Do not conduct mock drills depicting Muslims as terrorists, Bombay High Court tells police
New
Age Islam News Bureau
07
February 2023
Bombay
High Court. | Wikimedia Commons
-------
•
Muslim Personal Law Board’s approval not required to implement Uniform Civil
Code: UP Dy CM
•
Earthquakes kill over 4300 people in Turkey, Syria
•
Bomb kills soldier, wounds 11 people in southwest Pakistan
•
Taliban policies threaten aid delivery to millions, says US Envoy for
Afghanistan
•
Malaysia PM Anwar enters Thai peace talks with separatist rebels
•
Islamic Jihad Vows Retaliation After Israeli Forces Martyr Seven Palestinians
Near Ariha
•
US cautions citizens in Sweden over possible attacks in retaliation for Koran burning
•
OIC reaffirms support to resolve Libyan crisis
•
UK officials who oversaw funding of extremist Muslim groups must be sacked:
counterterrorism expert
India
•
India dispatches first consignment of earthquake relief material to Turkey
•
SC to hear on March 17 pleas related to religious conversions, state laws
•
Modi’s Muslim outreach continues, will inaugurate Arabic Academy in Mumbai
•
Sangh journal pushes for Uniform Civil Code; leaders say want it through
states, not Centre
•
Bajrang Dal Reiterates Commitment to Check 'Love-Jihad'
•
'Frontier Gandhi stood for unity of Hindus & Muslims'
•
Twitter slams R Madhavan for 'Islamophobia' after his old joke on polygamy and
Muslim men resurfaces
•
Anupam Kher reacts to Kangana Ranaut’s tweet on ‘Muslim actors’, defends her
freedom of speech: ‘She is brave’
•
Shahi Eidgah Mosque secy booked for ‘power theft’ in Mathura
•
MP: Muslim cleric among two stabbed, injured in Khandwa; 3 minors detained
--------
Arab
World
•
At least 20 escape Syria prison holding ISIS inmates after earthquake
•
Saudi Arabia, Arab nations send condolences to Turkiye, Syria over deadly
earthquake
•
50,000 contestants from 165 countries for international Qur’an recitation,
adhan competition
•
Syrian opposition rescuers say hundreds of families still under quake rubble
•
Ghanaian footballer who played in Saudi Arabia missing after Turkey earthquake
•
Lebanese banks to start open-ended strike, to keep ATMs working: Association
•
Syria requests international aid after massive earthquake
•
Another 7.5-magnitude earthquake hits southeast Turkey, felt in Lebanon
•
Beirut blast judge postpones interrogations over dispute
•
UAE, India, France to work on climate change, biodiversity
--------
Pakistan
•
Pakistan dispatches rescue team as death toll in Turkiye-Syria quake tops 4,000
•
All Parties Conference on terrorism postponed for the second time
•
Musharraf’s funeral prayers to be held in Karachi’s Polo Ground today
•
Rs10m reward for information about Peshawar mosque suicide bomber, facilitators
•
Pakistan will lose moral ground on Kashmir if it gives recognition to Israel,
says Imran Khan
--------
South
Asia
•
Organization of Islamic Cooperation Holds Meeting for 49th Foreign Ministers
Session
•
French-Afghan Photojournalist Detained by Taliban
--------
Southeast
Asia
•
Perlis Islamic council gets green light to intervene in Hindu mum Loh Siew
Hong’s custody order for unilaterally converted children
•
Turkiye, Syria quake: FT mosques, surau to hold special prayers
•
Mohd Na’im: Special committee set up to print, distribute quran nationwide
•
The state of ethnic democracy in Malaysia
•
Indonesia to open Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo before Ramadan
--------
Mideast
•
Israel to aid Syria, says Netanyahu
•
In Turkey, night fills with screams and crying as earthquake rescues go on
•
Israeli forces kill Palestinian teen in West Bank raid: Palestinians
•
Five Palestinians killed by Israeli troops during dawn raid in Jericho
•
Top Commander: US, Europe Waging Hybrid War Against Iran After All-Out Failure
•
Iran: No Undeclared Activity at Fordow Nuclear Facility
•
Iran Calls for Access to South Korea-Blocked Assets
•
Iran Advises Ukraine Not to Sacrifice Interests for US, NATO Expansion Policy
•
Parliament Speaker: Foiled Enemy's Plot Supreme Leader
•
Iran Offers Help to Quake Victims in Turkey, Syria
--------
North
America
•
Biden ‘deeply saddened’ by Turkey, Syria earthquake; pledges US aid
•
Blinken tells Turkiye to ‘let us know’ what US can do after earthquake
•
Biden, Erdogan to speak 'very soon' following quakes: White House
--------
Africa
•
African leaders express condolences over deadly quake in Türkiye
•
Jordan Gaming Lab hosts video game development events across the country
--------
Europe
•
Attack On Salman Rushdie: A Look At Events Since The Issuance Of The Fatwa
•
Member of Islamic State 'Beatle' Cell to Go on Trial in UK on Terrorism Charges
•
Muslims of Europe, Southeast Asia denounce desecration of Quran
•
Rescue teams from Netherlands, Romania on way to Türkiye over powerful quake
•
Russian FM: US playing with fire, encouraging separatism in Kurdish region in
Syria
•
Dismissing Wall Street Journal report, Iran says not working with Russia on
drone production
•
EU to send rescue teams to Turkey after deadly earthquake kills hundreds
•
France condemns expulsion of director of human rights division of UN mission in
Mali
•
Aid campaign launched in Berlin for quake-hit Türkiye
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
--------
Do
not conduct mock drills depicting Muslims as terrorists, Bombay High Court
tells police
Feb
07, 2023
Bombay
High Court. | Wikimedia Commons
---------
The
Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Police
to not conduct mock drills depicting Muslims as terrorists till the next
hearing on February 10, Live Law reported on Monday.
A
division bench of Justices Mangesh Patil and SG Chapalgaonkar passed the order
while hearing a public interest litigation filed by social worker Sayed Usama.
The order was passed on February 3.
In
his petition, Usama had argued that mock drills were being conducted by the
police during which personnel dress up as men from the Muslim community to play
the role of terrorists, according to Bar and Bench. He also alleged they
shouted religious slogans as part of the mock drill.
“The
conduct of aforesaid mock drills wherein a Muslim community is deliberately
shown as ‘terrorist’ by the police authorities and the state clearly shows
their bias against Muslim community,” the petitioner said in his plea,
according to Live Law. “It sends a message that terrorists have a particular
religion and this act of the police amounts to defaming the Muslim community.”
Source:Scroll
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Muslim Personal Law Board’s approval not required to implement Uniform Civil Code: UP Dy CM
6th
February 2023
Keshav
Prasad Maurya [File photo]
-------
New
Delhi: Strongly criticizing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB)
announcement of a struggle against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Uttar Pradesh
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that the UCC has been part of
the BJP’s main agenda and Parliament did not need to take the approval of the
Muslim body to implement it.
He
said that the people of India had given a mandate to the saffron party for the
UCC.
On
Asaduddin Owaisi’s protest, Maurya said that the former had a habit of
protesting.
Talking
to the media in the Parliament House complex on Monday, the Deputy CM said that
the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, abrogation of Article 370 in
Jammu and Kashmir, and implementation of the UCC have been part of the BJP’s
agenda.
He
said that the temple is being built, Article 370 had been revoked and the
remaining work (UCC implementation) would be completed on time.
Speaking
on the action being taken against the burning of Ramcharitmanas’ copies in
Lucknow, Maurya said that the law is taking its own course and the culprits
will not be spared.
Maurya,
while refusing to comment on the uproar over RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s speech,
said that it was not proper for him to comment on the matter as Bhagwat’s words
are considered as guidance.
Source:Siasat
Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/aimplbs-approval-not-required-to-implement-ucc-up-dy-cm-2520030/
--------
Earthquakes
kill over 4300 people in Turkey, Syria
07.02.23
Turkey
requests help from NATO allies.
File
Photo
---------
The
confirmed death toll continues to rise and rescue operations are underway in
Turkey and Syria following a huge earthquake. Turkey declared a week's national
mourning. Here's the latest:
Death
toll rises to 2,921 in Turkey, and more than 1,400 in Syria
Rescue
workers continue to search for victims in rubble
Turkish
President Erdogan declares a week's national mourning
World
powers rush to offer Turkey, Syria aid over quakeTurkey requests help from NATO
allies
A
7.8 magnitude quake struck near Gaziantep early Monday, followed by a new 7.5
tremor after midday
Turkey
observes seven-day mourning period
Death
toll in Turkey and Syria rises to over 4,300
The
death toll from the devastating earthquakes in the Turkish-Syrian border area
has risen to more than 4,300.
An
official with Turkey's disaster agency said at least 2,921 people were killed
and 15,834 others injured in the south of the country.
And
at least 1,400 people have died in Syria, according to the Health Ministry and
rescue organization White Helmets.
EU
is helping Turkey to cope with the aftermath of earthquakes
Turkey
activated the EU civil protection mechanism, a structure designed to deal with
manmade and natural disasters, BalazsUjvari, the spokesperson for humanitarian
aid and crisis management at the European Commission, told DW.
Firstly,
the EU dispatched almost 20 rescue teams coming from 17 European countries for
Turkey.
"They
are on their way to Turkey. In fact, some of the teams have already
arrived," Ujvari said.
As
a second step, Ujvari said, the EU is looking into the possibility of
mobilizing emergency medical teams, which is also part of Turkey's request for
help.
"Some
of such offers already have been made by EU member states. For example, there
is a Spanish team ready to go," he said, adding that in the coming hours
and days more and more European personnel would be arriving in Turkey.
The
situation in Syria, however, is different, as it has not activated the EU civil
protection mechanism, Ujvari said. "We would only be able to send such
teams if we received a formal request from the Syrian authorities," he
added.
According
to the spokesperson, the European Union can operate in Syria through
humanitarian operations.
Western
countries have limited access to Syria. Russia, an ally of the Syrian
government, has a military presence in the Middle Eastern nation.
Turkish
and Syrian authorities revise casualty figures
Turkey's
emergency and disaster management agency says the death toll from the quakes
has risen to 2,379, with 14,483 injured.
In
Syria, authorities have reported 711 deaths in government-controlled areas.
The
White Helmets organization in rebel-held Syria said at least 700 people had
died.
Search
and rescue operations continue after the two major tremors and multiple
aftershocks across a broad region in southern Turkey and northern Syria. All
the responsible authorities have warned they are likely to find more victims.
Turkish
and Syrian authorities revise casualty figures
Turkey's
emergency and disaster management agency says the death toll from the quakes
has risen to 2,379, with 14,483 injured.
In
Syria, authorities have reported 711 deaths in government-controlled areas.
The
White Helmets organization in rebel-held Syria said at least 700 people had
died.
Search
and rescue operations continue after the two major tremors and multiple
aftershocks across a broad region in southern Turkey and northern Syria. All
the responsible authorities have warned they are likely to find more victims.
Historic
sites in Aleppo, Syria damaged
Some
historical buildings were destroyed as a result of the quake in the provinces
of Aleppo, Hama, and Tartus, the Syrian Cultural Ministry said.
The
most notable damage reported was that which hit the historic Aleppo Citadel,
among the world's oldest and largest castles.
The
ministry said it sustained "little to medium" damage, including the
collapse of parts of its Ottoman mill, and the destruction of its entrances.
The dome of the minaret of the Ayyubid mosque inside the citadel also sustained
damage.
Technicians
were inspecting the UNESCO-listed Aleppo Old City, the ministry said.
Elsewhere
in Hama, the ministry reported the collapse of some historic buildings, as well
as parts of the minaret of Imam Ismail Mosque.
Meanwhile
in Tartus, parts of the Marqab castle, a medieval fortress near the coast that
was a major stronghold for a Christian order of knights during the Crusades,
collapsed due to the quake.
Greece
offers aid amid diplomatic standoff
The
quake in Turkey and a rapid offer of assistance from Greece on Monday prompted
the first direct contact between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime
Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in months.
"I
just spoke to President [Erdogan]," Mitsotakis wrote on Twitter on Monday.
"On behalf of the Greek people, I extended my deepest condolences for the
devastating loss of life and reiterated our readiness to provide all further
assistance necessary."
Mitsotakis'
office said that Erdogan had thanked the Greek prime minister.
Erdogan
had declared 10 months ago that he would sever ties with the Greek leader amid
a longstanding dispute over territorial rights in the Aegean Sea and the
eastern Mediterranean.
But
on Monday morning Greece was among the first countries to dispatch rescue
workers and offer further support as Turkey requested it.
The
two NATO members share an exposure to earthquakes, sometimes both suffering
from the same tremors near their borders.
They
have a past history of cooperation on quake relief which in turn has played a
role at times in improving their often-frayed ties.
Erdogan
declares 7-day period of national mourning
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the country will observe seven
days of national mourning in response to the fatal earthquake.
"A
national mourning period has been declared for seven days. Our flag will be
hoisted at half-mast until sunset on Sunday, February 12, 2023, in all our
national and foreign representative offices," Erdogan said on Twitter.
Idlib
residents hope for international aid
On
Idlib's streets, residents spoke to DW about the horrors they witnessed. One
described how he spent hours searching for his friend's family under debris.
"We
kept on searching for them until 6 in the morning. We found his wife and two of
his children dead. And this is what people are going through."
Many
called for international support, saying that though immense, the White
Helmets' effort was not enough.
"I
hope that humanitarian organizations can just help us remove the debris. Just
equipment and medical help, nothing more," one said.
Another
resident described the moments of the quake, saying: "Horrifying moments
that we experienced at 4 in the morning. We have never witnessed such an
earthquake. Many buildings collapsed. My family and I survived and the
neighbors did too, but five people died here. The civil defense [the White
Helmets] is putting in all its effort. This seems to me like it was the Day of
Judgment."
UN
appeals for international support
The
UN General Assembly observed a minute's silence in tribute to the victims on Monday.
It
also appealed to other countries to provide assistance to a region already
scarred by conflict with only limited access for humanitarian aid.
"Our
teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance,"
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "We count on the international
community to help the thousands of families hit by this disaster, many of whom
were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a
challenge."
DW
rounds up the international responses and pledges of support so far in this
story.
UN
appeals for international support
The
UN General Assembly observed a minute's silence in tribute to the victims on
Monday.
It
also appealed to other countries to provide assistance to a region already
scarred by conflict with only limited access for humanitarian aid.
"Our
teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance,"
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "We count on the international
community to help the thousands of families hit by this disaster, many of whom
were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a
challenge."
DW
rounds up the international responses and pledges of support so far in this
story.
Ghanaian
football star Christian Atsu reportedly among the missing in Turkey
English
Premier League club Newcastle United said they were "praying for some
positive news" over the fate of its former player Christian Atsu.
The
Ghana international winger plays for Turkish side Hatayspor and is reportedly
among those trapped under the rubble in Kahramanmaras.
He
spent several years with Newcastle and Chelsea before signing with Hatayspor
last summer.
The
club's sporting director TanerSavut, was also reportedly missing
Domestic
football matches in Turkey have been called off following Monday's quake.
UN
appeals for international support
The
UN General Assembly observed a minute's silence in tribute to the victims on
Monday.
It
also appealed to other countries to provide assistance to a region already
scarred by conflict with only limited access for humanitarian aid.
"Our
teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance,"
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "We count on the international
community to help the thousands of families hit by this disaster, many of whom
were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a
challenge."
DW
rounds up the international responses and pledges of support so far in this
story.
Ghanaian
football star Christian Atsu reportedly among the missing in Turkey
English
Premier League club Newcastle United said they were "praying for some
positive news" over the fate of its former player Christian Atsu.
The
Ghana international winger plays for Turkish side Hatayspor and is reportedly
among those trapped under the rubble in Kahramanmaras.
He
spent several years with Newcastle and Chelsea before signing with Hatayspor
last summer.
The
club's sporting director TanerSavut, was also reportedly missing
Domestic
football matches in Turkey have been called off following Monday's quake.
Turkey
deploys nearly 10,000 to help with rescue operations
Turkey's
disaster agency, AFAD, said nearly 9,698 search and rescue personnel had been
deployed to help search for survivors.
AFAD
said the death toll from the 7.8-magnitude quake that struck the country's
southern region early on Monday had risen to 1,498 people, with at least
another 7,634 people injured.
It
said a least 2,834 buildings were destroyed in the quake.
On
top of other emergency supplies, the agency was also handing out thousands of
tents, blankets, and beds to help the survivors cope with the frigid weather.
Source:TelegraphIndia
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/earthquakes-kill-over-3500-people-in-turkey-syria/cid/1914820
--------
Bomb
kills soldier, wounds 11 people in southwest Pakistan
Feb
6, 2023
During
a prayer ceremony for victims of last Monday's suicide bombing in Peshawar, in
Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday. (File photo: AP)
---------
QUETTA:
A bombing near a vehicle carrying Pakistani paramilitary troops in southwestern
Baluchistan province killed a soldier and wounded 11 people, mostly civilians,
police and security officials said Monday.
The
Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place on
Sunday.
Pakistan
has been battling an insurgency in Baluchistan for more than a decade, with
separatists in the province demanding complete autonomy or a larger share of
the province's gas and mineral resources. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
- or TTP as the Pakistani Taliban are known - and other militants also have a
presence in the province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
Sunday's
bombing took place near the Musa Khan checkpoint in Quetta, the Baluchistan
provincial capital, said local police official Mohammad Khan. He provided no
further details.
Shortly
after the bombing, the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility, saying the
attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. Police and security officials have
not given confirmed the source of the blast.
The
latest incident comes a week after a suicide bomber killed 101 people at a
mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar, drawing nationwide condemnation
and prompting Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to convene a meeting of opposition
politicians and his allies to discuss how to respond to the surge in militant
violence.
The
conference was initially planned for Tuesday, but has been pushed back to
Thursday.
Pakistani
officials have blamed the TTP, which maintains sanctuaries in neighboring
Afghanistan, for orchestrating the Peshawar bombing. The TTP has denied
involvement. The militant group, however, has stepped up its attacks since
November, when it ended a cease-fire with the government in Islamabad.
Sharif
has invited his predecessor and opposition leader Imran Khan to Thursday's
talks, but Khan has yet to confirm his participation.
Since
the Peshawar attack, members of civil society groups have staged rallies across
the country, holding prayer ceremonies for the victims and demanding government
take action to curb the surge in militant attacks.
Source: Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Taliban
policies threaten aid delivery to millions, says US Envoy for Afghanistan
February
06, 2023
Photo
for representation
-----------
New
Delhi: The US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West, has concluded his
four-day visit to Pakistan, Germany and Switzerland, where he discussed issues
related to Afghanistan.
According
to a report in Tolo News, Thomas said, “Taliban policies threaten aid delivery
to millions.”
“Fortunate
to meet in Geneva with the leadership of International Organization for
Migration, World Health Organization, and other relief orgs, all undertaking
life-saving work across Afghanistan – supporting migrants, healthcare systems,
and disaster victims, among much else,” West added.
Major
aid agencies in December warned that Afghans will die because of the Taliban
order banning women from working at nongovernmental groups, and stressed that
female staff are crucial for the delivery of life-saving humanitarian
assistance across war-battered Afghanistan.
The
dire prediction came after the Economy Ministry in December said women can no
longer work at international or domestic NGOs, allegedly because they are not
wearing the Islamic headscarf, or hijab, correctly at their workplace.
The
order was the latest blow to women’s rights and freedoms since the Taliban took
power in August 2021. The move has triggered international condemnation and calls
for the Taliban to reverse their decision immediately, as the country grapples
with a spiraling humanitarian crisis, a harsh winter, and an economic collapse.
Save
the Children, Care, World Vision and the Norwegian Refugee Council had
suspended their operations in Afghanistan in December.
Source:
Firstpost
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Malaysia
PM Anwar enters Thai peace talks with separatist rebels
February
5, 2023
BANGKOK
-- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will make his first visit to Thailand
next Thursday, officially stepping into decadelong peace negotiations between
Bangkok and Thai-Malay separatist rebels along the shared border.
Malaysia's
northern neighbor will be Anwar's fourth international visit since becoming
prime minister in November. His meetings with counterparts in Indonesia, Brunei
and Singapore have covered economic cooperation and regional security issues,
which will also be on the agenda in Thailand.
Source:AsiaNikkei
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Malaysia-PM-Anwar-enters-Thai-peace-talks-with-separatist-rebels
--------
Islamic
Jihad Vows Retaliation After Israeli Forces Martyr Seven Palestinians Near
Ariha
2023-February-6
Israeli
media reported on Monday that the occupation forces are holding the bodies of
the 7 martyrs, the Palestinian Information Center said, adding that the
residents of the camp confirmed that they did not find the bodies of the
martyrs.
The
archaeological city of Ariha (Jericho) and its surroundings have been under a
tight Israeli siege as the regime’s forces set up roadblocks and checkpoints at
the city’s entrances and searched vehicles and check IDs of passengers, causing
unsustainable delays and traffic jams.
On
Sunday, the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp battalion of the Ezzedine Al-Qassam
Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement,
declared the beginning of three days of rage over the Israeli regime’s tight
siege and incursions that have been taking place since 9 days.
On
this note, the head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, issued a
statement saying “the Al-Qassam Brigades will continue its operations with all
the revolutionaries until the [Israeli] invaders are defeated.”
The
statement said that “the ongoing killings carried out by the [Israeli] enemy in
the West Bank will have disastrous repercussions on the Israeli regime,” adding
that “all international or regional interventions will not succeed in stopping
the revolutionary tide of our people, and the enemy will not enjoy calm”.
In
turn, the Spokesman for the Islamic Jihad Movement, TareqEzzedin, said
"the new crime committed by the criminal Israeli occupation at dawn today,
Monday, against the Palestinian people and resistance fighters in Aqabat Jabr,
will not terrorize them.”
“The
occupation has been established on our land since the occupation of Palestine
through killing, destruction and terrorism. It is an entity that only
understands the language of force, and our Palestinian people are alive and
will not back down from their resistance until they [Israel] are defeated and
forced to pull out from the entire soil of Palestine,” he added.
The
Israeli blockade on Ariha was imposed following an alleged shooting attempt at
an Israeli-run restaurant located outside the West Bank city. No one was hurt
in the purported incident, but the Israeli military alleges the shooter escaped
into Ariha.
The
development comes less than a day after Israeli forces killed an unarmed
Palestinian man in the West Bank.
Over
the past months, Israel has ramped up attacks on Palestinian towns and cities
throughout the occupied territories. As a result of these attacks, dozens of
Palestinians have lost their lives and many others have been arrested.
The
Palestinian Hamas resistance movement also condemned the Israeli regime’s
“racist occupation policies”, warning that illegal settlements will not be a
safe haven for Israeli settlers, as Tel Aviv continues to build new illegal
settlements and demolish more Palestinian homes.
Hamas
said in a statement that the Israeli measures represent a dangerous escalation
that will not bring security or stability to the illegal settlers, and will not
grant the occupation legitimacy or sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian
land, presstv reported.
It
warned that the Israeli administration “solely bears responsibility for the
consequences of housing settlers near the Gaza Strip and for putting them in
danger, and it bears full responsibility for its settlement escalation
throughout the West Bank.”
“We
call on the international community to shoulder its responsibility in curbing
those racist occupation policies that threaten peace and security in the
region,” the statement read.
Earlier
on the same day, the Israeli regime approved the construction of a new illegal
settlement near the besieged Gaza Strip.
In
a tweet, Israel’s far-right Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “In
cooperation with the minister of construction and housing, Yitzhak Goldknopf,
we decided today during a cabinet session to build a new settlement close to
the Gaza Strip.”
The
development comes days after Israeli officials gave the green light to plans to
build nearly 1,200 units as well as other structures for commercial and public
purposes on confiscated Palestinian lands in the neighborhoods of Al-Thuri,
Jabel Al-Mukaber and Sur Baher, as well as in the illegal settlements of
KiryatHaYovel, Arnona and Katamonim.
While
Israel presses ahead to build and expand its illegal settlements, Palestinian
communities and towns in occupied Al-Quds and several other areas in the
occupied West Bank continue to be denied the right to build homes and property,
or have to helplessly watch Israeli soldiers demolishing their homes, under
various allegations meant to prevent the expansion of Palestinian towns and
neighborhoods.
In
this context, Israeli sources said on Sunday night that the regime is preparing
to demolish a residential building that houses more than 100 Palestinians,
including children, in Silwan town, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The
sources said more than 500 Israeli soldiers and police officers will demolish
the entire property on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The
increase in house demolitions in parts of Al-Quds and the West Bank reflects a
policy formulated by extremist far-right ministers of the new Israeli
administration spearheaded by extremist far-right Israeli lawmaker, Itamar
Ben-Gvir. Israeli KAN Channel said Israeli security officials have warned that
the move could lead to a round of violence in East Al-Quds.
Israel
has stepped up its illegal settlement construction activities in defiance of
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which pronounced settlements
in the West Bank and East Al-Quds “a flagrant violation under international
law”.
More
than 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli
occupation of the West Bank and East Al-Quds. All Israeli settlements are
illegal under international law. The UN Security Council has condemned Israel’s
settlement activities in the occupied territories in several resolutions.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
US
cautions citizens in Sweden over possible attacks in retaliation for Koran
burning
06
February ,2023
The
US embassy in Sweden has warned Americans in the country of possible
retaliatory attacks in response to an incident where a far-right politician
burned the Quran.
“US
citizens are advised to use caution when going to public venues frequented by
large numbers of people,” said a security alert on the embassy’s website posted
on Sunday, warning of possible attacks by unspecified actors in response to
recent incidents in Europe where the Muslim holy book was burned.
A
Swedish anti-immigration politician burned a copy of the Quran at a Stockholm
protest last month against Turkey’s opposition to Sweden’s bid to join NATO.
“Gathering
sites such as places of worship could be targeted. Please use caution when in,
and around, all diplomatic facilities,” the alert said, advising US citizens to
avoid crowds and keep a low profile.
The
United States has not updated its travel advisory for Sweden, which currently
tells Americans to exercise normal precautions in the country.
The
protest in Stockholm drew sharp condemnation from Turkey, which said Sweden
should not have allowed “anti-Islam” act, and suspended talks on NATO accession
with Sweden and Finland.
Sweden’s
foreign ministry advised its citizens in Turkey to avoid crowds and
demonstrations.
The
US embassy in Ankara, along with the missions of other Western nations, also
issued security alerts over possible retaliatory attacks against places of
worship, following the incident in Sweden and separate incidents in which the
Quran was burned in the Netherlands and Denmark.
Sweden’s
security service was aware of the US warning, said spokesperson Adam Samara,
but referred questions to US authorities. The service’s own current assessment
is that the threat of attacks remains “elevated” at level three on a five-level
scale, Samara added.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
OIC
reaffirms support to resolve Libyan crisis
February
06, 2023
JEDDAH:
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation remains committed to resolving the
crisis in conflict-ridden Libya, according to the organization’s
Secretary-General HisseinBrahim Taha.
At
a meeting in Jeddah recently, Taha met Saif Ahmed, director of the Islamic
affairs department at the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During
the meeting, Taha stressed the OIC’s position with regard to the support of
Libya’s unity and territorial integrity.
In
accordance with the OIC Charter and its principles, and the resolutions of the
Islamic Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers, Taha said the aim is to
ensure a political solution in the North African nation, in line with the
aspirations of its people.
Earlier,
the OIC chief held a meeting with Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the
King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language.
This
was on the sidelines of the celebration of World Arabic Day for the Muslim
Ummah organized by the OIC in collaboration with the academy in Jeddah.
Arabic
is the language of the Qur’an and an important component of Arab-Islamic
culture.
The
officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the OIC and the
academy, including joint action with various partners to promote and support
the use of Arabic in international fora.
They
also discussed ways to strengthen the identity and solidarity of the Islamic
community.
They
agreed to further develop a vision for creating programs and activities that
would contribute to achieving their common objectives.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2246036/saudi-arabia
--------
UK
officials who oversaw funding of extremist Muslim groups must be sacked:
counterterrorism expert
February
06, 2023
LONDON:
UK Prevent program officials who have overseen the public funding of Muslim
groups that promote extremism should be sacked, a counterterrorism expert has
said in The Times newspaper.
Prof.
Ian Acheson, a senior adviser to the Counter Extremism Project, which
contributed to the long-delayed Shawcross review of the government’s
anti-extremism Prevent program due to be released this week, called for a
stricter approach to Muslim groups that “undermine social cohesion.”
The
review, led by William Shawcross, is expected to criticize Prevent for using
its $48 million fund to provide money to controversial groups, ostensibly to
support religious and community moderation in the UK.
Acheson,
a former prison governor who published a review of Islamist extremism in UK
jails in 2016, criticized Prevent’s “mission creep,” arguing that
“‘securitizing’ growing numbers of young people for thoughts that will not
translate into actions is a waste of time and scarce resources.”
He
cited statistics showing that despite a surge in referrals in recent years —
including 2,127 boys classed as “vulnerable” — a majority of terror attacks in
the UK since the program’s launch were carried out by individuals known to the
program.
Acheson
wrote in The Times: “There will be huge concern at the Home Office with
Shawcross detailing how Prevent funding has been given to those who have used
it to undermine the effectiveness of the program.
“Inexplicably
we lag behind other European governments — Austria for one example — who take a
much dimmer view of non-violent Islamist groups who undermine social cohesion.
Delegitimizing our counterterror strategy is an article of faith with some of
these groups.
“We
need to trace these funding decisions right back to the officials who made
them.
“There
must be accountability, if only on behalf of the huge numbers of British
Muslims in this country who are wrongly associated with those who preach
division and attack moderate Islam.
“We
need to return to fundamentals here: Prevent exists to stop terrorists in the
making — prioritizing stopping harm — not to provide a creche for an
ever-widening cohort of disaffected young adults.
“Shawcross
has done the state some service at some cost to his reputation, maligned by
some figures. Politicians must not let him down.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2245656/world
--------
India
India
dispatches first consignment of earthquake relief material to Turkey
Feb
7, 2023
NEW
DELHI: Hours after the announcement made by the Prime Minister's Office, India
has dispatched the first batch of earthquake relief material to Turkey aboard
an Indian Air Force aircraft.
The
shipment consisted of an expert National Disaster Response Force search and
rescue team, including both male and female personnel, highly-skilled dog squads,
an array of medical supplies, advanced drilling equipment, and other crucial
tools required for the aid efforts.
"India's
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities in action. The
1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkey, along with NDRF
Search and Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies,
drilling machines and other necessary equipment," Arindam Bagchi,
spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted.
Earlier,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the
bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.
He
also instructed officials to offer all possible assistance in coping with the
aftermath of the earthquake, killing at least 3,400 people.
“Anguished
by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the earthquake in Turkey.
Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon,” Modi said
in a tweet.
Turkish
Ambassador to India FiratSunel expressed his gratitude towards the Indian
government's offer of assistance and said that "a friend in need is indeed
a friend".
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
SC
to hear on March 17 pleas related to religious conversions, state laws
6th
February 2023
New
Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will hear on March 17 pleas
dealing with two separate issues of alleged “fraudulent conversions” and
challenge to various state laws on religious conversions due to interfaith
marriages respectively.
A
bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was urged by lawyer Ashwini
Upadhyay, who has filed a PIL in his personal capacity, that his plea against
fraudulent religious conversions was distinct from the batch of petitions which
are challenging the validity of various state laws on religious conversions.
“I
am neither supporting the state laws nor opposing them. My petition deals with
separate issue of fraudulent religious conversions,” the lawyer told the bench
which also comprised Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala.
Upadhyay
sought hearing on his PIL separately.
“All
the petitions are before us on March 17, 2023,” the CJI said and for the time
being, ruled out the possibility of a separate hearing on the PIL.
The
PIL has sought direction to the Centre and states to take tough steps to
control fraudulent religious conversions.
Various
petitions, including the one filed by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, were filed
challenging the validity of various state laws on anti-conversion.
The
Muslim body also seek transfer of 21 cases to the top court that have
challenged state laws regulating religious conversions due to interfaith
marriages.
On
February 3, the top court had sought the responses of the Centre and six states
on a plea moved by the Muslim body, seeking a transfer of 21 cases that have
challenged state laws regulating religious conversions.
The
Muslim body has sought a transfer of three petitions pending in the Gujarat
High Court, five in the Allahabad High Court, three in the Himachal Pradesh
High Court, three in the Jharkhand High Court, six in the Madhya Pradesh High
Court and one petition in the Karnataka High Court, which have challenged the
respective state laws.
Besides,
two separate petitions have been filed by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh,
challenging the interim orders of the respective high courts that stayed
certain provisions of the state laws on conversion.
The
Uttar Pradesh law relates to not only interfaith marriages but all religious
conversions and lays down elaborate procedures for anyone who wishes to convert
to another religion.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Modi’s
Muslim outreach continues, will inaugurate Arabic Academy in Mumbai
Feb
07, 2023
By
Surendra P Gangan
Mumbai:
On February 10, Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Dawoodi Bohra community’s
Arabic Academy in Marol and share the dais with community leader SyednaMufaddal
Saifuddin. The PM’s visit to the city less than a month after he inaugurated a
slew of infrastructure projects here is seen as part of the BJP’s outreach
program ahead of the forthcoming civic polls and the general elections.
After
wooing Pasmanda or backward-class Muslims a few months ago, Modi more recently
instructed his partymen to reach out to the minorities, including Muslims,
“without expecting votes”. At the party’s national executive meet three weeks
ago, he asked party workers to meet Pasmanda Muslims and Dawoodi Bohras as well
as professionals from the Muslim community.
A
BJP leader said that Modi’s inaugurating of the Arabic Academy sent out a “loud
and clear” message. “The next parliamentary elections are crucial for us, and
an inclusive approach is vital for victory,” he said. “The Bohra community is
an influential one, hence the gesture.”
According
to a rough estimate, the Bohras account for 10 percent of the total Muslim
population in India. The community, which hails from South Asia, has ancestral
ties to Gujarat.
Maharashtra
BJP vice-president Madhav Bhandari said that Modi had “very cordial relations”
with the community. “I witnessed it first-hand during the community’s global
conclave held in 2012 in Surat,” he said. “The data from Muslim-dominated
booths in Gujarat clearly shows that the Bohra Muslims stand by us there like
they do in Mumbai.”
Shabbir
Ansari, president of the All India Muslim OBC Organisation, was of the opinion
that the BJP needed to support the Muslim backward classes rather than an elite
community like the Bohras. “Being a mercantile community and having a strong
base in Gujarat, Bohras have always been close to the BJP and Modi,” he said.
“The PM has been speaking of the upliftment of Pasmanda Muslims, and he should
stand by them instead of wooing the Bohras.”
Mumbai-based
political analyst Prakash Akolkar said the BJP had strategically chosen the
most elite class from the Muslim community for its outreach programme. “After
the abrogation of Article 370 and the ongoing construction of the Ram temple at
Ayodhya, the BJP’s next aim is to implement the common civil code,” he said.
“For this, the party will need Muslim support, and it has thus chosen the most
elite from the community. This will help them in the civic polls and general
elections.”
Sarfaraz
Arzoo, editor of Hindustan, the Urdu daily, said the Bohra community was
peace-loving and kept out of controversies. “It is a minority within a minority
and has always remained close to the establishment to be ‘politically
correct’,” he said.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Sangh
journal pushes for Uniform Civil Code; leaders say want it through states, not
Centre
by
Deeptiman Tiwary
February
7, 2023
Why
should mosques, churches and gurdwaras be allowed to manage their affairs and
finances, while the government exercises control over affairs of temples, and
why should Muslim women be deprived of alimony after divorce, when Hindu women
are entitled to it?
These
are among questions that RSS-linked magazine ‘Indraprastha Samwad’ has raised
in the editorial of its latest issue, pushing for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
“Democracy
and rule of law means everyone is equal before the law without any
discrimination. But is this the reality? Unfortunately, despite 73 years since
the Constitution came into effect, UCC has not been implemented,” the monthly
wrote in its editorial.
Arguing
that while criminal law is the same for all, civil law differs from religion to
religion, the editorial noted, “If you are a Hindu woman, you are entitled to
alimony after divorce. But if you are a Muslim woman, you aren’t. Such discrimination
should not be acceptable in a civilized society.”
The
UCC is a project close to the heart of the Sangh Parivar, and several BJP MPs
have in the recent past brought private member’s Bills in Parliament on UCC.
Last
year, the Uttarakhand government formed a committee for implementation of UCC,
and the panel is currently taking suggestions from across the country on the
issue. The Madhya Pradesh government has also announced the formation of a
committee.
Sources
said the Sangh believes the best way to push the UCC at the moment is through
the states, and not through an all-encompassing Central legislation.
Sources
in RSS also said the Sangh is in no hurry to push through the UCC. “The law for
this needs far deeper study and wider consultation. This is not Article 370,
which was just a matter of taking a decision — the UCC concerns every section
of the society, and so taking everyone’s views is necessary. It is good that a
debate is taking place in the country over it,” an RSS leader said.
Many
leaders have pointed out that while Sangh’s overt concerns have been over
exclusive practices under the Muslim law, and that it is wary of antagonising
tribal communities in the country, whose practices of marriage and family life
are rather diverse and different from ‘caste Hindus’, through a legislation on
UCC.
However,
an RSS leader said this concern, too, is diminishing. “According to our ground
reports, the tribal communities are increasingly getting assimilated into the
mainstream and now there are hardly any cases of polygamy or polyandry in these
communities,” the leader said.
In
its editorial, the Indraprastha Samwad mentioned that there should be no
discrimination in ensuring basic religious rights.
“Hindus,
too, must get the same religious rights that other religions enjoy,” it stated.
“For example, the government exercises control over temples and their treasury.
But this is not true for mosques, churches and gurudwaras. Temples and their
income are subject to income tax, but mosques, churches and gurudwaras are not.
Government interferes in the functioning of educational institutions run by
Hindu organisations, but not in institutions run by other religions.
Source:
Indian Express
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Bajrang
Dal Reiterates Commitment to Check 'Love-Jihad'
FEBRUARY
06, 2023
The
Bajrang Dal has reiterated its commitment to check and end religious
conversions and love-jihad across the country.
The
organisation, under its expansion drive, plans to reach out to every lane,
locality, colony, village, block and city to protect and spread Hindu religion,
culture and tradition.
National
convener of Bajrang Dal, Neeraj Doneria, said, “The formation of Bajrang Dal
was done in response to jihad and the organisation would be carrying out its
activities extensively and none can pose any sort of hinderance to it."
He
also asserted that “Bajrang Dal was the organisation to give befitting reply to
anti-nationals.
Besides,
the organisation is working tirelessly to serve and protect the Hindu
community. “At a time when religious conversions and love-jihad are posing
major challenge across the country, all the patriots are looking to the
activists of Bajrang Dal to take up mass awareness and check religious
conversions and love-jihad."
Source:News18
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.news18.com/news/india/bajrang-dal-reiterates-commitment-to-check-love-jihad-7009363.html
--------
'Frontier
Gandhi stood for unity of Hindus & Muslims'
Feb
7, 2023
LUCKNOW:
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan popularly known as Frontier Gandhi was a Gandhian to
the core and always advocated Hindu-Muslim unity, said experts on his birth
anniversary on Monday.
Speaking
at a seminar organised at press club, former head of Lucknow University's
political science department Ramesh Dixit said: "Badshah Khan jantakenetathae
(he was people's leader) who made people take path of Ahimsa."
He
led a non-violent movement throughout the county against the British and was an
advocate for Hindu-Muslim reconciliation in the Indian subcontinent, Dixit
said.
Samajwadi
party spokesperson Anup Sanda said: "Frontier Gandhi linked his community
to Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence and fought against religious
bigotry."
"Life
of Frontier Gandhi is a message for those who fight for peace and
humanity," said in charge Bilal Noorani of AnjumanIslahulMuslemeen. He
urged people to follow the path shown by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Twitter
slams R Madhavan for 'Islamophobia' after his old joke on polygamy and Muslim
men resurfaces
Feb
07, 2023
An
old video of actor R Madhavan has resurfaced and it shows him telling a joke
about polygamy and Muslim men. Internet users have slammed the actor for ‘Islamophobia’.
The
video shows Madhavan saying, “He is a very profound doctor, a gastroentologist
and he got a call from his patient Mr Abdul and he said ‘Doctor saab, my wife
is very very ill. She is in big pain, she has a stomach ache and she cannot
sit. Can I come over to your clinic?’ The doctor said, ‘Yes, by all means’.
And, like all patients today, Abdul had done his research he has gone to the
internet and said usko ye ho saktahai wo hosaktahai (she may be infected with
this one or that one)'. ”
The
actor further said, “The doctor asked him not to worry. He checked her, and
then told him ‘Let me tell you, she has an infected appendix. So I have to do a
surgery and she will be fine. The surgery was done and she was fine. Abdul was
a happy man. One year later, Abdul called the doctor again and said 'Sir, my
wife has got a stomach ache, please do the appendix operation and she will be
fine'.”
“Doctor
said listen ‘I am the doctor, let me do the diagnosis, please bring her to the
clinic, then we will fix it’.” Madhavan further detailed how Abdul kept
insisting that the doctor must fix an operation date immediately and must not
bother about the diagnosis at all.
“The
doctor finally lost it and said 'Listen I am the doctor, let me do the
diagnosis. Every human being only has one appendix and I have already taken out
the appendix. So please do not tell me how to do my job’. Abdul patiently
waited for the doctor to finish with his assumptions and then he shot back very
meekly ‘Sir, I agree with you. Every human being can have only one appendix,
but a man can have two wives, right?’”
Businessman
Harsh Goenka shared the video on Twitter recently, and the reply section was
flooded with users slamming the actor for Islamophobia. One of the users
tweeted, “@ActorMadhavan ka Abdul se obsession jaanahirahahai
(Madhavan'sobssession with Abdul does not fade). Islamophobia.”
“Would
you have enjoyed the joke as much if the character was Rama Prasad and not
Abdul and would @ActorMadhavan have cracked the joke if the joke was on Ranganathan?
Let me add these emojis (laughing face) to make this tweet hilarious,” one of
them wrote.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Anupam
Kher reacts to Kangana Ranaut’s tweet on ‘Muslim actors’, defends her freedom
of speech: ‘She is brave’
February
6, 2023
Anupam
Kher is good friends with Kangana Ranaut, who is also directing him in their
upcoming political drama Emergency. Recently, Kher got candid about his
relationship with Kangana and defended her right to tweet about any topic of
her interest.
Not
too long ago, Ranaut, who is pretty active on social media, shared a tweet
where she stated that India is ‘obsessed with Khans and Muslim actresses.’ Her
tweet read, “This country has only and only loved all Khans and at times only
and only Khans…And obsessed over Muslim actresses, so it’s very unfair to
accuse India of hate and fascism … there is no country like Bharat in the whole
world.”
Anupam
Kher said while art has its own place in such discussions, Kangana too has a
right to freedom of speech: “I think art has its own place, and religion has
its own place. Religion kewajah se koi film dekhnenahijaatahai, art kewajah se
hi film dekhnejaatehain (People don’t go to watch the film based on religion,
but based on art). You don’t go to mandir, masjid or gurudwara after watching a
film. You go because you have faith in your religion. You have all the right to
present your faith, but I don’t think anybody decides to say it like that.”
Kher,
who has interviewed Kangana for his talk show, and has been seen with her on
multiple occasions, said the actor is ‘brave’ and should be ‘applauded’.
“Like
everybody has freedom of speech, why shouldn’t we give her the freedom of
speech? I think Kangana is a brave girl. If we applaud woman empowerment, we
should defiantly celebrate the success of Kangana,” Kher signed off.
Source:
Indian Express
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Shahi
Eidgah Mosque secy booked for ‘power theft’ in Mathura
Feb
06, 2023
By
Hemendra Chaturvedi
AGRA
The secretary of the management committee of Shahi Eidgah Mosque has been
booked in a case of alleged power theft in Mathura. The case was lodged at the
anti-power theft police station after a team from the electricity department
allegedly found a 30-meter-long cable securing an illegal electricity connection
from a pole near the mosque.
According
to the FIR, the case has been registered under section 135 (theft of power
through illegal temporary connection) of the Indian Electricity (Amended) Act
2003 by the electricity department official stationed at Masani sub-station in
Mathura.
Tanveer
Ahmed, the secretary for management committee of Shahi Eidgah Mosque at
Mathura, has been named in the FIR as accused in the case as he was allegedly
found on the spot when a team from the vigilance department and the anti-power
theft team inspected the site on Saturday evening.
In
view of the sensitivity of the location, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Neetu
Rani, along with the required police force, accompanied the vigilance
anti-power theft team of the electricity department. “Upon entering the
premises of Shahi Eidgah mosque, it was found that a three-phase and four core
black cable of 30-metre length was connected to an electricity pole. The set-up
was connected to a previously-laid LT line in the premises through which power
supply was being availed of in the religious place,” said the complainant power
department official in the FIR.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
MP:
Muslim cleric among two stabbed, injured in Khandwa; 3 minors detained
6th
February 2023
Khandwa:
A Muslim cleric and one more person were stabbed and injured on their way to
the mosque in Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh allegedly by three minor boys, all of
whom have been detained, a police official said on Monday.
The
incident took place late Sunday night and ‘alim’ (scholar) Sheikh Uzefa and one
Mohammad Talha, in his mid-20s, have been hospitalised in nearby Indore, the
official said.
“Three
minors were detained during the day for the incident. Uzefa is in stable
condition while Talha is out of danger. Both were injured near the chest,”
Khandwa Superintendent of Police Vivek Singh told PTI over phone.
Source:Siasat
Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Arab
World
At
least 20 escape Syria prison holding ISIS inmates after earthquake
07
February ,2023
Prisoners
mutinied in a northwestern Syria prison Monday following a deadly earthquake,
with at least 20 escaping the jail holding mostly ISIS members, a source at the
facility told AFP.
The
military police prison in the town of Rajo near the Turkish border holds about
2,000 inmates, with about 1,300 of them suspected to be ISIS fighters, said the
source.
The
prison also holds fighters from Kurdish-led forces.
“After
the earthquake struck, Rajo was affected and inmates started to mutiny and took
control of parts of the prison,” said the official at Rajo jail, which is
controlled by pro-Turkish factions.
“About
20 prisoners fled... who are believed to be [ISIS members].”
The
7.8-magnitude quake -- which was followed by dozens of aftershocks in the
region -- caused damage to the prison, with walls and doors cracking, the
source added.
The
British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said it could not
verify whether prisoners had escaped, but confirmed there was a mutiny.
At
least 1,444 people died Monday across Syria after the devastating earthquake
that had its epicenter in southwestern Turkey, the government and rescuers
said.
In
parts of the country’s northwest, at least 733 people were killed and more than
2,100 injured, according to the White Helmets rescue group.
The
incident in Rajo comes on the heels of an ISIS attack in December on a security
complex in their former de facto Syrian capital of Raqa, which aimed to free
fellow extremists from a prison there.
Six
members of the Kurdish-led security forces that control the area were killed in
the foiled assault.
The
conflict in Syria started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful protests
and escalated to pull in foreign powers and global jihadists.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Saudi
Arabia, Arab nations send condolences to Turkiye, Syria over deadly earthquake
February
06, 2023
DUBAI:
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign ministry expressed its solidarity and sympathy to Syria
and Turkiye after an earthquake rocked both countries along their border, early
on Monday morning.
The
first earthquake – at 7.8 magnitude -
struck at about 4 a.m. local time on Monday, the second – at 7.7
magnitude – struck shortly before 2 p.m. as the search and rescue work
continued.
More
than 3,380 people are already known to have been killed in Turkiye with at
least 1,500 in Syria, but the death toll continues to rise.
In
a statement the ministry said Saudi Arabia was closely monitoring the situation
in the disaster-hit area.
Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered his condolences to Turkiye’s President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, offering the Kingdom's support, while also offering his
condolences to the families of victims and wishing the injured a speedy
recovery.
The
Saudi embassy in Turkiye said on Monday it had not received any reports of
Saudi citizens affected by the disaster, and added it was following up with
Turkish authorities to ensure that there were no citizens in the affected area.
Meanwhile,
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also made two phone calls to
President Bashar Assad of Syria and President Erdogan.
He
offered his condolences to the two presidents and the citizens of both nations,
and offered to provide assistance.
The
Emir of Kuwait, Nawaf Al-Sabah in a letter to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
extended his condolences to the President and the families of the victims,
wishing speedy recovery to the injured.
The
Egyptian Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences and solidarity with Turkiye
and Syria in a statement, affirmed its readiness to provide help.
The
Palestinian Foreign Ministry also extended its condolences to Turkiye and
Syria.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2245701/middle-east
--------
50,000
contestants from 165 countries for international Qur’an recitation, adhan
competition
February
06, 2023
RIYADH
— The second edition of the International Qur’an and Adhan Competition
(OtrElkalam) began with sorting the contestants, and those qualified in the
first stage will be nominated to the second round of the competition, which is
the largest of its kind in the world.
More
than 50,000 contestants, from 165 countries of the world, have been registered
to participate in the competition when registration was opened on Jan. 4. The
General Entertainment Authority (GEA) is organizing the competition, which has
prizes worth a total of SR12 million, the largest prize money for such a
competition in the world.
The
contestants have to go through four stages, three of which are electronic, in
which they are nominated based on their level of performance via the website.
The fourth stage will be in person in front of the jury and viewers in the
OtrElkalam TV show, whose episodes will be broadcast during the holy month of Ramadan
on the MBC and the Shahid digital platform.
The
participation process begins with applicants registering via the competition
website and uploading an audio clip for evaluation by a jury, which in turn
nominates candidates over another three stages of qualification before
finalists are selected. The competition enables the contestants to register in
both Arabic and English on its website, through easy steps that involved
opening a personal account, which includes their data and means of
communication, to facilitate their screening and nominate the winners to the
next stage of the competition.
Through
the competition website, the contestants will get to know whether they are
qualified for the following stage of the competition. They will also be able to
review the audio files that they uploaded at various stages.
The
contestants are sorted in each stage of the competition by specialized jury
committees that work on evaluating the contestants in the tracks of the Qur’an
recitation and adhan according to specific criteria that take into account
transparency, integrity, impartiality, intonation skills, performance, and
control of phonetic characters.
The
OtrElkalam competition is the first initiative in the world to organize a joint
competition of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and the call to prayer at the
same time. The competition aims to highlight the beauty and aesthetics of
voices in reciting the Holy Qur’an and raising the call to prayer.
The
objectives of the competition also include spreading the correct concepts of
reciting the Qur’an and raising the call to prayer, through the directives of
the jury taken from the fixed descriptions of the reading of the Prophet (peace
be upon him) according to accurate criteria that take into account intonation, good
voice, and performance.
Source:
Saudi Gazette
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Syrian
opposition rescuers say hundreds of families still under quake rubble
07
February ,2023
Time
is running out to save hundreds of families still trapped under the rubble of
destroyed buildings after this week's devastating earthquake, the head of the
Syrian opposition-run civil defiance service said on Tuesday.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Ghanaian
footballer who played in Saudi Arabia missing after Turkey earthquake
06
February ,2023
Former
Chelsea and Newcastle forward Christian Atsu is missing and believed to be
trapped under rubble following the powerful earthquake that struck Turkey on
Monday and left more than 2,500 people dead.
The
Ghana international, who plays for Turkish club Hatayspor, is thought to be in
a building that was destroyed, Hatayspor spokesman Mustafa Özat said, according
to Turkish media.
Özat
said club director TanerSavut was also believed to be in a building that
collapsed and club officials couldn’t contact both men. They were likely trapped,
Özat said.
At
least two other Hatayspor players had to be pulled out of rubble but were now
safe, Özat said. Atsu and Savut were the only two Hatayspor players or
officials still unaccounted for, he added.
The
31-year-old Atsu joined Hatayspor, which is based in the southern city of
Antakya, last year after a spell playing in Saudi Arabia.
The
7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked large parts of Turkey and neighboring Syria in
the pre-dawn hours of Monday.
The
quake was centered in Turkey’s southeastern province of Kahramanmaras, and was
felt as far away as Cairo in Egypt. Hours later, a second 7.5 magnitude jolt,
which was possibly an aftershock, struck more than 100 kilometers (60 miles)
away from the epicenter of the earthquake and caused more destruction.
Turkish
authorities said more than 3,700 buildings were destroyed. The death toll is
expected to rise.
Ghana
President Nana Akufo-Addo offered condolences to the people of Turkey on his
official Facebook account and added: “We pray that our fellow Ghanaian,
Christian Atsu, is found safe and sound.”
Ghana
Football Association spokesman Henry Asante-Twum wrote in an email to The
Associated Press that they had no news of Atsu and Ghana’s international
relations department was seeking information from Turkish authorities.
Ibrahim
Kwarteng, a friend of Atsu, said he had tried calling Atsu but couldn’t reach
him.
“We
are only praying that he will be found,” Kwarteng said.
Kwarteng
runs a foundation in Ghana that helps former prisoners convicted of petty
crimes to be reintegrated into society after their release from jail. He said
Atsu was the single largest donor to the foundation.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Lebanese
banks to start open-ended strike, to keep ATMs working: Association
06
February ,2023
Banks
in Lebanon will start an open-ended strike from Tuesday but will keep ATMs
operating for basic services, the Lebanese Banks Association said on Monday, urging
authorities to pass overdue measures to deal with a deep financial crisis.
The
decision came after a meeting by the association to discuss judicial measures
against banks that have snowballed since the onset of the crisis, and “their
impacts on banking workflow and the rights of depositors,” it said in a
statement.
It
called on Lebanese authorities to pass a capital control law that would
enshrine informal restrictions on withdrawals in hard currency and Lebanese
pounds, as well as legislation to restructure the country’s troubled banks.
Lebanon’s
financial system imploded in 2019 after decades of profligate spending,
corruption and mismanagement by ruling elites, leaving most depositors unable
to freely access their funds and throwing thousands into poverty.
The
crisis has been left to fester.
In
April 2022 the government reached a draft deal with the International Monetary
Fund for a $3 billion bailout, but nearly a year later has failed to complete
the steps required to clinch the accord, leading the IMF to note “very slow”
progress.
Capital
controls and a bank restructuring framework are among the IMF preconditions for
the bailout.
The
banks association also called for banking secrecy regulations to be abolished,
including retroactively, which would allow lenders to share data with
authorities and the judiciary for financial investigations.
Because
capital controls have been imposed ad hoc, banks have faced lawsuits from
customers seeking their deposits.
There
have also been an array of allegations of financial misconduct, including that
influential people and bank shareholders transferred money abroad during the
crisis at a time when most people were unable to do so.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Syria
requests international aid after massive earthquake
06
February ,2023
The
Syrian government on Monday urged the international community to come to its
aid after more than 850 people died in the country following a 7.8-magnitude
earthquake in neighboring Turkey.
“Syria
appeals to member states of the United Nations... the International Committee
of the Red Cross and other humanitarian” groups to support “efforts to face the
devastating earthquake,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Syrian
Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said the Syrian government was ready “to provide
all the required facilities to international organizations so they can give
Syrians humanitarian aid”, after meeting with UN representatives and aid
groups.
The
quake killed at least 461 people and left at least 1,326 more injured in
government-controlled parts of Syria, including the provinces of Aleppo, Hama,
Latakia and Tartus, the health ministry said.
In
rebel-held parts of the northwest of the country, at least 390 people were
killed and more than 1,000 were injured, The White Helmets rescue group said.
More
than a decade of conflict and years of economic sanctions have devastated
Syria’s economy and its ability to respond to large-scale disasters.
The
Syrian government’s main allies Iran and Russia have expressed willingness to
send aid, in addition to some Gulf states that restored ties with Damascus,
including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The
conflict in Syria started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful
protests and escalated to pull in foreign powers and global militants.
Nearly
half a million people have been killed, and the conflict has forced around half
of the country’s pre-war population from their homes, with many seeking refuge
in Turkey.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Another
7.5-magnitude earthquake hits southeast Turkey, felt in Lebanon
06
February ,2023
A
7.5-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey Monday afternoon, the US
Geological Survey said, hours after an earlier quake killed more than 1,400
people in the region.
The
shallow quake hit at 1:24 pm (1024 GMT) four kilometers (2.5 miles)
south-southeast of the town of Ekinozu.
Syrian
state media also reported that an earthquake had hit the Syrian capital
Damascus on Monday.
Residents
in the Iraqi provinces of Dohuk and Mosul and the Kurdish capital Erbil
reported feeling a light tremor, state media said, following the earthquake in
Syria.
More
than 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured earlier in the day when a
huge earthquake struck central Turkey and northwest Syria, pulversing apartment
blocks and heaping more destruction on Syrian cities already devastated by
years of war.
The
magnitude 7.8 quake, which hit in the early darkness of a winter morning, worst
to strike Turkey this century. It was also felt in Cyprus and Lebanon. It was
followed in the early afternoon by another large quake, magnitude 7.7.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Beirut
blast judge postpones interrogations over dispute
06
February ,2023
The
Lebanese judge leading the investigation into the deadly 2020 Beirut port
explosion said Monday he has postponed questioning of officials over a dispute
with the country’s top prosecutor.
Judge
Tarek Bitar resumed his probe last month after a 13-month hiatus amid vehement
political and legal pushback, which now threatens to derail the investigation
once again.
Reopening
the case, he had charged several senior former and incumbent officials,
including Prosecutor General Ghassan Oueidat.
Oueidat
retaliated by charging the judge with “usurping power” and insubordination, and
slapped Bitar with a travel ban.
Bitar
told reporters on Monday he has postponed all interrogations planned for
February due to the “lack of cooperation” from the prosecutor’s office, without
setting new dates.
“There
are charges accusing me of usurping power that must be resolved,” he said from
his office in the Lebanese capital.
If
these charges “are proven, then I must be held to account, and if the contrary
happens, then I must continue the investigation,” Bitar argued.
One
of history’s biggest non-nuclear explosions, the blast on August 4, 2020
destroyed much of Beirut port and surrounding areas, killing more than 215
people and injuring over 6,500.
Authorities
said the mega-explosion was caused by a fire in a portside warehouse where a
vast stockpile of the industrial chemical ammonium nitrate had been haphazardly
stored for years.
The
arm-wrestling between Bitar and Oueidat is the latest in Lebanon’s mounting
woes, facing dire economic and political crises.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
UAE,
India, France to work on climate change, biodiversity
04
February ,2023
The
United Arab Emirates, India and France on Saturday agreed on a trilateral
initiative to undertake energy projects with a focus on solar and nuclear
sources, fight climate change and protect biodiversity, particularly in the
Indian Ocean region.
The
countries will organize trilateral events in the framework of the Indian
presidency of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations, and the UAE’s
hosting of COP28 climate negotiations this year, said a statement by India’s
External Affairs Ministry.
The
foreign ministers of the three countries through a phone call decided to adopt
a roadmap for the implementation of the initiative. The call was a follow-up of
their September meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New
York.
They
will expand their cooperation through initiatives such as the Mangrove Alliance
for Climate, led by the UAE, and the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership led by
India and France. It was agreed that the three countries should focus on key
issues such as single-use plastic pollution, desertification and food security
in the context of the International Year of Millets, the statement said.
They
agreed to explore the possibility of working with the Indian Ocean Rim
Association to pursue projects on clean energy, the environment and
biodiversity.
The
association is a regional forum bringing together representatives of
government, business and academia from South Africa, India, Mauritius,
Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Tanzania and some other countries.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan
Pakistan
dispatches rescue team as death toll in Turkiye-Syria quake tops 4,000
February
7, 2023
Rescuers
in Turkiye and Syria dug with their bare hands through the freezing night on
Tuesday hunting for survivors among the rubble of thousands of buildings felled
in a series of violent earthquakes.
An
official 51-member Pakistani rescue team was also set to touchdown in Istanbul
today, federal minister Saad Rafiq said on Twitter.
The
confirmed death toll across the two countries has soared above 4,300 after a
swarm of strong tremors near the Turkiye-Syria border — the largest of which
measured at a massive 7.8-magnitude.
Turkish
and Syrian disaster response teams report more than 5,600 buildings have been
flattened across several cities, including many multi-storey apartment blocks
that were filled with sleeping residents when the first quake struck.
In
the city of Kahramanmaras in southeastern Turkiye, eyewitnesses struggled to
comprehend the scale of the disaster.
“We
thought it was the apocalypse,” said Melisa Salman, a 23-year-old reporter.
“That was the first time we have ever experienced anything like that.”
Turkiye’s
relief agency AFAD on Tuesday said there were now 2,921 deaths in that country
alone, bringing the confirmed tally to 4,365.
There
are fears that toll will rise inexorably, with World Health Organization
officials estimating up to 20,000 may have died.
In
Gaziantep, a Turkish city home to countless refugees from Syria’s decade-old
civil war, rescuers picking through the rubble screamed, cried and clamoured
for safety as another building collapsed nearby without warning.
The
initial earthquake was so large it was felt as far away as Greenland, and the
impact is big enough to have sparked a global response.
Dozens
of nations from Ukraine to New Zealand have vowed to send help, although
freezing rain and sub-zero temperatures have slowed the response.
In
the southeastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa, rescuers were working into the
night to try and pull survivors from the wreckage of a seven-storey building
that had collapsed.
“There
is a family I know under the rubble,” said 20-year-old Syrian student Omer El
Cuneyd.
“Until
11:00 am or noon, my friend was still answering the phone. But she no longer
answers. She is down there.”
Despite
freezing temperatures outside, terrified residents spent the night on the
streets, huddling around fires for warmth.
Mustafa
Koyuncu packed his wife and their five children into their car, too scared to
move.
“We
can’t go home,” the 55-year-old told AFP. “Everyone is afraid.”
Some
of the heaviest devastation occurred near the quake’s epicentre between
Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep, where entire city blocks lay in ruins under
gathering snow.
‘Apocalypse’
Monday’s
first earthquake struck at 4:17am (0117 GMT) at a depth of about 18 kilometres
(11 miles) near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, which is home to around two million
people, the US Geological Survey said.
More
than 14,000 people have so far been reported injured in Turkiye, the disaster
management agency said, while Syria said at least 3,411 people were injured.
Officials
said three major airports have been rendered inoperable, complicating
deliveries of vital aid.
A
winter blizzard has covered major roads into the area in ice and snow.
Much
of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of
war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russia forces that destroyed homes,
hospitals and clinics.
The
conflict is already shaping the emergency response, with Syria’s envoy to the
United Nations Bassam Sabbagh seemingly ruling out reopening border crossings
that would allow aid to reach areas controlled by rebel groups.
The
Syrian health ministry reported damage across the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia,
Hama and Tartus, where Russia is leasing a naval facility.
Even
before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo — Syria’s pre-war commercial hub —
often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure, which has suffered from
a lack of wartime oversight.
Officials
cut off natural gas and power supplies across the region as a precaution, also
closing schools for two weeks.
The
UN cultural agency UNESCO expressed fears over heavy damage in two cities on
its heritage list — Aleppo in Syria and Diyarbakir in Turkiye.
At
a jail holding mostly Islamic State group members in northwestern Syria,
prisoners mutinied after the quakes, with at least 20 escaping, a source at the
facility told AFP.
The
United States, the European Union and Russia all immediately sent condolences
and offers of help.
President
Joe Biden promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the United
States will send “any and all” aid needed to help recover from a devastating
earthquake.
Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelensky also offered to provide “the necessary assistance”
to Turkiye, whose combat drones are helping Kyiv fight the Russian invasion.
Turkiye
is in one of the world’s most active earthquake zones.
The
country’s last 7.8-magnitude tremor was in 1939, when 33,000 died in the
eastern Erzincan province.
The
Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999, when more
than 17,000 people died.
Experts
have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, a megalopolis of 16
million people filled with rickety homes.
PM
Shehbaz to leave for Turkiye on Feb 9
Meanwhile,
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif will depart for Turkiye on Feb 9, Wednesday.
She
tweeted that the premier will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and
express condolences with the lives lost in the earthquake.
Separately,
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet that the destruction in Turkiye
and Syria was mind numbing.
“24
hours after the devastating earthquake hit Turkiye& Syria, scenes of death
and destruction are mind numbing. It breaks the heart to witness sheer scale of
unfolding human tragedy,” he said.
The
premier added that solidarity with Turkiye and Syria should translate into
“tangible and timely material support for suffering humanity”.
First
batch of relief items arrive in Turkiye
On
Tuesday morning, the first batch of relief items from Pakistan reached Turkiye,
a Pakistan Air Force spokesperson said.
“Pakistan
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying members of search and rescue teams
and blankets from PAF Base, Nur Khan has landed in Turkiye,” he said in a
statement.
The
PAF aircraft is carrying relief goods from people of Pakistan for the
earthquake affected brethren of Turkiye, the spokesperson added.
Earlier,
the Pakistan Army’s media wing said that two contingents; urban search and
rescue team — comprising rescue experts, sniffer dogs, search equipment and a
Medical team comprising army doctors, nursing staff and technicians along with
30 bedded mobile hospital, tentage, blankets — and other relief items had been
dispatched to Turkiye.
“The
aid contingents have flown to Adana via a special Pakistan Air Force aircraft
on the night of February 6-7, 2023, to undertake relief efforts for the Turkish
people while working in close coordination with the Turkish government, AFs and
their Embassy in Islamabad,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public
Relations (ISPR) said.
It
stated that the contingents would stay in Turkiye until the completion of the
relief and rescue operation.
“People
and AFs of Pakistan stand with our Turk brethren and offer all available
support in this hour of need,” the statement added.
Additionally,
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that a Pakistan International
Airline (PIA) airplane will take a 51-member rescue team to Istanbul today.
“PK-707
will depart from Lahore for Istanbul with the Pakistani rescue team and their
special equipment,” he tweeted, adding that measures for the delivery of relief
items had also been completed.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
All
Parties Conference on terrorism postponed for the second time
February
7, 2023
The
All Parties Conference (APC) — called by the incumbent government to discuss
important security and economic challenges being faced by Pakistan — has been
postponed for the second time this week.
The
multi-party moot was first slated for Feb 7 (today). However, in a tweet
yesterday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had rescheduled the
conference to Feb 9, Thursday. She did not mention why the meeting was moved.
In
yet another tweet today, she said that the meeting has been once again
postponed as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be travelling to Turkey on
Wednesday.
A
powerful earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, killing more than 4,000
people. Rescue operations are underway in the countries as several people are
believed to be stuck under the rubble.
In
a tweet today, Aurangzeb said that the premier will meet Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and express condolences for the lives lost in the
earthquake.
“Due
to the prime minister’s visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday February
9 is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the
allies,” she added.
PM
Shehbaz had decided to convene the multi-party moot last week in a move that
was seen as significant development amid rising political temperatures in the
country.
The
invitation for the meeting was also extended to PTI chairman and former prime
minister Imran Khan, which was formally delivered to party leaders Pervez
Khattak and AsadQaiser by former speaker and federal minister, Sardar Ayaz
Sadiq.
The
conference comes at a time when the country is facing an uptick in terrorist
activity. On January 30, a suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar Police Lines
area claimed the lives of 84 people, mostly police officials.
At
the same time, the country is also facing trouble on the economic front.
Foreign exchange reserves have gone down to $3.09 billion, which analysts say
covers less than three weeks of imports.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1735801/all-parties-conference-on-terrorism-postponed-for-the-second-time
--------
Musharraf’s
funeral prayers to be held in Karachi’s Polo Ground today
Imran
Ayub
February
7, 2023
KARACHI:
Facilitated by the Foreign Office, a special plane from Dubai carrying the body
of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, with his family onboard, landed at
Karachi airport on Monday night, ahead of his funeral in Malir cantonment
today (Tuesday).
Guarded
by a heavy contingent of Military Police (MP), the casket was driven to
Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, where his funeral prayers would be
offered at the Polo Ground at 1:45pm, after which he would be laid to rest at
the Army Graveyard near Chanesar Goth.
While
there was no word from the authorities, a close aide said Gen Musharraf’s
burial would be held “with full state and military protocol”.
“He
would be buried in the military graveyard under state protocol with full
military honours,” said Tahir Hussain, who has been Musharraf’s spokesman in
Karachi since the ex-ruler formed a party, the APML, in Oct 2010.
Hours
before the plane landed, MP personnel, backed by the Pakistan Rangers,
cordoned off Karachi airport’s old terminal. Heavy security was also seen on
route to the cantonment.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1735746/all-set-for-musharrafs-burial-today
--------
Rs10m
reward for information about Peshawar mosque suicide bomber, facilitators
February
7, 2023
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has announced Rs10
million reward for any person providing information leading to the arrest of
those involved in a suicide attack inside the police headquarters.
“The
militant [images of the suspected militant before and after the suicide attack]
carried out a suicide attack inside the police lines mosque which claimed lives
of many worshipers and left behind many others wounded,” a statement issued by
the CTD read.
It
also stated that anyone giving information about the suicide bomber and the
facilitators will be rewarded Rs10 million cash, adding “privacy of the
informer will be ensured and the name of [the person] giving leads on the
suicide bomber or his facilitators will be kept secret”.
Moreover,
Inspector General Moazzam Jah Ansari visited the Peshawar police lines and
inspected security measures adopted for different police units.
A
statement issued by the office of the provincial police chief stated that the
IGP was also accompanied by the capital city police chief, SSP operations and
other officers.
CCPO
Mohammad Ijaz Khan briefed the IGP about the security measures including
installation of radio frequency identification (RFID) for visitors and body
search besides other arrangements at the police lines.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1735699
--------
Pakistan
will lose moral ground on Kashmir if it gives recognition to Israel, says Imran
Khan
SHYAM
NANDAN UPADHYAY
6
February, 2023
New
Delhi: If Pakistan recognises Israel, it loses “moral ground” on Kashmir,
Pakistan’s ousted premier Imran Khan said in a recent interview.
In
the interview to The New Yorker, Khan sought to draw parallels between the
“disputed” nature of Israel and Kashmir for justifying his support to the
Palestinians who are locked in conflict with Israeli forces.
“Because
Kashmir is a disputed territory between Pakistan and India, we do make
statements on that. About Israel, it was the stated position of the founder of
Pakistan and the situation is similar to what is happening in Kashmir,” he
said, responding to a query about him not commenting about China’s atrocities
towards Uyghur Muslims.
“If
we recognise Israel, we then lose the moral ground of holding on to
Kashmir—that they should be given the right of self-determination or homeland.
I speak on these two issues,” he said, in the interview published Sunday.
One
of the most militarised places in the world, Kashmir has been a bone of
contention between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan ever since the two
countries became independent in 1947.
The
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief highlighted Islamabad’s dependence on
Beijing to explain how he had to be “selective” when it comes to supporting
human rights.
“…when
you become the Prime Minister, you have to think of the consequences of making
a statement. Pakistan is heavily dependent on China. For Pakistan to make a
statement, with the Chinese being very sensitive to such criticism, it could be
very costly. That’s why I have to be selective when I say things about human
rights,” he said.
Khan
also described how Pakistan’s nascent years were akin to Israel’s after the
former was carved out of India.
“Pakistan’s
neighbour, six or seven times in size, is India. The state grew up with fear,
much like in Israel, where there was this feeling that we have hostile
neighbors much bigger than us, and therefore we need to protect ourselves. The
reliance on security became paramount because there was fear that our existence
was threatened,” he said, explaining how the military came into prominence in
his country.
It
was “too idealistic” to expect that Pakistan would suddenly become some Western
democracy having absolute civilian supremacy, the cricketer-turned-politician
said. “But we do hope to have some sort of a balance between the military and
the civilians… A huge, immediate change is not possible, because our security
apparatus has gotten very entrenched over the years.”
Balancing
act with Army
Despite
blowing hot and cold against the military after his ouster from power in April
last year, Khan asserted that the Pakistan Army was the only institution intact
in his country.
“Right
now in Pakistan, there is only one institution that is intact and that gets
things done. That’s the Army. And then we have unfortunately had these two
crooked families who have weakened the institutions,” he said, referring to the
Bhuttos and the Sharifs.
“If
you want things done in Pakistan, it is a joint exercise between the civilian
government and the apparatus of the military. …
So let me just be precise: the power must lie with the civilian
government, which has the public mandate to run the country. But the Army will
always play a big part,” he asserted.
Khan
reiterated his opposition to retired Army chief General Qamar JavedBajwa whom
he claimed “engineered the downfall” of his government.
“During
my three and a half years in power, I would say that, for three of those years,
the military and my government were on the same page. We had a very good
working relationship. Whatever my policies were, they backed the policies. The
military establishment, you must remember, is one man. The Army chief is
all-powerful. So the only problem I had with him was, again, rule of law,” he
said.
He
also claimed the ex-army chief let the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the
Pakistan Peoples Party off the hook despite the National Accountability Bureau
(NAB) — the country’s anti-corruption watchdog — making corruption charges in
2018.
“I
wanted the cases to move forward. But the NAB was actually controlled by this
one man, the Army chief, who would not proceed with accountability for these
powerful politicians. I discovered that my whole theme—rule of law, bringing
the powerful under the law—failed because the Army chief just did not consider
corruption to be bad,” the PTI chief said.
To
a query about how his vision for Pakistan has changed after he entered the world
of politics, Khan recollected how he was struck by the rule of law in England
where he studied and played cricket.
“I
could compare and contrast life in Pakistan with life in England. And what
struck me most were two things. One was the welfare state. Second, and most
important, was the rule of law, because in Pakistan we had martial law …Half
the time, we had these two crooked families — mafia families — running
Pakistan.”
Source:
ThePrint
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
South
Asia
Organization
of Islamic Cooperation Holds Meeting for 49th Foreign Ministers Session
By
Fidel Rahmati
February
6, 2023
The
statement said that the Preparatory Meeting for the 49th session of the Council
of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation started in
Jeddah on Sunday.
The
statement also added that the 49th session would be held on March 16-17, 2023,
in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
In
his opening speech, the OIC Secretary-General, MrHisseinBrahim Taha, talked
about the Palestinian cause as the core central issue for the organization,
Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir situation.
He
noted that the Afghanistan situation had remained the main focus of the
extraordinary Meeting of the organization.
“The
same applies to the situation in Afghanistan, which was the focus of the
extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee that adopted several
recommendations.
On
the other hand, he also stressed that OIC continues its engagement with the
Kabul administration to arrange a second visit for a delegation of scholars.
OIC
“Continues engagement with the de facto authorities in Kabul through the
Special Envoy, Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, and arranging a second visit for a
delegation of scholars.”
The
OIC criticized the recent ban on Afghan female work and education by the
Taliban-run administration and called them to reconsider their decision, saying
it was in “violation of the purposes of Islamic law and the methodology of the
Messenger of Allah.”
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
French-Afghan
Photojournalist Detained by Taliban
February
06, 2023
Concerns
are mounting for an award-winning photojournalist detained in Kabul by the
Taliban for nearly a month.
MortazaBehboudi,
who has dual Afghan and French citizenship, arrived in Kabul on January 5 for a
reporting assignment. But he was arrested by the Taliban on accusations of
spying after he applied for press accreditation, media rights organizations
say.
A
joint statement by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and journalists at several
leading French news outlets on Monday called on the Taliban to “end this
senseless situation.”
“We
remained silent for 30 days about the detention of MortazaBehboudi,” the
statement read. “Today, we are letting the world know that he was arrested in
Kabul one month ago, on 7 January, in the hope that he will be released as
quickly as possible and will be able to return to France.”
RSF
reported that its assistance helpline received a call from Behboudi’s phone on
January 15, but no message was left.
VOA
contacted the Taliban for comment. A spokesperson said the Taliban would
respond but as of publication, VOA had not received a response.
Behboudi’s
journalism primarily focuses on refugees, including camps in Greece.
He
has twice been forced into exile, first as a child when his family moved to
Iran to escape Taliban rule, and later in 2015 when he requested asylum in
France after being threatened for his journalism.
At
that time, Behboudi had been living and working in Afghanistan, where he had
returned in 2012 to attend university. His coverage of the opium trade made him
a target for the Taliban, according to the Paris Institute for Critical Thinking.
Since
seeking asylum in France, Behboudi has established himself as a renowned
international journalist. He helped co-found Guiti News in 2018 — a media
venture run by French and refugee journalists, and he freelanced for news
outlets including Radio France, Liberation, and La Croix.
Behboudi’s
contribution to media coverage of Afghanistan, including under Taliban rule,
has been recognized with two Bayeux Prizes and the Varenne award for national
daily press.
Since
taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have briefly detained a handful of
foreign journalists, including Foreign Policy magazine columnist Lynne
O’Donnell and the American filmmaker Ivor Shearer.
Source:
VOANews
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.voanews.com/a/french-afghan-photojournalist-detained-by-taliban/6950431.html
--------
Southeast
Asia
Perlis
Islamic council gets green light to intervene in Hindu mum Loh Siew Hong’s
custody order for unilaterally converted children
By
Kenneth Tee
Tuesday,
07 Feb 2023
PUTRAJAYA,
Feb 7 — The Court of Appeal today allowed the Perlis Islamic Religious and
Malay Customs Council's (MAIPs) appeal to intervene for the purpose of varying
a custody order granted to Hindu mother Loh Siew Hong whose three children were
said to have been converted to Islam unilaterally without her consent.
Datuk
Has ZanahMehat, who led the three-judge panel, made the decision based on Order
15, Rule 6(2)(b) of the Rules of Court on the law of intervention read together
with Section 96 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act.
“A
reading of these two provisions would confer upon the applicant a legal right
to intervene, premised upon and power pursuant to Section 7 of the Perlis
Administration of the Religion of Islam Enactment.
“We
will therefore allow the appeal and set aside the order of the High Court dated
June 15, 2022 and make no order to cost,” she said of the unanimous decision
delivered together with judges Datuk See Mee Chun and Datuk MohdNazlanMohd
Ghazali on the bench.
Section
96 of the LRA stipulates that the court may at any time vary or rescind any
order for the custody or maintenance of a child on the application of any
interested person, where it is satisfied that the order was based on any
misrepresentation or mistake of fact or where there has been any material
change in the circumstances.
Has
Zanah also said there was no necessity for the Court of Appeal to dwell on the
legality of the three children's alleged unilateral conversion by Loh's
ex-husband, since a judicial review on the matter is scheduled to be heard at
the High Court on March 21.
In
today's hearing, MAIP was represented by lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla
while lawyers A. Srimurugan and Shamsher Singh Thind appeared for Loh.
Earlier
in court, Mohamed Haniff argued in that MAIP — as the appellant — has a
statutory duty to look after the wellbeing, education and guidance of Muslim
converts, as well as offer financial support from tithe funds and religious
guidance to converts.
Srimurugan
later told reporters that MAIP would now need to file a separate application at
the High Court to justify why the custody order in the divorce petition between
Loh and her ex-husband should be varied following today's decision.
MAIPs
filed the intervention application on March 7, 2022 to enable the religious
authority to have the locus standi (legal standing) to apply for a variation on
the terms of the sole custody order granted to the mother.
On
June 15 last year, High Court judge Evrol Mariette Peters dismissed MAIPs’
application to intervene in the divorce proceedings after finding that MAIPs
had failed to show that it was an interested party in relation to the children.
Peters
said the children were not shown to be orphans and they do not belong to the
Perlis state community. She added that the children's connection to the state
is “fleeting” as they currently reside in Selangor with their mother.
Source:MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkiye,
Syria quake: FT mosques, surau to hold special prayers
07-02-
2023
KUALA
LUMPUR: Mosques under the supervision of the Department of Islamic Development
Malaysia (JAKIM), namely Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur and the Putra and
TuankuMizan Zainal Abidin mosques in Putrajaya will hold special prayers
tomorrow for the wellbeing of all those affected by the deadly earthquake in
Turkiye and Syria.
Minister
in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im
Mokhtar said they would be carried out after Maghrib prayer, and all mosques
and surau under the supervision of the Federal Territory Islamic Religious
Department (JAWI) are also asked to hold the same prayers.
He
said the Yang di-PertuanAgong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah
Shah has called on mosques in this country to hold special prayers to seek
Allah’s help and ease the burden of those affected by the calamity in Turkiye
and Syria, and to grant them patience.
“May
Allah ease all matters and the operations to rescue victims. Let us pray that
all the victims and family members will be given patience,” he said in a
statement yesterday.
A
strong earthquake was reported to have jolted the southern region of
Turkiye’sKahramanmaras province early Monday and the Turkiye Disaster and
Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced that the 7.4 magnitude quake
which struck at 4.17 am local time (0117GMT) was centred in the Pazarcik
district.
According
to media reports, the disaster has claimed 912 lives in Turkiye, while 476 more
fatalities were reported in Syria.
Source:TheSunDaily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Mohd
Na’im: Special committee set up to print, distribute quran nationwide
06
Feb 2023
KUALA
LUMPUR, Feb 6 — The government has established a special committee to
coordinate fundraising efforts to print and distribute a million Quran
worldwide, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs)
Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
He
said the committee was headed by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia
(Jakim).
“This
effort requires coordination to fulfill the aspiration expressed by Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to print a million copies of the Quran to be
distributed worldwide,” he said when met after the launch of the Malaysian
Islamic Economic Development Foundation (Yapeim) Local Community Development
Plan at the Kampung Bharu Jamek Mosque here today.
Last
January 28, the prime minister expressed his wish for Malaysia to print and distribute
one million copies of the Quran worldwide in response to the burning of the
holy book in Sweden.
Commenting
on the advice by the Federal Territories Mufti to the Muslim community
regarding the Thaipusam celebration, Mohd Na’im said it was aimed at preventing
Muslims from participating in any religious rituals held during the
celebration.
“It
does not mean that Muslims cannot be with non-Muslims. We encourage the spirit
of unity,” he said.
Regarding
the Yapeim Local Community Development Plan, Mohd Na’im said its objective was
to improve the socioeconomic status of the local community, their income and
sustainability of life.
Source:MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
The
state of ethnic democracy in Malaysia
February
06, 2023
Malaysia
held its 15th general election (GE) in November 2022 to put an end to the
volatile political situation in the region — the fallout of two ruling
coalitions in quick succession. Given the tectonic political landscape of
Malaysia, the election delivered, unsurprisingly, the first hung Parliament of
the country as none of the existing political coalitions secured a simple
majority of 112 seats out of a total 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat (lower house
of Malaysian Parliament).
The
unity government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH),(The Alliance of Hope) under the
premiership of Mr. Anwar Ibrahim formed the government even though it fell
short of a majority with its 82 seats. It could do so as it was backed by the
former long-ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) (National Front) led by the
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and regional parties like Gabungan
Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and GabunganParti Sarawak (GPS) from the two states of Sabah
and Sarawak of East Malaysia. The PH coalition is in power for the second time
after its stint in 2018, and it advocates for a multi-cultural, inclusive,
democratic, and modern Malaysia. As the PH coalition rises to power, Malaysian
observers are asking the following questions — is transformative politics in
the offing, can the PH coalition usher in democratic reforms and will ethnic
democracy wither away in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s
melting pot
Malaysia
is a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multicultural country, comprising of an
ethnic Malay majority, a plethora of indigenous communities, and ethnic
minorities like the Chinese and the Indians. Malaysia adopted a consociational
(a political system formed by the cooperation of different social groups on the
basis of shared power) democracy, at the time of independence in 1957, as a
viable governance model to manage its ethnic heterogeneous population
effectively.
The
ethnicity-based political system facilitated the formation of a multi-ethnic coalition,
popularly known as the Alliance, to come to power. The Alliance was composed of
the UMNO representing the Malay majority and minority ethnic political partners
— the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malaysian Indian Congress
(MIC).
Consociational
democracy was a successful political model from independence up until 1969. But
after the unprecedented racial riot in 1969, the Alliance re-christened itself
as the Barisan Nasional (BN) or the National Front, and embarked upon a model
of politics to promote only Malay rights. This was unleashed by the UMNO which
had a hegemonic political position in the ruling BN coalition which was in
power for over six decades since independence until its replacement in the year
2018 by the Opposition forces led by the PH coalition. The UMNO assumed
political legitimacy from its dominant position in the coalition and practised
majoritarian politics. It used the Malaysian state as an apparatus to
institutionalise Malay dominance, Malay language, Islam, and Malay culture in
the public sphere. This hegemony was further accentuated through policy
interventions.
The
UMNO’s plan was to implement pro-Bumiputera (favouring Malay populations)
policies in education, employment, and civil services heralding in Malay ethnocracy
in Malaysia. Special provisions have been enshrined in the constitution to
establish ‘Malay hegemony’ such as making Malay language the official language,
Islam the religion of the Federation and reserving lands for Malay populations.
With its pro-Malay measures, there has been a bulging of the Malay middle class
and the nascent Malay capitalist class. Thus, the UMNO gradually crafted a
dominant political narrative — Malaysia for the Malays.
The
legitimisation of such an ethnic democracy was feasible in Malaysia because of
the numerically lower immigrant and ethnic minorities, namely the Chinese and
the Indians.
The
consequences of an ethnic model
However,
by pursuing pro-Malay public policies, the UMNO-led ruling BN coalition has
severely damaged the social fabric of Malaysia. The ethnic minorities face
relative economic deprivation because of skewed socio-economic policies
favouring the Malay majority. The unveiling of a ‘cumulative marginalisation’
facilitated the escalation of an ethnic uprising in Malaysia. The Malaysian
Indian community organised a massive street protest, ‘the Indian spring’ in
2007 led by the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) which highlighted the
socio-economic and cultural predicaments of the Indian community under the grip
of ethnic democracy. The fuelling of race and religious identity-based politics
by the UMNO led to the erosion of social harmony which in turn led to the spike
of ethnic conflicts between the Malays and the Indians as evidenced by
incidents such as the KampangRawa in 1998, and the Kampang Medan in 2001.
The
cultural politics of the UMNO has resulted in the rise of political Islam,
sectarianism, communalism, racism, xenophobia, polarisation, cultural
insularity, and puritanism. Moreover, due to blatant political patronage, crony
capitalism, and nepotism, the Malaysian economy has been reeling under the
‘middle-income trap’ for several decades. The ethnic model of UMNO politics
propelled a glaring economic inequality across races and the rural-urban
divide. It has led to political corruption and fed the rise of kleptocratic
political figures like Najib Razak — the ex-UMNO President and the sixth Prime
Minister of Malaysia who was convicted for his involvement in the 1Malaysia
Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
An
alternative
To
counter the ethnic model of the UMNO, counter political narratives have emerged
— ‘Malaysia for all Malaysians’ by multi-racial political parties like the
Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the PartiKeadilan Rakyat (PKR). These parties
are not homogenous and are afflicted with ideological ambiguities. For example,
the DAP advocates for an egalitarian, secular Malaysia regardless of race and
religion. The PKR, however, supports the special position of Malays, Islam as
the state religion, preservation of Malay culture, and the promotion of Malay
rights despite its progressive ideals and support for building a democratic,
inclusive Malaysia for all Malaysians.
This
ambiguity is represented quite clearly through Anwar Ibrahim, the tenth Prime
Minister of Malaysia, the champion of inclusive and democratic Malaysia who
heads the PH coalition. He has made it quite clear in his first statement that
Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a special position for Malays, Islam,
the Malay language, and Malay rights.
Given
his liberal and democratic credentials, one can expect that the politics of
‘dominance without Malay hegemony’ may prevail under his regime instead of the
politics of ‘Malay dominance with hegemony’ as in the case of the former
long-ruling BN coalition led by the UMNO. As alternative politics is mired in
contradictions, it is not a panacea for the ethnic model politics followed by
the UMNO. Furthermore, the PH is facing a downward trend, despite the inclusion
of newly enfranchised youth.
The
current situation
Based
on the outcome of the 15th general elections, even though the political
legitimacy of UMNO-led BN is weakening, new coalitions like the Perikatan
Nasional (PN) — an alliance comprising Parti Islam Se Malaysia (PAS), a
conservative, Islamist party, and the Malaysian United Indigenous Party
(BERSATU) — are gaining political legitimacy to carry forward the Malay agenda.
Therefore,
race and religious-based identity politics are still a big challenge in
Malaysia.
Due
to the advent of competitive elite politics and the escalation of
identity-based rhetoric, the fragmentation of political parties is looming
large in the current Malaysian political landscape.
Given
the fractured polity, multi-ethnic coalitions — the ruling as well as the opposition
— are becoming more vulnerable as they are composed of political parties with
conflicting ideologies and diverse interests.
Moreover,
the fractured polity still favours the relevance of Malay hegemonic ethnic
parties for political survival as well as for political stability (for both the
ruling and the oppositional coalitions). For instance, the current ruling
dispensation led by PH is backed by its arch-political rival the UMNO-led BN
coalition.
Transformative
politics or the politics of inclusion is not feasible in Malaysia under the
current political circumstances. The new ruling political dispensation can
therefore, only make cosmetic changes rather than deep democratic reforms.
Thus,
within the fractured and divided polity of Malaysia, the paradoxical nature of
alternative politics coupled with the discriminatory nature of the Malaysian
constitution will ensure that Malaysia will follow an ethnic democracy, albeit
a diluted version of it under the current ruling political dispensation.
Source:TheHindu
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Indonesia
to open Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo before Ramadan
SHEANY
YASUKO LAI
February
06, 2023
JAKARTA:
The public opening of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Indonesia will take
place before this year’s Ramadan, a religious ministry official said on Monday,
as the government pins hopes on the new mosque to attract tourists and become a
center for moderate Islam.
he
mosque in Solo, Central Java, is a smaller replica of the popular landmark in
Abu Dhabi named after the UAE’s late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan
Al-Nahyan. It is a gift from UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who
inaugurated it alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo in November.
Akmal
Salim Ruhana, who heads the mosque affairs sub-directorate at the Ministry of
Religious Affairs, said the mosque was currently in its final stages of
construction before a public opening.
“We
have to open before Ramadan, because we have already prepared a bunch of
programs for the holy month,” Ruhana told Arab News.
The
mosque symbolized the close friendship between Indonesia and the UAE and will
be managed by officials from both countries, Ruhana added, with both
governments planning on developing an Islamic center in the same city soon.
“This
is an expression of the good relations between the two countries, Indonesia-UAE
diplomatic relations, and the closeness and friendliness of the two
presidents,” he said.
Officials
are also hopeful of the mosque’s potential to attract religious tourism.
“The
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo has the potential to be a learning center for
a moderate generation of Islam,” HenyErmawati, spokesperson of the Surakarta
City Government — another name for Solo — told Arab News. “The beauty of this
building can be a point of attraction for tourists from all over.”
The
Indonesian government had sent architects to draw in detail the grand mosque in
Abu Dhabi, and the structure in Solo is about one-fifth the size of the
original, Ermawati said.
The
mosque — which can accommodate up to 14,000 people — has design elements unique
to the region, she added, such as the usage of batik patterns on the flooring
and carpets. Batik is an ancient art form in Indonesia, traditionally made with
wax-resistant dye on fabrics.
Though
it is not yet open to the public, the mosque has already created a buzz in Solo
and throughout the country, with residents and visitors of the city flocking to
the area to get a glimpse and take photos.
“Even
though the mosque isn’t operational yet, it is already bringing big benefits
for the local public … it’s a new icon for Solo,” TeukuRezasyah, an
international relations expert from Padjadjaran University in West Java, told
Arab News.
The
mosque can facilitate community programs, including youth and women’s
empowerment as well as teachings on moderate Islam, Rezasyah said.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2246031/world
--------
Mideast
Israel
to aid Syria, says Netanyahu
Reuters
And New York Times News Service | Jerusalem
07.02.23
Israel
said on Monday that it had received a Syrian request for assistance with
earthquake relief for the Arab state and that it was prepared to oblige, in
what would be rare cooperation between the enemy neighbours.
Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech he had ordered Israeli aid sent to
Turkey, the epicentre of Monday’s earthquake, with the airlifts due to depart
towards evening.
“Since
a request was also received to do this for many victims of the earthquake in
Syria, I instructed to do this as well,” he said near Tel Aviv.
In
later televised remarks to his party, Netanyahu said the request for relief for
Syria had been relayed “by a diplomatic official” - whom he did not identify.
“I approved this, and I reckon that these things will be carried out soon,”
Netanyahu said.
Syrian
officials have reported hundreds killed in the civil war-torn country, both in
areas under Damascus’ control and in the Opposition-held northwest. Asked who
had made the request regarding Syria cited by Netanyahu, an Israeli official
told Reuters: “The Syrians”.
Asked
if this referred to opposition members or to President Bashar al-Assad’s
government, the official said only: “Syria”. There was no immediate Syrian
response.
Putin
condolences
Russian
President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
offered condolences for the victims of the strong earthquake and pledged to
send rescue teams and assistance, Syria’s presidency said.
India
sending relief
India
said it was sending medical squads, search and rescue teams and relief material
to assist Turkey’s response. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said he was
“anguished” by the loss of life in Turkey and Syria.
China
concern
China
expressed condolences and concern for the loss of life and property, and is in
communications with both Turkey and Syria, a spokesperson from China
International Development Cooperation Agency said.
EU
dispatching teams
The
EU said it was urgently dispatching search and rescue teams from Bulgaria,
Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and
Romania to Turkey to help. In a statement, the bloc also said it was directing
its satellite system to support Turkish efforts in mapping the quake and its
aftermath.
Source:
TelegraphIndia
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/israel-to-aid-syria-says-netanyahu/cid/1914757
--------
In
Turkey, night fills with screams and crying as earthquake rescues go on
Feb
7, 2023
HATAY,
TURKEY/DAMASCUS: The screams of people still trapped in the rubble filled the
night early on Tuesday and relatives wept for their loved ones as the death
toll in Turkey and in neighbouring northwest Syria rose to more than 3,700.
The
magnitude 7.8 quake rippled through both countries early on Monday, toppling
entire apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands more people
injured or homeless.
Freezing
winter weather hampered search efforts for survivors through the night into
Tuesday.
Under
a pile of rubble in the southern province of Hatay, a woman's voice could be
heard calling for help. Nearby, the body of a small child lay lifeless.
Weeping
in the rain, a local resident who gave his name as Deniz wrung his hands in
despair.
"They're
making noises but nobody is coming," he said. "We're devastated,
we're devastated. My God... They're calling out. They're saying, 'Save us,' but
we can't save them. How are we going to save them? There has been nobody since
the morning."
Temperatures
fell close to freezing overnight, worsening conditions for people trapped under
rubble or left homeless.
In
Kahramanmaras, north of Hatay, entire families gathered around fires and
wrapped themselves in blankets to stay warm.
"We
barely made it out of the house," said NesetGuler, huddled around the fire
with his four children. "Our situation is a disaster. We are hungry, we
are thirsty. It's miserable."
The
earthquake, which was followed by a series of aftershocks, was the biggest
recorded worldwide by the US Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote
South Atlantic in August 2021.
In
Turkey, the death toll stood at 2,316, the Disaster and Emergency Management
Authority (AFAD) said, making it the country's deadliest earthquake since an
earthquake of similar magnitude in 1999 that killed more than 17,000. More than
13,000 were reported injured in Monday's quake.
At
least 1,444 people were killed in Syria and about 3,500 injured, according to
figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the northwestern
region controlled by insurgents.
Poor
internet connections and damaged roads between some of the worst-hit cities in
Turkey's south, homes to millions of people, hindered efforts to assess and
address the impact.
Turkish
President Tayyip Erdogan, preparing for a tough election in May, called the
quake a historic disaster and said authorities were doing all they could.
"Everyone
is putting their heart and soul into efforts although the winter season, cold
weather and the earthquake happening during the night makes things more
difficult," he said. He said 45 countries had offered to help the search
and rescue efforts.
In
the Turkish city of Iskenderun, rescuers climbed an enormous pile of debris
that was once part of a state hospital's intensive care unit in search of survivors.
Health workers did what they could to tend to the new rush of injured patients.
"We
have a patient who was taken into surgery but we don't know what
happened," said Tulin, a woman in her 30s, standing outside the hospital,
wiping away tears and praying.
In
Syria, the effects of the quake were compounded by the destruction of more than
11 years of civil war.
A
top UN humanitarian official said fuel shortages and the harsh winter weather
were also creating obstacles to its response.
"The
infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work
are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people... but we are
working hard," UN resident coordinator El-Mostafa Benlamlih told Reuters
in an interview via video link from Damascus.
In
the government-controlled city of Aleppo, footage on Twitter showed two
neighbouring buildings collapsing one after the other, filling streets with
billowing dust.
Two
residents of the city, which has been heavily damaged in the war, said the buildings
had fallen in the hours after the quake, which was felt as far away as Cyprus
and Lebanon.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Israeli
forces kill 5 Palestinians linked to the Islamic militant group Hamas in West
Bank raid
February
6, 2023
Israeli
forces killed five Palestinian gunmen linked to the Islamic militant Hamas
group in a raid on refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the latest
bloodshed in the region that will likely further exacerbate tensions.
The
Palestinian president's office called the violence a crime, urging the United
States to pressure Israel to hold back on its incursions. The military said the
raid was meant to apprehend a militant cell that staged a botched shooting
attack on a restaurant in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
The
violence extends one of the deadliest periods in years in the West Bank and
comes during the first weeks of Israel’s new government, its most right-wing
ever, which has promised to take a tough stance against the Palestinians.
The
Israeli military said it was operating in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp to
apprehend the suspects behind a failed shooting attack last month at a West
Bank restaurant, where attackers allegedly were thwarted by a weapon
malfunction. The attackers then fled the scene, the military said, adding that
they were members of Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip and has elements in the
West Bank as well.'
Israeli
forces killed five Palestinian gunmen linked to the Islamic militant Hamas
group in a raid on refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the latest
bloodshed in the region that will likely further exacerbate tensions.
The
Palestinian president's office called the violence a crime, urging the United
States to pressure Israel to hold back on its incursions. The military said the
raid was meant to apprehend a militant cell that staged a botched shooting
attack on a restaurant in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
The
violence extends one of the deadliest periods in years in the West Bank and
comes during the first weeks of Israel’s new government, its most right-wing
ever, which has promised to take a tough stance against the Palestinians.
The
Israeli military said it was operating in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp to
apprehend the suspects behind a failed shooting attack last month at a West
Bank restaurant, where attackers allegedly were thwarted by a weapon
malfunction. The attackers then fled the scene, the military said, adding that
they were members of Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip and has elements in the
West Bank as well.'
Speaking
at an event at the site of a recent deadly Palestinian shooting attack,
Netanyahu confirmed earlier reports by Israeli security officials that five
gunmen were killed.
Hamas
said all five of those killed were members of its armed wing. Hamas spokesman
Hazem Qassem said the violence would be met with a response.
"Our
people and their resistance will not delay in responding to this crime,"
he said.
The
raid comes days after an earlier incursion in the Aqabat Jabr camp, which is
near the Palestinian city of Jericho, a desert oasis in an area of the West
Bank that rarely sees such unrest, where troops were also searching for the
suspects.
Since
the shooting at the nearby settlement, the Israeli military has blocked access
to several roads into Jericho — a closure that has placed the city under a semi-blockade,
disrupting business and creating hourslong bottlenecks at checkpoints that
affected even Palestinian security forces, footage showed.
Monday’s
violence comes days after an Israeli military raid on the Jenin refugee camp
killed 10 Palestinians, mostly militants but also a 61-year-old woman. The next
day, a Palestinian shooting attack outside an east Jerusalem synagogue killed
seven people, including a 14-year-old.
The
Israeli army has ramped up near-nightly raids in the occupied West Bank since a
series of deadly Palestinian attacks within Israel last spring. Over the last
year of escalating raids, Jericho has remained a sort of sleepy desert town,
spared much of the violence.
The
Palestinian Authority, in retaliation for the raid into the Jenin refugee camp,
declared a halt to security coordination with Israel.
Nearly
150 Palestinians were killed last year in the West Bank and east Jerusalem,
making it the deadliest year in those areas since 2004, according to figures by
the Israeli rights group B’Tselem. Since the start of this year, 41
Palestinians have been killed in those territories. Palestinian attacks against
Israelis killed some 30 people in 2022.
The
Israeli army says most of the Palestinians killed have been militants. But
stone-throwing youths protesting the incursions and others not involved in
confrontations have also been killed.
Source:
FoxNews
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Five
Palestinians killed by Israeli troops during dawn raid in Jericho
MOHAMMED
NAJIB
February
06, 2023
RAMALLAH:
Israeli forces assassinated five Palestinians during a raid on a refugee camp
near the occupied West Bank city of Jericho on Monday, according to Palestinian
officials.
The
office of President Mahmoud Abbas described the killings as a crime, and urged
the US to put pressure on Israeli authorities to restrict incursions by their
forces.
“The
new Israeli government is continuing its series of crimes against our
Palestinian people,” it said.
Israeli
forces also injured three people, one of them seriously, and arrested eight in
the early-morning raid, the Palestinian sources said.
Jihad
Abu Al-Assal, the governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley, said the military
had so far refused to release the bodies of the dead.
The
violence on Monday came days after an Israeli military raid on the Jenin
refugee camp during which 10 Palestinians were killed. Most were militants but
a 61-year-old woman was also among the dead.
In
Monday’s raid, a large number of troops stormed the Aqbat Jaber camp at dawn.
The five people killed in the confrontations that followed were named as:
Raafat Wael Awadat, 21; Malik AwniLafi, 22; AdhamMajdiAwadat, 22; Ibrahim Wael
Awaidat, 27 and ThaerAwadat, 28.
The
Israeli army alleged that all of the dead were affiliated with Hamas. It
released photos of rifles seized during the raid, which had the name of the
military wing of Hamas written on them.
Israeli
forces continued their siege of the city of Jericho and the Aqabat Jaber camp
for a 10th day in a row on Monday. Main and secondary entrances to the city
remained blocked by military checkpoints, restricting the movement of vehicles.
The
killing of the five Palestinians sparked anger across the West Bank. Strikes
took place in Jericho, Ramallah, and some other cities to mourn the dead. A
protest march took place in the center of Ramallah, accompanied by chants
condemning the Israeli occupation.
Palestinian
Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on the UN to protect “our people and
not to allow the perpetrators to escape punishment.”
He
added: “With a sense of the ability to escape punishment, and motivated by the
desire to practice killing according to a doctrine that shapes the thought and
behavior of the perpetrators, the occupation soldiers continue to commit
massacres against our defenseless people, in a scene that brings to mind the
heinous crimes committed by the Zionist gangs against our people in cities and
villages.”
The
General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the
killings, the siege on Jericho, injuries inflicted on Palestinian citizens,
premeditated killings, the continuing Israeli settlements policy, the
demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, and the displacement of its
residents.
The
organization called on the international community to urgently intervene to
help put an end to the attacks and daily crimes against Palestinians. It
stressed the need to hold the perpetrators accountable and for the world to
provide protection for the Palestinian people.
The
Israel Defense Forces were put on alert following the killings in Jericho amid
fears that Hamas would respond by firing rockets from Gaza at Israeli targets.
Israeli
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned Hamas not to launch any rockets
from the Gaza Strip in retaliation. He said the response to any such aggression
should be integrated and that for every missile fired from Gaza “we must
respond with 50 missiles.”
He
added: “This is my vision and I hope the government will implement it. I am
optimistic and believe that this will happen.”
Palestinian
political analyst Ghassan Al-Khatib told Arab News that he would expect any
response by Hamas or its supporters to the killings in Jericho to originate in
the West Bank and not the Gaza Strip.
“There
is a great exaggeration and harshness in the Israeli oppression against the
Palestinians, more than ever before, which will bring violent reactions against
the Israeli occupation,” he added.
He
said that the killing and abuse of Palestinians by Israeli authorities weakens
the status and prestige of the Palestinian Authority.
In
a joint statement, the Israeli military and the internal security service Shin
Bet said that they had conducted counterterrorism activity in the Aqabat Jabr
Camp to apprehend a Hamas terrorist squad responsible for shooting at a
restaurant in the community of VeredYeriho on Jan. 28. It added that several
armed assailants had been killed after they fired at IDF soldiers.
The
Fatah movement said that what it described as the bloody massacre committed by
the Israeli army during its aggression against the Aqabat Jaber camp reflected
the fascist ideology of successive occupation governments.
“The
neo-fascist government, which is trying, through this systematic terrorism, to
export its internal crises and to practice the most brutal methods of bloody
terror against the Palestinians through the policies of killing, execution,
abuse, arrest and incursions into the Palestinian lands,” it added.
Fatah
said attempts by the occupation to erase the Palestinian existence were doomed
to failure. It also condemned the international silence about the Israeli
actions and what it described as the US bias in favor of the occupation and its
terrorist regime, which its said provides the occupation and its army with a
guarantee that it can commit massacres and other crimes without being held
accountable.
Hamas
vowed to respond to the killing of five of its members. It said it would not
tolerate the spilling of Palestinian blood by Israeli army bullets, and that it
was ready to respond to the occupation with full force.
Source: Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2245506/middle-east
--------
Top
Commander: US, Europe Waging Hybrid War Against Iran After All-Out Failure
2023-February-6
In
a message issued on Monday ahead of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic
Revolution, Maj. Gen. Mousavi hailed the perseverance of the 1979 revolution,
which put an end to the ruling of Iran’s US-backed Pahlavi regime.
“By
adopting different strategies in recent years, the enemy has been trying to
block the path of the Islamic Revolution and deal a blow to the Islamic
Republic,” he stated.
“However,
with people’s tactfulness and resistance and the Leader’s wise leadership, the
enemy’s plots have failed one after another. Therefore, relying on
psychological and media operations, the enemy has organized an extensive hybrid
war against the [Iranian] nation and the Islamic establishment,” the senior
commander added.
He
described the Islamic Revolution as “a major global phenomenon in the final
decades of the 20th century” with wide-ranging regional and international
effects.
“The
Islamic Revolution took place at the era of modern ignorance, when communism
and liberalism, based on atheism and apostasy, had dominated the whole world,
and superpowers directly or indirectly designed and directed all important and
strategic developments,” he said.
The
revolution, he added, established an independent and powerful system in Iran by
presenting a transcendental model relying on pure Islamic ideas.
“The
Islamic Revolution took the path of development and excellence through its
powerful resistance and perseverance, in a way that now, after 44 years, with
the collapse of communism and the death of liberalism, it is rapidly moving
towards the realization of a new Islamic civilization,” Maj. Gen. Mousavi said.
He
also noted that the Islamic Revolution is still defending Iran’s interests and
security and is standing against bullies and arrogant powers.
“Today,
the Islamic Revolution is subject to the enmity of arrogant powers due to its
nature and performance as well as its serious pursuit of ideals and loyalty to
its main slogans,” he continued.
The
commander further stressed that the Iranian Army has in recent years pursued
its main missions of protecting Iran’s independence, territorial integrity and
Islamic establishment.
Protests
erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of MahsaAmini who fainted
at a police station in mid-September and days later was pronounced dead at a
hospital. The demonstrations soon turned violent.
An
official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s
controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the
head or other vital body organs.
Iranian
officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize
the country.
The
unrest has claimed the lives of dozens of people and security forces, while
also allowing acts of terror and sabotage across the country. Iran's Interior
Ministry has confirmed the enemy waged a hybrid war against the country to
weaken national solidarity and hinder the country's progress, stressing that
some 200 people lost their lives in the riots sparked by separatist and
terrorist groups.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran:
No Undeclared Activity at Fordow Nuclear Facility
2023-February-6
Kana'ani
on Sunday rejected claims by the US and the European Troika over Iran’s
peaceful nuclear program.
"The
International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, was notified of the 60% enrichment in
Fordow site on November 17, 2022," he said in a statement.
The
spokesperson added that all the modes of enrichment have been specified in the
data questionnaire.
"During
the January 2023 inspection, no new measure happened that would be
contradictory to the November 17, 2022 questionnaire and would, thus, make it
necessary to inform the IAEA thereof," the statement read.
On
Wednesday, the IAEA has announced in a report that its inspectors found a
modification to an interconnection between two clusters of centrifuges that was
substantially different than what Iran had declared to the agency. Director
General Rafael Grossi has also noted that the change was “inconsistent with
Iran’s obligations” under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and
undermines the IAEA’s ability to “implement effective safeguards measures” at
the Fordow site.
Tehran
has lamented the IAEA's report about the country’s nuclear activities at Fordow
facility, saying the nuclear agency's inspector’s interpretation of their visit
to the nuclear plant was “incorrect", warning that the
"unprofessional and unacceptable" behavior of the UN nuclear
watchdog's chief would harm his reputation and that of the IAEA.
In
a joint statement on Friday, the United States and the three European parties
to the nuclear deal -- the United Kingdom, France and Germany -- said Iran's
response to the IAEA's report was "inadequate" and accused Tehran of
being inconsistent with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).
Iran
has always had full cooperation with the IAEA and allowed it to visit the
country’s nuclear sites, but calls the nuclear agency's approach unconstructive
and destructive. But Tehran has asked the IAEA to avoid politicizing the issue
and focus on technical aspects in line with the organization’s mandate.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14011117000176/Iran-N-Undeclared-Aciviy-a-Frdw-Nclear-Faciliy
--------
Iran
Calls for Access to South Korea-Blocked Assets
2023-February-6
"Iran
is seriously pursuing the financial claims in South Korean banks and will
follow up until the collection of all national assets," Kana'ani told
reporters about the legal follow-up of Seoul's debts to Tehran.
The
diplomat stated that the Korean government has not shown "the necessary
will" to solve the problem.
"We
are trying to use these resources for some of Iran's needs. The government of
the Islamic Republic of Iran is making a decision about the complaint and will
take the necessary steps," the spokesperson continued.
Referring
to the recent anti-Tehran remarks leveled by South Korean President Yoon Suk
Yeol, Kana'ani said Iran has demanded "a convincing explanation" from
Seoul about the interventionist comments, but the explanation was not
"convincing".
"If
we do not receive a clear and convincing answer, we will consider this as an
official matter of the Korean government, which may have further negative
effects on bilateral relations," he added. (READ MORE)
Seoul
and Tehran are holding working-level consultations seeking ways to resolve the
issue of Iranian assets frozen in South Korea due to US sanctions.
The
frozen asset issue started in 2018 when former US President Donald Trump
withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal and reinstated economic sanctions against
Iran.
Iranian
officials stated the South Korean government is obliged to unfreeze the
country's frozen funds, stressing that unilateral US sanctions cannot justify
Seoul’s inaction in repaying debts to Tehran.
The
two sides had previously agreed to use the funds for purchase of humanitarian
items by Iran, something that has again been prevented as a result of Korea’s
commitment to honor the sanctions.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14011117000560/Iran-Calls-fr-Access-Sh-Krea-Blcked-Asses
--------
Iran
Advises Ukraine Not to Sacrifice Interests for US, NATO Expansion Policy
2023-February-6
"The
policy of the Islamic Republic regarding the Ukraine issue is based on not
supporting the war and not supporting one side against another," Kana’ani
told reproters on Monday.
The
diplomat expressed hope that the Ukrainian authorities will look at "the
root cause of the crisis", and would not sacrifice Kiev interests to the
expansionist policy of America and NATO by adopting "the correct political
approach".
The
spokesman rejected the allegation of sending drones to be used by Russia in the
war in Ukraine, expressing Tehran’s readiness to hold talks with Kiev to
resolve misunderstandings.
He
said a round of specialized talks was held in Oman, and if necessary, there is
no problem with holding a new round.
“The
first round of technical and expert-level discussions between the members of
the two teams has been conducted. We do not have any particular problem in
continuing the talks and initiating a new round. We can hold these talks at a
suitable time, but the exact time for the second round of the discussions has
not yet been decided,” Kana'ani added.
Kiev
and its Western allies have repeatedly claimed that Tehran has provided Russia
with arms to be used in the war in Ukraine.
Iranian
officials have repeatedly rejected claims about Tehran's arms sales to Russia
to be used in the ongoing war against Ukraine, stressing such allegations are
aimed at legitimizing the West's military assistance to Kiev.
They
reiterated that Tehran will not help either side in the Russia-Ukraine crisis,
and cautioned that arming Moscow or Kyiv will prolong the conflict between the
two neighbors.
In
Late February, President Vladimir Putin stated in response to a request by the
heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special
military operation. The Russian leader stressed that Moscow had no plans of
occupying Ukrainian territories.
The
US, the EU, the UK and a number of other states have imposed sanctions against
Russian legal entities and individuals. They also increased supplies of weapons
to the Ukrainian authorities. Russia has officially become the most sanctioned
country in the world, surpassing Iran, Syria and North Korea, after launching a
military operation against Ukraine.
Back
in September, Iranian PresdientSeyed Ebrahim Rayeesi cautioned that the
expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a serious threat
to the stability and security of nations.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Parliament
Speaker: Foiled Enemy's Plot Supreme Leader
2023-February-6
Qalibaf
made the remarks in the Monday session of the Iranian Parliament in Tehran.
Concurrent
with the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the Supreme
Leader issued a pardon for a remarkable number of prisoners of the recent
unrest as an act of kindness and fatherly gesture.
"From
the onset of the recent riot, the Supreme Leader differentiated between those
who had been excited and deceived and those who organized the unrest, so he
played a unique role in social reconciliation and revitalizing national
solidarity and unity," the Iranian parliament speaker said.
He
pointed out the Supreme Leader’s agreement with the pardon shows the tradition
of prophets and imams in forgiving when in power, which hindered the enemies’
conspiracies.
Qalibaf
reiterated that all Iranian officials are tasked with following the Supreme
Leader's attitude and pursuing social reconciliation, adding that the
authorities should adopt kind stances to prevent foes and organized rioters
from standing in the way of revitalizing the national unity.
In
relevant remarks on Monday, Iranian Judiciary Deputy Chief KazzemQaribabadi
hailed a decision a day earlier by the Supreme Leader to grant clemency to people
detained in recent riots in Iran.
“Granting
pardon to the accused is deemed an unprecedented initiative. Such an Islamic
and humanitarian act is emblematic of the leniency practiced by and popularity
of the Establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran – and indeed a big move in
the field of human rights,” Qaribabadi tweeted.
On
the 44th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah
Khamenei agreed on Sunday to pardon or commute the sentences of thousands of
convicts, including large groups of detainees found guilty of involvement in
the recent unrest in Iran.
The
Supreme Leader on Sunday agreed to a request by Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein
MohseniEje’i to pardon or reduce the sentences of inmates subject to mitigating
circumstances.
Ayatollah
Khamenei issued the approval on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the
glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution and the birthday anniversary of the
first Shia Imam, Imam Ali (AS).
The
prisoners, who were granted clemency, had had their verdicts issued at courts
of common pleas and Islamic Revolution tribunals, the Judicial Organization of
the Armed Forces and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization.
The
convicts to whom the amnesty applies should not be facing charges of espionage
for outsiders, direct links with the foreign intelligence services, murder or
intentional injuries, as well as vandalism or arson attack on governmental,
military and public sites, and also should not be involved in a suit filed by a
private plaintiff.
The
clemency, however, does not apply to certain types of convicts, including those
who have been sentenced for their role in the armed smuggling of narcotics,
arms trafficking, kidnapping, acid attacks, rape, armed robbery, bribery,
embezzlement, counterfeit money forgery, money laundering, disruption of
economy, smuggling of alcoholic drinks, and organized smuggling of commodities.
The
Leader regularly issues such verdicts on the occasion of religious festivities.
Iran's
Constitution grants the Supreme Leader the right to pardon or commute the sentences
of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the judiciary. The clemency,
however, does not apply to all types of convicts, including those who have been
found guilty of armed fight against the country, armed or organized drug
trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and
embezzlement.
Protests
erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of MahsaAmini who fainted
at a police station in mid-September and days later was pronounced dead at a
hospital. The demonstrations soon turned violent.
An
official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s
controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the
head or other vital body organs.
Iranian
officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize
the country.
The
unrest has claimed the lives of dozens of people and security forces, while
also allowing acts of terror and sabotage across the country. Iran's Interior
Ministry has confirmed the enemy waged a hybrid war against the country to
weaken national solidarity and hinder the country's progress, stressing that
some 200 people lost their lives in the riots sparked by separatist and
terrorist groups.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14011117000860/Parliamen-Speaker-Filed-Enemy's-Pl-Spreme-Leader
--------
Iran
Offers Help to Quake Victims in Turkey, Syria
2023-February-6
Kana'ani
expressed sympathy to Turkey and Syria on behalf of the Iranian nation on the
severe earthquake, wishing the mercy of the almighty God for the victims of the
tragice incident and a speedy recovery for the injured.
The
spokesperson announced the readiness of Iran's relief, medical and health
institutions to provide aid to the quake-hit areas of Syria and Turkey if
needed.
Iranian
President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi has also issued separate messages of
condolences to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and
Bashar Assad, over the deadly earthquake.
Offering
sympathy to the Syrian and Turkish nations, President Rayeesi announced Iran's
readiness to provide urgent relief aid to the quake-hit countries.
Almost
1,500 people were killed and thousands more injured in two countries after one
of the strongest earthquakes to hit Turkey in over 100 years sent tremors
across the region, collapsing thousands of buildings and sending residents
running into the streets.
Experts
say the death toll is likely to keep rising over the coming days.
The
Turkish authorities have declared the highest level of emergency, with
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mobilizing all rescue services and first
responders to aid the affected provinces, while other government institutions
are coordinating response efforts.
In
Syria, Assistant Health Minister Ahmad Dumeira told SANA that all hospitals
were mobilized to treat the victims, and additional ambulances and rescue teams
were dispatched to areas hit by the disaster.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14011117000506/Iran-Offers-Help-Qake-Vicims-in-Trkey-Syria
--------
North
America
Biden
‘deeply saddened’ by Turkey, Syria earthquake; pledges US aid
06
February ,2023
US
President Joe Biden said he was “deeply saddened” and promised his country’s
assistance Monday after a major 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria,
killing nearly 1,800 people.
“I
am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake
in Turkey and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the
situation in coordination with Turkey and provide any and all needed
assistance,” the president tweeted from his official account.
“Our
teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue
efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the
earthquake,” he added in a statement later released by the White House.
The
statement said Biden had called on US officials to reach out to their Turkish
counterparts to coordinate on assistance, and that humanitarian groups
supported by the United States were responding to the destruction in Syria.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Blinken
tells Turkiye to ‘let us know’ what US can do after earthquake
February
06, 2023
WASHINGTON:
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Turkish counterpart to “pick up
the phone and let us know” what the United States can do to help after a huge
earthquake hit the country on Monday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price
told reporters.
The
Biden administration’s top diplomat spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut
Cavusoglu by phone following the earthquake that killed more than 2,700 people
across a swathe of Turkiye and northwest Syria.
“It
was so important for the secretary to speak to his foreign minister
counterpart, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, in the first instance to offer condolences
and to make clear...that anything Turkiye needed that we could provide, they
should pick up the phone and let us know,” Price said.
Blinken
asked his senior staff on Monday morning to identify what funding might be
available to help Turkiye and NGOs working on the ground in Syria, Price said.
Washington
has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team and is in the process of
deploying two urban search and rescue teams from Virginia and California that
are expected to comprise 79 people each, the US Agency for International
Development said.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2246086/world
--------
Biden,
Erdogan to speak 'very soon' following quakes: White House
Michael
Hernandez
06.02.2023
WASHINGTON
US
President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are slated to
speak following a series of earthquakes that brought widespread destruction to
southern and eastern Türkiye where over 1,700 people have died.
The
leaders "will have an opportunity to speak very soon," White House
spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. The executive mansion is
expected to provide a readout of the call after it transpires.
Earlier
on Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by telephone with Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to express Washington's condolences, and
emphasized the US is "determined to provide any and all assistance to help
those affected by these earthquakes."
"The
Department of State is in close contact with our Turkish allies, and our
humanitarian partners, and our initial assistance response is already
underway," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. "We stand in
solidarity with our allies, our partners and the people of Turkey and Syria,
affected by these terrible events."
National
Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the US is "in the process of
deploying" two 79-person teams in addition to personnel already on the
ground "to support Turkish search and rescue efforts, and to help address
the needs of all those who have been hurt or displaced by the earthquake."
The
announcement comes after US President Joe Biden earlier on Monday said he
directed his administration "to closely monitor the situation in
coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance."
At
least 1,762 people were killed and 12,068 others injured in 10 Turkish
provinces due to two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Türkiye on Monday,
according to the country's disaster agency.
Early
Monday morning, a 7.7 earthquake jolted Kahramanmaras and strongly shook
several neighboring provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir,
Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Africa
African
leaders express condolences over deadly quake in Türkiye
Hassan
Isilow and Mohammed Dhaysane
06.02.2023
JOHANNESBURG
Leaders
of African nations and continental bodies expressed their condolences and
solidarity with Türkiye and Syria on Monday after a massive earthquake
devastated parts of the two countries.
They
included the presidents of South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Burundi and
Gambia.
The
continental bodies included the African Union, the East African Community and
the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
"Africa
stands in unwavering solidarity and sorrow with the government and people of
#Turkiye and #Syria following the devastating earthquake that led to the deaths
of more than a thousand innocent people and wreaking terrible infrastructural
damage," African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat wrote in
a brief statement on Twitter
South
African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep sadness over the
large-scale loss of life and the extent of the injuries inflicted by the
earthquake.
“Our
nation and Government are deeply saddened by the unthinkable loss of life in
Türkiye and Syria, and by the vast damage to social and economic infrastructure
with which the two governments and populations are now confronted,’’ Ramaphosa
said in a statement.
He
said his heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones or are
searching for relatives. He wished the injured survivors a full recovery.
Ramaphosa
also expressed his appreciation to the South African humanitarian aid
organization Gift of the Givers, which is joining the international response in
Türkiye and Syria.
Nigerian
President Muhammadu Buhari pledged to support the two friendly countries in the
wake of the earthquake, which has left at least 2,379 people dead and more than
13,290 injured in Türkiye. In Syria, at least 968 were killed and 2,403 others
wounded, according to the state-run SANA news agency.
Buhari
"wishes those injured a speedy recovery and assures that the prayers and
thoughts of Nigerians are with the many affected by this severe disaster and
its aftershocks," presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said in a statement.
Adesina
added that the president had assured that Nigeria was ready to offer its
"full support in any way possible" to both quake-hit nations.
MackySall,
the president of Senegal, extended his heartfelt condolences to Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following
the earthquake.
"Peace
to the souls of the victims and speedy recovery to the injured," he wrote
on Twitter.
Somali
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also offered his deepest condolences to the
Turkish people and the president.
"On
behalf of the Somali People and Government, I offer my deepest condolences to
the Turkish people, and President @RTErdogan, due to the earthquake that
occurred in Kahramanmaraş and felt in many cities, and wish a speedy recovery
to the injured," he wrote.
Gambian
President Adama Barrow also condoled with Türkiye and Syria, sending well
wishes and prayers for the victims and their families.
Burundi's
President EvaristeNdayishimiye also expressed sadness over the numerous deaths,
devastation and destruction caused by the earthquake in Türkiye.
"This
is one of the most powerful quakes to have hit the region, leading to the
tragic loss of life and destruction of property. I assure the brotherly peoples
of Turkey and Syria of my great compassion and of the goodwill of the people of
Kenya in this time of profound grief," Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua said.
IGAD,
a regional block in the Horn of Africa said it is deeply saddened by the tragic
loss of lives and destruction as a result of the earthquake.
The
Ethiopian Foreign Ministry also expressed its condolences to the families of
those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured "in
the tragic calamities."
The
East African Community, a block of six countries, also offered its condolences
to the governments and peoples of Türkiye and Syria.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Jordan
Gaming Lab hosts video game development events across the country
February
07, 2023
AMMAN:
The Jordan Gaming Lab, a project developed by the King Abdullah II Fund for
Development, hosted a free, video game development event at several locations
across the country. The two-day Global Game Jam took place over the weekend at
the lab’s branches in Amman, Zarqa and Aqaba.
The
participants were tasked with creating a video game based on a theme that was
revealed during the opening ceremony for the event. Sixteen games were produced
and uploaded to the GGJ website.
The
aim of the challenge was to provide participants with hands-on experience of
working with advanced technologies, while taking advantage of help and advice
from professional game designers from around the world.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2246126/middle-east
--------
Europe
Attack
On Salman Rushdie: A Look At Events Since The Issuance Of The Fatwa
07
FEB 2023
In
his first interview since being stabbed, acclaimed author Salman Rushdie said
he still has a feeling of gratitude. “Well, you know, I've been better,” he
told The New Yorker's David Remnick during an interview published on Monday.
“But, considering what happened, I'm not so bad."
Months
after being stabbed repeatedly as he prepared to give a lecture, Salman Rushdie
is blind in his right eye, struggles to write and, at times, has “frightening”
nightmares.
A
Booker Prize that catapulted him to the pantheon of global literary stalwarts
to a fatwa by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini that forced him into
hiding and years of death threats, Mumbai-born author Salman Rushdie was both
idolised and demonised for a singular trait that defined his life and works —
championing free speech.
As
Rushdie’s long journey to recovery begins, we look at the timeline of all that
followed since the issuance of a fatwa calling for his death after the
publication of Rushdie's 1988 novel The Satanic Verses, which Khomeini deemed
blasphemous to Islam.
Satanic
Verses, 1988: 'Midnight’s Children', set against the backdrop of India’s
journey from British rule to Independence and Partition, won him the
prestigious Booker Prize in 1981, propelling him to literary stardom and global
recognition. But years later, his other work ‘The Satanic Verses’, published in
1988 and a Booker Prize finalist, drew the wrath of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
February
1989: On February 12, 1989, a protest broke out in Islamabad, Pakistan and at
least six people were killed following a fire exchange between police and
gunmen. The crowd was protesting the sale of The Satanic Verses in the United
States.
1989:
On February 14, the Fatwa was issued by Khomeini calling on Muslims to kill
Rushdie. Ten days following that, twelve people were killed in Mumbai after the
police opened fire on them as a crowd of nearly 10,000 protestors marched
towards the British High Commission. On May 27, the same year, pro-Iranian and
pro-Iraqi factions clashed when some 30,000 Muslim demonstrators gathered
outside the British parliament. A few months after that, on September 14, four
bombs are planted outside bookshops in Britain owned by Penguin, publisher of
The Satanic Verses.
1990s:
Rushdie was forced into hiding for nearly a decade following the communal
controversy over his book.
1991:
Two translators of the book were attacked in different parts of the world
following the communal row. On July 3, Ettore Capriolo, Italian translator of
The Satanic Verses, was beaten and attacked with a knife in his Milan flat by a
man who said he was Iranian. On July 12, Japanese translator Hitoshi Igarashi
was stabbed to death in Tokyo by an attacker who later fled.
September
1995: After hiding and living under police protection for six years, on
September 7, Rushdie appeared in public in London for the first time since the
issuance of the fatwa.
1997:
On February 12, the Iranian revolutionary 15th Khordad Foundation increases the
bounty on Rushdie's head to $US2.5 million ($3.5 million).
1998:
The year 1998 followed a series of events within Iran over a threat to
Rushdie’s life. On September 22, Iranian president Mohammad Khatami says the
Rushdie affair was "completely finished" and two days after that, the
Iranian foreign minister informed Britain that no action would be taken against
Rushdie. However, in the following months, Iranian clerics called on Muslims to
kill Rushdie while several members of the Iranian Parliament stated that the
death decree stood valid.
1999:
The book was banned in several countries, even before the fatwa was issued against
Rushdie. Among the countries that banned the book was India, the land of his
birth in which he was barred from entering for over a decade. The ban was
eventually lifted in 1999, 11 years later. Other countries that banned the book
were Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In the same year, on February 3, the Indian government granted him a visa to
visit his country of birth, triggering protests by Muslims.
June
15, 2007: Rushdie is awarded a knighthood by Britain's Queen Elizabeth for
services to literature, prompting diplomatic protests from Pakistan and Iran
and demonstrations in Pakistan and Malaysia.
2012-2016:
The years in-between witnessed religious groups in Iran increasing the bounty
for killing Rushdie. Meanwhile, on June 20, 2012, Rushdie won the annual
PEN/Pinter Prize for his support for freedom of speech and his generous help to
other writers. In October 2015, amid tight security at the Frankfurt Book Fair,
Rushdie warned of new dangers to freedom of speech in the West. Additionally,
the Iranian Ministry of Culture cancelled its national stand at the fair
because of Rushdie's appearance.
June
1, 2022: Rushdie is made a Companion of Honour in the British Queen's annual
birthday honours.
August
12, 2022: Rushdie was attacked by a 24-year-old man HadiMatar from New Jersey
on stage before he was to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in
New York. The attack on Rushdie —he was stabbed in the neck and abdomen and was
put on a ventilator with a damaged liver— sent shock waves around the world, with
world leaders and literary stalwarts saying they were appalled at the attack on
the author who championed free speech and lived under the threat of
assassination for nearly half his life.
October
2022: Salman Rushdie's agent said that the author has lost sight in one eye and
used a hand as he was recovering from the attack.
Source:
OutlookIndia
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Member
of Islamic State 'Beatle' Cell to Go on Trial in UK on Terrorism Charges
FEBRUARY
06, 2023
An
alleged member of the Islamic State (IS) group’s ‘Beatles’ kidnap-and-murder
cell will face trial in the UK this month on terrorism charges, a judge said on
Monday.
Aine
Davis is accused of belonging to the notorious group of hostage-takers, who
grew up and were radicalised in London.
Active
in Syria from 2012 to 2015, they were allegedly involved in abducting more than
two dozen journalists and relief workers from the United States and other
countries.
The
group members were nicknamed the “Beatles" by their captives because of
their distinctive British accents.
The
hostages, some of whom were released after their governments paid ransoms, were
from at least 15 countries, including Denmark, France, Japan, Norway, Spain and
the United States.
The
IS tortured and killed their victims, including by beheading and releasing
videos of the murders for propaganda purposes.
Davis,
38, will go on trial on February 27 at the Old Bailey criminal court in London,
judge Mark Lucraft said on Monday.
He
faces two charges related to providing money for terrorist purposes and one of
possessing a firearm for a purpose connected to terrorism.
The
judge also extended Davis’s detention in custody to March 3. It was due to run
out on Friday.
Davis
did not appear in court and the video link to his prison was not working.
His
lawyer, Mark Summers, said he had been able to speak to his client about
extending custody.
The
lawyer predicted the trial would take less than two weeks.
Davis
was arrested in Turkey in 2015 and sentenced to seven and half years for
membership of IS in 2017.
He
was released in July last year and deported from Turkey the next month. He was
then arrested when he arrived at Britain’s Luton airport.
In
2014, his wife Amal El-Wahabi became the first person in Britain to be
convicted of funding IS jihadists after trying to send 20,000 euros — worth
$25,000 at the time — to him in Syria.
She
was jailed for 28 months and seven days following a trial in which Davis was
described as a drug dealer before he went to Syria to fight with IS.
Two
of the “Beatles", El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Amon Kotey, have
received life sentences in the United States.
Source:News18
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Muslims
of Europe, Southeast Asia denounce desecration of Quran
FEB
06, 2023
The
Muslims in Europe and Southeast Asia continued to condemn the recent
desecrations of the Quran and Islamophobia in Europe as a group of Muslims
staged a protest in The Hague and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) denounced the incidents over the weekend.
Hundreds
of Muslims marched toward Koekamp square as part of the "stop anti-Muslim
hatred" protest organized by the Federation of Islamic Organizations (FIO)
and the Haaglanden Region Islamic Organizations Association (SIORH).
Gathering
in the square, they chanted slogans against the desecration of Islam's holy
book, condemning such Islamophobic acts.
They
also performed a prayer and recited verses from the Quran.
Speaking
at the demonstration, Tahsin Çetinkaya, the head of the Turkish Islamic Culture
Foundation, said Islamophobia has risen to "a new level" in the
Netherlands.
"Muslims,
mosques and other Islamic institutions have faced various Islamophobic acts
over the years, including the sending of threatening letters to mosques, the
hanging of pigs' heads on mosque doors and arson," he added.
Çetinkaya
noted that the perpetrators of these acts are encouraged by the silence of
government officials.
"Enough
is enough. Stop holding grudges against Muslims and Islam," he said,
stressing that Muslims living in the Netherlands are also part of the country.
Rasmus
Paludan, an extremist Danish Swedish politician and the leader of the far-right
Hard Line party, torched a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in
Stockholm on Jan. 21 with both police protection and permission from Swedish
authorities.
The
following week, he burned a copy of Islam's holy book in front of a mosque in
Denmark and said he would repeat the act every Friday until Sweden is included
in NATO.
Meanwhile,
far-right Dutch politician Edwin Wagensveld, leader of the anti-Islam party
PEGIDA, tore apart a Quran before setting it on fire at a demonstration in
Enschede, the Netherlands in late January.
Sweden's
NATO bid
Türkiye
had already expressed concerns that Sweden was not sufficiently committed to
fighting terrorists of organizations like the PKK, its Syrian affiliate YPG and
the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), as well as their sympathizers.
Since
the two Nordic countries officially applied to join NATO in May last year,
Hungary and Türkiye have been withholding their accession, which requires all
30 members to agree to new entrants. Ankara has been demanding tougher
anti-terror laws and terrorist extraditions from Stockholm besides the lifting
of an arms embargo.
A
trilateral pact inked on the margins of a NATO summit in Madrid in June 2022
bound Sweden and Finland to a series of commitments aimed at assuaging Ankara’s
security concerns while Türkiye has warned the process would a hit dead end if
promises were not kept.
Unfortunately
for Sweden, those concerns have not dwindled as demonstrations by PKK
supporters targeting Türkiye and Erdoğan, as well as the desecration of the
Quran under government authorization in recent weeks, have brought tensions to
a boiling point and already slow NATO talks have come to a halt altogether.
Türkiye
says the two countries, particularly Sweden, need to do more to fulfill their
promises, especially in the wake of recent demonstrations by supporters of the
PKK terrorist group and the burning of the Quran in Stockholm.
ASEAN
joins the chorus
Foreign
ministers from ASEAN members also slammed the incidents in Sweden, the
Netherlands and Denmark as “blasphemy.”
"We
condemned in the strongest terms the acts by extremist, far-right politicians
in certain countries of burning and desecrating the Holy Quran last
month," they said in a statement published on the bloc's website on
Saturday.
"This
act of blasphemy has hurt and tarnished religious tolerance. Freedom of
expression must be exercised in a responsible manner. We reaffirmed ASEAN's
commitment to continue encouraging dialogue and understanding and promoting the
spirit of peaceful coexistence to achieve peace and harmony in a diverse global
community," it added.
Source:DailySabah
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Rescue
teams from Netherlands, Romania on way to Türkiye over powerful quake
Agnes
Szucs
06.02.2023
BRUSSELS
Rescue
teams from the Netherlands and Romania are already on the way to Türkiye to
bring help after “the devastating earthquake,” the EU commissioner for crisis
management said on Monday.
“The
EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre is coordinating the deployment of
rescue teams from Europe,” JanezLenarcic announced on Twitter.
“Teams
from the Netherlands and Romania are already on their way,” he added,
expressing solidarity with Türkiye "in the wake of the devastating
earthquake."
At
least 284 people were killed and over 2,320 others injured after a strong
earthquake jolted southern Türkiye on Monday morning, according to the
country's disaster agency.’
Source: Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Russian
FM: US playing with fire, encouraging separatism in Kurdish region in Syria
06
February 2023
Russian
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the United States is “playing with fire”
with its activities on the common border between Iraq and Syria, especially by
backing separatist militants affiliated with the so-called Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF) and encourage separatism.
Lavrov
said at a press conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein,
that Washington “fosters separatism among locals of Kurdish-populated regions
in Iraq and Syria. It is playing with fire.”
He
added, “Americans encourage Kurdish separatism one way or another and ignore
other matters, including the territorial integrity of Syria, warning that such
an approach “exposes other countries in the region to ensuing dangers and
threats.”
Security
conditions have been deteriorating in the areas controlled by the US-led SDF in
Syria’s northern and northeastern provinces of Raqqah, Hasakah, and Dayr
al-Zawr amid ongoing raids and arrests of civilians by the US-sponsored
militants.
Locals
argue that SDF’s constant raids and arrest campaigns have generated a state of
frustration and instability, severely affecting their businesses and
livelihoods.
Residents
accuse the US-backed militants of stealing crude oil and failing to spend money
on service sectors.
Local
councils affiliated with the SDF have also been accused of financial
corruption. They are said to be embezzling funds provided by donors, neglecting
services, and not meeting the basic needs.
The
Russian foreign minister went on to note that Moscow continues to work on
negotiations within the Astana format for the peaceful settlement of Syria
conflict, and regards the peace talks as useful.
“We
consider Iraq's observer status at the Astana talks, with Iran, Russia and
Turkey acting as the guarantor states, to be very useful. We will continue our
interactions and welcome participation of Iraq as an observer. Jordan and
Lebanon also play the same role,” Lavrov said.
The
Russian foreign minister went on to speak of a “vital importance” to
“safeguard” bilateral economic ties with Iraq against “illegal sanctions”
imposed on his country by the United States and its allies due to the conflict
in Ukraine.
Lavrov
said Russia had already invested some $13 billion in Iraq, arguing that Russian
oil companies have not received outstanding payments because of the West’s
coercive measures.
Elsewhere
in his remarks, the top Russian diplomat underlined the importance of the
Palestinian issue, saying that the West is procrastinating resolution of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hussein,
for his part, termed Lavrov’s visit to Iraq as a remarkable development,
stressing that Baghdad and Moscow will discuss problems linked to the work of
Russian companies and Russian financial dues in the Arab country through
meetings of the joint committee between the two sides.
The
Iraqi foreign minister said he would discuss the issue of cooperating with
Russian companies during an upcoming visit to the US.
Hussein
said he would insist the US should refrain from imposing sanctions on Iraqi
companies for working with Russian partners in Iraq.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Dismissing
Wall Street Journal report, Iran says not working with Russia on drone
production
06
February 2023
Iran
has denied its participation in any project for the joint production of
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Russia, rejecting Western media reports in
this regard as “sheer lies.”
Nour
News, which is affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made
the remark in a Monday tweet.
“Iran
does not participate in any independent or joint project for production of
drones in Russia,” the agency said, adding, “Reports by Western media in this
regard are sheer lies.”
It
added, “Western strategists had better find more believable excuses for the
continuation of the war of attrition in Ukraine.”
On
Sunday, The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed "officials from a country
aligned with the US" as saying that Moscow and Tehran have advanced plans
to build an Iranian-designed factory in Russia to produce at least 6,000 combat
drones.
"The
two countries are aiming to build a faster drone that could pose new challenges
for Ukrainian air defenses," the WSJ said, citing officials.
Tehran
has multiple times rejected in the strongest terms the Western claims of Iran’s
delivery of weapons and drones to Russia to be used against Ukraine, saying the
country has been engaged in defense cooperation with Moscow for long and
pursues a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
In
a statement last week, the Iranian Defense Ministry announced that one of its
workshop complexes in the central city of Isfahan had come under attack from a
number of Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs), but the complex’s air defenses
successfully repelled the attack.
The
ministry underscored that the unsuccessful attack did not cause any loss of
life and only led to minor damage to the roof of a workshop. The complex, it
added, continues its ordinary operations following the attack.
Reacting
to the report, Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to Ukraine's President Volodymyr
Zelensky, took to Twitter to express his joy. He said “Ukraine did warn you.”
An
informed source told Nour News on Tuesday that Iran is likely to change its
approach toward the Ukraine war in response to the Kiev government’s implicit
admittance of responsibility for the foiled drone attack in Isfahan.
Russia
focused on its own program of developing drones: Kremlin
Separately,
the Kremlin spokesman was quoted by Russia's TASS news agency as denying The
Wall Street Journal's claim about Moscow's cooperation with Tehran in drone
production.
"Russia
is focused on its own program of developing unmanned aerial vehicles,” Dmitry
Peskov said on Monday.
Peskov
added, "Russia has an array of its own programs for creating unmanned
aerial platforms for very diverse goals and these programs are being
implemented."
The
Kremlin spokesman noted that at the end of December last year, Russian
President Vladimir Putin signed a list of instructions on developing unmanned
aerial systems.
“The
head of state also handed down an instruction to approve the strategy of
developing unmanned aircraft through 2030 and for a period until 2035, which
stipulates mass production of drones,” he added.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
EU
to send rescue teams to Turkey after deadly earthquake kills hundreds
06
February ,2023
The
European Union is sending rescue teams and preparing further help for Turkey
after a major earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, the bloc’s crisis management
commissioner said Monday.
“Teams
from the Netherlands and Romania are already on their way,” with the EU’s
Emergency Response Coordination Center overseeing their deployment,
commissioner JanezLenarcic tweeted.
He
said that the bloc’s Civil Protection Mechanism had been activated to respond
to the quake, which hit Turkey and Syria, causing deaths and destruction in
both countries.
His
office said that Turkey had requested EU assistance.
Several
governments in the EU pledged help, including French President Emmanuel Macron
and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Belgium,
Poland, Spain and Finland also said they stood ready to deploy teams and help.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
France condemns expulsion of director of human rights division of UN mission in
Mali
BeyzaBinnurDönmez
07.02.2023
France
on Monday slammed the expulsion of the director of the human rights division of
the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
"France
strongly condemns the decision taken by the Malian junta to demand the
departure of the director of the human rights division of MINUSMA, Mr.
Guillaume Ngefa-AtondokoAndali," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"We
commend the commitment and work of MINUSMA and its human rights division, which
have brought to light the serious violations of human rights and international
humanitarian law of which the Malian populations are victims and of which In
particular, terrorist groups are responsible, but also Wagner's Russian
mercenaries," the ministry added.
The
UN Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in their last
strategic review underlined the need for Mali to respect the entire mandate of
MINUSMA, including with regard to human rights, it added.
Mali
on Sunday ordered Andali to leave the country within 48 hours after declaring
him persona non grata in a government statement.
Last
year, Mali indicated that deals with Russia’s Wagner Group were motivated by
the French drawdown of its troops in the country.
Western
leaders and rights groups have expressed concerns about the actions of Wagner
in Mali and in particular about its alleged crimes against certain communities
such as the Fulani.
But
the Malian government has referred to Wagner personnel as instructors from the
Russian military.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Aid
campaign launched in Berlin for quake-hit Türkiye
Erbil
Başay
07.02.2023
BERLIN
An
aid campaign was launched Monday in the German capital Berlin after two
powerful earthquakes struck southern Türkiye, leaving thousands dead and
injured and causing massive destruction.
Organized
by various Turkish non-governmental organizations in the city, volunteers began
collecting materials and items such as diapers, clothing and blankets, which
are urgently needed for those affected.
Aid
materials brought to the Berlin Turkish Music Conservatory in Kreuzberg
district will be delivered to the earthquake zone as soon as possible.
In
a statement to Anadolu, one of the aid volunteers, ZuleyhaKafkas Ozturk, said
they were deeply saddened by the earthquakes, adding: "People in Berlin
have been mobilizing to help since the morning."
Blankets,
overalls, winter clothes, gloves, boots and children's food were needed the
most, Ozturk added.
She
stressed that they aim to deliver the collected materials to the earthquake
zone "as soon as possible."
At
least 2,379 people were killed and 14,483 others were injured in 10 provinces
of Türkiye due to two strong earthquakes that jolted the southern part of the
country Monday, said Vice President FuatOktay.
Early
Monday morning, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Pazarcik district of
Kahramanmaras province and strongly shook several other provinces, including
Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay and
Kilis.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/aid-campaign-launched-in-berlin-for-quake-hit-turkiye/2809192
--------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-terrorists-bombay-high-court/d/129051
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African
Muslim News, Arab World
News, South Asia
News, Indian Muslim
News, World Muslim
News, Women in
Islam, Islamic
Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia
in America, Muslim Women
in West, Islam Women
and Feminism