Close ally calls on Vladimir Putin to ‘strike London first in WWIII’ on Russian media

25/06/2022

(See translation in Arabic section)

Sydney – M E TIMES Int’l:

A close Putin political ally and reservist general has called for London to be hit first in a World War Three.

MP Andrey Gurulyov, 54, a member of Russian parliament’s defence committee, advocated the Russian invasion of the NATO Baltic countries.

On state TV’s Channel 1 he said there was no other way to prevent the West blockading Russian exclave Kaliningrad.

Such a move would trigger NATO’s clause five and spark World War Three.

“We’ll destroy the entire group of enemy’s space satellites during the first air operation,” said Lt-Gen Gurulyov, a senior commander who now represents United Russia, the main pro-Putin political party.

“No-one will care if they are American or British, we would see them all as NATO.

“Second, we’ll mitigate the entire system of anti-missile defence, everywhere and 100 per cent.

“Third, we certainly won’t start from Warsaw, Paris or Berlin.

“The first to be hit will be London.

“It’s crystal clear that the threat to the world comes from the Anglo-Saxons.”

Like other Moscow hardliners, he believes the West - especially on continental Europe - has no stomach for a real war.

“As part of the operation to destroy critically important sites, Western Europe will be cut off from power supplies and immobilised.

“All power supply sites will be destroyed.

“And in the third stage, I shall see what the USA will tell Western Europe on continuing their fight in the cold, without food and electricity.

“I wonder how they (the US) will manage to stay aside.

“This is the rough plan, and I deliberately leave out certain moments because they are not to be discussed on TV.”

Andrey Gurulyov, United Russia MP and reserve Lt General speaks about the Suvalkovsky corridor.

The general dismissed plans advocated by other Russian experts to snatch a corridor through Lithuania, to supply the Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad which is wedged between NATO states Poland and Lithuania.

The so-called ‘Suvalkovsky Corridor’ is from Belarus to Lithuania.

He sees such a strategy as a Western trap because Putin’s army would be flanked on two sides by NATO troops.

“It’s the desire of our Western partners that we clear the Suvalkovsky Corridor [from Belarus through Lithuania to supply Kaliningrad],” he said.

“If you look at the map, it would be a big mistake from our side to make the corridor just to end up with NATO troops to the right and left …

“And we also need to pull Belarus into this …

“Let’s look at the map …”

His strategy is to revert Lithuanian capital back to its former identity as Vilno, and Estonian capital Tallinn back to its tsarist identity as Reval.

“We calmly ….turn Vilnius back into Vilno, remind ourselves what is Reval [the tsarist name for Tallinn], and free up the right Baltic flank, so we don’t worry that we can be hit from the back,” he told state TV.

“From the military point of view it is impossible to get a clear corridor [through Lithuania],” he said.

“But if the West decides to block the Kaliningrad region, a decision to carry out a strategic operation to unblock it will be taken.

“But as a serviceman, I clearly understand that no-one will bother with just doing a corridor.

“If we start working, we will work properly.

“Everything will be cleared out, because why leave enemies behind your back?”

Andrey Gurulyov called for London to be hit first in a World War Three.

Gurulyov is a close political ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gurulyov is a former deputy commander of Russia’s southern military district.

He served with Russian forces in Syria.

He has been sanctioned by the US for his close links to Putin.

In February he was allegedly overheard on an intercepted call ordering subordinates to burn the homes of Ukrainians after throwing out families into the street.

Such action would be a war crime.

'It is a race': Chris Bowen says Australia is '10 years late' to get renewable transmission and storage capacity

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Australia is starting the race to get renewable energy transmission and storage “10 years late”.

It comes as the east coast energy market suspension is set to be lifted with authorities confident in the return of wholesale electricity supply after a shortage one week ago.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) was forced to suspend the spot market for the first time since its creation in 1998 along the east coast last Wednesday with fears suburbs within four states and a territory would be plunged into blackouts.

The company said it was "impossible to operate" due to the shortfall in supply being blamed on a number of reasons including generators being offline, an increase in usage due to winter and international pressures such as the war in Ukraine.

AEMO Chief Executive Daniel Westerman said the energy market would begin to set the price from 4am on Thursday where authorities will monitor it for 24 hours before a decision on the lift to the market, provided there is supply guarantee.

Speaking alongside Mr Westerman, Mr Bowen pushed for “more transmission, more storage and more generation of electricity”.

He reiterated the remarks during an interview with Sky News Australia on Wednesday afternoon, arguing he is confident the government can secure reliable energy capacities.

“We’ve gone to the election with a very substantial policy of investing in transmission that’ll bring on more renewables,” Mr Bowen told Sky News Australia’s Kieran Gilbert.

“That’ll allow all that private sector investment to come forward and that’ll help us build the storage going forward, but we’ve got to build the framework for them to work properly.

“That means transmission and that means storage.”

AEMO stressed the conditions in the market "remain dynamic" and the company would continue to monitor reserves in all regions.

Albanese appoints senior public servants

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the appointment of several senior public servants who are due to start their jobs within the coming weeks. The five have all been appointed for five-year terms.

Jim Betts will be Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Mr Betts has extensive experience in the NSW and Victorian public services and brings to the federal level a deep understanding of the priority challenges facing governments. 

Jan Adams will be Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ms Adams is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently Ambassador to Japan having previously worked in China, Washington and Paris.

Natalie James will be Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Her previous roles having included chief counsel to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Federal Fair Work Ombudsman.

Jenny Wilkinson will be Secretary of the Department of Finance. Ms Wilkinson, currently Treasury Deputy Secretary, has held positions across several departments and agencies including running the Parliamentary Budget Office. Throughout her career she has provided advice on a wide range of economic policy issues. She was awarded a PSM in 2021 for outstanding public service in the development of fiscal policy.

David Fredericks will leave his role as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, to lead the newly created Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Mr Fredericks has experience at the Deputy Secretary level at the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Finance and has held senior ministerial adviser roles at both the Commonwealth and state levels. Mr Fredericks has also served in the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Treasury and Finance.

Six students score top marks to tour Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor

Six high school students have scored top marks for their essay writing which will see them tour historic WWII sites in Japan and Hawaii as part of the ClubsNSW Premier’s WWII Memorial Tour.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was delighted with the number of entries received from enthusiastic students across the State.

“It is great to see so many students engaged with this essay writing competition, more than 100 entries were received from year 11 students who were asked to write a 1000 word essay answering the question ‘Are the lessons of WWII still relevant today?’,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It is important that students today continue to talk about the sacrifices and commitment of our servicemen and servicewomen as it these learnings and conversations that helps keep the memory of the spirit of our diggers alive.”

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott today announced the winning students who will embark on the 11-day tour of historic WWII sites in Hiroshima, Japan and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

•       Ashley Kim, Tara Anglican School for Girls

•       Kathleen Polson, Menai High School

•       Elsa McLean, Brigidine College St Ives

•       Lucas Hepworth, Ambarvale High School

•       Gabriel Fernandez, St Aloysius College Milsons Point

•       Caleb Harrison, Clarence Valley Anglican School

 “I’ve read the winning entries and I’m very impressed with the amount of effort and thought that went into the essays. The judging panel also advised that selecting the winning entries was tough as submissions were of a high level,” Mr Elliott said.

“The ClubsNSW Premier’s WWII Memorial Tour will provide opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor and atomic bombing of Hiroshima are two of the most pivotal moments in the Second World War.”

ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis, today welcomed the announcement of the winners and said ClubsNSW was proud to teach a new generation about significant moments in history.

Minns’ half-baked toll relief package

The NSW Budget week has proved the Liberal-National Government is the only party that has a real plan in providing toll relief for millions of motorists across New South Wales.

Labor Opposition Leader Chris Minns constantly talks about having a plan, but today was found out in his Budget reply, outlining a policy that falls over $120 million per year short of the Coalition’s promise to provide all eligible drivers toll relief of up to $750 per year.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward says the Labor government would rather play politics than actually come up with sound policy to secure a brighter future for NSW.

“Labor’s Budget reply was all about the headlines, heavy on rhetoric but with none of the detail,” Mrs Ward said.

“Mr Minns has been leader of the Opposition for 384 days and it is clear he has spent most of that time dreaming up scare campaigns rather than coming up with substantive policies that will actually ease cost of living pressures for millions across the state.” 

“This is lazy politics from NSW Labor who are running the same tired lines about privatising the Harbour Bridge, despite the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government ruling that out in February.

Just over a fortnight ago, the NSW Government announced toll relief policy that will cost $520 million over two years to give motorists up to $750 cash back.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns today failed to outline in his Budget response even one major road infrastructure project Labor would commit to in government.

Elon Musk predicts US recession is ‘inevitable’, and likely to happen in ‘the near term’

Billionaire Elon Musk has predicted an “inevitable” recession in the United States is likely to happen “in the near term” and detailed all the consequences it would entail for the rest of the world.

Mr Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, spoke at the Qatar Economic Forum overnight. He was interviewed by John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg.

Micklethwait asked him about the repeated comments from US President Joe Biden and his top administration officials in recent days denying that a recession was unavoidable.

“Well a recession is inevitable at some point,” Mr Musk said.

“As to whether there is a recession in the near term, I think that is more likely than not. It’s not a certainty. But it appears more likely than not.”

Speaking to the Associated Press last week, Mr Biden was more optimistic, striking a defiant tone when asked whether a battle against rising inflation would tip his nation into recession.

“It’s not inevitable,” he insisted. His remark was then echoed by other officials.

“I don’t think recession is at all inevitable,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told the ABC show This Week over the weekend.

“Clearly inflation is unacceptably high. It’s President Biden’s top priority to bring it down. And (Federal Reserve Chairman) Jerome Powell has said that his goal is to bring inflation down while maintaining a strong labour market.

“That’s going to take skill and luck, but I believe it’s possible. I don’t think a recession is inevitable.”

Brian Deese, Director of the National Economic Council, also backed up the President.

“Not only is the recession not inevitable, but I think that a lot of people are underestimating those strengths and the resilience of the American economy,” he told Fox News Sunday.

Two new Judges appointed to NSW Supreme Court

Her Honour District Court Judge Dina Yehia SC and barrister Dr Nicholas Chen SC have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW justice system is fortunate to be able to call on judicial officers and lawyers of Judge Yehia’s and Dr Chen’s calibres.

“Her Honour Judge Yehia has enormous experience in criminal law and has long campaigned for social justice. Dr Chen brings a wealth of experience in commercial and common law, medical negligence matters, and inquests and inquiries,” Mr Speakman said.

“These appointments will further strengthen the Supreme Court bench and ensure our judiciary continues to reflect the NSW community that it serves.”

Judge Yehia was admitted as a solicitor in 1989. Her Honour worked as a solicitor with the Western Aboriginal Legal Service for seven years, until becoming Solicitor Advocate for Legal Aid and then being called to the Bar. She was appointed Senior Counsel in 2009 and became the first female Deputy Senior Public Defender in 2013.

Judge Yehia has been a judge of the District Court since May 2014. Her Honour is Chair of the Ngara Yura Committee, which raises awareness amongst judicial officers in relation to Indigenous cultural and social issues. She is also Chair of the Walama Working Group and a Council member of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration and the National Judicial College of Australia.

Dr Chen was admitted as a solicitor in 1992, called to the Bar in 1998 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2016. While at the Bar he has been Director of the Barristers’ Sickness & Accident Fund (Barcover) and a member of the NSW Bar Association Common Law Committee. Dr Chen holds a Doctor of Juridical Studies degree from the University of Sydney Law School and received the Academic, Civil & Legal Prize for the highest mark in the NSW Bar exams.

Bail reforms pass NSW Parliament

The NSW Government’s tough new bail reforms have passed NSW Parliament today. The Bail Amendment Act 2022 strengthens the Bail Act 2013 by:

a.    in a national first, requiring that any electronic monitoring imposed as a bail condition must meet any minimum standard prescribed in the regulations; and

b.    requiring that bail must be refused following conviction and prior to sentencing where the offender will be sentenced to full-time detention, unless special or exceptional circumstances can be established.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government acted swiftly and decisively, as announced last week, to introduce and pass through Parliament this week amendments to strengthen the state’s bail laws in line with community expectations

“The NSW Government is committed to keeping our community safe, and to ensuring that our bail laws remain amongst the toughest in the country,” Mr Speakman said.

“This is about ensuring that offenders who have already been found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, or pled guilty, and are already heading to prison, get there quicker, and are not out in the community while awaiting sentence.”

In a national first, there will also be a requirement in NSW, that any electronic monitoring imposed as a bail condition must meet any minimum standard prescribed in the regulations.

The NSW Government consulted with and thanks stakeholders who lent their urgent advice and expertise to the draft bill, including legal stakeholders and the Courts.

“Getting our bail laws right is a delicate balancing exercise. The NSW Government is committed to carefully considering appropriate reforms and then acting swiftly and decisively to protect our community and support our frontline services in keeping our community safe, as we have done this week.”

NSW residents urged to get free flu shot

NSW residents are being urged to take advantage of the free flu vaccines available for all until the end of June as another 211 people were admitted to hospital with the flu in the week ending 18 June.

So far this year, more than 1,300 people have been admitted to hospital in NSW, following almost 9,400 presentations to emergency departments with influenza-like illness.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it’s not too late to book in for a free influenza vaccine, which will provide you with vital protection during winter.

“I want to remind people the flu vaccine remains free for all NSW residents for another seven days, so please book in now to take advantage of this important initiative to boost immunity levels,” Dr Chant said.

“The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the harmful effects of influenza. I want to thank everyone who has already come forward to get their jab, but there’s still work to be done.

“Influenza immunisation rates aren’t where they need to be. Only about one in three people in NSW have received their influenza vaccine this year and we really need to see that number go up, especially among vulnerable groups such as young children and older people who are most at risk of severe illness.

“We are anticipating a surge in influenza activity right through winter and into spring, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated. There is plenty of stock available at pharmacies and GPs, so please book in today.”

NSW budget to boost women in small business

Women in small business will have access to free TAFE courses and professional advice thanks to $15 million over the next four years in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 95 per cent of businesses in NSW were small businesses, however only a third of these businesses are run by women.

“Many people dream of owning their own business, however we know that cultural and structural barriers like access to professional networks and capital can hold women back from taking the leap,” Mr Kean said.

“The NSW Budget is focused on giving women more opportunities for their future. That’s why we’re investing $15 million to help women translate their business ideas into reality.”

The 2022-23 NSW Budget will invest in the following programs over four years:

•           $3.5 million to provide fee-free TAFE NSW Women in Business courses

•           $2.0 million in grants to industry associations and chambers of commerce to run professional networking programs for women in small business

•           $5.0 million to expand the Business Connect program to provide dedicated services to women-led small business

•           $4.5 million for the Service NSW for Business program to provide targeted support for women-led small businesses.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said this investment is another fantastic example of the NSW Government supporting women-led small businesses.

“From Ballina to Braidwood and everywhere in between, this package empowers women to start and grow their businesses, because we know when women succeed, NSW succeeds,” Mrs Taylor said.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the fee-free TAFE courses will give women in small business access to a wide range of online learning topics and webinars, which can be studied anywhere, any time.

“The Women in Business TAFE program will provide women in every corner of NSW with access to fee-free online training on how to start or build a business,” Mr Henskens said. 

“More than 15,000 women have already benefited from the program, and this investment will help support a pipeline of female-led start-ups to boost their budget and grow the economy.”

Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the Business Connect program will be expanded to provide dedicated services to women-led small businesses.

“Since 2017, Business Connect has already helped more than 44,000 small businesses by providing them with personalised and tailored support to help them to start, adapt and grow their operations,” Ms Petinos said.

“We’re expanding this program by providing a further $5 million over the next four years to women-led small businesses to upskill these leaders with the tools they want, whether it be marketing, social media, business planning, and digital literacy.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Service NSW for Business program will provide targeted support for women-led small businesses.

“The Budget is expanding the Service for Business program to provide further funding to female-run small businesses to make their business journey easier. This includes access to our Business Concierges, Online Information Hub and Business Profile Digital Platform,” Mr Dominello said.