Month: September 2024

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

Cong sets up manifesto committee for upcoming polls

Former Deputy Chief minister of Chhattisgarh TS Singhdeo and Amitabh Dubey have been named on the panel…reports Asian Lite News

The Congress on Wednesday set up a manifesto coordination committee for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Former Deputy Chief minister of Chhattisgarh TS Singhdeo and Amitabh Dubey have been named on the panel. The committee will coordinate with the state manifesto committees for inputs and campaign activities, a statement issued by the party said.

While the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will go to polls in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1, voting for 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 5. Counting of votes for both states will be undertaken on October 8. Elections for Maharashtra and Jharkhand would follow later.

‘Cong-NC alliance a necessity’

After Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi advocated for Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, former Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah said on Wednesday that they are making efforts for the same and the alliance between Congress and National Conference is not a compulsion but a necessity.

Farooq also asserted that this alliance is a slap on the face of those who used to say that they are Pakistanis and Khalistanis.

He said, “I am going to meet him. We will succeed in the alliance that has been formed between Congress and National Conference. This is a big voice for our entire country, a slap on the face of those who used to say that we are Pakistanis, Khalistanis, I hope the people of India will understand that we want the state to progress and come out of this problem. I have seen the state becoming a Union Territory for the first time, we have to bring back the status of statehood and we are making efforts for this. This (Congress-National Conference alliance) is not a compulsion but a necessity, we have to take everyone along.”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday advocated for the restoration of the region’s statehood, asserting that the withdrawal of its autonomous status has not only snatched the state of its identity but also eroded the rights and resources of its people.

While addressing an election rally in Ramban ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election, the Congress leader said, “For the first time in the history of India, statehood has been snatched away. Union Territory was first made a state… A state has been abolished and the rights of the people have been snatched away. First of all, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has to be returned because not only your state has been snatched away, your rights, your wealth, everything is being snatched away from you.”

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). These upcoming elections will be the first in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Rahul bats for J&K statehood; slams Centre

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

Rahul bats for J&K statehood; slams Centre

Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the current administrative setup in Jammu and Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday advocated for the restoration of the region’s statehood, asserting that the withdrawal of its autonomous status has not only snatched the state of its identity but also eroded the rights and resources of its people.

While addressing an election rally in Ramban ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election, the Congress leader said, “For the first time in the history of India, statehood has been snatched away. Union Territory was first made a state… A state has been abolished and the rights of the people have been snatched away. First of all, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has to be returned because not only your state has been snatched away, your rights, your wealth, everything is being snatched away from you.”

“We wanted that you should first get statehood and then elections should be held. But the BJP does not want this, they say that first elections will be held and then the issue of statehood will be discussed. We are saying that whatever happens, we will get statehood for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Whether the BJP wants it or not, we will exert so much pressure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will have to be given statehood,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the current administrative setup in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing a parallel between the region’s past monarchical rule and its present governance.

“In 1947, we removed the kings, formed a democratic government and gave a Constitution to the country. But… Today, there is a ‘king’ named LG sitting in Jammu and Kashmir, who is snatching your money and giving it to outsiders. Therefore, our first step will be to return ‘statehood’ to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

The Congress MP highlighted his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and underscored the contrasting visions of his party and the BJP.

“This fight is between two ideologies. On one side- hatred, violence, and fear. On the other hand- love and respect. We walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, during which we gave the slogan – ‘We have to open a shop of love in the market of hatred.’ BJP’s job is to spread hatred, our job is to spread love. They break, we unite,” he said.

“Before the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi used to come with his chest puffed out, now his shoulders are bent. This time, before entering the Parliament, he placed the Constitution on his forehead and then went inside,” the Congress leader added.

Rahul Gandhi also assured to fill all the government vacancies after coming to power.

“The alliance government of Congress party is going to come to power here, this is going to happen. Our first task will be to fill all the government vacancies and we will extend the age to 40 years, we will regularize the daily wage workers, make them permanent and we will increase their income. Our goal will be to run the government of Jammu and Kashmir by taking everyone together, everyone should be respected, we should take everyone together,” he said.

“This is such a beautiful place, I will have to come here after the elections. You have made a 45-minute program for me here, you have cheated me. At least a 2-3 day program should be made here, I don’t get to see such a place, such lovely people, at least bring me here for 2-3 days and show me around,” the Congress leader added.

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

These upcoming elections will be the first in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)

Amit Shah to release BJP’s manifesto on Sept 6

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on September 6, as per party sources.

Shah is expected to arrive in Jammu around 2 pm on Friday, where he will release the manifesto at the BJP’s media centre in the city.

According to party sources, on the first day of his visit, the Home Minister will meet with the core group of the state’s BJP unit to review the party’s election preparations and ground-level activities. On the second day, Shah will hold discussions with party leaders to ensure the success of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will see 219 candidates in the fray, with voting scheduled for September 18. This will be the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Sources said that the BJP’s manifesto will likely focus on good governance and promoting tourism in Kashmir.

A significant announcement regarding the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, a key electoral issue, is expected. All political parties are aiming to assure Kashmiri Pandit voters that the government will create a concrete plan for their return and ensure their security. The BJP may also make a major announcement for Kashmiri Pandits in its manifesto, along with a strong stance on curbing stone-pelting incidents.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will be held on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the results announced on October 8.

The abrogation of Article 370 led to the revocation of the state’s special status and its bifurcation into two Union Territories in 2019. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Pipeline Procrastination Pushes Patience to the Brink

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

India, Singapore ink crucial MoUs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Singapore PM Lawrence Wong, on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

The agreements encompass collaboration in digital technologies, a partnership in the semiconductor sector, joint initiatives in health and medicine, and cooperation in education and skills development…reports Asian Lite News

India and Singapore exchanged four significant Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on Thursday, during the day-two visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the island country.

The agreements encompass collaboration in digital technologies, a partnership in the semiconductor sector, joint initiatives in health and medicine, and cooperation in education and skills development.

The MoUs were exchanged in Parliament House of Singapore by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong.

The first MoU was signed between Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, focusing on cooperation in digital technologies. It will facilitate closer cooperation between India and Singapore in the areas of digital technologies, such as DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure), cyber-security, 5G and emerging technologies such as super-computing, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. This MoU enables cooperation for upskilling and reskilling of workers relating to the digital domain under the ambit of this MoU.

The second MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, establishing a partnership for the India-Singapore semiconductor ecosystem.

India and Singapore will cooperate in the areas of semiconductor cluster development and cultivation of talent in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

Singaporean companies, which are part of global semiconductor value chains, are keen to invest in India. Dialogue mechanisms set under this MoU will facilitate their investments in India.

The next MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore’s Ministry of Health, focussing on cooperation in the fields of health and medicine.

It will facilitate joint efforts on research and innovation in areas of mutual interest. It also aims to promote closer cooperation in the areas of human resource development in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. It will complement our efforts to promote Indian healthcare professionals in Singapore.

The final MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Singapore’s Ministry of Education, aimed at fostering educational cooperation and skills development. It aims to promote closer cooperation in the areas of technical and vocational education and training. India and Singapore have active collaboration in the area of skill development. This MoU will complement those ongoing initiatives.

The MoUs were exchanged shortly after a ceremonial welcome of PM Modi at Parliament House of Singapore.

Modi along with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong visited the semiconductor facility of AEM Holdings Ltd in Singapore on Thursday. The two leaders are exploring synergies between the two countries in semiconductor manufacturing.

Lawrence Wong welcomed PM Modi at the semiconductor facility. The two leaders were seen interacting with the officials at the semiconductor facility.

The officials at the semiconductor facility of AEM Holdings Ltd also took pictures with PM Modi.

PM Modi’s visit to the semiconductor industry is significant in terms of enhanced trade opportunities between the two friendly countries, as Singapore, despite being a small city-state, has a well-developed semiconductor industry.

The semiconductor industry opens opportunities for India in many aspects, including collaboration in talent development as Singapore universities have developed customised courses for the semiconductor sector, and knowledge sharing about best practices of managing semiconductor industrial parks (called Wafer Fab Parks in Singapore).

In terms of factors of production, Singapore has limitations for land and labour. India, with abundant land and skilled labour, can be part of Singapore’s semiconductor value chain. Semiconductor companies in Singapore can be encouraged to consider India for their expansion plans.Singapore also has semiconductor equipment and material manufacturers. For the development of the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India, engagement and collaboration with such companies may also be helpful.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong and talks focused on boosting cooperation between two nations in various sectors, including skilling, healthcare, artificial intelligence.

Taking to X, PM Modi stated, “The discussions with my friend, PM Lawrence Wong continued today. Our talks focused on boosting cooperation in areas like skilling, technology, healthcare, AI and more. We both agreed on the need to boost trade relations.”

Modi received the ceremonial welcome at Singapore’s Parliament House on Thursday. Wong welcomed PM Modi and the two leaders warmly greeted each other. He signed the visitors book at the Parliament House. PM Modi and Lawrence Wong met ministers and delegates from each other’s countries.

Before his arrival in Singapore, PM Modi was on an official visit to Brunei. During his visit, he held “wide ranging” talks with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan.

ALSO READ: Pakistan limits civil servants’ free speech

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Pakistan’s Pipeline Procrastination Pushes Patience to the Brink

The pipeline, once envisioned as a “Peace Pipeline,” now stands as a monument to Pakistan’s diplomatic incompetence and economic mismanagement, writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Iran and Pakistan, Tehran has served its final notice to Islamabad regarding the long-delayed Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project. The Iranian government has made it clear that it is left with no option but to move the case to the International Court of Arbitration in Paris this September, following Pakistan’s failure to construct its portion of the pipeline within the extended 180-day deadline.

This development underscores Pakistan’s chronic inability to fulfill its international commitments and highlights the country’s precarious position in the complex web of regional geopolitics and energy security. The saga of the IP gas pipeline project is a testament to Pakistan’s diplomatic unreliability and economic short-sightedness. Conceived as a symbol of energy partnership between the two neighboring countries, the project’s agreement was initially signed in 2009. Pakistan committed to completing its part of the pipeline by December 2014, a deadline that came and went with no progress in sight. The contract included stiff penalties of $1 million per day for delays starting January 1, 2015, a clause that now hangs like a Damocles sword over Pakistan’s already fragile economy.

Iran, for its part, has demonstrated remarkable patience and goodwill. Despite investing $2 billion to construct its 1,150-kilometer share of the pipeline, inaugurated with much fanfare in 2013, Iran has watched helplessly as Pakistan’s 780-kilometer portion remains a pipe dream. The Iranian government’s frustration is palpable and justified, having extended multiple deadlines and renegotiated terms to accommodate Pakistan’s perpetual excuses.

Pakistan’s primary justification for its inaction has been the specter of U.S. sanctions against Iran. While these sanctions do present genuine challenges, they also serve as a convenient smokescreen for Pakistan’s lack of political will and economic mismanagement. The Pakistani government’s attempts to invoke force majeure in 2023, citing factors beyond its control, were promptly and rightfully rejected by Iran, exposing the hollowness of Islamabad’s excuses.

The fact that Pakistan announced the start of construction on an 80-kilometer first phase within its borders in February 2024, only to halt progress after a cautionary statement from U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, reveals the country’s diplomatic ineptitude.  Pakistan’s inability to navigate the complex terrain of international relations and secure necessary waivers or alternative arrangements speaks volumes about its government’s competence and foresight.

Pakistan’s failure to complete the pipeline is not just a diplomatic embarrassment; it’s an economic catastrophe in the making. With its own proven gas reserves set to run dry in just over a decade, Pakistan desperately needs the 21 million cubic meters of natural gas per day that the pipeline promises to deliver. The country’s energy crisis, characterized by frequent blackouts and industrial slowdowns, continues to stifle economic growth and social development.

Shehbaz Sharif.(photo:instagram)

Moreover, the looming threat of international arbitration could result in penalties of up to $18 billion, a staggering sum that would cripple Pakistan’s already beleaguered economy. Fresh from securing a $7 billion IMF bailout, Pakistan can ill afford such a financial blow. The irony is palpable: in trying to avoid U.S. sanctions, Pakistan may have walked itself into an economic minefield of its own making.

Iran’s steadfast commitment to the project stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s vacillation. Despite facing severe international sanctions and economic pressures, Iran completed its portion of the pipeline, demonstrating strategic foresight and a commitment to regional energy cooperation. Pakistan, on the other hand, has allowed itself to be paralyzed by fear of U.S. reprisals, showcasing a lack of sovereign decision-making and strategic autonomy.

The disparity in approach is further highlighted by the fact that Iranian traders, hampered by sanctions, still manage to smuggle up to $1 billion worth of natural gas into Pakistan annually. This underground economy underscores the real demand for Iranian gas in Pakistan and the missed opportunities for legitimate, state-level cooperation. Pakistan’s handling of the pipeline issue reveals a broader failure in its foreign policy. Caught between the pressures of U.S. sanctions and the need for energy security, Pakistan has chosen the worst possible path: inaction. This paralysis has not only strained relations with Iran but has also exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability to external pressures.

Iran President Pezeshkian

The statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claiming “robust channels of communication” with Iran, rings hollow in the face of years of delays and broken promises. Pakistan’s inability to leverage its strategic importance to negotiate sanctions waivers or find alternative solutions highlights a fundamental weakness in its diplomatic capabilities. As the September 2024 deadline for international arbitration approaches, Pakistan finds itself cornered.

The options are limited and unappealing: face billions in penalties, risk U.S. sanctions by rushing to complete the pipeline, or continue the strategy of delay and obfuscation that has proven so costly thus far. The government’s current exploration of options, as mentioned by an unnamed official, seems too little, too late. The dismissal of the $18 billion penalty figure as “pure speculation” smacks of denial rather than strategic thinking. Pakistan’s history of costly arbitration settlements, such as the $1 billion paid to an Australian mining company, suggests that the financial consequences of this debacle could be severe.

The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline saga is a case study in diplomatic failure, economic short-sightedness, and strategic myopia. Pakistan’s inability to honor its commitments, navigate complex geopolitical waters, and prioritize its long-term energy security has led to this crisis. As Iran prepares to take legal action, Pakistan stands to lose not just billions in potential penalties but also its credibility on the international stage. The pipeline, once envisioned as a “Peace Pipeline,” now stands as a monument to Pakistan’s diplomatic incompetence and economic mismanagement. As the clock ticks towards September, the world watches to see how Pakistan will extricate itself from this self-made quagmire. One thing is clear: the cost of Pakistan’s pipeline procrastination will be high, and the repercussions will be felt for years to come.

ALSO READ: India-Singapore Forge ‘New Chapter’ in Strategic Alliance

ALSO READ: Pakistan limits civil servants’ free speech

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

India-Singapore Forge ‘New Chapter’ in Strategic Alliance

PM Modi is in Singapore on a two-day visit at the invitation of Wong….reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a productive meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong during which the two leaders agreed to elevate the ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’.

PM Modi is in Singapore on a two-day visit at the invitation of Wong.

“A new chapter in (India-Singapore) ties: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established. PM @narendramodi and PM@LawrenceWongST held a productive meeting in Singapore today. The leaders agreed to elevate the (India-Singapore) ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They extensively reviewed various facets of the bilateral relationship covering areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalization, Healthcare & Medicine, Skills Development and Sustainability,” posted Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs on X.

Key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of digital technologies, semiconductors, health cooperation and skill development were signed between India and Singapore which will further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.

These are — MoU between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore on the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership; MoU between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore on Cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies; MoU between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India and the Ministry of Education of Singapore on Educational Cooperation and Skills Development; MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the Ministry of Health of Singapore on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday met with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong and also discussed ways to boost bilateral ties.

During the meeting with Wong, PM Modi said India wants to make several Singapores in the country.

“Singapore is not just a partner country but an inspiration for every developing country. We also want to create many Singapores in Bharat. I am happy that we are working in that direction together. Ministerial roundtables formed between us are a path-breaking mechanism .. Skilling, digitisation, mobility, semiconductor, advance manufacturing, AI, healthcare, sustainability cybersecurity.. areas of cooperation have become symbols of the initiatives….” said PM Modi in his remarks where leading delegation-level talks with his Singapore counterpart.l

Ahead of the talks, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Singapore Parliament House. PM Modi and Singapore PM Lawrence Wong met ministers and delegates from each other’s countries at Parliament House.

PM Modi also signed the visitor’s book there.

The meeting between the two leaders comes days after Singapore PM Wong took over as premier and PM Modi began his third term as prime minister.

PM Modi greeted him on becoming the Prime Minister and said, “I thank you for your warm welcome. This is our first meeting after you assumed the post of Prime Minister. Many congratulations to you from my side. I am confident that under the leadership of 4G, Singapore will progress even faster.”

ALSO READ: US in a fix over UK arms ban on Israel

Categories
-Top News Politics USA

Republican-led states sue over Biden’s student debt relief plan

The lawsuit, led by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, was joined by Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota, and Ohio….reports Asian Lite News

Seven GOP-led states are suing to block President Biden’s policy that would lower or eliminate debt for millions of student loan borrowers.

The lawsuit claims the Department of Education is “unlawfully trying to mass cancel hundreds of billions of dollars of loans” before the rule is finalized.

The lawsuit, led by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, was joined by Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota, and Ohio.

The lawsuit, first reported by The Washington Post, argues that Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is secretly, “through cloak and dagger,” trying to forgive student loan debt after courts stopped him twice before.

In a statement, Bailey said his latest lawsuit challenges the Biden-Harris administration’s “third and weakest attempt” to cancel loans in mass “in the dark of night” without letting Congress or the public know.

 “We successfully halted their first two illegal student loan cancellations schemes; I have no doubt we will secure yet another win to block the third one,” Bailey’s statement said. “They may be throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, but my office is meeting them every step of the way.”

The new plan to forgive student debt has yet to be finalized and will be some time this fall. No debt can be forgiven before then, but the lawsuit argues the Biden administration is cutting corners to begin cancelling debt “potentially this week.”

“That is both extraordinarily inequitable and also expressly violates a statute prohibiting the Secretary from implementing rules like this one sooner than 60 days after publication,” the suit said.

The lawsuit alleges Cardona knows that student loans that have already been forgiven cannot be turned back by states, and that’s why he is “trying to quietly rush this rule out too quickly for anybody to sue.”

The lawsuit describes the plan as not only Cardona’s “weakest” of the three so far proposed but the “most aggressive” as it could start canceling loans as soon as this week.

“That is both extraordinarily inequitable and also expressly violates a statute prohibiting the Secretary from implementing rules like this one sooner than 60 days after publication,” the lawsuit states, while accusing Cardona of “trying to quietly rush this rule out too quickly for anybody to sue.”

Bailey said the plan was the Biden administration’s attempt to saddle working Americans with “Ivy League debt.”

“We successfully halted their first two illegal student loan cancellation schemes; I have no doubt we will secure yet another win to block the third one,” he said in a statement. “They may be throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, but my office is meeting them every step of the way.”

ALSO READ: US in a fix over UK arms ban on Israel

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

US in a fix over UK arms ban on Israel

The State Department said both the US and UK make assessments based on their legal frameworks, and there are processes that are still ongoing and incidents that are under review…reports Asian Lite News

A day after the United Kingdom suspended some of the arms licences to Israel in the wake of the conflict in Gaza, the United States said that the UK makes assessments based on its legal framework and the US respects what it does.

The State Department said both the US and the UK make assessments based on their legal frameworks, and there are processes that are still ongoing and incidents that are under review.

“So, it’s not that we disagree with the UK position. It’s that the UK makes an assessment based on their legal framework, as is appropriate for them to do. We make an assessment based on our own legal frameworks and looking at, in many cases, the same facts, but we have processes that are still ongoing and incidents that remain under review,” Miller said in the press briefing on Tuesday.

He refused to comment on what Israeli PM Netanyahu said and affirmed that both UK and Israel are allies of the US.

“When it comes to assessing the decision, again, I’m not going to comment on what the prime minister says. Both of these countries are allies of the United States. The United Kingdom is an ally of the United States, and we respect the work that they do,” he added.

This comes after the UK announced to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament on Monday that the partial ban covers items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” against Hamas but did not include parts for F-35 fighter jets, according to Al Jazeera.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the British government’s claiming that the move will only “embolden Hamas.” He further asserted that regardless of the UK’s support, Israel remains resolute in its determination to emerge victorious in this conflict.

“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” posted the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X.

Denouncing it as a “shameful move that will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas,” he said, “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”

Netanyahu slams UK govt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the British government’s decision to suspend thirty arms licences to Israel, asserting that regardless of the UK’s support, Israel remains resolute in its determination to emerge victorious in this conflict.

“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” posted the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X.

Denouncing it as a “shameful move that will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas,” he said, “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”

Notably, Hamas savagely murdered 1200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens. Moreover, Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens.

This comes after the UK announced to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament on Monday that the partial ban covers items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” against Hamas but did not include parts for F-35 fighter jets.

US stresses on finalising ceasefire deal in Gaza

The United States has reiterated the need to finalise the the ceaseifre deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and said Washington will continue to engage with its partners in the region to push for a final agreement.

United States State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the Palestinian people, who are suffering the “terrible effects of this war,” cannot afford to wait any longer.

Further, the statement noted that the people of Israel and Palestine are suffering the effects of the ongoing conflict and cannot afford to wait.

“It is time to finalize that deal. The people of Israel cannot afford to wait any longer. The Palestinian people, who are also suffering the terrible effects of this war, cannot afford to wait any longer. The world cannot afford to wait any longer,” Miller said in the daily press briefing on Tuesday (local time).

“Over the coming days, the United States will continue to engage with our partners in the region to push for a final agreement.” he added.

Miller also stated that the US has made progress in talks and emphasized that success depends on both parties seeking solutions rather than focusing on reasons to reject a deal.

“During talks last week, we made progress on dealing with the obstacles that remain, but ultimately, finalizing an agreement will require both sides to show flexibility. It will require that both sides look for reasons to get to yes, rather than reasons to say no,” said Miller.

ALSO READ: CAG of India signs MoU with UAE Accountability Authority

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

CAG of India signs MoU with UAE Accountability Authority

The objective of this MoU is to promote and develop cooperation between the two SAIs…reports Asian Lite News

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Supreme Audit Institution, India) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Accountability Authority (Supreme Audit Institution, UAE) during a bilateral meeting with the President of the UAE Accountability Authority on Monday evening in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The objective of this MoU is to promote and develop cooperation between the two SAIs to strengthen the respective institutions’ professional capacity and improve methodologies in the field of public sector audit.

Other areas of cooperation outlined in this MoU include the exchange of knowledge and experiences in public auditing and conducting capacity development programmes at SAI India or SAI UAE as needed.

Girish Chandra Murmu, the CAG of India, stated, “This MoU reaffirms the values and goals that our institutions have shared over a long period, and it further cements the ties that already exist between our two nations.”

CAG Murmu observed that “the MoU will yield many opportunities for greater exchange of knowledge and experience between members of our SAIs and will also foster the spirit of cooperation and friendship between our SAIs.”

Humaid Obaid Khalifa Obaid Abushibs, President of the UAE Accountability Authority, emphasized the importance of the agreement in enhancing and improving the external audit practices of the two SAIs and assisting in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two SAIs through mutual cooperation. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UAE launches Gaza polio vax drive

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Arab League calls to activate ‘One Health’ approach

This year’s celebration is themed “Promoting the One Health Approach”…reports Asian Lite News

The League of Arab States has stressed the importance of implementing the “One Health” approach at national, regional, and global levels to ensure a healthy, safe, and dignified life for humans while also safeguarding animal and environmental health, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and epidemics.

This was stated in a press release issued by the League today on the occasion of Arab Health Day, observed annually on 4th September.

This year’s celebration is themed “Promoting the One Health Approach”, which is approved by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health at its 60th regular session held on 26th May 2024 in Geneva, which included approval of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s request to host the celebration.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, emphasised that the “One Health” approach is an integrated strategy aimed at achieving a balance between human and animal health. It relies on the close links between these fields to establish new methods for monitoring and controlling diseases, ultimately improving global health.

She noted that this approach comes as a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a human health crisis resulting from a virus transmitted from animals to humans.

She stressed the importance of supporting cooperation and coordination among different sectors in member states to close the gaps in implementing the “One Health” approach, especially as health systems alone cannot address health epidemics and pandemics.

She added that the Council of Arab Ministers of Health is working to enhance this approach by adopting various strategies, activating the work of its affiliated committees, and strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders to mitigate public health threats, in addition to collaborating with partners in international organisations to achieve this goal.

ALSO READ: UAE launches Gaza polio vax drive

Categories
-Top News China UAE News

Sheikh Mohammed welcomes CCP Politburo member

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the continuous growth of the UAE-China relations under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Xi Jinping…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with Chen Miner, Member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and Communist Party Secretary of Tianjin.

Welcoming Miner and his accompanying delegation, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the deep ties and extensive cooperation between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China, spanning political, economic, cultural, and developmental fields. He underscored the shared commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership, guided by a common vision for progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the continuous growth of the UAE-China relations under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Xi Jinping, President of China.

Attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the meeting also explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, with a focus on sectors that are vital to the future aspirations of the two countries.

Key areas of discussion included ways to further consolidate trade. China is currently the UAE’s top global trading partner. Highlighting opportunities emerging from the Belt and Road Initiative, the discussions touched on the UAE’s strategic role in the initiative, reinforced by its growing status as a major regional and global trading hub. The discussions also explored ways to expand cooperation in investment, industry, technology, and clean energy, drawing on the diverse offerings of both countries.

The meeting addressed key developments across the world, particularly in the Middle East, and stressed the need to intensify efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

The meeting was also attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation.

ALSO READ: UAE launches Gaza polio vax drive