Anyone Using Terms Like ‘Vote Jihad’For En Bloc Voting by A Specific Community, Will Not Be Spared: Maharashtra CEO
New Age Islam News Bureau
17 October 2024
Earlier, Chockalingam said that nearly 69,23,199 voters have been added to Maharashtra's voters list so far. (File Photo)
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· Anyone Using Terms Like ‘Vote Jihad’For En Bloc Voting by A Specific Community, Will Not Be Spared: Maharashtra CEO
· Islamic State-Aligned Terror Faction, Islamic State Khorasan, Calls for ‘Revenge’ Violence On German LGBT Events
· Boko Haram in Viral Video, Executes Two Red Cross Staff, Woman in Borno
· International Crimes Tribunal Issues Arrest Warrants Against Hasina, 45 Others
· FederalSecurity Agencies Officials Sound Alarm On Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab Hate Crimes: Report ABC
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India
· Cropped Video from TMC Rally Shared as Islamic Chants Performed During Navratri In WB
· Muslim boy slapping case: Uttar Pradesh court rejects teachers' anticipatory bail plea
· Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai receives hoax bomb threat
· Uttarakhand govt issues guidelines to prevent ‘spit jihad’, with fines up to ₹1 lakh
· Omar Abdullah Woos Jammu with Hindu Deputy CM, Cabinet Minister
· Supreme Court upholds bail to Kashmiri journalist Peerzada Shah Fahad, accused under UAPA
· Mathura case: HC reserves order on Muslim side’s plea
· Jarange plans to rally Maratha, Muslim & dalit voters against Mahayuti
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Europe
· FBI, French authorities coordinate on Islamic State arrests
· UN Peacekeepers Report Another ‘Deliberate’ Israeli Attack
· Migrant deportations to increase, says EU chief
· France Football Captain Mbappé Shocked By Swedish Rape Inquiry - Lawyer
· Ukraine wants to join NATO while Biden is US president – envoy
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Africa
· Niger Drops French Place Names to Honour Local Heroes
· Bagudu’s Statement During Meeting with TUC, NLC Emerge
· Tinubu’s Aide Dismisses DSS Take Over of National Assembly for Akpabio’s Impeachment
· Drug Trafficking: This Is A Direct Attack On The NDLEA – HURIWA Reacts To Senator’s Corruption Allegation
· ‘Unprecedented Hardship’ – Ex-Minister Warns Of Anarchy If Tinubu’s Policies Persist
· Kano Mosque Arson: Court Summons Two Prosecution Witnesses
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South Asia
· Govt Doesn’t Consider Sheikh Mujib Father of the Nation: Ministry Adviser
· Afghanistan Journalists Center reports suspension of National TV broadcasts in Takhar
· Student protest on SC premises: 12 HC judges barred from judicial work
· Food security improved but need for aid persists in Afghanistan
· Expanding electricity, water projects in Afghanistan
· “Don’t Shorten Your Hands of Kindness and Generosity”: Afghan Red Crescent Society
· China Waives Customs Tariffs on Afghan Exports
· Kandahar Exports 6,000 Tons of Pomegranates to Global Markets
· UN Report: One in three Afghans faces food insecurity
· Former Afghanistan Attorney General: Killing of Afghan migrants by Iranian guards is a crime against humanity
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North America
· Albania Proposes Creating a Microstate Smaller Than Vatican City for the Islamic Bektashi Order
· Trudeau accuses India of 'massive mistake' amid diplomatic row
· Islamic Heritage Month declared in Airdrie
· US forces target underground Houthi weapons storage sites in Yemen
· US State Department Affirms Israel’s Right to Target Hezbollah In Lebanon, Urges Civilian Protection
· Muslim advocacy group endorses Watson Coleman, Prempeh, other pro-ceasefire congressional candidates
· CAIR-PA, Emgage to Hold Virtual Muslim Capitol Day Town Hall
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Southeast Asia
· Controversial Muslim Preacher Firdaus Wong Removes Conversion Video for Minors From Tiktok Amid Legal Challenge
· Hong Kong Policy Address 2024: Chief Exec. Urges Religious, Language and Catering Support for Muslim Visitors
· KL Strike Force targets new prostitution hotspots in Pudu and Loke Yew, Parliament told
· Activists and NGOs against Mufti Bill: violates rights of Malaysians, Muslims and non-Muslims
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Mideast
· Islamic and Christian Spiritual Summit in Peace Push Amid Continued Israeli Massacres in Southern Lebanon
· Pezeshkian urges Muslims to ‘act as one’ against Israel in call with Omani Sultan
· Islamic Jihad condemns German statements justifying killing of Palestinian civilians
· Israeli strike targets Syria’s Latakia, fires break out, state media reports
· Netanyahu says ‘state-of-the-art’ Russian weapons found in Lebanon
· Why Syria’s Assad regime must toe a fine line as Israel-Iran tensions escalate
· Barzani and Erdogan meet as Ankara weighs in on Kurdish peace talks
· UNIFIL says Israeli tank fired at peacekeepers watchtower in Lebanon
· Sunni parliamentary leaders meet to discuss Speaker election
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Pakistan
· SCO Moot: Indian FM Jaishankar Lauds Pakistan's 'Hospitality, Courtesies'
· Police Deny BNP-M Chief Akthar Mengal’s Claim of Raid at Islamabad Lodges
· 26th constitutional amendment: Political huddle agrees on judicial reforms, says Fazl
· PM reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to strengthen ties with Russia
· Over 4,000 Sikh pilgrims to arrive next month in Punjab
· 4 policemen injured in IED attack on vehicle in KP’s Buner
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Arab World
· Officials and Envoys Welcome Saudi Arabia’s New Global Harmony Initiative, Launch Event in Riyadh
· Three Sharjah Sites, Dibba Al Hisn Fort, Fili Fort and Wadi Shees, Added To Islamic World Heritage List
· Over 95m trees planted across Kingdom since 2021
· Talks between Saudi crown prince and Egyptian president help boost bilateral relations
· Envoy highlights Saudi-Spanish ties at National Day reception
· KKIA to become first Asia-Pacific-Middle East airport to join Net Zero Roadmap
· At Dh2.5b, Emirates Islamic bank tops highest ever 9-month profit
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/vote-jihad-community-maharashtra-ceo/d/133467
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Anyone Using Terms Like ‘Vote Jihad’For En Bloc Voting by A Specific Community, Will Not Be Spared: Maharashtra CEO
Earlier, Chockalingam said that nearly 69,23,199 voters have been added to Maharashtra's voters list so far. (File Photo)
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BySurendra P Gangan
Oct 17, 2024
MUMBAI: Hours after the code of conduct came into force, chief electoral officer (CEO) S Chockalingam said that they will not spare anyone using the term ‘vote jihad’ for en bloc voting by a specific community. He said that action would be taken for using such terms within the legal framework and a report would be sent to the Election Commission of India.
Bharatiya Janata Party had termed the en block voting by Muslim community in favour of opposition in the last Lok Sabha elections as “vote jihad.” BJP leaders like Kirit Somaiya and NiItesh Rane had presented figures from polling booths in Muslim-dominated areas where the opposition candidates had fared well. When asked whether any action would be taken against such actions, the CEO said that they have not received any complaints about the matter.
“The code of conduct for the Assembly polls was announced yesterday and the monitoring committee has come into effect now. There was no question of taking cognisance of such terms before. If somebody tends to use the term (now), we will take cognisance and nobody will be spared. We will report such instances to the ECI and action will be taken within the legal framework,” said Chockalingam.
Kiran Kulkarni, additional CEO, said that they will seek legal guidance in such cases.
The state branch of the ECI has taken cognisance of the government resolutions related to announcement of schemes and sops issued after the model code of conduct came into effect. “The rules say that no GR can been issued after the beginning of the press conference of the chief election commissioner to announce the elections. This means government should not have issued GRs after 3.30pm on Tuesday. We had informed them about it. If GRs are issued after announcement of the election, we will take action,” Kulkarni said.
He added that adding beneficiaries to welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin after the announcement of the election is not allowed.
After the warning, the state government withdrew more than 100 GRs uploaded after 3.30pm on Tuesday. “The GRs have been removed from the website as a matter of precaution. They may be uploaded again after reviewing whether they lead to inducement of voters or not. The number of GRs dropped to 247 on Wednesday from 358 on Tuesday,” an official from Mantralaya said.
Addressing the media, Chockalingam also said that they have been taking measures to address the urban apathy towards voting in cities like Mumbai. He said that as per the direction from the ECI, the state branch of the poll body has rationalised the polling booths, bringing down the number of voters per booth. “We have also increased booths, taking the number to 100186 from 96653 in the last Lok Sabha elections. Besides reducing polling booths in few stations in Mumbai, we have directed the election officers to allow four voters at a time to avoid delay in the voting process. In LS polls, at some booths, only one voter was let in, leading to delay,” Chockalingam said.
During the Lok Sabha polls, several polling booths were over crowded and voters had to wait for hours to exercise their franchise. Many had to return home without voting.
The CEO has sent a proposal to relax the restrictions on the use of phones in booths. He said that they have proposed relaxation on the restriction of keeping mobile phones 100 metres away from the booth, and allow it to be deposited outside the booth. “The relaxation is subject to the approval from the ECI,” he added.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/anyone-using-terms-like-vote-jihad-will-not-be-spared-ceo-101729104894892.html
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Islamic State-Aligned Terror Faction, Islamic State Khorasan, Calls for ‘Revenge’ Violence On German LGBT Events
TRAC Profile: Islamic State Khurasan (ISK)
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16 October 2024
A terror cell aligned with the Islamic State (IS) has called for lone-wolf attacks on LGBT events in Germany, according to local news reports.
In an extremist magazine published on October 14 by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISPK), reported by German journalists, the terrorist network appeared to celebrate the fatal August 23 attack in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia.
The incident at a pro-diversity event resulted in the death by stabbing of three individuals, with eight others injured. A Syrian migrant was arrested in relation to the assault.
ISPK has now called for similar “revenge” attacks to take place across Germany, asking lone wolves sympathetic to its radical form of Islam particularly to target LGBT events.
“O lone wolf, where are you?,” one graphic read in the magazine depicting a mix of knives and axes.
Martin Hess, an opposition Bundestag MP for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, took to social media to lambast the extremist publication.
Denouncing the Islamist call for more terror attacks, the politician also took aim at the country’s centre-left “traffic-light” government over the issue, suggesting Berlin’s open-borders policy towards migration had imported foreign terrorism into the country.
“Despite the attack in Solingen and this imported danger, the traffic-light government does not want to correct its destructive migration course,” he said.
“This is thanks to the migration-friendly Greens and the SPD, who once again — completely out of touch with reality — deny any connection between our security situation and mass migration.
The extremist IS publication was also reported by Bild to have security authorities worried, with the tabloid claiming to have spoken to a “high-ranking State security official” who regarded the call for violence as unprecedented.
“It was already clear that the terrorist organisation IS would claim responsibility for the Solingen attack. But this kind of celebration immediately includes a call for potential copycats,” authorities said.
“There is a real wave of young terrorists rolling in. And the targeted call to attack LGBT events is very alarming to us … This type of call is new.”
Source:brusselssignal.eu
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https://brusselssignal.eu/2024/10/islamic-state-aligned-terror-faction-calls-for-revenge-violence-on-german-lgbt-events/
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Boko Haram in Viral Video, Executes Two Red Cross Staff, Woman in Borno
Boko Haram
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17 October 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
An unconfirmed video clip has surfaced, allegedly showing armed members of Boko Haram gruesomely murdering two staff members of the Red Cross in the Ngoshe Community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
This tragic incident adds to the ongoing violence in the region, following a disturbing trend of killings targeting farmers and the abduction of numerous individuals in Gwoza and the nearby Kirawa town.
Terrorists have also been accused of looting unripe crops from farmlands, exacerbating the plight of local farmers struggling to survive amidst insecurity.
According to Vanguard, in the video clip obtained yesterday, the leader of the terrorists who did not mention his name, said in Hausa language, “Many of our elders and children have been molested by security agencies, but Allah (God), in his infinite mercy to our struggles, has successfully led to the arrest of some staff working with Red Cross as well as some elderly women, including one of my sisters.
“This is in addition to the successful killing of many security agencies and infidels and our great enemies.
“With these saboteurs we have captured, one of the females is my sister but because these women appear to be old in age, we will allow them to go free, while we execute the remaining enemies to indicate that we are fully on ground and to show the world that God Almighty is on our side as true Muslims.”
The video clip showed the gruesome murder of victims with an axe, as watchers or collaborators shouted Allahu Akbar (God is Great) during the incident.
Speaking on the recent video clip, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents the area in the Senate, said, “I just watched the video too, and am trying to verify its authenticity.
“Notwithstanding, this has confirmed all my cries to the federal government and the whole world in my interviews with, especially Vanguard and other media platforms, that the resilient people of Gwoza, especially farmers who have resettled back to their ancestral homes after decades of Boko Haram atrocities, are still undergoing various forms of renewed attacks”.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/17/boko-haram-in-viral-video-executes-two-red-cross-staff-woman-in-borno/
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International Crimes Tribunal Issues Arrest Warrants Against Hasina, 45 Others
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (File)
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Oct 17, 2024
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued arrest warrants against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others, including top Awami League leaders, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising.
ICT, led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, passed the orders after the prosecution filed two petitions with the tribunal, seeking arrest warrants against them, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told The Daily Star.
The tribunal also directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46, including Hasina, before it after arresting them by November 18, he said.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/ict-issues-arrest-warrants-against-hasina-45-others-3729696
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Federal Security Agencies Officials Sound Alarm On Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab Hate Crimes: Report ABC
Department of Homeland Security logo is seen inside press conference room, May 11, 2017, at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images
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October 17, 2024,
Federal security agencies are sounding the alarm about alleged hate crimes targeting Muslim Americans and communities perceived to be Muslim, according to a new report obtained by ABC News.
The new joint intelligence bulletin (JIB) – published a week after the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel that precipitated the ongoing Israel-Hamas war – notes that "these communities are more likely to be attacked during periods of heightened sociopolitical tensions and increased anti-immigrant sentiment," and are "more likely when perceived as retribution after acts of international terrorism in the United States and abroad."
The report from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center, comes nearly a year to the day after the Oct. 14, 2023 murder of Wadea Al-Fayoume. The 6-year-old Palestinian boy was fatally stabbed in Plainfield Township, Illinois, in an alleged hate crime linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. His 71-year-old landlord, Joseph Czuba, has been criminally charged for allegedly stabbing Wadea 26 times, and his mother a dozen times. Czuba has pleaded not guilty.
Czuba allegedly yelled “you Muslims must die!” during the attack, according to the JIB.
The JIB also cites a woman's alleged attempt last month in Texas to drown a 3-year-old Palestinian American child at a community pool, a middle school teacher in Georgia allegedly threatening last December to slit a seventh-grade Muslim student’s throat, and the shooting of three college students of Palestinian descent in November 2023 while they were walking in Vermont, leaving one paralyzed from the waist down.
Amid ongoing news and debate concerning the Israel-Hamas war, the Jewish community has also seen a rise in hate crimes, as well as other bias incidents, according to reports.
A recent Anti-Defamation League analysis of FBI data found that reported single-bias anti-Jewish hate crime incidents increased 63% in 2023 to 1,832, compared to the year before – the highest number ever recorded by the FBI since it began collecting data on such incidents in 1991.
"Bias incidents surged after the 7 October HAMAS attack on Israel and have since decreased to levels consistent with reporting prior to the conflict, a trend previously observed with other international conflicts or events," the JIB further noted.
Source:abcnews.go.com
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https://abcnews.go.com/US/federal-officials-sound-alarm-anti-muslim-anti-arab/story?id=114858627
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India
Cropped Video From TMC Rally Shared As Islamic Chants Performed During Navratri In WB
16 Oct 2024
A cropped video featuring a singer performing a medley of Islamic and Hindu chants at a Trinamool Congress rally has surfaced with false claims that it shows the aarti of goddess Durga during a Navratri event in West Bengal. BOOM found that the video is from July 21 Martyr's Day Rally organised by the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata last year. The portion where the singer refers to lyrics about communal harmony within the song has been omitted in the viral video. In the video the singer can be heard performing Islamic chants combined with a Hindu strotam from a stage. Panoramic visuals of the area show hundreds of people gathered on the street, along with posters of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The video is being circulated with a Hindi caption that translates to, "This is West Bengal, if you also want that such aarti of Mata Rani should be performed in your place during Navratri, then you can vote for anyone except BJP. It's your wish?*"
Click here to view the post and here for an archive. BOOM also received the video in its Tipline with a verification request. Fact Check BOOM ran a reverse image search on one of the keyframes from the vitral video and found several posts from July, 2023 carrying the same video. Taking a cue, we went through the live streaming of the July 21 Martyr's Day Rally organised by the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata and identified the same segment broadcasted from their official YouTube channel. The viral segment can be watched between 44:08 minutes and 45:56 minutes.
In the live streaming, the singer, Santanu Roy Chowdhury, is seen performing the same song, which features recitation of Islamic chants along with a Hindu strotam, starting at 40:14 minutes. Before performing the song, Roy Chowdhury states, "I will conclude with the next song, which was recorded at the request of our honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she first assumed office in our state." We also heard the lyrics of the song, which include phrases like "Religion is not written in the child's mind" and "(a child) does not know much about Ram and Rahim," indicating that the song aims to convey a message of communal harmony. However, the same segment is not present in the now-viral video, which is a cropped version of the song performed by the singer.
Source:boomlive.in
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https://www.boomlive.in/fact-check/viral-video-navaratri-aarti-islamic-recitation-west-bengal-claim-online-fact-check-26731
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Muslim boy slapping case: Uttar Pradesh court rejects teachers' anticipatory bail plea
16 October 2024,
Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: A special court here has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of a school teacher in connection with a case involving slapping a Muslim student.
Special Judge Alka Bharti of a court set up under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act dismissed the bail application, stating that the accused had failed to provide genuine grounds for such relief.
Earlier, the victim's lawyer, Kamran Zaidi, had opposed the bail plea, arguing that a chargesheet had already been filed against Tyagi and that there was no basis for granting anticipatory bail. The prosecution had filed charges against Tyagi under ...
Source:boomlive.in
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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/muslim-boy-slapping-case-uttar-pradesh-court-rejects-teachers-anticipatory-bail-plea-3234754
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Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai receives hoax bomb threat
October 16, 2024\
The Thousand Lights Mosque on Anna Salai in Chennai reportedly received a hoax bomb threat via email on Wednesday (October 16, 2024).
Unidentified persons reportedly sent the bomb threat to the mosque authorities via the email account of the Chennai Airport. The airport authorities alerted the Chennai City police about the matter, and they, in turn, informed the Anna Salai police station.
A police team from the Anna Salai station, along with a dog squad, rushed to the mosque and conducted searches. The threat was subsequently found to be a hoax.
A case has been registered and the police are tracing the sender of the email.
Source:boomlive.in
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/thousand-lights-mosque-receives-hoax-bomb-threat/article68759952.ece
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Uttarakhand govt issues guidelines to prevent ‘spit jihad’, with fines up to ₹1 lakh
Oct 17, 2024
The Uttarakhand government issued guidelines on Wednesday to prevent incidents of “spitting in food” with fines reaching up to ₹1 lakh, news agency PTI reported. Separate guidelines were released by the state police and health department after chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami referred to such acts as “thook (spit) jihad,” vowing strict measures against offenders.
The guidelines also require police verification of staff at hotels and dhabas and mandate the installation of CCTV cameras in their kitchens. The BJP government in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh also announced plans to introduce two ordinances that will make food contamination through spitting or mixing human waste a cognizable and non-bailable offence.
Recent incidents in Uttarakhand
Two men were recently arrested in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie for allegedly spitting into fruit juice glasses before serving them to tourists.
In another incident, a viral video from Dehradun showed a cook allegedly spitting while preparing dough for rotis. State health minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that food safety and purity are top priorities for the government during the upcoming festival season, warning that any impurity or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar issued guidelines to district police chiefs in response to the chief minister’s strict warning to offenders.
What do the guidelines say?
- The guidelines advise district police to use local intelligence units to prevent incidents in open areas like kiosks and pushcarts. They also call for 100 per cent verification of employees in hotels and dhabas and encourage business managers to install CCTV cameras in kitchens.
- Police are urged to pay special attention to these issues during patrolling and collaborate with the Health and Food Department for random checks at hotels and dhabas.
- The DGP said that offenders should be charged under Section 274 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita for food adulteration and Section 81 of the Uttarakhand Police Act for public nuisance or spreading false alarms.
- If an act negatively impacts religion, ethnicity, or language, relevant sections such as 196(1)(B) (promoting enmity) or 299 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (insulting religious beliefs) should be applied.
- The Health and Food Department, local government bodies, and the public should be involved in a public awareness campaign.
- Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandating strict fines for offenders, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh.
- The guidelines were issued in response to videos showing incidents of spitting in food items at hotels and dhabas in Dehradun and Mussoorie, following instructions from the chief minister.
Source:boomlive.in
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarakhand-govt-issues-guidelines-to-prevent-spit-jihad-with-fines-to-rs-1-lakh-101729105329468.html
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Omar Abdullah woos Jammu with Hindu deputy CM, cabinet minister
Muzaffar Raina
17.10.24
Omar Abdullah on Wednesday offered an olive branch to Jammu by selecting two first-time Hindu legislators as deputy chief minister and cabinet minister, respectively, attempting to launch his second innings as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir by bridging the festering Hindu-Muslim divide.
Omar was on Wednesday sworn in as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He chose five ministers, two from Kashmir and three from Jammu. Two of the Jammu ministers are Hindu and one a Muslim. He last headed the Jammu and Kashmir government between 2008 and 2014 when the region was a full-fledged state and enjoyed special status under Article 370.
The Congress, which is part of the alliance, announced it won’t join the council of ministers at the moment in protest against the non-restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar’s pick for deputy chief minister is National Conference’s Noushera MLA Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who defeated Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina by a comfortable margin. Independent MLA from Chhamb — Satish Sharma, who recently extended his support to the new government — and NC veteran and Gujjar leader Javed Rana are among those who represent Jammu in the new ministry.
The two ministers from Kashmir are Sakina Itoo and Javed Dar, from south and north Kashmir, respectively.
Omar said the cabinet’s composition was a reflection of his government’s intent that the people of Jammu don’t feel that they have no voice or representation in the government. “This government is as much theirs as anybody else’s,” he said, vowing to continue such efforts.
Surinder appeared humbled by his selection. “I am a grassroots political worker who has been made deputy chief minister. It is a proud moment for Jammu,” he said.
Jammu has given one chief minister — Ghulam Nabi Azad — and several deputy chief ministers, including Tara Chand and Dr Nirmal Singh. This time, Hindus had little expectations after they voted overwhelmingly for the BJP.
The ruling NC faced an uphill task to strike a balance between Kashmir and Jammu after the election results dealt a resounding blow to the BJP’s goal of installing Jammu and Kashmir’s first Hindu chief minister. The BJP fell well short of the majority mark, winning just 29 of the 90 seats.
The task became even more challenging for the NC as the alliance had only two Hindu faces, none from Jammu’s Dogra (Hindu) heartland comprising the four districts of Jammu City, Udhampur, Samba and Kathua, which are home to 24 MLAs. Of the 24 seats, the BJP won 22 and Independents two.
In the larger Jammu region that has 43 seats, the NC won seven and the Congress only one, triggering fears of an impending crisis because of the possible non-representation of Hindus.
But the NC got a shot in the arm ahead of government formation after four Independents from Jammu, including two Hindus, extended support to it. One of them — Satish Sharma, son of former Congress MP Madan Lal Sharma — also found a place in the cabinet on Wednesday.
Both Surinder and Satish are first-time MLAs.
The government’s make-up also attempted to blunt the BJP’s Pir Panchal card. The central government last year gave the Scheduled Tribe status to the Paharis, who are majority Muslims but include a significant number of Hindus and are mostly concentrated in Pir Panchal. The aim was to court the community along with the Gujjars, another major community in the area.
Despite the outreach, the BJP won only one of the eight seats in Pir Panchal, which is part of Jammu. On Monday, BJP leader Zulfkar Chowdhary favoured Union Territory status for Pir Panchal, claiming they will no longer live under the “domination” of Kashmiris.
Two of the new ministers — Surinder, a Hindu Pahari, and Rana, a Gujjar — are from Pir Panchal.
Sources close to Surinder said his nomination for the post of deputy chief minister came as a surprise to him.
“He was not even sure about getting a berth in the cabinet because he is a first-timer. To his utter surprise, he was told to sit close to Omar sahab ahead of the swearing-in as he would be taking oath as deputy chief minister. That came like a bolt from the blue for Choudhary sahab,” an associate said.
The deputy chief minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to respect the mandate by restoring statehood and granting exclusive rights over land and jobs to locals.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Raina congratulated Omar and Surinder, his arch-rival.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/omar-abdullah-woos-jammu-with-hindu-deputy-cm-cabinet-minister/cid/2056021
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Supreme Court upholds bail to Kashmiri journalist Peerzada Shah Fahad, accused under UAPA
17.10.24
The Supreme Court has upheld the bail granted to Kashmiri journalist Peerzada Shah Fahad, accused of terror charges under the UAPA, but declared as “per incuriam” the judgment of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court that had granted the bail.
The term “per incuriam” refers to a court ruling that overlooks binding precedents of the superior courts or a larger bench.
The high court had granted bail to Fahad by relying on a US Supreme Court judgment, which had in the Schenck Vs United States (249 US 47 (1919) case applied the doctrine of “clear and present danger” as a factor that should be considered for grant of bail.
Aggrieved, the Union Territory had filed the present appeal.
Solicitor-general Tushar Mehta argued before the bench that the high court had erroneously placed reliance on the Schenck Vs United States (249 US 47 (1919) judgment even though the Indian Supreme Court’s two constitution benches and a three-judge bench have rejected the application of the doctrine of “clear and present danger”.
While affirming the grant of bail, a bench of Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma said: “We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order.... It is directed that the impugned judgment and order being per incuriam shall not be cited as a precedent in any other case.”
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-upholds-bail-to-kashmiri-journalist-peerzada-shah-fahad-accused-under-uapa/cid/2056013
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Mathura case: HC reserves order on Muslim side’s plea
Oct 17, 2024
Prayagraj: In the Krishna Janmabhumi-Shahi Eidgah dispute case, the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday reserved order on an application filed by the Muslim side by which a prayer to recall the court's order dated Jan 11,2024 was made, whereby the HC had consolidated all suits filed by the Hindu side.
Justice Mayank Kumar Jain is hearing 18 suits related to Krishna Janmabhumi-Shahi Idgah case.
Appearing on behalf of the Muslim side, advocate Tasneem Ahmadi on Wednesday submitted that the order dated January 11, 2024, has to be recalled by which all the cases were consolidated.
However, the Hindu side submitted that once the court is of the opinion that reliefs are same, property is same and defendants are same, it is the domain of the court to consolidate the cases. Advocate Hari Shanker Jain, appearing for the Hindu side, said that consolidation did not mean that the right to contest all the cases would be stopped.
The court by its order dated January, 11, 2024, had issued directives for the consolidation of 18 suits related to the dispute. The suits have been filed by the Hindu side for the possession after removal of the structure of Shahi Idgah Masjid as well as for restoration of the temple at that place and for permanent injunction.
The controversy is related to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb-era Shahi Eidgah mosque at Mathura which is alleged to have been built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/allahabad-high-court-reserves-order-in-krishna-janmabhumi-shahi-eidgah-dispute/articleshow/114294018.cms
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Jarange plans to rally Maratha, Muslim & dalit voters against Mahayuti
Oct 17, 2024,
Pune: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange is planning to consolidate votes against the Mahayuti's candidates after the assembly election was announced without the state accepting his demands for reservation.
Jarange said he will declare his plan of action for the election on October 20. Along with votes from his community, he is looking for support from of Muslim and dalit communities to corner Mahayuti candidates. He met former AIMIM, member of Parliament Imtiaz Jaleel in Jalna on Tuesday.
He said, "Our agitation was to get reservation for the entire Maratha community, but since the code of conduct is in place, there cannot be any decision on our demand. Hence, I will not be talking about reservation any more. Instead, I will bring the Maratha community together to vote against those who made false promises but never gave reservation."
He has appealed to the Marathas to vote in full force. He said, "The community must show its unity in this election. This time, instead of voting for a particular candidate, they must vote for the cause of the community. Every eligible Maratha voter should exercise his or her voting right to show how we can send some home those who are playing with our emotions."
He added that if the Maratha, Muslim, and dalit communities come together, they will change the political scenario of the state. Their unity should send a message to politicians that they cannot take these communities for granted, he added.
Meanwhile, OBC activist Laxman Hake has said that he will bring OBCs together to counter Jarange. "Our fight is to safeguard our reservation. Jarange is trying to pressurise govt to bring the Maratha community under OBC category which we will not allow. Therefore, wherever Jarange holds rallies to push his agenda, we will hold similar rallies to counter him and unite OBCs," Hake said.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/manoj-jarange-mobilizes-maratha-muslim-and-dalit-voters-against-mahayuti-in-maharashtra-elections/articleshow/114293401.cms
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Europe
FBI, French authorities coordinate on Islamic State arrests
October 16, 2024
By Jeff Seldin
WASHINGTON —
Recent arrests in the United States and in Europe have law enforcement and intelligence agencies on alert, bolstering concerns about a reinvigorated Islamic State terror group bent on lashing out against the West.
FBI officials Wednesday confirmed the bureau shared information with French authorities following last week’s arrest of 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on charges connected to a mass shooting plot in the name of the Islamic State group, to coincide with the U.S. election in November.
That information led to the arrest of a 22-year-old Afghan national in the Haute-Garonne region of France, who French officials say is linked to Tawhedi.
That arrest followed the arrests of three other men in the same region, again carried out in coordination with the U.S.
French anti-terrorism prosecutors said Saturday that the suspects, all of whom are said to be followers of the Islamic State, appear to have been involved in a plan to carry out an attack on a football stadium or a shopping center.
“The recent arrests in France and by the FBI's Oklahoma City field office demonstrate the importance of partnerships to detect and disrupt potential terrorist attacks,” the FBI said in a statement.
“The FBI's top priority is preventing acts of terrorism, and we are committed to working with our partners both overseas and in the United States to uncover any plots and protect our communities from violence,” it said.
The arrests follow repeated warnings from Western counterterrorism officials that the Islamic State, also known as IS or ISIS, has set its sights on launching attacks against the U.S. and Europe. And many have raised specific concerns about the group’s Afghan affiliate, known as IS-Khorasan or ISIS-K.
IS-Khorasan "does have the intention to carry out external attacks, including external attacks inside the United States,” said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, speaking during a Washington Post webcast last month.
“We are very concerned about the capacity of ISIS-K to potentially move operatives into the United States," he added.
Others have warned that IS, and IS-Khorasan, have each sought to expand recruiting efforts around the globe.
Some Western officials and regional observers have told VOA that as far back as 2021, the IS Afghan affiliate was seeking to seed Central Asian states such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with small but highly capable cells and networks that could serve as the basis for future attacks.
Some also have warned that IS-Khorasan has since built on those efforts, increasingly trying to target Afghans and Central Asians living in the West.
"We've seen ISIS-K make a concerted effort to recruit from diaspora communities," said Austin Doctor, the director of counterterrorism research initiatives at the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center, or NCITE, speaking with VOA last week following the Oklahoma City arrest.
“It will be another important factor to watch as more information becomes available.”
Source:voanews.com
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https://www.voanews.com/a/7825019.html
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UN peacekeepers report another ‘deliberate’ Israeli attack
16 Oct, 2024
An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tank has fired at a UN peacekeeping outpost in southern Lebanon, damaging a watchtower and destroying surveillance equipment, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement on Wednesday.
The peacekeeping force described the incident as what appeared to be another “deliberate” attack by the IDF, urging the Israeli military to “respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times.”
“This morning, peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged,” the force said in a statement.
The UN peacekeepers have repeatedly accused Israel of attacking its positions in southern Lebanon amid the ongoing escalation between West Jerusalem and the Hezbollah militant group. The attacks have resulted in damage to several UNIFIL installations, with several peacekeepers wounded.
The force was originally formed in 1978 to observe the withdrawal of Israeli forces below the so-called Blue Line separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights. UNIFIL is currently composed of some 10,000 troops from around 50 countries. The contingent is tasked with ensuring that neither Israel nor Hezbollah maintains a military presence between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
Israel has directly accused the peacekeepers of acting as a “human shield” for Hezbollah terrorists. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the UNIFIL troops from southern Lebanon altogether. Should the force not evacuate, the lives of the UN troops would be “endangered,” he warned. Thus far, however, the peacekeepers have refused to vacate their positions in the region.
Source:.rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/605827-un-peacekeepers-israeli-attack/
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Migrant deportations to increase, says EU chief
October 17, 2024
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the bloc could "draw lessons" from the contested Italian policy of processing migrants offshore in Albania ahead of an EU summit focusing on migration.
She made the remarks in a letter to member states ahead of the meeting in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where she said the European Commission would present a new proposal for legislation to increase deportations of migrants.
Von der Leyen - who is just starting a second five-year term as European Commission chief - appears to be responding to pressure on migration from across Europe.
In her letter to member states, she said the return rate of irregular migrants from EU countries is currently only about 20% - meaning the vast majority of people who are ordered to leave an EU member state do not.
Many simply stay put or move to another country within the bloc, she said.
Member states should all recognise the decisions taken by other EU countries to ensure that "migrants who have a return decision against them in one country cannot exploit cracks in the system to avoid return elsewhere", Von der Leyen wrote.
Her comments come as Italy kicks off its long-awaited scheme, under which some of the migrants rescued in the Mediterranean will be sent to Albania for processing.
Earlier this week, 16 men of Bangladeshi and Egyptian origin were moved from the migrant hotspot of Lampedusa, off the coast of Sicily, to one of two purpose-built centres on the Albanian coast where their asylum claims will be examined.
The centres, which cost about €650m (£547m), were due to open last spring but were plagued by long delays, have been paid for by the Italian government and will be operated under Italian law.
They will house migrants while Italy examines their asylum requests. Pregnant women, children and vulnerable people will be excluded from the plan.
Political opponents of right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as well as several NGOs have criticised Italy's deal with Albania.
Riccardo Magi, an MP with the left-wing +Europa party, said the Albania scheme was "cruel, useless and expensive", while NGO Doctors Without Borders said it was "likely to result in further harm and violation of human rights".
However, addressing MPs on Tuesday, Meloni argued that the plan was "a new, courageous, unprecedented path" which "perfectly reflected the European spirit".
The implementation and the results of the Albania agreement will be watched closely by many EU member states, several of whom have attempted to respond to a surge in support for far-right parties by hardening their rhetoric and their approach to migration.
In the last few weeks alone, Germany reintroduced land border checks, the French government said it would look into tightening immigration legislation and Poland announced a plan to temporarily suspend the right to asylum for people crossing the border.
Polish PM Donald Tusk said the controversial move was meant to stop Belarus from "destabilising" Poland by allowing large numbers of migrants into the country.
In France and Germany, it was grisly murders which prompted calls for tougher action on immigration. A Syrian failed asylum seeker stabbed three people to death in Solingen, while a young student was murdered by a Moroccan national near Paris. In both cases, the killings were carried out by men who had been given expulsion orders that had not been enforced.
Last month, 15 member states signed a proposal by Austria and the Netherlands to improve the "efficiency" of the deportations system.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2mzvj4051o
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France Football Captain Mbappé Shocked By Swedish Rape Inquiry - Lawyer
Paul Kirby
October 17, 2024
France football captain Kylian Mbappé is "astonished" to see his name linked in media reports to a rape inquiry in Sweden, but his lawyer says the player is calm because he has nothing to be sorry about.
Swedish authorities have confirmed that a senior prosecutor is investigating a report of a suspected rape in Stockholm, without naming anyone in connection with the case.
However, Swedish media report that the French footballer is being linked to the allegations which involve an incident at a hotel in central Stockholm last Thursday.
Kylian Mbappé has also reacted, summing up the reports as "FAKE NEWS", to his 14 million followers on X.
Swedish media said the footballer had stayed in Stockholm for two days last week, visiting a restaurant on Thursday evening before moving on to a nightclub. He was pictured walking in the centre of the capital with three other people.
Swedish prosecutors clarified on Monday that according to a "criminal report" submitted to police, the incident under investigation took place on 10 October at a hotel.
Police were seen visiting the Bank hotel he had stayed at on Monday, with officers later leaving with bags. One report said they had taken clothing from the hotel in evidence.
"The investigation is being led by senior prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who is unable to provide more information at this time," the Swedish prosecution authority said.
Mbappé was not called up for France's Uefa Nations League matches over the past week and has returned to training with his team Real Madrid.
Lawyer Petra Eklund, who is acting for the complainant in the case, has said she cannot comment on the case at the moment because of legal constraints.
However, Sweden's SVT and other media outlets reported the allegation involved reasonable suspicion of rape, considered a lower level of suspicion under Swedish law.
Kylian Mbappé's lawyers have condemned the media reports as defamatory, and on Tuesday night lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard appeared on the main evening news programme on TF1, saying nothing was known of the complaint or even if it had been made against her client, who she said was "stunned" by the media frenzy.
"[Kylian Mbappé] is never alone. He is never put in a position where he ends up in a situation that would lead to him taking a risk," she insisted.
"As a result that totally rules out any possibility of reprehensible actions on his part. I can tell you that with absolutely certainty."
She said a complaint proved nothing and that she was preparing to hit back with a claim for defamation.
Meanwhile, in his social media post on Monday night, the footballer appeared to connect the reports emerging from Sweden to a case with his previous French club Paris Saint-Germain over €55m (£46m) that he alleges was unpaid in wages and bonuses.
"It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he said.
Kylian Mbappé was the top goalscorer in PSG's history but he left the club over the summer after months of dispute. Tuesday's hearing was before a French football league (LFP) appeals committee. PSG denies the player's allegations and another of Mbappé's lawyers said a decision was expected on 25 October.
Sweden's rape laws were reformed in 2018, so a perpetrator can be convicted of negligent assault or rape if they "should have realised the other person was not participating voluntarily".
Source:bbc.com
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Ukraine wants to join NATO while Biden is US president – envoy
16 Oct, 2024
Admitting Ukraine into NATO before the end of the year could be a major part of Joe Biden’s legacy as president, Kiev’s envoy to the bloc, Natalia Galibarenko, has said.
Vladimir Zelensky has pitched immediate membership in the US-led bloc as part of his ‘victory plan’, which he presented on Wednesday. Galibarenko explained the reasoning behind this in an interview with Reuters in Brussels, recorded the day before.
“Our idea is that giving Ukraine [an] invitation at this moment is a political signal,” she told the agency. “We sincerely believe that it can be part of the legacy of current American administration.”
Russia has demanded Ukraine’s military neutrality, and the specifically the renunciation of its NATO aspirations, as one of the preconditions for the current conflict to end.
According to Galibarenko, fast-tracking Kiev into the bloc would be “like a final, final vedict,” making Moscow unable to press the issue further. Even an invitation by itself, without any practical actions towards membership, would “send a powerful public message,” she argued.
While NATO has declared that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to join eventually, it has qualified this by saying it will happen “when allies agree and conditions are met.” The US-led bloc has also told Kiev that it cannot join while at war and declined to give a timeline for accession.
Two NATO members, Slovakia and Hungary, have already said they would vote against admitting Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has argued that this would mean an open war with Russia, which he is opposed to.
The US has been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine, approving almost $180 million in military and financial aid to Kiev since 2022. According to Reuters, Galibarenko’s push suggests there is “major uncertainty” in Kiev about what might happen after the American presidential election on November 5.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ candidate for the White House, has “signaled” continued support for Ukraine but has not spelled out any policies. Former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump has promised to end the conflict within a day, presumably by discontinuing the US aid that is sustaining Ukraine.
Speculation about Biden fast-tracking Ukraine’s NATO bid first appeared earlier this month in Financial Times, but has not been substantiated.
Then Vice President Biden was entrusted with Washington’s Ukraine policy during President Barack Obama’s second term, and played a key role in the 2014 coup in Kiev. His presidency’s sole foreign policy achievement so far has been to end the US war in Afghanistan after nearly 20 years. The pullout from Kabul in August 2021 ended in a virtual stampede for the exits, however, as the US-backed Afghan government imploded before the advancing Taliban.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/605821-ukraine-nato-biden-legacy/
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Africa
Niger drops French place names to honour local heroes
Paul Njie & Lucy Fleming
October 17, 2024
Niger’s military leaders have renamed streets and monuments bearing French names, in the latest move to cut links with the country’s former colonial power.
Avenue Charles de Gaulle in the capital, Niamey, is now Avenue Djibo Bakary in honour of the Nigerien politician who played a key role in the West African country’s struggle for independence.
"Most of our avenues, boulevards and streets... bear names that are simply reminders of the suffering and bullying our people endured during the ordeal of colonisation," said junta spokesman Maj Col Abdramane Amadou.
Niger's relationship with France and other Western allies deteriorated after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup last year.
Like its military-led neighbours, Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has courted Russia for military support as a jihadist insurgency threatens the region - and the three countries have clubbed together to form what they call the Alliance of Sahel States.
Under Bazoum, France had more than 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to help fight jihadist groups linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State. They all withdrew by the end of last year.
'France takes us for idiots' - inside coup-hit Niger
Is France to blame for coups in West Africa?
Colonial abuses haunt France's racism debate
A ceremony was held in Niamey on Tuesday to mark the various name changes, including the avenue once named after a French general, as well as a war memorial that was built to remember those who died in World War One and World War Two.
It now pays "homage to all civilian and military victims of colonisation to the present day".
Charles de Gaulle was a soldier and politician who formed a French government in exile during World War Two when the Nazi German forces overran France. He became leader of the Free French Forces.
Many Africans in French colonies volunteered to fight for the Free French Forces, though many were also drafted into service.
About 400,000 came from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, and more than 70,000 from Senegal and other sub-Saharan colonies. They took part in the Allies' landings in the south of France in August 1944, which were crucial to ousting the Nazis from the area.
In fact as part of a reappraisal of its colonial past, France began to rename some of its streets and squares after African World War Two heroes four years ago.
Another place to have been given a facelift in Niamey is a stone monument that had an engraving of French colonial officer and explorer Parfait-Louis Monteil. He had travelled from Senegal in 1890 across West Africa, writing a book about his two-year journey.
His image has now been replaced by a plaque with a portrait of Burkina Faso's iconic revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, a charismatic pan-Africanist who was assassinated in 1987.
During his time in power, he adopted an anti-imperialist foreign policy that challenged the dominance of France, which retained huge influence in many of its former colonies in Africa.
Another significant name change is Niamey's Place de La Francophonie, named after the group of French-speaking states.
Instead it will be known as Place de l'Alliance des Etats du Sahel, after the country's new confederation with Burkina Faso and Mali.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7x9eprvvwo
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Bagudu’s Statement During Meeting With TUC, NLC Emerge
17 October 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Federal Government on Wednesday met with the leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, during the meeting took the opportunity to reel out some of the economic trajectories and efforts to get the country out of the woods.
He reassured that the worst was over.
He reacted to the recent World Bank’s claim at the National Economic Summit Group forum in Abuja, that most of the oil wealth goes into feeding the lifestyle of the elite.
Bagudu’s said during the parley with labour at the SGF office, “When the National Economic Summit Group finished a three-day interactive session and the Corporate Nigeria Civil Society Organisation Development Partners where Tinubu was represented by His Excellency, the Vice President.
“The consensus of the three-day summit was that, tough as they might be, our president led us to take decisions that we needed to have taken.
“Of course, tough decisions might come with some challenges and consequences, we are dealing with them, which is part of what we are asking. Why is there a spike in inflation for September 2 percentage point, following the decline we talked about? But because of the energy prices that were yet to stabilise it affected oil prices.
“But beyond that, just borrowing from, again, what has been said at the consensus, is when you are undertaking reform, is to stay the course. And the benefits will follow. We are in the tick of a harvest season.
“We believe that that will further impact on food prices. Most of the measures that have been taken are beginning to yield to greater levels of investment and effort to mobilise more investment, which we believe will cement the rise in gross domestic product. Our gross domestic product for the first quarter increased by over 2%, close to 3%.
“In the second quarter, it went by 3.19%. Some people will say, it sounds too slow. But let me give you how big that number is. Germany, which is wealthier than us, which have more resources to respond to any challenge, has declined by 0.3%. UK is struggling at minus 0.2%. Why is all this happening? Why are we not growing fast enough? Because that’s what we need.
“We need to grow fast enough at a higher rate. That is why we are taking all the fearful measures, so that we put Nigeria on a sustainable, inclusive, higher rate of growth. That will make all of you, our younger ones, be very proud of the country that God has blessed us with. In doing so, we might experience occasional hiccups.
“I want to ask you, now, going forward, now, what is the message, particular message that you have for Nigeria’s youths, with regard to the period of time, three months, time, six months? We believe we have stopped the decline. We are not where we want to be. Look, our president’s message in the Refueled Hope agenda is, let us confront our reality.
“Let us tell ourselves that we are not as rich as we thought we are, so that everyone can mobilise, whether it is at the family level or at the national level. Frank discussion can help mobilise everyone to a greater action. So that’s what we are doing.
“No blame game. If we spend all the time discussing what went wrong, who did what wrong, maybe we may not agree. But the fact that we are not where we want to be is enough cause for action.
“So what are those choices we need to take? We took the bold choices. Today, state governments, local governments, and Federal Government are better funded. Of course, inflation is there, cost of living challenges.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/17/bagudus-statement-during-meeting-with-tuc-nlc-emerge/
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Tinubu’s Aide Dismisses DSS Take Over Of National Assembly For Akpabio’s Impeachment
16 October 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
The presidency has rubbished reports that alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to the National Assembly on Wednesday in relation to a plan to impeach the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, in a statement on Wednesday, said the reports are baseless and intended to sow seeds of discord between the executives and the legislators and among the lawmakers themselves.
Lado emphasized Tinubu’s respect for the separation of power between the executive and other arms of government.
While urging members of the public to disregard the reports of a planned impeachment, the presidential aide noted that any security presence within the National Assembly Complex is for the routine safety and protection of legislators and staff.
He stressed the commitment of the President to the free function of the legislature without interference.
The statement read: “The attention of this office has been drawn to online reports suggesting that security agents have been deployed to prevent senators from carrying out their legislative duties, particularly concerning an alleged impeachment of the Senate President.
“I wish to categorically state that these reports are unfounded and should be disregarded, as there is no discord within the ranks of the senators. The legislative body remains united in its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is dedicated to fostering a harmonious working relationship among senators, recognizing the critical role of the Senate in driving legislative progress. He remains committed to ensuring that this collaboration is grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for the peace, progress, and prosperity of all Nigerians.
“The Senate continues to function freely and without interference. Any security presence within the National Assembly Complex is for the routine safety and protection of legislators and staff. I urge the public to disregard such unfounded publications that could undermine the integrity of the legislature.”
The statement follows earlier reports which claimed the DSS took over the National Assembly on Wednesday in relation to a planned impeachment of Akpabio over the harsh economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
Naija News recalls Akpabio himself had denied the reports and ordered an investigation into the source.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/16/tinubus-aide-dismisses-dss-take-over-of-national-assembly-for-akpabios-impeachment/
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Drug Trafficking: This Is A Direct Attack On The NDLEA – HURIWA Reacts To Senator’s Corruption Allegation
16 October 2024
By Justina Otio
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to a corruption allegation levelled against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Yisa Ashiru.
Ashiru had claimed that the drug agency was the most corrupt and compromised government agency in Nigeria.
He alleged that there was a high rate of drug trafficking going on in the country because of the corruption within the agency.
However, HURIWA has stated that the politician’s stand could be politically motivated since he failed to back his claims with tangible and traceable evidence.
They argued that the lawmaker’s claim may be a figment of his imagination.
The Association wondered why those elected to lead and represent the people could be speaking on serious and sensitive issues without control.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference, the group called for an urgent investigation into the senator’s claims, insisting that the issue should not be swept under the carpet.
HURIWA said, “We find it alarming that a lawmaker would make such a ‘reckless’ and generalized allegation against one of Nigeria’s agencies (without any evidence).
“We at HURIWA suspect that the introduction of this bill is a game plan orchestrated by certain forces who are unhappy with the current NDLEA leadership’s determination to intensify the drug war.
“The NDLEA already has departments dedicated to drug awareness and rehabilitation.
“The proposal to create another agency with similar functions would only serve to weaken the NDLEA’s capacity and could be seen as a deliberate attempt to destabilize its operations.
“This bill is not just redundant; it is a direct attack on the NDLEA. The NDLEA’s public awareness programs and rehabilitation efforts are already effective, so there is no need for another agency. The only thing this bill will achieve is to divide resources and energy, ultimately weakening the fight against drug barons.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/16/drug-trafficking-this-is-a-direct-attack-on-the-ndlea-huriwa-reacts-to-senators-corruption-allegation/
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‘Unprecedented Hardship’ – Ex-Minister Warns Of Anarchy If Tinubu’s Policies Persist
16 October 2024
By Ikenna Ngere
Former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has cautioned the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to reassess its policies, warning that escalating hunger and poverty could lead to civil unrest.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Essien criticised recent government economic policies, noting that these measures have intensified poverty and inflation, leaving millions of Nigerians struggling.
He pointed to the rapid removal of fuel subsidies as a key factor in the current economic hardship, suggesting that while the intentions may have been positive, the outcomes have exacerbated public suffering.
“The level of suffering across the country is unprecedented, except perhaps during the Nigerian Civil War. Families are struggling to meet basic needs. The policies, while perhaps well-intentioned, are exacerbating poverty, increasing inflation, and hurting the most vulnerable among us,” Essien said.
Essien urged the Federal Government to strike a balance between reducing fiscal deficits and safeguarding citizens’ livelihoods, warning that continued inaction could spark social instability.
The former Minister underscored the importance of fiscal discipline and reducing the cost of governance but cautioned that “it is inhuman to continue down this path without a clear plan to ease the burden on the citizens.
“Our leaders cannot continue to fritter the commonwealth of the country recklessly and ask the people to make sacrifices.
“If urgent action is not taken to stem the hunger, poverty, and discontent in the country, we risk losing the patience of the people, and that could result in dire consequences.”
In his statement, Essien also expressed disappointment in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing it as a “symbol of corruption and wasted resources.”
As an advocate for the NDDC’s creation, he condemned the Commission for veering from its mission of uplifting the oil-rich Niger Delta, alleging billions of naira have gone into projects that have yielded little impact.
“The NDDC, which was designed to be an engine of development for the oil-rich Niger Delta, has tragically become a symbol of corruption. Billions of naira are poured into endless regional master plans, stakeholders’ engagements, media campaigns, and infrastructure projects that never seem to materialise or make any significant impact on the lives of the people,” Essien stated.
The former minister also criticised the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited’s involvement in regulating the pricing of petroleum products from private refineries, specifically questioning its interference with Dangote Refinery pricing.
He argued that an institution that has failed to operate the nation’s refineries for decades should not be involved in the private sector’s operations.
Essien said, “It is unacceptable that an organization that has failed to manage the country’s refineries for over three decades should now meddle in the pricing of products from a privately owned refinery. The NNPC Limited is now a private entity in competition with Dangote Refinery. As such, it has no business regulating the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.”
Supporting the push for true federalism, Essien advocated for greater autonomy in regional development, noting that the establishment of commissions like the NDDC underscores the need for a federal structure that enables states to manage their resources.
He encouraged the government to consider the 2014 National Conference recommendations, which promote devolving development responsibilities to regional levels.
t is time for the federal government to look at the report of that Conference and ensure that the recommendations are implemented.
“The Niger Delta deserves better. Nigeria deserves better. It is only through honest dialogue and concerted action that we will achieve the development we so desperately need,” Essien added.
Call for Electoral Transparency and Judicial Reform
Essien also addressed electoral integrity, urging the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to mandate electronic accreditation and result transmission in local elections.
He criticised the lack of transparency in local government elections, noting that ruling parties often dominate these processes without fair competition.
“Nigeria may not survive another attempt at a flawed election,” Essien warned, adding that reforms are necessary to restore public confidence.
He also expressed concern over the judiciary’s increasing role in determining election outcomes, urging the Chief Justice of Nigeria to reinforce electoral justice.
“When a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA said he would not go to court to seek redress for an election he contested and believes was rigged, then we should be very worried,” he said, underscoring the need for the judiciary to remain impartial protectors of democracy and human rights.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/16/unprecedented-hardship-ex-minister-warns-of-anarchy-if-tinubus-policies-persist/
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Kano Mosque Arson: Court Summons Two Prosecution Witnesses
16 Oct 2024
An Upper Shari’a Court sitting in Kano has summoned two prosecution witnesses, Bashir Sale and Salisu Sani, directing them to appear before it to testify in the ongoing trial of 38-year-old Shafi’u Abubakar over mosque arson.
The defendant, who lives in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano, is charged with culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt and mischief by fire.
Daily Trust reported that he had poured petrol and set fire on a mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village and locked the doors, trapping 23 worshippers during Subhi prayer on May 15, at about 5:15am.
The offence contravenes provisions of sections 140, 148, 167 and 370 of Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law 2000.
The defendant had pleaded guilty to all the charges levelled against him.
The judge, Malam Halhalatu Zakariyya, issued the summons following a request by the prosecution counsel and the Director Public Prosecution (DPP), Kano State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Salisu Tahir.
Sale and Sani, both residents of Gadan Larabar Abasawa village, along with a police officer were scheduled to testify in the trial.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Tahir, told the court that he received a phone call at about 6:25 a.m on Wednesday from the Ward Head of Gadan Larabar Abasawa village, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yahaya, that the witnesses would appear before the court to testify. Tahir said he waited for the witnesses in his office till 9:50am and later called Sale to remind him that they were waiting so they could proceed to the court.
He therefore urged the court to issue a witness summon to the two witnesses through the office of the Ward Head.
The defence counsel, Hasiya Muhammad Imam, did not object to the prosecution application.
The court adjourned the matter until Oct30, for continuation of hearing.
Source:dailytrust.com
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South Asia
Govt Doesn’t Consider Sheikh Mujib Father of the Nation: Ministry Adviser
Oct 17, 2024
The interim government does not recognise Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation, said Nahid Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, yesterday.
"Bangabandhu has been made controversial by the Awami League. He has become a part of their 'fascist ideology'," he said in response to a question from journalists at the Secretariat.
When asked if he personally considers Bangabandhu the Father of the Nation, Nahid replied, "The Awami League held power in a fascist manner. They stayed in power by suppressing people's voting rights, through enforced disappearances, killings, and even genocide. Therefore, whatever they declared -- whether calling someone the Father of the Nation or designating a national day -- such continuities will not remain in the new Bangladesh."
When asked if the government considers anything done by the Awami League to be of national importance, the adviser responded, "A government without a mandate has no legitimacy. Many actions were taken during that period, but all of them will be restructured and reassessed."
In response to a question about whether the current interim government considers Bangabandhu the Father of the Nation, he replied, "Certainly not."
He further explained, "If we did, then we wouldn't have a Father of the Nation at all. Many people have contributed to the struggles of this land. Our history didn't start in 1952 alone. We have the anti-British struggle, the movements of 1947 and 1971, as well as those of 1990 and 2024. We have many founding fathers. It is through their struggles that we achieved independence."
The information adviser also commented on the cancellation of certain national days, saying, "The national days being cancelled were imposed by the Awami League. This was fascist behaviour. The government considers them unimportant, which is why they are being cancelled."
He said a new national day might be established to commemorate the mass uprisings.
In another development, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Labour and Employment, wrote in a personal Facebook post yesterday that it is the people of a country who will determine who their Father of the Nation is, not any fascist political party.
"If the people of the country truly considered Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the Father of the Nation, the revolutionary students and masses would not have destroyed his statue on August 5. Sheikh Mujib is not the Father of the Nation; rather, he is a symbolic tool for establishing Awami fascism," he wrote.
However, in an immediate reaction to the cancellation of March 7 as a national day, prominent economist Prof Anu Muhammad said March 7 does not belong to the Awami League, nor is the historic speech of that day a personal matter of Sheikh Mujib.
"March 7 is undoubtedly a significant part of our history. Sheikh Mujib is a political figure, and of course, there will be criticism and analysis of his role, but attempts to erase history will not be tolerated," Prof Anu Muhammad said.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govt-doesnt-consider-sheikh-mujib-father-the-nation-nahid-3729316
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Afghanistan Journalists Center reports suspension of National TV broadcasts in Takhar
By Fidel Rahmati
October 16, 2024
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) announced that the National Television broadcasting under Taliban control in Takhar has been halted. During a meeting with journalists and local media officials, officials from the Department of Promotion of Virtue in Takhar banned photography and the broadcast of images.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center reported that National Television in Takhar ceased operations yesterday after receiving orders from the head of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of the Vice Department in Takhar.
The department opposed the broadcast of images of living creatures on television, citing it as being against the orders of the Taliban leader and the new regulations of the Promotion of Virtue.
However, the Takhar television transmitters continue broadcasting National Television programs from Kabul.
Yesterday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Promotion of Virtue told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the ban on broadcasting images would gradually begin in the provinces.
Takhar is the second province, after Kandahar, where the image ban has been enforced, leading to the shutdown of television activities.
National Television Takhar was the last active media outlet in the province. Before the Taliban’s rise to power, several other television stations, including Mehr, Mah No, Berlik, Noorin, Omid Farda, and Reyhan, were operating in Takhar. These stations have since been shut down due to censorship and restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
The closure of media outlets in provinces like Takhar reflects the growing media suppression in Afghanistan, severely limiting press freedom and the ability of local journalists to operate.
This continued clampdown on media and freedom of expression further isolates society, leaving communities without access to independent news and information sources in the country.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-journalists-center-reports-suspension-of-national-tv-broadcasts-in-takhar/
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Student protest on SC premises: 12 HC judges barred from judicial work
Oct 17, 2024
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed barred 12 High Court judges from all judicial activities after over a thousand students besieged the HC premises demanding removal of "pro-Awami League fascist judges" yesterday.
"The 12 judges will not be given benches for now, which means they will not be taking part in judicial activities when the court reopens on October 20," Supreme Court Registrar General Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan told the protesting students around 4:00pm.
The agitating students then postponed their demonstrations until Sunday.
Aziz, however, did not disclose the names of the HC judges.
Asked about it later on, he said, "We will publish the cause list on Sunday without the names of the 12 judges, and you will understand who those judges are."
Asked about several online media outlets publishing names of the 12 judges in question, Aziz said he does not know what they have published or how they got the information.
The development came over two months after then chief justice Obaidul Hassan and five other judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court stepped down amid students' demonstrations demanding their resignations following the fall of the Hasina-led government.
On August 10, when the SC judges were forced to resign, the students also demanded resignations of "pro-Awami League High Court judges".
When a BNP delegation met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for a political dialogue on October 4, the party placed several demands including the removal of "partisan judges" from the HC.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on October 8 appointed 23 additional judges to the High Court.
STUDENT PROTESTS
On Tuesday, Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, two key coordinators of the students movement against discrimination, on their Facebook pages called for the protests demanding resignations of "Awami League's fascist judges".
Yesterday, more than a thousand students besieged the Supreme Court Annex Bhaban around 11:00am.
A section of lawyers then marched, calling for the resignation of "corrupt and biassed" judges. The legal wing of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee also held a rally there with the same demands.
Addressing the students, Hasnat said the AL-backed judges should be removed, pro-AL lawyers who chanted slogans supporting Hasina a few days ago be arrested in 24 hours, Bangladesh Chhatra League be banned.
He said the judges should be removed by 2:00pm.
Hasnat said, "Those who supported fascism cannot be trusted for delivery of justice in cases involving the Awami League's murderous thugs and terrorists."
Sarjis said, "Corrupt and biased judges have no place in the judiciary."
Around 2:00pm, he said that they have become aware of a meeting going on regarding the removal of certain judges and that they would wait until 3:00pm for an official announcement.
Meanwhile, six HC judges met chief justice between 12:00pm and 2:00pm yesterday, reported Prothom Alo online. They are Justice SM Maniruzzaman, Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman, Justice Shahed Nuruddin, Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman, Justice Md Aminul Islam, and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon.
Seeking anonymity, two of the judges said they would go on leave until December 18 and two others said they would also go to leave but did not say any dates, the Bangla daily reported.
Around 4:00pm, SC Registrar General Aziz announced the CJ's decision before the protesters.
Aziz said he held a long meeting with leaders of the movement and later he and his two colleagues talked to the chief justice about the issue.
He said there were procedures to follow for removing a justice, but now there are no laws in place in this regard.
The AL government amended the constitution empowering the parliament to remove SC judges for incapacity or misconduct.
But the Appellate Division of the SC in August 2017 upheld a High Court verdict that scrapped the 16th amendment to the constitution which had empowered the parliament to remove SC judges.
Aziz said the government has filed a review against the verdict and the SC was scheduled to hear the review petition on October 20.
He said the Bangabhaban has the authority to appoint SC and HC judges, and it usually starts the process of removal of HC judges.
The Supreme Court is not the sole party involved, the attorney general's office and the law adviser are also involved in the process.
However, the chief justice has done his job and for now and the 12 HC judges would not be allocated benches, he said.
When someone mentioned that they demanded removal of all AL's judges, the registrar general referred to the October 20 review hearing.
After his announcement, Hasnat said that they postposed their movement until October 20, and that they would go for tougher movement if their demands were not met.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/student-protest-sc-premises-12-hc-judges-barred-judicial-work-3729306
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Food security improved but need for aid persists in Afghanistan
October 17, 2024
A report from the World Food Program (WFP) has recently highlighted an improvement in food security in Afghanistan compared to last year but said the need for humanitarian assistance persists in the impoverished country. In its latest report, the World Food Program described various factors such as the average production of wheat, rice, maize, and fruits, the import of food items and the stability of the national currency, the Afghani against foreign currencies to contribute to the improvement of food security in Afghanistan this outgoing year. The report further said that in September of this solar year, it distributed 5.5 million U.S. dollars to address the challenges faced by Afghan citizens, but went on to say that the number of people in need of urgent humanitarian aid has decreased from 15.3 million to 12.4 million. According to the report released by the organization, in September, the World Food ProgramGeneral Food Assistance (WFPGFA) supported approximately 1.3 million vulnerable people, of which around 42 percent received cash-based transfers and commodity vouchers, enabling them to meet their food needs. Since 2023, WFP has had to significantly reduce life-saving assistance, leaving behind 11 million acutely food-insecure people whose needs are unmet. Meanwhile, according to local media, the Ministry of Economy said that it considers shortterm aid from relief organizations beneficial for food security in the country. Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, asked the World Food Program and other aid organizations to not only provide humanitarian aid to the Afghan citizens but also take part in development projects so that people can become self-sufficient economically. Local media who have interviewed a number of residents of the country’s capital said that they are still facing economic challenges and call on the relief organizations and the Islamic Emirate to assist them. They said they have no work, no livelihood, and live a life where they neither die nor truly live. This is the state of their days. No aid organizations including the United Nations, human rights agency, or World Food Program (WFP) have so far enough assistance to address the people’s problems. According to the WFP report despite progress in food security in Afghanistan, challenges such as lack of employment opportunities, reduced income, droughts, floods and the repatriation of thousands of Afghans from other countries have left many people in the country still in need of humanitarian assistance. This comes as thousands of Afghan migrants are forced by the neighboring countries to return home, mostly from Iran and Pakistan. Various posts on social media said that the Iranian border police have recently fired on hundreds of Afghans entering their country, resulting in tens of deaths and injuries. However, the Islamic Emirate did not speak about the likely deadly incident but said that investigation was underway about the issue. If the return of thousands of Afghan migrants continues to the country from Iran and Pakistan, especially after the brutal behavior of the Iranian police against them, the challenge would double for government of the Islamic Emirate, as the nascent system is not capable of managing the high flow of repatriates, requiring the aid agencies to give a hand to the ruling system in this respect. In the meantime, reports quoted Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reaffirmed that the UN will continue to uphold the rights of Afghan refugees residing in Iran and Pakistan. According to report, speaking at the opening of the 75th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, Grandi urged all countries hosting Afghan refugees to refrain from forcibly returning them. “We continue in fact to appeal to all states hosting Afghans not to push anyone back against their will. We will continue to work with Pakistan and Iran, both generous hosts of Afghans refugees for decades, to preserve the available protection space and find ways to mobilize additional support both for refugees and their hosts,” he said. According to migration rights advocates the UN can play an effective role in supporting undocumented migrants by creating a framework to address their challenges in the neighboring countries. They asked the Iranian government to respectfully repatriate those Afghans who want to voluntarily return home through the facilities provided by the International Organization for Migration. The UN should directly discuss the issue of Afghan migrants with the Iranian and Pakistani authorities and solve the migration problems and put an end to the oppression of the neighboring countries police against Afghans migrants in both countries. The Director-General of the Bureau of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs of the Iranian’s Khorasan Razavi province, reported that over 270,000 undocumented Afghan migrants have been deported from his country over the past six months. Inam Hashemi
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/food-security-improved-but-need-for-aid-persists-in-afghanistan/
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Expanding electricity, water projects in Afghanistan
October 17, 2024
With the Islamic Emirate takeover, attention has been paid to development projects across Afghanistan. In the past three years, hundreds of small and big development projects have been launched and completed in various parts of the country. Development projects are regarded as central to the economic development and transformation of the Afghan nation. Some of these structures include roads, bridges, airports, railways, and power plants, among others; these are the basic tools that support the economy, trade, and the improvement of the citizens’ standard of living. The Islamic Emirate has also paid particular attention to expanding electricity and water supply projects in the country as acting Minister of Energy and Water Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour has asked the world and international organizations to assist Afghans in terms of expanding electricity and water supply projects in the country. He issued the call at a meeting with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Head Stephen Rodriques and some other representatives of this organization. In the meeting held yesterday, Mullah Mansour while referring to the vital value of water and electricity projects in the country called implementation of water management and energy development projects essential in the country. He urged the world and human rights institutions to assist Afghans in electricity development and water supply projects. He also asked the United Nations Development Program to financially support water supply from Panjshir to Kabul. He called the project as vital for addressing water shortage problems being faced by Kabul residents. The implementation of a water supply project from Panjshir to the capital Kabul would help facilitate two million people. The country’s Ministry of Energy and Water has recently said that two million cubic meters of water will be supplied from Panjshir to the capital Kabul and it will meet the water demand of two million people. According to the ministry, the survey and design of this project have been completed and sent to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) leadership for approval. The water supply project from Panjhir to Kabul project if implemented will address the water shortage issue in the capital Kabul to a greater extent and could meet the water demand of around two million people. The transfer of water from Panjshir to the capital Kabul has been one of the basic projects of the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Water and Energy. This comes when the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Afghanistan has recently said that rising temperatures in Afghanistan have caused water shortage issues in the country, particularly the capital Kabul. The implementation of infrastructure projects, including electricity and water supply, plays a key role in the economic development of Afghanistan as infrastructure projects increase in government revenues, boost economic opportunities, create jobs, attract foreign investment, strengthen regional integration, and promote economic stability. The more infrastructure projects are implemented in the country, the more Afghanistan will reach stability and economic development. Mukhtar Safi
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/expanding-electricity-water-projects-in-afghanistan/
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“Don’t Shorten Your Hands of Kindness and Generosity”: Afghan Red Crescent Society
October 17, 2024
Inaugurated under the theme of “Do Not Shorten Your Hand of Kindness and Generosity,” the Special Week-long event of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), was held in the country’s capital Kabul. The ceremony, which was attended by high-ranking Emirati officials, foreign guests, and supporters of the ARCS, strongly emphasized the provision of assistance and support to vulnerable Afghan populations across the country. Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary-General of the Afghan Red Crescent Society Mawlavi Shahabuddin Delawar, said: “We must help and cooperate with each other and not deny anyone of their rights.” He said that the ARCS, was the only transparent, national, and non-political organization providing services to the needy Afghan people based on justice and transparency. He expressed gratitude to Norway, China, Qatar, Japan, Turkiye, and Denmark for assisting the Afghan people. Katrina Ritz, head of the ICRC in Afghanistan, noted: “It is a great honor for me to participate in this special week for ARCS.” Pointing to the leadership of the ARCS, she said: “You’re urging Afghan society, including businessmen, investors, government officials, NGO representatives, benevolent citizens, and others, to be united in providing humanitarian support for the vulnerable Afghans daily.” He went on to say that the special week not only collects financial aid for humanitarian purposes but also focuses on the vital role of ARCS in the lives of the Afghan people. Milan Gizdaviæ, the acting Head of Delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) said: “I would like to thank the members of the movement, the Red Cross, and the members of the national societies such as the Turkish Red Crescent, the Danish Red Cross, the Norwegian Red Cross, the Qatar Red Crescent, and the Indonesian Red Crescent as well as the representatives of foreign governments who continuously support ARCS and the people of Afghanistan.” He said that the IFRC recognizes that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating. Even though there are other competing crises in the world, such as Gaza, Ukraine, and recently Lebanon, Afghanistan should not and cannot be forgotten. He emphasized that continued efforts of international support for Afghanistan were not only to address the urgent humanitarian needs but to find durable solutions for the vulnerability of the individuals. Mr. Milan referred to the humanitarian aid issues relating to shelter and said that the IFRC supports ARCS in completing the shelter. Reconstruction efforts in Herat province, according to him, are receiving 500,000 Swiss francs (38 million Afghanis) to continue operations of ARCS mobile health teams across the country. He mentioned the program that is going to take place and added that in the long-term, the IFRC is implementing a new program in this area. Babrak Qayumi
Source:thekabultimes.com
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China Waives Customs Tariffs on Afghan Exports
2024-10-17
KABUL(BNA): Liu Jinsunk, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, announced during a meeting with Mawlavi Bilal Karimi, the Ambassador of Afghanistan to China, that customs tariffs on exports from approximately 40 countries, including Afghanistan, will be waived starting January 2025.
This decision is expected to bolster economic opportunities for Afghan businessmen, facilitating greater access to Chinese markets.
During their discussions, Liu and Karimi addressed a range of topics beyond tariffs, underscoring the importance of diplomatic ties and collaboration in various sectors.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/china-waives-customs-tariffs-on-afghan-exports/
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Kandahar Exports 6,000 Tons of Pomegranates to Global Markets
2024-10-16
KANDAHAR(BNA): This year, Kandahar has successfully exported 6,000 tons of pomegranates to various international markets, marking a significant achievement for the region’s agricultural sector.
According to the Kandahar Agriculture Department, there are plans to boost these export numbers by the end of the year. The pomegranates have been shipped to several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, India, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
Pomegranates from Kandahar are renowned for their quality, and the department is focused on enhancing production and marketing strategies to meet growing global demand.
Stay tuned for further updates on Kandahar’s agricultural exports as efforts continue to expand and strengthen its presence in international markets.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/kandahar-exports-6000-tons-of-pomegranates-to-global-markets/
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UN Report: One in three Afghans faces food insecurity
By Fidel Rahmati
October 16, 2024
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced on World Food Day that one in three Afghans faces food insecurity due to climate shocks and economic instability. The organization emphasized that access to food is a fundamental human right.
October 16 marks the anniversary of the founding of FAO, which is recognized as World Food Day. This year, FAO highlighted the need for global cooperation to support Afghan farmers.
In a social media post, FAO wrote, “Together, we can empower Afghan farmers to sustain their livelihoods and feed their families.” The organization also announced plans to provide seeds, fertilizers, and training services to 850 Afghan families for wheat cultivation.
FAO expects this support to yield 1.5 million tons of wheat to feed 5.9 million people for one year. This effort is part of a broader initiative to combat regional food insecurity.
Previously, the World Food Programme warned that the worsening climate crisis in Afghanistan has led to a rise in child marriages as families struggle to survive.
According to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index, Afghanistan is the sixth most vulnerable and least prepared country to cope with climate change.
Afghanistan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 23 million people, including 9.2 million children, in need of humanitarian aid. More than half of the population is living in hunger due to severe restrictions and a lack of employment, pushing many to leave the country in search of a better life.
The combination of climate change, food insecurity, and economic challenges has created a desperate situation, leaving Afghans with limited options for survival. This crisis is driving a wave of immigration as people seek safety and sustenance elsewhere.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-report-one-in-three-afghans-faces-food-insecurity/
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Former Afghanistan Attorney General: Killing of Afghan migrants by Iranian guards is a crime against humanity
By Fidel Rahmati
October 16, 2024
The former Attorney General of Afghanistan has condemned the “deliberate killing” of Afghan migrants by Iranian border guards, calling it a “crime against humanity.” Reports indicate that dozens of Afghan migrants attempting to enter Iran were shot and killed by Iranian border forces.
Mohammad Farid Hamidi, the former Attorney General, has called on the United Nations and international human rights organizations to hold the perpetrators of this incident accountable.
On Wednesday, October 16, Hamidi wrote on his X account: “The deliberate attack and killing of defenceless and vulnerable migrants and refugees constitute a crime against humanity, a severe and inhumane crime.”
Earlier, Halvash News Agency reported that Iranian border forces in the Kalgan Saravan region opened fire on Afghan migrants trying to enter Iran. According to the agency, out of approximately 300 Afghan migrants and refugees, only 60 or 70 survived, with the rest either killed or wounded.
Hamidi stated that these refugees had embarked on this dangerous journey in search of “a safe haven, fleeing life-threatening dangers”, and, according to international law, human ethics, and Islamic teachings, they deserved protection and support.
The former Afghan Attorney General also criticized the Taliban, stating that the group is neither capable of defending the rights of its citizens abroad nor does it show any sense of responsibility in such matters.
He added, “The United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Human Rights Council, the International Criminal Court, and other relevant institutions must take serious action and bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.”
Reports indicate the incident occurred on Sunday evening, and exact casualty figures are still unclear. Some eyewitnesses, whose audio recordings, said that around 300 Afghan migrants were targeted by Iranian military forces, with more than 200 reportedly killed.
The Kalgan Saravan region is located in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, bordering the Panjgur district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The Afghan migrants were reportedly trying to enter Iran through Pakistan.
This is not the first time Iranian forces have opened fire on Afghan refugees at the border. Amnesty International has previously reported that Afghan migrants attempting to cross into safe countries via Iran and Turkey have been targeted by border forces from both countries.
The recurring violence against Afghan refugees at the borders of Iran raises serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking safety. Despite international condemnation, such incidents continue, highlighting the urgent need for greater accountability and protection for refugees in the region.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/former-afghanistan-attorney-general-killing-of-afghan-migrants-by-iranian-guards-is-a-crime-against-humanity/
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North America
Albania Proposes Creating a Microstate Smaller Than Vatican City For the Islamic Bektashi Order
OCTOBER 16, 2024
Joseph Pisenti of RealLifeLore explained how in September 2024, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke in front of the United Nations General Assembly to propose a new microstate for the Bektashi Order, an Islamic Sufi Tariqa (mystic order), within the borders of its capital city Tirana.
The state is modeled on Vatican City, as it will be solely populated by Bektashi clerics and government officials, although it will be smaller in size, making it the smallest country in the world.
The proposed state is currently the location of the Bektashi World Order Headquarters and will require 2/3 of the Albanian Parliament to agree.
The Bektashi Order put out a statement about the proposed microstate. One of their goals is understanding across different religions.
Additionally, the Order will allow certain individual liberties that are not available in other countries.
Source:laughingsquid.com
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https://laughingsquid.com/bektashi-order-microstate-albania/
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Trudeau accuses India of 'massive mistake' amid diplomatic row
OCTOBER 17, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of making a "massive mistake" that Canada could not ignore if Delhi was behind the death of a Sikh separatist leader last year on Canadian soil.
Trudeau made the comments two days after Canadian officials accused India of being involved in homicides, extortions and other violent acts targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil.
After Canada levelled the accusations on Monday, both countries expelled top envoys and diplomats, ramping up already strained tensions.
India has rejected the allegations as “preposterous”, and accused Trudeau of pandering to Canada’s large Sikh community for political gain.
In his remarks on Wednesday before a public inquiry looking into foreign interference in Canadian politics, the prime minister criticised India's response to the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing in June 2023.
According to Trudeau, he was briefed on the murder later that summer and received intelligence that made it "incredibly clear" that India was involved in the killing.
He said Canada had to take any alleged violation of its sovereignty and the international rule of law seriously.
Mr Nijjar was shot and killed in Surrey, British Columbia. He had been a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, which demands a separate Sikh homeland, and publicly campaigned for it.
At the time, however, Canada's intelligence did not amount to hard evidence or proof, Trudeau told the inquiry.
Police have since charged four Indian nationals over the Mr Nijjar's death.
Trudeau said he had hoped to handle the matter “in a responsible way" that didn't "blow up" the bilateral relationship with a significant trade partner, but that Indian officials rebuffed Canada's requests for assistance into the probe.
"It was clear that the Indian government's approach was to criticise us and the integrity of our democracy," he said.
Shortly after he made the allegations public, saying in that September that Canada had "credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to the murder.
The prime minister also added on Wednesday more detail to further allegations released this week by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The police force took the rare step of publicly disclosing information about multiple ongoing investigations “due to significant threat to public safety” in Canada.
RCMP said on Monday there had been “over a dozen credible and imminent threats to life” which “specifically” focused on members of the pro-Khalistan movement.
Subsequent investigations had led to police uncovering alleged criminal activity orchestrated by government of India agents, according to the RCMP.
Trudeau said the force made the announcement with “a goal of disrupting the chain of activities that was resulting in drive-by shootings, home invasions, violent extortion and even murder" in the South Asian community across Canada.
India has vehemently denied all allegations and maintained that Canada has provided no evidence to support its claims.
The RCMP and national security advisers travelled to Singapore last weekend to meet with Indian officials - a meeting the RCMP said was not fruitful.
Following Monday's allegations from Canadian officials, the UK and US urged India to co-operate with Canada's legal process.
On Wednesday, the British Foreign Office said in a statement that it is in contact with Ottawa "about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada".
The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system,” the statement added.
"The Government of India's cooperation with Canada's legal process is the right next step."
The US, another close Canadian ally, said that India was not co-operating with Canadian authorities as the White House had hoped it would.
“We have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously and we want to see the government of India co-operate with Canada in its investigation," said spokesperson Matthew Miller at a US State Department briefing on Tuesday.
"Obviously, they have not chosen that path.”
Canada's foreign minister, Melanie Joly, has said that Ottawa is in close contact with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance - comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - on the matter.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl73r031xo
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Islamic Heritage Month declared in Airdrie
17 OCTOBER 2024
In 2007, Canadian Parliament proclaimed October as Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC) to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the rich Muslim heritage and contributions to society. IHMC believes that through education and sharing positive stories, all Canadians can grow and connect in the best way possible.
In Airdrie, Mayor Brown has also proclaimed that October 2024 is Islamic Heritage Month to celebrate Islamic Heritage and culture. For this occasion, Airdrie City Hall will be illuminated in green lights on October 18th.
On October 19th Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, will be holding an exhibit at the Airdrie Public Library, on Contributions in sciences, humanities, medicine, astronomy, and other disciplines that have greatly benefited human progress. As well, there will be an “Ask an Imam” feature, where Imam Salman Yousaf will be available to chat and answer any questions related to Islam.
This event is organized to bring communities together and learn from one another.
Source:airdriecityview.com
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https://www.airdriecityview.com/community/islamic-heritage-month-declared-in-airdrie-9664770
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US forces target underground Houthi weapons storage sites in Yemen
October 17, 2024
RIYADH: US military forces conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said early Thursday morning.
In a statement posted on the US Defense Department's website, Austin also said long-range B-2 stealth bombers were used in the airstrikes targeting facilities "housing various weapons components of types that the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region."
"The employment of US Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers demonstrate US global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere," he said.
It wasn’t immediately clear what damage was done in the strikes. However, it is incredibly rare for the B-2 Spirit to be used in the strikes targeting the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
"At the direction of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis' capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and defend US forces and personnel in one of the world's most critical waterways," Austin further said.
His announcement followed a report by the Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV early Thursday claiming US-British air strikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen.
Al Masirah TV said the strikes targeted the capital city of Sanaa and the city of Saada.
The Houthis said that the strikes targeted Sanaa, Dhamar, Hodeidah and Al-Bayda, with residents reporting thick smoke and explosions rocking military bases in targeted areas.
US and British forces have deployed in the Red Sea since the Iran-backed Houthi militia began a drone and missile campaign against commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea, in sympathy with Gazans under attack from Israel.
The attacks forced many shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea and take the longer sea lane passing through the coast of South Africa.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575601/middle-east
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US State Department affirms Israel’s right to target Hezbollah in Lebanon, urges civilian protection
October 16, 2024
WASHINGTON: Israel has a right to target Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah even as it may be hiding in civilian buildings in Lebanon, but should do so in a way that protects civilians, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Wednesday.
Asked at a regular press briefing about an Israeli airstrike that destroyed the municipal headquarters in the southern Lebanon town of Nabatieh that killed 16 people including the mayor, Miller said he could not comment on the specific strike, but “we don’t want to see civilian buildings destroyed.”
“We understand that Hezbollah does operate at times from underneath civilian homes, inside civilian homes. We’ve seen footage that has emerged over the course of the past two weeks of rockets and other military weapons held in civilian homes,” he said.
“Israel does have a right to go after those legitimate targets, but they need to do so in a way that protects civilian infrastructure, protects civilians,” he said.
Washington supports limited incursions by Israel to attack and degrade Hezbollah, but the US opposes a broad bombing campaign on Beirut and attacks that don’t avoid civilian harm, Miller said.
Lebanese officials denounced Wednesday’s attack, which also wounded more than 50 people in Nabatieh, a provincial capital, saying it was proof that Israel’s campaign against the Hezbollah armed group was now shifting to target the Lebanese state.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the strike hit civilians meeting to coordinate relief efforts.
Miller said if Israel intentionally targeted such a meeting that would be “unacceptable,” but said the circumstances would need to be verified.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on a visit to northern Israel near the border, said Israel would not halt its assault on Hezbollah to allow negotiations.
“Hezbollah is in great distress,” he said according to a statement from his office. “We will hold negotiations only under fire. I said this on day one, I said it in Gaza, and I am saying it here.”
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575575/middle-east
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Muslim advocacy group endorses Watson Coleman, Prempeh, other pro-ceasefire congressional candidates
By Joey Fox,
October 16 2024
The Council on American–Islamic Relations Action New Jersey (CAIR Action NJ), a top advocacy group for Muslim Americans in New Jersey, has endorsed a slate of pro-Palestine New Jersey congressional candidates, most of them running under the label of the Green Party or other minor political parties.
Just two major-party candidates made the endorsement list, one of whom is Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), New Jersey’s most vocally pro-Palestine member of Congress by far and the only New Jerseyan to vote against military aid for Israel earlier this year. The other is, somewhat surprisingly, Billy Prempeh, a pro-Trump Republican running in the 9th congressional district to succeed the late Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson).
The group said that its 16 endorsed candidates (in three cases, multiple candidates were endorsed for the same district) will stand for a ceasefire in Gaza, support an arms embargo against Israel, and fight against Islamophobia in Congress.
“This election has far-reaching consequences, especially in state and local races that could be decided by just a few votes,” CAIR Action NJ’s voting guide tells voters. “Your vote is a powerful tool in shaping a future grounded in justice, peace, and equality for all. Use this guide to cast an informed vote that reflects your values, and stand up for a world where human rights are upheld, from Gaza to your local community.”
Also earning the group’s endorsement: the Green Party’s Christina Khalil (U.S. Senate), Robin Brownfield (1st district), Thomas Cannavo (2nd district), Steve Welzer (3rd district), Barry Bendar (4th district), Beau Forte (5th district), Andrew Black (7th district), Christian Robbins (8th district), Benjamin Taylor (9th district), Lily Benavides (11th district), and Kim Meudt (12th district); the Libertarian Party’s Lana Leguía (7th district) and Vic Kaplan (12th district); and independent Fahad Akthar (6th district).
The group also encouraged voters to vote against both major-party presidential candidates, and instead support Jill Stein, Claudia De La Cruz, Joseph Kishore, or Cornel West (who is not on the ballot but can be written in).
A few other congressional candidates, while not earning CAIR Action NJ’s full endorsement, were granted a label of “neutral,” indicating that they “represent a better alternative to candidates who actively harm these causes.” Among the “neutral” candidates are Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, and Democratic Reps. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) and LaMonica McIver (D-Newark).\
Source:newjerseyglobe.com
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ttps://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/muslim-advocacy-group-endorses-watson-coleman-prempeh-other-pro-ceasefire-congressional-candidates/
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CAIR-PA, Emgage to Hold Virtual Muslim Capitol Day Town Hall
October 16, 2024
The Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-PA) and Emgage plan to hold its virtual Muslim Capitol Day town hall on October 23.
During the town hall, community members will have the opportunity to talk to state-level elected officials about their concerns in an interactive session that includes phone banking to key offices to advocate for justice.
WHAT: Virtual Muslim Capitol Day Town Hall
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia; atekelioglu@cair.com; Christine Mohamed, CAIR-Pittsburgh, cmohamed@cair.com
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
Source:cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-pa-emgage-to-hold-virtual-muslim-capitol-day-hall/
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Southeast Asia
Controversial Muslim Preacher Firdaus Wong Removes Conversion Video For Minors From Tiktok Amid Legal Challenge
By Malay Mail
17 Oct 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — Controversial Chinese Muslim preacher Firdaus Wong has removed a TikTok video in which he allegedly provided guidance on the secret conversion of minors.
Malaysiakini reported that his legal representative, Norazali Nordin, as informing the Kuala Lumpur High Court of this development today.
On October 3, Judge Amarjeet Singh had issued an ex-parte injunction to maintain the current situation in an ongoing lawsuit brought by several non-Muslim parents against Firdaus.
The court has now scheduled October 24 for Firdaus’ legal team to argue for the lifting of this injunction.
The parents are seeking a permanent removal of the TikTok video, which allegedly features Firdaus advising children on how to covertly convert to Islam.
In June, the preacher reportedly uploaded a video on TikTok in which he advised an individual on handling conversion requests from teenagers.
The footage allegedly shows Firdaus in a question-and-answer session at an event.
It had initially been misunderstood that the session involved Firdaus advising a teacher, sparking concerns among non-Muslim parents about their children in national schools.
However, it was later clarified that the session involved a writer and TikTok influencer, not a teacher.
Firdaus was allegedly asked what should be done when non-Muslim teenagers express a desire to convert to Islam.
He reportedly suggested that while teenagers should be welcomed to convert, these conversions should not be made public.
He also allegedly offered advice on how they could secretly practise Islam to keep it hidden from others.
Source:malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/17/controversial-muslim-preacher-firdaus-wong-removes-conversion-video-for-minors-from-tiktok-amid-legal-challenge/153895
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Hong Kong Policy Address 2024: Chief Exec. Urges Religious, Language and Catering Support for Muslim Visitors
16 OCTOBER 2024
Chief Executive John Lee has urged Hong Kong’s tourism, food and beverage and taxi sector to provide better religious, language and catering support for Muslim visitors from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The city’s leader was delivering his third Policy Address at the legislature on Wednesday, having sought to shore up business from Middle Eastern and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) states.
Lee said that measures include “providing information at the airport in Arabic and encouraging taxi fleets to provide fleet service information in Arabic; compiling a list of restaurants offering halal food; encouraging more commercial establishments to provide appropriate facilities, such as worship facilities in hotels; and stepping up staff training to strengthen their knowledge on receiving visitors from different cultural backgrounds.”
Last week, Vincent Cheng, a lawmaker with the pro-Beijing DAB, said Hong Kong should set up more prayer rooms at the airport and develop travel guides for Muslims.
Source:malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://hongkongfp.com/2024/10/16/hk-policy-address-2024-chief-exec-john-lee-urges-religious-language-and-catering-support-for-muslim-visitors/
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KL Strike Force targets new prostitution hotspots in Pudu and Loke Yew, Parliament told
17 Oct 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The KL Strike Force, established by the Federal Territories Department, has identified eateries and food courts around Jalan Pudu and Jalan Loke Yew here as the latest hotspots for prostitution activities, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the modus operandi of prostitution syndicates has become increasingly creative, using these premises as fronts to advertise immoral services.
“In the post-pandemic era, the challenge for KL Strike Force is to combat prostitution activities that have shifted from conventional venues to digital platforms. Homestays, hotels and private residences were also used as hubs for such activities.
“In this regard, the government urges the local community to act as ‘watchdogs’ and report these activities to Adu@KL 2.0 or any complaint channels of agencies under the KL Strike Force, simply by using #KLStrikeForce in social media posts,” she said during the question-and-answer session.
She was responding to a question from Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) on reasons for the increase in prostitution activities and fights involving illegal immigrants and the influx of foreign street vendors in Kuala Lumpur despite the establishment of the KL Strike Force.
Dr Zaliha, who is also KL Strike Force advisor, said that since its inception on May 27, the special unit has raided 209 premises in the federal capital linked to prostitution activities.
Through the raids conducted in collaboration with the police and other enforcement agencies, 781 individuals have been arrested, comprising 149 locals and 632 foreigners aged between 18 and 61.
“It’s inaccurate to say there has been no reduction in prostitution cases in Kuala Lumpur as data showed that only 159 raids and 540 arrests were made in 2023, compared to the figures reported as the third quarter of the year,” she said.
She further said that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) led integrated operations targeting foreign business premises, with four operations carried out until September.
“During these operations, 11 business premises were monitored, and four of them were immediately shut down under Section 101(1)(v) of the Local Government Act 1976, as they were fully operated by foreigners,” she said.
Dr Zaliha added that eight series of Special Actions Against Foreign-Owned Business Premises were conducted, with 59 premises monitored until September.
“Of these, 15 premises were immediately closed, 53 offence notices were issued, 22 confiscations were carried out, and 22 investigation papers were opened.
“As for the Special Actions Against Foreign Vendors, 21 operations were conducted until September, resulting in 2,261 confiscation cases around Kuala Lumpur,” she said. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/17/kl-strike-force-targets-new-prostitution-hotspots-in-pudu-and-loke-yew-parliament-told/153927
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Activists and NGOs against Mufti Bill: violates rights of Malaysians, Muslims and non-Muslims
10/16/2024,
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - The controversial bill dubbed the Mufti Bill, presented for second and third reading in the parliamentary session that began on 14 October, undermines the authority and power of Malaysia's ruler (Agong) and harms citizens by binding them to government control, according to lawyer and pro-human rights activist Latheefa Koya, who appealed to all Assembly members to reject the proposed legislation on the Mufti (and federal territories) by a large majority.
The lawmaker rejects without appeal the law that aims to regulate the office of mufti of the federal territories because, according to her, it would end up ‘granting broad powers to an unelected official, but one appointed by a minister, dictating the lives of Muslims and the way they should practise the Islamic faith’.
In her appeal, Latheefa also blamed parliamentarians for remaining silent on the issue for months, since the bill promoted by Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar was first tabled in July.
According to the MP and activist, the bill ‘will effectively create “two main authorities” for Islamic affairs in the federal territories, a mufti in addition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Sultan), who is the head according to the Constitution of Islam in the federal territories and states that a sultan does not rule’ in this matter. In this way, the Mufti becomes ‘the highest authority “next to the Agong” and ends up derogating from the position of the Agong himself as the head of Islam in Malaysia’ as stipulated in Articles 3(5) and 34(1) of the Federal Charter.
The Mufti Bill 2024, as it is known, seeks to define the role and responsibilities of the Mufti in the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya. The duties include advising the king on Shariah rules (Section 4), issuing fatwas (Section 10), fatwa monitoring committees (Section 7), moon sightings (Section 22) and matters relating to Islamic religious education under Section 26.
The bill fuels controversy over adherence to the Sunni denomination and the al-Asyairah and al-Maturidiyah theological schools, is deemed unconstitutional and a threat to individual freedoms and human rights.
Harsh criticism is also voiced by lawyer and activist Siti Kasim, according to whom the law will not only ‘rob Muslims of their constitutional rights, but also those of non-Muslims’ by unduly strengthening Islamic courts (Sharia courts).
Hence the call for a review of the text, to avoid a drift that would end up sinking the country. In this regard, the expert puts forward the example of Lebanon ‘which in the past boasted a population made up of 80% Christians, yet they allowed Muslims to gain a foothold in the country and allowed Islamisation to flourish unchecked’. ‘Be that as it may, this shows,’ he concludes, ’how political Islam is able to conquer a non-Muslim state even in the contemporary era.
In a joint note, a coalition of 14 NGOs from the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak states that if passed, the bill would ‘effectively sideline the constitutional monarchy, secular government and secular parliamentary democracy’ at the heart of the country. Activist Peter John Jaban, founder of Saya Anak Sarawak (Sas), said the Mufti Bill is also ‘opposed’ by Muslims who fear ‘a more explicit sectarian turn’ favouring one community in particular. Jaabn also warned that the politicisation of ideologies ‘will foster intolerance and radicalism by promoting dehumanising values and undermine democracy’.
The Minister for Religious Affairs takes a different view, according to which the law includes provisions on the role of the muftis, on Islamic rulings and doctrines, and on issues related to federal territories, but does not affect the freedoms and rights of Muslims and non-Muslims.
Words that do not convince experts and former high-ranking government officials, including former Justice Minister Zaid Ibrahim, who emphasises peremptorily: ‘What is so bad about the proposed law on the Mufti? It transforms or converts into law a fatwa, traditionally considered in Islamic jurisprudence only as an advisory opinion'.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Activists-and-NGOs-against-Mufti-Bill%3A-violates-rights-of-Malaysians%2C-Muslims-and-non-Muslims-61715.html#google_vignette
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Mideast
Islamic and Christian Spiritual Summit In Peace Push Amid Continued Israeli Massacres In Southern Lebanon
NAJIA HOUSSARI
October 16, 2024
BEIRUT: Islamic and Christian spiritual authorities in Lebanon have called unanimously for “the immediate and full implementation of Resolution 1701,” which includes supporting the Lebanese army, enhancing its capabilities to defend the country, and ensuring its widespread deployment south of the Litani River and across all Lebanese territories.
The summit took place on Wednesday at the Maronite Patriarchate headquarters in Bkerke amidst escalating Israeli attacks and included Shiite representatives, despite previous differences between the sect and Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi over Lebanon’s neutrality and Hezbollah’s weapons.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon was praised for “remaining at their positions despite unjustified Israeli harassment and warnings aimed at removing any witnesses to the brutal massacres Israel is committing against our nation.”
In its closing statement, it added: “Solutions for Lebanon will only, and must only, come through comprehensive national solutions.
“These solutions should be based on adherence to the Lebanese constitution, the Taif Agreement, the Lebanese state, its unified authority, its free decision-making, and its responsible role in protecting the nation, national sovereignty, and its responsibilities toward its people, ensuring their security, stability, and prosperity.”
The summit stressed the need for “reforming constitutional institutions, especially for parliament to immediately begin the election of a president who enjoys the trust of all Lebanese, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, with as much understanding and consensus as possible, based on a collective Lebanese will, adhering to the spirit of the National Pact, prioritizing the national interest, and surpassing external interests.”
It also called on the government to “fully assume its responsibilities and to cooperate with parliament according to the Constitution, to mobilize the efforts of Arab brothers and the many friends around the world, to contribute with the Lebanese in saving Lebanon.”
Parallel to the summit, Israeli attacks and confrontations continued along the border.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced a case of cholera 01 in a Lebanese woman in the Akkar region As a result, the national cholera plan and containment measures were being deployed.
Some 1.2 million people have been displaced from the south, Bekaa and Beirut’s southern suburb as a result of the war, moving toward central and northern Lebanon. Hundreds are without shelter, sleeping outdoors or in their cars.
Israeli airstrikes have targeted the southern suburb of Beirut — specifically the uninhabited area of Haret Hreik — following a week-long cessation of such attacks. It came after a warning to evacuate residential buildings was issued by Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee on social media, claiming the raids “targeted, with precise intelligence guidance from the Military Intelligence Service, a strategic weapons depot for Hezbollah that was stored in an underground warehouse in the southern suburb.”
Airstrikes targeted the city of Nabatieh, 56 km from Beirut, unleashing a series of missiles that destroyed the municipal building.
At the time, the mayor, council members and administrative personnel were organizing humanitarian aid for displaced people in the region. The attack left six people dead, including Mayor Dr. Ahmad Kahil, and 43 injured.
Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said it was “a message to the world that remains deliberately silent on the crimes of the occupation, which encourages it to persist in its transgressions and crimes.”
He added: “If all the countries in the world are unable to deter a blatant aggression against the Lebanese people, what is the point of turning to the Security Council to demand a ceasefire? What can possibly dissuade the enemy from committing atrocities that have escalated to the point of targeting peacekeeping forces in the south? What solution can be anticipated in light of this reality?”
The UN’s special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called for “the protection of civilians at all times.”
She said “violations of international humanitarian law are entirely unacceptable. It is imperative that all concerned parties immediately cease hostilities and pave the way for diplomatic solutions.”
Media reports indicated that Israel had captured three additional members of Hezbollah after initially detaining four on Tuesday. This was not confirmed by the organization.
Airstrikes on the town of Qana at dawn left three people dead and 54 more injured. The Ministry of Health confirmed rescuers were working to clear rubble in an effort to reach those trapped beneath it, while an infant who was found still alive had been taken to hospital.
Mourners and rescue teams in cemeteries in Jouya were also targeted by airstrikes as they tried to buy the victims of previous attacks, resulting in additional injuries.
Direct confrontations between the Israeli army and Hezbollah continued along the routes of Taybeh, Rab El-Thalathine, Markaba, Hula, Ramya, Aita Al-Shaab, and Qaouzah.
Shebaa also experienced heavy artillery shelling, prompting the intervention of the Lebanese Red Cross to evacuate several elderly individuals who insisted on remaining in the town rather than relocating to Hasbaya.
The Israeli army reported 13 injured soldiers along the Lebanese front in the past 24 hours. A statement said: “Israeli naval forces attacked dozens of Hezbollah terrorist targets, in cooperation with the fighters on the ground.”
Meanwhile, it also waged psychological warfare by calling civilians directly.
The Ghandour Hospital in Nabatieh Al-Fawqa, which closed some years ago, received warnings to evacuate after hosting displaced people from border villages. A man driving his car on the coast ride in Sidon was also prompted to flee his vehicle after he received a call.
Six people were wounded in airstrikes on the town of Yammoune, while Israeli drones flew at low altitude over the Lebanese-Syrian border area in Hermel in an attempt to prevent the reopening of crossings shelled in previous attacks.
Hezbollah announced a series of targets on the Israeli side, including Safed, the Yeftah settlement and Israeli army artillery positions in Dalton, Dishon and Misgav Am.
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that two Israelis were wounded after five Lebanese rockets struck the yard of a house in Safed.
The Israeli army said 50 missiles had been launched from Lebanon toward the north of the country at dawn, some of which were intercepted.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575561/middle-east
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Pezeshkian urges Muslims to ‘act as one’ against Israel in call with Omani Sultan
October 16, 2024
He expressed appreciation for Oman's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for greater unity among Muslim nations in addressing these issues.
"If Muslim countries act as one, the Zionist regime will not dare to commit violations so easily, nor will the U.S. and Western countries be able to support it," Pezeshkian stated.
The Iranian president reiterated Tehran's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Muscat, emphasizing that Oman's relationship is a top priority for the Islamic Republic. He highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation with neighboring states.
"Strengthening friendly and amicable relations between regional countries, and expanding regional cooperation, guarantee a shared vision and language to solve our region's problems," Pezeshkian explained. "This also provides a platform for collective development, promoting the welfare, peace, and comfort of our nations."
Sultan bin Tariq reciprocated Iran's sentiment, praising Tehran's stance on regional issues, including the situations in Gaza and Lebanon. He stressed the need for Western countries to abandon their double standards when addressing these conflicts.
Oman's unwavering support for the rights of the oppressed people of Gaza and Lebanon remains a priority, the Sultan emphasized, stating, "Oman has always maintained that the continued support by Western countries for Israel's crimes is neither acceptable nor justified in any way."
Israel’s military campaign in the region has so far claimed over 42,000 lives in Gaza and more than 2,000 in Lebanon. Aside from countries considered part of the Axis of Resistance, the rest of the Islamic Ummah has yet to take any decisive action against Tel Aviv. Analysts say the impotence and inaction of most Muslim states greenlight further atrocities by Zionists.
Source:tehrantimes.com
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https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/505104/Pezeshkian-urges-Muslims-to-act-as-one-against-Israel-in-call
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Islamic Jihad condemns German statements justifying killing of Palestinian civilians
16 Oct 2024
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine has strongly condemned German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's statements justifying the Zionist enemy killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza to protect itself.
The movement argues that these statements cover up the crimes of the occupying entity that targets civilians and provide an unethical justification for the indiscriminate attacks that claim innocent lives and destroy vital infrastructure.
The movement also rejects claims that civilian sites lose their protected status merely because the enemy alleges the presence of armed elements without conclusive evidence of their direct use in military operations.
The movement calls for the German government to reconsider its policies towards supporting the occupying entity and follow the lead of other European countries that have announced a halt to supplying weapons.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3384487.htm
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Israeli strike targets Syria’s Latakia, fires break out, state media reports
October 17, 2024
CAIRO: An Israeli strike targeting Syria’s Mediterranean port city of Latakia early on Thursday resulted in fires breaking out there, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
Firefighters are working on extinguishing the fires, SANA added.
Syrian state television reported the country’s air defenses had confronted Israeli targets over Latakia.
Israel has been carrying out strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years, but has ramped up such raids since last year’s Oct. 7 attack by armed group Hamas on Israeli territory.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575600/middle-east
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Netanyahu says ‘state-of-the-art’ Russian weapons found in Lebanon
October 17, 2024
PARIS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a French newspaper that Israeli forces had found “state-of-the-art” Russian weapons in searches of Hezbollah bases in south Lebanon.
Netanyahu highlighted to Le Figaro newspaper, in an interview released Wednesday, that under a 2006 UN Security Council resolution only the Lebanese army was allowed to have weapons south of the country’s key Litani river.
“However, in this area, Hezbollah has dug hundreds of tunnels and caches, where we have just found a quantity of state-of-the-art Russian weapons,” the French article quoted Netanyahu as saying.
The Washington Post, quoting Israeli officials, has reported that Russian and Chinese anti-tank weapons had been found in Israel’s raids inside Lebanon since it escalated its conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah last month.
The Israeli army did not immediately respond to an AFP question about the prime minister’s comments.
Israel says the aim of its military campaign against Hezbollah is to make the region safe so that about 60,000 evacuated residents of northern Israel can return to their homes.
Many left their homes because of cross-border shelling between Israel and Hezbollah after the launch of the Gaza war on October 7 last year.
“A new civil war in Lebanon would be a tragedy. It is certainly not our aim to provoke one. Israel does not intend to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs,” Netanyahu told Le Figaro.
“Our only aim is to allow our citizens living along the Lebanon frontier to go home and feel safe,” he added.
Hezbollah and Israel fought a gradually mounting artillery duel after the Hamas attacks on Israel set off the Gaza war.
Since Israel started raids on Hezbollah, at least 1,373 people have died in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures. The real toll is likely higher.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575586/middle-east
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Why Syria’s Assad regime must toe a fine line as Israel-Iran tensions escalate
ROBERT EDWARDS
October 16, 2024
LONDON: Over the past year, the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad has been at pains to avoid direct involvement in Gaza and Lebanon, despite its informal alliance with Hamas and Hezbollah and professed support for their cause against Israel, not to mention the deadly Israeli strikes on Iranian military assets on Syrian territory.
Crippled by 13 years of civil war, international isolation, and economic weakness, this might seem a prudent move. Intervening in either conflict could invite a devastating retaliation from Israel and drag the country into a wider regional war.
However, Assad’s absence from the battlefield has raised questions about his role within the so-called Axis of Resistance — the loose network of Iran-backed Arab proxies that includes Hamas and Hezbollah — and, by extension, his reliability as an ally of the Islamic Republic.
Ever since Iran came to Assad’s rescue in 2011-12 when an armed uprising threatened his rule, Syria has effectively been a vassal of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, used as a land bridge to deliver weapons to Hezbollah, making it a favored target for the Israeli military.
The attacks have become more frequent since the wars in Gaza and along the Israel-Lebanon border erupted in October last year — the most significant being the April 1 strike on the Iranian Embassy annex in Damascus that killed multiple high-level IRGC commanders.
“Israel has been striking alleged Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets in Syria for years, but the pace of Israeli strikes has increased since 2023,” Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International, told Arab News.
“With the war in Gaza and now also the invasion of Lebanon, Israel has adopted a much more aggressive posture against Syria. Israeli jets strike with regularity and impunity, and the Syrians are just soaking it up. They can’t do much to stop it and are probably afraid to try, for fear of further escalation.”
While Lund highlights Israel’s intensifying air campaign in Syria, Karam Shaar, a political economist and non-resident senior fellow at Newlines Institute, points to a deeper concern driving the Syrian regime’s inaction.
He suggests that Assad’s reluctance to retaliate against these Israeli strikes stems from his regime’s vulnerability.
“It knows that the Israelis might actually just topple it altogether,” Shaar told Arab News. “All it needs is a nudge for it to just come down crashing.”
Although it has enjoyed years of Russian and Iranian support, the Syrian Arab Army is today a shadow of its former self — ground down by more than a decade of underinvestment and fighting with armed opposition groups.
According to Randa Slim, director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., Syria is in no position to withstand a major Israeli offensive.
“The Assad regime is weak and cannot afford to get entangled in another war at the moment,” she told Arab News. “His army is weak, with major parts of the country outside his control. His two principal allies, Russia and Iran, cannot come to his defense at this time in case Israel decides it is time to mount a major attack on Syria akin to what is taking place in Lebanon.”
Elaborating on the point, she said: “Moscow is entangled in a protracted war against Ukraine. Tehran has its own problems to contend with domestically and is facing a potential war with Israel and the US. Assad’s modus operandi for now is to avoid getting entangled in the Axis of Resistance war against Israel.”
Some experts have suggested that in the case of Gaza, it is not just Syria’s military weakness that is likely preventing a meaningful contribution: Assad’s relationship with Hamas has been sour since 2011 when the Palestinian militant group sided with the Syrian uprising against his rule.
“The relationship between Hamas and the regime is bad and has been bad since 2011, since Hamas stood in support of the Syrian revolution,” Jihad Yazigi, editor in chief of The Syria Report, told Arab News.
In the case of Lebanon, the Syrian regime’s ability to project any kind of influence is a far cry from the days before 2011 when its forces exerted considerable control from within Lebanon itself.
“Remember that before 2005, it was the Syrian army that was in Lebanon,” said Yazigi. “From there, it had a say in Lebanese affairs and to an extent on Palestinian ones. Since 2011, it’s (Lebanon’s) Hezbollah that’s been on Syrian territory.”
The consensus view of experts is that, far from playing the role of a regional kingmaker, Assad’s primary concern today is maintaining power. At the same time, just as he is reliant on Iran and Hezbollah to guarantee his survival, the IRGC and its proxies are also highly dependent on continued access to Syrian territory.
“Hezbollah has no other choice but Syria as far as their strategic depth is concerned,” said Slim.
“They need Assad’s acquiescence to maintain their Iranian weapons supply route through Syrian territory as well as to use some of the regime’s weapons production facilities in Syria to manufacture parts for their weapons.
“Given Israel’s unrelenting attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, Damascus is also the only place where Hezbollah and the IRGC can meet and coordinate their activities.”
The secular Syrian regime’s relationship with Iran and its Shiite and Sunni proxies has long been described as a marriage of convenience, underpinned by overlapping interests rather than ideological affinity. Some think Assad may very well sell out his axis allies if a better offer comes along.
“Hezbollah has long realized that Assad is neither a dependable nor a trustworthy ally,” Slim told Arab News. “He has always toyed with the idea of striking an agreement with Israel. In 2006, in the midst of Israel’s war on Lebanon, he authorized an indirect communication channel with Tel Aviv.
“Despite their reservations about his loyalty, they sent men and weapons in support of the Assad regime in 2011-12 primarily because they could not afford to lose this ‘strategic depth’ if the Assad regime were to be replaced by an anti-Iranian, Sunni-majority government in Damascus.”
Although Syria’s role in Lebanese and Palestinian affairs has effectively shifted over the years from active participant to passive supporter, this does not mean the Assad regime has shirked responsibility altogether.
“Even in this weakened state and despite the risks, the Syrian government does seem to be providing support for Hezbollah,” said Lund of Century International.
“Damascus has allowed Hezbollah and Iran to train and equip themselves on Syrian territory, and Syrian state institutions offer medical care and other services to Hezbollah fighters.
“Many of the heavy rockets that Hezbollah recently began firing on Israel are Syrian in origin, although we don’t know when they were provided.”
Having been rescued by Iran and Hezbollah, Assad may have been expected by his benefactors to do far more to support his axis allies — at the very least as a sign of gratitude. It appears, however, that they recognized his limitations early on in the conflict.
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s late secretary-general, said as much shortly before he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Sept. 27.
“It seems that Iran and Hezbollah have, so far, agreed on a more passive role for Syria,” Armenak Tokmajyan, a nonresident scholar at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, told Arab News.
“Just weeks before his death, Nasrallah said that ‘Syria is not required to enter the fighting because of its internal circumstances,’ adding that Syria should take on a supportive role.
“The pattern of Israeli strikes in Syria suggests that Syria is indeed playing this supportive role, such as allowing Hezbollah to store weapons on its territory.
“However, a more active involvement would likely attract unwanted Israeli attention, posing a significant risk to Assad’s regime.”
The expectation that he must feel eternally indebted to Iran and Hezbollah for rescuing his regime may also be an indignity too far for Assad, according to some analysts who also believe that Israeli pressure on his allies may offer just the opportunity he has been waiting for to extricate himself from Iran’s sphere of influence.
“Assad hopes that Iran and its militias will weaken after this war,” Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat who defected from the regime in mid-2013, told Arab News, suggesting that Assad might already be quietly double-crossing the axis.
“He anticipates that Arab countries will reward him for his stance against Hezbollah and Iran by supporting the economy and reopening diplomatic channels to restore his relationships with the Arab and Western worlds.
“A significant question arises regarding how Iran would respond if it realizes that Assad has betrayed it.
Although there is ongoing discussion about the possibility of Syria moving away from Iran and closer to the Arab states, Yazigi of The Syria Report believes the Assad dynasty’s ability to distance themselves from Tehran remains limited.
“The Iranian-Syrian relationship is very important. We don’t realize it enough,” he said.
“They have had ties since the late 1970s, early 1980s. Even before Hezbollah was created, you had a strategic alliance between Syria and Iran, which dates back to the Iran-Iraq war and the Islamic Revolution. So, it is not even clear how confident and how capable Bashar is to depart too much from the Iranians.
“The other aspect is if you want to build back ties with the Arab regimes, departing from the Iranians is a good thing, it’s a starter, but it’s not enough. Assad has shown a lot of difficulties making the required concessions to gain more funding from the Arabs, to make a peace deal with the Turks.”
Despite Assad’s readmission to the Arab League in 2023, one sore point that has hindered progress on the restoration of trust and economic ties is his perceived failure to crack down on the production and smuggling of narcotics, particularly Captagon, which appears to have become a valuable source of income for the sanctions-squeezed regime.
Avoiding active involvement in Gaza and Lebanon may help preserve the Assad regime in the short term, but Syria’s dire economic situation remains an existential threat.
The arrival of hundreds of thousands of people displaced from Lebanon, the bulk of them Syrians who had previously fled the civil war in their own country, could also exacerbate Syria’s internal instability.
Even though the majority are women and children, “Assad completely rejects the return of refugees, viewing them as his enemies from whom he wishes to distance himself,” Barabandi, the former Syrian diplomat, told Arab News.
For his part, Yazigi says that population movements have played a role in the past in destabilizing Syria, comparing the current situation to the wave of returnees from Lebanon following the killing of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2005.
“If the uprising began in 2011, it is due to many factors, one of them is the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrian workers from Lebanon after the assassination of Hariri and the withdrawal of the Syrian army,” he said.
“The Syrians faced a lot of anti-Syrian acts in Lebanon, which led to hundreds of thousands of people returning and staying in Syria without a job.
“Of course, the situation has completely changed since then. Everybody is exhausted, and nobody has in mind in Syria to do anything in the form of an uprising. But it is a (potential) factor of destabilization.”
Despite Assad’s passive support for the Axis of Resistance, some say keeping him in power in his enfeebled state likely serves Israeli and US interests far better than the alternative — regime change and all its associated chaos.
“To date, Israel has found Assad a reliable enemy,” said Slim. “They have him now at a position that serves their interests: a weak ruler over a divided and bankrupt country.”
Ultimately, Syria’s limited role in the ongoing regional turmoil reflects Assad’s delicate balancing act — caught between the competing demands of regional powers, economic weakness and the need to preserve his own regime.
“There’s no doubt that Assad is grappling with multiple challenges on various fronts,” said Tokmajyan.
“A displacement crisis that brings social and economic pressures at home, while also reducing remittances from Lebanon; the loss of an important economic lifeline in Lebanon; an ally in Hezbollah, whose capabilities are being eroded; the risk of being dragged into a war.
“All of this comes on top of Syria’s existing economic troubles. But will this lead to a revolt or the regime’s collapse? It’s hard to say. Assad has proven to be resilient so far.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Barzani and Erdogan meet as Ankara weighs in on Kurdish peace talks
MENEKSE TOKYAY
October 16, 2024
ANKARA: Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday.
The visit, just days before the KRG parliamentary elections on Oct. 20, coincided with heated debates within Turkiye after President Erdogan recently hinted at the possibility of a new Kurdish peace process.
“We are always ready to resolve issues through non-terrorist methods,” he said.
On Oct. 1, in a surprising move, the leader of Turkey’s nationalist MHP party, Devlet Bahceli, shook hands and spoke briefly with pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party deputies at the Turkish parliament’s opening ceremony.
From his side, Barzani’s visit also marks a further step in his ongoing efforts to persuade the authorities to lift a flight ban on Sulaymaniya International Airport in Iraq which has been in place since April 2023.
Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at the London-based international affairs think tank Chatham House, said the Kurdistan Democratic Party remained Turkiye’s closest ally, not only in Iraqi Kurdistan but across Iraq’s political landscape.
“Within the KDP, Nechirvan Barzani is the most attuned to Ankara’s priorities, understanding the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties,” Dalay told Arab News.
Ahead of Iraq’s regional elections, Ankara appears to favor the KDP over the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which has closer affiliations with the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party.
“The PUK aligns more with factions connected to the PKK, while the KDP positions itself as an adversary to the militant group. Turkiye seeks a stronger KDP presence, viewing it as a pragmatic partner in the region’s complex equation,” Dalay said, adding any progress on the Kurdish issue would require Ankara to have a well-crafted regional Kurdish policy, in which the KDP could play an important role.
Barzani’s trip to Turkiye comes six months after Erdogan visited Baghdad and Erbil.
“Nechirvan Barzani is a regional leader who frequently engages with Turkiye. On March 1, he met with President Erdogan on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and they met again during Erdogan’s visit to Erbil on April 22,” Mehmet Alaca, a Turkiye-based expert on Iraq, told Arab News.
Experts suggest Barzani could play a crucial mediating role in any revived Kurdish peace process. Previously, the ruling Justice and Development Party took steps towards this in 2013-2015, but this failed. It was followed by an intense armed conflict in the southeast of Turkiye, with PKK offshoots in Syria expanding their territories amid the civil war there.
Alaca said Barzani’s latest visit was particularly significant given the ongoing discussions about a Kurdish peace initiative in Turkiye and the upcoming KRG elections.
“The role of Iraqi Kurdish leaders as mediators during past Kurdish peace efforts is well-documented. In this context, it is likely that the PKK’s presence in northern Iraq and the Kurdish peace initiative stand as key topics during the visit,” he said.
Alaca also suggested that Barzani, as a conciliatory figure, could put pressure on the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan over its relationship with the PKK, given Turkiye’s longstanding concerns about these ties.
“Barzani could act as a mediator or take the initiative on this issue,” he said.
He added that Ankara valued the political role of Iraqi Turkmens in the KRG, pointing out a Turkmen minister was appointed to the last cabinet under pressure from Turkiye: “Such matters could also be part of the discussions.”
Meanwhile, the stalled oil pipeline, shut down in March 2023, is a prominent issue on the bilateral agenda.
“Ankara has expressed its readiness to reopen the pipeline but has urged Erbil and Baghdad to resolve their differences. With relations between Ankara and Baghdad on the upswing, the KRG may look to Turkiye to help persuade the Iraqi government on the matter,” Alaca explained.
He added the visit reinforced Turkiye’s support for the more moderate Nechirvan Barzani block within the KDP, as opposed to the nationalist bloc led by his rival, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
Dr. Bilgay Duman, coordinator of Iraq studies at the Ankara-based ORSAM think tank, thinks Barzani and the KDP are seeking support with the looming KRG parliamentary elections.
“The KDP has been under significant pressure recently, facing mounting challenges from both Baghdad and the PUK,” he told Arab News.
“The party is also struggling to secure the backing it once had from the West and the US, with the upcoming US elections in November adding to the uncertainty. In this context, Turkiye emerges as the safest and most reliable ally. This visit should be interpreted with that in mind.”
Experts note that key issues such as the continuation of oil exports, easing tensions with Baghdad, and counterterrorism efforts are likely on the bilateral agenda, but the emphasis now is on getting diplomatic support for the KDP on the regional landscape.
“Just yesterday, KDP President Masoud Barzani held a major rally at (an) election campaign event in Erbil, a city of strategic importance for Turkiye. Although it is too early to predict how negotiations with the PUK might unfold, it seems clear that the KDP may not secure enough seats to form a government on its own, potentially requiring a rebalancing of the KDP-PUK power dynamics,” Duman said.
“Although Turkiye does not have a direct preference, Nechirvan Barzani’s relationship with Turkiye stands out as particularly significant for the upcoming government formation processes.”
The lifting of the flight ban Duman doesn’t expect the lifting of the flight ban on Sulaymaniya International Airport any time soon, he added, as that would largely depend on the PUK’s stance toward the PKK; the ban’s main objective was to curb PKK activity in the region.
Meanwhile, Turkiye has stepped up cross-border operations against the PKK, focusing since mid-June on areas with a heightened risk of PKK militancy such as Duhok province in northern Iraq.
In terms of joint counterterrorism efforts, Duman said Turkiye had already established a tripartite strategic mechanism within the Ankara-Baghdad-Erbil triangle that included intelligence sharing with Erbil, along with the establishment of a joint coordination and operations center.
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UNIFIL says Israeli tank fired at peacekeepers watchtower in Lebanon
October 16, 2024
CAIRO: The UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its peacekeepers at a position near southern Lebanon’s Kfar Kela observed an Israeli Merkava tank firing at their watchtower on Wednesday morning.
Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged, the UNIFIL said in its statement.
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Sunni parliamentary leaders meet to discuss Speaker election
2024-10-16
Shafaq News/ A political source reported, on Wednesday, that the leaders of six Sunni parliamentary blocs held a meeting to discuss several laws up for approval in the Iraqi Parliament, with a focus on the General Amnesty Law and the election of the Speaker of Parliament.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that the leaders of the Sunni blocs Taqaddum, Al-Jamaheer Al-Wataniya, Al-Sadara, Al-Mashroo' Al-Watani, Hasm, and Al-Mubadara, which collectively represent 55 out of approximately 70 Sunni MPs, convened to discuss the general political situation and significant laws currently under consideration in Parliament.
The meeting also addressed the issue of electing a new Speaker of Parliament, a position that remains vacant following a ruling by the Federal Court on November 14, 2023, which terminated the membership of former Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi. A week later, the Iraqi Parliament formally ended Al-Halbousi's membership.
Despite holding several sessions to select a successor, Parliament has yet to resolve this issue. Al-Halbousi’s bloc, Taqaddum, insists on retaining the position as an electoral entitlement, as it represents the largest Sunni parliamentary bloc. However, other Sunni blocs argue that the Speaker’s role is a right for the entire Sunni community, not just one political faction.
Sunni parliamentary and political forces continue to emphasize the importance of passing the General Amnesty Law, a stance opposed by some Shiite factions due to concerns that it could lead to the release of detainees accused of terrorism-related charges.
Notably, the General Amnesty Law is a key condition set by the Sunni blocs during negotiations for forming the "State Administration" coalition. This coalition, which includes the Shia "Coordination Framework" as well as Kurdish and Sunni blocs, led to the formation of the current government headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Officials have clarified that amendments to the General Amnesty Law will exclude terrorists and individuals involved in specific crimes such as human trafficking, drug offenses, threats to national and public security, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds.
Source:shafaq.com
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Pakistan
SCO moot: Indian FM Jaishankar lauds Pakistan's 'hospitality, courtesies'
By Web Desk
October 16, 2024
Highly impressed and heartened by the warm welcome he received throughout his stay in Islamabad, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and the government for the “hospitality and courtesies” during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Jaishankar, who attended the SCO moot held in Islamabad, was the first foreign minister of the neighbouring nation to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade.
Hours after the conclusion of the two-day regional huddle, Jaishankar wrote on his X handle: “Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM @CMShehbaz , DPM & FM @MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies.”
Reacting to his X post, FM Dar thanked his Indian counterpart Jaishankar for his “kind message and participation” in the 23rd meeting of the SCO-CHG meeting.
“Pakistan was honoured to host SCO Member States in Islamabad,” he added.
Meanwhile, sources told Geo News that FM Dar and his Indian counterpart Jaishankar had a brief exchange during the lunch hosted for the leaders attending the SCO summit.
The sources, however, said the details of the discussions between the top officials cannot be revealed at this time.
Speaking about the Indian FM visit to Pakistan in nearly 10 years, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar termed it an "ice breaker".
"Neither us nor them requested for a bilateral meeting... but I believe his arrival here is an ice breaker," AFP quoted the information minister as saying.
"Yesterday, when all the leaders were being welcomed and there were handshakes, I think positive images were sent out globally."
Indian FM Jaishankar and PM Shehbaz greeted each other with a handshake and sombre expressions at the start of an official dinner for the visiting leaders of the SCO bloc on Tuesday.
Relations between India and Pakistan have been particularly sour since 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the limited autonomy of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Jaishankar, in another X post, said that a productive meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government concluded in Islamabad today.
“Signed eight outcome documents. India made a positive and constructive contribution to the deliberations.”
Jaishankar calls for self-accountability for 'lack of trust'
Earlier today, addressing the moot, Indian FM Jaishankar felicitated Islamabad on assuming the SCO chairmanship and said that New Delhi's full support to make its presidency successful.
Underscoring the need to have an honest discussion, Jaishankar called for self-accountability for the existence of a lack of trust, friendship and principles of good neighbourliness.
Saying that the world was moving towards a multi-polar system, the Indian FM noted that globalisation has created opportunities in trade, investment, communication, and other areas of cooperation which can result in regional development if it is taken advantage of.
"[Our] cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty and be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas," said the Indian dignitary.
"If activities like cross-border terrorism, extremism and separatism continue, it will become difficult to promote trade and communication at the public level," he added while accentuating that one should think about how much nations can benefit if the situation was different.
Furthermore, the Indian minister, while expressing his views on industrial cooperation, said that collaboration in the said domain could enhance competitiveness and expand labour markets.
Noting that joint efforts could promote resource mobilisation and investments, he was of the view that the business community would benefit from larger networks.
"There are vast opportunities for cooperation in environmental protection and climate change initiatives," said the FM.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Police Deny BNP-M Chief Akthar Mengal’s Claim of Raid at Islamabad Lodges
By Web Desk
October 17, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, venting his fury over alleged mistreatment of some of his party members, claimed his Islamabad lodges had been raided.
The BNP-M chief shared a media report about the police raid at his Islamabad lodges, a claim Islamabad Police refuted later.
Whereas, in a Wednesday night post on X, Mengal claimed his party senator, Naseema Ehsan, was confined to her apartment and her son had been kidnapped.
Meanwhile, BNP-M Acting President Sajid Tareen said he was currently staying at Sardar Mengal's apartment where Islamabad Police came and told him that they had received intelligence reports against residents of the apartment.
Terming it a method of harassment, Tareen said he told the police to inform those who gave them the tip to come and talk to him.
The politico said he was making efforts to make sure that the party senators voted for the constitutional package as per the party position without coming under any pressure.
“I am not afraid of such tactics. Their problem is that I am trying my best to ensure that the party senators do not come under any pressure while voting for the Constitutional Court Package and maintain their party's position,” he added.
On the other hand, the Islamabad Police spokesperson said they did not raid the Mengal’s flat, rather they went to take further information regarding the BNP acting president’s complaint that someone was following him.
“Police's arrival at Akhtar Mengal's flat has been painted as a raid, which is not true,” said the spokesperson.
Earlier, in a statement Mengal had said he resigned from the assembly because of how they treated Balochistan.
Despite this, they continued to harass his two senators and families, he said, adding his only remaining option was to ask the senators to step down. "You’ve left us with no other path."
On September 3, the disgruntled politician had tendered his resignation from the lower house of parliament over the "worsening situation" of his province, declaring no confidence in the state, the president and the prime minister.
"I announce my resignation from the Assembly today [Tuesday]. I made this decision after witnessing the situation of Balochistan," he said during the NA’s session.
Regretting that he could not do anything for the people of the province, the politician said they had not been given the right to rule for a year and that he had a lack of trust in the whole system.
"People are not interested in the issues of Balochistan and every time this issue is raised, we face a blackout," he had said. "This assembly does not listen to us, what's the point of sitting here?"
Source:thenews.com.pk
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26th constitutional amendment: Political huddle agrees on judicial reforms, says Fazl
By Usman Bhatti
October 17, 2024
Key political figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, gathered at the Sharif family's Jati Umra residence in Lahore on Wednesday and reached a consensus on the judicial reforms while discussing the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
President Zardari and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl visited PML-N President Nawaz Sharif’s residence to attend the dinner hosted in honour of the political leaders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab and JUI-F’s Maulana Asad Mahmood were among the attendees of the important sitting.
Fazl, Bilawal, and Dar talked to the media following late-night consultations on the constitutional package.
Maulana Fazl announced that a consensus had been reached on judicial reforms, adding that further consultations will continue on other proposals as well.
The JUI-F chief also said that he would meet with the PTI leadership after he reached Islamabad, adding that their input will be incorporated into the constitutional amendment.
Fazl reiterated his stance, saying that his party previously rejected the initial amendment which still stands rejected today.
He underscored the importance of addressing major issues through comprehensive discussions.
"If we engage in detailed dialogue on key matters, both the country and the Constitution will be safeguarded," he stressed.
Bilawal expressed his gratitude to Maulana Fazlur Rehman and remarked that the PPP and the JUI-F had already agreed and today, three political parties have reached a consensus.
"We seek the supremacy of the Constitution through constitutional courts and demand swift justice," he noted.
The PPP leader further noted, "At an appropriate time, we will ensure the proposed amendment is passed by both Houses of Parliament."
Ishaq Dar also confirmed, "The three parties have agreed on the judicial reforms in constitutional amendment. And, consensus will be achieved on other proposed amendments in the coming days."
A day earlier, the PPP and the JUI-F reached an agreement on a draft for proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
Maulana Fazl announced the development in a joint presser with the PPP chief, saying the consensus was achieved after extensive deliberations between the two parties.
He praised Bilawal Bhutto for playing a crucial role in bringing the parties together on this issue.
Maulana had also announced meeting the PML-N president and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to build wider support for the amendment.
Talking to media persons, Bilawal also hoped for evolving a broader consensus on the matter, saying the details of the joint draft would be revealed later.
The constitutional package, among other things, aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years.
Last month, the coalition government made a futile attempt to pass a ‘closely-guarded’ constitutional package amid speculation about a potential extension in the tenure of CJP Qazi Faez Isa.
However, the government failed to even table the amendments in parliament after the JUI-F chief refused to support the government's judicial package, leaving the contentious amendments hanging in the balance.
To pass the constitutional amendments, the government needs a two-thirds majority in parliament, with sources claiming that it was short of 13 votes in the National Assembly (NA) and nine in the Senate.
NA, Senate sessions summoned today
The federal government has summoned separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate on October 17 (today) — the very next day of the Shangai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit as the ruling coalition stepped up its efforts to introduce a much touted constitutional package in parliament.
President Asif Ali Zardari summoned the session of National Assembly on October 17 (Thursday) at 4:00 pm, while that of Senate on October 17 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm, the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release on Wednesday.
The coalition government has left no stone unturned to evolve consensus on its controversial 'constitutional package' with all political parties regularly holding meetings of the special parliamentary committee — a body led by PPP MNA Syed Khursheed Shah — to debate the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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PM reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to strengthen ties with Russia
By APP
October 16, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in the areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.
During a cordial and substantive meeting at the Prime Minister's House on the margins of the 23rd SCO CHG meeting, both prime ministers discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the last two decades, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
PM Shehbaz fondly recalled his first foreign visit to Moscow, expressing a desire to transform these warm memories into a lasting friendship with Russia.
He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening political, economic, and defence ties with the Russian Federation.
PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to strengthening political, economic, and defence ties with the Russia.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations (UN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
He also thanked Russia for supporting Pakistan's BRICS membership bid, marking a step toward deeper collaboration on the global stage.
The premier recalled his productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin in July this year in Astana during the course of which they had agreed to meaningful enhancement of relations between the two countries.
He also emphasised the need for direct flights between Russia and Pakistan to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
Russian PM Mishustin appreciated the remarkable arrangements made by Pakistan for the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.
Pakistan marked a key diplomatic milestone as it hosted the highly-anticipated SCO summit today with world leaders from 10 countries converging in Islamabad with PM Shehbaz in chair.
Furthermore, he also thanked the government and the people of Pakistan for the warm welcome and exemplary hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation.
He expressed his desire to further bolster the existing cooperation between Russia and Pakistan to the next level.
The two prime ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
Both leaders also agreed on lingual exchanges between the two countries to enhance people-to-people relations and increase cooperation among the banking sectors of the two countries to facilitate trade and investment.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Over 4,000 Sikh pilgrims to arrive next month in Punjab
October 17, 2024
LAHORE: Over 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India and 1,000 from other countries are expected to arrive here next month to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said this during a meeting of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) here on Wednesday.
The meeting was presided over by ETPB Chairman Syed Ataur Rehman. PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Deputy President Sardar Mahesh Singh, and other members were also present.
The meeting was told that a visa automation system had been introduced to facilitate the issuance of visas for foreign pilgrims.
“In addition to providing all other necessary facilities, special transport arrangements are being made for the pilgrims. Furthermore, 100 security guards of the board are undergoing special training to ensure security during the event. All arrangements will be closely monitored to ensure that no effort is spared in the hospitality of the pilgrims,” Mr Khokhar said, adding that Sikh pilgrims from India were expected to arrive in Pakistan via the Wagah border on November 14.
The main ceremony of Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary will be held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib on November 15.
ETPB chief Syed Ataur Rehman emphasized that all possible efforts would be made to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, enhance the renovation of Gurdwaras, and promote religious tourism.
During the meeting, the Chairman approved various measures, including the management and expenses for the Gurdwaras, increasing the number of sevadars and granthis (religious staff), and the costs associated with the upcoming birth anniversary celebrations and other events.
PSGPC President and Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that this year, the “Prakash Purb” (celebration of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary) would be observed with great enthusiasm. “The pilgrims will be provided with the best accommodation, transportation, and food services.”
Source:dawn.com
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4 policemen injured in IED attack on vehicle in KP’s Buner
Umar Bacha
October 16, 2024
Four policemen, including the in-charge of the police post, were injured on Wednesday when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off near a police van in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Buner district, a police official said.
Speaking to Dawn.com, the spokesperson to the Buner district police officer, Israr Ahmad, said, “A police vehicle was on its routine patrol in the Nawagai area, and when it reached the Kankai Chowk, an IED exploded.”
The police official said that the in-charge of the police post at Ambela, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASP), Shahid Zada, Constable Noor Mohammad, who was the driver, Constable Iftikhar Ali, and Constable Altaf Ahmad were injured in the attack.
“The injured policemen have been shifted to a hospital in the area and their condition is stable,” he said.
Ahmed added that following the attack, police began a search operation in the area and the District Police Officer (DPO), Shah Hassan, himself was leading the operation to find the perpetrator who attempted to kill the police personnel.
The incident is the latest in a string of attacks on police officials and checkposts, particularly in KP and Balochistan.
In another incident in Buner in September, unidentified suspects torched a government primary school and detonated an IED as a police team returned from the burnt school in Meragai. No casualties were reported in that incident.
Meanwhile, an attack took place on Monday where five militants wearing burqas and suicide vests were killed as four police officials embraced martyrdom in an attempt to foil a gun and bomb attack on Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines in Bannu.
Pakistan has lately seen a rise in terrorism incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan. Attacks have escalated after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target security forces.
Source:dawn.com
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Arab World
Officials and Envoys Welcome Saudi Arabia’s New Global Harmony Initiative, Launch Event in Riyadh
Lama Alhamawi Rashid Hassan
October 17, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi authorities publicly unveiled their new Global Harmony Initiative on Wednesday night during an official launch event in Riyadh.
The aim of the initiative, announced earlier this week, is to celebrate and showcase the diverse range of nationalities and cultures among residents of the Kingdom by exploring their professional and family lives, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories and cultural integration into Saudi society, organizers said.
The project, a collaboration between the Quality of Life Program, Saudi Vision 2030, the General Entertainment Authority and The Ministry of Media, will include a range of events, performances and shows during Riyadh Season showcasing the cuisines, cultures, fashions, music and heritage of countries including Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, the Philippines and Bangladesh.
Wednesday’s event, which took place at the Movenpick Hotel and was hosted by journalist Fatma Fahad, featured a video presentation that highlighted the pivotal messages of the initiative, including “No language or culture separates us” and “Saudi Arabia will remain your land and its people are your people.”
After the ceremony, Abdulrahman Majrashi, president of the Center for Government Communication and official spokesperson of the Ministry of Media, told Arab News: “The events will take place in Suwaidi park with the support of the General Entertainment Authority.”
India’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Suhel Ajaz Khan, told Arab News: “I think it’s a wonderful program; it’s a program to strengthen the bonds between the expatriate communities and the Saudi society. It’s a great initiative.
“We are very happy that the Ministry of Media is taking this step, in association with other agencies, to launch this initiative. It’s a very, very positive and commendable step.
“We have the largest expat community (in Saudi Arabia): 2.6 million people. The Indian community is increasing. In fact, in the past year alone we got 200,000 more people. And I think the numbers speak for themselves. You know, they are here because they feel respected, they feel welcome, they feel at home.”
Khan added that as part of its participation in the initiative, India will host a nine-day cultural festival in Suwaidi Park.
Speaking about his own experience of living in Saudi Arabia, he said: “The quality of life has been great.
“All of us are witness to the amazing transformation that is taking place in the Kingdom, socially and economically, the kind of economic growth which is there in the Kingdom, the kind of opportunities which are there.
“I think everyone is very, very interested in Saudi Arabia’s story, and relations between India and Saudi Arabia are on a very, very solid footing. We are doing a lot of things together across many domains; in the political and the economic, trade, investment, defense, culture, people-to-people contact, we are very, very optimistic about our bilateral relations.”
Abdulaziz Ahmad, Indonesia’s ambassador to the Kingdom, said: “I think this initiative is very good. We appreciate this event.”
He said he hopes to see the project expand in future and added: “We know Saudi Arabia is growing very fast; faster and faster, right now, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
“We appreciate this kind of progress and we hope that this kind of progress will give more prosperity for Saudi people, and also give more benefits for bilateral relations between Saudi (Arabia) and the Republic of Indonesia.”
A 2022 census revealed that about 13 million expatriates live in Saudi Arabia, about 40 percent of the total population of 33 million.
Source:arabnews.com
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Three Sharjah Sites, Dibba Al Hisn Fort, Fili Fort and Wadi Shees, Added To Islamic World Heritage List
October 16, 2024
Sharjah: Dibba Al Hisn Fort, Fili Fort and Wadi Shees in Sharjah emirate have been added to the Islamic World Heritage List, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) announced that ICESCO (Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) has inscribed the sites to the List in recognition of their the cultural and historical significance.
This achievement reflects the importance of these sites in strengthening Islamic and cultural identity and their role in preserving history and heritage for future generations. The announcement was made by the ICESCO Heritage Committee, which registered 91 historical sites and cultural elements on its heritage list, including the three locations from Sharjah.
A total of six files are now in the Islamic World Heritage List, namely ‘Sharjah, the Gateway of the Trucial States’, Mleiha Archaeological Site, Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj, Fili Fort, Wadi Shees, and Dibba Al Hisn Fort.
Both the SAA and the Authority for Initiatives Implementation and Infrastructure Development (Mubadara) submitted nomination files to ICESCO during the 12th meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, which was celebrated as the Islamic World Cultural Capital for 2024. These files emphasised the archaeological and historical significance of the nominated sites, alongside their architectural elements and reports on their preservation and conservation status.
SAA Director-General Eisa Yousif stated: “This inclusion is the result of close collaboration [with Mubadara] in the field of preserving tangible cultural heritage in Sharjah. These sites reflect international recognition of their historical and cultural significance, showcasing Sharjah’s relentless efforts to protect its rich cultural heritage. These are not merely historical landmarks but are integral parts of Sharjah’s and the UAE’s cultural identity.”
He also noted that Dibba Al Hisn Castle, Fili Fort, and Wadi Shees are not just historical places but living testimonies to the interactions of civilisations that have flourished in the region over the centuries. These sites tell stories of societal evolution, trade, and traditions that have shaped the identity of the area.
Dibba Al Hisn Fort and Settlement
Dibba Al Hisn Fort and Settlement stand as a site of cultural exchange and human settlement over five centuries.
This site, rich in architectural features and artefacts, reflects a history where people sought refuge, engaged in trade, and sustained local markets. The fort safeguarded key trade routes, supporting fishing, agriculture, and commerce, with evidence of international trade through artefacts from China, India, and Europe.
From the 16th century onward, the site became a centre of sea-based commerce, bolstered by the production of date molasses and the development of agriculture. Its legacy as a hub of trade and cultural interchange, particularly through its strategic location, makes it an essential historical and heritage site.
Fili Fort is distinguished by its strategic position, which has been pivotal in the region’s protection and security throughout history. The surrounding areas of Fili are celebrated for their historic “aflaj” irrigation system, a vital feature that has sustained life in the desert environment for centuries. The historic Fili Fort was constructed to oversee these crucial water systems and date palm plantations, safeguarding the caravans travelling from Al Dhaid to Al Ain and the Buraimi Oasis, as well as protecting the coastal trade routes of Oman.
Moreover, Fili’s location on the caravan route linking the western and eastern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula underscores its role in defending the important Hajar Mountains’ paths, ensuring the safety of pilgrims and traders alike. Fili’s heritage embodies stories of global significance, illustrating its role in preserving local communities and securing trade routes. It also sheds light on notable events of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Wadi Shees is located near the eastern coast of the UAE, encompassing the village of Shees, about 17km from the city of Khor Fakkan and 95km from Sharjah.
The area is known for its natural beauty, characterised by towering mountains and farms irrigated by traditional aflaj systems — testaments to ancient human ingenuity in water management. The region is also home to rare bird species that still inhabit its farms, with several environmental organisations undertaking efforts to preserve and study them.
The area boasts landmarks such as Al Istiqama Mosque, old houses of the village, castles, and farms connected to the Traditional Irrigation System (Falaj and Wadi Shees). Shees holds scientific value on a global scale, reflecting environmental and geographical diversity that blends the Hajar Mountains and Aflaj, resulting in a plant cover and a habitat for rare birds and animals. The area is a model of environmental diversity and freshwater ecosystems that have helped preserve endangered plants and animals, making it a site of global importance for environmental researchers.
Source:gulfnews.com
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Over 95m trees planted across Kingdom since 2021
October 16, 2024
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has announced that the government has planted over 95 million trees since the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021.
These efforts, in partnership with private and nonprofit bodies, have rehabilitated 111,000 hectares of degraded land and are protecting 4.3 million hectares under restoration, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Additionally, 7.1 million cases of natural vegetation regeneration have been recorded, showing progress in expanding the Kingdom’s green cover.
So far, 121 partners from various sectors have contributed to afforestation efforts, supporting national goals aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.
These initiatives help reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life, and combat climate change, the SPA reported.
The center also focuses on protecting and rehabilitating vegetation, combating illegal logging, and sustainably managing rangelands, forests, and national parks. These efforts aim to ensure sustainable vegetation cover for future generations.
Source:arabnews.com
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Talks between Saudi crown prince and Egyptian president help boost bilateral relations
October 16, 2024
CAIRO: Saudi authorities on Wednesday provided details of high-level discussions and agreements for enhanced relations and cooperation with Egypt in various sectors.
It followed an official visit to the North African nation by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the previous day, during which he held wide-ranging talks with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
During their meeting, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, the leaders emphasized the historical ties between their nations and their commitment to further cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The wide-ranging topics they discussed including economic collaborations, regional stability and the global energy market. They also signed a formal agreement for the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council, which aims to strengthen relations in a number of fields, including trade, defense and technology.
They praised previous diplomatic initiatives and visits, saying they helped to expand the scope of cooperation between their nations.
El-Sisi congratulated the crown prince on Riyadh’s successful bid to host the Expo 2030 and expressed appreciation of Saudi support for Egypt’s Vision 2030 plan.
A key focus of the talks was the growing economic ties between their countries, the SPA said. Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s second-largest trading partner and the volume of trade between the nations reached $8.4 billion in the first half of 2024, an increase of 41 percent compared with the same period the previous year.
Both sides expressed their commitment to overcoming any challenges so that trade relations can be strengthened further.
They emphasized the importance of diversification of economic cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, transportation, logistics, technology and agriculture.
The signing of an investment-protection agreement is expected to foster additional growth by encouraging increased investment in particularly promising sectors.
On the issue of energy cooperation, the leaders pledged that they will continue to work together on a project to link the Saudi and Egyptian power grids, described as the largest electrical-interconnection project in the region. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring the stability of global oil markets, and praised joint efforts by their countries in the fields of renewable energy, hydrogen technology and energy efficiency.
Turning to defense, the president and the crown prince reiterated their commitment to enhanced security cooperation to help combat terrorism, drug trafficking and threats to cybersecurity.
Their talks also covered efforts to tackle hate speech and extremism, and they emphasized their shared values of moderation and tolerance. They also expressed a desire for greater collaboration in efforts to combat crime in all its forms, and to enhance border security.
The leaders discussed several pressing regional issues, including the continuing conflict in Gaza. They condemned the ongoing attacks by Israeli forces, expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in the territory, and called for an immediate ceasefire followed by a lasting truce.
They stressed the important need to ensure the principles of international law are observed to help protect civilians, and reiterated their support for a two-state solution to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
They also addressed the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with both leaders expressing concern about the growing Israeli aggression there.
They called for the full implementation of all international resolutions to help stabilize the situation and prevent the escalation and spread of the conflict to the wider region.
Regarding the conflict in Yemen, both leaders reaffirmed their support for the nation’s Presidential Leadership Council, called for a comprehensive political solution to restore stability, and urged the Houthis to engage with the peace process.
They also praised the ongoing humanitarian efforts there, and emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and security in the Red Sea region, which is vital for global trade.
The president and the crown prince expressed support for peace talks in war-torn Sudan in an effort to achieve a ceasefire and resolve the ongoing conflict between rival military factions in the country.
They reaffirmed their commitment to efforts to combat climate change, with Egypt supporting Saudi Arabia’s circular carbon economy approach, and Saudi Arabia praising Egypt’s leadership of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, in 2022.
The leaders said it is important to focus on emission reductions and the use of sustainable practices to help meet global climate goals.
Innovation and technological cooperation were among the other prominent topics during the discussions, particularly as they relate to fields such as artificial intelligence, space and clean energy. Both leaders expressed a commitment to localization of energy-sector operations and the sharing of expertise to benefit both economies.
At the conclusion of his visit, the crown prince thanked the Egyptian president for the warm welcome and hospitality he received, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to enhancing relations with Egypt.
Source:arabnews.com
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Envoy highlights Saudi-Spanish ties at National Day reception
October 16, 2024
RIYADH: The Embassy of Spain recently hosted a National Day reception at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jorge Hevia Sierra emphasized the “strong connection and mutual sympathy” between Saudis and Spaniards.
He also highlighted the enhanced bilateral relations, marked by several high-level visits over the past year, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Jeddah in April 2024 and the meeting between foreign ministers Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jose Manuel Albares in Madrid in September 2024, where they reviewed relations and discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
The ambassador noted that the Spanish National Day traditionally celebrates the unique characteristics of each region.
“The king of Spain, the government led by the prime minister and the presidents of each of the autonomous communities preside (over) a military parade in the streets of Madrid that showcases the different units of the Spanish army and ends, if the weather allows it, with an air exhibition. Afterward, the king hosts a reception for the diplomatic corps and different national authorities” Hevia said.
“In Saudi Arabia, we usually invite local authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and businessmen with interests in mutual economic relations, as well as our Spanish community,” he added.
“It is also an opportunity to celebrate the work of our embassy staff and their families,” the ambassador said.
On Oct. 12, Spain’s National Day, Spaniards commemorate a significant moment in their history — the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America in 1492.
The national day event was attended by Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, the Riyadh region undersecretary; Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, deputy minister for protocol affairs; Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of investment; and several other members of the diplomatic corps.
Source:arabnews.com
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KKIA to become first Asia-Pacific-Middle East airport to join Net Zero Roadmap
HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI
October 16, 2024
RIYADH: Riyadh Airports Co., which manages and operates King Khalid International Airport, has signed an agreement with Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East to strive for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aiming to promote sustainable aviation.
According to the agreement, KKIA will become the first international airport in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to participate in the Net Zero Roadmap program.
Net Zero Roadmap is an on-demand service complementing the Airport Carbon Accreditation, creating structured plans, including carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks, and recommendations across areas like assets, fuels, and operations.
The agreement was signed by Ayman bin Abdulaziz AbuAbah, CEO of RAC, and Stefano Baronci, director-general of Airports Council International for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
The agreement highlights KKIA’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and sets new standards for sustainable aviation practices.
This ambitious move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
With the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
He emphasized that this goal will be pursued through a circular carbon economy.
A key aspect of the agreement is the onsite assessment, which focuses on thoroughly evaluating and analyzing the specific site conditions. This process involves data collection, consultations with experts, and a comprehensive understanding of the environment, all aimed at facilitating informed decision-making in the subsequent phases.
Commenting on the agreement AbuAbah said: “It establishes us as the first airport to achieve this milestone, showcasing our progress in carbon accreditation and commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable aviation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of carbon neutrality by 2060.
“Our efforts reflect a broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, which we believe are crucial for the long-term success and resilience of our industry. We are proud to be at the forefront of this important initiative and look forward to collaborating with our partners to drive meaningful change in reducing the environmental impact of air travel.”
Baronci expressed his enthusiasm about the agreement, saying: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward sustainable aviation. It not only demonstrates King Khalid International Airport’s leadership in environmental stewardship but also sets a powerful example for airports across Asia and the Middle East. The commitment shown by Riyadh Airports Co. reflects our shared dedication to environmental sustainability, with the ambitious yet crucial goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Source:arabnews.com
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At Dh2.5b, Emirates Islamic bank tops highest ever 9-month profit
October 17, 2024
Dubai: Emirates Islamic bank has cleared its highest nine-month profit ever, recording Dh2.5 billion, from a 'remarkable 52% increase year-on-year.
That was derived from income of Dh4.1 billion, which is a 16% increase. The Emirates NBD Group entity confirmed there was growth from both its funded and non-funded income lines, with a 24% increase in customer financing. For the July to September period, Emirates Islamic's profit increase was 92% to Dh835 million.
"Our net profit margin remained at a very healthy 4.5% in the first nine months of 2024," said Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Chairman of the Dubai based bank.
"Emirates Islamic continues to lead in the digital banking innovation within the Islamic financial services sector. This is evident from our many firsts, including being the first Islamic bank in the UAE to launch a digital wealth platform on our app, as well as being the first Islamic bank in the region to introduce fractional sukuks for investors."
Total assets were Dh107 billion during the period.
"Strong capital and liquidity combined with a healthy deposit mix enabled the bank to better support customers, with a 24% increase in customer financing to Dh67 billion and a 21% increase in customer deposits to Dh74 billion," said Farid AlMulla, CEO.
Source:gulfnews.com
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