When war broke out in Ukraine, Aydin Sisman’s relatives there fled to the ancient city of Antakya, in a southeastern corner of Turkey that borders Syria. They may have escaped one disaster, but another found them in their new home.They were staying with Sisman's Ukrainian mother-in-law when their building collapsed last Monday as a 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled much of Antakya and ravaged the region in what some in Turkey are calling the disaster of the century.“We have Ukrainian guests who fled the war, and they are also lying inside. We have had no contact.” said Sisman, whose Turkish father-in-law also was trapped under the rubble of the 10-year-old apartment building.As rescuers dig through heaps of rubble, Sisman appeared to have lost hope.Millions of refugees, like Sisman’s relatives, have found a haven in Turkey, escaping from wars and local conflicts from countries as close as Syria to as far afield as Afghanistan.There are at least 3.6 million Syrians who have fled their homeland’s war since 2011, arriving in trickles or en masse, sometimes overrunning the border, to seek safety from punishing bombardments, chemical attacks and starvation. Over 300,000 others have come to escape their own conflicts and hardships, according to the United Nations.For them, the earthquake was just the latest tragedy — one that many are still too shocked to comprehend.“This is the greatest disaster we have seen, and we have seen a lot,” said Yehia Sayed Ali, 25, a university student whose family moved to Antakya six years ago to escape Syria’s war at its peak.His mother, two cousins and another relative all died in the earthquake. On Saturday, he sat outside his demolished two-story building waiting for rescuers to help him dig out their bodies.“Not a single Syrian family has not lost a relative, a dear one” in this earthquake, said Ahmad Abu Shaar, who ran a shelter for Syrian refugees in Antakya that is now a pile of rubble.Abu Shaar said people are searching for loved ones and many have refused to leave Antakya even though the quake has left the city with no inhabitable structures, no electricity, water or heating. Many are sleeping on the streets or in the shadows of broken buildings.“The people are still living in shock. No one could have imagined this,” Abu Shaar said.Certainly not Sisman, who flew from Qatar to Turkey with his wife to help find his in-laws and their Ukrainian relatives.“Right now, my mother-in-law and father-in-law are inside. They’re under rubble ... There were no rescue teams. I went up by myself, took a look, and walked around. I saw bodies and we pulled them out from under the rubble. Some without heads,” he said.Construction workers sifting through the debris told Sisman that although the top of the building was solid, the garage and foundations were not as strong.“When those collapsed, that’s when the building was flattened,” a shaken Sisman said. He appeared to have accepted his relatives were not coming out alive.Overwhelmed by the trauma, Abdulqader Barakat stood desperately pleading for international aid to help rescue his children trapped under concrete in Antakya.“There are four. We took two out and two are still (inside) for hours. We hear their voices and they are reacting. We need (rescue) squads,” he said.At the Syrian shelter, Mohammed Aloolo sat in a circle surrounded by his children who escaped the building that swayed and finally folded like an accordion.He came to Antakya in May from a refugee camp along the Turkish-Syrian border. He had survived artillery shelling and fighting in his hometown in Syria's central Hama province, but he called his survival in the earthquake a miracle.Other relatives were not so lucky. Two nieces and their families remain under the debris, he said, holding back tears.“I wish this on no one. Nothing I can say that would describe this,” Aloolo said.Scenes of despair and mourning can be found across the region that only a few days earlier was a peaceful refuge for those fleeing war and conflict.At a cemetery in the town of Elbistan, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Antakya, a Syrian family wept and prayed as it buried one of its own. Naziha Al-Ahmad, a mother of four, was pulled dead from the rubble of their new home. Two of her daughters were seriously injured, including one who lost her toes.“My wife was good, very good. Affectionate, kind, a good wife, God bless her soul,” said Ahmad Al-Ahmad. “Neighbours died, and we died with them.”Graves are quickly filling up.At the Turkish and Syria border, people transferred body bags into a truck waiting to take the remains to Syria for burial in their homeland. They included the body of Khaled Qazqouz’s 5-year-old niece, Tasneem Qazqouz.Tasneem and her father both died when the quake wracked the border town of Kirikhan.“We took her out from under the destruction, from under the rocks. The whole building fell,” Qazqouz said. “We worked for three days to get her out.”Qazqouz signed his niece’s name on the body bag before sending her off to the truck heading for Syria.He prayed as he let her go.“Say hi to your dad and give him my wishes. Say hi to your grandfather and your uncle and everyone,” he cried. “Between the destruction and the rubble, we have nothing now. Life has become so difficult.”

They may have escaped one disaster, but another found them in their new home

Relatives and friends of Syrian refugee Naziha Al-Ahmad bury her in a cemetery after she died during an earthquake, in Elbistan, southeastern, Turkey, Friday

Earthquake in Turkey is only the latest tragedy for refugees

Yesterday, the Assembly of the Rectory Conference/Choir in BiH unanimously adopted the proposal and awarded plaques for contribution to the work and development of the university to the proposed professors. The UNSA's proposal was the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry in Sarajevo, dr. Muhamed Ajanović.- On my own behalf, but also on behalf of all employees at the Faculty of Dentistry with the Dental Clinical Center of UNSA, I would like to thank the Rector's Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Rector of the University of Sarajevo, prof. Ph.D. sc. Rifat Škrijelj for evaluating my work and our work and awarding the award.With my work, together with my team, I will justify the trust shown - said dr. Ajanović for the "Avaz's" portal.Dr. Ajanović was awarded the recognition of the Rector's Conference.

With my work, together with my team, I will justify the trust shown, said dr. Ajanović

Muhamed Ajanović for "Avaz": I would like to thank the rector for appreciating my work

At today's session, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina appointed some of the personnel in the security institutions. Mirko Kuprešaković was appointed director of the BiH Border Police.Zoran Galić was appointed to the position of deputy director of SIPA, instead of Đuro Knežević."Avaz" announced this information seven days ago. At today's session, Mirsad Vilić's successor was not appointed to the position of director of the Directorate for the Coordination of Police Bodies (DCPB).According to the vacancy from last year, Mirsad Đelilović and Ensad Korman were proposed as Vilić's successor. They were a proposal of the SDA, and at the session of the Council of Ministers they will not even be discussed as Bosniak quotas.This means that Bosniak personnel is on hold.

As "Avaz" announced seven days ago, Mirsad Vilić's successor has not been appointed

"Avaz's" writing confirmed: Kuprešaković is director of the Border Police, Galić is deputy in SIPA

Austrian Major General Helmut Habermayer took over the position of EUFOR commander in BiH in mid-January, and "Dnevni avaz" was the first media for which he gave an interview. <h2>A comprehensive approach</h2>- For me, commanding EUFOR "Althea" in Bosnia and Herzegovina is both an honor and an important responsibility, and although I took command of this international mission only on January 18th of this year, I devote my full attention and commitment to this double obligation. The essential motto of EUFOR is to provide support as a credible and impartial actor for the benefit of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With its liaison and observation teams, EUFOR is present in all parts of the country and maintains close contacts with local officials and citizens from all political, ethnic and religious communities. In this sense, from the very beginning of my mandate, I continue to adhere to the main responsibility of EUFOR to help the authorities of your country to maintain a safe and stable environment - said Major General Habermayer.He is currently doing, as he said, inaugural visits to newly elected officials and ministers.- My focus is on consideration and discussions on certain aspects of arms control, humanitarian demining and collective training with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I also hope to find a way that EUFOR can be of help in promoting BiH's status as a candidate country for EU membership. EUFOR is and will remain an integral part of the EU's comprehensive approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Habermayer.When it comes to the security situation in our country, the Austrian Major General emphasizes that for every military leader leading a peacekeeping mission, security is a category that is interpreted on two levels.<h2>Repetitive rhetoric</h2>- First of all, it refers to the security situation in the country. In this context, I see a very intense political atmosphere, which is especially the case in the process of forming the government after last year's elections, but I also see the efforts of responsible political actors to protect and preserve peace and security. I sincerely hope that the status of a candidate for EU membership, which BiH was awarded in December last year, will soften the negative rhetoric that sometimes appears regarding the future. EUFOR is an integral part of a comprehensive international endeavor aimed at supporting the integrity and sovereignty of your country. The second level is the safety of the men and women who serve under my command and I am pleased to say that the public's attitude towards EUFOR personnel is generally very positive. Yet, as history teaches us, peace and security are sometimes fragile. I am determined in my intention that EUFOR be well informed, prepared and ready to respond to all potential changes in the security environment in BiH - he said.He recalled that the number of EUFOR troops was doubled last spring, which, as he explained, was a proportionate, prudent and cautious response to the negative change in the international security environment.- According to the current security assessment, strengthening the capacity of EUFOR does not mean a further increase in the number of our troops, and I hope that this will not be necessary. I am very well aware of the impact that this IT age has on the security environment, therefore I will strive to ensure that EUFOR is ready to respond to all threats coming from the information domain. As a candidate country for EU membership, you will progress on the path to EU integration, and at the end of that path, the presence of an international military force will, of course, no longer be necessary - the EUFOR commander pointed out.

Major General Habermayer followed the situation in our country during the war, and later participated in the investigation of war crimes.- History repeats itself only if those who create history are ready to commit the same mistake twice. I don't see anything like that here. There is a recurring rhetoric that is not in line with the values and aspirations of European integration that you want to join. But with further progress on the road to European integration, I believe this kind of rhetoric will disappear. Wherever I look, I see encouraging signs for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina - concluded Habermayer.<h2>Welfare of the population</h2>- Stronger capacities for education and assistance in demining, monitoring and destruction of surplus weapons and ammunition, or even providing air capacity for emergency medical evacuation to rescue domestic civilians, are just some of the areas in which EUFOR can grow, for the benefit of the local population, as well as promoting your integration into Europe. The possibility to fly the national flags of several EU member states, or third countries, at Camp Butmir will be another important expression of our commitment to help you on your European journey. EUFOR will have to remain ready to react as "One mission, one team" in any situation that could happen - said Habermayer.<h2>I am learning the first words in Bosnian</h2>- As a young officer in the Austrian General Staff, I always wanted to come here. It seems my original wish has come true. Although this is my first long stay in BiH and Sarajevo, and I have only been here for a few weeks, I was touched by the kindness and hospitality of ordinary people on the street. I hope that by the end of my mandate, I will have the opportunity to see other colorful and historical sights of your beautiful country and get to know its history, cultural diversity and, of course, its rich cuisine. I am happy to say that I have already started to learn my first words and phrases in the native language - said the Austrian Major General.

I hope that the status of a candidate for EU membership will soften the negative rhetoric that sometimes appears about the future

EUFOR Commander Major General Helmut Habermayer for "Avaz": Peace and security are sometimes fragile

On today's date in 2016, Dženan Memić suffered life-threatening injuries in the Great Alley on Ilidža in Sarajevo. Seven days later, on February 15th, he died. <h2>Aware of everything</h2>Today, as a sign of remembrance, members of the group "Justice for Dženan Memić", along with family members, will gather at the place where Dženan was attacked, and where the "Wounded Stone" monument was built for him.There is still no justice for Dženan and his family, as Muriz Memić will tell the gathered people today.- I haven't forgotten a single detail of what we went through. We also remember Dženan through everything, and that he is constantly mentioned. I have never said "deceased ". Although I am aware of everything, I know everything, but somehow... I guess because of this fight that is still going on - Muriz Memić said yesterday for "Dnevni avaz".He added that he tells people that he is fine, but...- By God, it's far from good. I myself sometimes do not believe that seven years have already passed. Everything seems like it happened yesterday. But I guess that we are in that fight and spasm. We will not give up. Ifet (Feraget, lawyer, op. cit.) has a habit of saying - we've done everything, we've tried everything. In the end, we proved it, the state just needs to do it now, to punish those responsible. Because it was worth keeping this alive for seven years. You know how quickly everything is forgotten here. We will certainly not give up, because it must come to an end. He has the prosecution and evidence and everything, but you saw what the court did last time, the prosecutors must be even more careful - emphasized Muriz Memić.<h2>Fatal night</h2>We remind you that the Memić's family claims from the beginning that Dženan was murdered. Alisa Ramić ( Mutap), who is the only witness to the event and who pleads amnesia, and her father Zijad Mutap are accused of organized crime, illegal mediation, prevention of evidence, giving a false statement and helping the perpetrator after the crime has been committed in the "Dženan Memić" case. Then Hasan Dupovac and Josip Barić, officers of the SC MUP who were conducting the investigation, and Muamer Ožegović, the receptionist of the hotel located near the place of Dženan's suffering, where surveillance cameras were installed, but the footage from the fateful night was deleted.At the end of November 2022, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, headed by Judge Branko Perić, delivered an acquittal for all the accused.<h2>Brake exists</h2>- Tomorrow (today, op. cit.) at 3 PM we will address everyone. It is the anniversary, to remember Dženan and once again to draw the attention of the authorities who are competent to work on it. I think, after seven years, this should go faster. Prosecutors are working, I can't tell them anything, but I think it could be faster. However, some brake exists. We will draw their attention - said Muriz Memić.

I haven't forgotten a single detail of what we went through, said Muriz Memić

Muriz Memić for "Avaz": I have never said " deceased" for Dženan

Five teams from General Hospital "Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakaš" are waiting for approval to leave for Turkey, which suffered the catastrophic consequences of the earthquake. As the director of the General Hospital, prof. dr. Ismet Gavrankapetanović said, 20 people are divided into five teams.Medical teams made themselves available to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the purpose of intervention assistance and sending medical and rescue teams from Sarajevo Canton to the areas affected by the devastating earthquake in southeast Turkey.For the team leaders were appointed prof. dr. Ismet Gavrankapetanović, dr. Severin Žujo, dr. Amina Krupalija Solak, dr. Ednan Drljević and dr. Salko Pašović.- We are always ready to help people in need. Our teams made themselves available as soon as the news about the terrible earthquakes started arriving, now we are waiting for approval to go - said prof. dr. Gavrankapetanović.

Our crews made themselves available as soon as news of the terrible earthquakes started coming in, we are now waiting for approval to go

Prof. dr. Gavrankapetanović for "Avaz": We are always ready to help people in need

The president of Savez za bolju budućnost (SBB), Fahrudin Radončić, said his farewells goodbye to the legendary coach Miroslav Ćira Blažević, who died today at the age of 88. - Some people are simply unrepeatable. Such a sports figure with historical attributes was our friend and "coach of all coaches", Ćiro Blažević.With his sporting achievements, as well as unprecedented charm, lucidity and wit, he was a regional favorite and a man of general admiration.Ćiro was a welcome guest in "Avaz's" building, and we hung out on several other occasions. Now, when he has gone to a better world, I even prefer that I jealously kept the soccer ball and jersey of the BiH national team with his dedication, which he gave me almost 15 years ago.Ćiro deserved that at least one sports facility or street in Bosnia and Herzegovina should bear his name permanently, due to the persistent and enthusiastic affirmation of his Travnik and the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Fahrudin Radončić.

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Some people are simply unrepeatable. Such a sports figure with historical attributes was also our friend and "coach of all coaches", said Radončić

Radončić: Ćiro's name should be permanently commemorated in BiH and his native Travnik

The next week will probably be crucial for the election of the new director of an extremely important institution for the security of the state and the democratic system. Of course, even lay people know that it is ISA. According to media speculations in the game about whose rules SDP and NiP should agree on, the main names are Erduan Kafedžić, Vahidin Šahinpašić, Kenan Kapo but also Almir Džuvo.It is known that Džuvo is not entitled to a third mandate under the ISA Act. No one, not even him.Given that Almir Džuvo's possible proposal must also be approved by the Office for Legislation of the BiH Council of Ministers, it is difficult to expect that director Džemail Ćibo will risk criminal liability if he allows that appointment in conflict with the Law.Precisely because of his eventual mistake, all the ministers would seek an absolution for their illegal voting and election. The rule of law is the first exam in the new convocation of the BiH Council of Ministers, but also for Ćibo.On the other hand, the SDP president is trying in every way to bring Džuvo back into the game. The entire clientelistic-political team is working on it, and the mandate-illegitimate Džuvo is trying to present himself as the alleged choice of the American ambassador in Sarajevo, Michael Murphy.However, in a public response, the US Embassy denied such an option. But that did not at all discourage Nikšić and Džuvo from continuing to place themselves under the alleged umbrella of American interests.One of the main operatives is a man who is close friend of Nermin Nikšić and Almir Džuvo, and his name is Elvedin Grabovica.The former director of Elektroprivreda BiH is known for his very corrupt mandate. But Grabovica again wants to return as the head of Elektroprivreda BiH, and Džuvo in the chair of the director of ISA is a sure protection for him in the event of a new violation of the law.During his tenure - as revealed by the Patrija portal seven years ago - Grabovica was followed by numerous scandals, from the fact that he paid an incredible 1.9 million KM for furniture and art paintings for the headquarters of Elektroprivreda BiH, to accusations that he was damaging the EP BiH with his actions. Then Patrija states that "Elvedin Dino Grabovica and his party boss Zlatko Lagumdžija agreed in one of the luxurious Sarajevo restaurants to sell surplus electricity with the company chosen by the controversial businessman Damir Fazlić. Fazlić, by the way, is the initiator of the cancellation of the tender in 2012. in which the EP BiH achieved very favorable prices in that year" – Patrija wrote, among other things.After leaving Elektroprivreda, Grabovica, as some media reported, together with Lagumdžija (and some claim with Nikšić) founded the company BS Telecom. That company had a very explosive and state-resourced financial development. Grabovica and his business associates got exclusive contracts with Autoceste FBiH, but also with at least two other large public companies, and the whole figure was measured at about 20 million KM per year.Last year, that company was allegedly sold to a foreign company, behind which, according to some sources, are the founding owners of BS Telecom and their best mens abroad.After the candidacy of Zlatko Lagumdžija for a very important diplomatic position in New York, Almir Džuvo for the director of ISA, Elvedin Grabovica for the general director of the EP BiH, which he destroyed together with the mines in the first term, and the expected appointment of Nermin Nikšić as the new-old federal prime minister, obviously is that the SDP remains trapped in the zones of unfinished business of interest groups and voter fraud, that, in addition to the undisputed Nikšić, they will offer many new faces for key positions.After all, the public is already significantly upset and disappointed with the Methuselah-advisors of the SDP member of the Presidency, Denis Bećirović, who gathered a politically prehistoric team in his cabinet.The saying "get Murt off, get Kurt on" will now become "get Murt off, get Kurta back".

The connections of interest of the former director of Lagumdžija reach the top of the SDP

The battle for the illegal election of the ISA director reveals the much worse personnel messages of the SDP

Going into Tuesday's State of the Union address, President Joe Biden sees a nation with its future aglow. Republicans take a far bleaker view — that the country is beset by crushing debt and that Biden is largely responsible for inflation. And the GOP now holds a House majority intent on blocking the president.The harder reality is that the United States is on a tight rope, trying to balance efforts to reduce inflation with the need to stay upright and avoid falling into a recession. That's with the seemingly inherent contradiction of a soaring job market and the unemployment rate at a near 54-year low.<h2>Here's where we stand</h2>Based on past speeches, Biden believes the policies adopted under his watch can fill the U.S. with new factories and protect against climate change. Roads, bridges, sewer systems, ports and internet service would be improved. The middle class would be more financially secure. So would America's place in the global economy's hierarchy.On Friday, the president said the proof was in the January employment report. It showed 517,000 jobs were added as the unemployment rate fell to 3.4%, making it “crystal clear” that his “chorus of critics” were wrong.“Here's where we stand: The strongest job growth in history,” Biden said. “Put simply, I would argue the Biden economic plan is working.”Republicans are pushing back. They blamed Biden's trillion-dollar plus spending for high inflation and surging gas and food prices. GOP lawmakers want to repeal his tax increases and additional money for the IRS. They oppose his forgiveness of student debt and blame him for the migrants seeking to enter the country at the U.S.-Mexico border.Neither side captures the fullness of the actual state of the economy.One group of experts can read the data and claim a recession is on the horizon. A different group can focus on a separate set of figures and see reason to rejoice. It's a disorienting moment.Biden can celebrate the low jobless rate even as Republicans bemoan inflation that is still running dangerously hot.“It’s the best of times and the worst of times for the U.S. economy, to borrow a phrase,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. “The economy is full of contradictions as it struggles to get beyond the massive global shocks of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”Zandi said he expects the U.S. economy will “skirt” a recession this year, though many economists believe a downturn will come.Gus Faucher, PNC Financial Services' chief economist, pegs the odds of a recession this year at 60%. But he said any downturn would be “mild” because “worker shortages will limit layoffs, consumer balance sheets are in great shape, the banking system is solid.”Most people in the U.S. assume the nation is already in a recession, even if they personally feel fine.Only 24% of adults call the national economy good and 76% say conditions are poor, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. At the same time, 57% say their personal financial situation is good. That’s unchanged since December, but it has eroded slightly since earlier last year when 62% felt positively about their finances.The key force shaping the economy right now is the Federal Reserve, which has the mission of keeping prices stable and inflation at around 2%. Consumer prices jumped 6.5% last year.To bring down inflation, the Fed has tried to slow down hiring and growth by raising its benchmark interest rate over the past year. When Biden delivered the State of the Union Address in 2022, the Fed's benchmark rate was effectively near-zero. It's now over 4.5%, the fastest increase in four decades, and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the rate will likely go higher.“Without price stability, the economy does not work for anyone,” Powell told reporters after the Fed board's most recent meeting.The Fed rate increases mark a major reversal in how the economy operates.Ever since the 2008 financial crisis, the U.S. central bank had held its benchmark rate near historic lows to bring back growth. That made it easier for tech start-ups because cheap money meant investors expected them to focus on growth instead of profits. Consumers got use to historically cheap rates for mortgages and auto loans.The past year's rate jumps produced a sudden whiplash. The stock market fell. Prominent tech companies such as Google and Microsoft recently announced layoffs. Even as computer chip companies began building new plants and crediting Biden's policies, the world economy swung from a dearth of semiconductors to a glut. Mortgage rates initially doubled to over 7%, before falling back a bit to 6% last week. The big increase meant monthly payments became unaffordable for would-be homebuyers, forcing many to stay in rentals.Glenn Kelman, CEO of the real estate brokerage Redfin, said the housing market is stronger than many people expected. But the years of low rates worsened generational inequality. Baby boomers became wealthy as their homes increased in value, but then rates jumped at the time when more millennials wanted to buy and they found themselves priced out.“A generation ago, boomers owned 21% of U.S. wealth,” Kelman said. "For millennials, that number is 7%. They’re still on the outside looking in.”Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist for Northern Trust, said he is surprised that the rate increases have hit housing but not employment. Traditional models assumed that efforts to lower inflation would automatically include job losses. But when he talks to companies, most are reluctant to fire their workers because businesses had trouble finding skilled employees during the pandemic.“Because the supply of labor has been so starved for the past two years, firms are holding on to who they have,” Tannenbaum said. "The prevailing wisdom is if we have a recession it’s going to be shallow. Firms are going to want to be ready to go.”As much as Biden says his mission is about giving Americans a sense of confidence, his challenge might rest with an economy in which few things are certain.<h2>The conflicting signals</h2>When the pandemic hit in 2020, the government aid was so overwhelming that a financial market crash turned into a rally. Biden tried to assure the country in 2021 that rising prices were a temporary inconvenience, only to find that inflation defined how many perceived his first two years as president. The expectation was that interest rate increases would ultimately lead to layoffs and higher unemployment, but hiring stayed robust in a sign that the economy is unmoored from traditional expectations.If Biden faces a challenge on the economy, it might just be that no one really knows what could happen next.“We’re in an environment where there is a lot of uncertainty," said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon. "The conflicting signals we keep getting on the economy make it very hard to get an accurate pulse.”

“Here's where we stand: The strongest job growth in history,” Biden said

President Joe Biden speaks on the January jobs report in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex

State of the Union: Biden sees economic glow, GOP sees gloom

Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home following a prisoner swap, officials on both sides said Saturday. Top Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak said in a Telegram post that 116 Ukrainians were freed.He said the released POWs include troops who held out in Mariupol during Moscow’s monthslong siege that reduced the southern port city to ruins, as well as guerrilla fighters from the Kherson region and snipers captured during the ongoing fierce battles for the eastern city of Bakhmut.Russian defense officials, meanwhile, announced that 63 Russian troops had returned from Ukraine following the swap, including some “special category” prisoners whose release was secured following mediation by the United Arab Emirates.A statement issued Saturday by the Russian Defense Ministry did not provide details about these “special category” captives.At least three civilians have been killed in Ukraine over the past 24 hours as Russian forces struck nine regions in the country’s south, north and east, according to reports on Ukrainian TV by regional governors on Saturday morning.Two people were killed and 14 others wounded in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region by Russian shelling and missile strikes, local Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said in a Telegram update on Saturday morning.The casualty toll included a man who was killed and seven others who were wounded Friday after Russian missiles slammed into Toretsk, a town in the Donetsk region. Kyrylenko said that 34 houses, two kindergartens, an outpatient clinic, a library, a cultural centre and other buildings were damaged in the strike.Seven teenagers received shrapnel wounds after an anti-personnel mine exploded late on Friday in the northeastern city of Izium, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram. He said they were all hospitalized but their lives were not in danger.Elsewhere, regional Ukrainian officials reported overnight shelling by Russia of border settlements in the northern Sumy region, as well as the town of Marhanets, which neighbors the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Kyiv has long accused Moscow of using the plant, which Russian forces seized early in the war, as a base for launching attacks on Ukrainian-held territory across the Dnieper river.Elsewhere, Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa and surrounding areas were plunged into the dark following a large-scale network failure, the country’s grid operator reported.Ukrenergo said in a Telegram update that the failure involved equipment “repeatedly repaired” after Russia’s savage strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, and that residents should brace themselves for lengthy blackouts.“Unfortunately, the scale of the accident is quite significant, and this time, the power supply restrictions will be longer. It is not yet possible to determine a specific time when (power) will be fully restored,” the company said.Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the energy ministry was sending “all the powerful generators it has in stock” to Odesa “within 24 hours" and that both the Ukrainian energy minister and the head of Ukrenergo were on their way to Odesa to oversee repair works.

Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home following a prisoner swap, officials on both sides said Saturday

A vendor sits at a flea market in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023

Dozens of soldiers freed in Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap

A train derailment and resulting large fire prompted an evacuation order in an Ohio village near the Pennsylvania state line on Friday night, covering the area in billows of smoke lit orange by the flames below. About 50 cars derailed in East Palestine as a train was carrying a variety of freight from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, rail operator Norfolk Southern said in a statement Saturday. There was no immediate information about what caused the derailment. No injuries were reported.<h2>The village notified residents</h2>Firefighters have been pulled from the immediate area and unmanned stream devices are being used protectively while crews try to determine which cars are still actively burning, village officials said in a separate statement Saturday. They said they hoped to use drones to assess the scene in daylight, and warned that residents might hear more explosions as the fire burns.The village notified residents that an evacuation order remained in place Saturday morning for people within a mile of the scene. A high school and community center were opened to shelter dozens of people, while residents beyond that radius were urged to stay inside.The few dozen residents sheltering at the high school included Ann McAnlis, who said a neighbor had texted her about the crash.“She took a picture of the glow in the sky from the front porch,” McAnlis told WFMJ-TV. “That’s when I knew how substantial this was.”<h2>West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle</h2>Mayor Trent Conaway told reporters that firefighters from three states responded. The derailment happened about 51 miles (82 kilometers) northwest of Pittsburgh and within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the tip of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.Freezing temperatures in the single digits complicated the response as trucks pumping water froze, Conaway said.Hazmat crews also responded to the scene to determine whether hazardous materials were involved, and air quality in the area is being monitored, officials said.Norfolk Southern said it has personnel on-site coordinating with first responders.The fire created so much smoke that meteorologists from the region said it was visible on weather radar.

About 50 cars derailed in East Palestine as a train was carrying a variety of freight from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania

50-car train derailment causes big fire, evacuations in Ohio

Pakistani troops kill 2 militants in raid near Afghan borderAP-AS--Pakistan, 1st Ld-WritethruFeb 3, 2023 11:23 AM - 497 wordsBy MUNIR AHMED Associated PressEds: UPDATES: with comments from prime minister; adds background; With AP Photos.ISLAMABAD (AP) — Troops raided a militant hideout in a former Pakistani Taliban stronghold near the border with Afghanistan on Friday, triggering a shootout that killed two insurgents, the military said.Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif summoned the country's opposition leader to forge a response to the recent surge in violence, including a mosque bombing that killed 101 people.Troops on Friday recovered a cache of weapons in a militant hideout in North Waziristan, a district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said in a statement. The militants killed during the raid had been involved in past attacks on security forces, it added. The statement provided no further details, and the identities of the slain militants were not immediately known.Troops routinely carry out such raids to trace and arrest the Pakistani Taliban, who are also known as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.The Pakistani Taliban are a separate group but are allies of the Afghan Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan a year ago as U.S. and NATO troops were in the final stages of their pullout. The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has emboldened the Pakistani Taliban, who have stepped up attacks since November when they ended the ceasefire with the government.The latest development comes days after a suicide bomber attacked a mosque on the compound of police in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing 101 people. Authorities say the bomber wore a police uniform and the guards at the site assumed he was a police officer — their colleague — and did not search him.On Friday, Sharif said in a televised address that he had invited his predecessor and now opposition leader, Imran Khan, and other officials to a conference Tuesday to discuss next steps. There was no immediate response from Khan, who was ousted in a no-conference vote in Parliament in April last year.Sharif said Monday's attack inside the mosque was carried out by a suicide bomber, and there was no truth in allegations and claims that it was a drone attack.Pakistan blames the Pakistani Taliban, who maintain sanctuaries in Afghanistan, for orchestrating the bombing that wounded 225 wounded. Police say most of the casualties were not caused by the detonation of the bomber’s explosives but by the collapse of the roof of the 50-year-old Peshawar mosque. The force of the blast caused the roof, which was supported by outside walls but no pillars, to cave in.The premier said there was a need to know who allowed the insurgents to return home.When the ex-premier Khan was in the power, he had approved peace talks with TTP and even released some insurgents from Pakistani jails as a gesture of goodwill. But these talks hosted by Afghanistan’s rulers in Kabul failed in November when TTP ended a monthlong ceasefire, accusing the military of violating the truce.Khan says he agreed to pardon only those insurgents who agreed to lay down their arms.

Troops routinely carry out such raids to trace and arrest the Pakistani Taliban, who are also known as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan

Police officials and others attend the funeral prayer of a police officer, a victim of Monday's suicide bombing, in Peshawar, Pakistan

Pakistani troops kill 2 militants in raid near Afghan border

A South Korean court on Friday sentenced a former justice minister, Cho Kuk, to two years in prison, after he was found guilty of creating fake credentials to help his children get into prestigious schools, a scandal that rocked the country’s previous government and sparked huge protests. Cho was also found guilty of abusing his powers while serving as a senior aide to former President Moon Jae-in, by blocking an investigation into a former Financial Services Commission official seen as close to Moon who was eventually arrested for taking bribes from businesspeople.But the Seoul Central District Court decided not to place Cho under immediate arrest, saying he wasn’t a threat to flee and that his wife was already serving a prison term over the charges related to their children. Cho told reporters after the ruling that he plans to appeal, and if he does within seven days he will stay out of prison until at least the appellate ruling.The ruling culminated the public demise of the former Seoul National University law professor and liberal icon, whose political rise during the Moon government had him considered as a future presidential contender.“I will appeal the charges that I was found guilty of and put up a more sincere argument (in court),” Cho told reporters after the ruling. He left without taking any questions.After initially serving as Moon’s senior secretary of civil affairs, Cho was appointed as justice minister in 2019 but was forced to resign months later after allegations emerged that he colluded with his wife to forge documents and certificates to help their daughter get into a medical school. The couple later faced similar accusations surrounding the education of their son.Cho apologized for the perks his daughter has received as he stepped down as justice minister but has steadfastly denied legal wrongdoing.The charges struck a nerve in a country grappling with widening rich-poor gaps and where teenagers toil in hyper-competitive school environments because graduating from elite universities is seen as crucial to career prospects.Cho’s legal saga also tarnished the reformist image of Moon, who vowed to restore faith in fairness and justice after winning a presidential by-election in 2017 to replace his conservative predecessor, Park Geun-hye, who was impeached and jailed for corruption.Cho’s wife, Chung Kyung-shim, had already been serving a four-year prison sentence before the Seoul court on Friday added another year to her term, after finding her guilty of additional charges related to her son and also for trying to conceal her dubious private equity investments after her husband joined Moon's government.The court said it was clear Cho had an active role in colluding with his wife to fake the credentials of their daughter to help her get into the medical school of Seoul National University, the most coveted school in the nation.Cho's daughter didn't make it there but later got into Pusan National University's medical school in 2015. The PNU nullified her enrollment last year, saying it was based on false records.The court found Cho guilty of violating an anti-graft law governing public servants by receiving 6 million won ($4,800) in the form of her daughter’s scholarship from Roh Hwan-jung, former head of PNU’s medical school, from 2017 and 2018.However, the court said it couldn’t apply more serious bribery charges against Cho over the payments, saying it was unclear whether Roh had specifically sought favors related to Cho’s job as Moon’s senior civil affairs secretary. The court sentenced Roh to a sixth-month prison term that was suspended for a year.The court found Cho and another former Moon aide, Baek Won-woo, guilty of abusing authority by blocking a government inspection into former Financial Services Commission official Yoo Jae-soo, months before Yoo became vice mayor in Busan.Yoo, seen as a close ally to Moon, was later arrested for receiving bribes from businesspeople in exchange for favors during his time at the financial regulator. Baek was sentenced to 10 months in prison on Friday.

Cho apologized for the perks his daughter has received as he stepped down as justice minister but has steadfastly denied legal wrongdoing

Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, center, is questioned by reporters upon his arrival at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea

S. Korean court sentences ex-minister to 2 years in prison

Turkey says West failed to share details of security threatAP-EU--Turkey-Consulate ClosuresFeb 3, 2023 10:56 AM - 534 wordsEds: UPDATES: With AP Photos.ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey for a second day on Friday railed against a group of Western countries that temporarily shut their consulates in Istanbul, accusing them of failing to share information on the security threat that led to the closures and of aiming to cause harm to Turkey.This week, nine Western nations either closed down their consulates in Istanbul or issued travel warnings to citizens visiting Turkey, citing security threats. The measures angered Turkey, which on Thursday summoned the countries’ ambassadors in protest. Turkey’s interior minister accused the countries of waging “psychological warfare” and attempting to wreck Turkey’s tourism industry.Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the nine countries did not share information with Turkish authorities about the alleged security threat. His ministry has identified the nine countries as the United States, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Britain, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy.“They tell us that they have concrete information that there is a threat. ... But where did it come from, where is the threat, who will carry it out? There is no information about that,” Cavusoglu said during a joint news conference with his Argentinian counterpart.“We asked our Interior Ministry. They say there is no concrete sharing of information. ... We asked our intelligence agency. There is no concrete sharing of information.”The minister also said Turkey suspects an “ulterior motive” behind the closures, including alleged intent to hurt President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections that are likely to be held on May 14.“If they are trying to create the image that Turkey is unstable and that there is a threat of terrorism, this does not fit friendship or the spirit of alliance, he said. “This is especially true before the elections. If they are trying to put the (ruling party) government, the Presidential government, in a difficult situation, our people know very well what is behind it. ... It won’t serve their purpose.”The German Embassy this week cited the risk of possible retaliatory attacks following Quran-burning incidents in some European countries in announcing the closure of its consulate. The U.S. embassy cautioned its citizens about possible attacks against churches, synagogues and diplomatic missions as well as other places that Westerners frequent.In November, a bombing on Istanbul’s bustling Istiklal Avenue, located in the heart of the city and near a number of foreign consulates, killed six people and wounded several others. Turkish authorities blamed the attack on Kurdish militants.Radical Islamic groups and leftist militants have also carried out deadly attacks in Turkey the past.Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said Thursday that Turkey had conducted as many as 60 operations against the Islamic State group so far this year and detained 95 people. Last year, close to 2,000 IS suspects were detained in more than 1,000 operations against the group, he said.Last weekend, Turkey’s foreign ministry issued a travel warning for European countries due to anti-Turkish demonstrations and what it described as Islamophobia. The warning followed demonstrations the week before outside the Turkish Embassy in Sweden, where an anti-Islam activist burned the Quran and pro-Kurdish groups protested against Turkey.

The minister also said Turkey suspects an “ulterior motive” behind the closures

An an armored police vehicle guards outside the German consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

Turkey says West failed to share details of security threat

Top European Union officials were due to meet Friday in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a show of support for the country as it battles to counter Russia’s invasion and strives to join the EU as well as NATO. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, as well as 15 European commissioners, traveled to the Ukrainian capital for what they described as a summit meeting.The last such summit was held in Kyiv in October 2021 — a few months before the war started. The highly symbolic visit is also the first EU political mission of its kind to a country at war.“There will be no let-up in our resolve,” Michel said in a tweet on his apparent arrival in Kyiv. “We will also support (Ukraine) every step of the way on your journey to the EU.”EU assistance for Ukraine has reached almost 50 billion euros ($55 billion) since the fighting started, according to EU officials.The EU is providing Ukraine with financial and humanitarian aid, among other things. It also plans to adopt a 10th package of sanctions again Russia in the coming weeks.The EU has also announced it’s ramping up its military training mission for Ukraine, from an initial target of pushing 15,000 troops through the schooling to up to 30,000 troops. One focus is to train the crews of tanks that Western countries have offered Ukraine.Ukraine wants to join the 27-nation bloc, and formally submitted its application last June, though that could take years and require the adoption of far-reaching reforms. In the meantime, von der Leyen said Thursday that the European Commission is willing to let Kyiv join what she called some “key European programs” that will bring benefits similar to membership.Those programs were due to be discussed in Friday’s meeting, which will also address one of the main obstacles to Ukraine’s EU membership: endemic corruption.Von der Leyen, on her fourth visit to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion, said Thursday she was “comforted” by Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive.The previous day, Zelenskyy had taken aim at corrupt officials for the second time in the space of a week. Several high-ranking officials were dismissed.Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 on an anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform in a country long gripped by graft.The latest corruption allegations came as Western allies channel billions of dollars to help Kyiv fight Moscow’s forces.Ukraine’s government is keen to get more Western military aid, on top of the tanks pledged last week, as the warring sides are expected to launch new offensives once winter ends. Kyiv is now asking for fighter jets.The U.S is expected to announce Friday it will send longer-range bombs to Ukraine as part of a new $2.17 billion aid package.

Those programs were due to be discussed in Friday’s meeting, which will also address one of the main obstacles to Ukraine’s EU membership

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with a Ukrainian flag and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv

EU officials hold Kyiv talks in show of support for Ukraine

Top European Union officials arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for talks with the Ukrainian government as rescue crews dug through the rubble of an apartment building in eastern Ukraine that was struck by a Russian missile, killing at least three people and wounding 21 others. The scene of devastation in the eastern Donetsk provincial city of Kramatorsk, where emergency workers spent the night searching for survivors after the missile hit late Wednesday, served as a grim reminder of the war’s toll almost a year after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.At least one more victim was believed to be under the debris, Ukraine's presidential office said.Russia has frequently struck apartment buildings during the war, causing civilian casualties, although the Kremlin has denied targeting residential structures.Russian shelling across Ukraine over the previous 24 hours killed at least eight civilians and wounded 29 others, the presidential office said. Along with the victims in Kramatorsk, the toll included four who died when a Russian mortar shell hit a basement where they were sheltering in the northeastern Chernihiv region.<h2>EU’s strongest message of support to all Ukrainians</h2>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell before what officials described as a summit on Friday.Borrell tweeted that the visit aimed “to convey EU’s strongest message of support to all Ukrainians defending their country.”EU assistance for Ukraine, he said, has reached 50 billion euros ($55 billion) since the start of Russia’s war on Feb. 24.“Europe stood united with Ukraine from day one. And will still stand with you to win and rebuild,” Borrell tweeted.It was Von der Leyen’s fourth visit since the invasion. The last such summit was held in Kyiv in October 2021 — a few months before the war started.Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive was expected to be on the agenda of the talks. Kyiv’s long path toward potential membership in the 27-nation bloc will be a key issue under discussion, with stamping out corruption a key condition for joining.Von der Leyen tweeted: “We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as firmly as ever. And to deepen further our support and cooperation.”Zelenskyy on Wednesday took aim at corrupt officials for the second time in the space of a week. Several high-ranking officials were dismissed.Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 on an anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform in a country long gripped by graft.The latest corruption allegations came as Western allies are channeling billions of dollars to help Kyiv fight Moscow’s forces and as the Ukrainian government is introducing reforms so it can potentially join the EU one day.Ukraine's government is keen to get more Western military aid, on top of the tanks pledged last week, as the warring sides are expected to launch new offensives once winter ends. Kyiv is now asking for fighter jets.Kyiv expects Russia to “attempt something” on the Feb. 24 anniversary, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told France’s BFM television. He stressed his government’s urgency on getting weapons without delay.“We are telling our partners that we too need to be ready as fast as possible,” he said in an interview late Wednesday.U.S. President Joe Biden has ruled out providing F-16s to Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday during a trip to the Philippines that the focus of American aid is to increase Ukraine’s military capabilities by sending artillery, armor, air defense and providing training to Ukrainian troops.The U.S. is “focused on providing Ukraine the capability that it needs to be effective in its upcoming anticipated counteroffensive in the spring,” Austin said.<h2>Lavrov said that strategy would backfire</h2>“And so we’re doing everything we can to get them the capabilities that they need right now to be effective on the battlefield,” he said.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that strategy would backfire, by prompting Moscow to ensure that potential Russian targets were out of range.“The longer range the weapons supplied to the Kyiv regime, the farther we would need to push them away from the territories that are part of our country,” Lavrov said in an interview with Russian state media.He said Moscow would like to see the war end, but noted that the length of the conflict was less important than its outcome: to protect Russian territory and “people who want to remain part of the Russian culture,” reaffirming Moscow’s declared goal to defend Russian speakers in Ukraine.

At least one more victim was believed to be under the debris, Ukraine's presidential office said

Emergency workers and local residents clear the rubble after a Russian rocket hit an apartment building in Kramatorsk, Ukraine

Earthquake in Turkey is only the latest tragedy for refugees

Muhamed Ajanović for "Avaz": I would like to thank the rector for appreciating my work

"Avaz's" writing confirmed: Kuprešaković is director of the Border Police, Galić is deputy in SIPA

EUFOR Commander Major General Helmut Habermayer for "Avaz": Peace and security are sometimes fragile

Muriz Memić for "Avaz": I have never said " deceased" for Dženan

Prof. dr. Gavrankapetanović for "Avaz": We are always ready to help people in need

Radončić: Ćiro's name should be permanently commemorated in BiH and his native Travnik

The battle for the illegal election of the ISA director reveals the much worse personnel messages of the SDP

State of the Union: Biden sees economic glow, GOP sees gloom

Dozens of soldiers freed in Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap

50-car train derailment causes big fire, evacuations in Ohio

Pakistani troops kill 2 militants in raid near Afghan border

S. Korean court sentences ex-minister to 2 years in prison

Turkey says West failed to share details of security threat

EU officials hold Kyiv talks in show of support for Ukraine

EU officials visit Kyiv as Russia strikes civilian target

News

Earthquake in Turkey is only the latest tragedy for refugees

Muhamed Ajanović for "Avaz": I would like to thank the rector for appreciating my work

"Avaz's" writing confirmed: Kuprešaković is director of the Border Police, Galić is deputy in SIPA

EUFOR Commander Major General Helmut Habermayer for "Avaz": Peace and security are sometimes fragile

Muriz Memić for "Avaz": I have never said " deceased" for Dženan

Prof. dr. Gavrankapetanović for "Avaz": We are always ready to help people in need

Radončić: Ćiro's name should be permanently commemorated in BiH and his native Travnik

The battle for the illegal election of the ISA director reveals the much worse personnel messages of the SDP

State of the Union: Biden sees economic glow, GOP sees gloom

Dozens of soldiers freed in Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap

50-car train derailment causes big fire, evacuations in Ohio

Pakistani troops kill 2 militants in raid near Afghan border

S. Korean court sentences ex-minister to 2 years in prison

Turkey says West failed to share details of security threat

EU officials hold Kyiv talks in show of support for Ukraine

EU officials visit Kyiv as Russia strikes civilian target