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Russia announced that Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed today to a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, starting at noon the same day, after long negotiations that took place in Moscow between the foreign ministers of the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a statement that the ceasefire will take place at 12:00 p.m. (09:00 GMT), on October 10, 2020, for humanitarian purposes.
Lebanon’s leading Sunni Muslim politician, former Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri, called for the restoration of a French plan to lift the nation out of its worst financial crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war, reports Arab News.
Former colonial power France, which has led foreign aid efforts, has tried to rally Lebanese leaders to launch reforms to tackle the crisis. But they have failed to agree a new government — the first step in the French roadmap — and drawn a rebuke from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Lebanon urgently needs foreign cash to get out of a financial meltdown which has slashed the value of the currency since last year.
“I call on political parties to think well so as not to waste this chance…French President Macron’s initiative still stands and we can still enact it,” Hariri said in a TV interview late on Thursday. “If we let it fail, it would be a crime.”
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The Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, has raised “great concern” over the continued war between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, resulting in casualties and injuries from both countries.
In a statement, GCC Secretary General Nayef Al Hajraf said that the Council ”urges Azerbaijan and Armenia to cease-fire and enter into comprehensive negotiations to reach an inclusive political solution in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and the international law.”
This dispute threatens stability and security of the Caucasus, as well as international peace, he noted as quoted by KUNA.
He appealed to the Security Council to assume its role for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution to the dispute to protect the lives of civilians and guarantee peace and security in this “sensitive area in the world.”
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The Emirate of Sharjah is all set to host the iconic Sharjah International Book Fair, SIBF even in the pandemic situation by adopting relevant safety measures. The 39th edition of the fair which will be held from 4th to 14th November, 2020, will host hundreds of Arab and international publishers.
This year it promotes the theme “The World Reads from Sharjah”.
One of the top three book fairs in the world, the SIBF has for the first time in its history, adopted a unique online-offline hybrid programming that promises to deliver a memorable mix of literary and cultural activities.
Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, has emphasised that the new format of the fair has audience safety at the forefront, and fully adheres to global health and safety protocols in place to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic. The SIBF’s cultural programme adopts a fully digital format while publishers will make a physical appearance at the Expo Centre Sharjah, so book lovers across the nation can continue to enjoy the in-person experience of sifting through and buying books this year.
The 11-day event will see participating publishing houses on-site welcome visitors including children, youth, adults, and industry professionals looking to buy new titles and explore new genres of literature.
The SIBF 2020 theme is inspired by Sharjah’s leading position as an incubator of Arab culture and a creative hub that attracts intellectuals, writers and artists to meet and share experiences. In selecting the theme, SBA has affirmed that Sharjah is still welcoming literary leaders, readers, knowledge seekers and learners from across the world.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, said, “We believe that cultural activities must not stop even in challenging circumstances as enriching people’s lives through reading, literacy and knowledge is a key driver for social development and prosperity. SBA’s commitment to Sharjah’s cultural legacy is in line with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to build a bright present and promising future for the young generations by fostering knowledge and broadening their horizons through reading.”
“In keeping with our mission of promoting culture and creativity, SBA will deploy the latest technologies in visual communication to successfully host all its virtual events, activities and discussions. By providing a new experience for our audience, we want to reiterate that Sharjah is committed to being a true beacon of culture and knowledge,” Al Ameri said.
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September 2020 was the hottest September ever experienced in Bahrain since 1902, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ Meteorological Directorate said.
Hot and humid weather dominated Bahrain during the month due to the moist easterly to Southeasterly winds, the directorate said in its monthly weather report.
The mean temperature of the month was 34.8°C, which is 2.4°C above the long-term normal for September and this goes on record as the highest mean temperatures for September since 1902. The old record was 34.6°C recorded in September 2017, it said.
“The mean maximum temperature of the month was 39.8°C which is 3.3°C above the long-term normal and this goes on record as the highest mean maximum temperatures for September since 1946. The old record was 39.1°C recorded in September 2017.”
During the month, Bahrain had 10 days with maximum temperature that exceeded 40°C.
The highest temperature recorded during the month was 43.7°C on September 9 at Bahrain International Airport and this goes on record as the fifth highest maximum temperature for September since 1946 at Bahrain International Airport.
It was exceeded by September 4, 2013 with a record of 45.5°C, September 2, 2016 with a record of 45.3°C, September 11, 2008 with a record of 45°C and September 3, 2017 with a record of 44.1°C.
The highest temperature recorded at Bahrain International Circuit was 46.5°C on September 9 and at Durrat Al Bahrain was 44.8°C in the same day.
The mean minimum temperature of the month was 31.3°C that is 2.7°C above the long-term normal and this goes on record as the third highest mean minimum temperatures for September since 1946 and exceeded by September 2015 with a record of 31.5°C and September 2018 with a record of 31.4°C.
The lowest temperature recorded was 29.3°C set on September 23 at Bahrain International Airport but recorded 26.7°C on the same night at Durrat Al Bahrain.
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Yemeni troops and allied tribesmen have stormed and captured the strategic Al-Khanjer military base and surrounding areas in the northern province of Jouf, reports Arab News.
The operation, supported by Saudi-led Arab coalition warplanes, is a heavy blow to Iran-backed Houthi militias and their control of much of northern Yemen, the army said.
The report also said that the offensive followed several weeks of intensive fighting in the area. “This is a great victory. By seizing control of Al-Khanjer, the national army has secured a road between Marib and Joutema in Jouf,” said Rabia Al-Qurashi, the Yemeni army spokesman in the province.
Army commanders who led the operation said the coalition had carried out precise airstrikes that destroyed Houthi military positions and equipment, paving the way for government forces to storm the base and the other liberated areas in the province. Dozens of Houthis were killed or wounded in the fighting, they said.
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Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah took oath before the National Assembly on Thursday as Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Kuwait News Agency, KUNA, reported.
“I swear by Almighty Allah to respect the Constitution and the laws of the State, to defend the liberties, interests and properties of the people and to safeguard the independence and territorial integrity of the country and be loyal to the Amir,” Sheikh Mishal said.
Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah officially named Sheikh Mishal as Crown Prince.
Sheikh Nawaf succeeded the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah who passed away on September 29th.
The emergency relief fund has been rolled out by Sharjah in collaboration with the Sharjah World Book Capital Office 2019 (SWBC Office) and the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA)…Reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah has announced an emergency relief fund for Lebanese publishers affected by the tragic blast in Port Beirut in early August.It was a part of an act of solidarity with its UNESCO World Book Capital peer
The emergency relief fund has been rolled out by Sharjah in collaboration with the Sharjah World Book Capital Office 2019 (SWBC Office) and the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and will translate into both financial and in-kind assistance to help Lebanese publishers recover the huge losses they have suffered in the aftermath of this tragedy and bounce back into business.
To this end, SWBC Office has designed a support fund of AED 200,000 split into two grants. The first grant has been directed towards aiding the hosting of the next edition of the Beirut International Book Fair. The grant aims to reduce the event’s logistical expenses to facilitate the participation of the bookmakers in one of the oldest book fairs in the Arab world.
The second grant has been set aside for Lebanese publishers who have suffered great losses due to a dip in their sales exacerbated by the cancellation or postponement of Arab book fairs and exhibitions. The Sharjah Book Authority will be forming a committee, which will assess the publishers’ eligibility for these grants and will get in touch with them directly. Lebanese publishers who want to avail this grant may contact the committee at grant@sibf.com.
SBA has also announced that its subsidiary, the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ), will offer Lebanese publishers interested in regional or global expansion exemption from setup fees for an entire year. Twenty furnished offices are also part of SBA’s support. Interested applicants can get in touch with SPCFZ by writing to info@spcfz.com.
Moreover, SWBC Office is restoring and renewing three public libraries managed by the Assabil Association, which were damaged in the Beirut explosion. This includes the internal and external restoration of the Mono Library; upgradation of equipment in Al Bashura and Al Jeitawi libraries; as well as the provision of institutional support to Assabil, a non-governmental organisation established in 1997 to promote public libraries in Lebanon that are free and open to all.
Supporting the Arab world’s publishing sector is one of our top priorities at SWBCO and a pillar on which the celebrations of the title began on. Publishers are the core of the book industry, and providing support will reflect positively on the cultural movement and help attract more investment into the cultural sector locally and internationally. said Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) and Head of the Advisory Committee of Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC),
In a joint statement, the Ministers highlighted the role of tourism as a means to achieve sustainable socio-economic development…Reports Asian Lite News
G20 Tourism Ministers held a meeting where they discussed a revival plan for the tourism sector, one of the worst-hit by the global coronavirus pandemic, it was reported on Thursday.
The virtual meeting on Wednesday was chaired by Saudi Arabia, which holds the presidency of the G20 this year.
In a joint statement, the Ministers said that during the meeting, they highlighted the role of tourism as a means to achieve sustainable socio-economic development; promoted recovery of
the travel and tourism sector and realize its potential to drive faster economic recovery post health crisis; and further develop the sector as a key and resilient industry, contributing to the global economy and generating decent work.
Due to the pandemic, the tourism sector suffered severe setbacks, after many countries banned international travel or imposed other restrictions.
The global health crisis led to anticipated 60-80 per cent decline in international tourism in 2020.
Last year, the sector had contributed to 10.3 per cent of the world’s GDP, 330 million jobs and also accounted for 28 per cent of global service exports.
The Ministers also pledged to work together to “support those most impacted by the crisis within the sector, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and developing economies that rely on travel and tourism, especially in Africa and small island states”, the statement said.
They also welcomed the progress that has been made in tourism initiatives during the Saudi Arabia’s tenure, “including global commitments made in response to the pandemic, the progression of inclusive community development through tourism, and the advancement of safe travel”
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Jordan’s King Abdullah has appointed Bisher Al-Khasawneh, a royal palace adviser, as the country’s new Prime Minister. This move follows former PM Omar Razzaz’s resignation from the post.
Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the Royal Hashemite Court said: “His Majesty King Abdullah II tasks Bisher Khasawneh with forming a new Cabinet.” the Amman-based Roya News reported.
According to the palace, Al-Khasawneh, also a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a top envoy, will now oversee the upcoming parliamentary elections on November 10.
Wednesday’s development comes after the Monarch accepted the outgoing Prime Minister’s resignation on October 3.
On September 27, King Abdullah had dissolved the House of Representatives paving the way for the upcoming polls.
The House of Representatives or the lower House comprises 130 seats, of which 115 members are elected by an open list proportional representation from 23 constituencies of between three and nine seats in size and 15 seats reserved for women.
Nine of the 115 proportional representation seats are reserved for the Christian minority, with another three reserved for the Chechen and Circassian minorities.
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