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Month: February 2022

Russia’s war on Ukraine: latest developments

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/02/2022

EU leaders announced tough new sanctions on Russia on Sunday, closing the entire EU airspace to Russian planes, including private jets, and banning Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik.

Speaking beside EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia Today and Sputnik “will no longer be able to spread their lies to justify Putin’s war and to sow division in our union”.

Von der Leyen also said the bloc was taking the unprecedented step of financing €450 million in arms to Ukraine and introducing restrictions on exports from Russian ally Belarus.

Ukraine on Sunday said it would hold talks with Russia at its border with Belarus after a phone call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces on high alert on Sunday, citing “aggressive statements” by NATO powers and harsh financial sanctions. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the move a “totally unacceptable” escalation while the White House said Putin was “manufacturing threats” with the order. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg criticised Putin’s “dangerous rhetoric”, adding: “This is a behavior which is irresponsible.”

Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia at the highest UN court in The Hague for disputes between states, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.

The US, Britain, Europe and Canada moved to block Russia’s access to the SWIFT international payment system as part of another round of economic sanctions against Moscow.

The Élysée Palace announced Saturday that France would take action against Russian disinformation and send defensive weapons to Ukraine while Germany approved the delivery of 400 anti-tank rocket launchers.

More than 368,000 Ukrainians have fled, mostly to Poland and Moldova, according to the UN refugee agency.

 

 

Monaco Life with AFP. Photo: Screenshot of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s speech on Sunday.

 

 

Reims stun Monaco in injury time

by: Luke Entwistle
27/02/2022

What had seemed a routine AS Monaco victory turned on its head in the final 10 minutes, as Reims came out 2-1 winners in a defeat that harms the Principality side’s European aspirations.

Prince Albert II and AS Monaco Vice-President Oleg Petrov were in attendance on Sunday as the match was unexpectedly delayed by five minutes, Reims coach Oscar Garcia confirming post-match the delay was a symbolic gesture in support of the Ukrainian people – an idea conceived by their president Jean-Pierre Caillot.

For Philippe Clement, however, it was an unexpected gesture. “I was a bit surprised. If you are going to make such a gesture, we should be told in advance. We have a tight preparation for the game, every minute is organised to be ready for the match.” The Belgian coach made it known that he was in agreement with the sentiment. “There is no-one in the club who wants the war.”

Following the delay, there was then a symbolic kick-off in which the Monegasque bobsledding duo of Rudy Rinaldi and Boris Vain, who recently became record-setters in the Beijing Winter Olympics, played a short pass.

The game started in predictable fashion. Reims sat deeply looking to contain Monaco’s attacking threat. That work was seemingly undone early on, when Gelson Martins headed in at the back-post only for a marginal offside call to come to Reims’ rescue.

Monaco continued to impose themselves, but without any incision, as the half drifted by without many notable chances. That all changed early in the second-half as a thunderous drive from Fraser Hornby early in the second-half rattled off the crossbar, Alexander Nubel was well-beaten.

The match opener came from an entirely predictable source, the prolific Wissam Ben Yedder latched onto a Sofiane Diop through-ball and converted in typically efficient fashion. The French striker almost doubled the lead seconds later, but his volley hit the face of the post.

In search of a goal, Reims finally opened up, and whilst the away side created more chances of their own, the biggest chance would fall once again to Monaco. Jean Lucas should have done better, but his uncomposed finish flew comfortably over the bar.

Monaco would rue that miss. Kevin Volland, who is struggling to net for the Principality side, put one in his own net, Nubel helpless to prevent the leveller. Things would yet worsen. Jean Lucas saw red for leaving a foot in on his opponent, which saw the Brazilian receive a second yellow.

Monaco’s miserable day at the office was completed when Nathanael Mbuku slotted past Nubel in the final minute of stoppage time, the disastrous final 10 minutes now leaves Monaco with a mountain to climb in order to attain Champions League football next season.

Clement was understandably down-beat post-match. “I am very disappointed not to have obtained the three points, because that’s the important thing in every match. I’m also disappointed because we weren’t rewarded. The players did lots of good things to create good chances… In the final minutes we made errors, which changed the match.”

The Belgian continued, “We need to be more intelligent, more well-organised in those circumstances.” Monaco must quickly overcome Sunday’s disappointment as they come up against Nantes in the Coupe de France on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake.

 

 

Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

 

 

 

Roca victory plays second-fiddle to anti-war message

by: Luke Entwistle
27/02/2022

Somewhere between the pre-match display of anti-war sentiment and a post-match interview in which Donatas Motiejunas refused to talk about basketball, a fantastic match broke-out with AS Monaco prevailing on the night (92-78).

Having secured victory against Russian side Unics Kazan on Tuesday night, the Salle Gaston Medecin faithful would be treated to another Euroleague triumph on Friday, this time against Turkish side Fenerbahce.

The match, at times, was of secondary importance to the on-court action, the event bookended by poignant moments of solidarity. Pre-match, referees revealed signs reading “Stop the war”, which was greeted with a round of applause from all inside the hall, including from the club’s Russian President Aleksej Fedoriscev, Ukrainian Vice-President Sergey Dyadechko and Prince Albert II.

The match itself was also punctuated by moments that reminded us of the troubling political context, the Roca Team’s Ukrainian assistant coach Sergiy Gladyr holding up a “Stop War” sign to the camera during one timeout.

Sport, with its power to entertain, provided a welcome distraction, and following Tuesday’s on-the-buzzer victory, home fans once again witnessed a Monaco win, which lifted the side into seventh in the Euroleague.

The victory was, however, earned in a starkly different manner, the home-side powering into an early lead, going on to expertly control their points advantage. An inexplicably easy dunk for the Turkish visitors inside the opening 10 seconds of the encounter alluded to a difficult challenge. And although the first-quarter was a tight affair (19-20), the match effectively ended as a contest in the second, an impressive team performance in which everyone contributed, building an unassailable 22-point gap (55-33).

Motiejunas, Mike James, Will Thomas, Paris Lee and Alpha Diallo all chipped in with significant point contributions, whilst participating in a solid defence, which left Fenerbahce unable to get into an offensive flow.

American Diallo was in particularly hot form, his 24-points on the night a career best in the Euroleague, backing-up his 11-points against Unics.

Despite narrowly losing both second-half quarters, the damage had already been done, and whereas Sasa Obradovic’s men have previously generously handed the opposition a route back into the tie, the same was not to happen here (92-78).

Post-match, Motiejunas was in no mood to talk about what had happened on-court. Asked about the importance of the victory in the context of the hunt for the top-8, the Lithuanian replied, “I think we should take a minute’s silence because of what is going on in Europe right now. Lots of innocent people are dying. Please stop the war in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with that country right now.”

Obradovic did, however, address his side’s successful outing. “We played great basketball, and we’re really happy with this victory. I am happy for the team because they deserved it. Diallo gave an extraordinary performance.”

Monaco next face a difficult trip to Spain where they will face first-placed side Barcelona on Thursday, with the aim of cementing their play-off place.

 

 

 

Monaco eases some more Covid rules

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/02/2022

Students will no longer be made to wear masks outdoors or during indoor sports under the government’s latest relaxation of Covid measures. 

After a meeting with the National Council in the Joint Covid Monitoring Committee on Wednesday, the government late Friday made an announcement on the latest round of measures that will be eased in light of the positive health situation in the Principality.

In addition to dropping the mask requirement for school students, from Monday 28th February, staff in sectors that provide “essential services to the population” are no longer required to present a health pass to turn up to work.

Food and drinks can once again be consumed at venues like cinemas and stadiums, and standing cocktails and cloak services are allowed to resume.

Combat and contact sports can also go ahead again.

From Saturday 5th March, teleworking three days a week will no longer be obligatory, but is still recommended, while from 7th March, masks will not be required during all indoor sports.

The latest moves by the government fall short of what is being asked for by the National Council, which earlier on Friday had publicly called for the scrapping of the health pass in the Principality and mandatory masks inside classrooms.

 

SEE ALSO:

National Council calls for further easing of Covid measures

 

 

Photo by Nii Shu on Unsplash

 

 

 

Prince Albert to address World Ocean Summit

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/02/2022

The World Ocean Summit has announced its final speaker line-up, with over 150 experts and leaders, including Prince Albert II, participating at the four-day virtual event with the theme ‘How to achieve 2030 targets’.

The 9th annual World Ocean Summit Virtual Week, from 1st to 4th March, brings together leading figures from the worlds of science, government, business, civil society and investment for online conversations, interactive sessions, roundtables and a virtual exhibit all in the name of ocean protection and rehabilitation.

This year’s theme, ‘How to achieve 2030 targets’, will look at developments in fishing, shipping, energy, tourism, aquaculture and the seemingly never-ending problem of plastics.

Last year, the event saw over 8,000 registered visitors from 175 countries.

The list of distinguished speakers for the 2022 edition is a diverse one. In addition to Prince Albert II, there is US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group Aminia Mohammed, professional big wave surfer Maya Gabiera, Director of World Without Waste at Coca-Cola Europe Ana Gasco, and Jane Ewing, Senior Vice-President for Sustainability at US retail giant Walmart.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Ian Hemming, Managing Director of Economist Impact, organiser of the event, said, “We are looking forward to reconnecting the International Oceans community, and hosting four days of remarkable and memorable discussions, and showcasing the latest innovations of the sector.”

Talking points will include how industries can work together to practice better waste management and find solutions to reduce marine plastic pollution, how to reach the ocean health restoration target date of 2030, fixing the overfishing problem, goals for decarbonising the shipping industry by 2050, increasing production of renewable marine energy, and using nature-based solutions to combat climate change.

Additionally, on 2nd March, Back to Blue, an Economist Impact and Nippon Foundation initiative, will reveal the findings of its chemical pollution report.

There will also be two short films hosted by Llyod’s Register Foundation, Two kinds of Water and Salt Lines, directed by award-winner Dan McDougall.

The event is a precursor to Monaco’s own sea event, Monaco Ocean Week, which is being held from 21st to 26th March. Organised by the Prince Albert II Foundation, the event will bring together experts for meetings, debates and mobilisation efforts.

 

 Photo by Anastasia Taioglou on Unsplash

 

 

 

Changing birth name to become easier in France

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/02/2022

A new law passed by France’s National Assembly allows for citizens to change their birth name to that of their other parent with less paperwork and hassle.

The National Assembly voted on the LREM-led bill on Thursday with 69 for, one against and two abstentions, making it a nearly unanimous decision.

This was the last bill to come before the deputies before the legislative break in the run up to the election period.

The one-time-only name change is for those who identify, for one reason or another, more with one parent than another. Keeper of the Seals, Eric Dupond-Moretti, for example, noted that the new law “resonates with his personal story”. His father died when he was a boy and he was raised by his mother. He wanted to honour her and so went through the process of changing his name to reflect both parents, hence Dupond-Moretti.

It was possible to change one’s name before, but the process was lengthy and complicated, forcing petitioners to go through the Ministry of Justice. It also wasn’t guaranteed to work. The rules were specific and included such things as wanting to preserve a rare surname from extinction, having a desire to “Frenchify” one’s name, wanting to change from a pejorative-sounding name, or not wanting to have the name of a discredited person were amongst the only valid reasons. 

Starting 1st July, it is possible for any adult to ask, one time, to take or add the name of their other parent with a simple town hall procedure and without having to formally justify the reasoning. The procedure, whilst simplified, does not allow for the person to change to any name simply because they fancy it, though. It is limited to the surname of their other parent only.

For sufferers of incest, abandonment, and other painful experiences, being able to “delete” the name of their torturer is a relief. It is also helpful for children who are the product of divorce, most of whom reside with their mothers but who bear their fathers’ names. The discrepancy of names has caused confusion and problems in cases of state admin, school registrations, medical procedures and travel.

Children will now be able to use their family name given at birth as well as a “user name”, that of the other parent. Today, eight out of 10 children in France bear the name of their father, though 21% live with their mother only.

 

 

Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash