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الوسم: G7 Summit

  • Trump Surprises with Return to Old Air Force One, Dismisses Qatari Jet

    Trump Surprises with Return to Old Air Force One, Dismisses Qatari Jet

    President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will fly from Turkey to the UK aboard an older Air Force One aircraft. This unexpected change has sparked questions about a Boeing 747 recently gifted by Qatar, which he had introduced just weeks earlier as his new presidential plane. The journey to Turkey marked the maiden international trip for this new aircraft.

    The decision to switch planes follows months of scrutiny over the lavishly appointed jet, meant to temporarily replace the aging Air Force One while Boeing works on delivering a new fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft. Critics raised concerns about the costs, security features, and the pace of upgrades made to the Qatar-gifted plane.

    Trump shared on Truth Social that he planned to use an older Air Force One “for old time’s sake” when traveling to RAF Mildenhall in Britain. Meanwhile, the newer plane would visit the same base to allow U.S. service members stationed there to explore the aircraft firsthand.

    That newer plane is a Boeing 747, donated to the U.S. by Qatar last year and later refitted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies. Its exterior sports a custom livery in red, white, dark blue, and gold, selected by Trump, which departs from the long-standing Air Force One design.

    Acceptance of the Qatari jet drew some attention. The upgrade process involved security enhancements, improved communication systems to prevent eavesdropping, and missile defense capabilities, according to experts. Democratic lawmakers estimated that the modifications cost over $1 billion and expressed concerns about potential security vulnerabilities. The upgrades were completed rapidly, leading some to worry that the aircraft might not match the security standards of the traditional fleet.

    A second aircraft, equipped to serve as Air Force One, is always on standby during presidential travel. Due to the urgency, the Air Force expedited the refitting process, skipping some planned enhancements designed for the future fleet, in order to provide an interim aircraft sooner. Officials maintained that the plane still fulfills presidential requirements, with Air Force Secretary Troy Meink stating that every criterion was carefully evaluated during the accelerated process.

    The Qatar-owned jet acts as a transitional aircraft while Boeing works to deliver two specially built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion fixed-price agreement signed in 2018. Delivery of those aircraft is now four years behind schedule, with an expected arrival no earlier than mid-2028. This delay leaves Trump potentially without a new, domestically-produced plane before his term concludes in January 2029.

    The costs associated with the Boeing program have surged, now exceeding $5 billion, with the company accounting for billions in charges linked to the delays.

  • Trump insists Meloni begged for a photo op

    Trump insists Meloni begged for a photo op

    US President Donald Trump has reiterated his controversial statement that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a photo opportunity.

    On his Truth Social account, Trump stated, “Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly asked to take a picture with me during the G7 summit in France.”

    The dispute over the photo arose after Italian outlets broadcasted an interview in which Trump claimed, “She [Meloni] begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted it badly. I wouldn’t have agreed, but I felt sorry for her.”

    Meloni responded, expressing her “astonishment” at his comments, which she described as “completely fabricated.” She accused Trump of showing more respect for enemies of the West than for longstanding allies.

    After her response, Trump questioned Meloni’s effectiveness as Italy’s leader, asserting that her political standing is faltering because she has distanced herself from the United States.

    He added, “She isn’t doing well in Italy, possibly because she’s turned away from the U.S., a country that genuinely cares about and protects Italy.”

    Trump also criticized her refusal to let U.S. forces use Italian airstrips or runways for military logistics, despite America’s significant financial contributions to Italy’s security and NATO.

    He further claimed that Meloni is now attempting to mend relations with Washington, implying that she wants to boost her approval ratings by doing so, after claiming that the U.S. “defeated” Iran militarily.

    He concluded with a firm, “No thanks.”

  • Meloni responds to Trump’s claim: She begged for a photo

    Meloni responds to Trump’s claim: She begged for a photo

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused former close ally Donald Trump of inventing a story about her on Friday after he claimed on an Italian TV channel that she had “begged” him to take a photo with her at the G7 summit. Meloni expressed her shock at his remarks, calling them “completely fabricated.” She criticized him for showing greater respect to Western enemies than to longstanding allies.

    This disagreement signals a notable deterioration in their relationship, following moments at the G7 in France that suggested the two populist leaders had mended some earlier strains caused by tensions over Iran’s war earlier this year.

    Video footage from the event in France showed Meloni and Trump engaged in conversation, but he later claimed he only indulged her by chatting. “She begged me to take a picture with her. She was eager for a photo with me. I wouldn’t have agreed, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump alleged, according to La7’s translation. The channel didn’t release the original audio, only a dubbed version.

    Meloni responded firmly: “Donald Trump’s statements are entirely false. I am genuinely surprised. I don’t understand why the U.S. President behaves this way towards allies—this isn’t the first time either.”

    She added: “It’s disappointing that he doesn’t show the same resolve with America’s enemies, instead treating their leaders with much more leniency. Just remember one thing: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”

    Following Trump’s mocking remarks, Italy’s foreign minister announced she was canceling her upcoming trip to the U.S., condemning Trump’s “offensive” words.

    “President Trump’s offensive comments are an insult to all of Italy,” said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in a post on X (formerly Twitter), revealing she was scheduled to visit the U.S. on June 21 and 22.

    Later, she distanced herself further from Trump, criticizing his comments about Pope Leo’s condemnation of Iran, and stating she no longer aligned with his stance on the conflict. Trump responded bluntly, accusing her of lacking courage.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Presents Trump With Signed Jersey and Message

    Cristiano Ronaldo Presents Trump With Signed Jersey and Message

    Cristiano Ronaldo Gifts Signed Jersey to Donald Trump at G7 Summit

    Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo recently made headlines after presenting US President Donald Trump with a signed jersey featuring a meaningful message. The exchange occurred during the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada, where the gift was delivered by António Costa, the President of the European Council.

    The signed jersey bore a personal note from Ronaldo, stating, "To President Donald J. Trump, playing for peace." Costa later shared the moment on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the theme of unity by saying, "Playing for peace. As a team."

    Ronaldo’s Gesture and Its Significance

    Trump’s special assistant and communications advisor, Margo Martin, also shared the moment through a video, capturing Trump’s reaction as he appreciated the jersey. "Oh, I like that. Playing for peace," Trump remarked while displaying the jersey.

    This gesture is particularly notable as Cristiano Ronaldo has consistently been an advocate for peace, using his social platforms to address pressing human rights issues like the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Many observers on social media have speculated that the timing of this gift may relate to rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Iran.

    As Trump participates in the G7 discussions alongside other global leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the event underscores the importance of diplomacy and peaceful dialogue among nations.

    An Emphasis on Peace

    Ronaldo’s thoughtful gesture aligns with his ongoing commitment to promoting peace and humanitarian values through his influence as a sports icon. The gift is not just a token of sportsmanship but a reminder of the potential for global leadership to foster unity and understanding during tumultuous times.

  • Trump Calls Russia’s Exclusion from Group a ‘Major Misstep’

    Trump Calls Russia’s Exclusion from Group a ‘Major Misstep’

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump join the first working session at the G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. — Reuters

    • Leaders initiate discussions on global economy and trade disputes.
    • Trump will not endorse a joint statement regarding Israel and Iran, says US official.
    • Efforts are underway to reintroduce Ukraine on Trump’s agenda.

    The G7 leaders gathered on Monday to find a unified stance on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Before official proceedings commenced, US President Donald Trump expressed that it was a mistake to exclude Russia from the former Group of Eight over ten years ago.

    Trump’s clear support for Russian President Vladimir Putin presented an immediate challenge for the group, which has been struggling to maintain cohesiveness as Washington shifts away from multilateral engagement.

    Leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US, along with representatives from the European Union, are meeting in the stunning Kananaskis Resort in the Canadian Rockies through Tuesday.

    In a discussion with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump remarked that the expulsion of Russia in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea was misguided. “This was a significant error,” he stated, adding that he believes the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 would not have occurred had Putin remained part of the group.

    “Putin talks to me. He doesn’t speak to anyone else… he’s not pleased about it. He hardly even engages with those who excluded him, and I agree with him,” Trump said.

    These remarks cast doubt on the potential outcomes of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s upcoming meeting with the leaders on Tuesday. European nations aim to persuade Trump to endorse stricter sanctions against Russia.

    Zelenskiy is expected to address new arms procurement for Ukraine during his discussions with Trump.

    Trump had a conversation with Putin on Saturday in which he proposed that the Russian leader might play a mediating role between Israel and Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed this notion, arguing that Russia could not serve as a negotiator because it initiated an unlawful war against Ukraine.

    A European diplomat noted that Trump’s suggestion underscores how prominently Russia remains on US policymakers’ minds.

    European officials hope to leverage Tuesday’s meeting with Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to adopt a firmer position.

    “The G7 should aim for convergence once more, allowing Ukraine to achieve a ceasefire that leads to a strong and lasting peace. In my opinion, it hinges on whether President Trump is ready to propose significantly stricter sanctions against Russia,” Macron commented.

    The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran makes this summit in Canada a crucial opportunity to attempt to restore a sense of unity among leading democracies.

    In a further indication of potential discord, a US official announced that Trump would not sign off on a draft statement advocating for de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict.

    However, a Canadian official mentioned that the issue would be raised in bilateral discussions throughout the day and that it’s premature to assume an outcome. A senior European diplomat echoed this sentiment, remarking that Trump has yet to make a decision.

    Draft Documents

    Canada has decided against pursuing a comprehensive communiqué to avoid a repeat of the 2018 summit in Quebec, where Trump directed the US delegation to retract approval of the final statement after departing.

    Leaders prepared multiple draft documents on topics including migration, artificial intelligence, and critical mineral supply chains. However, none has received US approval based on insider accounts.

    European representatives largely agree on most issues, according to a diplomat, but the absence of Trump’s concurrence makes the issuance of declarations uncertain.

    The initial five months of Trump’s second term have disrupted foreign policy relating to Ukraine, raised concerns about his closer ties with Russia, and resulted in tariffs against US allies.

    Discussions on Monday will primarily focus on the economy, advancing trade agreements, and China.

    Attempts to agree on lowering the G7 price cap on Russian oil have been complicated by a temporary spike in prices since Israel’s strikes on Iran on June 12, according to two diplomatic sources. Oil prices declined on Monday following reports that Iran was seeking a ceasefire.

    The rising tensions between the two regional adversaries are high on the agenda, with diplomatic sources expressing hopes of encouraging restraint and a return to diplomatic avenues, while also pushing Trump to sign a declaration.

    “I believe there is a consensus for de-escalation. Our focus today is on bringing together our perspectives and clarifying the means to achieve it,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked to reporters.

  • Sikhs in Canada Rally Against Modi’s G7 Invitation

    Sikhs in Canada Rally Against Modi’s G7 Invitation

    Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of the content in American English:


    India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a press conference with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2025. — Reuters/File

    Members of Canada’s Sikh community, who were warned by law enforcement about potential threats to their lives, are outraged over Ottawa’s invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta. They claim the Indian government is behind the threats.

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended the invitation to Modi, despite India not being a G7 member. The summit, beginning this Sunday, will mark Modi’s first trip to Canada in a decade and poses a diplomatic challenge for Carney, who is relatively new to politics.

    Relations between Canada and India have been strained since former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the June 18, 2023, assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist in Canada.

    The Indian government has refuted these claims and accused Canada of offering sanctuary to Sikh separatists.

    “Many in the community are expressing their outrage,” said Sikh activist Moninder Singh, a friend of Nijjar. Singh, along with other Sikh leaders, plans to protest in Ottawa this Saturday.

    As Canada engages in a trade dispute with the United States, Carney is seeking to strengthen alliances globally and diversify Canadian exports. He mentioned that India’s role in international supply chains was instrumental in the decision to invite Modi.

    India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, indicated that a meeting between Modi and Carney would provide a critical opportunity to discuss bilateral and global issues and potentially reset relations.

    Threats to Sikhs

    However, Singh, who resides in British Columbia, feels that the rationale for Modi’s invitation is inadequate. He has received multiple police warnings regarding threats to his life, which once forced him to leave his home to ensure his family’s safety.

    “On both personal and community levels, it feels deeply disrespectful. It seems like Sikh lives are less important than accommodating the world’s fifth-largest economy,” he stated.

    Carney’s office has yet to respond to requests for comments.

    The Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported in October that they had communicated numerous threats to activists like Singh who advocate for a Sikh homeland in India.

    In another tense moment under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to Nijjar’s murder and accusing the Indian government of targeting dissidents in Canada through various nefarious means. India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats and dismissed the allegations as absurd and politically motivated, asserting that Canada lacks proof connecting Modi to these threats.

    The rising tensions have put Canada’s Sikh community, the largest outside of India’s Punjab state, in a challenging spotlight.

    Singh believes there should have been conditions attached to Modi’s invitation. “Any meeting should have included commitments from Modi and his government to take accountability for the incidents and cooperate, but that didn’t happen.”

    Carney mentioned that Modi had agreed to a dialogue on law enforcement, while Jaiswal stated that Indian and Canadian law enforcement will continue to collaborate in certain areas.

    Some activists and politicians in Canada have accused Carney of prioritizing economic interests over human rights. Nevertheless, Sanjay Ruparelia, a political science professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, argues that Carney is simply being realistic. “His approach has been pragmatic, and this is a practical, realpolitik decision.”

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  • Modi’s G7 Invite Sparks Outrage Among Canada’s Sikh Community

    Modi’s G7 Invite Sparks Outrage Among Canada’s Sikh Community

    Sure! Here’s a rewritten version in American English, making it unique and human-like:

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    OTTAWA: Sikh organizations in Canada are vocally opposing Prime Minister Mark J. Carney’s invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta. They described the decision as outrageous, especially amid the existing strained relations between Canada and India.

    The invitation was communicated during a recent phone conversation and confirmed by Modi on social media, representing a notable diplomatic gesture despite the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

    Prime Minister Modi tweeted: “I was pleased to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J. Carney of Canada. I congratulated him on his recent electoral victory and expressed my gratitude for the invitation to the G7 summit in Kananaskis later this month.

    As fellow democracies connected by strong personal ties, India and Canada will collaborate with renewed enthusiasm, grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. I look forward to our meeting at the summit.”

    This invitation comes at a turbulent time for Canada-India relations, particularly following the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Canada has accused India of being involved in the assassination, which India has denied, prompting both countries to expel diplomats from each other. Additional allegations surfaced regarding India’s interference in Canadian elections, further intensifying the situation.

    The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) condemned Prime Minister Carney’s decision, stating it has caused significant distress within the Sikh community across Canada. The timing of this invitation is especially painful, they expressed in a statement.

    On May 21, the WSO formally urged Prime Minister Carney not to extend the invitation to Prime Minister Modi, citing India’s extensive campaign of transnational repression targeting Sikhs in Canada, which included the assassination of Nijjar, confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as evidence of Indian government agents engaging in criminal activities while on Canadian soil.

    Modi’s invitation occurred despite India’s ongoing refusal to work with Canadian authorities, including turning down requests to waive diplomatic immunity for involved officials. Not long ago, members of the Bishnoi gang, reportedly linked to Indian intelligence, claimed responsibility for the murder of a Sikh businessman in Mississauga. Modi himself has made statements indicating that India will pursue its perceived enemies in other countries, according to the WSO.

    WSO President Danish Singh remarked: “For Sikhs in Canada, this feels like a betrayal—not only of our community but of the fundamental values of Canada. Prime Minister Carney’s choice to invite Modi, while India continues to deny involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and resists cooperating with Canadian authorities, is both shameful and perilous.”

    He added that India has been engaged in far more severe transnational repression and foreign interference on Canadian soil, leading to murders.

    “What message does this send to the Sikh community and to Nijjar’s family? This is a striking departure from the principled stance previously taken by Prime Minister Trudeau, undermining justice, accountability, and the rule of law in Canada. We urge the numerous Sikh MPs in Parliament to take a stand and ensure that our community is not treated as expendable,” Singh declared.

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  • Modi Unlikely to Attend G7 Summit in Canada for First Time in Six Years

    Modi Unlikely to Attend G7 Summit in Canada for First Time in Six Years

    Modi’s Absence at Upcoming G7 Summit

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada due to strained relations between New Delhi and Ottawa, according to reports from Indian media citing insider sources.

    Sources have indicated that neither Indian officials have confirmed Modi’s visit nor has Canada made an approach to discuss it. They noted that the bilateral relationship needs improvement before any significant visits can take place.

    This year marks the first time in six years that Modi will miss the G7 summit, which is slated to occur in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17.

    If Modi were to visit Canada, security concerns would also be a critical issue to address, sources have added. Diplomatic ties between India and Canada have been strained for the past two years, particularly following the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

    In a related incident last year, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the top envoy, due to allegations of involvement in activities against Sikh separatists within Canada.

    While there is uncertainty surrounding Modi’s participation, reports suggest that leaders from South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia have already accepted invitations to the summit. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside the European Commission president and representatives from other nations who are expected to attend.