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Islamic World News ( 25 Sept 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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‘Elite Hindus’ Shower Praise For BJP MP Who Calls Muslim Lawmaker 'Aatankwaadi' (Terrorist), 'Ugrawaadi' (Militant) 'Mullah', 'Katwa' (Circumcised) and 'Bharwah'(Pimp)

New Age Islam News Bureau

25 September 2023

Photo: X formerly known as Twitter

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India

· ‘Should shake state’s conscience’: Supreme Court on UP Muslim student slapping

· Car torched for transporting beef to Bengaluru; 19 in custody

· BJP MP's allegations baseless, narrative being set for 'lynching me': Danish Ali

· 10 arrested for ‘vitiating peaceful atmosphere’ outside Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid

· 'Congress’ Love for Pakistan' posters pasted at various places across the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh’s capital
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Mideast

· ‘Totally indefensible’: Iran FM slams support for desecration of holy books in West

· UAE FM meets UN secretary general on sidelines of UNGA assembly

· Raeisi: 60% uranium enrichment came after Europeans 'trampled on JCPOA commitments'

· Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank raid, Hamas, emergency workers say

· Israel Sees Normalisation Of Ties With ‘6 To 7 More Muslim States’

· Jordan slams ongoing violations of al-Aqsa mosque

· Israeli Forces Target Palestinian Farmlands in Gaza

· 22 Palestinians Injured in Israeli Aggression on Protesters in Gaza

· Hamas Denounces Israeli Arrests of Palestinian University Students

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Arab World

· Saudi Arabia Condemns Provocative Practices Carried Out By Israeli Extremists At Al-Aqsa Mosque

· Saudi crown prince offers condolences after death of former Italian president

· Saudi Arabia, MWL and GCC condemn extremist group for tearing up Qur’an outside embassies in The Hague

· KSrelief chief meets with international president of Doctors Without Borders

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Africa

· UNGA: Burkina Faso Warns Against Libya Scenario In Niger, Slams “International Hypocrisy”

· Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens, Injures Scores In Central Somalia

· France to end its military presence in Niger and pull its ambassador out

· Ghana: 3-day protests over cost of living crisis, leaders' “moral decay” end

· Reps seek to use “alternative schooling” to reduce 14m out-of-school children

· President Tinubu Directs Security Agencies To Rescue Abducted Zamfara Students

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Pakistan

· Judge Insists On Imran’s Arrival Despite Attock Jail’s Worries

· TV Anchor Imran Riaz Khan ‘Safe At Home’ After Being Missing For Over 4 Months

· Islam Grants All Rights To Minorities: Punjab Governor

· Parents should vaccinate children against deadly diseases: Dr. Nadeem

· Noor Muqadam, Sarah’s Fathers Urge CJP To Ensure Swift Justice

· Caretaker PM to reach Saudi Arabia tomorrow: FO

· Govt denies claims of new Wadh operation

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South Asia

· Saudi Arabia FM: Peace and Stability in Afghanistan is Important

· 'Deep-Rooted Crisis' With 'Numerous Consequences For Region': Iran's Foreign Minister On Afghanistan

· Detention of Afghan Refugees Continues in Pakistan: Consulate

· Afghanistan Among Top 10 Countries Facing Emergency Level of Hunger: WFP

· Two temples vandalised in Nawabganj

· Afghan population in Pakistan swells to 3.7m

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Southeast Asia

· The Quranic Quandary in Malaysian Politics

· Islamic Group, Ngos Launch Campaign To Fight Defamation On Social Media

· World War II bomb found in Bukit Timah, Singapore Armed Forces to carry out on-site disposal on Sept 26

· Court of Appeal restores ban on ‘Gay is OK!’ book

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North America

· Canadian Parliament Speaker ‘Regrets’ Honouring Ukrainian Nazi SS Veteran

· Western spy ring gave Canada intel for India murder accusation – US ambassador

· Venezuela: US seeking to create military base in disputed region of Essequibo

· Russia demands answers from Canada over praise for Nazi SS veteran

· Leader of Canada’s House of Commons apologizes for honouring man who fought for Nazis

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Europe

· France’s Troop Pull-out Announcement Warmly Welcomed By Niger Ruling Junta

· Pope blames weapons industry for Russia-Ukraine war and ‘martyrdom’ of Ukrainian people

· Some UK Police Put Down Guns After An Officer Is Charged With Murder In The Shooting Of A Black Man

· Conflict in Ukraine to last until 2035 – ex-Zelensky aide

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/elite-hindus-terrorist-mullah-circumcised-pimp/d/130753

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‘Elite Hindus’ Shower Praise For BJP MP Who Calls Muslim Lawmaker 'Aatankwaadi' (Terrorist), 'Ugrawaadi' (Militant) 'Mullah', 'Katwa' (Circumcised) and 'Bharwah' (Pimp)

Photo: X formerly known as Twitter

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September 23, 2023

By Muslim Mirror Staff

Days after Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ramesh Bidhuri made anti-Muslim and Islamophobic slogans in the parliament, he received support from upper caste Hindus on Twitter.

Several social media users posted under the thread #रमेश_बिधूड़ी_जिंदाबाद (#RameshBidhuriZindabad).

“We are all nationalist Hindus with Ramesh Bidhuri sir. I support Ramesh Bidhuri,” wrote political analyst Chandan Sharma.

“Can Danish Ali ever leave India hurt by Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement? The private jet is set to fly to 58 Islamic countries, but is it more likely that Danish Ali could go to Syria, Palestine or Afghanistan?

Although Pakistan feels that they will keep Danish Ali as their official son-in-law, so he should come to Pakistan, but Danish Ali does not want to go to Pakistan,” he said in another tweet.

Firebrand Hindutva anchor Suresh Chavhanke took to Twitter to lend his support to Bidhuri and said, “How did it become insulting to call a Muslim a Mullah? How did Katwa become a crime for those who consider Katwa to be a duty rather than a mistake? If the person who does not say Bharat Mata ki Jai is not called an extremist, will he be called Bharat Ratna? It is not right to make a criminal by playing with the words of @rameshbidhuri land Gurjar of rural environment.”

During the Lok Sabha proceedings on Thursday, September 21, Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha MP Ramesh Bidhuri used derogatory and offensive language against his parliamentary colleague, Danish Ali of the Bahujan Samaj Party. The incident unfolded on live television, as Bidhuri verbally attacked Ali with a series of violent anti-Muslim and Islamophobic slurs.

During the proceedings, Bidhuri can be heard referring to Ali as a “ugrawaadi” (militant) and an “aatankwaadi” (terrorist), using highly inflammatory language. He also reportedly resorted to derogatory terms, calling Ali a “Mullah aatankwadi,” “bharwa” (pimp), and “katwa” (circumcised). Bidhuri’s statements escalated further when he called for Ali to be forcibly removed from the chamber, stating, “Baaharphenkoissmulleko” (Throw this ‘mullah’ out).

In the aftermath of the controversial incident in the Lok Sabha involving BJP Lok Sabha MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s use of derogatory language against his parliamentary colleague Danish Ali, the BJP took several actions to address the situation.

BJP President JP Nadda issued a show cause notice to Ramesh Bidhuri, seeking an explanation for his offensive remarks.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh, along with other BJP leaders, expressed regret over the incident.

Singh urged the Chair to consider removing the remarks from the official proceedings if they had caused any distress or offense to opposition members.

The remarks lead to furore in the opposition benches.

“His remarks in Lok Sabha are an insult to all members of Parliament. Bidhuri should be suspended from the Lok Sabha for his remarks,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.

The CPI(M) demanded the arrest of Bidhuri.

“No privilege for hate speech, arrest Ramesh Bidhuri. Filthy abusive language used by BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri against Danish Ali ( BSP) on the floor constitutes the worst kind of hate speech indicted by the SC. No MP can claim privilege for such speech. He should be arrested,” the CPI(M) said in a statement.

“Abusing Muslims, OBCs an integral part of BJP culture – most now see nothing wrong with it. Narendra Modi has reduced Indian Muslims to living in such a state of fear in their own land that they grin & bear everything. Sorry but I’m calling this out. Ma Kali holds my spine,” Trinamool Congress member MahuaMoitra said on X.

She called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Lok Sabha Speaker to take decisive measures against Bidhuri.

Source: muslimmirror.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://muslimmirror.com/eng/x-trending-elite-hindus-shower-praise-on-for-bjp-mp-who-calls-muslim-lawmaker-terrorist/

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‘Day Not Far When Muslims Will Be Lynched In Parliament’: AIMIM Chief

File photo of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, Asaduddin Owaisi.

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India Today News Desk

New Delhi: Sep 25, 2023

Asaduddin Owaisi, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, on Sunday said that the day is not far when there will be a mob lynching of a Muslim in Parliament. His remarks came amidst the ongoing controversy over Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramesh Bidhuri's derogatory comments against a Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha.

"We see that a BJP MP abuses a Muslim MP in the Parliament. People are saying that he should not have said all this in Parliament, they say his tongue is bad. This is the representative of the people for whom you voted... The day is not far when there will be a mob lynching of a Muslim in the Parliament of the country...,” he said, recalling the Parliament session on Friday when the remarks were made.

“Where is your 'SabkaSath, Sabka Vikas? The Prime Minister of this country will not speak a word..." Owaisi added, taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi.

Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP MP, triggered a controversy with objectionable remarks against BSP leader Kunwar Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the Chandrayaan-3 mission on Friday.

Source: indiatoday.in

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/owaisi-on-ramesh-bidhuri-remark-mob-lynching-muslims-in-parliament-not-far-2440037-2023-09-25

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Iran Says 28 Daesh Members Held Over Bomb Plot Timed With Anniversary Of Mahsa Amini Protests

Iran's police forces walk on a street in Tehran, Iran, April 15, 2023. (REUTERS)

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September 25, 2023

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have arrested 28 people linked to the Daesh group for plotting to target Tehran during the anniversary of last year’s protests, the intelligence ministry said on Sunday.

The protests erupted after the death in custody on September 16, 2022, of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd arrested for allegedly flouting the Islamic republic’s strict dress code for women.

“In recent days, during a series of simultaneous operations in Tehran, Alborz and West Azerbaijan provinces, several terrorist bases and team houses were attacked, and 28 members of the said terrorist network were arrested,” the ministry said on its website.

“These elements are affiliated to the professional crime group of Daesh (Daesh group) and some of them have a history of accompanying takfiris in Syria or being active in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Kurdistan region of Iraq,” it added.

In Shiite-dominated Iran, the term “takfiri” generally refers to jihadists or proponents of radical Sunni Islam.

The intelligence ministry said two security personnel were wounded during the arrest operations, and a number of bombs, firearms, suicide vests and communications devices were seized.

It said it had neutralized a plot to “carry out 30 simultaneous terrorist explosions in densely populated centers of Tehran to undermine security and incite riots and protests on the anniversary of last year’s riots.”

The months-long demonstrations saw hundreds of people killed, including dozens of security personnel, in what Tehran called “riots” fomented by foreign governments and “hostile media.”

On Thursday, a court sentenced to death a Tajik Daesh member convicted over a deadly gun attack on a Shiite Muslim shrine last month.

The attack on the Shah Cheragh mausoleum in Shiraz, capital of Fars province in the south, came less than a year after a mass shooting at the same site that was later claimed by the Daesh group.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2379906/middle-east

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Saudi Arabia’s Laws Contain Explicit Provisions To Protect Human Rights: Prince Faisal

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal addressing UNGA

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September 24, 2023

NEW YORK — Addressing the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) on Saturday, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan confirmed that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to the human rights file. The Kingdom’s laws contain explicit provisions to protect and enhance these rights.

He stated that Saudi Arabia, through its development approach, aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable renaissance centered on the human being, who will lead the wheel of present development and shape the future through knowledge.

Vision 2030 of the Kingdom has the goal of enhancing development and building efforts to meet the aspirations of future generations, empower women and youth, foster innovation and creativity, and uphold values of openness, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The minister also indicated in his speech that Saudi Arabia stresses the need for countries to commit to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international legitimacy.

The Kingdom aspires toward a better future for humanity, based on mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and values of nations, and non-interference in their internal affairs.

Prince Faisal renewed the Kingdom’s call for reforming the Security Council to fulfill its role fairly and effectively, keeping pace with the transformations and developments of the international community, and addressing common challenges efficiently.

The foreign minister also renewed Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on the necessity of maintaining international peace and security, noting that Saudi Arabia is making every effort to resolve international and regional conflicts in accordance with international principles and norms.

The Kingdom believes that security and stability in any region can only be achieved through cooperation and consultation between countries, with Saudi Arabia calling for avoiding an arms race.

He emphasized that the Kingdom stresses the importance of efforts to achieve the goals of eliminating nuclear weapons to create a world free of nuclear weapons, especially in the Middle East region.

Regarding extremism, Prince Faisal pointed out the Kingdom’s emphasis on the importance of the international community standing firm against supporting terrorism and extremism.

“We must not tolerate, but rather reject all forms of violating sanctities, promoting ideas of hatred and Islamophobia, and repeating incidents of burning copies of the Holy Qur’an,” Prince Faisal said.

He warned of the danger of these actions, which undermine mutual respect and harmony among peoples, noting that these actions contradict international efforts to spread the values of tolerance, moderation, and reject extremism.

During his speech, the minister noted that Saudi Arabia prioritizes energy market stability and is keen to maintain its reliability and security to ensure a healthy global economy that benefits producers and consumers.

He credited OPEC+ policies for their role in maintaining equilibrium.

The Saudi foreign minister touched on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, reiterating the Kingdom’s call to end it, resolve differences, and limit its negative repercussions on the security and stability of the world.

“Saudi Arabia stands prepared to facilitate ongoing mediation efforts to find a resolution to the Ukrainian crisis,” he said.

Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia reaffirms its opposition to unilateral measures that hinder the solution of the Palestinian issue, noting that the security of the Middle East is built on a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/636124/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabias-laws-contain-explicit-provisions-to-protect-human-rights-Prince-Faisal

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UNGA: Burkina Faso Warns Against Libya Scenario In Niger, Slams “International Hypocrisy”

Burkina Faso's Minister of State Bassolma Bazie addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at United Nations headquarters.

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25 Sep 2023

In a speech lasting almost 40 minutes delivered in a vehement tone, Burkina Faso's Minister of State addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday (Sept. 23).

When Minister of State Bassolma Bazié took the floor before the green stone in the General Assembly, he honored the women and men who enabled the world to "dream and hope for a just and fair world".

However, he rapidly underlined that the world for which the said figures had dreamed, in fact, never dawned.

"Every year, countless speeches with promises and pledges are given", he said. Adding this was evidenced by "the discrepancy between speeches and facts on matters of principles contained in the UN Charter, including justice, equality, dignity, integrity, the right to self-determination, the sovereignty of states, the inviolability of territory and respect for international law, is what can be observed in Libya, in the Sahel (more precisely Niger) and in the Russia-Ukraine crisis."

He was warned that Niger could become a second Libya, strongly condemning the military intervention that preceded the death of late Libyan president Mouammar Gaddafi.

"Intellectual honesty and history", he stressed, "show us that "we owe the Libyan people sincere apologies".

Regional body ECOWAS has threatened Niger with a military intervention to reinstate Mohamed Baezoum following the July 26 coup in which he was deposed.

Neighbouring Burkina Faso has repeatedly opposed the move. Just like Mali has.

On Saturday (Sep. 23), Malian Foreign Affairs minister maintained: "We will not sit on our hands", in the event of military intervention in Niger AbdoulayeDiop said in his adress to the 78th session of the UNGA.

Terrorism and inequalities

State minister BassolmaBazié also denounced in his lengthy address Africa’s lack of a permanent membership or veto rights in the Security Council. He called it as a “State crime” and “a crime of the UN”.

"Inequality throughout the world is deliberate", he insisted, listing what he sees as "the true wounds that poison coexistence", namely "the lies of States", diplomatic hypocrisy, thirst for power, the frenetic quest for profit, the diabolical spirit of domination, and exploitation of man by man."

According to the 2023 Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel region is the epicenter of terrorism accounting for more deaths from terrorism in 2022 than South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) combined.”

Burkina Faso, Mali, Somalia, Nigeria and Niger are hot spots.

Amid Burkina's fight against the insurgents, BassolmaBazié claimed the delivery of "military equipment" the country had purchased by "the sweat of its people's brow" was being "blocked" in countries including Brazil, the USA, Belgium and Canada. And this, "at the instigation of France", he alleged.

The minister went on to present his government's action plan for stabilization and development. Among four priorities was fighting terrorism and restoring territorial integrity as well as responding to the humanitarian crisis.

Source: africanews.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/24/unga-burkina-faso-warns-against-libya-scenario-in-niger-slams-international-hypocrisy/

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India

‘Should shake state’s conscience’: Supreme Court on UP Muslim student slapping

Kanu Sarda

New Delhi: Sep 25, 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that a teacher at a school in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar who ordered her students to slap a classmate "targeted one community" and that the state must take responsibility for the incident.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal made the verbal observation while hearing a petition that raised concerns over the incident of schoolkids taking turns to strike a crying Muslim student on instructions of their teacher. The video of the incident went viral last month and sparked widespread outrage, following which an FIR was lodged against the teacher.

While hearing the plea on Monday, the bench said it had "serious objections" to the way the Uttar Pradesh Police handled the matter.

"The teacher is targeting one community. We will go deep into this. Is this the way teachers teach students - is this quality education? State must take responsibility for this incident... Has the school appointed some counselor for the child? If this incident has happened, then it should shake the conscience of the state. It's a serious issue," the bench said.

It also noted that at first impression, it is a case of failure on the part of the Uttar Pradesh government to comply with the provisions of the Right to Education Act, which prohibits physical and mental harassment of students and their discrimination on the basis of religion and caste.

"There cannot be any quality education if a student is sought to be penalised only on the grounds that he belongs to a particular community," it said.

The bench instructed the state government to appoint an expert child counselor and provide counseling to the victim so that he can overcome his trauma. It also ordered that a senior IPS officer be appointed to monitor the investigation and submit a report to the court directly.

Source: indiatoday.in

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.indiatoday.in/law/supreme-court/story/muzaffarnagar-student-slapping-case-teacher-supreme-court-up-government-fir-2440156-2023-09-25

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Car torched for transporting beef to Bengaluru; 19 in custody

Sep 25, 2023

BENGALURU: A group of miscreants reportedly set a car on fire near TB Cross in Doddaballapur town, 40km from Bengaluru, on the suspicion that the vehicle was being used to smuggle beef to Bengaluru city, on Sunday.

Police said they have filed two separate cases related to the incident and have taken 19 people into custody. They have seized four pickup trucks, a mini goods vehicle, and what they claim to be beef from the suspects.

Bengaluru district SP Mallikarjun Baladandi told TOI that the incident took place around 5.45am after Sri Rama Sene activists claimed to have learnt about the illegal transportation of beef from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, to Bengaluru. "Doddaballapur Town police arrested 12 people including Sri Rama Sene activists for allegedly attacking those who were transporting beef and setting their car on fire."

A case of extortion, assault and arson was registered based on a complaint filed by a person who was travelling in the car. Police also registered a separate case against those who were smuggling beef and arrested seven persons," said Baladandi.

He added that further investigations are on in both cases.

SundareshNaragal, a state executive member of Sri Rama Sene, said that they received information that beef was being smuggled from Anantapur to Bengaluru. One of the activists tried to cordon them near the toll near Makali, but the miscreants allegedly assaulted him and tried to escape.

According to police, over 20 Sri Rama Sene activists cordoned off vehicles after getting information about alleged beef smuggling, claimed to have found it in the car and torched it. A fire tender rushed and doused the fire. The activists forced the drivers to sit on the road and allegedly kicked them. They gave severed heads of dead cattle to the drivers and asked them to hold it and walk in a circle. On coming to know of the incident, policemen from Doddaballapur Town and Rural stations rushed to the spot and picked up the suspects.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/car-torched-for-transporting-beef-to-bluru-19-in-custody/articleshow/103916545.cms

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BJP MP's allegations baseless, narrative being set for 'lynching me': Danish Ali

24th September 2023

By PTI

NEW DELHI: BSP MP Danish Ali on Sunday alleged that after his "verbal lynching" in Lok Sabha a narrative was being set for "lynching" him outside the House as he hit back at BJP leader Nishikant Dubey for accusing him of making unsavoury remarks aimed at instigating the ruling party MP Ramesh Bidhuri.

Bidhuri's derogatory remarks targeting Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) member Ali during a discussion on the success of Chandrayaan-3 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday triggered a furore, with opposition leaders calling for stringent action against the BJP MP.

Dubey had on Saturday written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging him to also probe the "unsavoury" conduct and remarks of Ali.

In the letter to Birla, Dubey accused Ali of offering a "running commentary" during Bidhuri's speech in Lok Sabha on Thursday and making "unsavoury remarks aimed at instigating him to lose his composure.

Reacting to Dubey's allegations, Ali said, "I have seen Nishikant Dubey's letter. My verbal lynching was done inside the House and now this is a narrative to get me lynched outside the House."

"I would request the Speaker to investigate this baseless allegation. This baseless allegation makes a case for breach of privilege against Nishikant Dubey," he said.

Dubey has alleged that Ali also made a "highly objectionable and blasphemous" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dubey was, however, categorical in condemning Bidhuri's comments, saying no decent society can justify them and they cannot be condemned enough.

In a post on X, Ali said, "As the principle of 'Res ipsa loquitur' says 'the thing speaks for itself', the claims of Shri @nishikant_dubey have no basis. What has happened is a blot and absolutely undeniable. Fictionalising the events and playing with the facts will not work this time."

He had said on Sunday alleged some BJP leaders are pushing this narrative that he instigated Bidhuri.

"Truth is that I tried to protect the prime minister's dignity and urged the Chair to expunge from the House's records highly objectionable words used about Modi ji," he said, posting a short video of the BJP MP citing derogatory words used by rivals for the prime minister before abusing the BSP member.

Opposition parties have rallied around Ali and targeted the ruling party on the issue.

Several members of the Congress, TMC and NCP among others have written to the Speaker seeking the strictest action against Bidhuri.

Source: newindianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/24/bjp-mps-allegations-baseless-narrative-being-set-for-lynching-me-danish-ali-2617874.html

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10 arrested for ‘vitiating peaceful atmosphere’ outside Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid

September 23, 2023

Srinagar : Ten youths were arrested on charges of vitiating the peaceful atmosphere outside the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar during the congregational payers a day earlier, police said on Saturday.

“10 Hooligans arrested for trying to vitiate peaceful atmosphere outside Jamia Masjid Yesterday after Friday prayers. They shall be booked under the relevant section of the law,” Srinagar Police wrote in a post on X.

Police urged the public not to indulge in such acts.

Sources said the youths were arrested for sloganeering after the Friday prayers at the grand mosque.

Some youths raised slogans when Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq came out of the grand mosque after offering the congregational prayers following his release from over four years of house arrest. ( with PTI inputs )

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/10-arrested-for-vitiating-peaceful-atmosphere-outside-srinagars-jamia-masjid/

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'Congress’ Love for Pakistan' posters pasted at various places across the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh’s capital

25th September 2023

By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Pakistan continues to make its presence felt in the politics of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Six days after the ruling BJP and Congress blamed each other for stealing the theme song of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ‘Congress ka Pak Prem’ (Congress’ Love for Pakistan) posters were found on walls in many parts of Bhopal on Sunday.

Containing the smiling pictures of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan and former MP CMs Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath, the posters raised the issue of 'Corruption Nath' (the name used by BJP leaders to attack Kamal Nath) of deleting the chapter on Kargil victory, asking for proof on surgical strikes and banning Vande Mataram during his stint as MP CM.

The same posters mentioned MrBantadhar (the nickname through which the ruling party attacks Digvijaya Singh) for linking RSS with the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai and addressing Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed as ‘Sahib.’

The posters bearing unique barcodes (to know more about Congress’ love for Pakistan) were found pasted at various places across the poll-bound state’s capital, including bus stops near the state Congress headquarters.

The poster war between the two parties and their supporters in Bhopal and other cities of MP has been on since June, under which both parties have hurled corruption allegations against each other.

Making light of these latest posters, state Congress chief Kamal Nath said, “Everyone knows about my unblemished political career spanning over four decades, let them (BJP) link me to Pakistan, Khalistan or Afghanistan, I’m hardly bothered with these diversionary tactics of the ruling party.”

The latest posters particularly assumed significance, as they came up just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the BJP’s KaryakartaMahakumbh at Bhopal’s BHEL Jamboree Maidan on Monday.

The mega gathering of the BJP workers from across the poll-bound state will on one hand mark the birth anniversary of BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and on the other hand, also symbolise the culmination of the party’s five state-wide Jan Ashirwad Yatras.

The PM’s Monday visit to Bhopal (for which the BJP has made big preparations) will be his third visit to MP in less than 45 days and a seventh visit to the poll-bound state in less than six months.

Source: newindianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/25/after-pakistan-mention-poster-wars-eruptahead-of-pm-modis-visit-to-bhopal-2617986.html

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Mideast

‘Totally indefensible’: Iran FM slams support for desecration of holy books in West

25 September 2023

The Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has censured certain governments over their “indefensible” support for the desecration of holy scriptures under the banner of free speech.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks during a meeting with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sunday.

“In the world’s current situation that divine books are being desecrated, dialogue between the leaders and followers of the Abrahamic religions is more important than ever,” he said.

“The move by certain governments to issue permission for the desecration of religious sanctities and divine books under the pretext of freedom of expression is totally indefensible.”

He also referred to Iranian President Raeisi’s address to the UNGA, where he held up a copy of the Qur’an in denunciation of the recent blasphemous burnings of the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark, saying, “The fires of disrespect will not overcome the divine truth.”

Amir-Abdollahian thanked Pope Francis for his condemnation of the Qur’an burning and noted that all European countries should also follow suit.

Pope Francis has condemned the desecration of the Qur’an outside a Stockholm mosque, expressing “anger and disgust” over the blasphemous move.

‘Iran backs any initiative for peace in Ukraine’

Also in his remarks, the foreign minister highlighted the Islamic Republic’s efforts to end the Ukraine war.

“Iran does not consider war a solution. It supports any initiative to achieve peace in Ukraine,” he added.

Gallagher, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting and appreciated Amir-Abdollahian for presenting important views.

He also said that it is necessary for everyone to help to establish peace in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the archbishop stressed the importance of dialogue to settle global problems and expressed his readiness to continue consultations with the Iranian side on issues of mutual interest.

He further predicted that the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would have positive effects in the region.

Amir-Abdollahian also underlined the need for a global approach to terrorism gripping West Asia.

He further decried certain countries’ use of sanctions as a political tool against other nations, warning that the bans would complicate regional issues and lead to humanitarian consequences.

Source: presstv.ir

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UAE FM meets UN secretary general on sidelines of UNGA assembly

September 24, 2023

LONDON: UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Emirates News Agency reported.

Discussions focused on UAE-UN partnerships in a variety of sectors, including humanitarian aid, renewable energy, climate action and sustainable development.

Sheikh Abdullah and Guterres reviewed the outcomes of the UAE’s membership of the UN Security Council from 2022 to 2023, as well as its contributions to international peace and security, and humanitarian response operations and initiatives aimed at tackling global challenges.

The meeting discussed the UAE’s preparations for hosting the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in November in Dubai.

Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE recognized the need to expedite the global response to climate change to achieve peace and security, and that the country looked forward to leveraging climate challenges into opportunities that drove sustainable and economic development.

The two officials also addressed developments in the Middle East, exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest, as well as challenges to international peace and security.

Guterres thanked the UAE for its strengthened engagement with the UN and its hosting of COP28.

The meeting was attended by several UAE officials, including Reembint Ibrahim Al-Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, Lana ZakiNusseibeh, permanent representative to the UN, Mohamed Issa Abu Shehab, deputy permanent representative to the UN, and Majid Al Suwaidi, special representative of COP28.

Source: arabnews.com

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Raeisi: 60% uranium enrichment came after Europeans 'trampled on JCPOA commitments'

24 September 2023

President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran’s uranium enrichment to the purity level of 60% was in response to the lack of commitment by the European parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Raeisi made the statement in an interview with the CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“In the beginning, we were not seeking 60% levels of enrichment. They (European states) trampled upon their commitments,” the Iranian president said. “What the Islamic Republic of Iran did was in response to a breaking of commitment of the signatories to the (2015) agreement.”

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami announced in June that enriching uranium to the said purity level was in accordance with a December 2020 parliamentary law – the Strategic Action Plan to Counter Sanctions.

The law was passed with the purpose of removing anti-Iran sanctions as well as the production of radiopharmaceuticals and detectors, among other aims.

Earlier in the month, Reuters cited a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claiming that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous quarter.

In the interview, Raeisi categorically rejected the country’s enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels, saying, “It was officially announced that the action that we intend to take is not intended to reach nuclear weapons of any type or a military dimension of any type, but it is… a response for the lack of commitment demonstrated by the Europeans.”

He also reiterated Tehran’s long-standing conviction that the Islamic Republic does not plan to acquire a nuclear bomb.

The United States, under former President Donald Trump, abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018 and reinstated crippling sanctions that the agreement had lifted.

The talks to revive the 2015 deal kicked off in Vienna in April 2021, with the intention of removing anti-Iran sanctions and examining Washington’s seriousness in rejoining the JCPOA.

The discussions, however, have been at a standstill since August 2022 due to Washington’s refusal to remove all the sanctions imposed by the previous US administration.

The European Union, which acts as the coordinator of the talks, forwarded at the time a new proposal to the Islamic Republic in order to break the impasse. Iran submitted its response to the draft proposal on August 15, 2022, a week after the latest round of talks wrapped up in Vienna.

After submitting its response to the EU proposal, Tehran urged Washington to show “realism and flexibility” in order to reach an agreement. However, it took almost ten days for the administration of President Joe Biden to submit its response to Iran's comments on the EU draft.

Iran blamed the failure of the JCPOA’s revival on the procrastination of the American side in providing an answer and said moving to the next stage would have been possible had the US government shown serious willpower and acted responsibly in its promises.

Israeli normalization deals will fail

In the interview with CNN, Raeisi said the US-mediated efforts to normalize Israeli relations with Persian Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, “will see no success.”

President Biden declared on July 28 that a deal for Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations may be on the horizon following National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's talks with Saudi officials in Jeddah.

In order to sign a deal with Israel, Riyadh publicly asked Tel Aviv to implement the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative to establish a Palestinian state first.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly informed the United States of its decision to suspend all negotiations on normalizing ties with Israel due to the far-right Israeli regime’s unwillingness to make any concessions to the Palestinians.

However, members of the Israeli cabinet led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say they will not make any concession to the Palestinians as part of a potential deal for normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia.

Under the Abraham Accords, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco signed US-brokered normalization deals with the Israeli regime in late 2020. Palestinians have denounced the deals as a “betrayal” of their cause.

Source: presstv.ir

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Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank raid, Hamas, emergency workers say

September 24, 2023

WEST BANK:Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, including a fighter of the Islamist Hamas group, during a raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, emergency workers and Hamas said.

Israeli forces raided the Nur Shams camp near the city of Tulkarm in the early hours of Sunday morning, setting off an hours-long gun battle with Palestinian fighters, witnesses said.

The Israeli military said it conducted "counterterrorism activity" in the camp, dismantled an operational command centre, equipped with computers and surveillance cameras, and uncovered dozens of explosive devices and bomb-making components.

"During the activity, suspects opened fire and hurled explosive devices at the forces, who responded with live fire. Hits were identified," the military said in a statement, adding that an Israeli soldier was moderately wounded.

Hamas, which has been extending its reach away from its base in Gaza and into the West Bank, said one of the men, 21-year-old Osaid Abu Ali, was a member of its armed wing.

The family of the other man, 32-year-old Abdel-Rahman Abu Daghash, said he had stepped onto the terrace of his house to observe what was going on when he was killed by a sniper.

"He went up to the rooftop to film the ambulances. He barely had the chance to look and the sniper targeted him," said his brother Mo'men Abu Daghash. "He has nothing to do with it and he has kids and his wife is about to give birth."

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Violence in the West Bank has raged for more than a year, with stepped-up Israeli military raids, increased settler assaults on Palestinian villages and a spate of Palestinian attacks on Israelis.

As day dawned on the Nur Shams camp, residents took stock of the rubble-strewn roads and buildings damaged during an operation that witnesses said lasted around six hours.

The military said special engineering vehicles dug up roads in the camp, uncovering a large number of concealed bombs and setting off at least one roadside bomb.

Some 13,519 people are registered in Nur Shams camp with the UN agency for refugees, descendants of Palestinians who were forced out or fled their homes during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

In a separate incident, the Israeli military said it had detained eight students from BirZeit University in the West bank whom it described as wanted suspects linked to Hamas, who planned to carry out an attack in the immediate future.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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Israel sees normalisation of ties with ‘6 to 7 more Muslim states’

September 25, 2023

Nasim Haider

NEW York: As Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen claimed six or seven Islamic states were likely to normalize relations with Israel, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani maintained that Pakistan’s decision in this regard would be determined with consideration of both Pakistan’s national interests and those of the Palestinian people.

It is important to mention that FM Jilani never said that any process to recognise Israel is underway, he mentioned about the principled position of Pakistan anchored in UN Resolutions on Palestine calling for an independent and sovereign state of Israel with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

Cohen, as reported by Israeli media outlet Kan News, suggested that “six or seven” Islamic nations were likely to normalise ties with Israel, following Saudi Arabia’s potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords, which already involved the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

The Israeli minister also claimed to have met with leaders from several Muslim countries who have not recognised Israel yet.

In response to the Israeli FM’s assertion, a senior Pakistani diplomat clarified on the condition of anonymity that Cohen has not met with any Pakistani official in recent times.

In 2005, during the tenure of former president General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s then-foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri met with his then-counterpart Silvan Shalom in Turkey, Istanbul.

This was the first meeting that took place publicly and was a result of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan’s efforts. However, no such meetings at the level of foreign ministers or higher have been reported in the media since then. The senior Pakistani diplomat hoped that ‘Pakistan would not have to make a decision on this matter anytime soon’.

In his address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said peace with Saudi Arabia means peace between the Muslim world and Jews.

Netanyahu also claimed Israel is “on the cusp” of normalising ties with Saudi Arabia while holding controversial map showing the West Bank, Gaza, and Golan Heights as part of Israel.

His statement has since sparked a new debate about which Muslim countries, after the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, will establish relations with Israel.

It should be noted that Cohen has claimed that six or seven Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, will soon recognise Israel. Though, he said these Muslim countries are from Asia and Africa, he did not mention the names of those seven countries. This may be due to the situation in Libya, international affairs experts believe.

A significant diplomatic issue with Libya was sparked less than a month ago by Cohen, whose office disclosed that then-former foreign minister of Libya, NajlaMangoush, had met with him in Rome.

Mangoush was fired as a result of the discovery, which also caused widespread protests in North Africa, and fled to London. Following his error, US officials reprimanded Cohen for “killing” the conduit of communication with Libya, The Cradle reported.

At the ministerial meeting of OIC Committee of Six on Palestine, the Foreign Minister Jilani had called for holding Israel accountable for its ongoing illegal actions and acts of aggression.

Jilani stated, “As long as Israel acts with impunity, there can be no meaningful deterrence. In this regard, Pakistan welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution passed on December 31, 2022, which called upon the International Court of Justice to provide an opinion on the legal ramifications of Israel’s unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territories. Pakistan has also submitted its statement to the ICJ in this regard.”

Jilani said, “Our presence here reflects the significance our respective countries attach to upholding the basic rights of people of Palestine. The tragedy in Palestine continues to deepen. The people of Palestine continue to be dispossessed, their fundamental rights denied and their right to self- determination disregarded.”

He pointed out that there has been a clear pattern of impunity, deliberate defiance of international law, willful violation of the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions by the Israeli occupying forces.

Jilani maintained, “Pakistan strongly condemns the Israeli atrocities, including the killing of innocent civilians, storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, expansion of illegal settlements, settler violence, administrative detentions and airstrikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip. These actions are gruesome illustrations of the cold-hearted disregard for human rights and rule of law.”

Jilani said the United Nations has declared 2023 as the deadliest for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza since 2005 while Israeli occupation forces have already killed over 200 Palestinians, including women and children, this year — a truly grim scenario.

Pakistan views these developments in Palestinian-Israeli conflict with concern. The OIC and international community must act to oblige Israel to halt its unlawful actions and move towards the path of peaceful dialogue to find a solution to the Arab-Israel conflict.

Jilani reiterated Pakistan’s call for establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Pakistan rejects all Israeli attempts to undermine the work of UNRWA, mandated by the UN, and calls on states and donor agencies to fulfill their financial commitments pledged at various international conferences to support the work of UNRWA, Jilani added.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Jordan slams ongoing violations of al-Aqsa mosque

24/September/2023

AMMAN, Sunday, September 24, 2023 (WAFA) – The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned on Sunday the violations and provocative practices carried out by radicals, including the storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque/al-Haram al-Sharif and Islamic cemeteries, under the protection of the Israeli police, according to the official news agency in Jordan, Petra.

The ministry’s official spokesperson, Sinan Majali, said that the ongoing provocative practices against the holy al-Aqsa Mosque and the frequent escalations are a blatant and unacceptable violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its sanctities.

He stressed that the ongoing violations and attacks on holy sites and the continued Israeli incursions into the occupied Palestinian territories herald further escalation and represent a "dangerous trend" that must be halted immediately.

He called on Israel, as the occupying power, to cease all practices and violations against the al-Aqsa Mosque/al-Haram al-Sharif and to respect its sanctity, reiterating that the al-Aqsa Mosque, with its entire area of 144 dunums, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims.

Majali warned against the continuation of these violations, emphasizing the need to respect the authority of the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem and the affairs of the holy mosque.

This department is affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Endowments, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Sites, which has exclusive jurisdiction to manage the affairs of the al-Aqsa Mosque/al-Haram al-Sharif and organize entry into it.

Source: english.wafa.ps

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Israeli Forces Target Palestinian Farmlands in Gaza

September 25, 2023 i

Israeli occupation forces targeted Palestinian agricultural lands, this time to the east of Khan Yunis city in the southern Gaza Strip On Monday morning, September 25, 2023.

This recurring pattern of aggression, which has been ongoing for an extended period, is causing significant disruption to the lives of Palestinian farmers in the region.

According to local sources, Israeli forces utilized live ammunition and fired tear gas canisters towards the agricultural lands located east of Khazaa town in Khan Yunis.

This act of aggression not only posed a direct threat to the livelihoods of Palestinian farmers but also forced them to abandon their lands for fear of being harmed.

It’s important to note that these assaults on Palestinian agricultural lands are part of a broader context of ongoing Israeli policies that have severely impacted the Gaza Strip for years.

The blockade imposed by Israel since 2006 has led to dire humanitarian conditions for Gaza’s residents, affecting nearly every aspect of life, from access to basic necessities to economic opportunities.

Moreover, the blockade has consistently hindered the ability of Palestinian farmers to cultivate their lands freely and sustainably, perpetuating a cycle of hardship for the people of Gaza.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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22 Palestinians Injured in Israeli Aggression on Protesters in Gaza

September 24, 2023

Israeli occupation forces injured 22 Palestinian demonstrators during its aggression on a demonstration near the eastern fence of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Ministry of Health stated.

For the seventh consecutive day, Palestinians in Gaza had been demonstrating in protest against Israeli aggression on the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling for ending the Israeli blockade on Gaza.

The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas assured that the Palestinian youths are calling for the Israel siege to be immediately lifted.

It is worth noting that Israeli occupation brought the entire Gaza Strip in June 2007 under a land, aerial, and naval blockade that worsened over the years, turning the enclave into an open-air prison.

About 2.1 million Palestinians have been subjected to numerous closures during the past two decades, including restrictions on imports of fuel and other goods, essential medical equipment, and the movement of people and patients out of and into Gaza across the ‘Eriz’ border, according to a UN report.

The ongoing blockade, which includes severe restrictions not only on the movement of people but of goods, amounts to unlawful collective punishment under international law.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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Hamas Denounces Israeli Arrests of Palestinian University Students

September 24, 2023

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, has strongly criticized the recent wave of arrests targeting Palestinian university students carried out by Israeli occupation forces.

In an official press release, Hamas expressed its condemnation of the incursion by Israeli forces into Birzeit University in occupied Ramallah and the subsequent arrests of the student council’s president and several members.

“The occupation forces’ storming of Birzeit University in occupied Ramallah and arrest of its student council president and members emphasizes the vital role of the student blocks in resisting the occupation,” the Movement’s statement read.

Hamas reiterated the steadfast determination of Palestinian students to defend against the Israeli colonial occupation and the threats posed by extremist settler groups.

Earlier today, Israeli forces conducted a crackdown on the grounds of Birzeit University in the heart of the occupied West Bank, arresting 8 students and causing significant damage to university property.

According to local media, the students were handcuffed and blindfolded, then forced to sit on the ground before being taken to an unknown destination in a military vehicle.

Israeli forces also vandalized the students’ property and belongings, conducting a thorough manhunt inside the university campus.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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Arab World

Saudi Arabia condemns provocative practices carried out by Israeli extremists at Al-Aqsa Mosque

September 24, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday continuous provocative practices carried out by a group of extremists at Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret at practices carried out by Israeli authorities that undermine international peace efforts and contradict international principles and norms regarding respecting religious sanctities.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s firm position in support of Palestinian people and all efforts aimed at ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

It also expressed its support for achieving a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders, with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek those territories for their hoped-for independent state.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi crown prince offers condolences after death of former Italian president

September 24, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to the president of Italy on the death of former president Giorgio Napolitano, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

In the cable to President Sergio Mattarella, the crown prince said: “I express to your excellency and the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing you constant good health.”

Napolitano, a onetime communist who helped to steer his country through a debt crisis in 2011, died on Friday aged 98.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia, MWL and GCC condemn extremist group for tearing up Qur’an outside embassies in The Hague

September 24, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned and denounced an extremist group for tearing up copies of the Holy Qur’an outside a number of embassies in The Hague.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s complete rejection of such repeated and hateful acts that cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Such acts clearly incite hatred, exclusion, and racism, and directly contradict international efforts aiming to spread the values of tolerance, moderation, and rejection of extremism, the ministry said.

The acts also undermine the necessary mutual respect for relations between peoples and countries, the ministry added.

For its part, the Muslim World League said it is time for countries concerned "to take effective measures to prevent these heinous crimes."

"Repeatedly tearing up copies of the Qur’an is a provocation to the feelings of Muslims," said the group in a statement posted on X, formerly named Twitter. The Makkah-based MWL is an international NGO that "promotes the true message of Islam by advancing moderate values that promote peace, tolerance and love."

In a separate statement, the six-nation GCC called on countries where these provocations against Muslims are happening "to intervene and to assume their legal and moral responsibilities to end such internationally rejected practices."

"GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi reiterates the call once again to the international community to take urgent and effective international steps to confront these aggressive and provocative actions, as these practices have unfortunately been repeated recently under the pretext of freedom of expression, without any clear reaction to them," said the statement posted on the GCC website.

Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands have seen a string of protests in public in recent months where copies of the Qur’an have been burned or otherwise damaged, prompting outrage in Muslim nations.

Denmark has announced its plan to propose a legislation that would outlaw hateful acts targetting religions, including the burning or desecration of the Qur'an and other holy books.

Source: arabnews.com

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KSrelief chief meets with international president of Doctors Without Borders

September 24, 2023

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, recently met with Dr. Christos Christou, the international president of Doctors Without Borders, on the sidelines of the work of the UN General Assembly at its 78th session in New York City.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to provide necessary medical aid to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters, and deprivation of health care in some needy countries.

Christou praised the Kingdom’s active humanitarian role at the international level, noting the efforts of KSrelief in the health sector and caring for the sick and injured people around the world.

Source: arabnews.com

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Africa

UNGA: Burkina Faso warns against Libya scenario in Niger, slams “international hypocrisy”

25 Sep 2023

In a speech lasting almost 40 minutes delivered in a vehement tone, Burkina Faso's Minister of State addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday (Sept. 23).

When Minister of State BassolmaBazié took the floor before the green stone in the General Assembly, he honored the women and men who enabled the world to "dream and hope for a just and fair world".

However, he rapidly underlined that the world for which the said figures had dreamed, in fact, never dawned.

He was warned that Niger could become a second Libya, strongly condemning the military intervention that preceded the death of late Libyan president Mouammar Gaddafi.

"Intellectual honesty and history", he stressed, "show us that "we owe the Libyan people sincere apologies".

Regional body ECOWAS has threatened Niger with a military intervention to reinstate Mohamed Baezoum following the July 26 coup in which he was deposed.

Neighbouring Burkina Faso has repeatedly opposed the move. Just like Mali has.

Terrorism and inequalities

Burkina Faso, Mali, Somalia, Nigeria and Niger are hot spots.

Source: africanews.com

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Suicide bomber kills dozens, injures scores in central Somalia

September 24, 2023

An explosives-laden vehicle detonated Saturday (Sep. 23) at a security checkpoint in the central Somalia city of Beledweyne, killing at least 18 people and wounding 40 others, authorities said.

Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiran region, is in Hirshabelle state, and has been the center of the Somali government’s latest military offensive against extremists from East Africa’s al-Qaeda affiliate, al-Shabab.

Ismail Ali witnessed the blast. He said: "What happened is a national tragedy and words cannot express our grief."

He continued: "You can imagine how densely populated this area was, there were three garages connected to one another housing a large number of vehicles and occupants, and all of these people were killed in the explosion and all of them were innocent people."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility from al-Shabab, which often carries out such attacks and controls parts of Somalia.

The region's governor denounced a heinous act as the death toll was still being established: "Since the number of casualties here is shocking, government agencies such as the police and the hospital are currently examining the situation to determine the exact number of deaths and injuries caused by this blast. We would like to thank those who responded to this tragedy."

Source: africanews.com

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France to end its military presence in Niger and pull its ambassador out

25 Sep 2023

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Sunday that France will end its military presence in Niger and pull its ambassador out of the country after its democratically elected president was deposed in a coup.

The announcement is a significant, if predicted, blow to France’s policy in Africa, after French troops pulled out of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in recent years after coups there.

France had stationed thousands of troops in the region at the request of African leaders to fight jihadist groups.

France has maintained some 1,500 troops in Niger since the July coup, and had repeatedly refused an order by the new junta for its ambassador to leave, saying that France didn't recognize the coup leaders as legitimate.

Tensions between France and Niger, a former French colony, have mounted in recent weeks, and Macron said recently that diplomats were surviving on military rations as they holed up in the embassy.

In an interview with France-2 television, Macron said that he spoke Sunday to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, and told him that “France has decided to bring back its ambassador, and in the coming hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France."

He added, "And we will put an end to our military cooperation with the Niger authorities.”

He said the troops would be gradually pulled out, likely by the end of the year.

He noted that France’s military presence in Niger was in response to a request from Niger’s government at the time.

Military cooperation between France and Niger had been suspended since the coup. The junta leaders claimed that Bazoum's government wasn’t doing enough to protect the country from the insurgency.

The junta in August gave French Ambassador Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave. After the deadline expired without France recalling him, the coup leaders then revoked his diplomatic immunity.

The junta is now under sanctions by Western and regional African powers.

In New York on Friday, the military government that seized power in Niger accused U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of “obstructing” the West African nation’s full participation at the U.N.’s annual meeting of world leaders in order to appease France and its allies.

Source: africanews.com

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Ghana: 3-day protests over cost of living crisis, leaders' “moral decay” end

25 Sep 2023

With placards reading Ghana deserves better, we are tired of being voting machines or people equals power, protestors rallied in Accra.

The 3-day #Occupy Julorbi House campaign ended on Saturday (Sep. 23). Despite downpour and sun, demonstrators rallied for political change and economic reform.

"We are only being Ghanaians. All we need is food, water, clothes. We want to be able to take care of our mothers and our fathers, leading member and youth activist-democracy hub, Debora EnyonamDabor told a crowd.

Protesters were bent on going to the seat of government, Golden Jubilee House, but the police barred their way.

The police initially responded with force on September 21, arresting over 50 protestors, including journalists.

"Let president Akuffo-Addo and the Ghana police service be told that anytime anyone resists peaceful change, violence change would occasion. We don’t want to engage in violence, but if they push us to the wall, we have no other option," political activist Bernard Mornah said.

The protest has its roots in the "Fix the Country" movement, which emerged in 2021.

If Ghana's government has not provided an official comment on the Occupy Jubilee House protests, its convener from Democracy Hub remained determined.

"At the end of this path there is prosperity and liberty," Oliver Barker Vormawor promised.

"Liberty that the founding generation promised us. But we must not relent because the forces that seeks the downfall of this republic are alive and well. They control the institutions of government, they control the court, they control the police force, they control the military; but they cannot control the street."

"We have shown them that when every institution of this country is captured and co-opted and has lost its voice, the street would speak loud and louder than any point in time..."

He told the crowd the "battle to win back the soul of" Ghana was still raging in order to change course in the path "of moral decay that [our] leaders have put [the] country on".

The campaign kicked off while President Nana Akufo-Addo was in New York for the UN General Assembly.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/24/ghana-3-day-protests-over-cost-of-living-crisis-leaders-moral-decay-end/

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Reps seek to use “alternative schooling” to reduce 14m out-of-school children

Bakare Majeed

September 24, 2023

The House of Representatives is set to launch a new initiative to tackle the problem of out-of-school children in Nigeria using “alternative schooling”.

The framework, which is in the form of an intervention through the House Committee on Alternative Education, chaired by AlmustaphaAliyu (APC, Sokoto), will also see the out-of-school children trained with relevant skills to become productive members of society.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Musa Krishi, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

MrKrishi said the project is tagged ‘Nigeria Mass Reduction of Out-of-School Children and Youth Project’ (NiMPROP), and it is proposed to last for four years.

“In partnership with relevant government agencies, the intervention aims at improving access to education for all Nigerian children in line with the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-4) on qualitative and inclusive education for all.

“It would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through the non-formal accelerated education system and other alternative schooling programmes.

“The government agencies that the committee is working with include the National Commission of Almajiri and out-of-school children, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education and the National Commission for Nomadic Education,” he said.

He said the necessary machinery has been put in place for the actualisation of the intervention as the House gets set to reconvene from its annual recess on Tuesday.

“Part of the initiative is to ensure the significant reduction of poverty in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“Based on the statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the North-east leads in the poverty index with 71.86 per cent of its population in poverty, followed by the North-west with 64.84 per cent, while the North-central has 42.70 per cent. Others are South-east, 42.44 per cent; South-south, 21.28 per cent and South-west, 12.12 per cent.

“The intervention targets the reduction of poverty as follows: Northeast, 4 million people; North-west, 3.4m people; North-central, 2.5m; South-east, 3m; South-south, 2.1m, and South-west, 1.6m,” MrKrishi said.

The House is set to reconvene on Tuesday after eight weeks of annual recess.

Source: premiumtimesng.com

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https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/627992-reps-seek-to-use-alternative-schooling-to-reduce-14m-out-of-school-children.html

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President Tinubu Directs Security Agencies To Rescue Abducted Zamfara Students

September 25, 2023

Furthermore, the President pledged that the federal government is determined to ensure that educational institutions remain sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and totally free from the menacing acts of terrorists.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to rescue the remaining female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were recently abducted by terrorists.

Condemning the reprehensible act of abduction, the President says there is no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims whose only “offense” was their pursuit of quality education, according to a statement issued by Chief AjuriNgelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

While the President wholeheartedly commiserates with all families directly impacted by this sad incident, he affirms that his administration has a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen, and in line with this commitment, assures the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return.

Source: saharareporters.com

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https://saharareporters.com/2023/09/25/president-tinubu-directs-security-agencies-rescue-abducted-zamfara-students

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Pakistan

Judge insists on Imran’s arrival despite Attock Jail’s worries

September 25, 2023

ISLAMABAD:A court in Islamabad has summoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Monday (today) in a case pertaining to his alleged ‘un-Islamic’ marriage with Bushra Bibi, but the Attock Jail officials have expressed their inability to do that citing security risks as the deposed premier’s cypher case would be heard on the same date inside the prison premises.

The Attock Jail superintendent wrote a letter to Civil Judge Qudratullah, who is supposed to hear the PTI chairman’s alleged ‘un-Islamic’ marriage case, that Imran was a high-profile under-trial prisoner in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Counter Terrorism Wing’s (CTW) cypher case filed under the Official Secrets Act.

He added in the letter that Special Court Judge AbualHasnatZulqarnain was conducting the trial inside the jail premises and that was why Imran should exempted from appearance in the alleged ‘un-Islamic’ marriage case.

However, police sources said the PTI chairman was supposed to be produced before Judge Qudratullah in the alleged ‘un-Islamic’ marriage case and they would provide a list of cops deployed for his security at the court to the Attack Jail authorities.

They added that the Attack Jail authorities would also be provided with the number plates of the Islamabad police vehicles taking Imran to the court.

The sources said the interior ministry had been informed about the proposed measures by the police for presenting the PTI chief in the court.

They continued that the police would immediately take the proposed steps after receiving the final instructions for the appearance of the PTI chief before the court in Islamabad.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2437650/judge-insists-on-imrans-arrival-despite-attock-jails-worries

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TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan ‘safe at home’ after being missing for over 4 months

September 25, 2023

Rana Bilal ,Imran Gabol

Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan — who had been missing for more than four months — is now “safe at home”, Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar confirmed to Dawn.com on Monday.

Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Hassan Iqbal and Riaz’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, also confirmed the development to Dawn.com.

Riaz — a YouTuber and television anchor — was arrested two days after violent protests broke out across the country following PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9.

He was last known to be taken to Cantt police station after his arrest and later to the Sialkot prison. On May 15, a law officer told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the anchorperson was released from jail after taking an undertaking in writing.

On September 20, the LHC had given the Punjab police chief a “last opportunity” to recover Riaz by September 26 (tomorrow). During the hearing, LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti had stated that his patience was “running out”.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) during the early hours of Monday, the Sialkot police said, “Journalist/anchor Mr Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.”

Separately, his lawyer Ashfaq, said in a post on X, “By God’s special blessing, grace, and mercy, I have brought back my prince.

“It took a lot of time due to the mountain of difficulties, the last limit of understanding of the matter, a weak judiciary, and the current ineffective public constitution and legal helplessness,” he said.

‘Weak, not in the best of health’

Journalist Wajahat S Khan said that he had spoken to Riaz’s family, adding that the anchorperson was “weak and not in the best of health but he’s back”.

PTI leader Hammad Azhar said that the entire nation was rejoicing over Riaz’s return.

Lawyer Khadija Siddiqi termed the development a “positive sign”.

“Latest modus operandi of brazenly silencing voices of dissent seems to have failed miserably! Citizens of Pakistan must not be antagonised by our own state!” she said.

The PTI, meanwhile, called for the release of all political prisoners under “illegal incarceration”. “Law and sense must prevail,” the party said.

Imran Riaz — a YouTuber and television anchor — was arrested two days after violent protests broke out across the country following PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9.

He was last known to be taken to Cantt police station after his arrest and later to the Sialkot prison. On May 15, a law officer had told the LHC that the anchorperson was released from jail after taking an undertaking in writing. His whereabouts however remained unknown.

Subsequently, a first information report (FIR) of Riaz’s alleged abduction was registered with Sialkot Civil Lines police on May 16 on the complaint of the anchorperson’s father, Muhammad Riaz.

The FIR was registered against “unidentified persons” and police officials for allegedly kidnapping Riaz, invoking Section 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The journalist’s father had also filed a plea in the LHC for his recovery.

During a May 19 hearing of the case, the anchorperson’s father had become teary-eyed in the LHC, pleading for mercy, as the whereabouts of his son remained unknown. The next day, the LHC chief justice had ordered the police to recover and present the anchorperson by May 22.

On that date, the LHC had directed the ministries of interior and defence to “discharge their constitutional duties to effect the recovery” of the anchorperson after IG Anwar revealed that there was no trace of the journalist at any police department across the country.

The LHC was subsequently informed that both the Inter-Services Intelligence and the Military Intelligence had said the anchorperson was not in their custody. On May 26, the high court had directed “all the agencies” to work together to find the anchorperson and produce him in the court by May 30.

When that date arrived, IG Anwar had told the LHC that phone numbers that had been traced back to Afghanistan were involved in the case.

The anchorperson’s lawyer had contended in the June 6 hearing that their patience was “wearing thin” even as the Punjab government had informed the high court that efforts to find the journalist were underway.

During the July 5 hearing, the LHC had established a deadline of July 25 for the police to locate the missing journalist. However, no hearing could be held on the designated date due to the bench’s unavailability.

In that particular hearing, retired Brigadier Falak Naz, representing the Ministry of Defence, had informed the court: “We are working on tracing locations and other issues. We are trying to recover Imran Riaz as soon as possible.”

On September 6, IG Anwar had told LHC that the police would deliver “good news” in the next few days, following which he was granted time till September 13.

However, failing to deliver any major “good news”, the IG on September 13 had assured the court that the probe was “going in the right direction”.

On September 20, the LHC had given the Punjab police chief a “last opportunity” to recover Riaz by September 26, adjourning the proceedings in a petition demanding his recovery till then.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1777723/tv-anchor-imran-riaz-khan-safe-at-home-after-being-missing-for-over-4-months

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Islam Grants All Rights To Minorities: Punjab Governor

September 24, 2023

Punjab Governor Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman says constitution of Pakistan and Islam grant full rights and protection to the minorities.

Addressing the Seerat-un-Nabi Conference in Lahore on Sunday, he said belief in the finality of prophethood and its protection is an integral part of Muslims' faith.

Source:

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/24-09-2023/islam-grants-all-rights-to-minorities-baligh

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Parents should vaccinate children against deadly diseases: Dr. Nadeem

September 25, 2023

Caretaker Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan has appealed to parents to get their children vaccinated against various deadly diseases.

In a video message about immunization of children, he said effective measures are being taken to ensure hundred percent immunization coverage.

The Minister said the ministry of Health is determined to ensure universal health coverage.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/25-09-2023/parents-to-vaccinate-children-against-deadly-diseases-health-minister

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Noor Muqadam, Sarah’s fathers urge CJP to ensure swift justice

September 25, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The father of murdered Noor Muqadam, former ambassador Shaukat Muqadam, and father of Sarah Inam, a victim of brutal physical violence that caused her death, Inam-ur-Rahim, Sunday urged the Supreme Court to expedite the trial of their daughters’ murders.

Inam-ur-Rahim and Shaukat Muqadam held a press conference at the National Press Club here.

Shaukat said Sarah Inam was killed in a very painful way, adding, “After this incident, I and my wife went to Inam Sahib’s house. We knew the pain these people were going through. We approached the courts for justice but a lengthy trial followed.”

He said during the trial of Noor Muqadam, it was claimed that it was an open and shut case, and we were told that there would be a fair trial. He added that on February 24, 2022, his daughter’s killer was sentenced to death.

“The case went to the High Court and Noor’s killer (Zahir Jafer) was sentenced to death twice. Chief Justice Amir Farooq sentenced Zahir Jafer to capital punishment and upheld his punishment. Now my daughter’s case is pending with the Supreme Court,” Shaukat Muqadam said.

“It is requested that the Supreme Court should hear this case as soon as possible,” he said, adding if such cases lingered on for years, the public will lose confidence in the system.

Shaukat Muqadam also requested the SC to hear Sarah Inam’s case, so that she could get justice.

“These girls wanted to do a lot in the society. Fifty percent of Pakistan’s population is women; it is not like women sit at home. It is not possible that fifty percent of the country’s population is left behind,” he said.

Noor Muqadam’s father wept during the press conference. He added that Sara Inam was not safe in her husband’s house.

Sarah Inam’s father, Inam-ur-Rahim said a day earlier on September 23, it was one year since his daughter passed away.

He said that he had never thought that such an incident would happen, adding, “My daughter was an innocent and simple girl who used to see everything at its face value.”

He added that the behaviour of Shahnawaz (Sarah’s husband) towards his daughter was revealed to him by her friends.

“We did not know anything about this family except Ayaz Amir (Shahnawaz’s father). Shahnawaz wanted to extort money from my daughter,” he alleged.

Inam-ur-Rahim added that the police had investigated this case in detail and extended his gratitude to the police for supporting him in this case.

“The opposing counsel tried hard to prolong the case. Witnesses used to come to the court but our opposing counsel did not come to the court.

I was told that the judge cannot compel the lawyer to come to the court,” he said. “We request the chief justice of Pakistan to deal with our case. The state should become a party against the murderer. Instead of parents, the government should be a party,” Inam-ur-Rahim said.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1113081-noor-muqadam-sarah-s-fathers-urge-cjp-to-ensure-swift-justice

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Caretaker PM to reach Saudi Arabia tomorrow: FO

By Muhammad Saleh Zaafir

September 25, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will reach Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (tomorrow) for Umrah.

It is yet to be ascertained if the caretaker PM would get a chance to have a meeting with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz or Prime Minister Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during his brief stay in the Kingdom. Such a meeting could be possible either in the coastal city Jeddah or capital Riyadh.

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani would be returning from New York mid-week.

The visit of the United Nations and outcome of the high echelon meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit would be evaluated with other stakeholders for formulation of future strategy later this week, sources said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is not considering recognition of the state of Israel in haste, and Islamabad’s policy towards Tel Aviv has not been reviewed in the recent past.

The Foreign Office has made it clear that no decision has yet been taken that Pakistan would be among the 6-7 Muslim countries that would reportedly accord recognition to Israel in the wake of acceptance of Jewish state by Saudi Arabia, as hinted by the Israeli foreign minister in an interview with Israel’s Kan News on Friday.

Foreign Office spokesperson Ms Mumtaz Zehra Baloch, while responding to a query by this scribe on Sunday, said she had no information of any development on the issue as far as Pakistan was concerned.

Diplomatic sources told The News on Sunday Pakistan was carefully studying the developments pertaining to any tangible improvement in ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

It is understood that the Palestinian issue and Israel have always been part of consultations between Islamabad and Riyadh. According to sources, the caretaker administration would not be in a position to make a decision on the question of recognition of Israel. Pakistan does not enjoy any formal relations with Israel, but senior diplomats have been indicating that the two countries do have “invisible line of communications” on the need basis.

It would be pertinent to note that Israel had extended congratulations to Saudi Arabia on its 93rd National Day that was celebrated on Saturday. “We offer our sincere congratulations and blessings to the king, government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 93rd national day,” the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement. “May God bring you good and blessings... with our wishes that an atmosphere of peace, cooperation and good neighbourlines will prevail,” it added in the statement.

A day earlier Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while addressing UN General Assembly, said: “We are at the cusp of... an historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.” Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman had also told Fox News that the two counties were getting “closer” to normalising ties. Several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, normalised their relations with Israel in 2020 under the so-called Abraham Accords.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman had said that his country was moving steadily closer to normalising relations with Israel, following similar moves from other Gulf countries, and amid a big push by the United States for a Saudi-Israeli deal. “Every day, we get closer,” the crown prince told the US broadcaster Fox News, according to excerpts of an interview scheduled to air later on Wednesday.

The interview with the crown prince, widely known as MBS, came as US President Joe Biden’s administration presses ahead with an effort to broker historic ties between the two countries and its top Middle East allies, a development that could reshape the geopolitics of the Middle East.

The normalisation talks are the centrepiece of complex negotiations, which also include possible Israeli concessions to the Palestinians, as well as discussions of US security guarantees and civilian nuclear help that Riyadh has sought. MBS told Fox’s Special Report programme that the Palestinian issue was “very important” to Riyadh. “We need to solve that part,” he said when asked what it would take to get a normalisation agreement. “We got to see where we go. We hope that will reach a place, that it will ease the life of the Palestinians, get Israel as a player in the Middle East,” he said, speaking in English. The US officials have privately touted the potential benefits of a regional mega-deal, which would be a foreign policy win as Biden seeks re-election in November 2024.

MBS also said that if Iran obtained a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would “have to get one”. Saudi Arabia, along with Israel, has long been an adversary of Iran, but relations have improved since Riyadh and Tehran agreed to restore diplomatic relations in March. The broadcast of the crown prince’s comments will follow a meeting between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, in which they pledged to work together towards Israeli-Saudi normalisation. Both leaders also said Iran could not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

The interview with Fox’s anchor, Bret Baier, was the first by MBS on US TV since 2019. After a week of lead-up interviews with various Saudi government and business leaders, Baier told Fox that he had seen the country undergo “tectonic changes at a scale and pace and degree that no country in modern times has seen”. “These changes have been positive,” he added. On the other hand, Iran has called Saudi-Israeli relations ‘back-stab’ to Palestinians.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1113082-caretaker-pm-to-reach-saudi-arabia-tomorrow-fo

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Govt denies claims of new Wadh operation

Saleem Shahid

September 25, 2023

QUETTA: Balochistan government has denied claims of any new operation in Wadh, where clashes between two factions of the Mengal tribe have disrupted life for over a month.

The denial came in response to claims made by Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) leader Agha Hasan Baloch, who said a large-scale operation was being planned in Wadh.

In a statement released on Sunday, a government spokesperson said BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal had been engaged in consultations and briefings on multiple occasions over the issue.

The statement claimed MrMengal had recommended two representatives from his party to participate in peace talks, but they didn’t attend the meetings in defiance of their party leader’s instructions.

BNP-M leader says situation in area worsened instead of improving

The government urged MrMengal to investigate the reasons behind this defiance and claimed he might have lost control of his party.

During a press conference on Saturday, Mr Baloch had raised doubts over the fairness of the government-appointed committee responsible for addressing the Wadh issue.

He has cautioned that decisions made in secrecy could potentially lead Balochistan towards increased terrorism.

Mr Baloch had contended that these were deliberate ploy “to side-line the BNP-M from politics”.

Governor seeks practical measures

Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar has also warned the situation in Wadh will deteriorate without practical measures to resolve the conflict.

“The situation in Wadh is worsening day by day. Business activities are suspended, students and patients are facing difficulties and women and children are becoming depressed,” he said after a meeting with MrMengal on Sunday.

Mr Baloch had also expressed similar concerns, adding that over the past two months, rather than making progress toward a resolution, the situation has deteriorated and adversely impacted the economic activities of locals.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1777736/govt-denies-claims-of-new-wadh-operation

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South Asia

Saudi Arabia FM: Peace and Stability in Afghanistan is Important

September 24, 2023

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that Saudi Arabia reaffirms the importance of security and stability in Afghanistan and that it should not serve as a safe place for terrorist organizations.

He also stressed the need to respect the rights of Afghan people, including the rights of women to education and work.

The Saudi foreign minister meanwhile called for international efforts to revive humanitarian and economic aid to alleviate the suffering of the people of Afghanistan.

Addressing the same Debate, Anne BeatheTvinnereim, Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway, argued that engagement with the “de facto” authorities in Afghanistan is "worth the attempt" to help with the situation of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

“In Afghanistan, we engage with the de facto authorities in Kabul. If this can help to address the dire humanitarian situation, especially for women and girls, who are being deprived of education in the future, it is worth the attempt,” she said.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister RetnoMarsudi told the assembly that a collective responsibility is also needed for the people of Palestine and Afghanistan.

“In Afghanistan, Indonesia will do its utmost to help the Afghan people and ensure the rights of women and girls are respected including their rights to education,” she said.

But the Islamic Emirate said that the rights of women are observed in the country and that Afghanistan is not a place for terrorist groups.

“Afghanistan is a safe place. There is no foreign group here. The Islamic Emirate does not allow anyone to use the Afghan soil against others. The stance of the Islamic Emirate is pretty clear in this regard,’ he said.

The concerns about the situation in Afghanistan were raised in the UN General Assembly and its debate at a time, while the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has spoken of the Moscow Format to be held within the next five days.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-185242

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'Deep-rooted crisis' with 'numerous consequences for region': Iran's Foreign minister on Afghanistan

Sep 25, 2023

KABUL: Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian called the situation in Afghanistan a "deep-rooted crisis" with "numerous consequences for the region, including the threat of terrorism and the influx of refugees and displaced people," Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.

He made the remarks at a meeting of the Asian Crisis Council meeting. In the Asian Council meeting on the 'Expansion of Terrorism and the Crisis of Migration and Refugees.'

Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that a significant part of the persistence of terrorism and its expansion in the region is a cause of concern and poses a threat to the region and the world, stemming from "foreign policies and interventions," according to the Khaama Press report.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's neighbouring nations, including Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, have raised their concerns regarding the spread of terrorism in Afghanistan, Khaama Press report.

Earlier in August, Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan has an option under international law to act in "self-defence" against the terrorists hiding in Afghanistan if the Taliban fails to act against them, Pakistan-based The News International reported.

Speaking to reporters, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that this should not be the first option for his government. He reminded Afghanistan about the Doha Accord.

According to the Doha Accord, the Taliban in writing had assured that terrorist groups will not permitted in Afghanistan and nor will any terrorist attack another country from Afghanistan.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's statement came in the aftermath of a suicide blast in Bajaur which targeted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) workers convention. The terrorist group ISIS based in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "Regarding Pakistan going there [inside Afghanistan] and taking action against these terrorists, we do not want to be forced to do this, but according to international law, we have the right to self-defence," The News International reported.

Speaking on the terrorist attacks in Pakistan carried out by the outlawed TTP and other terrorist groups, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said it was time for the Taliban to take action against these terrorists, according to The News International report.

He further said, "If we are repeatedly attacked like this, and there is no appropriate response, we will be forced to do this. But I don't think it should be amongst the first options for us."

He said that the Taliban needed to act against TTP and other terrorist groups that were targeting Pakistan.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/deep-rooted-crisis-with-numerous-consequences-for-region-irans-foreign-minister-on-afghanistan/articleshow/103916450.cms

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Detention of Afghan Refugees Continues in Pakistan: Consulate

Nazir Shinwari,

September 24, 2023

The consul of the Islamic Emirate in Karachi, Abdul JabarTakhari, said that hundreds of Afghan refugees have been detained over the last 15 days.

Takhari said that the detentions of the Afghan refugees by the Pakistani police is continuing.

He called on the Pakistani government to stop detentions of registered refugees of Afghanistan.

“The process of detaining Afghans has been continuing by Pakistan's police. More than 900 Afghan refugees have been so far detained. However, 200 of them were released by the efforts of the consulates,” Takhari said.

The Afghan refugees in Pakistan urged the interim Afghan government to help them.

Ghafar, an Afghan refugee in a Pakistani prison, expressed his frustration and said: “We have a bad situation in Pakistan’s prisons. The Pakistan police have been mistreating us and oppressing us.”

“There is a lot of pressure on us here. It has been a long time since we were in Pakistan's prisons. We call on the Islamic Emirate to release us from the prisons,” said an Afghan refugee in a Pakistan’s prison.

The Caretaker Federal Government of Pakistan in a letter instructed the authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to not disturb Afghan refugees.

The letter said that “harassing, arresting and detaining” registered Afghan refugees would “adversely” affect Pakistan’s “goodwill earned over the past forty-three years” with Afghanistan.

The accuracy of the letter was confirmed by the Pakistani embassy in Kabul.

Refugees' rights activists said that the process of detaining refugees should be stopped and that their conditions should be addressed.

“The Afghan refugees in Pakistan are being harassed by Pakistan police and they are taking bribes,” said SediqullahKakar, a refugee rights activist in Pakistan.

According to the consulate of the Islamic Emirate in Karachi, more than 100,000 refugees have returned to Afghanistan via Torkham and Spin Boldak ports.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-185248

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Afghanistan Among Top 10 Countries Facing Emergency Level of Hunger: WFP

September 24, 2023

Habib Rahman Qooyash,

Afghanistan has been ranked the 2nd top country in the world with more than 1 million of its people suffering from emergency levels of hunger, the World Food Programme in Afghanistan said.

The WFP Afghanistan said in a post on its X account that at least 6.08 million in Afghanistan are facing the "4th phase" of hunger.

A spokesman for the WFP Afghanistan, Wahidullah Amani, said that the organization has been forced to cut down its assistance from 13 million to 2 million.

“The WFP has faced a shortage of budget in the ongoing month, and we were forced to cut another 2 million from our assistance list. Which means that we can only aid 3 million people,” he said.

But the Islamic Emirate said that the shortage of the budget of aid organizations is due to a worldwide increase of poverty.

“The world is being threatened by poverty. The West and other countries who were supporting these organizations are also facing problems of poverty. It is not only Afghanistan. Second, there are serious steps being taken to tackle the crisis of poverty in Afghanistan,” Mujahid said.

Economists said that the poverty and unemployment have increased compared to before and there is a need for the world countries and international organizations to continue their assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

“There are accurate international reports and obvious realities in Afghanistan that show the livelihood of the people of Afghanistan is driving towards a catastrophe. The alert of being the second poorest and hungry country of the world is very dangerous,” said AzerakshHafizi, an economist.

Sudan is on top of the list of the countries suffering from emergency level hunger released by the WFP Afghanistan.

The chart includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Somalia, Haiti, Kenya and Nigeria.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/business-185235

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Two temples vandalised in Nawabganj

Sep 25, 2023

Two temples in Dhaka's Nawabganj upazila were vandalised by unidentified miscreants on Saturday night.

The incident took place at Bhurakhali village located on the bordering area between Nawabganj and Manikganj'sSingair.

"The Kali temple was set on fire around 11:30pm. It was partially damaged as locals doused the fire immediately," said Ananda Bepari, president of the temple's management committee. After a few minutes, three idols were vandalised in another temple located about a hundred yards away.

Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Nawabganj Police Station, said they are looking into the incident.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/probe-deadline-extended-again-3427351

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Afghan population in Pakistan swells to 3.7m

September 24, 2023

ISLAMABAD:The population of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan has surged to 3.7 million as of June this year, with a mere 1.3 million of them officially registered with the authorities, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The data reveals that approximately 775,000 unregistered Afghans are currently residing in the country.

A significant 68.8% of Afghan citizens in Pakistan have settled in urban or semi-urban areas, while the remaining 31.2% are distributed across 54 different regions, including villages.

Breaking down the figures, it’s noted that as of June 2023, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa hosts 52.6% (735,800) of Pakistan’s undocumented Afghan population, Balochistan accounts for 24.1% (321,677), Punjab has 14.3% (191,053), Sindh houses 5.5% (73,789), Islamabad accommodates 3.1% (41,520), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir hosts 0.3% (4,352).

The influx of Afghan refugees and migrants into Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise since August 2021 when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Over 600,000 new Afghan refugees and migrants have entered Pakistan during this period.

In addition to the newcomers, Pakistan is currently hosting 1.3 million Afghan refugees who possess Proof of Registration (PoR) Cards issued by the government, according to UNHCR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi.

Over the past two years, approximately 16,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan through the UNHCR-facilitated voluntary repatriation program.

It’s important to note that Afghan refugees holding PoR cards are legally registered with the authorities, a status not shared by their unregistered counterparts. Furthermore, the one-time Afghanistan Citizen Card (ACC) issued by the government to approximately 880,000 refugees in 2017 has now expired.

UNHCR spokesperson Afridi has indicated that discussions are ongoing between the UNHCR and Pakistani authorities regarding the possible extension of registration cards for Afghan refugees. Such an extension would bring relief to Afghan refugees who are currently facing uncertainty and anxiety due to the expiration of their cards.

However, if Pakistan continues with its ad-hoc refugee policies without increased donor support and assistance for third-state settlement, the already-fragile situation is at risk of escalating into a crisis.

Pakistan's economic growth projection for financial year 2023 has dropped significantly, and the stressed public sector may struggle to provide proper housing, livelihood, education, and healthcare facilities to refugees.

Additionally, undocumented Afghan nationals have had a notable impact on Pakistan's economic structure, with many expanding businesses by importing foreign products into local markets without paying taxes. Moreover, illegal Afghan residents in Pakistan are involved in activities such as smuggling narcotics and banned goods under the guise of transit trade.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2437594/afghan-population-in-pakistan-swells-to-37m

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Southeast Asia

The Quranic Quandary in Malaysian Politics

24 Sep 2023

KUALA LUMPUR — In our nation’s politics, religion and ethnicity often play significant roles and nothing can highlight this more than the issue of DAP’s Howard Lee quoting the Quran.

This has brought much attention to this complex relationship between religion and politics as Umno secretary-general Datuk AsyrafWajdiDusuki said PAS seemed to be comfortable with and had no issues when it was allies with DAP.

Sharing his thoughts on Facebook, he advised Lee against using Quranic verses in political speeches to prevent any potential misinterpretation for political gain.

He also pointed out that PAS, a party with a strong Islamic foundation, once had no qualms when they were allies with DAP, and non-Muslim DAP members utilised Quranic verses in their political discussions.

He said the historical perspective was crucial because it showed that political alliances sometimes matter more than religious rules.

When PAS and DAP were partners in the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, they worked together despite their different beliefs.

During that time, it seems that PAS was more accepting of DAP members using Quranic verses in their speeches.

But politics is always changing, and alliances can break under new pressures.

With the end of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition and changing loyalties, the unwritten rules about using religious references seem to have shifted.

Asyraf suggested that while it's okay to talk about religion in politics, it should be done carefully to avoid misunderstandings.

The Howard Lee issue isn't just a small matter as it reflects bigger tensions in Malaysian politics.

The police are now investigating the matter and it's become a topic in the Pelangai by-election campaign.

Kedah PAS MenteriBesar Datuk Seri Muhammad SanusiMd Nor, is using the issue to suggest that Malaysia is becoming more liberal.

This has also led to many videos being shared in social media, especially in TikTok.

There are videos showing non-Muslims quoting Quranic verses during events hosted by PAS or Perikatan Nasional.

These videos suggest that PAS is inconsistent and their double standards – they praise non-Muslims for quoting the Quran but on the other hand, criticise non-Muslim DAP members for doing the same.

This situation makes us think about the role of religious texts in politics.

Should religious texts or verses be used in the rough world of politics, or should there be clear rules about when and how they can be mentioned?

This is just a small part of the bigger challenges in Malaysia. It's a place where religion, individual rights, and politics often mix. — The Vibes, September 24, 2023

Source: thevibes.com

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Islamic group, NGOs launch campaign to fight defamation on social media

24 Sep 2023

ALOR SETAR, Sept 24 — The Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation (Mapim) together with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have taken the initiative to set up an Anti-Defamation Secretariat (SAF) to combat the spread of defamatory information on social media.

Mapim president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the secretariat will carry out campaigns to educate the public about slanderous information as well as monitor information spread on social media and will report to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further action to be taken.

“Our work will be carried out through the publication of leaflets, forums, seminars, lectures, tours, discourses and dialogues. We will also try to help MCMC to monitor, if we see defamation anywhere we will find its source and report it to MCMC.

“We will take action up to (lodging) police reports but education programmes are very important in educating the public about the dangers of defamation,” he told reporters at the Tabayyun Cultural Community Development seminar here, today.

He said among the NGOs involved in the initiative were the PertubuhanSukarelawan Rakyat Aman (SUARA), the Darul Aman Citizens’ Civil Initiative and Tabayyun Media Network.

Mohd Azmi added that the campaign, which targets the young and students, will start in Kedah before being implemented in other states including Penang, Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

“Defamation and the spread of false information have a huge impact that can cause tension, confusion, prejudice, cruelty and hostility and we must curb this firmly,” he said. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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World War II bomb found in Bukit Timah, Singapore Armed Forces to carry out on-site disposal on Sept 26

25 Sep 2023

SINGAPORE, Sept 25 — Bomb disposal experts from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will tomorrow carry out an on-site disposal of a 100kg World War II aerial bomb that was recently discovered at a construction site along Upper Bukit Timah Road.

During the operation, roads will be closed while residents and occupants of buildings in the nearby vicinity will have to vacate their premises for safety purposes.

In a statement to the media yesterday, the police said that they were informed on September 20 that a war relic had been discovered at the construction site during excavation works.

The bomb was assessed by the SAF explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team as unsafe to be moved and therefore must be disposed of on-site, said the police.

“The SAF EOD team will carry out an on-site controlled disposal of the war relic on September 26 between 8am and 7pm,” said the police.

“For the safety of the public, the police will effect a 200-metre cordon around the war relic during this period and road closure will also be imposed at the vicinity from 11am.”

The police have also engaged occupants of the following places and informed them to temporarily vacate their buildings during the operation:

• The Linear

• Hazel Park

• Bukit 828

• Block 154 Gangsa Road

• Hazel Park Terrace

• Shophouses along Upper Bukit Timah Road

Greenridge Secondary School, located along Gangsa Road, will also have to be vacated that day.

To ensure the safety of all staff and students in the school, Greenridge Secondary School will move to home-based learning on that day, said the police.

“Loud sounds can be expected during the controlled disposal of the war relic. The public is advised not to be alarmed and to avoid the area.”

Bukit Panjang Flyover (between Woodlands Road and Petir Road) and Upper Bukit Timah Road (between Petir Road and Cashew Road) will be closed to traffic from 11am to 7pm on that day.

The police added that they would provide an update on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) when the roads are reopened.

The authorities added that parking restrictions will be strictly enforced and vehicles found parked indiscriminately or causing obstruction may be towed.

Drone activities are prohibited in the bomb disposal operation area, the police added.

Affected residents who did not attend the townhall meeting on the operations and did not receive written advisory regarding it can contact Bukit PanjangNeighbourhood Police Centre at 1800-892-0000 for further enquiries, the police said.

Residents reminded to secure loose items, open windows before vacating

The authorities held a townhall for residents of Hazel Park condominium on yesterday afternoon at Greenridge Secondary School, where they were briefed about the planned operation.

A letter from the police addressed to residents, which TODAY has seen, instructed them to vacate their units before 8am tomorrow.

It informed them that a temporary holding area would be set up at Senja-Cashew Community Club.

The residents are reminded to switch off electrical devices before leaving their units as electrical services at the condominium may be affected.

They are also advised to leave their windows open and to secure loose items before leaving the house.

“This is a precautionary measure, as it is unlikely for any windows to shatter due to air pressure differences,” read the advisory. — TODAY

Source: malaymail.com

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Court of Appeal restores ban on ‘Gay is OK!’ book

25 Sep 2023

PETALING JAYA – The Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today reinstated the Home Ministry’s ban on the controversial book “Gay is OK! A Christian Perspective”.

In a split 2-1 decision, a three-member bench led by judge Datuk Azizah Nawawi allowed the government’s appeal against the lower court’s decision last year.

Judge Datuk Wong Kian Kheong said the high court judge had erred in law when deciding in February 2022 to quash the ban on the book.

Wong said the government’s concern about the book title and its contents was also justified although it had been in circulation for seven years prior to the ban.

Azizah said she concurred with the findings and decision of justice Wong and set aside the decision of the high court.

She also ordered costs of RM15,000 to be paid to the home minister and government.

On February 22, last year, high court judge Datuk NoorinBadaruddin allowed a judicial review filed by the book’s publisher and its author Gerakbudaya Enterprise and Ngeo Boon Lin, respectively.

The third judge, M Gunalan, who dissented, said he agreed with the finding of the high court judge that the applicant had a legitimate expectation in the matter.

After the Court of Appeal’s decision was delivered, lawyer Edmund Bon said he would seek instructions from his clients on whether to file an appeal to the Federal Court.

Michael Cheah also represented the book publisher and author.

Senior federal prosecutor Ahmad HanirHambly and federal counsel Sallehudin Ali represented the home minister and the Malaysian government. – The Vibes, September 25, 2023

Source: thevibes.com

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North America

Canadian parliament speaker ‘regrets’ honoring Ukrainian Nazi SS veteran

24 Sep, 2023

Canadian House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota has apologized for honoring a Ukrainian man who served in Adolf Hitler’s Waffen SS forces during World War II, and calling him “a Ukrainian and a Canadian hero.”

YaroslavHunka, 98, a former member of the SS 1st Galician Division, was given a standing ovation in the chamber during the visit of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Friday. The incident was heavily criticized by Jewish groups.

“On Friday, September 22, in my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognized an individual in the gallery,” Rota said in a statement on Sunday. “I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.”

Without mentioning Hunka by name, Rota reiterated that the Ukrainian man was one of his constituents. “I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my actions,” he said.

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center advocacy group said it was “incredibly disturbing to see Canada’s Parliament rise to applaud an individual who was a member of a unit in the Waffen-SS, a Nazi military branch responsible for the murder of Jews and others and that was declared a criminal organization during the Nuremberg Trials.”

The center added that there “should be no confusion” that the unit where Hunka had served was responsible for killing civilians “with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable.”

Michael Mostyn, the CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, an NGO that documents anti-Semitism, called the honoring of Hunka “beyond outrageous.” He added that “no apology is acceptable that does not also provide the public with a detailed explanation as to how this could possibly have taken place in the heart of our democracy.”

The surviving members of the Galician Division and their supporters hold annual marches and rallies in Ukraine. Members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), whose leaders also collaborated with Nazi Germany during the early stages of WWII, are celebrated as “freedom fighters” by the Ukrainian authorities.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/583493-canada-apology-nazi-veteran/

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Western spy ring gave Canada intel for India murder accusation – US ambassador

24 Sep, 2023

The ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance provided Canada with the information necessary to accuse the Indian government of murdering a prominent Sikh separatist, US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen said on Friday.

“There was shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners that helped lead Canada to making the statements that the prime minister made,” Cohen told CTV News. The ‘Five Eyes’ refers to the intelligence-sharing alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canada’s parliament that his government was investigating “credible allegations” that agents of the Indian state were behind the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.

Nijar, who advocated for the creation of a separate Sikh homeland in the north Indian state of Punjab, had been on India’s wanted list since 2020. However, New Delhi denied Trudeau’s allegations, with the Indian Foreign Ministry describing them as “absurd and [politically] motivated.”

Prior to Cohen’s interview, CTV reported that the intelligence behind Trudeau’s accusation may have been provided by an unnamed member of the Five Eyes. However, the Canadian news site attributed this claim to anonymous sources.

Cohen did not provide much further information, but hinted that the US may have been the source of the intelligence.

“I’m not in the habit of commenting on private diplomatic conversations,” Cohen told CTV. “There was a lot of communication between Canada and the United States about this, and I think that’s as far as I’m comfortable going.”

Publicly, American officials have responded cautiously to Trudeau’s claims. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday that the US was “deeply concerned” about the allegations. He added that “the facts should take the investigators where they may.” Kirby also remarked that “our relationship with India remains vitally important not only for the South Asian region but of course for the Indo-Pacific.”

The Five Eyes alliance primarily facilitates the sharing of signals intelligence, or information gleaned from wiretapping, online surveillance, and the capture and decryption of secret communications. However, the five nations also cooperate informally in the realms of human and defense intelligence.

Cohen did not say whether signals intelligence had been used to inform Trudeau’s accusations. However, a report by Canadian state broadcaster CBC earlier this week suggested that Canadian spies had spent several months since Nijar’s murder wiretapping the communications of Indian diplomats.

While relations between India and Canada were already strained due to New Delhi’s claims that Ottawa was not taking the threat of Sikh separatism seriously, Trudeau’s allegations have caused significant diplomatic fallout. India and Canada have expelled each other’s diplomats, and India announced on Thursday that it would stop processing visas for Canadian citizens.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/583488-five-eyes-india-murder-canada/

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Venezuela: US seeking to create military base in disputed region of Essequibo

24 September 2023

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil says the United States intends to establish a military base on a disputed territory between Venezuela and Guyana called Essequibo, stressing that Washington seeks to take control of oil resources in the region.

"We condemn the intention of the US government to militarize the situation [in Essequibo]. The Southern Command is trying to create a military base in the disputed territory in order to create the spearhead of its aggression against Venezuela and seize our energy resources," Gil said at the UN General Assembly on Sunday.

He further noted that the Venezuelan parliament has passed a referendum protecting the sovereign territory from US aggression, adding that Washington is again trying to interfere in the 200-year-old territorial dispute between the two South American nations.

“The US government seeks to appropriate our oil resources by using the company Exxon Mobil, which has incorporated the government of Guyana into its ranks,” he said.

Guyana and Venezuela have been engaged in a long-standing dispute over Essequibo, an area of 160,000 square kilometers that is administered by Georgetown but claimed by Caracas. The region is rich in oil and gas, especially in offshore areas.

The former British colony sees its current borders, established by a court of arbitration in Paris in 1899, as accurate.

But Venezuela insists that the Essequibo River to the east of the region is the more natural border between the two countries, as was the case in 1777.

In 2018, Guyana asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to resolve the dispute and ratify the current borders.

Back in April, the ICJ ruled it had jurisdiction over the issue, which could determine which country has rights to territory rich in oil and gas, especially offshore.

Source: presstv.ir

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Russia demands answers from Canada over praise for Nazi SS veteran

25 Sep, 2023

Russia will demand an explanation from Canada for giving a standing ovation in parliament to a Ukrainian man who served in a Nazi division during World War II, Oleg Stepanov, Moscow’s ambassador to Ottawa, has said.

The controversy first erupted last week when AP released a photo taken in the House of Commons showing a smiling Vladimir Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, clenching his fist along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while applauding a person outside the frame. The caption to the photo said that the two leaders “recognize YaroslavHunka, who was in attendance and fought with the First Ukrainian Division in World War II before later immigrating to Canada.”

House Speaker Anthony Rota introduced Hunka, 98, as “a Ukrainian-Canadian veteran… who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians.”

“He’s a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service,” he added.

However, the ‘First Ukrainian Division’ is also known as the ‘1st Galician Division’, or the 14th Waffen SS-Volunteer Division, which was formed by Nazi Germany in the second half of WWII mostly from Ukrainian collaborators from the western part of the country. The infamous unit took part in brutal anti-partisan warfare, committing atrocities against Polish, Jewish, and Russian civilians.

Speaking to RIA Novosti on Monday, Stepanov said the Russian Embassy would “demand an explanation from the Canadian government,” adding that diplomatic notes would be sent to the Foreign Ministry and the prime minister’s office.

The envoy noted that he “has no illusions” that this protest will have any effect, arguing that “the current Trudeau cabinet is essentially the epitome of neo-liberal fascism you can’t do any business with.”

Following the backlash, particularly from the Jewish community, the parliament’s speaker issued a public apology for inviting Hunka and accepted “full responsibility” for his actions.

Trudeau’s office called the decision the “right thing to do,” adding that “no advance notice was provided to the Prime Minister’s Office, nor the Ukrainian delegation, about the invitation or the recognition.”

Source: rt.com

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Leader of Canada’s House of Commons apologizes for honoring man who fought for Nazis

September 25, 2023

TORONTO: The speaker of Canada’s House of Commons apologized Sunday for recognizing a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II.

Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old YaroslavHunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division.

“In my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognized an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so,” Rota said in a statement.

He added that his fellow Parliament members and the Ukraine delegation were not aware of his plan to recognize Hunka. Rota noted Hunka is from his district.

“I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my action,” Rota said.

Hunka could not be immediately reached for comment.

Canadian lawmakers cheered and Zelensky raised his fist in acknowledgement as Hunka saluted from the gallery during two separate standing ovations. Rota called him a “Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.”

Zelensky was in Ottawa to bolster support from Western allies for Ukraine’s war against the Russian invasion.

Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as “neo-Nazis,” even though Zelensky is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office said in a statement that Rota had apologized and accepted full responsibility for issuing the invitation to Hunka and for the recognition in Parliament.

“This was the right thing to do,” the statement said. “No advance notice was provided to the Prime Minister’s Office, nor the Ukrainian delegation, about the invitation or the recognition.”

The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis.

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies issued a statement Sunday saying the division “was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable.”

“An apology is owed to every Holocaust survivor and veteran of the Second World War who fought the Nazis, and an explanation must be provided as to how this individual entered the hallowed halls of Canadian Parliament and received recognition from the Speaker of the House and a standing ovation,” the statement said.

B’nai Brith Canada’s CEO, Michael Mostyn, said it was outrageous that Parliament honored a former member of a Nazi unit, saying Ukrainian “ultra-nationalist ideologues” who volunteered for the Galicia Division “dreamed of an ethnically homogenous Ukrainian state and endorsed the idea of ethnic cleansing.”

“We understand an apology is forthcoming. We expect a meaningful apology. Parliament owes an apology to all Canadians for this outrage, and a detailed explanation as to how this could possibly have taken place at the center of Canadian democracy,” Mostyn said before Rota issued his statement.

Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Hunka. A spokesperson for the Conservative party said the party was not aware of his history at the time.

“We find the reports of this individual’s history very troubling,” said Sebastian Skamski, adding that Trudeau’s Liberal party would have to explain why he was invited.

Source: arabnews.com

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France’s troop pullout announcement warmly welcomed by Niger ruling junta

September 25, 2023

PARIS: France will pull its soldiers out of Niger following a July coup in the West African country, President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, dealing a huge blow to French influence and counter-insurgency operations in the Sahel region.

Macron said 1,500 troops would withdraw by the end of the year and that France, the former colonial power in Niger, refused to “be held hostage by the putchists.”

Niger’s military rulers welcomed the announcement as “a new step toward sovereignty.”

France’s exit, which comes after weeks of pressure from the junta and popular demonstrations, is likely to exacerbate Western concerns over Russia’s expanding influence in Africa. The Russian mercenary force Wagner already present in Niger’s neighbor Mali.

“This Sunday, we celebrate a new step toward the sovereignty of Niger,” said a statement from the country’s military rulers, who seized power in late July by overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

“The French troops and the ambassador of France will leave Nigerien soil by the end of the year.”

The statement, read out on national television, added: “This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people.”

Earlier Sunday, before Macron’s announcement, the body regulating aviation safety in Africa (ASECNA), announced that Niger’s military rulers had banned “French aircraft” from flying over the country’s airspace.

The French president has refused to recognize the junta as Niger’s legitimate authority but said Paris would coordinate troop withdraw with the coup leaders.“We will consult with the putschists because we want things to be orderly,” Macron said in an interview with France’s TF1 and France 2 television stations.

France’s ambassador was also being pulled out and would return to the country in the next few hours, Macron added.

French influence over its former colonies has waned in West Africa in recent years, just as popular vitriol has grown. Its forces have been kicked out of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso since coups in those countries, reducing its role in a region-wide fight against deadly Islamist insurgencies.

Until the coup, Niger had remained a key security partner of France and the United States, which have used it as a base to fight an Islamist insurgency in West and Central Africa’s wider Sahel region.

Russia's expanding presence

France’s military base in Niger’s capital, Niamey, had become the epicenter of anti-French protests since the July 26 coup.

Groups have regularly gathered on the street outside to call for the exit of troops stationed in the capital. On one Saturday this month, tens of thousands rallied against France, slitting the throat of a goat dressed in French colors and carrying coffins draped in French flags.

Pro-coup demonstrators in Niamey have waved Russian flags, adding to Western countries’ fears that Niger could follow Mali’s lead and replace their troops with Wagner fighters.

Before his death in a plane crash last month, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin spoke in a social media clip of making Russia greater on all continents and Africa more free. Wagner’s future has been unclear since his demise.

Wagner is also active in Central African Republic and Libya. Western nations say it is also present in Sudan, though it denies this. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger.

French nuclear power plants source a small amount — less than 10 percent — of their uranium from Niger, with France’s state-owned Orano operating a mine in Niger’s north.

Macron said he still regarded democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum, currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, as Niger’s legitimate leader and had informed him of his decision.

Source: arabnews.com

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Pope blames weapons industry for Russia-Ukraine war and ‘martyrdom’ of Ukrainian people

September 25, 2023

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE: Pope Francis on Saturday labeled the weapons industry as being a key driver of the “martyrdom” of Ukraine’s people in Russia’s war, saying even the withholding of weapons now is going to continue their misery.

Francis appeared to refer to Poland’s recent announcement that it is no longer sending arms to Ukraine when he was asked about the war during brief remarks to reporters while returning home from Marseille, France.

Francis acknowledged he was frustrated that the Vatican’s diplomatic initiatives hadn’t borne much fruit. But he said behind the Russia-Ukraine conflict was also the weapons industry.

He described the paradox that was keeping Ukraine a “martyred people” — that at first many countries gave Ukraine weapons and now are taking them away. Francis has long denounced the weapons industry as “merchants of death,” but he has also asserted the right of countries to defend themselves.

“I’ve seen now that some countries are pulling back, and aren’t giving weapons,” he said.

“This will start a process where the martyrdom is the Ukrainian people, certainly. And this is bad.” It was an apparent reference to the announcement by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck that Poland was no longer sending arms to Ukraine as part of a trade dispute.

“We cannot play with the martyrdom of the Ukrainian people,” Francis said. “We have to help resolve things in ways that are possible.”

“Not to make illusions that tomorrow the two leaders will go out together to eat, but to do whatever is possible,” he said.

In other comments, Francis spoke about his two-day visit to Marseille, where he exhorted Europe to be more welcoming to migrants.

Francis said he was heartened that there is greater consciousness about the plight of migrants 10 years after he made his first trip as pope to the Italian island of Lampedusa, ground zero in Europe’s migrant debate. But he said the “reign of terror” they endure at the hands of smugglers hasn’t gotten any better.

Francis recalled that when he became pope, “I didn’t even know where Lampedusa was.” The Sicilian island, which is closer to Africa than the Italian mainland, is the destination of choice for migrant smugglers and has seen frequent shipwrecks off its shores. Last week, the island was overwhelmed when nearly 7,000 migrants arrived in one day, more than the resident population.

Francis, who was elected pope in 2013, said he had heard some stories about the problems on Lampedusa in his first months as pope “and in prayer I heard ‘You need to go there.’”

The visit has come to epitomize the importance of the migrant issue for Francis, who has gone on to make some memorable gestures of solidarity, including in 2016 when he brought back a dozen Syrian Muslim migrants on his plane after visiting a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece.

Source: arabnews.com

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Some UK police put down guns after an officer is charged with murder in the shooting of a Black man

Sep 25, 2023

LONDON: London's police force said Sunday that some officers are refusing to conduct armed patrols after a colleague was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man.

A Metropolitan Police marksman was charged Wednesday over the September 2022 death of Chris Kaba, 24. Kaba was killed after officers in an unmarked vehicle pursued and stopped the car he was driving. He was struck by a single bullet fired through the windshield as he sat in the Audi car.

The case renewed allegations of institutional racism within the London police department. Kaba's family welcomed the murder charge against the officer, who has not been publicly named. He was granted conditional bail and is expected to stand trial next year. Only about one in 10 of London's police officers carry firearms, and the ones that do undergo special training.

The Metropolitan Police force said Sunday that "a number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position." It said officers were concerned that the murder charge "signals a shift in the way the decisions they make in the most challenging circumstances will be judged."

The BBC said more than 100 officers had turned in their firearm permits and that police from neighboring forces were called in to help patrol London on Saturday night.

Home Secretary SuellaBraverman, who is in charge of policing for the UK's Conservative government, said she would review armed policing to ensure that armed officers "have the confidence to do their jobs."

"In the interest of public safety, they have to make split-second decisions under extraordinary pressures," Braverman posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "They mustn't fear ending up in the dock for carrying out their duties. Officers risking their lives to keep us safe have my full backing, and I will do everything in my power to support them."

Fatal shootings by police in the UK are rare. In the year to March 2022, armed officers in England and Wales fired weapons at people four times, according to official statistics.

It is also extremely rare for British police officers to be charged with murder or manslaughter over actions performed while they were on duty.

In one of the few cases in recent years, a police constable was sentenced in 2021 to eight years in prison for the killing of Dalian Atkinson, a former professional soccer player who died after being shot by a stun gun and kicked in the head during an altercation. The officer, Benjamin Monk, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/some-uk-police-put-down-guns-after-an-officer-is-charged-with-murder-in-the-shooting-of-a-black-man/articleshow/103916560.cms

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Conflict in Ukraine to last until 2035 – ex-Zelensky aide

24 Sep, 2023

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could continue for more than a decade, Aleksey Arestovich, a former adviser to President Vladimir Zelensky, has said, predicting that the two neighbors are unlikely to resolve their differences in the near future.

“That will last until 2035, that’s for sure,” he said in an interview on September 17, published on his YouTube channel. According to Arestovich, Russia is “seeking a new form of empire,” which will never come into existence without Ukraine.

The former presidential aide then doubled down on his forecast, saying that the “acute phase of the standoff will continue until 2035.” However, he argued that the standoff does not have to be a military one. The two sides might reach a ceasefire or end the hostilities altogether, but the conflict would then continue “on diplomatic, intelligence, economic, and information fronts.”

Ukraine has to get used to living in a situation of constant military threat and maintain an “advanced alert status,” Arestovich said, suggesting that Kiev should follow Israel’s example if it wants to adapt to such circumstances. “A war can break out or a border incident might [happen]” at any moment, even after the current fighting ends.

Arestovich also noted that he first made such a forecast in April 2022, just two months into the conflict. His words shocked people at that time, he added.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that seven of the world’s leading developed economies, known as the G7, believe the Russia-Ukraine conflict could extend for another six to seven years. The timeline has been stretched due to the apparent lack of progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive, the news agency reported, citing multiple officials.

One such official told Bloomberg that Kiev is likely to struggle with insufficient Western arms supplies and rising personnel losses. Regardless of such forecasts, Ukraine and its Western backers still oppose the idea of negotiations with Russia, and have rejected any resolution to the conflict that involves Ukraine ceding territory that it claims as its own, the article added.

Moscow has repeatedly said it is ready for peace talks, but insisted that they must take into account Russia’s interests and “the reality on the ground,” which saw four former Ukrainian territories join Russia following a series of referendums in 2022.

On Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session that Russia was willing to engage in peace negotiations, but would not consider any ceasefire proposals, since it has already been “deceived” before.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/russia/583475-conflict-ukraine-last-zelensky-aide/

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