India’s Sovereignty Is Biggest Priority: PM Modi
New Age Islam News Bureau
15 Aug 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
at Red Fort in New Delhi, on Saturday. (PTI)
-----
• Independence
Day 2020: Google Doodle Celebrates India’s Diverse Culture
• White House to
Host Signing Of UAE-Israel Accord, Says Trump
• Terror Accused
Hisham Muhammad Of Victoria Avenue 'Believed IS Was US Creation'
• Saudi Ex-Spy
Chief's Lawsuit Spotlights Secret Power Plays Inside Kingdom
• Intra-Afghan
Dialogue Must Be Conducted in The Presence Of Media
• Turkey Grants
Citizenship to Hamas Operatives Plotting Terror Attacks from Istanbul
• Imran Khan
Again Rakes Up Kashmir Issue on Pak's Independence Day
• High Court
Throws Out Ormer Human Resources Minister’s Demand for Security for Costs from
Zakir Naik
• Boko Haram
Recruiting Child Soldiers, Says MNJTF
India
• India’s
Sovereignty Is Biggest Priority: PM Modi
• Independence
Day 2020: Google Doodle Celebrates India’s Diverse Culture
• India
Criticises Pakistan For Hosting Events on Kashmir With Mahathir, Gulbuddin
Hekmatyar
• India Welcomes
UAE-Israel Deal, Calls For Talks For Two-State Solution For Palestinians
• PM Modi: Will Relook
at Right Age of Marriage for Women
• On I-Day, PM
Modi says determined to provide equal employment opportunities to women
• Independence
Day 2020: ‘Make for World’ is PM Modi’s new call
• Mosque in
Ayodhya likely to be named Masjid Dhannipur
• Beirut blast:
India sends 58 tonnes of emergency aid to Lebanon
--------
North America
• White House to
Host Signing Of UAE-Israel Accord, Says Trump
• US seizes
virtual currency alleged to fund militant groups
• Pompeo
discusses importance of Israel-UAE deal, Iran arms embargo in Vienna
• Rhode Island ISIS
terror sympathizer sent home by Boston judge
--------
Europe
• Terror Accused
Hisham Muhammad Of Victoria Avenue 'Believed IS Was US Creation'
• France to step
up probe into Beirut explosion after death of two French citizens
• EU should
reassess relations with Turkey: Austrian FM
• Macron plans
to return to Beirut on September 1: French defense minister
• Turkey urges
France to refrain from escalating Mediterranean tensions
• Putin calls
for emergency Iran summit to decrease tensions, Macron agrees in principle
• UN chief hopes
Israel-UAE deal can help two-state solution for peace in Mideast
--------
Arab world
• Saudi Ex-Spy
Chief's Lawsuit Spotlights Secret Power Plays Inside Kingdom
• Muslim World
Split on Israel-UAE Pact: Turkey, Iran Furious Pakistan Cautious, All Eyes on
Saudi Arabia
• UAE Says
Israel Deal Not About Iran, Rejects Criticism from Turkey’s Erdogan
• Saudi Arabia
among top aid providers for Palestinians, nearly $1 mln per day
• Hezbollah
threatens to attack Israel if Beirut blast was sabotage: Nasrallah
• Nujaba
declares ‘Israel’s destruction’ ultimate goal of all resistance groups
• Iran raps
West's bid to exploit Lebanon 'pain for political goals'
--------
South Asia
• Intra-Afghan
Dialogue Must Be Conducted in The Presence Of Media
• Kabul begins
release of final 400 Taliban, talks to follow
• India reacts
to Pakistan’s move for hosting Gulbuddin Hekmatyar to speak on Kashmir issue
• Member of
Afghanistan’s peace negotiating team injured in militants ambush
--------
Mideast
• Turkey Grants
Citizenship to Hamas Operatives Plotting Terror Attacks from Istanbul
• Palestinians
Crowd Damascus Gate After UAE-Israel Deal
• Erdogan says
Turkey could suspend diplomatic ties with UAE
• Iranian
Minister: Deal of Century Reduced to Trivial Agreement
• Israeli
delegation headed to UAE as early as next week to discuss deal: Report
• Israel strikes
Hamas targets in Gaza after balloon attacks
• Greek, Turkish
warships in ‘mini collision’ amid tensions in eastern Mediterranean
• Israeli
military carries out fresh aerial, ground attacks against Gaza Strip
--------
Pakistan
• Imran Khan
Again Rakes Up Kashmir Issue on Pak's Independence Day
• Palestinian
rights, peace dear to Pakistan: FO
• Pakistan
observes 74th Independence Day
• Wary of
centre’s plan, Bilawal asserts Sindh govt’s control over Karachi
--------
Southeast Asia
• High Court
Throws Out Ormer Human Resources Minister’s Demand for Security for Costs from
Zakir Naik
• Jokowi Grants
His Two Staunchest Critics Meritorious Service Awards
• More than 50%
of PN seat allocations settled, says Hadi
• PAS deputy
president and sultan’s children top Pahang honours list
--------
Africa
• Boko Haram
Recruiting Child Soldiers, Says MNJTF
• Somali
military frees 33 children from al-Shabaab
Compiled by New
Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/indias-sovereignty-biggest-priority-pm/d/122634
--------
India’s Sovereignty Is Biggest Priority: PM Modi
by Shubhajit Roy
August 15, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
at Red Fort in New Delhi, on Saturday. (PTI)
-----
Without mentioning either China or Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday underlined that India has given a befitting response to those who challenge India’s sovereignty. This comes two months after the Galwan incident in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in eastern Ladakh LAC in violent clashes between Indian and Chinese troops.
He said India’s
sovereignty is its biggest priority and the Indian soldiers have shown that
what the soldiers can do. “The commitment shown by our brave soldiers, what the
country can do, that has been seen by the world in Ladakh,” he said in a
pointed reference to the Galwan clash.
“Those who
challenge India’s sovereignty, be it LoC or LAC, have been given a befitting
reply in their own language. What India can do, the world has seen it in
Ladakh.”
At the same
time, PM Modi also called for cooperation within the countries in South Asia
since it is home to one-fourth of the world’s population.
He said their
“cooperation” and “partnership” can provide a lot of opportunities for the
people in South Asia.
The Prime
Minister also said that it is the responsibility of all the leaders in the
South Asian region to work for the progress and development of the people in
the region.
He also said
that with India’s neighbours, whether they share land borders or maritime
borders, India is connected through security, development and trust.
He also brought
in the theme of “expansionism” while talking about imperialism and colonialism
back in the 20th century.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/independence-day-pm-modi-speech-pakistan-china-galwan-clashes-6555664/
--------
Independence Day
2020: Google Doodle celebrates India’s diverse culture
August 15, 2020
India’s 74th
Independence Day 2020: Google Saturday celebrated India’s 74th Independence Day
by displaying a vivid artwork that features iconic Indian folk instruments, a
testament to India’s rich musical legacy.
The Google
Doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Sachin Ghanekar, features folk
instruments like the tutari, shehnai, dhol, veena, sarangi and bansuri. From
the versatile double-reeded shehnai to the resonant stringed sarangi, these
instruments are but a few that make up India’s rich musical legacy, which dates
back over 6,000 years.
The musical
diversity represented by this unique collection reflects the patchwork of
Indian cultures that is celebrated across the nation today.
India is
celebrating its 74th Independence Day on Saturday, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
(Follow India Independence Day 2020 Live Updates)
As the tradition
goes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag from the Red Fort
today. Addressing the nation in his seventh Independence Day speech, Modi paid
tribute to the freedom freedom fighters, security forces and Covid-19 warriors.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-independence-day-2020-google-doodle-6555398/
--------
White House to
host signing of UAE-Israel accord, says Trump
Anwar Iqbal
15 Aug 2020
US President Donald Trump says the peace deal would “be known as the Abraham Accord”. — Reuters/File
-----
WASHINGTON: US
President Donald Trump has said that he will soon host a White House signing
ceremony to formalise the peace deal between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and
Israel.
President Trump,
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan of Abu Dhabi agreed on Thursday to establish full diplomatic and
commercial ties between Israel and the Emirates.
At an Oval
Office news briefing on Thursday afternoon, Trump said the peace deal would “be
known as the Abraham Accord,” which, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman
said, was named after “the father of all three great faiths,” Christian,
Muslim, and Jewish.
“I look forward
to hosting them at the White House very soon to formally sign the agreement.
We’ll probably be doing it over the next, I would say, three weeks,” he said.
“And they’ll be coming to Washington.”
Presidents Jimmy
Carter and Bill Clinton held similar ceremonies when Israel normalized
relations with Egypt and Jordan.
President Trump
indicated that other Arab and Muslims states may also sign similar deals with
Israel soon.
“We have a lot
of other interesting things going on with other nations, also having to do with
peace agreements,” he said at the briefing. “And a lot of big news is coming
over the next few weeks, and I’m sure you’ll be very impressed.”
Late Thursday,
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden also welcomed the deal but said it
was the work of several administrations, not just Trump’s.
“I personally
spent time with leaders of both Israel and the UAE during our administration”
discussing a possible deal between the two states,” said Biden who was
President Barack Obama’s vice president during both terms. “And I am gratified
by this announcement,” he said in a statement.
Biden’s
vice-presidential nominee, Senator Kamala Harris, said they would “seek to
build on this progress” if elected in November.
US media reports
on Friday speculated that the deal could bring “short-term political gains” for
Trump who is seeking re-election in November. Some reports also said that it
could help the Trump administration increase pressure on Iran, particularly if
he’s re-elected.
Commentators
appearing on various US television channels argued that Trump would now tout a
foreign policy win less than three months before the presidential election.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1574482/white-house-to-host-signing-of-uae-israel-accord-says-trump
--------
Terror Accused
Hisham Muhammad Of Victoria Avenue 'Believed IS Was US Creation'
13 August 2020
Hisham Muhammad denies
engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism
------
A man accused of
planning a terror attack has told a court he researched the Islamic State group
because he believed it was "created by America".
Hisham Muhammad,
of Victoria Avenue, Bury, is accused of planning both a "lone-wolf
attack" and a drone attack.
The 26-year-old
told the Old Bailey he had "long held the suspicion" the group was
"misrepresented or exaggerated in order to increase Islamophobia".
He denies
engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.
His cousin
Faisal Abu Ahmad, 25, denies failing to alert authorities of the alleged attack
plan.
In a defence
statement read to the court, Mr Muhammad said he had watched extremist videos
as research because he had "long held the suspicion as a devout Muslim
that much of the material about Islamic State is misrepresented or exaggerated
in order to increase Islamophobia".
He said that was
"especially" the case in countries like the UK "where there is a
desire to restrict Muslim immigration".
He told the jury
"a lot more research" needed to be done into the group, adding:
"I don't believe it exists... I believe it was created by America to take
away the rights of Muslims."
'Holy war'
Mr Muhammad
watched dozens of videos "umpteen times", which contained
"nothing nice", prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said.
She said of one
that it was not a film of "civilians harmlessly praising their god",
but of "jihadis speaking of holy war".
Responding to a
song he watched, which had the lyrics "by the knife of horror we cut their
necks", Mr Muhammad said he did not support the violence, but "liked
the tune" and listened to other music which featured violent lyrics.
"The point
I am trying to make is that I listen to gangster rap, but I don't support
it," he said.
Jurors were also
told he had searched terms including "armed police Manchester",
"suicide belt", "Isis", "machete" and
"Manchester Victoria Station" in May 2018, shortly before the first
anniversary of the terror attack in the foyer of Manchester Arena, which stands
adjacent to the station.
He said he had
had a job interview near the station and told Ms Whyte he could not remember if
the interview was arranged after the searches.
He added that
the other search terms were down to his "interest in weapons".
He had
"always had an interest in this stuff", he said, before stating he
had "never heard of a suicide belt before, that's why I researched
it".
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-53766260?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1440676_
--------
Saudi ex-spy
chief's lawsuit spotlights secret power plays inside kingdom
14 August 2020
A former Saudi
intelligence czar's lawsuit in the US courts makes a host of incendiary claims,
including that the powerful crown prince tried to have him killed, and
threatens to spill more royal secrets.
A source close
to the Saudi royal court has shrugged off Saad Aljabri's 107-page lawsuit filed
last week, insisting that the former spy chief himself faced serious
allegations of corruption.
But the case,
lodged after Riyadh detained two of Aljabri's adult children without charge,
threatens to become a public slanging match that could pull aside the curtain
on the kingdom's Shakespearean power plays.
The lawsuit
marks the first time a former top official has legally challenged Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman and, if true, exposes what observers call a violent
government campaign to snare overseas rivals and critics.
“There is virtually
no one (Prince Mohammed) wants dead more than Dr. Saad,” the suit said,
claiming a hit team was sent after him just two weeks after members of the same
squad murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Aljabri, exiled
in Canada, is a former intelligence chief and top aide to Prince Mohammed bin
Nayef, who was deposed as heir to the throne by Prince Mohammed in a 2017
palace coup.
Releasing what
it says are WhatsApp exchanges with Prince Mohammed, the suit accuses him of
strong arm tactics to induce Aljabri to return to the kingdom after Nayef's
downfall prompted him to flee.
They range from
trying to entice Aljabri with a job offer to an unsuccessful attempt to have
him extradited through Interpol, and the detention in March of his two children
as a bargaining chip.
Then in October
2018, the suit alleges, the prince sent "Tiger Squad" assassins armed
with forensic tools to kill him in Canada -- chillingly similar to the way
Khashoggi was targeted in Istanbul.
A senior Saudi
official told AFP the government was preparing its response to the lawsuit,
while Canada has not denied the claim that it intercepted a Saudi hit squad.
It is unclear
how the lawsuit will play out in the United States, where neither Aljabri nor
the crown prince is based.
But it could
still worry Riyadh as it emphasizes Aljabri possesses "sensitive,
humiliating and damning information" on the crown prince, including
recordings that will be made public if he is killed.
A Saudi royal
court source has dismissed the lawsuit as a "PR step", calling it a
“flimsy case” that offered “zero evidence.”
“Any sensitive
state secrets Aljabri has he would have been involved in and would not want to
admit to... It will dig up things that (human rights groups) will hardly
approve of,” the source told AFP.
The source
accused Aljabri of corruption involving billions of dollars during his time at
the interior ministry and said he could be “poisoning the Saudi-US relationship
given his contacts.”
The dispatching
of a kill squad to Canada at the height of the global outrage over Khashoggi's
murder, if confirmed, shows Aljabri is seen by Riyadh as “politically risky,”
Middle East expert Bessma Momani said.
“To go after
rivals in this fashion also shows MBS feels he is untouchable,” Momani, a
professor at Canada's University of Waterloo, added.
Graft
allegations against Aljabri have met with skepticism in the American
intelligence community, with one former CIA official telling AFP, “Everyone in
the US who knows Dr. Saad and Saudi Arabia and knows what MBS is capable of,
would not believe that."
President Donald
Trump, a key Saudi ally, backed Prince Mohammed through the Khashoggi scandal.
But the US State
Department last week issued a rare rebuke over the detention of Aljabri's
children -- Sarah and Omar, both in their 20s -- calling it “unacceptable” and
demanding their “immediate release.”
“In my years at
the CIA, I have never known a foreign official who is a better subject matter
expert on counterterrorism than Dr. Saad," Daniel Hoffman, a former
director of the CIA's Middle East division, told AFP.
“This looks like
a dispute between Dr. Saad and the Saudi government. The children should be
allowed to leave the kingdom if they wish.”
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/14/631780/Saudi-ex-spy-chief-s-lawsuit-spotlights-secret-power-plays-inside-kingdom
--------
Intra-Afghan
Dialogue Must Be Conducted In The Presence Of Media
15 Aug 2020
In a press
release, NAI supporting open media in Afghanistan stated that Afghanistan’s
peace talks must be conducted in the presence of national and international
media.
The statement
released on Thursday said they are concerned following the Taliban has called
for closed-door talks as it is not the will of people and is not acceptable to
the Afghan citizens.
NAI urges that
the Taliban’s statement in this matter is against the law & public’s
interest and NAI requests the international organizations, United Nations,
European Union and The united states to put pressure over the Qatar government
in order for them to provide journalists with the visa.
“The legitimacy
of any national action comes from people’s consent, closed-door negotiations
are neither legitimate and nor acceptable to the people of Afghanistan”, Nai
Added.
This comes as
the Afghan government has not invited the media organizations in Afghanistan to
attend the Doha intra-Afghan peace dialogue, however it has selected a few
numbers of journalists for accreditation which has sparked concerns among the
Afghan media.
Hamdullah Arbab,
the spokesperson for Access to Information Commission (AIC) in a conversation
with Khaama Press condemned the recent biased act by the Afghan government.
“This is totally
not acceptable, the government must not be biased and they should have invited
all the media through the Ministry of Peace or the Government Media and
Information Center (GMIC)”, Arbab told Khaama Press.
Najia Anwari,
the spokesperson to the Afghanistan Ministry of Peace said in a video message
that they have coordinated with the media and have sent the journalists list to
Qatar embassy for the visa issuance.
Anwari was not
sure whether Qatar Embassy would issue visas to journalists or not, she called
on Qatar government to facilitate journalists’ presence for Doha talks.
https://www.khaama.com/nai-intra-afghan-dialogue-must-be-conducted-in-the-presence-of-media-989087/
--------
Turkey grants
citizenship to Hamas operatives plotting terror attacks from Istanbul
By James
Rothwell
13 August 2020
Turkey is
granting citizenship to senior operatives of a Hamas terrorist cell, the
Telegraph has learned, raising fears that the Palestinian group will have
greater freedom to plot attacks on Israeli citizens around the world.
Turkish identity
papers seen by the Telegraph show that at least one of 12 senior Hamas members,
who are using the country as a base of operations, has received Turkish
citizenship and an 11-digit identity number.
According to a
senior source, seven of the 12
operatives have received Turkish citizenship, as well as passports, while the
other five are in the process of receiving them. In some cases, the operatives
are living under Turkish aliases.
Hamas is
proscribed by the United States and the European Union as a terrorist
organisation, while in Britain the group's armed wing has been banned. Hamas says its main goal is to liberate
Palestinians from Israeli occupation and establish an Islamic state.
However, Turkey
insists the group is a legitimate political movement which has been
democratically elected in Gaza.
A senior source
in the region claimed of the operatives: "These are not foot soldiers but
the most senior Hamas operatives outside of Gaza. [They] are actively raising
funds and directing operatives to carry out attacks in the present day.”
"The
Turkish Government gave in to pressure by Hamas to grant citizenship to its
operatives, thereby allowing them to travel more freely, endangering other
countries that have listed Hamas as a terror group,” the source claimed.
When contacted
by the Telegraph about the allegations, a spokesman for the Turkish government
declined to comment on what it described as baseless claims against Turkey by a
foreign government.
A senior Hamas
official denied the allegations, insisting that its members did not operate
outside the Palestinian territories and had no role in terrorist activity.
The disclosure
is likely to alarm the Israeli government and its Western allies, as the former
has repeatedly warned Ankara about Hamas activities on Turkish soil.
Turkish passport
holders are entitled to visa-free travel to Japan, South Korea, Singapore and
Serbia, among other countries. But Turkey is lobbying to extend those
privileges to EU countries, where Hamas is feared to be plotting attacks on
Israeli citizens.
It comes after a
Telegraph investigation revealed that Turkey was hosting some of the Hamas
movement’s most senior figures and allowing them to plan attacks from Istanbul,
including an assassination plot against the mayor of Jerusalem. Turkey has
denied that it allows Hamas members to plot attacks in its territory.
Ismail Haniyeh,
the leader of Hamas, is currently visiting Turkey, where he is due to hold a
series of meetings with senior figures -- potentially including Turkish
president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The two men met
last December in Istanbul and posed for a photograph. “We will keep on
supporting our brothers in Palestine," Mr Erdogan said at the time.
Among those
understood to have received Turkish citizenship is Zacharia Najib, the senior
Hamas operative who oversaw a plot to assassinate the mayor of Jerusalem, as
well as other Israeli public figures.
Jihad Ya’amor
and Hisham Hijaz, two other senior Hamas officials, are also said to have
received Turkish citizenship and passports.
In some cases,
the families of the operatives have been granted citizenship. The operatives
are considered as “active,” rather than retired, and are working to raise funds
for Hamas and lead its operations, sources said.
Nearly all of
the 12 operatives were released and deported from Israel under the Shalit Deal
of 2011, in which 1,027 mostly Palestinian prisoners were set free in exchange
for an Israeli soldier.
Israel has
repeatedly warned Turkey that Hamas is using its territory to plot attacks, but
Ankara has not taken action, prompting accusations that Mr Erdogan is turning a
blind eye to terrorist activity. Turkey
has denied that it turns a blind eye to terrorism.
Turkish support
for Hamas has strained diplomatic relations with Israel, which recently warned
it was “extremely concerned” about the group operating in Turkey.
The disclosure
may add to the worries of Western allies about Turkey, which is a member of
Nato but has been strongly criticised for purchasing an S-400 missile system
from Russia.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/13/turkey-grants-citizenship-hamas-operatives-plotting-terror-attacks/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1440676_
--------
Imran Khan again
rakes up Kashmir issue on Pak's Independence Day
Aug 14, 2020
ISLAMABAD: Prime
Minister Imran Khan on Friday once again raised the Kashmir issue in his
message to the people of the country as Pakistan commemorates its 74th
Independence Day.
The development
comes even as Pakistan has failed to get traction over the Kashmir issue at the
international forums.
On August 5 last
year, India had revoked the special status of the former state of Jammu and
Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and bifurcated it into two
Union Territories (UTs). The move has left Pakistan rattled and has attempted
to take the matter to the international community, but to no avail.
A majority of
the Muslim countries, which earlier supported Pakistan, have now recognised and
backed India's decision on Kashmir.
Recently,
Pakistan had to pay back Saudi Arabia USD 1 billion out of a USD 3 billion loan
that it secured one and a half year ago to avoid default on international debt
obligations after the kingdom decided to reduce its financial support.
This came after
Pakistan was pushing for the foreign ministers' meeting of the Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since India abrogated Article 370.
In a report
published by Dawn, a Pakistan diplomatic source confirmed that Saudi Arabia had
shown reluctance to accept Islamabad's request for an immediate meeting of OIC
foreign ministers' on Kashmir.
India has urged
Pakistan to not interfere in its internal affairs repeatedly, saying it will
not make its "untenable" claims acceptable.
Pakistan
continues to persecute religious minorities residing in their own country.
Instead of
focussing on reviving its floundering economy and taking steps to combat
terrorism, Pakistan has been resorting to rhetoric against India over Kashmir
in a bid to divert international attention.
Pakistan has
also observed the so-called "Kashmir Solidarity Day", but it has
failed to get traction both in the country and globally.
After desperate
attempts to rake up the Kashmir issue globally, Imran Khan has admitted that
his country has failed in its efforts to raise the matter.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/imran-khan-again-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-on-paks-independence-day/articleshow/77541988.cms
--------
High Court
Throws Out Ormer Human Resources Minister’s Demand for Security for Costs from
Zakir Naik
August 14, 2020
KUALA LUMPUR:
The High Court here has dismissed the application by former human resources
minister M Kula Segaran for security for costs against controversial Muslim
preacher Dr Zakir Naik.
Naik filed
defamation suits last year against Kula, Penang Deputy Chief Minister P
Ramasamy, Klang MP Charles Santiago and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy
who are also DAP leaders.
Kula, who is the
party’s national vice-chairman, had sought in June for Naik to deposit
RM100,000 with his lawyer or the court as security for costs.
Such an
application is made when the plaintiff resides abroad. The defendant would
request security for costs, where the money would be paid should the court
dismiss the suit.
Judicial
commissioner Quay Chew Soon threw out Kula’s application as Naik was domiciled
in Malaysia.
“He is ordinarily
a resident and domiciled by virtue of him being a permanent resident,” the
judge said.
Naik, who was
represented by Sulaiman Abdullah and Akberdin Abdul Kader, was also awarded
RM5,000 in costs.
Sulaiman
submitted that the application was oppressive and aimed at discouraging Naik
from continuing with his action.
Case management
was fixed on Sept 4.
K Shanmuga, who
represented Kula, said he would obtain instructions from his client on whether
to appeal against the decision.
The suit against
Kula, who is also Ipoh Barat MP, is in connection with a FMT report titled
“DAP: No reason for Malaysia to protect Zakir Naik”, published on April 17,
2017.
Naik also
mentioned a press release by Kula on Aug 13 last year titled “Zakir Naik’s
presence is embarrassing to all Malaysians”.
Kula, in his
defence, pleaded justification, fair comment and qualified privilege.
Naik, who is
demanding compensation and exemplary damages, accused the defendants of
ridiculing him and depicting him in a bad light and as a threat to the
country’s security.
He also
described himself as a renowned preacher and orator on comparative religion,
saying he had received numerous awards including the Tokoh Maal Hijrah
International Personality Award in 2013.
Naik previously
lodged a police report in Shah Alam against Kula, Ramasamy, Santiago, Satees
and former ambassador Dennis Ignatius, claiming they had made defamatory
statements against him.
This followed
reports in which Naik was said to have claimed that Malaysians of Indian origin
were more loyal to the Narendra Modi government than to Prime Minister Dr
Mahathir Mohamad, while Chinese Malaysians were “old guests” who should go back
to their ancestral land.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/14/court-throws-out-kulas-demand-for-security-for-costs-from-zakir-naik/
--------
Boko Haram
Recruiting Child Soldiers, Says MNJTF
AUG 13, 2020
The
Multinational Joint Task Force has said that Boko Haram terrorist group had
introduced the use of child soldiers to resuscitate its declining influence in
the Lake Chad Basin.
Chief of
Military Public Information for MNJTF, Timothy Antigha, said this in a
statement issued from N’Djamena, Chad on Thursday.
Antigha said the
recruitment of child soldiers by the sect was part of their new strategy
following the recent mass surrender of fighters to the military.
He said
information on this disturbing development was brought in by intelligence
sources and corroborated by concerned individuals and groups a few days ago.
He added that the
Boko Haram terrorists further confirmed the development when they posted
pictures of children dressed in military gear and holding assault rifles in a
video released during the Sallah celebration.
The statement
reads, “Earlier, Boko Haram have engaged in the mass abduction of school girls,
sexual enslavement of women and mass murder of innocent civilians. This recent
employment of child soldiers is as a result of frustration caused by several
operational losses, leadership crisis, as well as disillusionment among
fighters and their subsequent surrender in hundreds to the MNJTF.
“The focus on
children is because they are easier to manipulate and indoctrinate than the
adults within the region who can now see through the veil of deceit. Arising
from this latest atrocity by Boko Haram, the MNJTF urges parents, local
authorities, religious and traditional institutions to be vigilant and promptly
alert security agencies of any overt or covert attempts to recruit their
children and wards.”
Antigha advised
youth to be mindful of promises of power and influence, economic prosperity and
spiritual growth by the sect owing to the disillusionment and surrender that
had depleted their ranks.
He added, “The
stories of hardship and evil within the terrorist organisations as revealed by
all surrendered Boko Haram fighters should be sufficient notice that Boko Haram
and ISWAP have nothing good to offer anyone.
“It would be
recalled that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
involvement of children in armed conflict forbids the recruitment and use of
children in Armed Conflicts.
“The Protocol
states among others that; “Armed groups distinct from armed forces of a country
should not, under any circumstances, recruit or use in hostilities anyone under
18.
“It is against
this background that the MNJTF is drawing the attention of the United Nations,
its relevant agencies and other stakeholders to the latest acts of inhumanity
and desperation by Boko Haram, and urges severe condemnation and other
necessary action.”
http://saharareporters.com/2020/08/13/boko-haram-recruiting-child-soldiers-says-mnjtf?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1440676_
--------
India
India criticises
Pakistan for hosting events on Kashmir with Mahathir, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar
Aug 14, 2020
India on Friday
criticised Pakistan for giving a platform to former UN-designated terrorist
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad to speak on
the Kashmir issue through events organised by that country’s missions.
Hekmatyar, who
now heads the hardline Hizb-e Islami party, participated in a webinar on the
situation in Jammu and Kashmir hosted last week by the Pakistani ambassador to
Afghanistan and said India should “learn a lesson from the Afghan jehad” and
the only solution to the Kashmir issue is to give Kashmiris the right to
self-determination.
Mahathir spoke
at an event organised in Kuala Lumpur by the Pakistani mission last week to
mark the first anniversary of the revocation of Kashmir’s special status and
criticised India’s actions. During his last stint as Malaysia’s premier, his
comments on the situation in Kashmir and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act had
taken bilateral ties to a new low.
Asked about
Hekmatyar’s presence in the webinar organised by Pakistan, external affairs
ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: “We have seen the media reports
of the participation of the former UN-designated terrorist in an event
organised by the government of Pakistan.
“This is nothing
new. Pakistan not only harbours terror outfits but also encourages them. We
hope that such participation in public events by a former UN-designated
terrorist would not go unnoticed.”
In 2017, the UN
removed Hekmatyar from its list of designated terrorists after he signed a
peace deal with the Afghan government.
In response to a
separate question on Mahathir’s presence at the Pakistan government event,
Srivastava said: “You are aware of the outlook and position of Mahathir Mohamad
on this issue. As a saying goes, you are known by the company you keep.”
On the Afghan
peace process and the Afghan government’s decision to release 400 Taliban
prisoners, Srivastava said, “We have taken note of the development. As far as
India is concerned, we strongly support the peace and reconciliation process in
Afghanistan. We also support the intra-Afghan negotiations.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-criticises-pakistan-for-hosting-events-on-kashmir-with-mahathir-gulbuddin-hekmatyar/story-Y5CDqTyOb3X1BMGorkDW3O.html
--------
India welcomes
UAE-Israel deal, calls for talks for two-state solution for Palestinians
Rezaul H Laskar
Aug 14, 2020
India on Friday
welcomed the full normalisation of ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and Israel, both key allies in West Asia, and called for early resumption of
direct talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership for a “two-state
solution”.
External affairs
minister S Jaishankar received a phone call on Friday afternoon from his UAE
counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who briefed him on the normalisation
of relations that was announced on Thursday.
“Deeply
appreciate the call today from FM HH @ABZayed of UAE. Discussed the full
normalisation of relations between UAE and Israel announced yesterday,”
Jaishankar tweeted.
The development
is significant for the Narendra Modi government, which has assiduously courted
key Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain
even as it continued developing security and trade ties with Israel.
West Asia was
home to nearly 8 million Indians before the Covid-19 outbreak, and New Delhi
has a deep interest in the peace and stability of the region. As external
affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava pointed out during a regular
news briefing, India perceives West Asia as its “extended neighbourhood”.
“India has
consistently supported peace, stability and development in West Asia, which is
its extended neighbourhood. In that context, we welcome the full normalisation
of ties between the UAE and Israel. Both nations are key strategic partners of
India,” he said.
However,
Srivastava noted that India “continues its traditional support for the
Palestinian cause”. He added, “We hope to see early resumption of direct
negotiations to find an acceptable two-state solution.”
Thursday’s
agreement, announced following a conversation between Abu Dhabi Crown Prince
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US
President Donald Trump, makes the UAE only the third Arab country, after Egypt
and Jordan, to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.
Delegations from
the UAE and Israel will meet in the coming weeks to sign agreements regarding
the establishment of embassies, security, direct flights, investment, tourism,
technology and energy. As a result of the breakthrough, Israel will suspend
declaring its planned extension of sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria
and focus on expanding relations with other Arab and Muslim countries.
The suspension
of the annexation of Palestinian areas is crucial for countries such as India,
which have had to walk a fine line in their ties with both Arab states and
Israel. There are also reports that Oman and Bahrain could be next in
normalising ties with Israel.
However, the
agreement has upset Iran, another key ally of India in the region, especially
in view of New Delhi’s stake in developing the strategic port of Chabahar.
On the other
hand, common fears about Iran played a key role in bringing Israel and the Arab
states closer. Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif described the deal as
“dangerous and illegitimate” and said “this is stabbing the Palestinians in the
back”.
The deal has
also upset Turkey, which said the people of the region “will never forget and
will never forgive this hypocritical behaviour” by the UAE. The Turkish foreign
ministry also said the UAE has no authority to negotiate with Israel on behalf
of the Palestinians or “to make concessions on matters vital to Palestine”.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-welcomes-uae-israel-deal-calls-for-talks-for-two-state-solution-for-palestinians/story-yOccr8ZeMzXsGYfylV2rvN.html
--------
PM Modi: Will
relook at right age of marriage for women
August 15, 2020
The welfare of
women found a prominent place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence
Day speech today with the Prime Minister announcing that his government will
soon reconsider and determine the right age of marriage for women in India. At
the moment the age of marriage for women is 18.
The Prime Minister
pointed out that a number of welfare issues for women had been tackled by his
government including the decision to provide six months maternity leave to
women apart from a regular salary during this period. (Read top quotes from PM
Modi’s Independence Day speech)
Touching on his
government’s achievement of banning Triple Talakh in the country, Modi said
that this has assisted thousands of Muslim women gain freedom from an
oppressive system.
“Out of 40 crore
jan dhan accounts, 22 crore accounts belong to women. During this trying period
of Corona, we ensured that Rs 30,000 crore was transferred to their accounts.
Out of the 25 crore Mudra loans given, 75 per cent of the loan seekers as well
as recipients are women. In our PM Awas Yojana scheme, most of the recipients
of these houses are also women. We are also working relentlessly for the
improved health for women in the country,” the PM said Saturday.
To this end, the
Prime Minister said, sanitary pads as inexpensive as Re 1 per pad, had been
developed and 5 crore women across the country have been given these sanitary
pads.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-will-relook-at-right-age-of-marriage-for-women-6555686/
--------
On I-Day, PM
Modi says determined to provide equal employment opportunities to women
August 15, 2020
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi Saturday said his government was determined to provide equal
employment opportunities to women. Addressing the nation on India’s 74th
Independence Day, PM Modi said women have always made the country proud with
their achievements.
“Whenever women
received an opportunity, they made India proud and strengthened the country.
Today, the nation is determined to provide equal opportunities for
self-employment and employment to them,” PM Modi said from the ramparts of the
Red Fort.
“Today, women
are working in underground coal mines as well as touching the sky while flying
fighter aircraft. India is now among those countries where women are being
recruited in Navy and Air Force combat operations,” he added.
Follow India
Independence Day 2020 celebrations Live Updates
Talking about
Jan Dhan accounts, PM Modi said of the 40 crore accounts opened in the country,
at least 22 crore were women account holders. He added about Rs 30,000 crore
had been disbursed to these accounts during to the pandemic.
PM Modi also
announced that the government has set up a committee to reconsider the minimum
age for marriage of girls. “We have set up a committee to reconsider the
minimum age for marriage of our daughters. We will take appropriate decision
after the committee submits its report,” he said.
“Under the
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, most registrations are under the name of women to
get a house for themselves,” he said.
PM Modi said the
government has started giving away sanitary napkins to the women of the poor
class at Re 1 to empower them and keep their health in a check under the
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra scheme. “Under the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, we
have provided sanitary napkins. In 6,000 Jan Aushadi Kendras, more than 5 crore
sanitary napkins have been provided to the women of this class,” he said.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-narendra-modi-independence-day-2020-speech-women-empowerment-jan-aushadi-kendra-6555540/
--------
Independence Day
2020: ‘Make for World’ is PM Modi’s new call
August 15, 2020
The call for
Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) as we fight the Covid-19 pandemic has
captured people’s imagination and should be the mantra for everyone, said Prime
Minister Narendra Modi as he delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day
speech. He also announced the launch of National Digital Health Mission under
which every Indian will get a unique health ID.
Addressing the
nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 74th Independence Day, PM
Modi, in his nearly 90-minute speech, put forward the mantra of ‘Make for
World’ alongside his pet initiative of ‘Make in India’ as he exhorted all
Indians to be ‘vocal for local’.
“The mindset of
free India should be ‘vocal for local’. We should appreciate our local
products, if we don’t do this then our products will not get the opportunity to
do better and will not get encouraged,” PM Modi said.
“I agree that
there are lakhs of challenges for Atmanirbhar Bharat and they increase if there
is global competitiveness. However, if there are lakhs of challenges, then the
country also has power which gives crores of solutions,” PM Modi said.
Citing an
example, Modi said before the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was not making
N-95 masks, PPE and ventilators, but now it was in a position to export such
items.
Ever since he
assumed office in 2014, PM Modi’s Independence Day speeches have outlined a
roadmap for the year ahead while listing the achievements of the government
from the year gone by. This year was no different. Besides dwelling upon his
pet theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM Modi reinforced his government’s commitment
to providing clean drinking water to every household while saying free gas
cylinders were given to seven crore poor families and 80 crore people provided
free food grains. He also said the optical fibre network would be provided to 6
lakh villages in 1,000 days.
For the
infrastructure sector, PM Modi said about 7,000 projects of different sectors
had been identified. “National infrastructure pipeline project with the
investment of 1.10 lakh crore should be given importance. Our approach will be
integrated, multi-model infrastructural projects,” he said.
Announcing the
National Digital Health Mission, PM Modi said it was the need of the hour and
the ‘One Nation One Health Card’ scheme would help people get better healthcare
facilities in the country. “National Digital Health Mission will bring a new
revolution in India’s health sector. Under the mission, every Indian will get a
unique health ID,” he said.
A person’s
medical records, such as tests, diagnosis, and treatments will be digitised and
saved as a database that can be accessed from anywhere in the country. With all
eyes on an antidote to Covid-19, PM Modi said three probable vaccine candidates
were at different stages of testing and the entire roadmap of its production
and delivery were ready.
“Today three
vaccines are in testing stages in India. As soon as the scientists give a green
signal, the country will begin their large scale production. As soon as tests
are complete, the entire roadmap of its production and delivery to the public
in the shortest time is ready,” PM Modi said.
Days after the
first anniversary of the abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir and
conversion of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories, PM Modi said the
government was committed to hold assembly elections in J&K once
delimitation exercise was complete.
“This one year
is a year of the new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir. This one
year is the year of the rights received by the women and the Dalits in Jammu
and Kashmir. This one year is also the year of a life of dignity for the
refugees in Jammu and Kashmir,” PM Modi said.
Without naming
China, with whom India has been locked in a border standoff since May in
eastern Ladakh, PM Modi said, “Those who challenge the country’s sovereignty,
be it LOC or LAC, have been given a befitting reply in their own language.”
However, in the
same breath, PM Modi said neighbours were not only those with whom “we share
our geographical boundaries” but also “those with whom our hearts meet”. “Today
neighbour is not just the one with whom we share border but also those with
whom our heart stays connected, where there is harmony in relations. I’m happy
that in past some time India has further strengthened its relations with all
countries in ‘extended neighbourhood’,” he said.
Asserting that
the government was determined to provide equal opportunities of self-employment
and employment to women, PM Modi said a committee had been set up to reconsider
the minimum age for marriage of women.
“We have set up
a committee to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of our daughters. We
will take appropriate decision after the committee submits its report,” the PM
said.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-independence-day-2020-atmanirbhar-bharat-digital-health-mission-covid-19-vaccine-6555410/
--------
Mosque in
Ayodhya likely to be named Masjid Dhannipur
Oliver Fredrick
Aug 15, 2020
A proposed
mosque coming up on a five-acre site outside Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is likely
to be named after the village of Dhannipur where it is located, and not Babri
Masjid, senior officials overseeing the construction of the complex announced
on Friday.
Indo-Islamic
Cultural Foundation (IICF), the 15-member trust in charge of the mosque and
other utilities, said the name Masjid Dhannipur was at the top of the list of
proposed names. Other suggestions included Aman (Peace) Masjid and Sufi Masjid.
“We are getting
suggestions regarding the name of the mosque. But, of the many, the name
‘Masjid Dhannipur’ tops our priority list. Most probably, the mosque would be
named ‘Masjid Dhannipur’,” said Athar Hussain, spokesperson for Indo-Islamic
Cultural Foundation (IICF).
The complex is
likely to include a mosque, a hospital, a community kitchen, and an educational
centre.
The Uttar
Pradesh government handed the plot, currently occupied by rice fields 20km from
Ayodhya town, to the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board (UPSCWB) earlier this month in
accordance with the Supreme Court’s November 2019 verdict that cleared the way
for the construction of a Ram temple at the 2.77 acre site in Ayodhya. The
court also ordered the government to award five acres of land at an alternative
site for the construction of a mosque.
But the trust,
helmed by the UPSCWB, made it clear that they didn’t want to associate the new
mosque to the disputed 16th century structure that was demolished by a mob on
December 6. 1992. “The board has maintained its stand since Day One that the
mosque would not be named after Mughal emperor Babur,” said Hussain.
A senior
official of the trust explained that the trust wanted to steer clear of any
controversy and therefore was not in favour of naming the mosque after any
emperor. “In any case, it is an established tradition that mosques are often
named after the locality or region,” said Hussain.
The trust has
received a number of pledges for donation and other commitments, and
specifications and dimensions of the mosque would be decided in the days to
come, he said. “So far, we have only invited applications from architects all
across the country to help with the design of the mosque that would be on the
Indo-Islamic theme,” added Hussain.
The trust has
faced significant opposition from within the Muslim community with a section of
people saying that a mosque cannot be constructed on land given by the
government. On Friday, the All India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board joined
the ranks of those against the construction of the mosque. Shaista Amber,
AIMWPLB chief, said, “I truly respect the Supreme Court verdict, but I
personally believe that a place of worship should not be on disputed land or on
given land. I don’t think the mosque should be constructed on the allotted
five-acre land.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mosque-in-ayodhya-likely-to-be-named-masjid-dhannipur/story-Pbqm8CVLzmI06pmcHFfbJM.html
--------
Beirut blast:
India sends 58 tonnes of emergency aid to Lebanon
by Arpan Rai
Aug 14, 2020
India on Friday
sent 58 tonnes of emergency humanitarian aid to Lebanon in an air force plane
to assist the people affected by the explosions in Beirut on August 4.
The external
affairs ministry said a separate consignment of personal protective equipment
(PPE), including surgical gloves and surgical gowns, is being sent to Lebanon
following a spike in Covid-19 cases. This will reach Beirut in the coming days,
ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.
The emergency
humanitarian aid was despatched on Friday morning in a C-17 heavy lift aircraft
of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in response to an assessment of requirements by
Lebanese authorities.
“In response to
the massive explosion in Beirut on August 4, we had offered our assistance to
Lebanon and sought from them an assessment of their requirement. Based on this,
an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft was deployed to deliver 58 MT of emergency
humanitarian aid on behalf of the government of India to Lebanon,” Srivastava
said.
“The aircraft
landed in Beirut a few hours back and the aid has been handed over by our
ambassador to senior officials of the Lebanese armed forces, which is
coordinating all the relief efforts.”
The aid sent by
India includes emergency medical supplies, wheat flour, sugar, pulses, and
relief materials such as blankets, dignity kits and sleeping mats, which are
required by the large number of people left homeless by the explosion.
“India
demonstrates solidarity with the people of Lebanon in the aftermath of the tragic
explosions in Beirut. 58 MT of emergency humanitarian aid, including crucial
medical and food supplies, is on its way to Beirut in IAF C17 aircraft,”
external affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted.
Nearly 3,000
tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut’s port blew up on August 4,
virtually wiping out the city’s commercial hub and damaging many parts of the
Lebanese capital. The blasts killed more than 170 people, injured another 6,000
and left nearly 300,000 homeless.
The total damage
has been estimated at $10 billion to $15 billion. A preliminary assessment by
the World Bank showed some 50,000 residential units were damaged and 80 per
cent of residential buildings and infrastructure were affected by the
explosions.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/beirut-blast-india-sends-58-tonnes-of-emergency-aid-to-lebanon/story-kJXtb1HTXosaxC4IrVfNVM.html
--------
North America
US seizes
virtual currency alleged to fund militant groups
By Eric Tucker
August 13, 2020
WASHINGTON — The
Justice Department said Thursday that it has seized millions of dollars from
cryptocurrency accounts that militant groups, including al-Qaida and the
Islamic State, used to finance their organizations and violent plots.
Law enforcement
officials said the groups used the accounts to solicit donations, including
through a scam that sought to raise money from the sale of fraudulent personal
protective equipment for the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials
described it as the largest-ever seizure of virtual currency funds related to
terrorism. It’s also part of a broader Justice Department goal of dismantling
financial networks for extremist organizations, including those designated as
foreign terror groups.
Cryptocurrencies
such as Bitcoin are favored for illicit transactions because they are perceived
as hard to trace, and one of the groups singled out Thursday explicitly
encouraged donations by telling potential contributors that the money trail
would be difficult for law enforcement to untangle, the department said.
The legal action,
which included undercover work and forfeiture complaints, filed in Washington’s
federal court is meant to deprive the organizations of funds needed to buy
weapons and develop fighters, Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in a
conference call announcing the case.
“This action
shows that law enforcement remains a step ahead of them,” said Demers, the
department’s top national security official.
The department
said it has confiscated about $2 million so far, in addition to more than 300
cryptocurrency accounts, four websites and four Facebook pages.
The seized funds
are expected to be turned over to a fund for victims of terrorist attacks,
officials said.
The seizure also
targeted the military wing of Hamas, known as the al-Qassam Brigades, which last
year began a public fundraising campaign through social media to solicit
Bitcoin donations while reassuring potential donors that such contributions
would be untraceable and used for violence, officials said. It also posted on
websites instructions for how to anonymously make donations.
Law enforcement
officials ultimately seized more than 150 cryptocurrency accounts that they say
laundered funds to and from accounts operated by the al-Qassam Brigades. Also
Thursday, prosecutors unsealed criminal charges against two Turkish individuals
accused of acting as money launderers related to the cryptocurrency.
“Without
funding, you cannot have these operations conducted,” said Michael Sherwin, the
acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. “The focus here was a very
proactive effort to target these organizations in a very wide-scale manner.”
The department
also identified a scheme that officials say was shepherded by an IS associate
who officials say manages certain hacking operations for the group.
Prosecutors say
the man, identified as Murat Cakar, registered a website in Turkey to sell face
masks and other protective gear to help prevent the coronavirus. The masks were
produced by a Turkish company and not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Justice
Department said it seized that site as well as four related pages used for the
scheme and for the funding of IS.
A separate
scheme by al-Qaida and affiliates sought to raise funds through Bitcoin for
attacks even as the groups purported to act as charities, according to the
court documents.
An undercover
agent for Homeland Security Investigations, part of the Department of Homeland
Security, messaged the administrator of one charity asking to make donations.
The administrator replied that he hoped for the destruction of the United
States, and shared a Bitcoin wallet address for the purpose of receiving funds.
“Bullets and
bombs is all affordable, but the drone stuff, its very hard to unless u have
like anti aircraft stuff which is like millions of dollars,” the administrator
wrote, according to court documents. “Here they shoot it with a ground to air
missile ... its possible to hit them but hard. Or a 23mm machine gun. U know
those big guns attached to a car.”
The
investigation involved officials from multiple agencies, including the FBI, the
Internal Revenue Service and HSI.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/us-seizes-digital-currency-accounts-used-by-militant-groups/2020/08/13/9b5d1136-dd78-11ea-b4f1-25b762cdbbf4_story.html?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1440676_
--------
Pompeo discusses
importance of Israel-UAE deal, Iran arms embargo in Vienna
14 August 2020
US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo welcomed the agreement between Israel and the United Arab
Emirates to normalize diplomatic ties.
“It’s an
important step forward for Middle East stability,” Pompeo said. “It’s a good
moment for the world and its security.”
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The United
States will do everything in its power to extend the international arms embargo
on Iran under discussion at the United Nations, Pompeo said.
The UN Security
Council has started voting on a US bid to extend the embargo on Iran, which is
opposed by veto-powers Russia and China, with results due on Friday.
Pompeo, on a
visit to Austria, said Iran must also provide full and immediate cooperation
with the International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear watchdog, whose head he was
meeting in Vienna.
Some diplomats
say the attempt to extend the ban is bound to fail and put an already fragile
nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers further at risk.
“It makes no
sense to permit the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism to purchase and
sell weapons systems,” Pompeo told a news conference. “I mean, that’s just
nuts.”
Pompeo said he
was urging the rest of the world to support the US stance.
“We are going to
do everything that we can within our diplomatic tool set to ensure that arms
embargo doesn’t expire,” he said.
“The voting will
be in the next handful of hours and we are hoping that we will be successful.
When we see the results we will make the decision about how to move forward.
“We have been
unambiguous about the fact we no intention of allowing this arms embargo to
expire. None whatsoever.”
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/14/Israel-UAE-deal-important-step-forward-for-stability-in-Middle-East-Pompeo.html
--------
Rhode Island
ISIS terror sympathizer sent home by Boston judge
By JOE DWINELL
August 13, 2020
A Rhode Island
man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for threatening to behead a
conservative blogger over her anti-ISIS views is the latest con to be set free
under the coronavirus compassionate release movement.
Nicholas
Rovinski was set free this week after serving just five years of his sentence,
with the 29-year-old’s lawyers successfully arguing his cerebral palsy and
hypertension make him vulnerable to COVID-19. He was jailed at FCI Danbury, a
“low-security” prison in Connecticut.
U.S. Attorney in
Boston Andrew Lelling appealed to the court to keep Rovinski behind bars for a
crime he stressed could have resulted in a life term. He added 7,000 federal
inmates have been let out and sent home during the pandemic.
“The defendant
has failed to meet his burden of establishing ‘extraordinary and compelling
reasons’ that warrant releasing the defendant after serving barely a third of
his 15-year sentence of imprisonment for two extraordinarily serious terrorism
offenses that involved plotting the killing of U.S. citizens on behalf of ISIS and for which his
sentencing guideline range was at life,” Lelling wrote.
On Thursday,
Lelling filed for reconsideration saying, in part, Rovinski was part of “a
carefully constructed plan — developed with a co-defendant — to behead a woman
in the name of ISIS.”
Boston federal
Judge William Young ruled that Rovinski “spend the next ten years of supervised
release in home confinement, the first six months of which shall be in strict
home confinement.” He can then appeal for leniency.
Lelling said in
his appeal that “most would find hard to fathom” the decision to let Rovinski
go home.
Rovinski and two
others were arrested over a plan to kill blogger Pamela Geller at the behest of
ISIS after she organized a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in Texas in 2015.
Rovinski, who
pleaded guilty in 2017 to conspiracy charges, testified he and his
co-conspirators would talk about ISIS and perhaps joining the terrorist
organization. He also read up on saws and chopping tools, the feds said. The
plot never got off the ground.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/13/rhode-island-isis-terror-sympathizer-sent-home-by-boston-judge/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1440676_
--------
Europe
France to step
up probe into Beirut explosion after death of two French citizens
14 August 2020
France has
stepped up its probe into the massive Beirut port blast last week by handing it
to investigating magistrates, prosecution sources said Friday, as it was
confirmed two French citizens were among the 178 people killed.
The
investigation has now been entrusted to two magistrates who can ultimately
decide whether to press charges over the August 4 blast, the sources told AFP.
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
French
prosecutors on August 5 opened a probe into “involuntary injury” using their
jurisdiction to investigate acts committed abroad when French people are among
the victims.
Another source,
who asked not to be named, said two French citizens were now confirmed to have
been killed in the explosion.
The death of one
French victim -- prominent Lebanon-based architect Jean-Marc Bonfils -- had
already been confirmed but the second victim has yet to be publicly identified.
French
prosecutors on August 5 opened a probe into “involuntary injury” using their
jurisdiction to investigate acts committed abroad when French people are among
the victims.
Investigators
and police from France have already been at the scene in Beirut for several
days to reconstruct the chain of events that led to the explosion.
The FBI will
also join Lebanese investigators at the invitation of the Lebanese government,
the US State Department said Thursday.
The explosion
has been blamed on a vast stock of ammonium nitrate left for years in a
warehouse at the port despite repeated warnings.
Lebanon’s
government under Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned this week following days
of demonstrations demanding accountability over the disaster.
Lebanese
authorities have pledged a swift investigation and judicial officials said
Wednesday the prosecution would question ministers and former ministers.
President Michel
Aoun has rejected calls from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel
Macron, and many Lebanesefor an independent international investigation as a
“waste of time.”
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/14/France-to-step-up-probe-into-Beirut-explosion-after-death-of-two-French-citizens.html
--------
EU should
reassess relations with Turkey: Austrian FM
14 August 2020
The European
Union should reassess its relations with Turkey in light of a series of recent
events, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said on Friday, citing
special concern about the situation in the eastern Mediterranean.
“I have to say
that Austria is very concerned about the dangerous and alarming situation which
we believe could escalate,” Schallenberg said at a joint news conference with
visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
“Actions taken
by certain states in the eastern Mediterranean ... should lead the European
Union to re-evaluate its relations with Turkey.”
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/14/EU-should-reassess-relations-with-Turkey-Austrian-FM.html
--------
Macron plans to
return to Beirut on September 1: French defense minister
14 August 2020
French President
Emmanuel Macron plans to return to Beirut on Sept. 1 to follow up on the
reconstruction efforts after the catastrophic blast which destroyed parts of
the Lebanese capital last week, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said
Friday.
Parly, speaking
after a tour of the French helicopter-carrier Tonnerre which arrived earlier in
the day in the devastated port of Beirut, also called on the Lebanese to form a
government capable of taking “courageous decisions.”
For all the latest
headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
She described
the ship as a “floating city” which can provide all kind of medical and
technical support, including a hospital, search and rescue equipment,
construction materials and also transporting a shipment of flour.
The government
of Prime Minister Hassan Diab, which has the backing of the Iran-aligned
Hezbollah, resigned in the wake of the explosion.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/14/Macron-plans-to-return-to-Beirut-on-September-1-French-defense-minister-.html
--------
Turkey urges
France to refrain from escalating Mediterranean tensions
14 August 2020
Turkey has urged
France to refrain from escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, following
the French government’s announcement of a plan to increase military presence in
the area in support of Ankara’s regional rival Greece.
“They will not
get anywhere by acting like bullies, whether in Libya, the northeast of Syria,
in Iraq, or the Mediterranean,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said
at a joint news conference with his Swiss counterpart in the Swiss city of Bern
on Friday.
France held
training exercises with Greek forces off the island of Crete on Thursday amid
rising tensions between Ankara and Athens over Turkish oil and gas exploration
in disputed waters in the sea.
French President
Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that France would “temporarily reinforce” its
military presence to “monitor the situation in the region and mark its
determination to uphold international law,” according to his office.
Last month, the
French president called for European Union (EU) sanctions against Turkey for
what he described as “violations” of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty over their
territorial waters.
Tensions have
been escalating in the eastern Mediterranean since Monday, when Turkey
announced the resumption of energy exploration research activity in a disputed
area with Greece. Turkey has dispatched a research ship, the Oruc Reis, escorted
by naval vessels, off the Greek island of Kastellorizo, where Turkey disputes
Greek maritime rights. Ankara had paused the research activities on a request
from Germany.
The Turkish
vessels were being shadowed by Greek warships. And the situation has been
tense.
‘Mini-collision’
in the Mediterranean
On Wednesday, a
Greek warship was involved in a mild collision with one of the Turkish naval
vessels accompanying the Oruc Reis research vessel, Reuters reported on Friday.
An unnamed Greek
defense source called the incident a “mini-collision,” explaining that the
Greek warship, the Limnos, was approaching the survey vessel when it came into
the path of one of its naval escorts.
The source added
that the Greek warship maneuvered to avoid a head-on collision and in the
process, its bow touched the rear of the Kemal Reis.
“It was an
accident,” the source said, adding that the Greek frigate was not damaged.
This is while
Ankara has described the incident as a provocation.
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also warned of retaliation after saying the
Kemal Reis vessel had fended off an attack by Greek warships.
Switzerland
offers to mediate
Cavusoglu said
Switzerland had offered to mediate in the eastern Mediterranean crisis with
Greece, adding that Turkey had agreed in principle.
He also warned
Greece against provoking Turkey’s seismic research vessel.
“Greece needs to
act with common sense. They should not harass our Oruc Reis vessel as they
would receive the necessary response,” Cavusoglu said.
Greece and
Turkey almost went to war in 1974 over Cyprus, which has since been divided,
with the northern third run by a Turkish Cypriot administration recognized only
by Turkey and the southern two thirds governed by the
internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot government.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/14/631798/Turkey-Greece-eastern-Mediterranean-France
--------
Putin calls for
emergency Iran summit to decrease tensions, Macron agrees in principle
August 14, 2020
MOSCOW:
President Vladimir Putin on Friday called on the permanent members of the UN
Security Council and Germany to convene an emergency Iran summit to avoid an
escalation of tensions in the Gulf.
China, France,
Russia, Britain, the US, Germany and Iran should take part in the video summit,
the Kremlin chief said.
"It's an
urgent issue," Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin.
"Discussions
at the UN Security Council over the Iranian issue are becoming increasingly
tense," Putin said, adding that Moscow's ally Iran was a target of "groundless
accusations".
"The goal
is to put together a blueprint that would allow to avoid confrontation, an
escalation in tensions at the UN Security Council."
He added that
the leaders should also agree on ways to ensure security and trust in the Gulf region.
Tensions over
Iran have escalated since 2018 when President Donald Trump withdrew the US from
a multinational accord that froze Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed
crippling sanctions on its economy.
Last week US
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would submit a UN Security
Council resolution to extend an arms embargo on Iran despite opposition from
Russia and China.
The 15-member
Security Council will announce later on Friday the result of a vote on the
US-drafted resolution to extend the weapons ban. Diplomats say it is bound to
fail and put the fate of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers
further at risk.
If the United
States is unsuccessful it has threatened to trigger a return of all UN
sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback
French President
Emmanuel Macron is open to taking part in Putin's virtual meeting over the Iran
arms embargo, the Elysée palace said on Friday.
"We confirm
our availability in principle," the Elysée palace said in a statement.
"We have already taken initiatives in the same spirit in the past,"
it said.
The 13-year-old
UN arms embargo is due to expire in October under the 2015 accord that prevents
Tehran from developing nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief.
Diplomats warn
that if the US triggers a sanctions snapback the process would be tough and
messy. They say several countries would argue that Washington legally could not
activate a return of sanctions and therefore simply would not reimpose the measures
on Iran themselves.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1719436/world
--------
UN chief hopes
Israel-UAE deal can help two-state solution for peace in Mideast
14 August 2020
United Nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday he hoped the Israel-UAE deal
can help realize a two-state solution for peace in the Middle East.
“The
secretary-general welcomes this agreement, hoping it will create an opportunity
for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations
that will realize a two state-solution in line with relevant UN resolutions,
international law and bilateral agreements,” a spokesman for Guterres said in a
statement.
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Israel and the
United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on Thursday that will lead
to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern
nations in an agreement that US President Donald Trump helped broker.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/08/14/UN-chief-hopes-Israel-UAE-deal-can-help-two-state-solution-for-peace-in-Mideast.html
--------
Arab world
Muslim world
split on Israel-UAE pact: Turkey, Iran furious Pakistan cautious, all eyes on
Saudi Arabia
Mariana Baabar
August 15, 2020
ISLAMABAD: The
United Arab Emirates’ decision to maintain full diplomatic relations with
Israel has divided the Muslim world into two camps, with some Muslim countries
condemning the move and threatening to suspend their diplomatic relations with
this Gulf country.
The UAE,
however, offered a muscular defence of its move to establish ties with Israel,
saying it was designed to "shake up" the Middle East impasse and
serve Emirati interests. The historic deal, the first for a Gulf state, sees Israel
pledge to suspend its planned annexation of Palestinian lands but has been
condemned by the Palestinian leadership as a "betrayal" of their
cause.
Omar Saif
Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy, rejected the
charge, insisting the agreement had made progress in the absence of any other
workable proposal from the Arab world.
"I think
we’ve demonstrated that we are able to enter a very staid and tired situation
and to shake things up, and we look forward to seeing positive developments
coming out of this real engagement," he told AFP in an interview.
The deal,
announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, is only the third such
accord Israel has struck with an Arab country, and raises the prospect of
similar deals with other pro-Western Gulf states.
However,
regional power Saudi Arabia, whose own efforts to induce Israel to withdraw
from occupied territories have been effectively sidelined by the United Arab
Emirates move, has remained conspicuously silent.
"We didn’t
consult with anybody, we didn’t inform anybody, and as a sovereign state we
don’t feel that we have the obligation to dothat," Ghobash said, asked if
long-time ally Riyadh was consulted in advance.
"We are in
the process now of informing our friends and partners and others in the region
as to why we took the step" but "it´s to be expected that not
everybody will ... applaud or comment".
"We have
taken the decision as a sovereign state with our own interests and our own
calculations in mind." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday
thanked the leaders of Egypt, Oman and Bahrain for their "support" of
the agreement to normalise ties with the UAE.
In the West Bank
city of Nablus, protesters set ablaze posters of the leaders of the three
countries. Netanyahu, for his part, thanked Arab supporters of the
normalisation.
"I thank
Egyptian President al-Sisi, and the governments of Oman and Bahrain, for their
support of the historic peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab
Emirates, which is expanding the circle of peace and will be good for the
entire region," Netanyahu tweeted.
Israel has two
official peace treaties with Arab states -- Egypt, since 1979, and Jordan,
signed in 1994. The European Union welcomed the agreement. “Normalisation will
be at the benefit of both. It is important both for them and for the regional
stability. Both countries are our partners,” EU foreign policy spokeswoman
Nabila Massrali told reporters.
"And, of
course, as the EU, you know very well that we are committed to a two state solution.
And we are, of course, ready to work on the resumption of the negotiations
between the Israelis and the Palestinians."
Meanwhile,
Pakistan in a guarded reaction said it had an abiding commitment to full
realization of the legitimate rights of Palestinian people, including the right
to self-determination. Peace and stability in Middle East is also Pakistan’s
key priority.
"We have
noted the Joint Statement announcing agreement of the UAE and Israel to have
full normalization of relations. This is a development with far-reaching
implications. For a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, Pakistan has
consistently supported a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN
and OIC resolutions as well as international law," said a statement from
the Foreign Office.
While Saudi
Arabia has yet to give its reaction, both Iran and Turkey have denounced the
recognition of Israel by the UAE.
"Pakistan’s
approach will be guided by our evaluation of how Palestinians’ rights and
aspirations are upheld and how regional peace, security and stability are
preserved," adds the Foreign Office.
US President
Donald Trump said on Twitter, "HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace
Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab
Emirates!" US President Donald Trump said on Twitter.
"Everybody
said this would be impossible ... After 49 years Israel and the United Arab
Emirates will fully normalise their diplomatic relations," Trump later
told reporters. Democratic White House candidate Joe Biden called the UAE´s
move "a welcome, brave, and badly-needed act of statesmanship".
British Prime
Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the agreement as "hugely good news".
“The UAE and Israel’s decision to normalise relations is hugely good news,”
Johnson said on Twitter.
“It was my
profound hope that annexation did not go ahead in the West Bank and today’s
agreement to suspend those plans is a welcome step on the road to a more
peaceful Middle East.”
The Palestinian
leadership voiced its "strong rejection and condemnation" of the deal
and announced it would withdraw its envoy from the UAE.
Palestinian
president Mahmud Abbas called the agreement an "aggression" against
the Palestinian people and a "betrayal" of their cause, including
their claim to Jerusalem as capital of their future state.
Hazem Qasem,
spokesman for Palestinian group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, said the
deal "does not serve the Palestinian cause", calling it "a
reward for the Israeli occupation and crimes".
Jordan, which
borders the West Bank and Israel, said the outcome of the agreement would
depend on Israel´s actions, including its stance on a two-state solution with
the Palestinians. Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi said: "the impact of
the deal on peace efforts is linked to the actions Israel will take".
"I
appreciate the efforts of the architects of this agreement for the prosperity
and stability of our region," Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
tweeted. He added he hoped the deal to halt Israel´s annexation of Palestinian
land, would help bring "peace" to the Middle East.
Iran condemned
the deal, saying the Palestinian people would "never forgive the
normalising of relations with the criminal Israeli occupation regime and the
complicity in its crimes." The move was an act of "strategic
stupidity from Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv which will undoubtedly strengthen the
resistance axis in the region," the foreign ministry said.
Ankara also
condemned the deal as an act of treachery. "While betraying the
Palestinian cause to serve its narrow interests, the UAE is trying to present
this as a kind of act of self-sacrifice for Palestine," the foreign
ministry said.
"History
and the conscience of the people living in the region will not forget and never
forgive this hypocritical behaviour." President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said
on Friday that Turkey could suspend diplomatic relations with the United Arab
Emirates after a landmark deal between Israel and the Gulf state.
"I gave an
order to the foreign minister. I said we could suspend diplomatic relations
with the Abu Dhabi administration or withdraw our ambassador," Erdogan
told reporters. Yemen's Huthi rebels slammed the deal as "a move that
provokes the Arab and Islamic nation... and proves that these countries,
including the Emirates which is launching an assault against Yemen, serve the
Israeli entity," their spokesman Mohammed Abdelsalam said.
France welcomed
the deal, stressing the suspension of Israel´s plans to annex swathes of the
occupied West Bank. "The decision taken within this framework by the
Israeli authorities to suspend the annexation of Palestinian territories is a
positive step, which must become a definitive measure," French Foreign
Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.
"China is
happy to see measures that are helping to ease tensions between countries in
the Middle East and promoting regional peace and stability," said foreign
ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.
"We hope
relevant parties will take concrete actions to bring the Palestinian issue back
to the track of dialogue and negotiation on an equal footing at an early
date," Zhao said, reiterating Beijing´s support for an independent
Palestinian state.
Germany welcomed
the "historic" deal, with Foreign Minister Heiko Maas saying
normalisation of ties between the two countries was "an important
contribution to peace in the region." UN chief Antonio Guterres said he
hoped the deal would help realise a two-state solution.
"The
secretary general (hopes) it will create an opportunity for Israeli and
Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations that will realise a
two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and
bilateral agreements," his spokesman said.
"India has
consistently supported peace, stability and development in West Asia, which is
its extended neighbourhood. In that context, we welcome the full normalisation
of ties between UAE and Israel. Both nations are key strategic partners of
India," said the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of
India.
''India
continues its traditional support for the Palestinian cause. We hope to see
early resumption of direct negotiations to find an acceptable two-state
solution,'' he added.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/700562-muslim-world-split-on-israel-uae-pact-turkey-iran-furious-pakistan-cautious-all-eyes-on-saudi-arabia
--------
UAE says Israel
deal not about Iran, rejects criticism from Turkey’s Erdogan
15 August 2020
The United Arab
Emirates said its decision to normalize ties with Israel isn’t about countering
Iran, and dismissed criticism of the pact from Turkey’s leader.
“This is not
about Iran. This is about the UAE, Israel and the United States,” Anwar
Gargash, UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, said in a phone interview.
“This is in no way meant to create some sort of grouping against Iran.”
While the Trump
administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sought to
frame the agreement as part of their attempt to confront and further isolate
Iran, Gargash signaled that the UAE isn’t looking to provoke its near neighbor.
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“We have a very
complicated relationship with Iran,” he said. “While we have our concerns, we
feel also that resolving these issues should be through diplomacy and
de-escalation.”
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey could withdraw its
ambassador to the UAE over the country’s agreement with Israel, saying it dealt
a blow to Palestinian rights. Gargash dismissed the statement as a “double
standard” which glossed over Turkey’s own significant trade links with Israel.
“They receive
over half a million Israeli tourists, have $2 billion worth of bilateral trade
and an existing embassy there. And I ask myself whether this is a principled
position or not,” Gargash said.
Under the deal,
Israel agreed to put aside for now its pledge to annex West Bank land the
Palestinians want for a state. “We have been very concerned with the issue of
annexation,” Gargash said. “Through this imaginative proclamation, we have at
least been able to give negotiations space.”
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/15/UAE-says-Israel-deal-not-about-Iran-rejects-criticism-from-Turkey-s-Erdogan.html
--------
Saudi Arabia
among top aid providers for Palestinians, nearly $1 mln per day
15 August 2020
Saudi Arabia
remains one of the top financial aid providers for the Palestinians since 2000,
donating more than $6.5 bln in support over the past two decades, according to
the Kingdom’s humanitarian groups.
Between
2000-2018, Saudi Arabia has provided more than to $6,473,586,361 in aid to the
State of Palestine, of which about $250 million were allocated to the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
For all the latest
headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Earlier in May,
Saudi Arabia said it will be donating $2.66 million to help the Palestinians in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip combat the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to an
initiative by the Kingdom’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center
(KSrelief).
The initiative
will see the provision of aid and supplied sent to the West Bank and Gaza Strip
in Palestine worth more than 10 million Saudi riyals, including 12 categories
of medical supplies.
According to
KSRelief’s data posted on its website, $2,061,005,465 had been allocated to
Palestine across 217 separate projects. At least 195 projects, some 89 percent
of the total number of projects, had been allocated specifically for humanitarian
aid and emergency relief efforts.
Earlier in May,
Saudi Arabia’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Dr. Khaled Manzlawiy
said Riyadh is proud to be one of the largest donors to the UN Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
“(Knowing) the
noble role the agency serves for more than 5 million Palestinian refugees — and
because of its belief in the (importance) of the Palestinian cause — the
Kingdom has supported UNRWA with more than $1 billion since 1994, which the
humanitarian organization described as clear evidence of the Kingdom’s wish to
ensure Palestinian refugees enjoy dignity and well-being,” Manzlawiy was quoted
as saying by the Saudi Press Agency at the time.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/08/15/Saudi-Arabia-remains-top-aid-provider-for-Palestinians-nearly-1-mln-per-day.html
--------
Hezbollah
threatens to attack Israel if Beirut blast was sabotage: Nasrallah
14 August 2020
Hezbollah's
leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday that his group would wait for results of
a probe into the Beirut port blast, but that if it turns out to be an act of
sabotage by Israel, then it would "pay an equal price."
Speaking in a
televised speech, he said the two theories under investigation were that an accident
or sabotage caused the explosion of ammonium nitrate stored at a warehouse.
Israel has denied any involvement in the Aug. 4 blast that killed 172 people
and injured 6,000.
For all the
latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Nasrallah also
demanded that the new government in Lebanon be formed of traditional political
parties.
Prime Minister
Hassan Diab's cabinet resigned on Monday over the explosion, widely blamed on
negligence and corruption by the country's ruling class.
Politics in
multi-confessional Lebanon is dominated by former warlords from the 1975-1990
civil war who have exchanged their military fatigues for suits, or were
replaced by relatives.
In his second
speech since the blast, Nasrallah dismissed the idea of a "neutral
government" as a "waste of time" for a country where power and
influence are distributed according to religious sects.
"We don't
believe there are neutral (candidates) in Lebanon for us to form a (neutral)
government," Nasrallah said.
Instead, the
Hezbollah chief called for a government model that has endured for years,
despite prolonged political and economic crises and demands for change.
"We are
calling for attempts to form a national unity government, and if that is not
possible, then a government that secures the widest representation possible for
politicians and experts," Nasrallah said.
"We call
for a strong government, a capable government, a government that is protected
politically," he added.
A government
that does not have the backing of the country's top political blocs
"either falls, or collapses, or is toppled in parliament at any given
crossroads," Nasrallah said.
The explosion at
Beirut's port happened when a huge stock of hazardous materials stored in a
warehouse in the heart of the capital for years exploded, despite repeated
warnings of the dangers it posed.
The explosion
revived a street protest movement that had first erupted in October last year
against government corruption and a lingering economic crisis.
Months of demonstrations
that started last autumn led to the resignation of the government and
installation of Diab at the head of a new cabinet dominated by Hezbollah and
its allies.
The Iran-backed
Shia movement also controls the majority in parliament with its allies.
Protesters
filled the streets again and clashed with security forces in the days after the
explosion, blaming their political leaders for the negligence they say led to
the disaster.
Western powers
have pressed Lebanon's leaders for deep-seated change and a government that
reflects the will of the people, and also insisted reforms be implemented to
unlock billions of dollars in international aid.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/15/Hezbollah-threatens-to-attack-Israel-if-Beirut-blast-was-sabotage-Nasrallah.html
--------
Nujaba declares
‘Israel’s destruction’ ultimate goal of all resistance groups
14 August 2020
Iraq’s al-Nujaba
Movement says the ultimate goal pursued by all resistance groups is to destroy
Israel and expel all American forces from the region.
“Our goal today
is not limited to victories here or there; rather, our clear goal is the full
destruction of Israel and expulsion of the US and its mercenaries from the
entire region and Islamic countries,” said Nasr al-Shammari, the deputy
secretary-general and official spokesman for Iraq’s al-Nujaba Movement.
“In order to
achieve this goal, we will avenge the cowardly assassination of resistance
commanders, most importantly the martyred commander Hajj Qassem Soleimani,” he said
on Thursday night.
He made the
remarks in a video conference speech to an international conference held in the
Iranian city of Mashhad to commemorate martyrs of Afghanistan’s Fatemiyoun
Brigade, a resistance group involved in the regional fight against terrorism.
Al-Shammari said
the fighters of Fatemiyoun and other resistance forces in Iraq are taking the
“hard revenge” every day, and that is what American forces witness today.
“These fighters
will continue to struggle against the US with stronger resolve, greater
experience and with technologies the enemy can’t counter,” he added.
He said the
defeats currently suffered by the US are an introduction to the ultimate
humiliating defeat they and the Israeli regime will suffer.
“The enemy’s
increased pressure … is what contributes to the realization of the resistance
front’s goals and its great victory,” he said.
Al-Nujaba
Movement is part of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), an Iraqi
government-sponsored umbrella organization composed of around 40 factions of
volunteer counter-terrorism forces, including mostly Shia Muslims besides Sunni
Muslims, Christians and Kurds.
In the early
days of the Daesh’s reign of terror, the PMU fighters played a major role in
reinforcing the Iraqi army, which had suffered heavy setbacks against the
Takfiri elements.
In November
2016, the Iraqi parliament voted to integrate the PMU into the military amid US
efforts to sideline the group.
PMU crushes
Daesh gathering in Samarra
In their latest
operation against the Takfiri terrorists in Iraq, PMU forces attacked a
gathering of Daesh elements in a region south of the holy city of Samarra.
The raid was
launched based on secret intelligence received by the PMU and after monitoring
the movements of the Daesh remnants in the region, a statement by the PMU said.
Several
terrorists have been killed and wounded, and some of them have escaped after
counter-terrorism forces attacked them with artillery and other light and
medium weapons.
The PMU Central
Command has been on high alert since May, warning its forces to beware of
Daesh’s attempts to attack the holy shrines located in Samarra, Saladin
province.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/14/631783/-Iraq-Nujaba-Israel-goal-resistance-groups-
--------
Iran raps West's
bid to exploit Lebanon 'pain for political goals'
14 August 2020
Iran's foreign
minister says only the Lebanese people and their representatives can decide the
country's future following the massive blast in Beirut that killed 172 people
and prompted the government to resign.
Mohammed Javad
Zarif was speaking after senior US and French officials met President Michel
Aoun in a flurry of apparent Western meddling in Lebanon's internal
affairs.
"In our
view it is not humane to exploit the pain and suffering of the people for
political goals," Zarif told a joint televised news conference with
Lebanon's caretaker foreign minister.
"We believe
that the government and the people of Lebanon should decide on the future of
Lebanon."
Following the
blast, Western states have linked any financial assistance to
"reform" of the Lebanese state, which has defaulted on its huge
sovereign debts.
France's navy
helicopter carrier Tonnerre has docked at the wrecked port, where Lebanese
authorities say more than 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been stored for
years without safety measures.
Iran ready to
help rebuild Lebanon
Zarif said
Tehran and private Iranian companies were ready to help Lebanon with
reconstruction and rehabilitating the country's electricity sector.
As Lebanon marks
the anniversary of its victory against Israel in the 33-day war in 2006, Iran
also vowed to continue its support for the Lebanese nation and government,
stressing that the Arab country will overcome the current crisis through
synergy.
In a statement
on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran
congratulated the Lebanese nation, government, army, and resistance, especially
the secretary-general of Hezbollah, on the 14th anniversary of Lebanon’s
victory in its 33-day war against the Israeli aggressors in 2006, which
“imposed a historic defeat on the occupying regime.”
The statement
said that the Lebanese nation will always remember the sweet taste of the
victory, and “will not allow enemies to play with the country’s security,
independence, and sovereignty.”
“The Lebanese
nation will overcome the current crisis through unity and synergy, and that is
a great lesson for all regional governments and nations,” it added.
The statement
said the Islamic Republic of Iran has always stood by the Lebanese nation and
government, and will stand by them forever.
It further
pointed to Foreign Minister Zarif's visit to Beirut on the anniversary of the
great epic, and said the trip is aimed at promoting constructive relations
between Iran and Lebanon as two friendly and brotherly countries and is in line
with Tehran’s all-out support for the government, nation, army, and resistance
of Lebanon.
Zarif has
traveled to Lebanon to address the developments that have followed the recent
hugely deadly explosion in the capital Beirut and Iran’s ongoing provision of
assistance to the disaster-hit nation.
August 14 marks
the fourteenth anniversary of the end of Israel’s 33-day war on Lebanon.
The war that
began with Israeli airstrikes against Lebanese cities in July 2006, resulted in
the demolition of vital infrastructure and the death of over 1,000 innocent
people.
About 1,200
Lebanese, most of them civilians, lost their lives during the 33-day war waged
by Israel against Lebanon.
According to the
629-page Winograd Report by the Israeli regime, Hezbollah fighters involved in
defending Lebanon against the Israeli war defeated the enemy and Tel Aviv was
compelled to withdraw without having achieved any of its objectives.
UN Security
Council Resolution 1701, which brokered a ceasefire in the 2006 war, calls on
Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/14/631784/Iran-Lebanon-Zarif-Hezbollah
--------
South Asia
Kabul begins
release of final 400 Taliban, talks to follow
Aug 14, 2020
KABUL:
Afghanistan has released the first 80 of a final 400 Taliban prisoners, paving
the way for negotiations between the warring sides in Afghanistan's protracted
conflict, the government said Friday.
Javid Faisal,
spokesman for the National Security Council's office, made the announcement.
Taliban officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not
authorized to speak to the media, said 86 prisoners were freed. It wasn't
immediately known when the remaining prisoners would be freed.
Prisoner
releases on both sides are part of an agreement signed in February between the
US and Taliban. It calls for the release of 5,000 Taliban held by the
government and 1,000 government and military personnel held by the insurgent
group as a good will gesture ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations.
Talks are
expected to be held in Qatar where the Taliban maintain a political office.
Several Afghan leaders told The Associated Press talks could begin by Aug. 20.
These
negotiations are to lay out a framework for a post-war Afghanistan.
Washington's peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad spent a year and a half negotiating
the peace deal aimed at allowing American troops to return home and end
America's longest military engagement.
US troops have
already begun leaving and by November less than 5,000 troops are expected to
still be in Afghanistan, down from nearly 13,000 when the agreement was signed
Feb. 29.
American and
NATO troop withdrawal is contingent on the Taliban keeping their commitment not
to allow militant groups to use Afghanistan against the United States or its
allies. The withdrawal is not tied to successful talks between the warring
sides.
Last weekend,
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held a traditional council meeting known as loya
jirga to get a consensus on the release of a final 400 Taliban he said were
accused of serious crimes, saying without explanation that he could not
unilaterally decide to release them.
Some of the 400
have been implicated in devastating bombings in the capital Kabul. During a
televised talk Thursday with the US-based Council on Foreign Relations, Ghani
warned of dangers they could present to lasting peace in Afghanistan.
But for some in
Afghanistan the talks with the Taliban mirror earlier negotiations with other
insurgents, including warlord and US-designated terrorist Gulbuddin Hekmatyar,
who many say has a reputation for violence that exceeds the Taliban.
In 2016, Ghani
negotiated a peace deal with Hekmatyar, whose Hezb-e-Islami group took
responsibility for several bombings in Kabul, including one at a grocery story
in the capital that killed a young family. The deal included removing Hekmatyar
from the UN terrorist list. His group was also responsible for a 2008 attack on
French soldiers- the largest international loss in a single battle in
Afghanistan.
Also on Friday,
a small bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded near a mosque in the capital, just
as worshipers were finishing their prayers, wounding a police officer. No one immediately
took responsibility but the Islamic State group has in the past targeted
mosques in Afghanistan.
The IS affiliate
in Afghanistan has been targeted by Afghan security force, US troops and the
Taliban. A Department of Defense official previously said the peace deal with
the Taliban is also intended to recruit the insurgent group into a coordinated
fight to rid the region of IS.
Meanwhile, the
Afghan Defense Ministry said it is investigating a video circulating on social
media purporting to show Afghan army personnel mutilating Taliban corpses.
The United
Nations Mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, tweeted that the footage 'is
deeply shocking ... investigation needs to be swift and open. If crimes are
proven the criminals must be identified and held responsible.'
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/kabul-begins-release-of-final-400-taliban-talks-to-follow/articleshow/77544423.cms
--------
India reacts to
Pakistan’s move for hosting Gulbuddin Hekmatyar to speak on Kashmir issue
15 Aug 2020
The government
of Indian reacted to Pakistan’s move for hosting the leader of Hezb-e Islami of
Afghanistan, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, to speak on the issue of Kashmir.
According to
local media reports, Hekmatyar participated in a webinar hosted by the
government of Pakistan last week and spoke abut the situation in Jammu and
Kashmir.
Hekmatyar said
India should “learn a lesson from the Afghan jehad” and the only solution to
the Kashmir issue is to give Kashmiris the right to self-determination, according
to Hindustan Times.
Reacting to
Hekmatyar’s presence in the even, Anurag Srivastava, a spokesperson for the
Ministry of External Affairs of India, said “We have seen the media reports of
the participation of the former UN-designated terrorist in an event organised
by the government of Pakistan.”
““This is
nothing new. Pakistan not only harbours terror outfits but also encourages
them. We hope that such participation in public events by a former
UN-designated terrorist would not go unnoticed,” Srivastava added.
According to
reports, Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia also
participated in the even.
https://www.khaama.com/india-reacts-to-pakistans-move-for-hosting-gulbuddin-hekmatyar-to-speak-on-kashmir-issue/
--------
Member of Afghanistan’s
peace negotiating team injured in militants ambush
15 Aug 2020
A member of
Afghanistan’s peace negotiating team injured in an armed militants attack,
Afghan peace chief negotiator said.
“Fawzia Koofi, a
member of the negotiating team was attacked by unknown gunmen on Friday evening
in Qarabagh district of Kabul city, Masoom Stanekzai, chief negotiator for
Afghan peace process tweeted.
According to
Stanekzai, Fawzia Koofi has been injured in the attack, but her health
condition has been reported to be satisfatory.
Stanikzai has
called on the security institutions to investigate the issue and share the
results with the media.
The first round
of Intra-Afghan peace dialogue is expected to be held in Doha sometime mid this
week.
https://www.khaama.com/member-of-afghanistans-peace-negotiating-team-injured-in-armed-militants-ambush-979876/
--------
Mideast
Palestinians
crowd Damascus Gate after UAE-Israel deal
14 August 2020
General view of
Damascus gate in the Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds following a historic
US-brokered deal to normalise ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
The project, which provides for direct flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi
in order to trade with the Emirates but also to visit the holy sites of
Jerusalem al-Quds, according to the son-in-law of US President Jared Kushner,
was widely condemned by the Palestinian leadership.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/14/631789/Palestinians-Damascus-Gate
--------
Erdogan says
Turkey could suspend diplomatic ties with UAE
15 Aug 2020
DUBAI: As the
United Arab Emirates defended its bombshell move to establish relations with
Israel, Turkey and Iran condemned the decision while Saudi Arabia conspicuously
kept quiet on Friday.
Turkish
president said his country could suspend diplomatic ties with the UAE over the
move while Iran described the decision as a “strategic stupidity”.
“I gave an order
to the foreign minister. I said we could suspend diplomatic relations with the
Abu Dhabi administration or withdraw our ambassador,” President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan told reporters.
In a deal
announced on Thursday by the US, Israel pledged to suspend its planned
annexation of Palestinian lands in exchange for a normalisation of ties with
the UAE.
The Palestinian
Authority on Thursday announced the “immediate” recall of its ambassador to the
UAE in protest at the deal.
President
Erdogan is a strong advocate of Palestinian rights and has frequently
criticised Israeli policies in the West Bank.
Saudi Arabia
keeps quiet as Emirati minister defends move
“History will
not forget those who betray the Palestinian people and sell out the Palestinian
cause,” Mr Erdogan’s spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, tweeted on Friday.
“Turkey will
continue to stand by the Palestinian people.” The Turkish foreign ministry
earlier described the UAE-Israel deal as a hypocritical betrayal of the
Palestinian cause.
Ties between the
UAE and Turkey have been strained for a long time, and have especially
deteriorated over the conflict in Libya where the two countries support
opposing sides.
For its part,
Tehran termed the move “an act of strategic stupidity” that would only
strengthen the Iran-backed “axis of resistance”.
“The oppressed
people of Palestine and all the free nations of the world will never forgive
the normalising of relations with the criminal Israeli occupation regime and
the complicity in its crimes,” a foreign ministry statement said.
Tehran warned
against Israeli interference in the Gulf and said the UAE should “accept
responsibility for all the consequences” of the agreement.
The UAE-Israel
agreement comes after Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held rare
talks with his Emirati counterpart last week, raising hopes for a mending of
their ties.
The UAE had
downgraded its relations with Iran in January 2016 amid a spike in tensions
between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic republic.
UAE stance
An Emirati
minister said the deal was designed to “shake up” the impasse over the
Palestinian problem and serve his country’s interests.
Omar Saif Ghobash,
assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy, said: “I think we’ve
demonstrated that we are able to enter a very staid and tired situation and to
shake things up, and we look forward to seeing positive developments coming out
of this real engagement,” he said in an interview.
The deal,
announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, is only the third such
accord Israel has struck with an Arab country, and raises the prospect of
similar deals with other pro-Western Gulf states.
But regional
power Saudi Arabia, whose own efforts to induce Israel to withdraw from
occupied territories have been effectively sidelined by the United Arab
Emirates move, has remained conspicuously silent.
“We didn’t
consult with anybody, we didn’t inform anybody, and as a sovereign state we
don’t feel that we have the obligation to do that,” Ghobash said, asked if
long-time ally Riyadh was consulted in advance.
“We are in the
process now of informing our friends and partners and others in the region as
to why we took the step” but “it’s to be expected that not everybody will ...
applaud or comment”.
“We have taken
the decision as a sovereign state with our own interests and our own
calculations in mind.”
The
establishment of ties with Israel comes after years of quiet rapprochement,
including the hosting of athletes and ministers from the Jewish state.
Apart from the
diplomatic implications, there are obvious economic benefits.
The UAE, rich in
oil and with big ambitions in space and technology, will be able to do business
openly with Israel, which will have access to the modern cities of Dubai and
Abu Dhabi as they attract talent and investment.
“We as a country
are very globally connected and we do find that the connections are incredibly
lucrative and contribute to our GDP,” Ghobash said, in an unusually candid
assessment.
“We are driven
by pragmatic considerations.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1574492/erdogan-says-turkey-could-suspend-diplomatic-ties-with-uae
--------
Iranian
Minister: Deal of Century Reduced to Trivial Agreement
Aug 14, 2020
Salehi made the
remarks in a Twitter message on Friday.
Commenting on
the normalization of ties between the UAE and the Zionist regime, the Iranian
culture minister said that "they were reduced from 'Deal of Century' to
give consent to a trivial agreement namely the recognition of Israel by the
UAE!!! A mountain which gave birth to a tiny mouse!"
The US, the UAE
and the Zionist regime in a joint statement on Thursday, announced the official
establishment of ties between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
The statement
claimed the Zionist regime will stop annexation of occupied Palestinian lands
in return for the normalization of ties with the UAE.
Critics see the
agreement as an attempt by US President Donald Trump to save his ailing
presidential campaign against the Democrat candidate Joe Biden.
https://en.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13990524000360
--------
Israeli
delegation headed to UAE as early as next week to discuss deal: Report
15 August 2020
An Israeli
delegation is set to travel to the United Arab Emirates as early as next week
to meet with the Gulf state’s top leadership, according to a report by Israeli
Channel 12, a day after the two countries announced an agreement to normalize
ties.
Israel’s Prime
Minister’s office said that country’s National Security Adviser Meir
Ben-Shabbat would lead the preparations for the talks “in coordination with all
the relevant parties,” according to Channel 12.
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Israel and the
United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on Thursday that will lead
to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern
nations in an agreement that US President Donald Trump helped broker.
Under the agreement,
Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank
that it has been discussing annexing, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed
bin Zayed confirmed on Twitter.
Delegations from
Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign
bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security,
telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment,
the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/15/Israeli-delegation-headed-to-UAE-as-early-as-next-week-to-discuss-deal-Report.html
--------
Israel strikes
Hamas targets in Gaza after balloon attacks
15 August 2020
Fresh Israeli
air and tank strikes hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip late Friday, Israel’s
army said, in further reprisals for firebombs suspended from balloons that
floated over the border from Gaza.
“Fighter jets,
military helicopters and tanks targeted Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip,”
including “the navel defense system used by Hamas, underground infrastructure
and observation posts,” the Israeli army said in a statement, specifying that
this was a response to the balloon bombs.
The Palestinian
Red Crescent said that a pregnant woman and a three-year-old child were injured
in the attacks and taken to hospital.
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The attacks come
a day after the announcement of a deal to normalize relations between Israeli
and the United Arab Emirates that has been denounced by the Palestinians,
including Hamas.
Friday’s attacks
on sites used by Hamas were the sixth such night-time operation this week.
Hamas on
Thursday condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza and its sanctions as “dangerous and
aggressive behavior,” warning of “consequences” Israel will bear.
Islamist group
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, has fought three wars against Israel
since 2008.
Despite a truce
last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically
with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons.
The Gaza Strip
has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty,
according to the World Bank.
Palestinian
analysts say fire from Gaza often aims to pressure Israel to give the green
light for the transfer of Qatari financial aid into the strip.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/15/Israel-strikes-Hamas-targets-in-Gaza-after-balloon-attacks.html
--------
Greek, Turkish
warships in ‘mini collision’ amid tensions in eastern Mediterranean
14 August 2020
A Greek and a
Turkish warship were involved in a mild collision on Wednesday during a
standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, in what a Greek defense source called an
accident, but Ankara described as a provocation.
Tensions between
the NATO allies have risen this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the
region, escorted by warships, to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas
drilling in an area where Turkey and Greece both claim jurisdiction.
The Turkish Oruc
Reis survey ship has been moving between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete,
shadowed by a number of Greek frigates. On Wednesday one of them, the Limnos,
was approaching the survey vessel when it came into the path of one of its
Turkish naval escorts, the Kemal Reis.
For all the
latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The Greek
frigate maneuvered to avoid a head-on collision and in the process its bow
touched the rear of the Turkish frigate, the defense source said, calling it a
“mini collision.”
“It was an
accident,” the source said, adding the Limnos was not damaged. It subsequently
took part in a joint military exercise with France off Crete on Thursday
morning, the person said.
In Switzerland
on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Athens needs to act
with reason and called on the European Union to stop “pampering” Greece ahead
of an EU foreign ministers meeting to discuss the issue later on Friday.
Greece “should
not attempt to provoke Oruc Reis like it did two days ago or it will receive a
response,” he said, adding the European Union should not give it “unconditional
support.”
Turkish
President Tayyip Erdogan said the naval Kemal Reis had fended off an attack by
Greek vessels and also warned of retaliation.
Relations
between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have
ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the
ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over
ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.
In a call with
Erdogan on Thursday, European Council President Charles Michel recalled the
EU’s full solidarity with Greece, an EU official said. Michel called for
de-escalation of tensions, said provocations should be avoided and added that
dialogue is preferred, the official added.
Cavusoglu said
Switzerland had offered to mediate the dispute between Turkey and Greece and
that Ankara had agreed to this in principle.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/08/14/Greek-Turkish-warships-in-mini-collision-amid-tensions-in-eastern-Mediterranean.html
--------
Israeli military
carries out fresh aerial, ground attacks against Gaza Strip
15 August 2020
The Israeli
military has launched fresh aerial and ground attacks against targets across
the besieged Gaza Strip, in the latest of a series of attacks carried out
overnight this week.
Late on Friday,
the Israeli warplanes, helicopters and tanks once again bombed positions in the
blockaded enclave, claiming that they were positions held by the Palestinian
resistance movement of Hamas.
In a statement
issued following the attacks, the Israeli military said that the raids were
carried out in response to a number of alleged incendiary balloons sent from
Gaza to the occupied territories, and targeted "naval force compound,
underground infrastructure and observation posts" belonging to Hamas.
According to the
Palestinian Red Crescent, at least a pregnant woman and a three-year-old child
sustained injuries in the attacks and were taken to hospital for due treatment.
Friday’s attacks
on sites allegedly used by Hamas were the sixth such night-time aggression this
week.
The Israeli
regime every so often launches strikes against positions in the blockaded
enclave, accusing the resistance groups there of launching rockets.
Gaza has been
under Israeli siege since June 2007, which has caused a decline in living
standards.
Israel has also
launched three major wars against the enclave since 2008, killing thousands of
Gazans each time and shattering the impoverished territory’s already poor
infrastructure.
The crippling
blockade has caused a decline in the standard of living as well as
unprecedented levels of unemployment and unrelenting poverty in the Gaza Strip.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/15/631825/Palestine-Israel-Gaza-attacks-Hamas-balloons-
--------
Pakistan
Palestinian
rights, peace dear to Pakistan: FO
Baqir Sajjad
Syed
15 Aug 2020
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Friday reiterated its commitment to a just and comprehensive
resolution of the Palestine dispute, but said its position on normalisation
with Israel would depend on how Palestinian interests would be best served and
security in the Middle East is preserved.
“Pakistan’s
approach will be guided by our evaluation of how Palestinians’ rights and
aspirations are upheld and how regional peace, security and stability are
preserved,” the Foreign Office said in its reaction to the trilateral
US-UAE-Israeli agreement under which the UAE would fully normalise ties with
Israel, details for which would be negotiated in their subsequent bilateral
negotiations.
The UAE would be
the third Arab country to normalise relations with Israel after Egypt and
Jordan.
The Foreign Office
maintained an ambivalent stance on the US-UAE-Israel accord, noting that it
would have “far-reaching implications”.
The statement
instead of clarifying Pakistani position left more questions especially with
regards to normalisation with Israel.
The trilateral
statement had said that following the agreement on normalisation with the UAE,
Israel would focus “on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and
Muslim world”.
Govt offers
ambiguous reaction to UAE-Israel accord
Pakistan does
not officially recognise Israel though there have been multiple reports in the
past of secret contacts between the officials of the two countries. Islamabad’s
longstanding position on the issue of formalising ties with Israel has been
that it could happen only after Tel Aviv reaches a peace agreement with the
Palestinians.
Those who
closely follow Pakistan’s foreign policy found the language of the statement a
bit vague. Initially the goalpost for such a thing to happen was the
realisation of a viable and independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967
borders with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital. The latest statement, meanwhile,
links it to upholding of Palestinian rights and preservation of regional peace.
“Pakistan has an
abiding commitment to the full realisation of the legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination. Peace and
stability in the Middle East region is also Pakistan’s key priority,” the FO
said.
“For a just,
comprehensive and lasting peace, Pakistan has consistently supported a
two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN and OIC resolutions as
well as international law,” it added.
There was no
explanation in the statement about the government’s view about peace in Middle
East. The official position so far has been that enduring peace in the Middle
East cannot be achieved without a just resolution of the Palestine dispute.
The
US-UAE-Israel joint statement had said “this historic diplomatic breakthrough
will advance peace in the Middle East region”.
Pakistani
position on the dispute closely follows that of its Arab allies. The stance of
the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government on the dispute and issue of ties with
Israel has been much more flexible than that of past governments. Islamabad
earlier this year did not reject Deal of the Century proposed by President
Trump despite its categorical rejection by the Palestinians. Moreover, a
debate on ties with Israel has been allowed to simmer on for a couple of years
now.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1574495/palestinian-rights-peace-dear-to-pakistan-fo
--------
Pakistan
observes 74th Independence Day
Aug 14, 2020
ISLAMABAD:
Rallies, flag-hoisting ceremonies, fireworks and sirens across Pakistan on
Friday marked the 73rd year of its independence amid a significant decrease in
the Covid-19 infections across the country.
The day started
with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all the four
provincial capitals. This was followed by change-of-guard ceremonies at the
mausoleums of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the nation, in the southern
port city of Karachi, and Allama Mohammad Iqbal, the national poet, in the
country’s cultural hub of Lahore. Similar ceremonies were also held in
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The main
ceremony was held at the Presidency in Islamabad where President Arif Alvi
hoisted the national flag. The ceremony was attended by the Speakers of the
National Assembly and Senate, chiefs of the three armed forces, ministers, and
senior government officials.
A major event at
President House was conferring the country’s highest civilian award,
Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), upon separatist Kashmiri leader Syed Ali
Shah Geelani in recognition of his “unmatched freedom struggle against Indian
occupation”.
Kashmiri leaders
based in PoK received the award from President Alvi on behalf of Geelani. In
his address, Alvi reiterated his country’s support to the “freedom” struggle of
the people of Kashmir.
In a series of
tweets, Prime Minister Imran Khan paid tribute to “all those sons of the soil
who laid down their lives while defending and protecting the territorial as
well as ideological frontiers of the motherland”.
Reaffirming his
country’s support to Kashmiris, Khan posted on Twitter: “The nation’s heart is
profoundly grieved by the sufferings of our brethren in IIOJK (Illegally Indian
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir), who are facing military siege since the past one
year.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-observes-74th-independence-day/articleshow/77552512.cms
--------
Wary of centre’s
plan, Bilawal asserts Sindh govt’s control over Karachi
Imran Ayub
15 Aug 2020
KARACHI: Amid a
growing debate over a proposed plan of the federal government for Karachi, Pakistan
Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday made it clear
that “from now on” the Sindh government would lead the administrative affairs
of the country’s business capital while respecting the mandate of the local and
federal governments.
The PPP chairman
spoke about Karachi for the second consecutive day after Attorney General
Khalid Jawed mentioned in the Supreme Court that the federal government was
weighing its options for the provincial metropolis. Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s
thoughts appeared quite clear about the party’s strategy to counter the moves
of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government at the centre.
However, he
showed his respect for the mandate of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan
(MQM-P) and its local government, which is about to complete its four-year
term, talked about fresh elections and acknowledged the opposition party for
representing people of Karachi for the last several years.
“We respect the
local government’s mandate,” he said at the inauguration ceremony of the
People’s Square built near the S.M. Law College under the World Bank-funded
Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Project (KNIP).
“This [Sindh] is
the only province where [elected] local government is completing term and now
the fresh elections will be held. But from now, administrative responsibility
of Karachi lies with the Sindh government. The Sindh government would keep
supporting the local and federal governments like we did in the past but from
today the leading role in Karachi affairs will be taken ... by the Sindh
government.”
It would be
interesting to see the reaction from the parties concerned, mainly the MQM
which has been running Karachi’s local government since 2016 under its elected
Mayor Wasim Akhtar who frequently lodges complaints of having no powers and
funds to run the affairs of the mega city and often comes under fire for his
performance.
The government
of Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s party has been enjoying full administrative control over
Karachi for the past 12 years. The provincial government is responsible for
even many civic and municipal functions such as garbage collection, building
control, master plan, water and sanitation, etc.
Says PPP brought
peace to Karachi
However, Mr
Bhutto-Zardari referred to a number of “contributions” and “sacrifices” his
party made to bring Karachi to its current situation where the business
environment had improved after years of bloodshed and violence.
“When we came to
power, this city was under a serious terror threat,” he said. “We brought
peace. The personnel of the law-enforcement agencies including police and
Rangers laid their lives in the line of duty. We, with mandate or no mandate
from Karachi, have served this city.”
“Imran Khan and
his government made a number of promises but not a single one was met. From
water to housing and from employment for youth to infrastructure development,
you have not seen a single project in two years from the federal government,”
he added.
Earlier, Sindh
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah shared details and salient feature of the
KNIP, which his government had initiated last year with the assistance of the
World Bank to improve public spaces in the city’s selected neighbourhoods and
strengthen the city government’s capacity to provide certain administrative
services such as business registration and construction permits.
The chief
minister mentioned the area of the ceremony near the National Museum and Sindh
Secretariat, where educational and cultural zones were being constructed,
including underground parking area for 400 vehicles.
He said the
project, on which work had begun on March 12, 2018, was scheduled to be
completed by July 31 this year with an investment of $98 million. An agreement
with the World Bank was signed on June 15, 2017 under which $86m would be
financed through the WB while an amount of $12m was shared by the Sindh
government.
He said the
sub-projects in the Saddar neighbourhood under the KNIP were being implemented.
The sub-projects
comprise rehabilitation of three roads that form a triangle, upgrade of
pavements, upgrade of infrastructure/burying major utility network of Dr
Ziauddin Road (from Shaheen Complex to Pakistan Chowk), Deen Mohammad Wafai
Road (from the Arts Council roundabout to Pakistan Chowk) and construction of
sub-surface car parking space and students space/plaza on Shahrah-i-Kamal
Ataturk.
Its salient
features include Rs1.67 billion Re-Development of Culture and Education Area in
Saddar Downtown project.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1574418/wary-of-centres-plan-bilawal-asserts-sindh-govts-control-over-karachi
--------
Southeast Asia
Jokowi Grants
His Two Staunchest Critics Meritorious Service Awards
BY LENNY TRISTIA
TAMBUN
AUGUST 13, 2020
Jakarta.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo set aside differences when he issued state
awards to two politicians widely regarded as among his strongest political
opponents in Jakarta on Thursday.
Two former House
of Representatives deputy speakers Fadli Zon, who hardly spends a day without
criticizing or attacking Jokowi’s policies, and Fahri Hamzah, who once joined a
political movement to unseat the president, were granted with the Stars of the
Republic of Indonesia, the decoration of the government for meritorious service
by individuals.
Both men
received the Star Mahaputera Award, the second highest decoration for
“extraordinary civilian services”.
“Questions may
arise about Mr. Fahri Hamzah and Mr. Fadli Zon, but being political opponents
or having political differences doesn’t necessarily mean that we become
adversaries in what matters for the nation. It is about valuing our
democracy," the president said after the awarding ceremony at the State
Palace.
Jokowi also
called Fahri and Fadli, who stood near him, as “friends”.
Fahri later said
the state award won’t stop him from being critical of the president.
“I will continue
criticizing and it turns out the president can take criticisms,” he told
reporters.
Fahri, a former
executive of the Social Justice Party (PKS), demanded Jokowi to resign in a
November 2016 speech he delivered during Muslim protests against then Jakarta
governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama who was facing blasphemy allegations.
During the
event, Fahri detailed ways to impeach the president while accusing him of
disrespecting Indonesian Muslims by protecting the governor. His verbal attacks
on the president continued during his House tenure and in many television talk
shows.
He has softened
the stance toward the president since last year when he walked out of the PKS
and co-founded a new party that required a government permit before being allowed
to contest in the election.
Fadli Zon,
meanwhile, said the decoration was an award to democratic values where
differences are granted a place.
“I thank [the
president] for his recognition to our democracy. Differences can bring us
further ahead and make us stronger with proper checks and balances,” Fadli
said.
The Great
Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) politician has opposed the president on
nearly all issues, from economic policies to justice system and from foreign
policies to national security.
He often mocked
the president in person in his Twitter account that has 1.4 million followers.
Fadli and Fahri
were among 33 recipients of the state awards ahead of the country’s 75th
anniversary.
They included 22
medical workers who died in the frontline in the country's fight against the
coronavirus outbreak, former president Megawati Soekarnoputri who received the
Role Model Medal, former House speaker Bambang Soesatyo who got the Star of
Service, former National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) head Suhardi Alius,
former chief justice Muhammad Hatta Ali and several other top politicians.
Chief security
minister Mahfud M.D. said any high-ranking public official is entitled with a
decoration of the government after completing their service.
“If the Star
awards were not given to persons because of their critical voice, we would have
unfairly politicized their legitimate rights,” he said.
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jokowi-grants-his-two-staunchest-critics-meritorious-service-awards
--------
More than 50% of
PN seat allocations settled, says Hadi
August 14, 2020
PETALING JAYA:
Over 50% of state and parliamentary seats for the impending general election
have been distributed among Perikatan Nasional components, according to PAS
president Abdul Hadi Awang.
He was quoted as
saying that the seat allocations in a few states had been completed.
“We don’t have a
date yet (as to when the seat allocations would be completed), but we are doing
it in stages and now we have completed more than 50%,” Sinar Harian quoted him
as saying.
However Hadi
said the candidates and the constituencies they sought had yet to be finalised
as the coalition partners wanted to win as many seats as possible.
Hadi said that
PN – which comprises Barisan Nasional, PAS and PPBM – was prepared for a snap
election. However, they had yet to discuss the common election symbol they
would use.
Umno Youth has
previously suggested that the parties contest under the BN symbol.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/14/more-than-50-of-pn-seat-allocations-settled-says-hadi/
--------
PAS deputy
president and sultan’s children top Pahang honours list
August 15, 2020
KUANTAN: Eight
children of the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, PAS deputy
president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and a Federal Court judge are among 58 people
to receive state awards for the 61st birthday of the Sultan of Pahang today.
The investiture
ceremony will be graced by the Regent, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Sultan Abdullah.
The sultan is currently serving as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The honours list
is headed by the Tengku Arif Bendahara, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin
Shah, who is among those who will receive the Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang
(SSAP) award, which carries the title Datuk Seri.
His brother
Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah and sister Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan also
receive the SSAP.
Others receiving
the SSAP are Tuan Ibrahim, who is environment minister, and 15 others,
including several businessmen.
The recipients
include Federal Court Judge Hasnah Mohammed Hashim; Defence Ministry
secretary-general Muez Abd Aziz; Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chairman Ahmad
Badri Mohd Zahir; Customs director-general Abdul Latif Abdul Kadir; Malaysian
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Mohammad Hamdan Wahid; Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission deputy chief commissioner Shamshun Baharin Mohd
Jamil; Bukit Aman management director Abd Rahim Jaafar; and Pahang police chief
Abd Jalil Hassan.
The sultan’s
other five children –Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah; Tengku Puteri Ilisha
Ameera; Tengku Puteri Ilyana; Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah; and
Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah ‘Athiyatullah — will receive the Sri Indera Mahkota
Pahang (SIMP) award, which carries the title ‘Datuk Indera’.
Three others
also received the SIMP: Tengku Abu Bakar Ahmad, husband of Tengku Puteri Iman
Afzan; the Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara, Ahmad Fadil
Shamsuddin; and former health deputy director-general Dr Shahnaz Murad.
Eight people
received the Darjah Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (DSAP) which carries the title
Datuk, while 17 people will be conferred the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang
(DIMP) which also carries the title Datuk. They include the Yang di-Pertuan
Agong’s military escorts – First Admiral Sharum Shaim of the Royal Malaysian
Navy, Brig-Gen Zahari Mohd Ariffin of the Army, Brig-Gen Mohamed Zahari Yahya
of the Royal Malaysian Air Force and SAC Yahaya Othman of the Royal Malaysia
Police.
The Setia Ahmad
Shah Pahang (SAP) and Setia Mahkota Pahang (SMP) awards, will be conferred to
three recipients, respectively.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/15/pas-deputy-president-and-sultans-children-top-pahang-honours-list/
--------
Africa
Somali military
frees 33 children from al-Shabaab
Mohammed
Dhaysane
15.08.2020
Somali elite
forces freed 33 children Friday in a military operation against Somali-based
al-Qaeda affiliated group al-Shabaab in the southwestern region of lower
Shabelle region.
The children
were rescued in Kurtunwaarey, a stronghold of the group in lower Shabelle
region located 208 kilometers (129 miles) from the capital, Mogadishu.
"The
children were taken away from their families by the insurgent group al-Shabaab
for indoctrination, and they were freed after the military liberated the town
from the terrorist group," government spokesman Ismail Mukhtar Oronjo told
Anadolu Agency.
Somali commandos
killed at least four senior al-Shabaab militants including the group’s
financial coordinator and operations commander, according to military radio.
Meanwhile, a
bomb blast Friday near a military base in the region killed one soldier,
according to Adan Moalim, a military official who spoke to Anadolu Agency.
And local media
reported three soldiers were wounded by a landmine explosion outside Bal'ad, in
middle Shabelle region.
No group has yet
claimed responsibility for the attacks.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-military-frees-33-children-from-al-shabaab/1942535
--------
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/indias-sovereignty-biggest-priority-pm/d/122634
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism