One in three British Muslims consider leaving UK due to Islamophobia: report

New Age Islam News Bureau

21 Nov 2024

A new survey highlights growing concerns within British Muslim communities after the violent unrest that spread across the country this summer [Getty]

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·         One in three British Muslims consider leaving UK due to Islamophobia: report

·         Dhirendra Shastri calls for 'Vande Mataram' in temples and mosques to identify patriots and antinationals, proposes new identity for Adivasis

·         Pakistani Army chief says protecting 'digital borders' responsibility of state

·         Jihad accuses Washington of managing war of extermination in Gaza

·         KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

·         FBI charges man with alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange

·         Lakurawa Terrorists: How Kebbi, Sokoto Residents ‘Invited The Devil For A Dinner’

·         Qatar Seeks Malaysia's Cooperation To Design Anti-corruption Programme For Islamic Countries

·         Islamic Emirate Ambassador Promotes Trade and Technology Ties at SCO Forum in China

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Europe

·         Russia and US battle for advantage in Ukraine war ahead of Trump's return

·         Man who drugged wife in French mass rape case told: You'll die alone

·         Littlehampton: Plans for new mosque face controversy

·         Charity and Wolverhampton mosque ready to host community event for cancer support

·         Muslims feel Islamophobia and hate more widespread, says survey

·         EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Before adoption of the resolution on human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar

·         Faisal Islam: The cost-of-living crisis isn't over

·         Ukraine front could 'collapse' as Russia gains accelerate, experts warn

·         Putin gifts lion and brown bears to North Korea zoo

·         The model, British tech and Russia's war machine

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India

·         'They only see Muslims in Karim': AIUDF attacks Himanta Biswa Sarma over Karimganj renaming

·         Mosque surveyed after court nod amid plea claiming it as Babur-era Hindu temple site in UP's Sambhal

·         Florida man says ‘I feel like Bin Laden’ after arrested over alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange

·         Calcutta HC asks West Bengal cops to 'take over' mosque after 1 killed in clashes

·         Film director Bobby Islam receives death threats, lodges plaint

·         J&K: Congress prods Omar Abdullah for 'coalition' government incorporating party in cabinet

·         Maharashtra assembly polls: 'Dismal record' of metropolitan voters continues, say Election Commission

·         Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan among Bollywood celebrities who cast vote in Maharashtra assembly polls

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Pakistan

·         Use of VPNs: Typographical error led to confusion: Council of Islamic Ideology

·         Imran granted bail in Toshakhana case but release unlikely

·         Police to seek Imran's physical remand in vandalism case today

·         'Time is not ripe': Fazlur Rehman opposes PTI's 'final protest call'

·         High-powered PPP body to raise ‘unresolved’ issues

·         IHC asked to decide Islamabad plots case afresh

·         Four madressah students injured in Turbat grenade attack

·         SC declares PPP man winner, rejects tribunal’s verdict

·         Govt places 4,300 beggars on no-fly list

·         Students rally in Quetta as police find no clue to abducted boy’s whereabouts

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Mideast

·         Hezbollah says Israel ‘cannot impose conditions’ for truce

·         How Israel’s UNRWA ban will impact Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank

·         Fierce battles in southern Lebanon amid ceasefire talk

·         Israel says not fighting Lebanese army, after soldiers killed

·         Israel insists on right to act against Hezbollah in any deal to end fighting

·         Pezeshkian: Islamic countries’ cooperation, unity will bring progress for Muslims

·         ICC prosecutor urges nations to help arrest 6 Libyans allegedly linked to a brutal militia

·         Hamas: No hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless Gaza war ends

·         Jordanian king and UAE president discuss ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon

·         Jordan army flies eight helicopters with aid to Gaza

·         US vetoes UN resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages

·         Event for Martyrs of Qur’an Schools in Shu’ub district on annual anniversary of the martyr held

·         Islamic Forum, Al-Maarefa University commemorate anniversary of martyr

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Arab World

·         Saudi, Eurojust officials discuss judicial reforms

·         Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius

·         Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid

·         Wonder District brings worlds of fun to Jeddah

·         Slovak envoy highlights strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia

·         Saudi students gear up for global Formula 1 in Schools challenge

·         Saudi minister Al-Jubeir receives Tajik official in Riyadh

·         Umrah pilgrims hosted by King Salman arrive in Madinah

·         Diriyah Company announces multibillion-dollar Qurain Cultural District and Northern District

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North America

·         Las Vegas man who called 911 for help killed by police in his home

·         Texas offers Trump land for migrant 'deportation facilities'

·         Fate of Gaetz ethics report uncertain after congressional panel deadlocked

·         Deadly bomb cyclone cuts power for thousands in US north-west

·         House speaker backs transgender bathroom restrictions on Capitol Hill

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Africa

·         Those Around Tinubu Have Isolated Him From Reality – PDP, LP Knock FG Over Delay In

·         Appointing Ambassadors

·         Wike’s Actions Not Unusual, PDP Should Focus On Resolving Challenges – Senate Minority Caucus

·         Identities Of Police Operatives Attacked By Gunmen In Abia State Revealed

·         Court Reserves Judgment On Deputy Governor’s Qualification In Ondo Election

·         PDP Chieftain, Ulasi Reveals Tinubu’s Two Biggest Mistakes

·         Mali: Civilian PM sacked after criticizing junta, cabinet dismissed

·         ICC says it has uncovered evidence of war crimes in Libya

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Southeast Asia

·         ‘We have been highly vocal’: Malaysia advocates for Palestine and Israel’s expulsion from UN at Apec, G20 and Arab-Islamic summits, says PM Anwar

·         PM Anwar: Media freedom ranking needs improvement, but 3Rs remain as constraint

·         After Shafee complains about Najib’s SRC trial reports, NUJ says don’t blame the media

·         Johor tables state Budget 2025 with surplus of RM5.12 million

·         Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock’s death within six months

·         Malaysia maintains strong US trade ties despite differing views on Gaza conflict and other global issues, says PM

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South Asia

·         Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani Inaugurates AFN 71 Million Police Headquarter Project in Khost

·         Acting Commerce Minister Hosts Meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Ambassador in Iran

·         Students stage coffin procession at DU

·         Beximco workers block road for 7th day

·         15 injured as students of Dhaka, City colleges clash

·         Harsh winter arriving amid Afghans’ economic problem

·         Islamic Emirate Ambassador Advocates for Electronic ID Distribution Centers in Iran

·         Eight Mosques to Be Constructed Along Kandahar-Herat Highway with 259 Million AFN Investment

·         Turkey Commends Islamic Emirate’s Efforts in Combating Narcotics

·         Stable Afghanistan Benefits Region and World, Says Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund

·         New Uzbek Ambassador Submits Credentials to Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan

·         4,000 Afghans enter Iran daily with Visas: Iranian Official

·         BHBFC inaugurates Islamic finance to rural housing

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/british-muslims-islamophobia-consider-uk/d/133780         

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One in three British Muslims consider leaving UK due to Islamophobia: report

20 November, 2024

A new survey highlights growing concerns within British Muslim communities after the violent unrest that spread across the country this summer [Getty]

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Most British Muslims believe Islamophobia has increased since the summer riots following the Southport stabbings in England’s Merseyside, with one in three considering leaving the UK, according to a report released on Wednesday by the anti-Muslim crime watchdog, Tell MAMA. 

A survey carried out by the organisation highlights growing concerns within British Muslim communities after the violent unrest that spread across the country this summer.

One in four Muslims surveyed, either online or by phone, reported experiencing anti-Muslim hate or Islamophobia following the mass stabbing on 30 July in Southport.

The violence, triggered by false online claims that a Muslim asylum seeker was responsible for the fatal stabbing of three children, sparked a wave of riots around the country, targeting immigrants and Muslims.

Two-thirds of respondents felt the risk of harm to Muslim communities had grown since 30 July, with more than two-thirds stating that anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia had become more widespread.

Almost four in 10 participants expressed concerns that their local mosque was at risk from far-right groups and extremists, the survey revealed.

Despite the rising hostility, half of those surveyed said the riots had made them feel "more open about their Muslim identity," and six out of 10 stated they still felt safe in the UK.

In a statement, Tell MAMA commented: "The poll findings demonstrate that anti-Muslim hate or Islamophobia is having significant impacts on Britain’s Muslim communities."

It went on to say that, in the weeks following the July riots, Tell MAMA had received numerous reports from the public, many of whom had been shouted at, threatened with death, spat at, or physically assaulted. 

"Many British Muslims are very scared at the moment. They need our government to show it hears their fears, and is working to keep them safe," said Iman Atta, director of Tell MAMA.

"This poll is proof of the terrifying impact anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia is having."

She continued, "More work must be done to reassure these people. We need a greater focus on supporting social cohesion in the worst affected areas. These findings should be a wake-up call for the government." 

Far-right violence

The survey, which interviewed 750 Muslims in the UK between 30 September and 14 October, sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by British Muslims in the wake of far-right violence. 

The findings align with a report published by the Runnymede Trust on Tuesday, which revealed a sharp increase in hate crimes against Muslims and explicit rhetoric depicting Muslims as a threat to British society.

The report also examined the racist riots that took place across the UK this summer, noting that there is widespread anti-Muslim sentiment across Britain. 

Afzal Khan, the British MP for Manchester Rusholme, was joined by his colleagues to take a stand against Islamophobia at an event in Parliament on the same day to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month.

The event was supported by representatives from Amnesty International and the Muslim Council of Britain to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of challenging hate and discrimination. 

Islamophobia Awareness Month is held annually to highlight the positive contributions of Muslims to society, as well as to raise awareness of Islamophobia and the prejudice British Muslims face in all sectors of society.

Khan was quoted as saying on Tuesday: "With the surge in Islamophobic hate crime since October 2023, and the far-right rioters we saw attacking mosques and Muslims across the country this summer, it is more important than ever that MPs show their support for British Muslims and re-commit to stamping out Islamophobia."

Source:newarab.com

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https://www.newarab.com/news/1-3-british-muslims-consider-leaving-uk-due-islamophobia

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Dhirendra Shastri calls for 'Vande Mataram' in temples and mosques to identify patriots and antinationals, proposes new identity for Adivasis Nov 21, 2024

Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the Peethadhinshwar of Bageshwar Dham (Photo/ANI)

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Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 21 (ANI): Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham, on Thursday suggested that the national song Vande Mataram (/topic/vande-mataram) should be sung after the Aarti in both temples and mosques. He believes this practice would help identify true patriots and distinguish them from anti-nationals. Speaking to ANI, he said, "In temples and even in mosques, Vande Mataram (/topic/vande-mataram) should be sung. If this is implemented, it will clearly show who are true patriots and who are anti-nationals." Describing this practice as a unifying gesture for the nation, Shastri added that it would reflect the shared respect for the country among all communities. "This initiative would not only instil patriotism but also bring clarity to the intentions and loyalties of people," he said. Shastri added that such steps could foster national unity and strengthen bonds among citizens, transcending religious barriers. Speaking about his Sanatan Ekta  Padyatra, Shastri described the event as a step toward uniting Hindus and eliminating caste discrimination. "This Hindu spirit is growing and becoming a unique identity. There is a surge of fervent Hindus, reminiscent of the atmosphere during the time of independence. The current environment is one of Hindu unity. People are excited and participating enthusiastically. We feel truly revitalised," he said. The 160-kilometre-long Yatra, which spans 11 days, includes participation from saints, nationalist thinkers, and others. Shastri highlighted that several personalities will attend, including Telangana BJP leader T RajaSingh on November 22. Contributions from members of the religious fraternity and a boy, dubbed the "Khali of Bundelkhand," pulling a chariot with his hair, are among the highlights. The journey, as per Shastri, is aimed at encouraging unity, and will see participation from people of diverse backgrounds, including children, women, and even persons with disabilities. Addressing the topic of religi us conversions among Adivasis (/topic/adivasis), Acharya rejected the term "Adivasi" and proposed calling them "Anadiwasis" to signify their eternal connection to Indian culture. "We want to give them a new identity. They are not just Adivasis (/topic/adivasis); they are Anadiwasis--eternal members of this land who have always been with us. They stood with Bhagwan Shri Ram and are from Mata Sabari's lineage. These are remarkable people, and they must be honoured and included,"* he said. Shastri also underlined that the solution to conversions among tribal communities lies in reducing the gap between them and the rest of society. "The biggest reason for conversions is the distance between us. To stop this, we need to go to their communities, involve them in festivals, and give them platforms to shine. Respecting and engaging with them will strengthen their bond with our traditions," he said. He called for improvements in education and healthcare in tribal regions to counter missionary influences. "If proper sc ools, gurukuls, and hospitals are provided to them, there will be no space for Christian missionaries to set up their schools, and they won't be able to brainwash them (Adivasis (/topic/adivasis)). Thus, conversions will stop," Shastri told ANI. Shastri also addressed criticism over his Dubai visit, questioning why only this trip was highlighted while his visits to countries like Nepal, Fiji, and Australia were ignored. "If Pakistan invites us, we will go there too.  

Source:aninews.in

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https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/dhirendra-shastri-calls-for-vande-mataram-in-temples-and-mosques-to-identify-patriots-and-anti-nationals-proposes-new-identity-for-adivasis20241121093246/

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Pakistani Army chief says protecting 'digital borders' responsibility of state

November 21, 2024

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir delivers a speech at the passing out parade of the 147th long course of the Pakistan Army at the military academy in Kakul on April 29, 2023. — ISPR

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KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir said on Wednesday that the state is also responsible to protect the "digital borders" of the country and "ensure digital security" of the people.

Addressing the business community in Karachi, the army chief expressed optimism about the country's economic progress, saying that he has a firm belief in Pakistan’s bright and stable future.

Recalling his earlier statement during the previous meeting with the business community, COAS Munir said that he had told everyone that "hopelessness is forbidden".

He said that the country's economic indicators turned positive which he said would further improve next year "while those who made claims about the country’s default are nowhere to be seen". He called for accountability of those elements who spread disappointment amongst the masses

"Nothing, including politics, is superior to our country and we also should prioritise the country over personal gains," said the army chief, adding that the people should ask about the importance of a state from the people of Libya, Iraq, and Palestine.

He asked the masses to make united efforts to deal with challenges facing the country.

"Only Pakistanis could bring economic stability in Pakistan," said General Munir urging overseas Pakistanis to bring investments in their home country to play their role in the country's development and prosperity.

He said that those running illegitimate businesses were backing terrorism with ulterior motives.

Last week, General Munir termed "misleading and incorrect information" a major challenge, he said that without comprehensive laws and regulations it will continue to destabilise "political and social structures".

He made the statement while addressing a special ceremony of Margalla Dialogue 2024, organised by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).

Speaking about global challenges at the ceremony, Gen Munir had said that the world, in recent years, has been facing many challenges, among which the rapid spread of false and misleading information is a major one.

"In view of many changes in the world, the increasing influence of violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism is also a major global challenge."

Stressing stricter rules for social media, he added that freedom of speech without restrictions was "leading to the degradation of moral values in all societies".

Source:thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1253157-army-chief-says-protecting-digital-borders-responsibility-of-state

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Jihad accuses Washington of managing war of extermination in Gaza

20 Nov 2024

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine expressed its condemnation on Wednesday of America's use of the veto in the Security Council to obstruct the draft resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The movement said in a statement "The use of the US veto in the Security Council against a draft resolution for a ceasefire confirms that it is managing a war of extermination against our people."

Earlier in the day, the United States used its veto against a resolution of the United Nations Security Council calling for a ceasefire in the Zionist enemy's war on the Gaza Strip, which the Palestinian resistance factions considered a partnership in the war of extermination against the Strip.

The draft resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, which was supported by 14 countries and opposed by only the United States, called for "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire that must be respected by all parties," and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."

The draft resolution stressed the need for the parties to comply with their obligations under international law with regard to the persons they detain, and to enable the civilian population in the Gaza Strip to immediately obtain basic services and humanitarian assistance necessary for their survival.

The draft resolution on the ceasefire called on all parties to fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, in particular its provisions relating to the protection of civilians, especially women, children and persons hors de combat, as well as its provisions relating to the protection of civilian objects.

Source:saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3399592.htm

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KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

November 21, 2024

The support is part of a shelter project to help people returning to the country from Pakistan and those affected by flooding. (SPA)

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RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed shelter kits and tents to 200 families in the Baghlan province of Afghanistan, benefiting 1,200 people.

The support is part of a shelter project to help people returning to the country from Pakistan and those affected by flooding.

The scheme is set to distribute 4,882 essential items such as tents, blankets, plastic mats and other vital supplies, aiding a total of 29,292 people.

It is part of the Kingdoms ongoing worldwide humanitarian and relief efforts through KSrelief.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580180/saudi-arabia

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FBI charges man with alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange

November 21, 2024

Max Matza

A Florida man has been arrested and charged with plotting to set off a bomb at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), according to court documents.

Harun Abdul-Malik Yener is accused of attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce, according the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.

According to the FBI, he allegedly recorded himself saying "I feel like [Osama] Bin Laden" - a reference to the former al-Qaeda leader responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the US.

Federal officials began investigating him in February after receiving a tip that he was keeping bomb-making supplies inside an unlocked storage unit.

Agents searched the facility in Coral Springs and said they discovered “bombmaking sketches, numerous watches with timers, electronic circuit boards and other electronics”, court documents said.

A federal public defender in the Southern District of Florida who has been assigned to represent Mr Yener did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the documents, investigators said Mr Yener allegedly told an undercover agent last week that he planned to carry out the attack the week before the Thanksgiving holiday, which takes place on 28 November.

“That would be a great hit,” Mr Yener allegedly told an agent, saying the attack in lower Manhattan would be "hella easy".

He also allegedly conducted numerous internet searches for how to build bombs, and told agents he planned to wear a disguise during the attack and release a recorded message to the media.

Investigators said Mr Yener's alleged "motivation for bombing the NYSE was to attain a 'reboot' and/or 'reset' of the United States government".

Mr Yener is said to have told undercover agents that the explosion would be ‘like a small nuke went off’ and that '[a]nything outside' the building ‘will be wiped out’ and ‘anything inside there would be killed'."

He allegedly maintained a YouTube channel with videos describing how to make explosives from household items.

Mr Yener, a resident of southern Florida, is homeless, according to court documents.

He appeared in court on Wednesday for the first time and will be detained while he waits for his trial, according to the Associated Press news agency.

The arrest is the latest in the last few months involving US national security.

In October, a man from Afghanistan was arrested for allegedly planning an attack to coincide with election day, which took place earlier this month.

And in August, a Pakistani man was arrested for allegedly plotting to murder US officials on behalf of Iran.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg57pjp48d2o

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Lakurawa Terrorists: How Kebbi, Sokoto Residents ‘Invited The Devil For A Dinner’

21 November 2024

By Richard Ogunsile

The saying that ‘you cannot invite the devil to dinner and get mad when he overstays his welcome’ is a clear example of the happenings in Kebbi and Sokoto States as residents live in fear following the activities of Lakurawa terrorists in the Northwestern region of Nigeria.

A militant group known as LAKURAWA, formed initially as a self-defence force for Fulani communities in Niger in 1997, has become a formidable and increasingly radicalized presence in Nigeria’s northwest.

Reports indicate the group has been active in armed banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnappings in Sokoto and Kebbi states, raising fears about the spread of violent extremism in the region.

Initially established to protect Fulani herders from Tuareg attacks, the Lakurawa gradually shifted its stance in 2012 when a faction allied with al-Ansar al-Sharia, a group pushing for a Sharia state in Mali’s Azawad region.

Naija News understands that this alliance resulted in a splinter group that began to adopt extremist ideologies, operating outside legal frameworks and often clashing with local authorities.

How Residents Invited Lakurawa Into Their Communities

In an exclusive interview with Naija News recently, Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region, quoted sources to have indicated that in 2018, local leaders in Nigeria’s Gudu and Illela areas discreetly invited Lakurawa to help curb rising bandit activity, bypassing government channels.

This move has since drawn controversy.

Shortly after Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted from power on July 26, 2023, as members of the presidential guard led a coup, reinstating military rule and calling itself the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the Lakurawa group was allegedly contracted by a foreign country to destabilized the country to restore President Buzoum.

The Lakurawa top men were given dollars equivalent to ₦10million Naira with a motorcycle while those with wives were paid about ₦15 million each with motorcycles as insensitive for their recruitment. Sophisticated equipment was also supplied to the group.

According to a Security Intelligence platform, SBM Intelligence traces the growth of the sect to be made up primarily of foreign fighters from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on account of their physical appearance and language, bringing into focus warnings from the US-Africa Command of the US Military in 2020 that Jihadists are increasingly making a play for coastal West Africa.

At the time this warning was made, the most significant development that would have made it a self-fulfilling prophecy was the journeying of a contingent of JNIM fighters who stopped at the National Park in Benin, a few kilometres from the border in Nigeria to ask for directions from a park ranger.

They were said to be on their way to North Western Nigeria to provide support to Ansaru, Boko Haram’s first splinter faction and now the local Nigeria Al-Qaeda affiliate, which had taken a huge beating from the Nigeria Police Force in Kuduru area of Kaduna in February, of that year.

Lakurawa Has Been Around Since 2018

Zagazola observed that Lakurawa terrorists have existed in Nigeria since 2018, hibernating around the villages of Kebbi, Sokoto, and some parts of Zamfara.

He said: “The people of the regions were comfortable with them as the LAKURAWA provided protection to them against attacks by armed bandits. In many cases, they reportedly confront and expel bandits and confiscate their cattle in controlled areas.

“The Lakurawa employ a combination of financial incentives and ideological influence to gain support among vulnerable communities but things soon start to fall apart when the extremist groups begin to impost ideologies linked to the Khawarij sect, similar to the beliefs of Boko Haram.

“The Lakurawa, which includes a diverse ethnic makeup of Malians, Arabs, Tuaregs, and Fulani, is notable for its distinct attire, with members often sporting beards and turbans.

“Known to communicate in Arabic, Tuareg, Fulfulde, and Hausa, they have easily integrated across communities, facilitating their expansion across the northwest.

“Their extremist shift was part of the plan to form alliances with larger insurgent groups, like Bandits and Boko Haram, fueling insecurity in Nigeria’s northwestern and north-central zones. Their complex history and cross-border connections make it a difficult threat to neutralize.”

Zagazola noted also that the group’s alignment with local insurgent factions echoes the circumstances that gave rise to Boko Haram.

“This is a group with deep historical roots and a willingness to adapt its tactics, making it a highly destabilizing force,” he noted.

Zagazola has previously reported on the extensive smuggling network operated by terrorists from Dole-Kaina, a border town in Kebbi State that connects Nigeria and Niger.

It is alleged that substantial amounts of fuel, ammunition, and various supplies are transported across Nigeria’s borders, with these items ultimately reaching terrorist groups throughout the Sahel and West African regions.

These supplies, which also include financial resources, often traverse through Niger and, in certain cases, the Benin Republic before arriving in Kompienga, a province in eastern Burkina Faso known for its terrorist activities.

Naija News reports that Nigeria faces increasing challenges from these routes utilized for arms trafficking in the North West, which facilitate the operations of bandits and terrorist organizations.

Lakurawa’s Modus Operandi

The alarming activities of these notorious terrorists in Nigeria, which have rendered lives and properties unsafe, can be linked to the exploitation of mineral resources, the spread of extremist ideologies under the pretext of Islam, and the targeted recruitment of youth into their ranks.

Their objective in Nigeria is not to engage in direct warfare against the populace or the Nigerian armed forces.

Lakurawa, akin to other war merchants, has been deployed to the North West to exploit the region’s abundant natural resources in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, all while masquerading as protectors of the local communities.

Consequently, the rising industries of migrant smuggling, war merchants, and drug and human trafficking not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation but also erode public trust in the integrity of government policies.

Way forward

According to Zagazola, to effectively contain the Lakurawa group, “A strategic, multi-dimensional approach is necessary, given their complex history and their alliances with local and transnational extremist groups.

“We must strengthen intelligence and surveillance by conducting rigorous intelligence operations focused on Lukurawa’s recruitment methods, supply chains, and movement patterns, which is essential.

“Enhanced surveillance both through human intelligence and technological resources like drones, can help preemptively identify Lukurawa’s activities and deter attacks.

“Lakurawa’s connections with local communities need careful investigation.

“Community leaders who may have unofficial ties with the group should be sensitized to the risks of such alliances. Educating these communities on the broader security threats posed by Lakurawa and providing alternative support or protection can reduce the group’s influence.

“Cut Off Financial and Logistical Resources by Identifying and disrupting Lakurawa’s sources of funding and weapon supplies is crucial, especially from the Niger Republic and their foreign-backed country.

“This could involve working with neighbouring countries, especially Niger, where the group was initially formed, to monitor and regulate arms trafficking and cross-border trade activities that benefit Lukurawa.

“Authorities should consider well-planned, targeted military actions to dismantle Lukurawa’s bases, with the support of local forces knowledgeable about the terrain. Collaborating with regional partners and leveraging the experience of local Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF) can improve operational effectiveness.

“Engage in Regional Diplomatic Efforts; since Lakurawa has international connections, Nigeria should work closely with Niger, Chad, and Mali to develop a unified security strategy against armed groups that operate across borders.

“A joint task force or intelligence-sharing network with these countries would strengthen regional containment efforts.

“By combining intelligence, military action, community engagement, and regional cooperation, authorities can implement a sustained strategy to weaken and contain the Lukurawa group, thereby improving security in affected areas.”

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/21/lakurawa-terrorists-how-kebbi-sokoto-residents-invited-the-devil-for-a-dinner/

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Qatar Seeks Malaysia's Cooperation To Design Anti-corruption Programme For Islamic Countries

21/11/2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The government's firm stance in fighting corruption at all levels, including the grassroots, has not only improved the country's image in terms of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) but has also garnered international recognition, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was evident when the Government of Qatar requested the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to collaborate in designing an anti-corruption programme for Islamic countries. “The Government of Qatar has requested a huge team, involving a minister and the MACC, to collaborate in designing an anticorruption programme for Islamic countries, and this task has been assigned to the MACC.” Anwar said this in reply to Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) about the achievements of the MADANI Government after two years in power, including efforts to combat corruption, during the Minister’s Question Time. For the record, Minister of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is scheduled to lead the Malaysian delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities in Doha next week. Malaysia has improved its position in the CPI released by Transparency International in 2023, scoring 50 points, up from 47 points the previous year. Prior to this, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan said that the improvement was partly due to the ongoing efforts by MACC and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in charging high-profile politicians, as well as the independence of the judiciary. Meanwhile, Anwar said that the claims of attempts to obstruct the MACC’s investigation into corruption cases involving the super-rich group and politicians were completely false. He explained that although the MACC faces various challenges in handling cases involving individuals with many supporters, the commission continues its investigations regardless of their status. “I know it’s not easy...it’s difficult to fight corruption  hen it involves the super-rich group because they have many supporters. “However, I have been informed by the MACC that their investigations will continue, including the case involving assemblymen in Sabah, and that the assemblymen involved would also be called (to facilitate investigations). So, it is not true to say that there were attempts to obstruct such investigations,” he said. Anwar said this applies to other prominent figures because the country cannot be safe if efforts are not taken to combat and prevent corruption from its roots. In this regard, he called for the cooperation and support of all parties to achieve the government’s goal of fighting corruption at all levels and emphasized that there should no longer be any perception that enforcement actions and prosecutions in such cases are politically motivated. Meanwhile, Anwar said that a detailed report card of the MADANI Government would also be made public at the Two Years of MADANI Government (2TM) programme scheduled to take place from Nov 2  to 24 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. -- BERNAMA

Source:bernama.com

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Islamic Emirate Ambassador Promotes Trade and Technology Ties at SCO Forum in China

2024-11-21

KABUL(BNA): Mawlawi Bilal Karimi, the Islamic Emirate Ambassador to China, has urged Chinese companies to explore investment opportunities in Afghanistan during the 2024 Digital Technology and Mechanized Agriculture Forum organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) in Henan Province, China.

In a press release issued by the Afghanistan Embassy in China, it was noted that Ambassador Karimi actively participated in the forum and engaged in discussions with ambassadors from various countries and government officials from Henan Province.

Ambassador Karimi emphasized Afghanistan’s emerging investment opportunities, inviting Chinese companies, particularly those from Henan, to invest in sectors such as agriculture, mechanization, digital technology, construction, healthcare, and trade. He also highlighted the potential for exporting Afghanistan’s agricultural and industrial products to Chinese markets, particularly Henan Province.

Meanwhile, Henan province officials assured their support and pledged to encourage local companies to invest in these priority sectors.

The discussions further delved into enhancing trade and transit relations through initiatives like the Wakhan Corridor, the Belt and Road Initiative, and revitalizing Afghanistan’s observer role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Other relevant bilateral issues were also addressed during the meetings.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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Europe

 

Russia and US battle for advantage in Ukraine war ahead of Trump's return

November 21, 2024

In a matter of days US President Joe Biden's administration and Russia have made separate - but significant - moves aimed at influencing the outcome of the war in Ukraine, two months ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

There is a sense of Moscow maximising its gains and of Biden abandoning long-held red lines before Trump seeks to deliver on his claim to end the war in 24 hours.

Ukraine has already acted on Biden’s decision to let Kyiv fire first long-range Atacms missiles deep into Russian territory. As Kyiv struggles to hold on to its territory in the east, Biden has promised to send anti-personnel landmines too as part of new military assistance worth nearly $300m (£239m).

What prompted Biden’s change of heart appears to have been the arrival of thousands of North Koreans deployed to the front line, which the US sees as a “massive escalation”.

But Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ratcheted up the tension still further by loosening the conditions of use for Russia’s nuclear weapons. That “effectively eliminates” defeat on the battlefield, claims Moscow.

One Russia commentator suggested Putin might view the current situation as an “in-between” moment that gives him the sense he has the upper hand in Ukraine.

At the start of this week, Russia launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine for almost three months. Amid fears of a renewed strike on Wednesday, several Western embassies closed their doors.

"It’s all connected," says Mykhaylo Samus, head of the New Geopolitics Research Network in Ukraine. He argues Russia has been stockpiling hundreds of Iskander and Kinzhal missiles for weeks to enable it to carry out strikes and thus send a psychological message ahead of the transfer of power in Washington DC.

Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, may have been spared on Wednesday, but the message got through.

“Everything is about preparing for a strong position for talks with Trump, to understand Russia is not going to make compromise and everything depends on [Ukraine's President Volodymyr] Zelensky.”

“There’s clearly an effort ahead of Trump to maximise their standings,” agrees Jade McGlynn, from the war studies department at King’s College London. She is highly sceptical that a deal with Putin is possible - and that ultimately his aim is to subjugate Russia’s south-western neighbour.

Ukraine marked 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion on Tuesday with Russian forces waging relentless attacks in a bid to seize key hubs in the east of Ukraine.

The mood in Moscow appears to be that it is only a matter of time before Ukraine is in its hands, says Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

From January, however, Putin will have to consider other factors, she says: “He will have to deal with the fact that Trump now is responsible for the situation. If Putin escalates, it can worsen the chances for a deal. He will have to be more flexible, more open to different options.”

The Biden administration announced new military assistance for Ukraine to include ammunition, missiles and drones, as well as anti-personnel landmines.

The US leader's decision to allow Kyiv to begin firing Atacms into Russian territory was clearly directed at helping Kyiv, but it was felt by the Trump entourage, too.

Although Trump has so far said nothing, his pick for National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, spoke of “another step up the escalation ladder and nobody knows where this is going”.

He did not go as far as some on the Trump team. Donald Trump Jr complained Biden was trying to “get World War Three” going before his father could even return to the White House.

"There's one president at a time," said state department spokesman Matthew Miller "When the next president takes office, he can make his own decisions.”

Some Republicans have backed Biden’s move, although Sen Lindsay Graham said he should have done it “to help Ukraine and he’s playing politics with it”.

Russia’s reaction may or may not be an empty threat.

Under its revised nuclear doctrine, Moscow will now be able to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries that are backed by nuclear powers, and if it comes under “massive” air attack, too.

Alexander Yermakov from the Russian International Affairs Council says the change is not so much as an operational manual for using nuclear weapons, but “primarily it serves as a declaration to potential adversaries, outlining the scenarios in which such measures could be considered”.

Another message from Putin to the West, then.

Tatiana Stanovaya believes it is not that he wants to start World War Three, but because “he believes he must scare the Western elites to show they are playing with fire”.

What happens beyond January is anyone's guess.

Kremlin insiders have already begun briefing about their minimal demands from any Trump initiative to end the war, and Volodymyr Zelensky has begun making his position clear too.

Asked in a US TV interview what would happen to Ukraine if Washington slashed military aid, he was clear: "If they will cut, I think we will lose. Of course, anyway, we will stay and we will fight. We have production, but it’s not enough to prevail."

Putin insists Ukraine will have to remain neutral for any relations to work, even though it is now part of Ukraine’s constitution to join both Nato and the European Union.

A Reuters news agency report on Wednesday cited Russian officials saying Putin might be open to pulling out from relatively small patches of territory but nothing bigger.

Zelensky on Tuesday presented his 10-point “resilience plan” to parliament, and one defiant message rang out in the Verkhovna Rada more than most.

“Maybe Ukraine will have to outlive someone in Moscow in order to achieve all its goals... to restore the full integrity of Ukraine.”

One day Russia would be without Putin, in other words, but Ukraine would be going nowhere.

For Ukrainians that wait could take years, says Mykhaylo Samus, but they would never consent to abandoning Crimea or any other territory under Russian occupation.

The most Zelensky might be prepared to sign would be a ceasefire without commitments, he believes. Anything else would lead to internal conflict as many would view it as a betrayal.

Ahead of any talks Mykola Bielieskov of the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Kyiv believes the key is to prevent any major Russian breakthrough in the east.

“For us it’s just necessary to localise [Russian] advances… using Atacms, anti-personnel landmines or whatever. Because if the Russians are successful they would try to dictate terms.”

Speaking to the BBC from Kharkiv, Jade McGlynn said few Ukrainians believed Trump would be able to engineer any kind of lasting peace deal.

Any kind of settlement that left Ukraine in a much worse position would lead to political chaos, she said.

“Europe needs to step up,” she said, “and ultimately we know that the Scandinavians, Baltic states and Poland are not enough.”

Source:bbc.com

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Man who drugged wife in French mass rape case told: You'll die alone

Laura Gozzi

21 November, 2024

Tensions at the French mass rape trial burst into the open on Wednesday when Dominique Pelicot’s daughter Caroline shouted at her father from across the courtroom that he would “die alone like a dog”.

Caroline Darian, 45, has repeatedly said she is convinced her father drugged and abused her after semi-naked photos of her asleep were found on his laptop.

He has denied abusing her but has admitted drugging his wife Gisèle for a decade and recruiting men online to rape her in their home when she was unconscious.

Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men have been on trial since September, and a verdict is expected on 20 December.

During an emotional day in court in Avignon, Gisèle Pelicot's lawyers gave their closing arguments, describing the historic nature of the trial and paying tribute to her courage in waiving her anonymity to bring the mass rape trial into the open.

In her statements to the court Caroline spoke of her anguish at what she says are persistent lies by her father.

Earlier this week, with a voice full of emotion, she told the court her life had “stopped” when police first showed her photos from her father's laptop in 2020.

On Wednesday, Dominique Pelicot was given a chance to address his daughter while taking the stand for the final time in this trial.

The main defendant said he most wished he still had Caroline's support.

“Some may laugh but it’s my daughter I wish I could look at in the face. It hurts to see her like this,” he said, sitting in a glass box only metres away from his daughter and the rest of his family.

“I would love to see her, I would love to talk to her,” he added. As his voice faltered, Caroline’s rose: “I will never come see you. Never. You will die alone like a dog,” she shouted.

“We all die alone,” he replied. “You especially,” she hit back.

It was the last public exchange between a father and daughter who by all accounts had had, for many years, a loving and close relationship.

Mr Pelicot recalled visiting her in hospital when she was recovering from surgery as a child so he could hold her and comfort her, and shared memories of her teenage years.

When he repeated that he would always love her even if she had stopped loving him, she looked ahead silently, tears streaming down her face – but did not respond.

It was only later, when the session ended, that she approached the box her father sat in and shouted: “You had two months [to tell the truth]!”

During questioning, Mr Pelicot also stated that he was a sex addict and that getting found out by police in November 2020 had “unburdened him”.

He denied that his crimes against his wife had been sparked by an inferiority complex or by a desire for revenge for an affair she had in the 1980s.

Asked what he thought about chemical submission - drugging someone for the purposes of coercion or assault - he answered: “It’s crap. It annihilates everything. It should never be done.”

Mr Pelicot’s statements were followed by closing arguments from Gisèle Pelicot’s legal team.

Lawyers for the 50 other defendants will give their own closing arguments from next week. They are expected to explore more deeply the defence that many of the men cannot be guilty because they did not realise Ms Pelicot was unconscious and therefore did not "know" they were raping her.

Over almost three hours Ms Pelicot's lawyers, Antoine Camus and Stéphane Babonneau, retold the horrific story of Dominique Pelicot’s crimes, peppering their account with literary references.

"Everyone contributed to this monstrosity on their own level, and allowed a woman's ordeal to go on. It's the banality of evil of [philosopher] Hannah Arendt," said Mr Camus.

They pleaded with the judges to hand down sentences that reflected the extent of the suffering of Gisèle Pelicot and her family.

Mr Camus said he was aware of the “expectations and hopes in this room and beyond” for the trial, which he said he described as historic, because “we badly, urgently want and need it to be".

Leaning heavily on the notion of free will, he dismissed the defence’s argument that many of the men who allegedly raped Ms Pelicot did so because they were intimidated, manipulated or tricked by her husband. "Manipulation is not hypnosis," he said.

The fact they were all aware that Mr Pelicot was “recruiting” many other men too should be taken into account by the judges, he added.

“Everyone who came into that house of horrors knew that others had come before him and others would follow,” Mr Camus said.

His colleague painted a devastating picture of Ms Pelicot’s life since her husband’s crimes had become known.

Stéphane Babonneau then described what had led Ms Pelicot – who by then was living in a small village under her maiden name – to give up her anonymity and open the trial to the public and the media.

It was in 2023, he said, when French media began reporting on the Pelicot case using pseudonyms that “a feeling of rebellion started to take hold of Gisèle Pelicot".

"She decided to take back control of her life. The moment had come for shame to change sides.”

The will to stop hiding had awoken in her, he said, because she hadn’t done anything wrong. And she thought the details of her case and the videos of the alleged assaults would help expose the reality of rape.

“For her story to be useful and to help other women she understood she had to give up the anonymity that had served her for years,” Mr Babonneau explained. “She had to accept she would forever be the victim of the Mazan rapes.”

The lawyer also urged judges not to accept that the defendants had made a “mistake” when – as some have said – they raped Ms Pelicot involuntarily or “out of stupidity or ignorance”.

“If you accept the right to make a mistake, what will stop another man tomorrow from saying that when a woman told him ‘no’ he actually understood ‘yes’? That he also made a mistake?”

“I ask you to reject the right to make mistakes which would put society in danger – and at the risk of seeing more Gisèle Pelicots,” Mr Babonneau said.

He ended by paying tribute to Ms Pelicot and said the trial would be a “legacy” for future generations: “They will hear the name Gisèle Pelicot, they will hear about her courage and about the price she paid.”

Turning to look at Ms Pelicot, he said: “You did your job. You went beyond what was expected of you.”

“Now, pass on the torch to the others to carry on the fight you never chose.”

Gisèle Pelicot, to his right, wiped her eyes.

Source:bbc.com

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Littlehampton: Plans for new mosque face controversy

November 21, 2024

By Lucy Hunt

Plans for a new mosque and Muslim community centre are under consideration.

The application has been made for the currently vacant building in St Martin’s Lane, Littlehampton, which was previously inhabited by Littlehampton Shopmobility.

Littlehampton Muslim Trust hopes to set up a “community centre for the local Muslim community”, containing a community hall, prayer room, multiple community rooms, a meeting room and a kitchen.

It also hopes to provide services such as youth mentoring and counselling, after school and youth holiday clubs, daily prayers, weekend playgroups and evening community events.

To date, the application has received over 50 comments of objection from the public, including residents and business owners.

Reasons against the application include increased traffic and insufficient parking, noise and a detrimental impact on local businesses.

One objector wrote: “This town desperately requires regeneration and this building will not help.

“There will be traffic chaos and unfortunately due to some residents’ racist views it will cause some to target the mosque.

“Given the amount of crime already in the town which the police do little to control with gangs of youths, drunks and drug dealers, this will only serve to inflame the situation.”

Around 13 people have written to Arun District Council in support of the plans.

These comments include increased diversity and inclusion, footfall in the town, community enrichment.

One supporter said: “Littlehampton has a range of different cultures living and working within it and as such our centres of faith should be as multicultural as possible to support this.

“With one Google search it is easy to see that there are seven Christian places of worship in the local area, so why shouldn’t a mosque be allowed permission to support those of Muslim faith in the area?”

The application has also been supported by Littlehampton Town Council.

A number of comments on the application alleged that leaflets have been distributed in the town urging residents to object to the application on the grounds of increased traffic.

The charity launched a Crowdfunder in April to raise funds for the building of the mosque, which has currently collected £1,350.

The fundraiser reads: “We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt appeal for your support in realising a long-awaited dream for our community - the establishment of a mosque in Littlehampton.

“Currently, our community faces a significant challenge as there is no mosque or Islamic centre in our town.

“This means that our brothers and sisters have to travel a considerable distance, approximately 10 miles to Worthing, for Islamic education and Friday prayers.

“This distance not only poses a logistical challenge but also deprives us of a central place for spiritual growth and community cohesion.

“However, there is hope on the horizon.

“After extensive search and diligent efforts, we have identified a suitable property in Littlehampton that can serve as the cornerstone of our community's spiritual and educational development.”

The application was submitted in September and is due to be decided on by December 4.

Source:theargus.co.uk

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Charity and Wolverhampton mosque ready to host community event for cancer support

By James Vukmirovic

Nov 20 2024

A special community event is set to bring people together in a Wolverhampton mosque for coffee and cake as a way of helping cancer charities.

In partnership with Jamia Masjid Bilal, Secret Angels CIC will be holding its annual Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraiser on Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

Following the success of last year’s event, Secret Angels is back to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, with a unique twist this year as the event will be held at Jamia Masjid Bilal on Newhampton Road East in Wolverhampton, fostering a welcoming space for diverse communities to unite in support of a vital cause.

To date, Secret Angels has raised more than £18,000 for Macmillan, and this year, the charity said it is aiming to add more than £2,000 to that total.

The Coffee Morning will feature a selection of teas, coffees, cakes, biscuits, and other foods, along with games, activities, face painting, Mendhi stalls, and more.

Funds raised will directly support cancer care for local communities, and this event marks the first time Jamia Masjid Bilal has hosted a Macmillan fundraiser, opening its doors to everyone, no matter their background, colour, or creed.

It highlights the mosque’s role as a welcoming, inclusive space for community support and collaboration, encouraging cancer awareness across all demographics.

Alvina Ali, Secret Angels CIC, said: “We’re excited to host our Macmillan Coffee Morning at Jamia Masjid Bilal this year.

"It’s a chance for us to come together as a community, support each other, and show that the mosque is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background.

"With the incredible support we’ve received so far, raising more than £18,000, we invite everyone to join us and help us reach our target to support those affected by cancer in Wolverhampton.”

John Harrison, Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Having this event at Jamia Masjid Bilal is truly inspiring.

"It shows the strength of community collaboration in supporting people affected by cancer and breaking down barriers.

"Money raised will help to make a life-changing difference and ensure people affected by cancer can receive emotional, financial and practical support when it's needed most.

"We’re grateful to Secret Angels and Jamia Masjid Bilal for creating such an inclusive event and look forward to a successful day.”

Source:expressandstar.com

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Muslims feel Islamophobia and hate more widespread, says survey

20th November

A majority of Muslims feel Islamophobia and hate against them has become more widespread since the summer riots, but around half also feel able to be more open about their identity, according to a survey.

Tell Mama, a charity monitoring such incidents, said its latest survey indicated that one in two of those asked said they had become more open, mainly through conversations with friends and colleagues, about their Muslim identity after the violence which erupted following the Southport attack.

The organisation analysed, as part of the annual No2H8 campaign, the opinions of 750 Muslims across the UK eight weeks after disorder broke out in parts of England and Northern Ireland following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport.

Tell Mama said just under three-quarters (71%) felt anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia had become more widespread since the unrest.

Almost two-thirds (62%) said the potential risk of harm to Muslim communities had since increased significantly or somewhat.

While one in three Muslims surveyed said they had considered leaving the UK as a result of the violence – which saw mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted – 55% said they felt safe or very safe in the UK.

Iman Atta, Tell Mama director, said: “Many British Muslims are very scared at the moment. They need our Government to show it hears their fears, and is working to keep them safe.

“This poll is proof of the terrifying impact anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia is having.

“More work must be done to reassure these people. And we need greater focus on supporting social cohesion in the worst affected areas. These findings should be a wake-up call for the Government.”

A Government spokesperson said: “These results are extremely concerning. Attacks and hatred against Muslim communities are unacceptable and we have been clear that we will seek to stamp out Islamophobia and racism wherever it occurs.

“All communities must feel safe, especially in places of worship, which is why we introduced the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and will continue to work with communities and across government to deliver a new approach to tackling racial and religious hatred.”

– Survation contacted 750 adult members of Muslim communities in the UK online or by phone between September 30 and October 14.

Source:asianimage.co.uk

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EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Before adoption of the resolution on human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar

 20.11.2024

20 November 2024, New York – European Union General Statement before adoption of A/C.3/79/L.46/Rev.1 - Resolution on the Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The European Union is proud to introduce and sponsor this annual resolution on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). We thank the OIC, particularly Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, for their productive cooperation in preparing the resolution, and we appreciate all co-sponsors for their support.

Six years ago, we introduced this resolution in response to the atrocities against the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar, which forced over a million to flee the country. Since then, the situation has drastically deteriorated owing to the Myanmar military’s unjustified, illegal and unconstitutional coup against the democratically elected government on February 1, 2021 and the repression that has followed.

This resolution strongly condemns the widespread human rights violations and abuses in the country, particularly against Rohingya Muslims and other minorities, and violations of international humanitarian law. It also reiterates deep concern over the military’s excessive use of force, including aerial attacks, mass killings, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as arbitrary detentions.

This year’s text includes stronger language addressing the worrying developments in Myanmar over the past year. It expresses grave concern regarding the military’s implementation of the 2010 conscription law, which is increasing the number of refugees and displaced persons. It also raises alarm at reports of hate speech, the burning of Rohingya villages, and the use of Rohingya as human shields—which has exacerbated intercommunal tensions in Rakhine State.

It places increased emphasis on grave violations against children in armed conflict and includes new language urging women’s full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation in all decision-making processes including those related to conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. Additionally, the resolution urges the Myanmar military to lift the Internet shutdown and expresses alarm at the increase in transnational crimes, including online scam operations, which have led to serious human rights violations and abuses.

This year the resolution calls for a more active role of the United Nations. Notably, it requests the Secretary-General to urge the Security Council to remain actively seized of the situation in Myanmar and encourages greater coherence and efficiency of action on the ground by UN agencies. The resolution also takes note of the recent appointment of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar and requests six-month reporting on the situation. It also maintains a strong emphasis on accountability and the ongoing procedures at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while reaffirming support for the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.

With the current situation in Myanmar, there is unfortunately little hope and prospects for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees, who continue to be generously hosted in Bangladesh. This is why this year the text requests a General Assembly high-level plenary meeting to discuss solutions, recognizing the need for greater international action.

While this year’s resolution has been strengthened significantly, the EU believes it should have gone further—particularly in addressing the continued flow of arms, weapons and technology to the Myanmar military, which increase the ability of the Myanmar military to commit serious human rights violations. We recall that the Human Rights Council resolution 55/20, put forward by the EU – which called upon all States to refrain from the export, sale or transfer of arms, munitions, and other military equipment, as well as jet fuel, surveillance goods and technologies and less-lethal weapons, to Myanmar – was adopted by consensus. We would have liked this language to be reflected in the current resolution as a meaningful step toward ending the violence and creating conducive conditions for the return of the Rohingya and other displaced persons.

However, we still believe that the current text sends the important message that the Rohingya and the people of Myanmar have not been forgotten by the international community.

The EU continues to stand with the people of Myanmar and fully supports their democratic will and aspirations and their legitimate right to live in peace and respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We urge all delegations to support this resolution and invite all Member States to co-sponsor it.

Source:europa.eu

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Faisal Islam: The cost-of-living crisis isn't over

20 November, 2024

Faisal Islam

The inflation rate increased to 2.3% in October, well below the level at which it peaked two years ago. But you would be wrong to think the cost of living crisis is over.

At energy firm Utilita’s Hampshire call centre on a very cold day earlier this week, I witnessed the cost of living pressures on the frontline.

At 10am, red lights flashed up on a map of Britain as prepayment meters ran out of money, and the firm extended “friendly credit” to avoid a middle-of-the-night cut off.

A mum with kids requiring refrigerated medicines for cancer rang up with her voice cracking because she could not afford her £5 prepayment top-up and asked to be put onto a credit direct debit. An older customer refused to put on their heating or use hot water and cried down the line to the operator.

These harrowing stories come as energy bills rise during what could be a cold winter for the first time since the peak of the energy crisis when Russia invaded Ukraine over two years ago.

Britain and Europe have been very lucky with two mild winters since the energy crisis.

But now it's getting colder at a time when most extra government support has been rolled back.

It is a clear example of why inflation is not quite the same as the cost of living.

The energy inflation spike is behind us, even with today’s bump back up. The inflation rate is not going back up to double digits again. But the cost-of-living crisis might be about to hit harder than ever.

Unusually uncertain

There was no surprise that the rate of inflation jumped again, reflecting the recent hike in the energy price cap.

The new news today is that other underlying measures of inflation, for example services, and “core” inflation, both of which are watched closely by the Bank of England as an indication of domestic price pressures, both rose slightly and by more than expected.

It comes as an increasing number of firms warn that the tax rises and the higher minimum wage announced in the Budget could lead them to increase prices for customers.

In January, Donald Trump, comes into power as the US president, threating a blanket 20% tariff on all imports into the US.

Putting this all together and inflation could be on the up into spring next year, not far off 3%.

But the path of inflation going forward is unusually uncertain and Bank of England officials, who decide whether to raise or cut interest rates, are divided.

Four of the nine-strong Monetary Policy committee on Tuesday said it was was not clear whether prices rises will accelerate or slow in the coming months. Much depends, as numerous members of the Bank of England have suggested, on the pass through of Budget measures into prices and wages.

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey reiterated earlier in the week that future interest rate falls would be “gradual”.

This is likely to mean a cut at every other Bank of England interest rate meeting - so nothing next month, but then a further cut in early February.

If trends continue as expected, there will perhaps be a pause in March. By May, much more data will be available about what has happened with wages and prices since October’s Budget changes.

To be clear, recent developments have not fundamentally altered the expectation of a series of rate cuts next year, but perhaps by the end of 2025 rates will be around 4% from their current 4.75%, rather than previous expectations of them being lower.

Beyond this, there is a chance that if the geopolitical situation calms, that over the course of this year, gas prices fall significantly. That is a very big “if”, but it is weighing on the minds of energy suppliers.

But whatever happens, it is going to be a very tough winter if my afternoon in that Hampshire call centre is anything to go by.

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Ukraine front could 'collapse' as Russia gains accelerate, experts warn

21 November, 2024

President Biden’s decision to provide anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, and allow the use of long-range missiles on Russian territory comes as the Russian military is accelerating its gains along the front line.

Data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) shows that Russia has gained almost six times as much territory in 2024 as it did in 2023, and is advancing towards key Ukrainian logistical hubs in the eastern Donbas region.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region is faltering. Russian troops have pushed Kyiv's offensive backwards. Experts have questioned the success of the offensive, with one calling it a "strategic catastrophe" given manpower shortages faced by Ukraine.

These developments come at a time of heightened uncertainty with a second Donald Trump administration looming. The US president-elect has vowed to bring the war to a close when he takes office in January, with some fearing he could cut future military aid to Ukraine.

Russia advances in eastern Ukraine

In the first few months of the war the front line moved quickly, with Russia gaining ground quickly before being pushed back by a Ukrainian counteroffensive. But in 2023 neither side made any major gains - with the conflict largely sliding into a stalemate.

But new ISW figures suggest the story in 2024 is more favourable for Russia. The ISW bases its analysis on confirmed social media footage and reports of troop movements.

The ISW data shows Moscow’s forces have seized around 2,700 sq km of Ukrainian territory so far this year, compared with just 465 sq km in the whole of 2023, a near six-fold increase.

Dr Marina Miron, a defence researcher at Kings College London, suggested to the BBC that there was a possibility the Ukrainian eastern front “might actually collapse” if Russia continued to advance at pace.

More than 1000 sq km was taken between 1 September and 3 November, suggesting the push accelerated in recent months. Two areas bearing the brunt of these advances are Kupiansk in Kharkiv region, and Kurakhove, a stepping stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region.

Kupiansk and areas to the east of the Oskil river were liberated in the Kharkiv offensive of 2022, but Russia has progressively retaken the latter area. In a recent intelligence update, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russian forces were trying to breach the north-eastern outskirts of the city.

Footage posted on 13 November and verified by the BBC is consistent with this analysis. The video shows a convoy of Russian armour being repelled after making it to within 4km of the key bridge at Kupiansk, the last major road crossing in the area.

While these reports do not necessarily translate to control of an area, it is indicative of how stretched Ukraine’s defensive line has become.

Elsewhere, since retaking the city of Vuhledar in October - an elevated position which sits above key supply lines and which Moscow spent two years fighting for - Russia has thrown resources at Kurakhove.

Ukraine’s forces defending the city have so far repelled attacks to the south and east. But the front line creeps ever closer, with Russia also threatening to encircle defenders from the north and west.

Col Yevgeny Sasyko, a former head of strategic communications with Ukraine’s general staff, said Russia places “powerful jaws” around the flanks of a city that slowly “grind though” defences until they collapse.

Footage from the city verified by the BBC showed massive destruction, with residential buildings heavily damaged.

The ISW concludes Moscow now holds a total of 110,649 sq km in Ukraine. For comparison, Ukrainian forces seized just over 1,171 sq km in the first month of its incursion into Kursk - though Russian forces have now retaken nearly half of that territory.

Despite its territorial gains, Russia's advance has come at a huge cost.

An analysis carried out by BBC Russian confirmed that at least 78,329 troops have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Moscow’s losses from September to November this year more than one-and-a-half times greater than the same period in 2023.

The losses are compounded by the “meat grinder” approach said to be favoured by Russian commanders - describing the waves of recruits thrown towards Ukrainian positions in a bid to exhaust troops.

Despite the Russian advances, some experts have noted that the actual speed of the offensive is still slow. David Handelman, a military analyst, suggested Ukrainian troops in the east were slowly withdrawing to preserve manpower and resources, rather than suffering from a broader collapse.

The Kursk gambit

Ukraine launched its shock incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August. It is unclear why Russia took so long to respond to the operation, which saw Kyiv’s troops quickly gain control over a number of border communities.

Dr Miron suggested that while the Kremlin would suffer a domestic political cost for as long as the incursion continued, Russia’s general staff had been keen to keep Ukraine’s forces tied down in Kursk as its forces made gains elsewhere along the front line.

But Moscow is now clearly intent on reclaiming the territory lost on its own soil. Some 50,000 troops have been deployed to the region.

Verified videos from the Kursk region show fierce fighting is taking place - and that Russia is suffering considerable losses in terms of manpower and equipment. But the data clearly shows Ukraine’s control of the region is shrinking.

Since the start of October, Russian counter-attacks have regained some 593 sq km worth of territory in the border region, ISW figures showed.

The Kursk incursion was initially a major boon for Ukraine in terms of morale at a time of serious setbacks, and the audacity of the operation was a reminder of its ability to surprise and harm its enemy.

But Dr Miron said while the Kursk incursion was a moment of “tactical brilliance” it has also been a “strategic catastrophe” for Ukraine.

“The whole idea was to maybe gain some political leverage in potential negotiations, but militarily to draw the Russian forces away from the Donbas in order to liberate Kursk. And what we're seeing instead is that Ukrainian units are tied down there.”

Some of Kyiv’s most experienced and effective units are known to be fighting in Kursk. Mechanised units equipped with state-of-the-art Western armour are also involved in the offensive.

Ukrainian leaders had hinted that they hoped the incursion would force Moscow to redirect some of its forces from eastern Ukraine, slowing the Russian advance there. Instead, experts say most reinforcements were moved to Kursk from parts in Ukraine where the fighting is not as intense.

“According to Ukrainian soldiers from different parts of the front, the Russian troops reinforcing Kursk were mainly pulled from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia,” Yurri Clavilier, a land analyst with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told the BBC.

“The fighting there is not as intense as it is in the East. Some Russian units attacking Kharkiv were also redirected to Kursk as Ukraine managed to stall the Russian onslaught there,” he added.

The importance of territory to both sides is the strength it lends to their position in any potential negotiations. Although no peace negotiations have been discussed, US President-elect Trump has claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, without saying exactly how.

Fears persist in Ukraine that Trump could cut military aid as a means to force Kyiv to the table. President Volodymyr Zelensky told Fox News on Tuesday "I think we will lose [the war]" if cuts are pushed through.

"We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail and I think it's not enough to survive," he said.

On Tuesday, Ukraine fired US-supplied long-range missiles into Russia for the first time - a day after Washington gave it permission to do so. It is thought that the decision was made in part to help Ukraine hold on to part of the Kursk region, to help use as a bargaining chip in future negotiations.

Dr Miron told the BBC that Russia’s advance has handed them a stronger negotiating position as Trump’s new foreign policy team prepare to take office.

“What they're controlling right now, it does give them a certain advantage,” she said. “If it came to negotiations, I'm sure that as the Russian side has been stressing, ‘we will do it based on the battlefield configuration’.

“From a Russian perspective, they have much better cards than the Ukrainians.”

Source:bbc.com

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Putin gifts lion and brown bears to North Korea zoo

21 November, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korea's main zoo more than 70 animals, including a lion and two brown bears, in yet another display of burgeoning relations between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Putin's environment minister, Alexander Kozlov, brought the animals to the North Korean capital on board a cargo plane, Kozlov's office said on its official Telegram channel on Wednesday.

The shipment of animals from Moscow also included two yaks, five cockatoos and dozens of pheasants as well as mandarin ducks, Kozlov's office said.

The gift comes weeks after the US and South Korea revealed that North Korea had sent thousands of troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine.

While in Pyongyang the Russian environment minister also paid a courtesy visit to Kim.

This isn't the first time in recent memory that Russia has sent animals to North Korea.

Earlier this year, Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 24 pure-bred horses, reportedly as thanks for artillery shells provided by North Korea.

Putin and Kim have strengthened their alliance in recent months as both countries face sanctions from the West.

The Russian president needs support for his war in Ukraine while North Korea needs Russia's space technology which could aid its missile programme.

That burgeoning alliance was on full display in June when Putin visited North Korea and signed an agreement with Kim to protect each other's nations from "aggression".

During that visit, Putin gifted Kim with a Russian-made Aurus limousine, tea set and artwork.

Kim is believed to be a car enthusiast and has been seen in a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Lexus sports utility vehicle.

Putin had also gifted Kim with an Aurus in February, five months after Kim visited the Vostochny space centre in Russia's Far East.

Source:bbc.com

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The model, British tech and Russia's war machine

21 November, 2024

High-tech equipment made by a UK firm worth $2.1m (£1.6m) has been sold to companies in Russia connected to the military, customs documents seen by BBC News suggest.

The documents indicate the British-made camera lenses were shipped by a company registered in Kyrgyzstan, apparently run by a swimwear model.

The UK manufacturer, Beck Optronic Solutions, which has worked on British Challenger 2 tanks and F35 fighter jets, told us it had not breached sanctions, had no dealings with Russia or Kyrgyzstan, and was unaware of the shipments.

Our investigation raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on Russia since the war in Ukraine began.

The trail led us to Valeria Baigascina, a 25-year-old, originally from the central Asian state of Kazakhstan but now living in Belarus. A part-time model, she posts regularly about her jet-set lifestyle on social media. In the past two years she has visited Dubai, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Her social media gave no indication she was also the director of a firm which had channelled millions of dollars’ worth of equipment to sanctioned companies in Russia, as our search of customs documents revealed.

According to Belarusian registration details, Ms Baigascina was the founder and director of a company called Rama Group LLC. Set up in February 2023, it is registered to an address in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan - 2,300 miles (3,713 km) from her home in Belarus.

Both countries are former Soviet states with strong trading links to Russia. Belarus remains Moscow’s strongest ally in Europe.

Trade data shows that since sanctions on Russia were introduced in February 2022, UK exports to Kyrgyzstan have increased by more than 300%. Experts suspect some goods are actually destined for Moscow.

The customs documents obtained by the BBC suggest that Rama Group made two shipments to Moscow of high-end optics that can be used in missiles, tanks and aircraft.

The equipment is listed on the customs form as being made by Beck Optronic Solutions in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The company manufactures high-precision lenses used in targeting and surveillance systems.

Though some of its lenses are used in healthcare and engineering, Beck’s website details extensive military and defence applications.

The lenses and optical technology sold by Beck Optronics are specifically listed as goods that either cannot be legally exported to Russia, or that need permission from UK authorities before any sale can take place.

The BBC has identified, through customs documents, a total of six shipments of products said to have been made by Beck with a total value of $2.1m (£1.6m) and transferred to Moscow through Rama and another intermediary company, Shisan LLC.

In December 2023 and January 2024, Rama Group made its two shipments to Moscow listing them as “rotating part of camera”. These shipments went to Sol Group, a company based in Smolensk, 200 miles (320km) south-west of Moscow, which has been sanctioned by the US.

It is not clear what international route the goods took - the documents indicate some of the shipments may actually have originated in Thailand.

Shisan LLC, another Kyrgyz company, was responsible for four further shipments of Beck Optronics’ products worth $1.5m (£1.1m).

Two of those shipments involved “short-wave infrared camera lens” and went to the Ural Optical & Mechanical Plant, which makes bomb-aiming equipment and is also sanctioned because of its links to the Russian military.

Rama Group and Shisan share the same address in Bishkek - a modern five-storey block in a prosperous part of the city. However, when we visited we were told Valeria Baigascina was out of the country on a business trip.

We found her number through her social media posts and put our allegations to her.

Ms Baigascina said she was the founder of the company but had sold it in May. She denied the allegations, saying that when she had owned it, “nothing like that was supplied”. She then hung up.

Later, by email, she told us the accusations were “ridiculous” and based on “false information”.

Our research shows that in May this year she sold Rama Group to her best friend, Angelina Zhurenko, who runs a lingerie business in Kazakhstan.

Ms Zhurenko told us: “Trading activities are carried out exclusively within the framework of the current legislation of Kyrgyzstan. The company does not violate any prohibitions. Any other information is false.”

The director of the other intermediary company, Shisan, is listed as Evgeniy Anatolyevich Matveev. We put our allegations to him by email.

He told us that our information was “false” and that he ran “a business supplying exclusively civilian goods manufactured in Asian countries”.

He continued: “This does not contradict the laws of the state in which I work, and has nothing to do with US sanctions, because it is impossible to prohibit free trade in Asian goods available for sale and delivery.”

There’s no evidence that Beck Optronics knew about these shipments or that the final destination of the lenses was Russia.

The company told us it had nothing to do with the shipments: “Beck has not shipped anything contrary to UK export controls or any sanctions applying in the UK. It has had no dealings with any party or company in Russia, Kyrgyzstan or Thailand, was not aware that any shipments might ultimately be destined for any of these destinations and has not shipped anything to these destinations.”

It believes some of the equipment listed wasn’t even made by the company and that customs documents may have been falsified.

But these alleged exports are part of a much bigger picture involving shipments from a number of sources.

Analysis of customs documents by the Washington-based security think tank C4ADS suggest that Shisan completed 373 shipments via Kyrgyzstan to Russia between July and December 2023.

Of these, 288 contained goods that fall under customs codes for “high-priority battlefield items”.

Over the same six-month period, Rama Group completed a total of 1,756 shipments to Russia. Of these, 1,355 were for items on the “high-priority battlefield items” list.

Its most recent shipments, including electronics by US and UK companies, went to a Russian company named Titan-Mikro, which has been subject to US sanctions since May 2023 for operating within Russia’s military sector.

“When they sell this technology to a client who is potentially a Russian end-user, they fully should understand that this is to kill people,” says Olena Tregub from NAKO, Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption organisation.

She warns that the holes in the sanctions regime are costing lives.

“Without those technologies, those weapons would not fly. The brain of those ballistic missiles, the brain of those kamikaze drones, are made of Western technology,” she says.

International authorities are aware of Kyrgyzstan’s role in sanctions evasion.

In April, UK’s foreign secretary at the time, David Cameron, travelled to Bishkek and urged the Kyrgyz authorities to do more to tighten their sanctions' compliance.

The Kyrgyz president expressed confidence that Lord Cameron’s official visit to his country would “give new impetus to multifaceted co-operation between Kyrgyzstan and the UK”.

David O’Sullivan, the EU’s Special Envoy for the Implementation of Sanctions told us that efforts continue to shut down “illicit procurement networks”, and that “companies are required to undertake due diligence checks to understand who is the final end-user and where ‘battlefield items’ end up ultimately”.

Source:bbc.com

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India

 

'They only see Muslims in Karim': AIUDF attacks Himanta Biswa Sarma over Karimganj renaming

Nov 20, 2024

AIUDF general secretary Rafiqul Islam on Wednesday attacked Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the renaming of the Karimganj district, hinting that the name was changed because it was linked to Islam. "They only see Muslims in Karim," Rafiqul Islam added.

Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday stated that the Karimganj district will be renamed to Sribhumi. "Over 100 years ago, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore had described modern-day Karimganj District in Assam as 'Sribhumi'--the land of Maa Lakshmi. Today the #AssamCabinet has fulfilled this long-standing demand of our people," he wrote on X.

Referring to Himanta Biswa Sarma steering the BJP's election campaign in Jharkhand, Islam said it is difficult to say that he is the chief minister of Assam.

"The CM has nothing to do right now. He stayed in Jharkhand for a month. It is difficult to say that he is the chief minister of Assam," he said.

Reacting to Himanta Biswa Sarma's remark on Tuesday that there was no meaning of Karimganj in Assamese and Bengali dictionaries, the MLA said it was a historical name.

"Karimganj is a historical name. So if those who are saying that the names that are not in the dictionary, which are not meaningful, will change it, then thousands of names in Assam will have to be changed," he added.

He said Karim means love and affection.

"Karim has a good meaning; why there is no meaning, it has a good meaning. Karim means love and affection," he said.

"When India-Pakistan was divided, at the time of the referendum, some people came together to split this district into two pieces and took the piece of Sylhet with Pakistan. But it remained in Assam. We speak in pride that our ancestors made efforts to keep Karimganj with India during partition," he added.

Sarma today said why a district should be named after an unknown person.

"I think they can criticise me, but why are they criticising Rabindranath Tagore? In Assam, why should a district be named after an unknown person? It should have been changed long back," he said.

Source:hindustantimes.com

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Mosque surveyed after court nod amid plea claiming it as Babur-era Hindu temple site in UP's Sambhal

Nov 20, 2024

Lucknow: A famous mosque in Uttar Pradesh's communally sensitive Sambhal town was surveyed by an Advocate Commission appointed by the district court after Hindu plaintiffs filed an application claiming that it had been constructed after demolishing a temple. According to the reports, members of the Advocate Commission conducted videography of different parts of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Tuesday for around two hours during which the members of the Muslim community gathered in large numbers outside the mosque and raised slogans against the survey. Hindu seer Rishiraj Giri and others had filed an application in the court of civil judge Aditya Kumar Singh claiming that the Jama Masjid was in fact Harihar temple and that the mosque had been  constructed after demolishing the temple.Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer for the Hindu applicants, said that the court had fixed November 29 for further hearing of the matter. Jain claimed that Mughal emperor Babar had demolished the Harihar temple in the 16th century andb sis to claim that the mosque had been constructed after demolishing a temple. According to the Hindu mythology, ‘Kalki avtar’ (final incarnation of God Vishnu at the end of the Kali Yuga) would take place at Harihar temple. The Hindus believe that ‘Kalki Avtar’ would destroy the evil and the wicked and usher in the ‘Sat Yuga’ (an age of purity and truth). Source:deccanherald.com

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Florida man says ‘I feel like Bin Laden’ after arrested over alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange

Nov 21, 2024

By Tuhin Das Mahapatra

FBI has cuffed a Florida man for allegedly plotting to “nuke” the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in an effort to “reboot” or “reset” the U.S. government.

Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, a resident of South Florida, has been charged with attempting to use an improvised explosive device (IED) to target a “building used in interstate or foreign commerce.”

The probe into Yener started in February after the FBI received information that he was possessing bomb plans in a locked storage in Coral Springs, Florida. The alleged criminal complaint narrates that after obtaining a search warrant, agents found components such as “bomb-making sketches, numerous watches with timers electronic circuit boards and other electronics that can be utilised to build bombs.”

During questioning in March, Yener admitted to law enforcement that he had experience in building “rockets” and “bombs” and had previously sought to join a “domestic extremist group.” He also revealed that in 2015, he had contemplated travelling to Iraq to join ISIS but ultimately decided against it, citing doubts about the group’s ability to achieve “their objectives.”

Florida man planned to ‘reset’ the US government by bombing

Yener shared his plans with an undercover FBI agent, outlining his intention to detonate an IED at the NYSE. He allegedly set November 18 as the planned date for the attack. The agent claimed Yener's “motivation for bombing the NYSE was to attain a 'reboot' and/or 'reset' of the United States government.”

“There is one place that would be hella easy… the stock exchange, that would be a great hit. Tons of people would support it. They would see it and think dude, this guy makes sense, they are [profanity] robbing us. So that's perfect,” he told the agent.

On November 12, Yener recorded multiple audio messages that he allegedly planned to send to NBC News immediately following the attack. He even told the undercover agent, “I feel like Bin Laden.”

Yener detailed wearing a disguise while planting the device and recording a message for news outlets. He allegedly envisioned the explosion as so catastrophic that it would feel “like a small nuke went off.” He reportedly said, “[a]nything outside” the building “will be wiped out” and “anything inside there would be killed.”

Source:hindustantimes.com

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Calcutta HC asks West Bengal cops to 'take over' mosque after 1 killed in clashes

Nov 21, 2024

KOLKATA: The Calcutta high court ordered police in Egra, East Midnapore, on Wednesday to "take over" and regulate entry to a local mosque where a clash between two groups of worshippers over prayer timings had claimed one life and left eight injured on Nov 13.

"Humanity is above all," the court said, adding, "Which religion says that you have to murder somebody?"

The HC was hearing a plea that claimed that an order by it on Nov 7, fixing schedules for rival groups to offer prayers at the mosque to avoid confrontation, had been flouted. The court was also told that three FIRs had been lodged and two people arrested in connection with the subsequent violence.

"Religion involves sentiment, consciousness and emotions," said Justice Tirthankar Ghosh. "If any of these factors are exceeded, hatred arises out of that. Above all is humanity... This is interference with the administration of justice." The mosque should be taken over bypolice, and entry to it would be "subject to the approval of the inspector in charge of Egra police station", HC said, adding that such a measure was being taken out of "abundant precaution".

The HC also directed the district magistrate and police superintendent to call a meeting between the parties. The administration was asked to submit a comprehensive report by Dec 17, after conducting local inquiries, on "whether it would be fit and proper for allowing any religious activity ... because of the incidents which happened at the behest of the contesting parties."

The crux of the dispute, the HC was told, lay in the claim of one person who claims ownership of the mosque - a place where the rival group also wants to offer prayers. The second group moved the HC first, claiming they were being stopped from offering prayers. On Nov 7, Justice Ghosh had directed both groups to offer prayers at any time convenient to them. Justice Ghosh said he would stop all religious activity there if, after the court's orders, there is "a casualty over a religious issue".

Source:indiatimes.com

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Film director Bobby Islam receives death threats, lodges plaint

 20 NOVEMBER 2024

Film director Bobby Islam lodged an FIR with Dargah Bazaar police in Cuttack City on Wednesday, after he allegedly received death threats. He claimed these threats came from an unknown number through a WhatsApp call.

As per the FIR, an individual using the name Manoj Mishra, issued the threats against him. Bobby stated that if any harm comes to him, Manoj Mishra and his team should be held responsible. The complainant sought justice in this connection.

“Someone taking the name of actor Manoj Mishra, whose name is showing in Truecaller as Barik Soumyaranjan, called me on WhatsApp and threatened me with dire consequences. He told me by using slang language that ‘you will not be spared if you give any comment against Manoj Dada (the actor)’. I was scolded like anything. The second officer of Dargah Bazaar police station has heard everything,” Bobby Islam said when contacted.

“When I had a video call with him, the man was seen to have wrapped his face with cloth. The caller told me ‘Bobby Islam your time will end in a day or two,” Bobby Islam added.

However, actor Manoj Mishra's response to these allegations or any statement from the local police could not be obtained.

Worth mentioning, trouble mounted for actor Mishra after an FIR was lodged against him with cyber police in Cuttack by the Odisha Film & Television Directors' Association over his alleged controversial remarks on social media platforms, on November 12.

Source:odishatv.in

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J&K: Congress prods Omar Abdullah for 'coalition' government incorporating party in cabinet

Muzaffar Raina

21.11.24

The Congress seems to have given up its initial reluctance to join the Omar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir, with a senior party leader now batting for a road map or a discussion with ally National Conference (NC) for a “coalition” government that incorporates his party in the cabinet.

The Congress's prod seemed to be an attempt to get a cabinet berth, four of which remain to be filled up.

Omar’s cabinet comprises five ministers. Four — Surinder Choudhary, Javed Rana, Sakina Itto and Javed Dar — are from his party while the fifth, Satish Sharma, is an Independent from Jammu.

Striking a balance between Jammu and Kashmir was Omar’s top priority, prompting him to give three berths to Jammu. Since Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory (UT), Omar can have a maximum of nine ministers.

Sharma and four other Independent legislators from Jammu had supported the NC for the government formation. While the NC has 42 MLAs, the Independents’ support takes the number past the majority mark of 46. The Congress won only six seats, all in the Valley. Its drubbing in Jammu rendered it irrelevant to government formation.

The NC and the Congress fought the elections in an alliance but no Congress member is part of Omar’s cabinet. Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra had said they were extending support to the NC but were not joining the government “at the moment” as Jammu and Kashmir remained a UT.

AICC general secretary and MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Wednesday urged Omar to run the government as a coalition. He left it to Omar to take a call, wary it should not send out a message of disunity.

“We fought as a coalition. No matter which party got how many seats, it is a coalition government. It is a different thing that our party is not in the cabinet directly. When the chief minister wants, he can talk to other stakeholders and take forward the move the way he wants,” Mir told reporters in Anantnag.

The Congress leader said a coalition must have a discussion or a road map.

“When he (Omar) wants, the Congress will present a road map and chalk out what to do for people, for the state and who should get what responsibility in a coalition,” he said.

Omar is already facing pressure from the Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Peoples Conference, for allegedly diluting his position on Article 370. A resolution passed in the Assembly recently called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status but made no direct mention of Articles 370 and 35A.

The Congress, which supported the resolution, was slammed by the BJP and home minister Amit Shah for allegedly supporting the restoration of Article 370. It prompted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to accuse Shah of spreading lies. Kharge said the party was not seeking restoration as the changes had been passed by Parliament.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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Maharashtra assembly polls: 'Dismal record' of metropolitan voters continues, say Election Commission

20.11.24

The Election Commission on Wednesday lamented that despite a range of measures taken by it for ease of voting besides motivational campaigns, urban voters in Maharashtra continued their "dismal record" of low participation in cities including Mumbai, Pune and Thane.

Polling for assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand concluded on Wednesday with the former recording 58.22 per cent voter turnout as of 5 PM and the latter 67.59 per cent, surpassing the 67.04 per cent voting in the corresponding assembly seats in 2019.

Maharashtra with 58.22 per cent polling is likely to cross the 2019 figures as voting still underway in the state, EC said.

While Maharashtra had assembly polls in a single phase, Jharkhand had polls in two phases.

The poll watchdog said special emphasis was placed on combating urban apathy owing to the trend of low voter turnout witnessed in urban centres in Maharashtra in past state and parliamentary elections.

More than 1,185 polling stations were set up in high rise buildings and societies and various awareness and mass mobilisation campaigns were organised ahead of the polls involving film celebrities, EC's state and national icons, to nudge urban and young voters.

Urban apathy is a phenomenon where voters in urban areas, especially youths, prefer to stay at home and do not turn up at polling stations on voting day.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan among Bollywood celebrities who cast vote in Maharashtra assembly polls

20.11.24

Several Bollywood celebrities, including actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor, cast their votes on Wednesday in the Maharashtra assembly elections, adding a touch of glamour to the festival of democracy.

Elections to the 288-member state assembly were held between at 7 am and 6 pm.

Among the early voters in Mumbai were actors Akshay Kumar, Rajkumar Rao, actor-director Farhan Akthar, his director-producer sister Zoya Akthar, veteran actor Shubha Khote and her daughter Bhavana Balsavar.

Talking to reporters after casting his vote, Kumar said, "The best thing is that the arrangements are good (at the polling booth), especially for senior citizens, there's cleanliness. Everyone should come and vote because that's the most important thing." Rao urged people to cast their votes.

"It is our right in democracy to vote, so it's important we step out and vote in Maharashtra. I've performed my duties. It's your turn, please vote, it's very important," the "Stree 2" actor told PTI.

Ranbir Kapoor said, "Let's forget the issues and right now it is voting day and it's your birth right, so please come and cast your vote." Shah Rukh Khan exercised his voting right with his family members, including wife Gauri Khan and son Aryan Khan, in the evening.

Salman Khan arrived at his polling booth around 4.45 pm amid tight security. His family members, including father and screenwriter Salim Khan, brothers Arbaaz and Sohail, had arrived before him.

Other celebrities who got their fingers inked include Kareena Kapoor Khan, her husband Saif Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aryan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Govinda, Urmila Matondkar, John Abraham, Ananya Panday with father Chunky Panday and mother Bhavna, Prem Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, Suresh Oberoi, Tusshar Kapoor. Singer Anup Jalota, known for his devotional songs, also cast his vote.

Veteran lyricist-director Gulzar, who came to cast vote with his filmmaker daughter Meghna, said he is confident that people will "not get swayed" by the promises made by politicians and that they will make a wise decision in choosing the right candidate.

"The issues are more and very clear. The glamorous gifts that have been promised to the common man, seem like Dhanteras day - that you will get this and that. But our common man will not be swayed and vote for the candidate who will address their issue," Gulzar said.

Appealing first-time voters to exercise their duty, veteran actor Anupam Kher said it is "cool" to vote.

"I cast my vote every time and I feel that responsibilities come with rights. When we demand our rights, then it is also our responsibility to elect the candidate of our choice. I want to tell the first-time voters that it is cool to vote and it would be wonderful if they go and cast their vote. Difficulties are part of life but to overcome them we've to choose the best candidate," the "Vijay 69" actor told PTI.

Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini told PTI, "Voting is your right and duty so that you can assert your rights to your government. So, choose the right party and vote for them." Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh cast their votes at Babhalgaon in Latur district.

"It is a very important day today...The youth should come out and vote in large numbers and make their candidates win," he said.

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed disappointment over people not coming to cast their vote despite colleges and offices being shut.

"The government has done everything to make it possible for you to come and vote. Colleges are shut, offices are shut. How can you call yourself a citizen of the nation if you don't vote? It's a duty, if you don't attend to your duty, so how can you call yourself a citizen of this nation, you don't deserve to," Mehra said.

Actor Sonu Sood said, "Voting is important for a country. It's a responsibility of every citizen to vote, don't take it as a holiday." Actor Suniel Shetty thinks it's the responsibility of both the government and people to work towards the development of the country.

"We have to be more responsible, like we should have civic sense and discipline. We always demand but don't deliver anything ourselves...We also have to be responsible. There will be a huge difference if we vote today. Let's help the government by doing good work," he said.

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai appealed to people not to give excuses to avoid voting.

"Don't make excuses (to not vote) because then you will not have the right to go on social media (and complain) don't cheat your state Maharashtra, your vote is important, come out for a while," the filmmaker said, adding, he voted hoping for development of Maharashtra and education.

Actor Rahul Bose said, "The issues that concern me most are education, health, sport and entertainment, so those are the issues that I've looked at and made my choice." Musician Vishal Dadlani said, "It's important that you come out and vote. It's important for your city, state, and country. If you love your city, state and country, please come and vote. It is ridiculous that one has to say it, everyone should do it anyway as a duty towards their country. I hope people do (vote)."

Source:telegraphindia.com

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Pakistan

 

Use of VPNs: Typographical error led to confusion: Council of Islamic Ideology

November 21, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) chairman has clarified his earlier statement, affirming that the use of VPNs for legitimate and lawful purposes is permissible and according to Islamic principles.

Addressing a news conference after presiding over a 240th CII meeting, Chairman Allama Raghib Naeemi said using VPS for lawful purposes such as communication, education, or commerce, is permissible.

He, however, clarified that his earlier statement was misconstrued due to typo mistake in the text.

The CII chairman in his earlier statement declared use of VPNs as un-Islamic and against Shariah, which sparked outrage and criticism from the public on social media.

“A VPN is not actually unlawful or un-Islamic; its permissibility depends on how it is used. If it is used to spread or access content that involves disrespect, blasphemy, unrest, anarchy, or is against national security, such usage will undoubtedly be deemed impermissible in Shariah. The government has the authority to take measures to prevent such misuse”, he pointed out.

Government regulations regarding VPN usage should be followed, such as the registration of VPNs, he said, adding registered VPNs should be preferred and unregistered should be avoided as much as possible.

The chairman said an Islamic government is responsible for facilitating citizens in achieving lawful objectives through social media while taking measures to prevent its misuse for unlawful purposes.

Meeting was attended by Allama Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Malik Allah Bakhsh Kalyar, Justice Altaf Ibrahim Qureshi (retd), Allama Dr Abdul Ghafoor Rashid, Muhammad Jalaluddin advocate, Allama Malik Muhammad Yusuf Awan, Mufti Muhammad Zubair, Allama Pir Shamsur Rehman Mashhadi, Allama Syed Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi, Prof Dr Mufti Intikhab Ahmad and Sahibzada Muhammad Hassan Haseebur Rehman.

Council, unanimously, declared that social media especially VPNs can be used for positive and noble purposes while should be stopped for negative and harmful objectives.

The CII members said social media should be used for promoting Islamic values, building moral character, advancing education and training, fostering trade, strengthening national peace and security, and other lawful objectives.

They further indicated that it must not be used for disrespect, blasphemy, falsehood, deceit, immoral purposes, promoting unrest, sectarianism, extremist actions and un-Islamic activities.

It is commonly observed that VPNs and other apps are used for various purposes on the internet.

Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said that PTA has blocked more than 100,000 sites spreading religious hatred and immorality on the recommendations of the CII.

Source:brecorder.com

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Imran granted bail in Toshakhana case but release unlikely

Malik Asad

 November 21, 2024

• IHC warns non-cooperation during trial may result in bail cancellation; Imran to remain in jail over other criminal cases

• Rawalpindi police detain ex-PM on terrorism charges in Sept 28 protest case

• LHC rejects plea by PTI leader’s sister seeking his bail in all cases in Punjab, Islamabad

• Hearing on £190m reference adjourned until tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: The Islam­abad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the second Toshakhana case concerning the purchase of an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a throwaway price.

However, Mr Khan is unlikely to be released from jail as he needs to secure bail in nearly two dozen other cases. Late in the night, Rawalpindi police arrested him on terrorism charges related to a September protest.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb approved Mr Khan’s post-arrest bail against surety bonds worth Rs10 million, cautioning that any non-cooperation during trial proceedings could lead to the cancellation of the bail.

The decision came after detailed arguments from Mr Khan’s legal counsel and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecution. The case pertains to allegations that Mr Khan retained state gifts, including a Bulgari jewellery set, by undervaluing them in violation of Toshakhana rules.

According to the FIA, the alleged undervaluation resulted in financial losses to the state while benefiting Mr Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Mr Khan’s counsel rejected the allegations, stressing that the gifts were acquired under the 2018 Toshakhana policy, with payments made in accordance with valuations by customs and appraisers. The defence argued that the appraiser, Sohaib Abbasi, was coerced into altering his statement to implicate Mr Khan.

The counsel further highlighted procedural flaws, such as a delay of over three years in filing the case and vague charges under Section 109 of PPC.

During the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb questioned the prosecution’s evidence, including the reliability of witness statements and the specifics of alleged threats.

He also criticised the PTI government’s policy of withholding Toshakhana details, remarking, “When we asked, the details were hidden. Transparency was deliberately avoided.”

The judge dismissed the prosecution’s argument that Mr Khan benefited financially through his wife, quipping, “My wife’s belongings are not mine — what kind of logic is this?”

Ultimately, the court granted bail, noting that the case required further inquiry. The trial will now proceed to determine the validity of the charges.

Imran’s challenges persist

Despite the bail order, Mr Khan remains in Adiala Jail as he faces about two dozen FIRs across Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Sources said he must secure bail in at least eight cases in Lahore related to the May 9, 2023 violent protests.

The former PM also faces three new cases registered in Rawalpindi under anti-terrorism laws, linked to PTI protests on Sept 28 and Oct 5. These cases were filed at the Naseerabad, New Town and Taxila police stations.

Sources also said Mr Khan has been granted bail in five earlier cases concerning the May 9 riots, but has yet to submit the required bail bonds, raising questions about his legal team’s diligence. In Islamabad alone, Mr Khan faces 62 cases, requiring bail in at least 15 of them.

Case filed in Rawalpindi

Hours after the IHC granted bail to Mr Khan, the Rawalpindi police arrested him in connection with a new case registered at New Town Police Station on terrorism and other charges.

On late Wednesday evening, a pol­ice spokesperson said Mr Khan had been detained in a case filed on Sept 28. A team, led by SSP invest­igations, has been tasked with probing the matter.

A source said the police team investigated the PTI leader on Wednesday.

In the three FIRs regarding the protest, the police allege Mr Khan, while imprisoned in Adiala Jail, had called for a protest at Liaquat Bagh. In response, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and his supporters declared their intention to participate, leading to violent demonstrations.

A senior police officer said PTI leaders, incl­u­ding Mr Khan and Mr Gandapur, called for the protest despite a ban.

Rawalpindi police have registered six cases across five police stations — two with the City Police Sta­tion, and one each with New Town, Waris Khan, R.A. Bazar, and Civil Lines — against PTI members, including lawmakers and local leaders.

The charges include violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act, defying the government ban on public gatherings, obstructing police duty, damaging police vehicles and endangering public safety.

Four cases include provisions under Section 21(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Mr Khan and Mr Gandapur have been formally named under Section 109 of the PPC for aiding and abetting these offences.

£190m case hearing

Earlier, an accountability court held a hearing on the £190 million reference at Adiala Jail. Mr Khan and Bushra Bibi have yet to submit responses to the questionnaires issued to them.

The court granted Bushra Bibi’s req­uest for an exemption from court appearance on medical grounds and adjourned the hearing till Nov 22.

LHC rejects plea

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court dismissed a plea by Imran Khan’s sister, Noreen Niazi, seeking bail for her brother in all cases against him in Punjab and Islamabad.

An assistant attorney general presented a report to the court, stating that 62 cases had been registered against Mr Khan by the Islamabad police. The report was submitted in response to her petition.

After going through the report, Ms Niazi’s counsel asked the court to grant bail to Mr Khan in all the cases. However, Justice Farooq Haider turned down the request, observing that bail petitions must be filed personally by the suspect.

Source:dawn.com

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Police to seek Imran's physical remand in vandalism case today

By Shabbir Dar

November 21, 2024

RAWALPINDI: The police on Thursday are set to present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan before an an anti-terrorism court (ATC) seeking the former prime minister's physical remand in a vandalism case.

The case hearing will be conducted at the ATC court established in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail, where the PTI founder has been incarcerated.

The former premier, the only one to be ousted through a vote of no-confidence in the country's history, has been in jail for more than a year with several cases lodged against him as well as his party leaders and workers.

Khan's latest arrest in the vandalism case, which was lodged against him in September, came hours after he was granted bail in the new Toshakhana case.

The police spokesperson said late Wednesday that a team of investigators of the Rawalpindi police led by SSP Investigation arrived at the Adiala Jail and formally "arrested" the former premier.

An FIR (first information report) was filed at Rawalpindi's New Town police station against Khan in connection with the PTI's protest on September 27.

The case, registered against him over allegations of inciting arson and causing damage to property, was lodged under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and includes relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leaders, including Seemabia Tahir, Amir Mughar and Aliya Hamza, have been booked as co-accused along with the PTI founder.

The FIR mentions that five suspects — Khalil, Imran, Sadaqat, Yaseen, and Tahir — were arrested at the scene. It also claims that a petrol bottle was recovered from the possession of suspect Tahir.

In the FIR, the charges levelled against the suspects are terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, destroying public and state property, and interference in government operations.

It further alleged that the participants of the PTI rally created unrest, obstructed public access by burning tyres and caused difficulties for citizens. Moreover, the report said that the PTI leaders and activists raised anti-government slogans, hurled stones at the police, and attacked with iron rods during the protest.

Several police vehicles, including that of SP Rawal, were damaged, and one police officer sustained a severe eye injury from glass, said the FIR, adding that the suspects seized government firearms and fired them in the air, causing panic.

Toshakhana case 2.0

Meanwhile, the hearing on the new Toshakhana case — in which the PTI founder has secured bail — will also be conducted today, in which not only Khan but his wife Bushra Bibi will also be presented.

The couple is expected to be indicted in the case today, with the judge warning Bushra to ensure her presence otherwise her bail would be cancelled.

The reference filed by the NAB was related to a jewellery set gifted to Bushra by the Saudi royal family when her husband Khan was the prime minister of the country from 2018 to 2022.

The anti-graft watchdog further alleged that during his term as prime minister, Khan and his wife had received a total of 108 gifts from different heads of state and foreign dignitaries.

The anti-graft watchdog alleged that the former first lady received the jewellery set — comprising a ring, bracelet, necklace a pair of earrings — on her visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021. It said the PTI founder and his wife illegally kept the jewellery set.

The reference states that the deputy military secretary briefed the Toshakhana section officer to estimate and declare the price of the jewellery set, which it mentioned, was not deposited in Toshakhana.

The jewellery company sold the necklace for €300,000 and earrings for €80,000 on May 25, 2018. The information regarding the price of the bracelet and ring could not be obtained from the company.

On May 28, 2021, the price of the jewellery set was estimated at Rs70.56 million; the price of the necklace was Rs50.64 million and the price of the earrings included in the jewellery valued at Rs10.50 million back then.

According to the rules, the 50% price of the jewellery set is approximately Rs35.28 million.

The national exchequer suffered a loss of approximately Rs35.28 million after the jewellery was undervalued.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1253364-police-to-seek-imrans-physical-remand-in-vandalism-case-today

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'Time is not ripe': Fazlur Rehman opposes PTI's 'final protest call'

November 21, 2024

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday opposed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) call for a "do-or-die” protest against the incumbent government, claiming that the Imran Khan-founded party "lacked strategy" for such demonstration.

He stated this during an interview on Geo News programme 'Capital Talk'.

It is important to mention here that the PTI had announced giving a surprise to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government via its “do-or-die” protest on the 24th of this month.

Last week, incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been behind bars since August last year, gave a “final call” for a nationwide protest against the alleged rigging in the February 8 elections, arrests of party workers, and the passage of the 26th Amendment. He called on his supporters to march to Islamabad on the upcoming Sunday.

Reminiscing his party's march during the former premier Khan-led government, he said that the JUI-F had organised 14 "historical" million marches against the then PTI government other than the Azadi March led by the multi-party opposition alliance — Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

The cleric added that the opposition had planned the demonstrations very carefully so that they would not create any law and order disturbance. Maulana Fazl said that he is in favour of the former ruling party's right to protest.

He was of the view that such calls would not yield any results for the major opposition party. "It is not an appropriate time for the PTI to protest and constant protests would lose their importance," Fazl said

He emphasised that every party should take to the streets with a concrete plan, however, it seems that the PTI "does not have good strategists".

To a question whether the PTI consulted the JUI-F for the anti-government protests, Fazl denied saying that the ex-PM Khan-led party did not consult him, however, he would definitely guide them whenever they approach him.

Commenting on the JUI-F-PTI relations, the senior politician said that his party had strained relations with the PTI, however, it would be a "good political step" if it returned to normalcy.

The cleric said that his party has had differences with other parties as well, however, it had bitter ties with the PTI in the past. He added that both parties could build a "good political connection" if they managed to end bitterness.

He suggested that the opposition parties should work together to face shared challenges and take benefits with coordinated moves.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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High-powered PPP body to raise ‘unresolved’ issues

Imran Ayub

November 21, 2024

• Development follows Bilawal’s scathing critique of ruling ally

• PPP leader says Dar already in touch with senior parliamentarians

KARACHI: Frustrated by what it perceives as continued “disrespect” despite being part of the ruling coalition and unmet commitments from the PML-N, the PPP on Wednesday formed a high-level committee to “raise issues” with Islamabad, delivering a pointed message to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that it could no longer offer unconditional support to his government.

In a brief statement, Bilawal House announced that the PPP chairman had formed a committee “to raise issues with the federal government”, which would come up with its report at the next meeting of the Central Executive Committee.

The committee comprises Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmoud, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Hyder, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Haider Gilani.

“The committee will interact with the federal government to raise the issues and will submit its report to the CEC meeting to be held next month,” the statement said.

PPP sources said the composition of the committee, with several senior party figures, reflected the “sensitivity of the issues” within the party.

The development came in less than a week after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari delivered a scathing critique of his ruling ally, expressing frustration over the “disrespect” felt by his party despite being in the coalition and unmet agreements between the two parties.

The PPP chairman, in an informal conversation with reporters at Bilawal House, had also accused the PML-N of reneging on commitments after the 26th Constitutional Amendment’s passage. He had also hinted at a possible review of the PPP’s eight-month alliance in the Centre with the PML-N-led government in the PPP’s upcoming CEC meeting. He said he would present the “facts and ground realities” before party leaders to decide a future strategy.

“The individuals nominated to the committee have already been engaging with the federal government in various capacities,” said a senior PPP leader.

“However, the party’s top leadership has decided to streamline these efforts by forming a dedicated committee to address all pending issues with the federal government. Whether it’s about the Centre’s allocated funds for Sindh, matters related to south Punjab, or unmet promises made by the PML-N, the PPP will now raise these concerns under a single, unified platform.”

When asked what prompted the PPP leadership to devise such a plan, the response pointed to a growing sense of urgency within the party ranks, suggesting that the PPP feels the PML-N government has come to take its support for granted.

“The [PPP] chairman has already pointed out how a draft of the crucial legislation was passed by the federal cabinet, then it went to print, and at the final stage, we were provided the copy on the floor of the assembly to read and asked to vote in its favour,” the PPP leader added.

The PPP leader responded affirmatively when asked about any response from the government after the PPP chairman raised questions about the seriousness of PM Shehbaz and his team regarding talks on unmet commitments.

“Ishaq Dar Sahib [deputy prime minister and foreign minister] is already in touch with our senior parliamentarians to address the issues,” said the PPP leader.

“There’s been no formal meeting or sitting yet over the pending issues, as several members of the PPP committee and government dignitaries were out of the country, but we are consistently exchanging our thoughts and concerns with them. And one thing we have conveyed very loud and clear is that such an attitude can no longer work. What was meant to happen has happened, but from now on, we can no longer offer support in this manner.”

Source:dawn.com

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IHC asked to decide Islamabad plots case afresh

Nasir Iqbal

 November 21, 2024

The gateway to invoke judicial review of the high court is only when there is an application or appeal by the aggrieved or affected party. And in the absence of any such application, the high court may enter into “the domain of judicial overreach”, which is the exercise of power without any legal basis and the same falls within the ambit of interference and encroachment on the legislative and executive domain.

Since no comments were sought from FGEHA and the beneficiaries of the revised policy were neither put to notice nor impleaded in the proceedings, they were caught by surprise when the revised policy was struck down by the high court, the SC noted. It was mandatory to hear all affected and beneficiaries before any decision was taken, Justice Malik said, adding that this was sufficient to remand the matter back to the IHC to hear the appeal and petitions afresh giving everyone an opportunity to respond to the challenges made.

Source:dawn.com

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Four madressah students injured in Turbat grenade attack

Behram Baloch

 November 21, 2024

GWADAR: Four madressah students were injured in a grenade attack by unidentified individuals in the Malikabad area of Turbat, Kech district, on Wednesday.

According to police, a motorcyclist threw a hand grenade near Madressah Jamia Ishat-al-Toheed, injuring four students.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to Turbat district hospital for medical treatment.

“It was a hand grenade explosion. Four children studying at the madressah sustained injuries,” senior police officer Hassan Dashti said, adding that a search operation has been launched to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Source:dawn.com

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SC declares PPP man winner, rejects tribunal’s verdict

Saleem Shahid

November 21, 2024

QUETTA: A three-member bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday restored Haji Mir Obaidullah Gorgage of Pakistan Peoples’ Party as member of the Balochistan Assembly and rejected the verdict of the Balochistan High Court’s election tribunal.

The Supreme Court bench comprised Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Irfan Sadat Khan and Jus­tice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.

Mr Gorgage contested election from PB-44, Quetta, in the general elections in February 2024 as a PPP candidate and he was elected the MPA. However, his rival candidate, the National Party’s Atta Muhammad Bangulzai, had challenged Mr Gorgage’s victory in the election tribunal of the Balochistan High Court which, after hearing the petition of Mr Bangulzai, accepted Mr Bangulzai’s petition and de-seated Mr Gorgage.

Mr Gorgage filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict of the election tribunal.

The three-member bench of the Supreme Court, after hearing the petition of Mr Gorgage, rejected the verdict of the BHC tribunal and restored Mr Gorgage as the member of the Balochistan Assembly.

Advocate Khawaja Haris and Advocate Amanullah Kanrani appeared in the court on behalf of Mr Gorgage while Mr Bangulzai was represented by Advocate Masood Ali Khan.

The same bench of the Supreme Court also rejected the petition of Hammal Khan Baloch who had filed against the election tribunal’s decision that retained the victory of PPP’s Asghar Rind.

The Supreme Court bench, after hearing Mr Baloch’s plea, rejected his petition and stayed the verdict of the election tribunal in favour of Mr Rind.

Advocate Kamran Murtaza and Amanullah Kanrani appeared for Mr Rind while advocate Masood Ali Khan represented the petitioner.

Stay order vacated

The same Supreme Court bench vacated the stay order granted to Mir Ali Madad Jattak of PPP against the decision of the election tribunal and retained the decision of the poll tribunal regarding re-polling in 15 polling stations of PB-45, Quetta.

The apex court rejected the petition of Mr Jattak and ordered re-polling in 15 polling stations.

Source:dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1873738/sc-declares-ppp-man-winner-rejects-tribunals-verdict

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Govt places 4,300 beggars on no-fly list

Iftikhar A. Khan

 November 21, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan informed Saudi Arabia on Wednesday about the steps taken by the government against the ‘mafia’ that sends beggars to the kingdom.

The information was shared by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi during a meeting with Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al Maliki was also present.

The interior minister told the Saudi deputy interior minister that the names of around 4,300 beggars were pla­ced on the Exit Control List (ECL) as zero tolerance policy had been adopted against beggars going to Saudi Arabia.

Besides, Mr Naqvi said, an effective crackdown was being ensured across the country against the ‘beggar mafia’. He vowed to ensure all possible steps for the promotion of bilateral cooperation.

Twin cities proposal

He said there was no visa requirement for Saudi nationals visiting Pakistan and that they can come to Pakistan whenever they want. He also proposed to declare Islamabad and Riyadh twin cities and the Saudi deputy minister of interior agreed to it. Necessary steps would be taken in this regard.

The two sides also agreed to implement the prisoner swap deal and to complete the legal process for the repatriation of 419 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia soon. They also discussed joint training of paramilitary forces and police of both countries.

Source:dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1873740/govt-places-4300-beggars-on-no-fly-list

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Students rally in Quetta as police find no clue to abducted boy’s whereabouts

 November 21, 2024

QUETTA: Boys and girls of different schools on Wednesday took out a protest rally in the provincial capital against the kidnapping of a school student who police and other law-enforcement agencies failed to recover despite the passage of six days.

The students gathered at a point in the provincial capital and then marched through various roads and streets carrying placards and banners demanding immediate recovery of the kidnapped student. They also chanted slogans against the government.

They later joined the protesters staging the sit-in at the Unity Chowk of Zarghoon Road for the recovery of the kidnapped boy. The blockade of Zarghoon and other roads has caused massive traffic jams on all roads leading towards the main city and other areas of the provincial capital.

Long queues of buses, cars and other vehicles were witnessed on all roads. The schoolchildren who were appearing in their 8th Class board exams could not reach their examination centres in time and several of them missed their papers.

Source:dawn.com

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Mideast

 

Hezbollah says Israel ‘cannot impose conditions’ for truce

November 20, 2024

BEIRUT: Hezbollah’s leader delivered a defiant speech on Wednesday saying Israel cannot impose its conditions for a truce, as US envoy Amos Hochstein headed from Lebanon to Israel to try to end the war.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a near-simultaneous statement, said any ceasefire deal must ensure Israel has the “freedom to act” against Hezbollah.

Hochstein announced in Lebanon that he would head to Israel on Wednesday to try to seal a ceasefire agreement in the war in Lebanon, which escalated in late September after nearly a year of deadly exchanges of fire across Israel’s northern border.

Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon, vowing to secure the north and allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.

It has also intensified strikes on neighboring Syria, a key conduit of weapons for Hezbollah from its backer Iran.

In the latest reported attack, the Syrian defense ministry said 36 people were killed and more than 50 wounded in Israeli strikes on the oasis city of Palmyra.

“Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us,” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in an address broadcast shortly after Hochstein announced he would travel to Israel.

Qassem added that his armed group seeks a “complete and comprehensive end to the aggression” and “the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

He also vowed that the response to recent deadly Israeli strikes on Beirut would be on “central Tel Aviv,” Israel’s densely populated commercial hub.

Before heading to Israel, Hochstein met for a second time with one of his main interlocutors, Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on behalf of the Iran-backed group.

“The meeting today built on the meeting yesterday and made additional progress, so I will travel from here in a couple hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can,” Hochstein told reporters in the Lebanese capital.

Hochstein had on Tuesday said an end to the war was “within our grasp,” while a diplomat in Lebanon told AFP that he had studied some modifications to the US truce plan with Lebanese officials.

Ahead of Hochstein’s arrival, Israel’s top diplomat Saar said: “In any agreement we will reach, we will need to keep the freedom to act if there will be violations.”

Striking a defiant tone, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told parliament on Monday that Israel would “be forced to ensure our security in the north.”

Hezbollah began its cross-border attacks in support of its ally Hamas following the Palestinian group’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the war in Gaza.

Since expanding its operations to Lebanon in September, Israel has conducted extensive bombing campaigns primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds.

Israel has also sent ground troops into southern Lebanon, where it said Tuesday one soldier had been killed in combat and three others wounded.

More than 3,544 people in Lebanon have been killed since the clashes began, authorities have said, most since late September.

Among them were more than 200 children, according to the United Nations.

While Hochstein was in Beirut, the situation in the capital was relatively calm Tuesday and Wednesday, but south Lebanon, where Hezbollah holds sway, has seen battles and strikes.

The United States, Israel’s main military and political backer, has been pushing for a UN resolution that ended the last Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006 to form the basis of a new truce.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers should be the only armed forces deployed in south Lebanon.

While not engaged in the ongoing war, the Lebanese army has reported 18 fatalities from among its ranks since September 23.

On Wednesday, the army said Israeli fire killed a soldier in south Lebanon, a day after it announced the deaths of three other personnel in a strike.

The Israeli military later said, without mentioning the deaths, that it was looking into reports of Lebanese soldiers injured by a strike on Tuesday.

“We emphasize that the (Israeli army) is operating precisely against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and is not operating against the Lebanon Armed Forces,” the military told AFP in a statement.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported Israeli shelling and air strikes in south Lebanon overnight and on Wednesday, saying Israeli troops were seeking to advance further near the town of Khiam.

Hezbollah said Wednesday that it had twice targeted Israeli troops near the flashpoint border town, home to an infamous former detention center that was shut down after the end of the Israeli occupation of south Lebanon in 2000.

The NNA said that Israel forces were “attempting to advance from the Kfarshuba hills... to open up a new front under the cover of fire and artillery shells and air strikes.”

“Violent clashes are taking place” between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, it added.

Israel said Wednesday it hit 100 “terror targets” around Lebanon in the past day, including “launchers, weapons storage facilities, command centers and military structures.”

Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it had launched drones at two Israeli military bases in northern Israel and fired rockets at the town of Safed.

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How Israel’s UNRWA ban will impact Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank

ANAN TELLO

November 20, 2024

LONDON: In just a matter of weeks, the main UN agency providing vital services to millions of Palestinian refugees will no longer be able to do so. Israel is expected to enforce new laws banning UNRWA, a move the agency says will halt its vast operations providing aid, health care and schooling in Gaza and the West Bank.

Not only will lifesaving services be taken away, but Palestinians fear that if UNRWA comes to an end, so too will a fundamental pillar of their refugee status — the right of return to their homes.

Israel claims UNRWA has been infiltrated by militants, but the agency’s chiefs deny this and they, along with humanitarian groups and many governments, warn of catastrophic consequences if UNRWA stops operating.

For Gaza, which is on the verge of famine after a 13-month onslaught from Israel that has killed nearly 44,000 people, the outcomes are unthinkable.

On Oct. 28, the Israeli parliament passed two laws by overwhelming majority that will make it impossible for UNRWA to continue its work in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

The first law barred UNRWA from operating in Israeli territory while the second prohibited Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency in any form.

The bills, set to take effect within 90 days of their adoption, did not provide an alternative organization to UNRWA for delivering aid or essential services.

Over a series of press conferences, briefings and statements, Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner-general, has become increasingly exasperated as he pleads with other nations to put pressure on Israel to halt the action.

He says not only will the collapse of his agency have devastating humanitarian consequences for Palestinians, but also removing services like education will fuel radicalization and have a destabilizing effect on the Middle East.

Lazzarini argues that such a step by a UN member state against a UN agency would also significantly undermine the international rules-based order that those members signed up to.

Shortly after the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, passed the bills, he warned that the vote “sets a dangerous precedent.”

“It opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law,” he said.

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary-general, slammed the vote as an “unconscionable law” and “an outright attack on the rights of Palestinian refugees.”

UNRWA was established by a UN General Assembly resolution in response to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their land in 1948, which led to the formation of the Israeli state. In what became known as the Nakba, meaning catastrophe, 700,000 people were driven from their homes.

The agency was tasked with helping refugees scattered across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria until they could return home. With no “right of return” solution ever reached with Israel, UNRWA’s work has continued, providing many services in lieu of a functioning government.

Yet despite the agency’s work, it has always faced criticism from Israel. One of the main charges against UNRWA is that it perpetuates the Palestinian refugee issue by keeping alive the notion of a “right of return” passed down through generations — something Israel views as unrealistic and unimaginable.

Palestinians believe that without the agency, their status as refugees would be undermined and they fear they would be pressured into settling wherever they have ended up.

Lazzarini said on Monday that Israel’s aim in attacking UNRWA was to strip Palestinians of their refugee status. But he insisted that whether his agency existed or not, their refugee status would be protected by UN General Assembly resolutions.

In recent years, Israel has increasingly accused the agency of employing Hamas members and other militants among its 13,000-strong Gaza workforce.

Hamas has been in power since seizing the territory from Palestinian rivals Fatah in 2007 and UNRWA has had to tread a fine line between the militant group and Israel.

It comes under pressure from both sides about the curriculum taught in its schools or whether it is showing bias toward one side or the other.

In late January, Israeli authorities accused several UNRWA employees of involvement in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 250 hostages.

The UN secretary-general ordered an investigation which reported in August that nine staff members may have been involved in the attacks. UNRWA fired the employees but said it had supplied full lists of the people it employs since 2011.

Many Western countries suspended their funding for UNRWA while the investigation was carried out, a major blow given the agency’s budget is almost entirely funded by donations from UN member states. All except the US have since reinstated the money.

An independent review of the agency published in April said UNRWA had a “robust” framework to deal with neutrality but that issues such as staff publicly expressing political views and textbooks with problematic content being used in some UNRWA schools persisted.

Nevertheless, the level to which UNRWA is entwined with the fabric of Palestinian society means that removing its services would leave a huge gap in how the territories function.

Of most immediate concern, the Israeli legislation would remove desperately needed aid and health care from Gaza.

In a statement on X after the vote, Lazzarini described the laws as “nothing less than collective punishment” that will “only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell.”

More than 2 million people in Gaza have endured relentless Israeli bombing and a deepening humanitarian crisis since the war started. The population is fully dependent on the aid allowed into the territory by Israel. Families suffer severe shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies and shelter.

The bombing and military operations destroyed essential infrastructure, razed entire districts and displaced almost the entire population. Along with the tens of thousands killed, mostly women and children, more than 100,000 have been injured, according to Gaza’s health authority.

An UNRWA spokesperson told Arab News that without the agency “the delivery of food, shelter, and health care to most of Gaza’s population would grind to a halt.”

A joint statement by 15 UN and humanitarian organizations on Nov. 1 warned that the legislation against UNRWA would be a “catastrophe” for the aid response in Gaza where “there is no alternative to UNRWA.”

Indeed, relief groups have repeatedly accused Israeli authorities of aid obstruction. While Israel has denied this, data analysis by aid organizations operating in Gaza found that 83 percent of food aid does not make it into the enclave.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for UN humanitarian agency OCHA, told a UN briefing in Geneva in mid-November that aid access across Gaza has been “at a low point.”

“Chaos suffering, despair, death, destruction, displacement is at a high point,” he said, adding that delivering assistance in northern Gaza was “near impossible.”

The ramifications of the new laws will extend beyond Gaza, across the entire occupied Palestinian territories.

“In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, without UNRWA, health, education and social services to Palestine refugees would fall apart,” the UNRWA spokesperson said.

Addressing a UN General Assembly committee last week, Lazzarini warned the risk of UNRWA’s collapse “threatens the lives and futures of individuals and communities.” 

UNRWA delivers education to more than 660,000 children across Gaza and at least 50,000 in the West Bank. If the agency's work stops, “an entire generation will be denied the right to education,” Lazzarini added: “Their future will be sacrificed, sowing the seeds for marginalization and extremism.”

The agency provides health care services to half a million Palestinian refugees, covering 70-80 percent of needs in Gaza before the war.

Banning UNRWA would also put at risk the jobs of 17,000 employees in Gaza and the West Bank.

More than 240 UNRWA personnel have already been killed in the Gaza war and others have been detained and tortured.

UNRWA is a “casualty” of the Gaza war and “not a party” to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Lazzarini said.

“Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, and Israeli forces have allegedly used our premises for military purposes,” he added.

Away from Gaza, concern is growing that the demise of UNRWA would erode the refugee status of Palestinians, further weakening their cause.

The non-governmental organization Medical Aid for Palestinians warned that discrediting UNRWA “undermined the international legal framework protecting their (Palestinian refugees) rights, including the right of return.”

Rafe Jabari, a researcher on the political sociology of Arab states, told Arab News that UNRWA plays a critical role in “keeping the refugee question on track” while providing the international community with essential data and insights on the situation in Gaza.

Israeli officials have “banned the entry of international journalists” into Gaza and “are now attacking the most important, neutral, and impartial organization (UNRWA),” he said.

“By eliminating this important source of information, the Israelis aim to obscure their practices and policies on the ground, undermining the credibility of other sources and, in turn, denying the outcomes of their actions.”

Despite the widespread concern over UNRWA’s future, there is no sign that Israel may be willing to halt the ban and little detail on how its work could be replaced.

“UNRWA may be defined by a single word — failure,” Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon told a meeting of the General Assembly on UNRWA earlier this month. “This idea that UNRWA could not be supplemented is absurd.”

Yet, as the clock ticks toward the ban being enforced, the warnings from the UN grow even louder, with officials saying Israel will have to step in when UNRWA is no longer operating.

Speaking in Geneva on Monday, Lazzarini said while there was no functioning state or institutions for Palestinians, then the role of UNRWA was “irreplaceable.”

“There is no Plan B,” he said.

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Fierce battles in southern Lebanon amid ceasefire talk

NAJIA HOUSSARI

November 20, 2024

Elsewhere, fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters took place on Wednesday as Israeli forces advanced toward the strategic coastal town of Biyyadah.

The Israeli moves coincided with an announcement by US envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut that “additional progress” had been made on the US proposal for a ceasefire.

Hochstein expressed hope that a “conclusion can be reached” after he travels to Israel for talks.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and his adviser Ali Hamdan, tasked by Hezbollah with leading external negotiations, held several rounds of discussions with Hochstein in the parliamentary headquarters and at the US Embassy in Awkar.

On Wednesday afternoon, Hochstein said: “(We have) made additional progress, so I will travel from here in a couple of hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can.”

Israeli media reported that Hochstein will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah described the US proposal as “a document of mutual commitments between the Lebanese and Israeli sides concerning the mechanism for ceasing fire under the framework of implementing Resolution 1701.”

He added: “We are facing indirect negotiations with the enemy over a document of commitments, somewhat similar to what happened in 2006 but under different circumstances. We are handling the proposals based on fundamental principles tied to our sovereignty and the protection of our land and people.”

Fadlallah said that Hezbollah remains active on the ground and said that “the war will not conclude by imposing the enemy’s conditions.”

Leaked information regarding the discussions indicated that Hezbollah agreed to include a US party in the monitoring committee for the implementation of the resolution, rather than the British or Germans.

The committee is expected to include representatives from Washington, Paris, an Arab country, potentially Egypt, and the UN.

Hochstein oversaw meetings on the ceasefire proposals that included former President Michel Aoun at his residence, and Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, at his home.

Meanwhile, confrontations in southern Lebanon intensified amid protests from UNIFIL forces and other participating countries regarding the targeting of their positions, and the injuring of peacekeeping soldiers by both Israel and Hezbollah.

The leadership of UNIFIL said on Tuesday that “peacekeeping forces and their facilities were targeted in three separate incidents in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to six peacekeepers. Four Ghanaian soldiers were injured by a missile while performing their duties, which was likely launched by non-governmental entities within Lebanon, striking their base  east of the town of Ramiayh.”

UNIFIL said that despite these challenges, peacekeeping forces will remain in their locations, and continue to monitor and report violations of Resolution 1701.

As Israeli attacks targeted the Lebanese army for the second day in a row, Lebanon announced the death of four of its soldiers.

Three were killed in a  attack on their post in Sarafand on Tuesday, while a fourth was killed by an Israeli strike on a medical army vehicle on the road linking Burj Al-Muluk and Qalaa.

The Israeli army claimed that it “killed two Hezbollah leaders responsible for missile attacks that targeted northern Israel, including the commander of the Lebanese coastal sector’s anti-tank unit.”

It also revealed late on Tuesday that Ali Munir Shaito, who is in charge of Hezbollah’s southern front in Syria, was the target of last Sunday’s airstrike on Beirut’s Mar Elias district.

Israeli airstrikes continued to hit southern towns, from Kfarshuba and Rashaya Al-Fakhar to Tyre, Nabatieh and Adloun.

However, Beirut and its southern suburb had a second day of cautious calm.

According to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry complaint to the Security Council, a total of 27 civil defense personnel have been killed by Israeli attacks, while 76 have been injured.

As of Tuesday, the death toll in the overall Israeli war on Lebanon reached 3,544, along with 15,036 injuries.

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Israel says not fighting Lebanese army, after soldiers killed

November 20, 2024

JERUSALEM: Israel’s military said Wednesday it was fighting the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, not the Lebanese army, after the latter said four of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes.

“We emphasize that the (Israeli army) is operating precisely against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and is not operating against the Lebanon Armed Forces,” the military told AFP in a statement.

The Lebanese army said Israeli fire killed a soldier Wednesday, a day after it said three other personnel died in a strike on their position in the town of Sarafand, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the southern border.

South Lebanon has seen intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants whose group holds sway in the area.

Israel’s military said it struck “a terrorist infrastructure site in which a number of Hezbollah terrorists were operating in the area of Sarafand” on Tuesday night.

“The (army) is looking into reports regarding soldiers of the Lebanon Armed Forces who were injured during the strike,” it added, but did not refer to the other deadly incident mentioned by the Lebanese army.

Since September 23, Israel has ramped up its bombing campaign in Lebanon, later sending in ground troops, after almost a year of cross-border exchanges begun by Hezbollah in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas.

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Israel insists on right to act against Hezbollah in any deal to end fighting

November 20, 2024

BEIRUT: Israel’s defense minister says his country insists on the right to act militarily against Hezbollah in any agreement to end the fighting in Lebanon.

Lebanon’s government is likely to view any such demand as an infringement on its sovereignty, complicating efforts to end more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that erupted into all-out war in September.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement Wednesday that “the condition for any political settlement in Lebanon is the preservation of the intelligence capability and the preservation of the (Israeli military’s) right to act and protect the citizens of Israel from Hezbollah.”

Lebanese officials mediating between Israel and Hezbollah have called for a return to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between the sides.

It calls for Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces to withdraw from a buffer zone in southern Lebanon patrolled by UN peacekeepers and Lebanese troops.

US envoy Amos Hochstein, who has spent months trying to broker a ceasefire, held a second round of talks on Wednesday with Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah who has been mediating on their behalf.

Hochstein told reporters the talks had made “additional progress,” and that he would be heading to Israel “to try to bring this to a close, if we can.” He declined to say what the sticking points are.

Israeli strikes and combat in Lebanon have killed more than 3,500 people and wounded 15,000, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The war has displaced nearly 1.2 million people, or a quarter of Lebanon’s population.

On the Israeli side, 87 soldiers and 50 civilians, including some foreign farmworkers, have been killed by attacks involving rockets, drones and missiles. Hezbollah began firing on Israel the day after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack triggered the war in Gaza.

That attack killed some 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and another 250 were abducted. Around 100 hostages remain inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed nearly 44,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Lebanese army said in a statement a soldier was killed by an Israeli airstrike that hit his vehicle on the road linking Burj Al-Muluk and Qalaa in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said it was looking into reports.

The night before, three soldiers were killed by an airstrike that targeted an army post in the town of Sarafand, near the coastal city of Saida.

Wissam Khalifa, a resident of Sarafand who lives next to the army post and was injured in the strike, said he was shocked that it was targeted.

“It’s a safe residential neighborhood. There is nothing here at all” that would present a target, he said. “Regarding the martyred soldiers, I don’t even know if there was a gun in the center. Why did this strike happen? We have no idea.”

The Lebanese army has not been an active participant in the fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah over the past 13 months, but more than 40 soldiers have been killed in the conflict.

Altogether, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since Oct. 8, 2023, the vast majority of them in the past two months.

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Pezeshkian: Islamic countries’ cooperation, unity will bring progress for Muslims

Nov 20, 2024

“We are ready to deepen cooperation and develop ties with all Islamic countries based on mutual respect and interests”, Pezeshkian said on Wednesday, adding that this approach is particularly true about Syria.

He made the comments in a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam al-Sabbagh in Tehran.

President Pezeshkian said that Tehran’s ties with Damascus are beyond diplomatic relations, and are based on shared beliefs, cultural and historical commonalities, adding that Iran is interested in developing relations with the brotherly and friendly country of Syria in various fields.

Further in his remarks, the Iranian president said that if Islamic countries are united, the Israeli regime will not be able to commit crimes against them, stressing that Iran will never stop supporting its friends.

“We believe that unity and cooperation among Islamic countries will bring progress for all Muslims”, the Iranian president said, noting that Muslim unity will foil plots by enemies including the US and the Zionist regime against the interests of regional countries.

The Syrian foreign minister, for his part, conveyed warm greetings and an invitation from President Bashar al-Assad to Pezeshkian to visit the Arab country.

Al-Sabbagh said that relations between the two countries are continuously expanding, and that Syria is making efforts to define a new perspective of interactions in economic, trade and cultural fields based on its excellent political relations with Iran.

He also appreciated Iran for supporting the Syrian government and people. He said that the two countries have common challenges, particularly in the face of the US-Zionist project to change regional geopolitics, stressing that resistance is the most effective way to counter this project.

Further in his remarks, the Syrian foreign minister emphasized that his country will never separate from the Resistance Axis, despite moves currently underway to that aim.

He also said that Syria is willing to increase its diplomatic cooperation with Tehran, while working on bilateral economic cooperation which he said is effective in nullifying US sanctions against the two countries.

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ICC prosecutor urges nations to help arrest 6 Libyans allegedly linked to a brutal militia

November 20, 2024

UNITED NATIONS: The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court urged Libya and other nations Tuesday to help arrest six men allegedly linked to a brutal militia blamed for multiple killings and other crimes in a strategically important western town where mass graves were discovered in 2020.

Karim Khan told the UN Security Council that he is ready to work with the Libyan government and people as well as countries that are parties to the ICC and those that are not to assist in the arrests.

The ICC does not have a police force and relies on cooperation from its 124 member states to enforce arrest warrants.

The six men were either key members of or associated with the Al Kaniyat militia that controlled the town of Tarhuna from at least 2015 to June 2020, when government forces ousted them from the town. Tarhuna is located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of the capital, Tripoli.

Briefing the council by video from Libya, Khan said he met victims earlier Tuesday from Tarhuna who told him of their suffering. He said he walked “in the areas where their loved ones were tortured and killed.” One Libyan told him that “every household in Tarhuna has a victim,” he said.

“They have a steely determination. They have a clear conviction that justice and accountability and fair processes are essential for themselves, their families, their community, and for Libya at large,” Khan said.

The prosecutor said the victims’ determination “gives rise to renewed hope that things are moving in a direction away from talk to action, and the possibility of justice.”

The ICC unsealed arrest warrants in early October for six men: Abdelrahim Al-Kani, Makhlouf Douma, Nasser Al-Lahsa, Mohammed Salheen, Abdelbari Al-Shaqaqi and Fathi Al-Zinkal.

Khan said at that time that three of the men were leaders or senior members of Al Kaniyat. Three others were Libyan security officials associated with the militia at the time of the alleged crimes.

“We know where they are,” Khan said Tuesday.

The ICC prosecutor said the victims told him they are pleased with the warrants but “what they are demanding is your help to help with the arrests of those individuals and to ensure that there are trials — that they can be part of trials when they can give evidence.”

Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. The country split, with rival administrations in the east and west backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.

The mass graves were found in Tarhuna after the militia’s withdrawal following the collapse of a 14-month campaign by military commander Khalifa Haftar, who is still a powerful force in the east, to wrest control of Tripoli from an array of militias allied with the former UN-recognized government.

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Hamas: No hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless Gaza war ends

November 20, 2024

CAIRO: Hamas’ acting Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya said in remarks broadcast on Wednesday that there would be no hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless the war in the Palestinian enclave ended.

“Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap,” Hayya said in a televised interview with the group’s Al-Aqsa television channel, reiterating the group’s position on how to bring the war to an end.

“If the aggression is not ended, why would the resistance and in particular Hamas, return the prisoners (hostages)?” he said. “How would a sane or an insane person lose a strong card he owns while the war is continuing?“

Hayya, who led the group’s negotiating team in talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, blamed the lack of progress on Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in turn holds the Islamist group responsible for the stalled talks.

“There are contacts under way with some countries and mediators to revive this file (negotiation). We are ready to continue with those efforts but it is more important to see a real will on the side of the occupation to end the aggression,” said Hayya.

“The reality proves that Netanyahu is the one who undermines it (negotiations),” he added.

Speaking during a visit to Gaza on Tuesday, Netanyahu said that Hamas would not rule the Palestinian enclave after the war had ended and that Israel had destroyed the Islamist group’s military capabilities.

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Jordanian king and UAE president discuss ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon

November 20, 2024

DUBAI: Jordan’s King Abdullah II and the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held talks on Wednesday, which included international efforts to secure ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.

The two leaders met in Abu Dhabi as the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to halt Israel’s war on Gaza and as diplomats shuttled between Jerusalem and Beirut to try to end Israel’s offensive in Lebanon.

Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah “underscored the importance of intensifying efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, ensuring full protection for civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and providing humanitarian support to those affected,” the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported.

They also said that the UAE and Jordan were both “steadfast in supporting Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.”

Nearly 44,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its assault there after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7 last year, killing about 1,200.

The conflict escalated to a war in Lebanon in September, where Israeli bombing against Hamas ally Hezbollah has killed more than 3,500 people.

The UAE and Jordan both have relations with Israel but have been fiercely critical of Israel’s military offensives and the human suffering that they have caused.

During their meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah spoke about widespread concern that the conflict could spread to other countries in the region.

“The leaders emphasized the need to prevent conflict in the Middle East from escalating further, as it poses a threat to the region’s security and stability,” WAM reported.

“They also stressed the importance of establishing a clear path toward a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for all.”

King Abdullah flew to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning for the meeting, along with Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, who also attended the meeting.

The UAE and Jordan have both mobilized large aid operations to help alleviate suffering in Gaza and Lebanon.

Last week, four convoys of trucks carrying 605 tonnes of aid from the UAE made it to Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

On Wednesday, eight Jordanian helicopters flew food, medicine and supplies for children, landing directly in Gaza for the first time since the fighting began.

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Jordan army flies eight helicopters with aid to Gaza

November 20, 2024

Amman: Jordan’s army said Wednesday it sent eight helicopters loaded with more than seven tons of aid to Gaza, which is grappling with a humanitarian crisis after more than a year of war.

The helicopters carrying food, medicine and supplies for children took off from Jordan toward the Palestinian territory, the army said in a statement.

It was the first time for Jordanian aircraft to land in Gaza with aid since the outbreak of the conflict in October last year.

The army said the aid was being delivered to Al-Qarara, an area near Gaza’s southern city of Khan Yunis, where it would be handed over to the World Food Programme.

“The total amount of aid sent from the kingdom to the Gaza Strip is about 56,573 tons,” it added, noting the aid had been delivered through Egypt by plane, by truck and dozens of airdrops.

The majority of Gaza’s 2.4 population has been displaced by the fighting, and the UN warned on November 9 that famine was looming in some areas due to a lack of aid.

War broke out in Gaza after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 97 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the army says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 43,973 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry that the UN finds reliable.

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US vetoes UN resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages

EPHREM KOSSAIFY

November 20, 2024

NEW YORK CITY: The US on Wednesday used the power of veto it holds as one of the five permanent member of the UN Security Council to block a resolution demanding “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza and “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

The resolution was put forward by the 10 elected, non-permanent members of the council. The US was the only one of the 15 members not to vote in favor of it.

The text of the resolution also called for the “safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance at scale” to Gaza, including besieged areas in the north of the territory, and denounced any attempt to deliberately starve the population there.

More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October last year, and the UN says that in excess of 70 percent of the verified deaths were among women and children. More than 130,000 people have been injured. The UN believes these figures to be an underestimate, given that scores of bodies are thought to be buried under the rubble of destroyed or damaged buildings.

The war has also displaced almost the entire population of the enclave, resulting in a humanitarian catastrophe.

On Monday, the UN’s Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices presented a report to the General Assembly in which it said the methods of warfare employed by Israel in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon, the mass civilian casualties and the life-threatening conditions deliberately inflicted on Palestinians, are consistent with the characteristics of genocide.

After the Security Council failed to adopt the resolution on Wednesday, Majed Bamya, the Palestinian deputy ambassador to the UN, told its members that they were witnessing an attempt “to annihilate a nation” and yet the “very tools designed to respond (to this are) not being used.”

He added: “Maybe for some we have the wrong nationality, the wrong faith, the wrong skin color, but we are humans and we should be treated as such.

“Is there a UN Charter for Israel that is different from the charter you all have? Is there an international law for them? An international law for us? Do they have the right to kill and the only right we have is to die?

“What more can (Israel) do for this council to act under Chapter 7? Or will this council be the last place on earth that cannot recognize a threat to peace when they see it?”

Chapter 7 of the UN Charter relates to action that can be taken by member states in response to threats to peace and acts of aggression.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, told council members: “Today, a shameful attempt to abandon our kidnapped men and women by the UN was prevented. Thanks to the US, we stood firm with our position that there will be no ceasefire without the release of the hostages. We will continue in this struggle until everyone returns home.”

Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador, said that an unconditional ceasefire would mean acceptance by the Security Council of Hamas remaining in power in Gaza.

“The United States will never accept this,” he added. “Rather than adopting a resolution that emboldens Hamas, let’s instead demand Hamas implement Resolution 2735 without further condition or delay.

“Let’s continue to ensure Israel facilitates additional humanitarian aid into Gaza, and let's work to bring a durable end to the suffering and misery of Hamas’ many victims."

Security Council Resolution 2735, which was adopted in June, calls on Hamas to accept a proposed hostage and ceasefire agreement with Israel.

British envoy Barbara Woodward, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the council this month, expressed regret over the failure of the council to adopt the resolution but vowed to “keep striving, alongside our partners, to bring this war to a close.”

She said: “The deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and unacceptable. All of Gaza is at risk of famine, and in some areas this is likely to be imminent. Yet the aid reaching civilians remains entirely insufficient to mitigate this unfolding disaster.

“The unthinkable hardship that civilians are already facing in Gaza is set to get even worse as winter approaches.”

Woodward urged Israeli authorities to take “urgent action to alleviate this crisis. International humanitarian law must be respected by all sides.”

China’s ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, said that even with the imminent threat of famine in Gaza, “the United States always seems to be able to find a justification to defend Israel.” It is a stance that represents a distortion of international humanitarian law, he added.

“People keep learning something new they never knew before was possible, and how low one can stoop. No wonder people feel angry,” said Fu.

“People’s indignation also stems from the fact that the continued supply of weapons from the US (to Israel) has become a decisive factor in the war lasting so long, causing so many casualties and so much destruction.”

He added: “All hostages must be released. An immediate and unconditional ceasefire must be established. Both are important factors. There should be no conditionality. They cannot be linked to each other because facts have shown that Israel’s military operations in Gaza have long exceeded the scope of rescuing hostages.

“Insistence on setting a precondition for ceasefire is tantamount to giving the green light to continuing the war and condoning the continued killing.”

The Algerian ambassador, Amar Bendjama, told the council after the vote: “Today’s message is clear.

“To the Israeli occupying power: You may continue your genocide and collective punishment of the Palestinian people with complete impunity. In this chamber, you enjoy immunity.

“To the Palestinian people: While the majority of the world stands in solidarity with your plight, tragically, others remain indifferent to your suffering.”

Nicolas de Riviere, France’s permanent representative to the UN, lamented the latest failure by the council to help bring an end to the war.

“France voted in favor of this resolution and deeply regrets that the (Security Council) remains unable to speak with one voice on the situation in the Middle East.”

The Russian envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, directly addressed his US counterpart and accused him of being responsible for the deaths “of tens of thousands of innocent civilians (and) the suffering of hostages and illegally detained Palestinians.”

He added: “It was very interesting to hear the American representative today, in the wake of the vote, say that the resolution does not contain provisions on the release of hostages. Well, it does contain such a provision. Perhaps the US representative should read through the resolution before voting against it.”

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Event for Martyrs of Qur’an Schools in Shu’ub district on annual anniversary of the martyr held

20 Nov 2024

Martyrs of the Qur’an Schools in al-Firdaws Mosque for Sharia Sciences in Shu’ub district in the capital Sana'a on Wednesday organized a cultural event on the annual anniversary of the martyr, and honored the families of the martyrs and the top students of the first semester.

In the event, which was attended by Shura Council member Ahmed al-Zubairi, a speech was given on behalf of the sons of the martyrs, explaining that commemorating the annual anniversary of the martyr reflects the interest of the revolutionary leadership in the families of the martyrs and their relatives; In recognition of the sacrifices they made in defending the homeland.

Al-Zubairi pointed out that no matter how much the aggression continues to commit its crimes, the sons of the Yemeni people will only increase in strength and determination to continue the jihad, steadfastness and following the path of the martyrs to confront the tyrants of the era led by America, Israel, Britain, and their lackeys.

The speech of the sons of the martyrs expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the leader of the revolution, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, the political leadership, the leadership of the Capital Secretariat and the Martyr of the Qur’an Schools, for their interest in the families and relatives of the martyrs, and their concerns..stressing the continuation of the path of the martyrs until victory is achieved.

The event, attended by the Director of Neighborhood Affairs in Sha’ub district, Muhammad al-Washah, and a number of leaders, social figures and sons of the families of the martyrs, included poems and chanting paragraphs by the students of the Martyr of the Qur’an Schools, expressing the occasion.

In conclusion, the member of the Shura Council and province undersecretary and the Director of the Martyr of the Qur’an Schools honored the sons of the martyrs and the top students of the first semester with certificates of appreciation and symbolic gifts; coinciding with the launch of the second semester in the Martyr of the Qur’an Schools.

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Islamic Forum, Al-Maarefa University commemorate anniversary of martyr

20 Nov 2024

The Islamic Forum, in cooperation with Al-Maarefa University, organized today in Sana'a a speech event and the opening of the photo exhibition of martyrs on the occasion of the anniversary of the martyr 1446.

After that, the Secretary-General of the Forum, Chairman of the General Authority of Endowments, the scholar Abdul Majeed Al-Houthi, and a member of the Supreme Committee of the Islamic Forum, Judge Abdullah Al-Ghalbi, inaugurated an exhibition of pictures and models of martyrs from the members of the Islamic Forum.

The visitors praised the contents of the exhibition, which highlighted the sacrifices of the martyrs and their greatness, stressing that these sacrifices will remain a source of pride for the people of the country.

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Arab World

 

Saudi, Eurojust officials discuss judicial reforms

November 20, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani visited the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, Eurojust, in The Hague, Netherlands.

He was welcomed by Eurojust President Michael Schmid. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the judicial and legal fields to promote justice and human rights, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Samaani highlighted significant developments in the Kingdom’s judicial sector, supported by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

He said that the right to litigation is guaranteed to both citizens and residents of the Kingdom, with all judicial guarantees provided to ensure equal treatment for all parties and fairness in resolving disputes based solely on facts.

Al-Samaani highlighted key judicial reforms that have enhanced transparency and public access, such as recording court sessions with audio and video, publishing judicial rulings, introducing electronic litigation services and implementing the preventive justice system.

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Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius

November 21, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a message of congratulations on Wednesday to Navin Ramgoolam, who became prime minister of Mauritius this month.

The prince conveyed “his sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the premier and wished “the friendly people of the Republic of Mauritius further progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ramgoolam was sworn in as prime minister a week ago, following his coalition’s triumph in the general election. It is the 77-year-old veteran politician’s fourth term in office; he previously served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000, and for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2014.

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Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid

TAMARA ABOALSAUD

November 21, 2024

RIYADH: Nasser Al-Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, shared his thoughts on some of the challenges and opportunities his country encountered when hosting one of the biggest global sports events, and passed on some words of wisdom during a discussion at the 2024 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh with Hamad Albalawi, the head of the Saudi Arabian Sports Federation’s Bid Unit for the 2034 World Cup.

Describing the 2022 event as “the best-ever World Cup in the history of the tournament,” Albalawi said 3.2 million tickets were sold, a 17 percent increase compared with the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and it was the most sustainable tournament to date.

As such, football authorities worldwide can learn many lessons from Qatar about hosting future World Cups and other major events, he added.

“You saw a World Cup that put the fan at the very center … that created an experience for fans that were able to engage with the tournament beyond the 90 minutes,” Albalawi said on Tuesday, the second and final day of the Misk event.

However, hosting the competition did not come without significant challenges. Some of the biggest that authorities had to overcome included the problems caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics of organizing a World Cup in a country undergoing great infrastructural development, and issues related to the welfare of workers, Al-Khater said.

However, one of the most significant hurdles was the intense media scrutiny and the constant battle against public perceptions.

“From the bid stage, the challenge was people not taking us seriously, not seeing us as a serious contender,” Al-Khater said.

Toward the end of the bidding process, as people started to realize how strong a contender for host Qatar really was, “they tried to discredit us as much as possible,” he added.

Al-Khater spoke in particular about the effects reporting by the mainstream media has on public perceptions. He said the task of trying to counter this by educating people had at times distracted from the crucial job of actually organizing a major, unforgettable event.

However, people eventually began to tire of the constant narrative, he added, started to question it and reflect on social and political issues in their own countries, and in doing so they slowly realized a double standard might be at play.

Al-Khater said 1.4 million people visited Qatar to experience the World Cup firsthand, many of whom raved about the safety and beauty of the country, and the hospitality of the Arab world; an image that jarred with the picture painted by the mainstream media.

“Women said, ‘We have never felt so safe at football matches in our lives,’” he added.

Albalawi said that when the Saudi bid team entered the room with their counterparts from other nations, he realized that the average ages of the members of those other teams were in the 50s and 60s, while the average age of the Saudi team was between 31 and 32.

“It made me think to myself, do we have the experience? Do we have the knowledge? Do we have the know-how?” he admitted.

But after reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, and how much it has achieved in the past nine years, he reconsidered his initial reaction.

“Although we do not have 20 years of experience, we have projects that we have managed that are more sophisticated than any other set of projects around the world,” Albalawi said.

“The Saudi youth is one of the most capable youths of the world. We have a lot of energy, we have a lot of will, we have very capable minds and we have a demographic that is the envy of every nation in the world.”

Asked how confident he is that the Saudi bid to host the 2034 World Cup will be successful, Albalawi replied: “Very confident. Saudi Arabia is a story of growth … of remarkable transformation. It will be written in the history books for decades and centuries to come; this era and this age will be remembered for the achievements we have created.”

Al-Khater noted that the experience of hosting the World Cup had a big effect in his country on young people in particular.

“The youth in Qatar were quite lucky that they have been able to witness a country that was growing together and living a sense of nationwide pride,” he said.

This feeling of pride and national unity instilled a sense of teamwork at the macro and micro levels that was reflected throughout society, from large national projects to small teams working in schools and universities, he added.

Great efforts were made to ensure the youth of the country were included in the planning process for the World Cup by creating programs in schools and online tools, for example, to help them understand the significance of the event to Qatar, and by recruiting students to work as volunteers at the event itself, Al-Khater said.

The World Cup can be used as a “developmental tool” and the youth of a nation are “your biggest ambassadors,” he added.

“Everywhere else, it is just the World Cup; for our part of the world, this is a strategic project and it is an ambition that goes far beyond sports.”

Albalawi’s message to Saudi youth was to embrace the prospect of the Kingdom hosting 2034 World Cup as an opportunity to “become your best in anything you do, whether that is the best engineer, football administrator, health professional, architect,” and “to see that growth in yourself and the connections around you all the way through.” He added: “The World Cup is an enabler to all of the different projects.”

Another piece of advice he offered to young people was to be diligent in everything they do, always triple-check that they have considered everything they need to, and to ask questions of everyone who can help them ensure they always stay ahead of the game.

Al-Khater’s advice to the people of Saudi Arabia was: “Always keep the big picture in mind because we can sometimes, through our own panic, veer off and start looking at micro issues.

“You need to hold yourself and start to zoom out. Learn how to manage up. Expectations are quite high in this part of the world, rightfully so. One big task that I have to go through is learning how to manage up and not just delivering on the ground.”

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Wonder District brings worlds of fun to Jeddah

AFSHAN AZIZ

November 20, 2024

JEDDAH: The newly opened Wonder District in Jeddah is drawing visitors looking for entertainment, thrills and cultural immersion until Dec. 11

Located on King Abdulaziz Road, it is part of the Jeddah Events Calendar and a major highlight of the coastal city’s entertainment scene this season.

The festival spans 10 immersive zones, each offering a unique experience designed to captivate visitors of all ages, including adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing cultural experiences.

The Wonder Jungle section lets young visitors interact with animals including hens, raccoons, tortoises, rabbits, parrots, peacocks, flamingos, ducks, squirrels and even kangaroos.

The lush, verdant area is filled with wildlife exhibits, nature trails and peaceful corners for relaxation.

The Let’s Play, also for young visitors, is an energetic space brimming with interactive games and activities featuring iconic characters from beloved franchises such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Barney, Scrabble, Cocomelon and more.

For those seeking a thrill, the 500 sq. meter Spooky Circus delivers a spine-tingling adventure. From creepy clowns and haunted houses to glow-in-the-dark rooms and suspenseful surprises, the section offers a thrilling journey into the world of mystery and fright.

At the Wonder Job, visitors can put their skills to the test in an exhilarating race against the clock. With only 60 seconds on the countdown, participants must unlock as many safes as possible to win prizes, with one lucky safe containing the ultimate luxury reward.

The excitement is amplified as the action is streamed live on screens outside the zone, creating an electrifying atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Smiley Beach, made from soft, sponge-like materials, creates a unique vibe where visitors can dive into a bubble pit or enjoy exciting activities like the blob jump, zipline, rope swing and slide. The beach zone also comes alive with DJ performances and light shows, making it an ideal spot to unwind or dive into high-energy fun.

For those craving adventure, Blast Off’s inflatable adventure zone uses varying air pressure to launch visitors into the air, creating a thrilling and exhilarating experience. It features trampolines, interactive ball pools, colored sand pools and slides, offering a unique twist on classic inflatable fun.

Entertainment comes to life at the Wonder Theater with a wide range of performances, including live stand-up comedy, captivating theatrical productions and kids’ shows.

Mohammed Hamza, who went to Wonder District with his children, said: “This is exactly what Jeddah needed; a place where the whole family can have fun while learning and exploring.

“We’ve never seen a jungle, theatrical shows and other similar interactive zones all in one place. We’ve been here for five hours and still have three more zones to explore!”

The retail area showcases the best of local craftsmanship, with 15 shops featuring fashion, accessories and artisanal products from talented local designers. Visitors can explore and purchase items that reflect the region’s rich culture and creativity.

“Customers have been thoroughly enjoying our designs and unique offerings. It has been an incredible opportunity to showcase our brand products. Sales have been remarkably good,” said Mohammed, a staff member at Rysh Fashionable.

Faiza Ahmed, another visitor, told Arab News: “The place is massive, and each zone really deserves at least 45 minutes to enjoy. The crowd management is excellent, and we’re not waiting in long lines; things are moving quickly.

“Smiley Beach was a huge hit with my kids, especially the bubble pit and lively music created such a fun atmosphere. The Spooky Circus is another standout feature, especially since it’s one of the few places where children can fully participate. The weather is perfect, and having such an open-air entertainment space is really enjoyable.”

Deena Ali, a visitor from Makkah, said: “Wonder District has quickly become a popular spot for entertainment and cultural exploration. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that visitors from nearby cities are eager to come. It offers activities that are unlike anything we’ve seen during Jeddah Season.”

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Slovak envoy highlights strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia

SULAFA ALKHUNAIZI

November 20, 2024

RIYADH: The Slovakian ambassador to Saudi Arabia hosted a special reception to celebrate his country’s national day.

Rudolf Michalka told Arab News that Nov. 17 marked the day Slovakia regained its freedom and began building a democratic system.

“This is the day when the people of Slovakia decided to take power into their hands and fight for freedom,” he added.

Despite the dissolution of the former Czechoslovakia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have remained close partners.

Czechoslovakia was not a sovereign country and belonged to the Eastern Bloc, explained Michalka, but the people decided that freedom was more important. They took to the streets, gathering peacefully in the cold for weeks as part of what became known as the Velvet Revolution.

Michalka said that, for him, Slovakia represented an island of freedom and a free spirit that he treasured.

He added he was happy to host his Saudi friends as part of the celebrations: “This is what Nov. 17 means to me — a united Europe, celebrating its diversity, promoting peace and stability not only in the region but across the world, and fostering tolerance, cooperation, fairness, and honesty.”

Slovakia is now a member of NATO and the EU, has adopted the euro as its currency and joined the Schengen area.

The Slovak Embassy opened in the Kingdom two years ago and there has been yearly growth in diplomatic relations, said Michalka, with more opportunities on the horizon.

“The fact that we have doubled our mutual business between the two countries is worth mentioning. The numbers continue to grow,” he said, adding that the embassy will next week welcome a delegation from the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Bratislava, along with over 60 Saudi businessmen.

“This is a great achievement for us, and I believe that increasing business between our countries will make our relationship even stronger,” he told Arab News.

The ambassador also announced the establishment of the first Saudi-Slovak Business Council and said a Slovak consulate had opened in the Eastern Province this month.

“For many Slovak citizens, Saudi Arabia has become a second home. Slovaks working for successful companies in Riyadh, Jeddah or Kharj, especially in the medical field, along with the Czech community, have found a friendly, safe, and inspiring environment,” he said. “I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for its hospitality to our compatriots.”

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Saudi students gear up for global Formula 1 in Schools challenge

November 20, 2024

Four Saudi teams, comprising 24 male and female students, are preparing to compete in the Formula 1 in Schools World Final, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The competition, in its third round, will take place from Nov. 23 to 26 at Dhahran Expo, marking Saudi Arabia’s debut as host of this event.

The Saudi teams will compete alongside 55 teams from 62 countries, representing 28,000 schools globally, in a high-stakes challenge to design and manufacture miniature racing cars.

Ithra, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, has overseen the teams’ preparation through a nine-month training program.

The initiative, led by 37 local and international experts across six specialized centers, focused on equipping students with advanced skills in engineering, design and teamwork.

Noura Al-Zamil, programs manager at Ithra, said: “We are proud to offer programs that reflect the scientific progress witnessed by the Kingdom on multiple fronts.

“Our goal is to empower youth in all cognitive and creative fields, nurture ambitious national talent in science, design and innovation, and showcase the capabilities of Saudi students on the global stage. They are the future leaders of the Kingdom’s creative industries.”

Al-Zamil said that the Formula 1 in Schools program transcended competition, offering a transformative educational experience.

“Students develop teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and creative environment. The program fosters innovation and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance youth capabilities and prepare them for leadership in the industries of the future,” she said.

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Saudi minister Al-Jubeir receives Tajik official in Riyadh

November 20, 2024

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sharifzoda Farrukh Homiddin in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, they reviewed ways to enhance bilateral relations in various fields, as well as the most prominent international topics and developments of common interest.

Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Walid bin Abdulrahman Al-Rashidan and Ambassador of Tajikistan to the Kingdom Akram Karimi attended the meeting.

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Umrah pilgrims hosted by King Salman arrive in Madinah

November 20, 2024

RIYADH: A group of pilgrims being hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to perform Umrah arrived in the holy city of Madinah on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Sunday, King Salman approved the hosting of 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries to perform Umrah as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and to visit Islamic holy sites in the Kingdom, including the Prophet’s Mosque.

The pilgrims will be hosted in four groups during the current Islamic year, which ends in the final week of June 2025.

On Wednesday, a group made up of 25 Malaysians arrived, part of a wider contingent of 250 Islamic figures from 12 countries around the world. Three other groups of 250 pilgrims are expected to be hosted during the current Islamic year.

SPA reported that the pilgrims expressed their appreciation to King Salman and the Saudi authorities for their “generous hospitality,” saying that the Umrah Program is “a precious gift from the Kingdom that serves Islam and Muslims.”

On Sunday, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, thanked the Saudi leadership for enabling Muslims from different countries to perform the minor pilgrimage with ease and peace of mind.

Al-Sheikh said the hosting of the pilgrims is an extension of the great care that the Saudi leadership takes to serve Islam and Muslims.

He added it will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims in various parts of the world, and develop fruitful communication between scholars and influential figures who are hosted by the program.

The program has benefitted people from more than 140 countries since it was launched, the minister said.

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Diriyah Company announces multibillion-dollar Qurain Cultural District and Northern District

RASHID HASSAN

November 20, 2024

RIYADH: Diriyah Company, responsible for developing the Diriyah project, the birthplace of the modern Saudi Arabia and its foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination, on Wednesday announced two high-profile, multibillion-dollar educational and arts districts to be developed in the $63.2 billion Diriyah project, on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The announcement was made at its annual international event, “Bashayer 2024 — Delivering our Future.”

These two high-profile districts demonstrate the accelerating growth and development of Diriyah, The City of Earth, one of the world’s biggest and most unique urban development projects spanning an area of 14 sq. km.

Diriyah Company is committed to establishing a vibrant global hub, the Qurain Cultural District, where culture meets modern urban living, offering a diverse range of arts, retail, office and residential spaces for people to live, work, shop local brands, and enjoy local dining experiences.

Its diverse range of multidisciplinary cultural offerings will include assets in a diverse range of areas including a cinema, museums, and several academies including writing, traditional Najdi architecture and mud building, Arab music, culinary, performing arts and theatre.

The Qurain Cultural District will additionally have two world-class hotels and branded residences, including the 195-room Ritz-Carlton Diriyah with 165 residences, and the Address Diriyah, which will have 204 rooms and 60 serviced apartments.

The district will include 19 mixed-use buildings, including office, retail and residences, 10 of which have various boutique office options, and a wide range of retail space and dining venues.

The development of the Qurain Cultural District includes a SR 5.8 billion ($1.55 billion) contract awarded to a joint venture between Nesma & Partners Contracting Co. and MAN Enterprise Al-Saudia.

The Northern District will make Diriyah a global center of learning for scholars, students and visionaries and will include the King Salman Foundation, museums, a university, a library, and a public square.

The new district will also be the site of the recently announced Capella Diriyah, a 100-room luxury hotel that announces Capella Hotels and Resorts’ groundbreaking entry into the Middle East.

Construction on elements of the Northern District is already underway following the announcement of a $2 billion joint venture contract with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation and El Seif Engineering Contracting Co.

Commenting on the new high-profile districts, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “Qurain Cultural District and Northern District are two of our most important and significant areas of the Diriyah masterplan and demonstrate the range and diversity of what our City of Earth has to offer.

“They will both become global centers of excellence, of knowledge, learning and creativity as Diriyah once more becomes a gathering place for the world. We are delighted to share details of these major developments at Bashayer and share once more the unique range of investment opportunities and partnerships the Diriyah Company has to offer the world.”

Speaking to Arab News, Inzerillo said: “Every year in November and early December, we do our good news event — Bashayer — we have promised every year we would open new assets, ground break on substantial assets, and announce new assets. We started this in 2021 with 2030 projects. We opened assets in 2021, in 2022, Bujairi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

“Now we are putting many branded residences on sale, which are sold very quickly, like Ritz Carlton Reserves. We have parks, we have finished the golf course, and are building a new royal golf and polo and equestrian center, so many exciting developments.”

This milestone brings us closer to realizing Diriyah’s vision as a premier hospitality destination, with brands like Raffles, Armani, Orient Express, Baccarat, Corinthia, Fauchon L’Hotel, and Rosewood setting the standard for world-class luxury. Each of these properties will play a pivotal role in welcoming guests from around the world to the City of Earth, he added.

“The annual event Bashayer shows what we are building to complement His Royal Highness’s (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) master plan,” he said. 

The annual Bashayer event took place in the first of Diriyah’s planned 40-plus hotels — the 134-room Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The new property is designed to reflect the 300-year-old Najdi architectural features and will begin welcoming guests at the end of this year.

The event attracted interest from global investors, hospitality companies, construction firms, infrastructure experts and representatives from the sports, arts, culture, tourism and retail sectors.

In addition to the new districts, the audience was also updated on the rapid progress being made in construction and the status of key assets at Diriyah Square with a tour of the project site, unveiled for the first time.

The Diriyah project is one of Saudi Arabia’s five giga-projects backed by the Public Investment Fund and is building homes for 100,000 people, creating 178,000 jobs, will host 50 million visits a year in the future and contribute $18.6 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.

Source:arabnews.com

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North America

 

Las Vegas man who called 911 for help killed by police in his home

November 21, 2024

Brandon Drenon

A 43-year-old man was fatally shot by police in Las Vegas after he called 911 for help while fighting off an intruder in his home.

The family of Brandon Durham, including his 15-year-old daughter who was hiding in a nearby room, have asked for the officer to be fired.

Mr Durham's teenage daughter said she was "disgusted" with Las Vegas police as they treated him like "the suspect" not "the victim".

A lawyer for Alexander Bookman, the officer who shot Mr Durham, said he committed no crimes.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Mr Bookman, 26, had been placed on paid administrative leave while they conduct an internal review of the 12 November incident.

Mr Durham had called 911 to report that two people were shooting outside and were trying to break into his home, police said.

Officers responding to the report found cars with broken windows outside.

They also noticed damage to the house and heard shouting from inside, police said, prompting Mr Bookman to kick down the front door to enter.

Body camera footage released by the police shows Mr Bookman walking through the home with his gun drawn, while screaming and banging can be heard out of view.

Turning the corner of an L-shaped hallway, the officer finds a shirtless Mr Durham wrestling over a knife with a woman wearing a ski mask, later identified as 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux.

Mr Bookman yells, "hey, drop the knife, drop the knife", seconds before firing a shot that hit Mr Durham and sent him and Ms Boudreaux to the ground.

Mr Bookman then fires five more shots at Mr Durham and says "put your hands up", body-worn camera footage released by police showed.

Mr Durham was pronounced dead at the scene. Ms Boudreaux was arrested and charged with four counts, including home invasion with a deadly weapon.

"I am disgusted in how the Metropolitan Police told my father, after killing him, to stay down," Mr Durham's daughter told local news. "I'm disgusted that the Metropolitan Police will allow me to live fatherless for the rest of my life."

The family's lawyer has asked for an immediate arrest warrant for Mr Bookman.

“Unlike a civil case, in which an individual’s negligence is at issue, criminal cases require proof of a person’s criminal intent,” David Roger, general counsel for the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, said in a statement to CNN. “While Mr. Durham’s death is tragic, Officer Bookman was doing his job and did not intend to commit a crime.”

Citing a police report, local news outlets said Mr Durham and Ms Boudreaux were previously in a romantic relationship.

Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said police did not find a gun on the scene, despite multiple reports of shots fired.

The incident brought police shootings back into the spotlight, occurring just days before the justice department opened an investigation into the death of Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot in July by an officer inside her home in Illinois.

Source:bbc.com

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Texas offers Trump land for migrant 'deportation facilities'

November 21, 2024

Bernd Debusmann Jr

Texas authorities say they are prepared to offer President-elect Donald Trump 1,400-acres (567 hectares) of land along the US-Mexico border to build detention facilities for undocumented migrants.

In a letter, the Texas General Land Office said the plot could be used to build facilities for "processing, detention, and co-ordination of the largest deportation of violent criminals in the nation's history".

Trump has repeatedly pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants and mobilise the National Guard to help carry this out.

His plan, however, is likely to face enormous financial and logistics hurdles, as well as immediate legal challenges from rights groups.

The letter, published online and sent to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, notes that the owner of the recently purchased land had refused to allow a border wall to be built there and "actively blocked law enforcement" from accessing it.

"Now it's essentially farmland, so it's flat, it's easy to build on. We can very easily put a detention centre on there," Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said in an interview with Fox News, which first reported the offer.

The state government in Texas, which launched its own unilateral border security operation after Trump left office, has been broadly supportive of Trump's promises to strengthen the US-Mexico border.

Buckingham said she was "100% on board with the Trump administration's pledge to get these criminals out of our country".

But the Democratic governors of three other southern border states - California, Arizona, and New Mexico - have said they will not aid mass deportations.

“Local and state officials on the frontlines of the Harris-Biden border invasion have been suffering for four years and are eager for President Trump to return to the Oval Office," Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

"President Trump will marshal every lever of power to secure the border, protect their communities, and launch the largest mass deportation operation of illegal immigrant criminals in history.”

What any new detention facilities would look like is unclear, although the incoming "border czar" Tom Homan has suggested they could be "soft-sided".

Facilities currently in use range from soft-sided, camp-like facilities used by Customs and Border Patrol to house undocumented migrants for short periods of time, as well as brick-and-mortar buildings used by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

County and state jails are also used, for which local jurisdictions receive compensation from immigration authorities.

Stephen Miller, the top Trump adviser on immigration who has been picked as deputy chief of staff for policy, has previously said the Trump administration would build vast holding facilities to serve as staging centres for mass deportations.

In a late 2023 interview with the New York Times, Miller said that the facilities would likely be built on open land near Texas' border with Mexico.

A 2024 spending bill signed by President Joe Biden allocated $3.4m (£2.69m) for ICE to house as many as 41,500 on any given day.

"If Trump conducts mass deportations, ICE would blow past that number very quickly," Adam Isacson, a migration and border expert from the Washington Office on Latin America told the BBC.

ICE data compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University found that there were 38,863 immigrant detainees being held as of 2 November.

The largest number - just over 12,000 - are held at facilities located in Texas.

News of Texas' offer to the president-elect comes as Democratic-run cities and states have vowed to not co-operate with Trump's promises of mass deportations.

On Tuesday, for example, Los Angeles' city council passed a "sanctuary city" ordinance to bar using local resources to help federal immigration authorities.

Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst at the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute, said that the fact that Republican-led states are more likely to co-operate with the Trump administration's immigration goals could create a "patchwork of protections" that differ widely across the country.

"We might see the divide between red and blue states widen," she said.

Ms Bush-Joseph added that additional facilities in Texas could also mean that undocumented migrants detained in the US interior could ultimately be moved and processed there.

"If you're picking up people in blue states, and they don't have detention facilities available, then do you try to move them to red states?" she asked. "That's the question.""

Source:bbc.com

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Fate of Gaetz ethics report uncertain after congressional panel deadlocked

November 21, 2024

Kayla Epstein

A congressional ethics committee has failed to reach an agreement over whether to release a report on alleged sexual misconduct by Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump's nominee to lead the US Department of Justice.

The House committee met for two hours behind closed doors on Wednesday, as calls grew for details of its investigation into Gaetz, a former Florida congressman whose nomination to serve as attorney general has proved controversial.

"There was no consensus on this issue," Democratic Representative Susan Wild told reporters, adding that a vote had been taken but the bipartisan committee remained split along party lines.

She said they would meet again on 5 December. It is unclear whether they could release the report into Gaetz, who denies any wrongdoing, before then.

Pressure has mounted on the ethics committee to release its findings, as members of the Senate begin meeting with Gaetz ahead of a hearing when they will vote on whether to confirm him as attorney general.

"They’ve been going great," Gaetz said of the meetings on Wednesday. "Senators been giving me a lot of good advice. I'm looking forward to a hearing."

The ethics committee had been preparing to vote on the report's release before Gaetz's abrupt resignation from the House, which came just after Trump's nomination, the New York Times reported.

His departure cast doubt on whether the report would see the light of day, because having resigned he is no longer under congressional jurisdiction and the committee only investigates House members.

The committee Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican, told reporters on Wednesday that he had "some reservations" about releasing the report because it is still going through the review process.

He told CNN the committee would consider releasing it publicly or sending it directly to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but it remains uncertain whether it will leave the committee at all.

Reporters and members of the media packed the hallway outside the room where members of the committee met on Wednesday. Most lawmakers remained tight-lipped as they passed the gauntlet of journalists on their way out of the meeting.

Speaking to MSNBC afterward, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, a Democrat, said he had faith "we will get to the right solution".

Gaetz, 42, is a lawyer who made a name for himself on Capitol Hill and cable news as a right-wing rabble rouser. He is a staunch defender of Trump and led a successful effort to oust Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.

Some of Gaetz's former House colleagues have voiced support for his nomination, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who called him a "reformer" who would "bring a lot to the table".

But Gaetz also has been dogged by allegations of impropriety in recent years.

The US justice department previously investigated him for allegations he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and violated sex trafficking laws. But the case was dropped and Gaetz, who denied the allegations, was never charged.

In June, the ethics committee announced it was investigating several allegations against Gaetz, including that he “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favours to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct”.

Two women testified to the committee that Gaetz paid them "for sex", their lawyer, Joel Leppard, told CBS this week. One of the women also testified that she witnessed the then-congressman having sex with a minor during a party in 2017, the lawyer said.

Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and says the accusations are politically motivated.

"Lies were weaponised to try to destroy me," Gaetz posted on X on Friday. "These lies resulted in prosecution, conviction, and prison. For the liars, not me."

Trump showed no sign of backing down on his cabinet pick this week.

"Matt Gaetz will be the next attorney general. He’s the right man for the job and will end the weaponisation of our justice system," Trump transition spokesman Alex Pfieffer said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Senators of both parties have spoken in favour of accessing the ethics report.

Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, demanded that the other committee “preserve and share” the report with his panel.

“Make no mistake: This information could be relevant to the question of Mr Gaetz’s confirmation as the next attorney general of the United States, and our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent,” Durbin said.

Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican who also sits on the judiciary committee, said: "I think that if they want a speedy consideration of this nomination, we've got to have as much transparency as we can have."

North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher makes sense of the presidential election in his twice weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.

Source:bbc.com

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Deadly bomb cyclone cuts power for thousands in US north-west

November 21, 2024

A storm off the coast of the US north-west and western Canada is pummelling the region - bringing high winds, flooding and snow to over seven million residents living in states along the Pacific Ocean.

The storm has caused widespread power outages and knocked down trees into buildings and roadways.

At least two people in the Seattle, Washington, region have died after trees fell on them in separate incidents, police say. One woman was killed while showering at home, and another was killed in a homeless encampment.

The "bomb cyclone" - as forecasters call it - has been caused by air pressure quickly dropping off the coast, which has rapidly intensified the weather system.

Winds, rain and snow expected through the week

One woman died when a tree fell on a homeless encampment in Lynwood, north of Seattle, according to a social media post from South County Fire Department.

Another woman was killed in Kirkland when a tree fell into her home while she showered, according to the Bellevue Fire Department.

Officials say that upon arriving and confirming that the woman had died, "weather conditions were so dangerous in the vicinity" that they were forced to transport the victim's husband to a safer location.

Two other people were injured in Maple Valley, south of Seattle, after a tree fell on their trailer home.

"It's severe out there. Trees are coming down all over the city, with multiple falling onto homes," Washington's Bellevue Fire Department wrote in a social media post during the storm.

"If you are able, head to the lowest floor you can and stay away from windows. Do not go outside if you can avoid it."

On Wednesday morning, more than 700,000 homes and businesses in Washington were without power, according to Poweroutage.us. The number shrank to around 500,000 later in the day. Around 15,000 customers were experiencing outages in California.

Schools across Washington closed on Wednesday.

Pine needles, leaves and other storm debris covered the streets as the sound of chainsaws rang out in Issaquah, a city famous for salmon hatchery in the foothills of the Cascade mountains.

One man trying to reach his sister's home in Issaquah, outside of Seattle, told BBC News on Wednesday that it looked like a bomb had hit a nearby residential courtyard, which was scattered with fallen trees.

In northern California, the US Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said there was a high risk of excessive rainfall and warned of flash flooding and mudslides. The San Francisco Bay is expected to see up to 8in (20cm) of rain.

The storm has also stretched up to Canada, where wind is the primary concern and gusts of up to 100mph (160km/h) have been reported off the coast of Vancouver Island. Around 140,000 customers were without power in British Columbia, according to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority.

BBC Weather presenter Stav Danaos said damaging gusts would continue to ease on Wednesday, although conditions are expected to remain blustery along the Pacific coast from San Francisco up to Vancouver Island.

And incessant heavy rain is expected throughout Thursday and Friday along much of the coast, as a renewed "atmospheric river" of moisture from the Pacific is driven onshore.

Beyond wind, rain and snow, the storm could also bring flash flooding, rock slides and debris flows, as well as heavy mountain snow, in areas of high elevation. The storm has already led to blizzard conditions through the Cascade range of mountains, which runs through both the US and Canada.

The heavy, wet snow that has fallen on the Cascades and North Rockies will start to thaw towards the end of the week as milder air is ushered in.

This snow melt, combined with further heavy rain, is likely to lead to severe flooding in places from Northern California to Oregon, with a significant risk of landslides as the week ends.

What is a bomb cyclone?

Bomb cyclone is a term given by meteorologists to a storm that appears to intensify rapidly, with its central air pressure dropping to at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.

They are referred to as bomb cyclones due to the explosive power of these storms caused by the rapid fall in pressure.

The storm brings with it an array of weather, ranging from blizzards to severe thunderstorms to heavy precipitation.

These weather events are not unusual for this time of year.

Similar so-called atmospheric river events - when small regions of moisture travel outside tropical regions - have occurred throughout North America over the last few weeks.

But the conditions of an atmospheric river combined with a bomb cyclone can create a major weather event.

Source:bbc.com

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House speaker backs transgender bathroom restrictions on Capitol Hill

Holly Honderich and Max Matza

November 21, 2024

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has backed plans to ban transgender women from using female bathrooms on Capitol Hill.

“Women deserve women’s only spaces,” Johnson said in a statement on Wednesday. He said the new rule would be enforceable in the Capitol and in House office buildings.

It comes after his Republican colleague, Representative Nancy Mace, introduced a bill to enact a ban following the election of Sarah McBride, the first-ever openly transgender lawmaker.

In a statement, McBride said she was not elected "to fight about bathrooms".

"I'm here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families," McBride said, adding that she would follow the new regulations from Speaker Johnson, "even if I disagree with them".

"This effort to distract from the real issues facing this country hasn't distracted me," the incoming Democratic representative said.

Many of McBride's fellow Democrats issued sharper rebukes of the change, including Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman.

"There’s no job I’m afraid to lose if it requires me to degrade anyone," Fetterman wrote on X.

Others have accused Mace of bullying a fellow member of Congress.

"This is your priority, that you want to bully a member of Congress, as opposed to welcoming her to join this body so all of us can work together to get things done and deliver real results for the American people?" Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

The new rule will apply to all single-sex facilities in Capitol and House office facilities, including changing rooms and locker rooms. House representatives all have their own bathrooms and unisex bathrooms are available in parts of the Capitol Hill complex.

The House Speaker, Johnson in this case, has control of facilities within the chamber and therefore has the authority to issue the policy surrounding bathrooms.

Mace earlier said the measure was intended to target McBride, telling reporters on Tuesday it was "absolutely and then some" a response to her new colleague.

“This is about women and our right to privacy, our right to safety,” she said. “I’m not going to allow biological men into women’s private spaces."

On Wednesday Mace introduced an additional bill that would bar transgender women from "women's private spaces" across all federal property.

Mace, first elected in 2020, first campaigned as a moderate Republican in a competitive South Carolina district.

In a 2021 article in the Washington Examiner, which is still available on her official website, Mace said she "strongly supports LGBTQ rights and equality".

“No one should be discriminated against," she wrote.

She has faced criticism from the socially conservative wing of her party for her moderation on abortion, and her push to increase contraception access nationwide.

Asked about any contradiction between Mace's present actions and her past statements, her spokeswoman Gabrielle Lipsky reiterated support for the ban and said: "We support gay marriage, voted for the respect for marriage act twice. If you think protecting women is discrimination, you are the problem.”

Over the past two years, Republicans in Washington DC and across state capitols have focused on transgender issues, including seeking to limit access to gender-related surgery for minors and to bar transgender athletes from female-only sports categories.

During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump said transgender students should be allowed to use whichever bathroom "they feel is appropriate", but he reversed his stance after facing Republican criticism.

In the last stretch of his most recent campaign, Trump and his fellow Republicans narrowed in on opposing transgender rights, spending $215m (£170m) on related advertising, according to tracking firm AdImpact.

According to AP VoteCast, a survey of some 120,000 people who cast ballots in November's election, more than half of voters said support for transgender rights had gone too far.

But it is unclear to what extent the issue actually drove voters to cast their ballot, as polls suggest it ranked lower among voter priorities than the economy, immigration, democracy and other key policy areas.

Source:bbc.com

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Africa

 

Those Around Tinubu Have Isolated Him From Reality – PDP, LP Knock FG Over Delay In Appointing Ambassadors

 21 November 2024

By George Oshogwe Ogbolu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to appoint ambassadors more than a year after the recall of former envoys.

The party described it as a reflection of the “ineptitude and indifference” of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

Naija News reports that this development follows the recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023, a move prompted by a reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu. The ambassadors, a mix of career and non-career envoys, were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy aimed at realigning Nigeria’s global engagements

Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the recall was at the President’s discretion, emphasizing it as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation.

However, the absence of immediate replacements has created a diplomatic void, drawing criticism from stakeholders.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called the situation “unfortunate” and emphasized that it should be a matter of concern for all Nigerians.

He stated “Well, every time one has to comment on Tinubu’s performance as President or as Chief Administrator of this country, one is forced to do so with a melancholic feeling of despair.

‘’It is not about Tinubu anymore or about me criticizing him; it’s about the system that his ineffectiveness has created for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“The truth is, a man who cannot even appoint a single spokesperson and needs three spokespersons—no one needs to tell you that the man is clueless and has nothing to offer Nigerians. That’s why he needs more than one, two, or three people to explain to Nigerians what he’s doing or what he’s about to do.

“That he cannot even appoint ambassadors speaks volumes. The current situation regarding the ambassadorial appointments tells you the level of ineptitude and indifference he has brought into government in this 21st century.

“It is critical, given the role that these ambassadors play in their respective countries, their importance to the lives of Nigerians abroad, and the diplomatic status of Nigeria globally.”

According to Osadolor, those surrounding President Bola Tinubu may have isolated him from reality.

He stated, “It is unfortunate, and it’s something that all Nigerians should be concerned about. This President has shown time and again that his trust is complicated, and he is not addressing the issues around him.

“I can tell you for free, the President may not even be aware that ambassadors have not yet been appointed to these embassies and foreign missions. I can tell you for free—he may not even know because he is clueless about what’s happening around him.

“The people around him have boxed him into a cocoon. The man lives in a world of his own, isolated from what’s happening around him. If his life were connected to the realities around him, I’m sure he would have made efforts to address it.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, stated that the Tinubu administration came into power without a clear vision of its foreign policy, adding that this explained why the government has been unable to appoint envoys.

He said, “The implication is that a consul or consul-general cannot meet with foreign ministers of any nation. It takes an ambassador to present the position of a country to his country of residence.

“To even think this government touts itself as one going around seeking foreign investments. In as much as we have not seen any, this is a big low for Nigeria.

“Now the question we want to ask is this: Is there a paucity of personalities, career diplomats or even politicians that this government can send to foreign nations?”

“Everything about this government is politics. Nobody is even saying you should appoint a Labour Party member. Just go ahead and appoint your party members to man these foreign missions. We think that the President should wake up to his responsibilities.” Source:naijanews.com

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Appointing Ambassadors

21 November 2024

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has initiated the deployment of consular officers to diplomatic missions worldwide ahead of the expected release of a new ambassadorial list.

Naija News reports that this development follows the recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023, a move prompted by a reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu. The ambassadors, a mix of career and non-career envoys, were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy aimed at realigning Nigeria’s global engagements.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the recall was at the President’s discretion, emphasizing it as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation.

However, the absence of immediate replacements has created a diplomatic void, drawing criticism from stakeholders.

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to 14 countries as interim measures, but these positions lack the authority and influence to effectively engage at the highest diplomatic levels. On May 28, Tuggar attributed the delay in ambassadorial appointments to funding constraints, a situation former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Eche Abu-Ode confirmed would likely depend on supplementary budget allocations.

The delay mirrors similar scenarios during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, where ambassadorial appointments took up to 20 months.

Concerns have been raised that prolonged inaction could signal instability or disinterest in global affairs, potentially affecting Nigeria’s reputation and ability to attract foreign investment.

A senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the government.

“There is silence on the issue. Nobody knows what’s going on,” the official stated.

Similarly, retired diplomats, including Amb. Ogbole Amedu-Ode and Amb. Rasheed Akinkuolie, have called for reforms to address funding and staffing challenges in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.

Akinkuolie emphasized the importance of appointing resident ambassadors to maintain high-level engagement with host governments and suggested funding diplomatic missions through dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“It is not the best option not to have resident ambassadors at a post. Chargés d’affaires may not be able to relate with host governments at the highest level, which includes heads of state. A chargé d’affaires can generally only relate with foreign ministries and other officials,” Akinkuolie explained to The PUNCH.

He also stressed the need for a more streamlined process in deploying ambassadors, urging the government to prioritise ambassadorial appointments and ensure that the foreign missions are properly funded and staffed.

“Diplomatic missions should be funded from a dollar account, dedicated for the purpose at the CBN while running the ministry at home should be in the local currency,” the retired diplomat noted.

Despite the challenges, a senior government official confirmed that consular officers are being deployed to various missions, including Malaysia, Spain, and Brazil. Some officers have already reported to their new posts, while others are set to assume duties later this month.

According to another source, some officers have already reported to their new posts, while others are scheduled to assume their roles later this month.

“Yes, some of us left last week. Others even left the last two weeks. But I’m going later this month. They have brought new hands from the Ministry (of Foreign Affairs) to replace us here [at the State House] because we are being posted out of the country,” the official revealed.

Another source from the Presidency told The PUNCH, “I was posted because I was due for posting.”

Source:naijanews.com

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Wike’s Actions Not Unusual, PDP Should Focus On Resolving Challenges – Senate Minority Caucus

21 November 2024

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, has downplayed concerns regarding the relationship between former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday night after a closed-door meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate Caucus, Moro emphasized that the focus of the opposition party should be on resolving its internal leadership challenges and uniting its members.

“The PDP is not just about Damagun or Wike; it’s about its members,” Moro stated. “We are working tirelessly to bring the party back to its winning ways. Wike’s actions are not unusual. What matters is our collective resolve to address any forces undermining the party’s stability.”

During the meeting, the lawmakers reviewed the party’s performance in recent off-season elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Moro acknowledged the setbacks but stressed the importance of learning from past failures to secure future victories.

“Losing is painful, but every failure teaches a lesson. We are focusing on ensuring that the PDP doesn’t face similar setbacks, especially in states like Osun, where we currently hold power,” he added.

The PDP Senate Caucus also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

The lawmakers called for immediate reforms to restore confidence in the nation’s electoral system.

Source:naijanews.com

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Identities Of Police Operatives Attacked By Gunmen In Abia State Revealed

20 November 2024

The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the identities of the officers involved in a gunmen attack that occurred on Wednesday morning in Abia State.

Naija News reported earlier that unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed police officers in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State. The attack reportedly took place around 7:30 am.

A wireless message from the Abia State Police Command, obtained by SaharaReporters, identified ASP Etet Ubokulo as the officer killed in the assault, which was carried out by six assailants. Two other officers, ASP Etim Obungha and CPL Chukwuma, managed to escape.

The report stated that CPL Chukwuma sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is currently receiving treatment at the 14 Brigade Hospital. Meanwhile, the gunmen reportedly seized ASP Ubokulo’s rifle after the attack.

Although ASP Etim Obungha escaped, his whereabouts remain unknown as of the time the situation report was issued.

The Police Situation Report Partly Read: “Good Morning Sir X Sitrep X Attack On Police Men/Murder X Today 20/11/2024 At About 0730hrs X Patrol Team Mine Led By Asp Etim Obungha Where On Patrol Within Ohafia Town And On Getting To Asaga Road By Terry Key A Group Of Young Men Numbering About Six (6) Double Cross Patrol Team And Open Fire On The Them Killing Asp Etet Ubokulo And Made Away With His Ak 47 Rifle X Injured One Asp Etim Obungha Who Manage To Escape With His Rifle Into The Bush X While One Cpl Chukwuma Who Was Equally Injured On His Right Leg And Manage To Escape With His Rifle To The Station.

“Eye Immediately Mobilized Rescue Team To The Scene In Search Of The Asp Who Escape With His Rifle X Police Men From Ohafia Division/Soldiers From 14 Brigde Have Equally Joined Up X Vehicle Mine Is Intact X Situation Is Monitored Closely X The Injured Cpl Chukwuma Has Been Taking To 14 Brigde Hospital X Sitrep Will Be Rendered As Soon As The Officer Is Seen X Please X Acpol Ohafia.”

Source:naijanews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/20/identities-of-police-operatives-attacked-by-gunmen-in-abia-state-revealed/

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Court Reserves Judgment On Deputy Governor’s Qualification In Ondo Election

20 November 2024

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has reserved judgment in a suit challenging the qualification of Dr. Olaiyide Adelami, Deputy Governor-elect and running mate to Governor-elect Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the November 16 governorship election.

The suit, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, seeks to disqualify Adelami on the grounds of alleged inconsistencies in his name.

Ajayi, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) M. Ndoka, argued that Adelami is known by conflicting names, including “Adelami Owolabi Jackson” and “Olaide Owolabi Adelami.”

He contended that this discrepancy renders Adelami ineligible and sought the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ballot.

Six SANs appeared in court to represent various parties in the case. Dr. Remi Olatubora SAN and Idris Abubakar SAN defended Adelami, while Mr. Tayo Oyetibo SAN represented Governor-elect Aiyedatiwa.

The APC was represented by Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN, and Charles Edosan SAN appeared for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The case was initially filed in Abuja but was transferred to Ondo State due to territorial jurisdiction.

Ajayi, who came second in the governorship election, insisted that the conflicting names create irreconcilable discrepancies, warranting Adelami’s disqualification.

During the proceedings, the court heard arguments from both sides, with the defendants maintaining that the allegations lacked merit.

The presiding judge announced that judgment would be delivered on a date to be communicated to the parties.

He prayed “That the first defendant,(Adelami) is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the election as Deputy Governorship candidate of APC”

“A declaration that the APC has no validly nominated Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2024 election.”

He also asked for an order disqualifying the defendants from participating in the election and order and restraining INEC from publishing their names or allowing them to participate in the election.

However, while reacting, Adelami’s counsel, Dr Olatubora, said that the West African Examination Council (WAEC) result has the name Adelami Owolabi Jackson in 1974 and that a degree certificate from Ambrose Alli University issued in 1982 has the name Adelami Olaide Owolabi.

Olatubora said the grievance of the plaintiffs is not about discrepancies in the name but the order or arrangements of the names.

He said the plaintiffs have no right to file the suit in accordance with section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022 because they are not members of All Progressives Congress and did not participate in the primaries that the governorship primary that produced Adelami and Aiyedatiwa as candidates

According to him “The plaintiffs lack the locus standi to file the suit or seek the reliefs set out in the originating summons.That the suit as a matter of law does not qualify as a pre-election matter, and this court lacks jurisdiction.”

Olatubora declared that “the suit is incompetent having been commenced by originating summon instead of a writ of summons as the suit is based on the allegation of fraud.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Toyin Adegoke, said a date to deliver judgement will be communicated to the parties.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/20/court-reserves-judgment-on-deputy-governors-qualification-in-ondo-election/

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PDP Chieftain, Ulasi Reveals Tinubu’s Two Biggest Mistakes

20 November 2024

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Dan Ulasi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu‘s two biggest mistakes were the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of naira.

Naija News reports that the PDP chieftain made this known in an interview with Arise News.

Ulasi said any criticism of Tinubu based on the petrol subsidy removal and floating of Naira was “justifiable because Nigerians are dying” due to those policies.

He said, “Getting up on his inauguration day to announce removal of petrol subsidy without a concomitant solution is part of the problems we are facing in this country. He created a problem that he cannot solve.

“Again, when he floated Naira, he also created a problem that he cannot solve. They (the problems) are self-inflicted. These two mistakes are the summary of Nigeria’s economic woes today.”

Speaking on the current government’s achievement, Ulasi said that despite the harsh economic realities in Nigeria, it is too early to assess Tinubu’s government within just one and half years in office.

Asked to speak on the right time Tinubu administration should be assessed, he said, “What I normally say is that once someone takes over, he has a justifiable reason to want to understudy. So, he needs at least one (additional) year at least to be able to understand what his predecessors did.”

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/20/pdp-chieftain-ulasi-reveals-tinubus-two-biggest-mistakes/

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Mali: Civilian PM sacked after criticizing junta, cabinet dismissed

21 November 2024

Mali's Prime Minister Choguel Maiga was sacked on Wednesday (Nov. 20).

A decree was read on national television by the secretary-general of the presidency.

Alfouseyni Diawara read the 3-article text signed by the president of the transition Gel Assimi Goïta.

Appointed by the military in 2021 following Mali’s second coup in a year, Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga publicly criticized the junta on November 16 during events marking the November 2023 recapture of Kidal. Dressed in military attire despite being a civilian, Maïga voiced frustration over his exclusion from key decisions, particularly regarding the timeline for the nation’s political transition.

Demonstrators in the capital and many cities in the country called for Maiga's resignation.

A section of the Malian military known as the Collective of military defense (CDM) is accusing Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga of "treason" and "denunciation" following his criticism of the ruling generals.

Source:africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/20/mali-civilian-pm-sacked-after-criticizing-junta-cabinet-dismissed/

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ICC says it has uncovered evidence of war crimes in Libya

21 November 2024

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court urged Libya and other nations Tuesday to help arrest six men allegedly linked to a brutal militia blamed for multiple killings and other crimes in a strategically important western town where mass graves were discovered in 2020.

Karim Khan told the U.N. Security Council that he is ready to work with the Libyan government and people as well as countries that are parties to the ICC and those that are not to assist in the arrests.

The ICC does not have a police force and relies on cooperation from its 124 member states to enforce arrest warrants.

The six men were either key members of or associated with the Al Kaniyat militia that controlled the town of Tarhuna from at least 2015 to June 2020, when government forces ousted them from the town. Tarhuna is located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of the capital, Tripoli.

Briefing the council by video from Libya, Khan said he met victims earlier Tuesday from Tarhuna who told him of their suffering. He said he walked “in the areas where their loved ones were tortured and killed.” One Libyan told him that “every household in Tarhuna has a victim,” he said.

“They have a steely determination. They have a clear conviction that justice and accountability and fair processes are essential for themselves, their families, their community, and for Libya at large,” Khan said.

The prosecutor said the victims’ determination “gives rise to renewed hope that things are moving in a direction away from talk to action, and the possibility of justice.”

The ICC unsealed arrest warrants in early October for six men: Abdelrahim al-Kani, Makhlouf Douma, Nasser al-Lahsa, Mohammed Salheen, Abdelbari al-Shaqaqi and Fathi al-Zinkal.

Khan said at that time that three of the men were leaders or senior members of Al Kaniyat. Three others were Libyan security officials associated with the militia at the time of the alleged crimes.

“We know where they are,” Khan said Tuesday.

The ICC prosecutor said the victims told him they are pleased with the warrants but “what they are demanding is your help to help with the arrests of those individuals and to ensure that there are trials — that they can be part of trials when they can give evidence.”

Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed its leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country split, with rival administrations in the east and west backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.

The mass graves were found in Tarhuna after the militia’s withdrawal following the collapse of a 14-month campaign by military commander Khalifa Hifter, who is still a powerful force in the east, to wrest control of Tripoli from an array of militias allied with the former U.N.-recognized government.

Source:africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/20/icc-says-it-has-uncovered-evidence-of-war-crimes-in-libya/

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Southeast Asia

 

‘We have been highly vocal’: Malaysia advocates for Palestine and Israel’s expulsion from UN at Apec, G20 and Arab-Islamic summits, says PM Anwar

21 Nov 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — Malaysia has been making optimal use of the world stage and international platforms to urge the world to recognise the state of Palestine and to expel Israel from the United Nations (UN) membership, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had even brought Malaysia’s voice and firm stance on the matter to the recently concluded APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“We (Malaysia) have been highly vocal. I even proposed to other countries to consider expelling Israel from the UN...we even brought up the issue of Gaza in front of President Joe Biden (of America), President Xi Jinping (of China), and other world leaders.

“During the G20 Summit in Brazil, we also opposed the current UN stance and called for world governance reform, specifically for the UN and the veto power not to be limited to the current (Permanent Five) members, but expanded to include powers such as representatives from Latin America and South Africa.

“How is it that we accept the UN but allow and do nothing when (member) countries violate all of the UN’s and its Security Council’s resolutions? These countries, in particular Israel, should be expelled,” he said during Minister’s Question Time. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/21/we-have-been-highly-vocal-malaysia-advocates-for-palestine-and-israels-expulsion-from-un-at-apec-g20-and-arab-islamic-summits-says-pm-anwar/157550

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PM Anwar: Media freedom ranking needs improvement, but 3Rs remain as constraint

21 Nov 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the need to improve international recognition of media freedom in the country but noted certain limitations due to issues tied to the 3Rs of royalty, race and religion.

Anwar said this stems from a request by the Malay rulers for the government to take a stricter stance on these matters and avoid them being openly discussed.

“While we allow open discussions, the Malay rulers’ meetings have been very firm, and we are bound by their views that they do not want or permit any form of public criticism without action.

“When criticisms are directed at me, no matter how severe, no action is taken. However, if a police report is lodged, the police handle it. I accept the remark from Pendang and agree there is a need to improve this perception, but we do have certain limitations,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) regarding Malaysia’s drop of 34 places in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, ranking the country 107th compared to 73rd the previous year.

The report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) showed Malaysia scoring 52.07 points this year compared to 62.83 points last year.

Responding to Awang’s question on the Political Financing Bill, the Prime Minister said the proposed legislation is still under review by the Parliamentary Special Committee, and he has no objections to expediting its implementation.

“In fact, during a Cabinet meeting, we agreed to implement it, but let the parameters be discussed by the Parliamentary Special Committee,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Anwar said the opposition’s reluctance to negotiate has caused delays in the matter.

Previously, the opposition unanimously rejected the Memorandum of Understanding on Opposition Allocations proposed by the government, claiming that it conflicted with the Federal Constitution. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/21/pm-anwar-media-freedom-ranking-needs-improvement-but-3rs-remain-as-constraint/157548

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After Shafee complains about Najib’s SRC trial reports, NUJ says don’t blame the media

21 Nov 2024

By Ida Lim

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — The media is at no fault for factual reporting on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s SRC International Sdn Bhd case, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) said today.

The NUJM was responding to Najib’s lead defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah’s reported remarks in a forum titled “Media Townhall: Getting the Facts Right – The Untold Stories – 1MDB & Other Cases”.

Shafee had reportedly claimed that the media had not reported that the Federal Court had taken Najib’s written submissions for his appeal at the Court of Appeal stage to be used for his appeal at the Federal Court in the SRC case.

Among other things, Shafee had also reportedly said that justice would fail if the media fails to report justly .

“The NUJM views this accusation seriously. It should be noted that the proceedings of Datuk Seri Najib’s case were reported in detail by each media organisation in this country, whether it is the mainstream or alternative news channels,” the union’s president Farah Marshita said in a statement today in the Malay language.

The NUJM also stressed that there were news portals such as Malaysiakini and The Edge which had given live coverage from court throughout the four-year-long court proceedings of Najib’s SRC case from 2018 to 2022.

NUJM said Shafee’s remarks at the forum “gives a negative perception” towards the media personnel who had worked hard all this while to report on Najib’s SRC court proceedings for years.

“In line with that, NUJM is of the opinion that the media does not have to be dragged or blamed in the matter involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s case,” the national union said.

NUJM said all quarters should respect the media’s duties and provide the necessary cooperation to ensure transparent and objective news reports, and also urged for all to hold discussions with the relevant stakeholders to obtain the actual explanation before making any statements.

During the forum, Shafee had reportedly also spoken about the Federal Court not allowing Najib’s final SRC appeal hearing in August 2022 to be postponed.

This was the appeal which Najib lost and which resulted in him being imprisoned, as he remained convicted over SRC’s RM42 million.

Based on news reports including by Malay Mail, the Federal Court had on April 29, 2022 fixed the August 2022 hearing dates for Najib’s SRC appeal.

In the months leading up to Najib’s SRC appeal at the Federal Court, a number of events happened, including Najib’s May 31 application to have UK lawyer Jonathan Laidlaw represent him and which the High Court rejected on July 21.

Najib then reportedly discharged his team of lawyers and appointed a new team of lawyers to represent him, and the new defence team on July 26 asked for the SRC appeal to be postponed.

The Federal Court however on July 28 said it would stick with the August 2022 dates which were fixed in April, and that no postponements would be allowed.

On August 16, the Federal Court’s five-judge panel unanimously rejected Najib’s bid to postpone the SRC appeal hearing for three to four months, as the reasons for seeking a postponement were not reasonable.

Malay Mail had also reported that Najib’s new defence lawyer for the SRC appeal hearing, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, had told the Federal Court on August 12 that he would be relying on the defence’s submissions at the Court of Appeal stage for the Federal Court.

Teh had later indicated he would also put in fresh written submissions to the Federal Court, but subsequently clarified to the Federal Court that he would only do so if the appeal hearing was postponed.

The Federal Court on August 23, 2022 upheld Najib’s conviction and 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine.

Earlier this year, the Federal Territories Pardons Board reduced Najib’s sentence to a six-year jail term and a RM50 million fine.

The forum which Shafee spoke at comes nearly two weeks before Najib’s separate 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial resumes at the High Court.

On December 2, Najib is scheduled to begin defending himself in the trial over 1MDB’s misappropriated RM2.28 billion funds.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/21/after-shafee-complains-about-najibs-src-trial-reports-nuj-says-dont-blame-the-media/157541

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Johor tables state Budget 2025 with surplus of RM5.12 million

BERNAMA

21-11- 2024

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state government tabled the Johor Budget 2025 with a surplus of RM5.12 million at the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

The budget, which is themed “Maju Johor, Rakyat Sejahtera”, is the third consecutive surplus budget presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the state government expects a revenue of RM2.005 billion next year, while expenditure is estimated at RM1.999 billion.

“Of the expenditure estimate, a total of RM1.271 billion is allocated for operating expenses while a total of RM728 million is allocated for development expenses.

“The Johor Budget 2025 was drawn up by adhering to the principle that all planning and implementation is for the welfare and well-being of Bangsa Johor,“ he said when tabling the Johor Budget 2025 in Kota Iskandar today.

Onn Hafiz, who is also the state assemblyman for Machap, said the budget will focus on six thrusts of the Maju Johor agenda, with 244 initiatives.

He said that as a result of collaboration among several state and federal government agencies, Johor has recorded revenue receipts exceeding RM2 billion for this year, which is the highest recorded in history.

“Thank you to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government for announcing the allocation of RM4.8 billion for the development expenditure of the Fifth Rolling Plan (2025) under the 12th Malaysia Plan for Johor, which includes 143 new projects and 433 extension projects,” he said.

According to Onn Hafiz, Johor’s economy continues to show encouraging performance, registering a growth of 4.1 per cent in 2023, surpassing the national growth of 3.6 per cent, with a gross domestic product value of RM148.2 billion in 2023 compared to RM142.4 billion in 2022.

“This encouraging performance is also marked by a 16 per cent gain in imports to RM290 billion compared to last year, as well as an increase in total imports and exports of RM561.6 billion, making Johor the second largest contributor to national trade.

“In addition, the construction sector continues to post encouraging growth with a value of RM17.1 billion compared to RM10.8 billion in the same period last year, with the unemployment rate remaining at a low rate of 2.3 per cent in the third quarter of this year,“ he said.

He added that within two years, Johor has attracted investments amounting to RM113.7 billion, thus generating more than 35,000 new job opportunities, while the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiatives are expected to generate over 100,000 job opportunities.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/johor-tables-state-budget-2025-with-surplus-of-rm512-million-MD13321728#google_vignette

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Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock’s death within six months

BERNAMA

21-11- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here has ordered the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to complete investigations on the death of Teoh Beng Hock within six months from today.

Judge Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (now Court of Appeal judge) made the order after allowing the application for judicial review by Beng Hock’s parents against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director of the PDRM Criminal Investigation Department, the PDRM, and the Malaysian government as the first to fourth respondents.

In the application filed on Jan 4, 2022, Beng Hock’s parents, Teoh Leong Hwee, 76, and Teng Shuw Hoi, 71, sought a declaration that the failure by the police and three others to complete the investigations into their son’s death within a reasonable time violated Section 20 (3) of the Police Act 1967.

On June 16, 2022, the High Court granted the couple leave to initiate the judicial review proceedings after dismissing the Attorney-General Chamber’s objection to the application.

The couple is also seeking a declaration that the police had committed negligence and attempted to deny the applicants’ constitutional rights under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, and are applying for a mandamus order for the first respondent (IGP) to complete the investigation into Beng Hock’s death within a month from the verdict’s delivery date.

In his decision, Justice Wan Ahmad Farid said the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants are within the domain of public law both in pith and substance.

“Judicial review is, therefore, a proper mode of commencement under the circumstances,“ he said.

He added that the omission of the first, second, and third respondents in their failure to complete the investigation “without unnecessary delay” is in breach of Section 120(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code and therefore amenable to judicial review.

“The court finds that the investigation is not conducted with all convenient speed.

“In the circumstances, I am making an order in the form of a mandamus to compel the first respondent to complete the investigation on the death of the deceased within six months from the date of the order to be made herein,” he said.

Citing the Court of Appeal case of Teoh Meng Kee, which found that the “interest of the family members and the public interest require the case be further investigated by the police authorities”, Justice Wan Ahmad Farid said it is incumbent for this court to follow that decision by ordering the investigation to be completed within the stipulated time.

“The interest of justice dictates that there has to be finality in this case. There has to be a closure for everything.

“The applicants, as the parents of the deceased, just like any other citizen of this country, deserve this justice. I hope that they get it today,“ he said.

In their application, the couple asserted that the investigation papers had been repeatedly sent back by the Attorney-General’s Chambers to the first, second, and third respondents for further investigation. However, nearly 15 years after the incident, the investigation remains incomplete.

Beng Hock was found sprawled on the fifth-floor landing of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam on the morning of July 16, 2009, after providing a statement at the MACC office located on the 14th floor of the building.

He was the political secretary to the then Selangor state executive councilor Ean Yong Hian Wah, and Seri Kembangan assemblyman.

On Jan 5, 2011, the Shah Alam Coroner’s Court ruled that Beng Hock’s death in 2009 was not due to suicide, murder, or third-party involvement, while the Royal Commission of Inquiry on July 21, 2011 established that he had committed suicide.

On Sept 5, 2014, the Court of Appeal overturned the open verdict on Beng Hock’s death and ruled that it resulted from an unlawful act by a person or persons unknown.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/court-orders-pdrm-to-complete-investigations-into-beng-hock-s-death-within-six-months-AD13321526

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Malaysia maintains strong US trade ties despite differing views on Gaza conflict and other global issues, says PM

21 Nov 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — Malaysia’s stance on several international issues, including the conflict in Gaza and reforms within the United Nations, does not affect its strong trade relations with the United States (US), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He emphasised that Malaysia remains firm in its foreign policy, which upholds the freedom to advocate for rights that reflect the sentiments of its people, including maintaining the “principle of centrality” as it assumes its Asean leadership next year.

“Our good relations with the US and Europe will continue. They cannot deny us our rights. We are taking the necessary steps to maintain strong ties.

“We have good relations with President Biden and also with President-elect Trump. However, we must also express the conscience of Malaysians. We take an independent approach and support free trade, which does not hinder our trade relations with China and Russia.

“We must act wisely to sustain good diplomatic relations,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time (MQT) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The Prime Minister was responding to a follow-up question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) on how Malaysia plans to balance its relations with the US under President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership, given its close ties with Palestinian, Russian, and Chinese leaders. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/21/malaysia-maintains-strong-us-trade-ties-despite-differing-views-on-gaza-conflict-and-other-global-issues-says-pm/157552

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South Asia

 

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani Inaugurates AFN 71 Million Police Headquarter Project in Khost

2024-11-21

KHOST(BNA): Construction work on a new building for the Khost Police Headquarters commenced today, Wednesday in a ceremony attended by the Acting Minister of Interior, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, and several high-ranking officials.

During the ceremony, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani expressed satisfaction with the progress of numerous vital projects across the country within a short time frame. He described the current state of security, which allows senior officials to travel to remote areas day or night, as a great blessing and a fulfillment of Afghan aspirations. He commended the efforts of security forces in maintaining stability.

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani emphasized that under the Islamic Sharia-based system, everyone’s rights are safeguarded, justice is ensured, and no compromises are made regarding the nation’s sovereignty. He added that while infrastructure such as buildings and roads can be constructed anytime, the key focus should be on winning people’s hearts and earning their trust.

The new Khost Police Headquarters is being constructed on a 42-jerib plot west of the city at a cost of AFN 71.5 million, funded by the Ministry of Interior’s budget. The three-story facility will include 30 rooms on each floor, a large conference hall, and essential amenities.

The project is expected to be completed within 15 months and will provide employment opportunities for numerous workers during its construction phase.

Additionally, Officials highlighted that the previous headquarters was not only located in the city center but also lacked modern standards, necessitating the construction of a new facility in a more suitable and spacious location.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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Acting Commerce Minister Hosts Meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Ambassador in Iran

2024-11-21

KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has reported a meeting between the Acting Minister of this Ministry and the acting ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Tehran.

According to a press release from the ministry, Nooruddin Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, met yesterday in Kabul with Mawlawi Fazl Mohammad Haqqani, the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Iran.

During the meeting, discussions were held regarding trade exchanges, the economic activities of Afghan traders in Iran, and other related topics.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/acting-commerce-minister-hosts-meeting-with-afghanistans-acting-ambassador-in-iran/

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Students stage coffin procession at DU

Nov 21, 2024

Students under the banner of "Student-masses against Fascism" staged a symbolic coffin procession against fascism on the Dhaka University campus yesterday.

They demanded a ban on what they termed "fascist forces", including the Awami League and Jatiyo Party, and their political activities.

The procession began at 11:30am from the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) and moved through key areas of the campus, including Ruqayyah Hall and the Arts Faculty Building, before culminating in front of Madhur Canteen.

Palash Khan, a photojournalist of The Daily Star, said that the participants remained stationed in front of Madhur Canteen following the procession, continuing to chant slogans against authoritarianism.

They were still at the location as of 12:45pm.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/students-stage-coffin-procession-du-3757331

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Beximco workers block road for 7th day

Nov 21, 2024

Workers of Beximco Industrial Park blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for the seventh consecutive day yesterday, demanding due salaries.

They blocked the Chakraborty intersection around 8:00am, said Kashimpur police Sub-Inspector Manjurul Islam.

About traffic, the SI said it was normal through alternative routes.

According to Gazipur Industrial Police, 41,000 workers are employed at the Beximco Industrial Park's garment and ceramic factories. The RMG workers have been blocking the road for over a week.

According to workers, the authorities have not discussed the payment issue with them yet.

The Beximco authorities could not be reached despite repeated attempts over the past week.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/beximco-workers-block-road-7th-day-3757206

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15 injured as students of Dhaka, City colleges clash

Nov 21, 2024

Students of Dhaka College and City College clashed for about two hours in the Science Lab and its neighbourhood areas yesterday afternoon, causing injuries to at least 15 people.

Traffic flow in and out of the busy intersection came to a halt as the clash broke out around 2:00pm, causing immense suffering to the commuters.

Eleven of the injured took treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Inspector Md Farouk, in-charge of DMCH police outpost. All 11 were students of Dhaka College.

Witnesses said both groups wielded sticks and iron rods, chased each other, and hurled brick chips, resulting in the casualties.

According to the injured students from Dhaka College, they were celebrating its 184th founding anniversary yesterday.

After the programme, students started leaving the campus on buses around 2:30pm. When three buses reached the Science Laboratory intersection, City College students stopped them and attacked the Dhaka College students.

"Without any provocation, students of City College first attacked buses of Dhaka College and following the incident then a clash broke out after spreading the news on the campus, " said Sajib Uddin, a student of Dhaka College.

The Dhaka College students also vandalised the City College building by throwing brick chunks.

Members of the police and army rushed there to bring the situation under control.

Police were seen firing several rounds of tear shells and sound grenades towards both sides of the clash.

Tarikul Islam, assistant commissioner of Dhanmondi Zone, told The Daily Star around 4:00pm that they came to know that the clash ensued over vandalising a bus of Dhaka College.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/15-injured-students-dhaka-city-colleges-clash-3757441

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Harsh winter arriving amid Afghans’ economic problem

November 21, 2024

Last year, more than 150 people lost their lives due to the severe cold weather in Afghanistan. The death toll, as reports suggested, doubled in less than a week last year, as millions faced bitter and critical temperatures at a time when they received minimal humanitarian aid from international aid agencies. Tens of thousands of livestock had also frozen to death across the country. With temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 28, the poverty-stricken nation, many of them returnees from the neighboring countries, experienced one of the coldest winters of the year. Following the imposed sanctions by certain foreign countries on Afghanistan, after the resumption of power by the Islamic Emirate in August 2021, the impact of the coldest weather has been made worse by the limited amount of humanitarian aid being distributed among deserving families in the country. However, some aid agencies such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), said it delivered aid including blankets, heating, and shelter to tens of thousands of people in the winter-affected provinces of the country. As the weather forecast suggests, this year is also feared to face the harshest climate and there is a need for the organs’ concerned attention to the economic situation of the people, particularly those who have returned or are returning home. In some parts of the country, there are hundreds of families with underage children facing harsh climate. They are not economically capable of providing food for their children and buying fuel to heat their houses. Most of them are still living under tents, and spending days and nights without sufficient winter clothing. The related organs of the Islamic Emirate, particularly the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation and the Natural Disaster Management Authority should join hands with the government to make necessary preparations for cooperation with the families in need. Local charity foundations, traders, and all benevolent people who can do the least for needy families should share cooperation with the government and not spare efforts to extend their cooperation for them, as the government cannot do more for them alone. The international aid agencies are also called on, to extend cooperation duly for the Afghan families facing severe economic problems, particularly those who have recently returned to the country or are feared to be deported from the neighboring countries. Ordinary families, based on their economic capabilities, should also join hands with aid suppliers from local and foreign organizations to support their co-citizens who do not have enough income and widowed women who have lost their breadwinners to the long bloody war and conflicts.

Source:thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/harsh-winter-arriving-amid-afghans-economic-problem/

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Islamic Emirate Ambassador Advocates for Electronic ID Distribution Centers in Iran

2024-11-20

KABUL(BNA): Mawlawi Fazl Mohammad Haqqani, the Islamic Emirate’s Ambassador to Iran, during a meeting with the Deputy Head of the National Statistics and Information Authority, called for the establishment of electronic identity card distribution centers for Afghan migrants in Iran and the facilitation of their identity registration process.

According to a statement from NSIA, the Afghan Ambassador emphasized the need to improve the identity registration process for migrants, address identity-related issues, and facilitate the distribution of citizenship cards, especially for Afghan students in Iran.

In the meeting, the Deputy Head of Civil Registration at the National Statistics and Information Authority assured that efforts would be made to establish distribution centers in Iran and resolve the challenges faced by Afghan migrants.

The National Statistics and Information Authority, as the official body for civil registration and identity verification for Afghans, reaffirmed its commitment to providing services to citizens both inside Afghanistan and abroad. The authority had previously opened an Easy Service Center in the United Arab Emirates to facilitate migrants’ access to identity services.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-ambassador-advocates-for-electronic-id-distribution-centers-in-iran/

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Eight Mosques to Be Constructed Along Kandahar-Herat Highway with 259 Million AFN Investment

2024-11-20

KABUL (BNA): The Ministry of Public Works has announced the initiation of construction for eight mosques along the Kandahar-Herat highway, a project valued at over 259.89 million Afghanis. Various construction companies have been contracted for this initiative.

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesman for the Ministry, stated that the mosques will be strategically located in the following areas: Maywand district in Kandahar, Nad Ali district in Helmand, Gulistan and Farah Rud districts in Farah, Khashrod district in Nimroz, and Shindand and Adraskan districts in Herat. He shared the update on his X account, highlighting that the construction of each mosque is expected to be completed within one year.

In addition to this, the Ministry of Public Works had previously launched the construction of six mosques along the Kabul-Kandahar highway, which are also expected to be completed on schedule.

In accordance with a directive from His Excellency Amir al-Mu’minin, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Ministry plans to construct a total of 75 mosques along the country’s major highways, with one mosque approximately every 70 kilometers. Each mosque will have the capacity to accommodate 300 worshippers.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/eight-mosques-to-be-constructed-along-kandahar-herat-highway-with-259-million-afn-investment/

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Turkey Commends Islamic Emirate’s Efforts in Combating Narcotics

2024-11-20

KABUL(BNA): In a message on X, the spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, Mufti Abdul Matin Qani, stated that the Deputy Minister for Counter-Narcotics, Mullah Abdul Haq Hamkar, met with the Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Afghanistan, Zafer Kishi, and his accompanying delegation.

In the meeting, both sides discussed joint efforts to combat narcotics, provide alternative livelihoods for Afghan farmers, collect and treat drug addicts, and improve the qualifications of medical professionals in the field.

The Turkish delegation praised the Islamic Emirate’s fight against narcotics and its achievements, assuring further cooperation in this critical area.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/turkey-commends-islamic-emirates-efforts-in-combating-narcotics/

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Stable Afghanistan Benefits Region and World, Says Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund

2024-11-20

KABUL(BNA): In a meeting with several scholars from India and Bangladesh, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, expressed that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan views a self-reliant Afghanistan as advantageous for both the region and the world.

According to a press release from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund recently met with the scholars at his office. During the meeting, he emphasized that the Islamic Emirate is committed to promoting a pure and correct understanding of Islam, free from superstitions. To achieve this, the government is strengthening schools, establishing new educational institutions, and implementing significant reforms in the curriculum.

Furthermore, Mullah Baradar Akhund highlighted that the Islamic Emirate is actively working to improve the country’s economic situation. Large-scale economic projects have been launched, trade with neighboring countries, the region, and the world has expanded, and progress in the industrial sector has been made. These efforts aim to create a self-sufficient economy, free from external dependencies.

He also mentioned that the freezing of Afghanistan’s national assets and economic sanctions have been major obstacles, slowing the country’s economic growth.

The Deputy Prime Minister further stated that the Islamic Emirate seeks to establish political and economic relations based on mutual interests and in accordance with Islamic principles. He reiterated that a self-sustained Afghanistan is beneficial for both the region and the world.

During the meeting, the scholars from India and Bangladesh expressed their satisfaction with the governance of the Islamic system in Afghanistan and shared their views on strengthening the Islamic system further.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/stable-afghanistan-benefits-region-and-world-says-deputy-pm-mullah-baradar-akhund/

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New Uzbek Ambassador Submits Credentials to Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan

2024-11-20

KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has confirmed that the newly appointed Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, Aybek Usmanov, has officially submitted a copy of his credentials to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

According to Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the credentials were handed over during a formal meeting held today, Wednesday. Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed Ambassador Usmanov and assured him of comprehensive support from the Ministry in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Mawlawi Muttaqi emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, noting the active embassies in both nations as a testament to their growing partnership. He further underscored the significance of advancing joint economic projects and taking practical measures to enhance cooperation.

Additionally, Ambassador Usmanov expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries during his tenure. He described the relationship as fraternal and highlighted the recent exchange of high-level delegations as a reflection of their close collaboration.

It’s worth noting that, last month, Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Bahr, the Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to Uzbekistan, similarly presented a copy of his credentials to Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an official ceremony.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/new-uzbek-ambassador-submits-credentials-to-acting-foreign-minister-of-afghanistan/

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4,000 Afghans enter Iran daily with Visas: Iranian Official

By Fidel Rahmati

November 21, 2024

Nader YarAhmadi, head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Interior, stated that over 4,000 Afghan nationals with valid passports and visas enter Iran daily. He noted that more than 500,000 visas are issued annually to Afghans.

According to YarAhmadi, air travel capacity in Afghanistan is very limited, with only about 1% of Afghans entering Iran via air routes. Most rely on land crossings for their migration.

During a meeting with the governor of Kerman on Wednesday, November20, YarAhmadi attributed migration to “regional and natural crises” and estimated the number of Afghans in Iran to be nearly six million.

YarAhmadi criticized efforts by the UN and the UNHCR to grant legal status to anyone crossing borders, stating that the Islamic Republic does not accept such an approach. He also highlighted the high cost of obtaining passports in Afghanistan, claiming it contributes to nearly 20% of the country’s revenue.

The plight of Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan has worsened amid forced deportations, harassment, and human rights violations. Refugees face discrimination, limited access to legal work opportunities, and poor living conditions, leaving many in a state of despair.

The dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan exacerbates their struggles, with severe food shortages, lack of basic services, and political instability forcing many to flee. However, as winter approaches, the challenges for displaced Afghans in neighboring countries are expected to escalate.

The international community must urgently address the dual crises of refugee rights violations and the humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan. Enhanced support for refugees and diplomatic pressure on host countries to uphold human rights could provide relief and stability during these critical times.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/4000-afghans-enter-iran-daily-with-visas-iranian-official/

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BHBFC inaugurates Islamic finance to rural housing

Nov 20, 2024

Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation (BHBFC) recently launched the second phase of the "Rural and Peri-Urban Housing Finance Project" at the InterContinental Dhaka.

The project is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2028-29.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed inaugurated the project as the chief guest, the corporation said in a press release.

The BHBFC recently signed an agreement with IsDB in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia under which the BHBFC secured a funding equivalent to 270 million euros (Tk 3,171 crore).

Of this amount, 67 million euros have already been disbursed to the BHBFC.

The finance adviser expressed his gratitude to the authorities of BHBFC and IsDB for taking the initiative to provide Shariah-compliant investment in rural and peri-urban areas for housing construction.

Salehuddin emphasised the importance of reducing the rural-to-urban migration trend by narrowing the gap between villages and cities.

He urged the relevant stakeholders to take initiatives to ensure balanced development of the country by enhancing civic amenities in rural areas alongside urban centres.

The BHBFC's Shariah-based housing investment project is funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), an international development partner.

The first phase of the project, which began in the FY 2018-19, was successfully completed and the second phase officially commenced with this inaugural event.

ASM Abdul Halim, former cabinet secretary and chairman of BHBFC, presided over the event.

Md Abdul Mannan, managing director of BHBFC, Mohammad Nassis bin Sulaiman, regional manager of IsDB, Khairuzzaman Mozumder, secretary to the finance division, Nazma Mobarek, secretary to the Financial Institutions Division, and Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary to the Economic Relations Division, were present.

Prof Mohammad Abdus Samad, chairman of the Shariah Supervisory Committee of the BHBFC, and Abu Sandy Bockarie, operations team leader for economic infrastructure at IsDB, along with senior officials from the ministry of finance and BHBFC were also present.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/bhbfc-inaugurates-islamic-finance-rural-housing-3757676

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