Spain

  • Spain accepts a UN-sized challenge

    The State in Europe most likely to produce the more virulent sort of activist has apparently now “welcomed” the relocation of about 100 positions in the United Nations Development Program from the UN’s headquarters in New York City to Madrid, in a sign that the international body is looking for a more integrated approach to its controversial work and sees Spain as a potential partner in this.

    The timing is perhaps calculated more internally than in recognition of external circumstances, and the planning must have involved more in consideration than the political climate on the streets, but it cannot be ignored that placing one of its more prominent works programs in such a country invites criticism of its level of adherence to radical aims. It’s a question of how much a move will stabilise a frequently divisive operational direction.

  • Win: Russian diplomat

    An apparent Russian diplomat implicated in a second stage kidnapping attempt to a remote location in England has now been recovered.

    An apparent Russian diplomat waylaid by alleged kidnapping attempts, seen here in Reading, Berkshire.

    It’s unclear which nation is involved in the plot, but it’s believed Spanish authorities have had a hand in her initial disappearance.

    It’s believed some States have been trouncing national borders to deposit highly sensitive persons.

    It’s done to cause diplomatic tensions, and to create havoc in order to study security measures.

    It’s not resulted in any security problems for us at this time, according to MI5 sources.

  • Revealed: US-Spain diplomacy outflows

    It’s alleged that US diplomats are now living in the EU member state of Spain throughout the year, using satellite technology to wire their work out to people.

    It’s also believed they’ve developed a policy called “Open Channel”, whereby everyone’s details are shared without any security protocols for privacy or secrecy.

    This means it can potentially leave exposed any sensitive details for tipoff to criminal entities and States across the world.

    It’s been a concern that volumes of formal communications to the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office have seen a downward trend in recent years, and unofficial work conducted by staffers there has up-ticked.

  • Pro-Gaza chaos spreads to Spain

    The disruption caused by political activists stating their case on Gaza has spread to Spain. The chaotic scenes suggest ill feelings toward politicians have widely propagated in the European country.

    Protesters shut down a cycle race in Madrid, Spain, in anger over Gaza (via CBS).

    It’s not clear why such feelings are deeply held there, but the country is said to have next to little involvement in the crisis. It’s believed most Spanish politicians don’t want to get involved there at present.

  • Youth Hostels (London Briefing)

    Background

    In London, youth hostels have existed as a concept and a reality for some time. In the years following 2000 it began to become more and more trendy.

    However, there was concern they could be used as an informal network to support criminal activity.

    Perpetrators

    It emerged in some semi-professional circles the youth hostel and backpacking concept had increased in its conceptual value. It was seen as a ‘cool’ way to study society and see the world.

    It was at this time that a particular male suspect alleged to be guilty of crimes in wider Europe was spotted making connections and ‘networking’ his way around a group of people.

    He made a visit to London and stayed in two of its hostels. He was seen having conversations with people. They exchanged mobile numbers. He pledged to make contact.

    Argument

    The male suspect was rumoured to have tried to buy weapons but his lead in Europe broke off contact. This led to erratic behaviour. He drew the attention of European authorities.

    Plan

    He resumed contact with those he met in London, and made repeated attempts to visit the UK. These were frustrated due to suspicions he had begun to work with fraudsters.

    It was learned by former colleagues and friends he was planning to defraud a person of high significance in Europe. This was uncovered to be King Felipe VI, the current King of Spain.

    Threat

    It was found that a few of his accomplices were able to make contact with officials in European banks. This meant his threat was credible, but it was believed it could be averted.

  • Spain’s King praises stability

    The King of Spain struck a chord in his annual Xmas message. He mentioned flooding in his country as a reason to be reflective. He also praised citizens who gave time to volunteer.

    King Felipe VI – DRM News

    He cited challenges as a reason to consider their history. He noted the tradition of democracy, and tolerance, that had helped to make it a strong state. He said it’s been a focus for the last decade.

  • Chaos as Spanish King visits flood-hit town

    The King of Spain has encountered an angry mob of protesters as he visited flood hit areas.

    Today King Felipe VI visited Paiporta, but had mud pelted at him as a furious crowd raged with shovels.

    RTVE Noticias

    He’d visited due to flooding, but it turned nasty as people shouted, and those gathered berated him.

    RTVE Noticias

    In scenes shared online, aides are seen dodging mud, while the royal is shown chatting to people.