EU Slams Erdogan Over Varosha Visit; UAE, S. Arabia Unite Study on Nuke Power; A PROMISED LAND: Obama on India; ‘BAKSAL idea wrongly interpreted’ – all in Asian Lite Daily – please click here to read the story.
Category: Arab News
Soon after taking office, Miller, a US special forces veteran who fought wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, indicated he might accelerate the pace to pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News
US President Donald Trump formallt accepts Republican nomination.
US President Donald Trump will issue a formal order to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq as soon as this week, according to media reports on Monday.
US media quoted officials as saying that the Pentagon had issued a notice to commanders to begin planning to decrease the number of troops to 2,500 level in both Afghanistan and Iraq by mid-January, the Xinhua news agency reported.
The 2,500-troop level in reports was in line with what Trump’s National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien said last month that US troops in Afghanistan would be reduced to around 2,500 by early 2021. Currently, there are approximately 4,500 US troops in Afghanistan and 3,000 troops in Iraq.
The reports came after a reshuffle of Pentagon leadership last week. President Trump last Monday appointed the director of the National Counterterrorism Center Christopher Miller as acting defense secretary to replace former Pentagon chief Mark Esper, who reportedly had been pushing back on a premature withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Soon after taking office, Miller, a US special forces veteran who fought wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, indicated he might accelerate the pace to pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan.
Also read:Andrew Cuomo Slams Trump’s Vaccine Plan
Both parties discussed potential cooperation in regulatory aspects related to nuclear safety, nuclear security, nonproliferation, legal and regulatory framework, emergency preparedness and response…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, of the UAE and the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, NRRC, of Saudi Arabia convened a meeting to explore and strengthen mutual collaboration.
Both parties discussed potential cooperation in regulatory aspects related to nuclear safety, nuclear security, nonproliferation, legal and regulatory framework, emergency preparedness and response.
The meeting was held as part of the bilateral agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the UAE and Saudi Arabia that was signed in 2019. FANR’s Director-General Christer Viktorsson and NRRC’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Khalid A. Al Eissa presided over the meeting, attended by the senior leadership team of both sides.
The Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission presented the status of its nuclear programme and regulatory framework. Meanwhile, FANR showcased latest updates with the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme and following the operation of Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
FANR also briefed about its regulatory framework in terms of nuclear and radiological sectors in the UAE and efforts to protect the public, workers, and environment from radiation risks.
“We are delighted to meet with our partner, the NRRC of Saudi Arabia. We stand ready to provide necessary support to the NRRC and share with them UAE’s journey into building the peaceful nuclear programme as well as offering various training and workshops in this regard,” said Viktorsson.
Dr. A. Al Eissan thanked FANR for accepting such virtual meeting to look into future cooperation and expressed NRRC’s willingness to strengthen the cooperation by conducting a series of meetings to explore and identify detailed areas of cooperation, and formulating topical technical groups with emphasis on human capacity building, environmental monitoring, nuclear security, radioactive sources control, in particular, customs ports between KSA and the UAE.
Both parties also agreed to hold topical workshops and form working groups to exchange information and knowledge related to regulatory framework, radiation protection, nuclear safety and security as well as nuclear nonproliferation and emergency preparedness. It also agreed to discuss smart licensing systems and public communications.
The Saudi NRRC expressed its interest to participate in ConvEx-3, which will be hosted by the UAE in 2021. ConvEx-3 is the largest and most complex exercise conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency and involves Member States and international organisations. It requires continuous, 24/7 operations for several days and tests arrangements for severe radiological and nuclear emergencies.
Also Read: UAE, France discuss defence cooperation
Also Read: UAE , Cuba discuss ways to enhance ties
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and General Supervisor of the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy Initiative’ said that the UAE has accumulated extensive expertise in the field of Islamic Economy and established a robust fintech infrastructure that places it in a strong position to become a global leader in developing the sector.
The Crown Prince attributed the success that Dubai has achieved in the sector to the progressive vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which laid the foundations for the Islamic Economy sector to become an important pillar of the national economy.
Sheikh Hamdan’s remarks came on the occasion of the announcement of the results of the 2020-2021 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report today.
Speaking about the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheikh Hamdan pointed out that the Islamic Economy sector has the potential to lead post-pandemic global economic recovery. He stressed the need to take advantage of fresh opportunities that can open new economic horizons and help both the region and the world overcome the repercussions of the pandemic.
He called for strengthening channels of cooperation with partners around the world, and harnessing the potential of the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy Initiative’ to attract investment and capital into the Islamic Economy sector, which in turn will enhance both Dubai and the UAE’s roles as major players in expanding regional and global growth opportunities post-COVID-19.
The Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, DIEDC, on Monday announced the results of the annual State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2020/21 (SGIE Report 2020/21), produced by DinarStandard, a US-based research and advisory firm, in partnership with SalaamGateway, the largest news and media platform focused on the Islamic economy. First published in 2013, the Report serves as an annual update on the Islamic economy, encompassing the halal food and beverages, Islamic finance, and lifestyle sectors.
In its eighth edition this year, under the theme ‘thriving in uncertainty’, the Report estimates that Muslims spent US$2.02 trillion in 2019 on halal food, modest fashion, family-friendly travel, halal pharmaceuticals, halal cosmetics, and halal media and recreation. While the figures reflect a 3.2 per cent year-on-year growth, expenditure in 2020 is expected to shrink by approximately 8 per cent, due to the economic impact resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. However, spending across these Islamic economy sectors, excluding family-friendly travel, is forecast to rebound by end-2021, and is slated to reach US$2.4 trillion by 2024.
The UAE was ranked one of the top three countries in the Report’s much-anticipated Global Islamic Economy Indicator, which covered 81 countries this year. New entrants, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Singapore joined the top 15 rankings while Saudi Arabia and Indonesia moved up in the rankings compared to last year’s SGIE Report.
Malaysia once again topped the overall Global Islamic Economy Indicator as well as the Islamic finance sector, the family-friendly travel sector, halal food and beverages sector, halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors indicators. The UAE ranked in first place in the remaining two sectors — Modest Fashion and Halal Media and Recreation.
Also Read: UAE, France discuss defence cooperation
Also Read: AE , Cuba discuss ways to enhance ties
Fatah and Hamas delegations will head to Cairo to continue their negotiations on internal reconciliation, senior Palestinian officials said.
“The Fatah delegation is headed by its Central Committee Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub, and two other senior leaders — Rawhi Fattouh and Ahmed Helles,” Abbas Zaki, a senior Fatah leader, told Xinhua news agency on Sunday.
“These meetings aim to continue the reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas to end the internal division that will lead to the Palestinian presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible,” Zaki added.
He praised Egypt’s role in sponsoring Palestinian reconciliation, stressing that “those efforts will achieve success in ending the Palestinian division”.
Hazem Qassem, spokesman of Hamas in Gaza, said in a press statement that Hamas will meet Fatah in Cairo to prepare for building a joint strategy to face all challenges against the Palestinian cause.
Hamas had seized control of the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2007 and since then, an internal political and geographical division over administrative, financial and security issues has remained between the two sides despite a series of Arab and international mediations.
In March 2018, then Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah survived an explosion when his convoy entered Gaza, an incident that was blamed on Hamas.
Despite a history of strife, Fatah and Hamas recently announced their agreement to put differences aside to confront Israeli plan to annex parts of the West Bank.
Also Read: Palestine knocks Pompeo’s plan to visit Israeli settlement
“The purpose of this meeting is to develop and deepen security in both Iran and Iraq, but of course Iraq has faced several conspiracies in recent years.said Baqeri…reports Asian Lite News
Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has announced the final steps in the drafting of an Iran-Iraq defence cooperation charter, after meeting Iraqi Defence Minister Juma Inad Saadoun.
“The two countries have prepared a charter that is now in its final stages and will be signed in the near future,” Xinhua news agency quoted Baqeri as saying on the sidelines of the meeting with Saadoun on Sunday.
“The purpose of this meeting is to develop and deepen security in both Iran and Iraq, but of course Iraq has faced several conspiracies in recent years.
“And now, as the Americans seek to redeploy terrorists in the region, this cooperation will provide better security for Iraq,” he added.
The Iraqi Minister arrived in Tehran on November 13 to discuss military cooperation, official news agency IRNA reported.
Baqeri said that Iran-Iraq defence cooperation will improve security in Iraq in the current situation, when the US “is seeking to redeploy terrorists in the region”.
The two sides also discussed issues related to the defence industry, security in the common border, and cooperation under the form of exchanges of experience, joint military exercises and training, he added.
UAE expands Golden Residency Visa programme; Sheikh Hamdan Lauds Diversity; Diwali at White House; New Trade Forum at Asia-Pacific; Palestine knocks Pompeo’s visit to Israeli settlement – all in Asian Lite Daily Digital – please click here to read the edition.
The UAE Golden Residency, a ten-year residency visa, will be granted to residents with PhD degree, in addition to doctors and engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electrical engineering and biotechnology, as well as graduates from UAE accredited universities who scored Grade Point Average, GPA, of 3.8 and above… reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Cabinet has announced major changes in the Golden Residency programme aimed at attracting and retaining experts and talented professionals from various fields and scientific disciplines. The changes will take place starting from 1st December, 2020.
The UAE Golden Residency, a ten-year residency visa, will be granted to residents with PhD degree, in addition to doctors and engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electrical engineering and biotechnology, as well as graduates from UAE accredited universities who scored Grade Point Average, GPA, of 3.8 and above.
The Golden Residency will also be offered to specialists in artificial intelligence, AI, big data, virology, epidemiology and UAE high school top graduates and their families.
In addition to the dynamic lifestyle and safety that are considered main characteristics of life in the UAE, Golden Residency holders and their families will be offered 10-year residency visa. The new Golden Residency categories expand the programme to further encourage innovation, creativity and applied research, adding to the appeal of a career in the Emirates for the world’s brightest minds.
DMCC’s Business Hub
DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – has announced it rolled out a company setup offer for businesses worldwide.
According to DMCC, the offer provides international companies the opportunity to set up a representative office in one of the world’s leading business hubs in as little as 5 working days with a free 6-month trial period.
With no upfront fees, businesses can explore the Dubai market ecosystem without making any initial investments. Companies will immediately benefit from the emirate’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of the world and an extensive logistics network that provides a gateway to access the region and beyond.
The setup process is fully digital, providing smart solutions that allow companies to access DMCC’s wide range of business services from any device, anytime and anywhere.
Businesses will also benefit from a simplified setup requirements (such as no requirement for opening a bank account), an option to apply for a residence visa along with family members, access to DMCC business centre facilities, and the opportunity to connect with DMCC member companies through digital networking platforms. The offer is valid until 31st December 2020.
Ahmad Hamza, Executive Director – Free Zone, DMCC, commented, “DMCC has successfully established a dynamic and thriving business district that has redefined the ease of doing business. That is why 18,000 companies have chosen to set up in our Free Zone. With this new offer, we are once again making it easier and faster to set up a presence in Dubai and enabling access to some of the fastest growing markets. In turn, we are boosting the Emirate’s economic resilience to ensure it always remains the chosen place for doing business.”
Since its establishment in 2002, DMCC has attracted over 18,000 local and global businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and SMEs to Fortune 500 companies. On average, 7 new businesses join the award-winning business district every day.
Also Read: UAE, EU convene second session of Structural Dialogue
Also Read: UAE FM holds talks with British minister
The two countries agreed on a health protocol against the pandemic that requires travellers to have a negative PCR test within 72 hours and sign a written pledge for a 10-day quarantine upon arrival…reports Asian Lite News
Libyan authorities have reopened the country’s border crossing with Tunisia after months of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The border has been reopened in coordination with all efforts in both countries. It is now open for movement of travellers of both countries,” Xinhua news agency quoted Abu-Rabee Makhlouf, security director of the Ras Ajdir Border Crossing with Tunisia, as saying on Saturday.
“We call upon travellers from both countries to be totally committed to the precautionary measures of the health protocol,” he said, confirming that all agencies “will provide needed services and facilitate movement”.
On November 11, Libya and Tunisia announced that the border crossing between the two countries will be reopened and flights will be resumed, after months of closure.
The two countries agreed on a health protocol against the pandemic that requires travellers to have a negative PCR test within 72 hours and sign a written pledge for a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
The total number of registered Covid-19 cases in Libya now stands at 72,628, with 43,256 recoveries and 995 fatalities, according to the National Center for Disease Control.
Since the first case was reported in March, Libyan authorities have taken a series of precautionary measures against the pandemic, including closing the country’s borders; shutting down schools and mosques; banning public gatherings; and imposing a curfew.
Also read:Libya to hold national elections in December 2021
Also read:EU hails Libyan political dialogue forum
“The visit is dangerous and violates international law and the United Nations resolutions,” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said…reports Asian Lite News
Palestinian officials have slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s decision to visit Israeli settlement in the West Bank, calling the planned trip “a challenge to the international consensus”.
“The visit will be a challenge to the positions of all previous US administrations that emphasized the illegality of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories,” Xinhua news agency quoted Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh as saying in a statement on Friday.
Earlier in the day, Israeli media earlier reported that Pompeo would make an exceptional visit to a winery at Psagot settlement in the West Bank and the Golan Heights during a visit to Israel next week.
“The visit is dangerous and violates international law and the United Nations resolutions,” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said.
Such a visit to a settlement built on lands belonging to Palestinian owners “represents the legitimization of settlements and a blow to international legitimacy”, Ishtaye added.
Israel occupied the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in 1967, and has since built dozens of settlements on the occupied territories, all regarded by the Palestinians as illegal.
In 2019, Pompeo announced that Washington no longer considered Israeli settlements built on the Palestinian territories as inconsistent with international law.
The Palestinians want to establish an independent state on the territories occupied by Israel in 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital by way of peace talks with the Jewish state.
The last round of peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, sponsored by the US, broke down in 2014 because of their deep divisions on issues related to Israeli settlements and the Palestinian statehood.
The Palestinian Authority severed its diplomatic ties with the administration of US President Donald Trump after he declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017.