday against the United States for imposing visa restrictions on Brazilian officials, describing the move as "arbitrary" and "baseless."
In a strongly worded statement, Lula denounced the measures as a breach of international norms and an affront to national sovereignty.
'I am confident that no form of intimidation or threat, from anyone, will deter the most important mission of our authorities and institutions: the unwavering defense and preservation of the rule of democratic law,' Lula declared in a public address.
The U.S. State Department had recently announced visa sanctions targeting Brazilian officials allegedly linked to anti-democratic actions, particularly concerning investigations into the January 8, 2023 storming of government buildings by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The move has sparked controversy in Brasília and prompted a forceful response from the current administration.
Lula expressed explicit solidarity with Brazil's Federal Supreme Court (STF) justices, several of whom were reportedly affected by the U.S. decision. 'I express my support and solidarity with the justices of the Federal Supreme Court, who have been targeted by yet another arbitrary and entirely unfounded action by the United States government,' he stated in a post on social media platform X.
The Brazilian president also rejected what he sees as foreign interference in domestic judicial processes. 'The intervention of one state in the judicial system of another is unacceptable and violates the core principles of respect and sovereignty among nations,' Lula said.
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Al-Ahram Weekly
26 minutes ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israel launches new ground push to divide Gaza through Deir al-Balah - War on Gaza
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Al-Ahram Weekly
26 minutes ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israeli reservist tells WSJ troops fired on Palestinians waving white flags near aid centres - War on Gaza
Israeli occupation forces opened fire on Palestinians holding white flags near an aid distribution site in Gaza in mid-June, an Israeli reservist told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)—one of several recent incidents in which troops shot at starving civilians seeking food. The reservist said the group approached soldiers outside a designated route near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site. 'We have an unwritten rule that if you are worried and they get too close and you see that it could be something that puts you and your team at risk, you don't take that risk,' he said. Though he claimed soldiers gave verbal warnings, he stated that troops opened fire after the crowd crossed what they regarded as a red line. Israeli forces are instructed to fire warning shots or aim at the knees, but 'mistakes happen,' he added. The Journal reported that soldiers shot at civilians holding white flags after they deviated from the designated path. The GHF is an alternative aid mechanism created by the US and Israeli governments to replace and undermine the United Nations (UN)-led system, which Israeli authorities have systematically obstructed. It operates without UN oversight or coordination from humanitarian agencies. It runs four food sites, primarily in southern Gaza, which open intermittently and are frequently overwhelmed. Crowds often arrive before dawn, uncertain whether food will be available. Rations typically consist of flour, lentils and oil, with no meat, dairy or fresh produce. Jameel al-Nahhal, 21, from Rafah, told The Journal: 'The crowds are huge, and the quantities are tiny. The amount I bring back lasts a day or two, at most.' At the launch of the Khan Younis site in June, a collapsed gate led to tens of thousands of people overrunning the facility. Private security contractors fled as people looted fencing, lightbulbs and a generator, while Israeli and US officials monitored the scene remotely. 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Daily News Egypt
an hour ago
- Daily News Egypt
CIB completes fifth securitisation issuance for B.TECH worth EGP 859.4m
Commercial International Bank (CIB) – Egypt, the country's largest private-sector bank, has successfully completed the fifth issuance under securitisation programme, with a total value of EGP 859.4m. CIB acted as the exclusive financial advisor, lead arranger, issuance manager, promoter, and coverage underwriter for the transaction. The issuance was divided into two tranches: the first with a maturity of nine months and the second with a maturity of eleven months. Both tranches received a 'P1' credit rating from Middle East Rating & Investors Service (MERIS), supported by the strength of the underlying receivables portfolio, along with comprehensive guarantees and credit enhancements provided to bondholders. This transaction forms part of a two-year securitisation programme with a total value of EGP 5bn. It attracted significant investor interest, reflecting robust market confidence in the issuer, and the execution team. Amr El-Ganainy, Deputy CEO and Managing Director of CIB, commented: 'CIB is proud to lead this successful transaction, which contributes to supporting and expanding the consumer finance sector in Egypt. This issuance marks another milestone that confirms strength and its prominent position in the Egyptian market, while also highlighting CIB's ability to offer comprehensive financial solutions.' Omar El-Husseiny, CEO of Global Markets at CIB, added: 'This deal crowns CIB's accumulated expertise in debt structuring and financial advisory, along with its competitive edge in underwriting, reaffirming the bank's role as a trusted financial advisor and partner in the Egyptian market.' Heba Abdel Latif, Head of Financial Institutions at CIB, noted: 'This collaboration reflects the bank's commitment to supporting companies operating in the non-banking sector, thereby contributing to economic growth and offering sustainable financing solutions that address market needs.' Gehan El-Segini, Head of Debt Capital Markets at CIB, emphasised: 'The success of this issuance reflects CIB's commitment to providing innovative financing instruments aligned with client ambitions, and it reinforces the growing trust places in its ongoing partnership with CIB.' CIB subscribed to the issuance alongside several investment funds managed by CI Asset Management and Arab African Investment Management. Law firm Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy served as legal advisor to the transaction, while Baker Tilly acted as the certified financial auditor. This latest issuance aligns with CIB's strategy to deliver advanced financial solutions that foster market growth and stimulate investment in key sectors, particularly the consumer finance sector.
