ah, a in terms of russia and china is development of an international strategic agenda. we need to ensure fairness and equality in the world turn is pressuring. pe arrives in russia for his 1st official visit since reelection and says that your country strategic relationship is vital and based on historic type that the neighboring states with russian president vladimir putin says in case the black sea grain deal is not extended. russia is ready to supply the african countries most in for free, also ahead a supplier right in the world by

a big margin. that machine rule african countries, africa shaping out to be in the largest market. india increases rice exports to africa. the consummate suffers from the scarcity. i'm a devastating drought and south africa, braces for a nation wide labor strike. i made calls from the political opposition for their president to resign with coming to you live from the russian capital. this is our international. i'm rachel blevins here with the top stories of the our welcome to the program with

chinese presidents, she's in pain, landed in moscow on monday for a 3 day summit that began with a one on one informal chat with russia's president vladimir putin, the headline bilateral meeting is set for tuesday, where the 2 leaders will discuss a range of topics, including the roadmap for a multi polar world present it she who came to russia on his 1st international trip after his re election. so the 2 countries are strategic partners with historic ties . b o n t person putin, i've always referred to you as my dear friend, is such a great pleasure for me to receive your invitation and to visit russia once again on a stay visit, especially since this event happens right off to my reelection as president of the people's republic of china and i chose in russia as my 1st foreign visit. you just reminded us that exactly 10 years ago when i was 1st elected president of china, i also chose russia for my 1st foreign visit,

just like to day. thank you for reminding me of this. i hold wall memories of that visit to this day. china attaches great importance to developing brush at china relations, considering that there is a historical logic behind this. we are the largest neighboring states and we have a comprehensive, strategic partnership and friendship. it is this status that compels us to establish close ties and relations in terms of russia and china's development of an international strategic agenda. we need to ensure fairness and equality in the world. we need to promote prosperity for our own countries. our team, steve sweeney brains, as more on how the 2 liters are promoting piece around the globe and building a multi polar world. she has arrived in moscow for this crucial meeting with her russian president vladimir putin, perhaps on surprisingly, it's called some alarm among the western countries who have sought to undermine those relations, presenting them both as a threat. now, this is in stark contrast to the reality come soon after china propose

a 12 point piece proposal, a roadmap to ending the conflict in ukraine, which is something that mister putin said to day he's taken seriously. he again reiterated at russia's commitment to peace negotiations. wishing logan, i've carefully read your proposal to resolve the acute crisis in ukraine. and of course, we will take the opportunity to discuss this issue more as we recognize that you proceed from the principles of justice and compliance with international law in indivisible security for all countries. you are also aware that we are always open for negotiations. we will discuss all these issues and your initiatives, which we respect our 2 countries. interaction in the international arena, contributes to strengthening the principles of the world order and multi polarity in recent years. and in china has made a huge leap in its development all over the world. this has evoked genuine interest, and we even envy you a little bit. of course, the 2 countries,

the 2 leader spoke about trade between the 2 nations. a vladimir putin said that this is, am more than double to 185000000000 dollars dollars, hugely significant, and they're going to be talking about more about the economic ties. nick economics, we're in those talks to moreover, she said, as we heard already, he said it was planning to visit moscow. he described rusher as a as a friend, and he again reiterated this commitment to the multi polar world. he spoke in a statement just as he landed, he was talking about the idea, the commitment to international law and to the principles of the un charter. had the message today, one about very much one about the relations between the 2 nations, the strong historical bonds between russia and china as neighboring, neighboring countries. they talk about prosperity and security. the are the discussions ready? this is just an icebreaker. they will continue in early tomorrow and will keep you

updated earlier. my colleague worries to shake, discuss the issue with a pair of international affairs expert who said the prospects of growing russian chinese cooperation is essential for both countries. we call it existential partnership trip. and that deals with those, the key she mention not only shaping the new international order, but also positioning china, russia, and all the bricks, country, very important power players that will really change that in a children's international order. but the most important making sure that the multiple world takes place. so out of the, the key agenda item that you mentioned, there are 2 that i think they should have one. and so i go, it's basically the idea that the briggs a very important and as you know, the next summit is taking place here for august. i think this is going to be

a very what you think there's a be great plus the expansion of the bricks and so forth. but also the fact that this summits will be so important, but i still africa turned out it's well organized and clearly put together will govern the rest of the ration ship on the bricks. and then the 2nd one is the idea that the united states now is becoming more and more aggressive than the peacemaker . and so the role of the, of president she going to show up to russia is extraordinary important. i think presidency has really raised the global and will be very difficult indeed. and it is hope that president will be able to cut a deal in the korean war. not quite sure, but it's something that the whole world thursday for pete will be looking forward to it. but we have to say, let's give them credit and hopefully some go come on. strong comments as well out

of in, over to your comments. i mean, is the west unipolar world now being strengthened by this budgeting, multi polar world. this is something is really upsetting for the rest of the world because this is a very structured correctly time was that i think i let's, let's, let's go back and for the way you will not the ask because i'm just taking this or we should have been easy enough, go east of time when same so you could just people coming to russia. he was being appointed as a chairman on. so the president of china, just before the china broke, could a great deal between the saudi arabia and iran, as a peace maker. and then taking what are the precedent and the c c m c chairmanship coming to moscow to broker apiece and try to, you know, give a prospect to ideas for bricks is not only the bricks where chinese work and working with much larger positioning chinese working with indian russia in russia

and china product management as well as soon as he goes back to charmer, he's going to paul conference, which is again, you cannot make stomach, which is going to start from $28.00. so you would see that the would march this month has been fully packed and german is doing a lot of leg work to, to, to prove that it can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to security, pays and brokering harmony. i'm like running countries of consent prior to welcoming the chinese leader at the kremlin president address other multi polar world constituents at the international russia, africa parliamentary conference on monday morning. here in the capital. the event is attended by delegations from over 40 african nations and is a strengthening economic and political ties between russia and the continent. during his speech, he said that the blacks, the grain deal has only benefited those with their plates full. unless they are in

the pool of sibling, we insist on full compliance with key russian requirements. first of all, taking care that green and fertilizers go to the countries in need in africa, and not going to the well fed european market to well fed european country seat. the meanwhile of the total amount of green and cereals exported from ukraine about 45 percent went to european countries in only 3 percent to africa. i would like to emphasize that only taken into account our position will a fair and comprehensive implementation of the black sea green deal be insured. and depending on this, we will decide on our further participation relative. now, if it o vladimir putin said that he is eager to see that the grain reaches those who need it the most, which is why russia agreed to the great deal to begin with that off every to extend it to make sure to whole, to help those who need it the most, but he's disappointed with the fact that what we've seen is out of 827 ships had

quoted ukraine, only 3 percent actually made it to africa. and those who need it most was a 45 percent. when so as we could well fed europeans, and these are the europeans who have been accused in russia of put in people's lives in danger, by supposedly prompting this global food crisis. whereas russia for, it's quite sent 20000000 tons of grain to africa alone. and it's unclear whatever shall will go on to extend the grain deal beyond the 60 days that is now extended by wanted, wanted to reassure african countries that that would not be abandoned in which just keep him invitation. and if we decide not to extend the deal after 60 days, that we are ready to deliver all the volumes that was sent to the countries in need in africa during the previous time from russia to these countries for free. this of course, got lots of cheers from the crowd as did needs of a $20000000000.00. that's right. for african countries, i've really enjoyed that. and this is just one of the many ways in which russia and

africa strengthening their relation and their corporation. a bilateral trade, for example, increased to $18000000000.00 in the past year. and vladimir putin emphasized that he will continue to prioritize corporation with african coin to please in particular. but one issue that kept being repeated over and over here today is what parliamentarians, not only from russia but africa in particular. they're seen a tendency neil colonialism tendencies in africa right now. and we've heard opinion here that western countries seem to want to take advantage of african countries purely for their natural resources and they're not really benefits in it. and in contrast, they see russia as a reliable partner, one that understands them understands, are a history, their culture, their values and traditions. and so they're looking to both certain that relationship and they're also looking at other aspect science and technology, of course, and also education. and this is all, of course, in the lead up of

a major russia, africa summit that we are expecting at the end of july in st. petersburg. so this was a touch struck, he could say, and it was a very, very successful one. meanwhile, india has increased its rice exports to africa, helping the continent. cope with devastating food shortages are te, corresponded grunge on sharma and india, and poland. david and nigeria bring us the story of the rising cooperation. oh, over the years my jewels have enjoyed rise from india, particularly the buzz mattie writes. but although the government has put in place measures to reduce importation and encourage local rise productions, fellas of the india rise, see, my german love will find varieties cannot be questioned. rises is of gluten free and low price on the it contains all the it's

essentially as if it is low sodium consumers up to rise. the, the long grain makes it stand out into bed mattress. i like it because it's it has a long green. it's name, i don't fussy, i don't fancy if i to rice. i tell the 2nd as i it is and i loved it is much, much more expensive. so not everybody like an affordable those done. nobody wants can afford it. yeah. so let's, as it's all like me, family to restaurant. once i see the long green does it for me, right? a petition into niger husband's in a downward trend. so my jurors who prefer and depend largely on the indian rise have refused to accept homegrown rights varieties. oh, i made gilbert ford cry says conflict and subsequent sanctions making things difficult to cross the world. there's

a sliver of good news coming in from the global south africa's future. all scenes increasingly connected with india as rise. diplomacy between the 2 countries intensifies in near the cheapest supplier or rise in the world by a big margin that has she and. and so rural african countries and how africa shaping out to be india largest market africa emerged as a lucrative market for indian rice exporters and india as a reliable and reasonable one for africa. india exports rise to over $150.00 countries and out of the $14000000.00 tons of rice, it has exported so far this year. over 9 millions of gone to africa alone. africa has traditionally b, nobody'd large market photo with non best wealthy days because racism is affected as compared to quality, which is important in other markets, lake southeast asia,

australia you, etc. and know the estimate of ministry of agriculture is that 2122. we had 122000000 done. so what a sport actual africa has been importing roughly around to toes. so more than 2 3rd of with overall non bus. my feet, a 6 foot india primary league sports spar boiled non basmati rice to africa. and since africa is a prize sensitive market, the benefits are up to we wrote, it gets both a good deal for tom and good quality at low prices. and they are just like the rest of the wall has been trying to ensure the domestic market have what it needs and restricted the export to wife last september. it is unlikely to lift the export ban any dying soon to continue in shore food security at home. and india,

despite the restrictions, has remained the world's largest exporter all thrice by there is no impact on the old, all exports is primarily because the word still looks safe. india is, you know, a supplier of rice and we have, we still have displayed 20 was in duty. we still have an edge, you would owe it completely to us. i was referring to internet some places yesterday. there stood d dollar barked and the plan. so whether it is compared to be thailand or a bike is done, we still have been a ah. meanwhile, south africa is bracing for a nation wide labor strike as political opponents call for president grammar foes up to resign. the country's leader has denounced those demands, calling them an undemocratic attempt at regime change. south africa is governed by

the rule of law. we are a constitutional democracy. regime change can only come about through the vote. it cannot come about through anaki unleashing this order in the country. hey, economic freedom fighters party claims. the main goal is to force president run officer to step down. they've accused him of failing to void out corruption and address raising unemployment in the country. this but it shows for testers gathering in pretoria with political opposition leaders rallying the crowds. archie correspondent, corolla reports from the scene, say south africa's opposition party, in this case, the 3rd largest or political party in the country as represented in the south african parliament. the economic freedom fighters, i demanding that the settle rams plaza does step down. they say,

according to the lead of the party julius molina that the country is tired of the constant rolling blackouts. and the high unemployment, the high crime rate, as well as the dwindling and failing economy. here is his deputy who had an interview with me earlier. why in a huge crisis, which as a to his, to yours for the, for go, will, must take much more decisive action on we cannot wait, we look seems what the action, what ticking means on the 20th of march, is to see, let us remove the subject to the weaknesses of this beat, and that includes the head of state, and that is what you're finding within the country as the overwhelming mood and the former leader of south africa's 2nd biggest opposition party will now lead a civil society movement called one south africa, missed them with the my minute with his thoughts. but once i'm africa needs at the moment is shown on the gross south africa needs at the moment,

the inforcement of the law. and it did soon show that it delivers on a subject which is to keep the lights on. so as for the events on monday, a national shut down is not something that's going to house. there is no doubt that the e f. f has certainly made a mark for itself. the south african government has been seen as rather damaging as scouring to make sure that there is no repeat of 2 years ago. when we had the july riot went for some extended period of them. 5 days, we saw malls going up in flames. we saw warehouses going up in flames, that it seemed like a state of anaki. now this time the south african government is moved swiftly, deploying over 3400 soldiers to add to the security as well as the metro police that you find in different localities. they have really come out of this looking rather worried and where i stand now. more items ending in the capital city,

pretoria. but anyway, when i was enjo hattiesburg, i found it to be rather reminiscent of the covert days rather looking like a ghost town g. re silence if you will, and that according to the police minister, just goes to show how well the police have done this time or wrong has turned the tables on france with its foreign ministry criticizing the french authorities for the violence seen against protesters over the weekend. the french police, resorting to violence against protests, is indicative of the french government known commitment to the principles of democracy and freedom of expression advised to enjoy behavior and instrumental use of human rights stop resorting to violence and dating with protesters. france has been gripped by nationwide protests for 2 months now. of our president microns pension reform plan, the demonstrations have frequently turned violent with crowds clashing with police

. however, there's been little criticism throughout europe to the scenes unfolding in france. that stands in stark contrast to what happened with iran, where there was widespread anger towards tehran over its handling a nationwide protest. their mass administrations broke out over the death in police custody of a young woman. and the french president was one of the most vocal critics. i am in favor of a strong diplomatic reaction and sanctions on the figures of the regime who have a responsibility in the repression of this revolution. oh, to go further in depth on nestle's cross live now to political commentator, john burke. mont. sean, it's great to have you on the program to day. now, what do you make at this statement? coming from a ron, calling out what it sees as frances double standard. is that fair? would you say? well, yes and no. i mean, i think the main lessons from this is that each county should take care of its own internal affair and not to intervene and try to intervene in those over the account,

please. because obviously he has no means to impose any sanctions on france. the way the global west is imposing sanctions on the hand. now maybe the impression in your hands, i'm willing to believe that it's a harsher than france, but the hand, the suit subjected to a series of sanctions. evans seems a revolution of 79. and before the revolution, it was an extremely bloody dictatorship, but the pro western one, so they will know sanctions. i mean, the whole thing is complete deep or critical. and of course the french situation is pretty, pretty strange. i mean, it was a universe, it was already like that people have lost their eyes. they have lost their on their hands. i mean, the depression under michael has been as bad as it was doing as that he says it will be in the wall where the repression was against jillions living in france. i mean, it was even more in algeria, but there's not,

not been anything like that may 68 was not going that there was nothing comparable ever since in trends. and the government is very upset because on the one hand, it knows that it's reform on pension reform is rejected by a vast majority of the population. they don't have a majority in the national assembly. so they now use a trick which is called the article $49.00 of the constitution, which basically says that the law can be adopted without a vote of the parliament. unless there is a vote of no confidence from the parliament. that force is the government to resign, and then after that we don't know what will happen, but the void is going to happen in a few hours on a few minutes. and i don't know what will happen, but i suppose that the gover, too many, too many deputies don't want to face the anecdote again. and so they will probably vote so that the, you know, the government stays and the national assembly stays and we stay in their

comfortable seats. and so i suppose the law will pass that way, but the law will not will not have passed to a vote of the parliament. then these project in by the population is projected by the workers even more than by the general population. so i expect the public to continue and i don't know what the government's going to do, but it has to introduce repression. as all government does. do, sorry. all governments do when they are in such a situation with hannah fans or any other country. and i mean a, it seems to me that the, in the big difference is not so much in the intensity of the repression, but it is a symmetry which is the trends and the worst can impose sanctions act. when on the hand, i mean on syria, i mean look at the vote in the congress that there was a vote about lifting the sanctions again, syria after the ugly and devoted almost unanimously, including all the so called left voted against lifting those things and only 2

people voted for lifting the sanction was supposed to be for her. i mean, it's really amazing to think that the only been a little bit of human sentiment, the new year's gone has absolutely to be for right. one is a libertarian from kansas, i think. and the other is this woman who's been involved in career and none of strange things. but anyway, so i don't care. but that's all the absolutes, you know, commitment of the west to sanctions and the never worry once again about themselves. and the biggest thing about the focus is of course, the sanctions are the this indictment of put in by the international criminal government. they've never been dated. anybody for the will or her other again world, the destruction of libya in later. and mo, though, it put in jail and they'd be blown away. so he's like a sergeant was be lonely denouncing these kinds. i mean,

i mean the book is the of the west is just unbelievable in the story. yeah, there certainly is a lot of stay care, but we appreciate you joining us. joining us to break it all down. political commentator john burke. mont, thanks so much for your time and analysis. thank you very much for having me to you next thing. oh, rash as representative to the you at claims the west has used dirty tricks to avoid any discussion of the latest security council meeting. the us led invasion of iraq . that's a day marks to decades since washington put boots on the ground on the false pretext that the country possessed weapons of mass destruction. r t continues its special coverage of the conflict, which through the oil rich middle eastern country into chaos and destabilize the region. ah,

in march 2003, missiles rain down on baghdad. the u. s. invasion caused massive destruction and left an estimated 1000000 people debt. this is how it started. at this hour, american and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm iraq, to free people, and to defend the world from grave danger, whose the war sharpened divisions in the country and lead to intense sectarian violence. but that had been given little glass on the complex 1st began one eye witness described what happened when missiles battered baghdad in march 2003, who's very difficult for the country and for all iraqi citizens. on that day, a disaster struck. my nephew was killed in the 1st strike on that goddamn day bush

as a criminal. it was his fault. they are all criminals. they trampled on humanity. they hate people. this was to be expected of them. they came to destroy the country, not to protect the citizens of iraq. it was a curse time for all. iraqis were still feeling the consequences of this. the u. s . anticipated a swift and clear victory. however, the reality on the ground was quite different. as forces struggled with mountain losses, private military contractors were brought in, but the situation only worsen amid reports of war crimes and atrocities inflicted on civilians. the private military company, blackwater killed 17 and wounded 20 after opening fire while on a u. s. military convoy, escort or journalist investigating the nice work square massacre says that the civilians feared any one could be shot in the street. brought it to word blackwater for me as a journalist is associated with something terrifying. i saw people in complete

disarray, for example. there was always a risk that any resident could be shot dead on the street. this incident took place in the al cartler area. there was a turmoil, some passes by were killed by blackwater, p. m. c. we went to this place only after the black water left by then black water was something terrible for us. this incident was not particularly disgust at the meetings by the government then the u. s. and u. k. government's official position for the invasion. was that a rock possessed weapons of mass destruction, but contradictory evidence exist it? david kelly, a british scientist, and leading w m. d, expert testified that officials knew the accusations about the arms were false and disputed tony blair's statement. kelly was later found dead. the host of going under ground says there is a long history of suppressing true narratives and britain if they go against the government one. it was dr. david kelly to.