All articles tagged with #diplomat
South Africa's ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead near a hotel in Paris under unclear circumstances, prompting an investigation by French authorities. Mthethwa, a prominent ANC figure and former government minister, had been serving as ambassador since December 2023.
Victor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. diplomat and national security figure, has been arrested and charged with acting as an agent of the Cuban government for decades. The charges allege that Rocha worked for various U.S. government agencies while secretly advancing the interests of Fidel Castro's regime. A grand jury indictment accuses him of seeking sensitive and classified U.S. material to provide to Cuban agents. Rocha's incriminating statements during meetings with an undercover FBI agent, including his pride in strengthening the Cuban Revolution, have been detailed in court documents. The investigation into any instances of passing classified information may take years.
Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, a former European Union envoy to Gaza, is facing criticism for conducting a paragliding flight in Gaza and shouting "Free Palestine!" three months before Hamas used paragliders to invade Israel and kill over 1,400 people. Israel has declared war on Hamas and launched airstrikes on Gaza, prompting von Burgsdorff to condemn Israel's actions. The former diplomat's flight was condemned by Israel as propaganda, and the Israeli foreign ministry accused him of empowering Hamas. Von Burgsdorff has continued to voice his opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, but has not condemned Hamas' attack on Israel.
A knife-wielding assailant stabbed an Israeli Embassy worker in broad daylight in Beijing, China, as tensions from the Middle East conflict spread. The attack occurred after Hamas' ex-leader called for a global 'Day of Jihad' in support of Palestinians. The disturbing video shows the diplomat being repeatedly stabbed before the attacker limps away. The diplomat was taken to a hospital in stable condition, while Israeli military officials warned Palestinians to leave Gaza and continued airstrikes in the area.
China's ousted foreign minister, Qin Gang, reportedly had an extramarital affair with a high-profile Chinese television presenter, Fu Xiaotian, who had a child through surrogacy in the United States. The Financial Times reported that Fu, the former host of a flagship talk show on Phoenix TV, was in a relationship with Qin, deepening the intrigue surrounding his unexplained disappearance and removal from office. The Chinese government has not provided an explanation for Qin's ouster, but rumors of his alleged affair with Fu have been circulating on social media. An investigation is reportedly underway to determine if the affair and other actions by Qin have affected China's national security.
Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who also served as a congressman and Secretary of Energy, has passed away at the age of 75. Richardson, known for his work in global conflict resolution and prisoner release, founded the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. He was credited with successfully negotiating the release of hostages and political prisoners in various countries. Richardson's accomplishments as governor included boosting economic development, improving job numbers, and bringing the movie industry to New Mexico. He also co-founded the Foundation to Preserve New Mexico Wildlife with actor Robert Redford. Richardson is survived by his wife and daughter.
Bill Richardson, a veteran diplomat and former New Mexico governor, has passed away at the age of 75. Known for his role in freeing hostages and wrongly detained Americans, Richardson dedicated his life to public service and helping those in need. He was a mentor and advocate for human rights, working tirelessly to secure the release of Americans held overseas. His passing is mourned by many, including the countless families he assisted throughout his career.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed concerns about a man suspected of being a Russian diplomat allegedly squatting on the site where a Moscow embassy was planned to be built in Canberra, saying that the man is just "some bloke" and not a national security threat. The Australian government revoked the lease last week citing national security concerns.
Canada has declared a Chinese diplomat "persona non grata" following allegations of political meddling, which Beijing has denied. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service found an accredited Chinese diplomat in the country had targeted opposition lawmaker Michael Chong and his relatives in China following his criticisms of Beijing's treatment of its Uyghur minorities. Beijing has denied accusations of political interference in Canada and warned of "consequences" for the expulsion. The allegations have become a growing political problem for the government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canada has expelled a Chinese diplomat after allegations that the diplomat had targeted a lawmaker. The move comes amid increasing tensions between the two countries, with Canada having previously arrested a senior executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei at the request of the US. China has condemned the expulsion and warned of retaliation.
Canada has expelled a Chinese diplomat for allegedly trying to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of China's treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority. The decision comes after an intelligence report accused the diplomat of being part of a campaign to threaten and harass the lawmaker and his family. China has condemned the expulsion and warned of retaliation. Diplomatic expulsions are rare in Canada, highlighting the seriousness with which Ottawa is viewing the situation.
Belgium denies reaching a deal with Iran for a prisoner swap that would free jailed Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi in exchange for Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele. Iran's judiciary spokesperson had claimed that an exchange would be done soon, but Belgium's Justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne called it a false message from a rogue state that specializes in making false statements. Assadi was jailed for 20 years in 2021 over a foiled bomb plot targeting an Iranian opposition group in Paris, while Vandecasteele was arrested in Iran in February 2022 and sentenced to 40 years in prison and 74 lashes on several charges including spying.
Israel's Consul General in New York, Asaf Zamir, expressed his "deep concern" over the country's direction, particularly regarding the hardline coalition's effort to overhaul the judiciary. Zamir's criticism is rare for a sitting diplomat and indicates widespread discomfort with the government's policies. The legislation being pushed through the Knesset would give the government and coalition complete control over the selection of all judges in Israel, severely restrict the High Court's capacity to strike down laws, and allow the Knesset to pass laws immune from judicial review. Critics warn this could move Israel from a liberal democracy to another system of governance.