140 Crore Indians Worried About Hindus and Other Minorities in Bangladesh: PM Modi
New Age Islam News Bureau
16 Aug 2024
·
140 Crore Indians Worried About Hindusand Other
Minorities in Bangladesh: PM Modi
·
"Smart Mecca" Initiative: New Mecca Cinema Project Stirs Controversy
Over Proximity to Holy Kaaba, Islam's Holiest Site
·
Sharia Rule A 'Lifelong Responsibility':
Akhundzada On Three Years of Taliban Rule In Afghanistan
·
Horrific Details Emerge of Islamist Mass
Execution and Beheading Videos Shared by Bristol Man
·
Niger Imams Demand Arrest of Those Behind RCCG
Church Fire
India
·
Security Brass Reviews J&K Terror Situation
·
19 special counter-terror units to come up in 8
Jammu districts
·
Jaishankar to visit Kuwait on Aug 18, bilateral
talks, global issues on table
·
EC reviews J-K security situation with Home
Secy for holding Assembly polls
--------
Arab World
·
In KSA’s Najran, mud houses are living
treasures of heritage
·
Saudi Arabia welcomes Sudanese government’s
decision to reopen border crossing to aid
·
New crackdown on environmental violators in
Saudi Arabia
·
More than 100 countries receive dates from
Saudi Arabia’s Buraidah
·
Saudi aid agency launches training courses in
Indonesia
·
Saudi Space Agency launches astrophotography
contest
·
KAUST announces building first regional class
research vessel in Saudi Arabia
--------
South Asia
·
Entire Nation Contributed in 20 Years of Jihad
Against Foreign Forces, Mawlavi Kabir
·
Want to Work Closely, Hasina’s Statements Don’t
Help: Envoy of The Interim Government of Bangladesh
·
“End the Impunity”: Rohingya Muslims Under
Attack by Both Burmese Army and Rebel Group
·
Afghanistan at risk of becoming a ‘Forgotten
Crisis,’ warn aid agencies
·
US and UK pledge $330 million in humanitarian
aid for Afghanistan
·
Victory Day marked peacefully; thanks to
security forces
·
Turkey to Maintain Foreign Policy Stance with
Kabul, Aims to Thwart Israel’s Regional Impact
--------
Europe
·
After UK Riots Against Muslims and Refugees,
British Jews Grapple with Extremism That Targeted Them, Too
·
British and French FMs to visit Middle East to
urge de-escalation
·
UK Labour Party's private school VAT hike
threatens the future of the country's Islamic schools
·
Muslim Convicted in Rioting Should Have ‘Risen
Above’ Far-Right Racism, Says Judge
·
Ukrainian HIMARS destroyed in Iskander strike –
MOD video
·
Navalny’s widow publishes letter on cause of
his death
--------
Africa
·
Tunisian Rapper Seeking Presidency Sentenced To
Prison
·
Enugu orders churches, mosques to remove
outdoor loudspeakers in 90 days
·
Burnt church: Niger Govt agency urges
Christians, Muslims to unite
·
South African prosecutors withdraw charges
against 95 Libyan nationals
·
‘If You Don’t Have Capacity To Work, Resign
Now’ – Wike Warns New Permanent Secretaries For FCT
·
Nigeria Needs Constitutional Reform – Agbakoba
To President Tinubu
--------
Pakistan
·
Imran Welcomes Army’s ‘Internal Accountability’
·
Gen Faiz arrest military's internal matter,
says Imran Khan
·
Three more retired army officers linked to Gen
Faiz Hamid case taken into custody
·
Sindh CM awards Arshad Nadeem Rs50m for Olympic
performance
·
Govt finally admits it is tinkering with the
internet
·
Sikh woman, son recovered from ‘illegal
confinement’ in Faisalabad
·
Terrorists’ attack on Punjab-KP border check
post thwarted
·
Balochistan govt to bear cost of labourers’
passports in Chaman
·
Seven terrorists killed in Kurram IBO
--------
Mideast
·
Israel’s President Condemns ‘Pogrom’ After
Deadly Attack by Jewish Settlers On Palestinian Village
·
Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations Extend to Another
Day as Israel Continues to Hit Targets
·
UN laments rising death toll in Gaza, says
children ‘attacked by rodents and insects’ at night
·
French foreign minister in Beirut applauds
Lebanon’s ‘self-restraint in difficult period’
·
Iraq says announcement on date for end to
US-led coalition mission postponed
·
UN’s envoy for Yemen condemns Houthi clampdown
on aid efforts and civil society
·
Muslim charity lauds UK support for its work in
Gaza
·
Abbas tells Turkish parliament he will go to
Gaza
--------
North America
·
CAIR 9th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership
Symposium (MYLS) on Capitol Hill a Success Thanks to Sponsors’ Support
·
Columbia University president steps down
following backlash over Gaza protests
·
US colleges revise rules on free speech in
hopes of containing anti-war demonstrations
·
Trump says he’s ‘entitled to personal attacks’
on VP Harris as his Democratic rival’s poll numbers surge
·
Trump says he told Netanyahu in July to end
Gaza war
--------
Southeast Asia
·
‘Thank You for These 10 Years’: Jokowi in Final
State Address
·
Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo secures
parliamentary majority
·
PM Anwar: No way up for civil servants who see
abuse but don’t report it
·
Various activities and attractive offers at
Southern Zone MADANI Rakyat Programme
·
40 injured Palestinians depart Egypt for
treatment in Malaysia
·
Nearly 14,000 citizenship applications approved
to date - Saifuddin Nasution
·
Gov’t Repatriates Body of Indonesian Who Dies
in Riot-Hit Bangladesh
·
Indonesia’s Deficit with China More Than
Doubles to $1.7 Billion
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
140
Crore Indians Worried About Hindusand Other Minorities in Bangladesh: PM Modi
Aug 16,
2024
NEW
DELHI: PM Modi on Thursday doubled down on India's efforts to ensure the safety
and security of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, emphasising in his
Independence Day address 140 crore countrymen were worried about them and other
minorities in the neighbouring country, and expressed hope the situation there
would normalise soon.
Amid
unending concerns over violence against Bangladesh's largest minority
community, which has had to bear the brunt of anti-Sheikh Hasina sentiment in
the country, Modi said "As a neighbouring country, I can understand the
concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope the situation
there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to
ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there -India always wants our
neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace," said
Modi.
This was
the second time Modi has raised the issue of their safety. In his
congratulatory message to Muhammad Yunus earlier, the leader of the interim
govt in Dhaka, Modi had called for ensuring the protection of Hindus and other
minorities, while expressing commitment to work with the new govt.
On
India's Independence Day, the PM also reached out to the interim govt, as he
backed Bangladesh's path to development while underlining India's commitment to
the welfare of humankind.
"In
days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra'
because we think about the welfare of humankind," he said.
PM's
latest comment follow concerns expressed by Hindu groups and organisations in
which they said this week that Hindus faced faced attacks and threats in 278
locations across 48 districts since the fall of the Hasina-led govt on August
5. They called the attacks an "assault on the Hindu religion." India
has also formed a committee to work with authorities in Dhaka to ensure the
safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority
communities.
Hindus
have continued to complain about a persistent threat of violence, even as the
interim govt and military start to restore law and order and parties like
Jamaat-e-Islami condemn atrocities against the minorities.
To
address these concerns, Yunus visited Dhaka's landmark Dhakeshwari temple this
week and interacted with the Hindus, asking them to exercise patience and to
not rush to judge his govt. "Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one
people with one right. Do not make any distinctions among us. Please, assist
us. Exercise patience, and later judge - what we were able to do and not. If we
fail, then criticise us," he said.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/140-crore-indians-worried-about-hindus-in-bangladesh-pm-modi/articleshow/112552364.cms
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"Smart
Mecca" Initiative: New Mecca Cinema Project Stirs Controversy Over
Proximity ToHoly Kaaba, Islam's Holiest Site
15
August, 2024
Saudis
gather at a cinema theatre in Riyadh Park mall [Getty file photo]
---------------
A video
featuring a Saudi engineer discussing the construction of a major entertainment
project in Mecca has sparked widespread debate on social media over the
appropriateness of such developments near the Kaaba and Al-Masjid Al-Haram
mosque, Islam's holiest site.
The
cinema is a key component of the "Smart Mecca" initiative, which
according to public information aims to integrate modern entertainment
facilities into the city while adhering to its religious significance. The
project is being developed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), a
subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, which has been at the forefront of
Saudi Arabia's entertainment expansion efforts.
In 2023,
Seven awarded contracts worth $2.5 billion for various entertainment projects
across the Kingdom. The Mecca cinema project, valued at SR1.3 billion ($347
million), is being constructed by the local firm Modern Building Leaders (MBL).
Located in the Al Abidiyah district near Umm Al Qura University outside the
Holy Kaaba mosque complex, the project spans 80,000 square meters.
The
construction of cinemas in Saudi Arabia marks a significant cultural shift. For
40 years, cinemas were banned in the Kingdom, reflecting the conservative
social norms that prevailed in the country. The ban was lifted in 2018 as part
of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to
modernize the economy and open up Saudi society.
Since
the lifting of the ban, Saudi Arabia has rapidly expanded its cinema
infrastructure, with numerous theaters opening across the Kingdom.
The
video, which has been widely shared, has drawn mixed reactions. Some applaud
the development as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to
diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life for citizens and
residents. Others expressed concern about the proximity of entertainment venues
to the sacred sites of Mecca, questioning whether it aligns with the city's
religious and cultural values.
Despite
the controversy, the Saudi government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring
that the new developments do not compromise the sanctity of Mecca. Officials
emphasize that the cinema and other entertainment projects are designed to
complement the city's modern infrastructure while preserving its religious
importance.
This
Mecca project is one of several entertainment developments that Seven is
pursuing across the Kingdom. The company plans to invest SR50 billion in 21
integrated entertainment destinations across 14 cities, part of a larger
strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a cultural, entertainment, and tourism hub
in the post-COVID-19 era.
Source: newarab.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.newarab.com/news/new-mecca-cinema-stirs-controversy-over-proximity-holy-kaaba
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Sharia
rule a 'lifelong responsibility': Akhundzada on three years of Taliban rule in
Afghanistan
Aug 15,
2024
In the
speech shared on social media platform X by chief government spokesperson
Zabihullah Mujahid, Akhundzada also said that they will "implement Allah's
religion and sharia rule for ourselves and others as long as we live".
Photograph:(AFP)
---------------
On the
three-year anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, the group's supreme
leader said in a speech that implementing Islamic law in the country was a
"lifelong responsibility" for the Afghanistan rulers.
On
August 15, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power.
On this day, in 2021, the Taliban government took over the nation.
The
Taliban government celebrated the anniversary of the takeover from the US a day
early on August 14. The celebration was marked with an elaborate military show
featuring military tanks from the Soviet era, artillery pieces through the
former US air base in Bagram, and homemade bombs.
Sharia
rule, a lifelong responsibility: Hibatullah Akhundzada
Speaking
to the security personnel at the air base in Southern Kandahar on Wednesday
(Aug 14), Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said: "Brothers! Our
responsibility of service to religion, ruling according to sharia (Islamic
law), is our lifelong responsibility".
In the
speech shared on social media platform X by chief government spokesperson
Zabihullah Mujahid, Akhundzada also said that they will "implement Allah's
religion and sharia rule for ourselves and others as long as we live".
The
reclusive Taliban leader, in his rare remarks, also stated that "Sharia
and the Islamic system are getting stronger day by day."
Despite
three years in power, the Taliban government remains unrecognized by any other
government. During this time, the orthodox government has implemented a number
of restrictions on women, in what the United Nations has labelled "gender
apartheid".
As
Madina, a 20-year-old former university student in Kabul, puts it, "Three
years have passed since the dreams of girls have been buried."
Talking
to AFP, she said, "It's a bitter feeling that every year, the celebration
of this day reminds us of the efforts, memories, and goals we had for our
future."
Source: wionews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharia-rule-a-lifelong-responsibility-akhundzada-on-three-years-of-taliban-rule-in-afghanistan-750426
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Horrific
Details Emerge OfIslamist Mass Execution And Beheading Videos Shared By Bristol
Man
15 AUG
2024
The Old
Bailey in London. (Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
-------------
Horrific
details have emerged of the Islamist mass execution and beheading videos that
were shared by a young Bristol man. Faseh Sajid, 21 and of Green Croft, was
found guilty of five counts of dissemination of a terrorist publication
contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Counter
Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) officers raided his family home in
Speedwell in November 2022. The Old Bailey heard how they seized a number of
electronic devices which, following examination, were found to contain evidence
of his extreme Islamist ideology which led to the arrest of Sajid in January
2023.
Investigating
CTPSE officers found a large amount of material on the social media messaging
app Telegram on his mobile phone. Sajid used the name ‘John Ross’ in his Telegram
chats, stating that it was to avoid him getting arrested.
The
court heard how he regularly shared material based on ISIS footage. They
included footage of soldiers fighting, mass executions, beheadings, ISIS flag
waving and celebrations carried out to the sound of hip hop or techno music.
Sajid
requested specific videos and nasheeds (songs) related to ISIS on the chats,
which he used to create his own videos. He also sent a video published by the
Al Qaeda media wing which encouraged terrorism against the West, including
footage of the Lee Rigby killers, ALM members, imagery of 9/11 and jihadi
fighters training, the 7/7 bombings and a video of Osama Bin Laden.
The
21-year-old was also part of other chats in which members shared graphic and
extremist content. Some videos featured montages of improvised explosive
devices, executions by gunshot, beheadings and flag waving for ISIS, overlaid
with drill music.
Following
an investigation by CTPSE, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing South
West, Sajid was charged with the offences on October 18 last year. He is due to
be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, September 13.
Detective
Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE, said: “Sajid shared a large
number of horrific videos including graphic beheadings, ISIS footage and other
content which reflected his extreme Islamist mindset.
“He
attempted to cover his tracks in his social media messages but it is clear much
of the material he sent could be defined as terrorist publications. The harm
caused by sharing this type of content with others cannot be underestimated. It
can be picked up by others and this dangerous rhetoric can then be spread far
and wide.
“If you
know someone who is sharing concerning content, it’s really important you
report it to keep our communities safe.”
Source: bristolpost.co.uk
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the text of the original Story
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/horrific-details-emerge-islamist-mass-9486726
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Niger
Imams demand arrest of those behind RCCG church fire
15th
August 2024
The
Niger State Forum of Imams has condemned the recent burning of the Kontagora
headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, calling for the arrest of
the culprits.
The
incident happened on Sunday when suspected hoodlums were said to have stormed
the church in large numbers and set the church, which was still under
construction, ablaze.
Niger
State Governor, Umaru Bago, on Monday condemned the burning of the church.
The
Director General, Niger State Bureau of Religious Affairs, Umar Abdullahi who
is also the Secretary General of the Niger State Imams Forum made this known on
Thursday when he led a team of Imams to commiserate with the Niger State
chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Most Rev. Bulus Yohana at
the CAN secretariat Minna.
Abdullahi
who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on
Religious Affairs, Liman MashaAllah said, “We are one. The enemies of peace
just want to cause disaffection among us.
“We are
the same from the same creator. As Muslims our religion teaches us to be
tolerant and live in peace with everyone. There is no way you will live with
good people at all times, there is always the good, the bad and ugly people
amongst us.
“I call
on us to join hands together to defeat this common enemy who wants to
destabilise the peace we are enjoying in our dear state. Those hoodlums are
evildoers and should be put to shame.”
He
called on the relevant security agencies to do all they could to apprehend and
prosecute the perpetrators so as to serve as deterrent to anyone who wants to
foment trouble in the state, especially in Kontagora.
“Islam
discourages any form of chaos or disaffection amongst us. Islam does not accept
anyone who does not believe in Jesus.
“We call
on the security agencies to do all they can to apprehend and prosecutor the
perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to anyone who wants to foment trouble in
the state,” he said.
In his
remarks, the state CAN Chairman who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora
Diocese commended the Bureau for sympathising with the Christian community and
the Redeemed Christian Church of God over the incident in Kontagora.
Yohanna
who was represented by his Deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim said “We take it in
good faith because we believe hoodlums are always there to cause chaos. The
truth is, if there is chaos or crisis we can not move forward or live
together”.
He
further called for a cordial relationship among the religious groups saying,
“We should take advantage of the relative peace in Kontagora and in the state
and work together to put the enemies of peace to shame.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/niger-imams-demand-arrest-of-rccg-church-fire-culprits/#google_vignette
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India
Security
brass reviews J&K terror situation
Aug 15,
2024
New
Delhi: Measures being taken to strengthen counter-infiltration and
counter-terror grids, as well as ground intelligence network in J&K, were reviewed
at a meeting called by defence minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday, amid
continuing surge in terrorism and setbacks to forces, especially in Jammu.
The
"rising" terror attacks in J&K, situation along the 778-km LoC
with Pakistan, military-style ambushes of security forces by well-trained
terrorists, among other issues, were discussed in the meeting.
"It
dwelt upon overall strategy to deal with the situation, including spreading arc
of terrorism in Jammu," an official said. The meet was attended by NSA
Ajit Doval, chief of defence staff GenAnil Chauhan, Army chief GenUpendra
Dwivedi, DGMO Lt-Gen Pratik Sharma and heads of security and intelligence
agencies.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/security-brass-reviews-jk-terror-situation/articleshow/112534520.cms
--------
19
special counter-terror units to come up in 8 Jammu districts
While
one unit each will be deployed in Reasi district’s Pouni-Ransoo, Mahore,
Chassana and Gulabgarh areas, besides Baffliaz-Behramgalla, Mandi-Loran and
Gursai areas of border Poonch district.
Written
by Arun Sharma
August
16, 2024
Jammu,
Jammu and Kashmir Police, Pir Panjal mountain range, Chenab Valley, jammu counter
terror units, counter terror units, Indian express news, current affairsSources
said these special police units will carry out counter terror operations and
also prevent routine crime.
The
J&K Police have decided to establish 19 special counter terror units for
eight of the 10 districts of Jammu division to combat increasing incidents of
terrorism in the once peaceful areas falling South of Pir Panjal mountain range
and Chenab Valley in the UT.
This
comes as the central government appointed former NSG chief Nalin Prabhat as
J&K Special DGP.
Police
sources said that the decision to establish the units — which will be headed by
an officer of the rank of Deputy SP — was taken Wednesday. The units have been
formed on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operation Group,
which was disbanded at most places across Jammu division following restoration
of peace after the mid-2000s, sources said.
The
units will remain stationed in areas which have been witnessing movement of
militants such as Malhar and Bani in Kathua district where five soldiers were
killed and an equal number of persons injured after militants attacked an army
convoy at Badnota village near Machedi on July 9.
While
one unit each will be deployed in Reasi district’s Pouni-Ransoo, Mahore,
Chassana and Gulabgarh areas, besides Baffliaz-Behramgalla, Mandi-Loran and
Gursai areas of border Poonch district.
Terrorists
had on June 9 attacked a Katrao-bound bus carrying pilgrims near Ransoo in
Pouni area, killing nine and injuring scores of others.
Similarly,
there had been many incidents of terror attacks on the security forces in
forest areas falling in close vicinity to Baffliaz-Behramgalla on the Mughal
road which connects border Poonch district with Shopian in Kashmir Valley.
The
areas of Mandi, Loran and Gursai fall on old infiltration routes of terrorists
who after crossing the Line of Control from Sawjian and Mendhar proceed towards
areas of Poonch-Rajouri districts or Kashmir Valley.
Sources
said that one unit each will be deployed for Latti and Pancheri areas of
Udhampur district, Desa-Kastigarh and Assar areas of Doda district, Dachhan and
Drabshalla in Kishtwar district, Kalakote in Rajouri and Ramban district’s
Ramsoo, Chanderkote-Batote and Sangaldan-Dharamkund areas.
Sources
said these special police units will carry out counter terror operations and
also prevent routine crime.
There
was no special operation group in districts like Kathua, Samba, Ramban and
Udhampur. Even where it existed in places like Jammu, Poonch and Rajouri, it
only had a skeletal staff working under the DySP Headquarters of respective
districts, sources said.
Last
month, about 560 fresh police recruits — part of 960 jawans recruited for
deployment in the area they came from — were deployed in border areas of Jammu
division to combat infiltration and terrorism.
“The
selections will be made from the border areas and they will be deployed in the
border areas,” J&K Police DGP R R Swain had said, adding, “They will work
only on anti-infiltration and anti-terrorism fronts and they will not be
deployed as PSOs (personal security officers) or in the office or for any other
extra work.”
“Their
supervisory officers too have been strictly instructed that they cannot be
shifted to other jobs than their original anti-infiltration and anti-terrorism
work,” Swain had said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-polices-new-push-19-special-counter-terror-units-to-come-up-in-8-jammu-districts-9516694/
--------
Jaishankar
to visit Kuwait on Aug 18, bilateral talks, global issues on table
The
situation in Gaza is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Written
by Divya A
August
16, 2024
Jaishankar
Kuwait visit, S. Jaishankar, kuwait, Kuwait attack, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya,
Voice of Global South Summit, Indian express news, current affairsExternal
Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had visited Maldives last week
A day
after India hosts the third Voice of Global South Summit this Saturday,
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is headed to Kuwait for an official
visit, where he will meet his counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and is also
expected to call on the country’s leadership.
Announcing
the day-long visit Thursday, the MEA said that “it will enable both sides to
review various aspects of our bilateral relations including political, trade,
investment, energy, security, cultural, consular and people-to-people contact
as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual
interest”.
The
situation in Gaza is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Kuwait
recently welcomed a ceasefire initiative put forward by Egypt, Qatar and the US
in Gaza. Last week, Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry voiced support for all efforts
made within the framework of reaching agreements that would stop aggression on
Gaza.
On
Saturday, India will host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit in a virtual
format. This edition, themed on “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable
Future”, will expand discussions held in the previous summits on challenges
that affect the world, such as conflicts, food and energy security crises,
climate change — all of which disproportionately affect developing countries in
a severe manner, the MEA said.
The
inaugural session would be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by
10 Ministerial Sessions, including a Foreign Ministers’ Session on “Charting a
Unique Paradigm for Global South”.
Last
week, the foreign minister visited Maldives, with an aim to strengthen the
partnership between the two countries.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jaishankar-to-visit-kuwait-on-aug-18-bilateral-talks-global-issues-on-table-9516765/
--------
EC
reviews J-K security situation with Home Secy for holding Assembly polls
J&K
has five Lok Sabha seats and 90 Assembly constituencies.
Written
by Damini Nath
August
15, 2024
The EC’s
review also took into account the recent spike in terror activities in Jammu,
sources said.The EC’s review also took into account the recent spike in terror
activities in Jammu, sources said. (File Photo)
THE
ELECTION Commission Wednesday held a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla
to review the security situation and the requirement of forces for holding
Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
EC
sources said the deployment of forces would be “over and above” that for the
Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year.
The commission,
comprising Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioner
Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, had visited the
Union Territory last week to review preparations on the ground. On Wednesday,
the EC met Bhalla and discussed the possible increase in the number of security
personnel for the Assembly polls compared to the Lok Sabha polls, sources said.
Given
the security situation in the UT, all candidates would require security cover,
leading to an increase in the requirement, sources said. The Assembly elections
are also expected to be more contested, they said.
The EC’s
review also took into account the recent spike in terror activities in Jammu,
sources said.
J&K
has five Lok Sabha seats and 90 Assembly constituencies.
Since
the last Assembly elections in J&K were held in 2014, the more-recent Lok
Sabha elections would be taken as the benchmark for deciding force deployment,
said an official.
While
upholding the abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court last year had
directed the Election Commission to hold Assembly elections in J&K by
September 30, 2024. Ahead of the deadline, the EC has started the process of
preparing the updated electoral roll, which is scheduled to be published on
August 20. The ongoing Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage is scheduled to end on August
19.
Speaking
at a press conference in Jammu last week, the CEC said the commission was
committed to holding Assembly elections in the UT at the earliest. Jammu and
Kashmir hasn’t had Assembly elections since 2014 and had no Assembly since it
was dissolved in 2018. If held, the upcoming elections would be the first in 10
years and the first since the state was split into two Union Territories –
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh – in 2019.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ec-reviews-jk-security-situation-home-secy-assembly-polls-9514543/
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Arab World
In KSA’s
Najran, mud houses are living treasures of heritage
August
16, 2024
NAJRAN:
Mud houses are iconic symbols of the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia’s
southwestern region of Najran, cherished by locals for their enduring
connection to the past.
These
architectural gems have withstood the test of time, their authenticity and
artistry testament to the ingenuity of generations.
The
preservation of these cultural treasures is not just a regional priority but a
collective endeavor of the community. Owners and local communities are working
tirelessly to restore these structures to their former glory, thereby
safeguarding a vital part of their identity and offering future generations a
tangible link to their ancestors.
These
houses are a marvel of traditional craftsmanship. They harmonize with the
environment and are built with locally sourced materials like stone, clay, and
wood. The intricate process of building these houses, from laying the
foundation to crafting the roof, is meticulously built, showcasing the
builders’ skill and dedication.
As
Najran continues to evolve, preserving its mud houses remains vital. More than
just buildings, these structures are living testaments to a way of life and
cultural heritage that must be celebrated and protected for future generations.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567606/saudi-arabia
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Saudi
Arabia welcomes Sudanese government’s decision to reopen border crossing to aid
August
15, 2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia on Thursday welcomed the Sudanese sovereign council’s decision to
allow the use of the Adre border crossing with Chad for three months to enable
the entry of aid into areas of the Darfur region.
The
Kingdom’s foreign ministry said it notes the positive impact of this step in
addressing humanitarian needs, facilitating the delivery of aid, and ensuring
the safety of humanitarian workers.
The
Kingdom’s delegation to talks in Geneva seeking to end the violence held
discussions with the UN Secretary-General’s envoy and representatives of the
African Union to discuss providing emergency aid, the ministry said.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567580/saudi-arabia
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New
crackdown on environmental violators in Saudi Arabia
August
15, 2024
RIYADH:
The Special Forces for Environmental Security in Saudi Arabia has taken action
in two separate incidents of environmental law infringement.
The
forces apprehended a Saudi citizen for violating regulations by grazing 11
camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal
Reserve. The penalty for illegal camel grazing is a fine of SR500 ($133) per
camel.
Another
citizen, this time in the Asir region, was caught breaching environmental laws
by starting a fire in an area with vegetation cover. Legal procedures have been
initiated against the offender. The forces said that the penalty for lighting
or using fire in areas with vegetation cover carries a fine of up to SR3,000 ($800).
The
Saudi authorities have urged the public to report any activities that may
constitute an attack on the environment or wildlife. Citizens and residents
should call 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or
999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom to report such incidents.
Source: arabnews.com
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More
than 100 countries receive dates from Saudi Arabia’s Buraidah
August
15, 2024
BURAIDAH:
The Buraidah Dates Festival is one of the most prominent marketing outlets in
the region, receiving more than 1,000 vehicles loaded with tons of dates daily.
The
festival is hosted in the Qassim region by the Ministry of Environment, Water
and Agriculture, under the supervision of the National Center for Palms and
Dates.
The
dates are packaged and exported to cities within the Kingdom and more than 100
countries in North America, Europe and East Asia, as well as Arab and Gulf
countries.
Qassim
region produces more than 390,000 tonns of dates annually, and farmers are
striving to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million additional palm
trees.
This
will increase production and contribute to achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 by
increasing non-oil revenues.
The
export yard in the Buraidah Dates City is a key hub for the distribution of
dates within the Kingdom and abroad. More than 500 trucks depart the yard
daily, carrying in excess of 50 date varieties.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi
aid agency launches training courses in Indonesia
August
15, 2024
JAKARTA:
The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has launched a volunteer training project in
Jakarta.
The
project focuses on economic empowerment and advanced first aid, and is taking
place until Aug. 18 with the participation of 23 volunteers from various
fields.
The
agency’s team has conducted training courses in advanced first aid; sewing and
embroidery; electrical installations; nutrition; basic air-conditioning
maintenance; and the fundamentals of photography, editing, and content
creation. The courses have benefited 200 people.
The
initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to providing suitable training
programs that help to empower young people to generate income and improve their
living standards.
It also
contributes to developmental efforts in various countries and among those in
need.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi
Space Agency launches astrophotography contest
August
15, 2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi Space Agency has launched an astrophotography competition, titled
“Abaad” or “Dimensions,” aimed at nurturing passion for astronomy and science.
The SSA
initiative, announced on Thursday, seeks to bridge the gap between artistic
expression and scientific exploration in astronomy.
The
competition, which runs from Aug. 15 to Nov. 15 and is open to citizens and
residents, has three categories.
The
“Deep Space” category is for professional astrophotographers, focusing on
capturing galaxies, nebulae and stars.
The
“Solar System” category covers planets and comets, and is open to amateurs and
professionals.
The
“Saudi Space” category encourages participants to link celestial objects with
national landmarks and heritage, and is for professionals, amateurs and
beginners.
The SSA
plans to hold an exhibition showcasing the entries, and workshops for those
seeking to develop their skills.
Saudi
Arabia’s astronaut Ali Al-Qarni, who is overseeing the competition, said: “We
are not just raising awareness about astronomy; we are fostering a creative
environment where talent can flourish and innovate in space exploration.”
Participants
are not allowed to enter AI-generated or heavily edited images.
Participants
are limited to one entry per category, with photos required to be taken within
Saudi Arabia during the competition period.
Entries
will be evaluated in stages, culminating in the announcement of nine winning
entries.
Entries
can be submitted at www.SSA.gov.sa/Abaad.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567552/saudi-arabia
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KAUST
announces building first regional class research vessel in Saudi Arabia
August
15, 2024
RIYADH:
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology announced on Thursday that Spain’s
Freire Shipyard will build its new research vessel, RV Thuwal II.
Freire,
which has more than 100 years’ shipbuilding experience, will develop the ship
at its yard in Vigo, Spain.
Upon the
expected completion in 2026, RV Thuwal II will be Saudi Arabia’s first regional
class research vessel, enabling complete access to the Red Sea, including
coastal waters and the deep sea, KAUST said in a statement.
RV
Thuwal II will become the flagship of the Saudi research vessel fleet and will
be available to serve all marine research interests of the Kingdon, including
from giga-projects and government ministries.
The
vessel will explore coral reefs and other sites of interest, strengthening
Saudi research and attracting new international partners.
With the
Red Sea already of high interest to many scientific communities, the vessel
will encourage more scientific collaboration, strengthening the Kingdom’s
status as a scientific leader.
RV
Thuwal II, which will be 50 meters in length and 12.8 meters in width with a draft
of 3.6 meters, will be built to last 30 years.
Its
modular design can house multiple types of experimental laboratories to serve
existing and future marine technology for Red Sea exploration.
The
vessel can also incorporate new green propulsion technologies to reduce carbon
emissions.
In
addition to its primary function as a research vessel, RV Thuwal II can also
support national responses to emergencies like oil spills, and marine and
aviation accidents in the Red Sea.
RV
Thuwal II will have a capacity of 30 people including 12 crew.
The
planning of RV Thuwal II has involved stakeholders in the Kingdom including
giga-projects, ministries and Saudi universities with expertise in ocean
science and marine operations.
“RV
Thuwal II symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s research
infrastructure and the exploration of the Red Sea. The ship will be accessible
to partners with a shared interest in understanding the Red Sea and unlocking
its vast potential,” said KAUST Vice President of Research Pierre Magistretti.
“It is
an honor for Freire Shipyard to collaborate with KAUST in building the RV
Thuwal II, a vessel that not only symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to enhancing
Saudi Arabia’s research infrastructure and exploring the Red Sea, but also
opens up new opportunities for scientific collaboration and technological
advancement in the region,” said Marcos Freire Garcia, one of the director
generals of Freire Shipyard.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567545/saudi-arabia
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South Asia
Entire
nation contributed in 20 years of Jihad against foreign forces, Mawlavi Kabir
August
15, 2024
KABUL:
The Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Mawlavi Abdul Kabir has said
that the entire Afghan nation had an active contribution in 20 years of Jihad
against the U.S.-led foreign occupying forces. Addressing a great ceremony to
mark the third year of the vic tory of the Islamic Emirate against foreign forces,
Mawlavi Kabir said: “All Afghans had a part in our twenty-year Jihad against
the United States and NATO and their tireless efforts and countless sacrifices
will not be forgotten by the officials of the Islamic Emirate.” He added after
the two decades of Jihad, Afghans have achieved two goals, which are the
implementation of the Islamic system and the end of the occupation in the
country. “Overall security has been ensured as a result of 20 years of Jihad in
the country and now everyone can travel to any province of the country without
fear,” Kabir said. The deputy PM also stated that the Islamic Emirate since its
establishment, has been committed to having positive and productive relations
with all the world countries even those countries that have occupied
Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate Zabihullah
Mujahid, during the celebration ceremony of the third anniversary of the IEA
victory, once again emphasized that based on the decree of the Leader, the
public amnesty has fully been implemented, all the IEA’s opponents who have
been working with the previous regime were forgiven and the IEA has no problem
with any side. Mujahid once again emphasized that the territory and soil of
Afghanistan will not be used against the interest of the regional and the world
countries and the Islamic Emirate will not allow any country to use the
country’s soil for their vicious goals. Babrak Qayumi
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/entire-nation-contributed-in-20-years-of-jihad-against-foreign-forces-mawlavi-kabir/
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Want to
Work Closely, Hasina’s Statements Don’t Help: Envoy of The Interim Government
of Bangladesh
This was
the first time since the regime change in Bangladesh — after Sheikh Hasina fled
to India on August 5 — that the Indian envoy met with the interim government.
Written
by Shubhajit Roy
August
15, 2024
Dhaka to
Delhi: Want to work closely, Hasina’s statements don’t helpHigh Commissioner of
India Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call to the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of
the interim Government of Bangladesh Md. Touhid Hossain. (Image source:
ANI/Bangladesh Foreign Ministry)
The
interim government of Bangladesh wants to work closely with India to promote
bilateral relations, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain said Wednesday, but
added that deposed premier Sheikh Hasina’s public statements from India are
“not conducive” towards that.
Hossain’s
statement came after his meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay
Verma. This was the first time since the regime change in Bangladesh — after
Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 — that the Indian envoy met with the
interim government.
Underlining
more “people- centric engagement,” after what he called the “second
liberation,” Hossain flagged Sheikh Hasina’s statement issued Tuesday and said
“such statements emanating from India (are) not conducive to fostering better
bilateral relations”, according to a release from the Bangladesh Foreign ministry.
In her
first public statement since her ouster on August 5, Hasina set the stage for a
possible confrontation in Dhaka as she asked people to observe August 15 — the
anniversary of the assassination of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — as
“national mourning day” by placing wreaths at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
This came on a day when the interim government had decided to cancel the
national holiday on August 15.
With the
Hindu minority in Bangladesh facing a string of attacks over the last week,
Hossain, a former diplomat, also “affirmed (the) interim government’s
commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in
Bangladesh including the minorities,” Dhaka’s readout of the meeting said.
According
to the statement, Hossain mentioned that “the government is pledge-bound to
ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not
tolerate any violence or intimidation against them. He added that all religious
groups and other political parties are also working to ensure safety and
security of the minorities.” He also referred to what he called “highly
exaggerated media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh”.
Chief
Advisor Muhammad Yunus, who is heading the interim government, had reached out
on Tuesday with a visit to the Dhakeshwari Temple where he met community
leaders and assured “justice” and “equal rights” for all.
Hossain
“particularly stressed on some key issues like stopping border killing,
conclusion of Teesta Water sharing Agreement, and ensuring supply of essential
commodities” — referring to some thorny issues between India and Bangladesh,
especially border killings and the Teesta pact.
Verma,
according to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, “congratulated the Adviser for
Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities. He referred to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Chief Adviser (Muhammad Yunus) and
‘expressed the keen willingness of the Government of India to work with the
interim government in the coming days to fulfil the shared aspirations of
peoples from both countries.” This formulation about “peoples” is a telling
departure from the routine reference to government-to-government ties.
Hossain
thanked “Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good
wishes extended to the Chief Adviser on his assumption of his new
responsibilities”, and briefed the Indian envoy “about the current situation in
Bangladesh”.
“He
mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a
mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students. The combined forces of the
students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of
authoritarianism and repression in their quest for ending discriminations and
inequities,” it said, referring to the Hasina government’s ouster.
Giving
its account of the run-up to the ouster, the statement said that “the fearless
student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system
soon morphed into a nation-wide revolutionary struggle to establish a
rules-based, just, fair and inclusive society. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus
agreed to take the helm of the interim government at the request of the
students and people.”
Hossain
said that the “most pressing task before this interim government is to bring
normalcy to the overall law and order situation and bring the economy on track.
The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to
fulfil the aspiration of the people, especially the youth. The government is
committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and
create an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections,” it said.
A
1981-batch Bangladesh Foreign Service officer, Hossain, 69, was Foreign
Secretary of Bangladesh from December 17, 2006 to July 8, 2009 during the
caretaker government and the first six months of Hasina government. He has
served as High Commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa. Hossain was Deputy
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata from 2001 to 2005 — during the
Khaleda Zia-led BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami government.
Source: indianexpress.com
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the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dhaka-to-delhi-want-to-work-closely-hasinas-statements-dont-help-9514770/
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“End the
Impunity”: Rohingya Muslims Under Attack by Both Burmese Army and Rebel Group
AUGUST
15, 2024
Up to
200 Rohingya Muslims were killed in drone strikes last week in Burma as they
attempted to flee to Bangladesh. This comes amid intensifying conflict between
the military junta and the Arakan Army, a rebel armed group. Human Rights Watch
says the military and the Arakan Army have both committed extrajudicial
killings, unlawful recruitment for combat, and widespread arson against
Rohingya civilians. “They are the enemy of each other, but when it comes to the
Rohingya issue, they have the same intention,” says Nay San Lwin, co-founder of
the Free Rohingya Coalition. Only about 600,000 Rohingya remain in Burma, down
from about 1.4 million before a campaign of ethnic cleansing began in 2016,
though Nay San Lwin says the Rohingya genocide goes back even further to 1978.
Transcript
This is
a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
AMY
GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report.
I’m Amy Goodman, with Nermeen Shaikh.
NERMEEN
SHAIKH: We end today’s show looking at Burma, where up to 200 Rohingya Muslims
were recently killed in drone strikes as they attempted to flee to Bangladesh.
This comes amid intensifying conflict between the military junta and the Arakan
Army, a rebel armed group. Survivors of the drone strikes accused the Arakan
Army of carrying out the assault, while the rebel group blamed the military
junta, which overthrew Burma’s elected government in 2021.
A new
report from Human Rights Watch finds the military and rebel armed groups have
committed extrajudicial killings, unlawful recruitment for combat, and
widespread arson against Rohingya Muslims and other civilians in the area.
AMY
GOODMAN: During last week’s drone attack, many Rohingya also died while trying
to escape by sea. This is an account by one man who lost five children after
they drowned while trying to flee the attack by boat.
ROHINGYA
MAN: [translated] Starting at 5 p.m. on August 5th, the Arakan Army fired
weapons incessantly. The next morning, on August 6th, for survival, we decided
to flee to Bangladesh. … So, I decided firstly to flee a family with a small
boat. Then a big boat will be sent. My family got on a small boat. My sister’s
family also got on there. While fleeing, one boat sank. The people from that
boat dragged down the boat we were on, and the boat we were on sank, too. Only
six to seven survived out of almost 40. From my family, my five children, four
children from my sister’s family were lost. And other elderly, youths and women
were lost.
AMY
GOODMAN: Thousands in Rakhine state in Burma were forced to flee as their homes
were burned down overnight. This was in May. This is Saifur Rahman, a
30-year-old Rohingya father who managed to flee to Bangladesh and escape the
violence with his wife and their two young children.
SAIFUR
RAHMAN: [translated] The Arakan Army set fire to our house. They were firing
guns randomly and rapidly. I had a brother who got arrested and later was shot
dead. I don’t know where my parents are now, probably dead. My wife and I
whisked our two children and ran to the main road to save our lives and never
looked back. We went to different villages across the mountains, keeping a low
profile, and eventually managed to come here to Bangladesh. … Tens of
thousands, all people from the surrounding villages, were escaping the attack.
Nobody was looking back. We were running to save our lives.
AMY
GOODMAN: So, if we could turn now to Nay San Lwin, who is joining us from Frankfurt,
Germany. We just played two clips. If you can talk about the latest attack on
the Rohingya and put it in a larger context of what’s happening in Burma today?
NAY SAN
LWIN: Well, thank you so much for having me today.
So, as
you have mentioned about the Naf River massacre, where the more than 200
Rohingya were massacred by the drone strike by the Arakan Army, that happened
on August 5th. As of now the Maungdaw downtown, the [inaudible] area has been
empty as of today morning. And the Arakan Army soldiers are in the town. They
are looting the Rohingya houses. And the Rohingya are, you know, what they call
the evacuated, but it is actually forcibly relocated to somewhere else. They
are now at the border of where the Myanmar military junta has built the temporary
camp. Most of the people are there. And some of the people are relocated to
some other villages. So, there are some fighting still ongoing, but unlike
before.
So, let
me talk a little bit — talk about this Maungdaw town. Since the early June, the
Arakan Army has been fighting against the military there. But whenever they
launch the drone attack or the artillery attack, they target the Rohingya
people. The military base is opposite direction of the Rohingya villages. But
still, every day they target the Rohingya village. Every day there were two or
three, sometimes five, six Rohingya were killed, many injured.
So, on
August 3rd, since these drone strikes increased, on August 5th in the
afternoon, the people decided to flee to Bangladesh. Then they gathered at the
bank of the Naf River. Around at 5 p.m., the Arakan Army dropped a drone bomb
and resulted in more than 200 dead and the many injured. And also, at the same
time, when a boat tried to flee from there, they dropped a drone bomb. And as a
result, only two survived. There were more than 20 people on boat. Next day
morning, just now you have played a clip. He is the survivor from the boat, you
know. So, we think at least — including the dead from the boat, I think at
least 250 died, including this Naf River massacre.
The
scale of the killing is compared to the Buthidaung township. It is the small
scale. In Buthidaung township, before the May 17, the Arakan Army has committed
the significant massacres in different villages. In one single village on May
2nd, they killed more than 600 people. I spoke to some survivors. Only a few
people survived. And the eyewitnesses and the people who know about this
massacre, I have also got the family list. So, they have committed the same
massacre in the different village, as well. In Buthidaung alone, they have
killed more than 2,000, and they have burned down more than 850 — 8,500
Rohingya houses. So, in Maungdaw, the same thing they are doing.
They
have the intention to cleanse the Rohingya people. That, we can prove, if we
read the articles that published in the Foreign Policy magazine 10 years ago.
And also, the six years ago, the elder brother of the Arakan Army chief, you
know, delivered his speech in the private meeting, which leaked to the social
media. In this speech, he said, you know, “We have to strategize to cleanse the
Rohingya from” — they call the Bengali, these people, from the Buthidaung and
Maungdaw townships. This is what exactly they are doing now. What they are
doing is they are — you know, they’re carrying out the unfinished business of
the Myanmar military.
NERMEEN
SHAIKH: And if you could explain, Nay San Lwin, the origins of this crisis, the
historical context with the crisis, the Rohingya crisis, beginning in August
2017?
NAY SAN
LWIN: Well, you know, the Rohingya genocide began in 1978, more then 45 years
ago. So, the massive violence against in 2017 is not the first one. The first
one occurred in 1978, then again in 1991, 1992, and 2012, 2016. The latest wave
was in 2017. So, it is the very elongated persecution by the Myanmar military
to cleanse the entire population from the country.
As of
now, only about 600,000 remain in the country. So, the Arakan Army is trying to
cleanse about 300,000 who are remained in the Buthidaung and the Maungdaw
townships. These are the Rohingya-majority areas. Normally, before the 2017,
there were more than 1 million people there. But in 2017, Myanmar military
cleansed about 750,000, and more than 10,000 were killed. Hundreds of women and
girls were raped.
So, as
of now, the humanitarian situation is very dire. There are no humanitarian
agencies present. And the people are depending on the money sent by their
relatives live in the diaspora. And also, there are a lot of [inaudible] —
AMY
GOODMAN: Let me interrupt and ask: What is the relationship —
NAY SAN
LWIN: They cannot move from —
AMY
GOODMAN: Nay San Lwin, what is the relationship between the Arakan Army and the
Burma military? And, you know, you’re saying “Myanmar”; we are saying “Burma.”
It’s the same country. The military regime renamed it Myanmar.
NAY SAN
LWIN: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, true. So, they don’t have the relation. The
Arakan Army is fighting against the military since the late 2018 in Rakhine
state. So, they had, on and off, the ceasefire. But since last year November,
they have been continuously fighting against the military. But they are the
enemy each other.
But when
it comes to the Rohingya issue, they have the same intention. The Arakan Army
has also same intention as the Burmese military, Burma military. That is why
they are now cleansing the Rohingya. They have killed, in three months of time
— in four months of time, they have killed more than 2,500 Rohingya in two
townships and displaced around 300,000 Rohingya now.
AMY
GOODMAN: And what should the international community do at this point? And does
the student uprising in Bangladesh, that ultimately threw out the prime
minister there — does it have an impact on Burma and what’s happening there?
NAY SAN
LWIN: Well, you know, the Burmese people, especially the people who are working
to bring back the democracy in Myanmar, and also the younger people engaging in
the Spring Revolution, they are very happy, and they are congratulating the
Bangladeshi students. They have seen the real change in Bangladesh, so they are
also hoping.
But the
problem with the international community when it comes to the Burma, the
international community is letting the Burmese military to enjoy the impunity
until now. You know, two years ago, two-and-a-half years ago, the U.S.
government determined the crime against Rohingya as a genocide and a crime
against humanity, but nothing followed. So, all this justice venue, they have
to take the serious action against the Myanmar military and end the impunity. So,
since the international community is failing again and again on the Rohingya,
the Arakan Army is also committing the same crime. You know, whatever they have
committed against the Rohingya, it’s amounted to crime against humanity and the
war crime. So, they think they will also enjoy the impunity.
That is
why to end the impunity by the international community is really very much
crucial. And also, the Myanmar — the Burmese military is under the sanction by
the Western governments. The Arakan Army also need the same sanction. So, until
now, you know, more than 2,500 people have been killed, but we didn’t see any —
you know, the few-line statement from the U.S. state government, and also all
the European governments and the U.K. government and also the Canadian
government. They have to take the action.
AMY
GOODMAN: Nay San Lwin, we have to leave it there.
NAY SAN
LWIN: You know, if the — yeah.
AMY
GOODMAN: We have to thank you so much for being with us, co-founder of the Free
Rohingya Coalition, speaking to us from Frankfurt, Germany.
Tune in
next week when Democracy Now! will be broadcasting two hours daily from the
Democratic National Convention in Chicago beginning Monday. I’m Amy Goodman,
with Nermeen Shaikh.
Source: democracynow.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.democracynow.org/2024/8/15/burma_rohingya_muslims_violence
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Afghanistan
at risk of becoming a ‘Forgotten Crisis,’ warn aid agencies
August
15, 2024
Heavily
dependent on humanitarian aid, Afghans are trapped in cycles of poverty,
displacement, and despair. Without international support, Afghanistan risks
becoming a forgotten crisis, according to a statement from 10 aid organizations
released on Tuesday.
The aid
organizations emphasized the urgent need for long-term development assistance
to address the root causes of poverty in Afghanistan.
Signatories
warned that diminishing humanitarian funding is severely impacting daily life,
with reduced funding for medium and longer-term programs exacerbating existing
vulnerabilities and increasing the humanitarian burden.
Action
Against Hunger (ACF), CARE International, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and
other agencies highlighted the dire situation, noting that 343 mobile health
teams have shut down this year, which is 52% of the total.
The
closure of these health teams has significantly affected the health and
nutrition response, leaving populations unable to access essential lifesaving
services.
The
statement emphasized that the ongoing crisis cannot be managed with
humanitarian aid alone and requires a comprehensive, sustained, and
contextualized response from the international community.
Diplomatic
engagement is crucial for creating an environment in Afghanistan that supports
scaling up international aid efforts to include both development projects and
emergency assistance.
This
comes amid suppressive policies by the Taliban, which exacerbate the current
crisis in the country and the group’s unwillingness to adhere to international
law.
The current
isolationist stance of many donor countries is not conducive to finding durable
solutions to the challenges faced by Afghanistan, particularly for children,
women, and marginalized groups.
Despite
improvements in security, Afghanistan continues to face severe issues,
including an economic crisis, the legacy of conflict, climate change impacts,
and gender crises.
Humanitarian
actors in Afghanistan argue that inaction from the international community is
causing significant suffering for the most vulnerable populations, particularly
women and girls.
To
prevent deeper poverty and isolation, donors must support the return of
development and long-term funding to build resilient communities. They also
urged donor governments to reassure financial service providers to facilitate
transactions in Afghanistan and ease current funding transfer impediments.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-at-risk-of-becoming-a-forgotten-crisis-warn-aid-agencies/
--------
US and
UK pledge $330 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan
August
15, 2024
The
World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan reports that the UK and the US are
contributing $330 million through the organization to support the people of
Afghanistan.
On
Wednesday, August 14th, the WFP announced its appreciation for a £40 million
donation from the UK, equivalent to $50 million. This amount will be provided
by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to the WFP.
The WFP
also announced that the $280 million in US aid will focus on preventing
malnutrition and saving lives.
According
to the announcement, with the delivery of this aid from the UK, 1.2 million
people are expected to receive emergency food assistance directly.
The
statement further notes that the WFP plans to provide malnutrition prevention
services to nearly 150,000 children and 140,000 pregnant and breastfeeding
women. Additionally, the WFP will be able to select up to 77,000 food-insecure
individuals for participation in community projects that help make communities
more productive and resilient to climate impacts.
The WFP
in Afghanistan aims to address climate-induced shocks, such as droughts and
floods that contribute to hunger, through its Food Assistance for Assets (FFA)
initiative. Participants in this six-month community-level program, which
includes projects like irrigation channels and retaining walls that benefit
entire villages, will receive food assistance.
Furthermore,
this aid will allow the WFP to support smallholder farmers by distributing
seeds and climate-smart equipment, creating home gardens, processing food with
solar dryers, and maintaining beekeeping operations.
In 2023,
the WFP assisted a total of 18.6 million people through its various programs,
including 9.4 million women and girls. The organization distributed 600,000
metric tons of food and provided $190 million in cash or vouchers to help
families meet their nutritional needs.
The WFP
had previously warned about the shortage of humanitarian aid due to reduced
funding.
The
substantial contributions from the UK and the US highlight the international
community’s commitment to alleviating food insecurity and supporting vulnerable
populations in Afghanistan. These efforts are crucial in addressing both
immediate needs and long-term resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/us-and-uk-pledge-330-million-in-humanitarian-aid-for-afghanistan/
--------
Victory
Day marked peacefully; thanks to security forces
August
15, 2024
Concerns
over security rose as the Islamic Emirate’s Victory Day was getting closer.
Everywhere, in the country’s provinces, particularly, the capital Kabul, there
was a queue of the Islamic Emirate’s army and police on alert to ensure the
security of the citizens and the celebration sites, where thousands of people
including the members of the Islamic Emirate gathered to mark the victory day.
The victory day, ultimately, was marked peacefully, with the authorities of the
Islamic Emirate enumerating the achievements of the related organs in different
fields since the takeover of the country three years ago. In the ceremony held
at the Gazi Stadium, Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Mawlavi Abdul
Kabir praised the share and participation of the entire people of Afghanistan
in the jihad on the occupants; America, and NATO forces, and said that the
pride of the victory doesn’t only belong to the Ulama and Taliban of madrassas,
but to the whole people of Afghanistan. This is a real fact that everywhere, in
the country, people express happiness about sure security and can travel to any
parts of the country with peace of mind. On the other hand, insurgency is
uprooted in Afghanistan, and under the Islamic Emirate, the country’s territory
will never be used against other countries, nor the Islamic Emirate interfere
in other countries’ affairs. Also, others would never be allowed to interfere
in the country’s affairs. This should also be noted that the general amnesty
which has been issued by the Leader of the Islamic Emirate, is in place and
would never violated by any of the Mujahidin. So, no one should oppose the
current Islamic system, return to their country and take part in the
reconstruction of the country and live in peace. The whole people of
Afghanistan should stand alongside their government and security forces under
any circumstances to identify any criminal element and foil any malicious plots
and destructive activity in the country.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/victory-day-marked-peacefully-thanks-to-security-forces/
--------
Turkey
to Maintain Foreign Policy Stance with Kabul, Aims to Thwart Israel’s Regional
Impact
2024-08-15
KABUL(BNA):
Turkey has announced that it will continue its foreign policy approach towards
Israel, vowing to prevent the occupying regime from igniting the entire region.
According
to Anadolu Agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at an event
marking the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the Justice and Development
Party (AKP), stated, “We will continue our constructive, active, restrained,
and dignified approach in foreign policy.”
“We will
prevent Israel’s attempts to set the entire region on fire.” Erdoğan further
emphasized
Earlier,
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that a delegation of Turkish
parliamentarians, along with the Turkish ambassador to the Netherlands, has
submitted a request to join South Africa’s complaint against Israel at the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
The
complaint accuses the occupying regime of committing genocide against
Palestinians. Fidan also stressed that the international community must fulfill
its responsibilities to halt the genocide and exert the necessary pressure on
Israel.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/turkey-to-maintain-foreign-policy-stance-aims-to-thwart-israels-regional-impact/
--------
Europe
After UK
riots against Muslims and refugees, British Jews grapple with extremism that targeted
them, too
By Shira
Li Bartov
August
15, 2024
(JTA) —
As riots against Muslims and asylum seekers convulsed Britain over the last two
weeks, some instigators also urged attacks on Jews and circulated antisemitic
conspiracies online.
More
than 1,000 people have been arrested and at least 466 face charges over the
violence that swept Britain starting July 30, the day after an attacker stabbed
three children to death at a dance class in Southport in northern England. The
17-year-old suspect was born in Wales to parents originally from Rwanda — but
false rumors that he was a Muslim asylum seeker flew across the internet,
igniting a fervor in far-right groups on platforms like Telegram and X.
A range
of far-right factions, neo-Nazi activists and influencers spurred days of
violent protests in more than 20 towns across the United Kingdom. Rioters
stormed mosques and hotels used to house asylum seekers, attacked non-white
people, set cars on fire, looted businesses and injured dozens of police
officers.
British
lawmakers are reportedly considering strengthening internet safety regulations
after seeing how online organizing fueled the riots.
Some of
the online spaces that stoked violence against Muslims also encouraged
targeting Jews, according to the Community Security Trust, a group that
monitors antisemitism in Britain. A Telegram group called “Southport Wake Up,”
which amassed 14,000 members before it was shut down, included calls to
tolerate “neither brown nor Jew” — although the online rhetoric has not manifested
in any physical attacks on the Jewish community.
“In that
group, there were lots of people encouraging people to go on the protests, and
there were lots of other people very openly saying that as well as targeting
mosques, they should target synagogues — ‘It’s not just the Muslims, it’s the
Jews,’” CST’s policy director Dave Rich told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Within
the online far-right ecosystem, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant campaigners
often interact with neo-Nazis who call for attacks on Jews, said Rich. The
internet and social media have turbocharged global networks of white
supremacists who take inspiration from each other’s attacks on Muslims, Jews
and other minorities.
One
administrator of “Southport Wake Up” is believed to be a neo-Nazi based in
Finland, according to an investigation by the Finnish public broadcaster YLE.
The unnamed man, who was investigated by Finnish police for making an illegal
threat in 2021, also runs a Telegram channel dedicated to Nazi ideology. In one
post, he filmed himself walking around a synagogue in Helsinki and saying, “We
are tired of explaining to you why we want national socialism.”
Several
posts in “Southport Wake Up” promoted Holocaust denialism and praised Adolf
Hitler. One member wrote that Hitler “was the only politician since Roman times
to truly care for his people.”
“Like we
are seeing today, Germany in the 1920s was a pit of despair,” said the post.
“The Weimar Republic [had] immigration, child prostitution, obscene inflation,
degeneracy.”
The member
added that Jews “fabricated” the Holocaust to ensure “they would never again be
questioned by Europeans while they destroyed their homelands.”
Another
post featured an AI image of a person’s middle fingers in front of an Israeli
and a Palestinian flag, accompanied by the caption, “We support neither brown
nor Jew. Our nation is our land and our people. Rise, the free Europa armies.”
The
riots descended on British towns plagued by economic decline, labor shortages
and overburdened public services — all of which some politicians have blamed on
immigration. Nigel Farage, formerly one of the chief advocates of Brexit, and
currently the leader of the right-wing Reform party, falsely suggested that the
Southport suspect was an undocumented immigrant before the police released
details.
Alongside
politicians and far-right activists whipping up Islamophobia, British Jews have
also seen a recent surge in antisemitism, particularly following the Oct. 7
Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s ensuing war on Gaza. Antisemitic incidents
in the U.K. more than doubled in the first half of 2024 compared with last
year, reaching 1,978 reported incidents, according to CST.
CST
works closely with Tell MAMA, or Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks, a parallel
organization that supports Britain’s Muslim community. Since Oct. 7 the groups
have met almost every week, speaking jointly with police and prosecutors about
combating hate crimes, Rich said.
But the
reverberations of the Israel-Hamas war for Jews and Muslims in Britain have
strained relations between the communities. The past 10 months have seen a
stream of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and university encampments against
Israel’s actions in Gaza, drawing thousands of protesters including some
British Jews. While the protests have largely been peaceful, a handful of
high-profile incidents of violence against Jews have heightened fear among many
British Jews. And the rhetoric emerging from the protests has also made some
Jews feel uncomfortable, according to Rich.
“It’s
pretty clear that after the 7th of October, Muslim-Jewish interfaith dialogue
took a real hit,” said Rich. “For quite a while, I think a lot of people found
it difficult to maintain those conversations. More recently, there’s been a
concerted effort to rebuild things and maybe learn from why, perhaps, that kind
of dialogue couldn’t withstand the pressures of the 7th of October and the war
since then.”
Rabbi
Alexandra Wright, the president of Liberal Judaism in Britain, said the scenes
of far-right violence galvanized many members of her community to affirm
solidarity with their Muslim neighbors. As a member of a
Jewish-Christian-Muslim clergy group in London, she helped prepare a letter of
support for Southport’s Muslim community.
Rabbis
have visited their neighboring mosques to stand beside imams and speak
together, said Wright. Other members of the community joined last week’s tidal
wave of counter-protesters, who outnumbered the rioters and formed human
shields around asylum centers.
“There’s
quite a lot of activism in the Progressive and the Conservative Jewish
community, who do quite a lot of campaigning for asylum seekers,” Wright said
to JTA. “It’s been really important for Jews to stand by Muslim communities and
individuals during this time.”
In the
aftermath of Oct. 7, Wright said her focus was on protecting her own deeply
worried and fearful community. But the far-right riots reminded her of the
importance of nourishing relationships with other minorities, she said.
“There’s
a trauma that has caused us to look more inwardly,” said Wright. “It’s taken us
much longer to look outwards and say, ‘What do we need to do in order to build
dialogue with people who are not of our faith, who are not part of our
communities?’ It’s requiring a greater effort, but nevertheless, it’s an effort
that must be made.”
Source: forward.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://forward.com/news/644667/after-uk-riots-against-muslims-and-refugees-british-jews-grapple-with-extremism-that-targeted-them-too/
--------
British
and French FMs to visit Middle East to urge de-escalation
August
16, 2024
LONDON:
British and French foreign ministers will travel to Israel and the occupied
Palestinian territories to call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and a
de-escalation in any wider conflict in the Middle East, Britain said on
Thursday.
The
visit by Britain’s David Lammy and France’s Stephane Sejourne comes as a new
round of Gaza ceasefire talks was underway in Doha, an effort to end 10 months
of fighting in the Palestinian enclave and bring 115 Israeli and foreign
hostages home.
The
talks came as Iran appeared on the point of retaliating against Israel
following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July
31.
“This is
a dangerous moment for the Middle East,” Lammy said in a statement. “The risk
of the situation spiralling out of control is rising. Any Iranian attack would
have devastating consequences for the region.”
Britain
and France are calling for a diplomatic solution to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza
and restore peace along the Israeli-Lebanese border, the British foreign
ministry said.
“It’s
never too late for peace. We must at all costs avoid a regional war, which
would have terrible consequences,” French foreign minister Sejourne said in a
statement.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
The
visit by the duo marks the first UK-France joint visit to Israel in more than
10 years.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567593/middle-east
--------
UK
Labour Party's private school VAT hike threatens the future of the country's
Islamic schools
14
August, 2024
As
Britain watched on with bated breath during this historic General Election,
there was one conspicuously spotlighted demographic for whom Labour’s win was
met with rightful trepidation.
British
Muslims, 6.5% of the population in England and Wales, have a long and checkered
history with the Labour Party, made only more fraught following recent
geopolitical and domestic events.
Labour’s
reluctance to court the disaffected Muslim vote, and their reticence on Muslim
concerns throughout campaigning, was felt abjectly by the diverse group of
communities that make up this segment of the electorate.
Overwhelmingly
from ethnic minority and economically deprived backgrounds – a fact which
exemplifies this electoral neglect – historically, Muslims had forged a kind of
political home in a begrudging Labour party, that waned rapidly in recent
months following domestic responses to the war on Gaza.
While
much of Britain was keen to see what ‘anyone but the Conservatives’ had to
offer the country, Muslims had expressed a jaded sense of anticipation for what
the incumbent government would do for them.
Labour’s
flagship policy in education is, adverse to its stated aim, already proving to
disadvantage less-privileged Muslim communities.
'Unfair
tax break'
In a
move welcomed by much of the British public, Labour will make all private
school fees subject to VAT from January 2025, declaring the erstwhile exemption
of a service used predominately by the rich an ‘unfair tax break’.
Designed
to ensure those families at the top of the economic food chain are giving back
to the country, and in particular an education sector beset with
funding-related issues, the policy is projected to raise £1.6 billion a year in
extra tax revenue, a net gain that would allow for more than 2% increase in state
school funding.
Ostensibly,
Labour's planned VAT inclusion makes economic and social sense. The hidden cost
of this to a small subset of the sector, however, could be catastrophic.
Private,
British Islamic schools would catch the sharp end of this blanket policy
approach, with devastating consequences to the sector at large.
The
average school fees charged by the 2,500 private schools in the UK – educating
6% of the British population – is £15,200 a year, with more exclusive schools
such as Eton, Harrow and Winchester College charging closer to £50,000 a year.
Compare
this to the minuscule private Islamic school sector, consisting of
approximately 155 community schools across the country, the majority of which
charge fees a fraction of the £10,000 a year bottom average within the wider
sector, and which faces possible near-extinction due to these tax changes.
Islamic
independent schools in the UK are entirely community-led and based – a
tradition that carries through from the first Islamic schools established in
the UK, Islamia Primary in North-West London and Al-Furqan in Birmingham, in
response to local needs.
They are
a true anomaly within the broader independent school sector, both because of
the economic make-up of the communities they serve, and the aims and objectives
of their institutions.
Source: newarab.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.newarab.com/features/labour-party-vat-hike-threatens-future-uk-islamic-schools
--------
Muslim
Convicted in Rioting Should Have ‘Risen Above’ Far-Right Racism, Says Judge
15
August 2024
A Muslim
man has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for throwing missiles at
far-right protesters who had thrown alcohol at him after the judge told him he
should “rise above their simply obnoxious racism”.
Amer
Walid, 24, of Central Park Towers in Plymouth, was seen throwing cans back at
far-right rioters on four occasions in the south-west city on Monday 5 August.
Far-right
rioters tried to confront an anti-racist rally for several hours, throwing
missiles and fireworks. The clash was one of several across the country as
racists attacked mosques and residential areas, wrongly attributing the murder
of three children in Stockport to a migrant.
Walid,
who has no previous convictions, said he became angry after a bottle or can of
alcohol was thrown at him, as he doesn’t drink.
The
court heard he shouted Allah Akbar, in reaction to racist slurs being chanted
by far-right rioters.
Sentencing
Walid, Judge Robert Linford said he accepted he had not been “looking for
trouble” and that far-right rioters had been throwing missiles and making
“deeply offensive racist chants”.
“What
you should have done was rise above their simply obnoxious racism”, he said.
“You
were capable of doing that but you didn’t, instead what you did was throw four
missiles of one sort or another at the group opposite.”
Walid
was sentenced alongside three far-right rioters.
John
Cann, 51, got three years for launching a firework or flare towards the
counter-protesters before falling off his mobility aide. He told police he
thought the protest would “kick off” because “an immigrant had killed some
girls”, but said he was not racist.
Following
his arrest, Cann, who has a long list of previous convictions, told police that
immigrants are costing the country too much. In sentencing, Judge Linford
talked of the cost of his combined 357 months in prison. “That, Mr Cann, is
what you’ve been costing this country,” he said.
Ryan
Bailey, 41, was given 30 months for throwing missiles at the anti-fascist
counter-protest and was heard shouting “immigrants not welcome here”.
Gary
Harkness, 51, was abusive towards officers and made a threat of violence. He
was given 12 months.
The
government has emphasised “strong policing and swift prosecutions” to stop the
rioting. More than 1,000 people have been arrested for their involvement in
disorder. Many have now been sentenced, including children as young as 12.
This is
a similar response to the rioting in 2011 following the killing of Mark Duggan,
an unarmed Black man, by police. Under Keir Starmer – then director of public
prosecutions – the justice system went into overdrive to mete out punishment to
quell the disorder. All-night court sittings were criticised as “chaos on
stilts” by one magistrate, while MPs and justice campaigners said that many of
the sentences handed out to those who were “caught up” in disorder were too
harsh. Starmer said he believed that the speed with which rioters were brought
before the courts was more significant than the length of sentencing.
Following
the recent bout of racist rioting, the government has avoided mentioning toxic
anti-migrant rhetoric which helped cause the riots and to which Labour has
contributed, instead taking aim at far-right influencers and Elon Musk, owner
of X/Twitter.
And
rather than change the tone of discussion around migration, the government is
set to continue with more of the same. According to a BBC report, “the
government has avoided discussing immigration, again for fear of suggesting any
of the unrest was justified. But in time they are likely to remind voters that
the prime minister believes many people do have legitimate concerns about legal
and illegal migration.”
Source: novaramedia.com
Please click the following URL to read the
text of the original Story
https://novaramedia.com/2024/08/15/muslim-convicted-in-rioting-should-have-risen-above-far-right-racism-says-judge/
--------
Ukrainian
HIMARS destroyed in Iskander strike – MOD video
15 Aug,
2024
One of
the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers the US has
provided to Kiev has been destroyed in the Sumy Region of Ukraine, according to
a high-resolution video published by the Russian Defense Ministry.
In a
move described by Moscow as an act of terrorism, several thousand troops
crossed over from Sumy into Russia’s Kursk Region last week, seeking to relieve
pressure on the Donbass front and to seize some Russian territory as a
bargaining chip. Moscow has responded with intense air and artillery strikes
against the invaders.
The
video, released on Thursday, shows drone footage of the M142 HIMARS firing a
couple of missiles from a road somewhere in Sumy Region. The unit then moves
down the road and into woods to reload.
Within
minutes, an Iskander ballistic missile strikes the woods, destroying the
Ukrainian rocket launcher. The video showed secondary explosions of HIMARS
ammunition as well.
According
to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strike destroyed the launcher, a
six-rocket reloading pod, and two service vehicles of the Ukrainian artillery
unit.
The M142
is mounted on a wheeled truck chassis and can fire volleys of GPS-guided
rockets, converted aircraft bombs, or long-range ATACMS ballistic missiles. The
US has provided Ukraine with at least 40 launchers, according to information
released by the Pentagon.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/602658-iskander-strike-himars-ukraine/
--------
Navalny’s
widow publishes letter on cause of his death
15 Aug,
2024
Yulia
Navalnaya, the widow of late Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny, has
published a letter sent to her by Russia’s Investigative Committee, detailing
the causes for her husband’s sudden passing earlier this year.
Navalny died
at a penal colony in February while serving a sentence. The prison authorities
said the 47-year-old suddenly fell ill after a walk and collapsed, and that
efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
According
to the letter shared by Navalnaya, the politician died as a result of a
“combined illness,” which included “hypertension with vascular and organ
damage, diffuse myocardial sclerosis complicated by the development of cerebral
edema, ventricular fibrillation and pulmonary edema.”
It’s
noted that Navalny also had several concomitant diseases and conditions,
including chronic pancreatitis, chronic cholecystitis, chronic gastritis,
chronic hepatitis with cysts of the right and left lobes of the liver,
osteochondrosis and several hernias, as well as encephalopathy, herpes and the
presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the trachea.
The
investigators concluded that Navalny’s death “was not criminal in nature” and
was instead “arrhythmogenic” with the triggering factor being a “critical
increase in blood pressure.”
Yuliya
Navalnaya has dismissed the official findings, insisting that her husband never
had any heart diseases during his lifetime. She also complained that she has
still not been handed over any of Navalny’s personal belongings, suggesting
that the reason for this is that he was killed and that those responsible are
trying to “cover their tracks.”
Meanwhile,
Moscow’s Basmanny Court issued an arrest warrant for Navalnaya last month,
charging her with being part of an extremist group and accusing her of
“evading” law enforcement authorities.
Navalnaya
left Russia in 2021 together with her children shortly after her husband’s
arrest and has lived abroad ever since. She has nonetheless pledged to continue
her late husband’s work.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/602659-navalny-widow-death-report/
--------
Africa
Tunisian
rapper seeking presidency sentenced to prison
August
15, 2024
TUNIS:
Tunisian rapper Karim Gharbi, better known as K2Rhym, was sentenced to four
years in prison in absentia Wednesday for allegedly buying voter signatures to
qualify for upcoming presidential elections, a judicial spokesperson said.
A court
in Jendouba also fined Gharbi 5,000 dinars (around $1,600) and stripped him of
the right to vote, spokesman Alaedine Aouadi told AFP.
The
court also sentenced the president of the commune of Jendouba to one year in
jail and a fine of 1,000 dinars, and a colleague of the rapper to four years in
prison and a fine of 5,000 dinars.
Gharbi,
who lives abroad and was the son-in-law of former president Zine El Abidine Ben
Ali, had announced in a video at the end of July his intention to run in the
presidential candidate scheduled for October.
To be
listed on the ballot, candidates are required to present a list of signatures
from 10,000 registered voters.
Controversial
in Tunisia for his tattoos and flashy lifestyle, Gharbi had become in recent
years known for his charitable endeavours with orphans, lower-income families,
hospitals and schools.
On
August 5, the night before the deadline for submitting applications, the rapper
said authorities had refused to provide him with a form showing he had no
criminal record, preventing him from becoming a candidate.
“What are
you afraid of? The ballot boxes? Why organize elections?” he said.
The same
court on August 2 sentenced four women working for the rapper to between two
and four years in prison for having “provided money or gifts in kind” in
exchange for voter signatures.
Experts
say presidential hopefuls face significant constraints in their bid to
challenge President Kais Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019 but
orchestrated a sweeping power grab in 2021 and is now seeking another term in
office.
Candidates
from across the political spectrum have complained that the new, tougher
endorsement requirements make it nearly impossible to get on the ballot.
Several
jailed opposition figures had announced their plans to present their candidacy
but, having failed to obtain a power of attorney, were unable to complete the
process.
Only two
candidates, former member of parliament Zouhair Maghzaoui, 59, and the leader
of a small liberal party, Ayachi Zammel, were pre-selected to run against
Saied, accused by his detractors of authoritarianism.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567533/middle-east
--------
Enugu
orders churches, mosques to remove outdoor loudspeakers in 90 days
15th
August 2024
The
Enugu State Government has given all the churches and mosques in the state 90
days to remove outdoor loudspeakers and install soundproofing measures within
their worship centres.
The
decision was reached on Thursday, during a stakeholders’ engagement with the
Christian and Muslim leaders in the state and state government on the
implementation of the Enugu State Anti-Noise Pollution Policy.
The
collaborative meeting organised by the Enugu Capital Territory Development
Authority was attended by church leaders, media practitioners, government
officials, and Muslim leaders in the state.
After
the meeting, the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority,
Uche Anya, gave the ultimatum.
He said,
“From now to the next three months every church and mosque must remove outside
loudspeakers and begin to install soundproof (acoustic) in their worship
centres.”
The
government had in 2023 as part of the urban renewal policy, directed all night
clubs, beer parlours, and other entertainment operators to mitigate their noise
pollution in the capital city, particularly in residential areas.
Addressing
the stakeholders, Anya, said that noise
pollution has become the biggest challenge for the state.
He
lamented that his office has received over 1,000 petitions over noise pollution
from different churches, mosques, and businesses around their homes.
“I have
been in this office for one year and in the last year we have received over a
thousand petitions complaining about noise pollution.
“Noise
pollution from Independence Layout to GRA, from GRA to Trans- Ekulu, from
Trans-Ekulu to Agbani Road, from Agbani Road to Abakpa Nike, from Abakpa Nike
to Ugwuaji, from Ugwuaji to name it to Mayor people are in pains,” he stated.
Source: punchng.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://punchng.com/enugu-orders-churches-mosques-to-remove-outdoor-loudspeakers-in-90-days/
--------
Burnt
church: Niger Govt agency urges Christians, Muslims to unite
August
15, 2024
Director
General of the Niger State Bureau of Religious Affairs, Dr. Umar Farooq
Abdullahi has appealed to the Christian and Muslim communities in the state to
join forces in confronting and defeating the enemies of peace, who threaten the
stability and well-being of the state.
The DG
made this appeal when he led a team to commiserate with the Chairman, Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa
Yohanna in Minna.
The
visit was coming at the heels of the arson attack on the Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG) Kontagora.
Abdullahi
who spoke through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious
Affairs, Alhaji Liman MashaAllah, explained that those who set the church on
fire are enemies of peace out to cause disunity among the people.
“We are
one, the enemies of peace just want to cause disaffection amongst us. We are
the same from same creator, as Muslims our religion teaches us to be tolerant
and live in peace with everyone,” he said.
He
equally called on Muslims and Christians to join hands together to defeat “this
common enemy who wants to destabilise the peace being enjoyed in our dear
state”.
Those
hoodlums are evildoers and should be put to shame. Islam discourages any form
of chaos or disaffection amongst us. Islam does not accept anyone who does not
believe in Jesus,” he added.
Abdullahi
appealed to relevant security agencies to do all they can to arrest and
prosecute the masterminds to serve as deterrent to anyone who wants to foment
trouble in the state, particularly in Kontagora.
The
state CAN Chairman who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev
Dr. Bulus Dawau Yahanna, in his remarks commended the Bureau for sympathising
with the association and the RCCG over the incident.
Yohanna
who was represented by his Deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, explained that CAN has
decided to take the incident in good faith.
He said,
“The truth is, if there is chaos or crisis we can not move forward or live
together. We should take advantage of the relative peace in Kontagora and in
the state, work together to put the enemies of peace to shame.”
Source: dailypost.ng
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/15/burnt-church-niger-govt-agency-urges-christians-muslims-to-unite/
--------
South
African prosecutors withdraw charges against 95 Libyan nationals
16-08-24
South
African prosecutors withdrew charges against 95 Libyan nationals who were
arrested last month at what police said was an illegal military training camp
in Mpumalanga province, officials said Thursday.
Police
alleged that the men — who entered the country on study visas — were receiving
military training at the camp where firearms and ammunition were recovered
during a widely publicized police raid.
During
their initial appearances in court, the accused said they were receiving
security training at the camp.
There
was insufficient evidence to prosecute the men, the country’s National
Prosecuting Authority said.
“The
only charge that was brought to the NPA was that of the contravention of the
immigration act against the 95 Libyan nationals,” said National Prosecuting
Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.
They
were only charged with violating the country’s immigration laws, and their
lawyer told reporters after the charges were withdrawn today that they expected
them to be deported back to Libya in the next 48 hours.
The men
have now been handed over to immigration officials and insisted through their
lawyers that they were in South Africa for security training.
“They
are very happy that the charges have been withdrawn against them, it is what we
expected. I think that matter (alleged military training) is still under investigation,
as far as we know we had security training,” said the men’s lawyer, Nico du
Plessis.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/15/south-african-prosecutors-withdraw-charges-against-95-libyan-nationals/
--------
‘If You
Don’t Have Capacity To Work, Resign Now’ – Wike Warns New Permanent Secretaries
For FCT
15
August 2024
The
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the
newly appointed Permanent Secretaries against making excuses for failures.
Naija
News reports that Wike gave the warning during the inauguration of the
appointees in Abuja on Thursday, urging them to resign if they cannot deliver
on the job.
Those
inaugurated as Permanent Secretaries include Joy Okeke from the South East,
Rotimi Ajayi from the South West, and Nancy Nathan from the North East.
Abdullahi
Ango was inaugurated as the pioneer Mandate Secretary of the Youth Development
Secretariat of the FCT Administration, while Gardiya Bawa was inaugurated as
Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary for the Legal Services Secretariat of the
FCTA.
Wike
stated that every appointee must work and account for any assignment given to
them, adding that he would not tolerate any excuses for failures,
He said,
“President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his part. It is up to you to work with us,
work with me, and identify programmes that can make the youth entrepreneurial.
“This
will help the youths reduce the effects of hardship and if anything goes wrong,
you will be held responsible.
“I am
sure today you are satisfied that you are almost at the highest level of your
career. The only level you may now want to reach is the Head of Civil Service.
“It is
up to you to be committed and work hard. If you know you have no capacity to
work, it is better you resign now, at least you will leave with the emoluments
of a former Permanent Secretary.
“Everybody
must know that you must account for every assignment given to you.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/15/if-you-dont-have-capacity-to-work-resign-now-wike-warns-new-permanent-secretaries-for-fct/
--------
Nigeria
Needs Constitutional Reform – Agbakoba To President Tinubu
15
August 2024
Former
Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) president, Olisa Agbakoba, has advised President
Bola Tinubu to work towards giving the country a new constitution.
The
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba said the current political
structure of the country has been ineffective for too long.
In a statement, on Thursday, on X, Agbakoba
said the current power-sharing structure in the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
did not decentralize governance.
“It’s
time to reconsider Nigeria’s governance structure. We’ve been operating within
a system that has been ineffective for far too long. Too much power has been
centralized in Abuja, limiting the authority of states and regions and stifling
their power. We need to go back to basics with a constitutional reform that
truly redistributes power, empowering states to drive their own development.
“History
has taught us a valuable lesson. In 340 AD, Roman Emperor Diocletian believed
that his empire was too vast for one person to effectively govern. What did he
do? He appointed four co-emperors, decentralizing power and allowing the Roman
Empire to thrive for another 1,500 years! This is the bold action required in
Nigeria.”
He
further advised the National Assembly to start up the process for constitutional
reform. He noted that decision-making should be closer to the citizens.
“We
should aim for a governance structure where governors have the authority to
lead their states, local communities have a say in their affairs, and
decision-making is closer to the people it affects.
“The
National Assembly holds the key to making this change. We need a constitutional
reform that recalibrates the balance of power and allows real strong political
and economic development to take hold in Nigeria,” Agbakoba added.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/15/nigeria-needs-constitutional-reform-agbakoba-to-president-tinubu/
--------
Pakistan
Imran
welcomes army’s ‘internal accountability’
August
16, 2024
ISLAMABAD
/ RAWALPINDI: Having distanced himself from the former spy chief after news of
his court martial became public, PTI founder Imran Khan on Thursday welcomed
the process of ‘internal accountability’ initiated by the military, and called
for across-the-board action.
He was
speaking to reporters at Adiala jail after the hearing of a £190 million
corruption case. Commenting on a statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif —
alluding to the alleged involvement of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed in the May 9
protests following his arrest — the former PM said that “if Faiz Hameed was
involved, it should be investigated”.
Hameed
was head of the premier Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency during Mr
Khan’s term in office.
In a separate
development, two more officials of the Punjab Prisons Department were taken
into custody by law enforcement agencies for investigation as the probe to find
alleged facilitators of incarcerated PTI founder in prison moved ahead.
Speaking
to reporters, Mr Khan pointed out that the May 9 protests started after his
illegal arrest on the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), adding that
this also needed to be probed, as those who ordered his arrest were responsible
for the violent protests.
He said
that the arsonists could be identified with the help of the CCTV footage and
added that the footage would exonerate him of all charges.
The PTI
leader also alleged that the May 9 incidents were also part of the ‘London
Plan’, supposedly devised to topple his regime, and accused the chief justice
of Pakistan, the IHC chief justice, and the chief election commissioner of
being part of the plot. He pointed out that the former Rawalpindi commissioner
also “exposed” rigging in the Feb 8 elections.
It
should be noted, however, that at the time of Mr Khan’s ouster, Umar Atta
Bandial was the chief justice of Pakistan, while Justice Athar Minallah had not
been elevated to the Supreme Court and was still heading the Islamabad High
Court. Although some interpreted the ex-PM’s remarks on Thursday as a reference
to the incumbents — Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and IHC CJ Aamer Farooq — both
were not in office in April 2022, when Mr Khan’s government was sent home
following a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly.
The
ex-PM claimed that former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had hatched a conspiracy
against the PTI government for his extension.
He said
that Gen Bajwa removed Gen Faiz Hameed from the post of the ISI chief on the
demand of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif and this development had created a
rift between the office of the prime minister and the army chief. Mr Khan said
that he wanted Gen Faiz to retain his position because of his contacts with the
Taliban regime.
Adiala
probe
Following
the detention of a former deputy superintendent on Wednesday for acting as a
‘messenger’ for the incarcerated PTI leader, two more officials were taken into
custody by law enforcement agencies for investigation.
One of
them is a retired deputy superintendent and another is serving as an assistant
at the office of the Deputy Inspector General of Prison (Rawalpindi Region).
According to sources, the exact role of the assistant cannot be ascertained at
this point; however, two orderlies and three warders have also been made part of
the investigation. The sources said that the two orderlies and three warders
had been working under the former deputy superintendent during his posting at
the Adiala jail.
Muhammad
Akram had been detained from his residence on Wednesday. The Punjab home
department had removed Mr Akram, deputy superintendent (executive) of Central
Jail Adiala from his post and directed him to report to the Inspectorate of
Prison Punjab, Lahore in June this year. However, he had been residing with his
family in the Police Colony of the Adiala jail.
On the
other hand, surveillance of the barracks where the PTI founder had been
incarcerated was further tightened and additional staff was also deployed.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1852550/imran-welcomes-armys-internal-accountability
--------
Gen Faiz
arrest military's internal matter, says Imran Khan
August
15, 2024
Distancing
himself from the former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant
General (retd) Faiz Hamid, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) founder Imran
Khan has said the arrest of the retired general is an internal matter of the
Pakistan Army.
The
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on August 12 announced the arrest of the
former ISI chief, saying that he was "taken into custody" over
allegations of land grabbing and snatching valuables from the owner of a
private housing society.
"Complying
with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry
was undertaken by the Pakistan Army to ascertain the correctness of complaints
in the Top City Case made against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid," the army's
media wing said earlier this week.
"I
have no connection with General (retd) Faiz," the incarcerated PTI leader
said on Thursday while talking to journalists at Adiala Jail.
"If
the military wants the accountability of General Faiz [then] it should proceed
and do it," Khan said, asserting that it is the army's internal matter.
Welcoming
the development, the former premier said it was good that army has launched the
process of internal accountability, he noted. However, he urged the military to
ensure that the process of accountability should be across the board.
Responding
to a question relating to his past engagement with the former spymaster, the
72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said that while he was the premier he
did not want to remove General Faiz from his office amid regime change in
Afghanistan.
At the
time, General Faiz was engaged with the Afghanistan government and Taliban, the
PTI founder said, adding that the former army officer arranged his meeting with
then US envoy on Afghanistan’s peace process Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban
representatives.
The
former ISI chief continued negotiations with the Taliban for three years as he
enjoyed good relations with them, he noted, adding that the former serviceman
was an asset for the country however, he was wasted.
The
embattled PTI founder said that he exchanged heated words with the former army
chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa over the issue of removing the former
ISI boss from his post, adding Bajwa removed Faiz for the sake of his
extension. "I repeatedly asked Bajwa not to remove Faiz but to no
avail," he added.
"General
(retd) Bajwa also toppled my government for the sake of his extension," he
stressed, adding that he holds Bajwa responsible for the spike in terrorism in
the country.
Commenting
on a statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif who had said the former
spymaster was involved in the May 9 riots, Khan demanded an inquiry into to
ascertain if the retired general was behind the violent protests.
"Khawaja
Asif said that General Bajwa had sought extension. It is the endorsement of
what I have been saying," he continued.
He also
claimed that it was a condition from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
supremo Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif to remove Faiz.
The
process of court martial has been initiated against the former chief of the
country's premier spy agency over complaints in the Top City Case, the army's
media wing earlier this week said.
Three
more retired officers were taken into military custody on Thursday in
connection with the same housing scheme case.
Sources
told Geo News that two of the officers in the military custody were of
brigadier rank and one was of colonel rank.
The two
retired brigadiers have been identified as Ghaffar and Naeem while the retired
colonel’s name is Asim, they said, adding that they worked as messengers
between a political party and the ex-spymaster.
The two
brigadiers, alleged of facilitation, hailed from Chakwal, the sources further
said.
They
said so far eight people have been taken into custody including the retired
officers, in connection with the proceedings against Gen Faiz.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1220156-gen-faiz-arrest-militarys-internal-matter-says-imran-khan
--------
Three
more retired army officers linked to Gen Faiz Hamid case taken into custody
August
15, 2024
RAWALPINDI:
The Pakistan Army has taken three more retired military officers into custody
“for their actions prejudicial to the military discipline”, in connection with
the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings of the former Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, the Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
The
military’s media wing said further investigations of certain retired officers
and their accomplices were underway, who were involved in stirring up
instability “at the behest of and in collusion with vested political
interests”.
Moreover,
sources told Geo News that two of the officers in the military custody were of
brigadier rank and one was of colonel rank.
The two
retired brigadiers have been identified as Ghaffar and Naeem while the retired
colonel’s name is Asim, they said, adding that they worked as messengers
between a political party and the ex-spymaster.
The two
brigadiers, alleged of facilitation, hailed from Chakwal, the sources further
said.
More
arrests to follow
Addressing
a press conference in Islamabad today, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar
hinted at more arrests after three more servicemen were taken into custody
"No
one can be allowed to put the country's security at stake," he said.
The
minister went on to say that Lt Gen (retd) Faiz's actions were guided by PTI
founder's "wish" and the former prime minister was "leading them
all".
"All
of it was being done at the behest of PTI founder. All of them are those people
who damaged the country conniving with the anarchic group," he said,
adding that accountability was needed for whatever this group had done.
Tarar
said that more arrests will follow as the investigations advance and more names
are revealed.
There is
no pardon for harming the country, he added.
Gen
Faiz's arrest
On
August 12, the ISPR said Gen Faiz had been taken into custody by the army over
allegations of land grabbing and snatching valuables from the owner of a
private housing society.
"Complying
with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry
was undertaken by the Pakistan Army to ascertain the correctness of complaints
in Top City Case made against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid," the ISPR had
said.
Consequently,
the ISPR had said appropriate disciplinary action had been initiated against
the former spymaster under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.
It had
added that multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act
post-retirement had also been established against the former general, who also
served as Peshawar corps commander.
"The
process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen (retd)
Faiz Hamid has been taken into military custody," the ISPR had said in the
communique.
The
arrest was made in connection with a petition filed by a housing society's
chief executive officer (CEO) in the Supreme Court last year, wherein the
former ISI director general (DG) was accused of land grabbing and stealing
valuables during a raid.
In a
plea filed with the apex court's human rights cell (HRC) in November 2023, the
petitioner sought action against the former DG ISI.
"After
the raid, I along with my five other colleagues were kept in confinement. The
federal government should take action against Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid, his
brother Najaf and others," the petitioner Moeez Ahmed Khan stated in his
petition.
A
three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and
comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin Khan had heard the
matter.
The
bench disposed of the petition on November 8, 2023, and directed the petitioner
to approach the relevant forum against the retired general.
In the
written order, the bench had stated that the applicant had alleged that Lt Gen
(retd) Hamid, who was then serving in the armed forces and working with the
ISI, misused his office, and on his directions crimes were committed against
the applicant and his family, as under:
Personnel
of ISI and Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) raided the applicant’s residence and
business offices
Detained
the applicant and his family members
Robbed
the applicant and his family members of their properties
Robbed
the applicant of his business properties; (5) Compelled the applicant to
transfer his business – Dynast Associate/Top City Housing Scheme – into his
nominees names
Had
false cases registered against the applicant, his family and employees; and, He
and those under his command and Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) abused the powers of
their offices while serving in the Armed Forces.
The
written order further stated the learned additional attorney general (AAG)
stated that there are a number of remedies available to the applicant,
including approaching the Ministry of Defence as the complaint/grievance
pertains to a period when the said respondents were serving officers in the
Armed Forces and/or to file a criminal case, including one for malicious
prosecution, and/or to file a suit for damages, or to do all these.”
“The
learned AAG also stated that if a complaint is addressed to the Ministry of
Defence of the Government of Pakistan it will be given due consideration,” says
the order, adding “the allegations are of an extremely serious nature, and if
true, undoubtedly would undermine the reputation of the Federal Government, the
Armed Forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers, therefore, they cannot be left
unattended.”
Lt Gen
(retd) Hamid had sought early retirement in November 2022 and his request was
approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in December.
He was
among the six senior-most army generals who were nominated by the General
Headquarters in the list of potential candidates for the two top military
offices, chief of army staff (COAS) and chairman joint chiefs of staff
committee (CJCSC).
The
ex-DG ISI had served as Peshawar and Bahawalpur corps commander before his
retirement.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1220146-three-more-retired-army-officers-linked-to-gen-faiz-hamid-case-taken-into-custody
--------
Sindh CM
awards Arshad Nadeem Rs50m for Olympic performance
August
16, 2024
KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Khan Tessori
on Thursday accorded a warm welcome to record-breaker Olympic champion Arshad
Nadeem and honoured him with awards for his historic achievement.
The CM
hosted the javelin thrower at the CM House, honouring his historic achievements
and stressing the importance of securing more gold medals to motivate the
nation.
He
highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s 240 million population, suggesting that
the country should aspire to win at least 24 gold medals on the international
stage.
“Arshad
Nadeem is our national pride,” said the CM. “You [Arshad Nadeem] have made
history and act as a role model for the youth of our country,” he said and
added, “The remarkable victory on the international stage shows that
determination overcomes all shortcomings and obstacles.”
When
Arshad Nadeem arrived at the CM House with Planning & Development Minister
Nasir Shah, the provincial cabinet session was in progress, which the CM
temporarily stopped to personally welcome the gold medallist.
The CM,
along with his cabinet members, applauded his record-breaking throw of 92.97
meters, a remarkable achievement that inspired people all over the world.
Arshad
Nadeem expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for his support and
encouragement. He mentioned how the congratulatory phone call he had received
from the chief minister motivated him to strive for even greater
accomplishments.
The
Olympian champion proudly showcased his Olympic Gold Medal during the meeting,
kindling pride and a strong sense of national accomplishment in the room. The
cabinet members applauded enthusiastically and congratulated Nadeem.
In
recognition to Nadeem’s remarkable achievements, the CM awarded him Rs50
million and traditional Sindhi gifts such as an Ajrak, cap, khes and other
memorabilia.
The
P&D minister gifted a car to Arshad Nadeem’s mother, appreciating her for
nurturing such a brave and skilled son.
Additionally,
Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon committed to providing a premium number plate
for the car.
Local
Government Minister Saeed Ghani declared that an important road in Karachi
would be named after Arshad Nadeem, commemorating his national contributions.
Sports
Minister Sardar Mohammad Bux Maher also handed Nadeem a cheque, both from his
department and personal funds.
Governor
Kamran Khan Tessori, accompanied by Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem,
visited Mazar-i-Quaid and laid a wreath at the mausoleum and offered fateha.
They also penned their thoughts in the visitors’ book.
Following
the visit, the Sindh governor expressed his gratitude for the national hero’s
visit to Karachi.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1852530/sindh-cm-awards-arshad-nadeem-rs50m-for-olympic-performance
--------
Govt
finally admits it is tinkering with the internet
August
16, 2024
ISLAMABAD
/ KARACHI: After months of speculation about the installation of a so-called
‘firewall’ that could be leading to internet disruptions, the country’s IT
minister finally confirmed on Thursday that the government was indeed upgrading
its ‘web management system’ to cope with cyber security threats.
Despite
the rather ambiguous terminology used by Minister of State for Information
Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, this was the first time
an official had acknowledged the government’s actions, which have been blamed
for everything from slow browsing speeds, the arbitrary blocking of social
media platforms and WhatsApp connectivity issues on mobile data.
So far,
official stakeholders — Ms Khawaja’s ministry and the Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) — had either been feigning ignorance in
response to public outcry and media queries, or claiming that the problems were
because of telecom and internet service providers, or even Meta.
Meanwhile,
on Thursday, users continued experiencing problems in accessing social media
platforms, including WhatsApp.
Downdetector,
a website that provides real-time information about internet outages, received
an unusually high number of complaints about disruptions in WhatsApp, YouTube,
Facebook, and Instagram between 12 noon and 1pm.
The
services of ISPs, including PTCL, Zong and Nayatel were also affected during
the day.
‘Web
management system’
While
talking to reporters after the Senate Standing Committee on Information
Technology and Telecommunication meeting, Ms Fatima said the government had
sought a report from PTA and other institutions over the internet disruption.
“The
internet should never be slow. We have even been talking about bringing 5G
technology to Pakistan. There is no doubt about that, and conversations about
higher internet speed are underway.”
When the
minister was asked about the ‘firewall’ — a blanket term used by the public to
describe the causes of internet disruption in the absence of any official
explanation — she said the issue had been “blown out of proportion”.
“The
government has been operating a web-management system. The system is now being
upgraded.”
She also
called the process “a routine exercise” across the globe to enhance internet
security, without giving any detail to substantiate her claims about which
other countries have deployed this system.
“It is
the right of the government to take measures to protect its interests given the
cyber security attacks that Pakistan is facing.”
Senate
body meeting
Earlier,
during the Senate committee’s meeting, lawmakers highlighted internet
disruptions and claimed they were causing severe hindrances for online
businesses.
Senator
Afnanullah Khan of PML-N stated that the country was already facing an enormous
economic crisis, and if the internet issue was not resolved, IT sector exports
could fall significantly.
The
Ministry of IT and Telecommunications secretary, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, told
the meeting that there were no issues with broadband connections, but those
using mobile data were facing disruptions.
Officials
of PTA told the committee that the telecom regulator was “assessing the issue”
and the ministry would be in a better position to provide an overview in two
weeks once the assessment is completed.
However,
when Dawn contacted PTA, its spokesperson expressed complete ignorance about
the connectivity issues faced by users on Thursday.
Despite
official stone-walling, users continued to face agonisingly slow internet, and
even loss of businesses.
“In the
past, it used to be just YouTube and Facebook. Now WhatsApp is the latest
casualty,” said a serving armed forces officer who said they were unable to
send or receive files before an important meeting.
Dr Amir
Abbasi, a professor at Islamabad’s Quaid-i-Azam University, claimed that the
work of his students has also been affected.
“Over
the past two weeks, students have struggled to meet project deadlines,” he
said, adding that this has raised concerns among academic institutions.
“After
years of [efforts] to build relationships with international organisations,
missing deadlines damages our reputation.”
On
actions required to address the issue, Prof Abbasi said forming committees was
no longer enough. “There is a clear disconnect between policymakers and the
public. The government must recognise the severe impact of these disruptions,
particularly on students, and abandon outdated practices such as installing
firewalls if Pakistan is to progress.”
More
bodies decry disruptions
In a
press release on Thursday, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA)
said the economy could lose up to $300 million due to internet disruptions,
Reuters reported.
The
statement came a day after the Wireless and Internet Service Providers
Association of Pakistan warned businesses were considering relocating
operations to other countries as internet speed has plummeted by 30 to 40 per
cent in the past few weeks.
In its
statement, P@SHA said that the government’s lack of transparency around the
firewall had “ignited a firestorm of distrust” among internet users and
Pakistan’s global IT clients who fear their proprietary data and privacy will
be compromised.
Ali
Ihsan, the senior vice chairman of P@SHA, said the imposition of the firewall
has already caused prolonged internet disconnections and erratic VPN
performance, threatening a “complete meltdown of business operations”.
“These
disruptions are not mere inconveniences; but, a direct, tangible and aggressive
assault on the industry’s viability inflicting an estimated and devastating
financial losses estimated to reach $300 million, which can further increase
exponentially,” he said in the statement.
The body
of software houses demanded an “immediate and unconditional halt to this
digital siege” and called on the government to engage with the industry to
develop a cybersecurity framework.
A
separate statement by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(OICCI) said frequent internet disruptions would stifle innovation, and
severely diminish the prospects for much-needed foreign direct investment — a
must-need for the economic revival.
OICCI
Secretary General and CEO M. Abdul Aleem claimed internet disruptions have
disproportionately impacted freelancers who generate “over one billion dollars
in revenue for Pakistan’s economy each year”.
Karachi
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh said
his organisation has received a large number of complaints from its members who
have been facing issues in communicating with their clients for the last week
due to disruptions in the services of social media platforms, particularly
WhatsApp.
“In the
era of digitalisation, Pakistan cannot afford such delays in restoring internet
connectivity which must be restored at the earliest,” the KCCI chief added.
Aamir
Shafaat Khan also contributed to this report
Source: dawn.com
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--------
Sikh
woman, son recovered from ‘illegal confinement’ in Faisalabad
August
16, 2024
TOB TEK
SINGH: Faisalabad police claim to have recovered a Sikh woman and her minor
son, who had allegedly been kept in illegal confinement by two brothers in
their house in D-Type Colony at Faisalabad for the last nine months, while the
woman was also repeatedly raped by the suspects during that period.
Punjab
Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Faisalabad
City Police Officer Kamran Adil, told a press conference held at the Police
Lines, Faisalabad, on Thursday that the woman ‘MK’ (40), a mother of five, met
the suspect, ‘KS’ of Faisalabad’s Suhailabad locality six years ago at the
house of her friend at Nankana Sahib.
The
police said that in December 2023, ‘MK’ asked the suspect to drop her minor son
at her sister’s house at Faisalabad.
However,
instead of handing over the child to MK’s sister, the suspect allegedly took
the child hostage to “blackmail” her.
Police
say victim was also raped and tortured by suspects
When
‘MK’ visited ‘KS’ to get back her son, the suspect allegedly also made her
hostage and kept the mother and her minor son in illegal confinement for nine
months.
During
this period, the suspect and his brother also allegedly raped the woman
repeatedly and subjected her to torture, the police said.
After
the victim’s family brought the matter to the notice of the Faisalabad CPO, he
formed a team headed by SSP (investigation) Abdul Wahab and consisting of
Gender Based Violence Unit in charge ASP Zainab Khalid, to recover the woman
and the child.
The
police said the police team conducted a raid on the suspects’ house and
recovered the mother and her son on Aug 14.
The
minister praised the police’s role in recovery of the woman and her son and
assured that justice would be served and a legal action would be taken against
the suspects.
Mr Arora
said that negative propaganda is often made through hired bloggers regarding
minority rights in Pakistan, whereas the Constitution provides all rights to
minorities, and the Punjab government is committed to safeguarding these
rights.
Commending
the role of the media, he said that the media always lends support to religious
minorities in the country.
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---------
Terrorists’
attack on Punjab-KP border check post thwarted
August
16, 2024
DERA
GHAZI KHAN: Police thwarted an attack by 50 to 60 terrorists at the Lakhani
border post on the border of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attackers
retreated and escaped.
According
to the details, provided by police spokesperson and the press release issued by
the police department, at least 50 to 60 terrorists attacked the border post in
the Wahwa Police Station area late at night. The policemen used machine guns,
mortar guns and thermal image cameras to retaliate the attack and forced the
terrorists to retreat.
The
Elite Force teams and contingents of police led by Dera Ghazi Khan DPO Syed Ali
immediately reached the Tarman check post to take part in the operation. Wahwa
Police Station SHO along with his team already was present at the Lakhani check
post while SDPO Taunsa along with all the SHOs and personnel reached the Jhangi
border check post on receiving the information of the attack. Police launched a
search operation in the area.
Inspector
General of Police Dr Usman Anwar congratulated the police team that repulsed
the attack and announced awards for the policemen. He said the terrorists and
miscreants would not be allowed to enter the province under any circumstances.
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--------
Balochistan
govt to bear cost of labourers’ passports in Chaman
August
15, 2024
QUETTA:
The Balochistan government has decided to bear the costs of passport issuance
for daily-wage earners living in the Pak-Afghan border areas as they staged a
protest sit-in in Chaman despite reaching a deal with the government last month
on the issue of border crossing.
The
protests were launched in October 2023 to press the government of Pakistan to
reverse its decision of imposing a one-document regime for border crossing from
both sides.
The
Balochistan government, after holding negotiations with the protesting daily
wagers and traders, accepted their demands, including the border crossing on
the Pakistan’s national identity card and Afghan ID card up to Takhta Pul area
of Afghanistan and parking area of Chaman border, but the protesters agreed
that the one-document regime decision would finally be implemented.
According
to a government spokesperson, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti directed
the provincial authorities to bear the costs of passport issuance for the local
population, particularly the less privileged, to ease the issues they face in
earning their livelihoods and maintaining family ties across the border.
The
spokesperson said that the government was well aware of the challenges faced by
the local population in the Pak-Afghan border areas and therefore the decision
to bear the expenses had been implemented immediately. The official suggested
that the protesting labourers in the Chaman area take advantage of the
government initiative and contact the local passport office.
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--------
Seven
terrorists killed in Kurram IBO
August
15, 2024
Security
forces killed seven terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the
Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a statement issued by the military's
media wing said on Thursday.
"On
August 15, 2024, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in
Kurram district on the reported presence of Khwarij," the Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
"During
the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij's
location, as a result of which, seven Khwarij of Fitna Al Khawarij were sent to
hell, while five of them got injured."
The
statement further said that the terrorists' hideout was also busted and a large
quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered.
The
killed militants remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities
against security forces as well as innocent civilians, it added.
The
sanitisation operation was launched to eliminate any other terrorists found in
the area as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of
terrorism from the country, the ISPR said.
Earlier
this week, four soldiers were martyred while six terrorists were killed during
an exchange of fire between the miscreants and the security forces in South
Waziristan, a statement issued by the military's media wing said late Tuesday
night.
“On
night 12/ 13 August 2024, fire exchange took place between the security forces
and Khwarij in South Waziristan District.”
Pakistan
has experienced a spike in terrorism since the Taliban returned to power in
Afghanistan in 2021. Most terror incidents reported in provinces bordering the
neighbouring country — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According
to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) report, during the
second quarter of the current year, the country witnessed 380 violence-linked
fatalities and 220 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws.
The
report stated that these casualties resulted from as many as 240 incidents
involving terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations.
Against
this backdrop, the federal cabinet in June this year approved Operation
Azm-e-Istehkam, a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign following
the Central Apex Committee's recommendations under the National Action Plan to
root out terrorism.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
Mideast
Israel’s
president condemns ‘pogrom’ after deadly attack by Jewish settlers on
Palestinian village
August
16, 2024
JERUSALEM:
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday condemned a “pogrom” after a Jewish
settler attack on a village in the occupied West Bank that the Palestinian
Authority said killed one Palestinian and wounded another.
Mahmoud
Abdel Qader Sadda, 23, “was martyred, and a citizen was critically injured in
the chest by settlers’ bullets” in the village of Jit, west of Nablus, a
Palestinian health ministry statement said.
The
official Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing local sources, said “armed
colonists” attacked the western part of the village, “setting several vehicles
ablaze.”
The
Israeli military said “dozens of Israeli civilians, some of them masked,”
entered Jit and “set fire to vehicles and structures in the area, hurled rocks
and Molotov cocktails.”
Videos
of the "attack" posted on social media showed homes burning in the
village of Jit, east of Qalqilia in the West Bank.
One
Israeli was taken for questioning, said a military statement, which did not
confirm the Palestinian man’s death.
“I
strongly condemn this evening’s pogrom in Samaria,” Herzog wrote on X, formerly
Twitter, using the name of the biblical province corresponding to the northern
West Bank.
“This is
an extreme minority that harms the law-abiding settler population and the
settlement as a whole and the name and position of Israel in the world during a
particularly sensitive and difficult period.
"This
is not our way and certainly not the way of Torah and Judaism. Law enforcement
officials must act immediately against this serious phenomenon and bring the
lawbreakers to justice," he said.
Pogrom,
of Yiddish and Russian origin, refers to an organized massacre of a particular
ethnic or religious group, according to various dictionaries. Herzog's use of the term on Jewish settlers
is significant as the Jewish people in Russia or eastern Europe were the target
of pogroms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “takes seriously the riots that took place this
evening,” according to a statement from his office.
“Those
responsible for any criminal act will be caught and prosecuted,” the statement
said.
Violence
in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and
separated from the Gaza Strip by Israeli territory, has surged since the Gaza
war started on October 7.
Israeli
settlement there — considered illegal under international law — has also hit
new records.
Netanyahu,
head of the conservative Likud party, has governed Israel since December 2022
with the support of far-right formations advocating more Israeli settlements in
the West Bank or even outright annexation.
His
right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an architect of the upsurge in
Israeli settlements in the West Bank, wrote on X that the attackers in Jit had
“nothing to do with the settlement and the settlers.”
“They
are criminals who must be dealt with by the law enforcement authorities with
the full force of the law,” he added.
Since
October 7, at least 633 Palestinians have been killed in violence with settlers
or Israeli troops, according to the Palestinian authorities.
At least
18 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in attacks involving
Palestinians, according to official Israeli figures.
Excluding
annexed east Jerusalem, some 490,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank
alongside roughly three million Palestinians.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Gaza
ceasefire negotiations extend to another day as Israel continues to hit targets
August
16, 2024
DOHA/CAIRO:
Negotiators were to meet in the Qatari capital Doha again on Friday in an
effort to hammer out a Gaza ceasefire agreement as Israel continued to slam
targets in the Palestinian enclave.
Gaza
health officials reported separately on Thursday that the death toll there had
surpassed 40,000 people after more than 10 months of fighting.
This
round of negotiations opened on Thursday, and the talks would resume on Friday
for a second day, Qatari and US officials said.
A US
official briefed on the discussions in Doha, who declined to be identified, told
Reuters that Thursday’s talks were “constructive.”
“This is
vital work. The remaining obstacles can be overcome, and we must bring this
process to a close,” US national security spokesperson John Kirby told
reporters at the White House.
Israel, meanwhile,
pressed its assault on Gaza. Gaza health officials said at least six
Palestinians were killed on Thursday night in an Israeli air strike on a house
in Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip.
Israeli
troops earlier hit targets in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
In a
statement issued late on Thursday on Telegram, Hamas politburo member Hossam
Badran said Israel’s continuing operations were an obstacle to progress on a
ceasefire. Hamas officials did not join Thursday’s talks.
Badran
said the talks must move toward implementation of a framework agreement
accepted previously and achieve a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli
forces, return of displaced Palestinians and a hostage exchange deal.
“Hamas
looks at the ongoing negotiations in Doha regarding a ceasefire and a hostage
exchange from a strategic perspective with the goal of ending the aggression on
Gaza,” he added.
Mediators
planned to consult with Hamas’ Doha-based negotiating team after the meeting,
the US official told Reuters.
The Israeli
delegation includes spy chief David Barnea, head of the domestic security
service Ronen Bar and the military’s hostages chief Nitzan Alon, defense
officials said.
The
White House sent CIA Director Bill Burns and US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egypt’s
intelligence chief Abbas Kamel also took part.
The
negotiations, an effort to end bloodshed in Gaza and bring 115 Israeli and
foreign hostages home, were put together as Iran appeared poised to retaliate
against Israel after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran
on July 31.
Escalation
risk
With US
warships, submarines and warplanes dispatched to the region to defend Israel
and deter potential attackers, Washington hopes a ceasefire agreement in Gaza
can defuse the risk of a wider regional war.
The
White House said late on Thursday attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian
civilians in the West Bank were “unacceptable and must stop,” after dozens of
settlers assaulted a village, killing at least one person.
With US
presidential elections looming on Nov. 5, Republican candidate Donald Trump
criticized the Biden administration’s months-long calls for a ceasefire, saying
it “would only give Hamas time to regroup.”
Israel
and Hamas have each blamed the other for failure to reach a deal yet neither
side has ruled out an agreement.
On
Wednesday, a source in the Israeli negotiating team said Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed significant leeway on a few of the substantial
disputes.
Gaps
include the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, the sequencing of a hostage
release and restrictions on the free movement of civilians from southern to
northern Gaza.
UN human
rights chief Volker Turk said the Gaza death toll of more than 40,000 reported
by the enclave’s health ministry was a “grim milestone for the world.”
“This
unimaginable situation is overwhelmingly due to recurring failures by the
Israeli Defense Forces to comply with the rules of war,” he said in a statement
from Geneva on Thursday.
Separately,
Israel’s military said it had “eliminated” more than 17,000 Palestinian
militants in its Gaza campaign.
In
shattered Gaza where the war has driven almost all of its 2.3 million
population from their homes, there was a desperate desire for an end to the
fighting.
“We are
hopeful this time. Either it’s this time or never I am afraid,” Aya, 30,
sheltering with her family in Deir Al-Balah in the central part of the Gaza
Strip, told Reuters via a chat app.
The war
started after a Hamas raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which Israel says
the militants killed some 1,200 people, prompting Israel to attack Gaza in
retaliation.
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--------
UN
laments rising death toll in Gaza, says children ‘attacked by rodents and
insects’ at night
August
15, 2024
NEW YORK
CITY: The UN’s high commissioner for human rights on Thursday lamented the loss
of Palestinian lives in Gaza, after reports that the death toll in the conflict
between Israel and Hamas has reached 40,000, most of them women and children.
This
“unimaginable” toll, reported by the Gazan Health Ministry, is “overwhelmingly”
the result of the failure of the Israeli Defense Forces to respect the rules of
war, Volker Turk added.
“Today
marks a grim milestone for the world,” he said. “On average, about 130 people
have been killed every day in Gaza over the past 10 months.
“The
scale of the Israeli military’s destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and
places of worship is deeply shocking.”
UN
spokesperson Farhan Haq said UN officials are aware “this number is an
approximation” and “given the large number, and disturbing number, of people
who remain unaccounted for, who may be trapped or dead under the rubble, this
number may if anything be an undercount.”
The UN
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Thursday that
grieving Palestinian families have no time to mourn their dead, as survivors
face “death, pain, hunger and thirst on a daily basis.”
The
hostilities and recurrent Israeli evacuation orders are driving a “seemingly
endless cycle of displacement” that is making it difficult for people in Gaza
to access the humanitarian assistance they need to survive.
A
humanitarian team that was able to reach two sites in Khan Younis on Thursday
and talk with displaced families found that in addition to shortages of food
and high prices for what little is available, a lack of cleaning and hygiene
products is causing cases of skin infections to spread, with children
particularly badly affected.
Displaced
families have to construct their own shelters “with whatever fabric, pieces of
wood, cartons they find,” the team said. “Children are attacked by rodents and
insects at night due to poor shelter conditions. And yet they might have to
leave again and start it all over again.”
Turk
said: “International humanitarian law is very clear on the paramount importance
of the protection of civilians, and civilian property and infrastructure.”
His
office has documented serious violations of these laws by both the Israeli
military and armed Palestinian groups, including Hamas, he added.
“As the
world reflects on and considers its inability to prevent this carnage, I urge
all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire, lay down their arms and stop
the killing once and for all,” Turk said.
“The
hostages must be released. Palestinians arbitrarily detained must be freed.
Israel’s illegal occupation must end and the internationally agreed two-state
solution must become a reality.”
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--------
French
foreign minister in Beirut applauds Lebanon’s ‘self-restraint in difficult
period’
August
15, 2024
BEIRUT:
France’s Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne on Thursday expressed appreciation
for Lebanon’s “self-restraint in this difficult period” in the region.
Sejourne
reiterated that France “supports Lebanon amid the concerning situation.”
He
stressed that France was keen on extending UNIFIL’s mandate during the UN
Security Council’s session at the end of this month for another 12 months.
Sejourne
arrived in Beirut for a short visit to Lebanon that lasted several hours.
His trip
to the region includes Egypt, Jordan, and Israel.
In his meeting
with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Sejourne also said he hopes for
continued non-escalation from Lebanon.
“We can
only be silent, patient, and praying in this difficult period,” Mikati said
following the meeting
Sejourne’s
visit came a day after US mediator Amos Hochstein’s visit to Lebanon and a day
before the expected visit of the Egyptian foreign minister to Beirut.
The
visits are part of the intense efforts aiming to reach a diplomatic solution
that would achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and de-escalate the situation
on the southern front between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The
French foreign minister also met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Following
the meeting, he affirmed that his message “reiterates France’s support to
Lebanon amid the concerning regional situation.”
He said:
“What matters to us is working on de-escalating the situation. This message was
addressed to Lebanese authorities and will also be addressed to other countries
in the region, hoping things will calm down during these highly sensitive
times.”
He
added: “Our message is one of support, solidarity and responsibility. France
will always support Lebanon in achieving peace in the region. Above all, a
ceasefire in Gaza is an essential and indispensable element if we are to
discuss peace in the region.”
According
to his media office, Berri affirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to the rules of
engagement and its right to self-defense against the Israeli aggression.”
Israel
“targets civilians, media personalities and paramedics, in addition to using
internationally forbidden weapons, including phosphorus bombs, to target
agricultural fields and forests,” Berri said.
He
emphasized Lebanon’s dedication to “the necessity to extend UNIFIL’s mandate in
southern Lebanon for a new term under the French proposal and UN Resolution
1701.”
Sejourne
also met with Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.
According
to statements by people he had met, US mediator Hochstein had warned the
Lebanese officials during his visits on Wednesday against “the risks of a
full-scale war.”
He added
that “the current Doha negotiations are a final and precious opportunity that
can be used to stop the war in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.”
The
region is still waiting for the Iranian response to Israel’s assassination of
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, in addition to Hezbollah’s
response to the killing of its senior military commander Fouad Shukur, in
Beirut’s southern suburbs hours before Haniyeh’s death.
Hezbollah
said in a statement on Thursday that “it will unwaveringly continue to defend
Lebanon and its people with courage and full strength, employing all its
capabilities and surprises.”
In
commemoration of what Hezbollah calls the “July 2006 War Victory,” the group
reaffirmed “its commitment to resistance and its unwavering support for the
Palestinian people.”
Hezbollah
on Thursday targeted the Shamir settlement for the first time with Katyusha
rockets.
The
group said that the attack was in response to “the Israeli enemy’s hostilities
against Jdeidet Marjayoun Wednesday night, which caused casualties.”
According
to the updated toll of the Health Ministry’s emergency operations center, the
unprecedented Israeli attack on the Jdeidet Marjayoun village “killed one
person and severely injured another, who suffered a cardiac arrest.”
The
center added that “upon the patient’s arrival to the hospital, he underwent a
very critical surgery following the CPR performed by the medical staff.”
Around
eight people — including a three-year-old boy — were also injured as a result
of the attack.
The
child underwent surgery in the Marjayoun Governmental Hospital.
He was
subsequently transferred to the Saint George Hospital University Medical Center
in Beirut due to his critical condition.
His father,
whose condition was also critical, was transferred to the same hospital.
Three
other people were moderately injured, while two women and a Syrian national
were treated in the hospital.
Israeli
artillery on Thursday targeted the town of Khiam with internationally banned
phosphorus bombs, as well as the town of Qabrikha, resulting in the injury of
two members of the Islamic Risala Scout Association in Khiam, as well as
injuring a 10-year-old child in Qabrikha.
The
Israeli shelling also reached the outskirts of the towns of Naqoura and Deir
Mimas, which were targeted with incendiary shells.
Hezbollah,
according to its statements on Thursday, “targeted the Ma’ayan Baruch site with
artillery shells” and “a positioning point for Israeli soldiers at the Al-Malikiyah
site.”
It also
launched “an air attack with a squadron of assault drones on the Khirbet Ma'ar
site, targeting the positions of enemy officers and soldiers.”
Hezbollah
mourned two of its members: Mohammed Ali Jihad Badr Al-Din, aged 30, from the
town of Harouf in southern Lebanon, and Hussein Yassin Sheito, aged 29, from
the town of At Tiri in southern Lebanon.
The
Israeli military, in anticipation of the visit of the US envoy Hochstein to
Lebanon, used bunker-busting bombs for the first time in Kfarkela.
It also
announced the crashing of an assault drone in an open area near Arab Al-Aramshe
on the border with Lebanon without causing any injuries.
Israeli
media reported that a settler was injured in Kiryat Shmona.
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--------
Iraq
says announcement on date for end to US-led coalition mission postponed
August
15, 2024
CAIRO:
Iraq said on Thursday that an announcement on the date for an end to the US-led
coalition’s mission has been postponed due to the “latest developments,” the
foreign ministry said in a statement without elaborating.
A rare
ally of both the US and Iran, Iraq hosts 2,500 US troops and has Iran-backed militias
linked to its security forces. It has witnessed escalating tit-for-tat attacks
since the Israel war in Gaza erupted in October.
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--------
UN’s
envoy for Yemen condemns Houthi clampdown on aid efforts and civil society
August
15, 2024
AL-MUKALLA:
The UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Thursday criticized the
Houthis for their assaults on human rights organizations and their treatment of
aid workers in Yemen, and condemned the continuing assaults by the militia on
international shipping in the Red Sea and other waters off the country’s
coasts.
He told
the UN Security Council that the Houthis have been cracking down on
humanitarian workers and civil society groups in Yemen. He urged the militia to
halt its raids on the offices of UN agencies and other foreign organizations,
and to free workers and other individuals that have been imprisoned.
Grundberg
called on the Houthis “to act responsibly and compassionately toward its fellow
countrymen and women, and immediately and unconditionally release all UN, NGO
(nongovernmental organization), civil society, diplomatic mission and
private-sector employees, as well as members of religious minorities.”
He said
that a Saudi-brokered deal between the Yemeni government and the Houthis had
resulted in a significant deescalation of an economic battle between the
warring sides that had threatened to plunge the country into renewed violence.
“Last
month, with the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the parties were able
to halt a dangerous cycle of escalation that was negatively impacting Yemen’s
banking and transport sectors and threatened to ignite renewed military
conflict,” Grundberg said.
UK, US
and EU authorities have similarly denounced the Houthis for assaults on
humanitarian efforts and civil society in the parts of Yemen the militia
controls. They also denounced the group for seizing the offices of the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights in Sanaa this week, and demanded the release of
all abducted Yemenis who work for foreign organizations, including UN agencies.
The UN
said on Tuesday that the Houthis stormed its office in Sanaa and seized papers,
vehicles and furniture as the militia intensified its crackdown on UN agencies,
diplomatic missions and other international organizations.
In a
message posted on social media platform X on Thursday, Hamish Falconer, the UK
minister for the Middle East and North Africa, called on the Houthis to halt
the harassment of workers from the UN and other organizations, and for the
release of all abducted employees.
“We call
on the Houthis to allow the UN and all NGOs to continue their critical work for
the Yemeni people and to release all detained staff immediately,” Falconer
said.
US State
Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel on Wednesday condemned the Houthis
for the takeover of the UN office, accusing the militia of breaching
international norms and derailing humanitarian efforts in the war-torn country.
He said
the assaults on rights groups and aid organizations in Yemen, as well as
attacks on shipping and threats to the Yemeni people and neighboring countries,
obstruct peace efforts to end the war in the country.
“This is
just one more step in an aggressive series of Houthi actions, including
detentions of the UN, international organizations’ and diplomatic personnel
working to help the Yemeni people,” Patel said.
“These
actions will further obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance to
Yemenis who have endured crisis conditions for far too long.”
The EU
diplomatic mission in Yemen on Wednesday reiterated a plea from UN human rights
chief Volker Turk for the Houthis to respect the status granted to the UN and
its workers, leave the occupied office, and return seized documents and
equipment.
“It is
of fundamental importance to maintain the human rights monitoring and reporting
capacity of the (office’s) field presence in Yemen,” the EU mission said.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Muslim
charity lauds UK support for its work in Gaza
August
15, 2024
LONDON:
A Muslim charity founded by an Australian-Palestinian businessman which is
currently working in Gaza has lauded donations and support it has received from
the UK.
Muslims
Around The World, which was established by Ali Banat in 2016, has been helping
Palestinian refugees and displaced people on the ground in the enclave.
Aided by
donations and support from the UK, MATW has delivered critical aid and support
to those displaced and in need of humanitarian support in Gaza.
It has
provided more than 46 million meals to vulnerable families and individuals and
supplied more than 66,000 health and hygiene kits, providing vital items such
as soap, sanitizers and personal protective equipment.
The
charity has also provided shelter items and clothing to 67,892 people and
medical supplies and education materials to more than 152,000 people.
Banat
died in 2018 after a terminal cancer diagnosis two years previously, but MATW
continues his vision and work and operates in more than 20 countries, providing
essential aid and support to the most vulnerable populations.
An
Israeli military operation in Gaza has claimed more than 40,000 Palestinian
lives, according to Hamas-run health ministry statistics, and has crippled its
infrastructure, hugely impacting the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian
territory.
“At MATW
Project, we are dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to those affected
by the ongoing crisis in Gaza,” a spokesperson for the charity said.
“Our
team has been working tirelessly on the ground since October to ensure that the
essential needs of food, shelter, health, and general aid are met. We remain
committed to our mission of helping those in need and making a positive impact
on the lives of millions.”
Since
its inception, MATW’s work has impacted the lives of more than 90 million
people, offering “hope, sustenance, and opportunities for a brighter future,”
the spokesperson added.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Abbas
tells Turkish parliament he will go to Gaza
August
15, 2024
ANKARA:
Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas told a special session of the
Turkish parliament on Thursday that he would travel to Gaza.
He was
speaking as health ministry officials in the Hamas-run territory said the death
toll from Israel’s assault there had passed 40,000 people.
“I have
decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership,”
Abbas said to applause from Turkish lawmakers.
Abbas is
based in Ramallah in the West Bank, and Gaza Strip is controlled by Palestinian
militant group Hamas.
Nobody
is allowed to enter the enclave, apart from a handful of humanitarian workers.
Abbas has not been to Gaza since Hamas took power in 2007.
“I will
do that,” Abbas said in remarks translated into Turkish from Arabic. “Even if
this would cost my life.
“Our
life is not more worthy than the life of a child,” he added.
He was
wearing a white scarf decorated by Turkish and Palestinian flags, as were many
of the deputies listening to his speech, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan.
Abbas,
who added a visit to Turkiye after meeting with Russian President Vladimir
Putin in Moscow, said the Palestinian people would stand tall despite the
Israeli strikes.
“Gaza is
ours as a whole. We don’t accept any solution that would divide our
territories,” he told the parliament.
“There
cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender,” he
promised.
Abbas,
who heads the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas, met Erdogan on
Tuesday. Erdogan was present in parliament during the keynote address.
Abbas’s
latest trip comes at a tense time during the 10-month Israel-Hamas war.
Efforts
for a ceasefire have still not come to anything, and Israel is braced for
threatened attacks from Iran and its proxies following the killings of senior
Hamas officials in Iran and Lebanon.
From the
Turkish parliament floor, Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh,
who was killed in Tehran, and said prayers.
A
picture of the slain leader framed by red carnations was seated in one of the
front chairs in the parliament as Abbas was delivering a speech.
Haniyeh
was a frequent visitor to Turkiye and had close ties with Erdogan, who deemed
Hamas as a liberation movement.
Erdogan
has been a fierce critic of Israel’s conduct in the war sparked by Hamas’s
October 7 attacks, dubbing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the
butcher of Gaza.”
Abbas
commended Erdogan’s “courageous” stance and criticized the international
community’s “silence to the massacres carried out by Israel.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567529/middle-east
--------
North America
CAIR 9th
Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) on Capitol Hill a Success
Thanks to Sponsors’ Support
August
15, 2024
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today thanked congressional sponsor Rep.
Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), organizational cosponsors Diyanet Center of America,
IMAAM Center, Dar Al Taqwa, Islamic Society of Frederick, Masjid An Nur, Muslim
American Society DC and the Muslim Community Center, and all those who helped
make its 9th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) a sold-out
success.
The
event, open to Muslim youth between the ages of 13-19 based in Maryland,
Washington, D.C. and Virginia, was held at the Rayburn House Office Building on
Capitol Hill.
This
year’s program was themed “Amplifying Your Impact: Media as a Catalyst for
Justice.” Media has a profound role in impacting policies and shaping opinions.
It serves as an important mechanism to raise awareness, mobilize communities
and drive political and social change in the national and global fight for
equality and human rights. #MYLS2024 focused on training student leaders to
develop media literacy skills, identify and address media bias and explore ways
to leverage media to fight oppression and advocate for justice.
Students
heard from experts including keynote speaker Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, founder of
the online media publication ‘Muslim’ which today has over 6.3 million
followers on Instagram. Al-Khatahtbeh’s talk focused on media’s influence in
shaping public perceptions about Islam and Muslims, consuming news critically,
using it to drive positive outcomes, and the benefit of developing platforms
that amplify Muslim narratives.
Muslim
congressional staffers joined a fireside chat to share their experiences and
journey to congress and give advice to students interested in political
advocacy. Students toured the U.S. Capitol and visited the CAIR National
Headquarters located two blocks away.
CAIR
presented an award honoring Congresswoman Pressley for her support in investing
in youth leadership in the American Muslim community.
“Equipping
students with the right resources and tools will help them navigate today’s
complex and often confusing information landscape,” said CAIR’s Maryland
Director Zainab Chaudry. “Media have the power to inspire the masses and
influence their attitudes. Used effectively, it can help fight Islamophobia and
ensure that the voices of our youth are not only heard but resonate with
courage, wisdom and integrity. We thank Congresswoman Pressley and all of our
sponsors for their support.”
“This
year’s Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium was a powerful opportunity for
students to enhance their media and civic engagement skills,” said CAIR’s
Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi. “It gave students a safe space
to discuss important issues such as bias and representation. I was so proud to
see this group engaged and networking on the Hill. MYLS is a vital resource to
build our pipeline of Muslim American leaders.”
The
Washington-based civil rights organization has been organizing Muslim youth
leadership programs in states across the country for more than a decade.
Participants have gone on to become respected community leaders, public
servants, activists, community organizers, and youth leaders.
MYLS is
designed to encourage civic and political engagement by American Muslim youth,
empower them to guide their communities from the margins to the mainstream of
society and to provide resources to foster a well-integrated American Muslim
identity that flourishes in a pluralistic America.
CAIR is
America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission
is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice,
and empower American Muslims.
La
misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del
Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados
Unidos.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-9th-annual-muslim-youth-leadership-symposium-myls-on-capitol-hill-a-success-thanks-to-sponsors-support/
--------
Columbia
University president steps down following backlash over Gaza protests
15
August 2024
Columbia
University’s president has resigned after facing extensive criticism regarding
her handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, which sparked widespread
protests in other US universities.
Minouche
Shafik announced her resignation in an email to the university community on
Wednesday after a little more than a year on the job, becoming the third
president of an Ivy League university to step down in the wake of campus
protests over Gaza war.
The
university faced criticism for its heavy-handed tactics against pro-Palestinian
students protesting the genocide in Gaza. Shafik authorized New York police to
move on to campus and break up their encampments, claiming the protesting
students “pose a clear and present danger to the substantial functioning of the
university.”
Hundreds
of faculty members issued statements condemning Shafik’s tactics, and walked
out in support of their students. Since then, Shafik had come under growing
pressure to step down over her role in the crackdown.
Shafik
made her decision to resign public on Wednesday. She said she wanted to ensure
that new leadership is in place before the upcoming term starts on September 3,
a date when student protesters have pledged to continue their demonstrations.
"It
has... been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome
divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll
on my family, as it has for others in our community," Shafik said in a
statement.
The
university appointed Katrina Armstrong, the dean of Columbia's medical school,
as the interim president. In her statement, Armstrong expressed deep
understanding of the challenges the University has encountered in the past
year.
Shafik,
a former head of the London School of Economics and ex-World Bank official, has
declared her intention to return to the UK after stepping down from her
position.
The
student protest group Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine welcomed the
resignation on social media network X.
“After
months of chanting ‘Minouche Shafik you can’t hide’ she finally got the memo.
To be clear, any future president who does not pay heed to the Columbia student
body’s overwhelming demand for divestment will end up exactly as President
Shafik did,” the group wrote.
The announcement comes just days after the
school confirmed that three deans had resigned after the university's president
criticized their involvement in "very troubling" text messages that
touched on "anti-Semitic tropes."
Columbia
University emerged as a focal point for student-led pro-Palestinian protests,
igniting a significant wave of demonstrations at universities throughout the
United States and abroad, where hundreds of students called on their
universities to divest from companies that have ties to the Israeli regime.
Shafik,
who took office in July 2023 as the first female president of the renowned
university in New York City, testified before Congress in April during widely
covered hearings addressing allegations of “on-campus anti-Semitism”, days
before protesters took over Columbia.
The US
has been lending unreserved political, military, and intelligence support to
the Israeli regime, which began a brutal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7
last year, following a retaliatory operation by Gaza’s resistance groups.
The Tel
Aviv regime has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinian ever since the onset of the
military onslaught.
Source: presstv.ir
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--------
US
colleges revise rules on free speech in hopes of containing anti-war
demonstrations
August
16, 2024
NEW
YORK: As students return to colleges across the United States, administrators
are bracing for a resurgence in activism against the war in Gaza, and some
schools are adopting rules to limit the kind of protests that swept campuses
last spring.
While
the summer break provided a respite in student demonstrations against the
Israel-Hamas war, it also gave both student protesters and higher education
officials a chance to regroup and strategize for the fall semester.
The
stakes remain high. At Columbia University, President Minouche Shafik resigned
Wednesday after coming under heavy scrutiny for her handling of the
demonstrations at the campus in New York City, where the wave of
pro-Palestinian tent encampments began last spring.
Some of
the new rules imposed by universities include banning encampments, limiting the
duration of demonstrations, allowing protests only in designated spaces and
restricting campus access to those with university identification. Critics say
some of the measures will curtail free speech.
The
American Association of University Professors issued a statement Wednesday condemning
“overly restrictive policies” that could discourage free expression. Many of
the new policies require protesters to register well in advance and strictly
limit the locations where gatherings can be held, as well as setting new limits
on the use of amplified sound and signage.
“Our
colleges and universities should encourage, not suppress, open and vigorous
dialogue and debate even on the most deeply held beliefs,” said the statement,
adding that many policies were imposed without faculty input.
The University
of Pennsylvania has outlined new “temporary guidelines” for student protests
that include bans on encampments, overnight demonstrations, and the use of
bullhorns and speakers until after 5 p.m. on class days. Penn also requires
that posters and banners be removed within two weeks of going up. The
university says it remains committed to freedom of speech and lawful assembly.
At
Indiana University, protests after 11 p.m. are forbidden under a new
“expressive activities policy” that took effect Aug 1. The policy says
“camping” and erecting any type of shelter are prohibited on campus, and signs
cannot be displayed on university property without prior approval.
The
University of South Florida now requires approval for tents, canopies, banners,
signs and amplifiers. The school’s “speech, expression and assembly” rules
stipulate that no “activity,” including protests or demonstrations, is allowed
after 5 p.m. on weekdays or during weekends and not allowed at all during the
last two weeks of a semester.
A draft
document obtained over the summer by the student newspaper at Harvard
University showed the college was considering prohibitions on overnight
camping, chalk messages and unapproved signs.
“I think
right now we are seeing a resurgence of repression on campuses that we haven’t
seen since the late 1960s,” said Risa Lieberwitz, a Cornell University
professor of labor and employment law who serves as general counsel for the
AAUP.
Universities
say they encourage free speech as long as it doesn’t interfere with learning,
and they insist they are simply updating existing rules for demonstrations to
protect campus safety.
Tensions
have run high on college campuses since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants assaulted
southern Israel and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about
250 hostages.
Many
student protesters in the US vow to continue their activism, which has been
fueled by Gaza’s rising death toll, which surpassed 40,000 on Thursday,
according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
About 50
Columbia students still face discipline over last spring’s demonstrations after
a mediation process that began earlier in the summer stalled, according to
Mahmoud Khalil, a lead negotiator working on behalf of Columbia student
protesters. He blamed the impasse on Columbia administrators.
“The
university loves to appear that they’re in dialogue with the students. But
these are all fake steps meant to assure the donor community and their
political class,” said Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia’s School of International
and Public Affairs.
The
university did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The Ivy
League school in upper Manhattan was roiled earlier this year by student
demonstrations, culminating in scenes of police officers with zip ties and riot
shields storming a building occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters.
Similar
protests swept college campuses nationwide, with many leading to violent
clashes with police and more than 3,000 arrests. Many of the students who were
arrested during police crackdowns have had their charges dismissed, but some
are still waiting to learn what prosecutors decide. Many have faced fallout in
their academic careers, including suspensions, withheld diplomas and other
forms of discipline.
Shafik
was among the university leaders who were called for questioning before
Congress. She was heavily criticized by Republicans who accused her of not
doing enough to combat concerns about antisemitism on the Columbia campus.
She
announced her resignation in an emailed letter to the university community just
weeks before the start of classes on Sept. 3. The university on Monday began
restricting campus access to people with Columbia IDs and registered guests,
saying it wanted to curb “potential disruptions” as the new semester draws
near.
“This
period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in the
community,” Shafik wrote in her letter. “Over the summer, I have been able to
reflect and have decided that my moving on at this point would best enable Columbia
to traverse the challenges ahead.”
Pro-Palestinian
protesters first set up tent encampments on Columbia’s campus during Shafik’s
congressional testimony in mid-April, when she denounced antisemitism but faced
criticism for how she responded to faculty and students accused of bias.
The
school sent in police to clear the tents the following day, only for the
students to return and inspire a wave of similar protests at campuses across
the country as students called for schools to cut financial ties with Israel
and companies supporting the war.
The
campus was mostly quiet this summer, but a conservative news outlet in June
published images of what it said were text messages exchanged by administrators
while attending a May 31 panel discussion titled “Jewish Life on Campus: Past,
Present and Future.”
The
officials were removed from their posts, with Shafik saying in a July 8 letter
to the school community that the messages were unprofessional and “disturbingly
touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.”
Other
prominent Ivy League leaders have stepped down in recent months, in large part
due to their response to the volatile protests on campus.
University
of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned in December after less than two
years on the job. She faced pressure from donors and criticism over testimony
at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated
questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the
school’s conduct policy.
And in
January, Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned amid plagiarism
accusations and similar criticism over her testimony before Congress.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Trump
says he’s ‘entitled to personal attacks’ on VP Harris as his Democratic rival’s
poll numbers surge
August
16, 2024
BEDMINSTER,
New Jersey: Former President Donald Trump said Thursday he thinks he’s
“entitled to personal attacks” on his Democratic rival, adding he’s “very
angry” at Vice President Kamala Harris and questioning her intelligence.
Trump
was asked during a news conference whether his campaign needs more discipline
as he faces a Democratic ticket newly energized since Harris replaced President
Joe Biden as the party’s presidential candidate.
“As far
as the personal attacks, I’m very angry at her because of what she’s done to
the country. I’m very angry at her that she would weaponize the justice system
against me and other people, very angry at her. I think I’m entitled to
personal attacks,” Trump said at his New Jersey golf club, where he invited
reporters in his quest to saddle Harris with Biden’s unpopular economic record.
“I don’t
have a lot of respect for her intelligence and I think she’ll be a terrible
president,” he added.
There is
no evidence that Biden or Harris weaponized the criminal justice system to
target Trump, who has pledged to retaliate with criminal investigations of
Biden and his relatives if he wins.
Trump
also took issue with Democrats branding him and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD
Vance, as “weird.” Harris is “weird in her policy,” he said.
Trump
stuck close to his scripted economic message for more than half an hour,
reading from a binder in front of him in a news conference at his New Jersey
golf club.
Later,
he veered into familiar stories he enjoys telling at his rallies.
A day
earlier, he had struggled to make a sustained case for his economic policies
during a meandering speech that his campaign had billed as a major policy
address.
“Kamala
Harris is a radical California liberal who broke the economy, broke the border
and broke the world, frankly,” Trump told reporters.
Trump
was flanked by popular grocery store items, including instant coffee, sugary
breakfast cereals and pastries, laid out on tables as he highlighted the cost
of everything from food to car insurance to housing. Posters showed the
increase of prices for grocery staples.
At one
point, as Trump talked about the 2020 election he lost, he noticed a box of
cereal. “I haven’t seen Cheerios in a long time,” Trump said. “I’m going to
take them back to my cottage.”
As he
turned to walk back inside, Trump did not respond to shouted questions about
when he last went grocery shopping. The event came one day after the Labor
Department announced year-over-year inflation had reached its lowest level in
more than three years in July — the latest sign that the worst price spike in
four decades is fading.
But
consumers are still feeling the impact of higher prices — something Trump’s
campaign is banking on to motivate voters this fall. A new poll from The
Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that Americans
are more likely to trust Trump over Harris when it comes to handling the economy
and immigration, issues he has put at the center of his case for returning to
the White House.
Harris
is planning her own economic policy speech Friday in North Carolina, promising
to push for a federal ban on price gouging on groceries.
Trump
predicted he would beat Harris by more that he would have beaten Biden by “once
she’s exposed.” “People don’t know who she is,” Trump said.
A small
crowd of Trump supporters watched his news conference from the periphery,
occasionally cheering him on. But without a crowd of thousands to please with
red meat attacks on his enemies, Trump stuck closer to his prepared remarks.
Trump
continued lobbing insults at Harris and Biden at an evening event dedicated to
Jewish voters, where he was introduced by GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson to an
audience that included a Holocaust survivor.
Hours
before the news conference, Trump’s campaign leaders announced they were
expanding his staff, bringing a number of former aides and outside advisers
formally into the fold.
Corey
Lewandowski, Taylor Budowich, Alex Pfeiffer, Alex Bruesewitz and Tim Murtaugh
will advise the campaign’s senior leadership.
Lewandowski
was Trump’s first campaign manager during his 2016 campaign. Budowich and
Pfeiffer are moving over from MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC. Bruesewitz
produces pro-Trump content for a large social media following. And Murtaugh was
the communications director for Trump’s 2020 campaign.
Summer
has been the time for shakeups in Trump’s two prior campaigns. This year’s
change comes weeks after the campaign itself was transformed by Biden’s
decision to end his reelection campaign and endorse Harris.
Trump
gave his top advisers a vote of confidence Thursday, writing on his social
media platform that his management team headed by Chris LaCivita and Susie
Wiles is “THE BEST.”
Trump
spoke to the press as he has stepped up his criticism of Harris for not holding
a news conference or sitting down for interviews since Biden made way for her.
“I think
I’m doing a very calm campaign,” Trump said after being asked about criticism
from Republicans who want him to focus less on personal attacks.
“Some of
you will say, ‘He ranted and raved,’” Trump said to journalists. “I’m a very
calm person, believe it or not.”
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Trump
says he told Netanyahu in July to end Gaza war
August
16, 2024
WASHINGTON/
JERUSALEM: Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Thursday
that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their last
meeting in July to quickly end
Israel’s
war in Gaza.
“He
knows what he’s doing, I did encourage him to get this over with,” Trump told
reporters at a press conference on Thursday. “It has to get over with fast, but
have victory, get your victory and get it over with. It has to stop, the
killing has to stop.”
Trump
was referring to his meeting with Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in late
July, when Netanyahu visited the US He also met President Joe Biden and Vice
President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris during his trip.
Netanyahu’s
office and Trump both separately denied on Thursday an Axios report that said
they had spoken the previous day about Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
talks.
“Contrary
to media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not speak yesterday
with former President Donald Trump,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said.
“I
expect, I might be talking to him, but I haven’t since then,” Trump said at
Thursday’s press conference.
Biden
laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington
and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza
ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles.
The
report, in Axios, cited two US sources. One source said Trump’s call was
intended to encourage Netanyahu to take the deal, but stressed he did not know
if this is indeed what the former president told Netanyahu.
Egypt,
the United States and Qatar have scheduled a new round of Gaza ceasefire
negotiations this week.
Washington,
Israel’s most important ally, has said that a ceasefire in Gaza will reduce the
rising threat of a wider war in the Middle East.
There
has been an increased risk of a broader war after the recent killings of Hamas
leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in
Beirut. Both drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
The
latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered
on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250
hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s
subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed over 40,000
Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also displacing
nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and
leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567592/world
--------
Southeast Asia
‘Thank
You for These 10 Years’: Jokowi in Final State Address
August
16, 2024
Jakarta.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo kicked off his final State of the Nation address
on Friday by thanking the Indonesian people for their support throughout the
past 10 years of his leadership.
Jokowi
-- who donned predominantly black Betawi traditional attire -- spoke in front
of lawmakers and senior government officials at the parliamentary building in Jakarta.
This
officially became Jokowi’s last state address before he is set to step down
from office on Oct. 20. Jokowi first rose to power with Jusuf Kalla as vice
president in 2014, and got re-elected for a second term in 2019.
“Today,
as we mark our last moment, together with [Vice President] Ma’ruf Amin, we
would like to extend our sincere gratitude. Thank you very much to you all, for
all Indonesians wherever you are, who have come together these past 10 years to
pass one obstacle after another, taking one step after another, facing one
change after another. So we as a great nation can reach this point,” Jokowi
said.
“A point
which can be the launch pad for our advancement in the future.”
Jokowi’s
10-year presidency has witnessed major infrastructure development, which he
often claimed to be pivotal to making the country more attractive in investors’
eyes. Some notable infrastructure projects include Southeast Asia’s first
high-speed train Whoosh and the new capital Nusantara.
In his
final state address, Jokowi said that Indonesia had built roads in villages,
spanning a total of 366,000 kilometers. Many Indonesian villages also saw the
construction of new bridges -- totaling 1.9 million kilometers -- over the past
decade.
“We have
built 2,700 kilometers of new tollways, 6,000 kilometers of national roads, 50
new ports and airports, 43 dams, as well as 1.1 million hectares of new
irrigation networks,” Jokowi said.
Jokowi
ended his speech with an apology, admitting that he is “far from perfect” as an
individual.
“Sorry
for the disappointed hearts, for the unrealized hopes and dreams. Once again,
we would like to apologize. We have done our best for the Indonesian people,
for this nation and country,” Jokowi said.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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Indonesia’s
president-elect Prabowo secures parliamentary majority
August
16, 2024
JAKARTA:
Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto has secured a parliamentary
majority after the party that backed his rival in the February elections
announced it was joining his big-tent coalition.
The
NasDem party, which accounts for about 10 percent of parliament, announced late
on Thursday that it would support the incoming administration of Prabowo.
The move
will give the Prabowo government control over parliament, boosting its stake
from 43 percent to 52 percent.
The
parliamentary majority is expected to smooth legislative processes, including
approval of the 2025 budget, which outgoing President Joko Widodo, widely known
as Jokowi, will announce on Friday.
Ex-commander
Prabowo, and vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is Jokowi’s
eldest son, will be sworn into office on October 20.
Nasdem
chief Surya Paloh told reporters on Thursday that his decision to join Prabowo
would foster a “calmer and more optimistic” atmosphere and ease the work of the
incoming administration.
“We
agree to cooperate and collaborate to face challenges in the future,” said
Prabowo, after meeting Paloh, “Unity is the key to a nation’s success.”
Prabowo, whose coalition includes five political parties, is also in talks with
the country’s largest Islamic party, which has a 10 percent parliamentary
share. NasDem previously backed Anies Baswedan, a former Jakarta governor and
vocal government critic, who was defeated by Prabowo in this year’s
presidential election.
The
party’s decision to join Prabowo has led it to withdraw support for Anies’s bid
for Jakarta governor this November. Jokowi’s youngest son Kaesang has in recent
weeks been touted as a possible candidate for the post of governor in Jakarta
or Central Java.
Anies,
who polls show is the frontrunner in the Jakarta race, has been struggling to
find enough parties to support him.
Anies
told Reuters this week that “despite the pressure” he was optimistic he would
ultimately secure the backing of parties with the required threshold of 20
percent of seats in the regional parliament.
The
developments follow the shock resignation at the weekend of Airlangga Hartarto
as head of Golkar, Indonesia’s second-largest political party, which is also in
Prabowo’s camp.
It was
expected that Airlangga, a Jokowi and Prabowo ally, would retain chairmanship
of the party until its planned December congress. Instead, that congress will
be held next week, when a new party chair will be elected.
After a
decade in office analysts say Jokowi is seeking control over Golkar to retain
influence after he steps down.
Source: arabnews.com
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PM
Anwar: No way up for civil servants who see abuse but don’t report it
16 Aug
2024
PUTRAJAYA,
Aug 16 — Senior civil servants found enabling abuse by keeping silent about
this will be disciplined and denied promotions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim said when unveiling public service reforms today.
In an
address delivered to thousands of government workers here, Anwar said the move
is aimed at improving governance and eradicating misconduct. The Pakatan
Harapan chief has made combatting corruption a cornerstone since taking office.
“It is
the duty of each head of department to strengthen integrity and good
governance. Many of them try to conceal abuses just to save face. No more,”
Anwar said.
“Heads
of departments who fail to report abuses by their subordinates will now be
disciplined and denied promotion.”
Source: malaymail.com
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Various
activities and attractive offers at Southern Zone MADANI Rakyat Programme
16-08-
2024
JOHOR
BAHRU: More visitors are expected to be present on the second day of the MADANI
Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2024 Southern Zone today as it is is the weekend holiday
in the state compared to only 30,000 visitors yesterday.
Today’s
programme features more exciting activities such as horse riding, remote
control (RC) car competition, fishing competition, sapling distribution and
e-waste collection.
Various
services are also offered directly to the people through the participation of
34 ministries as well as government and state agencies, with 175 direct
services available throughout the programme.
Like the
PMR series in the northern, east coast and central zones; the programme in the
southern zone also provides service for payment of Royal Malaysian Police
traffic summonses with a discount of up to 50 per cent, exchange of helmets and
old al-Quran.
In
addition, the public can also get information about the National Anti-Drug
Agency (AADK) programme through pocket talks at the Ministry of Home Affairs
(KDN) stall.
On the
main stage, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is giving
explanation about the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0, while the
Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is holding a talk show about ‘Duit Lebur,
Scammer’.
In the
evening, visitors will certainly not miss the opportunity to be entertained by
the Symphonic Rhythm Concert performance that will take place on the Main Stage
at 8.30 pm featuring artists such as Haziq, Rosebi, Ayai Ilusi and Ronnie Husein.
The
MADANI Rakyat 2024 Southern Zone programme is organised by the Prime Minister’s
Office through the Performance Leap Coordination Unit (PACU), with the
strategic cooperation of the Ministry of Economy and the Johor government.
It is a
continuation of the MADANI Government One Year Programme which was held at the
Bukit Jalil National Stadium in December 2023.
This
programme provides an opportunity for the local community to understand the
government’s policies and initiatives in empowering the people, entrepreneurs,
and industry since its implementation one year ago.
Source: thesun.my
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40
injured Palestinians depart Egypt for treatment in Malaysia
16-08-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: Forty injured Palestinian civilians from the Gaza conflict departed
aboard two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A-400M aircraft from Al Maza
Air Base in Egypt, on Thursday night for treatment in Malaysia.
Egyptian
Ambassador to Malaysia Ragai Nasr told Bernama that the two aircraft with 40
injured Palestinians and 80 of their relatives, departed from Al Maza Air Base
in Cairo and are heading to Kuala Lumpur.
“Wishing
them a safe trip to Malaysia,” he said.
The two
aircraft and the patients are scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Friday
morning.
The
injured Palestinians, who are currently receiving treatment in several hospitals
in Egypt, have suffered a range of medical issues, including bone injuries and
burns.
Earlier, Nasr said the patients will receive
treatment at hospitals designated by Malaysia.
He added
that the selection of the 40 wounded Palestinians for treatment in Malaysia was
made under the direction of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, following a request
from Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“This is
a coordinated effort involving multiple entities working together to fulfil
Prime Minister Anwar’s request,” he said, pledging commitment to continue their
efforts in collaboration with Malaysia.
On Aug
4, Anwar announced that Malaysia would assist in treating injured Palestinians
by bringing them to Malaysia.
According
to Nasr, Egypt is currently hosting over 70,000 Palestinians in 40 hospitals.
He
assured that Egypt would extend support to any future requests from Malaysia.
“We will
continue this assistance, whatever Malaysia asks of us in the future,“ he
added.
Local
health authorities confirmed on Thursday that the Palestinian death toll from
the Israeli onslaught since October 7 has risen to 40,005, with an additional
92,401 individuals injured, Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported.
Source: thesun.my
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Nearly
14,000 citizenship applications approved to date - Saifuddin Nasution
15-08-
2024
GUA
MUSANG: The Home Ministry has approved nearly 14,000 citizenship applications
to date, said its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said
that, based on data collected since 2013, 75 per cent of these approvals fall
under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, which involves illegitimate
children, adopted children, and foster children.
“The
remaining cases fall under Article 15 (2) of the Federal Constitution, such as
those advocated by Family Frontiers (Malaysia). This includes Malaysian women’s
children born abroad because their husbands are foreigners. This is temporary
while we work on amending the constitution to allow these children to acquire
citizenship automatically or through legal enforcement.
“In the
second case, foreign wives married to local husbands can also apply for
citizenship after seven years. They marry here, live here, and raise their
families here. Therefore, they apply for citizenship, and this is another
category that receives approval,” he said.
He told
this to reporters after attending a goodwill programme here today.
During
the July 1 sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, Saifuddin Nasution was reported as
saying that his ministry targets to resolve 17,000 citizenship applications
this year.
Meanwhile,
he said that his ministry has requested the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and
the Malaysian Prisons Department to collaborate in addressing the issue of
drone use for drug trafficking into prisons.
“I have
asked both agencies to work together to curb this issue, as it is very
detrimental. Not only is it an offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,
involving drug trafficking, but it also targets prisons, which are institutions
for rehabilitation, making it very inappropriate,” he said.
On
Monday, the media reported that the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department
(JSJN) of Bukit Aman detected seven cases of attempts to smuggle drugs into
prisons nationwide using drones so far this year.
Bukit
Aman JSJN director Datuk Khaw Kok Chin was reported as saying there were two
cases each in Kedah and Melaka, and one each in Perak, Kelantan, and Sarawak.
Source: thesun.my
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Gov’t
Repatriates Body of Indonesian Who Dies in Riot-Hit Bangladesh
August
16, 2024
Jakarta.
The government has repatriated the body of an Indonesian citizen who recently
died in riot-struck Bangladesh.
The
victim, referred to by their initials DU, arrived in Bangladesh on Aug. 1 for a
business trip. DU died in Bangladesh’s Jashore on Aug. 5, after rioters
attacked the hotel that the victim was staying in, even setting the building on
fire. DU passed away after inhaling too much smoke from the fire. DU was 50
years old.
“The
victim’s body arrived in Indonesia on Wednesday. After arriving at the
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, an ambulance took [DU’s body] to a
funeral home in Semarang,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on Friday.
The government
handed over DU’s body to family members on Thursday.
The
unrest started in June with Bangladeshi university students protesting the
government job quota. The tension spiralled into calls for Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina to step down.
The
protests turned deadly as protesters and the police got into a clash.
Protesters even set fire to a hotel owned by a leader of Hasina’s party in
Jashore. Hasina finally resigned and fled the country.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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Indonesia’s
Deficit with China More Than Doubles to $1.7 Billion
August
15, 2024
Jakarta.
Indonesia’s deficit with its top trading partner China had more than doubled in
July, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced Thursday.
China
was the biggest deficit contributor in Indonesia’s non-oil and gas
international trade balance in July. BPS data showed that Indonesia’s imports
of Chinese goods had been topping what Jakarta shipped to Beijing. Last month,
Indonesia’s goods exports to China hit $4.8 billion. However, Indonesia’s
imports from China amounted to $6.5 billion.
This
resulted in Indonesia’s deficit with China skyrocketing to $1.7 billion in
July, marking an over twofold increase compared to the $682 million deficit
with Beijing posted the month before. The recent figures were also more than
double the $635.7 million deficit in July 2023.
“Machinery
and mechanical appliances were the largest contributors to our July deficit
with China, [standing at $1.52 billion], seconded by electrical machinery and
equipment [around $1.2 billion],” Amalia A Widyasanti, the acting head at BPS,
told a press briefing.
Data
showed that vehicles and parts thereof contributed around $343 million to
Jakarta’s deficit with Beijing.
The
deficit that Indonesia had with Australia -- the second-largest contributor to
the negative balance -- totaled $602.8 million in July. This was still less than
half of the deficit with Beijing.
Both
Indonesia and China are part of the world’s largest trade pact, the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which enables its signatories to
enjoy major tariff removals. ASEAN -- of which Indonesia is a member -- is
hoping to upgrade its trade deal terms with China no later than this year.
According
to BPS, Indonesia exported an estimated $2.61 billion more in non-oil and gas
goods than it imported in July. The archipelagic country, however, posted a $2.13
billion deficit when it comes to oil and gas trade. These numbers brought
Indonesia to a total surplus worth around $470 million that month. This also
puts Indonesia on a 51-month positive trade balance streak since May 2020.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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