Editors and Journalists Appeal Institutions to Uphold Constitutional Mandate in the Wake of Brazen Calls for Attacks against Religious Minorities, Especially Muslims
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 March 2022
Editors drew attention to
how calls for annihilation of Muslims were made at a religious event in
Haridwar in December last year.
File photo
-----
• Muslim Leaders in North and South America Agree to
Establish Independent Body for Sects to Implement the Makkah Charter
• A Step Against the “Unfair” Closure of Mosques; French
Court Annuls Government’s Decision to Close Al Farouk Mosque
• Pak Activists Pay Tribute to Bhagat Singh, Raise
Demand to Rename Lahore's Shadman Chowk after Him
• Kelantan’s Shariah Criminal Code Law Affects the
Marginalised and Minorities
India
• Pakistan Opposes India as a member of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
• Delhi police stopped Friday prayers in mosques on
Shab-e-Barat
• Youth created fake Muslim identity to threaten BJP
MLC in Karnataka
• India rejects Chinese foreign minister’s remarks on
Kashmir at OIC meeting
• Karnataka education minister justifies boycott of
Muslim traders
• Hijab Ban: SC refuses urgent hearing on plea against
HC order
• Hijab issue: Bengaluru activist Pasha is hopeful of
better verdict in SC
--------
North
America
• Turkiye's UN envoy demands end to Ukraine war, says
it has no ‘victors’
• US puts onus on Iran to decide to return to nuclear
deal
• UN Officials Felicitate Nowruz
--------
Europe
• Iran’s FM in Syria to discuss Ukraine war, ties with
Arabs
• Netherlands, UAE to collaborate on hydrogen use amid
‘burgeoning demand for energy’
• Former member of defunct French far-right group
arrested in murder of Argentine rugby player
• Turkiye to benefit most from EU agricultural support
for candidate countries
--------
Pakistan
• OIC Vows to Protect Muslim Ummah’s Common Interests
• Big blow to Imran Khan ahead of no-trust vote, 3
major allies decide to join opposition
• OIC adopts 70-point Islamabad Declaration
• Institutions heartily backing democracy, says
President Alvi
• COAS, Wang Yi discuss regional security, further
enhancing bilateral defence cooperation
• First public school for Sikhs nears completion in
Peshawar
--------
Southeast
Asia
• Sosma decision in Dewan does not violate MoU, says
Loke
--------
South
Asia
• EU Deplores Taliban’s Restriction on Girls’ Schools
• UN Secretary-General: postponement of girls’ schools
is deeply damaging for Afghanistan
• Norwegian Refugee Council asks Taliban to reverse
their decision over suspension of schools for teenage girls
• China Foreign Minister Wang Yi makes surprise visit
to meet Taliban in Afghanistan
• IEA’s cabinet meeting: government is impoverished;
people must assist
--------
Arab
World
• Lebanese President Sparks Christian Anger By
Defending Hezbollah At The Vatican
• Islamic Affairs Ministry Prohibits Iftar Donation
Collections In Mosques
• Egypt requests IMF support as economy buffeted by
Ukraine spillover
• Under sweeping sanctions, Iran hawks its weapons in
Qatar
• Iraqi parliamentary blocs agree on naming president,
premier nominees
--------
Mideast
• Palestinians Call for World Bank Pressure on Israel
over Withheld Funds
• Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn Israel over more
attacks
• Ahead of Ramadan, Israel prepares control measures
in Jerusalem amidst rising tensions
• IRGC Commander Warns Israel against Repetition of
Mischiefs
• AEOI Head Declares Iran's Plan to Unveil New N.
Achievements
• Iranian President Hopes for Further Broadening of
Ties with Pakistan
• Senior Yemeni military leader killed in car bombing
in Aden, sources say
--------
Africa
• 7,000 Boko Haram, Other Terrorists Surrender In
Northeast Nigeria In A Week
• Somali forces kill 2 al-Shabaab terrorists at
Mogadishu airport
• Tunisian journalists to strike against attempts to
control media
• Turkey urges Libya to avoid steps that could renew
clashes
• First cruise ship in three years with over 700
passengers docks in Tunisia
• Food crisis looms in Sudan amid economic crisis
Compiled by New
Age Islam News Bureau
--------
Editors and Journalists Appeal Institutions to Uphold
Constitutional Mandate in the Wake of Brazen Calls for Attacks against
Religious Minorities, Especially Muslims
Editors drew attention to
how calls for annihilation of Muslims were made at a religious event in
Haridwar in December last year.
File photo
-----
24.03.22
Several editors and journalists have made an appeal to
all institutions to uphold their constitutional mandate in the wake of brazen
calls for attacks against religious minorities, especially Muslims, under the
guise of everything ranging from Covid-19 to hijab.
“The concerted amplification of hatred has been
growing over the past years and months, as has the attendant advocacy of
violence. Sometimes, the occasion is an election, at other times it is a
political gathering, a so-called ‘Dharam Sansad’, or a controversy over
clothing. Or even the screening of a movie,” stated the appeal signed by more
than 20 editors and journalists.
Among the signatories to the appeal are former
editor-in-chief of The Hindu N. Ram, senior journalist Mrinal Pandey, executive
editor of The Caravan Vinod Jose, founder editors of The Wire Siddharth
Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and M.K. Venu, co-editors of Sabrangindia Teesta
Setalvad and Javed Anand and The Telegraph editor R. Rajagopal.
They highlighted how systematic hate campaigns are
unleashed at regular intervals against minorities and how top political leaders
have been silent while sections of the mainstream media played along.
“Months before, we saw systematic hate being
propagated against Muslims under the pretext of Covid-19, including calls by
legislators for their socio-economic boycott. Disturbingly, the term ‘corona
jihad’ was fabricated and amplified by sections of the media establishment,”
the appeal said.
It drew attention to how calls for annihilation of
Muslims were made at a religious event in Haridwar in December last year and
Muslim women were systematically targeted through social media platforms and
the Bulli Bai app.
“Since December 2021, well-synchronised calls for the
annihilation of Muslims have been made, beginning with a religious meet in
Haridwar that month. Muslim women and girls have been systematically targeted
in 2021 and 2022 through social media platforms, including the pernicious Bulli
Bai App. The ugly controversy over the hijab in Karnataka has resulted in
Muslim women in different parts of India being harassed and humiliated,” the appeal
said.
It cited how even The Kashmiri Files, a film about
what the makers call a “genocide” of Pandits in the Valley, is being used to
whip up hatred against Muslims. “Most recently, the screening of The Kashmir
Files — a film that cynically exploits the suffering and tragedy of the
Kashmiri Pandits by using their plight as a pretext for the promotion of hatred
against Muslims — has seen orchestrated attempts inside and outside movie halls
to incite anti-Muslim sentiment.”
“Attempts have been made from the highest levels of
government to stifle fully justified criticism of the film and of the violent
reaction it is generating by claiming there is a ‘conspiracy’ afoot to
‘discredit’ it,” noted the signatories.
The letter pointed out that India now stands at “a
dangerous place, with the founding values of our secular, democratic and
republican Constitution coming under flagrant assault from prejudiced ideas,
acts of prejudice, discrimination, and violent incidents, all planned and
orchestrated as part of an anti-constitutional political project”.
“That we have seen elected officials and others who
have sworn an oath under the Constitution amplifying some of these multiple and
connected instances of orchestrated hate through acts of commission and
omission, with sections of the media assisting this project, makes the
situation even more urgent,” the signatories noted, urging constitutional
institutions to assert their independence.
“That is why it is both urgent and crucial that
India’s constitutional institutions, and especially the President, the higher
judiciary, and the Election Commission, discharge their mandate under our
Constitution and that the media perform their responsibility to the people of
India by asserting their independence and speaking truth to power.”
Source: Telegraph India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Muslim Leaders in North and South America Agree to
Establish Independent Body for Sects to Implement the Makkah Charter
Mohammed Al-Issa,
secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), addresses the forum in
Washington. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
-----
23 March, 2022
Muslim leaders in North and South America have agreed
to establish an independent body that would bring together different sects to
implement the Makkah Charter, a turning point in contemporary Islamic thought.
Mohammed Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim
World League (MWL) and chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, launched
the first forum of Muslim leaders in the Americas, during an event in
Washington, which was also attended by prominent supporting partners, including
members and advisors in the US Congress, and an elite of non-Muslim religious,
community and governmental leaders.
Workshops during the forum focused on a number of
important topics, including the means to benefit from the Makkah Charter in the
Americas, as a comprehensive document that seeks to strengthen brotherly ties
and address youth and women’s issues. Participants pledged to work on building
the capacities of religious leaders and promote religious diplomacy.
They also agreed to establish the international forum
for the Makkah Charter, which would be entrusted with coordinating common goals
and topics, promoting the values of brotherhood and coexistence and building
bridges of understanding between followers of different religions and cultures
in the Americas.
In this regard, Al-Issa noted that the Makkah Charter,
which was signed by more than 1,200 muftis and scholars and more than 4,500
Islamic thinkers from 139 countries, emphasized the importance of soft power
and called on Muslim scholars around the world to stand up to their own fatwas,
as each country has its own circumstances and environments that are observed by
Islamic Sharia.
The Makkah Declaration - known as the Charter of
Makkah - was signed in May 2019 in Saudi Arabia. The document was presented by
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, with the aim to
create a pan-Islamic set of principles that supported anti-extremism, religious
and cultural diversity, and legislation against hate and violence.
Source: Aawsat
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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A Step Against the “Unfair” Closure of Mosques; French
Court Annuls Government’s Decision to Close Al Farouk Mosque
Al Farouk Mosque/ File
photo
-----
Yusuf Ozcan
24.03.2022
PARIS
A French court on Wednesday annulled the government’s
decision to close a mosque near the city of Bordeaux.
Sefen Guez Guez, the lawyer of the association of the
Al Farouk Mosque, said that the Bordeaux Administrative Court annulled the
Gironde Governorate’s March 14 decision to close the mosque for six months.
Noting that the court’s decision was a step against
the “unfair” closure of mosques in recent years.
Guez added that Muslims can come together in the
mosque.
The Al Farouk Mosque in the Pessac district near the
city of Bordeaux was closed for allegedly defending "radical Islam"
and “spreading Salafist ideology.”
In August, France’s highest constitutional authority
approved a controversial “anti-separatism” law that has been criticized for
singling out Muslims, striking down just two of its articles.
The bill was passed by the National Assembly in July,
despite strong opposition from both rightist and leftist lawmakers.
The government claims that the law is intended to
strengthen France's secular system, but critics believe that it restricts religious
freedom and marginalizes Muslims.
The law has been criticized for targeting France's
Muslim community – the largest in Europe, with 3.35 million members – and
imposing restrictions on many aspects of their lives.
It allows officials to intervene in mosques and
associations responsible for their administration as well as control the
finances of Muslim-affiliated associations and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs). It also restricts the educational choices of Muslims by making
homeschooling subject to official permission.
Under the law, patients are also prohibited from
choosing their doctors based on gender for religious or other reasons.
France has been criticized by international
organizations and NGOs, especially the UN, for targeting and marginalizing
Muslims with the law.
Since Feb. 2018, France has controlled nearly 25,000
mosques, schools, associations, and workplaces and closed 718 of them,
including over 20 mosques, according to a report published on March 2.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/french-court-annuls-decision-to-close-al-farouk-mosque/2544152
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Pak Activists Pay Tribute to Bhagat Singh, Raise
Demand to Rename Lahore's Shadman Chowk after Him
Pakistan activists pay
tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their 91st martyrdom day at
Shadman Chowk in Lahore where they were hanged in 1931.
-----
Mar 24, 2022
BATHINDA: Transcending boundaries, Pakistan’s Lahore
reverberated with the slogan of “Long live the memories of Bhagat Singh” on
Wednesday, the 91st martyrdom day of the freedom fighter, along with a demand
to rename Shadman Chowk in the city — where he was hanged along with Sukhdev
and Rajguru — in 1931
The Pakistan-based followers of the freedom fighter
paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at Shadman Chowk in the
capital of Punjab province, which was once a part of Lahore Central Jail where
the trio was hanged on March 23, 1931.
Among them, the members of Progressive Students
Collective demanded the place to be renamed after Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation chairman Imtiaz
Rashid Qureshi said that the sacrifices made by them will always be remembered
in the subcontinent.
“We want Bhagat Singh to be treated as freedom fighter
in Pakistan and the chowk should be named after him,” Rashid Qureshi stated,
adding founder of Pakistan Quid-I-Azam had appreciated Bhagat Singh in Delhi
assembly on September 4, 1929.
He added Pakistan too had every right over the memory
of Bhagat Singh as the freedom fighter was not only born in Faislabad village
(now in Pakistan) but had spent most of the time of his short but meaningful
life in Lahore. “Bhagat Singh was an icon of struggle for freedom and nobody
has the right to snatch our rich heritage,” said Qureshi.
In April 2013, Qureshi had filed a petition in the
Lahore high court for re-opening Bhagat Singh’s final case so that he can be
declared innocent, on the basis of an FIR retrieved that year, where his name
did not figure in the murder of assistant superintendent of police JP Saunders
in December 1928.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Kelantan’s Shariah Criminal Code Law Affects the
Marginalised and Minorities
The Kelantan state
legislative assembly passed the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment 2019
late last year. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
-----
24 Mar 2022
BY ASHMAN ADAM
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — Late last year, the Kelantan
state legislative assembly passed the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment
2019, which human rights defenders in the country have accused of encroaching
on personal liberties and victimising minorities there.
Coming into force on November 21, 2021, the new
enactment has increased the number of acts that it deems as criminal under the
Shariah code — containing 68 sections altogether, an addition of 33 sections
from the previous version passed in 1985.
The enactment also provides for harsher penalties for
several acts, listing the maximum possible punishment of RM5,000 fine, three
years of imprisonment, and/or six lashes of the cane.
In a report released earlier this week, groups such as
Sisters in Islam (SIS), Legal Dignity, and Justice for Sisters (JFS) accused
the enactment of further victimising groups who are already marginalised by
encouraging discrimination and stigma.
“We are looking at a total state intrusion that is
unreasonable and really infringes on the privacy of all individuals — and by
extension, it also infringes into the lives of non-Muslim persons,” JFS founder
S. Thilaga told Malay Mail.
Malay Mail lists details on how the new enactment may
adversely affect the lives of the marginalised and minorities among the Muslim
community in the state administered by Islamist party PAS:
Women
According to the report, the enactment has unfairly
targeted women, in particular those who are still single, entrepreneurs
especially in the line of beauty and cosmetics, human rights defenders, sex
workers, lesbians, bisexuals, queer and trans women.
The enactment criminalises indecent acts or speech,
the exposure of “aurat”, acts of “lesbianism” it calls musahaqah, non-cis
gender expression that it deems as “changing gender or posing as the opposite
sex”, and even disobedience to parents.
In Islam, “aurat” refers to certain parts of the human
body that must be covered by clothing. Mainstream Muslim interpretation
prescribes this as between the navel and the knees for men, and for women to
only leave their face and palms uncovered.
In the report, the groups said that the enactment goes
against Malaysia’s commitment as a state party to the United Nations’
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(Cedaw).
It noted that in 2018, the Cedaw committee on Malaysia
expressed concern about how the Shariah legal system has led to a gap in
protecting women against discrimination.
It also took note that Malaysia falls short on the
global Sustainable Development Goals, failing to commit on key targets such as
ending discrimination against women and girls, ending violence and exploitation
of women and girls, eliminating force marriages, universal access to
reproductive rights and health, and the adoption of policies for gender
equality.
Children
While Section 60 of the enactment provides exemptions
for children “who have not reached the age of puberty”, the age of puberty
itself is not specified unlike in the civil Penal Code that applies to everyone
nationwide ― which makes them more vulnerable by the Enactment.
According to the report, at least six sections of the
enactment disproportionately affect children and the young, which include
selling or giving a child away to a non-Muslim or morally reprehensible Muslim,
exposing the aurat, female fleeing custody, wrongful cutting ties with
immediate family, disobedience to parents and pregnancy out of wedlock.
“The criminalisation of pregnancy out of wedlock under
Section 49 penalises women or girls if they are found to be pregnant, given
birth to a child out of wedlock, or given birth to a child in less than 175
days and two lahzah,” it said.
“Lahzah” refers to two types of time periods to
determine whether a child is legitimate and not born out of wedlock.
“Meanwhile, a man or boy who causes a woman to be
pregnant out of wedlock is also penalised under the section. Both can be
sentenced to RM 5,000 in fines, three years of imprisonment and six strokes of
cane,” it added.
The report said that this section will not only
increase fear of prosecution among unwed parents and people experiencing
unintended pregnancies, but also shame and stigma related to pregnancy out of
wedlock.
LGBT
The Enactment introduces two new sections that
prohibit so-called “change of gender” and criminalise trans men and masculine
persons as well as gender-diverse persons through Section 20.
According to the report, these sections further
reinforce misinformation about trans and gender-diverse people as well as
gender identity, while causing severe impact on the availability of
trans-specific healthcare, protection against discrimination and violence,
among others for trans and gender-diverse persons.
“The spill over effect of the enactment on non-Muslim
persons is clear in the context of LGBTQ and gender-diverse people.
“The criminalisation and non-recognition of LGBTQ and
gender-diverse persons under Shariah laws extend to all persons regardless of
religious backgrounds as evidenced by the lack of availability and accessibility
to trans specific healthcare and LGBT affirming healthcare services in the
national and private healthcare systems, legal gender recognition, protection
against violence and discrimination against LGBTQ persons on the basis of
sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,” the report said.
Human rights groups
Under the new Enactment, human rights groups may face
additional barriers in carrying out their work, including providing life-saving
support, information and services to those in need.
They face among others: Section 7 (distorting
teachings and precepts of Islam), Section 9 (insulting or deriding laws),
Section 26 (instigating husband or wife divorce), Section 27 (enticing away any
Muslim from custody), Section 30 (words capable or breaking peace) and Section
36 (anything intoxicating).
Business and service providers
The report also claimed that businesses and service
providers, ranging from bookstores, health services, beauty and wellness as
well as cosmetic entrepreneurs and clothing stores are negatively affected by
the enactment.
For example, Section 23 ― which criminalises exposing
aurat in public places ― has an impact on the fashion industry and censorship.
“In 2021, the Film Censorship Board had instructed two
local stations not to show undergarments being worn by a model or a mannequin
during its home shopping segments, as ‘any indecent visual displays, including
advertising ‘undergarments’ will still offend the community’,” it said.
“It should also be noted that in order for business
owners to receive business permits from the local authority, the business
owners must cover their aurat and ensure that their employees comply with the
law on covering one’s aurat,” it added.
Earlier this week, the groups called on Putrajaya and
the state government to pause and review the recently passed Kelantan Syariah
Criminal Code Enactment 2019, which they insist are contrary to
constitutionally guaranteed freedoms in Malaysia.
The groups said they found several overlaps with
existing Federal Laws such as Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and the
Dangerous Drug Act, with some provisions infringing on the Federal Constitution
which stipulates what falls under the jurisdiction of the state.
“This enactment is problematic, redundant, unnecessary
and a waste of resources as it introduces 31 new areas of criminality, most of
which fall outside of state jurisdiction and infringe on the rights guaranteed
under the Federal Constitution,” Thilaga had said during the report launch.
Malaysia practices a dual-justice system with Islamic
matters falling under the purview of each of the separate states.
The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution states that
among others the state can only legislate on matters involving the precepts of
Islam, while civil and criminal law and procedure and the administration of
justice falls under federal jurisdiction.
Last year, the Federal Court has ruled that a Selangor
state law's provision which made unnatural sex a Shariah offence was invalid
and went against the Federal Constitution, as such offences fall under
Parliament's powers to make laws and not under state legislatures' law-making
powers.
Source: Malay Mail
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
--------
India
Pakistan
Opposes India as a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
Mar
23, 2022
NEW
DELHI: India is home to the world's third largest Muslim population, next only
to Indonesia and Pakistan. It is projected to become number one by the year
2060. Yet, India is not a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
OIC
has at various times over the years weighed the prospects of India joining as a
member. But it stopped well short of a consensus- the most vociferous
opposition, not surprisingly, coming from Pakistan every time.
India
was invited to the first OIC summit in 1969, and even addressed the session.
But that did not go down well with Pakistan, and it used its influence to keep
India out from further sessions.
The
matter even came up in 2006, during the Saudi king's India visit. The Saudi
team said it would be good if the proposal of India's membership to OIC is
introduced by Pakistan.
As
expected, Pakistan objected. Any membership aspirant should not have any
dispute with an OIC member state, it said in its opposition.
The
issue of OIC membership itself seems obfuscated on terms and conditions.
The
OIC charter says, only 'consitutionally Islamic' countries that promote the
organisation's goals are eligible for membership. Non-Muslim countries too can
have observer status, if they fulfill conditions.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-is-india-not-an-oic-member/articleshow/90397984.cms
--------
Delhi
police stopped Friday prayers in mosques on Shab-e-Barat
23rd
March 2022
The
Muslim community in Delhi alleged that the city police stopped them from
offering their Friday prayers in 16 mosques.
Muslims
and Imams have alleged that the police suddenly stopped them and refused to
offer an explanation or even show the worshippers a warrant.
The
incident came to light when the former chairman of the Delhi Minorities
Commission, Zafarul Islam shared the picture of the Inquilab newspaper which
stated that on Friday, the Delhi police didn’t allow the Muslim community to
offer prayer in mosques.
He
tweeted,” No Namaz: Police disallowed Friday Namaz in 16 mosques in the
Panchsheel area of Delhi. Imam of an old mosque said this is the first time in
fifty years that Namaz was stopped here. From today’s Inquilab.”
The
Imam of Lal Gumbad mosque, Niyaz Ahmad (50) was quoted by Maktoob media saying,
“I have been living here since the 1980s and started Imamat in the 2000s in
this mosque. Something like this has never happened before.”
Furthermore,
he continued, “I thought that prayers were stalled because it was Holi. I told
them that the situation here is peaceful and that there is nothing to be
worried about. Every five years or so, Holi and Juma fall on the same day, but
never before, were prayers stopped.”
The
mosque Naim Imam Mohammad Khalid stated, “police came to us and said that today
prayers won’t happen in the mosque. When asked why, they said that the
Archeological department has ordered to stop prayers at 16 in mosques in Delhi.
They asked for a written paper but they didn’t show anything”
“Later
the Muslim community performed the namaz in the park. The administration is
trying to repeat the Friday prayers boycott which took place at Gurgaon,” the
Imaam added.
Source:
Siasat Dailly
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/delhi-police-stopped-friday-prayers-in-mosques-on-shab-e-barat-2295218/
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Youth
created fake Muslim identity to threaten BJP MLC in Karnataka
MARCH
23, 2022
The
accused faces charges of creating a fake Facebook profile in the name of
Mushtaq Ali and threatening family members of BJP MLC D.S. Arun, who is son of
former chairman of legislative council D.H. Shankarmurthy
Bagalkot
police have arrested Siddharoodha Srikant Nirale, 31, who created a fake online
identity of a Muslim youth to threaten a BJP legislator. He was produced in
court and remanded in judicial custody.
The
accused is a farmer from Shindi Kurbet village near Gokak in Belagavi district.
Apart from cultivating crops, his family operates a nursery on the
Gokak-Ghataprabha road.
The
accused faces charges of creating a fake Facebook profile in the name of
Mushtaq Ali and threatening family members of BJP MLC D.S. Arun, who is son of
former chairman of legislative council D.H. Shankarmurthy.
Siddharoodha
used some pictures from the social media profiles of random persons to build
the profile. He began writing communally sensitive comments in response to news
reports and statements of political leaders. He posted a series of comments
after the murder of Harsha, a Bajrang Dal activist in Shivamogga. Later, he
posted some communally sensitive messages using the social media handle
‘Mushtaq Ali’.
Siddharoodha
also posted a message on D.S. Arun’s social media handle. One of his comments
was: ‘You may think that a Hindu activist is dead today. But in the coming
days, we will target your wife and children’.
The
cyber, economics and narcotics police wing in Shivamogga had registered a case
based on a complaint by the MLC.
In
Bagalkot, police had registered a case following complaints by some right-wing
activists. Investigators caught his digital footprint and confirmed his
identity, police sources said.
“This
case proves that whatever we read or see on social media may not be true. We
appeal to the common people not to rely on social media posts blindly. They
need to confirm and reconfirm all the claims made in social media posts before
forming their opinions on any issue,’’ said Lokesh Jagalasar, Superintendent of
Police, Bagalkot.
Source:
The Hindu
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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India
rejects Chinese foreign minister’s remarks on Kashmir at OIC meeting
Mar
23, 2022
By
Rezaul H Laskar
NEW
DELHI: Ahead of a planned visit to New Delhi by Chinese foreign minister Wang
Yi, India on Wednesday rejected his support for the Islamic world’s views on
the Kashmir issue and said China has no locus standi to comment on the matter.
Wang
made the comments while speaking at the opening ceremony of a meeting of the
council of foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
hosted by Pakistan on Tuesday. Several leaders, including Pakistan Prime
Minister Imran Khan, expressed concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir
and Wang endorsed their views.
“We
reject the uncalled reference to India by the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi
during his speech at the opening ceremony,” external affairs ministry
spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
“Matters
related to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir are entirely the internal
affairs of India. Other countries including China have no locus standi to
comment. They should note that India refrains from public judgement of their
internal issues,” he added.
The
Chinese side has proposed a visit to India by Wang as part of his ongoing trip
to the region. Wang is scheduled to be in Nepal during March 25-27. However,
the Chinese and Indian sides have not made any official announcement regarding
a visit to New Delhi.
While
addressing the OIC meeting, the Pakistan prime minister accused India and
Israel of committing “war crimes” in Kashmir and Palestine with impunity
because Muslim countries had not effectively taken up these issues. “We have failed
both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir,” Khan said.
Saudi
Arabia’s foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed his country’s support
for the Palestine and Kashmir issues. He also expressed support for the
Kashmiri people and the world community’s efforts to find a solution to the
dispute.
Wang,
the first Chinese foreign minister to participate in a meeting of the foreign
ministers of OIC, said in his speech: “On Kashmir, we have heard again today
the calls of many of our Islamic friends. And China shares the same hope.”
He
also said China and Islamic countries need to be partners promoting security
and stability. “China will continue to support the efforts by Islamic countries
to use Islamic wisdom to solve current hotspot issues and to hold the key to
peace and stability firmly in their own hands,” he added.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Karnataka
education minister justifies boycott of Muslim traders
23rd
March 2022
Karnataka
Secondary and Higher Education minister BC Nagesh on Wednesday justified the
anti-Muslim posters put up in Shivamogga. The posters encouraged the
prohibition of Muslim traders from setting up shops at an annual local festival
in the city.
It
has been reported that a campaign was also organised on social media platforms
against allowing Muslim shopkeepers to set up shops.
Nagesh,
while speaking to the media, sided with the Hindutva groups and said that every
action has an equal and opposite reaction.
“Everything
has an equal and opposite reaction. Those people tried to oppose the law of the
land and this is a reaction to it. Someone had a communal agenda and two months
ago nobody had thought that the high court would pass an order against it and
that Muslims would call for a statewide bandh over the court’s ban on the
issue,” he said.
“Some
people around Karnataka also supported the same (the state-wide bandh). And if
there is a reaction to it please don’t politicize it,” he added.
The
organizing committee of the festival, Kote Marikamba Jatra, was forced to allot
the tender to a Hindutva group as the leaders of BJP, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa
Hindu Parishad had demanded that no Muslim be allowed to set up shops during
the festival.
Source:
Siasat Dailly
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/karnataka-education-minister-justifies-boycott-of-muslim-traders-2295398/
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Hijab
Ban: SC refuses urgent hearing on plea against HC order
24th
March 2022
New
Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to give any specific date to hear
a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court order, which dismissed all
petitions seeking direction for permission to wear hijab in classrooms.
Senior
advocate Devadutt Kamat mentioned one of the cases on behalf of a petitioner, a
Muslim girl student, and sought urgent listing of the matter. Kamat insisted
that exams were approaching and urged the court for an urgent hearing on the
matter.
A
bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana said this has nothing to do with the
exams. The Chief Justice told Kamat not to sensationalise the matter.
Kamat
contended that the girl students were not being allowed to enter the schools,
and they will lose one year. However, the bench moved on to the next item.
On
March 16, the Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to grant an urgent hearing on
a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court order, which held that wearing of
hijab by the Muslim women does not form a part of the essential religious
practice in Islamic faith.
Then,
senior advocate Sanjay Hedge, representing the petitioners, mentioned the plea
before a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana. Hedge said there was
urgency in the matter, as several girls have to appear in exams. The bench said
others have also mentioned and the court will look into the matter.
Hedge
had insisted that the exams are starting and there was urgency in the matter.
The
bench said it needed time and it would post the matter for hearing. After brief
submissions, the bench said the court may list it after Holi vacations. “Give
us time, we’ll post the matter,” said the bench.
The
plea filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed and Rahamathullah Kothwal said the high
court order creates an unreasonable classification between the Muslim and the
non-Muslim female students, and thereby is in straight violation of the concept
of secularism which forms the basic structure of the Indian Constitution. The
petitioners are Mohamed Arif Jameel and others.
The
plea said: “The impugned order is also in sheer violation of the Article 14,
15, 19, 21 and 25 of the Indian Constitution and also violates the core
principles of the International Conventions that India is a signatory to.”
It
further added, “Being aggrieved by the impugned Government Order, as it is in
violation of Indian constitution, the petitioner had approached the Hon’ble
High Court by way of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition challenging
the validity of the same.
“The
Hon’ble High Court vide the impugned order had sought to curtail the
fundamental right of Muslim student-women by upholding the impugned Government
Order which bars Muslim women from wearing the hijab and pursue their
education. It is hereby submitted that the right to wear hijab is an ‘essential
religious practice’ and falls within the ambit of the right of expression guaranteed
by Article 19 (1) (a), the right to privacy and also the Freedom of Conscience
under Article 25 of the Constitution. The same cannot be infringed upon without
a valid ‘law’.”
Source:
Siasat Dailly
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Hijab
issue: Bengaluru activist Pasha is hopeful of better verdict in SC
23rd
March 2022
Hyderabad:
Muslims should seek guidance of scholars and Ulema in religious matters.
Approaching courts in every religious issue could prove harmful. This opinion
was expressed by Karnataka’s social activist and managing director,
bigbangalore.com, Aalam Pasha.
Addressing
a media conference in Hyderabad on Wednesday, he said Muslims had acted in
haste right from Babri Masjid to triple talaq and the Hijab issue now. He
blamed the religious leaders for not guiding the community the way they ought
to have done with the result some people took these sensitive issues to the
court. The verdicts have come against Muslim interest and as a result the
community’s trust in judiciary is shaken.
Aalam
Pasha, who is known for legal battles, has filed many cases against important
politicians in respect of encroachment of Wakf properties in Karnataka. He
announced his decision to take up the legal battle against encroachment of Wakf
properties in Telangana also.
Expressing
dismay at the court verdict involving the 1600 acre wakf land, he termed it the
defeat of Telangana Muslims.
Source:
Siasat Dailly
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
North
America
Turkiye's
UN envoy demands end to Ukraine war, says it has no ‘victors’
Servet
Gunerigok
23.03.2022
WASHINGTON
The
Ukraine war is a "war without victors," Turkiye's envoy to the UN
Feridun Sinirlioglu said Wednesday, calling for an immediate end to the
fighting as Russia's war nears one month.
Speaking
at a UN General Assembly special session on Ukraine, Sinirlioglu said the war
is the result of the "blatant violation" of international
humanitarian law by Russia, which he called "unacceptable."
"It
is a war without victors. A war which should have never started. A war which
should cease immediately," said the Turkish envoy.
Turning
to the fighting in the besieged city of Mariupol, Sinirlioglu described the
situation as "heart-breaking" and said "the victims of this violence
are innocent people, first and foremost women and children."
He
said 40 million Ukrainians are suffering inside their country and "they
need our help," adding that 10 million others have already been displaced.
"For
our part, we will not give up on our brothers and sisters in Ukraine,"
said the envoy. "As the host country to the largest refugee population in
the world, we know what it means to flee the horrors of war."
Sinirlioglu
also asked for support for a draft resolution, “Humanitarian consequences of
the aggression against Ukraine,” in the "spirit of the founders of the
United Nations, in our common quest for peace and respect for human rights,
and, in our shared duty to humanity.”
"We
must act now, for this is, in the truest sense of the word, a matter of life
and death," he added.
The
Russia-Ukraine war, which began on Feb. 24, has met international outrage with
the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on
Moscow.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
US
puts onus on Iran to decide to return to nuclear deal
Servet
Günerigök
23.03.2022
WASHINGTON
The
US said Tuesday that it is unclear whether Iran will ever agree to a nuclear
deal, but if it is willing to make “difficult decisions,” one could be reached
“very soon.”
"We
are still working through a number of difficult issues. As I said before, the
onus is on Tehran to make difficult decisions," said State Department
spokesman Ned Price.
"But
we have negotiated for the better part of a year of course indirectly through
our allies and partners in good faith in a constructive manner to get us to
this point. We are still at a point where if those decisions are made, we could
reach a mutual return to compliance very soon," he added.
Price
said an agreement is neither imminent, nor is it certain.
"And
so, that is precisely why for the better part of the year, we have been
preparing for either contingency, for either scenario, a world in which we have
a mutual return to compliance," he added.
Indirect
negotiations between the US and Iran have been ongoing since April 2021. They
have been facilitated by the other participants of the Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action (JCPOA) in protracted shuttle diplomacy.
The
agreement placed unprecedented curbs on Iran's nuclear program and subjected
Tehran to an international inspections regime verified by the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Former
US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, in a futile
effort to bring Iran back to negotiations for what his administration
maintained would be a more wide-ranging agreement.
Trump
re-imposed US sanctions lifted under the 2015 pact and imposed new economic
penalties.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-puts-onus-on-iran-to-decide-to-return-to-nuclear-deal/2542928
--------
UN
Officials Felicitate Nowruz
2022-March-23
Guterres
emphasized in a twitter message that Nowruz can help people build a world full
of peace, health and prosperity.
“As
humanity faces unprecedented challenges, let us be guided by the Nowruz spirit
of solidarity and renew our pledge to live in harmony and protect our planet,”
the UN chief said, adding, "I wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful
Nowruz.”
According
to the UN secretary general, the event unites over 300 million people, between
generations and beyond borders; so, it is a time to learn about each other, our
cultures and our world.
It
promotes reconciliation and good neighborliness, Guterres said, noting that it
echoes the values of the United Nations of peace, human rights and dignity.
Abdulla
Shahid, the 76th president of UN General Assembly at United Nations, called for
trying to learn values of Nowruz to help other people.
"Nowruz
is all about healing and rebirth of the earth. It symbolizes patience, love and
strength of forgiveness," he said.
"On
this new day of spring, I call upon the kindness, humility, and grace of our
fellow human beings to help us usher in a period of peace and unity,"
Shahid added.
He
expressed hope that this year's Nowruz would be an opportunity to renew social,
moral and spiritual commitment among human-beings.
The
Islamic Republic of Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Majid
Takht Ravanchi organized a ceremony to mark Nowruz at the United Nations
headquarters with the coordination of 11 other countries on Tuesday.
Also,
President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Collen
Vixen Kelapile, who was also present in the ceremony, stated that Nowruz is an
opportunity to renew human pledges concerning peace, friendship, human rights
and dignity.
The
ECOSOC chief urged all nations to commemorate the new opening with a strong
determination to create a more united and synchronized world.
Nowruz,
the start of the year according to the Persian calendar which marks arrival of
spring was celebrated across Iran and several other countries.
Nowruz,
which coincides with the first day of spring on the solar calendar (this year
started on March 21), is mostly celebrated in 10 countries of Iran,
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Turkey and
Uzbekistan.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14010103000404/UN-Officials-Feliciae-Nwrz
--------
Europe
Iran’s
FM in Syria to discuss Ukraine war, ties with Arabs
23
March ,2022
The
foreign ministers of Iran and Syria, two allies of Russia, will discuss the
ongoing war in Ukraine and other developments during a meeting in Damascus
Wednesday, Syria’s foreign minister said.
Faisal
Mekdad spoke to reporters at Damascus airport shortly after his Iranian
counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, arrived for talks with top Syrian
officials.
Iran
is a strong ally of President Bashar Assad and has sent thousands of
Iran-backed fighters from around the region to bolster Syrian government forces
against opponents in the 11-year Syrian conflict.
Russia
has also supported Assad militarily, turning the tide of the war in his favor.
The Syria war has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half the
country’s pre-war population of 23 million.
“We
will discuss the huge developments today after Russia’s military operation in
Ukraine,” Mekdad said. “We will discuss what is behind that and we will discuss
our mutual stances toward these developments.”
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
During
his visit, Amir-Abdollahian is also likely to discuss the latest developments
in Iran’s negotiations to restore Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers,
Assad’s visit to the United Arab Emirates last week, which marked his first to
an Arab country since the Syria war broke out, and meetings of the constitutional
committee in Geneva between the Syrian government and opposition.
Amir-Abdollahian
said in Farsi that strategic relations between Iran and Syria are at their
best. He later made a rare comment in Arabic, saying: “We are in the same
trench, and we support Syria’s leadership, government and people.”
Like
Iran, Russia a strong ally of Syria and joined the war in 2015, which helped
Assad’s forces regain control of much of the country. Russia has hundreds of
troops deployed in Syria and an air base on the Mediterranean coast.
Nuclear
negotiations nearly reached completion earlier this month before Moscow
demanded that its trade with Iran be exempted from Western sanctions over
Ukraine, throwing the process into disarray. Negotiators have yet to reconvene
in the Austrian capital, and it’s unclear exactly what hurdles lie ahead.
Amir-Abdollahian’s
visit also comes two weeks after two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard were
killed in an Israeli strike near the capital Damascus.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Netherlands,
UAE to collaborate on hydrogen use amid ‘burgeoning demand for energy’
23
March ,2022
The
UAE has signed an agreement with the Netherlands to partner on decarbonizing
the energy sector and increasing the use of hydrogen, the Emirates news agency
WAM reported on Tuesday.
“There
is increasing pressure on current ecosystems to meet the burgeoning demand for
energy resources without further eroding the ecosystem,” said the Dutch
Minister for Foreign Trade, Liesje Schreinemacher, who reportedly attended the
signing of the MoU.
The
UAE was represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail bin
Mohammed al-Mazrouei, and the agreement was signed at Dubai’s EXPO 2020.
The
UAE and the Netherlands have been in conversation to identify common interests
and create a partnership for decarbonizing the energy sector as part of the
Joint Economic Committee.
This
includes an export-import corridor between the two countries, which would also
act as a gateway to the wider European region, WAM reported.
On
March 22, Reuters reported that EU leaders will agree to jointly purchase gas,
liquefied natural gas and hydrogen ahead of next winter.
The
invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Europe’s top gas supplier, has caused energy
prices to soar to record highs and put the EU on a mission to cut Russian gas
use this year – a move that will require a jump in imports from other
suppliers, Reuters reported.
Recently,
the UAE and Austria signed an MoU to work together on advancing hydrogen
production capacity in the emirates.
The
agreement with Netherlands is also expected to support the Paris Climate
Accords and help the countries reach net-zero emissions. The Netherlands is
aiming for a 95 percent reduction in emissions by 2050, while the UAE is
working towards a net-zero ecosystem by 2050.
Dutch
minister Schreinemacher said: “Hydrogen Energy as an alternative to fossil fuel
has an important place for both of our countries in our aim to achieve net-zero
emissions. I very much welcome being here today to sign this important
agreement in an effort to achieve our common goals for the future of our
planet,” according to a statement carried by WAM.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Former
member of defunct French far-right group arrested in murder of Argentine rugby
player
Shweta
Desai
23.03.2022
PARIS
A
former member of the now-defunct French far-right group suspected of shooting
Argentine rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu was arrested in Hungary,
prosecutors investigating the murder said Wednesday.
Loik
Le Priol, a French former soldier and member of the former far-right students
union Groupe Union Defense (GUD) had fled France after fatally shooting
Aramburu, 42, on Saturday in Paris.
He
was arrested late Tuesday on his way from Hungary to Ukraine, according to
BFMTV news.
His
alleged girlfriend, who helped in the drive-by shooting, was also indicted Tuesday
for complicity in the shooting.
A
second suspect, also a member of the far-former far-right group, is on the run
and has a European arrest warrant.
The
shooting occurred at a bar in the Boulevard Saint-Germain district where Arambu
and former teammate Shawn Hegarty were patronizing.
The
two had a heated argument with Priol and one of his friends which was initially
settled by bar staff.
Later,
as the two rugby players left, Priol and his friend followed in a car and shot
several rounds of bullets.
Aramaburu,
who sustained three bullet shots, was declared dead early Saturday.
He
played for Biarritz, Perpignan and Dax from 2004 to 2010.
His
family, stunned and saddened by his sudden death, denounced the heinous crime,
France24 news reported.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Turkiye
to benefit most from EU agricultural support for candidate countries
Agnes
Szucs
23.03.2022
BRUSSELS
Turkiye
will benefit the most from the EU's €927 million ($1.01 billion) fund for
pre-accession countries in agricultural and rural development, the European
Commission announced on Wednesday.
The
commission adopted assistance programs to support candidate countries in the field
of agriculture in the 2021-2027 period, the EU executive body said in a press
statement.
Set
to receive €430 million ($472 million) from the fund, Turkiye is to be the
biggest beneficiary of the EU grant.
Albania
will receive €112 million, while North Macedonia will get €97 million and
Serbia €288 million.
The
commission estimates that the EU support, together with national public and
private contributions, will generate in total over €2 billion of investments in
the rural areas of the Western Balkans and Turkiye.
The
pre-accession assistance for rural development (IPARD) programs support
sustainable management of natural resources, climate action, efforts to raise
living conditions by improving infrastructure, diversifying economic
activities, and fostering employment, particularly among women and young
people.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Pakistan
OIC
Vows To Protect Muslim Ummah’s Common Interests
Mar
24, 2022
ISLAMABAD – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation
yesterday vowed to protect the common interests of the Muslim Ummah (nation)
and adopt a unified stance on Palestine, Kashmir and other issues. In the joint
statement titled Islamabad Declaration issued after the conclusion of the
two-day OIC meeting here, the members resolved to unify efforts to address
common challenges and leverage opportunities besides upholding the rights and
interests of Muslim minorities in non-OIC countries. They pledged to promote
and protect common interests of member countries and support the just causes of
Palestine, Kashmir and other issues. The declaration vowed to pursue a shared
vision for greater social, economic, scientific and technological development
and integration within the Muslim world and beyond. It reaffirmed the
collective desire to promote harmony, tolerance, peaceful co-existence, better
standards of life, human dignity and understanding among all peoples. It
proposed for convening a ministerial meeting, later this year or next, to
evolve solutions, develop mechanisms and tools to prevent conflicts and promote
peace. The declaration welcomed the operationalization of the Afghanistan
Humanitarian Trust Fund. It appreciated the unanimous decision of UN General
Assembly to proclaim 15 March as International Day to combat Islamophobia as
well as the Council of Foreign Ministers’ decision to appoint a Special Envoy
in this regard. The declaration rejected terrorism in all forms and
manifestations and attempts this evil to any country, religion, nationality,
race or civilization. It reiterated OIC’s strong position against attempts to
equate the legitimate struggle of peoples for self-determination with
terrorism.
Source:
Nation Pakistan
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://nation.com.pk/2022/03/24/oic-vows-to-protect-muslim-ummahs-common-interests/
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Big
blow to Imran Khan ahead of no-trust vote, 3 major allies decide to join
opposition
Mar
23, 2022
NEW
DELHI: Just days ahead of a crucial no-confidence vote in the National
Assembly, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has suffered a big jolt after
three major allies decided to join the opposition alliance, local media
reported.
According
to Geo News, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim
League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) are expected to make the
announcement about joining the opposition in the campaign to oust Imran Khan.
Imran
Khan's party is facing an internal revolt, with several members of the National
Assembly (MNAs) deserting the PTI and joining the opposition ranks.
Earlier,
around 24 lawmakers announced to vote in favour of the no-trust move and
dissociated themselves from the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)
government.
The
opposition parties in Pakistan had submitted the no-trust motion in the
National Assembly secretariat on March 8.
While
the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the
opposition is sure that they will oust Khan.
Moreover,
Khan has warned the opposition that he would be more dangerous for them if
ousted from power. He has also called for a rally in the capital on March 27 to
mobilise his support base or whatever is left of it.
Notably,
in the 342-member National Assembly, the Imran Khan government requires at
least 172 members to sail through the no-confidence vote.
Source:
Times Of India
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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OIC
adopts 70-point Islamabad Declaration
Baqir
Sajjad Syed
March
24, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The two-day meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign
Ministers ended on Wednesday with affirmation of support for Palestine and
Jammu and Kashmir disputes.
OIC
Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, while speaking at a media conference at
the end of the 48th meeting of the 57-member body, said: “Palestine remains
high on the agenda of OIC and was discussed thoroughly. All participating
ministers reiterated their support for the Palestine cause.
“The
question of Jammu and Kashmir was thoroughly discussed. This is a just cause.
It has our full support. The conference reaffirmed our stance and reiterated
support for the right of Kashmiri people to self-determination.”
Forty-six
countries participated in the moot at the ministerial level, while the other
countries were represented by senior officials. Nearly 800 delegates attended
the meeting hosted by Islamabad. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was the
special guest at the conference. It was the first time in OIC’s history that a
Chinese foreign minister attended its foreign ministers’ meeting, indicating
Beijing’s expanding role in the Muslim world.
The
meeting agenda included deliberations on the situation in Palestine, Indian
Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Afghanistan. Also, issues
pertaining to Africa and Muslims in Europe and developments in Yemen, Libya,
Sudan, Somalia and Syria were taken up at the meeting. Islamophobia,
international terrorism and cooperation in economic, cultural, social,
humanitarian, and scientific domains were the other subjects that were
discussed.
Islamabad
Declaration
A
wide-ranging Islamabad Declaration containing as many as 70 points was adopted
at the meeting by the conference.
Foreign
Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while speaking at the conference, said Palestine
and Kashmir were two glaring examples of injustice, oppression, occupation, and
human rights violations.
Mr
Qureshi said a ministerial committee of OIC would work with other states to “go
beyond resolutions” on Kashmir and “chart the way forward”. An action plan will
also be formulated in this regard, according to him.
He
said the OIC Contact Group on Occupied Kashmir decided that its members would
meet more frequently to coordinate their positions on the dispute and monitor human
rights violations. “We have a clear plan of action (on Kashmir) for the members
of contact group, the secretary general, the secretariat, the special envoy,
and the OIC independent permanent human rights commission,” he maintained.
Islamabad
Declaration renewed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and expressed full
support for their inalienable right to self-determination. It, moreover,
condemned the human rights violations in the IIOJK and rejected India’s illegal
and unilateral actions related to Kashmir since August 5, 2019.
“We
declare that the final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in
accordance with UN Security Council resolutions is indispensable for durable
peace in South Asia. We reiterate our call on India to: a) reverse its unilateral
and illegal measures instituted since 5th August 2019; b) cease its oppression
and human rights violations against the Kashmiris in IIOJK; c) halt and reverse
attempts to alter the demographic structure and to redraw electoral
constituencies in IIOJK; and d) take concrete and meaningful steps for full
implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,”
the OIC participants stated in the Islamabad Declaration.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1681514/oic-adopts-70-point-islamabad-declaration
--------
Institutions
heartily backing democracy, says President Alvi
March
24, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
President Arif Alvi has said national institutions are wholeheartedly backing
democracy in Pakistan, declaring that the nation and all institutions want
stability of democracy and rule of law, as they believe in it
“This
[approach of the institutions] is the path to stability and development,” said
President Alvi at the Joint Services Parade, the highlight of the ceremonies
held across the country to mark 82nd Pakistan Day, in the federal capital on
Wednesday.
The
parade featured marching troops, military assets, including the recently
acquired J-10C fighter aircraft, and cultural floats. This year’s annual event
attained great significance as foreign ministers of the 57-member OIC as well
as Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi witnessed the joint
services parade along with Prime Minister Imran Khan, cabinet members,
diplomats, senior civil and military officials and some prominent figures who
have won accolades for their services to Pakistan.
The
contingents of friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan,
Azerbaijan and Bahrain, also participated in the parade.
In
his address, President Alvi noted that Pakistan was faced with the challenges
of extremism, intolerance, population growth, women rights and fake news. He
called on all segments of society, especially the clergy, media, parents and
students, to help in tackling these issues.
Recalling
the national resolve to safeguard independence and sovereignty, he said a lot
of sacrifices had been rendered and no compromises would be made in future. “We
fought wars, defeated terrorism, and thwarted internal and external
conspiracies,” he asserted.
Dr
Alvi said Pakistan was a responsible nuclear state that wanted peace with all,
respected sovereignty of other countries and believed in peaceful co-existence.
However,
he pointed out that India’s expansionist designs and illegal occupation of
Jammu and Kashmir were the major cause of instability in the region, asking the
UN to stop the human rights violations by India in the occupied valley and
calling for implementing the UN resolutions on Kashmir.
He
said major challenges faced by the Muslim world included Palestine and Kashmir
disputes, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the rising tide of Islamophobia.
“All these challenges could be dealt with through unity,” he advised the
foreign delegates, stating that Pakistan wants the international organisation
representing the Muslim world to be more effective.
The
event at Islamabad’s Parade Avenue commenced with Chief of the Air Staff Air
Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu leading the fly-past of various
formations of Pakistan Air Force fighter jets. including the newly acquired
J-10C. Contingents of army, navy, air force, SSG, FC, Pakistan Rangers, Coast
Guards and Islamabad police marched past the dais presenting salute to the
chief guest. The marching columns of Armoured Corps, Artillery, Air Defence,
besides infantry regiments and the women contingent of AFNS, were also
highlight of the day-long event, adds APP.
Cultural
floats
A
special float of OIC member states was also showcased on the occasion, besides
the cultural floats presenting artifacts, folk songs and dances in a show of
national harmony.
Also,
the Sherdil team of seven Karakoram aircraft presented enthralling aerobatics,
leaving a colourful trail of smoke in the blue sky. The paratroopers of the
three services made freefall jumps from the altitude of 10,000 feet and
precisely landed at their designated targets in the ground.
Stars
of the event
After
the parade review, distinguished personalities, who were especially invited to
the Pakistan Day event, were showered with praise for their meritorious
services to the nation. They included Dr Amjad Saqib who laid the foundation of
first interest-free microfinance Akhuwat Foundation; Malik Adnan who protected
the Sri Lankan citizen with courage during a deadly attack; Parveen Bibi, a
female rickshaw driver who started free female driving training; Zarghoona
Manzoor, the first female SHO of Balochistan and widow of DSP Munawar Tareen
who had embraced martyrdom in a terrorist attack; Dr Mimpal Singh who
established an ICU for infants; Maria Shamoon, the first AC from minority
community of Balochistan; Senator Krishna Kumari Kohli, the proud daughter of
Tharparkar who chaired the Senate session on February 5, 2022 that passed a
resolution on Kashmir; and Saima Saleem, the first blind female CSP officer.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1681527/institutions-heartily-backing-democracy-says-president-alvi
--------
COAS,
Wang Yi discuss regional security, further enhancing bilateral defence
cooperation
March
23, 2022
By
Mian Abrar
ISLAMABAD:
Mr Wang Yi, State Counselor and Foreign Minister of the People Republic of
China Wednesday called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
and discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security and measures to
further enhance bilateral defence cooperation between the two friendly
countries.
Chinese
Foreign Minister said that Pakistan-China relationship is based on convergence
of views and mutual respect. Appreciating professionalism of Pakistan Army,
Foreign Minister said that world should acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts towards
regional peace and stability.
He
appreciated security provided to the Chinese compaies working on China,
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and said that China believes in
inclusive prosperity.
Referring
to the OIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers session, the COAS termed it a
historic development for addressing the dire humanitarian situation in
Afghanistan and bringing international community to a shared vision and joint
strategy to find solution to emerging challenges in the region vital for peace
and stability.
Source:
Pakistan Today
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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First
public school for Sikhs nears completion in Peshawar
March
23, 2022
The
first public school for Sikh community in Pakistan is nearing completion in
Peshawar as “90 percent construction work” has been concluded, a news outlet
reported on Wednesday.
According
to the report, the work on the project practically started two years ago after
a piece of land was purchased in the Jogan Shah Mohalla situated in the old
city.
A
woman living outside Pakistan had donated Rs20 million from which the community
purchased eight marlas of land. After the purchase of land, the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa government started construction work.
The
report said a school in Peshawar had been a long-standing demand of the Sikhs
from the province and the tribal areas. Previously, about 300 children from the
Sikh community were studying at an NGO-run school in Dabgri. The school
operating in a rented house had to be shut down after the landlords asked the
administration to evacuate.
However,
after demands by the Sikh community for a new school, Atif Khan, the former
provincial education minister and current food minister, announced the project
for the first government school for the Sikh community.
The
government tasked the Sikh community with purchasing space to make the construction
of the school practical. After the purchase of land, the KP government started
work on the site six months ago.
“The
development of the special Sikh school would also send a message to those
across the border,” the report quoted Dr Sahib Singh, chairman of the National
Commission for Peace Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as saying.
Source:
Pakistan Today
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Southeast
Asia
Sosma
decision in Dewan does not violate MoU, says Loke
Reshna
Reem Ganesan
March
23, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: The rejection of a motion under the Security Offences (Special Measures)
Act 2012 (Sosma) does not contravene the memorandum of understanding (MoU)
between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Putrajaya, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew
Fook said today.
In
a Facebook live post, he stressed that the decision by PH MPs to vote against
the extension of a provision in Sosma for another five years does not threaten
the MoU at all.
“The
coalition had not violated their obligation even though we voted against this
motion. It is our right as MPs,” he said.
Asked
whether the government could raise this motion in Parliament again before the
provision expires, Loke said that it was up to the government.
“They
can bring it up again but our stance on this issue will remain the same,” he
said.
Home
minister Hamzah Zainudin had proposed that the Dewan Rakyat extend the
enforcement of sub-section 4(5) under Sosma, which allows a maximum 28-day
detention without trial, for another five years beginning from July 31.
But
the motion was voted down with 84 votes in favour and 86 against. The remaining
50 MPs were absent.
Sub-section
4(5) of Sosma enables police to detain a person suspected of being involved in
terrorist activities for a period not exceeding 28 days for investigations.
Sub-section
4(11), meanwhile, states that sub-section 4(5) shall be reviewed every five
years and shall cease to have effect when both the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan
Negara vote against extending it.
This
provision must be renewed by both houses of Parliament every five years to
remain valid.
Loke
also pointed out that there had been no discussion with the opposition on the
extension of this provision.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
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--------
South
Asia
EU
deplores Taliban’s restriction on girls’ schools
24
Mar 2022
European
Union deplored the announcement by the de facto authorities of Afghanistan that
banned Afghan teenage girls to attend classes from 6th grade upwards.
The
press release that is made public on Thursday, March 24, 2022, reads that
access to education is a fundamental right of all humans that is essential for
building a prosperous Afghanistan.
“Access
to education for all is a fundamental right, enshrined in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, and essential to building a prosperous and
self-reliant Afghanistan. This decision is contrary to the previous statements
by the Taliban where they had assured the Afghan people of their commitment to
the right of education for all Afghan citizens.” Reads the press release.
The
European Union has said, the announcement by the Taliban is a major setback for
women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan.
The
EU urged the Taliban to honor their commitments about school reopening and
immediately reopening schools for Afghan girls and boys.
It
has added that the actions of the Taliban matter both for Afghans and the
International Community, not the pledges.
Source:
Khaama Press
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https://www.khaama.com/eu-deplores-talibans-restriction-on-girls-schools-78678586/
--------
UN
Secretary-General: postponement of girls’ schools is deeply damaging for
Afghanistan
24
Mar 2022
United
Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reacted to the Taliban’s decision
over not allowing girls upper than grade 6 to attend classes and termed the
announcement as disappointing and damaging for Afghanistan.
Ministry
of Education of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on Tuesday just hours after
schools resumption across the country announced that girls can only attend
primary schools.
The
decision has not only broken Afghan students into tears but has shocked people
inside and out of Afghanistan.
Antonio
Guterres in a press release expressed concern over the decision and called it
disappointment despite pledges by the de facto authorities of Afghanistan
regarding reopening all schools for boys and girls.
“The
denial of education not only violates the equal rights of women and girls to
education, it also jeopardizes the country’s future in view of the tremendous
contributions by Afghan women and girls.” Reads the press release.
Source:
Khaama Press
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--------
Norwegian
Refugee Council asks Taliban to reverse their decision over suspension of
schools for teenage girls
23
Mar 2022
Norwegian
Refugee Council has condemned the decision of the Taliban over suspension of
girls’ classes upper than grade 6 and added that this casts a dark shadow on
the start of the school year in Afghanistan.
The
council in a press release said to be hopeful that the concerning announcement
by the Ministry of Education will be reversed.
The
statement further reads that the Taliban government is expected to allow all
girls and boys across the whole country.
“We
expect the Taliban government to allow all girls and boys across the whole
country to resume their complete education cycle, in line with earlier public
assurances they have given. Limiting girls’ schooling to primary education will
devastate their future and the future of Afghanistan.” Reads the statement.
Meanwhile,
spokesperson of the Ministry of Education of the IEA Aziz Ahmad Reyan said that
they had submitted the office of Prime Minister the scheme regarding reopening
of girls’ school that was refused only hours before school resumption.
Reyan
added that further details will be given by the chief spokesperson of the IEA
Zabiullah Mujahid.
Source:
Khaama Press
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--------
China
Foreign Minister Wang Yi makes surprise visit to meet Taliban in Afghanistan
March
24, 2022
China’s
Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Kabul on Thursday, a Taliban official said,
a week before Beijing hosts a meeting of Afghanistan’s neighbors to see how
they can help the country following the takeover by the hardline group.
“Chinese
Foreign Minister arrives in Kabul for talks with Islamic Emirate leaders,”
Ahmad Yasir, a top Taliban government official, said on Twitter.
Beijing
has remained tightlipped about the details of Wang’s ongoing tour, and China’s
official media has released statements and reports only after his meetings with
the Pakistani leadership were over.
Earlier,
the Foreign Minister attended the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
foreign ministers meetings in Islamabad, stating that China is investing US$400
billion in over 600 BRI projects across the Muslim world.
Wang’s
attendance underscored China’s increasing influence among OIC countries — as
well as the Islamic organization’s readiness to overlook charges of widespread
attacks by Chinese authorities on the country’s minority Muslim Uyghurs.
In
his speech at the conference, the Chinese foreign minister said China supports
Russia and Ukraine continuing peace talks for the sake of a cease-fire, an end
to the war and peace.
“We
need to prevent humanitarian disasters and prevent the spillover of the
Ukrainian crisis from affecting or harming the legitimate rights and interests
of other regions and countries,” he said.
Source:
Free Press Journal
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
IEA’s
cabinet meeting: government is impoverished; people must assist
24
Mar 2022
Cabinet
meeting of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said, had they (interim
government) got enough money, they would have paid salaries for every single
man and woman in Afghanistan but the government is impoverished so people must
assist the government.
The
three-day cabinet meeting was held in Kandahar and was headed by the supreme
leader of the Taliban Mullah Hebtullah Akhundzada for the first time.
Deputy
Minister of information and culture and chief spokesperson of the IEA Zabiullah
Mujahid who was one of the participants of the meeting in a press release said,
all government administrations were directed to make efforts in implementing
Sharia law so that all Afghans live under the law.
“The
meeting was concentrated on rules in government bodies, their activities,
interaction with people, seeking a solution for ongoing economic difficulties,
and absorbing all Taliban affiliates in security bodies.” Reads part of the
statement.
The
supreme leader directed Deputy Prime Minister and head of the economic
commission of the IEA Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to attract local and
international investors and provide facilities for macro and microeconomic
projects and for extraction of mines.
The
second Deputy PM Mullah Abdul Salaam Hanafi was instructed to prevent further
bureaucracy in financial and other sectors and reform all administrative
systems of the government.
Source:
Khaama Press
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/ieas-cabinet-meeting-government-is-impoverished-people-must-assist-45785876/
--------
Arab
World
Lebanese
president sparks Christian anger by defending Hezbollah at the Vatican
March
23, 2022
BEIRUT:
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has sparked Christian anger by defending
Hezbollah during his Vatican visit.
In
an interview with the Italian daily La Repubblica, Aoun said that Hezbollah’s
weapons had “no influence in any way” on the security situation of the Lebanese
and that “resisting the (Israeli) occupation” was not terrorism.
His
words led Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi to reiterate his position
on the importance of Lebanon’s neutrality.
Lebanon’s
top Christian cleric told MTV on Wednesday that the country was not a ground
for conflict and that its interest lay in neutrality which, he said, maintained
its sovereignty and preserved it from Israel and other hostile elements.
There
was online anger, with activists sharing photos of dates and events where
Hezbollah’s weapons had been “directed at Christians and not in their defense.”
These
included the assassinations of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the pilot
Samer Hanna, and Hezbollah opponents Hashem Suleiman and Luqman Slim.
The
activists cited a military conflict from May 7, 2008, between Hezbollah
militias and pro-government Sunnis after an 18-month-long political crisis
spiraled out of control.
They
also mentioned the clashes that erupted in Beirut’s Tayouneh neighborhood last
October between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, unidentified gunmen, and the
armed forces.
Activists
said the president’s position at the Vatican did not represent them and reminded
him that Hezbollah was “listed as a terrorist organization by the nations of
the world, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
On
Wednesday morning, several young people in Tripoli, mostly Sunnis, wrote
anti-Iran slogans on the city’s walls rejecting “Iranian occupation.” Their
actions were documented on video and posted on social media.
Aoun
visited the Vatican earlier this week under the slogan “Christians are well,”
causing astonishment, especially in the Maronite Church, with one of its
officials noting that the patriarch had been “constantly warning” in his
sermons about the migration of young Christians and the collapse of sectors and
institutions established by Christians.
The
Vatican’s statement was limited to Pope Francis and Aoun’s meeting highlighting
“the grave socio-economic problems the country is experiencing, and the
situation of refugees.”
It
expressed hope for the global aid reaching Lebanon, the organization of
upcoming legislative elections, and that “the necessary reforms may contribute
to strengthening peaceful co-existence between the various religious
communities” who lived in the land of the cedars.
The
statement also stressed the “demand for justice” in the Beirut port explosion
case.
Messages
on the platforms of Hezbollah and its supporters tried to imply that there was
a disagreement “between the Vatican and Patriarch Al-Rahi vis-a-vis Hezbollah.”
Former
parliamentarian Fadi Karam, secretary of the Strong Republic Parliamentary
bloc, said: “Through his visit to the Vatican and his statements, Aoun tried to
acquit Hezbollah, saying that it protects Christians in Lebanon, and that is
the epitome of fabrication and offense to Lebanon and completely contradicts
the truth.”
He
told Arab News: “Hezbollah and Aoun are the ones who led Lebanon to its
collapse and hell, and it is necessary to correct Aoun’s discourse as he is
wrong.”
He
denied there was any disagreement between the Vatican and Al-Rahi, and said the
Vatican did not approve of Aoun’s discourse and that “it focused in its closing
statement on Lebanon’s identity.”
He
added: “Aoun tried to exonerate Hezbollah to allow his son-in-law Gebran
Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, to become the next president in
the next parliamentary elections on May 15.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2048911/middle-east
--------
Islamic
Affairs ministry prohibits iftar donation collections in mosques
March
23, 2022
RIYADH
— The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has prohibited the
collection of financial donations by mosque employees for iftar projects for
fasting people in various regions of Saudi Arabia.
The
ministry stressed that iftar projects are limited only to the prepared places
and the courtyards of mosques, as well as it is a must to be under the
responsibility of the imam of the mosque or the muezzin.
The
ministry noted the importance of cleaning the places designated for iftar
immediately after completion of the break fast meals.
The
ministry’s decision included several directives for preparing mosques before
the holy month of Ramadan, the most prominent of which are: the necessity of
imams and muezzins commitment to their work and not to be absent during
Ramadan.
It
is also important to adhere to the times of the adhan according to the Umm
Al-Qura calendar, the ministry said.
It
noted the need to make sure of the time of Isha prayer at the time specified in
Ramadan, confirming that the iqamah must be after the adhan according to the
approved period for each prayer.
The
ministry called on the imams of mosques to read useful books to the worshipers
after the obligatory prayers and remind them of the provisions of fasting and
the virtues of Ramadan, in addition to the topics that strengthen national
cohesion.
Maintenance
and cleaning institutions must ensure the cleanliness of mosques and women’s
chapels.
The
ministry has also issued earlier a series of regulations and guidelines for
non-governmental societies and organizations that are under the ministry’s
technical supervision with regard to implementing iftar meal projects during
the holy month of Ramadan.
Organizations
planning to hold iftar parties are obliged to submit applications for approval
and obtain permits from the ministry.
Source:
Saudi Gazette
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--------
Egypt
requests IMF support as economy buffeted by Ukraine spillover
23
March ,2022
Egypt
has requested the International Monetary Fund’s support to implement a
comprehensive economic program, the IMF said on Wednesday, adding that
continued exchange rate flexibility would be essential to absorb external
shocks.
The
IMF is working closely with Egyptian authorities to prepare for discussion of
the program, with a view to supporting sustainable, job-rich and inclusive
growth, it added.
Egypt
has faced new economic pressure linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which
prompted foreign investors to flee emerging markets.
On
Monday, Egypt let its currency depreciate sharply after it had remained mostly
steady for several years.
Russia
and Ukraine were the main exporters of wheat to Egypt - typically the world’s
top importer - and major sources of tourism.
“The
rapidly changing global environment and spillovers related to the war in
Ukraine are posing important challenges for countries around the world,
including Egypt,” the IMF said in a statement.
Source: Al Arabiya
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--------
Under
sweeping sanctions, Iran hawks its weapons in Qatar
23
March ,2022
Iran,
under sweeping economic sanctions, was hawking weapons on Wednesday at a Qatari
defense exhibit, a surprising sight at the major conference also showcasing
American companies and fighter jets.
Hidden
in the far-left corner of the carpeted convention center, commanders from
Iran’s defense ministry marketed their missiles and air defense weapons
systems. The defense ministry manufactures arms for both Iran’s military and
its powerful paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard, a group that plays a
singular role in the creation and execution of Iran’s national security and foreign
policy.
The
DIMDEX exhibition serves to promote Qatar, a major non-NATO ally of the United
States that’s home to the largest American military base in the Middle East.
The tiny Gulf Arab country, however, also maintains good relations with Iran,
with which it shares the world’s largest gas field.
Iranian
commanders declined to speak with The Associated Press. They handed out
brochures to an AP journalist promoting their homemade jet trainers,
helicopters and hovercraft.
The
Qatari armed forces chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Salem al-Nabet, toured Iran’s
pavilion before the exhibition wrapped up, inspecting displays of lethal
merchandise in glass cases and listening to a commander’s sales pitch about
machine guns. A giant American flag representing US military contractor General
Atomics Aeronautical Systems could be seen hanging just beside the Iranian
stand.
Notably,
Iran’s pavilion cannot be found on the conference map. The country’s defense
ministry and armed forces logistics remain under crushing US sanctions over
suspected illegal weapons trade.
The
Revolutionary Guard, for its part, is widely regarded as a toxic business
partner for its designation as a terrorist group by the Trump administration,
its global reputation for meddling in regional conflicts and sanctions over its
ballistic missile programs and alleged human rights violations.
With
talks to restore Tehran’s tattered nuclear deal with world powers nearing a
resolution four years after former President Trump abandoned it, the possible
removal of the Guard’s terrorism designation has drawn fierce criticism from
America’s Mideast allies, like Israel.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Iraqi
parliamentary blocs agree on naming president, premier nominees
Ahmed
Asmar
23.03.2022
BAGHDAD
The
Al-Sadr party of Muqtada al-Sadr on Wednesday announced an agreement with the
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance on naming
the KDP’s nominee Reber Ahmed for the Iraqi presidency and Mohammad Jaafar
al-Sadr of Al-Sadr party for the position of Iraq’s prime minister.
Following
a meeting among the three groups, Hassan al-Athari, the head of the Al-Sadr
bloc, announced in a news conference the establishment of a new parliamentary
bloc -- the Alliance to Save the Country.
A parliamentary
session is expected to convene next Saturday to elect the country's president,
after which the new president will name a prime minister to form a new
government within 15 days.
The
alliance consists of al-Sadr’s Sairoon Alliance -- which won 73 seats in the
329-member parliament during the Oct. 10 elections last year -- the Sovereignty
Alliance (a coalition of Sunni parliamentary groups with 71 seats in
parliament), and the KDP with 31 seats.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Mideast
Palestinians
call for World Bank pressure on Israel over withheld funds
MOHAMMED
NAJIB
March
23, 2022
RAMALLAH:
The Palestinian Authority has urged the World Bank to intervene in its dispute
with Israel over more than $400 million in withheld tax revenues, senior
Palestinian sources told Arab News.
The
call comes amid warnings of “an existential threat” to the PA because of
dwindling financial support from the US, EU and Arab nations, as well as the shortfall
in tax income.
Palestinian
Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and Finance Minister Shukri Bishara met World
Bank senior directors in Ramallah on March 22 and urged the bank to put
pressure on Israel over the withheld tax revenue.
Israeli
deductions from tax it collects on behalf of the PA reached $400 million last
year, 42 percent of this year’s budget deficit, Bishara has said.
Taxes
collected by Israel make up about half of the PA’s income. However, under a
2018 law, Israel calculates how much it believes the PA has paid in stipends to
militants, and deducts that amount from the taxes it collects.
The
shortfall in revenue, and a halt to US, EU and Arab financial support for the
PA have led to “a financial crisis that forms an existential threat to its
survivability,” a senior Palestinian official told Arab News.
At
the Ramallah meeting, the two Palestinian leaders also discussed World Bank
support for projects in the Palestinian territories, saying that development is
essential to create job opportunities among youth and university graduates.
Shtayyeh
reviewed administrative and financial reforms, adding that “these efforts must
be accompanied by international pressure on Israel to stop its unjust
deductions from our funds, release the withheld funds and resume international
support for Palestine.”
A
political solution is needed to ensure effective and practical improvements in
living conditions, the Palestinian PM said.
Bishara
told World Bank officials that the Palestinian leadership is working under “exceptional
conditions unlike any faced by other countries.”
PA
officials pointed to “Israeli violations that impede financial and development
progress in the Palestinian territories.”
The
World Bank manages aid provided by some European and Arab countries that are
reluctant to provide direct support to the PA, supporting low-income families,
and covering the salaries of public sector employees and several small projects
through a trust fund.
However,
there are unconfirmed reports that the fund is running low as many countries
have ended their financial support for the authority.
Samir
Hulileh, Palestine’s former deputy finance minister, told Arab News that in
addition to the financing program that the World Bank undertakes for the PA,
giving it $40-$50 million annually, “its reports and estimates on the
performance of the authority greatly affect donor countries’ decisions” on
further support.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2049011/middle-east
--------
Iran's
Revolutionary Guards warn Israel over more attacks
March
23, 2022
Hossein
Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued a
warning to Israel against more attacks targeting Iranian forces in the region.
Speaking
in the city of Dezful at an event commemorating previous IRGC fighters, Salami
said, “You saw in recent weeks how the Zionists, who constantly make mistakes
in their calculations, were under the attacks of the IRGC missiles.” On March
13, Iran launched ballistic missiles into northern Iraq, claiming the target
was a strategic center for Israel. The attack was in retaliation for two
Iranian soldiers killed by an Israeli strike in Syria. In total, 12 missiles
were launched, and Iraqi officials condemned the attack.
Salami
continued, “We warn them to stop their wickedness, otherwise we will close
these small holes that are open to you in the world.” In response to Iraqi
criticism of the attack, Iran said that it has repeatedly warned the Iraqi
government not to permit Israel to operate within the country, particularly in
Iraq’s Kurdish region.
Addressing
Israel, Salami added, “Be careful. We not only conduct funerals and processions
for our martyrs but we will immediately exact revenge.” He continued, “This is
a real and serious message, and if it is continued, again you will experience
IRGC missiles.”
The
missile attacks, which hit a compound in Erbil, caused considerable damage but
no casualties. More than anything, they signaled that Iran has taken its
retaliation against Israel to the next level. For years, Israel has attacked
Iranian and Iranian-backed forces in Syria. The acknowledgement of two Iranians
killed in a recent attack and Iran’s immediate response suggests that tensions
will continue to rise, and that each attack and retaliatory attack will be
publicized.
The
direct confrontation could also be heating up due to the possible revival of
the nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. In a
phone conversion with his Iraqi counterpart, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein
Amir-Abdollahian said, “We are close to the final stages of the agreement.” He
added, “On the few important remaining issues we presented initiatives from
European intermediaries to the US.” Since the US exited the Iran deal in 2018,
they are technically not part of the Vienna negotiations, but Iran needs US
sanctions removed if they are to return their nuclear program to agreed-upon
levels. Abdollahian said, “Now it is the Americans who must show their good
intentions through actions. We are determined to achieve a good, stable and
durable agreement.”
Source:
Al Monitor
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Ahead
of Ramadan, Israel prepares control measures in Jerusalem amidst rising
tensions
23
March, 2022
The
status quo in the Al-Aqsa compound should be "upheld", said the US
ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Tuesday during a briefing at the United Nations
Security Council in New York.
Greenfield
said that the US is "deeply concerned about present-day tensions,
including violence, in the West Bank and in and around Jerusalem", and
welcomed the recent meetings between Jordan's King Abdullah and the Israeli
chief of staff Aviv Kokhavi.
Last
Thursday, Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid met with King Abdullah in Amman
and discussed coordination to defuse tensions in the city ahead of the Muslim
holy month.
Meanwhile,
according to Israeli media outlets, Israeli settler groups have issued calls to
storm the Al-Aqsa compound.
On
Monday, the Israel public broadcaster 'Kan 11' reported that King Abdullah will
visit Ramallah next week and meet with Palestinian President Abbas to alleviate
tensions.
Israeli
outlets also reported that Jordan's ambassador to Israel has requested from the
Israeli government not to allow Israeli settlers into the al-Aqsa compound
during the second half of Ramadan when Palestinian Muslims gather in
preparation for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
On
Friday, Israeli media reported that new control measures in Jerusalem are being
undertaken by Israeli authorities, ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan,
out of fears of a major escalation between Israeli police and settlers on one
hand, and Palestinians in the city on the other.
The
month of Ramadan will coincide this year with the Jewish Passover, in addition
to the 74th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba.
The
time period will also mark a year since the wave of Palestinian protests launched
during the month of Ramadan last year, dubbed "The May Uprising",
triggered by Israeli authorities' violent dispersal of worshipers at Al-Aqsa
mosque and attempts to displace Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah
neighbourhood.
Tensions
remain high in the city, following the killing of nine Palestinians in the West
Bank, and Jerusalem. One of them, a 19-year-old, was killed by Israeli police
after he stabbed and injured two Israeli
soldiers in Jerusalem's old city. Another 16-year-old was killed by the Israeli
army during clashes in the town of Abu Dis, south of Jerusalem.
On
Monday, Israeli forces raided the refugee camp of Qalandia, north of Jerusalem
and clashed with local youth, wounding eight Palestinians, according to local
media reports.
On
Saturday, Israeli police shot a Palestinian young man in Jerusalem's Talpiot
suburb after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli settler. A video
circulated on social media showed the 28-year-old Palestinian being shot after
the attack had ended, while standing at distance from Israeli police officers.
He survived and was arrested.
Earlier
in March, Israeli police exceptionally decided not to impose a general closure
on the West Bank during the Jewish holiday of Purim, in an attempt to defuse
tensions.
Simultaneously,
the Palestinian Islamic-Christian Commission for the Safeguard of Jerusalem
issued a statement, warning of "an explosion of the situation" in
case Israeli settlers continued to storm the Al-Aqsa mosque in the coming
weeks.
On
Wednesday, more than 100 Israeli settlers broke into the Al-Aqsa compound under
the protection of Israeli police, and performed Jewish prayers, according to
Palestinian press reports. Early on Sunday, several Israeli settlers stormed
the sanctuary as well.
According
to Israeli media, the Israeli police has identified four areas of potential
violence: Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, the Silwan neighbourhood just outside
the old city, the Damascus gate, and in the old city, especially the Al-Aqsa
compound and its surroundings.
"These
are the places where Israeli police mostly harass Palestinians," Amjad Abu
Assab, the spokesperson for the committee of families of Palestinian detainees
in Jerusalem, told The New Arab.
"Israeli
violence hasn't stopped in these places, nor the rest of the city," he
added.
"In
the past months, we have witnessed a ramp-up of arrests of Palestinians in
Jerusalem," he noted. "Israeli police have arrested 240 Palestinians
in Jerusalem in January and 171 in February, adding to the 3,500 Palestinians
arrested, including 750 minors in 2021," he said.
"The
Israeli police conducts daily random searches and harassments of Palestinians
in the city for any reason, like if Palestinians gathered in a public space and
had tea," said Abu Assab. "This is to be added to the series of
demolitions of Palestinian property in Jerusalem in the past months."
Source:
The New Arab
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/tensions-increasing-jerusalem-ahead-ramadan
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IRGC
Commander Warns Israel against Repetition of Mischiefs
2022-March-23
Iran
will retaliate because Iranians will not accept terrorism against their forces;
so, retaliation is a real and serious message, General Salami said, addressing
a ceremony in the Southwestern city of Dezfoul in Khuzestan province on
Wedneday.
He
warned the Zionist regime on the consequences of their constant
miscalculations, urging them to stop evil acts.
Elsewhere
in his remarks, General Salami said that the new Persian calendar century is
the era of West's decline.
He
added that the decline of the US and the western civilization has kicked off
for many years and moreover, progress of the Islamic Revolution has been
accelerated in recent years.
The
last century was named the slavery era of Muslims, oppressed people as well as
the century of modern ignorance, but the Islamic Revolution destabilized the
status quo and revitalized Islamic world, the IRGC commander said.
On
the need for leadership when it comes to resistance, he said that the Imam of
Muslims stands confidently in the focal point of the global front, and that the
enemies are retreating, because their policies seem to be fruitless as a result
of nations' vigilance.
General
Salami described the new Persian calendar century as the time for satanic
powers to witness their own downfall, noting that such powers initiated big
wars in the last century, which left hundreds of thousands of people massacred
or displaced.
The
current situation in Syria, Iraq and Yemen is the West's plot, General Salami
said, arguing that the Islamic world continues progress to take back occupied
territories, because the new century is the era of know-how and values.
The
White House acknowledged that their strategies and sanctions ended up in
empowering the IRGC; thus, such an acknowledgement by the enemy is the best
judgment, he added.
In
a statement earlier this month, the IRGC claimed responsibility for a missile
attack against Israel's strategic center for conspiracy and evil, warning Tel
Aviv that any wrong move will not go unanswered.
In
reaction to the event, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh
said that Iran will never tolerate existence of a center of plotting on its
borders.
IRGC
Spokesman General Ramezan Sharif announced that the IRGC will not hesitate to
strike other Israeli bases in Iraqi Kurdistan Region if its officials do not
dismantle them.
“If
Iraqi officials do not take action to remove other bases of the Zionists in
that country while our security continues to be threatened from this region, we
will respond without hesitation," General Sharif said.
He
reiterated that "the Zionists had admitted themselves that their
drones" which flew over a military base in Iran’s Kermanshah Province had
taken off from their bases in Erbil (capital city of the Iraqi Kurdistan
Region).
"It
is our natural right to destroy any base from which any attack is carried out
against the security of Iran and this is a redline for us," General Sharif
said.
He
pointed out that Iranian ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi had on several
occasions warned the Iraqi Kurdistan Region about the presence of the Mossad
base, which was recently attacked by the IRGC.
Last
week, Scores of ballistic missiles hit secret Mossad bases in Erbil, reportedly
leaving several Israeli operatives dead.
Citing
security sources, Iraq’s Sabereen News reported that two Mossad training
centers were targeted by ballistic missiles in the early hours of Sunday.
Al-Mayadeen
said a Mossad base on the Masif-Saladin street in Erbil was “fully razed to the
ground and a number of Israeli mercenaries were killed or injured”.
In
a relevant development last week, Iranian lawmakers in a statement voiced
support for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' strong and eye-catching attack
on the Zionist regime of Israel.
"The
Iranian parliament supports the strong action taken to target the Zionist
regime’s center of plot and evil through the IRGC precision missiles with
pinpoint accuracy," the parliamentarians said via the statement at the end
of their open session.
According
to the Iranian parliament's statement, the IRGC has a good record in the fight
against terrorism and the advisory presence in regional countries.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14010103000429/IRGC-Cmmander-Warns-Israel-agains-Repeiin-f-Mischiefs
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AEOI
Head Declares Iran's Plan to Unveil New N. Achievements
2022-March-23
The
AEOI will unveil important programs and achievements in the fields of health,
agriculture and radiation of products and food on National Nuclear Technology
Day (to fall on April 9), Eslami said.
Referring
to unveiling of salient achievements in various fields, he said that homegrown
radiopharmaceuticals have been produced for the treatment of cancer and will
enter its clinical phase after receiving license from the Ministry of Health
and Medical Education.
Eslami
hailed capabilities of the Iranian nuclear industry scientists and Iran's entry
into club of powerful countries with nuclear technology, and noted that the
issue of Iran's presence among the world's nuclear powers is very strategic and
important.
Last
week, US officials explicitly acknowledged for the first time that nuclear
sanctions would have no effect on Iran, he emphasized.
Eslami
also pointed to the slogan of the Persian New Year (started March 21, 2022)
designated by the Leader as “Production: Knowledge-Based and Job-Creating”, and
said that his Organization will make its utmost effort to materialize the
objectives of the slogan in the current year.
In
relevant remarks earlier this month, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei underlined that Iran will not retreat from
strengthening its regional power and peaceful nuclear industry in favor of any
other benefits.
“It
is vital for any country to have national power,” Ayatollah Khamenei said,
addressing a meeting with Iran’s Assembly of Experts.
He
said any nation seeking independence and resistance against the will of others
needs to “stand strong, otherwise it will be fearful, weak, humiliated and
constantly worried about the foreigners’ greedy eyes”.
Ayatollah
Khamenei described national power as a “compound issue” and an “intertwined
network” comprised of multiple factors.
The
Leader said among the “pillars of national power” are “security and defense
power”, “economy, public welfare and easy livelihood”, “the power of
politicking and bargaining to fulfill national interests at the regional and
global front” and “culture and lifestyle”, among other things.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iranian
President Hopes for Further Broadening of Ties with Pakistan
2022-March-23
Rayeesi
made the remarks in separate messages to Pakistani President Arif Alvi and
Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
In
the message to his counterpart in Pakistan, the Iranian chief executive
expressed satisfaction with the amicable ties between the two neighboring
countries, voicing the hope that the mutual exchanges would expand and
consolidate more than ever.
Rayeesi
also addressed Pakistani prime minister, saying that the brotherly and friendly
relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan can expand increasingly as a result of empathy and cooperation among
authorities of both states in various fields and in line with ensuring
interests of both nations.
In
a relevant development in September, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir
Abdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a telephone
conversation underlined the need to expand mutual cooperation in different
fields.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Senior
Yemeni military leader killed in car bombing in Aden, sources say
23
March ,2022
A
car bombing killed a senior Yemeni military leader and three of his entourage
in the southern port city of Aden on Wednesday, three security sources and a
local television station said.
The
defense ministry confirmed that Brigadier General Thabet Gawas was killed in a
“cowardly attack carried out by several terrorist elements” but provided no
further details.
Gawas
was returning from a personal visit when his car was hit by the blast in a
suburb of the city, the security sources said.
Aden’s
AIC Television announced his death and showed footage of a car in flames.
There
was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Gawas
had long been an enemy of Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, fighting the
group in their northern stronghold of Saada even before it ousted the
internationally-recognized government from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014.
He
participated in operations that expelled the Houthis from the southern Lahj
region in 2015, the year that an Arab Coalition intervened in Yemen against the
Iran-aligned militia.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Africa
7,000
Boko Haram, other terrorists surrender in northeast Nigeria in a week
Adam
Abu-bashal
24.03.2022
ABUJA,
Nigeria
Some
7,000 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist
organization and Boko Haram surrendered in northeastern Nigeria in the past one
week, local media reported on Wednesday.
An
onslaught on ISWAP and Boko Haram militants has continued to record significant
successes, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa was quoted as saying by the News Agency
of Nigeria.
Musa
said that at least 7,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP members surrendered in the last
week during the operations.
“This
is evident as thousands of the insurgents comprising combatants,
non-combatants, foot soldiers alongside their families, continued to lay down
their arms in different parts of Borno to accept peace,” he said.
The
surrendered terrorists and their families are expected to be carefully profiled
by the Nigerian army and other stakeholders before they undergo rehabilitation
processes, he added.
Boko
Haram launched a bloody insurgency in 2009 in northeastern Nigeria but later
spread its atrocities to neighboring Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting a
military response.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Somali
forces kill 2 al-Shabaab terrorists at Mogadishu airport
Mohammed
Dhaysane
23.03.2022
MOGADISHU,
Somalia
Two
terrorists were killed and at least three police officers wounded in an
al-Shabaab attack on the international airport in the capital Mogadishu on
Wednesday.
The
attackers used small weapons and hand grenades as they tried to infiltrate the
Aden Adde International Airport, a police officer told Anadolu Agency.
“They
tried to force their way into the airport but the security forces killed them,”
said the cop, requesting anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the
media.
Several
security personnel have been injured in the attack, he added.
The
al-Shabaab terror group, which is affiliated with the al-Qaeda terrorist
network, claimed responsibility for the attack.
It
said the target was the Halane military compound inside the airport that houses
forces of the UN and African Union peacekeeping missions, as well as diplomatic
missions of several Western countries, including the US.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Tunisian
journalists to strike against attempts to control media
Amena
Alyaferni
23.03.2022
TUNIS,
Tunisia
Tunisian
journalists plan to stage a strike on April 2 to protest attempts by President
Kais Saied to control the media, the country’s press union said Wednesday.
Tunisia
"has become an authoritarian state that jails and intimidates
journalists,” Mohamed Yassine Jelassi, the head of the Tunisian Journalists
Union, told Anadolu Agency.
“Since
July 25, the people are imprisoned for their thoughts and tweets and are tried
militarily,” he added.
Jelassi
accused the Tunisian authorities “of seeking to frighten journalists and
disrupt them from doing their job.”
Last
week, Tunisian journalist Khalifa al-Qasimi was arrested under the country’s
terrorism law on charges of sharing news on dismantling a terrorist cell in the
central city of Kairouan.
Tunisia
has been in the throes of a deep political crisis since Saied dismissed the
government, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority, in a move
decried by opponents as a “military coup”.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Turkey
urges Libya to avoid steps that could renew clashes
24
March ,2022
Turkey
urged Libya to refrain from any steps that would lead to renewed conflict and
called on authorities to follow democratic processes, amid a crisis over
control of executive power in the country.
Libya’s
political crisis has escalated since the collapse of a scheduled election in
December that was planned as part of a peace process to reunify the country
after years of chaos and war following a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.
Turkey
has provided military support and training to Libya’s former internationally
recognized Government of National Accord, and helped it fight off an assault
lasting several months on the capital Tripoli by forces led by Eastern Libyan
commander Khalifa Haftar. It still has military personnel and Syrian fighters
in Libya.
Ankara
has supported the peace process but remained largely silent since the latest
turmoil in Libya after the formation of two rival governments.
After
an almost 4-hour meeting chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on
Wednesday, Turkey’s National Security Council (MGK) said a “calm in Libya that
was achieved through big sacrifices” was an opportunity for peace.
The
MGK called on parties involved in Libya to “refrain from steps that could cause
new clashes” and urged authorities in the country to “follow democratic
processes on a basis of legitimacy for the achievement of lasting peace and
stability”.
An
interim Government of National Unity, which Ankara backs, was installed last
year to oversee the run-up to elections and reunify divided state institutions.
When
the elections collapsed, the House of Representatives parliament in the east,
based in Tobruk, said that the government’s term had expired and it designated
a new administration and set elections for next year.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
First
cruise ship in three years with over 700 passengers docks in Tunisia
23
March ,2022
A
cruise ship docked in a Tunisian port on Wednesday for the first time since
2019, carrying over 700 passengers and rare good news for tourism operators battered
by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The
Spirit of Discovery, run by UK operator Saga, landed at La Goulette port on the
edge of Tunis where it was welcomed by camels and a band playing traditional
Tunisian music.
“We
were not trading for about 18 months... but we’ve been back in business since
last July and this is our first call here to northern Africa,” said Captain Kim
Tanner.
British
tourist John Hilton, 75, said he was “absolutely delighted” to be in Tunisia.
“We’re
certainly pleased to get out and see some of the world and get to some of the
places that we haven’t seen,” he said.
The
ship was carrying 724 passengers, mostly British but also German, Italian, and
Spanish, according to Tourism Minister Moez Belhassen.
He
said the cruise liner was the first of at least 40 expected to dock in Tunis
this year.
“This
is very important for many sectors... especially given the spending power of
tourists,” he said.
After
two disastrous seasons, Tunisian authorities are hoping to bring visitor
numbers and spending back to 60 percent of 2019 levels, the best season since
the North African country’s 2011 revolution.
In
normal years, tourism makes up around 14 percent of Gross Domestic Product and
provides a living for two million Tunisians, around a sixth of the population.
But
the sector has suffered several crises since the 2011 revolt, which inspired
revolutions across the Arab world.
In
2015, ISIS group-linked militants waged a string of deadly attacks at key
tourist hotspots.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Food
crisis looms in Sudan amid economic crisis
Mohamed
Amin
23.03.2022
KHARTOUM,
Sudan
Around
half of Sudan’s population will face acute hunger this year amid an economic
crisis and poor harvests, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and
the World Food Program (WFP) warned on Wednesday.
“There
are already worrying signs that access, affordability, and the availability of
food is shrinking for most people in Sudan, which is pushing more people deeper
into poverty and hunger,” Eddie Rowe, WFP Representative and Country Director
in Sudan, said in a statement.
The
two agencies blamed the country’s economic crisis, poor harvests and rising
food prices for worsening the food crisis in Sudan.
"The
combined effects of conflict, economic crisis, and poor harvests are
significantly affecting people’s access to food and will likely double the
number of people facing acute hunger in Sudan to more than 18 million people by
September 2022,” they said.
FAO
and the WFP said that the Ukrainian conflict has even made the food situation
in Sudan even worse.
"The
situation looks grim for millions as the conflict in Ukraine is causing further
spikes in food costs, as Sudan is dependent on wheat imports from the Black Sea
region,” the statement said.
According
to FAO, Russia and Ukraine are major global food producers and exporters.
Russia
is the world’s largest exporter of wheat, and Ukraine is the fifth-largest.
Together, they provide 19% of the world’s barley supply, 14% of wheat, and 4%
of maize, making up more than one-third of global cereal exports.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/food-crisis-looms-in-sudan-amid-economic-crisis/2543902
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