Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Challenges Religious Conversion Laws Of Five States in Supreme Court
New Age Islam News Bureau
06 January 2023
Jamiat Ulema e Hind Monogram
----
• A Group Of Republican Rebels Dubbed The
"Taliban 20" Brought Washington To A Standstill
• US State Department Begins Using 'Türkiye' In
Formal, Bilateral Contacts
• Afghanistan’s Ruling Taliban Says 8 Islamic State’s
Khurasan Members Involved In Attacks On Kabul Hotel & Pak Embassy Killed
During Raids
• Deterioration In Religious Values A Main Driver Of
War, Violence: Egyptian Grand Imam
India
• Majlis E Mushawarat Condemns Israeli Minister’s
Visit To Al- Aqsa Mosque
• LeT Proxy The Resistance Front Banned, Chief Sheikh
Sajjad Gul Tagged ‘Terrorist’
• Kashmir: Muslim Families Too Allege Ex Gratia Bias
On The Basis Of Religion In Compensation Payments And Job Offers
• Imams Felicitate CM Khattar For Hiking Honorarium By
50%, Annual 5% Raise
• NIA arrests 2 Islamic State operatives during raids
in Karnataka
• Kerala Journalist Siddique Kappan’s Cabbie Mohammed
Alam Walks Out Of Jail After Two Years
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North America
• US, Turkey sanction four people who allegedly
provided funds to Islamic State
• Türkiye, US jointly freeze assets of Daesh/ISIS
affiliates
• US, Turkey target financial network linked to ISIS:
US Treasury Dept
• US says doesn’t support normalization with Syria’s
Assad after UAE FM visit
--------
Europe
• Prince Harry, As An Apache Helicopter Pilot In
Afghanistan, Says He Killed 25 In Afghanistan: Media
• No lessons to take from Iran over press, judicial
freedoms: France
• Türkiye rescues 63 irregular migrants after illegal
Greek pushback in Aegean
• London barber shop owner jailed for sending COVID-19
grant funding to Daesh
--------
South
Asia
• Afghan hospital wards fill with children suffering
from pneumonia
• Taliban (IEA) Minister Signs Extraction Contract of
Amu Oil Feild With Chines Company
--------
Arab World
• ‘Sick Building Syndrome’: UAE doctors see spike in
illness from office environments
• UAE Helps Arrest World’s ‘Most Wanted Human
Trafficker’ Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam: Interpol
• Turkish Court Suspends Funding For Pro-Kurdish Party
Over Alleged Ties To Terrorism
• Lebanese court charges seven over fatal UNIFIL
peacekeeper attack: Report
• Somalia, UAE strike security deal in push to mend
fences
• Saudi music scene booming, says Arab singer
• Soccer Fans Hopeful Ahead Of Gulf Cup In Iraqi City
Of Basra
--------
Mideast
• Iran to Close French Cultural Institute in Response
to Charlie Hebdo's Insulting Cartoons
• If UNSC won’t stop you, our people will, Palestinian
envoy tells Israeli counterpart
• Netanyahu shocked over cancelled UAE visit in wake
of Al-Aqsa controversy
• Iran Disbands Foreign-Backed Terror Team in Zahedan
• As young Gazans die at sea, anger rises over Hamas
leaders’ travel
• Iran judiciary official orders probe into rape in
jails
• Iran sentences another protester to death
--------
Pakistan
• There Would Be No Talks With Terrorists, Militant
Groups: Pakistan Interior Minister
• 11 ‘militants’ killed, five cops injured in KP
terror spate
• Pakistan to seek over USD 16 billion for flood
rehabilitation at UN conference
• Pakistani officers shot dead in Punjab province
revealed to be ISI officials
• 'Drain the swamp': Pakistan planning to eliminate
TTP terrorists in Afghanistan with US help?
• Thousands rally in KP’s Bajaur for restoration of
lasting peace
• Bilawal warns against talks with militants
• Security forces neutralise 11 terrorists in Wana
operation
--------
Southeast Asia
• Sabah Schools, Non-Muslim Religious Bodies Get RM54m
Allocation For 2023
• Izzue Islam, Elizabeth Tan and other Malaysian
celebs reveal their 2023 goals
--------
Africa
• Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorist attack
in central Somalia
• Libya: Ben-Gvir storming of Al-Aqsa is a provocation
to all Muslims
• Ugandan government denies links to Facebook account
under its name amid outcry
• Sudan shuts border with Central African Republic
amid heightened security presence
• Libyan leaders hold talks in Egypt, affirm to
announce peace roadmap soon
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/jamiat-ulama-hind-religious-conversion/d/128815
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Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Challenges Religious Conversion
Laws Of Five States in Supreme Court
Jamiat Ulema e Hind Monogram
----
January 06, 2023
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Thursday asked the Supreme
Court to declare the religious conversion laws of five States as
unconstitutional, saying they bring the personal decision of an individual to
adopt another faith under state scrutiny.
“The scrutiny by the state of a personal decision to
convert is a grave assault on personal liberty of an individual and violates
Articles 21 (right to dignity, privacy) and 25 (freedom of religion) of the
Constitution,” the Jamiat, represented by advocate Ejaz Maqbool, submitted.
The writ petition challenged the legality of the Uttar
Pradesh Prohibition Of Unlawful Conversion Of Religion Act, 2021; the Uttarakhand
Freedom Of Religion Act, 2018; the Himachal Pradesh Freedom Of Religion Act,
2019; the Madhya Pradesh Freedom Of Religion Act, 2021; and the Gujarat Freedom
of Religion (Amendment) Act, 2021.
These Acts mandate a person proposing to convert or a
priest who would preside over the ceremony to take prior permission from the
local District Magistrate. Besides, the burden of proof is on the convert to
prove that he or she was not forced or “allured” to change faith.
“These provisions force a person to disclose his faith
and thereby invade into the privacy of a person… The compulsory disclosure of
one’s religion in any form amounts to violation of their right to manifest
his/her beliefs. Therefore, such disclosure is unconstitutional,” the petition
said.
The petition further said the definition of
‘allurement’ or what constitutes allurement is vague. The Acts have said that
any form of allurement given to convert would amount to exercising “undue
influence” over a person to change faith and render the conversion illegal. The
definition of ‘undue influence’ was also broad.
“The phrase ‘undue influence’ is too wide and vague
and can be used to prosecute any person in a stronger position vis-a-vis the
converted person. The extremely broad nature of the doctrine of ‘undue
influence’ may be used to prosecute elders, parents and other such persons who
wield a degree of influence over a person,” the petition said.
On the other hand, the broad construction of the
phrase would give enough room for disgruntled family members to harass the
convert.
The Jamiat said the five statutes had a “chilling
effect” on the right to profess and propagate one’s religion, enshrined in
Article 25 of the Constitution.
Source: The Hindu
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original story:
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A Group Of Republican Rebels Dubbed The "Taliban
20" Brought Washington To A Standstill
A number of ‘Never Kevins’
-- notably Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert - have been clear that no amount of
compromise will change their minds on opposing Kevin McCarthy. Photo: Reuters
------
Jan 6, 2023
WASHINGTON: A group of Republican rebels dubbed the
"Taliban 20" have brought Washington to a standstill by torpedoing
party favourite Kevin McCarthy's bid to become speaker of the US House of
Representatives.
The House cannot perform any of its vital functions --
including overseeing national security, investigating government misconduct and
passing legislation -- until its presiding officer is in place, spelling
paralysis in Congress.
The renegade Republicans were given their unflattering
nickname by frustrated lawmakers from their own side. But who are they and what
do they want?
Many in the group -- which has boasted between 19 and
21 adherents depending on the ballot -- are members of the House Freedom
Caucus, a collection of some of the most staunchly right-wing Republicans in
the lower chamber of Congress.
They share geography too as they are dominated by
southerners, mainly from Texas, Florida or Arizona.
Pennsylvania's Scott Perry is the only member living
above the Mason-Dixon line that traditionally separates the southern United
States from the north.
Most represent districts that voted solidly for
defeated Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 election and most were endorsed by
the former president for last November's midterms.
Trump backed 144 primary candidates in the midterms,
all but a handful of whom won the Republican nomination.
But the rebels do not appear beholden to the former
president: McCarthy's vote share actually dropped after he received Trump's
endorsement on the second day of the standoff in the House of Representatives.
Some Republicans oppose McCarthy because they say he
has proved an obstacle to their right-wing agenda and will make for a weak foe
to Democratic President Joe Biden.
Others just seem to dislike him personally, whatever
policies he espouses.
Many Republicans complain privately that McCarthy is politically
rudderless, opportunistic and untrustworthy -- "empty suit" is a
favorite rebuke -- and willing to make any promise or alliance for as long as
it appears expedient.
A number of "Never Kevins" -- notably Matt
Gaetz of Florida, Andy Biggs of Arizona and Lauren Boebert of Colorado -- have
been clear that no amount of compromise will change their minds on opposing the
California congressman.
Biggs bemoaned the lack of selflessness and principle
in modern politics in a tweet posted before the first round of voting, when he
stood as a symbolic opponent to his fellow Republican.
"This is what a McCarthy speakership would look
like and would put our country last."
Well over half of the rebel group have explicitly
denied the results of the last presidential election, amplifying Donald Trump's
false claims that it was rigged -- reflecting a now-dominant creed among House
Republicans, two thirds of whom voted against certifying the 2020 vote.
A handful are newly elected but the majority earned
their stripes in the ultra-conservative Tea Party movement that grew out of
opposition to president Barack Obama from 2010.
As well as being known for fiscal austerity, the
movement has its origins in a form of libertarianism that rejects
"business as usual" and prides itself on producing agents of chaos
who revel in their outsider status and ability to disrupt the consensus
politics of the political elite.
Televised stunts, rather than carefully-worded bills,
are their weapon of choice.
Several among this group, such as Boebert, Andy Harris
and Bob Good -- beat more established Republican incumbents in primary
nominating contests to earn their place at the table.
Source:
Times Of India
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US State Department Begins Using 'Türkiye' In Formal,
Bilateral Contacts
Photo: aa.com
----
Servet Günerigök
06.01.2023
WASHINGTON
The US State Department has officially begun using
"Türkiye" instead of "Turkey" in formal, diplomatic and
bilateral contacts, according to its spokesman.
Ned Price said at a briefing that the move was
finalized and put into practice Thursday morning.
His remarks came in response to a question about a
State Department statement Thursday on disrupting Daesh/ISIS financing that
used "Türkiye."
"I can confirm that the Turkish Embassy did
request that we use this spelling in our communications. This is a change that
was -- as is always the case -- approved by the US Board on Geographic
Names," said Price.
"What I can tell you though is that the Board on
Geographic Names retained both ‘Turkey’ and ‘Republic of Turkey,’ the previous
spelling, as conventional names, as these are more widely understood by the
American public.
"The department will use the spelling (Türkiye)
that you saw today in most of our formal diplomatic and bilateral contexts,
including public communications, but the conventional name can also be used if
it is in furtherance of broader public understanding," he added.
"Türkiye" was first approved and put in
practice by the UN on June 1 last year.
In addition, "Made in Turkey" has been
changed to "Made in Türkiye," while the Turkish Directorate of
Communications launched a campaign dubbed "Hello Türkiye" to promote
the name globally.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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original story:
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Afghanistan’s Ruling Taliban Says 8 Islamic State’s
Khurasan Members Involved In Attacks On Kabul Hotel & Pak Embassy Killed
During Raids
An ISIS fighter walks along
with a Islamic State flag File Photo
-----
Jan 6, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban has killed
eight fighters of Daesh, or the Islamic State’s Khurasan chapter (IS-K), who
were involved in recent attacks on Pakistan’s embassy, the military airfield
and a hotel hosting Chinese nationals in Kabul.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, said on
Thursday that eight IS-K fighters, including foreign nationals, were killed and
seven others arrested during raids in Kabul, while a separate operation in
western Nimroz province resulted in the arrest of two IS-K fighters.
Three hideouts of the group were “eliminated” during
the operations carried out in Kabul and Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz, on
Wednesday.
Mujahid said light weapons, hand grenades, mines,
vests and explosives were confiscated by the Taliban’s security forces during
the raids on the IS-K hideout in the Shahdai Salehin neighbourhood of Kabul.
Residents reported sounds of several explosions and an hours-long gun battle.
The terrorists killed had planned more attacks on key
targets, the Taliban spokesperson said. “They planned to bring Daesh members
from other countries and launch coordinated attacks,” he added.
On December 2, Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul had come
under attack and the IS-K had claimed responsibility, saying its target was the
country’s envoy.
This was followed by a bombing and shooting incident
on December 12 in the Kabul hotel where more than 30 Chinese nationals were
staying. Beijing had said five of its nationals were injured in the attack and
later asked its citizens to leave Afghanistan.
The IS-K, which owned up the attack, published a photo
of the attacker, identifying him as Abdul Jabbar, saying he detonated his
explosives-laden vest targeting the soldiers gathered at the checkpoint, and
later withdrew safely from the hotel after he ran out of ammunition
IS-K, a regional affiliate of ISIL, is a key rival of
the Taliban and has increased its attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban
takeover in 2021. Their targets have included Taliban patrols and members of
Afghanistan’s Shia minority.
Source: Times Of India
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original story:
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Deterioration In Religious Values A Main Driver Of War, Violence: Al-Tayyeb, Egyptian
Grand Imam
Al-Tayyeb said: “The wars we
are witnessing today are mainly caused by the deviation from the morals of
religion, the spread of atheism, and disbelief in God.”
-----
January 05, 2023
CAIRO: A deterioration in religious values was one of
the main drivers of war and violence around the world, a prominent Egyptian
faith leader has claimed.
Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar
Al-Sharif, made his comments during a recent meeting with Pope Tawadros II of
the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Al-Tayyeb said: “The wars we are witnessing today are
mainly caused by the deviation from the morals of religion, the spread of
atheism, and disbelief in God.”
Accompanied by a delegation of senior scholars from
the Islamic scientific body and the largest religious institution in Egypt, he
was visiting Tawadros to pass on Christmas and new year greetings.
He pointed out the need for Muslims and Christians in
Egypt and around the globe to draw closer to God in times of crisis in order to
bring about international security and stability.
Many of the world’s problems, he noted, stemmed from
the “spread of selfishness, arrogance, and tyranny of power and money, as well
as the distance from values and morals, and alienation from identity.”
Tawadros said Al-Tayyeb’s visit carried with it
“cordiality, love, and good feelings,” and that such meetings delivered “a
message of reassurance to all, as they reflect the strength of the relationship
that binds Christians and Muslims in our country, praying to God to preserve Egypt
and perpetuate the blessings of security and safety for us.”
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has been encouraging the sending of
Christmas messages of good will to Christian communities worldwide, evidenced
by Al-Tayyeb’s greetings to Pope Francis, Tawadros, the British Archbishop of
Canterbury Justin Welby, Archbishop Bartholomew I of Constantinople, and other
international church leaders.
In a statement, Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating
Extremism said: “These greetings carried an explicit call to raise the voice of
brotherhood and peace in order for security and stability to prevail
everywhere.”
Tawadros also received Mahmoud Tawfik, Egypt’s
minister of the interior, Mohamed Maait, the country’s minister of finance, and
their accompanying delegations, at the papal headquarters in Cairo.
He presides over the Christmas mass prayer on Friday
evening at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in the New Administrative
Capital in Cairo, in the presence of dignitaries.
Source: Arab News
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original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2227401/middle-east
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India
Majlis e Mushawarat condemns Israeli minister’s visit
to Al- Aqsa mosque
5th January 2023
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat
(AIMMM), the umbrella body of the Muslim organisations in India, on Thursday
condemned the visit of Israel’s National Security Minister Ben Gvir to the
Al-Aqsa mosque compound which is a holy place for both Jews and Muslims.
Mushawarat said it considers it as a grave violation
of the sanctity of the third holiest place of Islam and a flagrant violation of
international law.
Navaid Hamid, acting president of the organisation,
said, “The Israeli Minister’s forced illegal action endangers security and
peace in the illegally occupied territories of Palestine and a serious threat
to the stability of the entire region”.
The AIMMM appealed to the international community and
the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonia Guterres, to take swift,
firm and decisive action to put an end to such provocative practices.
Source: Siasat Daily
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LeT Proxy The Resistance Front Banned, Chief Sheikh
Sajjad Gul Tagged ‘Terrorist’
Jan 6, 2023
NEW DELHI: The Resistance Front, a proxy of the
Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, was on Thursday declared a banned
organisation.
According to a Union home ministry notification, The
Resistance Front (TRF) is recruiting youth through the online medium for the
furtherance of terrorist activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of
terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K.
The group came into existence in 2019 as a proxy of
the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was involved in numerous terror acts,
including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Source: Times Of India
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Kashmir: Muslim Families Too Allege Ex Gratia Bias On The Basis Of Religion In
Compensation Payments And Job Offers
Muzaffar Raina
| Srinagar
06.01.23
Several Muslim families in Kashmir have alleged that
they faced discrimination on the basis of religion in compensation payments and
job offers after their relatives were killed by militants.
An association representing Dalits and other
persecuted sections had on Wednesday alleged caste bias in such cases.
The families of many Kashmiri Muslims who died at the
hands of militants defending the country or democratic institutions said the
discrimination started after the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was
scrapped. In several cases, even association with the BJP has not helped.
The militants have killed more Muslim non-combatants,
mostly members of the BJP or panchayat functionaries, than people of other
faiths since August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was diluted, as had been the case
earlier too.
“The families of panchayat members who died before
2019 were given a pittance but faced no discrimination on the basis of
religion. However, there has been a brazen display of discrimination after
2019,” Shafiq Mir, chairman of the All J&K Panchayat Conference, told The
Telegraph.
Mir referred to te ex gratia and job that the family
of slain sarpanch Ajay Pandita, a Kashmiri Pandit, received, adding that
families of Muslim victims were struggling. Ajay’s brother put the ex gratia at
Rs 20 lakh.
“These (Muslims) are men who stood for democratic
institutions in the most difficult times. In several cases, they were the sole
breadwinners,” Mir said.
Mir added: “Some got Rs 1 lakh ex gratia, others
nothing. There are no welfare schemes for them. Perhaps, they were
discriminated against because of their religion.”
Ajay’s brother Vijay Pandita said the family faced no
hurdles to receiving the ex gratia and a job for the slain sarpanch’s daughter.
Mir said 26 panchayat members — mostly Muslim — were
killed after 2012, several after 2019. The last local body elections in Jammu
and Kashmir were held in 2019 and 2020 amid a boycott by major political
parties like the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.
The family of Puran Kishan Bhat, a Pandit killed in
October, received an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh. Puran’s brother-inlaw Ashok Kumar
Raina said they were expecting a job for a family member in a few days.
This newspaper spoke to a number of Muslim victims of
militant violence, who said they were given nothing.
Arshad Ahmad Dar, whose father Ghulam Rasool Dar was
killed by militants in August 2021, said the government did not pay any ex
gratia, nor offered any job. “We got Rs 1 lakh from the Red Cross but nothing
from the government — no money, no job,” he said.
“They (the family of Ajay Pandita) got it because they
are Pandits and we are not. My father was with the BJP for years but that did
not help. We have got only assurances,” Arshad added.
Ghulam Rasool was the Kulgam president of the BJP’s
Kisan Morcha.
“The government had (in 2020) announced a life insurance
cover of Rs 25 lakh for all elected panchayat members, but we are not getting
even that,” Arshad said.
Srinagar resident Altaf Ahmad Bhat, who lost his
brother Nissar Ahmad, a panch, to militant violence in August 2020 said they
too had received only promises.
“Forget ex gratia or a job, no government official has
visited our home in the last two years. My brother’s widow is struggling to
make ends meet. They are lucky they did not have children. They too would have
suffered,” Altaf said.
“I have gone from pillar to post seeking redress but
got nothing. The same is the story with the family of Sameer Ahmad Bhat. They
also got nothing,” he said.
Sameer, a sarpanch, was killed by militants in
Srinagar’s Khonmoh locality in March last year. His wife said her insurance
payment of Rs 25 lakh was being processed and would be the first such instance.
Rural development department director Imam Din did not respond to calls from
this newspaper, made to seek his comments on the allegations of discrimination.
Source: Telegraph India
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kashmir-muslim-families-too-allege-ex-gratia-bias/cid/1908095
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Imams felicitate CM Khattar for hiking honorarium by
50%, annual 5% raise
Jan 06, 2023
Imams associated Haryana Waqf Board on Thursday
felicitated chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar after the state government
increased their monthly honorarium by 50% and promised them a 5% increment
every year.
Tanzeem Aima-e-Auqaf, an organisation of the imams,
said the salary hike was unprecedented and at least 800 imams working with
various mosques in Haryana will benefit by this decision. Imams are paid
salaries by Haryana Waqf Board, which gets grants from the state government and
also generates income from its own properties.
Zakir Hussain, administrator, Haryana Waqf Board, said
that imams will be paid between ₹14,000 and ₹16,000 as honorarium per month.
“The provision of 5% yearly hike in imams’ salary has never happened anywhere
in India,” he said.
Addressing the media after meeting with 30 imams and
office bearers of Haryana Waqf Board at Gurugram University, chief minister
Khattar said, “Imams can play a crucial road in improving education and health
facilities in areas such as Mewat. We are also working on creating more
infrastructure and development in this region. The imams have also played an
important role in the success of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign in Mewat as
well as the Swachh Bharat campaign,” he said.
Khattar added the government is working to ensure that
temple priests are also paid minimum wage by the organisations that employ
them. “A board has been formed by the government to oversee this aspect and
also for the welfare of this section,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Khattar inaugurated the animation
and multimedia lab at Gurugram University and digitally laid the foundation
stone of the teaching block of the University being constructed at a cost of
₹44 crore in Sector-87.
Source: Hindustan Times
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NIA arrests 2 Islamic State operatives during raids in
Karnataka
Jan 6, 2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday
conducted raids at several locations across South India in Karnataka and
arrested two operatives in connection with the Shivamogga ISIS conspiracy case.
The NIA conducted searches at six locations across
Karnataka in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Davanagere and
Bengaluru, arresting two ISIS operatives.
The case was initially registered on September 19,
2022 at Shivamogga Rural Police Station and re-registered by NIA on November
15, 2022.
The case is related to a conspiracy hatched by the
accused to further the terror activities of the Islamic State (IS), a banned
terrorist organization, and to endanger the unity, security and sovereignty of
the country.
The arrested accused has been identified as Reshaan
Thajuddin Sheikh, resident of Udupi district in Karnataka, and Huzair Farhan
Baig of Shivamogga.
Investigation has revealed that the accused, Maaz
Muneer radicalized his close associate and college mate Reshaan Thajuddin, and
the two accused, Reshaan Thajuddin Sheikh and Huzair Farhan Baig received funds
from their ISIS handler through Crypto-wallets for carrying out terrorist
activities of the Islamic State.
The accused also indulged in arson and targeted
vehicles and other establishments, such as liquor shops, godowns, transformers
etc.
Source: India Today
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Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan’s cabbie Mohammed
Alam walks out of jail after two years
Jan 6, 2023
LUCKNOW: Mohammed Alam, the taxi driver arrested along
with Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, walked out of jail on Thursday after 27
months in prison.
Alam was driving the taxi in October 2020 in which
Kappan and two others were going to Hathras, where a Dalit woman had died after
allegedly being gang-raped. They were arrested before they could reach the
woman’s village.
On Kappan’s release, his lawyer Mohamed Dhanish KS
told TOI that his sureties were yet to be furnished. He was granted bail by the
Supreme Court in cases registered by the UP police. Later, the high court
granted him bail in the PMLA case as well. “We will furnish the sureties by
Friday. During Kappan’s bail plea hearing we had raised the issue of delay in
verification of the securities, to which the court has given us an oral
assurance of getting it done within 10 days,” said Dhanish KS.
Source: Times Of India
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North America
US, Turkey sanction four people who allegedly provided
funds to Islamic State
By FATIMA HUSSEIN
5 January 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The US said Thursday it has worked
with Turkey to impose sanctions on four people and two firms that it says
provided financial support to the Islamic State group.
The announcement signaled counterterrorism cooperation
between the two countries at a time of tensions over efforts to fight Islamic
State.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has threatened an
offensive into Syria against Kurdish militants he has blamed for a deadly
November 13 bombing in Istanbul, which has alarmed US officials. Kurdish groups
have been allied with the US in the fight against Islamic State group and have
warned that a Turkish escalation would threaten anti-IS efforts.
In its announcement Thursday, Treasury’s Office of
Foreign Assets Control said it was imposing sanctions on an Iraqi national
living in Turkey, Abd Al Hamid Salim Ibrahim Ismail Brukan al-Khatuni, his sons
and the Turkish money service firm where they all worked. They are accused of
facilitating financial transfers to and from Iraq and Syria for the benefit of
the Islamic State.
Another individual, Lu’ay Jasim Hammadi al-Juburi, an
Islamic State financial administration official also living in Turkey, was
accused of using the firm Sham Express, a company founded in 2020 by Brukan
al-Khatuni, to transfer funds to the Islamic State.
Thursday’s sanctions freeze and block any potential
transactions with US entities and prevent Americans from doing business with
them.
The State Department noted that Turkey is concurrently
freezing the assets of those targeted by the US sanctions.
Brian Nelson, the Treasury’s Under Secretary for
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence said Thursday’s actions reaffirm
“Treasury’s commitment to degrade ISIS’s ability to operate globally.”
The actions come after two November rounds of
sanctions were imposed on people and firms in Africa who it says have provided
financial or material support to Islamic State.
The Islamic State group is also known as the Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.
Source: Times Of Israel
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Türkiye, US jointly freeze assets of Daesh/ISIS
affiliates
Merve Aydogan
05.01.2023
Türkiye and the US jointly froze the assets of Daesh/ISIS
terrorist organization affiliates, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced on
Thursday.
"Today, Türkiye and the United States decided to
take a joint action on freezing the assets of 5 individuals and 2 legal persons
who have been identified to finance the DAESH terrorist organization,"
said a statement by the ministry.
Noting that further information on the matter could be
obtained from a published decision by the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and
Finance, the statement said Ankara would "continue to take effective steps
on countering terrorism financing and cooperate with its international partners
on the issue."
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a
separate statement that the two countries "have disrupted ISIS's ability
to finance its operations by designating four individuals and two entities of
an ISIS financial facilitation network."
"The United States designated members of the
network pursuant to counterterrorism authorities that target terrorist groups
and their supporters. Concurrently, Turkish authorities have implemented an
asset freeze against members of this network," said Price.
Last month, Türkiye froze the assets of 17 people and
four legal entities linked to Daesh/ISIS.
In 2013, Türkiye became one of the first countries to
declare Daesh/ISIS a terrorist organization.
The country has since been attacked by the terror
group multiple times, with over 300 people killed and hundreds more injured in
at least 10 suicide bombings, seven bomb attacks, and four armed assaults.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkiye-us-jointly-freeze-assets-of-daesh-isis-affiliates/2780759
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US, Turkey target financial network linked to ISIS: US
Treasury Dept
05 January ,2023
The US Treasury Department said on Thursday it was
taking joint action with Turkey against a network it said played a key role in
money management, transfer and distribution for the ISIS militant group
operating in Iraq and Syria.
Turkey's foreign affairs ministry said on Twitter the
assets of seven individuals or legal persons involved in financing for the
group were frozen.
The US Treasury Department said four individuals and
two entities in Turkey were designated under US sanctions.
They included an Iraqi national living illegally in
Turkey, Brukan al-Khatuni, his two sons and an associate, and two businesses
they used to transfer money on behalf of the ISIS, also known as ISIS, between
Turkey, Iraq and Syria, the Treasury Department said in a statement.
The sanctions freeze any US assets they hold and
generally bar Americans from dealing with them.
ISIS killed and executed thousands of people in the
name of its extremism before it was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and
Syria in 2019.
The group last month named a new leader, Abu
al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Quraishi, after its previous head blew himself up in
October while being besieged by former anti-government rebels in southern
Syria.
The United States in November blacklisted four
individuals and eight companies in South Africa aiding the group and in May
imposed sanctions on a network of five ISIS financial facilitators working
across Indonesia, Syria and Turkey.
Source: Al Arabiya
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US says doesn’t support normalization with Syria’s
Assad after UAE FM visit
05 January ,2023
Washington on Thursday reiterated its rejection of
normalizing relations with Syria under the Assad regime after the top UAE
diplomat visited Damascus this week.
Bashar al-Assad and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh
Abdullah bin Zayed met in Syria for the second time in two years on Wednesday
to discuss boosting ties between the two countries and restoring relations.
But the US, which has enforced crushing economic sanctions
on the Assad regime and those dealing with it, continues to oppose outreach and
efforts to rehabilitate the current Syrian government.
“Our position on normalization with the Assad regime
remains unchanged. We do not support it,” a National Security Council official
told Al Arabiya English.
The State Department had the same response when asked
about the UAE foreign minister’s latest trip to Syria.
Assad made a surprise visit to the UAE last year,
which was widely criticized by Washington, in March.
Following the Syrian civil war outbreak in 2011, the
Arab League kicked out Damascus and most of the countries in the region severed
diplomatic ties.
In recent years, several Gulf and Arab countries have
moved to restore these ties, including the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan.
Turkey is reportedly looking to arrange a sit-down between Recep Tayyip Erdogan
and al-Assad in the near future.
“Washington and the West will not normalize with
Assad, but doesn’t care if its allies try their hand engagement,” said Andrew
Tabler, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “To
achieve what is the real question,” added Tabler, who was also the NSC Syria
Director under former US President Donald Trump.
The top Republican senator on the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee slammed the UAE foreign minister’s trip and said it risked
sanctions and harming the UAE’s reputation.
Source: Al Arabiya
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Europe
Prince Harry, As An Apache Helicopter Pilot In
Afghanistan, Says He Killed 25 In Afghanistan: Media
January 05, 2023
LONDON: Prince Harry has acknowledged killing 25
people during his time as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, British
media reported Thursday, quoting a soon-to-be-published autobiography.
The 38-year-old Duke of Sussex served two tours of
duty against the Taliban, first as a forward air controller calling in
airstrikes in 2007-2008, then flying the attack helicopter in 2012-2013.
In the book “Spare,” due out next week, he said he
undertook six missions as a pilot that led to him “taking human lives,” the
Daily Telegraph reported.
He said he was neither proud nor ashamed of doing so
and described eliminating the targets as like removing “chess pieces” from a
board.
Harry served for 10 years in the British Army, rising
to the rank of captain, and has described his time in the military as his
formative years.
His first tour was conducted under a strict news
blackout for security reasons, which was agreed by British media outlets. He
was forced to return home when a foreign publication broke the embargo.
He has never publicly discussed how many Taliban he
killed.
Video cameras mounted on the nose of his Apache
helicopter enabled him to assess his missions — and determine with certainty
how many he had killed.
“My number is 25. It’s not a number that fills me with
satisfaction, but nor does it embarrass me,” he wrote.
He justified his actions because of his memory of the
9/11 attacks in the United States, and after meeting families of the victims.
Those responsible and their sympathizers were “enemies
of humanity” and fighting them was an act of vengeance for a crime against
humanity, he added.
Harry has since voiced concern about his security, not
just because of his royal status but also because of his time fighting
extremists.
Source: Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2227331/world
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No lessons to take from Iran over press, judicial
freedoms: France
05 January ,2023
Iran should look at what is going on at home before
criticizing France, Foreign Minster Catherine Colonna said on Thursday, a day
after Paris’ envoy in Tehran was summoned over cartoons published by the French
satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Ties between France and Iran have deteriorated in
recent months as efforts to revive nuclear talks, to which France is one of the
parties, have stalled and Tehran has detained seven of its nationals.
Charlie Hebdo this week published dozens of cartoons
depicting the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which it said
aimed to support anti-government protests sparked by the death of a young woman
in September while in the custody of the morality police.
Speaking to LCI TV, Colonna said it was Iran that was
pursuing bad policies through its violence against its population and detention
of French nationals.
“Let’s remember that in France press freedom exists
contrary to what’s happening in Iran and that this (freedom) is overseen by a
judge within the framework of an independent judiciary, which is something that
Iran without doubt doesn’t know well,” she said, adding that there were no
blasphemy laws in France.
Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement on
Thursday it had ended the activities of the French Institute of Research in
Iran and was re-evaluating France’s cultural activities in the country.
The French foreign ministry said in an online news
briefing that it had not been made aware of the move at this stage, but that if
it were true it would be “regrettable.”
The institute, first opened in 1983 after a merger of
two other French cultural entities, had been closed for years only to re-open
in 2013 under former President Hassan Rouhani.
Facing their worst legitimacy crisis since the 1979
Islamic Revolution, Iran’s religious leaders have accused its foreign foes of
orchestrating the anti-government mass protests to destabilize the country.
The Charlie Hebdo cartoons triggered an angry response
from Iran with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warning that the
“offensive and indecent” move would receive a firm response from Tehran. He
accused the French government of going too far.
Source: Al Arabiya
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Türkiye rescues 63 irregular migrants after illegal
Greek pushback in Aegean
Burak Akay
05.01.2023
The Turkish Coast Guard said on Thursday that it
rescued 63 irregular migrants illegally pushed back into Turkish territorial
waters by Greek authorities.
In an initial incident, Turkish teams were dispatched
off the coast off Ayvacik in the northwestern Canakkale province after the
coast guard learned that there were irregular migrants on a rubber boat and a
total of 44 foreign nationals were rescued, the Turkish Coast Guard said.
Nineteen irregular migrants were later rescued off the
coast of the Ayvalik District of Balikesir province.
Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular
migrants wanting to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those
fleeing war and persecution.
Human rights groups and media outlets have frequently
reported on illegal pushbacks and other human rights breaches by Greek
authorities.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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London barber shop owner jailed for sending COVID-19
grant funding to Daesh
January 05, 2023
LONDON: The owner of a London barber shop who claimed
thousands of pounds in COVID-19 grant payments and sent the money to Daesh
militants in Syria was on Thursday jailed for 12 years.
Tarek Namouz, 43, from west London, had received the
bounce-back loans from the British government during the coronavirus pandemic
to support his hair-cutting business.
The scheme was introduced to help companies during the
global virus outbreak, with small and medium-sized enterprises able to borrow
between £2,000 and up to 25 percent of their turnover.
Namouz had previously been found guilty of eight
counts of funding terrorism and two of possessing information likely to be
useful for terrorism, Sky News reported.
The sentence was handed down at Kingston Crown Court
and included a further year on extended licence.
Namouz sent around £11,280 to Syria on dates between
November 2020 and April 2021, the court heard. The money was intended to fund a
militia in the country.
He was also recorded telling someone visiting him in
prison while on remand that he had sent around £25,000, the court was told.
Prosecutors said cash and a hidden mobile phone
containing messages to a contact in Syria, a Daesh bomb-making video, and a
video showing how to kill with a knife, were found at the barber shop after a
police raid.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Metropolitan
Police counter-terrorism command, said that terrorist groups relied on funding
to carry out their activities and to continue to operate.
“People like Namouz who provide money to terrorist
groups — both in the UK and overseas — are enabling others to go and commit
serious and deadly attacks, and we will always pursue and investigate those
people and seek to bring them to justice,” Smith added.
Judge Peter Lodder said Namouz had shown a “commitment
to terrorism” and had planned to “re-establish a state run in accordance with
extreme Islamic principles.”
He added: “In 2020 and 2021 you ran a barber’s shop in
Hammersmith. You were entitled to COVID-19 bounce-back loans which were paid to
you by the local council.
Source: Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2227351/world
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South Asia
Afghan hospital wards fill with children suffering
from pneumonia
Jan 5, 2023
KABUL : In a bitterly cold bedroom at the start of
winter in Kabul, 22-year Maryam sat with her baby son bundled up in a red
jumper as he coughed days after being discharged for the third time from a
hospital ward for suspected pneumonia.
Every time 10-month old Rahmat's parents bring him
home from the crowded, but warmer hospital, they say he gets sick again. The
parents said they spend whatever they can from their shrinking income to trying
to heat the room, which drops below freezing at night.
"I am scared, it is only the beginning of winter,
what is going to happen?" said Maryam, saying the family could only buy
coal in small quantities and had to cut back on food to afford even that after
her husband lost his construction job.
The family is among many in Afghanistan unable to
afford adequate heating, often having to choose between food and fuel as an
economic crisis grips the country.
Doctors and aid workers say thousands of children are
being admitted to hospital with pneumonia and other respiratory diseases caused
by the cold and malnutrition.
The crisis, aid agencies say, is likely to get worse.
A ban on female NGO workers has led to over 180 international organisations
suspending operations in the crucial winter months, saying they are unable to
operate in the conservative country without female staff to reach out to women
and children.
Even before that, more than half the population was
reliant on humanitarian aid after the economic shock precipitated by the 2021
Taliban takeover caused Afghanistan's GDP to shrink by 20% last year.
Afghanistan has been hit by a cut in development
spending by foreign governments, an enforcement of Western sanctions and the
freezing of the country's central bank assets that has severely hampered the
banking system.
"Our patients have increased compared to the
past, the main reason is the economy," said Mohammad Arif Hassanzai, head
of internal medicine at Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul.
Hospital figures showed more than 6,700 children were
admitted in November for pneumonia, coughs, asthma and other respiratory
conditions, compared to around 3,700 the same month the previous year.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
which supports several hospitals in Afghanistan, said even before the winter
months, it had seen a 50% increase of children under five admitted for
pneumonia in 2022 compared to the previous year.
"People have been dying of pneumonia this year,
including children," said Lucien Christen, ICRC's spokesperson in Kabul,
adding that malnutrition was contributing to children's weakened immune
systems.
Aid workers said pollution had also worsened this year
as more people burned garbage and plastic for heat.
In a ward dedicated to pneumonia patients at the
hospital, babies lay two or three to a bed, with worried parents and a handful
of stretched medical staff overseeing them. Some mothers held tiny oxygen masks
to infants' faces, while fathers crammed the corridors outside.
Suddenly a clamour broke out. A one-month old baby,
Mohammad, stopped breathing and his lips were turning blue. His panic-stricken
uncle, holding the child in a green blanket, was directed to a specialized
emergency unit two floors below. He dashed downstairs, as the baby's mother ran
behind in tears.
In the high dependency unit, Mohammad was connected to
an oxygen tube via his nose. The doctor said he was in critical condition and
would take five days to stabilise.
Source: Times Of India
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Taliban (IEA) Minister Signs Extraction Contract of
Amu Oil Feild With Chines Company
By Nizamuddin Rezahi
January 5, 2023
Shahabuddin Delawar, the Acting Minster of Mines and
Petroleum of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan signed the extraction contract
of the Amu oil field with the Chinese company (CPEIC) earlier today.
The signing ceremony took place in presence of the
Chines Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu, and the Acting Minister of Mines and
Petroleum of Afghanistan, Shahabuddin Delawar, and other high ranking Afghan
officials.
During the official signing ceremony of the extraction
contract of Amu oil field with the Chines company, China Petroleum Economics
and Information Research Center (CPEIC), the Afghan Minister said that some
3000 jobs will be created for Afghans inside the country. And the capacity of
extracting oil from the Qashqari mine will increase from 200 tons to 1000 tons
and more.
The area of this contract is estimated 4500 square
kilometers, scattered in the country’s three northern provinces including
Saripul, Jawzjan and Faryab.
In the contract, it is stated that Afghanistan’s share
is 20 percent at present, and it will reach up to 75 percent in the future.
Source: Khaama Press
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Arab World
‘Sick Building Syndrome’: UAE doctors see spike in
illness from office environments
06 January ,2023
Doctors in the United Arab Emirates are warning that
the environment of workplaces could be damaging workers’ health after seeing a
rise in the number of cases related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
Office workers visit clinics every month, complaining
of headaches, sore throats, itchy eyes, breathing difficulties and skin
complaints; symptoms related to SBS.
SBS is attributed to unhealthy or stressful factors –
such as poor ventilation and dust, fungal spores, and other airborne particles
– at workplaces.
Dr Trilok Chand, a specialist in respiratory medicine
at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital, told Al Arabiya English that Sick Building
Syndrome is when a person experiences adverse health effects due to the indoor
air quality in offices, homes, and school buildings.
“Sick Building Syndrome is caused by poor air quality
due to poor ventilation, dust, carpet fibers, and fungal spores,” he explained.
“Indoor air quality is also affected by outdoor air quality due to factors like
pollution or sandstorms that happen in the summer. Ultimately, air flow in the
buildings comes from the outside. In the winter season, poor ventilation and
crowding can also cause infections.”
Due to poor air quality, patients across the UAE can
complain of respiratory symptoms as well as skin and eye allergies. Respiratory
symptoms include dyspnea, cough, throat pain, sneezing, insomnia, and headache.
“We see patients with Sick Building Syndrome,” he
said. “Recently we encountered some teachers who experienced these symptoms due
to poor ventilation when the schools reopened.
“Patients with Sick Building Syndrome sometimes have
existing symptoms like asthma and COPD.”
“Due to poor air quality, respiratory symptoms can
worsen. In these patients, problems like bronchitis, respiratory infections,
pneumonia, and allergic symptoms, including skin and eye allergies, can also occur.”
While these problems are not often seen in many of the
UAE’s new buildings, they can be seen in people living or working in older
premises.
“The health authorities are so vigilant here that they
regularly keep eyes on spurts of unusual symptoms due to poor air quality and
condition of offices and residences,” said Dr Chand.
“However, employers have a shared responsibility to
provide clean air in the workspace. The offices should be clean, and the carpet
area should be minimized. The ventilation system should be checked from time to
time and thoroughly cleaned by an expert AC maintenance team.”
“If you want to improve indoor air quality and avoid
Sick Building Syndrome, you can install good quality and efficient air
purifiers that can trap dust particles, viruses and fumes and improve the air
quality. Another action that could be taken is prohibiting smoking in office
areas. Smoking is a man-made pollution in the workspace that can affect
employees working in the same place.”
Better ventilation systems needed
Dr Gopal Chawla, Pulmonologist & Sleep Medicine
Physician at NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai Investment Park, told Al Arabiya
English that employers should invest in better ventilation systems and
air-quality measures to safeguard the well-being of their staff.
“There is a lot of concern about outdoor air
pollution, yet we hardly think about indoor pollution,” the doctor said. ”Sick
Building Syndrome is not a new concept and has been existing for a long time in
fast growing economies. It has been seen in people in some specific buildings
where they are working or living where they develop symptoms including watery
itchy eyes, sore throat, dry cough, runny nose, feeling of malaise or
breathlessness.”
“These symptoms can develop very slowly so many never
realize when it starts – until one day when they become all too aware of them.”
It can apparently be so variable that people in the
same building may have varying symptoms, not realizing that the root cause is
the same.
Dr Chawla said workers who experience more than one
symptom should seek medical advice.
“The best way to know is if these symptoms occur more
than twice, when you are in a particular place. Also – if the symptoms
disappear when you are away on vacation or some other place.”
“In our clinics we receive many patients like these;
most of them come with complaints of coughing and nasal problems while some
come with breathing issues.”
“Prevalence is more in females and ones doing menial
jobs.”
Dr Chawla said, in the UAE, people are more
susceptible in buildings where there is high indoor temperature (over 23°C in
air-conditioned buildings), low fresh air ventilation in air-conditioned office
and maintenance issues, such as water leakage and poor sanitation which can
cause infections like bacteria and fungus.
“We breathe almost 8000 liters of air (every day) and
90 percent of this is indoors. So, work buildings as well as homes should have
properly fitted cleaned duct systems with regular influx of fresh air. Apart
from ducts, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, carpets, even aromatic air
fresheners are responsible for SBS symptoms.”
“It’s important to keep workplaces clean because dust
as well as microorganisms can cause these symptoms. Many fungal and bacterial
infections spread through the duct system.”
Source: Al Arabiya
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UAE Helps Arrest World’s ‘Most Wanted Human
Trafficker’ Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam: Interpol
06 January ,2023
Actions taken by the UAE have led to the arrest of
long-sought human smuggler Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam, Interpol said in a
statement on Thursday.
Known for his violent treatment of migrants and as the
head of a major criminal organization behind the kidnapping, extortion and
murder of East African migrants, the Eritrean national has been wanted by the
international policing body since 2019.
He is the subject of two Interpol red notices by
Ethiopia and the Netherlands, and the capture was nine months in the making,
according to a social media post from Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the UAE’s Minister
of Interior.
Habtemariam was initially arrested in Ethiopia in 2020
but escaped custody after one year, and was later sentenced in absentia to life
in prison.
Following a task force meeting between Ethiopia,
Sudan, The Netherlands, UAE, Europol and Regional Operational Centre, Emirati
authorities conducted a thorough investigation of his network and family
members, identifying money laundering activities that led to Sudan.
He was arrested in Sudan on January 1. He will
reportedly end up spending life in prison after the due legal processes are
completed and extradition papers are processed.
Alongside Habtemariam’s arrest in Sudan, which were
reportedly led by UAE authorities, Emirati officials also simultaneously
conducted an operation in country to arrest Henok Zakarias, the brother of the
internationally wanted smuggler.
Both individuals are now in the UAE. “His arrest will
neutralise a major people smuggling route towards Europe and protect thousands
who would have been at risk of exploitation,” a statement from the UAE Ministry
of Interior said.
“We have now shut down one of the most important
trafficking routes into Europe, which illegally moved thousands of migrants
from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, through Libya and into Europe,”
added Saeed Abdullah al-Suwaidi, Director General, Federal Anti-Narcotics
General Directorate of the UAE’s Ministry of Interior.
“…the world’s most wanted human trafficker will no
longer be able to commit his despicable actions. The UAE will continue to
deploy our full operational capabilities to protect vulnerable communities from
this horrific exploitation,” he continued.
The Eritrean will now face trial in the UAE for money
laundering, and authorities will review the possibility of his extradition
after the case is closed in the UAE, Suwaidi was quoted as saying by AFP.
The UAE is reportedly discussing with Interpol the
possibility of launching another investigation into a major human trafficker.
Source: Al Arabiya
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Turkish court suspends funding for pro-Kurdish party
over alleged ties to terrorism
05 January ,2023
A top Turkish court on Thursday suspended funding for
the main pro-Kurdish party over its alleged ties to terrorism.
The court decision deprives the Peoples’ Democratic
Party (HDP) – parliament’s second-largest opposition group - of a key source of
revenue heading into a general election due by June.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses the party of
being the political wing of banned militants who have been waging a
decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.
The HDP denies formal links to the fighters and
accuses the government of targeting the party because of its strong opposition
to Erdogan.
The HDP’s future could play a major role in deciding
Erdogan’s success in parliamentary and presidential elections now posing one of
the stiffest challenges of his two-decade rule.
Turkey’s constitutional court is hearing a
prosecutor’s request to ban the party before the vote.
Chief prosecutor Bekir Sahin is due to argue his case
in court on Tuesday.
The court will then have the option of either
dissolving the party or banning some of its members if it rules against the
HDP.
Turkish media reports say the party was due to receive
539 million liras ($29 million) in treasury funding this year.
An HDP party spokesman told AFP that the party’s only
other source of revenue is donations from supporters.
Source: Al Arabiya
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Lebanese
court charges seven over fatal UNIFIL peacekeeper attack: Report
05
January ,2023
Lebanon’s
military tribunal on Thursday charged seven suspects in last month’s attack
that killed an Irish peacekeeper when a group of armed local residents ambushed
his convoy and opened fire, officials said.
The
shooting took place near the town of al-Aqbiya in southern Lebanon, a center of
support for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has denied any role in
the killing.
The
attack killed Pvt. Seán Rooney, 24, of Newtowncunningham, Ireland, and
seriously wounded Pvt. Shane Kearney, 22.
The
wounded peacekeeper was medically evacuated from Lebanon to Ireland. Two other
Irish troops in the vehicle sustained light injuries.
In
late December, the Lebanese military arrested a suspect, allegedly “in
cooperation with Hezbollah,” according to the group, which said the man was not
a Hezbollah member.
The
arrested man and six others were charged in the attack, according to a judicial
official familiar with the investigation, a legal official following the case,
and a military official. All spoke on condition of anonymity in line with
regulations.
The
officials said that a search is underway for the other six suspects and that
officials are trying to determine whether they had left the country.
The
Lebanese military in a brief statement said the case was transferred to the
“appropriate judiciary” on Tuesday, but did mention the charges or other
developments.
The
UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, also known as UNIFIL, told The
Associated Press that it has not received any information about the arrest or
the charges in the case. Hezbollah did not immediately respond to inquiries
about the latest developments.
UNIFIL
was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon
after a 1978 invasion.
The
UN expanded its mission following the 2006 war between Israel and the
Iran-backed Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border
to help the Lebanese military extend its authority into the country’s south for
the first time in decades.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Somalia,
UAE strike security deal in push to mend fences
Mohammed
Dhaysane
05.01.2023
Somalia
and the UAE have signed an agreement to bolster military and security ties,
along with cooperation in anti-terrorism efforts, as the two countries work to
improve strained relations.
The
deal was inked on Wednesday evening in Abu Dhabi by Somali Defense Minister
Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his counterpart Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Bowardi.
The
agreement will enhance “institutional capacity-building of Somalia’s security
forces and support ongoing efforts to eradicate al-Shabaab from Somalia,” Nur
said in a statement.
The
al-Shabaab terror group is an al-Qaeda affiliate that has claimed thousands of
lives in a deadly campaign against Somali government and international forces
since at least 2007.
Somalia’s
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared “all-out war” against the group as
it continues to mount violent attacks in the country.
On
Wednesday, al-Shabaab carried out twin suicide bombings in the central Somali
town of Mahas, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 70.
The
UAE remains a “strategic partner in Somalia’s peace-building and state-building
efforts,” Nur added.
A
UAE Defense Ministry statement said talks in Abu Dhabi also focused on efforts
to protect common interests.
Bilateral
ties between the countries have been lukewarm for several years, particularly
over Somali allegations of UAE’s interference in its internal politics.
Relations
plummeted during ex-President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s tenure, with the
Somali Parliament going as far as banning Emirati state-owned ports operator,
DP World, declaring it a threat to Somalia’s sovereignty.
UAE,
in response, closed a military facility and a hospital in Mogadishu, while also
disbanding its military training mission.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somalia-uae-strike-security-deal-in-push-to-mend-fences/2780549
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Saudi
music scene booming, says Arab singer
HUSSAM
AL-MAYMAN
January
05, 2023
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s music scene is booming and showcasing the depth of talent in the
country, according to Arab singer Hager Elkhashab.
Speaking
on “The Mayman Show” this week, Elkhashab — an Egyptian national born in Abha —
said her passion for music saw her perform at the Asir Festival, in the region
she grew up.
Elkhashab
praised the Ministry of Culture for helping to create the conditions for the
flourishing arts scene in the country. She lauded several initiatives including
Riyadh Season, Taif’s music concerts, and ITHRA’s shows in Alkhobar in the
Eastern Province.
Elkhashab
said she also performed at the ITHRA festival, “an amazing experience” which
allowed her to present a fusion of classical Arab and traditional Khaleeji
music. “A lot of people came to ITHRA to listen to Arabic classical music. I
sang for six successive days, four hours per day. So it was a really different
experience for me.”
She
said ITHRA events are largely multinational affairs but lacking an
understanding of Arabic was not a barrier for the audience. “It was really
interesting to see different cultures listening to and enjoying classic Arabic
music.”
Elkhashab
said the crowd consisted of Indian, Chinese and Japanese people, who spoke to
her after her performances, and said they really enjoyed the experience even
though they did not understand what she was saying.
She
said that her performances at ITHRA’s events boosted her profile as a singer.
“You know, I’m so proud of myself that I started here in Saudi Arabia and from
that, Cairo or let’s say Opera Egypt, contacted me to have a performance in
Cairo. So that was very special for me to have that kind of opportunity
starting from here, from Saudi Arabia,” she said.
She
is scheduled to perform at the Cairo Opera House in February. “My name was not
known in Egypt. But when they saw the video, they saw the quality of the music
that we are providing here in Saudi Arabia. They (became) interested (in
having) one performance there,” she said.
Elkhashab,
whose last performance was at the Asir Festival, said her dream is to perform
at the Mariyah Concert Hall in AlUla and other parts of Saudi Arabia, including
NEOM and the Abu Bakr Salim and Mohammed Abdou stages.
“You
know, I was born and raised here in Saudi Arabia and I can see the revolution
happening in every aspect … We can sing freely, we can show our talent.”
Source:
Arab News
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2227021/saudi-arabia
--------
Soccer
fans hopeful ahead of Gulf Cup in Iraqi city of Basra
05
January ,2023
For
many Iraqis, the first international soccer tournament their country is hosting
in more than four decades is about to kick off in the southern city of Basra,
offering a rare moment of joy and optimism.
The
eight-nation Arabian Gulf Cup starts Friday, with teams from the six Gulf
Cooperation Council countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and
the United Arab Emirates — as well as Yemen and Iraq. It’s the first time since
1979 that turmoil-wracked Iraq is home to the tournament.
For
two weeks, the matches will be a respite from all the violence, political and
economic crises, fans and officials said. Decades of unrest and conflict have
prompted a series of FIFA bans on Iraq hosting international matches.
That
has forced the Iraqi team to play home games abroad. Since the US-led invasion
in 2003 that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq has only played three
competitive matches on home turf.
If
the 25th edition of the Gulf Cup goes smoothly, it could encourage FIFA to
allow World Cup qualifiers to return to Baghdad.
“As
Iraqis we have suffered for decades, and so we’re very happy that this Gulf
tournament can take place on Iraqi soil in Basra,” said Akram al-Iraqi, a Basra
resident taking a stroll on the bustling corniche promenade by the Shatt
al-Arab, the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Also,
Iraq’s ties with GCC have been strained for decades as Iran-backed militias and
political factions rose in prominence in the country. Basra, the center of
Iraq’s petroleum industry, has not been spared from the country’s political
turmoil, violent clashes, and crumbling infrastructure.
These
days, the city is reinvigorated and busier than ever. Security forces have been
deployed in large numbers as tourists from neighboring Gulf countries pour in
for the tournament.
“Most
people visiting from the Gulf countries see Basra and Iraq as unsafe,” said
Fouad Al-Helfi, another Basra resident, standing outside a hotel. “But it seems
they’re changing their views ... we’re seeing it in posts they’re putting up on
social media.”
There
are also hopes for an economic windfall. Oil-rich Basra has fallen on hard
times, with rising temperatures and drought induced by climate change and poor
management of water resources.
Its
farming sector has been devastated while its once famous tourism industry has
floundered. Some 40 percent of Basra’s estimated population of 1.4 million
lives in poverty, while unemployment is soaring.
“It’s
going to help revive the economy and tourism,” said Laith Jasb, middle-aged
resident who remembers better times.
Iraqi
families with children mingle with Saudi and Kuwaiti tourists strolling along
the Shatt al-Arab corniche.
Merchants
crowded the promenade, selling coffee, gifts, and Iraqi flag. Waiters at a
hotel lobby nearby scurried to bring patrons coffee and shishas, traditional
water pipes for smoking tobacco.
Adel
Kabbasi, a Yemeni journalist who flew to Basra for the tournament, said he has
felt safe and comfortable since his arrival.
Noor
Majid, a soccer fan who came to Basra from the capital, Baghdad, said she hopes
the Gulf Cup will help ease “some political tensions” with booming GCC
countries and encourage their investments.
“I
think it’s a chance for Iraq and the Gulf countries to recalibrate their
relationship,” she said.
The
Iraqi Football Federation sees the tournament as an opportunity in restoring
confidence in having Iraq host more sporting competitions.
“Everything
that we had planned on paper is being implemented,” said Yousif Faeal, the
federation’s media director.
As
for trophy hopes, Iraq won the tournament as host in 1979 for the first time,
and twice more in the 1980s.
Grouped
with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Oman for the first round in Basra, Iraq is now
hoping for a fourth tournament win.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Mideast
Iran
to Close French Cultural Institute in Response to Charlie Hebdo's Insulting
Cartoons
2023-January-5
In
a statement on Thursday, the foreign ministry noted it would reexamine France's
cultural activities in Iran, and that it was “ending the activities of the
French Institute for Research in Iran as a first step".
It
added that the French government bears “undeniable responsibility” to deal with
violations of the sanctity of freedom, breach of human rights, insults against
religious values and beliefs and threats to the national sovereignty of other
countries by legal and natural persons subject to the rule of the European
country’s government.
The
ministry condemned “in the strongest terms” the infamous French magazine’s move
“to trample on recognized moral norms, savagely violate religious sanctities,
disrespect the sanctum of the politico-religious authority, and insult the
Iranians’ state symbols and national values".
The
French publication’s move was another sign of the Zionism’s role in a media
campaign to promote Islamophobia, incite hatred and sow discord among peoples
and countries, the statement read.
It
added that the French publication has for many years misused the noble concept
of “freedom of speech” as a cover for its anti-cultural acts and desecration of
humans as well as sublime moral and religious values.
The
statement noted that in the past years, the French magazine has repeatedly
provoked Muslim anger by publishing insulting cartoons of Prophet Mohammad.
Iran
slams the inaction of the relevant authorities in France in dealing with the
French publications' measures against Islam and the spread of racist hatred and
reiterates the direct responsibility of the government in Paris to hold
accountable the perpetrators of such moves, the ministry said.
The
ministry stated that Iran also called for a serious fight against Islamophobia
as a “manifestation of institutionalized racism in this country".
It
vowed to seriously pursue the Iranian nation’s demand for the French government
to hold accountable the perpetrators and prevent their repetition, saying
Tehran would take appropriate measures in this regard.
The
statement comes as Charlie Hebdo magazine is set to publish several insulting
cartoons of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei in a special issue later this week.
Iran’s
Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned the French Ambassador in Tehran Nicolas
Roche to protest the insulting act by the French magazine.
“The
Islamic Republic of Iran brooks by no means any insults to its sanctities, and
Islamic, religious, and national values,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser
Kana’ani told the French envoy in the meeting.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
If
UNSC won’t stop you, our people will, Palestinian envoy tells Israeli
counterpart
EPHREM
KOSSAIFY
January
06, 2023
NEW
YORK: “Listen carefully to me,” Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador
said to his Israeli counterpart sitting across from him in the UN Security
Council chamber.
“This
council should stop you,” Mansour continued. “It is their responsibility. It is
the responsibility of all states to uphold international law and the historic
status quo (of Haram Al-Sharif.) They should stop you. But make no mistake: If
they don’t, our Palestinian people will.”
Mansour’s
remarks came at an emergency Security Council meeting convened by the UAE and
China to discuss the surprise visit of newly appointed Israeli National
Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem
on Tuesday.
The
Palestinian envoy asked the security council to take concrete action against
what he called Israel’s “absolute contempt for us, for you, and the entire
international community.” Mansour described Ben-Gvir’s visit as displaying
“utter disregard for the sanctity of Palestinian life, the sanctity of
international law and the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
“And
yet, the council remains on the sidelines. You say nice things, but you are
still on the sidelines.”
Ben-Gvir’s
visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has enraged Palestinians and caused
worldwide condemnation amid warnings about Israeli plans to change the status
quo of the holy sites.
“Our
people are running out of patience,” Mansour said, adding that “the moderation
and sense of responsibility we display should never be construed as weakness.
The record show shows that Israel’s persistence on this path does not lead to
surrender, but to uprising.”
He
called on nations who were committed to international law and peace to act now
and “not lament once the fire spreads beyond control.”
Ben-Gvir,
a far-right politician convicted of anti-Arab incitement in 2007, was appointed
national security minister in Benyamin Netanyahu’s new coalition government,
with expanded powers over Israel’s police. He has long called for Jewish prayer
at Al-Aqsa, which has been the site of several conflagrations in the past
between Israelis and Palestinians.
Mansour
said that Ben-Gvir was known “for his racist views” and that he did not come to
Al-Haram Sharif to visit but was “pursuing the same extremist agenda he has
pursued all his life: Ending the historic and legal status quo. That is his
objective regardless of the consequences,” Mansour said.
“Al-Haram
Al-Sharif will not fall. (It) will never fall. It will stand for generations to
come. It has outlasted Begin, Shamir and Sharon and will outlast Netanyahu,
G’vir and Erdan. Those who pursue the temporal and spatial division of Al-Haram
or plan to overtake it do not comprehend what it represents for all
Palestinians, for Arabs and Muslims around the world.
“They
do not comprehend the sensitivity of this holy site for billions of people in
all corners of the globe.”
Gilad
Erdan, Israel’s permanent representative to the UN, called the emergency
meeting a “non-event” at a time when the Security Council should be convening
over other “countless security situations,” including “the murderous Ayatollah
regime in Tehran.”
He
called Ben-Gvir’s visit brief, peaceful and legitimate and “not an incursion
into Al-Aqsa or any other fabrication that the Palestinians branded his visit.”
Erdan
said that the visit was in line with the status quo and “whoever claims
otherwise is only inflaming the situation.”
“Israel
has not harmed the status quo and has no plans to do so,” Erdan said, accusing
the Palestinian Authority of changing the status quo “by turning the site into
a battleground, storing weapons, spreading incitement and promoting violence
through false claims that the Al-Aqsa was in danger.
“The
Palestinian Authority is making it clear that not only is Jewish prayer
intolerable on the Temple Mount, but so is any Jewish presence. This is what
changing the status quo looks like. And this is pure anti-Semitism.
“This
institution, and the Security Council in particular, must stop legitimizing
Palestinian lies and promoting their false and dangerous narrative.”
UAE
deputy permanent representative, Mohamed Abushahab, strongly condemned “the
storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard” by Ben-Gvir under the protection of
Israeli forces.
“Such
provocative actions reflect a lack of commitment to the existing historical and
legal status of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and they further destabilize the
fragile situation in the occupied Palestinian territories,” Abushahab said,
adding that these actions threatened to further stoke extremism and hatred in
the region.
The
Emirati official also condemned the recent vandalization of a Christian
cemetery on Mount Zion and called for those responsible for trampling and
desecrating the graves of the historic and religious landmark to be held
accountable.
Abushahab
reiterated the importance of protecting the Al-Aqsa mosque and halting all
violations taking place there.
“We
emphasize the need to respect the custodial role of the Hashemite Kingdom of
Jordan over the holy sites and endowments in accordance with international law
and the historical status quo, and not to compromise the authority of the
Administration of Jerusalem’s Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs and its mandate
to manage all the affairs of Haram Al-Sharif, including its entry procedures.”
Abushahab
called on the Security Council to adopt a unified position against “any actions
that could inflame tensions or escalate the situation in the region.” He also
reiterated the importance of reviving the Middle East peace process with a view
to achieving a two-state solution, and establishing an independent Palestinian
state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, “living side by
side with Israel in peace and security.”
China,
who with the UAE had requested the emergency meeting, said that Ben-G’vir’s
visit had resulted in “a grave situation on the ground” and called for the
preservation of peace and tranquillity at the holy sites.
Zhang
Jun, China’s permanent representative to the UN, called on Israel to “stop all
incitements and provocations and refrain from any unilateral action that may
lead to the deterioration of the situation.”
Robert
Wood, the Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in
the UN, said that his country opposed “any and all unilateral actions that
depart from the historic status quo, which are unacceptable.”
He
underscored Washington’s support for the preservation of the status quo and
expressed appreciation for “the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
as custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites.”
Source:
Arab News
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2227541/middle-east
--------
Netanyahu shocked over cancelled UAE visit in wake of Al-Aqsa controversy
MOHAMMED
NAJIB
January
05, 2023
RAMALLAH:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been shocked by the
strong Arab reaction to the visit of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex by his National
Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Saudi
Arabia has led a chorus of condemnation following the Jan. 3 visit, stressing
the need to preserve the status quo of Islam’s third holiest site.
Netanyahu’s
visit to the UAE, scheduled for Jan. 8, has been canceled as the country has
joined China in calling for the convening of a UN Security Council meeting to
discuss Israel’s moves over Al-Aqsa.
Netanyahu
is waiting on the Emiratis to announce a new date for the visit.
The
prime minister has issued a statement in which he tried to apologize, adding
that he respects the status quo at the mosque and has no intention of altering
it.
However,
Ben-Gvir remains hostile toward Arabs and has been convicted in the past of
terrorism against Palestinians by an Israeli court.
Israel
has continued its efforts to prevent a Security Council meeting — which was
initially scheduled for Thursday — and the publication of a strong statement
condemning Israeli policy toward Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem.
Ronni
Shaked, a researcher at the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the
Advancement of Peace at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, told Arab News that
Netanyahu failed to realize the sensitivity of Al-Aqsa among Arabs and Muslims.
He
added the prime minister was shocked at the reaction from the Arab and Muslim
world, the EU and the US, saying that any violation of the site could lead to
massive anger and instability.
“The
problem is not with Ben-Gvir, who is known for his extremist ideological ideas,
but rather with one who granted him the permission to visit Al-Aqsa, which is
Netanyahu,” Shaked told Arab News.
“Ben-Gvir
will work to shorten the life of Netanyahu’s government.
“After
two weeks he will demand the legalization of 49 illegal settlement outposts
established on Palestinian land in the West Bank. So what will Netanyahu do
then?”
Israeli
experts say that Netanyahu is currently focused on dealing with corruption
cases against him which weaken his position.
However,
Dana Ben-Shimon, a correspondent for Israel Today, told Arab News that
Netanyahu and his ministers were surprised by condemnation of Ben-Gvir’s visit,
adding that the government is set to hold a meeting to discuss whether to allow
the minister to enter Al-Aqsa again.
“Netanyahu
was prime minister for 10 years, and did not visit Al-Aqsa because he realized
that his visit would generate massive anger,” Ben-Shimon said.
The
prime minister will also be mindful of Jordan’s reaction to the mosque visit as
Netanyahu bids to improve rocky relations with Amman.
Separately,
authorities have released Palestinian prisoner Karim Younis, 66, from prison in
Israel after 40 years in detention.
At
Ben-Gvir’s request, authorities left Younis on the street to prevent any
official reception for him at the entrance to his prison just north of Tel
Aviv.
Israeli
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said he intended to withdraw Younis’ Israeli
citizenship. In such an event, he would be sent to live in the West Bank.
Younis
visited the grave of his parents, who died while he was in jail, and said that
he was ready to sacrifice another 40 years for the freedom of the Palestinian
people.
Meanwhile,
the Israeli army has informed Palestinian officials of their imminent plans to
forcibly displace more than 1,000 residents, including 500 children, in the
Masafer Yatta area of southern Hebron in the south of the West Bank, according
to human rights organizations.
Source:
Arab News
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2227371/middle-east
--------
Iran
Disbands Foreign-Backed Terror Team in Zahedan
2023-January-5
Brig.
Gen. Ghanbari stated that members of the terrorist team have had a number of
armed attacks in recent weeks aimed at assassinating police personnel on police
patrols, and afterward they tried to publish their illegal attempts on foreign
media outlets.
All
members of this six-member gang, plus three people who cooperated with them,
were arrested last night after conducting intelligence work with a complicated
operation, he underlined.
According
to the confessions, the terrorists still had plans to attack police patrols,
Brig. Gen. Ghanbari underscored.
He
went on to say that police confiscated some weapons and ammunition, including
pistols and Kalashnikov rifles, as well as six vehicles that were conducting
their operations, with these vehicles discovered and following the
investigation, it was determined that the vehicles were stolen.
He
declared that the terrorist team was directly linked to the enemies residing
abroad.
Late
in September, Zahedan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province which is
home to Iran’s Baluch minority, saw an attack on a police station and a mosque.
Terrorists launched attacks on several police stations and public places in
Zahedan after congregational prayers in the city, killing more than 24 people,
including security forces and people, and injuring over 20 others.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14011015000514/Iran-Disbands-Freign-Backed-Terrr-Team-in-Zahedan
--------
As
young Gazans die at sea, anger rises over Hamas leaders’ travel
06
January ,2023
Khaled
Shurrab had been waiting more than half his life to get out of Gaza.
The
27-year-old had never left the coastal enclave, which has been blockaded by
Israel and Egypt since 2007. He couldn’t find a job — the territory’s youth
unemployment rate is over 60 percent.
Like
a growing number of Gazans, he packed his life into a suitcase and eventually
made it to Turkey, where he set out on a treacherous sea voyage to Greece last
October. When his rickety boat went down, his body disappeared into the sea.
A
rising number of Gazans, seeking better lives abroad, are drowning at sea. The
devastating procession has prompted a rare outpouring of anger against the
territory’s militant Hamas rulers, a number of whom are making their own — very
different — exodus.
In
recent months, high-profile Hamas officials have quietly decamped to upscale
hotels in Beirut, Doha and Istanbul, stirring resentment among residents who
see them as leading luxurious lives abroad while the economy collapses at home
and 2.3 million Gazans remain effectively trapped in the tiny, conflict-scarred
territory. Four wars against Israel and dozens of smaller skirmishes over the
years have taken their toll in casualties, damage and isolation.
Israel
and Egypt say the tight movement restrictions are needed to keep Hamas from
stockpiling more weapons. Critics say the blockade amounts to collective
punishment, as residents grapple with daily blackouts and routine shortages of
basic goods.
“I
blame the rulers here, the government of Gaza,” said Shurrab’s mother, Um
Mohammed, from her home in the southern town of Khan Younis. Her son’s body was
never recovered from the Aegean Sea. “They live in luxury while our children
eat dirt, migrate and die abroad.”
Hamas
says the leaders who have left plan on returning. Yet the string of exits keeps
growing.
Hamas
chief Ismail Haniyeh relocated to Qatar, an energy-rich Gulf state, with his
wife and several children in 2019. Political leader Fathi Hamad moved to
Istanbul a year ago and frequently flies to Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, where
media reports have shown him in meetings at a five-star hotel.
Deputy
leader Khalil al-Hayya also relocated to Turkey last year, according to news
reports, including Hamas outlets that highlighted some of his travels. Since
then, he has paid only two short visits to Gaza.
Former
government spokesman Taher Nounou and leader Ibrahim Salah moved to Doha, the
Qatari capital. Senior member Salah al-Bardawil, spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri and
dozens of aides also have resettled in Doha, Istanbul, or Beirut, according to
Hamas media reports and official statements.
Turkey
in particular has long been a favorite destination for Hamas leaders and
supporters because of the country’s lenient visa policies toward members of
what the United States and Europe consider a terrorist organization.
Several
children of Hamas leaders are running lucrative real estate businesses for
their parents in Istanbul, according to a Palestinian businessman familiar with
their enterprises. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Azmi
Keshawi, Gaza analyst at the International Crisis Group, said that the movement
of officials abroad has in some cases helped the group coordinate its
operations with key patrons outside the territory. But he said Hamas
nonetheless has a growing image problem at home.
“Ordinary
Palestinians see that Hamas has gone from this humble Palestinian leadership
who lived and struggled among the people to living in these comfortable zones
where they are no longer suffering and seem far from the Palestinian cause and
issues,” he said. “Definitely people talk about this and draw comparisons in
anger.”
Wary
of public backlash, Hamas does not comment on reports about its leaders leaving
Gaza. As social media fills with revelations, it casts leaders’ stays abroad as
temporary foreign tours aimed at drumming up support. Some of these tours last
for years.
Public
outrage erupted last month at a mass funeral for young Gazans who drowned en
route to Europe. Distraught families blamed Hamas for contributing to the
collapse and chaos of Gazan life and accused the Islamic militant group of
nepotism and corruption.
Mourners
shouted the names of leaders including Haniyeh and Yehiyeh Sinwar, Hamas’
current leader in Gaza, and chanted, “People are the victims!”
Such
defiance is rare as Hamas moves to quash nearly all hints of dissent — though
it remains the most popular group in its Gaza stronghold.
A
recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that
43 percent of residents of Gaza would support the group if parliamentary
elections were held, compared to 30 percent for the rival Fatah movement. The
figures were nearly identical to support levels three months earlier.
The
poll, conducted in December, questioned a total of 1,200 people in both Gaza
and the occupied West Bank on a range of issues, and had a margin of error of 3
percentage points.
Still,
more Gazans appear to be risking everything to get out.
A
report issued in November by the Council on International Relations-Palestine,
a Hamas-affiliated think tank, said 60,000 young people have left Gaza in
recent years.
It
blamed Israel, saying “the policies of occupation and siege” have “turned the
life of Gazans into unbearable hell.” The report was the first semi-official
data on emigration. It did not say how the data was compiled.
Some
who leave seek job opportunities in wealthy Gulf Arab states. Many, like
Shurrab, fly to Turkey and attempt the perilous sea voyage to Europe in hopes
of getting asylum.
Two
shipwrecks in October alone made 2022 the deadliest at sea for Gazan migrants
in eight years, according to rights groups. Shurrab is among 360 Gazans who
have drowned or disappeared at sea since 2014, according to the Geneva-based
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.
Despite
the risks, Khaled Moharreb is still contemplating the dangerous sea route.
After earning a nursing diploma two years ago, the 22-year-old said he has been
unable to find a job.
“I
want to travel and build my life,” he said. “Anything outside is better than
this place where you cannot do anything and where the government is
indifferent.”
Without
directly mentioning Hamas, he said he blames “those who control and run the
country” for the lack of job opportunities.
Hamas
has offered no apologies. Atef Adwan, a Hamas lawmaker, recently denounced
those who attempt to flee to Europe as making a perverse pilgrimage to a land
of “deterioration and regression.”
Migration
has long carried stigma among Palestinians, who have fought for decades to stay
on their land. Haniyeh’s roots in a crowded Gaza City refugee camp are a core
part of his political identity.
Amid
growing scrutiny, Hamas issued an unusual statement last year announcing the
return of three top officials — al-Hayyah, al-Zahar and Salah — to Gaza,
reassuring the public that they “did not flee.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Iran
judiciary official orders probe into rape in jails
05
January ,2023
Iran's
judiciary said Thursday a senior official has ordered an inquiry into
allegations denied by the authorities of rape and sexual assault of inmates in
the Islamic republic's jails.
International
media reports last month alleged widespread sexual assaults of Iranians
arrested during nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa
Amini.
“Vice
president of the judicial authority for international affairs and secretary of
the High Council for Human Rights, Kazem Gharibabdi, has asked the country's
prosecutor general to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations
of sexual assault and rape of some inmates”, the judiciary's Mizan Online news
website reported.
On
Wednesday, judiciary spokesman Massoud Setayeshi denounced the “false libellous
assertion” of “sexual harassment against female detainees”, which he said has
been amplified by “some media outlets hostile” to the Islamic republic.
On
December 8, Iran's prison service denied women were sexually assaulted inside
its jails and threatened to file charges against those making such allegations.
“Given
the very negative effect of these claims, please carefully study and address
these accusations, whether raised inside the country or outside of it,”
Gharibabdi wrote in a letter to prosecutor general Mohammad Jafar Montazeri
quoted by Mizan.
“Before
anything else, proof must be sought from the people expressing these claims,”
he said, calling on Montazeri to bring to justice “the perpetrators or those
making such allegations, depending on the result of the investigation”.
Iran
has been gripped by unrest since the September 16 death of Amini, a 22-year-old
Iranian Kurdish woman, following her arrest for allegedly violating the
country's strict dress code for women.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Iran
sentences another protester to death
05
January ,2023
Iran
has sentenced another man to death over involvement in anti-regime protests
sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, state media reported on Thursday.
A
man identified as Arshia Takdastan was sentenced to death after being convicted
of the capital charges of “corruption on earth” and “waging war against God,”
the semi-official ISNA news agency reported.
ISNA
described Takdastan as a “leader” of protests in the northern city of Nowshahr,
adding that his charges included “destruction of public property, inciting
citizens to create insecurity and collusion to commit crimes against” the
country’s national security.
Protests
– described by the regime as “riots” – have swept across Iran since September
16 when 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman Amini died after her arrest by the
morality police in Tehran.
Iran
has already executed two protesters. Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard,
both 23, were hanged last month.
The
Oslo-based rights group Iran Human Rights (IHR) last month published the names
of 100 Iranians it said were at risk of being executed for participating in
anti-regime protests.
The
group said the 100 figure was “a minimum” and called on the international
community to “increase the political cost” of executions for the Iranian
regime.
Since
Amini’s death, demonstrators have been calling for the downfall of the regime
in a movement that has become one of the boldest challenges to the Islamic
Republic since its establishment in 1979.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/01/05/Iran-sentences-another-protester-to-death
--------
Pakistan
There
Would Be No Talks With Terrorists, Militant Groups: Pakistan Interior Minister
January
5, 2023
Interior
Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday that the recently held meeting of the
National Security Committee (NSC) — the highest forum for coordination on
security issues — had decided that there will be “no talks with any terrorist
or militant group”.
Pakistan
has seen a rise in terrorist attacks across the country, believed to have been
planned and directed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders
based in Afghanistan.
The
TTP, which has ideological linkages with the Afghan Taliban, executed around
more than 100 attacks last year, most of which happened after August when the
group’s peace talks with the Pakistan government began to falter. The ceasefire
was formally ended on Nov 28 by the TTP.
During
a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, the interior minister was asked
about the explicit threat issued by the TTP to the PPP and the PML-N for
“openly declaring war against the TTP to appease America”.
The
TTP statement pointedly mentioned PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif by name, as well as their respective parties, and
warned religious parties against “activities against us”.
Yesterday,
the interior minister had stated that efforts were underway to bring the
outlawed TTP to the negotiation table but the group would first have to set
aside arms and surrender before the law and the Constitution.
During
today’s press conference, Sanaullah said that the NSC had clearly resolved that
there would be “no talks with any terrorist or militant group”
He
further said that the NSC had concluded that talks, if needed, should be
carried out with the Afghan government so that the importance of the Doha agreement,
wherein the country had vowed to not allow its soil to be used against others,
could be stressed.
“If
that is implemented, then the issue of terrorism in Pakistan and other
countries will be solved, and Pakistan will be safe if Afghanistan honours its
promise.”
The
minister was also asked about the Afghan government’s announcement that a
network of Daesh militants involved in the attack on Pakistan’s embassy in
Kabul had been killed in an operation.
He
said that Pakistan had received information in this regard but until it was
verified by the interior ministry, it would be treated as mere information.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
11
‘militants’ killed, five cops injured in KP terror spate
Muhammad
Irfan Mughal | Umer Farooq | Dilawar Wazir
January
6, 2023
PESHAWAR
/ D.I. KHAN: A day after Pakistan vowed to take pre-emptive measures to avert
terrorist attacks, security forces killed 11 militants, including a key
commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, in a raid in South
Waziristan, while two separate attacks targeting police in Lakki Marwat and
Dera Ismail Khan left five officials injured.
In
an intelligence-based operation in Wana, the security forces raided a hideout
of TTP militants and killed at least 11 terrorists, including TTP commander
Hafizullah alongside two would-be suicide bombers, said the military’s media
wing.
The
operation “foiled a major terrorist activity”, the Inter-Services Public
Relations (ISPR) said in a statement issued on Thursday evening.
“During
intense exchange of fire, 11 terrorists, including terrorist commander
Hafizullah alias Tor Hafiz, and two suicide bombers were killed.
“A
huge quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the killed
terrorists,” the military’s media wing said.
It
added that the militants had remained “actively involved in terrorist
activities against security forces and target killing of police in the
district”.
Slain
TTP commander
Local
officials said that TTP commander Hafizullah had been involved in attacks on
police stations in Azam Warsak, Raghzai, and Wana as well as extortion and
kidnapping of locals.
The
40-year-old militant, who belonged to Tojay Khel, a Wazir sub-tribe, had joined
Uzbeks in Wana before 2007, when Mullah Nazir, a local militant, and local
people joined hands against Uzbek militants to force them out of the area.
“Hafizullah
stayed quiet for a while but later joined the banned TTP and went to Afghanistan.
He returned to Pakistan after Mullah Nazir was killed in a drone attack, local
officials said, claiming that the TTP affiliates had gone to Afghanistan but
those who belonged to Wana were allowed to return.
Sources
said that those who had returned to Pakistan grouped together after some time
under Hafizullah’s leadership.
“Hafizullah
is believed to have been involved in attacks on security forces after the peace
talks between the government and the banned outfit failed,” the sources said.
They
added Hafizullah escaped an attack following his return from Afghanistan when
some unknown persons opened fire at him, leaving him seriously wounded. After
his recovery, he started terrorising the district, they added.
DI
Khan and Lakki Marwat attacks
In
Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan districts, militants attacked police in
separate incidents, resulting in injuries to at least five policemen.
The
attacks, however, were repulsed by police forcing the insurgents to flee the
scene.
In
DI Khan, a police team deployed for the protection of an anti-polio team came
under a gun attack in a remote part of town, resulting in injuries to five
officials.
“Unknown
militants armed with sophisticated weapons opened indiscriminate firing on the
police party assigned to protect a team of the polio workers,” a police
official said, adding that condition of all the injured police personnel was
satisfactory.
The
official said that District Police Officer Muhammad Shoaib Khan along with a
heavy contingent of the police immediately rushed to the spot; however, the
militants had managed to escape the scene before the police arrived.
“A
search operation was launched by the law enforcement agencies in the area [to
arrest suspects],” he said. On Wednesday, a similar attack on polio workers
left one police guard wounded in the district.
Meanwhile,
an attack launched by militants on the Wargarey police station late Thursday
night was repulsed by police officials and residents of the area.
Source:
Dawn
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1730187/11-militants-killed-five-cops-injured-in-kp-terror-spate
--------
Pakistan
to seek over USD 16 billion for flood rehabilitation at UN conference
Jan
5, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan is likely to seek over USD 16 billion at a UN conference next week for
the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas devastated by last year's
catastrophic floods which caused the country a loss of about USD 30 billion,
officials said on Thursday.
The
flood triggered by unprecedented monsoon rains killed at least 1,739 people
while affecting over 33 million. At one time, one third of Pakistan territory
was under water.
The
"International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan" is being
held in Geneva on January 9 and co-hosted by the Government of Pakistan and the
United Nations to seek funding for the flood victims, according to Foreign
Office spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
She
said that the Conference will be co-chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
"The
programme will feature a high-level opening segment, where leaders will make
supportive statements," she said at her weekly media briefing here.
Officials
of the finance ministry said that Pakistan would seek about USD 16.3 billion at
the conference to meet the first phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
In
his remarks at the Conference, Prime Minister Sharif will outline Pakistan's
vision for rehabilitation and reconstruction in a climate resilient manner.
The
Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General will also hold a joint press
stakeout, she said.
According
to the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) done by Pakistan with the UN
collaboration, the flood caused about USD 30 billions of losses.
Pakistan
will also present the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
Framework (4RF) - a strategic policy and prioritisation document that will
guide the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction after the recent
devastating floods in a climate-resilient manner.
Leaders
and high-level representatives from several countries and International
Financial Institutions, Foundations and Funds are expected to attend the
Conference, both in person and virtual format.
The
conference would be a demonstration of the international community's continued
support for the flood-affected people of Pakistan, the spokeswoman said.
The
conference is taking place as the UN bodies warned that initial support
provided was just enough until the middle of January.
Earlier,
about a third of funds were provided by the world out of USD 816 million sought
by the UN in its flash appeal for flood victims.
It
is believed that raising billions of dollars for Pakistan won't be easy but on
the positive side there is support for Pakistan due to that fact the country is
being seen as a victim of environmental change in which it had no role with
just 1 percent emissions.
Source:
Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Pakistani
officers shot dead in Punjab province revealed to be ISI officials
Jan
5, 2023
LAHORE:
Two police officers who were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Khanewal
district of Punjab province on Tuesday turned out to be the officials of
Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). On the day of the
attack, the police claimed that the two deceased belonged to the Counter
Terrorism Department (CTD) of the provincial police.
The
FIR filed for the case, however, revealed that both were ISI officials working
to bust a terror network in south Punjab.
The
banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Lashkar-e-Khorasan, an offshoot
of Al-Qaeda, have claimed responsibility for the attack.
According
to the FIR, ISI Multan Region Director Naveed Sadiq and Inspector Nasir Abbas
met a "source" (suspected killer) on Tuesday at a roadside restaurant
on the National Highway near Pirowal in Khanewal district, approximately 375
kilometres from Lahore.
"After
having tea, they all walked to the parking lot when the source identified as
Umar Khan suddenly pulled out a gun and shot the ISI officers dead," the
FIR said, adding that the suspect killed the intelligence officers reportedly
on the orders of his group leader, Asadullah.
It
is standard practice for intelligence officials to cultivate sources among
terrorist networks to thwart their terror plans.
The
Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab police, Multan, has registered the case
against the suspect and his accomplices under murder and terrorism charges.
Raids are being conducted to arrest the prime suspect.
ISI
chief Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum offered the funeral of Naveed Sadiq in Lahore.
In
a statement, TTP spokesman Mohammad Khorasani claimed that "a secret squad
of TTP killed ISI Deputy Director Multan Naveed Sadiq along with his colleague
Inspector Nasir Butt at Bismillah Highway in Khanewal district of Punjab."
The
TTP, which is believed to be close to al-Qaeda, has also explicitly warned
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the
two major parties of the ruling coalition.
In
November, the TTP called off an indefinite ceasefire agreed with the government
in June and ordered its militants to carry out attacks on the security forces.
The
TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, was set up as an umbrella group of
several militant outfits in 2007. Its main aim is to impose its strict brand of
Islam across Pakistan.
The
TTP has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an
attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases and the 2008
bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.
Last
month, the Pakistan Army commandos killed 25 Taliban militants during an
operation to free anti-terrorism police officers who were held hostage inside
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's CTD compound in Bannu for three days.
The
National Security Committee (NSC) has categorically asked Afghanistan's Taliban
rulers, without directly naming them, to deny safe haven to Pakistani terrorist
groups on its soil and end their patronage, while reiterating its intent to
crush terrorist groups operating inside the country with full force.
Source:
Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
'Drain
the swamp': Pakistan planning to eliminate TTP terrorists in Afghanistan with
US help?
Jan
5, 2023
NEW
DELHI: With Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) wreaking havoc across Pakistan over
the last few weeks, Islamabad is now planning to launch a major
counter-offensive against the Afghanistan-based militants.
According
to a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP), Pakistan is likely to launch a
major ground as well as air offensive to target the hideouts of Pakistan
Taliban militants in Afghanistan, risking further deterioration of ties with
the neighbouring country.
On
Monday, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership issued a stern warning that
“the full force of the state” would “take on all and any entities that resort
to violence”.
Pakistan's
Afghan policy failing in the face of an assertive Taliban
The
country vowed to show "zero tolerance" for terrorism amid the spurt
in terrorist strikes by the banned outfit and a rise in cross-border terrorism,
which is threatening to plunge the country back into a cycle of violence.
Notably,
last month, the US State Department said that Washington would help Islamabad
address the increasingly dangerous threat posed by Afghanistan- based terrorist
groups like the TTP.
“We
have partnered with our Pakistani friends to help them take on this challenge.
We stand ready to assist, whether with this unfolding situation or more
broadly,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.
Growing
TTP threat
Ever
since the return of Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a
tremendous spurt in terror attacks from TTP, such as suicide bombings,
kidnapping and even mass killings.
According
to statistics published by TTP itself, nearly 1,000 people were killed and
injured in attacks by the outfit in 2022.
In
a video, TTP said that most of their attacks took place in the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. They also launched attacks outside the
province, Khaama Press reported.
Pakistan's
interior minister Rana Sanaullah has said TTP has between 7,000 to 10,000
fighters in the Afghan border area, and the group has been further bolstered by
the success of the Afghan Taliban.
On
Wednesday, TTP launched a fresh threat to target the top leaders of the two
major political parties in the ruling coalition if they continued to support
tough measures against the militant group.
The
TTP, which is believed to be close to al-Qaida, explicitly warned Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and foreign
minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two
major parties of the ruling coalition.
The
warning comes just weeks after TTP called off an indefinite ceasefire agreed
with the government in June and ordered its militants to carry out attacks on
the security forces.
'Drain
the swamp'
With
the increasing risk of instability due to terror threat from TTP, the Pakistani
civil-military leadership met under the banner of the National Security
Committee last week and vowed to show "zero tolerance" for terrorism
in the country.
Prime
Minister Sharif chaired the NSC meeting while Bilawal, who had advocated a new
policy against the rebels, also participated.
The
Sharif government said that Pakistan reserves all rights to safeguard her
people, indicating a tough response to the TTP-backed terror activities.
According
to SCMP, the statement from Pakistan’s leadership is a clear indication that it
is planning a major offensive, supported by an air campaign against TTP camps
inside Afghanistan.
“There
will be a large ground operation for sure. Intelligence-led strikes will be
employed to drain the swamp,” Abdul Basit, a research fellow at the S
Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told SCMP.
Basid
told This Week In Asia that air strikes and the use of drones in cross border
missions is quite likely.
"Some
sorties inside the Afghanistan border region to soften terror hideouts before
ground incursions are equally expected,” he said.
According
to Pakistan government, around 7,000 to 10,000 TTP militants – along with 25,000
of their family members – are based in Afghanistan.
Help
from US?
Meanwhile,
foreign minister Bhutto said that US is willing to provide funds to Islamabad
to help it enhance its border security for preventing cross-border attacks from
Afghanistan.
As
part of the US budget for 2023, Congress has approved tens of millions of
dollars of funding to help Pakistan “with border security”, he was quoted as
saying by Dawn.
Bhutto's
response to Dawn made it clear that while the US wanted good relations between
the two South Asian neighbours, it appears keener to cooperate with Islamabad
in combating terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.
This
also reflects in the omnibus bill that Congress passed in December, setting
aside $200 million for promoting gender equality in Pakistan and also
emphasising the need to combat terrorism.
The
bill doesn't mention a specific amount for combating terrorism, but it does say
that funds appropriated under the heading "Foreign Military Financing
Programme" can be "made available only to support counterterrorism
and counter insurgency capabilities in Pakistan."
In
2021, US ended its over 20-year war in Afghanistan by withdrawing its troops
from the crisis-hit nation. However, it is apparent that US continues to use
allies like Pakistan to keep its ear to the ground despite the removal of its
forces.
According
to reports, US eliminated dreaded al-Qaida terrorists Ayman al-Zawahiri with
covert help from Pakistan.
Commenting
on the US offers, former ambassador Touqir Hussain, an adjunct professor at
Georgetown University, told Dawn that defeating terrorism was a shared goal of
both countries. "So, the US cannot only ask for Pakistan's help without
offering its own help. It is a shared challenge which neither can address
alone," he said.
Fraught
ties
The
possible US-backed counter-offensive from Pakistan comes at a time when its
ties with Taliban have plunged to an all-time low.
Recent
incidents of “unprovoked” cross-border shelling by Afghan troops near the
southwestern Chaman border crossing have escalated tensions between Islamabad
and Afghanistan's Taliban rulers.
With
TTP running amok, the relationship has only gotten worse.
In
her recent article on Dawn, former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi wrote that
Islamabad’s expectations that the Taliban’s return to power would enable
Pakistan to secure its western border have not been met.
That
is quite apparent, going by the growing number of terror attacks in the recent
months.
The
Taliban regime has resisted pressure from the Pakistani establishment to force
the TTP to surrender.
According
to experts, Taliban's questionable position suggests its closeness to its
Pakistan-based offshoot.
Who
is TTP? A 5-point guide
The
TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, was set up as an umbrella group of
several militant outfits in 2007. Its main aim is to impose its strict brand of
Islam across Pakistan.
Pakistan
had hoped that the Afghan Taliban after coming to power would stop the use of
their soil against Pakistan by expelling the TTP operatives but they have
apparently refused to do so at the cost of straining ties with Islamabad.
The
TTP has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an
attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases and the 2008
bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.
In
2012, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai was attacked by TTP. The TTP claimed
responsibility for the attack, saying that Yousafzai was a "Western-minded
girl".
Source:
Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Thousands
rally in KP’s Bajaur for restoration of lasting peace
Anwarullah
Khan
January
6, 2023
BAJAUR:
Thousands of people took to streets here on Thursday and pledged to protect the
hard-earned peace in the region at all costs.
People
from all walks of life including political workers, social activists, traders
and youth attended the peace march organised by Bajaur Peace Action Committee,
a local alliance of political parties. Tribal elders, traders, social activists
and youth participated in the march enthusiastically and demanded restoration
of peace in the district.
Holding
white flags and placards, the participants of the march chanted slogans in
favour of peace and against the fresh wave of terrorism in the region,
particularly in the tribal districts. They gathered at about 10am at Dubai
Market near Jinnah Bus Terminal.
Awami
National Party provincial general secretary Sardar Hussin Babak, chief of
National Democratic Movement MNA Mohsin Dawar, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement head
Manzoor Pashteen, MPA Nisar Momand and others addressed the rally.
They
lauded Bajaur Peace Action Committee, the local leaders and workers of political
and religious parties and the residents of the district for arranging the
march. They said that the march was necessary to stop the ongoing wave of
terrorism in the tribal districts.
Speakers
say they will not allow anyone to turn their area into battlefield
They
said that such events proved that the residents of entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
were peace-loving people and wanted prevalence of the hard-earned peace and
normalcy in their areas.
The
speakers said that peace and normalcy were the foundation of socioeconomic
development. They said that that insecurity and uncertainty were the major
causes of the backwardness of the tribal districts.
They
said that tribal districts had huge reserves of natural resources and hard
working residents but the decades-long insurgency severely affected their
socioeconomic condition. They said that thousands of residents of tribal
districts were killed during the militancy and war against terrorism.
The
speakers said that the fresh wave of terrorism heralded a new series of
destruction in the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in the tribal
districts. However, they said that the people of the province would not allow
anyone to turn their areas into “battlefields” as they had very bitter
experience of such violence in the past.
Bajaur
Peace Action Committee chairmen Maulana Abdur Rasheed, JI district chief
Sahibzada Haroon Rasheed, PML-N provincial leader and former MNA Shahabuddin
Khan, PPP provincial leader and former MNA Sayed Akhunzada Chattan, ANP local
chapter president Gul Afzal Khan, religious scholar Maulana Khanzeb, Sheikh
Janzada, Maulana Waheed Gul, Malik Shaheen Khan, Malik Bahadur Shah, PPP
district president Haji Sher Bahadar, Malik Sultanzeb, Malik Khalid Khan and
Advocate Najibullah Khan also spoke on the occasion.
They
said that the people of Bajaur were committed to protecting peace of their
area. They said that peace was restored in the area with the sacrifices of
local elders and security forces.
Source:
Dawn
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1730174/thousands-rally-in-kps-bajaur-for-restoration-of-lasting-peace
--------
Bilawal
warns against talks with militants
Imran
Ayub
January
6, 2023
KARACHI:
Calling PTI chief Imran Khan “a frontman for terrorists”, Foreign Minister
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday accused the former premier of following an
appeasement policy during his tenure that the PPP chairman said resulted in
militants’ resurgence.
The
foreign minister even warned his own government in the Centre, saying his party
would not allow any such strategy and talks with militants “behind parliament’s
back”.
Speaking
at a press conference after the party’s central executive committee (CEC)
meeting at Bilawal House, the PPP chairman was clear about the future strategy
of his party while being a key ally of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s
government and suggested that multiple challenges emerging one after another
demanded a new code of conduct for all political parties.
He
referred to “serious concerns” within his party over the tottering economy and
announced a committee of PPP leaders that would take them up with the federal
government.
Mr
Bhutto-Zardari touched on a range of issues and spoke candidly about the
challenge of terrorism, the ongoing economic crisis, and his current relations
with another ally in the Centre, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P),
which earlier this week announced a Jan 9 protest against PPP over
disagreements on local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.
“Imran
Khan, as a frontman for terrorists while being the prime minister, took
decisions against the country’s security,” he said in response to a question
about growing criticism of his government amid growing militant attacks in
different parts of the country.
While
in office, Mr Khan “released all the terrorists, including those who were
involved in [the Dec 2014] attack on the Army Public School”, the foreign
minister alleged.
Then
Mr Khan “helped them leave the country. Only last year, he was inviting those
[militants] living in Afghanistan to return and live like normal citizens of
this country. That’s what we are reaping today”, he said.
Before
his address, a resolution passed by the PPP’s central executive committee was
read out before the media that manifested its policy as a political party and
also as an ally in the government.
The
PPP, the resolution said, wanted parliament to stay on top of all decisions
being made by the government.
“The
CEC resolves that there should be no talks with militants until they lay down
arms and accept the Constitution of Pakistan. It also reaffirms its commitment
that nothing should be done by the government behind the back of parliament,”
Senator Farhatullah Babar read out the resolution.
Mr
Bhutto-Zardari agreed with the concerns over the economy but gave “full credit”
to his ally PML-N for “saving the country from the default” while taking care
of the finance ministry in the coalition government.
To
address concerns, which were also raised in the CEC meeting, he decided to set
up a committee comprising senior leaders and led by Commerce Minister Syed
Naveed Qamar.
“This
committee would meet experts and government functionaries to address all those
concerns and get a clear picture. It would also find answers to all those
questions [about the economy] that I was asked in today’s meeting,” the foreign
minister said.
When
asked about the party’s current ties with the MQM-P, the PPP chairman showed a
willingness to “move forward” with its ally in the Centre but reiterated that
he couldn’t pay the price of an “illegal and undemocratic step” for this
purpose.
“And
to reflect our sincerity, we have accommodated MQM in Sindh where we don’t need
it in terms of numbers in the provincial assembly,” he said. “We appointed an
administrator on their recommendation. A governor was appointed with their
consultation. Their MPAs were given budgetary space. But it should not be
expected that I would go for any illegal or undemocratic move for anyone’s
interests.”
Source:
Dawn
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1730184/bilawal-warns-against-talks-with-militants
--------
Security
forces neutralise 11 terrorists in Wana operation
January
5, 2023
RAWALPINDI:
Security Forces conducted an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in general area
Wana, South Waziristan District and successfully foiled a high profile
terrorist activity.
During
intense exchange of fire, eleven terrorists including Terrorist Commander Hafiz
Ullah alias Tor Hafiz and two suicide bombers, were killed.
A
handout issued by the ISPR said that a huge quantity of weapons and ammunition
was also recovered from the killed terrorists.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Southeast Asia
Sabah
schools, non-Muslim religious bodies get RM54m allocation for 2023
05
Jan 2023
KOTA
KINABALU, Jan 5 — The Sabah government has allocated grants totalling RM54.05
million to schools and non-Muslim religious bodies in this year's state budget,
an increase of RM7.05 million compared with last year's allocation.
Chief
Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said this demonstrated that the Sabah
government was very sensitive to the needs of the people and serious in assisting
them irrespective of race or religion.
He
said this in his speech text, delivered by Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Dr
Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Sabah Industrial Development Minister, at the
presentation ceremony of lion heads (for lion dance) to various associations
and temples in the state, here today.
This
year, the Sabah government is presenting lion heads worth RM1.5 million, which
will be distributed through the respective state and parliamentary
constituencies.
Hajiji
said the presentation of the lion heads to the Chinese community in the state,
in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, showed the commitment of
the Sabah government to continue supporting and assisting the multi-racial
community.
“The
state government will always assist the people, of all races and religions, in
ensuring that they will be able to celebrate their respective celebrations,” he
said, adding that the Sabah government is committed to the policy of equality
and fairness in all aspects.
Hajiji
also hoped that the assistance would further boost the spirit of the Chinese
New Year celebrations and, at the same time, continue to nurture the spirit of
camaraderie and unity among the multi-racial and religious people in the state.
Source:
Malay Mail
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Izzue
Islam, Elizabeth Tan and other Malaysian celebs reveal their 2023 goals
By
GORDON KHO, ANNDREA A. WEBBER and QALIF ZUHAIR
06
Jan 2023
It's
that time of the year where all of us are hitting the reset button hoping to
make a positive change in our lives.
The
past three years have indeed been challenging no thanks to the pandemic, and
many were unable to fulfil their resolutions.
Now
that Covid-19 restrictions have eased, we are welcoming 2023 with an optimistic
mindset and a new set of goals.
We
speak to some celebrities and ask them about their aspirations for the new
year.
From
breaking into Hollywood and devoting more “me” time to learning how to handle a
gun and empowering youths, here are some of the stuff these stars hope to check
off their wishlist by the end of the year.
Izzue
Islam, actor, 32
My
New Year’s resolution is to learn how to shoot a gun. I find it very cool
whenever I see someone shooting a gun in action films.
Although
I have held a gun in past movies, I lack the skills to handle one.
To
ensure that my acting looks realistic in future action films, I am planning on
enrolling for a shooting class this year.
I
also want to enrol for a martial arts class to perfect my combat skills in
films.
At
the moment, I am relying on stunt people to do the job for me but if there is
time, I want to learn how to do my own stunts.
Po
Yiu Wong, Hong Kong singer-actress, 29
My
New Year’s resolution is to succeed in the film industry and star in more
movies.
As
someone who is new in the film scene, I want to take on diverse roles and
dabble with different genres to showcase my versatility.
I
also want to shoot more movies in Malaysia. After filming my first movie (Call
Me Agent) here, the place really grew on me.
There
are lots of beautiful places and delicious food so it would be great if there
are more opportunities to film here this year.
Sangeeta
Krishnasamy, actress, 37
I
hope to raise awareness on the importance of speaking multiple languages among
children.
I
noticed that language is a subject that is often overlooked, especially in
vernacular schools.
Malaysia
is a diverse country. There are so many languages here ... and the more
languages you speak, the more opportunities there are for you.
Look
at me, I can speak three languages fluently (English, Tamil and Malay), and
this opened up so many doors for me in the movie industry.
Unfortunately,
most of the children I have met are satisfied with speaking just one language.
I feel that this is going to shut doors for them once they graduate.
That
is why I plan to work with more schools this year and teach kids more
languages.
Elizabeth
Tan, singer-actress, 29
I
want to be more confident in driving.
I
have a license, but I barely drive due to anxiety. Just the thought of getting
behind the wheel gives me sweaty palms.
I
am unsure where this phobia comes from as I have never been in any accidents,
but I am guessing it is because I keep seeing cars speeding on highways and
also stories of accidents.
So
far, I have taken baby steps by asking my manager to accompany me whenever I
drive to the grocery store which is really close to my house.
The
next step for me now is to take the car on a highway.
I
believe with enough time and practice, I will be able to overcome my fear and
drive confidently.
Michael
Chuah, director, 43
My
resolution for 2023 is to break into the Hollywood scene.
I
want to continue making great films and venture into foreign markets.
We
live in a globalised world today. As a director, I believe it is important to
explore other countries so we can experience different cultures and discover
new talents.
I
have worked with China and Hong Kong in the past.
My
ultimate goal right now is to work with someone from the Western scene.
Language
isn’t a barrier for me when it comes to working in the US because I have spoken
to a few American companies previously.
The
only challenge now is to obtain a bigger budget because most Hollywood
productions are costly.
Tabitha
Ariel Lam, music artiste, member of girl group Dolla, 22
My
new year’s resolution is to spend more time with my parents and appreciate them
more.
I
would like to learn to treat those around me better and I would like to improve
myself in terms of my career.
Hopefully
I can try something different and new in 2023.
Starting
a business is one of those goals and getting a car of my own is also one of my
goals this year.
Alicia
Amin, model-actress, 27
My
New Year’s resolution is to improve my craft (acting) in whatever ways that I
can.
I
always resolve to take on projects that I know will be challenging, because I
am a firm believer that we can grow the more we step out of our comfort zone.
At
the moment, my goal is to play a character that is difficult to pull off. For
example, what Angeline Jolie did in Girl, Interrupted.
The
way she plays this psycho character is so perfect. She was a supporting
character, yet she stole the show.
Sure,
these kinds of crazy-psycho roles have been done before.
It
is not an original concept, but I do think that if I had the opportunity to
play a character like that, I want to make it my own and pull off that role in
a unique way.
I
really hope I land an opportunity to play that insane kind of role this year.
It would be a dream come true.
Aisha
Retno, singer, 22
This
year, I hope to be a stronger version of myself.
I
want to be brave when facing challenges and not turn into an emotional mess
when life gets hard. I don’t want to be the kind of person who gives up so
easily.
Working
in the music industry, negative comments are inevitable. When I first started
out, it was really difficult for me to cope with the haters.
Although
I am less affected by those comments and taking them more positively now, I
believe there is still room for me to develop my emotional resilience.
Pablo
Amirul, actor, 37
My
New Year’s resolution is to achieve double the success I did in 2022.
Last
year, I starred in Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa which bagged over
RM30mil at the box office.
I
am looking forward to acting in more fantastic films that double or triple that
number.
So
far, I have two projects that are slated for theatrical release this year –
Ikhwansha Hazer’s Escape and Syamsul Yusof’s The Original Gangster.
ChronicalZ,
rapper, 22
I
hope to lead a healthier lifestyle by working out more in 2023. I also hope to
open doors for the next generation of young rap/trap music artistes, to help
pave the way for Malaysian youths.
Hazell
Siow, actress, 22
In
2023, I hope to pursue a Master’s in Child Psychology.
I
took a break from acting seven years ago to focus on my studies and am
currently working as an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapist.
I
am planning to enrol for my Master’s this September and pursue my studies
overseas. However, these plans are not confirmed as my love for acting has been
reignited after starring in (the upcoming Chinese New Year film) Ma, I Love
You.
For
now, my plan is to get the best of both worlds by becoming a full-time child
psychologist and doing some part-time acting on the side.
Ong
Ai Leng, actress, 44
Before
I got back into acting last year for Ma, I Love You, my resolution has always
been to be at peace and lead a happy and healthy life with my family.
Now
that I have been bitten by the acting bug, my New Year’s resolution is to star
in more films and play roles that are more interesting.
At
the moment, I am exploring for opportunities by attending casting calls.
I
am looking forward to working with more directors, actors and a wonderful team
of people this year.
Angelina
Chai, music artiste, member of girl group Dolla, 21
This
year, I intend to spend more time on myself and focus on building myself.
I
realised the past year, I have spent a lot of time on people around me but not
myself. So, moving forward, I would like to see bigger self growth.
Vincent
Luk, Hong Kong singer-actor, 32
My
New Year’s resolution is to entertain more people.
I
find satisfaction whenever I am able to make someone happy through my
performance in movies or my songs.
I
recently collaborated with my co-star, Po Yiu Wong, on a track for Call Me
Agent. It has been played several times on the Malaysian radio, so I hope
people will enjoy and support the song.
I
also want to star in more films, write more songs and continue to do well as
both an actor and a singer.
Chiu
Keng Guan, director, 50
My
New Year’s resolution is to learn more about the advanced technology used in
filmmaking.
Nowadays,
I feel that the world is moving really fast, and moving with it is the
filmmaking technology.
We
used to have 3D. Now, there is virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 8D
and so much more.
Aside
from that, I also want to improve my storytelling skills in movies and continue
making more local films.
Forceparkbois,
hip-hop band
To
become one of the prime rap groups in the Malaysian music industry by playing
more shows and events in 2023.
Source:
The Star
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
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Africa
Muslim
Council of Elders condemns terrorist attack in central Somalia
06-01-2023
ABU
DHABI, 6th January, 2023 (WAM) – The Muslim Council of Elders - under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar - strongly condemned
the attack in Somalia's central Hiran region, which resulted in the death and
injury of numerous people.
The
Council reiterates its firm rejection of such terrorist attacks and violence,
which contradict the teachings of all religions, international laws and norms.
It called for a unified stand in order to eradicate such vicious acts of
terrorism.
Source:
WAM
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303116805
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Libya:
Ben-Gvir storming of Al-Aqsa is a provocation to all Muslims
January
05, 2023
Libya
has condemned the move of Israeli far-right national security minister Itamar
Ben-Gvir, who stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday under the
protection of the occupying forces.
In
a statement on Wednesday, Libya's Foreign Ministry deemed the step as an
attempt to change the historical and legal status quo in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It
considered the move "a provocation to the feelings of all Muslims and a
flagrant violation of the relevant international resolutions."
The
ministry denounced the "disgraceful act," holding the Israeli
occupation responsible for the storming of Al-Aqsa and the consequences of the
daily attacks on Jerusalem, its people, and its sanctities.
Source:
Libya Observer
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://libyaobserver.ly/news/libya-ben-gvir-storming-al-aqsa-provocation-all-muslims
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Ugandan
government denies links to Facebook account under its name amid outcry
Hamza
Kyeyune
05.01.2023
KAMPALA,
Uganda
Uganda's
government on Thursday distanced itself from a Facebook page operating under
its name after a wave of criticism over the account on the social media
platform restricted within the East African nation.
On
New Year's day, a Facebook page operating under the Ugandan government's name
put up a post to celebrate a milestone. The page in question has a "blue
badge," indicating that it was verified by the platform.
However,
a later official statement tweeted by the government said the Facebook account
was not run by authorities. "The only authentic account of Government of
Uganda is on Twitter," it said.
Uganda's
president banned Facebook in January 2021, after the social media giant deleted
a slew of accounts belonging to government officials accused of seeking to
manipulate public debate ahead of general elections.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
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Sudan
shuts border with Central African Republic amid heightened security presence
Mohammed
Amin
05.01.2023
KHARTOUM,
Sudan
Sudan
closed its border with the Central African Republic (CAR) and sent military
reinforcements to frontier areas, local media reported on Thursday.
This
comes amid a heightened security presence on the frontier after a senior
Sudanese official announced that his country had stopped a military coup
attempt in the CAR moving from Sudan.
Citing
Brig. Abashar Adam Balail, the head of the joint forces to secure the borders
between Sudan and the CAR, the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported that forces
from the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (ESF) had been
redeployed to the frontier between the two African nations.
Balail
said Sudan had sent a large force and widely redeployed troops in the area,
adding that the border needed to be secured to combat factors of insecurity
including the "spread of weapons, drugs, smuggling."
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
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Libyan
leaders hold talks in Egypt, affirm to announce peace roadmap soon
Ibrahim
al-Khazen
05.01.2023
Libyan
leaders on Thursday held a meeting with the Egyptian parliament speaker in
Cairo and confirmed that a new road map for Libya will be announced soon.
The
meeting was held between Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh
and head of the Tripoli-based High Council of State (HCS) Khaled al-Mishri, as
well as Egyptian Parliament Speaker Hanafi Jabali at the parliament's
headquarters in Cairo.
"There
is consensus and we need a unified authority in Libya to hold elections under
the supervision of the government," Salih said.
He
noted that a new authority will be formed from the House of Representatives and
State Council.
The
roadmap, which will be announced with al-Mishri, "will be a constitutional
document and not a single article in the constitution, and the necessary
measures will be taken in accordance with the law and the opinion of the two
councils," Saleh said, noting that it includes how to hold the elections
and unify institutions and others.
"There
has been a great rapprochement between the House of Representatives and the
State Council, to reach parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as
possible," Saleh added.
For
his part, al-Mishri said "a roadmap will be worked on in consultation with
Saleh and the United Nations Mission, and it will be announced very soon in a
meeting that will take place in Libya."
"The
document relates to several files and paths and setting clear terms and tasks.
Therefore, the consensus between the two councils must be in accordance with
the political agreement and under the umbrella and care of the United Nations
in order to avoid any doubts," al-Mishri added.
The
speaker of the Egyptian parliament described the tripartite meeting as
"fruitful," stressing that "its results will become clear in the
coming days."
Earlier
this week, the HCS, which acts as a senate, decided to resume dialogue with the
Libyan parliament after the assembly retracted a law establishing a
constitutional court in the eastern city of Benghazi.
The
oil-rich Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar
Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
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