News from the Arab World
The cabinet, under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, on Thursday 22/2/2024 decided to halt the program for reducing electricity loads during the fasting holy month of Ramadan.
The decision was made during the cabinet’s weekly meeting in the New Administrative Capital.
Source: State Information Service Egypt
BEIRUT: The Lebanese Civil Defense announced this morning that two of its paramedics were killed yesterday in an airstrike carried out by the Israeli warplanes on a healthcare center in the town of Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health strongly condemned the deadly attack, which resulted in the killing of Civil Defense personnel and the complete destruction of the facility, along with damage to a number of ambulances belonging to the center.
The Ministry emphasized that this attack is not the first of its kind since the start of the Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon, as multiple health centers have previously been targeted by Israeli shelling, in violation of international laws and conventions, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention.
It underscored the necessity of neutralizing health centers and healthcare workers engaged in medical and humanitarian activities that should not be obstructed or targeted amid the current challenging circumstances.
According to the Ministry, the co
ntinued Israeli violations pose a serious threat and are a matter for the international community, particularly humanitarian organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which emphasize the need to protect healthcare workers and their facilities, as well as their means of transportation.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA
The cabinet, under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, on Thursday 22/2/2024 decided to halt the program for reducing electricity loads during the fasting holy month of Ramadan.
The decision was made during the cabinet’s weekly meeting in the New Administrative Capital.
Source: State Information Service Egypt
ABU DHABI: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has urged motorists to follow the traffic regulations regarding a chance of fog formation.
In a statement today, the NCM warned that horizontal visibility may drop even further at times over some internal and coastal areas from 01:00 until 08:30 on Saturday, 24th February 2024.
Source: Emirates News Agency
BETHLEHEM: At least eight Palestinians were arrested last night in Israeli military raids in the occupied West Bank provinces of Bethlehem and Tulkarm, according to local sources.
In Bethlehem, south of the territory, Israeli forces detained six Palestinians during a series of raids into Dheisha refugee camp and the villages of Beit Fajjar and Za’tara. All of the detainees are in the 20s of age.
In Tulkarm, north of the West Bank, at least two Palestinians were arrested by Israeli occupation soldiers who raided and searched their homes in the neighborhood of Irtah in the city.
Almost on a daily basis, Israeli occupation forces carry out raids targeting populated Palestinian communities for arrests or searches. The practice, mostly carried out at nighttime, has become a routine under Israeli military regime.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA
DUBAI: Meghan Gregonis, Consul-General of the United States in Dubai, said that the celebration of the U.S. National Day and the 248th Independence Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), on the sidelines of the U.S. Consulate in Dubai’s celebration of the U.S. National Day under the slogan ‘The Future is Now,’ Meghan Gregonis explained that there are 1,500 U.S. companies operating in the UAE, noting that these companies are participating in the UAE Innovation Month, which is an opportunity to highlight their innovations in various fields.
She praised Dubai as an innovative city with 12 U.S. companies that have innovation centres where they showcase their latest technologies. She expressed her pride in the American national companies that are showcasing their latest achievements, especially in the field of the automotive industry.
The cel
ebration was attended by a number of dignitaries and representatives of bodies, and featured a number of American performances, a virtual baseball platform, and a showcase of the latest products from major American companies.
Source: Emirates News Agency
Amman: Director of Operations and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ambassador Sufian Qudah, said that the Jordanian embassy in Madrid got in touch with the Spanish government, who confirmed that the ongoing search for the missing people is still ongoing and that as of right now, no Jordanian citizens have been confirmed as victims of the fire that started in a residential building in Valencia yesterday.
In order to ensure that there are no Jordanians among the victims, Ambassador Qudah confirmed that the Jordanian embassy in Madrid spoke with several members of the Jordanian community in Valencia, who attested to their safety and the absence of Jordanians in the affected area. The embassy is also in contact with the relevant local authorities.
Source: Jordan News Agency
ABU DHABI: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international organisation in charge of combatting money laundering and terrorism financing has announced the UAE’s completion of all 15 recommendations of its action plan, and has congratulated the UAE on this achievement.
The announcement was made following FATF’s plenary meetings, held between 19th to 23rd February, in the capital of France, Paris.
On this occasion, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, stated, ‘This success is the outcome of significant and distinguished efforts by relevant ministries, the federal government and local entities. These collective endeavours serve to expedite the national strategy and action plan, achieve the directives and aspirations of the UAE’s leadership, aiming to further strengthen the country’s leading status and competitiveness, and advance i
ts position globally as an economic, trading and investment hub.’
Sheikh Abdullah added, ‘The UAE’s economy is one of the fastest growing economies across the world. The country is committed to consolidate its unwavering approach and position within the world’s financial system, by fully enforcing and adhering to, all relevant international laws and conventions that serve to safeguard the integrity of the global financial system.’
He underlined, ‘The UAE will continue to build on its immense success through comprehensive and integrated collaborations with international partners, as well as the relevant organisations and entities to enhance the its position within the global financial system. This will include continuing to reinforce a legal and regulatory framework, and activating collective efforts on a global scale to combat financial crimes. In this regard, the country’s endeavours demonstrate a constant approach to address global money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as illegitimate organisa
tions, and to amplify the UAE’s crucial and effective role in defending the safety and stability of the world’s financial system.’
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the teams working within the ministries, federal government and local entities, the private sector, and all the relevant bodies, along with all those who contributed to the national strategy and action plan. He underscored that this file is a strategic priority for the UAE, and commended national entities that collaborated to accomplish this milestone, which reflects the nation’s distinct standing on both regional and international fronts.
For his part, Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, underlined, ‘The UAE is resolute to intensify its participation and contributions within multilateral organisations, as well as strengthen bilateral relations, in order to enhance national and international cooperation at the policy and executive levels.’
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Min
ister of Economy, highlighted, ‘Preventing illegitimate financial flows, and supporting the efficiency of our national plan for combating money laundering and terrorism financing, are the foundations for strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade and investment.’
He added, ‘Under the wise leadership’s directives, the UAE has made considerable progress during the past few years, in combating global money laundering and terrorism financing through outlining robust and flexible frameworks. The UAE is committed to taking further significant advances in our future endeavours.
For his part, Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, affirmed, ‘The progress achieved by the UAE in the file of combating money laundering is due to the guidance and support of the wise leadership and the continuous efforts undertaken by all national teams from the relevant and judicial authorities including the federal and local courts and prosecution offices.’
He also stressed, ‘The legislative refor
ms contributed significantly to empowering the national system to confront global money laundering, reduce illicit financing, and foster an inclusive economic environment for companies to grow and prosper.’
Furthermore, Al Nuaimi emphasised, ‘The Ministry believes in the importance of consistent endeavors to extend international cooperation, which it considers as a cornerstone of maintaining a strong and integrated national system to confront global crimes in an effective and comprehensive manner.’
He added, ‘In coordination with national authorities, the Ministry signed numerous cooperation agreements with international partners, which resulted in signing more than 45 agreements related to extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.’
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, expressed, ‘This announcement reflects the efficient and sustainable measures adopted by the UAE in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.’
He affirmed, ‘The UAE is committed to implementing effective poli
cies to combat financial crimes, by strengthening its approach in line with best international practices that aim to consolidate the country’s position as a global financial and economic hub. As part of its strategy, the UAE is fulfilling the highest levels of integrity and transparency with respect to the regulation of finance and trade, in accordance with an integrated vision that supports the country’s leading position, and ensures the stability and sustainability of the financial system.’
Khalid Mohammed Salem Balama Al Tamimi, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, and Chairman of the National Committee for Combatting Money-Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, stated, ‘The UAE’s constant commitment to tackle the challenges and risks in the global financial system is a fundamental factor in achieving its vast progress in strengthening its approach and commitment to encounter money laundering and the financing of terrorism, as a national and strategic priority, in line with g
lobal standards and international laws. Our efforts in the National Committee and the Central Bank have contributed to the enhancement of UAE’s proactive role in fighting financial crimes at the international level through the adoption of a risk-based regulatory approach, issuance of laws, regulations, and guidance, as well as enhancement of the licensed financial institutions’ understanding of the risks and effective implementation of their legal obligations related to risks mitigation of illicit activities in the financial system.’
He further confirmed that the UAE is committed to continuing the establishment of effective controls to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism to safeguard our financial system and further cooperating with international institutions to ensure the safety and integrity of the global financial system.
He added, ‘We appreciate the efforts of all entities, regulatory bodies and licensed financial institutions in achieving this significant progress.’
Hamed Al Zaabi,
Director-General of the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing, said, ‘Today’s announcement marks the unwavering dedication from both federal and local authorities alongside the private sector in the UAE, in aligning with our national strategy and action plan. Combatting financial crimes stands as a paramount national priority, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustain these efforts into the future. This includes the completion of the national risk assessment, formulation of national strategy for the upcoming years, and enhancement of our national capabilities across public and private sectors. Furthermore, we will persist in fostering regional and global partnerships to fortify the nation’s economic and financial security, regulatory framework, and international presence as an active participant in combating financial crimes.”
He commended the collective efforts of the national team, comprising all stakeholders, for their diligent work in meeting the requirement
s set forth by the Financial Action Task Force.
Source: Emirates News Agency
Occupied Jerusalem: Israeli occupation forces, on Friday, attacked worshipers in the vicinity of Lions Gate, one of the gates leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
They were also stopped from entering the mosque to perform prayers, as well as in the nearby neighborhood of Wadi Al-Joz, and a Jerusalemite child was taken into custody.
Eyewitnesses told the Jordan News Agency (Petra)’s correspondent that in addition to setting up military checkpoints and stopping and searching Jerusalemites in order to keep them from entering the Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the occupation soldiers also attacked many of them.
Source: Jordan News Agency
NEW DELHI: Seventy original documents of high historic value pertaining to the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and extended areas of the Arabian Gulf dating from 1793 to 1953 were handed over by India to Oman yesterday.
In addition, 523 pages of copies of similar historical records were also gifted to the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman, India’s Ministry of Culture announced today.
These originals and copies of immense worth relating to the history of the region were handed over to Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al-Dhawyani, Chairman of the NRAA, by Arun Singhal, Director General of India’s Archives.
A three-member delegation from India’s Archives, which included Dr. Sanjay Garg, its Deputy Director, and Sadaf Fatima, Archivist, in addition to Singhal, concluded a two-day visit to Oman yesterday.
‘The purpose of the visit was to explore areas of bilateral cooperation in the field of archives,’ the Indian Ministry said.
The original documents handed over to Dr. Al-Dhawyani included
changes to the Omani Flag, which was completely red until 1868, through the present one, succession papers of Sayyid Faisal bin Turki as ruler of Oman after the death of Sultan Sayyid Turki in 1888 and details of an official visit by the Sultan of Muscat and Oman to the Viceroy in India in 1937.
Also handed over was a copy of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the Republic of India and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman signed on 15th March 1953. This document has Arabic, English and Hindi versions.
‘During the Indian delegation’s visit, both sides finalised the draft of an Executive Programme of Cooperation, which will now be submitted for approval by the competent authorities of both parties and formally signed in the near future,’ the Indian Ministry said.
Source: Emirates News Agency
GAZA: Two young Palestinian men were injured by live bullets during confrontations that broke out with Israeli forces tonight in the Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said its crews provided treatment for two cases of gunshot wounds in the thigh during the confrontations.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA
BAKU: On the sidelines of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan, a parliamentary delegation from the Federal National Council (FNC) explored ways of boosting the council’s ties with the parliaments of Trkiye, Thailand, and Maldives.
The discussions took place in meetings, held at the assembly in Baku, between Dr. Tariq Humaid Al Tayer, First Deputy Speaker of the FNC and Head of the FNC’s Asian Parliamentary Assembly Group, with Numan Kurtulmus, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Trkiye; Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand; and Mohamed Aslam, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Republic of Maldives.
During the meetings, Dr. Al Tayer stressed the importance of strengthening their cooperation and coordination on a range of issues of mutual concern.
He also affirmed that the bilateral ties between the UAE and Trkiye, Thailand, and the Maldives are witnessing significant development on various fronts.
Source: Emirates News Agency
TEL AVIV: The Israeli government is pushing ahead with a plan to build more than 3,000 new housing units in the Israeli colonies of the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Israeli media reported on Friday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a session to discuss advancing the construction of thousands of housing units in the Israeli colony of Ma’ale Adumim, built on stolen Palestinian lands east of occupied Jerusalem.
The session was attended by War Minister Yoav Gallant, ultranationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
According to the reports, the Israeli government plans to invite the so-called Higher Planning Council to hold a session in the next two weeks to approve the new colonial plan.
The plan includes the construction of 2,350 settlement units in the Ma’ale Adumim colony, 300 units in the Kedar colony, built on Palestinian lands southeast of occupied Jerusalem, and 694 units in the Efrat colony, built on Palestinian lands so
uth of occupied Jerusalem.
A report released last month by the Israeli human rights group Peace Now documented a rise in colonial activity in the occupied West Bank since the start of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip in October last year.
The report pointed out the establishment of nine new colonial outposts in about three months, in addition to 18 illegal colonist-only roads. It also highlighted the closure of roads by colonists and the restriction on Palestinian movement. The report confirmed that a significant portion of these outposts and roads were established on private Palestinian land.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA