Slamming UN 'political resolution'
Iran has strongly condemned the adoption of a US-backed resolution by the UN Economic and Social Council to remove the Islamic Republic from the Commission on the Status of Women. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani described the move as politically motivated and illegitimate. He said the resolution also contravened the UN Charter and set a wrong precedent in the international body. Kan'ani added that through this hostile move, the US intends to impose its unilateral political demands on international organizations. The spokesman said it is ironic that despite all its crimes against Palestinians, Israel is still a member of the Commission on the Status of Women. He noted that US has been extensively violating the rights of Iranian women through imposition of unilateral sanctions during past decades, and is in no position to advocate their rights.
UK nurses strike
British nurses are set to go on strike in their first ever national walkout, amid a bitter dispute with the government over pay. An estimated 100,000 nurses will strike at nearly 80 hospitals and health centers. The walkout will cancel thousands of non-urgent operations and tens of thousands of outpatient appointments. The strike is scheduled to take place on Thursday and next Tuesday, and has no precedent in the British nursing union's 106-year history. Nurses want a 19 percent pay rise, arguing they have suffered a decade of real-terms cuts. The government has refused to discuss pay, saying it cannot afford to pay more than the 4 to 5 percent offered to nurses. Britain faces a wave of industrial actions this winter, with strikes crippling the rail network and postal service while airports are bracing for disruptions over Christmas.
Peru political crisis
Peru has declared a nationwide state of emergency amid violent protests against the ouster of former president Pedro Castillo. Peruvian Defense Minister Alberto Otarola said the 30-day state of emergency has been declared due to acts of vandalism, violence and roadblocks. He said the measure involved the suspension of the freedom of movement and assembly, and could also include a night-time curfew. Nationwide protests and roadblocks followed Castillo's arrest last week after he tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. The new president, Dina Boluarte, has tried to ease tensions by calling for elections to be brought forward to December 2023. Castillo faces charges of rebellion and conspiracy, which he vehemently denies. His appeal for freedom has been rejected by a court. Castillo vowed he would never give up his cause, urging security forces to stop killing people. So far, at least seven people have lost their lives during protests calling for his release.