New
Age Islam News Bureau
11
April 2023
The
council has moved the present application for being heard before a five-judge
Constitution bench from April 18 which will take up a batch of 30-odd petitions
relating to same-sex marriage.
Sourced
by the Telegraph
---------
•
Will Muslim Population In India Be Growing If Their Lives Were Made Difficult: Union
Finance Minister Sitharaman
•
Iran Calls for Islamic Unity Against Israeli Crimes Against Palestine
•
Johor Islamic Religious Department Issues 85 Notices To Muslims Who Eat, Drink,
Smoke In Public
•
Man Charged Over Hate Crime After Islamophobic Attack In Canada
India
•
Houses of Muslims set on fire after murder of Hindu man in Meerut: Police
•
Section of Muslims sore with CM Bommai as he eyes caste equation
•
Armed men assault six Muslims inside Haryana mosque; 10 held
•
SC To Hear OnApril 14 Muslim Side's Plea For 'Wuzu' In Gyanvapi Mosque
•
Muslim man assailed, thrown in gutter over suspected theft in Khandwa
•
Jamshedpur communal clash: Over 50 arrested, internet suspended
--------
Mideast
•
Aggression, Occupation Take Zionist Regime Closer To Collapse, Says Senior
Hezbollah Official
•
Spokesman Underscores Failure of Iranophobia Policy
•
Iranian President: Israeli Crimes Sign of Decline, Desperation
•
Iran's Military Chief Downplays Israeli War Rhetoric
•
Spokesman: Iran to Send Delegation to Saudi Arabia for Mission Reopening
•
Iran: Pentagon Movements in West Asia Part of US Struggling to Conceal Defeats
•
One Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in West Bank raid: Health ministry
--------
Southeast
Asia
•
With Draft Law On Muslim Prayer Rooms, Filipino Legislator Seeks To Attract
Middle East Tourists
•
PermatangPauh MP gives statement to cops over alleged anti-non-Muslim remarks
•
PM Anwar: Al-Azhar University alumni the fortress of Islamic faith
--------
North
America
•
Man Charged Over Hate Crime After Islamophobic Attack In Canada
•
Suspect arrested in knife attack on New Jersey imam during Fajr prayers
--------
Pakistan
•
Four Dead, 18 Injured As Blast Rocks Pakistan’s Quetta
•
'Ruler of a Gulf nation cautioned me of Gen Bajwa's conspiracy to oust my
government': Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan
•
President Alvi exhorts political leadership to sit together for country’s
future
•
ECP seeks changes to elections law to save ‘eroding writ’
•
News presenter generated with AI appears in Kuwait
•
Tirah tribesmen protest ‘armed intrusion’ of peace committee
--------
South
Asia
•
Turkey Deports 365 Undocumented Afghan Migrants
•
Afghanistan ranks fourth on list of countries with highest crime rate in 2023
•
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Hindu Kush, Afghanistan
--------
Arab
World
•
Egyptian Minister To Visit Turkey As Ties Improve: Ankara
•
Saudi envoy says in Yemen’s rebel-held capital to ‘stabilize’ truce
•
Yemen government supports fresh Saudi peace efforts
•
Saudi authorities brace for rain in Makkah during last 10 days of Ramadan
•
Saudi ambassador to Yemen says talks with Houthis aim to revive Yemeni
ceasefire
•
Daesh landmine kills at least 6 civilians in Syria’s Deir Ez-Zor
•
Egyptian community creates giant iftar table for Ramadan
•
Egypt’s foreign minister, UN special envoy discuss Syria peace push
--------
Europe
•
Afghan Pilot At Center Of UK Deportation Row A ‘Special Case’ For Asylum,
Former Army Head Says
•
Top Russian, Syrian, Turkish, Iranian diplomats to meet in near future: Moscow
--------
Africa
•
UN Chief Guterres On Visit To Conflict-Ridden Somalia
•
2 aid workers killed in Ethiopia: Humanitarian group
•
Tunisian protesters demand release of govt. opponents, call for national
dialogue
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
--------
'Against
Teaching Of Prophet': Shiite Body, Days After Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Moves SC
Against Same-Sex Marriage
Apr
11, 2023
The
council has moved the present application for being heard before a five-judge
Constitution bench from April 18 which will take up a batch of 30-odd petitions
relating to same-sex marriage.
Sourced
by the Telegraph
-----------
NEW
DELHI: A Shiite religious body on Monday moved the Supreme Court, days after
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, opposing petitions seeking same-sex marriage rights for
members of LGBTQ+ community on the ground that such marriages are prohibited in
Islam and that homosexuality is against the Prophet’s preaching.
Telangana
Markazi Shia Ulema Council through advocate Ejaz Maqbool said the idea of same-sex
marriage is in teeth of the injunctions of Islamic faith. “Marriage in Indian
society has deep roots in religion and therefore, religious prohibitions on
same-sex marriage ought to be considered while examining the question of the
legal validity of same-sex marriages,” it told the SC.
Countering
the petitioners’ reference to judgments from western world courts legitimizing
same-sex marriage, the Shiite body said the United Nations Human Rights
Committee (UNHRC) had held in ‘Joslin vs New Zealand’ that New Zealand had not
violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by
denying same-sex couples the right to marry and that the ICCPR envisaged
marriage as a purely heterosexual arrangement.
“The
European Court of Human Rights held in ‘Schalk and Kopf vs Austria’ that the
European Convention on Human Rights does not impose an obligation on the
Respondent Government therein to grant a same-sex couple access to marriage.
This ruling was reaffirmed in ‘Olivieri vs Italy’,” the Shia Ulema Council
said, while seeking to be a party in the proceedings before a 5-J bench.
“In
the light of the judgments delivered by the European Court of Human Rights and
the decision of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, that there is no
right to same sex marriage in international law,” it said.
Quoting
western research papers, the Shiite body said they show that children raised by
homosexual parents lag children raised by heterosexual couples in most areas of
human development.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Will
Muslim Population In India Be Growing If Their Lives Were Made Difficult: Union
Finance Minister Sitharaman
Apr
11, 2023
Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the state of Muslims in India. (File
photo)
-------
Union
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday defended the state of Muslims in
India and said that their population would not be growing if their lives were
made difficult in the country.
Responding
to a question on 'violence against Muslims' in India and on ‘negative Western
perceptions' of India, Sitharaman said, “India has the second largest Muslim
population in the world and that population is only growing in numbers. If
there is a perception or in reality, their lives are difficult or made difficult
with the support of the State, which is what is implied in most of these
write-ups, will the Muslim population be growing than what it was in 1947 as
opposed to Pakistan, which was formed at the same time?”
Union
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday defended the state of Muslims in
India and said that their population would not be growing if their lives were
made difficult in the country.
Responding
to a question on 'violence against Muslims' in India and on ‘negative Western
perceptions' of India, Sitharaman said, “India has the second largest Muslim
population in the world and that population is only growing in numbers. If
there is a perception or in reality, their lives are difficult or made
difficult with the support of the State, which is what is implied in most of
these write-ups, will the Muslim population be growing than what it was in 1947
as opposed to Pakistan, which was formed at the same time?”
Expanding
her reply, Sitharaman said, “Come have a look at what's happening in India
rather than listen to perceptions being built by people who have not even
visited the ground and produce reports.”
Speaking
at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), Sitharaman also
spoke on the resilience and growth of the Indian economy.
Talking
about the revival of the Indian economy post-pandemic, the Union Finance
minister said, "It's the resilience of Indian people to take it upon
themselves, to take the challenge and come out in their businesses despite
tragedies at home."
Source:
IndiaToday
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Iran
Calls for Islamic Unity Against Israeli Crimes Against Palestine
2023-April-10
TEHRAN
(FNA)- Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi strongly deplored the increasing
Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people, and urged the Muslim nations
to forge a united front against the Zionist regime.
---------------
"Iran
and Algeria have close and common positions on regional and global issues,
especially on the issue of Palestine and the rights of the oppressed people of
this country," Rayeesi said in a phone conversation with his Algerian
counterpart AbdelmadjidTebboune on Sunday.
Iran's
president stressed that Muslim nations should strengthen cooperation and form a
united front against Israel to support the Palestinian people.
"Today
more than ever before, establishment of a Unified Islamic Front against that
regime and to support Palestinians in needed," he stated.
Tebboune,
for his part, expressed hope that by relying on Islamic countries' cooperation
they will manage to liberate the Palestinian nation from the oppressor reign of
the Zionists.
Israeli
troops stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on successive days
last week, firing tear gas and stun grenades and preventing Palestinian
worshippers from entering the mosque for dawn prayers. Israeli troops also beat
worshipers with batons and riot guns, wounding many, before arresting hundreds.
Several
Muslim countries and organizations have strongly condemned the latest
aggression, calling on international bodies to stop Israeli crimes and protect
the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Johor
Islamic Religious Department Issues 85 Notices To Muslims Who Eat, Drink, Smoke
In Public
10
Apr 2023
The
Johor Islamic Religious Department issued a total of 85 notices against Muslims
who disrespect the month of Ramadan by eating, drinking and smoking publicly in
operations held statewide today. — Picture by Devan Manuel
-------------
Johor
Baru, April 10 — The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) issued a total
of 85 notices against Muslims who disrespect the month of Ramadan by eating,
drinking and smoking publicly in operations held statewide today.
State
Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the
notices were issued in accordance with Section 15 (b) of the Syariah Criminal
Offences Enactment 1997.
He
said a total of 97 JAINJ enforcement officers were involved in the three-hour
operation beginning 11 am.
“JAINJ
also issued four notices in accordance with Section 15 (a) of the Syariah
Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 to individuals who sell to Muslims any food,
drink, cigarette or other form of tobacco,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile,
a total of 12 arrests in accordance with Section 106 of the Administration of
the Religion of Islam (State of Johor) Enactment 2003 were made against those
collecting ‘khairat’ (benevolent funds) without permission from the State
Islamic Religious Council.
Source:
MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Man
charged over hate crime after Islamophobic attack in Canada
SeyitAydogan
10.04.2023
TORONTO
A
man was apprehended by Canadian police after he rammed his car into a Muslim
person in Toronto, officials said Sunday.
The
attacker has been detained pending trial for a hate crime.
The
incident took place in the parking lot of the Markham Islamic Society Mosque,
the oldest and largest mosque in the region, during the early morning prayer,
according to a statement from York Regional Police.
The
suspect was identified as 28-year-old Sharan Karunakaran.
"Investigators
with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have
charged a suspect with several criminal offences after a suspected
hate-motivated incident at a mosque in the City of Markham," the police
said in the statement.
"Witnesses
reported that a male suspect had attended in a vehicle and drove directly at
one of the worshippers and yelled threats and religious slurs. The suspect
drove dangerously in the parking lot before leaving the property," the
officials from the York police also added in the statement.
"Members
of the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau were notified and worked
cooperatively with the Intelligence Unit and Hate Crime Unit to identify the
suspect."
"Members
of the Hate Crime Unit attended the mosque to offer support to its members.
Shortly
after midnight, on April 7, members of York Regional Police arrested the
suspect in Toronto.
In
the statement, the Markham Islamic Society said before the attack, Karunakaran
entered the mosque hurled curses at the congregation and tore a copy of the
Quran to pieces.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
India
Houses
of Muslims set on fire after murder of Hindu man in Meerut: Police
By
S Raju, Meerut
Apr
11, 2023
At
least two houses belonging to Muslims were allegedly set on fire in Uttar
Pradesh’s Meerut district on Monday after a Hindu man was reportedly shot dead
on Sunday evening, police said.
Four
people have been arrested in connection with the murder. A huge posse of
policemen have been deployed at Palda village, where the two incidents took
place, to avoid any flare-up, police added.
Providing
details, superintendent of police (rural) Kamlesh Bahadur said 24-year-old
Vishu was allegedly shot dead by two motorcycle-borne men on Sunday evening.
“His
family alleged that he was murdered by some Muslim youngsters with whom he
reportedly had an altercation during Holi,” Bahadur said.
Tension
erupted in the village on Monday morning when the deceased’s body arrived for
the final rites after a post-mortem.
Speaking
to news agency PTI, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan
said that as 500-600 people arrived for Vishu’s funeral, “three-four
youngsters” set fire to the houses of the people from the side of the accused,
but the police present on the spot immediately chased them away.
Those
who attempted arson will be identified and a case registered against them, he
said.
“The
situation is under control. A senior policeman is camping in the village with a
police team,” Bahadur said.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Section
of Muslims sore with CM Bommai as he eyes caste equation
Apr
11, 2023
Haveri:
Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai is likely to face the heat from Muslim voters
in the Shiggaon-Savanur assembly seat owing to his party’s decision to scrap
the 4% reservation quota for Muslims and distribute it among certain sections
of Vokkaligas and VeerashaivaLingayats, though there are members from the
minority community who are quick to point out the development work spearheaded
by the CM.
Some
political observers also feel that while the recent rejigging of reservations
quota may have left some Muslims with an axe to grind with the ruling party, by
proposing to bring VeerashaivaLingayats under the 2D category of reservations
and by increasing their quota from 5 to 7 per cent, Bommai has ensured that he
and the BJP shall benefit by placating the sentiments of the dominant community
in Shiggaon-Savanur – thereby serving as an antidote to any likely Muslim
backlash at the hustings.
Section
of Muslims sore with CM Bommai as he eyes caste equation
In
the last three assembly elections, a section of the Muslim community had voted
in favour of Bommai and the minority community continues to be a crucial factor
in Shiggaon-Savanur.
The
assembly segment has nearly 60,000 Muslim voters and on the last three
occasions, Bommai had managed to come up trumps against Sayyad AjjampeerKhadri
of the Congress. It remains to be seen whether the CM manages to convince
Muslims to once again stand by him.
Bommai
had cut his teeth in politics as a member of the Janata Parivar and his socialist
leanings have held him in good stead among the electorate, across the religious
and caste divide.
“This
time around, with the state government led by CM Basavaraj Bommai proposing to
scrap the 4% reservation for Muslims under the 2B category, many of our
community voters are upset,” said NoorahmedSavanur, a resident of Shiggaon.
Bommai,
however, insists that no injustice has been done to the Muslim community.
“Muslims will get better benefits under the EWS quota. Members of the community
are aware of it and there is no dissidence over reallocation of reservation
quotas,” Bommai said.
Talk
of Muslim voters feeling let-down has only been orchestrated by the opposition,
the CM said, adding that members of the community were being educated on the
benefits of inclusion under EWS quota.
A
section of Muslims, who had earlier voted for Bommai, cited the fact that the
CM had approved funds to the tune of Rs 3 crore for the construction of eight
Shaadi Mahals and two residential schools in the constituency.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Armed
men assault six Muslims inside Haryana mosque; 10 held
April
11, 2023
As
many as six Muslims in a mosque were attacked by a group of armed men in a
Haryana village on Sunday evening, the police said. The assailants also
vandalised the property in the mosque, said an injured person.
The
police have arrested ten people and filed a First Information Report (FIR)
against 19 people in connection with the incident at Sandhal Kalan village in
Sonipat district. It is learnt that the attackers also hail from the same
village. The police personnel are camping in the area to ensure law and order.
The victims said that the worshipers who were performing Ramadan prayers in a
small mosque received injuries on their heads, legs and hands. “Even children
and women were also not spared by the group who were armed with hockey sticks,
swords and other sticks. Some of the injured people have been admitted to
Sonipat government hospital,” said an injured person.
Meanwhile,
a police officer told The Indian Express that six people have received blunt
injuries in the incident. “The injured have lodged a complaint against 19
people while 18 of them have been named in the complaint,” the officer said.
Another
victim told local reporters that there was no previous enmity or provocation
for the incident. “The assailants were from the same village and drunk. They
not only attacked us but also caused damage to the property,” he said. Sonipat
Police Commissioner B Satheesh Balan–who visited the village–said that some
hooligans, who are from the same village, barged into the mosque, beat up the
faithful, including children, who were offering namaz. “It was unprovoked. No
such dispute or tension was reported in the village earlier. There are only
15-20 families (of the affected community). The police immediately reached the
spot. The villagers also cooperated. I want to make it clear that the police
will take stern action in such cases,” Satheesh Balan said.
The
affected community members however said that they were satisfied with the
police intervention. “The policemen are doing their duty. They kept sitting in
the village for the entire night. There are over 30 families from our community
in the village,” said a member of the community. The villagers have condemned
the incident and have decided to ensure the safety of the community and the
mosque, the Sonipat police officer said.
A
police officer said that the ten arrested persons are in the age group of
20-25. They were produced before a local court Monday. Three of them were sent
to the police remand for one day while the remaining seven were sent to
judicial custody.
Source:
Indian Express
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
SC
to hear on April 14 Muslim side's plea for 'Wuzu' in Gyanvapi mosque
Apr
10, 2023
A
bench of Chief Justices of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and
JB Pardiwala said it would hear the matter on April 14.
The
Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on April 14 a fresh plea by the Muslim
side in the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath Temple dispute case of Varanasi
seeking alternative arrangement for 'Wuzu' or ablution where the Shivling was
reportedly found, in view of more rush during Ramzan.
A
bench of Chief Justices of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and
JB Pardiwala said it would hear the matter on April 14.
Senior
advocate Huzefa Ahmadi for the Muslim side mentioned the matter before the
bench for an urgent hearing saying the court order has already said that
adequate arrangements should be made.
Arrangements
are not made yet, there are more worshipers due to Ramzan, Ahmadi told the
bench, adding that they are requesting for arrangements to be made for 'Wuzu'.
He
requested the apex court to hear the case today itself but the CJI said the
matter will be heard on April 14.
On
Thursday last week, the apex court allowed the Muslim side to file an application
before it regarding their request to carry out the practice of 'Wuzu' inside
the mosque premises during the month of Ramzan.
The
bench then said it will hear the case on April 14 after Ahmadi had said during
the month of Ramzan worshippers should be able to carry out the practice of
'Wuzu' inside the premises.
The
'Wuzu' area of the Gyanvapi mosque is the centre of the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi
Vishwanath temple dispute between Hindus and Muslims since the Hindu parties
claim that 'Shivling' has been found in that spot, however, the Muslim side
disputed the same and said that it is only a water fountain.
The
top court is seized of an appeal filed by the Committee challenging an order of
Allahabad High Court permitting a court-appointed commissioner to inspect,
conduct survey and videography of the Gyanvapi mosque to which Hindus and
Muslims have laid claim for the right to worship.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Muslim
man assailed, thrown in gutter over suspected theft in Khandwa
10th
April 2023
A
28-year-old Muslim man succumbed to his injuries after he was thrashed by a
Hindu mob over suspicion of theft. The incident took place in Khandwa district,
Madhya Pradesh.
Sheikh
Firoz, a resident of Khanshahwali, was found in an unconscious state in a drain
on Sunday with multiple stab wounds and bruises all over his body.
On
information, officials from the Chhaingoan Makhan police station took Firoz to
a nearby hospital for treatment where he died.
Khandwa
Superintendent of Police Satyendra Shukla told Times of India, Firoz was a
habitual offender and had eight cases against him.
Police
investigations said that Chhaigoan Devi village, where the assault took place,
had been reporting a large number of thefts for some time.
“Villagers
were on high alert. They spotted three people moving in a suspicious manner.
While two escaped, Firoz was caught and beaten up,” the SP said.
Meanwhile,
Firoz’s relatives have refused to conduct the funeral. placing the body in
front of the Moghat police station.
Source:Siasat
Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/muslim-man-assailed-thrown-in-gutter-over-suspected-theft-in-khandwa-2565463/
--------
Jamshedpur
communal clash: Over 50 arrested, internet suspended
10th
April 2023
Jamshedpur:
Following a communal clash between Hindus and Muslims after an alleged
desecration of a saffron flag, over 50 people have been arrested while internet
services were suspended in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, police said.
Arson
and stone pelting between the two groups were reported on Sunday evening from
the Shastri Nagar area and there were reports of damage to properties in the
Kadma police station area.
The
heavy police force has been deployed and the Jamshedpur police conducted
patrolling in the violence-hit Shastri Nagar, police said.
“A
total of 55 people from both communities were arrested in the case. One Abhay
Singh has also been arrested in the case, whose supporters came to the police
station and misbehaved. Action will be taken against them,” K Vijay Shankar,
Superintendent of Police, Jamshedpur City said.
Heavy
deployment of forces including a Rapid Action Force (RAF) company has been made
in the entire area.
According
to reports, a religious flag was tied to the pole of a street light near a
temple in the area on the occasion of Ram Navami. Some miscreants hung meat
pieces on the same rope which was used for the flag.
The
following day, members of the Hindu community held a protest on the matter and
demanded police take action against the accused within 24 hours.
Heavy
stone pelting was reported from both sides and half a dozen small shops and
two-wheelers were set on fire all belonging to Muslims, by protestors shouting
slogans of Jai Shri Ram.
The
police had to fire in the air to pacify the aggressors. Rapid Action Force
(RAF) personnel fired six rounds of tear gas shells at the miscreants to
disperse them.
Currently,
the situation is tense but under control.
Muslim
organisations appeal to CM
Various
Muslim organisations in the city have appealed to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren for
strict action against the perpetrators, failing which they will come to the
streets to protest.
“We
are hopeful to CM Soren will bring peace and harmony to the region. We are
still recovering from riots that took place in Bihar Sharif during the Ram
Navami festival on March 30 and now this. We are disappointed by the police’s
lack of timely action and instead encouraging the rioters who vandalised our
mosques and torched nearby vehicles,” said one of the representatives of Muslim
organisations.
Source:Siasat
Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/jamshedpur-communal-clash-over-50-arrested-internet-suspended-2565500/
--------
Mideast
Aggression,
occupation take Zionist regime closer to collapse, says senior Hezbollah
official
10
April 2023
A
high-ranking official with the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has
censured Israeli forces’ raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and violent attacks on
Palestinian worshippers, saying such futile attempts only bring the Tel Aviv
regime closer to the brink of collapse.
“While
Palestinians are in possession of the secret to victory, which is faithful
struggle and resistance, Israelis hold the key to downfall, which is oppression
and occupation,” Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said in
a tweet published on his Twitter page on Monday.
“We
are now at a stage where the stability and legitimacy of the occupying Israeli
regime are unthinkable,” He pointed out.
Earlier,
Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, deputy head of the executive council of Hezbollah,
reiterated his group’s unwavering support for Palestine, saying the Lebanese
resistance movement will remain at the forefront of the campaign defending the
oppressed nation.
“Hezbollah
is in the front line of the campaign defending the Palestinian nation and
resistance, and, undoubtedly, it will stick to the path until the end. No
threats can undermine our resolve and determination,” he addressed an event in
southern Lebanon on Sunday.
Sheikh
Qaouk also condemned Israel’s “intolerable” attacks against Palestinian
worshipers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of al-Quds.
“Every
honorable Muslim should do whatever at their disposal to support al-Aqsa
Mosque… It is a moral and religious duty, and we have no hesitation to fulfill
it. The Israeli enemy is having its worst days since 1984 because of the
equations created by the resistance,” the high-ranking Hezbollah official
noted.
The
Israeli forces have wounded and rounded up hundreds of Palestinians during the
attacks that have seen a rise since the beginning of Ramadan. Illegal Israeli
settlers have been freely violating the compound under the Israeli military and
police force’s protection.
Since
the start of the holy month of Radadan, the Israeli regime has imposed strict
restrictions on the entry and exit of Palestinians to and from the gates of
al-Aqsa Mosque. Amid heightened tensions with Palestinian worshipers, Israeli
settlers also press ahead with their frequent incursions and provocative
rituals at the holy site.
On
Thursday, at least 30 rockets were reportedly launched from southern Lebanon
into the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation against the Israeli
aggression against al-Aqsa. Resistance fighters based in Gaza also fired
several rockets toward the occupied territories.
Palestinian
sources said the regime’s Iron Dome failed to intercept most of the retaliatory
rockets. Following the rocket attack, Israeli warplanes hit targets inside Gaza
and positions of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Lebanon.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Spokesman
Underscores Failure of Iranophobia Policy
2023-April-10
"Nowruz
and the blessed month of Ramadan simultaneously occurred with the failure of
the Iranophobia policy," Kana'ani tweeted.
"The
two events took place concurrent with the development of ties with different
countries and nations," he added.
The
occasions also happened at the time of the escalation of the crisis and
domestic division and public protest on the Anti-Iranian Zionist-Western Front,
the increasing solidarity and authority of the Resistance Front, and the
disappointment of West-based anti-revolutionary elements.
The
official concluded the comment with a proverb that “April and May are the keys
of the year."
In
a relevant development last month, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent
Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani strongly condemned violence against
persons based on religion or belief, and said that the time has come for the
international community to combat Islamophobia and take action against hatred
towards Muslims, who constitute a large portion of the world population.
Iravani
made the remarks at a UN General Assembly event in commemoration of the
International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which takes place on March 15 every
year.
“Today’s meeting represents the strong
determination of the participants to address the issue of Islamophobia,
including hatred, discrimination, terrorist attacks and violence against
Muslims and their religious principles, beliefs and rituals,” the senior
Iranian diplomat stated.
“Currently,
the world continues to witness the relentless aggression of the occupying
Zionist regime against al-Quds and Muslims across the occupied Palestinian
territories. Moreover, the Holy Qur'an is desecrated in some European countries
under the pretext of freedom of expression,” he said.
“Over
the past few decades, we have seen a wide network of media outlets, which under
the guise of news dissemination, have established a hostile and offensive
atmosphere against Muslims in violation of their human rights,” Iravani added.
The
Iranian diplomat said the time has come for the international community,
especially world bodies and the countries calling themselves advocates of human
rights, to fight against hatred against Muslims, who constitute a large portion
of the world population.
“The
Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns any violence against persons based
on their belief and religion, and expresses sympathy with the victims of
Islamophobic attacks anywhere in the world.
“It
also underscores the importance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia
in drawing attention to the culture of tolerance and peace on the basis of
respect for human rights and diversity of religions and beliefs at all levels,”
Iravani noted.
On
March 15, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 76/254, designating
March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
The
resolution invites all member states, relevant organizations of the United
Nations, other international and regional organizations, and civil society,
private sector and faith-based organizations to observe the international day
in an appropriate manner.
It
recognizes “with deep concern an overall rise in instances of discrimination,
intolerance and violence, regardless of the actors, directed against members of
many religious and other communities.”
The
resolution maintains that terrorism “cannot and should not be associated with
any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group," and calls for
"strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the
promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels.”
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000130/Spkesman-Underscres-Failre-f-Iranphbia-Plicy
--------
Iranian
President: Israeli Crimes Sign of Decline, Desperation
2023-April-10
President
Rayeesi made the remarks in a telephone coversation with his Syrian counterpart
Bashar Al-Assad on Sunday amid intensification of the Zionist regime's
aggression against the Palestinian people.
"The
crimes of this regime (Israel) are a sign of its weakness and desperation and
it is proof that the future is bright and promising for the resistance
front," Rayeesi stated.
The
Iranian president also underscored the importance of respecting Syria's
territorial integrity.
Assad,
for his part, said Damascus and Tehran have successfully resisted against
common enemies over the past four decades.
The
Syrian president added that signs of the Israeli regime's collapse are evident
which is the result of the Palestinian people's resistance.
Israeli
troops stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on successive days
last week, firing tear gas and stun grenades and preventing Palestinian
worshippers from entering the mosque for dawn prayers. Israeli troops also beat
worshipers with batons and riot guns, wounding many, before arresting hundreds.
Several
Muslim countries and organizations have strongly condemned the latest
aggression, calling on international bodies to stop Israeli crimes and protect
the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
In
response to the Israeli aggression, dozens of rockets were fired towards the
occupied territories from Southern Lebanon on Thursday, with the Zionist regime
targeting the Gaza Strip and Lebanon on Friday.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran's
Military Chief Downplays Israeli War Rhetoric
2023-April-10
Maj.
Gen. Mousavi stated on Monday the Israeli military, which heavily relies on
sophisticated Western-built munitions, is no match for Iran’s Armed Forces,
dismissing hostile remarks by the Israeli Army’s Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi,
that Tel Aviv is ready to attack Iran even without US support.
He
underscored that such comments are merely meant to boost the morale of the
Israeli soldiers and fix the internal problems of the regime.
“Anyone
already familiar with the military capabilities of both sides knows well that
the updated size and scale of the Zionist regime’s military would maximally
correspond only to one of the plentiful operations that Iran’s Armed Forces
undertook during the 1980-1988 Iraqi-imposed war on the Islamic Republic,” the
chief commander of the Iranian Army stated.
“The
Zionist regime, which is sinking and the signs of its collapse are now becoming
more evident than before, is too feeble to be viewed as a threat to the Islamic
Republic of Iran. The actions of its leaders, which are far from rationality
and prudence, will only accelerate the downfall of the regime,” the top General
added.
Iranian
officials have warned that any mistake by the US and Israel will be met with
Tehran's crushing and decisive response. They say Washington and Tel Aviv are
well aware of Tehran’s capabilities and capacities, and caution that Tehran
does not compromise or joke with its national security.
Iran
says the Israeli regime is just playing mouth as it lacks the power and needed
capability to take real action against Tehran, but, meantime warns that it
won't be hesitant to devastate Israel in case of the slightest move by Zionist
regime.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000453/Iran's-Miliary-Chief-Dwnplays-Israeli-War-Rheric
--------
Spokesman:
Iran to Send Delegation to Saudi Arabia for Mission Reopening
2023-April-10
Kana'ani
told reporters on Monday that in line with a recent deal between Tehran and
Riyadh to restore diplomatic ties, a Saudi delegation arrived in Iran on
Saturday and is now pursuing the reopening of their embassy in Tehran and their
consulate in Mashhad.
According
to the same accord, an Iranian delegation will visit Saudi Arabia to pave the
way for reopening Tehran’s embassy and consulate in the Arab country as well as
the Iranian representative office to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) in Jeddah, the spokesperson added, addressing the press in his weekly
conference.
Iran
and Saudi Arabia announced on March 10 a Chinese-brokered deal to restore ties
seven years after they were severed. In a joint statement after signing the
agreement, Tehran and Riyadh highlighted the need to respect each others’
national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of
one another.
On
Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met in China in the first formal meeting of
the two countries’ top diplomats in seven years.
Iranian
President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi has also accepted an invitation from Saudi
Arabia’s King Salman to visit the kingdom.
Touching
on recent political initiatives to end Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen, Kana’ani
said Iran supports the extension of a truce that would lead to the lifting of
the blockade on the impoverished country and the sending of humanitarian aid to
its people.
“Since
the beginning of this crisis, the Islamic Republic of Iran … has emphasized
that the only solution is a political one with the presence of all Yemeni sides
to decide the fate of the country and the formation of a government in line
with the interests of the Yemeni nation,” he added.
The
Iranian spokesman also noted that Tehran has helped the Omani government pursue
peace plans regarding the Yemen conflict. He stressed that Iran will play a
role wherever the Yemeni parties, regional sides or the UN need it as a
facilitator.
“Given
new conditions in the region, we hope to witness a sustainable ceasefire and …
a stable political process … with the participation of all Yemeni parties, in a
way that Yemen’s interests and security and those of neighboring countries are
safeguarded,” the senior official continued.
On
Sunday, Saudi and Omani envoys held talks with officials from Yemen’s
Ansarullah resistance movement in Sana’a as part of preparations for
negotiations to reach a final ceasefire agreement to end the eight-year Saudi
war.
Saudi
Arabia launched a devastating war on Yemen in March 2015 in collaboration with
its Arab allies and with arms and logistics support from the US, the UK and
other Western states.
The
objective was to reinstall the Riyadh-friendly regime of Abd Rabbuh Mansur
Hadi, and crush the Ansarullah resistance movement, which has been running
state affairs in the absence of a functional government in Yemen.
While
the Saudi-led coalition has failed to meet its objectives, the war has killed
hundreds of thousands of Yemenis and spawned the world’s worst humanitarian
crisis.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran:
Pentagon Movements in West Asia Part of US Struggling to Conceal Defeats
2023-April-10
Kana'ani
made the remarks in reaction to a decision by the US to send a nuclear-powered
guided-missile submarine to the region and its relocation of a warship in the
Mediterranean to the coast near Syria.
"Periodical
reports about [the US] dispatching a submarine, moving warships or sending
bombers to West Asia, under conditions when the new regional equations point to
the emergence of a new order in which there is no need to extra-regional
military forces, are part of the US government's attempt to cover up the
decline of its global power," the spokesperson wrote on Twitter on Sunday.
"Through
frequent warmongering and [efforts to] foment instability and discord in the
West Asia region, the American regime is moving against the will of regional
nations," the senior official emphasized.
"Washington
had better come to grips with the new realities [on the ground] and refrain
from any effort to intervene in the West Asia region and the Persian Gulf in
line with the interests of the shaky Zionist regime," he concluded.
Last
Monday, the US announced it is relocating an aircraft carrier in the
Mediterranean to the coast near Syria as tensions are rising between Tehran and
Washington over fatal attacks on Iranian military advisors in the war-ravaged
country.
The
Pentagon's deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, has stated that the
relocation of the carrier was in response to what she claimed to be increasing
attacks on American service members in the region.
On
Saturday, the US military announced it has deployed a cruise-missile submarine
in the Middle East, boosting its naval fleet in the region amid rising tensions
with Tehran.
Military
officials have warned that any mistake by the US and Israel will be met with
Tehran's firm response. Iranian officials say Washington and Tel Aviv are well
aware of Tehran’s capabilities and capacities, and caution that Tehran does not
compromise or joke with its national security. They stress the Iranian Armed
Forces’ deterrent power dissuades the United States and Israel from
implementing its threats against the country.
Tehran
has repeatedly cautioned that any plan aimed at increasing US presence in the
Middle East will only foment insecurity and instability and spread terrorism,
urging the neighboring countries to be extremely vigilant about any US-Israeli
plan that clearly aims to disturb the stability and order of the region.
Iranian
officials have repeatedly underlined the necessity for the settlement of the
crises and problems in the region through collective cooperation among the
regional states, and underscored that the presence of foreigners is harmful.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
One
Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in West Bank raid: Health ministry
10
April ,2023
Israeli
forces killed one Palestinian and injured two others in a raid on a refugee
camp near Jericho in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Palestinian health
ministry said.
The
Israeli army said its forces were operating in the Aqabat Jaber camp near
Jericho, without providing further details.
In
a brief statement, the Palestinian ministry confirmed that one person had been
killed “by occupation [Israeli] bullets in Jericho.”
It
had earlier said that “two people were injured by live bullets in the lower
extremities” and taken to hospital.
The
Palestinian Red Crescent said it had transferred one person to hospital with a
bullet wound to the head.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Southeast
Asia
With
draft law on Muslim prayer rooms, Filipino legislator seeks to attract Middle
East tourists
April
10, 2023
MANILA:
A new bill seeking to establish Muslim prayer rooms in public and private
facilities across the Philippines is aimed at attracting more tourists from the
Middle East, a Filipino lawmaker told Arab News recently.
In
the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Muslims constitute roughly 5 percent of
its nearly 110 million people. Most members of the sizable minority live on the
island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the country’s south, as well as
in the central-western province of Palawan.
The
bill was filed in the Philippine Congress on Feb. 8 by lawmaker MujivHataman
from Basilan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region — an autonomous, largely
Muslim area of the southwestern portion of the island of Mindanao.
The
proposed legislation No. 7117 seeks to mandate the allocation of at least one
Muslim prayer room in every public facility, including airports, transport
terminals, hospitals, military camps, as well as privately-owned malls,
factories, and other big business establishments.
For
Muslims, such prayer rooms are “imperative for the free exercise of their
Islamic faith,” Hataman said in a note accompanying the bill’s introduction,
arguing they should therefore be available in facilities intended for public
use.
But
there is also an economic factor to consider, Hataman told Arab News in an
exclusive interview, as such prayer rooms may attract international Muslim
travelers.
“There
are a lot of Muslim businessmen and travelers,” Hataman said.
“One
of the things that encouraged me to file a bill (is) so that we can also
attract more visitors because we also have many friends who visit us and sometimes
that’s one of their problems, finding halal restaurants and prayer rooms.”
“Middle
Eastern visitors, like during this time of Ramadan, many of them choose to go
to Malaysia and Indonesia because of the availability of prayer rooms and they
also have a strong halal industry,” he said.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284446/world
--------
PermatangPauh
MP gives statement to cops over alleged anti-non-Muslim remarks
10
Apr 2023
BUKIT
MERTAJAM, April 10 — PermatangPauh member of parliament Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad
Jan has given his statement to police over investigations into his alleged
inflammatory statements against non-Muslims.
Muhammad
Fawwaz said that he gave his statement at the North-East district police
headquarters at 3pm last Friday.
“The
issue is under police investigation. I have given my statement so let the
police investigate. Insya-Allah, there’s nothing to it.
“I
do not want to comment any further as the case is under investigation. I can’t
even remember myself when the posting was made and when it was taken down by my
Facebook administrator. There’s nothing to this issue actually, it was deliberately
raised. It is not a new issue,” he said when contacted today.
Yesterday,
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the police and the Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have opened investigation
papers on statements allegedly issued by two members of parliament deemed
prejudiced against non-Muslims.
Besides
Muhammad Fawwaz, who is Penang PAS youth chief, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul
Hadi Awang is also being investigated.
Both
MPs are being investigated under Section 505 © of the Penal Code for issuing
statements with intent to incite and Section 233 of the Communications and
Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
In
a Facebook post in January, Muhammad Fawwaz was alleged to have claimed that
infidels were working towards bringing down Islam.
Source:
MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
PM
Anwar: Al-Azhar University alumni the fortress of Islamic faith
08
Apr 2023
KUALA
LUMPUR, April 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Islamic
education, understanding and ‘fikrah’ (philosophy of thinking) pioneered by the
alumni of Al-Azhar University, Egypt have become the fortress of the Islamic
faith.
In
a video message in conjunction with today’s International Day of Al-Azhar
celebration, he said it has become a tradition for the most prestigious university
for Islamic learning to produce scholars who make great contributions not only
to Malaysia but the whole world.
Anwar
said that he hoped Al-Azhar University scholars would be able to continue to
expand the preaching of awareness and the filling of knowledge, especially
among the Madani community.
“That’s
why at Seri Perdana, I organise events attended by either sheikh who are from
Al-Azhar or mufti or scholars, the majority of whom are graduates or alumni of
Al-Azhar,” he said.
The
International Day of Al-Azhar was organised by the World Organisation for
Al-Azhar Graduates (WOAG Malaysia) at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Mosque
here.
Anwar
also expressed his appreciation for the success of WOAG in organising the event
and launching the book entitled ‘MemahamiPemikiranMelampau’ (Understanding
Extreme Thinking).
The
Prime Minister also prayed that the event could raise the dignity of Muslims
through cultural intelligence and literacy based on understanding of Islam.
Source:
MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
North
America
Suspect
arrested in knife attack on New Jersey imam during Fajr prayers
RAY
HANANIA
April
11, 2023
CHICAGO:
The imam of a New Jersey Mosque was seriously injured during a knife attack
early on Sunday morning by a suspect who joined some 200 worshippers for Fajr
prayers.
Paterson,
New Jersey prosecutors said that the victim, Imam Sayed Elnakib, 65, of the
Omar mosque, 501 Getty Avenue, was attacked by a suspect who had knelt with
other worshippers during the prayers in the mosque. Imam Elnakib was
immediately taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for
treatment of “non-fatal” injuries.
The
prosecutor’s office said that the suspect was immediately restrained at the
mosque. He was identified as 32-year-old Serif Zorba. Worshippers said that
Zorba had been to the mosque many times but was not a member of it.
Zorba
rushed at Imam Elnakib while he was leading the prayers at about 5:37 a.m.
After stabbing Imam Elnakib several times, Zorba turned to escape by running
through worshippers who police said immediately subdued and held him until
police arrived.
“Upon
arrival, police officers encountered a 32-year-old suspect inside of the mosque
who was subdued by congregants,” said Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M.
Valdes.
“Mr.
Zorba is charged with attempted murder, first degree; possession of a weapon
for an unlawful purpose, third degree; and unlawful possession of a weapon,
fourth degree.”
Valdes
said that if convicted, Zorba could face up to 20 years in prison. “The
sentencing exposure for Serif Zorba on first degree attempted murder is 10 to
20 years at a New Jersey state prison with 85 percent of the term to be served
before parole eligibility, pursuant to the ‘no early release act’ and five
years of parole supervision upon release.”
The
charges for unlawful possession of a weapon could add an additional six years
to the sentence, the prosecutor’s office said.
Zorba
appeared at Central Judicial Processing Court in Paterson on Monday afternoon
where the charges were formally filed and “pretrial detention” was granted,
denying the suspect bail release.
The
hearing was held before the New Jersey superior court judge.
Imam
Elnakib is married and the father of three boys. He is expected to make a full
recovery, police said.
Paterson
Mayor Andre Sayegh, who is Roman Catholic and Arab American, visited Imam
Elnakib at the hospital on Monday morning, city officials said.
Sayegh
told reporters at a press conference that he would assign additional police to
all the mosques in the region to ensure people’s safety in the remaining days
of Ramadan.
“You
should not be afraid to pray, you should feel safe to pray,” Sayegh said.
Paterson
Council member, Al Abdel-aziz, joined worshippers at the mosque on Sunday night
to pray for the imam’s health and full recovery.
“I
was deeply saddened to hear about the stabbing incident that took place during
prayer at Omar’s mosque earlier this morning, and my heart goes out to everyone
affected by this tragic event,” councilman Abdel-aziz wrote on his Facebook
page.
“While
it is unclear what motivated the attacker, there is no justification for
violence of any kind, especially in a sacred space.
I
am relieved to hear that Imam Sayed Elnakib is in stable condition, and wish
him a full and speedy recovery. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are
with him and his family during this difficult time.”
Councilman
Al-Abdel-aziz added: “As a community, it is important that we come together to
support one another and denounce all forms of hate and violence. I encourage
everyone to reach out to each other for comfort and support, and to work toward
creating a safe and welcoming environment for all who enter your mosque.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284731/world
--------
Pakistan
Four
dead, 18 injured as blast rocks Pakistan’s Quetta
Apr
11, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
At least four people, including two policemen, were killed and 18 injured in a
blast in Quetta, the provincial capital of Pakistan’s volatile southwestern
Balochistan province, on Monday. This was the second attack on police in
Balochistan in less than 24 hours after two cops were gunned down by unknown
assailants in Killi Spine area of the province’s Kuchlak district.
The
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility
for the attack, saying two police officers were killed because of their
involvement “in inhumane treatment of Baloch civilians under the pretext of
investigations”.
Senior
security officials said the target of Monday’s blast was a police vehicle. “The
explosives planted in a motorcycle were detonated by remote control,” said
Zohaib Mohsin, senior superintendent of police. He said the deceased included a
minor girl while women and children were among the injured.
“According
to initial information, three to four kilos of explosives were used in the
blast,” the police official said, adding, “Due to the blast, two vehicles,
including the police van, were damaged.” TV footage showed a damaged police
automobile surrounded by several personnel.
Last
week, the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan’s top decision-making
body for national security and major foreign policy matters, had decided at a
high-level meeting to kick start an all-out comprehensive operation against
militant outfits.
For
the past few months, Pakistan has been gripped by a spate of terror attacks
with even the country’s bigger urban centres such as Karachi and Peshawar under
the radar of militants targeting security forces.
Source:
Times Of India
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
'Ruler
of a Gulf nation cautioned me of Gen Bajwa's conspiracy to oust my government':
Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan
Apr
10, 2023
LAHORE:
A year after his ouster as the prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan on Monday
said that he was cautioned by the ruler of a Gulf nation last year that the
then Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was conspiring to topple his government.
Last
year in April, Khan was ousted as the prime minister of Pakistan and his
government toppled through a no-confidence motion brought in Parliament by the
opposition parties led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
On
Sunday, Khan, who is the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), issued a
white paper on the one-year performance of the PML-N-led coalition and termed
it the worst in the country's history.
"Before
the no-confidence motion against me was tabled in April last year, the ruler of
a Gulf country told me that my Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was conspiring
against my government to get his extension (from the PML-N and its allies).
Bajwa was a mastermind of this conspiracy," Khan claimed.
He
criticised Bajwa for destroying Pakistan merely for his extension which he
could not get despite a promise by (prime minister) Shehbaz Sharif.
"Things
have revealed later that the conspiracy to overthrow my government was not
hatched by the US. Gen Bajwa hired former envoy to US Hussain Haqqani to launch
propaganda that Gen Bajwa was pro-America and Imran Khan was
anti-America," Khan said.
Following
his removal, Khan had initially blamed the US for playing a role in his
government's toppling.
However,
later he held Gen. Bajwa responsible for the 'conspiracy' which resulted in his
ouster.
Months
before his retirement in November last year, Gen Bajwa had repeatedly said that
he was not seeking another extension in service. He also made it clear that the
Pakistan Army has decided to distance itself from the country's politics.
While
Khan did not precisely take any Gulf leader's name, he last month said that
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is still in contact with him.
Talking
about the current status of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, Khan
said that the PML-N-led government destroyed the economy, attacked free speech
and media, and imposed restrictions through “unidentified people," a
reference to the powerful intelligence agencies.
He
also talked about the ban on his speeches and media interviews.
Khan
said that during its one-year rule, the PML-N-led coalition government also
desecrated the fundamental rights of people by unleashing torture on PTI
leaders and workers.
In
his message during the release of the white paper, the
cricketer-turned-politician said that his message to the “all-powerful Army
chief Gen Asim Munir” and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif that Pakistan's
biggest political party (PTI) could not be crushed by "violence, torture,
and harassment tactics".
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
President
Alvi exhorts political leadership to sit together for country’s future
MATEEN
HAIDER
April
11, 2023
ISLAMABAD -
President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday said that considering the current
challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, it was imperative to draw strength from
the Islamic values and qualities.
The
president said that besides, focusing on economic stability, the Muslim
countries should also concentrate on seeking the knowledge, enabling them to
address the contemporary challenges. The president was addressing at
Paigham-e-Islam Conference as a chief guest.
The
event was attended by a large number of ambassadors, ulema, parliamentarians
and scholars. He further emphasized that all political leadership of the
country should show magnanimity by burying their bitterness and come forward
for the country’s progress and prosperity. Pakistan was once a fast-developing
country in the region, but now other countries were leading the path which
required serious retrospection, he opined. The president said that he was
appalled at the spectacles of macabre aggression and violence unleashed on the
innocent people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and
Palestine.
A
danger of genocide was lurking over the Muslims in India as the mosques were
being demolished with suppressed religious identity and freedom, he added. He
said that it was indeed a difficult time for the Muslim Ummah, but he was
optimistic that through collective efforts, cooperation and unity, they would
overcome all these challenges. The president further regretted that from human
history, it was evident that mankind had not learnt from its bitter
experiences of wrangling and tussles. The human race had witnessed large-scale
massacre.
He
said the teachings of the Holy Quran were eternal in nature which provided
guidance to the human beings. The president stressed upon the teaching of
certain Islamic values to the coming generations including the supreme quality
of forgiveness, adding our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was an embodiment
of this quality who forgave all his tormentors.
Source:
Nation Pakistan
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
ECP
seeks changes to elections law to save ‘eroding writ’
Iftikhar
A. Khan
April
11, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
Raising alarm over judicial overbearing diluting its writ, the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed legislation to do away with
president’s role in determining date for general polls.
Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja has written letters to National
Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani,
proposing amendments to Sections 57 (1) and 58 of the Elections Act, 2017,
sources told Dawn.
Letters
on similar lines, signed by ECP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, were also sent to the
principal secretary to the prime minister and secretary for parliamentary
affairs.
Under
the proposed amendments, the ECP wants its power back to announce and alter
election schedule at any stage without any intervention by a third party.
“Section
11 of the original (peoples’ representation) Act of 1976 empowered the
Commission to announce poll date unilaterally without any trace of intervention
by a third party. The Section was amended through Ordinance No. 11 of 1985
(12.1.1985) with the sole object to create the role of the President to hold
the elections at the whims of one man,” say the identical letters, seen by
Dawn.
CEC
asks NA speaker, Senate chairman to end president’s role in setting poll date;
blames ‘judicial overbearing’ for hampering commission’s work
“The
role of the president to appoint a date for poll in case of dissolution of the
National Assembly on the advice of the prime minister or the dissolution of the
National Assembly on expiry of the term, is not supported by any constitutional
provision,” one of the letters points out.
Amendment
to Section 11 of ROPA 1976 introduced in 1985 was subsequently replicated in
Section 57 of the Elections Act, 2017. Therefore, Section 57(1) of the Act to
the extent of role of the president to announce poll date is against the spirit
of the constitution and ultra vires of proviso of Article 222, as it has
abridged and taken away the ECP powers mandated under Article 218(3) and 219.
It said supplanting the amendments resulted in dilution of the authority of the
constitutional mandate vested in the ECP on account of Article 218(3).
It
mentions that the Supreme Court, while interpreting Article 224(2), held that
the conduct of general elections within 90 days was a constitutional
imperative.
“It
is settled and trite law that Constitution shall be read as a whole document
for harmonious interpretation and no provision should be read in isolation,
lest it may result in redundancy of some other important provision of the
Constitution. However, due weightage has not been given to another
constitutional imperative provided in Article 218(3) which, if not implemented
in letter and spirit, may result in abnegation of the standards set under it,”
it says.
The
CEC said conduct of election was dependent upon the necessary arrangements to
be made by the ECP to ensure that the standards of honesty, justness, fairness
provided in Article 218(3) are met.
ECP
writ
The
CEC noted the March 1 and April 5 judgements divested the ECP of its
constitutional powers to determine as to whether conducive environment in fact
and circumstances, existed for the conduct of elections in a given time, to
meet the standards mentioned in Article 218(3) in letter and spirit.
He
argued that the writ of the ECP had systematically been challenged on several
occasions. “In practice, ECP’s authority has been eroded,” he remarked.
He
cited the examples of the case involving mysterious disappearance of 20
presiding officers during Daska by-polls in February 2021 and the contempt
proceedings initiated by the ECP against PTI leaders and suspension of its
orders by high courts, effectively binding ECP’s hands in the face of brazen
attacks. The ECP writ was compromised severely, he added.
Currently,
when Punjab elections were around the corner and civil servants have been
appointed as district returning officers, returning officers and assistant
returning officers, why they would look up to the ECP in such circumstances,
the CEC wondered.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1747062/ecp-seeks-changes-to-elections-law-to-save-eroding-writ
--------
News
presenter generated with AI appears in Kuwait
April
11, 2023
KUWAIT
CITY: A Kuwaiti media outlet has unveiled a virtual news presenter generated
using artificial intelligence, with plans for it to read online bulletins.
“Fedha”
appeared on the Twitter account of the Kuwait News website as an image of a
woman, her light-coloured hair uncovered, wearing a black jacket and white
T-shirt.
“I’m
Fedha, the first presenter in Kuwait who works with artificial intelligence at
Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let’s hear your opinions,” she
said in classical Arabic.
The
site is affiliated with the Kuwait Times, founded in 1961 as the Gulf region’s
first English-language daily.
Abdullah
Boftain, deputy editor in chief for both outlets, said the move is a test of
AI’s potential to offer “new and innovative content”.
In
future Fedha could adopt the Kuwaiti accent and present news bulletins on the
site’s Twitter account, which has 1.2 million followers, he said.
“Fedha
is a popular, old Kuwaiti name that refers to silver, the metal. We always
imagine robots to be silver and metallic in colour, so we combined the two,”
Boftain said.
The
presenter’s blonde hair and light-coloured eyes reflect the oil-rich country’s
diverse population of Kuwaitis and expatriates, according to Boftain.
“Fedha
represents everyone,” he said.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1747043/news-presenter-generated-with-ai-appears-in-kuwait
--------
Tirah
tribesmen protest ‘armed intrusion’ of peace committee
Ibrahim
Shinwari
April
11, 2023
KHYBER:
The residents of Tirah took serious exception to ‘unauthorised intrusion’ of an
armed group from Bazaar-Zakhakhel area into the valley to spread fear among
them with open display of lethal weapons.
Scores
of Tirah residents, who were holding white flags, held a protest demonstration
at Lar-Bagh Malakdinkhel Markaz, the valley’s main business centre. They also
chanted slogans against the law enforcement agencies for their failure to stop
armed men from entering the local market and roaming around in different parts
of the valley.
Speakers
in the protest demonstration questioned as to how scores of armed men managed
to enter Tirah while locals could not carry even a knife while passing through
various checkposts.
They
said that they would not allow anyone to disturb the hard earned peace of Tirah
at any cost no matter how powerful those people were.
Say
they will not allow anyone to disturb hard-earned peace in the area
A
group of the protesting tribal elders later met with the local security
officials and convey to them their serious reservations about the entry of
armed men belonging to a so-called peace committee from Bazaar-Zakhakhel area
into the valley.
A
local elder, who was present on the occasion, told Dawn that the security
officials termed the ‘incident’ a misunderstanding as they too were conveyed a
message that the Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee activists would come to Tirah
without arms.
The
elders, who wished not to be named, said that security officials promised that
the matter would be discussed at ‘high’ level and would ensure that no such
incident took place again.
Earlier,
on Monday evening, video clips of heavily armed Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace
committee volunteers went viral on social media that invited immediate anger
and resentment of Tirah and Bara residents.
At
first sight, local residents mistook the armed men as Taliban while a local
resident, filming their ‘parade’ at Lar-Bagh Markaz and speaking in the back
ground, said that Taliban had once again entered Tirah.
Sources
in Tirah told Dawn by telephone that more than 24 armed men affiliated with the
so-called Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee had come to Tirah to settle an issue
related to narcotics trade.
They
said that the armed men had not informed local elders about their visit to the
valley, which was a violation of the local customs and traditions.
Haji
Sher Mohammad, president of TirahTajir Union, too was not happy with the open
display of sophisticated weapons by the Zakhakhel armed men at local market
place. He said that the unlawful action had both angered and disappointed
locals in general and traders in particular.
He
said that such brazen display of weapons by an armed group could again disturb
the peace of the valley while their trade would also be affected as Eidul Fitr
was approaching.
He
said that people of Tirah reserved the right to question the ability of the law
enforcement agencies for their failure to check the unauthorised movement of
such armed groups.
The
so-called Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee is a splinter group of banned
Lashkar-i-Islam, which was considered a sign of terror in Khyber from 2005 to
2012.
The
group dissociated itself from LI around 2007-8 after developing differences
with its chief Mangal Bagh and named itself as Tauheedul Islam. The two rival
groups then fought some fierce battles against each other, which claimed lives
of more than 100 people from both sides.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1746989/tirah-tribesmen-protest-armed-intrusion-of-peace-committee
--------
South
Asia
Turkey
Deports 365 Undocumented Afghan Migrants
By
Fidel Rahmati
April
10, 2023
365
Afghan migrants were reportedly deported in the previous two days from Turkey.
Turkish
media reported on Monday that 365 illegal migrants who were recently deported
from Turkey, 138 of them on Saturday and 277 of them on Sunday, arrived at
Kabul from Aghra City by an Afghan plane.
Earlier
in January, over 68290 Afghan nationals were deported from Turkey, out of
124,441 illegal immigrants during the past year, said the General Directorate
of Migration in Turkey.
Most
Refugees flee the country due to the fear of prosecution, security threats,
poor economic and unemployment.
Since
the return of the Taliban to power, most Afghan refugees have immigrated to
neighbouring countries, including Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, due to economic
purposed or to flee from prosecution by the de facto regime.
Most
Afghan immigrants chose illegal entry, and after they arrived at their
destination, after months of uncertainty, they must now live in fear of being
forcibly deported and imprisoned.
Similarly,
Iran and Pakistan also deport Afghan refugees or put them in jail due to a lack
of travel documents. Meanwhile, Pakistan has imprisoned hundreds of Afghan
refugees, including women and children, and even the matter was viral on social
media.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/turkey-deports-365-undocumented-afghan-migrants/
--------
Afghanistan
ranks fourth on list of countries with highest crime rate in 2023
10
April, 2023
Kabul
[Afghanistan], April 10 (ANI): Afghanistan is ranked fourth on the list of
countries with the highest crime rate in 2023, according to the World
Population Review (WPR), Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.
The
country has the fourth-highest crime rate. More than 76 crimes are committed in
Afghanistan for every 100,000 people.
The
crime has various forms, including corruption, assassinations, drug
trafficking, kidnapping and money laundering.
Afghanistan
in 2020 provided 85 per cent of the illicit opium consumed worldwide, the
report claimed.
The
report also added that since the Taliban regained control of the Country in
2021, despite their promise to eliminate the opium industry, it will be
difficult since it is such a vital part of the Country’s struggling economy,
Khaama Press reported.
The
report also said that the other form of crimes could be robbery and assault due
to the high unemployment rate in the country.
Venezuela,
Papua New Guinea, and South Africa lead Afghanistan as the countries with the
first, second and third highest crime rates respectively.
As
per Khaama Press, the total number of crimes of any kind reported divided by
the total population, then multiplied by 100,000, yields the overall crime rate
(because the crime rate is typically reported as X number of crimes per 100,000
people).
Source:
ThePrint
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
4.6
Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Hindu Kush, Afghanistan
By
Fidel Rahmati
April
11, 2023
An
earthquake of 4.6 magnitudes jolted the Hindu Kush region, 30 km Jurm district
of Badakhshan, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, reported by US Geological Survey.
According
to the US Geological Survey, the tremor of 4.6 magnitudes occurred at 8:07 am
local time on Tuesday with the epicentre of the Hindu Kush region of
Afghanistan, 30 km Jurm district of Badakhshan.
This
is the fifth earthquake within the past seven days in the northeast province of
Afghanistan Badakhshan.
No
causalities have been reported so far.
The
frequency of natural disasters, notably earthquakes, has increased the worry of
local people and the need to be cautious.
The
region is seismologically active and prone to natural disasters since it is
approximate to the Chamman fault.
Last
month, a strong earthquake hit Afghanistan and Pakistan with a magnitude of
6.5, killing at least 19 people and more than 200 injured.
The
earthquake had financial damages, destroyed more than 656 residential
buildings, and triggered landslides.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/4-6-magnitude-earthquake-rocks-hindu-kush-afghanistan/
--------
Arab
World
Egyptian
minister to visit Turkey as ties improve: Ankara
10
April ,2023
Egypt's
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is likely to visit Turkey again this week, the
government in Ankara said on Monday, adding that progress could be made towards
reinstatement of envoys after relations ended a decade ago.
Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster A Haber that his
counterpart would come soon, hopefully this week, with details to be given on
Wednesday.
“It
is time to take concrete steps,” he said. “During Shoukry's visit, we can take
steps to appoint ambassadors.”
Cavusoglu
visited Cairo last month, a decade after diplomatic links were cut by the
overthrow of Egypt's then president and Ankara's ally Mohamed Mursi.
Shoukry
also visited Turkey two weeks ago to show solidarity after the massive
earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
Shoukry
said last month talks with Turkey on the possibility of restoring ambassadors
would happen at the appropriate time.
Consultations
between senior foreign ministry officials in Ankara and Cairo began in 2021 as
Turkey sought better ties with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia
and Israel.
But
normalization between Ankara and Cairo accelerated after Egypt's President
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan shook hands in
Doha at the World Cup.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Saudi
envoy says in Yemen’s rebel-held capital to ‘stabilize’ truce
10
April ,2023
Saudi
Arabia's ambassador to Yemen said on Monday he had travelled to the country's
Houthi-held capital to strengthen a truce and push dialogue that could end the
country's eight-year-old war.
“I
visit Sanaa along with a delegation from the brotherly Sultanate of Oman to
stabilize the truce and ceasefire,” Mohammed Al-Jaber said on Twitter in the
first official comment from Saudi authorities about the trip.
He
added that he also wants to “support the prisoner exchange process and explore
venues of dialogue between Yemeni components to reach a sustainable,
comprehensive political solution.”
The
Saudi delegation's visit to Sanaa is part of a flurry of diplomatic activity to
end the conflict pitting the Iran-backed Houthis against the internationally
recognized government which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
A
truce announced roughly a year ago has significantly reduced active hostilities
within Yemen, and is still largely respected even though it officially expired
in October.
A
Yemeni government source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said at
the weekend that the Saudis and Houthis had agreed in principle on a new
six-month truce to pave the way for talks on establishing a two-year
“transition”.
On
Sunday, Houthi media showed Al-Jaber shaking hands with the rebels' political
leader, Mahdi al-Mashat.
Saudi
officials have not provided details or responded to requests for comment about
the meetings in Sanaa, which the Houthis seized in 2014.
A
surprise rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China and
announced a month ago, has fuelled hopes for a cessation of fighting that has
claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and triggered what the United Nations
has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Yemen
government supports fresh Saudi peace efforts
SAEED
AL-BATATI
April
10, 2023
AL-MUKALLA:
The internationally recognized government of Yemen has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s
extensive diplomatic efforts to end more than eight years of war between the
government and Houthi militia.
Muammar
Al-Eryani, Yemen’s minister of information, said that his government applauds
Saudi efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and restore peace and stability in
the country, and that it would support any peace initiative that would end the
suffering of Yemenis.
“We
express our appreciation for the exceptional efforts made by the brothers in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to bring peace to Yemen, as well as our full
support for their efforts to achieve peace in the region and move it from a
stage of conflicts and internal strife to one of stability and security,” the
Yemeni minister said.
He
added that the Arab coalition military intervention in Yemen in March 2015 had
put a halt to Houthi military advances and shifted the balance of power in the
government’s favor, allowing them to expel Houthi forces from about 80 percent
of Yemeni territory.
In
addition to military assistance to the Yemeni government, Al-Eryani said that
for more than a decade, Saudi Arabia sponsored the GCC peace initiative — which
resulted in the resignation of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh — sponsored
many rounds of peace talks between political parties in Yemen, offered a peace
initiative in 2021 to end the war, supported Yemeni-Yemeni consultations in
Riyadh in 2022 and injected billions of dollars into the Yemeni economy.
“We
greatly value the political, economic, and humanitarian assistance provided to
the Yemeni government and people by the Saudi-led Legitimacy Support
Coalition.”
The
Yemeni minister’s remarks were made after the Saudi ambassador to the country,
Mohammed Al-Jaber, met on Sunday with Houthi leader Mahdi Al-Mashat in Sanaa to
discuss the final text of a peace agreement to end the conflict.
The
proposal contains a six-month extension to the UN-brokered truce, an end to all
combat on all fronts, direct UN-sponsored negotiations between the Yemeni
government and the Houthis and a two-year transitional period. After approval
by the Yemeni government, delegates from Oman and Saudi Arabia who arrived in
Sanaa over the weekend brought the proposal before top Houthi officials.
Meanwhile,
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday reaffirmed Iran’s
support for extending the truce in Yemen and ending the war, expressing hope
that his country’s reconciliation with Saudi Arabia will open a path to peace.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284596/middle-east
--------
Saudi
authorities brace for rain in Makkah during last 10 days of Ramadan
April
11, 2023
JEDDAH:
Authorities in Saudi Arabia said that they were implementing “emergency plans
to confront the rain” in the holy city of Makkah, amid early preparations to
ensure the safety and security of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque during the
last ten days of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The
General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the
Environmental Protection Services and Achievement Agency, in cooperation with
other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, recruited more than 200
supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and used more than 500 pieces of
equipment to deal with the rain that swept the Grand Mosque on Monday.
The
General President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Abdulrahman
Al-Sudais, directed the Agency for Security, Safety, Confrontation of
Emergencies and Risks to prepare and activate field plans to confront the rain
in preparation for the rainy situation that had been forecast by the National
Center of Meteorology.
The
center warned of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and dust, with hail
showers that could lead to torrential rains in several parts of the Kingdom,
including Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders
region, Hail, Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Qassim, Riyadh and the southern parts of
the Eastern Province.
It
also warned of the need for caution, particularly due to the high numbers of
pilgrims and worshippers visiting the holy capital during Ramadan, the number
of which has exceeded 950,000 since the start of the month, according to the
Saudi Press Agency on Monday.
Al-Sudais
stressed the importance of exerting maximum efforts, harnessing all
capabilities and adhering to alertness and readiness to ensure the safety of
pilgrims and worshipers, efficient cooperation with all relevant authorities,
and intensifying the efforts of the presidential agencies operating in the
Grand mosque.
The
National Center of Meteorology later on Monday issued an “advanced alert” for
the continuing dust situation over a number of governorates in the Makkah
region, accompanied by active surface winds, almost zero visibility, and high
waves over the coastal areas.
The
center said that those areas affected included the holy capital, Jeddah,
Jamoum, and Bahra, in addition to open areas and highways, adding that it would
begin from 9:00 a.m on Tuesday and continue until 3:00 p.m..
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284756/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
ambassador to Yemen says talks with Houthis aim to revive Yemeni ceasefire
April
10, 2023
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber said recent talks held with
the Houthis in Sanaa aimed to revive a ceasefire and end conflict in the
country.
“Continuing
the Kingdom’s efforts to end the Yemeni crisis, and in support (of) the Saudi
Initiative of 2021 to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, I visit
Sanaa along with a delegation from the brotherly Sultanate of Oman to stabilize
the truce and ceasefire,” Al-Jaber tweeted on Monday.
A
truce announced roughly a year ago has significantly reduced active hostilities
within Yemen, and is still largely respected even though it officially expired
in October.
The
envoy said he also wants to “support the prisoner exchange process and explore
venues of dialogue between Yemeni components to reach a sustainable and
comprehensive political solution.”
He
added that Saudi Arabia has always stood with Yemen during dire political and
economic circumstances and crises.
“Since
2011, these brotherly efforts have continued to achieve the aspirations of the
brotherly people of Yemen to restore security, stability, and economic
prosperity,” Al-Jaber said.
The
UN described the talks with the Saudi and Omani delegations and officials from
the Houthis as “a welcome step toward the de-escalation in tensions.”
UN
spokesman Stephane Dujarric was responding to questions from reporters in New
York, following reports that progress had been made toward a permanent
cease-fire, the UN said in a statement.
“Neighbouring
Oman has been involved in peace talks with the warring parties in Yemen,
running in parallel with UN efforts, led by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, who
Mr. Dujarric said was continuing to ‘explore options to extend and expand’ an
UN-brokered six-month truce, which expired last October,” the statement added.
Meanwhile,
Yemen’s government has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s extensive diplomatic efforts to
end more than eight years of war between the government and the Houthi militia.
Muammar
Al-Eryani, Yemen’s minister of information, said that his government applauds
Saudi efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and restore peace and stability in
the country, and that it would support any peace initiative that would end the
suffering of Yemenis.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284556/saudi-arabia
--------
Daesh
landmine kills at least 6 civilians in Syria’s Deir Ez-Zor
April
11, 2023
DAMASCUS:
A deadly landmine explosion in Syria killed at least six people, according to
media reports.
News
agency SANA said the explosion hit civilians who were foraging for truffles in
the countryside, and blamed the incident on a land mine planted by Daesh in the
southern Deir Ez-Zor province.
The
area is a former stronghold of the militants.
A
day earlier, SANA reported six people — also heading to search for truffles —
were killed by an anti-tank mine left by Daesh in the desert of Homs’ eastern
countryside.
The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, put the
number killed on Sunday at nine. The monitor said the incident brings to 139
the number of civilians reported killed this year as a result of the explosion
of mines and other explosive objects left over from the war, including 30
children.
The
truffles are a seasonal delicacy that can be sold for a high price. Since
truffle hunters work in large groups in remote areas, Daesh militants have
repeatedly preyed on them, emerging from the desert to abduct them, kill some
and ransom others for money.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284656/middle-east
--------
Egyptian
community creates giant iftar table for Ramadan
LAILA
MOHAMMAD
April
10, 2023
CAIRO:
The people of Al-Matariyya, east of Cairo, are celebrating Ramadan in a special
way once again this year, by creating a huge iftar table.
The
wondrous creation, which is surrounded by lights, balloons and other
decorations, took a week to put together and involved people from all across
the community.
Ahmed
Khalaf, one of the organizers, said: “We divided the roles, with the young men
taking charge of buying the table supplies and the women preparing all the
different types of food.
“On
the day of iftar, the children participated in cleaning and decorating the
streets to welcome the fasting people.
“We
do not care about the cost, as all the residents of the neighborhood
participate in financing the table in order to bring joy and happiness to the
people of the region and other neighboring areas.
“Each
person contributes according to their income and financial situation,” he said.
“Some gave 50 Egyptian pounds ($1.60), while others gave up to £5,000.”
Alaa
Saqr, one of the founders of the Ramadan table in Al-Matariyya, told Arab News
the event had been held for the past nine years.
“There
is a state of harmony and understanding between the participants and the
organizers,” he said.
Hundreds
of residents, including photographers and social media users, gathered round
the iftar table to “document an event that embodies the spirit of love and
social cohesion between Egyptians,” Saqr said, adding that the event caused
such a stir online that it inspired other neighborhoods to organize similar
events.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284621/middle-east
--------
Egypt’s
foreign minister, UN special envoy discuss Syria peace push
GOBRAN
MOHAMED
April
10, 2023
CAIRO:
The Egyptian government is seeking to work more closely with the UN to bring
peace and stability to Syria, with an end to all terrorism and foreign
interference in the country.
Egypt’s
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry recently held discussions over the telephone
with UN Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen to seek further cooperation and express
Cairo’s sentiments, according to the spokesperson of the ministry, Ahmed Abu
Zeid.
The
minister affirmed Egypt’s full support for the efforts of the UN envoy to reach
a comprehensive political settlement in line with Security Council Resolution
No. 2254, said Abu Zeid recently.
Shoukry
previously held talks with Pedersen in Cairo in March 2023.
A
spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a message posted
on Twitter that there is “continuous coordination between Egypt and the UN for
advancing the political solution in Syria and alleviating the suffering of the
Syrian brotherly people.”
The
minister reiterated the importance of reviving the political process, within
the framework of Egypt’s desire to resolve the Syrian crisis as quickly as
possible, in accordance with international resolutions.
He
also briefed the UN envoy about the aid and support provided for Syria
following the devastating earthquakes that hit the country and neighboring
Turkiye in February.
Cairo
and Damascus had agreed to strengthen cooperation and communication during
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad’s visit to Cairo this month.
Shoukry
visited Syria in February following the earthquakes to convey a message of
solidarity from Cairo.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284576/middle-east
--------
Europe
Afghan
pilot at center of UK deportation row a ‘special case’ for asylum, former army
head says
April
10, 2023
LONDON:
The Afghan pilot in the UK at the center of a deportation row is a “special
case” for asylum, a former head of the British Army has told The Independent.
The
veteran, who traveled to the UK through Europe from Afghanistan in the wake of
the Taliban takeover in 2021, has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda —
a policy that the government claims is targeting economic migrants.
Sir
Richard Dannatt warned that policy is unduly overlapping, describing the
planned deportation of the pilot as a “flaw.”
He
said: “Clearly there is a flaw in evolving British policy. While the pressure
is on to reduce small boat crossings, Afghans who have worked with the British,
like this pilot, must be a special case.”
The
Afghan pilot, who took part in missions against the Taliban alongside
Western-led forces, should be made eligible for the UK’s Afghan relocations and
assistance policy, or Arap, Dannatt added.
During
an investigation by The Independent, it was revealed that the pilot, who was
described by his US supervisor as a “patriot to his nation,” was facing
deportation as a result of UK Home Office policy.
He
was warned that his journey via Europe to the UK could have “consequences for
whether your claim is admitted to the UK asylum system,” resulting in his
possible deportation to Rwanda in line with new policy targeting small boat
arrivals.
Dannatt
added: “Those in touch with him must advise him to apply for the Arap scheme
and not take no for an answer.
“The
Home Office should be passed his details in order to lift him out of the
general mass of small boat illegal entrants.”
The
pilot said that he has been “forgotten” by Britain, adding: “What safe and
legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan?”
Despite
mounting criticism over the pilot’s potential deportation, the UK Home Office
has refused to comment on individual cases.
However,
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to “make sure the Home Office has a look”
at the case.
Former
Conservative Cabinet minister David Davis told The Independent: “We have a
moral responsibility to people who are our allies. There must be a mechanism
for looking at his case.
“It
demonstrates we don’t have a workable policy at the moment. Until you have safe
and legal routes it’s hazardous to do what the government is doing.”
A
campaign by The Independent newspaper to encourage the granting of asylum for
the former pilot has been backed by figures across the political spectrum, as
well as charities and military veterans.
Former
army captain Mike Crofts, who served two tours in Afghanistan, said: “The
government’s abandonment of Afghan soldiers who served the UK cause in
Afghanistan is further indictment of a failed approach to immigration.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284476/world
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Top
Russian, Syrian, Turkish, Iranian diplomats to meet in near future: Moscow
10
April 2023
Russia's
deputy foreign minister says a quadrilateral meeting among the top diplomats of
Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran will be held in the near future as part of
efforts made to normalize relations between Ankara and Damascus.
"[The
meeting] is in the works. We are setting a date," Mikhail Bogdanov was
quoted by Russia's TASS news agency as saying on Monday.
"The
sooner the better," Bogdanov said, when asked whether the quadrilateral
meeting would take place in early May or before that.
Stressing
that the date of the meeting should make sense for each of the four ministers,
the Russian diplomat said, "There was no official date, so we didn’t
postpone anything. We are coordinating [the date] now. There have been various
proposals, but each of the four ministers has his own schedule.”
The
senior diplomats from the four countries were reported earlier to have
discussed preparations for a four-party ministerial meeting in Moscow on April
3-4.
Turkey
severed its relations with Syria in March 2012, a year after the Arab country
found itself in the grip of rampant and deadly violence waged by foreign-backed
militants, including those allegedly supported by Ankara.
The
two neighboring countries are currently taking steps toward reconciliation
after 11 years.
The
process of normalizing ties between Ankara and Damascus kicked off on December
28, 2022, when the Russian, Syrian and Turkish defense ministers met in Moscow,
in what was the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the outbreak
of the Syria conflict.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Africa
UN
chief Guterres on visit to conflict-ridden Somalia
11
April ,2023
UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday at the start
of a brief visit to Somalia, a country scarred by protracted armed conflict and
climate disasters.
Pictures
on social media showed Guterres being given a red carpet welcome at the capital
city’s airport by Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse and other
leaders.
Somalia
has imposed a security lockdown on Mogadishu for the unannounced visit, with
most roads closed, and public transport restricted.
Guterres’s
arrival comes as the country is in the grip of a calamitous drought that has
driven many to the brink of famine, while the government is also engaged in a
major offensive to put down a bloody militant insurgency.
The
UN has launched a $2.6 billion appeal for humanitarian aid for the troubled
Horn of Africa nation, but it is currently only 13 percent funded.
Five
straight failed rainy seasons in parts of Somalia as well as Kenya and Ethiopia
have led to the worst drought in four decades, wiping out livestock and crops
and forcing at least 1.7 million people from their homes in search of food and
water.
While
famine thresholds have not been reached in Somalia, the United Nations says
about half its population will need humanitarian assistance this year, with 8.3
million affected by the drought.
“The
crisis is far from over -- needs remain high and urgent,” the UN’s resident
coordinator for Somalia,” Adam Abdelmoula, said last week in Geneva.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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2
aid workers killed in Ethiopia: Humanitarian group
Hassan
Isilow
11.04.2023
JOHANNESBURG
Two
aid workers with the humanitarian group Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have
been killed in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the group said in a statement Monday.
CRS
said ChuolTongyik, 37, a security manager, and Amare Kindeya, 43, a driver,
were shot and killed in a CRS vehicle on Sunday as they were returning to the
capital Addis Ababa from an assignment.
The
Amhara region has witnessed huge protests in the last five days against
government plans to dissolve a regional force that would be integrated into the
national army or police.
The
move has drawn strong opposition in Amhara, with huge protests taking place in
towns across the region.
In
Ethiopia, each region has their own forces tasked with protecting regional
borders and to fight rebels, but the government now wants these forces to be
integrated into the federal army or police force in order to promote national
unity.
The
humanitarian group said the details of the murders are still unknown but the
depth of their shock and sorrow is difficult to measure and they are saddened
over the senseless violence.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/2-aid-workers-killed-in-ethiopia-humanitarian-group/2868762
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Tunisian
protesters demand release of govt. opponents, call for national dialogue
10
April 2023
Tunisians
have taken to the streets in the capital Tunis demanding the release of
opponents of President Kais Saied who have been arrested in recent months amid
anti-government protests.
Demonstrators
from opposition parties waved the country's flags and carried signs with the
images of those arrested. Sunday's rally that was organized by the main
opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front, reports said.
Speaking
at the rally, Samir Ben Amor, an official with the Al-Joumhouri (Republican)
party, called for a "national dialogue in order to draw up a roadmap to
save Tunisia and return to the democratic path."
Among
those currently languishing in government jails are more than 20 political
opponents, including politicians, former ministers, businessmen, trade
unionists and the owner of Tunisia's most popular radio station, Mosaique FM,
who have been kept in detention since early February.
Government
critics say the arrests were made as part of the government's efforts to
consolidate power by means of clamping down on the opposition.
Local
and international human rights groups, including the United Nations Human
Rights Office, have strongly condemned the arrests and called for the immediate
release of detainees.
Saied,
who has consolidated his power since he froze parliament and sacked Tunisia's
government in a controversial move in July 2021, has dubbed those arrested as
"terrorists" who he alleges were involved in a "conspiracy
against state security".
Saied
insists his policies are meant to save the country from civil war but his
opponents accuse him of bringing back autocratic rule in the North African
country.
The
country's economy is failing with an acute shortage of staple goods, and the
government struggling to secure an international bailout.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/10/701280/Tunisia-Tunis-politics-protest-rally
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