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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Planned Roma Holocaust memorial in Newcastle – Lord Pickles’ statement [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Planned Roma Holocaust memorial in Newcastle – Lord Pickles’ statement [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

    International Holocaust Memorial Alliance Chair Lord Pickles welcomed the announcement of a new memorial to commemorate the persecution of the Roma community.

    Tonight, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) UK Presidency, wishes to congratulate the Roma community, on this important announcement. Roma communities deserve a memorial to call their own that remembers and mourns the persecution and genocide of Roma that took place across Europe by the Nazis and their collaborators, 80 years ago.

    We look forward to the unveiling of the memorial in Newcastle when it is finally installed. It will mark an important milestone in UK history, as now a prominent site will exist for future generations to visit and learn about what happened in those darkest of times. It will also serve to deepen understanding of Roma today, the distinct Roma languages, diversity and vibrant cultures and, of course, Roma’s outstanding contribution to this country.

    IHRA is proud to have developed a working definition of Anti-Roma discrimination which we strongly encourage countries to adopt as a tool to help counter and address entrenched prejudices. IHRA will also soon publish recommendations for teaching and learning about the genocide of the Roma. We hope this will raise the profile of it to educational policy change-makers and will also support teachers in the classroom to teach it accurately, sensitively and to a high standard.

    We commend you on this initiative and support you in the journey ahead.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The fighting in Sudan must end now – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The fighting in Sudan must end now – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

    Thank you, President, let me first congratulate you on assuming the Presidency for the month of May, and thank Malta for their excellent stewardship for the month of April. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy Hannah Tetteh for your briefings. I welcome the participation of the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan at this meeting.

    Let me start, President, by commending UNISFA for its efforts to maintain peace security in Abyei in challenging circumstances, including through collaboration between the Mission, NGOs, local authorities, and communities.

    The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in intercommunal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka. Violent clashes over the past six months have led to hundreds of civilian casualties and claimed the lives of two peacekeepers. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims and to the Governments of Ghana and Pakistan. As well as to the families of two ICRC workers killed on 2 May in South Darfur.

    Second, the United Kingdom calls on the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to create the necessary conditions for UNISFA to fully implement its protection mandate. We further urge community leaders and influential figures to take steps to de-escalate tensions. The rise in South Sudanese troop deployments in and around Abyei has actively contributed to insecurity and the proliferation of arms in the area.

    We call on South Sudan to withdraw its armed forces from southern Abyei immediately, in accordance with their obligations under the Status of Forces Agreement.

    We call on Sudan to urgently ensure the safe resupply and freedom of movement of the Joint Border Verification Mechanism. And we further urge enhanced coordination by local authorities to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable across Abyei.

    Third, for real progress to be made in addressing Abyei’s dire humanitarian situation and its unresolved political status, fighting in Sudan must end now.

    We reiterate our calls to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities and make way for a political transition.

    In closing, President, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the military clashes in Sudan and intercommunal conflict across Abyei and South Sudan. Peacekeepers and humanitarians are risking their lives to try and alleviate suffering. They must not be targets.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New plans to drive carbon capture industry forward [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New plans to drive carbon capture industry forward [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 7 May 2024.

    A call for evidence launched today to explore new ways to transport captured CO2 that would enable more UK industries to adopt carbon capture technology.

    • New ways to transport captured carbon could open the industry country-wide
    • more businesses to benefit from new technology to help cut emissions and create jobs
    • move key to pave the way for widespread deployment of carbon capture by 2035

    Millions of tonnes of captured carbon dioxide (CO2) could be transported via road, rail, barge or ship, revolutionising the way it reaches offshore storage sites, helping more businesses cut emissions.

    The government has today (7 May) launched a call for evidence for innovative new options for transporting CO2, on top of the existing network of pipelines, supporting industry on the path to net zero.

    Carbon capture technology works by capturing CO2 before it reaches the atmosphere, storing it safely underground in offshore sites and reducing emissions.  The Climate Change Committee has described the technology as a necessity for meeting net zero targets.

    With the ability to transport the CO2 by modes such as rail or shipping, industries across the country will be better primed to adopt carbon capture technology. As well as creating jobs and boosting the economy, it will help to transport CO2 in a way to suit businesses’ needs as part of their green transition.

    Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Minister Lord Callanan said:

    The UK has the right geology, talent and expertise to build a world-leading carbon capture industry, driving investment and economic growth to our industrial heartlands.

    Businesses right across the country want to do their bit to reduce carbon emissions and I want to hear from them how we can deliver greener solutions for industry by giving them ever-greater access to this game-changing technology.

    The UK has a distinctive geology and the capacity to store up to 20-30 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030, equivalent to removing 4 to 6 million cars from UK roads each year and supporting 50,000 jobs.

    The government is championing this industry with a significant investment of up to £20 billion – one of the biggest in Europe.

    The Call for Evidence delivers on a commitment made in the landmark Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) vision published last December, which set out government plans for a new competitive UK carbon capture, usage and storage market by 2035.

    Welcoming the move, Ben Burggraaf, CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, said:

    Deploying non-pipeline transport solutions, to ship captured CO2 from South Wales to a permanent store, is pivotal to the delivery of the South Wales Industrial Cluster Plan and kickstart the green industrial revolution in the region.

    It is anticipated that projects using non-pipeline transport methods will be eligible for selection as carbon capture projects from 2025 onwards.

    The Call for Evidence will run for 10 weeks and industry can share their views here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government teams up with football bosses to kick off Euro 2024 [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government teams up with football bosses to kick off Euro 2024 [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

    The Foreign Secretary, along with England and Scotland bosses, looks ahead to Euro 2024. Fans are advised to check travel information before heading overseas.

    With just over a month to go until UEFA Euro 2024, the government has joined forces with England and Scotland bosses to countdown to the tournament.

    Germany and Scotland contest the opening game in Munich on 14 June, with thousands of fans expected to travel to Germany to enjoy the football.

    The government is working closely with the Football Associations of England and Scotland, fan representatives, the UK police and German authorities, to provide practical information and advice.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised fans check the latest travel advice, get the right travel insurance and sign up to receive email updates, as well as following their Travel Aware social channels across X, Instagram and Facebook.

    Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said:

    Some of the world’s best players will be in Germany for what promises to be an amazing tournament.

    We know that football fans from across the UK will be travelling to Germany to enjoy the wonderful event the hosts will provide. We ask that those travelling take a look at the travel advice to make sure they have the best experience possible.

    England Manager, Gareth Southgate, commented:

    We’re all looking forward to this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024. Germany is a country with incredible football heritage and will undoubtedly be a great host of the tournament.

    Given the important role they play for the team, we want all of our travelling fans to have the best possible experience.

    The UK will have a consular presence in Germany throughout the tournament, to support those British nationals requiring help or advice.

    Fans will also be able to contact the FCDO by phone 24/7 on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 or by calling the embassy locally on +49 (0)30 204570. Fans in Germany can access the German emergency services by dialling 112.

    Scotland Head Coach, Steve Clarke, said:

    The Scotland supporters are renowned for the atmosphere they bring to major tournaments when they travel abroad and I know how much the fans are looking forward to the action kicking off in Germany.

    I would encourage all Scotland supporters to follow the government’s travel advice to ensure that they are well prepared to join in the fun when it kicks off.

    Thomas Concannon, Football Supporters Association, said:

    We are delighted to see the level of support that is in place for England fans travelling to Germany from so many key stakeholders. The England Fans’ Embassy – a by-fans, for-fans service – will be running in Germany to assist fans on the ground in each city we play in.

    Martin Riddell, Chair of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said:

    The Tartan Army gets behind the Scotland team at every match we play.

    This summer we all need to be on the ball when it comes to knowing entry requirements and travel advice to make sure Euro 2024 is as successful off the pitch as Steve Clarke’s team will be on it.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rebecca Hilsenrath is confirmed as the acting Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rebecca Hilsenrath is confirmed as the acting Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 7 May 2024.

    Rebecca Hilsenrath is confirmed as the acting Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman from 18 April 2024.

    Hilsenrath is moving from her role as the PHSO’s Chief Executive, to which she was appointed in July 2023. Previously she was the Chief Legal Officer and then Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, after which she joined the PHSO as Director of External Affairs, Strategy and Communications in 2021.

    Under Section 3A of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 and Section 2 to Schedule 1 of the Health Commissioners Act 1993, the acting Ombudsman is appointed by His Majesty by Letters Patent for up to 12 months, or until a new Ombudsman is appointed. Rebecca Hilsenrath’s appointment as the acting Ombudsman was approved by the House of Commons on 25 March 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Home Secretary delivering on promises to tackle immigration [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Home Secretary delivering on promises to tackle immigration [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 May 2024.

    Progress on immigration as numbers on key visa routes fall 24%, detentions start after passing of Rwanda law, and a major crackdown begins on illegal working.

    The Home Secretary’s strong action to tackle both legal and illegal migration is working and delivering progress, as data reveals a dramatic drop in visa numbers, whilst the first flights to Rwanda draw closer as the first cohort of illegal migrants to be removed are detained.

    New monthly visa statistics revealed that the Home Secretary’s comprehensive reforms to address unsustainable levels of legal migration are already starting to have a decisive impact. Visa applications across key routes affected by the changes fell by 24% in the first 3 months of 2024, compared with the same period last year.

    This comes as the government has moved quickly to operationalise its landmark policy to stop the boats and deter migrants making perilous and illegal journeys across the channel. The first group of migrants set for removal to Rwanda are being detained following a series of Immigration Enforcement operations across the country, whilst the first migrant to arrive in Rwanda through the voluntary scheme was successfully relocated.

    Meanwhile, leading food delivery companies have agreed to introduce enhanced security checks on their apps to prevent the market being abused by illegal workers, following a series of discussions with ministers and officials across government.

    Home Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

    Across the board our plan is working – we are delivering a fairer and stronger immigration system.

    Legal migration reached grossly unsustainable levels, but we worked quickly to implement the changes I brought forward last year. The early signs show strong progress, and numbers will continue to fall.

    And our partnership with Rwanda is moving forward at great speed. We must deter those risking their lives in the channel, and this week we have shown that we mean it when we say you will be detained and removed if you come here illegally.

    Migration is a global issue, but the UK stands at the forefront of the response and we’re tackling it head on. With robust, innovative, and unrelenting action, we are delivering as promised.

    New monthly visa statistics show falling numbers across Skilled Worker, Health and Care, and Study visa routes. This includes, in the first 3 months of the year, the number of student dependants fell by almost 80% compared to the same period last year, after a restriction was placed on most postgraduate students bringing family with them from January.

    Later this month, the Migration Advisory Committee will complete their rapid review of the Graduate Route as part of the government’s plan to protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education and ensure it works in the best interests of the UK. The committee’s findings will be considered closely and the government will act if change is necessary.

    The government’s full plan to cut legal migration would mean 300,000 who arrived last year would be unable to do so under the new rules and new monthly statistics will allow the public to see the impact of the full set of measures.

    Following the passage into law of the Safety of Rwanda Act and the ratification of the Treaty with Rwanda, the Home Office has moved quickly to arrest and detain the initial cohort of migrants to be removed. Preparations are now being made to safely remove them to Rwanda where they can start rebuilding their lives, with a flight set to take off within 9 to 11 weeks.

    Under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership the government is now also able to send those with no right to remain in the UK to Rwanda under the voluntary removals route, the first individual has been successfully relocated and is being fully supported.

    As part of the government’s wider efforts to tackle and deter illegal migration, including cracking down on incentives to cross the channel, Minister Michael Tomlinson, the Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, and Minister Kevin Hollinrake, the Minister for Business and Trade, met with representatives from Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats. All 3 companies agreed to enhanced security checks on their apps to prevent account sharing by those looking for work who have no right to be in the UK.

    They will now change their processes to ensure substitute riders are working in the UK legally and that right to work checks will be carried out, helping to protect the economy and legitimate workers.

    Progress demonstrated comes as the government’s wider plan to tackle illegal migration continues to deliver. In 2023, small boat crossing fell by a third on the previous year whilst enforcement visits rose by 49% and arrests more than doubled. Returns of those with no right to be in the UK increased by two-thirds.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Madagascar – Patrick Lynch [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Madagascar – Patrick Lynch [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

    Mr Patrick Lynch has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar in succession to Mr David Ashley.

    Mr Patrick Lynch has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar in succession to Mr David Ashley who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Lynch will take up his appointment during August 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Patrick Martin Lynch

    Year Role
    2019 to 2023 Victoria, British High Commissioner
    2016 to 2019 Washington DC, Head of US Office of Hedayah, Intergovernmental Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism
    2013 to 2016 Abu Dhabi, Director of Capacity Building Programmes, Hedayah, Intergovernmental Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism
    2012 to 2013 Northern Ireland Office, Head of Community Engagement Strategy
    2010 to 2012 Northern Ireland Office, Head of Political Affairs Unit
    2008 to 2010 Kabul, First Secretary – Criminal Justice
    2006 to 2008 Northern Ireland Office, Head of Human Rights and Equality Unit
    2003 to 2006 Northern Ireland Office, Policy Officer, Policing Reforms Division
    2001 to 2003 Belfast, Mediation Northern Ireland, Mediation Practitioner and Trainer
  • PRESS RELEASE : Trustees appointed to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trustees appointed to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 May 2024.

    Ministers have made one new appointment and four reappointments.

    Defra Ministers have appointed one Trustee and reappointed four Trustees at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Fay Cooke has been newly appointed as Trustee. Her three-year term commenced on 1 March 2024.

    Sir Paul Nurse, Judith Batchelar and David Richardson have been reappointed as Trustees, and Professor Christopher Gilligan has been reappointed as King’s Trustee. Sir Paul, David and Professor Gilligan’s terms commenced on 8 March 2024, while Judith’s commenced on 1 April. Judith and David will serve a further three years. Sir Paul and Professor Gilligan will serve a further four.

    Dame Amelia Fawcett, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says:

    I am delighted to welcome Fay Cooke to the Kew Board of Trustees. Fay brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will significantly enhance our already robust and dedicated Board.

    In addition, I am also very pleased that all four of our Trustees have been re-appointed for a second term as their contributions are vital as we advance our ambitious 10-year strategy.

    Our mission to end the extinction crisis and foster a world where nature is sustainably protected and managed for the benefit of humanity and our planet relies greatly on the experience, expertise and leadership of our Trustees.  We remain grateful for their time and commitment.

    The appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office.

    Biographies

    Fay Cooke

    Fay is the Chief Impact & Financial Officer at Yeo Valley Production Ltd, where she is a member of the executive team and statutory board.  Fay leads Yeo Valley Production’s work on sustainable food and farming and is responsible for the company’s finance, people, technology, risk, governance and responsible business teams. She has a PhD in Zoology and qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte. She has a broad range of leadership experience across food, manufacturing & energy businesses, and is passionate about the environment, regenerative organic farming and holistic decision making. Fay is also a trustee of The Woodland Trust.

    Judith Batchelar

    Judith has worked in the food and drink industry for over 35 years, starting her life in manufacturing before moving into retail at Marks and Spencer. From 2004 to 2021, she worked for Sainsbury’s as Director of Sainsbury’s Brand with responsibility for all aspects of Sainsbury’s product offer, including Corporate Responsibility and Public Affairs. She is a Non-Executive Director of the Environment Agency, Chair of the Rugby Players Association, an ambassador for the Woodland Trust and a member of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Europe Council. Judith was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to Farming and the Food Industry. She is also a Commissioner on the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.

    Professor Christopher Gilligan

    Professor Gilligan is currently a Director of Research at the University of Cambridge, where he has previously held the posts of Head of the School of Biological Sciences and Professor of Mathematical Biology. He has chaired a number of complex bodies, including the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Science Advisory Council for Defra and the UK Tree Health and Plant Security Taskforce. He is also a former Trustee of the Natural History Museum. He was awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2015 for services to plant health in the field of epidemiology. He continues to lead research programmes in epidemiological modelling to manage disease in staple crops and the natural environment.

    Sir Paul Nurse

    Sir Paul is a geneticist and cell biologist whose discoveries have helped to explain how the cell controls its cycle of growth and division. He is currently Chief Executive and Director of the Francis Crick Institute, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Board Member. He was previously President of Rockefeller University New York and was President of the Royal Society. Paul received a knighthood in 1999, the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2001, the Legion d’Honneur from France in 2002, and the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan in 2018. In November 2022, he was appointed to the Order of Merit.

    David Richardson

    David Richardson grew up in Northern Ireland and is currently Director of Horticulture at Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which has a global historic estate which spans over 150 countries and is one of the world’s largest gardening organisations. He has worked predominantly within the horticultural discipline for the CWGC for over 30 years, in all its major geographies and has recently led initiatives on performance management and chemical reduction. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and has served on the Institute’s Council. He is also a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Gardeners.

    Notes to editors:

    • All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
    • The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, known for its vast collections and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable development. Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019.
    • The current RBG Kew Board of Trustees is now made up of: Dame Amelia Fawcett, Steve Almond, Judith Batchelar, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Professor Christopher Gilligan, Sir Paul Nurse, David Richardson, John Scanlon, Kate Priestman, Professor Ian Graham and Fay Cooke.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Florida Hold Inaugural Working Group Meeting [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Florida Hold Inaugural Working Group Meeting [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 May 2024.

    The first working group meeting under the UK-Florida MoU on trade and economic co-operation was held in Tallahassee, FL.

    On Tuesday 30 April 2024, representatives of the UK and state of Florida Governments attended the inaugural government-to-government working group meeting created under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on trade and economic co-operation in Tallahassee.

    Rufus Drabble, His Majesty’s Consul General in Miami, co-chaired the meeting with Alex Kelly, Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce.

    Consul General Rufus Drabble said:

    Our discussions were focused and constructive and demonstrate our strong shared commitment to the strategic UK-FL partnership.

    We have an ambitious pipeline for the next 12 months and I look forward to collaborating with the State to leverage the MoU to open all doors to further expand our trade and investment.

    Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said:

    While this meeting is the first official meeting of its kind, Florida has already hit the ground running with the UK since the MOU was signed in November 2023.

    The actionable and impactful collaboration between Florida and the UK is one that will strengthen both of our economies for generations to come.

    Attendees met to coordinate the implementation of the MoU and discussed opportunities for increasing bilateral trade and an exchange of best practices in life sciences, space and fintech. Attendees also explored opportunities to progress recognition of professional qualifications and encourage private sector participation in government procurement markets, with further activity planned for 2024. The UK is currently the top foreign investor in Florida and the state supplies the UK with a wide range of products including aviation and aerospace products.

    The MoU is the first the UK has signed which focuses on the aerospace sector. Florida is home to the NASA Kennedy Space Center, as well as the new STARCOM headquarters in Patrick Space Force Base opening at the end of 2024, and has world-leading capabilities in launch infrastructure, manufacturing, and satellite development, presenting huge opportunities for the UK’s growing space industry. In 2023, income from the sector was worth over £17.5 billion and employing nearly 50,000 people.

    The UK and Florida agreed next steps for MoU implementation, including the following:

    Life Sciences: 2024 will see the launch of the UK-Florida Life Sciences Trade Corridor where 30 UK companies will participate in a four-city roadshow in Florida’s key Life Sciences and Innovation clusters.

    Space: DBT will organise a delegation of UK Space companies to Florida for the end of 2024 and will be supporting Florida’s participation at the Farnborough Air Show in July.

    Fintech: The UK will promote Florida as a key “market entry point” for Fintech companies seeking to enter US and Latin American markets, and will coordinate several trade delegations for 2024 aimed at exploring new business opportunities across the state, including opportunities around insurance.

    Trade Policy: Policy leads will hold further discussions on mutual recognition of professional qualifications on architecture and engineering, in the context of wider mutual recognition agreements between UK and US bodies. They will also continue cooperation between the UK Government and the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) on access to government procurement markets, including participation by DMS in an explanatory webinar for interested UK vendors.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 46 – UK Statement on Eritrea [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 46 – UK Statement on Eritrea [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.

    Statement from the UK at Eritrea’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

    We thank Eritrea for presenting its National Report, and we welcome some progress on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including action to tackle Female Genital Mutilation and to promote access to clean water and sanitation.

    However, much more needs to be done to ensure the human rights of Eritrea’s people are fully promoted and protected. Meaningful change at pace is urgently needed, and we stand ready to assist.

    We recommend that Eritrea:

    1. Cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, including through enabling access to the country.
    2. Investigate the social impact of national service, including developing schemes that promote access to employment following the completion of the mandated national service.
    3. Implement the Constitution proposed by President Isaias over a decade ago, involving the participation of an elected legislature, independent media and a free and open civil society.

    Thank you.