Uttar Pradesh CM Defends Survey Of Shahi Jama Masjid In Sambhal To Ascertain Claims That The Mosque Was Built Over A Hindu Temple
New Age Islam News Bureau
9 January 2025
Yogi Adityanath
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· Uttar Pradesh CM Defends Survey Of Shahi Jama Masjid In Sambhal To Ascertain Claims That The Mosque Was Built Over A Hindu Temple
· Uttarakhand Police Uncovers 190 Illegal Madrasas, Crackdown Sparks Political Controversy
· Grooming (Type Of Sexual Abuse) Still Happening In Oxford, Ex-Investigator Says
· UAE Adds 19 Individuals, Entities To Terrorism List Over Muslim Brotherhood Links
· Iraqi Archaeologists Rebuild Nimrud’s Ancient Treasures After Islamic State Devastation
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India
· Uttar Pradesh Government Will Reclaim Every Inch Of Land Taken Under Pretext Of Waqf, Says Yogi Adityanath
· RTI Activist Claims Aligarh's Jama Masjid Built On Site Of Hindu Temple, Files Petition
· Sambhal Jama Masjid Case: Allahabad High Court Stays Civil Court Proceedings
· SC orders status quo on construction under PM Awas Yojana on Abbas Ansari’s land in Lucknow
· Pakistani pilgrims place traditional 'chaddar' at Ajmer Sharif shrine
· Muslims our brothers, but non-Hindus can't set up shops at Mahakumbh: Mahant Ravindra Puri
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Europe
· Starmer Must Stand Against Musk And Islamophobia, Labour Muslims Urge
· UK Special Forces Had ‘Golden Pass’ To Get Away With MurderIn Afghanistan, – Officer
· Plans for 9,000 plot Muslim burial site Cornwall withdrawn
· Birmingham play celebrates brown and Muslim people
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Arab World
· Riyadh’s Literary Havens: Where Coffee Meets The Love Of Books
· Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 Features First Display Of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah Outside Makkah
· Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief
· QaisariyaSouq: Historic market in the heart of Al-Ahsa
· Warning of thunderstorms and flash floods in Saudi Arabia for next 4 days
· Saudi Arabia rejects ‘Greater Israel’ map that annex parts of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria
· Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky
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Southeast Asia
· Vilified As Un-Islamic, CJ Reminds Critics Of Allah's Judgment
· Tourism minister says mosques shown in longer, more detailed video
· Mosques missing in Visit M'sia 2026 video, PN wants answers
· Former company executive charged with CBT involving more than RM100,000
· Malaysia could develop ‘Made by Malaysia’ chips and graphics processing units in 5-10 years, says Rafizi
· PM Anwar says Malaysia’s leadership of Asean to start with bolstering ties with neighbours
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Africa
· Nigerian Army Kills 34 Islamic States Members, Loses 6 Soldiers
· Daniel Amah, policeman who shunned $200,000 bribe, converts to Islam in Kano
· Islamic group laments lack of social media regulation
· Ministry of Economy reviews new sources for importing meat ahead of Ramadan
· Kaduna LG chairman increases monthly allowances for Imams
· Stop Attacking Sunday Igboho – BanjiAkintoye Warns Fulani Leader
· Armed attack on Chad's presidential complex leaves 19 dead
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Pakistan
· Around 80 Militants Loot, Torch Several Buildings In Brazen Attack On Khuzdar
· Islamabad To Host Pioneering Global Summit On Girls’ Education In Muslim Communities
· PTI links continuation of talks with govt to formation of judicial commission
· PM says e-governance is key to economic integration
· Govt, PTI unable to ‘see eye to eye’ on dialogue
· Global parliamentary body to observe Imran’s trials
· Police seek FIA’s help to recover ransom paid by crypto trader in Karachi
· KKH restored for traffic as Hunza sit-in ends after govt accepts demands
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Mideast
· Israeli Military Tightens Media Rules Over War Crimes Prosecution Concern
· Syria is ‘the cornerstone for regional stability,’ GCC tells UN Security Council
· 191 Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque In Provocative Incursions
· Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas Calls For Arab And Islamic Positions
· Will Lebanon fill the presidential power vacuum or slide into further uncertainty?
· Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun seems increasingly likely to be Lebanon’s new president
· Israeli troops recover body of Gaza hostage with signs son also killed
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South Asia
· Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Denies US Aid Claims
· Major Cache of Weapons and Ammunition Seized in Badakhshan
· Islamic Emirate wants diplomatic relations with West based on mutual interests, says Shaheen
· The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan met UAE’s Foreign Minister
· Madrasa students protest in Bakshibazar demanding relocation of makeshift court
· Proof of graft, power abuse found against Hasina: DG of ACC
· Surge in Domestic Tourism in Herat Following Champions League
· Iran-Afghanistan Discuss Enhanced Cooperation
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North America
· Millburn-Short Hills Muslim Association Thanks Township Committee for Recognizing Muslim Heritage Month
· CAIR-CT to Join Community Partners in Marking Muslim Heritage Month in Connecticut
· Blinken comments on Trump’s Greenland plan
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/uttar-pradesh-masjid-sambhal-hindu-temple/d/134286
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Uttar Pradesh CM Defends Survey Of Shahi Jama Masjid In Sambhal To Ascertain Claims That The Mosque Was Built Over A Hindu Temple
Jan 9, 2025
Yogi Adityanath
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LUCKNOW: UP CM Yogi Adityanath strongly defended Wednesday the recent court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal to ascertain claims that the mosque was built over a Hindu temple. He described the occupation of Hindu religious sites for mosque construction as a "wound that needed surgery", warning that neglect could let it turn into "cancer".
The survey of the 16th-century mosque in November led to violent clashes in Sambhal. Five people were killed and about 20 security personnel were wounded.
"I am not against any religion and respect a place where prayers have been taking place for long. But if a community's site for prayers is broken down, it should be strongly criticised. See how Sambhal has been Islamised. All signs of our religion have been destroyed, covered, and concretised. Continuous riots took place there before 2017...," Yogi said.
Highlighting the historical significance of Sanatan Dharma, Yogi claimed it as the world's oldest faith, referencing ancient Hindu scriptures. He pointed out that Hindu literature, written thousands of years ago, mentioned the future appearance of Vishnu's tenth avatar Kalki.
Yogi referred to historical texts like the Ain-i-Akbar, asserting that a Kalki temple in Sambhal was replaced by a mosque under Mughal emperor Akbar's rule. "I'm talking of our history which is older than 5,000 years and they don't even have a history of more than 500 years," he said.
The CM also criticised the Waqf Board, branding it as a "Board of Mafia" and pledging to reclaim every inch of illegally occupied land for public welfare projects. He said this in response to controversy over claims that part of the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj was Waqf land.
Yogi lauded the Maha Kumbh as a symbol of Hindu and national unity, transcending caste and regional differences. He called on political opponents to embrace the spiritual heritage of India, criticising them for not visiting the Ram temple and accusing Congress of altering the Constitution during the Emergency by adding "socialist" and "secular" to the Preamble.
"Babua of Samajwadi Party (Akhilesh Yadav) does politics in the name of Ram Manohar Lohia, but doesn't know what Lohia stood for. If they only read Lohia, will they be able to escape from the Muslim religion,"the chief minister said.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/yogi-adityanath-cases-like-sambhal-a-wound-needing-surgery/articleshow/117064773.cms
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Uttarakhand Police Uncovers 190 Illegal Madrasas, Crackdown Sparks Political Controversy
Narendra Sethi
08 Jan 2025
Image of Madrasas used for representational purposes only.
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DEHRADUN: In a startling revelation, the Uttarakhand Police have found that 190 madrasas are being illegally operated within the state.
The Uttarakhand government had entrusted the responsibility of identifying such unauthorised institutions to the Uttarakhand Police and the Minority Welfare Department.
According to government sources, there are currently 419 registered madrasas in Uttarakhand. Following the directive, the police's Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) is actively investigating madrasas across the state.
Police sources revealed, "Shocking information has emerged from areas including the capital city of Dehradun, as well as Udham Singh Nagar and Haldwani in Nainital district. Reports indicate that dozens of illegal madrasas are operating across multiple districts, raising significant concerns about regulatory oversight."
"This situation demands immediate attention to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations," stated a police spokesperson, emphasising the need for thorough investigations into such establishments.
In his second term as Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a firm stance on his Hindutva agenda, following the recent campaign to demolish illegal mausoleums in the state.
The Chief Minister has now announced the identification of 190 illegal madrasas operating in Uttarakhand. Official sources indicate that the state's police and intelligence department have initiated a thorough investigation into these establishments.
"We are committed to ensuring that all institutions operating within our borders comply with state regulations," said an official from the police department, highlighting the government's determination to address the issue with urgency.
District Magistrate Nitin Bhadauria of Udham Singh Nagar stated, "There are currently 129 illegal madrasas operating in the district, with thousands of children enrolled. This follows a recent inspection in Haldwani, Nainital district, where 26 madrasas were also found to be operating without proper authorization.
SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena of Nainital stated, "We are investigating unregistered madrasas in the district, many of which are operating illegally without any registration or information for our department."
Speaking to TNIE, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, the chairman of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, reacted to the issue of illegal madrasas.
"What is illegal will always be considered illegal," he said.
"All madrasa operators should register their institutions and regularize them. The implementation of the NCERT curriculum in madrasas has unsettled Congress more than anything else. Congress has turned madrasas and Muslims into a vote bank and exploited them," he added.
"Madrasas should make their sources of income public. An inquiry and verification are essential, so what is there to be anxious about? Muslims should not get entangled in Congress's web; they are merely expressing their frustration and using the local body elections as an excuse," he said.
Uttarakhand Congress's chief spokesperson, Garima MehraDasoni, sharply criticised the Dhami government's actions against illegal madrasas, questioning the timing of the crackdown.
"The government is working under a predetermined agenda just before the local body elections, attempting to confuse voters, but it will not succeed," she stated.
Source:newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jan/08/uttarakhand-police-uncover-190-illegal-madrasas-crackdown-sparks-politicalcontroversy
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Grooming (Type Of Sexual Abuse) Still Happening In Oxford, Ex-Investigator Says
January 09, 2025
Former senior investigating officer Simon Morton warns the that "guys we couldn't catch are still out there"
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A former police officer who led a grooming investigation in Oxford has said a similar type of sexual abuse is still happening, warning that the "guys we couldn't catch are still out there".
Simon Morton, former senior investigating officer for Thames Valley Police, told the BBC that perpetrators in the area are operating in plain sight and are "influencing and arranging others to do the same thing".
He added that it is "obvious" grooming is "happening in every city around the country" - a claim supported by another police source.
His comments come as a Tory amendment to the government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would have forced a national inquiry into grooming gangs, was voted down on Wednesday evening.
The government has already said it would adopt the recommendations made in 2022 by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay.
Mr Morton led Operation Bullfinch, then the biggest criminal investigation in Oxford's history, which resulted in the convictions of 21 men for offences spanning the late 1990s to the late 2000s.
He said calls for a new public inquiry are "pointless" and would be a waste of money.
"We've done the public inquiry. Every single investigation has been thoroughly reinvestigated and checked. We've had seven years worth of Prof Jay and her team looking at child sex exploitation and made the recommendations.
"Let's get it going. Don't waste your money on more pointless inquiries," he added.
That is a view echoed by a child sexual abuse survivor, who cannot be named, who said the focus in recent days has been misplaced with much of the debate surrounding whether there should be a public inquiry, rather than on what can be done to help victims.
"It's naïve to think [grooming] is not still happening and the political debate is not focused on the problem but on trying to outdo one another," she told the BBC.
"My life has been destroyed by this. People need to focus on us and how to stop this and not on scoring points."
On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced those who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse could face professional or criminal sanctions under a new offence to be introduced this year.
But Mr Morton said survivors of abuse often don't trust anyone – including the police or social services.
He claimed perpetrators have been driven underground by the recent publicity about abuse but are still active.
Mr Morton said feelings of fear and shame often lead victims to cover up for their abuser by refusing to testify against them.
"When we did this investigation, we spoke to lots of girls and there were even more offenders or suspects," he said.
"We weren't able to turn some of the girls to talk to us and tell us their story. We took nine men to court, and we had only a small amount of victims come and give evidence. It was much bigger than that."
In response to Mr Morton's allegations, Thames Valley Police said that information uncovered during Operation Bullfinch, which was launched in 2011 to investigate allegations of historical sexual abuse, led to "24 convictions with sentences totalling over 250 years' imprisonment".
"There are now more police officers and detectives working in child abuse investigation and the management of sexual offenders and a new dedicated team monitor all investigations into missing people and identify patterns or underlying issues," it said.
The force added that the exploitation of children "is and continues to be a priority".
Source:.bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2050kkpzypo
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UAE adds 19 individuals, entities to terrorism list over Muslim Brotherhood links
January 08, 2025
LONDON: The UAE designated 19 individuals and entities as terrorists on Wednesday due to their connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is classified as a terror group in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi placed 11 individuals and eight entities on the country’s Local Terrorist List, the WAM news agency reported. All the organizations are based in the UK, while the individuals, except two, are Emirati nationals.
The decision is part of the UAE’s national and international efforts to dismantle networks associated with the direct and indirect financing of terrorism, according to WAM.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia also classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror group.
The list of individuals as published by WAM includes:
1. Yousuf Hassan Ahmed Al-Mulla — Current nationality: Sweden, former nationality: Liberia.
2. Saeed Khadim Ahmed bin Touq Al-Marri — Nationality: Turkiye/UAE.
3. Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim Ali Al-Hammadi — Nationality: Sweden/UAE.
4. Ilham Abdullah Ahmed Al-Hashimi — Nationality: UAE.
5. Jasem Rashid Khalfan Rashid Al-Shamsi — Nationality: UAE.
6. Khaled Obaid Yousuf Buatabh Al-Zaabi — Nationality: UAE.
7. Abdulrahman Hassan Munif Abdullah Hassan Al-Jabri — Nationality: UAE.
8. Humaid Abdullah Abdulrahman Al-Jarman Al-Nuaimi — Nationality: UAE.
9. Abdulrahman Omar Salem Bajbair Al-Hadrami — Nationality: Yemen.
10. Ali Hassan Ali Hussein Al-Hammadi — Nationality: UAE.
11. Mohammed Ali Hassan Ali Al-Hammadi — Nationality: UAE.
The list of entities as published by WAM includes:
1. Cambridge Education and Training Center Ltd. — Based in: UK.
2. IMA6INE Ltd. — Based in: UK.
3. Wembley Tree Ltd. — Based in: UK.
4. Waslaforall — Based in: UK.
5. Future Graduates Ltd. — Based in: UK.
6. Yas for Investment and Real Estate — Based in: UK.
7. Holdco UK Properties Limited — Based in: UK.
8. Nafel Capital — Based in: UK.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585700/middle-east
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Iraqi Archaeologists Rebuild Nimrud’s Ancient Treasures After Islamic State Devastation
08 Jan 2025
This pictures shows the remains of a Nabu Temple at the archaeological site of Nimrud, south of Mosul, on January 3, 2025. — AFP pic
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NIMRUD (Iraq), Jan 8 — A decade after jihadists ransacked Iraq’s famed Nimrud site, archaeologists have been painstakingly putting together its ancient treasures, shattered into tens of thousands of tiny fragments.
Once the crown jewel of the ancient Assyrian empire, the UNESCO-listed archaeological site was ravaged by Islamic State (IS) fighters after they seized large areas of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014.
The precious pre-Islamic artefacts destroyed by the jihadists are now in pieces, but the archaeologists working in Nimrud are undaunted by the colossal task they face.
“Every time we find a piece and bring it to its original place, it’s like a new discovery,” Abdel Ghani Ghadi, a 47-year-old expert working on the site, told AFP.
More than 500 artefacts were found shattered at the site, located about 30 kilometres from Mosul, the city in northern Iraq where IS established the capital of their self-declared “caliphate”.
Meticulous excavation work by Iraqi archaeologists has already yielded more than 35,000 fragments.
The archaeologists have been carefully reassembling bas-reliefs, sculptures and decorated slabs depicting mythical creatures, which had all graced the palace of Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal II nearly 3,000 years ago.
Seen from above, the pieces of the puzzle gradually come together. Shards of what just several years ago was a single artefact are placed side by side, protected by sheets of green tarpaulin.
Bit by bit, the image of Ashurnasirpal II appears on one bas-relief alongside a winged, bearded figure with curly hair and a flower on its wrist, as the restoration brings back to life rich details carved in stone millennia ago.
Another artefact shows handcuffed prisoners from territories that rebelled against the mighty Assyrian army.
Partially reconstructed lamassus — depictions of an Assyrian deity with a human head, the body of a bull or a lion and the wings of a bird — lay on their side, not far from tablets bearing ancient cuneiform text.
‘Complex operation’
“These sculptures are the treasures of Mesopotamia,” said Ghadi.
“Nimrud is the heritage of all of humanity, a history that goes back 3,000 years.”
Founded in the 13th century BC as Kalhu, Nimrud reached its peak in the ninth century BC and was the second capital of the Assyrian empire.
Propaganda videos released by IS in 2015 showed jihadists destroying monuments with bulldozers, hacking away at them with pickaxes or exploding them.
One of those monuments was the 2,800-year-old temple of Nabu, the Mesopotamian god of wisdom and writing.
IS fighters wreaked havoc at other sites too, like the once-celebrated Mosul Museum and ancient Palmyra in neighbouring Syria.
The jihadist group was defeated in Iraq in 2017, and the restoration project in Nimrud began a year later, only to be interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and restart in 2023.
Mohamed Kassim of the Academic Research Institute in Iraq told AFP that “until now, it has been a process of collection, classification and identification.”
About 70 percent of the collection work has been completed at the Assyrian palace site, with about a year’s worth of fieldwork left before restoration can begin in full force, said Kassim, noting it was a “complex operation”.
His organisation has been working closely with Iraqi archaeologists, supporting their drive to “save” Nimrud and preserve its cultural riches, through training sessions provided by the Smithsonian Institution with financial support from the United States.
One shard after another
Kassim said that the delicate restoration process will require expertise not found in Iraq and “international support” due to the extent of the “barbaric” destruction in Nimrud.
“One of the most important ancient sites of the Mesopotamian civilisation,” according to Kassim, Nimrud is a testament to a golden age of “the art and architecture of the Assyrian civilisation”.
The site was first excavated by archaeologists in the 19th century and received international recognition for the immense lamassu figures that were taken to Europe to be exhibited in London’s British Museum and the Louvre in Paris.
Other artefacts from Nimrud have been on display in Mosul and Iraq’s capital Baghdad.
The site has also attracted figures like British author Agatha Christie, who visited there with her archaeologist husband.
On a recent tour of Nimrud, Iraq’s Culture Minister Ahmed Fakak al-Badrani hailed the “difficult” work carried out by archaeologists there, collecting broken pieces and comparing them to drawings and photographs of the artefacts they attempt to reconstruct.
The vast destruction has made it impossible, at least for now, to ascertain which antiquities were stolen by IS, the minister said.
And the process will take time.
Badrani said he expects that it will take 10 years of hard work before the marvels of King Ashurnasirpal II’s palace can be seen again, complete. — AFP
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/01/08/piecing-together-history-iraqi-archaeologists-rebuild-nimruds-ancient-treasures-after-islamic-state-devastation/162473
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India
Uttar Pradesh government will reclaim every inch of land taken under pretext of Waqf, says Yogi Adityanath
08.01.25
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the state government will reclaim every inch of land that has been taken under the pretext of Waqf.
Speaking at the 'Maha Kumbh Mahasammelan' organised by a private news channel here, he claimed that the belief system of Sanatan Dharma represents the world's oldest culture, standing above comparison with any religion or sect.
"I inherit a legacy that spans thousands of years, with its cultural and spiritual events equally ancient. The tradition of Sanatan is higher than the sky and beyond comparison," Adityanath, according to an official statement, said.
Taking a strong stance on the Waqf Board, he said, "It is hard to tell whether it is a Waqf Board or a board of land mafias." He said his government has amended the Waqf Act and is actively investigating all "occupied" land.
"We will reclaim every inch of land that has been taken under the pretext of Waqf and it will be used to build housing, educational institutions and hospitals for the poor," he affirmed.
Replying to a question on old controversies being dug, Adityanath said that "surgery" is needed for "treatment" of old wounds.
Asked about the suggestion from some quarters of not digging up old controversies, the chief minister said, "Look, treatment of old wounds is very necessary, otherwise it becomes cancer. Its solution is very necessary, otherwise no matter how much chemotherapy and radiotherapy you keep giving during the treatment process, it is not going to be cured.
"Surgery will happen once and we have to be ready for that surgery... No matter how big the boil is, if once the surgery is done properly, it will not grow again," he said.
On the Sambhal dispute, the chief minister said, "I want to ask that Ain-i-Akbari is proving that a structure has been built here by demolishing the temple of Shri Hari. So people should shake their soul once, see and accept it." The disease should be accepted in time, otherwise, it creates problems, he added.
Addressing the dispute over religious sites in Sambhal, the chief minister pointed out that the Puranas mention Sambhal as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu.
He condemned attempts to encroach religious sites by damaging them, stating, "Our government took a decisive action based on the court's order and sent a clear message to the rioters." Highlighting the ancient heritage of Sanatan Dharma, Yogi asserted that the tradition of Kumbh far predates the Waqf institution.
"The stature of Sanatan Dharma is higher than the sky and its depth deeper than the ocean. It cannot be compared to any sect or religion," he said.
Chief Minister Adityanath strongly criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) and its leaders, alleging that they failed to uphold the principles of (socialist leader) Dr Ram Manohar Lohia.
He reminded that Dr Lohia had once said, "If you want to understand India, study the traditions of Ram, Krishna and Shiva. Those who claim to follow the ideals of Lohia never truly understood his words." Highlighting the development of Ayodhya, he said, "We have transformed Ayodhya into a centre of development and heritage. Those who once opposed Ayodhya's progress have no moral authority to visit the city now." On religious conversion and "gharwapsi", he said, "If someone genuinely wishes to return to their original faith from the heart, they should be welcomed. This reflects a conscious respect for religion and tradition." Discussing national and Hindu unity, Adityanath emphasised that Sanatan Dharma has always held the highest position, asserting that Hindu unity and national unity go hand in hand.
"History bears witness that division has always led to weakness, unity has made us invincible. That is why I have always maintained 'Batenge to katenge, ekrahenge to nekrahenge' (Divided we fall, united we thrive)," he said.
Criticising the opposition, Yogi accused certain groups of attempting to divide the society along caste and religious lines, calling them forces conspiring to weaken the nation.
He asserted that the people of the country have grown more aware and are no longer susceptible to such divisive tactics.
He emphasised the profound significance of the Maha Kumbh during the event and explained that after the 'DevasuraSangram' (the battle between gods and demons), drops of nectar fell at four sacred locations -- Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
The Maha Kumbh at these sites has served as a platform for shaping India's knowledge, ideology and social direction throughout history, he said.
The Maha Kumbh is more than just a religious gathering and it symbolises India's spiritual heritage and national unity, he added.
Adityanath highlighted that during the Maha Kumbh, sages from across India will gather to reflect on the social and political conditions of their times, making the event not just a reverence for tradition but also essential for preserving cultural wisdom for future generations.
He lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, "Organising Maha Kumbh represents a remarkable confluence of India's heritage and development." He emphasised that the UP government, in collaboration with the Centre, has taken numerous measures to ensure that the Maha Kumbh is both grand and meticulously organised.
"This event is drawing not just the citizens of India but also people from around the globe," he said, describing Maha Kumbh as a golden opportunity to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage on an international stage.
"This event transcends caste, creed and gender barriers. Maha Kumbh will serve as a powerful reflection of the progress India has made over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said certain individuals, "who thrive on foreign leftovers", are trying to tarnish the nation's image and accused them of exploiting caste divisions for political gains. He, however, affirmed that the people of India have become more aware and will not fall prey to such divisive tactics.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/uttar-pradesh-government-will-reclaim-every-inch-of-land-taken-under-pretext-of-waqf-says-yogi-adityanath/cid/2076317
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RTI activist claims Aligarh's Jama Masjid built on site of Hindu temple, files petition
08.01.25
An RTI activist has filed a petition in a Civil Court in Aligarh, alleging that the Jama Masjid in the city had been constructed where Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples once stood.
The claim is based on responses to queries filed under provisions of the Right To Information (RTI) Act with various government departments, including the Aligarh Municipal Corporation.
Civil Judge Gajendra Singh ordered on Monday that the case would be taken up for hearing on February 15, Pandit Keshav Dev Gautam, the activist behind the petition, claimed while speaking to reporters.
"I have been filing queries with several government departments regarding the origins of Jama Masjid, which, according to historical records, was constructed in the early 18th century," he said.
The mosque is located in the Upper Fort area, a densely populated, Muslim-majority locality in the old city.
Gautam claims that one of the RTI replies from the Aligarh Municipal Corporation indicates the mosque was "built on public land without government approval." Citing this information, he has approached the court to declare the existing Jama Masjid management committee as "illegal."
According to a copy of the petition bearing the stamp of oath commissioner and accessed by PTI, the petitioner has sought the takeover of the site of the mosque by the government.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rti-activist-claims-aligarhs-jama-masjid-built-on-site-of-hindu-temple-files-petition/cid/2076276
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Sambhal Jama Masjid case: Allahabad high court stays civil court proceedings
08.01.25
The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday stayed further proceedings before a civil court hearing the dispute over Jama Masjid in UP's Sambhal.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal passed the direction on a revision plea filed by the mosque's management committee.
The plea was filed after a Supreme Court order related to the matter and challenges the proceedings aside from the maintainability of the suit filed over the dispute in the Sambhal district court.
The plea alleged the suit was filed on the afternoon of November 19, 2024, and within hours, the judge appointed a court commissioner, and directed him to carry out an initial survey at the mosque site. The survey, it said, was carried out the same day, and again on November 24.
The court, the plea said, directed for the survey report to be filed by November 29.
After hearing counsel for parties, the high court ordered the respondents to file their reply within four weeks and posted the matter on February 25.
The suit before the Sambhal district court was filed by Hari Shanker Jain and seven others claiming the mosque was built on the site of a temple.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/allahabad-high-court-stays-civil-court-proceedings-in-sambhal-mosque-case/cid/2076264
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SC orders status quo on construction under PM Awas Yojana on Abbas Ansari’s land in Lucknow
January 9, 2025
The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered status quo on the construction of housing units under the Pradhan MantriAwas Yojana at a disputed site in Lucknow’s Jiamau whose ownership is claimed by the sons of late gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari.
In 2020, the Lucknow Development Authority had bulldozed the bungalow that belonged to Ansari and his sons including Abbas Ansari. The government plans to build flats on the land under the PM Awas Yojana.
An SC bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh took note of submission by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Abbas Ansari, that the plea regarding the possession of land was listed before the Division Bench of Allahabad High court repeatedly, but no interim stay was passed.
On October 21 last year, the top court asked the High Court to take up the application for interim stay for hearing as early as possible. When the matter came up for hearing in the SC on Thursday, Sibal informed the bench that despite its order, the case has not been taken for hearing.
“Some High Courts, we don’t know what will happen. Allahabad High Court is one of the high courts which one should be worrisome about,” the bench said.
While granting the status quo on construction, the top court bench directed the high court to hear the matter expeditiously.
“Since we have not issued notice and have also not obtained any report from Registry of the High Court, we are not inclined to express any opinion as to what were the circumstances in which the petitioner’s writ petition could not be taken up for hearing by the bench, though it was listed from time to time,” the bench observed.
It said that the petitioners have specifically stated that the authorities have commenced construction at plot No 93 located in Village Jiamau, Lucknow, which they claim to be under their ownership.
If third party rights are created it is likely to cause irreversible loss to the petitioners, the court observed. “We dispose of this application with a direction to the authorities as well as to the petitioners to maintain status quo at the site till the matter is heard by the High Court,” it said.
According to Abbas Ansari, his grandfather purchased a share in a plot in Jiamau and the deed was registered on March 9, 2004. The said property was allegedly gifted by him to his wife Rabia Begum, who then bequeathed the same through a registered will dated June 28, 2017 to the petitioner and his brother.
The plea said that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dalibagh, Lucknow allegedly passed an ex parte (in their absence) order on August 14, 2020 declaring the plot a government property.
Thereafter, the petitioner and his brother were dispossessed in August 2023.
Abbas Ansari then filed a petition in 2023 before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. Some other co-owners of the plot, who were also affected by the SDMs order, also approached the High Court and the matter was listed before a division bench.
When Abbas Ansari’s writ petition came up for hearing before the single judge on January 8, 2024, he ordered it to be listed along with other matters so as to avoid conflicting orders.
Abbas Ansari contended that his writ petition has been listed before the division bench repeatedly, but no interim stay has been passed in their favour, as was done by the division bench in the case of other affected persons.
“Resultantly, the authorities, after taking physical possession of the petitioner’s plot, have started construction of some dwelling units at the site under the Prima Minister AwasYojna,” the plea said.
Source:indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-orders-status-quo-construction-pm-awas-yojana-abbas-ansari-land-lucknow-9768776/
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Pakistani pilgrims place traditional 'chaddar' at Ajmer Sharif shrine
08.01.25
A delegation of Pakistani pilgrims, accompanied by an official of the Pakistan High Commission, placed the traditional 'chaddar' at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Wednesday, officials said.
The country's High Commission, in a statement, said a group of 89 Pakistani zaireen are in Ajmer Sharif from January 7-9 to participate in the 813th annual 'Urs Mubarak'.
The zaireen accompanied by Second Secretary, Pakistan High Commission, Tariq Masroof, placed the traditional 'chaddar' at the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
The delegation also offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, it said.
On arrival at the dargah, the delegation was welcomed by prominent members of the Anjuman MoiniaFakhriaChishtia Khuddam Khwaja Sahib.
"Pakistani zaireen attend the annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khwaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (RA) under the framework of 1974 India-Pakistan protocol on visits to religious shrines," it said.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/pakistani-pilgrims-place-traditional-chaddar-at-ajmer-sharif-shrine/cid/2076308
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Muslims our brothers, but non-Hindus can't set up shops at Mahakumbh: Mahant Ravindra Puri
Jan 8, 2025
Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad chief Mahant Ravindra Puri has said that Muslims who "corrupt religion" should not set up shops during the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Puri said, "Although Muslims are our brothers, and we don't have any enmity with them, they shouldn't set up shops during the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela as they will corrupt our religion. They shouldn't set up grocery shops, juice shops, food stalls and tea shops, as they spit on the food deliberately."
Citing examples of "Hindu-Muslim unity" in the preparations for the Maha Kumbh, he said that Muslim bands were included in the cantonment entry of the Niranjani Akhada into the Maha Kumbh Mela. He further said that the contractor who built the mutt of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad was also a Muslim.
Iqbal Ahmed, the owner of the Azad Band, which was included in the cantonment entry, said that it was a great fortune for him to be included in the festivities of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is set to begin on January 13 and will go on till February 26.
Source:indiatoday.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maha-kumbh-mela-prayagraj-akhil-bhartiya-akhada-parishad-chief-mahant-ravindra-puri-muslim-shop-owners-uttar-pradesh-2661691-2025-01-08
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Europe
Starmer must stand against Musk and Islamophobia, Labour Muslims urge
January 09, 2025
Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by figures in his own party to tackle “head on” those pushing “Islamophobic talking points” in the debate on grooming gangs despite Labour fears of losing votes to Reform.
Writing exclusively for The i Paper, the leaders of the Labour Muslim Network, have urged the Prime Minister to show the “courage” to call out attacks such as Robert Jenrick’s call for a crackdown on immigration from countries with “alien cultures” and “medieval attitudes”.
They also sounded the alarm that the “poisoned discourse” would only get worse after Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to remove content controls from his social media platforms to make it more like the X platform owned by Donald Trump ally Elon Musk, who has revived the debate on grooming gangs in the UK in recent days.
Starmer on Wednesday again rejected calls from Conservatives, Reform and tech billionaire Musk to launch a national inquiry on grooming gangs of mainly South Asian heritage.
He also warned Tory leader Kemi Badenoch against the “lies and misinformation and slinging of mud” in the debate on grooming gangs and suggested he had “jumped on the bandwagon” with her calls for an inquiry.
Earlier this week, Starmer said Badenoch’s party was “amplifying what the far-right is saying” on grooming while failing in government to act on the landmark 2022 Alexis Jay report on child sex abuse.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Badenoch however accused Starmer of “enabling those people who wish to smear all British Muslims based on the actions of a small minority” by refusing an inquiry.
She also suggested Labour politicians may be “complicit” in “one of the worst scandals in British history”, which has blown up since X boss Musk launched a barrage of attacks on Starmer and Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips on the issue, and voiced support for jailed far-right agitator Tommy Robinson.
But Labour Muslim Network chair author Ali Milani and vice-chair Samayya Afzal, said they had seen evidence of politicians using the row to employ political strategies “predicated on demonising Muslim communities, attacking Islam and targeting (mostly Muslim) migrants who come to this country in search of safety and asylum”.
They wrote: “Muslims have had to contend with being called ‘alien’, ‘backward’, ‘medieval’, ‘barbaric’, ‘extreme’ and so much more.
“We recognise those classic Islamophobic tropes that suggest Muslims have an inherent problem with women, that Muslims demean women, and that Muslims bring with them ‘medieval’ cultures to infect Britain.
“None of it is true.
“We know that.
“The reality is Musk, Jenrick and all their friends and colleagues know it too.”
Milani and Afzal urged Starmer to ensure that fears over losing votes to Reform does not temper Labour’s response to the claims.
They said: “We know many are fearful of (Nigel) Farage and the rise of Reform. We have heard it from Labour figures across the party.
“But the answer is not to cower to them or allow them to define the narrative of Britain’s past or future.
“That is not only a recipe for division and further hate, but also of political suicide.
“You cannot out-Farage, Farage.
“The answer is to challenge them head on.
“If they want to divide our communities, we will unite them. If they want to attack migrants and refugees, we will defend them.
“If they want to embrace the likes of Elon Musk, we will stand in their way.
“Do we have the courage to do that?”
Reform leader Nigel Farage has fallen out with Elon Musk after he said there was no place for Tommy Robinson in his party, following Musk’s support for the right-wing agitator, who is serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
After the comment Musk tweeted that Farage should be replaced as Reform leader as he did not “have what it takes”.
Downing Street was approached for comment.
‘Islamophobia has reached a tipping point’
We did warn you.
For over a decade, prominent Muslim political leaders, thinkers and commentators have been warning that the scale and normalisation of Islamophobia in Britain was reaching a tipping point. That if we continued down the path we were headed, and ignored the level of hate and bigotry regularly aimed at Muslim communities, it would have disastrous consequences.
Last summer, those consequences went from theory to reality. They were laid bare for all to see, and yet still, leaders had to be dragged kicking and screaming to acknowledge the Islamophobic and racist elements underpinning the violence.
The truth is Islamophobia has gone far beyond the dinner table test, as described by Sayeeda Warsi, and is now into full blown, industrial scale normalisation. When political leaders have nothing else, they can rely on this: whipping up fear, hatred and vitriol against Muslims.
It’s plain now that entire political strategies are predicated on demonising Muslim communities, attacking Islam and targeting (mostly Muslim) migrants who come to this country in search of safety and asylum. It isn’t just that there are no political costs to weaponsing Islamophobia in modern British politics, it’s that the biggest money, the biggest figures, and the biggest politicians see real electoral advantages to it.
This week, they’ve been emboldened by the fact that they’re not alone, that their Islamophobic talking points have a global ear. The world’s richest man and new senior adviser to the incoming President of the United States Elon Musk has over the past weeks, been tweeting about his new-found concern about grooming gangs and political support for the far-right instigator Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aka Tommy Robinson to his 211m followers. Amongst a tirade of largely incoherent attacks, conspiracy theories and smear campaigns against British political leaders, Mr Musk has unleashed the very worst elements of British politics.
Many would have expected a cross-party condemnation of Mr Musk’s appalling comments. That despite our differences, in ideology and application, that Westminster could come together to defend the country and society from a clear attempt by a foreign billionaire to stir up division and hate. But no. So desperate for the approval and attention of increasingly unstable men across the Atlantic, some politicians in Britain aren’t just willing to sell out our communities here at home, they’re chomping at the bit to be the first.
Robert Jenrick, former Home Office Minister and current Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, responded by going further than even the most cynical amongst us would have dreamed. Even as Nigel Farage distanced himself from Tommy Robinson, and earned the ire of Mr Musk, some Tories have still refused to do so. As part of his continuous rebrand as Westminster’s latest hard right firebrand, Jenrick has called for a cap on immigrants with “alien cultures with medieval views about women”.
What is utterly clear to see is that the Tory politicians currently splashing headline after headline about women and girls have never given a moment’s notice to the grooming inquiry led by Baroness Jay, nor did the-then Conservative government adopt a single one of the 20 recommendations she published. The fact that they’re shouting from the sidelines after refusing to do the bare minimum to support victims when they actually had power should tell us everything we need to know about these reactionary cowards.
Muslims have heard this all before. Migrants have heard it all before. We are used to it. Our skins are calloused to these disgusting accusations. We know the implications and the dog whistle racism of this form of politics. Muslims have had to contend with being called “alien”, “backward”, “medieval”, “barbaric”, “extreme” and so much more. We recognise those classic Islamophobic tropes that suggest Muslims have an inherent problem with women, that Muslims demean women, and that Muslims bring with them “medieval” cultures to infect Britain.
None of it is true. We know that. The reality is Musk, Jenrick and all their friends and colleagues know it too.
But they see a political strategy in this path. As truth and nuance disappears in our politics, and debates are replaced with the wild west of social media platforms (and certainly X under the leadership of Elon Musk), it is now more about defining your enemies and how hard and fast you can attack. Divide and rule. Even Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have given into these new rules and removed content moderators in preference to a X style community noting system. This poisoned discourse, at least in the short term, seems to be our future.
The consequences of giving in to this divisive and dangerous narrative?
Violence. Real violence. This summer’s riots in Britain saw unprecedented levels of violence targeted (largely) at migrant and Muslim communities. Mosques attacked, migrant hotels targeted and death threats sent and acted upon to entire communities. What we had feared while gathering at Friday prayers and community events, what our parents and grandparents told us they faced as newly arrived immigrants, and what we warned about continuously, happened, and very few political leaders recognised it.
This problem is no longer in the abstract. It is the question of the very safety of millions of British citizens. It is the fabric of our communities. Do we wish to surrender them to Elon Musk, and his pick-me, attention seeking cheerleaders here in Britain. Or do we want to defend our communities? There is no middle ground. You cannot pretend to be a patriot, while surrendering to a foreign billionaire to dictate the terms and debate of our politics. These plastic patriots can surround themselves in Union Jack flags, and put as many little flags in their social media names and bios, but everyone can see through this fake patriotism now.
Whose side are you on?
That is the question facing more progressive politicians and actors in the UK – most notably in the Labour party.
We know many are fearful of Farage and the rise of Reform. We have heard it from Labour figures across the party. But the answer is not to cower to them or allow them to define the narrative of Britain’s past or future. That is not only a recipe for division and further hate, but also of political suicide. You cannot out-Farage, Farage. The answer is to challenge them head on. If they want to divide our communities, we will unite them. If they want to attack migrants and refugees, we will defend them. If they want to embrace the likes of Elon Musk, we will stand in their way.
Source:inews.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/starmer-must-stand-against-musk-and-islamophobia-labour-muslims-urge-3469636?ITO=newsnow
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UK Special Forces Had ‘Golden Pass’ To Get Away With MurderIn Afghanistan, – Officer
8 Jan, 2025
British SAS operatives were given a “golden pass allowing them to get away with murder” in Afghanistan, a former UK Special Forces officer has told a government inquest. Other witnesses described routine executions of unarmed civilians by British forces.
The officer’s statement was given behind closed doors to the UK’s Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan earlier this year, and included in a trove of documents published by the inquiry on Tuesday.
The former officer raised concerns about the killing of unarmed civilians in 2011, claiming that the SAS was covering these crimes up. The officer said that higher-ups within UK Special Forces – which comprises the Special Air Service (SAS), the Special Boat Service (SBS), and four other clandestine branches of the British military – had no interest in investigating the killings, and that SAS operatives had essentially been handed a “golden pass allowing them to get away with murder.”
The Afghanistan Inquiry is probing night raids carried out by British special forces between 2010 and 2013, when the alleged killings took place.
A junior officer told the inquest that “all fighting age males” were killed in these raids, regardless of whether they were armed or not. SAS personnel sometimes carried weapons to drop beside dead bodies after the killings in order to make them appear as combatants.
Prisoners were sometimes executed after they had been restrained, the witness recounted. “In one case, it was mentioned a pillow was put over the head of an individual before being killed with a pistol,” the document noted.
The inquiry is investigating the killings of at least 80 prisoners.
”I suppose what shocked me most wasn’t the execution of potential members of the Taliban, which was of course wrong and illegal, but it was more the age and the methods and, you know, the details of things like pillows,” the officer said, noting that some of the victims were “100%” aged 16 or younger.
The officer said that he was afraid for his own safety after testifying.
”Basically, there appears to be a culture there of ‘shut up, don't question’,” another officer told the inquiry.
Claims of war crimes committed by British special forces in Afghanistan have surfaced before, with BBC Panorama, the Sunday Times, and other outlets claiming that civilians were routinely killed on night raids. In one case, the American military reportedly had video footage of one massacre, but mysteriously lost the footage when pressed by a British court.
Late last year, the BBC reported that one of the UK’s most senior generals had withheld from the latest inquiry evidence of soldiers executing handcuffed detainees in Afghanistan.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/610593-sas-uk-murder-afghanistan/
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Plans for 9,000 plot Muslim burial site Cornwall withdrawn
8th January
Plans for a 9,000 plot Muslim burial site on rural farmland in Cornwall have been withdrawn - after a furious public backlash.
The Gardens of Mercy charity had wanted to convert 10 acres of grazing land into a cemetery for use by the Islamic community.
But the application was met with dozens of objections with many locals saying it is 'inappropriate' in such a rural area.
Fears were expressed about the increased traffic, flood risk, loss of agricultural land and that the area could become a 'regional' site for Muslim burials.
The application to change use of the agricultural grazing land in Callington to a green burial ground has now been formally withdrawn despite also attracting letters of support with members of the Muslim community expressing the great need for such a site.
In an official notice posted on the council's planning portal, a spokesperson wrote: "Cornwall Council hereby confirms that the above mentioned application has been withdrawn."
A total of nearly 350 comments were received from the public with around half objecting to the scheme.
Dr Salim Mahadik, the chairperson, applying on behalf of the charity, said they were 'disappointed' at having to 'take a step back.'
He added: "As a charity we trying our best to meet a need of a relatively deprived community in Devon and Cornwall.
"We are clearly disappointed at being forced to take a backward step for now but we cannot give up on the people who have invested their hope in our charity."
He added: "The charity’s main objective is to provide a separate burial space for the Muslim community of Devon and Cornwall, which was also the vision of the planning proposal.
"At present, the Muslim community in our region is unable to bury the deceased according to proper religious traditions as there is no Muslim burial ground in Devon and Cornwall."
Among those objecting was Brian Hutchings who wrote: "The application isn't suitable in a Cornish farming community area.
"There are not enough Muslim people living in Cornwall to justify the need for this burial ground."
Another objector Melvin Symmons wrote: "The proposed burial ground appears disproportionately large relative to the needs of our community.
"Given the size of Callington, it is unclear why a burial ground of this scale would be necessary, raising concerns that it may serve a broader catchment area and draw visitors from distant locations.
"Our area has strong Christian traditions, and local burial grounds have historically served the immediate community, respecting the values and character of our town.
"This proposal seems misaligned with the cultural and spiritual values held by many residents and would fundamentally alter the rural, agricultural character of the area."
Another added: "The proposed superscale burial site is incongruent to the local population need, specifically there is no local need for a Muslim burial site.
"Regardless of the size or the number of burial plots, this change of use application would have a detrimental impact on the environment, changing a rural agricultural community forever and setting a precedent to future absurd applications."
Another objector Catherine Sawford wrote: "This development is having an impact on people's mental health in the area.
"Some people are not even commenting in the fear they will be tagged as discriminatory. To have a development on the door step that is making people feel anxious and scared.
"Here in Cornwall we are proud of our heritage and in particular our countryside and way of life.
"This is a rural agricultural area. A cemetery of this size will disrupt the area's longstanding traditions and raise concerns over a shift in demographics and the increased visitation to the site."
Another objector Jason Berry described the proposal as "incongruent with our community's character and traditions."
He added: "Only 0.2% of the local population identifies as Muslim, indicating minimal local demand for such a facility.
"With nearly 9,000 plots proposed, this project aims to serve communities as far away as Plymouth and beyond, offering no direct benefit to residents.
"The scale of this project and its exclusivity contradict the identity and values of a community that has strong ties to Christian traditions and agricultural heritage."
Several letters of support were also received.
Among them was one from Dr Muhammad Ismail who wrote: "We are a family of six living in the southwest for two decades.
"We need a burial ground in Devon and Cornwall that allows Muslims to be buried according to their religious traditions instead of compelling us to arrange burials for our loved ones in distant UK cities to fulfil their religious needs.
"This is basic human right of a person or group of individuals to have a burial place above and beyond any advantages and disadvantages including logistical and cultural challenges."
Dr M Zeb Khan wrote: "The number of Muslims continues to grow many of them like me contributing to the UK economy and society immensely.
"Making them feel at home will require accommodating their religious rituals including burial.
"Granting Muslims a space for burial will be a step forward in creating positive feelings in Muslims of being "owned" and "respected"."
Dr Mirza Mohammad Feisal Beg Subhan wrote: "My family and I have been resident in Plymouth for more than a decade. As a practicing Muslim, who has made this region my home, I would like to be buried close to where I live."
Abul Azad added: "Providing free land for use as a cemetery is an immense relief for Muslim communities, particularly in areas with limited space.
"Many Muslims struggle to secure burial plots due to the high costs and shortage of land in densely populated regions.
"Burial is a core religious requirement in Islam, and because cremation is not permitted, the need for adequate burial space is especially pressing.
"Additionally, Islamic traditions call for single graves rather than stacking, which further adds to the demand for space.
"Having access to designated land without financial burden allows families to observe their faith's burial practices while easing the economic and logistical challenges of laying loved ones to rest."
Source:falmouthpacket.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/24841803.plans-9-000-plot-muslim-burial-site-cornwall-withdrawn/
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Birmingham play celebrates brown and Muslim people
8 January 2025
Birmingham Rep is to stage a new comedy drama, Community, which is set in the heart of the city and is a play exploring identity, belonging and friendship.
It has been written by Birmingham-born Farrah Chaudry, alumna of the Rep’s artist development programme, The Foundry, who said, “I wanted to tell a story that celebrates brown and Muslim people at a time where we’re constantly degraded and dehumanised. I wanted to show characters who were fun, funny, flawed, human, complex, kind and on journeys of healing, loved and loving, rather than how we’re often portrayed on TV, film or stage. This play is a love letter to Birmingham too.”
Sabrina Nabi will take the role of Zoya, a pampered young woman from Edgbaston, struggling with a lack of purpose after her parents cut her off financially. KerenaJagpal will play Leyla, the hardworking and dependable friend who dedicates her time to helping others. She lives in Balsall Heath with her housemate Khalil, a Syrian refugee, played by Sayyid Aki.
Aki will make his professional stage debut, while Nabi and Jagpal will return to the Rep after taking part in the Kali Writers Discovery Showcase.
Community will be staged in The Door at the Rep from Thursday 30 January until Saturday 8 February. It will then go on a two-week tour of libraries, schools and community venues in the West Midlands.
Source:britishtheatreguide.info
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https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/news/birmingham-play-celebrates-bro-16713
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Arab World
Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books
WAAD HUSSAIN
January 08, 2025
RIYADH: Riyadh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, where the love of coffee meets the timeless allure of literature.
Book cafes are carving out a niche as spaces where readers, thinkers, and coffee enthusiasts converge.
These havens of creativity and reflection offer retreats for the mind and soul, providing a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world.
The Book Club: Where stories find their home
Nestled in the Al-Yasmin district, The Book Club is a tranquil retreat for bibliophiles, particularly those passionate about Arabic literature.
Its shelves brim with carefully curated Arabic titles, from classics to contemporary gems, complemented by a modest selection of English books.
The minimalist interior, adorned with soft lighting and intimate reading nooks, creates an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.
What sets The Book Club apart is its browsing policy. Visitors are welcome to skim books for three minutes before deciding to purchase, with additional purchases granting extended reading time.
During Arab News’ visit, the cafe hosted a stimulating talk with Saad Al-Bazai, titled, “Historical Fiction: Why Do They Believe in the Imagined?”
Al-Bazai told Arab News: “These gatherings bring together a diverse audience and provide them with the opportunity to meet researchers.
“This undoubtedly supports cultural life as it creates a platform for dialogue that differs from social media platforms — it is vibrant, direct, and involves personal presence.”
Sophia: A library, a cafe, and a place to connect
Sophia has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s literary scene, acting as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Its towering wooden shelves are filled with a rich collection of Arabic and English books, carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience.
Beyond being a library, Sophia also serves as a publishing house, amplifying the voices of local and regional authors, bringing their stories to the forefront.
What sets Sophia apart is its dedication to fostering intellectual growth and cultural exchange.
The space regularly hosts book launches, discussion panels, and thought-provoking dialogue sessions that bring together writers, readers, and thinkers from various backgrounds.
The inviting ambiance, complete with warm lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect backdrop for these events, making each visit an enriching experience.
Aminah Al-Hassani, a loyal visitor, captured the essence of Sophia. She said: “The place is calm and serene, and it has never let me down with a bad book.
“Every book I’ve read here has been better than the last. Their selections are beautiful, and the events they organize are always beneficial and enjoyable.”
Coffee Trees: A green sanctuary
Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm. The cafe’s lush decor, accentuated by vibrant plants and natural elements, transforms the space into a botanical retreat.
Though its library is modest, the curated selection of books is perfectly aligned with the cafe’s serene ambiance.
Patrons often find themselves lost in thought or pages, surrounded by the aroma of ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee.
Whether it’s the tranquil environment or the commitment to sustainability, Coffee Trees is a favorite escape for those seeking a moment of calm in the city.
Wathbah Coffee & Book: Where timeless charm meets literature
In Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee & Book exudes intellectual allure. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.
The carefully selected collection spans genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Wathbah’s ambiance is perfect for quiet reading, reflective conversations, or simply soaking in its aesthetic beauty.
As Sara Al-Ebraheem, a loyal patron, said: “There’s a certain magic in time spent in the company of good books, with a perfectly brewed coffee.”
Ons Coffee Roasters: Where simplicity meets serenity
Ons Coffee Roasters offers a minimalist haven for those who crave peace and simplicity. Its clean design, complemented by tasteful art and cozy seating, creates a calm environment perfect for unwinding.
While its library may be small, the books displayed are thoughtfully chosen to inspire reflection and curiosity.
Ons Coffee Roasters is as much about quality as it is about serenity. Its expertly brewed coffee elevates the experience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a quiet corner in Riyadh.
A cultural renaissance in Riyadh
The emerging popularity of book cafes is providing spaces where literature, art, and community thrive. The cafes cater to a growing audience of residents and visitors who value meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
ttps://www.arabnews.com/node/2585728/saudi-arabia
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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah
January 08, 2025
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will feature, from Jan. 25 to May 25, the first public display outside Makkah of the whole Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is hosting the unprecedented event at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, titled “And All That Is In Between.”
Visitors can admire the intricate weaving and embroidery of the Kiswah, the cloth that adorns the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, featuring silk, gold and silver threads.
Since 1927, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa has been producing decorative embroidered clothes for the Holy Kaaba, which is replaced annually.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba, with its distinctive inscriptions and ornamentations, is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts” and holds significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.
The exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims over the decades and showcase the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba.
Alongside the Kiswah display, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will exhibit a collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks. The organizers aim to surpass the 600,000 visitors who attended the 2023 event.
The event also aims to enhance pilgrims’ religious and cultural experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585710/saudi-arabia
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Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief
January 08, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received separate phone calls from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday.
He discussed recent developments in the Middle East with his Spanish and British counterparts, and efforts to address them.
The Saudi foreign minister also met the chief of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Philippe Lazzarini, in Riyadh. They discussed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to cooperate with UNRWA on projects benefiting the Palestinian people.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585693/saudi-arabia
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QaisariyaSouq: Historic market in the heart of Al-Ahsa
January 09, 2025
DAMMAM: Al-QaisariyaSouq, renowned for its historic architecture, narrow covered walkways, and diverse shops, remains a beloved destination for shoppers and heritage enthusiasts, standing as one of the most famous traditional markets in the Arabian Peninsula and a prominent landmark.
Located in central Hofuf in Al-Ahsa Governorate, the market draws residents from across the region and Gulf countries, as well as tourists from around the world, attracted by its unique atmosphere and cultural significance.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized its importance by including the market on its World Heritage List in 2018.
Dating back to 1822, the 7,000-square-meter souq features 14 gates and over 422 shops along open-air corridors. Its shops are adorned with carved wooden doors, the walkways are illuminated by lanterns, and the ceiling is crafted from stained wood, while vendors display their wares outside their shops.
Visitors can find a wide variety of products, including clothing, fabrics, abayas, handbags, food, utensils, gold, and handicrafts.
Al-QaisariyaSouq plays a vital economic role, reflecting Al-Ahsa's historical, cultural, and economic significance, alongside other heritage sites like ancient neighborhoods, palaces, towers, mosques, and other traditional markets.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585746/saudi-arabia
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Warning of thunderstorms and flash floods in Saudi Arabia for next 4 days
January 09, 2025
RIYADH: Residents of Saudi Arabia were warned on Wednesday that the country could be hit by thunderstorms and flash floods between now and Sunday.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense advised people to remain sheltered and stay away from canyons.
Many regions can expect medium-to-heavy rain, hail or strong gusts of wind, with a high risk of flooding. Forecasters predict Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Baha, Asir and Jazan will be among the affected regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585735/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia rejects ‘Greater Israel’ map that annex parts of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria
January 08, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and rejected on Wednesday an Israeli map that claimed Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese territories as part of so-called “greater Israel.”
The Kingdom stressed that such extremist allegations demonstrated Israeli intentions to consolidate its occupation, continue blatant attacks on the sovereignty of states, and violate international laws and norms.
The Kingdom’s foreign ministry renewed its call for the international community to play its role in stopping Israeli violations against countries and peoples of the region.
The ministry stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of states and their borders to limit the exacerbation of the region’s crises.
Palestine and Jordan condemned the map on Tuesday.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585727/saudi-arabia
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Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky
January 08, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it.
They also reviewed Saudi-Ukrainian relations and discussed issues of common interest. Regional and international developments were also discussed.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585717/saudi-arabia
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Southeast Asia
Vilified as un-Islamic, CJ reminds critics of Allah's judgment
Jan 8, 2025
Chief Justice TengkuMaimun Tuan Mat said she did not lose sleep over critics’ claims that she was un-Islamic.
She made this remark over her landmark Federal Court ruling last year striking down 16 Kelantan syariah state laws for being unconstitutional.
Source:malaysiakini.com
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/731087
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Tourism minister says mosques shown in longer, more detailed video
Jan 8, 2025
The launch video for the “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign did not include mosques as it was supposed to be short and simple, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing said today.
However, mosques are included in a more detailed promotional video that will come later, he said in a statement.
Source:malaysiakini.com
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/731114
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Mosques missing in Visit M'sia 2026 video, PN wants answers
Jan 8, 2025
PerikatanNasional leaders have questioned the absence of mosques in a 41-second video uploaded on the Tourism Malaysia Facebook page.
Among them was Bersatu vice-president RadziJidin, who demanded an explanation from Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing...
Source:malaysiakini.com
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/731077
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Former company executive charged with CBT involving more than RM100,000
BERNAMA
09-01- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: A former senior account and admin executive of a company pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to committing a criminal breach of trust of the company’s fund amounting to RM103,060.
G. Selvi, 39, was charged with committing the offence of the company’s fund that was entrusted to her at the company’s office in Brickfields, here between Nov 7, 2022, and Sept 15, 2023.
The charge, under Section 408 of the Penal Code, provides a maximum of 14 years in prison as well as whipping and can be fined, upon conviction.
Judge AzrulDarus allowed the woman bail of RM10,000 with one surety and also ordered her to surrender her passport to the court. He set Feb 18 for mention.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Shakira Aliana Alias ??while lawyer Jeremy Vinesh Anthony represented the accused.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/former-company-executive-charged-with-cbt-involving-more-than-rm100000-FP13499826
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Malaysia could develop ‘Made by Malaysia’ chips and graphics processing units in 5-10 years, says Rafizi
09 Jan 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Economy Minister RafiziRamli today envisions the nation developing ‘Made by Malaysia’ chips and graphics processing units (GPU) in the next five to 10 years.
He said the nation can realise its industry, leveraging on the downstream sector and not just on the back-end of semiconductor manufacturing.
“Then, not only (do) we create a new high-value economic sector that serves our demand, but we can then become a global player because other countries will require data centres as well.
“So that is the government’s long-term view about this whole artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres contribution to our economy,” he said during a fireside chat titled From “Made in Malaysia” to “Made by Malaysia” at the Forum Ekonomi Malaysia (FEM) 2025.
Rafizi said Malaysia is expected to be a global data centre powerhouse and is keen to support it through renewable energy (RE).
He said Malaysia is finalising the fifth large-scale solar (LSS5) bidding round with LSS6 expected to come afterward.
“We should be able to allow renewable energy capacities to be scaled up much faster than what we have ever seen in the past,” he said. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/09/malaysia-could-develop-made-by-malaysia-chips-and-graphics-processing-units-in-5-10-years-says-rafizi/162579
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PM Anwar says Malaysia’s leadership of Asean to start with bolstering ties with neighbours
09 Jan 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Malaysia begins its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship by strengthening regional and international cooperation with visits by the leaders of neighbouring countries, namely Singapore, Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He emphasised that the ASEAN Chairmanship provides an opportunity to enhance the ASEAN network, benefiting both Malaysia and its regional partners.
“This is what we emphasised with the Prime Minister of Singapore, we do not want to focus on consolidating strength solely in Malaysia and marginalising others, or building strength in Thailand and others be marginalised.
“Instead, we aim to find ways and methods to solve and discuss issues that complicate us including Myanmar because the main prerequisite for raising economic strength, peace and political stability includes clear policies and economic strategies that drive growth.
“This can be achieved through active private sector involvement and an efficient public sector,” he said in his keynote address at the Malaysian Economic Forum here today.
During the visit by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong last Monday and Tuesday, Anwar said they launched the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) which is expected to become a key economic driver for Johor, Singapore and the surrounding regions.
Anwar also noted that the working visit by Indonesian President PrabowoSubianto today would focus on strengthening economic cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“This includes collaboration in Indonesia’s key sectors and partnerships with KhazanahNasionalBerhad and major Malaysian companies, particularly in the digital sector,” he said.
He said Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow to discuss investment opportunities, trade, and energy transition initiatives, including plans to make Sarawak a new energy hub in the Southeast Asian region.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/09/pm-anwar-says-malaysias-leadership-of-asean-to-start-with-bolstering-ties-with-neighbours/162556
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Africa
Nigerian Army kills 34 Islamic States members, loses 6 soldiers
2025-01-08
Shafaq News/ Armed clashes in northeastern Nigeria between the Nigerian army and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) resulted in casualties on both sides, Nigeria's Defense Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Wednesday.
According to Nigerian media outlets, the DHQ revealed in a statement that, on January 4, an unspecified number of ISWAP militants engaged army personnel stationed in SabonGari village, Borno State.
“The encounter resulted in the elimination of 34 terrorists, while six soldiers lost their lives during the operation," they added.
The army also seized 23 AK-47 rifles and 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during the operation.
Notably, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS in March 2015, rebranding itself as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
However, the group later split into two factions, with Boko Haram and ISWAP operating as separate entities.
Source:shafaq.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://shafaq.com/en/World/Nigerian-Army-kills-34-Islamic-States-members-loses-6-soldiers
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Daniel Amah, policeman who shunned $200,000 bribe, converts to Islam in Kano
January 8, 2025
Daniel Amah, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), celebrated nationwide for his act of integrity in rejecting a $200,000 bribe, has embraced Islam in a private ceremony at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
The event, held on Tuesday, marked Amah’s formal acceptance into the Islamic faith.
He adopted “Muhammad” as his new name.
During the ceremony, the Emir of Kano, speaking in Hausa, encouraged Amah to seek Islamic knowledge and observe the five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah, daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca, and Zakat (charitable giving).
The Emir also prayed for divine guidance, urging Amah to uphold his good character and remain respectful and obedient to his parents, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Amah first gained national recognition as the Divisional Police Officer in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State when he refused a $200,000 bribe in April 2022.
The bribe was offered by armed robbery suspects who had stolen over N300 million in a heist targeting a Bureau De Change operator carrying $750,000 in cash.
His integrity earned him widespread acclaim. On November 10, 2022, the Police Service Commission promoted him from Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also presented him with the prestigious 2022 Public Service Integrity Award, following a recommendation by BolajiOwasanoye, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Source:businessday.ng
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https://businessday.ng/news/article/daniel-amah-policeman-who-shunned-200000-bribe-converts-to-islam-in-kano/
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Islamic group laments lack of social media regulation
8th January 2025
The leadership of a religious group, the Academy of Islamic Propagation, on Wednesday, lamented improper usage of social media tools in the country, saying many users often run foul of the law with the contents they share.
This was disclosed in Osogbo on Wednesday by the Vice President of the Academy, Mr. U.S Imam while briefing journalists on the activities planned to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the group.
Imam, a lawyer, who said the leader of the Academy, Mallam Yusuf Adepoju, and his followers often come under attacks by social media users, noted that legal provisions have been largely relied on to protect the group and its members from cyber bullies.
He said, “In Nigeria, we are using social media unrestrictedly. Social media has no regulation, which is why it is being abused.
“We see people, and by the time we listen and watch their contents, we realize they have crossed the line; they would have fallen into the pit of defamation.
“Let me tell you, our leader, Mallam and ACADIP are being abused as well. But we have a way of protecting ourselves.”
Commenting on the activities for ACADIP’s 30th anniversary, successes and challenges that it contended with in the last three decades, Adepoju, who said over 15,000 reverts had been won into Islam globally during the period, added that inadequate funding and misconception of the ideals of the group among others constituted major hurdles.
Highlighting programmes for the 30th-anniversary celebrations, Adepoju said a visit to hospitals, orphanages and correctional centres in communities where ACADIP has branches in Nigeria would be followed by a special Jumaat Service.
He further said 50 prominent comparative scholars and preachers would win awards of excellence at an event to be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The five-day ceremonies would conclude with a fundraising ceremony for the proposed ACADIP University and the presentation of special awards to the AsiwajuMusulumi of Oyo State, AlhajiMutiullahOladejo and three others.
Source:punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/islamic-group-laments-lack-of-social-media-regulation/
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Ministry of Economy reviews new sources for importing meat ahead of Ramadan
BY ABDULKADERASSAD
08/01/2025
The Minister of Economy and Trade in the Government of National Unity, Mohammed Al-Huweij, discussed adopting new sources for importing meat, in order to meet the demand in the local market during the month of Ramadan.
This came during Al-Huweij's meeting on Tuesday with a number of companies supplying meat and poultry, in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry and the Directors of the Departments of Internal Trade, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, and representatives of the Libyan Fatwa House, the Food and Drug Control Center, and the National Center for Animal Health, according to a statement by the Ministry on its Facebook page.
The meeting discussed the progress of meat and poultry supply operations from approved sources through banking operations; where company owners discussed the procedures followed in the meat supply process, including obtaining approval from the Animal Health Center, and adhering to health requirements and Islamic controls.
Al-Huweij confirmed that the Ministry was working to organize and develop the trade policy according to the import budget, in coordination with the Central Bank of Libya. He called for listing the companies supplying meat through banking operations during the year 2024, in coordination with the Central Bank, and to arrange a meeting with all relevant parties to organize the supply of meat and poultry and approve additional import sources, which contribute to supplying the local market with meat products in a way that ensures the stability of their prices during the month of Ramadan.
Source:libyaobserver.ly
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https://libyaobserver.ly/economy/ministry-economy-reviews-new-sources-importing-meat-ahead-ramadan
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Kaduna LG chairman increases monthly allowances for Imams
January 8, 2025
The Executive Chairman of Soba Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad LawalShehu, has announced an increase in the monthly allowances for Imams of Jumu’at mosques within the council.
During a meeting with the clerics at the DahiruMaigana Secretariat, Hon. Lawal revealed that upon taking office, he learned that the Imams had gone without their stipends for several months, a situation he deemed unacceptable.
Hon. Lawal, who also ordered the inclusion of new Imams in the monthly allowance program, emphasized the vital role the Imams play in communicating government policies to the local community, underscoring the importance of providing them with adequate motivation.
“When I took office, I found that the chief Imams were receiving very low monthly allowances and had even gone without pay for several months. I found this situation untenable. We began paying them for the past two months, but I realized that the amount was still insufficient given the current economic conditions. As a result, I have directed that the allowance be increased starting next month,” he stated.
The Executive Chairman praised the Imams for their contributions to promoting peace in the local government and encouraged them to use their sermons to guide the youth away from drug abuse, thuggery, and other social vices, for the greater good of the community.
Speaking on behalf of the Imams, Mallam Ibrahim AliyuBagaldi, the Chief Imam of SakaruJumu’at Mosque, expressed gratitude for Hon. Lawal’s efforts in engaging the clerics in local governance decisions.
He assured that the Islamic scholars in Soba would continue to advocate for peaceful coexistence and pray for the prosperity of the local government.
Source:dailypost.ng
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https://dailypost.ng/2025/01/08/katsina-lg-chairman-increases-monthly-allowances-for-imams/
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Stop Attacking Sunday Igboho – BanjiAkintoye Warns Fulani Leader
9 January 2025
By George OshogweOgbolu
The leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Professor BanjiAkintoye, has urged an end to the alleged hostility against Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, by Fulani leader, Professor GarusGololo.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State, on January 5, 2025, Akintoye addressed a video in which Gololo delivered a strong message against Igboho, whom Akintoye described as a key figure in the Yoruba self-determination movement.
Akintoye remarked: “I recently watched a video featuring Professor GarusGololo, a notable Fulani leader, delivering an intense message against Chief Sunday Igboho, a prominent advocate for Yoruba self-determination. Like several other Fulani figures before him, Prof. Gololo is determined to portray Igboho as a criminal, urging the Federal Government to arrest and detain him.
“His statements were not only harsh but devoid of truth, prompting me to clarify the facts. My intention is not driven by anger or malice but by a commitment to ensuring that public discourse is grounded in truth, which is vital for national cohesion.”
Naija News reports that Akintoye also criticized Gololo’s characterization of self-determination advocacy as a crime, describing it as a misinterpretation of both Nigerian and international law.
“Seeking self-determination for one’s people is not a crime. It is a legitimate act supported by international and Nigerian legal frameworks,” he explained.
The historian reaffirmed that the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement is committed to peaceful and lawful advocacy, emphasizing its dedication to civilised and competent methods in its pursuit of autonomy.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/09/stop-attacking-sunday-igboho-banji-akintoye-warns-fulani-leader/
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Armed attack on Chad's presidential complex leaves 19 dead
9 January 2025
In a violent confrontation in Chad, at least 19 people have died after security forces intervened to stop armed fighters from attacking the presidential complex in N’Djamena.
The government reported that 18 of the 24 attackers were killed during the failed raid on the president's office on Wednesday evening, with one security officer also losing his life in the battle.
The country's foreign minister reassured the public that soldiers were protecting the president and that the situation was under control.
Residents in N’Djamena reported hearing multiple gunshots for several minutes near the presidential compound.
"Eighteen attackers were killed and six others sustained injuries, while we experienced one fatality and three injuries, one of which is serious," stated Chad’s foreign minister and government spokesperson, AbderamanKoulamallah.
Shortly after the incident, Koulamallah appeared in a video flanked by soldiers, with a firearm at his side, asserting, “The situation is entirely under control… the attempt to destabilize has been thwarted.”
This assault coincided with an official visit from China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Chad.
Just hours before the violence erupted, Wang Yi had engaged with Chad’s President MahamatIdrissDeby and other high-ranking officials.
Koulamallah confirmed that Deby was in the presidential complex during the attack.
Zakaria Daoud, a local resident, expressed concerns about the security situation in a region known for its frequent coups.
Footage from the area showed military vehicles and heavily armed troops patrolling the streets and stationed around the presidential palace.
Foreign Affairs Minister AbderamanKoulamallah, appearing in a Facebook live broadcast alongside soldiers, stated, “The situation is completely under control, there is no fear.”
He emphasized their commitment to defending the president.
This incident occurred roughly a week after parliamentary elections aimed at restoring democracy, which were boycotted by the main opposition.
The election results are still pending, and analysts believe the outcome may strengthen President MahamatDebyItno's hold on power.
DebyItno came to power as a military leader following the death of his father, who ruled for thirty years, during a conflict with rebels in 2021.
He was elected president last year in a vote that international observers deemed lacking in credibility.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2025/01/09/chads-foreign-minister-assures-public-amid-gunfire-incident-near-the-presidential-palace/
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Pakistan
Around 80 Militants Loot, Torch Several Buildings In Brazen Attack On Khuzdar
Saleem Shahid
January 9, 2025
QUETTA: Armed gunmen launched a brazen attack on the main bazaar in tehsil Zehri of Khuzdar district on Wednesday morning, setting fire to multiple government buildings, including a Levies Force station, Nadra and municipal committee offices and a bank, after seizing control of the area.
According to officials, around 80 militants entered the area at about 11pm from nearby mountains, deploying armed men around the bazaar and other locations in the tehsil headquarters of Zehri. They set up checkpoints around the Zehri bazaar and pickets on the mountains to resist any action from security forces.
The militants stormed the Levies Thana, took the personnel hostage, ransacked the records, and set the building on fire, damaging part of the structure, furniture and other items.
The armed men later attacked a private bank branch, took the staff hostage and looted over Rs90 million from the strongroom, according to bank officials in Quetta.
The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Kalat Commissioner Naeem Khan Bazai told Dawn that the armed militants had entered Zehri on five vehicles and over 20 motorcycles, equipped with the latest automatic weapons. “They remained in the area for at least eight hours,” he said, adding that when security forces arrived and launched an operation, the militants escaped, taking two Levies vehicles with them. They also took away 20 AK-47 rifles, 4,000 rounds of ammunition and 10 motorbikes.
The militants also attacked the offices of Zehri municipal committee, ransacked records, and set the building on fire. The office of the National Database and Registration Authority was also targeted, with official records, computers and other equipment being destroyed.
The militants used a loudspeaker at the main mosque to announce their control over the bazaar and other areas, making speeches to the people gathered there.
Upon receiving information about the militants’ presence, security forces cordoned off the area and launched an operation against the attackers. Military helicopters were also called in to assist with the operation.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1884018/militants-loot-torch-several-buildings-in-brazen-attack-on-khuzdar
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Islamabad To Host Pioneering Global Summit On Girls’ Education In Muslim Communities
January 09, 2025
ISLAMABAD - The Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training will host the International Conference on “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” a landmark two-day event from 11th-12th January 2025. The global summit aims to address the challenges and opportunities in advancing girls’ education across Muslim communities worldwide, foster dialogue, and find actionable solutions to address the challenges. The conference will provide an ideal platform for high-level discussions and collaborations. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, who will deliver the keynote address at the opening session and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to promoting girls’ education and gender equity.
The event will bring together over 150 international dignitaries, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars and academia from 44 Muslim and friendly countries, representatives from international organizations including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank. Speakers and panellists will share transformative success stories, showcasing innovative approaches to advancing education equity.
The conference will conclude by a formal signing ceremony of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining the shared commitment of Muslim community to empower girls through education, paving way for inclusive and sustainable educational reforms, and a brighter future for generations to come.
Source:nation.com.pk
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https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Jan-2025/islamabad-to-host-pioneering-global-summit-on-girls-education-in-muslim-communities
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PTI links continuation of talks with govt to formation of judicial commission
By Web Desk
January 08, 2025
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has warned that the fourth round of talks is "highly unlikely" if the government does not constitute a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26 following the next session of negotiations amid stalemate over hurdles in meeting jailed party founder Imran Khan.
Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza — who is part of the PTI's negotiation team — made these remarks while speaking on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath'.
After months of a political tug-of-war, the coalition government and the embattled PTI finally came to the table last month to defuse tensions, with the Khan-founded party initially putting forth two initial demands: the release of all "political prisoners" and a judicial probe into the events of May 9 and November 26.
During the second round of talks — being held under the chairmanship of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PTI negotiation team sought frequent meetings with party founder Imran Khan to finalise the "charter of demands".
While the PTI has been quite vocal about its key demands — the release of political prisoners and a judicial probe into the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26 crackdown — it could not share these demands with the government committee in writing.
Earlier today, PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar and Sher Afzal Marwat held a meeting with the former prime minister at Rawalpindi's Adiala facility, wherein the latter gave the go-ahead to submit the demands in writing.
Speaking on the programme today, Raza they had already announced a deadlock in the talks with the government. "The government previously said they have no demands... if they want our demands in writing then they should also give us in writing that they want nothing," he added.
In response to a question, the SIC chief said that the PTI's negotiation committee would have called off the negotiations if they had not received Imran's message today. "PTI's negotiation committee will meet tomorrow [Thursday] and we will decide on the talks."
Furthermore, he said, Rana Sanaullah — Prime Minister's aide on political affairs — had confirmed that negotiations were being held after taking "powerful quarters" on board. "People listening through bugging devices probably do not want this meeting with the PTI founder to happen," he claimed.
Responding to a question, Raza believes Imran would be released even if the negotiations fail.
'No fear of sit-ins'
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui — who heads the government's negotiation team — accepted that the government should have fulfilled its commitment of arranging a meeting with Imran.
"However, none of the committee members is authorised to arrange a meeting," he said, mentioning that National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is responsible for facilitating the meeting.
In response to a question, Siddiqui noted that problems arise when "too many conditions are attached" to a meeting. "Eight people want to meet [Imran] and suspend the jail manual for the meeting," he said.
He stressed that even a single person can go meet and inform the PTI founder about the situation and bring instructions. "PTI's committee was constituted 40 days ago... why they did not consult regarding the charter of demands then," he asked.
Emphasising on charter of economy and democracy, the PML-N senator said that they should chalk out a code of conduct for sit-ins and protests. "The government would continue... we have no fear of their sit-ins."
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1270075-pti-links-continuation-of-talks-with-govt-to-formation-of-judicial-commission
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PM says e-governance is key to economic integration
January 9, 2025
• Promises transparency in privatisation of public sector entities
• Attends gong ceremony at PSX, highlights need to sustain momentum
• Opens faceless Customs system at port; launches clinical health manual at AKU
KARACHI: Highlighting the need for the integration of the entire economy via an e-governance system, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan had attained favourable macroeconomic indicators, adding that it was incumbent upon government functionaries, investors, exporters, and all stakeholders to collaborate to strengthen it further.
In a whirlwind visit to the port city, the PM participated in the gong ceremony at the city’s bourse, inaugurated the Faceless Customs Assessment System at the South Asia Terminals at the Karachi port, and launched a clinical practice manual at the Aga Khan University (AKU).
Addressing a ceremony to mark the exceptional performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), he said that the government’s collective efforts has resulted in macro-level stability, which should now be converted into sustainable economic growth.
Felicitating the PSX for achieving tailwinds, the prime minister stressed the need to sustain the garnered momentum to attain economic growth through the prudent utilisation of the country’s natural resources, as well as the skills and expertise of experienced business and trade leaders.
He said the government would welcome tangible proposals and recommendations from the business community to actualise export-led growth.
He also noted that there was room to further decrease the interest rate, which had come down from 22pc to 13pc, but said that such a move must be made in a prudent and cautious manner.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the growth opportunities in agriculture, mining and mineral sectors, adding that the government wanted to utilise these natural resources to promote manufacturing and employment generation.
Referring to structural reforms in public sector entities, he said the government was committed to ensuring complete transparency in the privatisation of PIA and other organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government was actively pursuing an agenda of decreasing inflation, supporting export-led growth and bringing reforms in tax, energy, public sector entities, pensions, civil service and other important sectors.
He also spoke about rightsizing initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and cutting down expenditures of the federal and provincial governments, saying that reforms were being implemented in a phased manner.
The finance minister also assured stakeholders that pre-budget consultations would begin the coming month so that proposals could be acquired and incorporated in the budget-making process.
Faceless customs system
Later in the day, the premier congratulated all stakeholders involved in the launch of the Faceless Customs Assessment System, saying that now the time required for goods declaration of any consignment would be between 10 and 20 minutes.
In just three weeks, the Bill of Entry (BOE) time has been reduced from 42 hours to 19 hours during the experimental phase of this project, he said, adding that the target was to achieve an average of 12 hours.
PM Shehbaz also announced a 10pc cash reward of the total recovery for Customs officials and staff who made additional recoveries, adding that a formula would soon be devised for this scheme.
He also suggested that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, who were also in attendance, should conduct a third-party evaluation of the Faceless Customs Assessment project through IT experts.
Talking about bringing down electricity prices, PM Shehbaz said that until these rates come down to Rs15 to Rs20 per unit, agriculture and exports cannot develop, adding that he would also speak to the provinces in this regard.
Commitment to quality healthcare
Separately, addressing the launch of AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines, PM Shehbaz said the government was committed to ensuring optimum healthcare facilities to the people of Pakistan.
The launch coincided with an exclusive Healthcare Leadership Roundtable, held in collaboration with AKU. Led by the prime minister, the event convened 30 of the country’s most senior healthcare leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders for a high-level dialogue.
Speaking at the launch, the PM commended the legacy of the Aga Khan family towards supporting initiatives for the social and economic uplift of Pakistan.
He regretted that the country’s healthcare system was riddled with hurdles and challenges, such as limited access to quality care in rural areas, a shortage of skilled professionals, and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Referring to his track record as Punjab chief minister, he recalled that during his tenure, world-class tertiary care hospitals like Sheikh Zayed were established and every district was equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI machines.
“Institutions of global standards and international prestige like AKU and Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute give us hope, bridging the gap between the many challenges we face and solutions we need, and empowering our healthcare system to evolve and respond to the needs of every citizen,” he said.
Dr Adil Haider, dean of AKU’s Medical College and editor-in-chief of the manual, explained that the document was more than a guide. “With nearly 140 guidelines addressing 80pc of conditions seen in healthcare institutions in the country, this initiative is a giant leap toward ensuring every patient receives high-quality care,” he said.
Source:dawn.com
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Govt, PTI unable to ‘see eye to eye’ on dialogue
Ikram Junaidi | Syed Irfan Raza
January 9, 2025
• PTI leaders bemoan ‘monitored’ meeting with party founder; govt says private meeting not possible under rules
• Party agrees to submit written demands; Imran says talks won’t progress without probe into crackdowns
• NA speaker offers to step aside to ensure ‘integrity’ of dialogue after PTI criticism
ISLAMABAD: Despite some headway in talks between the government and the opposition, negotiators from the ruling coalition and the PTI could not see eye to eye on the modalities of the dialogue, with ‘unmonitored’ access to Imran Khan becoming a fresh bone of contention, following an agreement on the submission of written demands.
On Wednesday, after a meeting with Imran Khan in Adiala jail, PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the party founder had permitted them to share their demands with the government negotiation committee in writing, as agreed upon in the first round of talks.
The PTI leaders, however, expressed reservations about the ‘monitored’ meeting with the party founder in Adiala jail, with NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub demanding a meeting which was not “monitored by intelligence agencies”.
Mr Ayub said, “Our current meetings with Imran Khan are being held in a confined space, equipped with cameras and listening devices, which compromises the confidentiality and integrity of our discussions. This situation is unacceptable and undermines our ability to communicate freely and effectively.”
The government committee’s spokesperson, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, took exception to this demand and said the PTI had made the meeting with its founder conditional and difficult.
Speaking to Dawn, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said, “They (PTI leaders) want their meeting with Imran Khan in an open space without any surveillance and jail officials. Such conditions may not be entertained under the jail manual and laws.”
He said the government team had assured the PTI leaders that their meeting with Imran Khan in the jail would be facilitated but questioned that if Barrister Gohar met Mr Khan in jail on Wednesday, then how many others wanted to meet him.
“The PTI’s negotiation team was formed some 40 days ago on Dec 5, but I think it has not completed its homework yet,” he added. He further said a recent tweet of Mr Khan in which he criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had further harmed the negotiation process.
NA speaker’s offer
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also came under fire from the PTI regarding the jail meeting, prompting him to say that he was willing to step down from his role as the head of the negotiation committee.
He said that if PTI leaders believe that he should withdraw from the negotiation process, then he was willing to consider such a proposal to uphold the neutrality and integrity of the speaker’s office. Barrister Gohar, however, expressed confidence in Mr Sadiq, saying that the speaker was capable of holding successful dialogue.
In a statement, the speaker clarified that his role in the negotiations was “purely that of a facilitator, and arranging a meeting with the party’s founding chairman is neither his mandate nor his responsibility”.
He expressed disappointment over claims that attempts to contact the speaker’s office were not positively received. He said he never refused a meeting with any member of the National Assembly. The speaker emphasised that his absence from the country did not hinder his ability to arrange meetings. He stated that he is always ready to facilitate such arrangements.
Meanwhile, PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah said there was no pressure on the government to release Imran Khan from jail. Speaking at a press conference, he said: “They (PTI) have already met Imran but then they said they want to talk to him again in a proper manner to get written demands.”
Judicial commission
Separately, PTI founder Imran Khan said that the former ruling party would walk away from negotiations if its demand for the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9 and Nov 26 violence was not met at the next round of talks.
According to a transcript of a conversation between Mr Khan and his legal team in Adiala jail, posted on the X account of the PTI founder, the premier demanded a “transparent investigation” into the two crackdowns.
It may be noted that the incarcerated PTI chief does not have access to his social media accounts.
“My demands are legitimate and reasonable, but the government is not taking them seriously. I am not being allowed to meet the members of my party, which is my legal right. If the government does not establish a judicial commission in the next meeting, we will not proceed with the negotiation process,” the statement posted on his account said.
The statement also alleged that after November 26, many PTI supporters had been disappeared, but the government was not serious in tracing their whereabouts.
“Today, we have formed a committee on the issue of the missing persons, which will be headed by lawyer Qazi Anwar,” he said.
Source:dawn.com
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Global parliamentary body to observe Imran’s trials
Malik Asad
January 9, 2025
• PTI leader’s legal team says observer will also be able to assess ex-PM’s condition in jail
• Property seizure proceedings in £190m reference put off
ISLAMABAD: The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) — an international organisation of national parliaments for promotion of democratic governance, accountability and cooperation among its members — will send an observer to Pakistan to review proceedings against former prime minister Imran Khan.
Sharing details with Dawn about the IPU decision, Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, a member of Imran Khan’s legal team, said the observer would see proceedings in £190 million case and Toshakhana series cases.
The lawyer claimed that the trials exemplified a campaign of ‘political persecution’ rather than legitimate legal accountability. Another focal point of their discussion with IPU would be the GHQ case, which saw Mr Khan indicted on May 9 without substantial evidence or credible legal grounds, raising further questions about the impartiality of the justice system, he added.
The IPU trial observer, scheduled to visit Pakistan in coming weeks, would have the authority to assess the conditions of Mr Khan’s detention in Adiala jail and review trial procedures. This was a pivotal step in ensuring a transparent evaluation of whether fundamental rights, such as the right to a fair trial, had been violated, he added.
£190m reference
Meanwhile, the accountability court adjourned proceedings related to the petitions against the seizure of properties belonging to accused parties in the £190m reference.
During the session, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) requested Judge Nasir Javed Rana for additional time to submit its response.
Advocate Farooq H. Naik represented a petitioner, a relative of property tycoon Malik Riaz, whose properties was also seized by NAB.
The court granted NAB’s request, scheduling the next hearing for Jan 15.
The court had already reserved verdict in this case against Mr Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi. The verdict was scheduled to announce on Dec 23 however, the judge rescheduled the date for Jan 6 when the judge proceeded on leave. The announcement of judgement was then deferred till Jan 13.
Property tycoon Malik Riaz, his son Ali Riaz Malik, former advisor on accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Farhat Shahzadi, Zulfi Bukhari and a lawyer were declared absconders in this case.
The FIA court’s special judge, meanwhile, recorded the statement of a prosecution witness, Tallat Mehmood, in the Toshakhana case related to Bulgari Jewelry set.
So far, statements from five prosecution witnesses have been documented, and of them the cross-examination of three witnesses has been completed. However, the cross-examination of another witness, Bin Yameen, could not be concluded during the proceedings.
Mr Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, requested to defer the cross-examination, which was met with objections from the FIA special public prosecutors.
The prosecution argued that the defence lawyers, including Qasain Faisal Mufti and Bushra Bibi’s lawyer Arshad Tabrez, were present in court and insisted that the process should be completed without delay, but the court granted the defence counsel’s request to allow the continuity of the cross-examination till Jan 10.
Besides, the prosecution has planned to present two more witnesses, including NAB officers Qaiser Mahmood and Shafqat, who are expected to record their statements during the next hearing.
The court adjourned further proceedings in the case to Jan 10.
Source:dawn.com
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Police seek FIA’s help to recover ransom paid by crypto trader in Karachi
Sumair Abdullah
January 9, 2025
KARACHI: Police have sought technical assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency for the recovery of the ransom amount — around $340,000 worth of digital coins — a cryptocurrency trader paid for his release from captivity.
The investigating officer (IO) of the case informed an antiterrorism court on Wednesday that he had written to the FIA, seeking technical assistance as the suspects held in the case, including two Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials, had allegedly transferred the ransom amount to their digital wallets.
The crypto trader, Muhammad Arsalan, had told the police that he was abducted on Dec 25, 2024 at 1:40am in a police mobile, without number plate, by five men in plain clothes.
They brought him near the FIA Saddar office, forcibly opened his Binance account and transferred coins worth $340,000 into different digital wallets/accounts.
They reset his cell phone, handed it back to him and dropped him near the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam at 4am.
Later, eight suspects were booked and arrested for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping the trader and releasing him after he transferred the ransom into their digital wallets.
On Wednesday, IO Makhdoom Moinuddin brought the eight suspects — CTD constables Ali Sajad and Muhammad Umer, along with Haris Ashar, Mohammed Rizwan Shah, Noman Riffat, Tariq Hasan Shah, Muzamil Raza and Umer Jilani — before the administrative judge of the ATC in Clifton for remand.
During the proceeding, which was held inside the judge’s chamber, the IO requested the court to grant further 26-day custody of the suspects as he needed more time to interrogate them and apprehend the remaining suspects.
He described the suspects as “cunning and clever”, who were part of an organised gang.
The IO informed the court that an identification parade of the suspects was needed to be conducted. He said their absconding accomplices — Hamad, Zaman, Muzamil, Ali Raza, Rasheed Lodhi, and others — had yet to be arrested.
He stated that the ransom amount was also to be recovered from the arrested suspects and he sought technical assistance from the FIA in this regard.
After hearing the IO and the suspects, the court remanded the suspects in police custody for five more days.
A case was registered at the Manghopir police station under Sections 365-A (kidnapping or abducting for extorting property, valuable security) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.
Only on Tuesday, the Sindh police chief had transferred CTD DSP Raja Umar Khattab and DSP Raja FarrukhYounus of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from their posts and asked them to report to the Central Police Office.
While no reasons has been cited for their transfer, it is learnt that the held CTD constables, as well as their absconding colleague, allegedly used the mobile vans of the CTD and SPU for moving the abductee from one place to another.
Source:dawn.com
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KKH restored for traffic as Hunza sit-in ends after govt accepts demands
Imtiaz Ali Taj
January 9, 2025
A protest sit-in against the power crisis in Hunza district’s Aliabad area came to an end on Wednesday with the Karakoram Highway (KKH) restored for traffic as the government accepted the locals’ demands.
Protests had erupted in several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday as residents decried over up to 22 hours of daily power outages amid harsh winter conditions and snowfall.
The sit-in in the Aliabad area — the district headquarters of Hunza — caused difficulties for locals and travellers, with heavy traffic remaining suspended and an alternative route open only for light traffic. Vehicles loaded with goods imported from China via Khunjerab Pass also remained stranded at the protest venue.
A statement issued today by GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said that Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah chaired a meeting in Islamabad today, attended by the GB chief minister and chief secretary as well, that accepted the 14 demands of the protesters.
GB administration officials subsequently engaged the sit-in leaders for talks, following which the protest was called off.
Local leader Amjad Barcha told Dawn.com that the end to the sit-in was opposed by GB Assembly member Ubaidullah Baig who called for it to continue. Barcha said traffic on the KKH was subsequently restored.
Awami Workers Party leader Baba Jan, a leader of the sit-in committee, told Dawn.com that the demonstration was called off on the condition that electricity be generated from Attabad Lake, electricity be brought over from the Chinese city of Kashgar and immediate electricity supply be restored via generators.
He said the additional chief secretary expressed his regret and assured that problems that inconvenienced the people would be resolved in the future. Jan warned that if action was not taken, the protesters would come out on the streets with greater intensity than before.
Jan said the sit-in’s ranks continued to swell today with more women and children participating, along with convoys from different parts of GB.
Source:dawn.com
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Mideast
Israeli military tightens media rules over war crimes prosecution concern
January 09, 2025
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military placed new restrictions on media coverage of soldiers on active combat duty amid growing concern at the risk of legal action against reservists traveling abroad over allegations of involvement in war crimes in Gaza.
The move came after an Israeli reservist vacationing in Brazil left the country abruptly when a Brazilian judge ordered federal police to open an investigation following allegations from a pro-Palestinian group that he had committed war crimes while serving in Gaza.
Under the new rules, media interviewing soldiers of the rank of colonel and under will not be able to display their full names or faces, similar to the rules that already exist for pilots and members of special forces units, Lt. Col. NadavShoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters.
The interviewees must not be linked to a specific combat event they participated in.
“This is our new guideline to protect our soldiers and to make sure they are safe from these types of incident hosted by anti-Israel activists around the world,” Shoshani said.
He said that under existing military rules, soldiers were already not supposed to post videos and other images from war zones on social media “even though that’s never perfect and we have a large army.” There were also long-standing rules and guidelines for soldiers traveling abroad, he said.
Shoshani said activist groups, such as the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation, which pushed for the action in Brazil, were “connecting the dots” between soldiers who posted material from Gaza and then posted other photos and videos of themselves while on holiday abroad.
Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, over alleged war crimes in Gaza, drawing outrage in Israel.
Shoshani said there had been “a handful” of cases where reservists traveling abroad had been targeted, in addition to the case in Brazil, all of which had been started by activist groups pushing authorities for an investigation.
“They didn’t open an investigation, they didn’t press charges or anything like that,” he said.
Source:arabnews.com
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Syria is ‘the cornerstone for regional stability,’ GCC tells UN Security Council
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
January 09, 2025
NEW YORK CITY: The Gulf Cooperation Council on Wednesday stressed the need to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Syria, reject foreign interference, combat terrorism and respect the country’s religious and cultural diversity as it embarks on a new chapter of its history after the fall of long-time dictator Bashar Assad.
Speaking on behalf of the GCC, Kuwait’s permanent representative to the UN, TareqAlbanai, expressed its support for a comprehensive and inclusive political process, moves toward national reconciliation, and efforts to rebuild the state.
He called for national unity and comprehensive dialogue, adding that the “stability of Syria is the cornerstone for stability in region.”
Albanai was speaking at the Security Council’s first meeting of the year on Syria. He told members that the GCC decided to participate in the meeting only “to confirm our determination to help the country politically, economically, developmentally and humanitarianly.”
GCC member states categorically reject the repeated attacks on Syria by Israeli occupation forces and call for their immediate withdrawal from Syrian territories, he added.
“We renew our firm position that the Golan is Syrian territory and condemn the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan,” Albanai said.
He also called for the lifting of the economic sanctions imposed on Syria during the civil war.
Egypt’s permanent representative to the UN, Osama Abdel Khalek, speaking on behalf of the UN Arab Group, also condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, and what he described as “Israel’s opportunistic exploitation of the current situation to occupy further Syrian territories, bomb cities and infrastructure.”
He urged the Security Council to intervene and put an end to the Israeli “aggression, occupation” and “the illegal presence of all foreign forces in Syria.”
Syria’s permanent representative to the UN, KusayAldahak, told the council that caretaker authorities in the country are willing to build “friendly relations with all UN member states based on cooperation and shared interests and away from the policies of polarization.”
He added that the “new Syria is willing to play a positive role in the international arena. It will promote international and regional peace and security, and will not engage in any conflict or war.”
Aldahak called on the UN to “immediately and fully lift the unilateral coercive measures; provide necessary financing to meet needs and recover basic services, mainly electricity; support livelihood projects and sustainable development; reconstruct damaged service facilities; ensure de-mining; rid Syria of the remnants of war; and allow dignified refugees to return to their cities and homes.”
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, told council members that close to 13 million Syrians face acute food insecurity at a time when the World Food Programme has been forced to reduce the amount of food assistance it provides by 80 per cent in the past two years as a result of funding shortfalls.
More than 620,000 Syrians remain displaced as a result of the operation to remove Assad in November and December, on top of the 7 million who had already been displaced by more than a
decade of civil war. In the northwest of the country alone, 2 million people are living in camps, Fletcher said.
US ambassador Dorothy Shea said the transition process and the Syrian government that emerges from it must ensure any chemical weapons that remain in the former Assad regime’s stockpiles are secured and destroyed.
“We are encouraged by the cooperation to date and call for the continued commitment of relevant actors in Syria to work with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the United Nations, and other state and non-state partners to chart a course for the complete and verifiable elimination of any remaining elements of a chemical weapons program, and assist released detainees and the families of those whose whereabouts remain unknown,” she said.
Shea also urged the interim government to deter individual acts of vengeance, and to partner with international institutions to identify ways to ensure that those guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity are held accountable.
Shea said the US welcomes “positive messages from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham but will ultimately look for progress in actions, not words. We are looking for actions and words that will explore policies that prioritize the well-being of the Syrian people.”
The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said he stands ready to work with the caretaker authorities “on how the nascent and important ideas and steps so far articulated and initiated could be developed towards a credible and inclusive political transition.”
The UK’s permanent representative to the UN, Barbara Woodward, said she was encouraged by the timelines set by the interim authorities for drafting a new constitution and holding elections and a national dialogue, and by their early engagement with the international community.
She called for their continued cooperation with UN as she welcomed the caretaker government’s efforts “to secure the chemical weapons stock and work with OPCW to fully declare and verify the destruction of such weapons. Now is the moment to close the Syria chemical weapons file once and for all.”
Russian ambassador VassilyNebenzia said: “Syria has more than enough problems and their severity should in no case be underestimated.”
He warned of the “fairly high risk of intensification of hostilities” in many parts of the country, in particular Aleppo and Quneitra. He also highlighted “the direct threat to the territorial integrity of Syria” arising from “the unlawful actions of Israel, which is carrying out a policy of fait accompli in the occupied Golan Heights, and 500 square kilometers of Syrian land have already been seized.”
Nebenzia blamed sanctions imposed by the US “and its satellites” for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country. As result of these sanctions, the Syrian economy is “under extreme pressure and is not able to cope with the challenges facing the country,” he added.
Source:arabnews.com
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191 Israeli settlers storm al-Aqsa Mosque in provocative incursions
08 Jan 2025
A group of 191 Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in two separate incursions on Wednesday under heavy Israeli enemy police protection.
The settlers, who entered the mosque through Mughrabi Gate, performed religious rituals and conducted provocative tours of the mosque's courtyards.
These actions occurred while Palestinian worshippers faced restrictions on their access to their holy sites.
This incident follows a period of heightened tensions, particularly during the recent "Festival of Lights" (Hanukkah), which saw a significant increase in settler incursions into al-Aqsa Mosque.
In 2024, a record 59,911 extremist settlers stormed the mosque, with many performing religious rituals within its precincts.
The ongoing escalation of settler incursions, coupled with restrictions on Palestinian access to al-Aqsa Mosque, raises serious concerns about the escalating tensions and the potential for further violence in al-Quds.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3421156.htm
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Islamic Resistance Movement HamasCalls For Arab And Islamic Positions
08 Jan 2025
The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas condemned the call of official Zionist accounts and statements by enemy leaders to annex Palestinian and Arab lands including Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
The statement said that the hostile statements of enemy leaders call for strong positions from Arab and Islamic governments to confront its ambitions and stop its crimes.
Source:saba.ye
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Will Lebanon fill the presidential power vacuum or slide into further uncertainty?
SHEROUK ZAKARIA
January 08, 2025
DUBAI: Wracked by economic crisis and the recent conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, Lebanon faces a historic opportunity this week to break its political paralysis and elect a new president.
There are many contenders for the coveted role, but whoever is chosen by members of the Lebanese Parliament to form the next government will have important implications for the nation’s recovery and trajectory.
If Thursday’s election is successful, it could end the debilitating power vacuum that has prevailed since Michel Aoun’s presidential term ended in October 2022, leaving governance in Lebanon in limbo.
Settling on a candidate is now more urgent than ever, as Lebanon faces mounting pressure to stabilize its political and economic landscape ahead of the impending expiration of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah.
None of Lebanon’s major parliamentary blocs have officially announced a presidential candidate, but several potential contenders have emerged.
One possible candidate is General Joseph Aoun, commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, who local media have tipped as the most likely winner.
Widely regarded as politically neutral, Aoun’s military experience and perceived impartiality could bring stability and credibility, both domestically and internationally.
His success would hinge on building a capable Cabinet with a comprehensive plan to stabilize the country’s governance, economic recovery and security, as well as lead postwar reconstruction efforts and the return of those displaced.
Balancing the demilitarization of Hezbollah and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern territories in accordance with the UN Resolution 1701 would also require delicate maneuvering.
However, his candidacy faces legal hurdles due to a constitutional requirement that two years must pass between his military role and the presidency.
Another potential contender is Samir Geagea, head of the Lebanese Forces. As a vocal Hezbollah critic with significant support among some Christian communities, Geagea could appeal to anti-Hezbollah factions.
His extensive political experience and advocacy for reform could help him to prioritize state-building, which many Lebanese see as crucial for the country’s future. His anti-Hezbollah stance could also restructure Lebanon’s stance in regional conflicts and international relations.
However, his polarizing history from Lebanon’s civil war could prove to be a barrier to national unity, raising fears that his candidacy could deepen divisions in Lebanon’s already fragmented political system.
Suleiman Frangieh, head of the pro-Hezbollah Marada movement, is another possibility, but risks alienating Christian communities and international allies.
Hailing from a prominent political dynasty, Frangieh is the grandson of a former president and has himself held various governmental and parliamentary roles. However, being a close ally of Hezbollah and the former Assad regime in Syria makes him a polarizing figure.
Finally, Jihad Azour, a former finance minister and International Monetary Fund official, represents a technocratic option with broad political appeal.
He enjoys support from key factions, including the Lebanese Forces, the Progressive Socialist Party led by Walid Jumblatt, several Sunni MPs, influential Maronite religious figures and opposition groups.
Azour’s economic expertise could help to address Lebanon’s financial crisis, but some among the opposition view him as a continuation of past administrations.
Securing the presidency in Lebanon requires broad-based political consensus — a challenge in its deeply divided Parliament. Any major faction can block a nomination that does not align with its agenda.
Under Lebanon’s constitution, presidential elections require a two-thirds majority in the first round of parliamentary voting (86 out of 128 members) and a simple majority of 65 votes in subsequent rounds.
The Lebanese president’s powers, as defined by the constitution, reflect a blend of ceremonial and executive functions within a confessional system of governance that allocates political roles based on religious representation.
The president’s powers are limited by those of the prime minister, the council of ministers and Parliament, reflecting Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system established by the 1943 National Pact and reaffirmed by the 1989 Taif Agreement.
Lebanese presidents are traditionally drawn from the Maronite Christian community, as stipulated by the confessional system. This role is critical in maintaining the delicate political balance in the country.
Thursday’s election comes at a turbulent moment for Lebanon and its neighbors, which could impact the vote’s outcome.
Hezbollah has long dominated Lebanon’s political landscape, parliamentary dynamics and government composition. However, its devastating war with Israel, which began in October 2023 and ended with a fragile ceasefire in November 2024, gutted its leadership and depleted much of its public support.
Hezbollah’s failure to deter Israel’s war in Gaza or mount a sufficient defense against Israeli air and ground attacks in southern and eastern Lebanon has raised doubts about its remaining political influence in steering the selection of a presidential candidate.
The election also follows the sudden downfall of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria, toppled by armed opposition groups after a 13-year civil war. This shift has profoundly impacted Syria’s relationship with Hezbollah and other factions in Lebanon.
Syria’s influence on Lebanon historically included backing Maronite militias, interfering in political decisions, maintaining a 29-year military occupation and facilitating the flow of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah.
The change of power in Damascus adds uncertainty to Lebanon’s already fragile situation.
Regardless of these regional shifts, Lebanon’s next president will face the daunting task of guiding the country out of its economic mire while leading postwar reconstruction efforts.
Lebanon’s economic situation remains dire, with its financial collapse in 2019 described by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history.
The Lebanese pound has lost more than 98 percent of its value against the US dollar on the black market, leading to hyperinflation and eroding the purchasing power of citizens.
Public services, including electricity, health care and water supply, have nearly collapsed, and unemployment has soared. More than 80 percent of the population now lives below the poverty line, according to the UN.
Efforts to secure international aid, including talks with the IMF, have stalled due to political gridlock and resistance to reforms. The new president will need regional and international standing to rally support for Lebanon’s recovery.
Whoever secures the presidency will face a formidable task in addressing Lebanon’s economic, political and social challenges. The alternative is continued paralysis, with devastating consequences for the country’s future.
Source:arabnews.com
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Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun seems increasingly likely to be Lebanon’s new president
NAJIA HOUSSARI
January 08, 2025
BEIRUT: A day before the Lebanese parliament was due to assemble to discuss the election of a president — an office that has remained vacant for more than 26 months — there was a flurry of activity on Wednesday including intensified discussions, communications and declarations.
Reports in the afternoon suggested that Hezbollah’s preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, “may announce his withdrawal from the presidential race,” leaving army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun as the leading contender.
The day was marked by a visit from French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, who arrived in Beirut on Tuesday evening and was expected to attend the parliamentary presidential election session on Thursday.
He held meetings with several political and parliamentary figures, during which he reportedly recommended Aoun for “consideration without any preconditions.” This was in relation to the bloc of Hezbollah and Amal Movement MPs who opposed the general’s nomination on the grounds that his election would require a constitutional amendment because he still serves in his capacity as commander of the army.
The head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammed Raad, was quoted after meeting the French envoy as saying: “Hezbollah will not stand in the way of the Lebanese people’s consensus on the name of a president for the republic.”
Media estimates suggest that Aoun, if he secures the support of Hezbollah and Amal, would win 95 votes in the 128-member parliament. This level of support would mean a constitutional amendment is not needed.
Events leading up to Thursday’s session suggested all parliamentary blocs are committed to attending, which would ensure the quorum required for the election is reached. The presidency has been vacant since former president Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. Previous attempts to appoint a successor failed amid disagreements between political factions about suitable candidates.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was feeling “joy for the first time since the presidential vacancy as, God willing, we will have a new president for the republic tomorrow,” raising hopes that the office might finally be filled.
One political observer said there is now the real possibility that “all members of parliament, regardless of their political affiliations, would choose their candidate within the framework of consensus and understanding during the voting sessions, which will remain open as confirmed by the speaker of parliament, Nabih Berri, until” a decision is reached.
This renewed optimism was in contrast to the prior skepticism about the possibility that parliamentary blocs would be able to successfully convene a session to elect a president, given their previous failures to reach a consensus on a candidate who could secure a majority in the first round of voting.
The electoral session on Thursday will be the 13th of its kind. During the previous one, in June 2024, the candidate favored by Hezbollah and its allies, former minister and Marada Movement leader Suleiman Frangieh, who was close to the Assad regime in Syria, faced the candidate favored by the Free Patriotic Movement and opposition parties, former Minister of Finance Jihad Azour, who is director of the Middle East and Central Asia department at the International Monetary Fund.
During that session, Frangieh received 51 votes in the first round of voting and Azour 59. When the totals were announced, Hezbollah and Amal MPs withdrew from the session, thereby depriving it of the quorum required for a second round of voting, as stipulated by the constitution.
Against this background of long-running political divisions resulting in deadlock within the parliament, and in light of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, the number of presidential candidates has dwindled from 11 to just a few names. Aside from Aoun, Frangieh and Azour, the other candidates whose names continued to circulate to varying degrees on Wednesday included Samir Geagea, the head of the Lebanese Forces party, which heads the parliament’s biggest Christian bloc. However, he is fiercely opposed by Hezbollah.
Less-discussed candidates include the acting chief of Lebanon’s General Security Directorate, Elias Al-Bayssari; MP Ibrahim Kanaan, who resigned from the Free Patriotic Movement to join the Independent Consultative Parliamentary Gathering; and former ambassador Georges Al-Khoury, a retired brigadier general. Al-Khoury has the support of Maronite Patriarchate, Speaker Berri and the Free Patriotic Movement, but the majority of the opposition rejects his candidacy.
MP NeematFrem, who has presented a political and economic vision for the country, is also a candidate. He is on good terms with the Patriarchate and the opposition. Others include Farid Al-Khazen, who is also on good terms with Berri and close to the Patriarchate, and ZiadBaroud, a human rights activist and former minister of interior who is seen as a consensus candidate.
The parliamentary blocs continued to hold talks on Wednesday afternoon to discuss preferred candidates. Lebanese Forces MP Fadi Karam said: “Starting today, there has been a significant shift toward having Joseph Aoun as a president.”
During a meeting on Wednesday, the Maronite Archbishops Council called for “a national parliamentary awakening that leads tomorrow to the election of a president who brings together the country’s sons and daughters within the framework of national unity, solidarity and reform, allowing Lebanon to regain its leading role in the East.”
The archbishops said: “The opportunity has become appropriate and available for national deliberation on the importance of Lebanon’s progress toward a positive neutrality that saves the country from the damage of conflicts and drives it toward a healthy cycle of one fruitful national life.”
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585703/middle-east
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Israeli troops recover body of Gaza hostage with signs son also killed
January 08, 2025
JERUSALEM: The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage by Hamas-led fighters on Oct. 7, 2023, has been found in a tunnel in Gaza, along with evidence suggesting his son may also have been killed, the Israeli military said on Wednesday.
It was not immediately clear how Youssef Ziyadne had been killed but Lt. Col. NadavShoshani said his death did not appear to have been recent.
“We are currently investigating the circumstances of his death and we are also investigating the findings regarding his son,” he told a briefing with reporters.
“These findings raise concern for his life and they are still being examined at this moment,” he said, without giving details.
Earlier Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that the bodies of both men had been recovered.
Shoshani said special forces soldiers had conducted a “complex and difficult operation” in a tunnel in the area of the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Tuesday, and that the body of Ziyadne had been recovered close to bodies of armed guards from Hamas or another Palestinian militant group.
Two other children of Ziyadne, who were also abducted at the same time, were released in an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners that took place in November 2023.
The recovery of Ziyadne’s body took place as negotiators continued talks in Doha to halt the fighting in Gaza and bring the remaining hostages back as part of a deal that would include the return of a number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across the border 15 months ago, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s air and ground war against Hamas, according to health officials in the enclave.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585699/middle-east
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South Asia
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Denies US Aid Claims
2025-01-08
KABUL(BNA): Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has categorically denied recent claims made by the United States regarding financial aid to the Islamic Emirate.
In a statement released to the media, Fitrat described the US assertions of billions of dollars in aid as “completely false.”
Fitrat emphasized that the Islamic Emirate has not received any financial assistance from the US and has never made such requests. He criticized the US for not only withholding aid but also for blocking access to billions of dollars belonging to the Afghan people, which he described as usurpation of Afghan assets.
“Contrary to what the US is claiming, the funds they refer to are primarily the costs associated with the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan,” Fitrat stated. He reiterated that the Islamic Emirate holds no expectations of US aid moving forward.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-denies-us-aid-claims/
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Major Cache of Weapons and Ammunition Seized in Badakhshan
2025-01-09
BADAKHSHAN(BNA): A cache of weapons and ammunition was discovered and seized during a series of special operations in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province, according to local police authorities.
Ehsanullah Kamgar, spokesperson for the Badakhshan Police Headquarters, reported that the operation was carried out through the collaborative efforts of the Shuhada District Police Headquarters, the Counter-Terrorism Command, and Shuhada District Command forces. The operation underscores the ongoing commitment to maintaining security in the region.
The cache included an alarming array of military equipment, such as: 36 rocket launchers, 5 mortars, 3,525 grenade launchers,158 Zigzag grenade launchers, 1,920 heavy grenade launchers, 498 AGS grenade launchers, 20 mortar shells, 15 Beam-1 mines, A mine-sweeping device, Various ammunition boxes, including armor-piercing shells
In addition to the weapons, a radio and other military supplies were also confiscated.
Authorities have reiterated their resolve to maintain public order in Badakhshan, stating that they will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peace or challenge the existing security measures in the province.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/major-cache-of-weapons-and-ammunition-seized-in-badakhshan/
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Islamic Emirate wants diplomatic relations with West based on mutual interests, says Shaheen
January 9, 2025
KABUL: The head of the political office of the Islamic Emirate in Qatar, Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, in an interview with TOLOnews, said the other day that the Islamic Emirate seeks to establish positive relations with all countries based on mutual interests. He called on the United States and European countries to reopen their embassies in Kabul. Speaking to TOLOnews, Shaheen said that the Qatar office is pursuing the issue of reopening embassies of European countries and the U.S. in Kabul.“This matter has also been communicated to ambassadors of various countries through the political office in Qatar. Therefore, under this principle, the United States can also resume normal diplomatic relations through its embassy in Kabul,” Shaheen said as quoted by the TV.Previously, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy foreign minister for political affairs, had also urged the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump to review its policies on Afghanistan and take constructive steps toward building relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirate-wants-diplomatic-relations-with-west-based-on-mutual-interests-says-shaheen/
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The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan met UAE’s Foreign Minister
January 9, 2025
The meeting focused on bilateral relations between Afghanistan & the United Arab Emirates, broadening economic cooperation and regional issues.
Additionally, both sides discussed increasing trade, particularly on finding market for Afghan products in the UAE, and agreed to initiate technical work in this regard.
Underscoring the importance of facilitating visa issuance processes for Afghan citizens, FM Muttaqi said that the Afghan government is ready to play its part in ensuring the smooth implementation of the process.
To end, it was agreed to work in a structured manner & have follow-up measures aimed at expanding bilateral trade.
Source:gov.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://mfa.gov.af/en/18149
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Madrasa students protest in Bakshibazar demanding relocation of makeshift court
Jan 9, 2025
Students of Government Madrasah-E-Alia in Bakshibazar staged a protest this morning, demanding the relocation of the makeshift court set up on their premises for holding the trial of the BDR carnage.
Hundreds of students gathered in front of the madrasa, blocking the road and disrupting traffic, reports our senior photographer on from the spot.
Before that, a fire broke out in the makeshift courtroom located on the madrasa grounds.
"We received information at 4:22am that a fire had erupted in a courtroom set up on the premises of Government Madrasah-E-Alia. Two firefighting units were dispatched to extinguish the blaze," Lima Khanam, duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters, told The Daily Star in the morning.
The judge of the Metropolitan Special Tribunal-2 of Dhaka arrived at the makeshift courtroom in the morning for a hearing related to an explosives case filed over the 2009 BDR carnage.
But the court proceedings could not take place as the courtroom was completely destroyed by the fire, a court staffer confirmed.
The judge departed from the site around 12:10pm.
Rezaul Hossain, officer-in-charge of Chawkbazar Police Station, stated that they are investigating the matter to determine if there is any underlying cause behind the fire.
The students have been protesting, citing that the ongoing trial on the madrasa grounds was hindering their academic activities. They called for the court to be relocated to the central jail in Keraniganj.
Members of the army and police were deployed in the Alia Madrasa area to manage the situation and persuade the students to disperse from the road.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/madrasa-students-protest-bakshibazar-demanding-relocation-makeshift-court-3795381
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Proof of graft, power abuse found against Hasina: DG of ACC
Jan 9, 2025
The Anti-Corruption Commission has found clear evidence that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina abused power to amass wealth, said its Director General Akhtar Hossain.
"Officers are collecting documents from various offices… So far, we have gathered substantial information. We hope to share good news with you soon," he said.
The ACC has launched four investigations into the allegations of abuse of power and corruption against Hasina and her family members.
On December 17, the commission began two investigations into allegations that Hasina, her son SajeebWazed Joy, and sister Sheikh Rehana and her daughter Tulip Siddiq embezzled Tk 80,000 crore from different projects.
The anti-graft body on December 22 decided to look into allegations that Hasina and Joy laundered $300 million.
On December 26, ACC launched another investigation into the allegations of abuse of power to obtain plots of land against Hasina and her close family members.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/proof-graft-power-abuse-found-against-hasina-dg-acc-3794641
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Surge in Domestic Tourism in Herat Following Champions League
2025-01-09
HERAT(BNA): The province of Herat has witnessed a significant increase in domestic tourism, following the hosting of the fourth season of the Afghanistan Champions League and recent water surge at the Pashdan Dam.
Mawlavi Rahmatullah Mohammadi, the tourism director of Herat’s information and culture department, reported that nearly 50,000 domestic tourists from various provinces traveled to Herat in the past month alone.
This surge in visitors has not only been attributed to the excitement surrounding the Champions League but also to the Pashdan Dam, which has emerged as a popular recreational destination.
Tourists have taken the opportunity to explore other historical and cultural attractions in Herat, contributing to a revitalized tourism scene in the region. Mohammadi emphasized the positive impact of this influx on the development of tourism in Herat, noting its role in promoting the province’s attractions on a national scale.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/surge-in-domestic-tourism-in-herat-following-champions-league/
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Iran-Afghanistan Discuss Enhanced Cooperation
2025-01-08
KABUL(BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the deputy Prime Minister, welcomed AlirezaBigdeli, the Iranian Ambassador to Kabul, in his office. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties and economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Ambassador Bigdali emphasized the importance of activating the Chabahar port as a pivotal step in fostering economic ties. He expressed Iran’s commitment to expanding cooperation agreements with Afghanistan, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening their partnership.
During the meeting, Deputy PM Mawlavi Kabir congratulated Bigdali on his appointment and expressed optimism regarding the future of Afghanistan-Iran relations. He highlighted the historical connections and shared interests between the two nations and reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s intention to promote economic and political collaboration.
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir encouraged Iranian investors and businessmen to explore opportunities in Afghanistan, asserting that the Islamic Emirate aims to pursue regional stability and economic growth without letting external factors disrupt their bilateral relations.
He also conveyed gratitude to Iran for hosting Afghan refugees, urging for improved facilities and a humane approach to their treatment. He stressed that forced deportations should be avoided to maintain goodwill.
The deputy prime minister reassured that there are no underlying issues that could jeopardize Iran-Afghanistan relations, noting that drug cultivation and trafficking have been significantly reduced and that irrigation concerns between the two countries have been amicably resolved. He cautioned against irresponsible statements that could negatively impact the diplomatic relationship.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/iran-afghanistan-discuss-enhanced-cooperation/
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North America
Millburn-Short Hills Muslim Association Thanks Township Committee for Recognizing Muslim Heritage Month
January 8, 2025
MILLBURN, NJ – During the Jan. 7 township committee, Rana Shanawani presented a plaque to the committee to thank members for their recognition of Muslim Heritage Month.
“I'm here to represent the Muslims of Short Hills and Millburn Association. We're all here representing the association, and we just came to thank you all for recognizing Muslim Heritage Month, which is the month of January.”
She continued, “We received an official proclamation last month to celebrate it. Muslim Heritage Month celebrates the rich history, culture and contributions of the Muslim community, which is vastly growing here in Millburn. I think there are a few hundred families now, and we just want to thank you for fostering inclusivity and understanding and unity within our town. And we're just here to give you a small plaque to the entire council as well.”
Governor Phil Murphy signed a bi-partisan joint resolution in April 2023 declaring January as Muslim Heritage Month, the purpose of which is to promote awareness and appreciation of New Jersey’s Muslim community. In January, the group organized an exhibit at the Millburn Library.
One of the organizers of the library exhibit, Reema Jaffar, explained in January that the exhibit was a “mini-tour of the many countries and cultures that encompass Islam.” It included pieces by scholars, artists and scientists. Objects on display were a geometry set, a distillation kit, a set of scalpels, a spool of catgut and an algebra book representing medicine and science; and ships and a watch were tools for navigation. Other items in the exhibit were Turkish pure silk scarves, Moroccan high-heel shoes, Spanish pants, Indian and Pakistani semi-precious jewelry, Arabic calligraphy on a horn, a jar of perfume, fragrant spices and a miniature Quran.
Source:tapinto.net
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https://www.tapinto.net/towns/millburn-slash-short-hills/sections/government/articles/millburn-short-hills-muslim-association-thanks-township-committee-for-recognizing-muslim-heritage-month
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CAIR-CT to Join Community Partners in Marking Muslim Heritage Month in Connecticut
January 8, 2025
(Hartford, CT, January 8, 2025) – The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) is proud to announce that its collaborative efforts with Governor Ned Lamont have led to the official recognition of January as Muslim Heritage Month in Connecticut. This historic milestone celebrates the invaluable contributions of Muslims to the state while fostering greater understanding and unity among diverse communities.
To mark this momentous occasion, CAIR-CT will host a press conference on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 1 PM, in Room 1B of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Leaders from Connecticut mosques, community representatives, and state officials will join CAIR-CT to officially launch Muslim Heritage Month and highlight its significance.
What: Press Conference to Launch Muslim Heritage Month
When: Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM
Where: Legislative Office Building, Room 1B, Hartford, CT
Contact: For more information please contact Farhan Memon at fmemon@cair.com or 203-517-6526
Gov. Lamont’s proclamation announcing January as Muslim Heritage Month in Connecticut can be found here: https://bit.ly/mhmproclamation
In addition to the press conference, CAIR-CT, in coordination with mosques and Muslim organizations, is spearheading several initiatives throughout January to make Muslim Heritage Month meaningful and impactful. These include:
Launching a Special Website: CAIR-CT is building a comprehensive online platform featuring resources on Muslim contributions to Connecticut and the United States. The website will include educational materials, historical accounts, and interactive tools to enhance understanding of Islam and Muslims. The website is available at https://cairconnecticut.com/muslim-heritage-month/
Community Engagement Activities: CAIR-CT is working with mosques and community centers to partner with local schools and libraries to organize events such as book displays, lectures, and presentations on Muslim heritage and contributions.
Workshops and Presentations: Throughout the month, CAIR-CT in coordination with local mosques will host workshops and presentations in schools and public venues to educate the public about the historical and contemporary contributions of Muslims in fields such as science, medicine, arts, and civil rights.
Open House Events: Connecticut mosques are opening their doors to the public to foster dialogue, understanding, and friendship between Muslims and neighbors of all backgrounds.
“Muslim Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich legacy and contributions of Muslims in Connecticut and beyond. it allows us to build bridges between communities and showcase the shared values that unite us.” said CAIR-CT Chairman Farhan Memon. “The Muslim community in Connecticut is incredibly diverse, representing people from various ethnicities, cultures, and traditions from around the world. This rich tapestry of diversity will be highlighted throughout Muslim Heritage Month, showcasing the unique contributions of Muslims in fields such as arts, education, science, and civil rights. Events and initiatives during the month will reflect this vibrant diversity, with participation from communities of African, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and American heritage, emphasizing the shared values and unity that bind all people together.”
State Representative Mariam Khan, the first Muslim woman elected to the Connecticut General Assembly, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating: “Muslim Heritage Month is more than a celebration of history; it is a recognition of our shared humanity, and the role Muslims have played in enriching our communities. This is a powerful step forward in fostering unity and understanding in Connecticut.”
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Saud Anwar highlighted the month’s potential to build bridges across communities: “Muslim Heritage Month is not just a celebration of our culture and history, but an opportunity to ensure our friends and neighbors can better understand and appreciate our connections, bringing our communities closer together. I’m excited to see how Connecticut shares in this collective joy and look forward to the benefits this month will bring.”
Bridgeport Islamic Community Center President Khaled Elleithy said, “It’s time to honor the rich and deeply rooted history of Muslims in our country. From the arrival of enslaved Africans who brought their Islamic beliefs and practices to their pivotal contributions to the founding and growth of this nation, Muslim heritage is integral to America. BICC is proud to collaborate with neighboring cities, libraries, and schools to share this story among others. Through initiatives like our ‘Visit My Mosque’ event on January 24, we welcome neighbors and friends from all backgrounds to engage in dialogue, build connections, and share a meal.”
Farmington Valley American Muslim Center President Khamees Abu Hasaballah stated, “This long-overdue recognition highlights the significant role Muslims have played in America’s history, including founding figures who served in the War of Independence like BampettMuhamed, Yusuf ben Ali, and Joseph Saba. We hope this proclamation fosters understanding and combats Islamophobia. FVAMC is organizing educational events in public and private schools to engage the broader community.”
A participant from a Connecticut mosque shared, “This month gives us a chance to tell our stories and educate others about the positive impact Muslims have had in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. It is a celebration for everyone.”
CAIR-CT invites members of the media and the public to attend the press conference and join in the month-long activities. Together, we can celebrate the rich diversity of Connecticut while promoting a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Source:cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/media-advisory-recognizing-january-as-muslim-heritage-month-in-connecticut/
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Blinken comments on Trump’s Greenland plan
8 Jan, 2025
US President-elect Donald Trump’s idea of taking Greenland is not good and will never actually happen, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.
Trump has argued that US control over the Arctic island is a matter of national security and has refused to rule out taking the Danish autonomous territory by force if necessary.
“The idea expressed about Greenland is obviously not a good one,” Blinken said on Wednesday, during a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris.
“But it’s not going to happen, so we shouldn’t waste time talking about it,” he added.
Blinken is visiting South Korea, Japan and France on his last trip abroad before President Joe Biden leaves office and Trump is sworn in on January 20. He was a long-time foreign policy adviser to Biden and spent the past four years leading the State Department in opposing policies enacted by Trump between 2017 and 2021.
Trump won the November 2024 election with both the electoral college and the popular vote, defeating Biden’s former running mate and chosen replacement, Kamala Harris.
In recent weeks, the US president-elect has renewed his interest in Greenland, which he had previously offered to buy from Denmark. Control over the island was an “absolute necessity” for US national security, he said on Tuesday.
Asked during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday if he could “assure the world” that he would not use “military or economic coercion” in his efforts to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump said he would not.
“No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security,” he said.
“People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up because we need it,” he added, referring to Greenland.
The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr, flew to the island on Tuesday and spent several hours in the territory’s capital, Nuuk. He was accompanied by several aides and a documentary film crew.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/610587-blinken-trump-greenland-bad/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/uttar-pradesh-masjid-sambhal-hindu-temple/d/134286