Day: December 21, 2022

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Cambodia’s Hosting of Japan-UN-Cambodia Tripartite Project in 2027 Supported

Japan has pledged to support Cambodia to host the Japan-UN-Cambodia Tripartite Project on “Heavy Engineering Machinery Training” in 2027.
The pledge was made by Mr. TANINAI Ichitomo, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia during a meeting with H.E. Gen. Sem Sovanny, Director General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mines and ERW Clearance (NPMEC) here in Phnom Penh early this week.
Mr. TANINAI Ichitomo affirmed that Japan will provide training for Cambodian blue helmet troops, and send its Japanese engineering specialised team to Cambodia to discuss the preparation for the training.
Mr. TANINAI Ichitomo spoke highly of Cambodia’s active contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and of mine clearance activities in Cambodia.
H.E. Gen. Sem Sovanny underlined that the Japan-UN-Cambodia Tripartite Project is aimed at supporting countries donating their peacekeeping forces so that they can deploy their forces quickly and efficiently.
The project was initiated by late H.E. ABE Shinzo, former Japanese Prime Minister, in the Peacekeeping Summit in September 2014, recalled H.E. Gen. Sem Sovanny.
The director general thanked the Government of Japan for its assistance to Cambodia, especially in taking part in UN peacekeeping operations, adding that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defence Forces’ participation in the peacekeeping operation (PKO) in Cambodia.
He also asked Japan to provide more long-term trainings to strengthen the capacity of Cambodian trainers and trainees for the peacekeeping missions under the UN umbrella.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press

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Human Rights Council President appoints Mohamed Chande Othman to serve as new chairperson of Ethiopia Commission

GENEVA (21 December 2022) — The President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Federico Villegas (Argentina), has decided to appoint Mr. Mohamed Chande Othman of Tanzania to the Council-created Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia as its new Chairperson.
Mr. Othman’s appointment comes following the resignation of Kaari Betty Murungi as Chairperson and Member of the Commission. Ambassador Villegas thanks Ms. Murungi for her role on the Commission and wishes her well in her future endeavours.
A former Chief Justice of Tanzania (2010-2017), Mr. Othman was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon in 2015 as Chairperson of the Independent Panel of Experts on the Dag Hammarskjöld Investigations. In 2019-2020, he served as a member of the Independent Expert Review of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute System, having been appointed by the Assembly of State Parties of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Mr. Othman’s previous experience includes that of Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste (2000-2001), Chief of Prosecutions of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (1998-2000), and Senior Legal and Justice Sector Adviser for UNDP-Cambodia. He has also served as a member of the UN Human Rights Council’s High-Level Commission of Inquiry into the Situation in Lebanon following the Israel-Lebanon Armed Conflict in 2006 and as the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Sudan (2009-2010).
The three-person Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia was created by the UN Human Rights Council on 17 December 2021 with a mandate to investigate alleged human rights violations and abuses in Ethiopia committed since 3 November 2020 by all parties to the conflict. On 7 October 2022, the Council decided to renew the mandate of the Commission for a further period of one year.
The Commission is scheduled to deliver its next update to the Human Rights Council during its 52nd regular session (27 February-31 March 2023).

Source: UN Human Rights Council

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Cambodian court hears final arguments in Kem Sokha’s treason trial

A court in Cambodia on Wednesday heard closing arguments in the trial of opposition leader Kem Sokha, who faces unsubstantiated charges of treason.
Kem Sokha was detained in 2017 after the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had been the main opposition party at the time, made significant gains in local commune elections. He was placed under house arrest, but was released prior to the beginning of his trial which has dragged on for more than two years.
In the final arguments on Wednesday, the prosecution recommended that the court reimpose Kem Sokha’s detention and sentence him to a long prison term. It said that in addition to criminal prosecution for treason, the government plans to seek civil compensation and damages.
The court is scheduled to announce the trial’s verdict on March 3 – just four months before Cambodians go to the polls to vote in the 2023 general election.
As he exited the courtroom at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Kem Sokha told reporters that the court had relied on “fake evidence.”
“The verdict has not been rendered,” he said, and claimed that video evidence the prosecution used against him was edited with the intent to defame him.
Kem Sokha’s lawyer Meng Sopheary told reporters that her client was neither involved with a revolution nor had led violent demonstrations against the government, and said the video evidence was edited in such a way as to prove these allegations.
“I don’t know about the court’s decision but our closing argument has cleared allegations against my client,” she said.
Another lawyer, Peng Heng, said Kem Sokha has maintained his innocence and urged the court and government to drop charges against him.
“He wants the court to show that he is innocent so he can return to serving his country,” he said.
Cambodia’s Supreme Court dissolved and outlawed the Cambodia National Rescue Party following Kem Sokha’s arrest, which paved the way for Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party to take every seat in the country’s National Assembly in the 2018 general election.
The ban kicked off a five-year crackdown on the political opposition, with many of those affiliated with the illegal party arrested and detained on charges like conspiracy, incitement, and treason.
Political commentator Seng Sary told RFA’s Khmer Service that even though the prosecutor referred the court to convict Kem Sokha, he believes the court will drop charges against him.
“I am optimistic that Kem Sokha will get justice,” he said, explaining that Cambodia can ill afford to convict him and face more economic pressure from the international community.
Another political commentator Kim Sok, told RFA that the court would likely issue a light sentence against Kem Sokha.
“But I don’t expect he gets full freedom. The verdict will be difficult to understand,” he said.
Ruling party spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA that the government used a speech delivered by Kem Sokha in Australia in 2013 to charge him with treason.
“He said he was proud that he succeeded [in collusion with foreign countries] but it turned out to be a win for the government,” said Sok Ey San.

Radio Free Asia –Copyright © 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036Radio Free Europe–Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.

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Hitachi Energy and Linxon support National Grid in achieving sustainability targets through pioneering 420 kV SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear technology

Strengthening key power infrastructure in London while reducing carbon footprint

Zurich, Switzerland, Dec. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy and Linxon are collaborating to strengthen London Power Tunnels (LPT), a key power infrastructure project that will ensure reliable, clean electricity supply for England’s capital city. To support National Grid in accelerating its net zero targets, Hitachi Energy will deliver EconiQ™ 420-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and gas-insulated lines (GIL) containing no sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

As one of the world’s largest investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities, National Grid has the ambition to remove all SF6 from its fleet by 2050. In 2020, it embarked on LPT project that will replace ageing high-voltage electricity cables and expand network capacity to meet the increasing electricity demand. Considered to be one of the city’s largest engineering projects since the 1960s, the LPT will span 32.5 kilometers via underground tunnels in South London.

Linxon is building Bengeworth Road substation for National Grid to develop the LPT infrastructure. To support National Grid in its transition to SF6-free solutions, Hitachi Energy will deliver 7 bays of its EconiQ 420 kV GIS to enable the transmission of electricity over long distances while eliminating SF6, in addition to EconiQ 420 kV GIL. The EconiQ high-voltage portfolio is 100 percent as reliable as the conventional solutions based on SF6. The installation is expected to commence by 2023.

“We’re delighted that Bengeworth Road substation, at the heart of London Power Tunnels, will be SF6-free,” said Onur Aydemir, National Grid Project Director for London Power Tunnels. “This key power project will deliver a secure energy supply to the capital, and by using sustainable technology we are minimizing the environmental impact of our operations to support the transition to Net Zero.”

“Following the successful collaboration with National Grid on the world’s first replacement of SF6 in existing high-voltage equipment and award-winning project in Richborough, UK, we are proud to be supporting National Grid again in its transition to SF6-free solutions,” said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business at Hitachi Energy. “The EconiQ GIS is based on our breakthrough SF6-free 420 kV circuit-breaker that demonstrates the reliability and scalability of the technology for the lowest carbon footprint.”

“Linxon is building the infrastructure to power the world with carbon free energy. Thanks to strong collaboration with Hitachi Energy, Linxon is able to provide the pioneering EconiQ SF6-free solution from Hitachi Energy for the Bengeworth substation, supporting our client to meet their sustainability targets”, said Stefan Reisacher, CEO of Linxon.

EconiQ is Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability, where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance. Hitachi Energy has placed sustainability at the heart of its purpose and is advancing a sustainable energy future for all.

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

About Linxon

Linxon commenced operations on September 1, 2018, undertaking turnkey electrical alternating current substation projects related to renewable and conventional power generation, power transmission and transportation solutions. Substations enable the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity. Within the substation, switchgear controls and protects the network from power outages and facilitates reliable electricity supply. (https://linxon.com/)

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Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
+41793847775
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Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Double-Digit Million Dollar Deal Accelerates Blacklane’s Long-Term and Sustainable Growth in the Middle East and Globally

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Chauffeurs trained in the newly opened Chauffeur Academy in Dubai pictured with an all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS fleet.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates and BERLIN, Dec. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blacklane, the leading global chauffeur services provider, has partnered with Gargash Group, one of the leading business conglomerates in the UAE, as its most recent investor, alongside long-time backer Mercedes-Benz Mobility that also joined the round. This series F financing round brings a significant Million Dollar investment in the double digits at a valuation roughly 50% higher than the previous one from 2020.

Blacklane, which brings a unique premium chauffeur service experience to its clients, has seen unprecedented growth in popularity over the last months. With the new investment, the company will focus on its fleet’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) including a retained super-charging network to accelerate its race to net zero and satisfy growing customer expectations. Since Blacklane aims to constantly deliver premium standards across its global chauffeur services network while improving the crew’s well-being, Blacklane has founded its first Chauffeur Academy in Dubai to ensure the highest service quality right from the start. The important Middle East market serves Blacklane as a test bed to optimize its structure and subsequently scale the new approach globally. Gargash Enterprises’ and Mercedes-Benz Mobility’s support is accelerating Blacklane’s ability to transition to EVs as well as perfecting its service blueprint and introducing it to other cities worldwide. While Gargash Enterprises contributes its local expertise and sustainability know-how, Mercedes-Benz Mobility provides Blacklane with world-class electric vehicles optimized for perfect chauffeur service experiences. Mercedes-Benz Mobility, investor since 2013, holds a brand share of more than 50% of Blacklane’s global fleet.

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane (left) pictured with Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and founder of Blacklane, said: “Gargash Group is the perfect partner to super-charge our growth in the Middle East and globally. Dubai is an important gateway for international clients, a key leisure and commercial city, hungry for innovation, and committed to sustainability. Hence Gargash Group’s expertise and partnership lay the foundation to globally ramp up our premium electric fleet, set up our local chauffeur academies, and support the technical and operational expansion of our innovative platform. The ultimate goal is to continue driving our rapid growth. This new investment round is proof of Blacklane crew’s achievements. In the past three years, we successfully introduced innovative products, thereby winning an impressive amount of new business accounts, quadrupling revenues in 2022 year-on-year, and achieving EBIT profitability. I am very proud of the team!”

Mr. Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group, said: “Gargash Group has been witnessing the progress of Blacklane and believes that their strategic direction is much in line with the vision the Group has for its future. Our decision to make this investment at this juncture is very much aligned with how we see our industry evolving.”

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane (left) pictured with Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group

Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, said: “We at Mercedes-Benz Mobility strive to exceed our customers’ expectations delivering an extraordinary customer experience moving ahead into a new era of individual mobility. Blacklane has been a perfect partner for almost 10 years while providing excellent experiences and peace of mind for its customers. We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership and collaboration.”

About Blacklane
Blacklane’s premium global chauffeur service brings peace of mind to travelers moving through a fast-paced world in over 50 countries worldwide. The crew’s dedication to safety, reliability, and smart technology places Blacklane at the forefront of a new era of stress-free travel. Since 2017, the company has been offsetting carbon emissions of all rides, combining a five-star guest experience with care for the planet. Blacklane’s services include on-demand chauffeured rides within cities, hourly bookings, and inter-city commutes, alongside classic airport transfers. Blacklane’s goal is to create the best sustainable chauffeur service experience in the world, exceeding guests’ expectations every time. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination with Blacklane. https://app.adjust.com/x0bj467

About Gargash Group
Since 1918, the Gargash Group has established itself as a leading business enterprise with a portfolio diversifying into automotive, real estate, and investments. Gargash successfully introduced leading global automotive brands into the UAE such as Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, GAC MOTOR, SIXT Rent a Car in addition to presenting an industrial line of lubricants, construction equipment & power systems. The group’s investment sector operating since 1998 provides financial services, while the developing real estate sector offers its valued clients expert residential, commercial and industrial property.

About Mercedes-Benz Mobility
With around 10,000 employees, Mercedes-Benz Mobility specializes in financial and mobility services. The products range from financing, leasing, vehicle subscriptions, rental, and fleet management to digital services for charging and payments, as well as insurance and innovative mobility services. Mercedes-Benz Mobility is a division of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, which also includes the vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz AG, one of the largest suppliers of premium and luxury passenger cars and vans. Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. As a financial services provider, Mercedes-Benz Mobility entities worldwide support sales of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s automotive brands worldwide. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, as part of Mercedes-Benz Mobility is one of the leading vehicle financing banks and offers around one million customers financial flexibility. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz Mobility financed or leased around every second of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s vehicles sold worldwide. This corresponds to a contract volume of 133.7 billion €. The business segment generated sales of 27.9 billion € in 2021 and achieved an EBIT adjusted of 3.4 billion €. Mercedes-Benz Mobility operates in 36 countries.

For Blacklane ME media inquiries, please contact:
Hannah McCabe, hannah@coco-comms.me +971(0)52 6100577
Caroline Holmberg, Caroline@coco-comms.me +971(0)50 9127143

For Blacklane media inquiries, please contact:
Radmila Palová, press@blacklane.com,  +49 157 8067 4435

For Gargash Group media inquiries, please contact:
Grace Eid, grace.eid@gargash.ae, +971 (04) 2094163

For Mercedes-Benz Mobility inquiries, please contact:
Michael Kuhn, michael.m.kuhn@mercedes-benz.com, +49 160 8614 768

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7762f590-000d-4968-842e-7051a6ce5858

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