Irish banks now privately owned

The Bank of Ireland, historically described as the premier banking authority in Ireland, was reportedly the subject of an informal retrieval of £30.5 million in July 2000 in what was thought to be tax arrears. BOI is now what is described as a public limited company, that is a company under u.k. and commonwealth law. This is of concern to some as u.k. banking laws allow for the seizing of assets which was reported to be widespread in the u.k. BOI was audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers in 2009 when according to documentation, shares were reduced to €0.12. Shareholders received no help from the central bank.
The Allied Irish bank is now also owned by shareholders under u.k. and commonwealth banking law.

Israeli courts should deal with Palestinian complaints

The chief prosecutor of the international criminal court is reported to have stated that there is legal basis to investigate war crimes in Gaza and the west bank. The i.c.c. is documented as authorised by the united nations security council. Crimes they are permitted to investigate and prosecute are listed as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. In these cases, according to documentation, there is no time limit set after an event within which legal proceedings may be innitiated. The jurisdiction of the court is documented as to be established either with the consent of local courts or when there is an omission by local courts to deal with an illegal matter.

The u.k. warns of ‘pariah status’ if Iran protests

The u.k.’s ambassador to Iran was reportedly arrested on Saturday. He was accused of trying to organise protests following a vigil for those who died when a Ukrainian airlines plane was shot down.
Mr Macaire was released reportedly after being cautioned that his activities were in breach of the Geneva convention. The u.k. government responded with talk of further sanctions even though, according to documentation supposed u.s. sanctions are extensive. The u.k. warned Iran they are marching towards pariah status.

Tragedy might have been avoided

The Ukrainian international airlines flight bound for Kiev, reportedly shot down in Iran on Wednesday was carrying mainly Iranian and Canadian passengers according to a news report.
The incident which resulted in the deaths of all 176 passengers was said to have followed an Iranian missile strike on Iraqi military bases accommodating u.s. troops.
The plane was reportedly flying too near an Islamic revolutionary guard corps military base that was on red alert. It was three days before Iran accepted responsibility for the attack.

Ebola outbreak – vaccinations won’t do

Ebola was declared a global health emergency last week according to a recent report. Inspite of reported ebola treatment centres in western Africa and beyond who might offer vaccinations or palliative care, there continues to be claims that locals have no access to clean water, leading to many deaths from disease and famine. The u.n. aren’t doing anything and there are reports that several ebola treatment centres have been attacked by locals.

Changes to Belfast agreement

Almost three years since a supposed shared power in northern Ireland broke down, Simon Coventry, deputy prime minister of the Republic of Ireland and Julian Smith CBE, secretary of state for northern Ireland are said to have published an agreement entitled, new decade new approach. The agreement is documented to involve the UK and Irish governments and is the fruit of months of talks. According to the report the parties are to be committed to the elimination of issues that are seen to be divisive.
The as called formation agreement involves a British-irish coalition, described as intergovernmental; and the proposed formation of said to be associated councils. The agreement reports unspecified changes to the ministerial code, a document which sets out rules and standards for government ministers throughout the u.k. According to the report, dfferent rules apply to different areas. No explanation why. The agreement details special government advisors whom ministers have to be responsible for. Why is not documented. Minister’s meetings with unspecified external organisations are ordered, and discipline is mentioned as a procedure. The as called petition of concern has been reviewed under what is described as a remaining mandate. A petition of concern will not be made available, according to legislation, regarding a minister’s misconduct. Said changes to the original document will be ammended in the near future according to the text, detailed online. There is a provision for a petition of concern if 30 or more ministers agree.
According to the agreement, the parties reafirm their commitment to the good friday or Belfast agreement and successor agreements, unspecified. This is detailed in programme for government 20.
Proposed commissioners for ministerial standards will decide whether to accept a complaint involving the misconduct of ministers or other matters. Complainants must provide their name and contact details according to legislation.
Commissioners, according to documentation will be appointed by the first minister and the deputy minister for northern Ireland. The deputy minister has not been appointed according to current text.

Iranian air strike

At aproximately 1.30 am Iraq time, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles on the two supposed u.s. air bases of Al Asad and Erbil. Al Asad has been the target of former attacks, thought to be by Shia forces and resulting in the drone strike that killed Qasem Soleimani.
According to media news, Donald Trump intends to withdraw u.s. troops from Iraq eventually, “but this isn’t the right point”. The 17 year u.n. presence is being thinned out according to reports. There is talk that Iraq will owe Washington for the rebuilding of damaged zones which may not be repaired yet. Said to be a similar scenario in Lebanon.
The u.s. presence in Iraq seems extensive, with a reported 27 air bases close to Iran’s border. The pentagon has confirmed the air strikes but may not admit to any casualties.

Gardai being relieved of administration duties

According to news, later this year Mayo Garda division is set to join a supposedly already amalgamated Longford/Roscommon division in what is believed to be radical restructuring, but what have the counties of Longford, Roscommon and Mayo in common?
The as called joint policing committee revealed by Drew Harris, former deputy chief constable of the police service northern Ireland, is apparently set to employ new staff for the purpose of freeing current gardai from administration work. It was calculated that the new proposals will result in a reduction of superintendents in the area, leading it is thought to the relocation or early retirement of current superintendents.
The new governance was discussed in a November meeting with Drew Harris OBE, QPM, the garda commissioner of Ireland since 2018, but was said to have left a lot of concerns unanswered. The new plans for reform will relieve Gardai of desk duties and it is believed new adminstrators will take over responsibilities such as discipline, complaints, internet and liasing with the courts.

Turkey said to back western government

Reports are that the city of Sirte is now back in Libyan hands after what is described as a well planned strike. The city is reported to be just west of Libya’s oil export terminals, said to have been reclaimed by Libyan forces in 2016.
According to the media, the western backed as called government of national accord are reported to have made Tripoli their home after displacing Islamic state in 2016. According to reports, Turkey are considering sending military advisors to back the government of national accord.