The summit will also see the launch of the first Drought Resilience Observatory, aimed at converting scientific insights into actionable strategies to combat drought…reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat desertification will take center stage at the upcoming UNCCD COP16 summit, scheduled from December 2 to 13 in Riyadh under the theme ‘Our Land. Our Future.’
Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency, emphasized the shared challenges of arid climates faced by Saudi Arabia and regions like India’s Rajasthan. He pointed to India’s Ghandivan project in Jaipur as an example of successful community-driven ecosystem restoration, which could inspire similar efforts worldwide.
“Globally, we lose land equivalent to four football fields every second. This degradation impacts food security, displaces communities, and intensifies conflicts,” said Faqeeha. Saudi Arabia is addressing these issues through initiatives like water conservation and ambitious rural development programs, alongside hosting COP16 to foster international cooperation for sustainable solutions.
The summit will also see the launch of the first Drought Resilience Observatory, aimed at converting scientific insights into actionable strategies to combat drought. “With one-quarter of the world’s population already affected by drought and three-quarters projected to face water scarcity by 2050, urgent action is crucial,” he added.
Highlighting India’s water crisis, Faqeeha cited Niti Aayog data showing that 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress. Sustainable water management, particularly in agriculture, will be a key agenda at COP16, recognizing the vital link between water security and land degradation.
UNCCD COP16 will bring together 197 parties, including 196 countries and the European Union, to build on the progress of initiatives like the Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting programme. Saudi Arabia aims to push for stricter global standards and enhanced international cooperation to address these pressing challenges.
UNCCD, one of the three Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity treaties, remains the global voice for sustainable land management and resilience against desertification.
The government is opposing the legal challenge, with its lawyers telling the court that the licensing of arms exports to Israel “is being kept under close and continuous review”…reports Asian Lite News
The UK government did not fully suspend export licences to Israel as it would undermine US confidence in the UK and Nato and have a “profound impact” on international peace and security, court documents reveal.
On Monday the UK government returned to the high court in legal action by the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (Glan) over the decision to continue arms exports to Israel.
In September the government suspended 30 existing arms licences because of a “clear risk” they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law (IHL). But an exemption was made for some licences related to components of F-35 fighter jets, and about 330 others continued unaltered, which concerned items such as training and air defence equipment.
Al-Haq is now seeking to challenge the decision not to suspend all licences in September, the move to “carve out” licences for F-35 components from the suspension, and decisions by the former Tory government not to suspend licences in December 2023 and April and May this year.
The government is opposing the legal challenge, with its lawyers telling the court that the licensing of arms exports to Israel “is being kept under close and continuous review”. According to court documents, the defence secretary’s advice resulting in the September decision concluded it was not possible to suspend licensing of F-35 components without affecting the global F-35 programme to which 20 countries belong, including the US, Israel, Canada and the Netherlands.
The advice said a F-35 licensing suspension would “have a profound impact on international peace and security” and “would undermine US confidence in the UK and Nato at a critical juncture in our collective history and set back relations”. A key point in the September decision said: “The F-35 carve-out accepts that there is clear risk that F-35 components might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL but determines that in the exceptional circumstances outlined by the defence secretary, these exports should nonetheless continue.”
In her written submissions, Phillippa Kaufmann KC, for Al-Haq, said the government was using a “categorically wrong” and “highly improper” approach to assess whether Israel had breached IHL, which led to “flawed” decisions being made as to whether to suspend licences. She said: “What is in question here is whether its [Israel’s] stated commitment is a true commitment, and in order to make that determination the best evidence is how has it gone about these hostilities.
As of September 2024, there were 361 extant licences for exports to Israel, of which 34 export licences were identified as “red licences”, or assessed as those which could be used for military operations for the conflict in Gaza, including components for combat aircraft, military helicopters and targeting equipment, among others. Five of those related to F-35 components, according to court documents.
The remaining 29 licences were suspended, or amended to remove Israel as an end-user. Existing licences or “green licences” include components for trainer aircraft, air defence systems and IED disposal equipment, which the government says are “clearly unrelated” to military operations in Gaza.
The F-35 programme is worth billions annually to the UK arms industry, according to Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), which has said 15% of every F-35 produced is made in the UK.
Palestinian NGO to ask court to block F-35 parts to Israel
Britain is allowing parts for F-35 fighter jets to be exported to Israel despite accepting they could be used in breach of international humanitarian law in Gaza, lawyers for a Palestinian rights group told a London court on Monday.
West Bank-based Al-Haq, which documents alleged rights violations by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, is taking legal action against Britain’s Department for Business and Trade at London’s High Court.
Israel has been accused of violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza war, with the UN Human Rights Office saying nearly 70 percent of fatalities it has verified were women and children, a report Israel rejected.
Israel says it takes care to avoid harming civilians and denies committing abuses and war crimes in the conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Al-Haq’s case comes after Britain in September suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses, though it exempted the indirect export of F-35 parts, citing the impact on the global F-35 program.
Al-Haq argues that decision was unlawful as there is a clear risk F-35s could be used in breach of international humanitarian law.
British government lawyers said in documents for Monday’s hearing that ministers assessed Israel had committed possible breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL) in relation to humanitarian access and the treatment of detainees.
Britain also “accepts that there is clear risk that F-35 components might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL,” its lawyer James Eadie said.
Eadie added that Britain had nonetheless decided that F-35 components should still be exported, quoting from advice to defense minister John Healey that suspending F-35 parts “would have a profound impact on international peace and security.”
A full hearing of Al-Haq’s legal challenge is likely to be heard early in 2025.
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 43,800 people have been confirmed killed since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023.
In addition to financial assistance, India continues to provide humanitarian assistance and medicines to UNRWA to assist the Agency in meeting its responsibilities…reports Asian Lite News
India has released the second tranche of $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), fullfilling its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25, Representative Office of India to Palestine said on Monday.
Over the years, in its endeavour to support the Palestinian refugees and their welfare, India has provided financial support to the tune of $40 million for the UN Agency’s core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees, the release said.
In addition to financial assistance, India continues to provide humanitarian assistance and medicines to UNRWA to assist the Agency in meeting its responsibilities towards the welfare of Palestinian refugees, it added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had on Friday extended his felicitations to the government and people of State of Palestine on their Declaration of Independence Day.
He said India is committed to developmental partnership and long-standing friendship with Palestine.
“Warm felicitation to the Government and people of State of Palestine on their Declaration of Independence Day. Committed to deepening our developmental partnership and long-standing friendship,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The post said India supplied 30 tons of medical supplies comprising essential life-saving and anti-cancer drugs to Palestine in October this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas in September this year on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.
Prime Minister had expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance. (ANI)
H.H. Sheikh Khaled and the President Lula reviewed the development of bilateral relations between the UAE and Brazil across various fields, particularly in economy, investment, renewable energy, and sustainability…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has held a session of official talks with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
During the meeting, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil discussed ways to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Brazil and explored opportunities to further develop the two countries’ relations to serve the common interests of both nations.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the President of Brazil reviewed the development of bilateral relations between the UAE and Brazil across various fields, particularly in economy, investment, renewable energy, and sustainability, highlighting the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reflecting the significant growth and progress achieved, supported by the strength of bilateral ties and the shared commitment to further enhancing them.
The meeting also explored programmes and initiatives aimed at expanding the scope of cooperation to advance sustainable development in both nations.
At the outset of the meeting, His Highness conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and extended his wishes for continued progress and prosperity to the Brazilian people.
The President of Brazil also conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed his wishes for ongoing prosperity and success for the UAE and its people.
Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Brazil across all levels, aiming to support joint sustainable development and strengthen the close ties between the two countries for the benefit and prosperity of their people.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the President of Brazil witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint mechanism aimed at promoting UAE investments in strategic sectors in Brazil.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in Africa.
The meeting also discussed the agreement between the Abu Dhabi Customs and the Tax Authority of Brazil to strengthen customs cooperation across various areas, commending the launch of the digital trade corridor to streamline trade procedures and enhance collaboration.
The President of Brazil also praised the UAE’s initiative to plant 10,000 palm trees in the Brazilian state of Bahia as part of a programme aimed at transferring knowledge to the Brazilian side in this sector, in cooperation with Al Foah Company.
UAE, Brazil align on G20 Agenda
Since officially assuming the G20 presidency on 1st December 2023, Brazil has been focusing on strengthening cooperation among member states to find effective solutions to key global challenges.
According to Brazil’s vision, the future direction of the G20 aims to address pressing issues through dynamic initiatives, commitment to sustainable practices and inclusive dialogue, paving the way for shared achievements among G20 countries.
Through its leadership of the G20, Brazil is working to develop innovative strategies and fruitful co-operation with the G20 countries to build a future characterised by shared achievements and global solidarity.
The UAE’s participation as a guest at the G20 Summit being held on 18-19 November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”, is part of an exchange of shared visions with Brazil.
This supports joint action to achieve future goals, especially as relations between the two friendly countries are witnessing steady development with their agreement in 2019 to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.
The UAE has declared its support for the priorities of the Brazilian G20 presidency, which include developing global governance, combating poverty and hunger, and addressing climate and energy challenges.
Throughout this year, the UAE has been keen to participate in all G20-related ministerial meetings held in Brazil. These included the Foreign Ministers Meeting, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, the Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, the Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting, the Sherpa Meeting, and the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting for 2024.
The meeting of agriculture ministers, the meeting of energy ministers, the meeting of health ministers to discuss global health challenges and identify strategic priorities, the meetings of education ministers, and other meetings that came within the agenda of the group’s work.
In terms of bilateral relations, the UAE is one of Brazil’s largest economic partners in the Middle East, with trade between the two countries reaching AED13.28 billion in the first eight months of this year.
Brazil is currently the UAE’s largest trading partner in Latin America, and the second largest in the Americas after the United States.
UAE investments are estimated at $5bn with major Emirati companies such as Mubadala, DP World, Emirates Airlines, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Yahsat and others.
The two countries are working to support joint initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development. In this regard, the UAE government and the government of the Federative Republic of Brazil launched this year a strategic partnership in the areas of government modernisation, focusing on exchanging expertise, experiences and best practices in three areas of cooperation, including capacity building of government cadres, knowledge exchange in the field of government competitiveness, and sharing experiences in the economic fields.
Brazil announced this year that it has joined the UAE Declaration on a Global Climate Finance Framework, launched by a group of world leaders at COP28, which saw the announcement of the historic UAE Consensus. It has raised and catalysed more than $85 billion in funding and launched 11 pledges and declarations.
In excerpts – from Hernan Reyes Alcaide’s new book – published by La Stampa, Pope Francis stated, “What is happening in Gaza may have the characteristics of a genocide, according to some experts. We should carefully investigate if it aligns with the technical definitions established by jurists and international bodies.” …reports Asian Lite News
Pope Francis has urged an investigation into whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The call comes ahead of the release of Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Toward a Better World, a new book by Hernan Reyes Alcaide featuring interviews with the Pope, set to debut on Tuesday in preparation for the pontiff’s 2025 jubilee.
In excerpts published by La Stampa on Sunday, Francis stated, “What is happening in Gaza may have the characteristics of a genocide, according to some experts. We should carefully investigate if it aligns with the technical definitions established by jurists and international bodies.”
This marks the first time Francis has directly called for such an inquiry, Associated Press reported.
The Pope previously criticised Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Lebanon as “immoral” and disproportionate, asserting they exceeded the rules of war. In 2022, Francis stirred controversy by meeting families of Israeli hostages and Palestinians affected by the conflict, using terms like “terrorism” and “genocide,” breaking from the Vatican’s diplomatic caution.
Last week, a report from the United Nations Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices accused Israel of engaging in tactics in Gaza that amount to genocide.
The report, which spans October 2023 to July 2024, outlines a grim picture of life-threatening conditions inflicted on the Palestinian population, which the committee says constitutes “collective punishment” and highlights intentional deprivation of essential resources such as food, water, and fuel.
This document emphasises that these actions contravene international humanitarian law and may qualify as crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, in Alcaide’s book, Pope Francis addresses broader humanitarian issues, including migration and war. Highlighting the global migrant crisis, he called for international cooperation rather than restrictive laws driven by fear or political gain. “We must counter the globalisation of indifference with the globalization of charity and cooperation,” he said.
The Pope also referenced the displacement caused by the Ukraine war, emphasizing the need for compassion in addressing such crises. Francis’ 2025 jubilee, expected to attract millions, underscores his continued focus on global solidarity and justice.
Jordan, Qatar renew call
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met in Amman on Sunday with visiting Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which both sides urged to stop the Israeli “aggression” on Gaza and Lebanon and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe.
The two sides reaffirmed their continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and rejected any attempts to diminish its role in violation of international law and further deepening the suffering of the Palestinian people, according to a statement released by the Jordanian Foreign ministry on social media platform X.
They also discussed continued cooperation in delivering aid to Gaza and called on the international community to take immediate steps to end the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza caused by Israel’s blockade on aid entry, said the statement.
They stressed that building an independent and sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the two-state solution, is the only path to achieving security, stability, and peace in the region, it said.
They also expressed solidarity with Lebanon and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
During their meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in various fields, it added, Xinhua news agency reported.
Also on Sunday, King Abdullah II of Jordan met with Al Thani, during which the king said putting an end to the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon is the immediate step required to reach comprehensive calm in the region.
According to a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court, the king urged intensifying Arab efforts to bolster the humanitarian response in Gaza and implementing the resolutions passed at the recent Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh.
The Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’s attack on Israel, has led to significant loss of life. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 250 hostages taken to Gaza, some still detained. Gaza health officials report more than 43,000 deaths from subsequent Israeli military actions, with over half the casualties being women and children.
The deals will mirror those signed by Italy with other countries, with money exchanged in return for stopping migrants from setting off…reports Asian Lite News
The government is set to agree deals with several countries in a bid to prevent thousands of illegal migrants reaching Britain, the Sunday Times reported.
The deals will mirror those signed by Italy with other countries, with money exchanged in return for stopping migrants from setting off.
Those in discussions with the UK include Turkiye and Vietnam, as well as the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan. Deals are expected to be signed by the year’s end.
Italy has managed to reduce the number of people crossing to it by 62 percent after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni struck deals with Tunisia and Libya. Tunisia received patrol boats and €100 million ($105.4 million) to invest in education, energy and companies employed to halt migration, while Libya’s coast guard will be trained and equipped by Rome. The EU has paid Tunisia an additional €105 million.
However, both agreements have been criticized by human rights organizations over the treatment of migrants in Tunisia and Libya by local authorities. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Meloni in September, during which he praised Italy’s “upstream work” in North Africa.
“I have always made the argument that preventing people leaving their country in the first place is far better than trying to deal with those that have arrived,” he said. The UK has seen continuous increases in the number of people entering the country illegally, with the Labour government pledging to “smash the gangs” running the trade across the English Channel.
By Nov. 11, the total to have made the crossing for 2024 stood at 32,900 people. In 2023, the total number of crossings was 29,437. According to UK government statistics, the top five nationalities for small boat crossings for the year up to June were Afghan at 5,730 (18 percent of the total), Iranian at 3,844 (13 percent), Vietnamese at 3,031 (10 percent), Turkish at 2,925 (10 percent) and Syrian at 2,849 (9 percent).
A deal signed by the previous UK government and France gave Paris £500 million ($630.9 million) to stop the crossings. The UK also gives Turkiye significant funds to stop migrants reaching Europe. Last week, Dutch police arrested a Turkish man suspected of being a “major supplier” of small boat equipment in Amsterdam following a joint operation by the UK’s National Crime Agency.
The UK government is keen to strike a deal with Iraqi Kurdistan, from which a number of trafficking gangs operate. Earlier this year, high-profile trafficker Barzan Majeed, known as The Scorpion, was arrested in Iraq after being tracked down by the BBC in the city of Sulaymaniyah.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is known to have sent fact-finders to the region to assess the viability of an Italy-style deal. Any deals are likely to involve funding and training for local security services, as well as potentially including return clauses for migrants who reach the UK.
A source told the Sunday Times: “The assessment made after that trip was that Kurdistani nationals monopolise every part of the journey made by small boat migrants from the procuring of the craft to putting people on the boats on the beaches in France.”
Earlier in the day, addressed the 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. ..reports Asian Lite News
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Singh Patel on Saturday courtesy meeting with Health Minister Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al Jaljel at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Patel said they held fruitful discussions on the health sector.
In a post on X, she said, “During my courtesy meeting with Hon. Health Minister Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al Jaljel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia today, fruitful discussions were held on strengthening the strategic partnership in the health sector between the two countries.”
Earlier in the day, addressed the 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Antimicrobial Resistance is a global health threat requiring urgent action through ‘One Health’ approach that fosters cooperation across human, animal, and plant health, as well as environmental and other relevant sectors, an official statement said.
“India proposes a comprehensive approach aimed at improving AMR detection and surveillance capacities across sectors, enabling the use of data to guide evidence-based antimicrobial usage at both local and national levels,” Patel said.
In a post on X, she said, “Delighted to represent India at the “4th Ministerial High-level Global Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance” held at Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today.”
“India supports the creation of the AMR Multi-partner Trust Fund and the establishment of an Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against AMR by the quadripartite organizations in 2025. India also stresses the importance of addressing barriers to the access and affordability of antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines in developing nations, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs),” Patel added.
She added that she met Indians in Saudi Arabia and said that they were helping strengthen the ties between Saudi Arabia and India.
In a post on X, she said, “The 26 lakh Indians residing in Saudi Arabia are not only contributing to the progress of India-Saudi Arabia by providing their services in various fields but are also strengthening the relations between the two countries. Today I felt extremely happy to meet my countrymen in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.” (ANI)
As part of his two-day visit to Iran, Director General Rafael Grossi visited the enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow on Friday.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi visited two Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz and Fordow for the first time.
During his visit, Grossi was accompanied by Massimo Aparo, IAEA deputy director general and head of the IAEA Department of Safeguards, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), and Kazem Gharibabadi, Iranian deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, reports Xinhua quoting the semi-official Fars news agency on Friday.
On Thursday, Grossi told reporters after his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi that his scheduled visit to the two facilities is an important part of his trip to Iran, noting that “it will help me gain a complete image of the development of Iran’s nuclear program.”
IAEA chief meets with Iranian President
On Thursday, Grossi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Eslami, president of the AEOI, on the country’s nuclear activities.
Grossi’s visit to Iran came as a number of outstanding issues remain unresolved between Tehran and the IAEA, including the agency’s claims to have found “traces of uranium” at a number of “undeclared” Iranian sites, which the country has repeatedly rejected.
The much-awaited yearly event “Patriotic Sports Day” of Middle East Nursery & Development of Mental Skills, children’s performed sports activities along with various cultural and patriotic songs from Oman and India, a report by Vinod Raghavan
MUSCAT : IT was a day filled with emotions, gratitude and happiness amongst the teachers, the tiny tots and the parents, who came early morning on a weekend holiday, to watch their wards performing before a galaxy of guests at the spacious Omani government school in Muscat.
The much-awaited yearly event “Patriotic Sports Day” of Middle East Nursery & Development of Mental Skills, children’s performed sports activities along with various cultural and patriotic songs from Oman and India. The teachers led the march past and the children gave Salute as a mark of respect to the distinguished guests.
Dr. Chithra Narayan, Founder-Director, said, “Patriotic Sports Day event has been organized for the last 31 years, since Middle East Nursery and Development of Mental skills commenced in the year 1993.
Dr. Chithra, a distinguished personality from Muscat, Oman, was awarded the Women of the Year award in the year 2020, by Oman’s leading newspaper – Muscat Daily.
Originally hailing from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, she was presented with the “Nari Samman Award” by the “Mauritius Solidarite Union” in the year 2023 in Mauritius and was also recipient of “World Tamil Jewel Award” alongwith seven other Tamil speaking personalities around the world including the then President of Guyana, Nachimuthu Veerasamy and Vice President of Mauritius Paramasivam Vaiyapuripillai, which was organized by the Tamil Economic Development Forum of Madras Development Society.
New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, in New York, USA, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
The meeting between Musk and Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani held in a secret location in New York and lasted over an hour…reports Asian Lite News
Tech billionaire Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN ambassador and discussed ways to defuse tensions between Iran and the United States, the New York Times reported on Friday.
The meeting between Musk and Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani held in a secret location in New York and lasted over an hour was described by two Iranian officials as “positive” and focused on reducing tensions between the two countries, the publication noted.
Trump who appointed Musk, the owner of Tesla and X as the co-director of a new government efficiency agency during a call last week with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, handed the phone to the tech billionaire, said New York Times. Musk has played a key role in providing communications capability to Ukraine in the war with Russia.
During his first term, Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers, calling it “a horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made,” and imposed tough economic sanctions on Iranian oil revenues and international banking transactions. He also ordered the assassination of a top Iranian general, Qassim Suleimani, in Iraq in 2020.
In response, Iran’s supreme leader banned any negotiations with the Trump administration and Iranian officials vowed to avenge. Suleimani’s killing. Federal prosecutors said in a court filing last week that Iran had plotted to assassinate Trump before the election.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a meeting with the visiting Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi in Tehran on Thursday said that Iran is well-prepared to collaborate with international bodies to address any questions regarding its peaceful nuclear program.
A report by Iranian state media Irna reported that Pezeshkian underlined that the reports from the IAEA indicate that Iran has met all its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, but the US unilaterally withdrew from it.
The NYT report stated citing an anonymous Iranian official, that in his meeting with Musk, ambassador Iravani told the tech billionaire he should obtain sanctions exemptions from the Treasury and bring some of his businesses to Tehran.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations said it would not publicly comment on the meeting, the publication said. (ANI)
