CND's Press Round-Up - 26th May 2021
Posted: 26th May 2021
Dear all,
Please find today’s press round up below. Thank you to all for their continued help and support.
Nuclear Weapons
Iranian Presidential Election
The vetting body for Iranian presidential candidates has allowed seven candidates onto the ballot for June’s presidential election, increasing the chances that a candidate opposed to the restoration of the nuclear deal will be elected. The current head of the judiciary, Ebrahim Raisi, is the favourite, according to Al Jazeera. Those candidates barred include former speaker of the parliament, Ali Larijani, the current Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri, and the former President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The victorious candidate will take office in August.
Anti-War
UAE Activity in the War in Yemen
The United Arab Emirates is constructing an airbase on a volcanic island off the coast of Yemen in the Bab El-Mandab, according to Al Jazeera. The Mayun island could prove to be strategically crucial because it sits in the entry and exit seaway into the Suez Canal. The Saudi-led coaltion in Yemen, of which the UAE is a part, has so far failed to defeat the Houthi rebels. Sources are quoted as saying that the nominal Yemeni president, who lives in Riyadh, has come under pressure to grant the UAE a long lease for the island. The Emirati government has so far refused to comment on the construction.
Israel-Palestine
The U.S. has said it will provide $5.5 million in immediate disaster relief to Gaza and $32 million for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, after a meeting between the leader of the Palestinian Authority and the U.S. Secretary of State. Al Jazeera reports that Antony Blinken said he wanted to ‘rebuild’ relations with the the PA after the Trump years. The U.S. also plans to re-open its consulate in East Jerusalem. Bliken also pledged further aid for Israel’s Iron Dome, in spite of Congressional opposition on arms to Israel.
Meanwhile, the Guardian reports that the Dail in Ireland has passed a motion condemning the ‘annexation’ of Palestinian land, with support from governing parties. It is apparently the first use of that phrasing by any EU government. A motion to expel the Israeli ambassador from Ireland was tabled in the parliament earlier this week.
UK Involvement in Arms Trade
Confrontation continued at the Elbit arms factory in Leicester as local people gathered at the entrance to prevent the police removing activists from Palestine Action, who had occupied the roof of the site. Palestine Action says that drones made in Leicester are subsequently used by the IDF against the people of Gaza. The Morning Star reports two arrested activists were eventually taken to the police station. A further Elbit site was then occupied in Tamworth in the West Midlands.
With best wishes,
Michael Muir
Press and Communications Officer
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament