I am a Saudi-American journalist with 25 years experience in the Middle East and 11 years in Brazil. I do mainly political and economic analysis, but also do breaking news reporting for television and radio. I speak fluent English Arabic and Portuguese.

Former FC Barcelona president accused of paying bribes to help Qatar clinch World Cup

01 Oct 2023  |  Al Bawaba  |  English  |  World Cup

Sandro Rosell, former president of FC Barcelona, is accused by Spanish authorities of accepting €30 million in bribes from Qatar to influence African FIFA members to vote for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. The investigation, led by Spain's Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit and the National Police Corps, also involves money laundering allegations. Rosell and his wife were arrested, and significant assets were frozen. The Swiss and US authorities are also investigating the case, with the latter interested due to American cities losing the bid to Qatar. Rosell's associates claim his dealings with Qatar were legal.

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Swiss judicial authorities Spanish government’s Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (EFCU) FC Barcelona International Football Federation (FIFA) National Police Corps El Nacional Cronica Global US authorities

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Deepak Adhikari is a freelance journalist based in Kathmandu, Nepal. He was the editor of Nepal Check, a fact-checking platform in Nepal. From March 2020 to July 2022, he was the editor of South Asia Check, Nepal's pioneering fact-checking outlet. 

His areas of work include Nepal's politics, ...

Nepalis stashing money in Swiss banks, explained

01 Oct 2022  |  nepalcheck.org  |  English  |  Swiss Banks

Nepali politicians and investigative journalists have raised concerns about the significant amounts of money deposited by Nepalis in Swiss banks, with figures showing a substantial increase over the years. Despite promises from the government to investigate and retrieve these funds, little action has been taken. The article delves into the history and mechanisms of Swiss banking secrecy, the challenges of money laundering, and the difficulties Nepal faces in bringing back illicit funds. Key figures and organizations involved in the investigation and discussion include former finance ministers, lawmakers, and investigative bodies like the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and the Center for Investigative Journalism Nepal.

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Swiss National Bank Nepal Government International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Center for Investigative Journalism Nepal Nepal Rastra Bank

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Marco Babic is a journalist based in Pfäffikon, Switzerland specializing in economics, central banks and statistics. Also translating from German into English.

SNB Ekes Out a Nine Month Profit

31 Oct 2023  |  www.finews.com  |  English  |  Central Banking

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) reported a profit of 1.7 billion francs for the first three quarters of the year, driven by gains in foreign currency positions and gold holdings. However, losses on Swiss franc positions, primarily due to interest on current account balances of Swiss banks, offset these gains. UBS economists suggest that the SNB would need to generate over 40 billion francs in profit in the final quarter for the federal government and cantons to consider profit distributions.

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Federal Government Swiss National Bank Cantons

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I'm a freelance travel journalist and photographer. For the past ten years, I've produced both written and photographic work for an extensive list of clientele. I've had work published on and in 9Travel, Australian Hotelier, Australian Traveller, Broadsheet (and the Broadsheet Travel Book), Connect ...

EU Vaccination Passport: How I converted my Australian vaccination certificate to work in Europe

06 Jan 2022  |  www.escape.com.au  |  English  |  Vaccination

The Australian international COVID-19 vaccination certificate (ICVC) faces significant limitations in Europe, as it is not recognized by the EU's vaccination passport system. Australians, including the author, have encountered difficulties in proving their vaccination status and accessing services in various European countries. The article highlights two solutions: converting the ICVC to the EU-recognized passe sanitaire in France or obtaining a Swiss EUDCC, which allows for full access to European amenities. The author criticizes the Australian government for not aligning with the EU system and praises the Swiss workaround as an effective solution.

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Swiss government Australian government EU

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Jamil Chade is a journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 2011 and in 2013, he was elected as the best Brazilian foreign correspondent, a prize given by the media organization Comuniquese. In 2015, he was chosen as one of the 40 most influential journalists in Brazil.
 
Since 2000, Chade ...

Switzerland Celebrated the 1964 Coup, Reveals Telegram: 'Prevented a Second Cuba'

31 Mar 2024  |  noticias.uol.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Cold War

A recently revealed telegram from the Swiss ambassador to Brazil, André Dominicé, shows that Switzerland celebrated the 1964 Brazilian military coup, viewing it as a necessary action to prevent the country from becoming a second Cuba. The Swiss praised General Castelo Branco for his modesty and honesty, seeing him as the right person to lead Brazil post-coup. However, the ambassador also expressed concerns about the violence and hoped for a wise military dictatorship that would promote honesty, work, patriotism, and social progress. The military regime in Brazil lasted for 21 years.

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Swiss Government Brazilian Military

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Olivia Zhang is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

What the Ukraine war means for Switzerland’s energy policy

18 Mar 2022  |  SWI swissinfo.ch  |  English  |  Energy Security

The Ukraine war has prompted Switzerland to reassess its energy policy, particularly its reliance on Russian gas. The Swiss government is taking steps to secure gas supplies for the upcoming winter, including procuring gas and storage capacity and waiving anti-trust laws for gas companies. Switzerland's Energy Strategy 2050 aims to phase out nuclear power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the war has accelerated the need for a secure energy supply. Experts emphasize the importance of cooperation with the EU, as Switzerland relies heavily on European infrastructure for energy imports. Rising energy prices are also impacting Swiss households, with significant increases in heating oil and petrol costs.

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Swiss Energy Foundation Swiss government European Union University of Basel economiesuisse Avenir Suisse University of St.Gallen

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Megan Clement is a journalist and editor specialising in gender, human rights, cities, international development and social policy. She also writes about Paris, where she has lived since 2015. Her reporting has appeared in The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, The New ...

Older women have paved the way

15 May 2023  |  Les Glorieuses  |  French  |  Women's Rights

A group of 2,000 elderly women, known as Aînées pour la protection du climat, is suing the Swiss government at the European Court of Human Rights for failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, arguing that the climate crisis disproportionately affects older women. Led by Anne Mahrer, the organization seeks stronger CO₂ and climate laws to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. A favorable court decision could set a precedent for all Council of Europe member states. The movement also addresses the invisibility of older women and fosters intergenerational solidarity on climate issues.

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Swiss Government Aînées pour la protection du climat Cour européenne des droits de l’homme Conseil de l’Europe

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UN correspondent in Geneva for Der Tagesspiegel Berlin and other german Media. Covering UN and international affairs.

Swiss Say No to Highway Expansion – Basel and the Rhine Tunnel Also Affected

25 Nov 2024  |  Badische Zeitung  |  German  |  Transportation

The Swiss electorate has voted against the expansion of highways, including new tunnels and lanes, with 52% opposing the proposal in a national referendum. This decision halts the Swiss government's plans to alleviate traffic congestion through multi-billion projects, affecting developments such as the Rhine Tunnel in Basel. The outcome reflects a significant public stance on infrastructure development in Switzerland.

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Swiss Government SRF

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Ndi Eugene Ndi is a journalist based in Yaounde, Cameroon. He is editor of NewsWatch; a local by-monthly tabloid in the Central African State and Correspondent for Nation Media Group, Kenya (Nation Daily, Daily Monitor, The East African, The Citizen, Business Daily, Africa Review)

Africa’s forgotten war: How the world moved on from Cameroon killings

06 Nov 2023  |  Nation  |  English  |  Neglected Crises

The conflict in Cameroon's Anglophone regions, ongoing since 2016, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, yet remains largely neglected by the international community. Recent incidents, including the Egbekaw massacre, highlight the ongoing violence and the government's inadequate response. Efforts for peace talks, including those mediated by Switzerland and Canada, have failed, leaving civilians like Martha caught in the crossfire. The conflict has historical roots dating back to colonial times and has been exacerbated by cultural and linguistic tensions between the Anglophone and Francophone regions.

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Canadian Government Swiss Government Cameroon Government Human Rights Watch Norwegian Refugee Council UN Security Council US Congress

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I'm a Brazilian freelance journalist currently based in London and a scholarship holder at the Erasmus Mundus Master's program in Journalism, Media and Globalisation. Recently I have had bylines at Euronews, Climate Home News, Next City, Agência Pública, InfoAmazonia and Folha de S. Paulo, among ...

Why European countries are considering joining the Amazon Fund

03 Mar 2023  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Climate Change

European countries are showing renewed interest in the Amazon Fund following the departure of Jair Bolsonaro and the restoration of the fund by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The fund, primarily supported by Norway and Germany, aims to combat deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. France, Switzerland, and the UK are considering contributions, while the US's participation remains uncertain. The fund's governance and measurable positive impacts attract international support, with a focus on sustainable development and indigenous community support.

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UK Government Swiss Government French Government German Government Norwegian Government Rainforest Foundation Norway Instituto Socioambiental (ISA) Banco Nacional de Desarrollo Económico y Social (BNDES) Instituto Brasileño de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales Renovables (Ibama) Instituto de Investigación Ambiental de la Amazonia (IPAM)

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alicia gonzalez is a journalist based in Madrid, España.

Zelenski demands in Davos to seize all Russian assets abroad and allocate them to war victims

23 May 2022  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  International Relations

Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling for increased sanctions against Russia and the seizure of Russian assets abroad to support war victims. He criticized Switzerland for protecting Russian assets and urged Western companies to leave Russia and invest in Ukraine's reconstruction. Zelenski emphasized the need for international unity against Russia and highlighted the economic challenges Ukraine faces due to the ongoing conflict, including blocked exports and the need for substantial financial support.

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Swiss Government Russian Government Ukrainian Government

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Simon Heptinstall is a journalist based in Melksham, United Kingdom.

Susten Pass, Switzerland

22 Dec 2021  |  detour-roadtrips.com  |  English  |  History

The Susten Pass in Switzerland, originally a medieval mule trail, was transformed into the first official Alpine Pass by the Swiss Government to boost tourism. Opened in 1945, it is celebrated for its gentle gradients, elegant bridges, and stunning views, making it a favorite among drivers. Despite its historical significance and beauty, it is now a strategic backwater, closed during winter and nighttime. The pass offers a varied driving experience with sweeping valley roads, hairpin turns, and scenic lay-bys, attracting tourists, bikers, and coach tours during the summer months.

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Swiss Government

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Salma Islam is a British journalist based permanently in Cairo, Egypt since September 2013 and has seen the change the country has undergone since President Morsi was deposed. She was also present in Cairo in early 2013 and witnessed the huge demonstrations against Morsi in Tahrir Square and was ...

Egyptian human rights defender wins prestigious award amid ongoing persecution

05 Apr 2023  |  The World from PRX  |  English  |  Civil Liberties

Mohamed Zaree, an Egyptian human rights defender, was awarded the Martin Ennals Award but could not attend the ceremony in Geneva due to a travel ban imposed by the Egyptian government. Zaree, a member of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, faces persecution and legal threats in Egypt, including a case against him for allegedly receiving illegal foreign funding. Despite these challenges, Zaree continues his work in Egypt, where activists face increasing harassment and intimidation. The Cairo Institute has moved most of its operations to Tunisia due to the hostile environment in Egypt. Zaree's dedication to human rights work persists even as he and his colleagues face a relentless crackdown by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's regime, which has enacted laws to suppress NGOs and targeted activists and dissenters.

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Swiss government United Nations Amnesty International Human Rights Watch

Daisy Jeremani is a journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Switzerland Supports Resilient Agriculture in Zimbabwe

01 Mar 2023  |  SWI swissinfo.ch  |  French  |  International Aid

Switzerland and the European Union are supporting resilient agriculture in Zimbabwe through a significant financial contribution aimed at sustainable livestock farming. The initiative has positively impacted local communities, improving livelihoods and productivity. Key stakeholders, including local cooperatives and the Zimbabwean government, are working together to adapt agriculture to climate change, focusing on both crop and livestock production. The program has led to significant improvements in food security and economic stability in the region.

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Zimbabwean Government Swiss Embassy in Zimbabwe European Union Team Europe Mutiusinazita Buhera Livestock Association Gwanda Goat Producers Business Association

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Leonie Kijewski is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

When people are dying, you cannot be neutral. This country wants to send weapons to Ukraine, but it cannot

01 Feb 2023  |  Onet Wiadomości  |  Polish  |  Military Aid

Switzerland, historically neutral for nearly five centuries, faces internal and external pressure to revise its arms export laws to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Liberal politician Thierry Burkart and other Swiss lawmakers are debating potential changes to allow arms exports to Ukraine, despite existing legal constraints. The Swiss government has blocked arms shipments from European countries to Ukraine, causing supply bottlenecks. Proposals include allowing re-exports after five years or immediate legislative changes under 'Lex Ukraine.' However, the legislative process is lengthy, and some politicians argue that maintaining neutrality requires equal treatment of all conflict parties, complicating timely support for Ukraine.

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Swiss Government NATO United Nations

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I am a finance journalist and editor, with almost 4 years' experience across full-time and freelance roles, based in London, United Kingdom. I've written about equitiies, commodities, finance, investing and emerging markets extensively. 

Currently, I'm a business reporter at Euronews. I've ...

Swiss economy grows as services sector provides support

01 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Manufacturing Sector

Switzerland's GDP grew by 0.3% in Q3 2023, supported by a strong services sector and a modest contribution from manufacturing. Year-on-year growth reached 0.9%, surpassing market expectations. The Swiss government forecasts 1.3% growth for 2023 and 1.2% for 2024, both below the long-term average. The Credit Suisse PMI for November rose to 42.1, indicating improved manufacturing activity, though employment remains low. Domestic and EU demand are slowing, potentially capping future growth. The Swiss Franc strengthened, but the Swiss National Bank may intervene to prevent negative impacts on exports. The international economic environment remains challenging, with potential ECB rate cuts on the horizon.

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Swiss National Bank Swiss government European Central Bank

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

Swiss Court Convicts Ex-Gambian Minister of Crimes Against Humanity

15 May 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

A Swiss federal court convicted former Gambian interior minister Ousman Sonko of crimes against humanity, sentencing him to 20 years in prison for his role in torture and executions under the regime of Yahya Jammeh. The landmark trial, based on universal jurisdiction, marks a significant step in holding high-ranking officials accountable for human rights abuses. Victims and human rights advocates hailed the verdict as a milestone, though some expressed disappointment that sexual violence charges were not fully recognized. The case underscores the global reach of justice for serious crimes and the ongoing demand for accountability in Gambia.

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Gambian Government Swiss Federal Court TRIAL International National Intelligence Agency

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Kelvin Ng is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Swiss expert report calls for more regulatory tools and bailout provision

06 Sept 2023  |  Lexology  |  English  |  Banking

A Swiss government panel reviewing the 'too big to fail' regime after Credit Suisse's collapse recommends expanding regulatory tools and increasing public-funded emergency liquidity. The report highlights concerns about future bank rescues with only one G-SIB remaining in the market.

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Swiss government

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I am a digitally savvy journalist and editor with a keen interest in collaborations, tracking political promises and solutions journalism. I recently completed a certificate course in investigative journalism from Wits. In my freelance career I have focused on cross-platform editing, project ...

Behind the trade talks that could speed up vaccines to poorer nations

30 Nov 2021  |  BusinessLIVE  |  English  |  Trade Negotiations

The 12th ministerial council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was postponed due to the Omicron variant, delaying discussions on a proposed waiver for Covid-related intellectual property (IP) rights. The waiver, supported by over 130 civil society groups and co-proposed by South Africa and India, aims to allow less-developed countries to manufacture Covid vaccines and treatments. High-income countries, including the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway, oppose the waiver, arguing it could hinder future innovation. The US supports a partial waiver. The article explores the complexities of text-based negotiations and the potential impact of the waiver on global vaccine distribution.

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SA Government Norwegian Government Swiss Government UK Government US Government World Trade Organisation World Health Organisation European Union Indian Government Health Justice Initiative

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Sertan Sanderson is a seasoned journalist with a rich background in covering news and current affairs. Specialising in social change, migration, and cultural impacts, his work is characterised by a deep exploration of the intersection of politics and human rights. 

His reporting has taken him ...

Switzerland to reduce asylum reception facilities by 20 percent

23 Oct 2024  |  www.infomigrants.net  |  English  |  Migration

Switzerland plans to close nine of its 36 temporary federal asylum centers by March next year, reducing its reception capacity by nearly 20% due to a decline in asylum applications. This move is expected to save the government 43 million euros annually. The decision comes as the Swiss government acknowledges a miscalculation in its forecast of asylum seeker arrivals, with a significant drop in applications observed in recent months. Despite not being an EU member, Switzerland has agreed to participate in the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopting several of its rules to enhance the efficiency and resilience of its migration system.

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Swiss government State Secretariat for Migration EU

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

Swiss Neutrality Makes No Sense Anymore

01 Oct 2023  |  www.almendron.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Switzerland's long-standing tradition of neutrality is under scrutiny due to its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite initial sanctions on Russia, Western countries criticize Switzerland for not doing enough. The Swiss People's Party (SVP) strongly supports neutrality, aligning with far-right values and showing affinity for Putin. The Swiss government faces internal and external pressure to reconsider its policies, especially regarding the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. The debate highlights the complexities and contradictions in Switzerland's neutrality doctrine in the modern geopolitical landscape.

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Swiss Government SVP United Nations Kremlin

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Neha Wadekar is a video and on-air journalist based in Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya and reporting across Africa. She also has a background in print and has reported for Reuters, the AP, the NYTimes and the Huffington Post.

As heat waves intensify, evidence that older women are hit hardest is growing. Now some are fighting back.

14 Aug 2023  |  fullerproject.org  |  English  |  Gender Issues

July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, with a study revealing that older women are disproportionately affected by heatwaves. The Klimaseniorinnen, a group of over 2,000 Swiss women aged 64 and over, have taken their government to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that insufficient action on climate change violates their rights. Studies show that women, especially those over 80, are more vulnerable to heat, with physiological and sociocultural factors contributing to this disparity. The Klimaseniorinnen's case, supported by Greenpeace Switzerland, could have significant implications for climate policy across Europe. The Swiss government contends that climate policy decisions should be made by elected officials, not courts. The ECHR is expected to rule by the end of the year.

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Swiss Government Klimaseniorinnen European Court of Human Rights

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Legu Zhang is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Swiss-hosted summit aims to start peace process for Ukraine

15 Jun 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The Swiss-hosted Ukraine Peace Summit aims to initiate a peace process for Ukraine, with participation from about 90 countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks international support for his peace plan, which includes the withdrawal of Russian troops and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Russia and China are notably absent, with Russia dismissing the summit as futile without its participation. The United States, a key ally of Ukraine, will be represented by Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The summit will focus on issues like freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, stopping the bombing of nuclear infrastructure, and the release of prisoners. The outcome of the summit could influence Ukraine's bargaining power in future negotiations with Russia.

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United States Government Chinese Government Russian Government Ukrainian Government Swiss Government European Union European Commission International Criminal Court Center for Strategic and International Studies Atlantic Council

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