PM Modi Asks People To Choose Between 'Vote Jihad' And 'Ram Rajya'
New Age Islam News Bureau
08 May 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed
during a public meeting for Lok Sabha polls in Khargone, Tuesday | PTI
------
·
PM Modi Asks People To Choose Between 'Vote
Jihad' And 'Ram Rajya'
·
Bosnia Reopens 16th-Century Ottoman-Era Mosque,
Arnaudija Mosque, Rebuilt With Türkiye's Help
·
Muslim Group, CAIR-NJ, Condemns New Jersey High
School for Cancelling Anti-Israel Protest
·
Inaugural Muslim International Film Festival
Showcasing Global Talent From The Community Coming To London
·
Saudi Music Commission Hosts Open Meeting On
Preserving National Musical Heritage
India
·
Anti-Muslim Rhetoric By Right Wing Hindu
Outfits Makes Mumbai's Minorities Anxious
·
Muslim voters in Limbayat lured with free
religious tour so they can’t cast ballot: Congress
·
Dhannipur Mosque: IICF chairman files complaint
over fake donation account
·
Lalu Favouring 'Full Quota' For Muslims Triggers
Political Storms
·
BJP Nominee For The Chandigarh Lok Sabha Seat
Rakes Up ‘Muslim Quota’
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Mideast
·
"Wage Jihad With Your Wealth"
CampaignReceives Donations From A Variety Of 'Muhajirin' Controlled By The
Insurgents In Syria
·
Iran Urges Islamic Universities to Advocate for
Palestinian Rights
·
Türkiye's decision to suspend trade with Israel
inspires Muslim nations to follow suit
·
Powerful Iraqi pro-Iran group says US troops
must leave
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North America
·
Moses Lake’s First MosqueMoves Into Renovated
Church BuildingIn central Washington
·
Emory University Under Investigation For
Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Muslim Harassment
·
US repatriates 11 citizens from camp for
relatives of Islamic State militants
·
Muslim Voting Campaign Issues UK Labour Party
List Of 18 Demands To Win Back Votes Lost Over Support For Israel
·
You Need to Understand How Biden's Jihad
Against Gun Rights Is Being Fought
·
CAIR Files Civil Rights Complaint Against Utah
School District Alleging Anti-Muslim Discrimination
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Europe
·
Russian ally announces snap nuclear drill
·
Two Ukrainian officials arrested over alleged
plot to kill Zelensky
·
First foreign leader to congratulate Putin
revealed
·
EU country could open border with Russia
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Arab World
·
Saudi Arabia And UK Conclude Talks On
Development And Aid, Make Recommendations
·
All Is Rosy In Taif As Fans Flock To Flower
Festival
·
King Mohammed VI of Morocco receives Saudi
Arabia minister of state Prince Turki
·
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli settlers’ attack
on Jordan’s aid convoy heading to Gaza
·
Expos begin in Riyadh, shine light on future of
entertainment in Saudi Arabia
·
Riyadh forum tackles challenges in judicial
training
·
Experts discuss revitalization of industrial
heritage sites at Diriyah workshop
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Africa
·
Mali: Al-Qaeda-Linked Islamist Armed Groups,
Ethnic Militias Commit Atrocities on Civilians
·
Italy PM in Libya to sign deals part of
"Mattei plan" for Africa
·
Congo military releases 2 Kenya Airways
staffers held for 2 weeks
·
Why Nigeria Should Reject Foreign Military
Bases – ACF
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Pakistan
·
Something That We Support And Encourage, Says
US On MBS's Islamabad Visit
·
'Deny What Can Be Logically Denied': Khawaja
Asif On PTI Refuting Role In May 9 Riots
·
US shows concern over safety of Imran, other
prisoners
·
SC Practice & Procedure Act
unconstitutional, SC judge rules
·
PM directs for establishment of Pakistan Skill
Company
·
Info Minister, Hollywood production team
discuss Pakistan's cultural heritage
·
IHC accepts Bushra Bibi's plea seeking transfer
from Banigala sub-jail to Adiala jail
·
PTI announces staging 'peaceful protests' to
mark May 9 mayhem anniversary
---------
South Asia
·
Paghman Elders, Scholars, Ulama Vow All-Out
Cooperation With Islamic Emirate
·
Taliban Agrees To Accept Protesters’ Demands
And Replace Forces In Badakhshan: Official
·
Plot to kill Chinese engineers in Pakistan
conceived in Afghanistan: DG ISPR Maj Gen
·
Challenges Faced by Shia Ismaili Followers in
Badakhshan, Afghanistan
·
OIC Reiterates Support For Girls’ Education And
Women’s Employment In Afghanistan
·
Afghanistan and Iranian Officials Discuss
Strengthening Economic Cooperation and Aid for Returning Refugees
·
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Forge $200 Million
Trade Partnership in Landmark Agreement
---------
Southeast Asia
·
Muslim World League, Malaysia To Host Religious
Leaders Forum On May 7
·
No Plans For Hotline For Insults To Non-Muslim
Faiths, Says Minister
·
Pahang Sultan: Muslims Must Unite To Defend
Their Faith
·
Indonesia Intensifies Efforts to Exit the
Intellectual Property Blacklist
·
Saifuddin to meet US official on flow of funds
to Iran via Malaysia
·
Buddhist group slams Korean DJ’s monk getup in
KL club
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pm-modi-vote-jihad-ram-rajya/d/132283
------
PM Modi
Asks People To Choose Between 'Vote Jihad' And 'Ram Rajya'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed
during a public meeting for Lok Sabha polls in Khargone, Tuesday | PTI
------
May 08,
2024
Khargone
(MP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted India has reached a
turning point in history and people have to decide in the ongoing Lok Sabha
elections if "vote jihad" or Ram Rajya" is the way forward for
the country.
Addressing
an election rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district, Modi hit out at the
opposition Congress, saying its intent is very dangerous and alleged it calls
for "vote jihad" were directed against him. "India is at a
turning point in history; you have to decide if 'vote jihad' will work or Ram
Rajya," the BJP's star campaigner told the gathering.
Speaking
at a poll rally a week ago, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Maria Alam, the niece
of Congress leader Salman Khurshid, called for "vote jihad" in favour
of Naval Kishore Shakya, the INDIA bloc candidate from the Farrukhabad Lok
Sabha seat of Uttar Pradesh.
The SP
is an ally of the Congress and a key constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc.
"INDI
alliance partners are not bothered about the fate of masses...they are fighting
elections to save their dynasty," Modi maintained, targeting the
opposition. He sought to know whether a concept like "vote jihad" was
acceptable in a democracy.
"Terrorists
in Pakistan are threatening jihad against India. And here, those in the
Congress have also announced to do vote jihad against Modi...that means people
of a particular religion are being asked to vote unitedly against Modi. Imagine
what level the Congress has stooped to," he said.
The BJP
stalwart asked the crowd, "Do you accept the concept of vote jihad? Can
this thing work in a democracy? Does the Indian Constitution allow this?"
The PM
alleged the Congress had terrible intentions and quoted statements made by
party leaders. "To understand this, you will have to listen to people who
have been Congress workers and leaders for 20-25 years and are now leaving the
party. A woman (leader) recently said after she went to the Ram temple, she was
harassed so much that she had to leave the Congress," Modi said.
Another
person who left the Congress said the party has been "captured by the
Muslim League and Maoists," he stated. "Another leader who left the
Congress exposed another deep conspiracy, saying the Shehzada (prince) of Congress
intends to overturn the Supreme Court's decision on the Ram Temple like his
father did in the Shah Bano case," he said.
In 1985,
the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman from Indore who
had sought maintenance from her husband after divorce, but the then-Congress
government under PM Rajiv Gandhi overturned the judgement through an Act. The
PM alleged the main opposition party's "love for Pakistan" is
reaching its peak after every phase of voting and added "There is a
competition among Congress people over (making) anti-national statements."
"A
former Congress CM said our Army carries out terrorist attacks, Pakistan is
innocent. Look at the shamelessness of another big Congress leader, who said
Pakistan had no role in the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11)," he noted.
A leader
of another Congress ally threatens India, saying Pakistan is not wearing
bangles, he further said. "I ask the prince of Congress (a reference to
Rahul Gandhi) what is the intention of your colleagues who are speaking (like
that)? Why so much love for Pakistan and so much hatred for our Army? That's
why people say - Congress ka haath (Congress' hand)...," he said to which
members of the gathering added "Pakistan Ke Saath" (with Pakistan).
He said,
"They think that by showing their love for Pakistan, they will consolidate
their vote-bank but it will be hard for them to save their deposits".
The top
BJP leader alleged the Congress wanted to plunder people's property and tinker
with the reservation in jobs and education given by B R Ambedkar, the chief
architect of the Constitution. For appeasement and vote-bank politics, the
Congress wanted to give reservation, which is meant for SCs/ STs/OBCs, to
another community on the basis of religion, Modi noted.
"They
have done this. They overnight issued government orders and brought a law to
provide OBC status to all Muslims (referring to Karnataka). This means they
become entitled to OBC reservation. They wanted to implement the same model in
the entire country," he said.
Bringing
up the issue of inheritance tax, the PM noted the Congress has said they will
carry out an X-ray and survey of people's assets, but "I have done an
X-ray of their minds. They will snatch and distribute the assets to their vote
bank.. Modi is exposing their hidden agenda." Further targeting his
political opponents, the BJP stalwart maintained they have emptied their entire
"dictionary of abuses" against him.
"Your
vote has made India the world's fifth largest economy, led to the abrogation of
Article 370 (which granted special status to J&K) and made a tribal woman
president of the country. Your vote has lifted 25 crore people out of
poverty," Modi said.
"Your
vote has ended the wait of 500 years to make a grand temple of Lord Ram in
Ayodhya," he emphasised. He said, "In this election, your one vote
will turn the country into the third largest economy and make India
strong."
Polling
in Khargone will be held in the fourth phase on May 13. Before reaching
Khargone, Modi met 30 booth-level workers of the BJP at the Devi Ahilyabai
Holkar Airport in Indore, a party spokesperson said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
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Bosnia
Reopens 16th-Century Ottoman-Era Mosque, Arnaudija Mosque, Rebuilt With
Türkiye's Help
The Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was one of
16 mosques destroyed during the war. / Photo: AA
------
Bosnia
Herzegovina has reopened the 16th-century Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka city
after nearly seven years of reconstruction.
The
country also marks the Day of Mosques on Tuesday with informative events across
the country.
The
small Balkan country, which survived massive shelling in the 1990s, as well as
massacres, and the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, commemorates May 7 as Mosque Day.
The
Arnaudija Mosque, which was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993, was
rebuilt to its original state as part of the reconstruction work carried out by
Türkiye's Directorate of General Foundations.
The
inauguration to open the mosque's door for the faithful was attended by Turkish
Minister of Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbas
and Bosnia's Serb entity, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.
Türkiye's
assistance in reconstruction
Ersoy
said in his speech that the Arnaudija Mosque was built on peace, brotherhood,
and tranquility.
"Our
historical unity has made us part of a common destiny, so we will further
strengthen our bond with the Balkans today and tomorrow, as we did yesterday.
We will continue to do our best to maintain peace and stability in the Balkans.
“The
Arnaudija Mosque, also known as the Defterdar Mosque, was built with a focus on
peace, brotherhood and tranquility,'' said Ersoy.
Dodik
called what happened 30 years ago a "mistake" and said they did not
believe it was appropriate to demolish religious buildings.
"I
would like to express my gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye and other
institutions for their assistance in the mosque’s reconstruction. The only
thing we all need to work towards is peace. I will defend living in peace,
preserving peace and stability, and ensuring equal rights for all of you,"
Dodik said.
He also
mentioned that the mosque has been beautifully rebuilt.
Arnaudija
Mosque
The
Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was one of 16 mosques
destroyed during the war.
It was
originally constructed in the 1590s during the Ottoman Empire. It suffered its
first significant damage in the 1963 earthquake.
On May
7, 1993, however, Bosnian Serbs destroyed the Arnaudija Mosque and the
Ferhadiye Mosque in the city by placing dynamite underneath.
Türkiye's
Directorate of General Foundations completed the mosque's reconstruction work
following a ground-breaking ceremony in 2017.
The
Islamic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared May 7, the day the Arnaudija
and Ferhadiye mosques were demolished, as Mosque Day, and has been organising
events in all of the country's mosques since 1998.
Mosques
destroyed in Bosnia
However,
it was not the only mosque demolished during the war.
According
to Bosnia's Islamic Union, 614 mosques, 218 prayer rooms, 69 Quran course
sites, four dervish lodges, 37 tombs, and 405 pieces of historical heritage
that belong to Muslim foundations were destroyed.
Some 534
mosques in territories controlled by Serb forces were destroyed, while 80
mosques were destroyed in territories under Croat forces.
According
to the union, 80 percent of the 1,144 mosques in Bosnia were destroyed or
damaged.
In
addition to the mosques and other religious structures that have been
demolished, Serb and Croat forces have killed over 100 imams or prayer leaders
of mosques.
According
to current statistics, Bosnia has 1,912 mosques. And 789 of the mosques and
prayer rooms that were destroyed have been restored to service, while another
89 are being rebuilt from the ashes.
Source: trtworld.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/bosnia-reopens-16th-century-ottoman-era-mosque-rebuilt-with-turkiyes-help-18069785
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Muslim
Group, CAIR-NJ, Condemns New Jersey High School for Cancelling Anti-Israel
Protest
Photo: CAIR (NJ)
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May 7,
2024
NEWARK, NJ—The
New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR-NJ) has publicly condemned the decision by Eastern Regional High School
in Voorhees to cancel a student walkout intended to express solidarity with
Palestine. This event, originally approved for April 26, was abruptly cancelled
two days prior, sparking controversy and accusations of discrimination from the
organization.
CAIR-NJ’s
criticism follows the school’s differential treatment of student groups, citing
an instance where a pro-Israel walkout was permitted on October 13, while the
pro-Palestine walkout faced cancellation. Selaedin Maksut, CAIR-NJ Executive
Director, criticized the school’s actions as a violation of free speech and
assembly rights, principles previously upheld for other student groups.
In
advocating for the reinstatement of the walkout, CAIR-NJ emphasized the
importance of fostering an educational environment that promotes critical
thinking and civic engagement. Mousa Naji, CAIR-NJ Advocacy and Community
Relations Coordinator, urged the district’s superintendent to allow the walkout
as initially planned, stressing the need for inclusivity and open dialogue in
schools.
The
situation remains tense as student organizers plan to proceed with a joint
walkout on May 20, challenging the school’s decision and advocating for their
right to assemble and express their views.
Source: shorenewsnetwork.com
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the text of the original Story
https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/05/07/muslim-group-condemns-new-jersey-high-school-for-canceling-anti-israel-protest/
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Inaugural Muslim International Film Festival Showcasing Global Talent From The Community Coming To London
OSCAR WINNER: Riz Ahmed at the San Diego Comic Con in 2018 (Credit: Gage
Skidmore)
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7 May
2024
A film
festival dedicated to showcasing global talent and diverse voices from the
Muslim community is coming to London for the very first time.
The
inaugural Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF) will run from 30 May to 2
June 2024 at the Odeon West End in Leicester Square with the aim of championing
Muslim filmmakers and spotlighting Muslim stories and experiences.
The
programme launch on 16 April revealed eight feature-length films, several of
which have previously screened at prestigious film festivals like the Cannes
International Film Festival, as well as two shorts programmes entitled A
Reckoning Of Hearts and Echoes of Resistance.
At the
launch, Festival Director and former Byker Grove actor Sajid Varda said:
“Anything to do with Muslims or Islam has never had, if we’re being honest, a
positive connotation.
“Having
this festival is about reclaiming our identity, making sure we can tell our
stories through our own lens.
“These
are stories that pack a punch, that resonate deep within, and remind us that
there’s more that unites us than divides us.”
Moroccan
filmmaker Kamal Lazraq’s debut feature Hounds will open the festival, with its
tale of a father-son duo trying to navigate Casablanca’s criminal underbelly
described by Festival Coordinator Raheela Suleman as: “A riveting portrayal of
faith, morality and survival that navigates complex, ethical choices in an underworld
rife with temptation and moral ambiguity.”
The
closing night film is In Camera, a pointed satire of the arts industry in
Britain told through the experiences of a young Asian actor.
Directed
by Naqqash Khalid, the film premiered at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in 2023
and the London screening will be followed by a Q&A with Khalid.
Elsewhere,
Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed will feature in the shorts programme, starring in Dammi,
a film about a man trying to connect with his estranged father from director
Yann Demange, who will helm Marvel Studios’ forthcoming Blade reboot.
Goodbye
Julia, from Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani, will play at the festival and
is notable for being the first film from Sudan to screen at Cannes.
The
first Jordanian film to play at Cannes, Amjad Al Rasheed’s debut feature
Inshallah A Boy, will also feature.
In
addition, the festival will run a series of panels and networking events in
collaboration with the likes of the BBC and BFI Inclusion.
Christina
Papasotiriou, Festival Programmer for MIFF, said: “We have put this programme
together with a lot of love.
“I
really want to thank Sajid [Varda] for trusting me with this and allowing me to
work with him on the very first MIFF.
“I’m not
Muslim but I have had the privilege of being able to come closer to a faith
that I didn’t know enough about.
“It has
been illuminating and has opened my eyes to see a community in a new, loving
light. It has been truly wonderful.”
More
information about the festival and how to book tickets can be found here.
Source: swlondoner.co.uk
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https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/entertainment/07052024-inaugural-muslim-international-film-festival-coming-to-london
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Saudi Music Commission Hosts Open Meeting On Preserving National Musical Heritage
The commission launched the Saudi Music Memory initiative to document
the history of Saudi art. (Twitter @MOC_Music)
-------
May 07,
2024
RIYADH:
The Music Commission hosted an open meeting on the Saudi Music Memory
initiative, engaging with music enthusiasts and industry professionals, the
Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The goal
was to involve them in preserving the Kingdom’s musical heritage, as part of a
series of open meetings designed to keep the musical community informed and
encourage their participation in documenting and preserving Saudi music.
The
virtual meeting outlined the initiative’s focus on documenting music and lyrics
composed by Saudi artists through the mid-1980s, aiming to preserve and archive
these works and the evolution of the Saudi music scene.
The
meeting highlighted the achievements of the Saudi Music Memory initiative,
which secured rights for over 5,000 works, documented 305 musical notations,
and produced two musical notation books. The first book, titled “From the
Memory of National Songs,” was released to coincide with this year’s Founding
Day. The second book, “From the Memory of Ramadan Songs,” is completed and set
to be published before Ramadan 2025.
The
meeting featured interviews with renowned artists who experienced the early
days of Saudi music, like Mohammed Abdu, Abadi Al-Johar, and Jamil Mahmoud, who
shared stories about the origins of Saudi music and the role of its pioneers.
The
meeting outlined the stages of the initiative, beginning with securing the
rights to use classical musical and lyrical works, which has been completed.
The second stage, transcribing musical works, is underway. Next, the commission
plans to create documentary content and reproduce and distribute significant
musical works, expected to be completed in the upcoming year. Once these stages
are finished, the final step will be building an integrated platform.
The
commission adhered to a scientific methodology, ensuring honesty and neutrality
in all outputs of the initiative. It eliminated community and private artistic
biases, aligned with the Saudi Cultural Memory Center, followed the guidelines
in the documentation and digital archiving manual issued by the Ministry of
Culture, and conducted a comprehensive inventory of all relevant materials and
information.
The
commission launched the Saudi Music Memory initiative to document the history
of Saudi art, aiming to create a reliable reference, highlight its regional
influence, offer academically documented research for musicians, researchers,
and interested parties, and showcase high-value musical works that have not
received due media attention, the SPA reported.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2506446/saudi-arabia
---------
India
Anti-Muslim Rhetoric By Right Wing Hindu Outfits Makes Mumbai's Minorities Anxious
May 08,
2024
MUMBAI:
Right wing Hindu outfits have been holding Hindu Jan Akrosh Morchas across
Maharashtra for over a year, where provocative speeches against Muslims have
been a key component. Leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) followed suit.
On April
27, PM Narendra Modi reminded voters in Kolhapur that the Karnataka model is
“extremely dangerous” as it puts the entire Muslim community in the OBC
category, implying that if Congress is voted to power, it can implement the
same in the country. “The Congress-led Karnataka government implemented this
model overnight and robbed the entire 27% OBC quota by making Muslims its
stakeholders,” he alleged.
Three
days later, while addressing a rally in Zaheerabad Lok Sabha constituency, in
Telangana, he said, “As long as Modi is alive, I will not let reservations of
Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs to be given to Muslims on the basis of religion.”
When Congress won a record number of MPs and MLAs in undivided Andhra Pradesh in
2004 and 2009, it gave away a slice of the reservation quota of the backward
classes to Muslims, he had claimed.
This was
a recall of his speech in an election rally in Rajasthan on April 21, when he
had implied that Muslims were “infiltrators”, and said if voted to power
Congress could give the first rights on the country’s assets to Muslims.
Soon
after the announcement of the general elections, Congress’s retort that
reservation and democracy of the country are in danger as the BJP is looking to
make a constitutional amendment, has rattled both the minority community and
the backward classes. The anti-Muslim stance has made even fence-sitters within
the community choosing sides. The main objective now is that the anti-BJP votes
should not get divided. Unlike the last two general elections, where the
successes of Samajwadi Party, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and All India
Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) resulted in losses to Congress and the
undivided NCP, the scenario is different now.
In
Solapur where Muslims are in a sizable population, AIMIM could not field its
candidate. The reason: local party leaders were under pressure from the
community. Subsequently, they threatened mass resignations if the party chose
to take such a decision.
There
are 17 million Muslims in Maharashtra, and Mumbai has roughly 1.8 million
eligible voters. The community resides in dominant pockets such as Bhiwandi,
Mira-Bhayander, Mumbra, Malegaon, Dhule city, Amravati, Chhatrapati Sambhaji
Nagar, Nandurbar, among others. The over-arching sentiment here is that Lok
Sabha 2024’s course is different from the previous elections – today, they feel
“isolated” and “threatened”.
Shabbir
Ansari, president, All India Muslim OBC Organisation said, “The community feels
targeted given the speeches made by top BJP leaders. In the last two polls, a
section of Muslims held a positive sentiment towards BJP, but now, they have
decided to support the opposition alliance en-bloc.” Ansari added that while
the community voted for AIMIM and VBA in 2019, this time it was not in the mood
to “waste its vote and will stand by the MVA”.
Ansari’s
sentiment stems from his visit to 21 Lok Sabha constituencies, where except for
Sangli in which its choice is independent Vishal Patil, the community is
determined to vote against BJP.
“Most
influential voters in Hatkanangale have decided to vote for Satyajit Patil
Sarudkar (Shiv Sena-UBT candidate from the constituency) this time,” said
25-year-old Mustafa Bagwan, who has just acquired a bachelor’s degree in
technology and lives in Shahapur, Ichalkaranji city.
Sarfaraz
Arzoo, editor of Urdu daily ‘Hindustan’, said the community will vote for the
opposition, especially, Sena (UBT). “In 2014 and 2019, Muslims did vote for BJP
and other parties like AIMIM and Samajwadi Party, but this time Thackeray has
become their popular choice out of old belief ‘enemy’s enemy is my friend’.”
“Thackeray
has been taking on BJP’s top leadership, including PM Modi, without any fear.
He has also appealed to Muslims to try his friendship after having tried
animosity,” he said.
A
Congress leader from Mumbai said the turnout among Muslim voters has
significantly improved in the first two phases. “They came out to vote in large
numbers in parts of Amravati, Akola, Parbhani and Nanded. While they are not in
favour of any one party, they are determined to vote out the ruling
dispensation,” he said.
He also
said that barring a few “en-bloc votes for the Congress in the past”, the
community has been looking for options like the Samajwadi Party, Left, AIMIM
and even BJP – evident in the last two elections. “The tide has turned. Since
Congress is in alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), decision making has become
easier,” he observed, adding that a Congress MLA in Mumbai was made to remove
the pictures and name of a former MP who had recently joined the ruling
alliance.
Broadening
the scope, Maulana Mehmood Dariyabadi, a Muslim scholar, said that the feeling
of unhappiness is “all-encompassing, irrespective of caste and community”.
Amid the
rising disenchantment, leaders from social organisations have been creating
awareness so that people realise their duty to vote. “We have been working
among voters, especially women in the backdrop of the history of the low
turnout. There has been an overwhelming response from the community, evidenced
in mohallas that have celebrated voting day like Eid and cast their vote before
beginning their daily chores,” said Hasina Khan, one of the activists involved
in the programme.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/minority-community-anxious-by-anti-muslim-rhetoric-101715109662930.html#google_vignette
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Muslim
voters in Limbayat lured with free religious tour so they can’t cast ballot:
Congress
May 8,
2024
Hours
before the voting commenced, private buses were arranged in Limbayat town for a
religious tour to Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan to ensure that hundreds of Muslim
voters could not exercise their franchise, a Congress leader alleged Tuesday in
a complaint with Surat District Election Officer and Collector Dr Sourabh
Pardhi. In response to the allegations, Pardhi said the locals willingly
travelled ahead of the voting day.
On
Monday night, Congress leader Aslam Cyclewala said he stopped such buses with
officials of static teams of the election body while some had already left.
In the
complaint, Cyclewala alleged that leaders of Muslim community linked with the
BJP and its leaders arranged over 35 private luxury buses parked in different
areas of Limbayat and locals were taken on a holy pilgrimage at Ajmer Sharif
Dargah. Cyclewala said, “The leaders — linked to Gujarat BJP chief C R Paatil
who is the BJP candidate of Navsari constituency, which also has Limbayat Assembly
seat — are involved in such activities. The motive behind doing such a thing is
to keep Muslim voters away. The BJP knew the votes would go to the Congress. We
have given a complaint and hope steps will be taken against the accused.”
In
Navsari, which is part of the Surat district, Paatil takes on Congress’s
Naishadh Desai.
“Last
night, one of our party workers told us about such buses parked in the
Muslim-dominated areas to take people on Ajmer Sharif tour. We immediately
reached the spot and talked to the passengers who told us that they were being
given a free tour along with food and other facilities,” Cyclewala added.
In
response, Pardhi said, “We acted on the complaint and sent our teams. We have
not found anything serious as people were voluntarily going for the religious
tour.”
Meanwhile,
the office of Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P Bharathi said her officer
has not received any official complaint in this regard and were unaware of the
claims.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/muslim-voters-in-limbayat-lured-with-free-religious-tour-so-they-cant-cast-ballot-congress-9314736/
--------
Dhannipur
Mosque: IICF chairman files complaint over fake donation account
May 07,
2024
LUCKNOW/AYODHYA:
The chairman of the Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) filed a complaint
with the Gautampalli police station in Lucknow against unknown persons for
opening a fake bank account in the name of the trust and circulating it on
social media in an attempt to accept donations for the construction of a mosque
in Ayodhya’s Dhannipur village.
Notably,
around five acres of land has been allocated to the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board
for the construction of a mosque in Dhannipur village, under the Sohawal tehsil
of Ayodhya, in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court in the Ram
Janambhoomi and Babri Mosque title dispute order. Subsequently, the Indo
Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) trust was established to oversee the
construction work.
The
fraud came to light after some locals in Ayodhya discovered websites and video
clips requesting donations for the mosque and providing bank account details.
When individuals willing to donate contacted the office-bearers of the trust to
confirm, it was revealed that fraudsters were conducting fraudulent fundraising
campaigns in the name of the mosque.
In the
application, Zufar Ahmad Farooqi, chairman of the IICF trust along with the
trust secretary Athar Hussain said that they received a WhatsApp message
showing an image of the proposed mosque in Dhannipur - Mohammed Bin Abdullah
Mosque and demanding donations to a fake bank account opened in the Central
Bank of India.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/dhannipur-mosque-iicf-chairman-files-complaint-over-fake-donation-account-101715100298596.html
--------
Lalu
favouring 'full quota' for Muslims triggers political storms
May 7,
2024
PATNA:
Rashtriya Janata Dal ((RJD) president Lalu Prasad on Tuesday kicked up a major
political storm by backing reservation to Muslims, triggering sharp reactions
from PM Narendra Modi who said INDIA bloc “can’t see beyond appeasement.”
“Reservation
to milna hi chahiye Musalmanon ko, pura (Reservation must be given to the
Muslim, entirely),” Lalu told the media on Tuesday, while charging PM Modi with
trying to scrap the Constitution and democracy. The statement coming in the
middle of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections offers BJP the golden opportunity to
polarize Hindu voters, analysts feel.
However,
realizing that his remarks might confuse the majority Hindus and boomerang on
his party or alliance prospects, Lalu soon came out with clarifications on his
official X handle.
“The
basis of reservation is not religion but social backwardness. PM does not
understand even this much,” Lalu posted on X adding, “Under the Mandal
Commission, more than 3,500 backward castes including hundreds of castes from
other religions too have been granted reservation.” “We have got the Mandal
Commission report implemented but has Modi ever read the Mandal Commission and
its recommendations?” he asked.
Lalu’s
move is likely to consolidate the vast Muslim community who accounts for a
robust 17.70 per cent of state’s total population. Similarly, Yadavs form 14.26
percent of the total population. Both Muslims and Yadav have been the
traditional and the trusted vote-bank of the RJD for decades, amply indicating
the significance of Lalu’s observations.
“They
can't see beyond appeasement. If they come to themselves, they will also take
away your right to breathe," PM said at an election rally at Dhar in
Madhya Pradesh.
“The
fodder scam convict (Lalu), who is out on bail, is advocating full reservation
for Muslims. It means whatever reservation SC/ST and OBC community had, they
want to take it away and give it to Muslims. They did it in Karnataka by
bringing all the Muslims to the OBC fold to give benefit of the 27% reservation
for them. Now, they want to do it countrywide if they come to power. They are
doing such things because their vote bank is only left with minorities,” Modi
added.
In
Bihar, party’s deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said they would allow reservation to
be granted to Muslims how much Lalu tries. “We strongly oppose such statements
by Lalu. How much he tries, we won’t allow this,” Choudhary told the media,
adding they would strongly oppose any attempt to “snatch reservations granted
to EBCs, Dalits, OBC and economically backwards among general categories.”
Reacting
sharply to demand for granting reservation to Muslims, senior JD(U) leader KC
Tyagi said, “Such kind of statement is totally against the spirit of Mandal
Commission’s recommendations.” He said the Mandal Commission doesn’t talk about
granting reservation along the religious lines.
Political
expert Prof DM Diwakar said Bihar caste survey report has already thwarted the
BJP’s attempt to present Muslims as a “monolithic category”. “ Although Muslims
have already been the loyal supporters of RJD, this time they look more
aggressive to vote for the opposition and the ruling coalition doesn’t appear
to be getting the benefit of Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA,” Diwakar who
served as the director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies said.
How
important is this quota card in electoral politics can be understood from the
fact that one innocuous-looking statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Bihar
cost BJP dear in the 2015 assembly polls which the Lalu-Nitish combine had won
hands down despite the Modi wave in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Bhagwat had
only said at a public meeting that the provision for reservation should be
reviewed as mooted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Lalu played on his statement to
convince the OBCs and Dalits that BJP would end reservation for them.
PM Modi
also knows it and that’s why the BJP has been highlighting the Mangalsutra,
inheritance tax and “Congress’s Karnataka model of quota” issues in almost
every rally as there has been no major poll plank this time, like the one in
2014 (corruption) and 2019 (Pulwama and Balakot airstrikes).
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lalu-favouring-full-quota-for-muslims-triggers-political-storms/articleshow/109926776.cms
--------
BJP
Nominee For The Chandigarh Lok Sabha Seat Rakes Up ‘Muslim Quota’
May 8,
2024
Chandigarh:
BJP candidate for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, Sanjay Tandon, on Tuesday said
that the Congress wants to reduce SC's/ST's/OBC's reservation quota and give it
to Muslims. He added that when Modi asked Congress to give in writing that it
will not reduce the quota of SC's/ST's/OBC's to give to Muslims, the party was
silent and not reacting with an answer.
“It is
noteworthy that the INDIA bloc, of which the Congress is an important
component, was under a sinister plan to snatch reservation of SC/ST/OBC and
give it to Muslims by changing the Constitution. This is the real face of
Tewari’s Congress and INDIA Bloc,” he said.
In the
same breath Tandon added that the BJP government will keep intact the SC/ST/OBC
reservation as it was against religion based reservation. Tandon was addressing
members of the business community and industrial labour force on Tuesday . It
is to be noted that INDIA bloc leader Lalu Prasad had stated that the INDIA
Bloc will give quota to Muslims by changing the Constitution and reducing quota
for SC/STs. It is also noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had
declared that as long as “he is alive, he will not allow the Indian
Constitution-mandated reservations for the SC/STs and BCs to be distributed to
the Muslims at any cost”.
Meanwhile,
Tandon also launched a scathing attack on the Congress and its nominee Manish
Tewari for trying to demoralise the security forces.
Referring
to the observations made by former Punjab chief minister S S Channi regarding
the attack on the IAF convoy in J & K, Tandon said this is the Congress’s
real character. Tandon also challenged Tewari to explain his stance on the
national security issue.
It is to
be noted that Channi, a senior congressman, had termed the attack by terrorists
in J & K a “poll stunt” of BJP.
We also
published the following articles recently
Muslim
community understands Congress, INDIA bloc using them as pawns: PM ModiPM Modi
highlighted Muslims' shift to BJP due to development, criticizing Congress and
INDIA bloc. Poor and marginalized communities also moving to BJP. He addressed
a rally in support of the BJP candidate in Dhaurahra.109861048
Lalu
Prasad Yadav bats for Muslim quota, accuses BJP of trying to 'finish'
ConstitutionLalu accuses govt of undermining democracy, supports Muslim
reservation. PM criticizes Congress' vote-bank politics. Rahul Gandhi vows to
remove 50% reservation ceiling. Lok Sabha elections span seven phases, counting
on June 4.109908645
Won't
let Congress snatch SC/ST quota to give to Muslims: Narendra ModiModi
criticizes Congress, pledges to protect reservations, expose Constitution
manipulation. Warns against inheritance tax, recalls reverence for Constitution
akin to religious texts. Credits voter support for government strength and
highlights Constitution's significance in governance.109742846
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/bjp-nominee-rakes-up-muslim-quota/articleshow/109931488.cms
--------
Mideast
"Wage
Jihad With Your Wealth" CampaignReceives Donations From A Variety Of
'Muhajirin' Controlled By The Insurgents In Syria
May 6,
2024
Since
the start of the Israel-Gaza war on 7 October last year, a number of charity
initiatives have emerged within the Muslim world under the guise of supporting
Gaza in the face of Israel's military campaign. One of the more interesting
examples is the "Wage Jihad With Your Wealth" (Arabic: Jahid
bi-Malika) campaign. Based out of northwest Syria, the idea of the campaign, as
its name suggests, is that donating money is a form of waging jihad. The
campaign has received donations from a variety of 'Muhajirin' (foreigners who
have come to the territories controlled by the insurgents in Syria).
I decided
to conduct an interview to learn more about its aims, donations it has
received, its position on providing support for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
Jihad, and the Western university campus protests in support of the Palestinian
cause.
Q: When
was the campaign established and who leads the campaign? Is it affiliated with
a specific faction or institution?
A:
Praise be to God the Lord of the Worlds, and I offer prayers and salutations
upon our prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions. As for what
follows:
May God
reward you best for this good interview, and I ask God Almighty to place it in
the balances of my good deeds and your goods. I will not go on too long for the
dear reader, and so I will begin by answering the first question.
The
campaign to provide relief for the people of Gaza began right after the al-Aqsa
Flood battle: namely, on 10 October, as the brothers- the mujahidin of the
Turkistan Islamic Party in Bilad al-Sham- contributed the campaign's first sum
of $500. The charity from the people of giving- both ansar [local Syrians] and
muhajirin in Bilad al-Sham- continued to follow in succession. The campaign's
name 'Wage Jihad With Your Wealth' did not arise until the beginning of
November, as the work required greater organisation and media arrangements
through which one could operate. So the necessities for this were arranged and
the campaign was announced in an official statement published on the channel of
al-Zubayr al-Ghazi [a Palestinian who was a former member of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham].
The campaign is independent and not affiliated with any side in the field. The
campaign is supervised by a number of the students of 'Ilm [scholars] in
al-Sham and Gaza, and at the head of them is Abu 'Abd al-Rahman al-Zubayr
al-Ghazi.
Q: What
are the types of donations that the campaign accepts and from where have most
of the donations come?
A: The
campaign excepts money donations, whether directly in the form of money or
through crypto-currencies. We have no way in the campaign to accept donations
in-kind regrettably. With regards to the money, it is sent via
crypto-currencies to Gaza and the projects are implemented with the money and
then information about these projects is sent to the donors.
Most of
the donations have come from mujahidin brothers inside the liberated areas of
Syria, as they bring donations from their own money on some occasions, and from
the money of their contacts who donate from the outside and are trusted by
them, such that these people on the outside send them the money and they hand
it to us so we can deliver to the people receiving it, with documentation of
the activity that is intended to be implemented.
Likewise
donations have reached us via al-Zubayr al-Ghazi's account from most of the
countries of the world both east and west, Arab and non-Arab countries, and
from America, Europe, Russia and Ukraine.
Q: How
has the campaign used the donations to support Palestine exactly? For example
what are the campaign's most important accomplishments?
A: We
praise God who granted for us to be the first side that brought relief to the
people of Gaza directly after the war and before any other side began to do so,
and likewise the campaign was the first side that made an announcement for
donations in al-Sham, and still has its doors open for donors until today, and
has collected many sums it has conveyed to Gaza by the grace of God Almighty.
Likewise
it is from God's grace upon us that the campaign until today has continued
since the beginning of the war to pursue its aim for which it arose and which
it has striven to realise: providing relief to the one in distress, aiding the
needy, caring for the families of martyrs, feeding the hungry, clothing those
who need clothing, and equipping the mujahidin.
The
campaign has reached all areas of the Gaza Strip without exception, whether the
besieged north of Gaza or the south and middle of it. The campaign has
encompassed all projects from money distribution to clothing, preparing tents,
procuring bread and water, distributing gas, providing food and slaughtering
animas for meat, furnishing mosques and renovating refugee centres, buying
children's toys, bags and gifts for them, as well as caring for children with
sponsorship for orphans and widows.
We
currently refrain from mentioning exact statistics about the campaign until the
war ends with a good outcome, so that the campaign can be able to continue by
the power of God Almighty.
Q: What
is your position on the Palestinian factions like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
jihad? For example some say it is not permitted to supported them because they
are linked to Iran. What is your position on that?
We
believe that the two aforementioned factions are Muslim factions, who have what
others besides them have: they make some errors that do not bar supporting them
in confronting the criminal Jewish enemy that has transgressed against the
religion and honour. Hamas is better than Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and its
position on Iran is political, unlike Palestinian Islamic Jihad which has been
afflicted by some of the smoke of political and even doctrinal Shi'ism among
some of its members, even if they are only few in number.
But
overall, the two movements are Sunni Muslim movements, and they have made
mistakes that do not prevent supporting them. For God Almighty mandates
supporting the Muslim who commits innovation and is confronting the disbeliever
who transgresses against the religion and the Muslim's material world. This is
all the more so today as tribulation has spread and overflowed, and there is an
attack that has struck with its ropes the Muslim masses in Palestine and Gaza.
Surely the Shari'i obligation mandates us to support them, and remember their
good deeds. The battle today does not allow us to repeat the mistakes, and go
on about repeats. Every situation has something to say about it at the right
time and place, and the right thing to say today is that one must provide
support, aid and help, just as what we had to say yesterday before the war was
advice, criticism and disagreement with them [Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
Jihad]. So the one you advised yesterday is the one you are obligated to
support today.
Q: At
Western universities we see great support for the Palestinian cause, including
some Jewish and homosexual students. Do you welcome this support from the
Jewish and homosexual students?
A: In
the authentic hadith it is said: "God does not thank the one who does not
thank the people." The position of some of the disbelievers in their
support for the oppressed Muslims in Palestine is a good and sound position.
They are to be thanked for it, and it is part of the natural disposition that
God has placed in the soul of every human being in terms of hating oppression
and feeling sympathy for the oppressed. God Almighty has distinguished between the
oppressor and oppressed among the disbelievers, for He said in Surat
al-Mumtahana: "God does not forbid you from being kind and fair to those
who have not fought you because of your religion and have not expelled you from
our abode. Indeed God loves those who are fair. Instead, God forbids you from
being loyal to those who have fought you because of your religion and have
expelled you from your abode and supported your expulsion. Those who are loyal
to them are the oppressors." So we rejoice in what they have done and
thank them for it. We also say to them: indeed God Almighty's religion is the
most complete religion, and it is the religion that makes those who adhere to
it resist the oppressor. So join God's religion, and learn its issues. Indeed
in your hearts is a seed of goodness. We ask God Almighty that it should lead
you to this true religion.
Q:
Finally, what is the essence of the Palestinian cause? Is it an Islamic cause
to liberate the land and the holy sites from the Jews, or is it foremost a national
cause?
A: There
is no doubt that the cause of Palestine is a great Islamic cause, which has
derived its great position from the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque, which is the third
greatest mosque in eminence after the two Holy Sites [Mecca and Medina], and is
the first qibla of the Muslims [the place to which Muslims initially prayed
before turning to Mecca]. And the ongoing conflict there today is foremost a
doctrinal religious conflict. For people in every place have seen the cries of
takbir [Allahu akbar] that were raised on high in the sky: on 7 October, before
it and after. On the other hand, they have witnessed how the criminal
disbeliever world has supported the Jews in an open, blatant and hateful
Judaeo-Crusader religious war against Islam and its people.
As for
the nationalist slogans we hear from our mujahidin and Muslim brothers in
Palestine, we interpret according to the true meaning of them, which is love of
the homeland by virtue of considering it to be a Muslim land that God ordered
us to preserve and made a blessed land. It is also not hidden that among the
requirements for jihad is that the enemy should take an inch of the Muslims'
land, so here the man fights in defence of his land, and it is part of the
greatest jihad; and it is not for the sake of the land itself, but rather by
virtue of considering it to be a land over which the rule of Islam has reigned
supreme, and thus it has acquired a sense of sanctity and dignity that requires
to spill one's own blood in order to recover it from the disbelieving occupier.
And God
is the One who guarantees success.
Source: meforum.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.meforum.org/65873/support-for-gaza-from-northwest-syria-the-wage
--------
Iran
Urges Islamic Universities to Advocate for Palestinian Rights
May, 07,
2024
TEHRAN
(Tasnim) – The Secretary of the Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution of the
Islamic Republic of Iran urged university presidents and academic elites
worldwide to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemn the crimes of
the Zionist regime.
In a
message delivered to the universities of the Islamic world, Abdolhosein
Khosropanah, Secretary of the Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution of the
Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasized the importance of upholding human rights
and dignity, particularly in the face of the crisis in Palestine.
The full
text of the letter is as follows:
The
Honorable Presidents of the Universities
Reverently;
as you know, the main essences of Human Rights are Justice and Human Dignity.
Therefore, duty of all freedom-loving people, organizations and international
institutions and academic elites has always been protection of Human Rights and
Human Dignity.
This
principle has been also highlighted in the International Bill of Human Rights
by UN. Nevertheless, the holy land of Palestine has been turned into the symbol
of genocide and Human Rights violation all over the world.
This
importance is also emphasized in the United Nations Declaration of Human
Rights. Nevertheless, today the land of Palestine has become a symbol of
genocide and violation of human rights in the world. For more than half a
century, century that the Palestinian Nation is the victim of aggression and
coercion of the super powers, particularly the global Zionism; and even, the
Palestinian Nation has been deprived from its right of legitimate self-defense
against the aggressors.
Now that
darkness and lack of potable water have covered Gaza strip, food and Medicinal
resources are finishing; the movement of students, professors and elites in
defense of the oppressed people of GAZA and protest against oppression in
Harvard, Indiana, Columbia, Yale and other universities in the word show that
the awakened conscience of professors and students in all the universities of
the word do not ignore the oppression of a declining minority on a people with
a support as vast as history, and the dawn of victory is undoubtedly near. So,
it is expected that:
The
academic elites and the presidents of the universities perform their Human and
academic duties by condemning the war crimes and genocides imposed on Gaza
civilians;
The
academic elites and the presidents of the universities urge making peace and
restoration of the oppressed Palestinians' rights;
The
academic elites and the presidents of the universities activate all diplomatic
capacities to overbear the Zionist regime, and to express the victorious
uprising "Al-Aqsa Storm" and oppression of Gaza civilians for the
world people and elites, and to disgrace Zionist Regime and its supporters via
scientific and media channels in the international assemblies .
Also, it
is expected that:
The
relationship between scientific and academic institutions and the Zionist
regime is stopped;
The
global alliance is formed to restore the oppressed Palestinians' rights, to
reconstruct Gaza and to transfer knowledge and technology to revive the natural
life in the ruined areas of Gaza by the global alliance.
That
now, the actions of the academic elites and the presidents of the universities
are subject to judgment of the Public Opinions and history.
In the
end, to follow up the affairs and to integrate more; it is proposed that the
assembly of the elites, advocating peace making and democracy establishment in
Palestine, is formed and everybody who is interested in membership of this
assembly is requested to e-mail this address: "Elm@sccr.ir"
Abdolhosein
Khosropanah The Secretary of the Supreme
Council
for Cultural Revolution of Islamic Republic of Iran
Source: tasnimnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2024/05/07/3081472/iran-urges-islamic-universities-to-advocate-for-palestinian-rights
---------
Türkiye's
decision to suspend trade with Israel inspires Muslim nations to follow suit
7/05/2024
Türkiye's
recent decision to suspend trade with Israel has reverberated across the Muslim
world, with reports emerging that five Muslim-majority countries are
considering not allowing ships carrying cargo to or from Israeli ports to dock
at their shores.
The
news, first reported by Yeni Şafak, indicates that Türkiye's bold move has
become a model for other Muslim nations, with discussions taking place among
leaders at the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
held in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.
Türkiye,
which has taken numerous steps to halt the genocide perpetrated by Israel in
Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region, has become a
source of inspiration for other countries.
The
prospect of facing sanctions similar to those imposed by Türkiye has unsettled
Israel, prompting at least five Muslim-majority nations to contemplate similar
actions. These nations are considering not allowing ships carrying cargo to or
from Israeli ports to dock at their shores.
The
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which includes 57 member states,
including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, all of which share borders with
Israel, plays a crucial role in regional trade. Countries like Saudi Arabia,
the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, with strategic locations
along the coastlines of the Persian Gulf, serve as vital transit points for
goods destined for Israel.
The
recent actions targeting Israeli trade have garnered attention from the
international community, particularly in the United States and Europe.
Türkiye's non-violent economic sanctions have sparked conversations and
discussions, even inspiring African nations to consider similar measures.
Last
month, Türkiye halted the sale of over 53 product categories to Israel, a move
followed by the suspension of all trade with Israel, including both exports and
imports. These decisive actions by Türkiye set an example for other countries
to follow.
The
ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted trade routes, particularly through
the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Commercial vessels unable to traverse the Suez
Canal have been forced to reroute around the southern tip of Africa,
significantly increasing both time and energy costs. This shift has underscored
the importance of ports along the coastlines of Africa.
As ships
are compelled to navigate around the southern tip of the continent, they are
required to dock at ports along both the eastern and western coastlines of
Africa. The closure of these ports to vessels destined for or carrying cargo to
Israel could significantly impact both the Israeli government and its
supporters.
Israel's
attempts to deepen its ties with Africa in recent years have suffered setbacks
due to its actions in Gaza. The diplomatic fallout from Israel's occupation of
the Golan Heights and the United Nations General Assembly's refusal to
recognize the U.S.'s decision regarding Jerusalem has further exacerbated
anti-Israel sentiment in Africa.
The
escalating violence in Gaza has intensified opposition to Israel across Africa,
potentially leading to the closure of ports by many Muslim-majority countries.
As a result, Prime Minister Netanyahu's efforts to strengthen ties with Africa
may face further challenges in the future.
Source: yenisafak.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkiyes-decision-to-suspend-trade-with-israel-inspires-muslim-nations-to-follow-suit-3682890
---------
Powerful
Iraqi pro-Iran group says US troops must leave
May 08,
2024
BAGHDAD:
Iraq’s powerful Kataeb Hezbollah on Tuesday renewed its call for US troops to
withdraw from Iraq, months after the Iran-backed armed group suspended attacks
against American forces.
Washington
and Baghdad have been engaged in talks over the presence of US troops in Iraq,
who are stationed there as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.
A
spokesman for Kataeb Hezbollah said in a statement that the group “did not
perceive the American enemy’s seriousness in withdrawing the troops and
dismantling its spy bases in Iraq.”
“We also
haven’t seen the necessary seriousness from the Iraqi government to remove
them,” the spokesman, Abu Ali Al-Askari, added in a statement.
The
United States considers Kataeb Hezbollah a “terrorist” group and has repeatedly
targeted its operations in recent strikes.
During
more than three months, as regional tensions soared over the devastating
Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, US troops were targeted more than 165 times in the
Middle East, mainly in Iraq and neighboring Syria.
The
Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups including
Kataeb Hezbollah, had claimed the majority of the attacks.
But a
deadly drone attack in late January triggered retaliation, with US forces
launching dozens of strikes against Tehran-backed groups, including Kataeb
Hezbollah.
Three US
personnel were killed in the January 28 drone strike in Jordan, near the Syrian
border.
Two days
later, Kataeb Hezbollah said it was suspending its attacks on US forces.
In
February the United States and Iraq resumed talks on the future of the US-led
coalition’s presence in Iraq, following a request by Iraqi Prime Minister
Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani who has been calling for an end to the coalition’s mission.
The
United States has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the
international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group.
The
coalition was deployed to Iraq at the government’s request in 2014 to help
combat IS, which had taken over vast swathes of Iraq and neighboring Syria.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2506491/middle-east
---------
North America
Moses
Lake’s First MosqueMoves Into Renovated Church BuildingIn central Washington
May
7-MOSES LAKE –
The
former church building at Third Avenue and Elm Street is once again a house of
worship, as the Moses Lake Islamic Centre. "In central Washington state
there (were) only three mosques, in Yakima, Tri-Cities and Spokane," said
Abdelnasir Elmalik, one of the regular congregants at the Islamic Centre.
"But now we have two (more), in Wenatchee and Moses Lake." The
building was originally a Mennonite church in Ritzville, said Gail Adair, who owns
the building with her husband Steve. It was moved around 1950 to its present
location. It belonged at one time to the Reorganized Church of Latter-day
Saints, now known as the Community of Christ, and served as a community theater
for a few years. The Adairs bought it in about 2017. "We drove by it one
day and I don't know, we just kind of fell in love with it, I guess," she
said. Originally she wanted to turn the building into an antique store, but
city regulations made that difficult, so the Adairs rented it out when they
could as a wedding and event venue. "Then one day, it was 7:30 at night,
and (a real estate agent) called me and he said that he had this group that
would like to rent long-term, and I said 'We're not interested,'" she said.
She gave the agent a minimum figure that would have to be met before she would
even consider renting, she said, and to her surprise, he came back and said
that they were willing to meet it. "I do a tenant screening report (on
potential renters) and they scored very, very high," she said. The
congregation is mostly made up of Boeing employees working at the Port of Moses
Lake, Elmalik said. They have a meditation room at work where they can say
their daily prayers five times a day, but they wanted a larger space to gather
for Friday prayers, called Jumuʿah. The daily prayers can be done in a
group or individually, he explained, but Jumu'ah must be done in a mosque.
"Jumuʿah is like Sunday (worship) for
Christians," Elmalik said. Jumu'ah has two parts, he said. The first is called khutbah, and it's
something like a 20- or 30-minute sermon, often touching on moral issues.
Elmalik gave the example of a khutbah directed at not speaking badly of others
behind their backs. Political issues are not raised, Elmalik said, and Adair
said she included a prohibition on political activity in the rental agreement.
"(The khutbah) is to remind people and to encourage them to do good
things, to be good Muslims," Elmalik said. The khutbah is followed by
prayers, which last about 10 minutes, he said. The attendance at Jumu'ah
varies, he said, anywhere from 10 to 50 people, depending on work schedules.
One of the Boeing workers is an imam, so he leads the prayers. The building
needed some renovations to become a mosque, Adair said. She and Steve redid the
roof, the Douglas fir floors and the metal tile ceilings. There was a statue of
the Virgin Mary and two statues of lions that had to be removed, due to Islam's
tradition against religious images. "We tried to remove the lions, but we
(had been) so worried that somebody in the neighborhood was going to steal the
lions that we (attached) them to the concrete in such a way that we can not get
them off the concrete," Adair said. "So they built a box and covered
them." The stained glass windows on the west side of the building weren't
a problem, she said, because they didn't depict any living creatures. The pews
were removed and replaced with prayer mats and a lectern. Because a mosque is a
sacred space, everybody who enters one is expected to remove their shoes, and
Adair said she required her workers to abide by that. Elmalik, like most of the
Boeing workers, is here on a long-term temporary basis, he said. He came to
Moses Lake four years ago with his wife and children. Because of the temporary nature
of the work, he's not sure how many people will continue to use the mosque.
He's hopeful, though, that with new industry coming in, more Muslims will find
themselves at home in Moses Lake, which will allow them to take part more in
the community, which in turn could help people look past the image of Islam
they often see in the media. "Our plan is to have events to help the
community, to help other people, to help the neighborhood, (and) to show how
Islam is," he said. More information about the Moses Lake Islamic Center
is available at its website, mlic-wa.org. Joel Martin may be reached via email
at jmartin@columbiabasinherald.com.
Read
more at:
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article288396190.html#storylink=cpy
Source: theolympian.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article288396190.html
---------
Emory
University Under Investigation For Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Muslim Harassment
by Logan
C. Ritchie
May 7,
2024
Emory
University is under investigation for anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim
harassment after two groups filed a federal civil rights complaint on April 5.
On
behalf of Emory Students for Justice in Palestine (ESJP), the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR-Georgia) and Palestine Legal demanded that the U.S. Department
of Education investigate the “hostile” environment at Emory.
According
to CAIR Georgia, Emory students have been followed and filmed on campus, have
been called “terrorists,” “fake Muslims,” and have been sent graphic photos.
They have had their flyers, noting the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli
forces, ripped out or thrown in the trash. ESJP students have also been
individually targeted and doxed on social media and harassed on campus.
Emory
University Spokesperson Laura Diamond said the university has received the
complaint from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, and
will respond. “We are unable to discuss an open investigation,” Diamond added.
Last
week, CAIR-Georgia held a press conference at Emory demanding the university
disclose and divest its ties to Israel, The Emory Wheel reported.
Azka
Mahmood, CAIR Georgia executive director, released a statement about the
investigation. She claims students “have been made to suffer an unsafe and
unwelcome learning environment without recourse despite asking [Emory} for help
multiple times.”
“The
opening of this investigation by the OCR is a welcome step and one we hope
leads to answers about the failures of Emory University to address anti-Muslim
and anti-Palestinian activity since October last year, despite several bias
reports and a letter from civil rights organizations,” Mahmood said.
She said
CAIR Georgia hopes the investigation will compel Emory administration to
address the harassment and systemic discrimination faced by Palestinian,
Muslim, and Arab students.
ESJP has
been vocal online and on campus, asking the university to disclose financial
investments, divest from Israel, boycott research, internships or academic
programs that collaborate with Israeli institutions, and publicly call for a
ceasefire.
Israel-Hamas
War protesters have occupied campus on and off since April 25. Emory
commencement ceremonies have been relocated to Gas South Arena in Gwinnett
County.
Undergraduate
students this week are also taking a no-confidence vote on the leadership of
Emory President Gregory Fenves after he summoned additional law enforcement to
campus on April 25, which led to 28 arrests.
Source: roughdraftatlanta.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2024/05/07/emory-under-investigation-for-anti-palestinian-anti-muslim-harassment/
--------
US
repatriates 11 citizens from camp for relatives of Islamic State militants
May 07,
2024
BEIRUT —
The
United States has repatriated 11 of its citizens from sprawling camps in
northeastern Syria that house tens of thousands of family members of suspected
Islamic State militants, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.
The
repatriation was the largest Washington has carried out from the camps to date,
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Five of the 11
citizens brought back were children, and one non-U.S. citizen child — the
9-year-old sibling of one of the other children — was also brought with them.
As part
of the same operation, the U.S. facilitated the repatriation of 11 other camp
residents, eight of them children, to Canada, the Netherlands and Finland, the
statement said.
Although
the pace of repatriations has picked up — neighboring Iraq recently returned
hundreds of its citizens — many countries remain reluctant to bring back
citizens from the al Hol and al Roj camps, which now hold about 30,000 people
from more than 60 countries, most of them children.
The
camps are run by local authorities affiliated with the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led
Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF and its allies, including U.S.-led coalition
forces, defeated the Islamic State group in Syria in 2019, ending its
self-proclaimed Islamic "caliphate" that had ruled over a large swath
of territory straddling Iraq and Syria.
Human
rights groups have regularly reported on what they describe as inhumane living
conditions and abuses in the camps and in detention centers where suspected
Islamic State members are housed.
"The
only durable solution to the humanitarian and security crisis" in the
facilities "is for countries to repatriate, rehabilitate, reintegrate, and
where appropriate, ensure accountability for wrongdoing," Blinken said in
the statement.
Source: voanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-repatriates-11-citizens-from-camp-for-relatives-of-islamic-state-militants/7601211.html
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Muslim
voting campaign issues UK Labour party list of 18 demands to win back votes
lost over support for Israel
by:
Hayden Cunningham
05/07/2024
A Muslim
vote group in the UK has issued a series of demands to Labour Party leader Keir
Starmer, explaining how he can regain support lost over the handling of the
Israel-Hamas conflict.
According
to a report by The Times, the Muslim Vote is seeking to "punish"
Members of Parliament who did not support a ceasefire in Gaza. The group has
called for Starmer to apologize for his previous stance on the Israel-Hamas
conflict, pledge to sever military ties with Israel and advocate for allowing
Muslims in the UK to pray in schools.
Additionally,
the Muslim Vote demanded that Starmer "return the Zionist money,"
remove the government's definition of extremism, and impose a travel ban on
Israeli politicians supporting Israel's military actions against Hamas. They
warned that failure to meet these demands would result in their supporters not
voting for the Labour Party and instead opting for the Greens or Liberal
Democrats.
The
group's actions come amidst the election of several pro-Gaza activists to
councils across the UK, with the Muslim Vote seeking similar candidates in the
upcoming general election. Labour Party campaign chief Pat McFadden
acknowledged that the party's position on the conflict has cost it support in
local elections.
“We are
now seeing the electoral consequence of that,” explained Ali Milani, the chair
of the Labour Muslim Network. “If I was a Labour MP in Bradford or Birmingham
or Leicester or parts of London or Manchester, I would be seriously concerned.”
Among
the demands, the Muslim Vote is seeking UK recognition of the state of
Palestine, laws prohibiting British trade with Israeli settlements, and the
denial of visas to Israeli politicians involved in settlement expansion in the
West Bank.
The
Muslim population in the UK has continued to grow over the last several years
as migrants enter the country. Approximately 3.9 million people in Britain
identify as Muslim, per the Times.
The full
list of demands are as follows:
1.
Apologise for your comments greenlighting a genocide and for not backing the
ceasefire in Oct/Nov 2023
2.
Sanctions on companies operating in occupied territories. Sanctions on settlers
3.
Recognise Palestine as a state
4.
Travel ban on all Israeli politicians that prosecuted this war and support the
illegal occupation
5. End
military ties with Israel
6. Issue
guidance that Muslims are allowed to pray at school
7.
Implement findings of people’s review of Prevent — not Shawcross
8.
Remove the “extremism” definition that [Michael] Gove introduced
9.
Commit to full implementation of Royal Charter re media regulation
10.
Adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia
11.
Commit to a review of public sector equality duty
12.
Increase council and public health funding for the 10% most deprived areas in
the country to finally address systemic and chronic health inequities as
detailed in the Marmot Review and revisited by the Health Foundation 10 years
later
13.
Deliver alternative student finance
14.
Ensure Sharia-compliant pensions are available at every workplace, so the one
third of Muslims without a pension get one
15.
Ensure insurance quotes don’t cost more for someone called “Muhammad”
16.
Commit 7 per cent of the local government pension scheme/public sector pensions
to ethical and Islamic funds
17.
Oppose BDS bill. Kick it out of law
18.
Remove the archaic “spiritual influence” offence from statute
Source: humanevents.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://humanevents.com/2024/05/07/muslim-voting-campaign-issues-uk-labour-party-list-of-18-demands-to-win-back-votes-lost-over-support-for-israel
---------
You Need
to Understand How Biden's Jihad Against Gun Rights Is Being Fought
May 07,
2024
President
Joe Biden is the most anti-gun president we've had in office in my lifetime.
While Obama might have wanted gun control, he did very little to make it
happen. Clinton passed the assault weapon ban, sure, but from there, little
else happened.
Biden,
however, wants that and oh-so-much more.
In fact,
it's like he's declared a holy war against the right to keep and bear arms.
While
part of that is the overt gun control actions, there's another aspect that is
going on here that most people are unaware of.
That's
where the real battle takes place.
He
targets “rogue” gun dealers, when even his own Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials published data showing they’re not the
problem. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Volume Three
of the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment show just 0.1
percent of all federal firearms licensees were implicated in allegedly illegal
firearm trafficking between 2017 and 2021.
President
Biden’s Commerce Department published a punishing Interim Final Rule through
the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and slapped on new firearm export
restrictions that have the intent of hobbling U.S. firearm manufacturers and
exporters. The administration grasped at straws to justify it for national
security reasons but it also belies ATF data. The ATF’s National Firearm
Commerce and Trafficking Assessment shows less than one percent of legally
exported firearms are ever traced in connection with a crime taking place in a
foreign country.
...
The goal
is to overturn the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), the law
that prohibits frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry for the harm
caused by remote third parties. To more easily understand that, “remote third
parties” is legal-speak for criminals. Feinblatt, President Biden and the
Congressional gun control cabal want to return to the days of the late 1990’s
and early 2000’s when unscrupulous trial lawyers in shiny suits in concert with
gun control groups paraded a series of failing lawsuits to drain firearm
manufacturers of funds with claims that were never successful.
That
wasn’t the point, though. Disgraced former New York Gov. Anderw Cuomo served as
the Housing and Urban Development Secretary under President Bill Clinton and
infamously threatened the firearm industry with “death by a thousand cuts.” The
objective was to bring the industry to its knees and force through court-ordered
settlements gun control measures rejected by Congress or ratchet up the cost of
litigation and shutter the industry through bankruptcy. Nothing changed.
Olivia
also points out the role the White House played in working with Everytown on
the recent lawsuit filed against Glock because they haven't redesigned one of
the most reliable firearms on the planet to not accept an illegal aftermarket
accessory.
While
things like assault weapon bans are overt, the attack on gun manufacturers and
gun dealers is more subtle.
See,
they're trying to argue that the gun makers have unprecedented protections that
shield them from liability, figuring that most Americans think they can't be
sued for anything when that's not remotely true. They can't be sued because of
what a third party did with the guns they made. That's it. If their guns are
flawed and cause problems, those lawsuits can proceed.
They
push this idea of "rogue" gun dealers because that concept scares
people, but who are they really going after? As Olivia notes, the ATF's own
data shows that 0.1 percent of gun dealers are implicated in shady dealings.
That means 99.9 are upstanding businesses trying to follow the rules.
What
Biden actually means is people who make clerical errors from time to time,
which can happen to anyone. The ATF is stripping licenses from these dealers
over mistakes, not illegal gun sales.
The idea
here is very simple. Gun manufacturers and dealers either play ball with the
administration or else. This cuts Congress out of the discussion and
effectively creates gun control in such a way that the Supreme Court will have
difficulty overturning it.
After
all, if you can't buy guns because there's no one willing to sell you one, who
needs to curtail your right to own one?
Source: bearingarms.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://bearingarms.com/tomknighton/2024/05/07/understanding-how-bidens-jihad-against-gun-rights-is-being-fought-n1224803
--------
CAIR
Files Civil Rights Complaint Against Utah School District Alleging Anti-Muslim
Discrimination
May 7,
2024
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today filed a civil rights complaint alleging
anti-Muslim discrimination against Corner Canyon High School and Sandy, Utah’s
Canyons School District.
In a
complaint filed with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights,
CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor wrote: “Our complainant
reports the promotion of Islamophobic stereotypes and dissemination of biased
materials apparently sourced from an anti-Muslim hate site by a teacher at
Corner Canyons High School. This classroom instruction has allegedly brought
about an anti-Muslim environment and likely led to at least one explicitly
Islamophobic remark from a student. As reported to us, the teacher left this
remark unchallenged.”
CAIR’s
attempts to resolve the issue with the Corner Canyon High School principal and
the Canyons School District superintendent and school board met with minimal
response.
“We
cannot understand how anyone promoting such materials in a classroom can be
left in a position where they can influence children,” said Saylor. “Teachers
should have enough of an understanding of any world faith to be able to
recognize biased stereotypes.”
In the
complaint, Saylor added the following details:
“A
classroom handout provided to us that was reportedly among those used during
this module is titled, ‘Some common laws of ‘Islamic Sharia’ which are regularly
practiced in the Islamically ruled (Sharia-based) nations with some minor
variations.’ The content on this document appears to be taken directly from a
blog post on the website Islam Watch.
“Islam
Watch lists Ali Sina as one of its founders. Sina served as a board member for
Pamela Geller’s Stop the Islamization of America. The Southern Poverty Law
Center labeled Geller as “the anti-Muslim movement’s most visible and
flamboyant figurehead.” Georgetown University’s Bridge
Initiative called Geller “one of the most prominent anti-Muslim and anti-Islam
activists and bloggers in the U.S.” Another Geller-led organization issued an 18-point platform
aimed at stripping Muslims of Constitutional protections and subjecting them to
surveillance based solely on their religious identity.
“If his
leadership role within an anti-Muslim hate group is not enough to discredit his
website as a balanced source of information, Sina, in one of the articles he
wrote for Islam Watch, asserts, ‘Islam belongs to the toilet of history. Please
drop it and flush.”
Last
year, CAIR expressed solidarity with the Asian- American community in Utah
after alleged anti-Asian vandalism targeting a nail salon in Salt Lake City.
Also
last year, the organization welcomed the sentencing of the perpetrator of a
racist assault targeting a Latino father and son in Utah in 2018.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-files-civil-rights-complaint-against-utah-school-district-alleging-anti-muslim-discrimination/
--------
Europe
Russian
ally announces snap nuclear drill
7 May,
2024
Belarusian
President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered the country's military to test its
nuclear-capable weapon systems, the Defense Ministry in Minsk announced on
Tuesday. Moscow ordered similar drills on Monday, citing hostile rhetoric by
Western officials that necessitated a show of force.
Defense
Minister Viktor Khrenin said a battery of Iskander missile launchers and a
squadron of Sukhoi Su-25 close air support jets will be involved in the snap
exercise.
Russian
President Vladimir Putin announced plans to store a small number of tactical
nuclear weapons in Belarus last year, amid escalating tensions with the US and
its allies over Ukraine.
Washington
has had a similar arrangement with several NATO members for decades. Belgium,
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Türkiye are estimated to host several dozen
B-61 nuclear gravity bombs on their soil.
Moscow
has long objected to the practice, as well as the training of other NATO
members in how those weapons can be used, claiming the steps violate the spirit
of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
Russian
possesses a full range of nuclear weapons, from powerful warheads mounted on
intercontinental ballistic missiles to smaller versions suitable for
shorter-range delivery systems. “Tactical” nukes are meant to be deployed at a
lower level of military planning and are primarily meant for inflicting damage
on enemy troops and fortifications. By contrast, strategic weapons create
deterrence by guaranteeing an unacceptable level of destruction to any
potential aggressor.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/597165-belarus-nuclear-platforms-drill/
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Two
Ukrainian officials arrested over alleged plot to kill Zelensky
7 May,
2024
Two
officers of the State Security Administration who were allegedly part of a
conspiracy to assassinate top government and military officials were arrested
on Tuesday, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has announced.
The
agency, which is Kiev’s successor to the Soviet-era KGB, claimed in a post on
Telegram that the two suspects were planning to kill Ukrainian President
Vladimir Zelensky, SBU head Vasily Malyuk, and the national intelligence chief,
Kirill Budanov, among others.
The
Strana news outlet has identified the detainees as the head of the State
Security Administration, Andrey Guk, and his colleague, surnamed Derkach. Both
are said to have been arrested simultaneously on Saturday.
The SBU
says the men were agents of a network which it alleges was being orchestrated
from Moscow, and were conducting surveillance of Zelensky and other government
officials with intent to coordinate a missile strike and a kamikaze drone
attack on them.
Guk was
specifically accused of collecting and transmitting classified information on
protected persons, including Zelensky.
The
assassinations of some of the officials were reportedly supposed to take place before
Orthodox Easter on May 5, with the murder of Zelensky supposedly being planned
as a “gift to Putin before his inauguration” on Tuesday, Malyuk claimed in a
statement quoted by the SBU.
The
detainees have been charged with treason and preparing a terrorist attack and
now face life in prison.
The
alleged murder plot is just the latest the SBU has reportedly uncovered. Last
month, the service also claimed that a suspect in Poland was transmitting
information about the security of a Polish airport to Russian spies with the
goal of orchestrating an assassination attempt on Zelensky during his visit to
the country. Polish authorities later said that the man, named Pawel K., had
been arrested and charged with “readiness to act for foreign intelligence against
the Republic of Poland.”
Moscow
has not yet commented on the latest assassination plot accusations. However,
former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that the incident in Poland
indicated that Kiev’s Western backers were looking to get rid of Zelensky.
“An
attempt on the life of the chief Banderite [Zelensky] in Poland? That is truly
serious,” Medvedev commented in response to the arrest of the Polish man. “It
may be the first piece of evidence that people in the West have made a decision
to liquidate him. Be afraid, clown!”
Since
the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Zelensky has repeatedly told Western
media that Russia has been trying to kill him, with multiple attempts
supposedly prevented by his security detail.
However,
according to former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Vladimir Putin
personally assured him in March 2022 that Moscow would not kill Zelensky.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/597172-ukraine-zelensky-assasination-plot/
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First
foreign leader to congratulate Putin revealed
7 May,
2024
United
Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is apparently the
first foreign leader to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his inauguration for a
fifth term as Russian president, which took place earlier on Tuesday.
“I
extend my congratulations to President Vladimir Putin on his inauguration as
President of Russia. The UAE is committed to working with international
partners in efforts to strengthen global dialogue, development, and cooperation
to benefit all peoples,” the UAE leader wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter)
in English, Arabic, and Russian.
Al
Nahyan was also among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Putin on his
landslide victory in the presidential election last month in which he secured a
record 87.28% of the vote. In a phone call with Putin on March 20, he said he
looked forward to continuing to work together to enhance bilateral relations
between the UAE and Russia.
The UAE
has emerged as a key trade partner for Russia in the Middle East since the
start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, which led to Western countries
imposing unprecedented sanctions on Moscow. Economic relations between the two
states have been rapidly expanding over the past two years, with trade turnover
soaring by more than 60% in 2023 alone. The UAE is also among the largest
regional investors in Russia’s economy.
Putin’s
swearing-in ceremony took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow earlier
on Tuesday, and was attended by hundreds of high-ranking guests, including
senior government officials and foreign ambassadors. The ceremony took place
amid a tense geopolitical situation due to the Ukraine conflict and a
diplomatic rift with the West. Several Western nations have snubbed the event,
with their governments claiming that this year’s presidential election in
Russia was not free and fair.
In his
inaugural address, Putin stressed that Russia is open to building friendly ties
with any nation that sees it as “a reliable and honest partner,” including
Western states.
“We
don’t refuse dialogue with Western nations... A conversation, including on
issues of security and strategic stability, is possible... but only on equal
terms, with respect for each other’s interests,” the Russian leader stated.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/597166-putin-inauguration-congratulations-uae/
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EU
country could open border with Russia
7 May,
2024
Checkpoints
on Finland’s border with Russia could be opened to passenger transport after
the adoption of a new migration law, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen told the
media outlet Etela-Saimaa on Tuesday. The ‘border exception law’ could be
approved later this month, the official said.
Finland,
which joined NATO last year, closed its eastern land border in late November
and banned shipping from several ports after more than 1,300 asylum seekers –
primarily from Africa and the Middle East – crossed over from Russian territory
during a four-month period. The flow of migrants had previously averaged just a
few hundred per year, and the Finnish government blamed Moscow for the influx.
“The
border law is currently being finalized. It will be considered by the
parliament within one or two weeks,” Hakkanen said during a visit to the city
of Lappeenranta near the Finnish-Russian border. He added that the legislation
is expected to come into force as soon as possible.
In
March, the Finnish government announced plans to adopt a temporary law to curb
what it described as “instrumentalized migration.”
The law
would allow the government “to restrict the reception of applications” from
asylum seekers attempting to enter Finland from Russia. Once adopted, the
legislation could enable passenger traffic at some border crossing points in
southeastern Finland, according to Hakkanen.
Russia
has dismissed Finland’s claims about weaponizing migration. In April, the
Foreign Ministry accused Helsinki of refusing cooperation between the
countries’ border agencies.
The
historically warm relations between the neighboring states became severely
strained after Finland, along with many Western nations, imposed sanctions on
Russia and began supplying Kiev with weapons. In an interview in March with
Russian media, President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for the breakdown of
previously “ideal relations” between Moscow and Helsinki.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/597163-finland-may-open-russia-border/
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Arab World
Saudi
Arabia And UK Conclude Talks On Development And Aid, Make Recommendations
May 07,
2024
RIYADH:
The Second Strategic Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian
Assistance between Saudi Arabia and the UK concluded on Tuesday with a
high-level plenary session.
Aqeel
Al-Ghamdi, the assistant general supervisor for planning and development at
Saudi aid agency KSrelief, reviewed several recommendations by both sides, the
Saudi Press Agency reported. They included an agreement to establish a
framework for cooperation between the countries in support of efforts to
achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and to continue discussions of
goals on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Al-Ghamdi
said both countries also agreed to collaborate on projects in Bangladesh,
Ukraine and Sudan, including the exchange of expertise, skills and research,
and field visits. They will also work to enhance cooperation between the Saudi
Fund for Development and UK authorities, through a memorandum of cooperation
signed on the sidelines of the talks.
The
two-day event, which began on Monday at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh,
was chaired by the organization’s general supervisor, Abdullah Al-Rabeeah. The
Saudi delegation included the Kingdom’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin
Bandar, and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Al-Murshid.
The
British delegation was led by Andrew Mitchell, the deputy foreign secretary and
minister of state for development and Africa, and included the British
ambassador to the Kingdom, Neil Crompton.
Earlier
on Tuesday, representatives of the countries took part in two roundtable
meetings on “the effectiveness of aid, research and study impact” and
“community resilience, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation.”
The
former considered ways to: facilitate the exchange of successful strategies and
the lessons that can be learned from them; promote effective development
practices; develop concrete and implementable recommendations to integrate
community resilience; monitor and evaluate future projects; and strengthen the
existing partnership between the countries through a shared commitment to the
provision of effective aid and sustainable development.
It also
discussed opportunities to enhance coordination among donors to improve the
effectiveness of aid, and the importance of cooperation in efforts to
strengthen the interconnected nature of humanitarian, development and
peace-building efforts to help ensure peace and prosperity in fragile and
high-risk countries, in addition to the basic principles for enhancing programs
in support of an interconnected approach that can ensure sustainability and
resilience.
The
participants in the latter roundtable exchanged views on the progress made in
efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, ways in which this
might be accelerated, and the challenges they face. They also agreed on
prioritization of Saudi-British efforts to achieve the goals, and explored
opportunities for the development of this cooperation.
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All is rosy
in Taif as fans flock to flower festival
May 07,
2024
JEDDAH:
Visitors are flocking to the 19th Taif Rose Festival at Al-Raddaf Park where
the flowers are in full bloom, highlighting the region’s rich floral heritage.
The
festival, themed “Qetaf” meaning “picking time,” coincides with the harvest
season and will run until May 12. The organizers include the Taif Rose
Cooperative Society and Taif Municipality.
There
has been an impressive turnout of Taif residents and domestic and international
tourists. The exhibitors — mostly farmers and vendors — are optimistic that
increased revenues will help boost rose cultivation and production.
Abdullah
Altwairqi, a local farmer and festival participant, said: “Participating in the
Taif Rose Festival has become a tradition for me. The atmosphere improves each
year, and the revenue and exposure we receive from visitors make it
worthwhile.”
At his
booth, Altwairqi showcased various flowers and fruit, including Taif roses,
peaches, prickly pears, figs, mulberries, grapes, blackberries, pomegranates,
as well as aromatic plants.
Altwairqi
urged people to visit the Rose Flavor cafe where they can savor hot and cold
beverages infused with the flavor of Taif roses and other aromatic flowers
including lavender, which is also abundant in the region.
The
flower carpet set up by the municipality in the center of the park left
visitors awestruck. Covering 5,206 square meters, it was crafted using over a
million flower and rose seedlings, making it the largest in the history of the
festival.
Faiz
Al-Thibaiti, director-general of media and corporate communication at Taif
Municipality, told Arab News: “The flower carpet was designed with decorative
patterns inspired by the province’s heritage.”
He said
the carpet has ensured the event has become “one of the most important tourism
festivals in the Kingdom, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists from
various regions of the country.”
The
decorations adorning the flower carpet draw inspiration from the intricate
designs found on the walls and facades of Taif’s ancient structures, including
Al-Kaki Palace in Al-Salama and King Saud Palace.
Al-Thibaiti
added: “Preparations for the festival started early, with the Taif Rose
Cooperative Society detailing participation criteria to highlight Taif roses,
including their cultivation, harvesting, and distillation into fine perfumes.
This adds to Taif’s unique tourist appeal. The festival provides a platform for
producers, experts, and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and boost this important
sector.”
Among
the highlights are the rose and flower path, product stalls, goods market,
government booths, and the agricultural nursery.
Interactive
fountain shows accompanied by national tunes were also among the attractions,
with a crossing to the upper pedestrian bridge from where visitors can view the
massive flower carpet.
Artwork,
flower arrangements, and hanging floral baskets scattered throughout the park
added to the flair of the event.
Al-Thibaiti
said: “The significant turnout at the current festival comes amid increasing
rose production year after year, indicating the success of this agricultural
sector in achieving high revenues while continuing to promote the Taif rose
product.”
Taifrosethon
The
five-day Taifrosethon began on May 7, which is being held to encourage
entrepreneurship in the region with technological solutions to enrich the
industry.
The
event includes various skills training and technical workshops covering trade,
cultural heritage, and tourism.
The
top-three winners will receive $2,666, $1,866 and $1,333 respectively.
Participants are required to enter as teams, each with three to five members.
Taif’s
roses
The Taif
province produces more than 200 million roses each season. According to the
local chamber of industry, each tree produces an average of 250 roses daily
throughout the harvest season, which lasts for about 45 days.
The
rose-picking season starts around the end of March or early April, lasting
between 35 to 45 days, with an average of 70,000 roses picked daily.
Taif
roses feature an exquisite, sweet fragrance and vibrant pink hues on delicate
petals, and are a hallmark of the region’s natural beauty.
Cultivated
in the high-altitude climate of Taif, these roses thrive in the cool
temperatures and fertile soil of the region.
They are
meticulously harvested by hand to preserve their quality, with the petals
carefully collected for various purposes.
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King
Mohammed VI of Morocco receives Saudi Arabia minister of state Prince Turki
May 07,
2024
CASABLANCA:
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI received Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin
Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers, in
Casablanca on Tuesday.
During
his meeting with King Mohammed, Prince Turki conveyed greetings from King
Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Prince
Turki also delivered a letter to King Mohammed.
King
Mohammed thanked the Saudi minister for the letter and “noted the distinguished
relations that bind the two brotherly countries and peoples in all fields,”
Saudi Press Agency reported.
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Saudi
Arabia condemns Israeli settlers’ attack on Jordan’s aid convoy heading to Gaza
May 07,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a
Jordanian humanitarian aid convoy that was heading to the besieged Gaza Strip
on Tuesday, in the second incident of its kind in less than a week.
The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that said “the repetition of
these attacks is a result of the failure of the Israeli occupation forces to
carry out their responsibilities under international humanitarian law and is
considered systematic complicity in preventing the necessary humanitarian aid
from reaching the Gaza Strip.”
The
Kingdom called on the international community to take all necessary measures to
hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and
international humanitarian law.
It also
urged it to assume its responsibility to protect and secure the crossing of aid
convoys, and to ensure their arrival into the Palestinian enclave to contribute
to alleviating the humanitarian crisis there, the ministry statement added.
Jordan
also condemned the attack and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah said:
“Israel is responsible for the settler attack on the aid convoys.”
Qudah
stressed that the Israeli government’s failure to stop the attacks was a
violation of its legal obligations, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Qudah
added that the aid convoy, run by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization,
was attacked by Israeli settlers on its way to the Beit Hanoun Crossing, also
known as the Erez Crossing, in northern Gaza, adding that “its cargo was
tampered with.”
He said
that the convoy later managed to continue its journey despite the attack and
reached its destination in war-ravaged Gaza.
Kuwait
also condemned the assaults by Israeli settlers and affirmed its position
calling for the international community to assume its responsibility by
deploring these attacks so that they may be avoided.
The
Kuwaiti foreign ministry said this would aim “to guarantee the sustainable
delivery of these aid convoys to the Palestinian people in order to curb the
ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip caused by ongoing” Israeli
attacks.
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Expos
begin in Riyadh, shine light on future of entertainment in Saudi Arabia
May 07, 2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo and the Saudi Light and Sound Expo
began in Riyadh on Tuesday. The events aim to shine a light on the future of
the entertainment industry in the Kingdom, showcase the latest products and
technologies, and provide a forum for those at the forefront of a rapidly
evolving sector in the country.
Spanning
three days of creativity, interactive experiences and technological
innovations, the expos will offer a glimpse what is to come in the
entertainment sector and the opportunities this will create, Eihab Abourokbah,
the CEO of the Saudi Entertainment Academy, told Arab News.
The
events, which continue until Thursday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and
Conference Center, opened to the public, including local and international
experts, public-sector authorities, and industry professionals, following an
inauguration by Mohannad Al-Abbad, chief investment and business development
officer at the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority. This was followed by
a VIP walk-through by a delegation that included GEA representatives, as the
event got underway with exhibitors and a series of panel discussions and
presentations.
Sarkis
Kahwajian, associate vice president of DMG Events and the organizer of the
expos, said: “As we raise the curtain on both the SEA Expo and the SLS Expo,
our aim is that this year’s shows leave a deep-rooted mark on the entertainment
industry in the region.
“This
year is our most diverse and dynamic agenda yet. It is here, at the
intersection of creativity and technology, that our list of impressive
exhibitors are revealing cutting-edge products and showcasing how entertainment
is evolving in the Kingdom.”
DMG said
two historic deals between major players in the entertainment industry will be
finalized on the sidelines of the expos to help enhance, grow and diversify the
sector.
Invest
Saudi, under the auspices Ministry of Investment, will sign an agreement with
Nowaar Entertainment, a company in Riyadh that focuses on experience-based
events, content development and investment, to help develop the live-events
industry in the Kingdom.
And
Dallah Al-Baraka, a multinational corporation based in Jeddah with a
broad-based investment portfolio, will sign a partnership agreement with
Europa-Park, a theme park in Germany with 18 themed zones and 100 rides. The
aim of the collaboration is to provide consultancy services, professional
training programs, and equipment sales to help support growth in the sector in
line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and
diversification.
While
exhibitors from the entertainment and leisure industry around the world,
including entertainment designers, consultants, contractors, mega-project
developers, entrepreneurs and investors, showcase their latest products and
services at the SEA Expo, their counterparts in the Kingdom, which has embarked
on an entertainment renaissance in the past few years, will also unveil their
latest entertainment and leisure offerings.
Vivien
Exartier, executive director of Saudi Entertainment Academy, told Arab News:
“This expo is important for us because it shows our footprint, it shows that we
are the only institution equipped and capable of training young Saudis under
the umbrella of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Human
Resources Development Fund, and the GEA.”
The
academy, described as the first of its kind in the Kingdom and supported by the
GEA, offers young Saudis the chance to enroll in specialized courses and earn
academic diplomas with the aim of opening up employment opportunities to them
in the rapidly developing entertainment sector in the Kingdom.
Expert
speakers at the SEA Expo will include officials from a wide range of public-
and private-sector organizations, including Six Flags Qiddiya, Saudi
Entertainment Ventures, Cruise Saudi, the Saudi Ministry of Investment, and the
Royal Commission for AlUla.
Meanwhile,
the SLS Expo will give visitors the chance to take a deep dive into specialist
topics and technologies such as professional lighting and sound, live event
management, stage technology and trussing, and virtual, augmented and mixed
reality.
As the
entertainment industry in the Kingdom continues to evolve rapidly, high-profile
events and attractions such as operas, festivals, theme parks and cinema are
raising the stakes in the country. This is creating growing demand for quality
professional lighting, sound and other events-related technologies, which
exhibitors at SLS Expo will hope to tap into by showing how they can provide
equipment and services to act as a catalyst for the development of live events
in the Kingdom.
Visitors
will also have the chance to hear from industry leaders at the forefront of
efforts to revolutionize the sector in the Kingdom. One of the most topical
discussions during the event will be about ways to help empower and hone the
skills of young Saudi talent by bridging skills gaps in the entertainment
industry.
“We want
summit delegates to walk away with a strategic understanding of how to
implement Saudization strategies within their organizations, while also seeing
the pivotal role graduate programs play in fostering growth in local talent,”
said Expo organizer Kahwajian.
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Riyadh
forum tackles challenges in judicial training
May 07,
2024
RIYADH:
Confidence comes from competence, and competence comes from experience, Martin
Camp told a panel discussion at the International Conference on Judicial
Training held in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The
mantra is central to Camp’s teaching approach as a professor of practice and
assistant dean for graduate and international programs at Southern Methodist
University Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas, where he teaches property and
business law.
In the
conference’s sixth session, titled “Understanding Culture and Social Context in
Judicial and Legal Training,” Camp, with other legal experts, discussed the
significance of incorporating cultural awareness into the judicial system.
The
panel included Rodrigo Alves, professor of law at the Federal University of
Uberlandia, Mark Sweet, a partner at the Finnegan law firm, Jamal Haroun,
secretary-general of the permanent secretariat of the Euro-Arab Judicial
Training Network, and Henry Gao, professor of law at Singapore Management
University.
Camp
said that despite each nation’s cultural identity, we all, as a collective
society, desire the same things.
“Then I
realized that under this veneer difference, we are the same. People want the
same things. They want work, family, security, peace, everything they want
depends on the rule of law.
“It does
not matter what label we put on what systems people choose or what is chosen
for them, in the final analysis, whatever system, people still want justice.
They want the general application of the principle of rule of law and those are
the rules that people are expected to follow.”
To have
a flowing judicial system, training needs to be a regular part of the life of
the judiciary and sometimes specialization is preferred to provide competence,
Camp said.
“The
role of the judiciary is ensuring that the rule of law, that the courts, are
preachers of our constitution and our legislature … by understanding the law,
practicing the law, and having the confidence that comes from that,” Camp
added.
Fabricio
Da Cruz, a federal judge in Brazil, told Arab News that he is attending the
conference because he is fascinated by its theme, which explores the future of
judicial training.
“Everybody
here has something to tell and something to teach, but there is a lot to learn
... sharing knowledge is the main benefit from a conference like this.”
With 20
years of legal experience, Da Cruz has served as a professor of social sciences
and law for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students.
“I give
this advice to my students and children: stay hungry for knowledge and focus on
developing (your) skills ... knowledge and skills, together, make a huge
difference in the future for the person, community, and country.”
The
conference, which began on May 6, focused on the many aspects of judicial and
legal training. Gathering law professionals from more than 40 countries, it
explored how modern technologies and artificial intelligence can be integrated
to enhance judicial and legal training methodologies.
Workshops
and panel discussions covered challenges in developing training content during
digital transformation, the impact of cultural and social contexts on the
judicial training process, and key methodologies for evaluating training
outcomes.
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Experts
discuss revitalization of industrial heritage sites at Diriyah workshop
May 07,
2024
RIYADH:
The Heritage Commission kicked off day one of the International Workshop on
Industrial Heritage in the JAX district to promote awareness of industrial
heritage, its preservation, and diversification.
The
workshop, which runs from May 7 to May 8 in Diriyah, will cover topics such as
industrial heritage on a global scale, industrial heritage within the Kingdom,
and case studies of the revitalization and restoration of industrial heritage
sites.
The
workshop features global experts who will lecture and share their case studies,
including Tosh Warwick from the UK, Mitsuko Nishikawa from Japan, and Mirhan
Damin, who will discuss her expertise in industrial heritage in Egypt.
The
opening remarks for the workshop were delivered by Jasser Al-Harbash, CEO of
the Heritage Commission, who highlighted some of the Kingdom’s notable
industrial heritage sites, particularly in the mining sector.
Following
the opening remarks, several participants and speakers at the workshop were
honored with plaques for their contributions to the field, including Sheikh
Ibrahim Al-Khalifa from the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage in Bahrain,
Amal Al-Harbi from the JAX district, and Dr. Massimo Preite from the International
Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage, among others.
The
first session of the workshop provided a broader overview of international
industrial heritage, with panel members sharing insights from Germany, Latin
America, and the UK.
Marion
Steiner, secretary-general of the TICCIH, gave a lecture on the interpretation
and global perspective of industrial heritage.
She
stressed that a global understanding of industrial heritage leads to a better
understanding of each other and sparks peace-building in the minds of men and
women.
Steiner
told Arab News that gatherings like the workshop hosted by the Saudi Heritage
Commission serve “as an element in a process which could lead to a better
understanding of what connects us across places and people through history and
time.”
Miles
Oglethorpe, president of the TICCIH, discussed the broad definition of
industrial heritage and the extensive list of sectors that fall within this
category, such as agriculture, mining, oil and gas, heavy industries, and water
desalination.
He
explained that industrial heritage comprises sites, structures, and complexes,
as well as their associated documentation and history.
“It
includes both material assets and immovable and movable and intangible dimensions
such as know-how, the organization of work and workers, and the complex social
and cultural legacy that has shaped the life of communities and brought major
organizational changes to entire societies and the world in general,” said
Oglethorpe.
As part
of the workshop, the commission set up multiple VR stations that allow users to
explore the Kingdom's industrial heritage sites, including oil and gas
projects. These stations provided information on engineering feats such as the
Tapline, dating back to the oil boom in the 1950s.
By
hosting this international workshop, the Kingdom aims to take a proactive
approach to documenting its industrial heritage. The workshop invited
participants to share international expertise, exchange insights, and engage in
debates on strategies for industrial heritage preservation.
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Africa
Mali:
Al-Qaeda-Linked Islamist Armed Groups, Ethnic Militias Commit Atrocities on
Civilians
07-05-24
(Nairobi)
– An Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist armed group killed at least 32 civilians,
including 3 children, and set fire to over 350 homes in central Mali in January
2024, forcing about 2,000 villagers to flee, Human Rights Watch said today.
Earlier in January, an ethnic militia killed at least 13 civilians, including 2
children, abducted 24 other civilians, and looted property and livestock in
central Mali. These attacks violate international humanitarian law and are
apparent war crimes.
Human
Rights Watch documented two attacks by the Group for the Support of Islam and
Muslims (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen, JNIM) on the villages of
Ogota and Ouémbé, Mopti region, on January 27, and two attacks by Dozo militia
on the villages of Kalala and Boura, Segou region, in early January. These
attacks occurred amid recurrent tit-for-tat killings and communal violence in
central Mali. Mali’s transitional military authorities, which took power in a
May 2021 coup, should urgently investigate the abuses, fairly prosecute those
responsible, and provide better protection for all civilians at risk.
“Islamist
armed groups and ethnic militias are brutally attacking civilians without fear
of prosecution,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human
Rights Watch. “The authorities need to act to end the deadly cycles of violence
and revenge killings and better protect threatened civilians.”
Between
February and April, Human Rights Watch interviewed 25 people by telephone with
knowledge of the attacks, including 15 witnesses, 3 Malian activists, and 7
international organization representatives. Human Rights Watch also analyzed
satellite imagery of burned homes in Ogota and Ouémbé.
Mali has
been fighting Islamist armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the extremist armed
group Islamic State (also known as ISIS) since 2015. In December 2023, the
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
(MINUSMA), pulled out of the country at the request of Mali’s transitional
military authorities, raising concerns about protecting civilians and
monitoring abuses. In January, the transitional authorities announced that Mali
would leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), depriving
abuse victims of the ability to seek justice through the ECOWAS Community Court
of Justice.
Witnesses
said that on January 27 the JNIM attacked Ogota, populated mainly by ethnic
Dogon, as retaliation for the presence of Dan Na Ambassagou militia in the vicinity.
“They invaded the village, shooting at anything and anyone for more than an
hour,” said a 40-year-old woman. “They set the whole village on fire.”
On
January 6, Dozo militia attacked Kalala, a predominantly ethnic-Fulani village,
and killed 13 civilians. “We found six bodies in front of the mosque, and the
others inside homes or outside,” said a herder. “The Dozo targeted us because
we are Fulani, and they think all Fulani are terrorists.” Witnesses from Kalala
said the attack was retaliation for JNIM’s attacks against ethnic Bambara in
surrounding villages in October and November.
Malian
transitional military authorities have not adequately investigated incidents
implicating members of Islamist armed groups or ethnic militias, Human Rights
Watch said. In his February report, Alioune Tine, the UN Independent Expert on
the situation of human rights in Mali, stated that he regrets “that no
significant progress has been made in prosecuting the alleged perpetrators of
multiple violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international
humanitarian law attributed to violent extremist groups, militias and community
self-defence groups and Malian forces.”
Witnesses
to the JNIM attacks said that the Malian security forces failed to adequately protect
their communities. “The Malian state has abandoned us,” said a 34-year-old man
from Bankass, Mopti region. “Since 2018, the jihadists have imposed Sharia
[Islamic law] on us, attacked our villages, mined our roads, [and] kidnapped
our children. We have always called for help from our authorities, but there
has been no response. These attacks continue because terrorists enjoy freedom
of action and are never held accountable.” A witness to the Dozo militia attack
in Boura on January 3, however, found the authorities willing to respond
promptly, saying that local gendarmes “acted quickly … and arrested three
militiamen.”
Human
Rights Watch has also documented serious abuses by the Malian security forces
and apparent Russia-backed Wagner forces during counterinsurgency operations in
central Mali.
Under
international humanitarian law, the fighting in Mali is considered a
non-international armed conflict. Applicable law includes Common Article 3 to
the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and customary laws of war, which apply to
non-state armed groups as well as national armed forces. The laws of war
prohibit summary executions, torture, attacks on civilians and civilian
property, and looting, among other violations. The government has an obligation
to impartially investigate and appropriately prosecute those implicated in war
crimes, which are serious violations of the laws of war committed with criminal
intent.
“The
Malian transitional government’s failure to hold Islamist armed groups and
ethnic militias to account only emboldens abusive forces to commit further
atrocities,” Allegrozzi said. “The authorities should ramp-up efforts to
appropriately investigate and prosecute all those responsible for grave
abuses.”
For
witness accounts and other details, please see below. The names of those
interviewed have been withheld for their protection.
Abuses
by the JNIM
The
Islamist armed group JNIM emerged in March 2017 as an umbrella coalition of
Al-Qaeda-aligned groups, including Ansar al-Din, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic
Maghreb, al-Mourabitoun, and Katibat Macina. Human Rights Watch has previously
documented serious abuses by the JNIM across Mali.
The JNIM
has concentrated its recruitment efforts on ethnic Fulani, exploiting their
frustrations over government corruption and competition over natural resources.
This has exacerbated tensions between the Fulani and other ethnic groups,
especially the Bambara and Dogon, leading to the formation of ethnic
self-defense groups, such as the Dozo and Dan Na Ambassagou, which have taken protecting
their villages and property into their own hands.
Ogota
and Ouémbé, Mopti Region, January 27
On
January 27 at about 6 p.m., scores of JNIM fighters armed with
Kalashnikov-style assault rifles and riding motorbikes and vehicles mounted
with heavy machine guns led simultaneous attacks on Ogota and Ouémbé villages,
three kilometers apart, four witnesses said.
The
fighters, who wore headscarves and spoke Fulfulde, a language widely spoken in
Mali, killed 28 villagers in Ogota, including 8 women, 4 older men, and 3
children, and 4 villagers in Ouémbé, including 2 women. Witnesses said the
fighters burned at least 150 homes in Ogota and 130 homes in Ouémbé, then
returned on February 1 to burn the remaining intact homes.
On
January 29, international media reported the attacks, citing information from
local authorities. In a February 1 statement, the UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights, Volker Türk, said he was “alarmed by reports that about 30
civilians were killed in attacks by yet unidentified gunmen” on Ogota and
Ouémbé, and called for an impartial investigation and for those found
responsible to be “brought to justice in trials observing international
standards.”
A
46-year-old farmer from Ouémbé said:
I saw
the terrorists coming. They split into two groups: one headed toward Ouémbé,
and the other toward Ogota. The group heading toward Ouémbé … was made up of
about 20 motorcycles and a pickup truck with a machine gun mounted on top. The
group heading to Ogota was larger. A few minutes after the convoy passed me,
gunshots were heard from Ogota, then gunshots could also be heard from Ouémbé.
The shooting lasted about an hour and a half.
Villagers
said they believed they were attacked because some members of the Dan Na
Ambassagou militia refused to lay down their weapons following a deal between
the militia and the JNIM. The Dan Na Ambassagou is an umbrella organization of
self-defense groups started in 2016 “to protect the Dogon country” that
provided security in Ogota, Ouémbé and surrounding villages.
A
24-year-old former Dan Na Ambassagou militiaman from Ogota said:
At the
beginning of the movement, we fought the jihadists, but in late 2018, we
realized that the jihadists were better armed and that our involvement in the
militia made our villages the targets of the jihadists. The jihadists cut off
market roads, kidnapped our relatives, prevented us from practicing agriculture,
and besieged our villages to the point that our children died of hunger. Some
of us decided to negotiate with the jihadists and lay down weapons. However,
some militiamen refused the negotiations, so our movement split into two: we
accepted a deal with the jihadists, others continued to fight them. It’s
because of those who kept fighting that our village was attacked.
Witnesses
from Ogota and Ouémbé said that residents learned days earlier about an
imminent threat from the JNIM. They contacted Malian soldiers based in Bankass
and in Bandiagara, respectively about 40 and 70 kilometers from Ogota and
Ouémbé, seeking protection, without success.
A
46-year-old farmer from Ouémbé said:
We have
been living with the terrorists since 2018. When they have bad intentions
against a village, they say it clearly in the WhatsApp groups. So, we contacted
our relatives who are civil servants in Bandiagara asking them to inform the
soldiers about the threats against our village and Ogota. They met with the
military authorities in Bandiagara and told them that the terrorists were
gathering in the bush at Bankass and that they planned to attack our villages.
But the soldiers didn’t do anything.
Killings
in Ogota
Villagers
from Ogota said JNIM fighters came at sunset from the southern side of the
village. They started shooting heavily from the top of a hill causing villagers
to panic and flee. They then stormed the village, firing at people trying to
escape or hide.
A
40-year-old woman said:
The
jihadists spoke in Fulfulde language and shouted “Allah Akbar” [God is great].
They cheered saying the “enemy village has fallen,” and “this is what we are
going to do with all the villages that do not respect Islam.” My husband fled
as the shooting started, leaving me and my children in the house. Two women
with their children came and hid with us. When the shooting stopped, we decided
to leave, but as soon as we went out, gunfire resumed, I was hit in my legs and
fell. The two women left me behind and ran with my children.… When the
jihadists left, my husband came back to rescue me.
The
former militiaman said that when the attack started, he phoned members of the
Dan Na Ambassagou militia for help, “but they only came when the jihadists had
already left.”
A
34-year-old man said:
When the
attack started, I was about four kilometers from Ogota. I heard bursts of
machine-gun fire for an hour and a half, and I saw flames coming out from the
village. When the shooting stopped, I went back to Ogota and found some
villagers and militiamen who were trying to rescue the injured.… The village
was covered in smoke, and we could see dead bodies inside and outside homes.
Some people had been shot while running, others were executed in their homes.
Homes were still on fire. In one house, we found five bodies charred: one
woman, a 50-year-old man, and three older men.
Human
Rights Watch reviewed two lists of victims compiled by survivors and residents,
with the names of 28 people killed, including 3 children under age 2, 4 men
over age 68, and 8 women between 30 and 50. At least 5 of those killed appeared
to have been shot in the head, 9 were burned, and the remaining were riddled by
bullets, witnesses said.
“We
buried the bodies the day after the attack,” said a 45-year-old farmer. “Some
bodies had bullet wounds everywhere. Others, especially those charred, could
not be lifted, so we buried them where we found them. The others were buried
separately.”
Killings
in Ouémbé
Villagers
from Ouémbé described a similar scenario.
“I was
home when I heard heavy gunfire,” said a 43-year-old farmer. “By the time I had
gathered my family, I saw the terrorists coming in large numbers. They screamed
‘Allah Akbar’ and shot continuously. I fled to Segué.”
A
46-year-old man said:
We heard
repeated gunshots and bursts of machine-gun ‘pa-pa-pa.’ I fled to the bush
before the terrorists invaded the village.… When shooting stopped at night, I
came back and found the bodies of four people, two men and two women, in a home
where they were probably hiding.… They had been shot in the chest and the head.
We buried them the following day.
Human
Rights Watch reviewed two lists of victims compiled by survivors and residents,
with the names of four people killed, two men, between ages 50 and 60, and two
women, between 30 and 40.
Arson in
Ogota and Ouémbé
Witnesses
said that during the January 27 attacks, JNIM fighters set on fire at least 150
homes in Ogota and about 130 in Ouémbé, forcing about 2,000 villagers to flee.
They also said that the fighters came back four days later to burn remaining
homes in Ogota and Ouémbé.
“It was
a ghost village,” said the 45-year-old man from Ogota who returned to the
village after the attack and later fled with his family to Bankass.
“There
was nothing left of the village,” said the 46-year-old man from Ouémbé who
returned to the village after the attack. “People had fled, the houses were
still burning. All the people have been displaced, including myself and my
family. We are now in Bankass and lack everything.”
On
satellite imagery that Human Rights Watch analyzed, burn marks are visible all
over Ogota and Ouémbé villages. They first appeared over both villages on an
imagery from January 28, 10:38 a.m. local time, and were not visible the
previous day at the same time. Additional burn marks appeared over both
villages on an imagery of February 1, 10:38 a.m. local time, that were not
visible the day before.
Infrared
satellite image comparison between January 26 and February 1, 2024, shows burn
marks all over the village of Ogota, Mopti region, Mali. On infrared images,
the vegetation appears in red and the burned areas more clearly in dark.
Abuses
by Dozo Militia
The
Dozo, or “traditional hunting societies,” consisting mainly of ethnic Bambara,
have acted as village self-defense forces in Segou and Mopti regions since
about 2014. Human Rights Watch has previously documented serious Dozo abuses
against Fulani civilians, as well as allegations that Dozo and other
self-defense groups have acted as Malian army proxies.
Kalala,
Segou Region, January 6
On the
evening of January 6, Dozo militia attacked Kalala and killed 13 people,
including 3 older men, one of them blind, an older woman, and 2 children, 3
witnesses said. They also burned at least one home, 10 huts, and 20 sheds.
Villagers
believe that the Dozo attacked Kalala, with a predominantly Fulani population,
in retaliation for JNIM attacks against ethnic-Bambara in several surrounding
villages in late 2023.
A man
from Kalala said:
Between
October and November 2023, some people from Berta, Diado, Kéré, Goumba and
Kafagou, which are mainly populated by ethnic Bambara, began arming themselves,
breaking the deals they had made with the jihadists. The jihadists then chased
them out of their villages. Those driven out of their homes organized
themselves and attacked Kalala, a village mostly inhabited by ethnic Fulani. A
Fulani village in our area is considered a jihadist village by other
communities.
Witnesses
said that scores of Dozo militiamen riding motorbikes, wearing distinctive
brown hunting clothes and amulets around their necks, and carrying
Kalashnikov-style assault rifles and hunting guns, arrived in Kalala after
sunset. They stopped at the village football field and started shooting. They
headed to the mosque and summarily executed at least six men.
A
villager said:
When I
saw a dozen Dozo heading towards the mosque, I hid in the mosque’s toilet.… The
Dozo rounded up six men in front of the mosque and one Dozo shot each person in
the head. I watched the scene from the door [of the toilet]. Among the six were
the village chief, the muezzin [who makes the call to the daily prayer], an
83-year-old blind man, and an 80-year-old man.
Witnesses
said that, after the killings, the Dozo went door-to-door, looting, burning
huts and other properties, and killed seven more people.
A
45-year-old woman said:
I bumped
into two Dozo militiamen. One asked me: “Where are your children and your
husband?” I replied that my children were not around and that my husband is
visually impaired, I begged them to have mercy on us.… They left but set fire
to the shed in front of the house.… My husband told me to leave him behind and
flee.… I joined 20 other women and children. We walked through the bush at
night.… At 6 a.m., we split, some went east, toward Tionce; others went west,
toward Saye. I went to Kalala Bamara where a woman helped me and took me in her
wheelbarrow back to my village to look for my husband.
The
woman said that when she arrived in the village, she saw the bodies of 13
people. “Some [were] shot in the head,” she said, and “the village had been
looted” with “several huts and sheds burned.” She found her husband alive and
fled with him to Saye.
A man
who helped bury the bodies in Kalala said:
We could
not bury our relatives for many days because we feared more attacks by the
Dozo. On February 3, we decided to go back and found that the bodies of the six
men killed in front of the mosque had already been buried in a mass grave,
which was uncovered. We don’t know who dug it, but we think the jihadists
[JNIM] did it. We just covered it with sand, buried the seven other bodies, and
left in a hurry.
Human
Rights Watch obtained three lists of victims compiled by survivors and Kalala
residents, with 13 names of people between ages 4 and 83. Among those killed,
witnesses said, was the village chief and an older woman whose charred body was
found in her house.
Boura,
Segou Region, January 3
On
January 3 at about 8 a.m., scores of Dozo militiamen, riding at least 100
motorbikes, stormed the village of Boura, abducting 24 people, including the
72-year-old village chief, three witnesses said. They also looted homes and
livestock.
Witnesses
said that the Dozo came from the locality of Ndokoro, 14 kilometers away, and
attacked the predominantly ethnic Fulani village. Since late 2023, JNIM had
abducted Dozo militiamen in several villages surrounding Boura.
“At the
beginning of 2023, the army patrolled our area, so the jihadists suspected that
the Dozo were collaborating with the military,” said a 40-year-old woman. “The
jihadists then started to kidnap some Dozo. And in retaliation, the Dozo
attacked our village.”
Human
Rights Watch has previously reported allegations that Dozo and other
self-defense groups acted as Malian army proxies.
Witnesses
said that the militiamen came with motorbikes, wore distinctive brown hunting
clothes and amulets, and carried Kalashnikov-style assault rifles. They said
the assailants went door-to-door looking for men and looting homes.
The
40-year-old woman said:
My
husband was able to escape. I tried to escape too with my children, but the
village was already cordoned off. I went back home and prayed to God. Two Dozo
came to my house, asked me where my husband was. I said he wasn’t there. They
broke into the house and forced me to give them my silver jewelry.… At about 10
a.m., they left the village.… Everything had been looted. All the men had fled.
Only the women and children remained.
Human
Rights Watch reviewed a list compiled by survivors and Boura residents with the
names of the people abducted, including 23 men, ages 18 to 80, and a
17-year-old boy.
A
50-year-old man, who fled at the Dozo’s arrival, said he went to Segou city,
140 kilometers away:
I went
to the gendarmerie to inform the gendarmes that our village had been attacked
by a hundred of the Dozo who looted the village, took our animals, and
kidnapped people. The gendarmes registered my complaint.… The gendarmes acted
very quickly and went to seal off the road connecting Segou to our village.…
The following day, the gendarmes were able to stop a truck carrying our looted
animals, more than 60 cows, and arrested three Dozo.
Witnesses
said that family members of those abducted did not look for their loved ones
out of fear of attacks by the Dozo. “Some people told us that they had been
killed, but none found their bodies and there is no evidence of that,” said the
40-year-old woman. The 50-year-old man who reported the attack to the
gendarmerie said he also informed gendarmes about the abductions, but “we still
have no news.”
Source: hrw.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/08/mali-islamist-armed-groups-ethnic-militias-commit-atrocities
---------
Italy PM
in Libya to sign deals part of "Mattei plan" for Africa
07-05-24
The Prime
minister of the UN-backed government in Libya hosted his Italian counterpart,
in Tripoli Tuesday (May. 7)
Abdul
Hamid Dbeibah and Giorgia Meloni held bilateral talks.
Meloni
was accompanied by the Minister of University and Research, the Minister of Health,
and the Minister of Sport and Youth who signed declarations of intent to step
up cooperation.
The
declarations on university cooperation and research, health, sports and youth
are part of the Mattei Plan framework.
A plan
sponsored by the Italian government which seeks to reduce illegal migration
from Africa to Italy through economic prosperity. The plan also aims to
transform Italy into a key energy supply hub.
Libya’s
location on the Mediterranean, and the political chaos that followed the
killing of Muammar Kadafi, have made the country a major route for migrants
trying to reach Europe.
In the
instability context, the country split, with rival administrations in the east
and west backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The
Libya to Italy crossing is nwo one of the most-used and dangerous routes for
sea migration.
According
to Italian news Agency, Agenzia Nova, Meloni will also meet with Khalifa
Haftar. Libya's other strongman who virtually controls the eastern part of the
country.
Before Libya
and most recenty Albania, Italy, a coastal European country, sought more
solidarity from fellow EU nations, mainly in vain.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/05/07/italy-pm-in-libya-to-sign-deals-part-of-mattei-plan-for-africa/
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Congo
military releases 2 Kenya Airways staffers held for 2 weeks
07-05-24
The
Republic of Congo's military has released two Kenya Airways staffers who were
detained for two weeks in a cargo dispute, Kenya's foreign ministry said
Monday.
The
staffers' detention had led Kenya Airways to suspend flights to Congo, but the
state-owned airline said flights would resume Wednesday.
The
airline said it had rejected the cargo because it didn't have the required
documentation. The nature of the cargo, described as "valuable,"
hasn't been disclosed.
Congo's
military had arrested the staffers from the airline's offices in the main
airport in the capital, Kinshasa.
A
military court granted the airline's application for their release but the
military continued to hold them.
Kenya
and Congo have cordial relations, with Kenya participating in U.N-backed
peacekeeping missions in Congo.
The
Kenyan Embassy in Congo negotiated for the release of the staffers, Foreign
Ministry Principal Secretary Korir Singoei had said.
Colleagues
and embassy officials were only granted a few minutes with the two.
Singoei
met the family of one of the detained staffers and assured them that their kin
would be safe and "fairly treated" by the authorities in Congo.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/05/07/congo-military-releases-2-kenya-airways-staffers-held-for-2-weeks/
--------
Why
Nigeria Should Reject Foreign Military Bases – ACF
8 May
2024
The
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended the Nigerian Government for
distancing itself from any plan to invite foreign countries to establish
military bases in Nigeria.
Recall
that some eminent Northern leaders and Civil Society Organisations cautioned
President Bola Tinubu against allowing the United States and the French
governments to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
In a
letter to Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly, the leaders urged
the government to resist pressures from the US and France.
However,
the Federal Government, on Monday, clarified that there were no discussions
with foreign countries regarding the establishment of foreign military bases in
Nigeria.
The
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the
clarification in a statement he signed on Monday.
In a
statement on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur
Mohammed-Baba, the ACF said it was relieved that the Federal Government denied
any plan to allow the setup of foreign military bases.
The
northern group urged the government to forever refuse to entertain, let alone
accede, to requests to site any foreign military base in Nigeria.
The ACF
also called on northern representatives in the National Assembly to remain
alert and be ready to reject any request for approval to set up foreign
military bases in the country.
It said
the Federal Government must be appreciated for taking such a bold and
reassuring stance, describing it as a “soothing balm and a thing of pride worth
celebrations.”
It said
the development represented a victory for all patriotic Nigerians who signalled
the readiness to campaign against the “rumoured” plans to host US and French
military bases in Nigeria following their rejection in the Republics of Burkina
Faso and Niger.
It,
however, called on “citizens, labour unions, professional associations,
academia, media organisations, special interest groups, etc., to continue to remain
vigilant and ever ready to campaign against the siting ever of foreign military
bases in Nigeria.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/05/08/why-nigeria-should-reject-foreign-military-bases-acf/
--------
Pakistan
Something
that we support and encourage, says US on MBS's Islamabad visit
May 08,
2024
WASHINGTON:
The United States has said that it backs Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed
Bin Salman's (MBS) expected visit to Pakistan saying that it supports
diplomatic interactions between its partners.
Addressing
a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department Spokesperson
Matthew Miller said: "We always support diplomatic engagement between our
partners [...] it's a routine kind of diplomatic engagement and is something
that we support and encourage."
A day
earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the Saudi crown
prince's much-anticipated visit to Pakistan was "on the cards" and the
final dates of his visit are expected to be received from the kingdom this
month.
"InshaAllah,
the visit is due [and] I believe we may receive final dates [of the visit from
Saudi Arabia] anytime in May,” Dar said.
The
crown prince had informed PM Shehbaz, during his visit to the Kingdom in the
month of Ramadan, that he would visit Pakistan after initial meetings between
Pakistan and Saudi officials, FM Dar said.
A
50-member high-level Saudi trade delegation led by Deputy Investment Minister
Ibrahim Almubarak also visited Pakistan from May 5 to 6 with the aim of
exploring various avenues of trade and investment to further strengthen and
promote bilateral relations.
Iranian
president's visit
Meanwhile,
responding to a question regarding Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi's last
month's visit to Pakistan, the State Department spokesperson said that the US
welcomes de-escalation between Tehran and Islamabad in the backdrop of
cross-border strikes carried out by both countries in January earlier this
year.
No position
on any political party
When
asked about the meeting between US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and a
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation, Miller acknowledged the development
and said that the envoy met opposition members including National Assembly's
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub "to discuss a broad range of issues important
to the bilateral relationship".
Responding
to reports that the PTI delegation, during the meeting, voiced concerns
regarding human rights violations and false cases against party founder Imran
Khan, the spokesperson reiterated that Washington does not take any position on
Pakistani elections.
"We
take no position with respect to any particular political party, and of course,
we want to see basic human rights upheld," he said.
The PTI
delegation, comprising Ayub, party Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser and
Raoof Hasan, met the US envoy in the federal capital earlier this week.
Talking
to journalists after his meeting with the US ambassador, Ayub said:
"Matters related to military courts and cases against the PTI founder and
other leaders of the party were discussed with the US envoy."
"We
have repeatedly said that these are Pakistan’s internal issues," the PTI
leader added.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1186635-something-that-we-support-and-encourage-says-us-on-mbss-islamabad-visit
--------
'Deny
What Can Be Logically Denied': Khawaja Asif On PTI Refuting Role In May 9 Riots
May 08,
2024
After
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) denied its involvement in last year's May 9
violence, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif asked the party's Information Secretary
Raoof Hasan to not "blatantly deny" the facts.
The
minister said: "Deny what can be logically denied."
He added
that denying something that has been proven beyond doubt will raise questions
on Hasan's own credibility.
Khawaja
Asif's comments came during his appearance on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb
Khanzada Kay Sath' and in light of the party spokesperson's reaction to the
presser by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major
General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
A day
earlier, DG ISPR held a presser in Rawalpindi during which he refuted the
possibility of dialogue with any faction involved in the May 9 violence.
"No
talks will be held with any political leader, or group which attacks its own
army and indulges in propaganda [against them]... There can be no dialogue with
an anarchist group," the DG ISPR said.
The
military official noted that the "only way forward for the anarchists
[group] is to apologise sincerely [for their acts], abandon the politics of
hate and indulge in constructive politics [instead]".
"Talks
are for political parties, not institutions," the spokesperson maintained.
The PTI
spokesperson, on the other hand, sought evidence to prove PTI’s involvement in
May 9 riots and termed the presser "full of contradictions".
Raoof
said not a single flowerpot was broken by the PTI crowd of millions, claiming
that the party’s founder Imran Khan is in Adiala jail for no wrong on his part
and that he has always held the army in high esteem.
The
defence minister said most of the circulating videos related to the May 9
violence were "proudly" made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
itself, stating that those involved in the riots were the party's own workers
and not "angels".
He added
that the video messages recorded outside the General Headquarters and Corps
Commander House in Lahore were inciting people to join the riots.
"Those
who were speaking [on the videos] were not angels or aliens, they were their
[PTI] workers," he said, adding that the inciters also included former
Punjab health minister Yasmeen Rashid and other female PTI leaders.
Khawaja
Asif said PTI should either deny that the conversation is also dubbed or
someone else has said what was heard in the videos.
The
defence minister maintained that the party should also then deny the
condemnation of May 9 issued by PTI stalwarts and their revelations regarding
Khan not paying heed to their suggestions.
"Why
don't they own or disown what happened on 9th of May," the minister
questioned.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1186636-deny-what-can-be-logically-denied-khawaja-asif-on-pti-refuting-role-in-may-9-roits
--------
US shows
concern over safety of Imran, other prisoners
May 8,
2024
WASHINGTON:
The US State Department on Tuesday emphasised the importance of ensuring the
safety and security of all prisoners in Pakistan, including former prime
minister Imran Khan.
At
Tuesday’s news briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller
acknowledged a meeting between US Ambassador Donald Blome and leaders of
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), including opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan.
He said
Blome met the leader of the opposition, and other senior members of the
opposition to discuss a broader range of issues important to the bilateral relationship,
including continuing US economic support to Islamabad.
About
discussions with PTI on rights and ‘fabricated’ charges against Mr Khan, Miller
reiterated the US stance on political neutrality. “Our position is the same as
we have stated previously, which is we take no position on elections in
Pakistan,” he said. He emphasised the importance of upholding basic human
rights while maintaining impartiality towards political parties.
Miller
addressed reports of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s reported warning to
Pakistan regarding the safety of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan,
affirming the US commitment to human rights. He said Senator Schumer might have
coordinated with the State Department while telling the Pakistani ambassador
that Mr Khan’s safety was a high priority in Washington but he was not aware of
that conversation.
“But
obviously, we want to see safety and security of every prisoner in Pakistan or
anywhere else in the world,” he said. “It’s something that every person, every
detainee, every prisoner is entitled to basic human rights and protection under
the law.”
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1832193/us-shows-concern-over-safety-of-imran-other-prisoners
--------
SC
Practice & Procedure Act unconstitutional, SC judge rules
May 8,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Justice Ayesha A. Malik of the Supreme Court has ruled that parliament lacks
the legislative competence to make the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure)
Act 2023, rendering the act ultra vires of the Constitution.
In an
additional note in the practice and procedure case, Justice Malik stated, “The
rule-making power under Article 191 of the Constitution exclusively falls
within the domain of the Supreme Court and is directly linked with the
independence of the judiciary.”
In a
split decision last year, a 15-judge full court of the Supreme Court had upheld
the PDM coalition-made law to regulate the affairs of the top court, but with a
caveat that the appeal provided against decisions taken under Article 184(3)
would not be applicable with retrospective effect.
Now in a
32-page note, Justice Malik emphasised that the SC had already held that the
independence of the judiciary was a fundamental right, and issues relating to
independence, structure, and functioning of the judiciary were matters of
public importance. The apex court also held that questions concerning the
independence of the judiciary and access to justice would always be matters
that concern the public at large.
Legislature
encroached upon a core function of apex court, Justice Ayesha says in her
additional note
Referring
to the formation of the full court, she said the basic question remained
unanswered as to what happened to the right of appeal under Section 5 of the
Act since, with the sitting of all judges in a petition under Article 184(3) of
the Constitution, the right of appeal granted under Section 5 of the Act became
redundant. This meant that a party who could avail the right of appeal under the
Act would no longer be able to avail that right since the full court heard the
matter, she reasoned. “It goes without saying that the right of appeal is a
substantive right and, in this case, a statutory right granted by the
legislature for a very specific purpose which is to provide a remedy to a party
in the face of a petition under Article 184(3), the order of which would attain
finality,” Justice Malik observed.
Justice
Malik said the statute granted a right of appeal which the SC could not deprive
a party from. In doing so, the legislature had encroached upon a core function
of the Supreme Court which is against the principles of independence of the
judiciary and the separation of powers, she said.
Likewise,
Justice Shahid Waheed, in his note, emphasised the importance of the courts’
independence and autonomy, stating that it was necessary for the courts to
perform their functions in an atmosphere of independence, free from all kinds
of interference from within or outside. The autonomy was not a matter of
compromise, as it was the soul and inner strength of the SC, he said.
He added
that the justice delivery system was the bedrock of the rule of law. In the
absence of an independent, effective and efficient court system, it would not
be possible to sustain the rule of law in the country, Justice Waheed said.
Therefore, Article 175(3) mandated that the judiciary be separated from the
executive.
In
contrast, the effects of the Act lead to an irresistible conclusion that the
act is a spanner in the free and efficient functioning of the Supreme Court,
which is requisite to guard the Constitution. So, on this count, too, the act
cannot sustain, he said.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1832192/sc-practice-amp-procedure-act-unconstitutional-sc-judge-rules
--------
PM
directs for establishment of Pakistan Skill Company
May 08,
2024
Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the establishment of Pakistan Skill Company
for better employment of Pakistani workforce abroad.
Chairing
a sectoral briefing regarding NAVTTC and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and
Human Resource Development in Islamabad, he also directed to unify nationwide
technical and vocational education. He directed the immediate establishment of
Pakistan Skill Development Fund.
The
Prime Minister said NAVTTC should be further activated to ensure the provision
of world-class technical and vocational training to the young workforce.
Globally renowned and international certifications should be ensured in all
technical fields.
Shehbaz
Sharif emphasized the importance of greater cooperation between the federal
institutions and the provinces for the development of Pakistani manpower as per
the international standards. For this
purpose, he also stressed for the formulation of an integrated system of
regulation. Technical and vocational training plan should be implemented in
line with international standards.
The
Prime Minister called for the creation of a coordinated and organized database
of Pakistani manpower.
Shehbaz
Sharif directed reforms in the licensing regime of companies regarding the
employment of Pakistani technical and vocational workforce abroad. He said such
companies and people should be identified who cheat the workforce and cause
economic loss to them.
The
Prime Minister said special consideration should be given to merit and
transparency in the appointments of community welfare attachés in Pakistani
embassies.
Shehbaz
Sharif directed the formation of a committee for reforms in NAVTTC and the
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
The
meeting was informed that NAVTTC will provide technical training to sixty
thousand people this year. It was informed that a total of six hundred thousand
people will be provided with technical and vocational training in the next
three years after the introduction of reforms.
The
meeting was further informed that not only quota has been allocated for the
youth of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir at the federal level but also a
separate program is being launched for their special training which will start
in June this year.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/08-05-2024/pm-directs-for-establishment-of-pakistan-skill-company
--------
Info
Minister, Hollywood production team discuss Pakistan's cultural heritage
May 08,
2024
A
Hollywood production team which is shooting an international film on Pakistani
culture held a meeting with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah
Tarar in Islamabad.
They
held discussion regarding the great cultural heritage and history of Pakistan.
The
Information Minister thanked the Hollywood production team for choosing to
produce a film on Pakistani culture. He said it is a great honour for our
culture and people.
Attaullah
Tarar said Pakistan is a country with a great cultural heritage and its
history, literature, music and art are unique which are appreciated worldwide.
He expressed
the confidence that the international film will give the world a new
opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of Pakistan.
Assuring
full support, Attaullah Tarar expressed the confidence the film being produced
by the Hollywood production team will be an important milestone for the
Pakistani film industry. He said it will also highlight the soft image of the
country.
The
Information Minister also informed the Hollywood production team about the
steps taken for the film industry in Pakistan. He said film is the only
industry in Pakistan which is fax free.
Alluding
to the government's film policy, he said we have given status of industry to
the film so that the youth can get an opportunity to enter this sector.
He said
a film finance fund worth one billion rupees was established in the budget of
2022-23. He said five years of tax exemption was given to filmmakers in the
same budget. Medical insurance for
artists and tax incentives for the film industry boosted the film industry and
its related sectors.
The
Information Minister said foreign filmmakers have also been given concessions
on joint film and drama projects. For
this, the condition of shooting seventy percent of the film in Pakistan is
applicable to promote business activities including tourism and culture.
The
Hollywood Production Team recognized that Pakistan has great potential for
filmmaking, expressing the commitment to helping the industry grow. They said
they are inspired by the country's beauty and culture.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/08-05-2024/info-minister-hollywood-production-team-discuss-great-cultural-heritage-of-pakistan
--------
IHC
accepts Bushra Bibi's plea seeking transfer from Banigala sub-jail to Adiala
jail
May 08,
2024
The
Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday accepted former prime minister Imran
Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi's petition seeking her transfer from the Banigala
sub-jail to the Adiala jail.
Announcing
the reserved verdict on the plea, IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb ordered
the transfer of Bushra Bibi to Adiala jail — where Khan is currently
incarcerated.
The high
court reserved the verdict last week after the completion of arguments. During
the last hearing, the court said that the superintendent jail had relayed that
they could not accommodate Bushra Bibi as the jail was already overcrowded and
due to security issues.
Moreover,
the notification declaring Bushra Bibi's residence Banigala as a sub-jail was
also termed "null and void".
Bushra
was placed under house arrest at her residence in Banigala on January 31,
following her conviction in the infamous Toshakhana case. The authorities had
declared the Banigala residence a "sub-jail" to confine the former
first lady at the request of Adiala jail superintendent.
On
February 6, Bushra had challenged the authorities' move to imprison her at
Banigala to serve a 14-year sentence in the case.
In the
petition, Khan's wife maintained that like other political workers of the party,
she was ready and willing to serve her sentence in the “Ordinary Jail Premises
at Adiala Jail, rather than the declared sub-jail at her residence”.
Moreover,
the former first lady felt "unsafe" being confined alone in the
premises of the sub-jail due to the potential security issues.
The wife
of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder had said the “special treatment”
meted out to her went against the spirit of equality guaranteed under the
Constitution and was consequently discriminatory.
In view
of the stated reasons, the petitioner had pleaded with the court to set aside
the notification to declare her house sub-jail and shift her to Adiala jail in
the “interest of justice”.
Bushra,
Khan jailed
Bushra
and Khan were awarded a 14-year jail term, each, when accountability court's
Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict in the case related to the illegal
sale of state gifts from Toshakhana.
The
court also disqualified the former prime minister for 10 years from holding
public office besides imposing a fine of Rs1.57 billion — 787 million each — on
the couple.
Khan
told the court that his wife had nothing to do with the case and was being
humiliated by being forcibly dragged into it.
The case
Under
the rules governing Toshakhana — a Persian word meaning "treasure
house" — government officials can keep gifts if they have a low worth,
while they must pay a dramatically reduced fee to the government for
extravagant items.
The
Toshakhana has been under a microscope ever since the emergence of the allegations
that Khan purchased the gifts he received as prime minister at throwaway rates
and sold them off in the open market for staggering profits.
The
70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his 2018 to
2022 premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received
during visits abroad and worth more than Rs140 million.
The
gifts included watches given by a royal family, according to government
officials, who have alleged previously that Khan's aides sold them in Dubai.
Moreover,
seven wristwatches, six made by watchmaker Rolex, and the most expensive a
"Master Graff limited edition" valued at 85 million Pakistani rupees
($385,000), were also among the gifts.
A
reference was forwarded by National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf to the
Election Commission asking it to probe the matter.
In
October 2022, the electoral body declared the former premier guilty of corrupt
practices and filed a complaint in an Islamabad court.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1186640-ihc-accepts-bushra-bibis-plea-seeking-transfer-from-banigala-sub-jail-to-adiala-jail
--------
PTI
announces staging 'peaceful protests' to mark May 9 mayhem anniversary
May 07,
2024
The
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday announced staging peaceful protests
across the country on May 9 — the day when violent protests broke out following
the arrest of party founder Imran Khan last year.
Speaking
to the media after meeting the founding chairman in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail,
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated its demand to hold a judicial
inquiry into the May 9 violence ahead of the anniversary of the unprecedented
violent protests.
“Even
today, we are demanding to form a judicial commission [to probe] the May 9
events,” he added.
Barrister
Gohar said the PTI would hold rallies across the country to mark the May 9
anniversary. “We will hold peaceful protests on May 9 and the ticket holders
will lead them.”
The May
9 events refer to violent protests triggered by the arrest of former prime
minister Imran Khan in a corruption case from the premises of Islamabad High
Court (IHC) last year.
During
the protests, alleged PTI supporters damaged public and private properties and
also attacked military installations in different parts of the country.
Speaking
about the May 9 incident earlier today, Director General Inter-Services Public
Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the perpetrators
and facilitators of the riots need to be punished as per the Constitution and
law of the land to preserve the credibility and faith in the country’s justice
system.
"The
issue of May 9 riots is not limited to the Pakistan Army but [in fact] concerns
the whole nation," the military's spokesperson said while addressing a
press conference in Rawalpindi.
Speaking
about his meeting with the party founder, Barrister Gohar said he held
consultations with Khan on political and legal matters.
Referring
to the Supreme Court’s order suspending the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) ruling
depriving the PTI of its reserved seats, Gohar said he provided guidance to the
incarcerated party founder in the light of the verdict.
“We hope
that our 78 snatched seats will be returned," he said referring to the
February 8 general election.
He said
US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome had requested a meeting with PTI and
added that the envoy was briefed on the alleged human rights violations in the
country.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1186432-pti-announces-staging-peaceful-protests-to-mark-may-9-riots-anniversary
---------
South Asia
Paghman
Elders, Scholars, Ulama Vow All-Out Cooperation With Islamic Emirate
May 8,
2024
KABUL: A
number of elders and scholars of Paghman district of Kabul, in a meeting, with
the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic Emirate Mawlavi Abdul
Kabir, said that they are ready to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate in any
field, Arg said in a statement the other day. Speaking on behalf of others,
Mullah Hamedullah Haidari said that they are happy with the rule of the Islamic
system in the country and are ready to cooperate with the current system in any
field, according to the statement. They also shared the problems and
suggestions of the district to the leadership of the Islamic Emirate to pay
necessary attention in the field. Welcoming the scholars and elders, Mawlavi
Abdul Kabir said that the people of Pagh man have made tireless efforts and
sacrifices against invaders in the 20 years of Jihad and the Islamic Emirate
always appreciates their sacrifices and efforts. The deputy PM assured that
their recommendations and problems will be addressed soon. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/paghman-elders-ulama-vow-all-out-cooperation-with-islamic-emirate/
---------
Taliban
agrees to accept protesters’ demands and replace forces in Badakhshan: Official
May 7,
2024
Following
public protests in two districts of Badakhshan, the Ministry of the Interior of
the Taliban has stated that it is changing the structure of its forces in this
province.
Abdul
Matin Qaneh, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, told the BBC that
they have accepted the protesters’ demands in Badakhshan and plan to replace
the forces in the province with new ones.
Mr Qaneh
also stated that the killers of two individuals who died as a result of
protests against the destruction of poppy fields in Badakhshan would be brought
to justice. Meanwhile, residents of these two districts in Badakhshan demand
that the two deceased be tried by the Taliban in a special court.
Two
individuals were killed in shootings in the districts of Darayim and Argo in
Badakhshan, and another was injured.
Argo is
one of the districts in Badakhshan where poppy cultivation is most prevalent.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior of the de facto
administration says that the fight against poppy cultivation in the province
continues and the situation has returned to normal.
It is
reported that eight people have also been arrested during these protests, and a
delegation led by Fasihuddin Fitrat, the Chief of Army Staff of the Taliban,
has been sent to Badakhshan to resolve the tensions through dialogue.
For
several days, protesters in the districts of Darayim and Argo in Badakhshan
have been demanding the expulsion of “non-native forces” from the province
following the killing of civilians and raids on poppy fields.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-agrees-to-accept-protesters-demands-and-replace-forces-in-badakhshan-official/
---------
Plot to
kill Chinese engineers in Pakistan conceived in Afghanistan: DG ISPR Maj Gen
May 7,
2024
Pakistan’s
Inter-Service Public Relations -Directorate General (DG ISPR), Maj-General
Ahamed Sharif, commenced the press briefing on Tuesday by addressing the
ongoing tensions with Afghanistan and the terrorist attacks originating from
Afghan territory into Pakistan.
In his
remarks, he highlighted a recent incident where a plot from Afghanistan led to
an attack on a convoy in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla,
resulting in the deaths of five Chinese engineers on March 26, as reported by
Dawn.
The DG
ISPR detailed a specific attack on March 2, where a suicide bomber targeted
Chinese engineers working on the Dasu dam, killing five Chinese nationals and a
Pakistani. This incident further linked the violence to terrorist plans
formulated in Afghanistan.
He
emphasized that the planning and execution of these attacks were controlled
from Afghanistan, noting that the suicide bomber was also of Afghan
nationality. This connection underlined the cross-border challenges faced by
Pakistan.
As of
now, the Taliban officials have not commented on the report.
General
Sharif strongly condemned the continuous terrorism, which he referred to as “an
ugly game,” and assured that efforts were underway to bring the facilitators of
these attacks to justice, highlighting the army’s proactive measures.
Despite
ongoing efforts for peace in the region and significant sacrifices by Pakistani
soldiers and law enforcement, the DG ISPR lamented the continued attacks from
Afghan soil, signaling ongoing challenges with the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban
Pakistan).
The
general praised Pakistan’s long-standing role in hosting Afghan refugees and
aiding them more substantially than any other country, a fact he noted was
globally recognized.
He
criticized the Afghan interim government for not preventing TTP terrorists from
using Afghanistan as a base for launching attacks into Pakistan, despite
Islamabad presenting concrete evidence to Kabul.
The DG
ISPR recalled Pakistan’s historical support for peace in Afghanistan and
expressed frustration over the continued use of Afghan territory by TTP
terrorists for attacks against Pakistan.
In
addressing domestic terrorism, he noted several recent attacks in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, including a thwarted attack on the Mach FC camp by
BLA terrorists and a fatal encounter at a South Waziristan checkpost.
Meanwhile,
he discussed the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals, explaining the
government’s decision as a necessary measure for the economic and security
betterment of Pakistan, emphasizing the high number of illegal residents
already returned to Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.khaama.com/plot-to-kill-chinese-engineers-in-pakistan-conceived-in-afghanistan-dg-ispr-maj-gen/
---------
Challenges
Faced by Shia Ismaili Followers in Badakhshan, Afghanistan
May 7,
2024
Local
sources from Badakhshan province report that 15 Ismailis from Nusay district
were detained by local authorities because they were suspected of having
political ties, which they have denied. These individuals are ordinary farmers
and herders, sources said.
Sources
who wished to remain unnamed told Khaama Press that there have been growing
tensions between the Shia Ismailis and the Sunni Tajiks living nearby. This
tension turned worse recently when a video went viral showing a Sunni Tajik
group in Badakhshan mistreating an Ismaili man over his religious beliefs.
These
incidents point to ongoing social problems and the challenges that Shia
Ismailis face in Badakhshan. The detentions and harassment have made people
worried about the safety and rights of minority groups in the area. So far,
local officials haven’t commented on these incidents, leaving the community
uncertain and afraid.
These
problems highlight the larger issue of minority rights and the importance of
protecting the safety and rights of all community members, no matter their
religion.
Shia
Ismaili followers are considered a minority group in Afghanistan, a large
number of them live in Badakhshan, particularly in districts that border
Tajikistan, Pakistan, and China. Other Ismaili followers are mostly housed in
the capital Kabul, northern Baghlan, Samangan, Kunduz, and Balkh province. They
also reside in the central Bamyan, Maidan Wardak and Parwan provinces.
This
comes as the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has continued its operations
in Afghanistan following the collapse of the republic’s administration in
August 2021. Along with other international organizations, AKDN has been
actively involved in delivering humanitarian aid to help address the crisis in
Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.khaama.com/challenges-faced-by-shia-ismaili-followers-in-badakhshan-afghanistan/
--------
OIC
reiterates support for girls’ education and women’s employment in Afghanistan
May 7,
2024
Once
again, during its 15th summit in Gambia, the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) emphasized providing educational rights for girls and
employment for women in Afghanistan.
In the
resolution issued at the end of this summit on Sunday, May 5th, it was stated
that the organization advocates for the protection and respect of Afghan
citizens’ human rights, including supporting the education and employment of
women.
It’s
noteworthy that Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Taliban, also participated in this meeting.
The OIC
has called for further engagement with the de facto administration while
emphasizing the immediate resolution of educational challenges facing girls in
Afghanistan.
The
summit’s final resolution added: “It stresses the need for more efforts to
address challenges related to ethnic groups, terrorism, narcotics, and social
aspects for inclusive governance to achieve lasting stability.”
Previously,
Tariq Ali Bakhit, the OIC’s representative for Afghan affairs, met with Mawlawi
Kabir, the political deputy of the Taliban in Afghanistan, during his latest
visit and called for the reopening of schools and universities for girls.
He also
promised during this meeting that the OIC is ready to support girls’ education
in Afghanistan.
It has
been nearly three years since girls have been deprived of formal education in
the country, and the Taliban government has so far ignored the concerns of the
citizens and the demands of the international community in this regard.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.khaama.com/oic-reiterates-support-for-girls-education-and-womens-employment-in-afghanistan/
---------
Afghanistan
and Iranian Officials Discuss Strengthening Economic Cooperation and Aid for
Returning Refugees
2024-05-07
KABUL
(BNA) Qari Deen Mohammad Hanif, the Acting Minister of Economy of the Islamic
Emirate, held a productive meeting with Sayed Hossain Mortazawi, the Deputy
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kabul.
The
discussions primarily centered around bolstering economic cooperation,
fostering export development, and addressing transit issues between the two
nations.
During
the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening economic
ties to promote mutual growth and prosperity.
The
officials deliberated on various avenues for cooperation, including trade
facilitation measures, investment opportunities, and joint ventures.
They acknowledged
the potential for increased collaboration in sectors such as agriculture,
energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, which could contribute to the
overall economic development of Afghanistan.
In
addition to economic matters, the Deputy Minister of the Iranian Embassy in
Kabul expressed Iran’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Afghan
refugees returning to their homeland.
The
Iranian government pledged to deliver essential humanitarian packages,
comprising food and other necessities, to the Refugee Committee under the
Ministry of Economy.
Both
parties expressed optimism about the outcomes of the meeting and reiterated
their commitment to implementing the discussed measures effectively.
The
discussions between Qari Deen Mohammad Hanif and Sayed Hossain Mortazawi serve
as a testament to the shared vision of Afghanistan and Iran in promoting
economic cooperation and supporting Afghan refugees.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-iranian-officials-discuss-strengthening-economic-cooperation-and-aid-for-returning-refugees/
---------
Afghanistan
and Turkmenistan Forge $200 Million Trade Partnership in Landmark Agreement
2024-05-07
KABUL
(BNA) The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan
have solidified a momentous trade partnership through the signing of 13
commercial contracts worth $200 million USD.
The
signing ceremony took place on Monday, marking a significant milestone for both
nations.
Nooruddin
Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of his recent visit to
Turkmenistan and highlighted the constructive and sincere diplomatic dialogue
between the two countries as a key factor in the successful negotiations.
Nokerguly
Atagulyev, the head of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan,
echoed Azizi’s sentiments and conveyed his optimism regarding the newfound
agreements.
Atagulyev
also revealed that ongoing negotiations are underway to facilitate the
transportation of products from the Herat Industrial Town to Turkmenistan in
the near future.
The governor
of Herat, Mawlawi Noor Ahmad Islam Jar, emphasized the significance of
producing standardized products by manufacturing companies in the province.
These
momentous agreements and contracts in the construction sector encompass a wide
range of items, including rebar, paint, marble, and foodstuffs.
The
collective value of these contracts surpasses $200 million dollars,
demonstrating the substantial economic impact of this partnership.
The
trade partnership between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan is poised to strengthen
bilateral relations and foster mutually beneficial economic growth. This
collaboration holds tremendous potential for both countries, opening up new
avenues for trade and investment while bolstering regional stability and
prosperity.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-turkmenistan-forge-200-million-trade-partnership-in-landmark-agreement/
--------
Southeast Asia
Muslim
World League, Malaysia to host religious leaders forum on May 7
May 04,
2024
RIYADH:
The Malaysian prime minister, in partnership with the Muslim World League, is
set to host the largest international conference for religious leaders in Asia.
The
event, titled “Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions,” will take place
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, on Tuesday.
The
conference is expected to welcome about 2,000 religious and intellectual
figures from 57 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Malaysian
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin
Abdulkarim Al-Issa will take part in the event.
The
conference will focus on themes including pluralism, tolerance, moderation,
education, building bridges and inclusivity, the SPA said.
It aims
to highlight the role of religion in promoting world peace, enhancing
solidarity among peoples and exploring civilizational cooperation.
The
conference will also launch initiatives based on the Makkah Declaration and promote
religious values.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2504486/saudi-arabia
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No plans
for hotline for insults to non-Muslim faiths, says minister
08 May
2024
PETALING
JAYA: The national unity ministry has no plans to set up a 24-hour hotline to
cater to complaints of insults to religions other than Islam, its minister
Aaron Ago Dagang said today.
The
Islamic development department or Jakim had previously opened a hotline to
receive complaints about people insulting Islam, prompting Tuaran MP Wilfred
Madius Tangau to call for a similar hotline for cases involving other faiths.
Aaron
said his ministry already had several mechanisms designed to deal with such cases,
including the e-Sepakat system which helps monitor, detect and report on issues
that could affect national unity.
Information
in the system is analysed and reported every week, and shared with other
authorities including the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission, he said.
Aaron
said his ministry also had a “unity analytics dashboard” which maps out
high-risk and hotspot areas to support the management of community issues that
could cause disharmony.
“At the
same time, it improves the monitoring of the relationship between ethnicities,
acting as an early warning system for any issue or conflict reported in the
e-Sepakat system through predictive analysis,” he said in a statement.
Aaron
said Putrajaya had also introduced community mediators, comprising Rukun
Tetangga (neighbourhood watch) leaders, unity ministry officials and religious
NGOs, to defuse social issues or conflicts at the community level.
He said
there are currently 562 certified and trained community mediators who dispense
their services for free.
“Taking
into account these existing platforms to manage national unity, the ministry
does not plan to set up a 24-hour hotline. I hope the people can make use of
these platforms to preserve our harmony,” he said.
Source: freemalaysiatoday.com
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https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/08/no-plans-for-hotline-for-insults-to-non-muslim-faiths-says-minister/
--------
Pahang
Sultan: Muslims must unite to defend their faith
07 May
2024
KUANTAN,
May 7 — The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah
Shah, has urged all Muslims to unite to defend their faith in an increasingly
challenging global Islamic environment.
Al-Sultan
Abdullah emphasised that Muslims must share the same spirit of commitment in
upholding Islamic law, regardless of their differences in deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA).
“Even
though Malaysia, as a nation, has a smaller Muslim population compared to other
countries, the people should not allow themselves to be divided when facing
challenges or important decisions.
“Each of
us in Malaysia, especially in Pahang, may have different backgrounds, but our
commitment to uphold Islamic law should be united with one spirit, one heart,
one soul, and one mind, and we should implement it in the same way.”
The
Pahang Ruler said this at the closing of the International Conference on
Contemporary Education in the Islamic World (ICCEIW) here today.
Also
present was the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim
Alam Shah.
Al-Sultan
Abdullah also urged Muslims not to support any form of violence, particularly
those carried out by Muslims in the name of defending the religion, as such
actions contradict the teachings of Islam.
“We have
heard of groups like ISIS, Daesh, which have tarnished the image of Islam,
instilling fear not only in followers of other religions but also in Muslims,
due to their use of violence and coercion in the name of religion. This is not what
we practice in our country (including in Pahang),” said Al-Sultan Abdullah.
His
Highness also said that the issue of Islamophobia adds pressure on Muslims when
the global community holds misconceptions about Islam.
As such,
he views the ICCEIW conference as a significant initiative to address the issue
of Islamophobia.
“Conferences
like this are essential for us to find inspiration, seek guidance and discover
insights. They help us develop a unified framework to advocate for the true
essence of Islamic principles in the future,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah.
ICCEIW
is the inaugural conference organised by the Pahang state government in
collaboration with Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UnIPSAS), the
Pahang Foundation, the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Custom Council (MUIP)
and the Association of Islamic Universities (Rabitah al-Jamiat al-Islamiyyah).
The
three-day conference, which began last Sunday, was attended by 300 participants
from 22 countries, including Indonesia, Brazil, Syria, India, Libya, Tunisia,
Canada and Saudi Arabia.
The
conference, which was also attended by Al-Azhar University rector, Prof Salamah
Daud, aimed to introduce a new dimension to scholarly discussions, particularly
in the field of education. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/07/pahang-sultan-muslims-must-unite-to-defend-their-faith/133055
--------
Indonesia
Intensifies Efforts to Exit the Intellectual Property Blacklist
May 7,
2024
Jakarta.
Indonesia is stepping up its efforts to be removed from the blacklist of
countries with poor intellectual property enforcement, known as the Priority
Watch List.
During
the Intellectual Property Crime Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday, Law and Human
Rights Minister Yasonna H. Laoly highlighted that intellectual property rights
are a significant factor in determining investor confidence in Indonesia.
"I
am confident that Indonesia will be able to get off the priority watch list,"
he said.
Yasonna
emphasized that the Ministry, through the Directorate General of Intellectual
Property (DJKI), is dedicated to providing maximum protection to intellectual
property rights holders and ensuring strict law enforcement against violators,
both domestically and internationally.
He
stressed that a conducive business environment, fostering creativity, and
attracting investment are crucial for increasing international trust in
Indonesia.
"Therefore,
efforts to protect and enforce intellectual property rights must be
continuously improved," he added.
The
Priority Watch List is a catalog published by the Office of the United States
Trade Representative (USTR). It identifies countries believed to have
inadequate or ineffective protection of intellectual property rights or
insufficient market access for American intellectual property-based goods.
Countries on this list face increased scrutiny and potential trade sanctions if
they fail to address these issues.
In 2023,
Indonesia once again found itself on the list, alongside Argentina, Chile,
China, India, Russia, and Venezuela.
In
recent years, DJKI has undertaken various efforts to remove Indonesia from the
list. One such effort was participation in the International Law Enforcement
Community or Interpol on December 13, 2022.
DJKI
also established an Operational Task Force comprising law enforcement agencies
and relevant ministries. These include the Ministry of Communication and
Informatics, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), the Ministry of
Finance, and the Indonesian National Police (Polri).
The task
force also involves the Trade Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Health
Ministry, and the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-intensifies-efforts-to-exit-the-intellectual-property-blacklist
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Saifuddin
to meet US official on flow of funds to Iran via Malaysia
May 8,
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will meet a top
United States official tomorrow on the movement of money to Iran and its
proxies, including Hamas, via the Malaysian financial system.
Saifuddin
said he would explain Malaysia's position to the US Treasury's undersecretary
for terrorism and financial intelligence, Brian Nelson.
Source: nst.com.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1047929/saifuddin-meet-us-official-flow-funds-iran-malaysia
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Buddhist
group slams Korean DJ’s monk getup in KL club
08 May
2024
PETALING
JAYA: A group representing Buddhist youths has criticised a Korean DJ for his
performance at a dance club in Kuala Lumpur while dressed as a monk.
This
follows a video of DJ NewJeansNim’s debut at Gemu Club on May 3 being shared on
social media, where the bald Korean performer was seen in a white monk robe
hyping up the crowd.
Young
Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) said it has received complaints from
devotees who believed that the DJ had “harmed and disrespected” the Buddhist
way of life with his performance.
“YBAM
opines that the impersonation of Sangha members, one of the components of the
Triple Gem, in performances in entertainment venues such as dance halls is
inappropriate,” its secretary-general, Eow Shiang Yen, said in a statement.
The
Triple Gem, also known as the Three Jewels, refers to three fundamental aspects
that serve as a foundation for Buddhist practice and devotion.
The
Sangha refers to the community of practitioners, including monks, nuns as well
as other ordained members, who have devoted their lives to the Buddhist path.
The
other two aspects are the Buddha, as founder of the faith, and his teachings,
better known as “dharma”.
Eow also
noted that the dance club setting contained elements that could potentially
lead to the violation of the five precepts of Buddhism, including the
consumption of alcohol and unruly behaviour.
“Such an
arrangement will not only affect the solemnity of Buddhism but may also confuse
the public about the true meaning of Buddhist rituals, such as chanting sutras
and holding palms together,” he said.
He urged
all parties to avoid abusing religious elements for entertainment purposes,
warning of sensitivities related to 3R (race, religion and royalty).
“Modern
society certainly has its needs for creativity, entertainment and humour, but
their presentation must consider moderation, respect for religious
sensitivities, and avoidance of causing misunderstandings about religion to
build a healthy social morality,” he said.
According
to Gemu Club’s Instagram, DJ NewJeansNim will be making a second appearance on
May 21, the eve of Wesak Day, “due to overwhelming demand”.
Source: freemalaysiatoday.com
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the text of the original Story
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/08/buddhist-group-slams-korean-djs-monk-getup-in-kl-club/
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pm-modi-vote-jihad-ram-rajya/d/132283