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‘Terrorism hurdle to regional cooperation’

In his address at a conclave of the SCO chaired by Pakistan PM and attended among others by Chinese Premier, Jaishankar asserted that trade and connectivity initiatives must recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty…reports Asian Lite News

Delivering a thinly veiled message to Pakistan from its national capital, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said if activities across borders are “characterised” by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows and connectivity in parallel.

In his address at a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended among others by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Jaishankar also asserted that trade and connectivity initiatives must recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty and it is essential to have an “honest conversation” on lack of trust.

The remarks came amid the lingering military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh and concerns over China’s increasing military muscle-flexing in the Indian Ocean and other strategic waters.

Ahead of the SCO deliberations at the Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Sharif shook hands with Jaishankar and warmly received him for the second time in the last two days. Sharif and Jaishankar shook hands and briefly spoke at a dinner reception last night.

In his address at the conclave, Jaishankar flagged concerns over a number of challenges including that of countering the ‘three evils” of terrorism, extremism and separatism.

“If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel,” the external affairs minister said, without naming Pakistan.

Before leaving Islamabad, Jaishankar thanked PM Sharif and Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in a post on ‘X’ that is being seen as a positive gesture by senior functionaries in the Pakistan establishment.

He also described the SCO’s Council of Heads of Government meeting as “productive”.

“Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM @CMShehbaz, DPM & FM @MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies,” Jaishankar said.

In another post, the external affairs minister identified eight takeaways from the Indian perspective at the conclave that included the inclusion of digital public infrastructure (DPI) and digital in the SCO framework and a decision to develop a dialogue on the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

Other key takeaways listed by the minister included upholding fair and balanced connectivity projects in accordance with international law and reemphasising rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive and transparent multilateral trading systems with WTO at its core.

In his remarks at the conclave, Jaishankar said cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality and that the SCO member nations can benefit immensely if the grouping moves ahead collectively with mutual trust.

He especially stressed on adhering to the SCO charter, highlighting its underlying essence of strengthening mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness.

“It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit,” he said, in remarks seen as an indirect reference to China’s assertive behaviour on several critical issues such as trade and connectivity.

“But most of all, our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth requires peace and stability. And as the Charter spelt out, this means being firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils’.” Jaishankar said there is a need to introspect if “good neighbourliness” is missing somewhere and there is a lack of trust.

“If we fast-forward from the inception of the charter to the situation today, these goals and these tasks are even more crucial. It is, therefore, essential that we have an honest conversation,” he said.

“If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate if the friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address,” he said.

“Equally, it is only when we reaffirm our commitment most sincerely to the Charter that we can fully realise the benefits of cooperation and integration that it envisages,” he added.

Jaishankar said the SCO’s objective was to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness.

“It is to develop multifaceted cooperation, especially of a regional nature. It is to be a positive force in terms of balanced growth, integration and conflict prevention,” he said.

“The Charter was equally clear what the key challenges were. And these were primarily three, that the SCO was committed to combating: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism,” he said.

Jaishankar also described the challenge of debt as a serious concern.

The external affairs minister, delving into global issues, said the global institutions need to keep pace with the changes and underlined the need for ‘reformed multilateralism’.

Jaishankar also emphasised the need for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories, to make the global body more representative, inclusive, transparent and efficient.

“The SCO must be in the lead of advocating such change, not hold back on a matter of such importance,” he said.

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UK PM to meet sceptical investors in attempts to woo them

Starmer will host executives from global banks, power firms and other multinationals on Oct 14…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a tough sales job this month in his first high-profile meeting with international investors whose cash he needs to accelerate economic growth and halt a sense of national decline.

Starmer will host executives from global banks, power firms and other multinationals on Oct 14, hoping that political volatility in France, Germany and the United States will enhance Britain’s attractiveness.

But big questions hang over how he will tackle the problems that hampered previous governments. Years of Brexit-linked political chaos may have ended with his Labour Party’s big election win, but the near-collapse of utility Thames Water has unsettled investors.

Britain’s privatised water industry is under fire for polluting rivers with sewage amid accusations that profit has been prioritised over the environment. Current investors in Thames Water blame regulators for limiting bill rises they say are needed to fund investment. “We’re talking to international investors, and they’re very nervous about the UK,” Luke Hickmore, investment director at investment firm abdrn – a Thames Water creditor – said.

“That’s largely around the uncertainty on regulation.” Britain needs tens of billions of pounds annually to upgrade infrastructure to meet Starmer’s promise to double economic growth and raise the tax revenues needed to improve public services. But it cannot match the big subsidies on offer in the United States and euro zone for the net-zero transition.

Four days after July’s election, finance minister Rachel Reeves outlined plans to unblock planning and financing constraints on infrastructure and home-building.

But details remain scant and the government has yet to appoint an investment minister.

“There is definitely a sense that they have identified some of the problems, but it’s very early days and there are a lot of unanswered questions,” Raoul Ruparel, director of the Boston Consulting Group’s Centre for Growth, said.

Low rates of return on private investment – and often over-complicated contractual terms – were compounded by elevated labour and energy costs and skills shortages, he said.

“The rest of Europe is similar, but the UK is a different story because of its long-running under-investment problem.” Britain ranked 28th among 31 countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development for business investment as a percentage of national income in 2022, according the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank.

The government officials say they are making progress, pointing to recent announcements like a 10 billion-pound ($13.3 billion) investment by private equity firm Blackstone in an AI data centre and a planned 8 billion-pound investment by Amazon.

Britain has lost its ranking as Europe’s top foreign direct investment destination – ranked by the total number of projects – to France, although it was the leader in 2023 for new projects, accountancy firm EY says.

A survey of investors published in July by consultants Alvarez & Marsal showed Britain was Europe’s only big economy ranked negatively on the outlook for infrastructure attractiveness and opportunities, mostly to due to regulation.

“The government doesn’t understand that clear, distinctive and predictable regulation is still an opportunity the UK hasn’t seized,” said a senior London-based consultant, who asked not to be named.

Hickmore at abrdn said investors faced a “perfect storm” of higher interest rates, government change and regulation, adding: “We’ve seen the regulators get tough at just the wrong point in the cycle.”

Starmer’s government plans new laws to toughen oversight of the water companies, including potential curbs on executives’ pay – a response to public anger at Britain’s dirty rivers. Investors must also wait to see the new government’s tax policy: Reeves will announce her first budget on Oct. 30, having hinted at higher taxes for the wealthy.

A business survey last month showed expansion plans were being put on ice pending clarity on the budget. Further ahead, a spending review next Spring will reveal the government’s own investment plans for power, transport and other infrastructure over the coming years, providing a foundation for the private sector.

Ruparel said investors wanted a shift away from the focus of recent British governments on meeting budget rules at the expense of longer-term strategy. “Businesses appreciate the balance-sheet challenges but they are looking for strategic guidance and clarity over where the government is going with its own investment plans,” he said.

Some investors worry that the government’s gloomy message about the economy it inherited from the Conservatives is a precursor for investment-sapping tax increases, including possibly on capital gains.

“Those types of measures might unterproductive to what they are trying to achieve,” Peter Arnold, EY’s chief UK economist.

ALSO READ: EU and UK agree to strengthen cooperation

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Hasina’s Exit Strengthens Muslim Brotherhood Fold in South Asia

Western efforts to replace Sheikh Hasina unintentionally strengthened Muslim Brotherhood in South Asia. The re-entry of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) into Bangladesh’s political landscape under Yunus’s administration, following the lifting of a previous ban, has similarly raised alarm. Jamaat-e-Islami, which has historical ties to Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood, has expressed support for Yunus’s government, leading some to fear that this could lead to increased radicalization and a shift towards conservative Islamic policies.… A special report by Vaishali Basu Sharma

Recent political developments in Bangladesh have attracted significant international attention, with some observers suggesting that Western nations, particularly the United States, played a role in the transition of power that led to Sheikh Hasina’s exit from leadership. There has been speculation that the U.S. was involved in supporting Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as the head of the interim government.

Yunus, who has longstanding connections with the West, is well-regarded for his work in microfinance and social entrepreneurship. He has been honored with awards such as the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and several honorary degrees from American universities. Western governments and organizations have worked closely with Yunus on initiatives aimed at promoting financial inclusion and social business.

Despite his international acclaim, concerns have arisen regarding Yunus’s ability to manage Bangladesh’s political and security landscape. Since Sheikh Hasina stepped down on August 5, there have been reports of increased violence in various regions of Bangladesh, including attacks on Hindu temples and the Ahmadiyya community. These incidents have raised questions about the government’s commitment to protecting minorities.

Yunus at the Annual Meeting 2009 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (Wikipedia)

Yunus’s approach toward certain radical groups has also led to geopolitical concerns. His meeting with Mamunul Haque, a leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, has drawn significant attention, sparking debate about whether Yunus is offering space to Islamist factions within the political sphere. While some view this engagement as an attempt to maintain dialogue with all sectors of society, others are concerned that it could embolden radical groups.

The re-entry of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) into Bangladesh’s political landscape under Yunus’s administration, following the lifting of a previous ban, has similarly raised alarm. Jamaat-e-Islami, which has historical ties to Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood, has expressed support for Yunus’s government, leading some to fear that this could lead to increased radicalization and a shift towards conservative Islamic policies.

Bangladesh’s challenges are compounded by regional security issues. There are growing concerns about connections between radical groups in Bangladesh and militant organizations in neighboring Myanmar. The Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, which house displaced populations from Myanmar, have been identified as potential areas of recruitment for groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). The cross-border influence of these groups threatens to escalate tensions and instability.

The United States, in its support for political transition in Bangladesh, may have inadvertently created an environment where Islamist factions are gaining influence. While Yunus has been positioned as a stabilizing figure by many in the West, his engagement with groups like Hefazat-e-Islam and the legitimization of Jamaat-e-Islami could result in long-term challenges. These groups, if empowered, could seek to advance conservative policies, affecting areas such as education, gender equality, and social norms, thereby increasing polarization within Bangladeshi society.

The potential for further radicalization in Bangladesh not only poses risks to its internal stability but also has implications for regional security. As these groups gain political leverage, the possibility of a broader shift towards conservative Islamist policies in South Asia grows, with significant consequences for Bangladesh’s relations with its neighbors and international partners.

As Bangladesh navigates this complex political landscape, Yunus’s leadership will be crucial in determining whether the country can maintain its secular foundation or if the rise of conservative elements will lead to increased social tensions and instability. The international community, particularly Western nations, will need to carefully monitor these developments and consider the broader regional implications of political shifts in Bangladesh.

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Venezuela calls US sanctions a ‘crime of aggression’

Venezuela rejected the new sanctions the US Treasury Department imposed against several Venezuelan officials “in the strongest terms.”

In a statement on Thursday, Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced the US move as “unilateral, illegitimate and illegal coercive measures” and a “new crime of aggression,” Xinhua news agency reported.

Washington has once again demonstrated “its total disregard for international law, the self-determination of peoples and the democratic will of Venezuelans,” it said.

The ministry noted that the latest sanctions violated the agreements signed in Qatar between the governments of Venezuela and the United States in September 2023.

Earlier in the day, the US Treasury Department announced new individual sanctions against 16 Venezuelan officials in various branches of government.

It said that the sanctioned officials “obstructed democratic political participation and undermined the election process” during the recent presidential elections in Venezuela.

Among the officials listed were the President of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Caryslia Rodriguez, and the first Vice President of the National Assembly, Pedro Infante.

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Putin proposes bilateral talks with Modi during BRICS

The remarks by the Russian president came while he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposing a bilateral meeting on October 22, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. During the invitation, Putin also referred to PM Modi as a “good friend.”

The remarks by Putin came while he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting. Putin had a meeting with Doval at the Constantine Palace in Russia’s St. Petersberg.

Quoting President Putin, the Kremlin, in a statement, said, “We will be expecting Mr Modi in Kazan. I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting there on October 22 in order to close the books on our joint work in implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and outline some prospects for the near future.”

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kremlin.

“Please extend my warmest regards and best wishes to Mr Modi, my good friend,” the statement added.

Putin further said that the “special privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia is “gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about.” He added, “We are also pleased to see India’s success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”

The Russian president further highlighted the importance of security cooperation between India and Russia, emphasising that security issues have remained a top priority for both nations. “Security issues have always been, and continue to be, among our top priorities. We appreciate your visit to St. Petersburg following last year’s meeting in Moscow. Thank you for continuing to support this dialogue from the Indian side,” Putin said.

The Indian Embassy in Russia said that Doval and Putin, during their meeting, discussed issues of mutual interest. Sharing a post on X, it wrote, “Ajit Doval called on the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on September 12, as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed issues of mutual interest in the spirit of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.”

Earlier in the day, Doval had a bilateral meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest.

Notably, in July, Narendra Modi went to Russia and hailing the relationship between both nations, PM Modi asserted that their ties are important not just for India and Russia but for the entire world. He had said, “In the context of today’s global atmosphere, India and Russia’s partnership becomes all the more important. Both of us believe that continuous efforts should be made for global stability and peace. In the time to come, we will work together towards this.”

The Prime Minister had also asserted that in the past 2.5 decades, the relationship between India and Russia under the leadership of Putin has strengthened. He had said, “Under your (Putin) leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened over time.”

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs’ meeting, Doval also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday. During their discussions, Doval emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, as well as respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are essential for restoring normalcy in bilateral relations between India and China.

The meeting gave India and China an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which will create conditions to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realise complete disengagement in the remaining areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

Doval conveyed that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in the past by the two governments.

The two sides also agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not just for the two countries but also for the region and the world. The two sides also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, the MEA release added.

Notably, Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Doval attends BRICS meets in Russia

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Asia News News PAKISTAN

Karachi University syndicate cancels law degree of HC judge who called out ISI’s interference

As per the opinion, the next few months seem very critical for Pakistan’s future political course, while the spectre of despotism is looming large over the political spectrum with an increasingly fragmented civilian setup struggling with legitimacy questions and resorting to draconian measures, a report by Dr Sakariya Kareem

Pakistan’s judiciary has been experiencing endless attacks on the system and in the latest example of efforts to curtail rule of law, an alleged ‘enforced’ decision by the Karachi University syndicate stripped a sitting high court judge, who spoke out against the establishment’s interference in judicial matters, of his law degree. 

According to local media reports, the syndicate of the University of Karachi last week cancelled the degree and enrolment of a candidate, who is said to be a high court judge, on the recommendation of its Unfair Means (UFM) Committee.

The decision came a few hours after the detention of academic and syndicate member Riaz Ahmed, who was picked up by police in what appeared to be an attempt to stop him from attending the key meeting, reports Pakistan’s leading English daily, Dawn.

Riaz Ahmed, an associate professor at the Karachi University’s department of applied chemistry, was released in the evening only after the syndicate decided to cancel the degree, as per reports.

Riaz, while speaking to rights activists and media personnel after being released, claimed in a video statement that the degree issue involved Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court.

Riaz Ahmed (Image X@riazahmedis)

However, neither Karachi University Vice Chancellor Khalid Iraqi nor any other official of the university were immediately available for comment on the matter, the report said.

Riaz, who had already objected to an agenda item of the syndicate meeting pertaining to the case involving the judge’s law degree after 40 years, claimed that he was picked up from Tipu Sultan Road when he was on his way to the university to attend the said meeting.

According to Dawn, the syndicate meeting was held without Riaz and among other decisions it gave consent to the cancellation of the judge’s degree.

“The members also approved the recommendations of the KU UFM [unfair means] Committee which has proposed cancellation of the degree and enrolment cards of the candidate(s) who were found in unethical and immoral acts,” Karachi University stated in a press release, without naming the candidate.

Riaz, however, said he was released eight hours after the “illegal detention”.

Condemning the detention, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “HRCP is deeply concerned by reports that Karachi University academic and political activist Dr Riaz Ahmed was earlier taken into custody and then reportedly disappeared forcibly by unidentified persons. Strangely, he was brought back to the police station after the police denied that they had detained him.”

“This is the second time Dr Ahmad has been disappeared. In this case, no FIR was lodged against him, begging the question as to why he was detained at all. The use of such tactics must cease,” HRCP added.

It should be noted that Justice Jahangiri, whose law degree has been cancelled by the Karachi University, is among the six judges who previously complained to the Supreme Judicial Council about chief justice and accused the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of interfering in judicial affairs. 

The complaint included allegations of spy cameras being detected at the entrance and in the bedroom of a judge, a matter that was reportedly conveyed to the chief justice but to no avail, as per reports.

An opinion piece by writer-journalist Zahid Hussain published in Dawn describes the Karachi University incident as another instance of growing brazenness of powers in the country.

Commenting on Riaz’s “illegal detention” the opinion piece noted, “In a country where enforced disappearances are a common phenomenon, such brief illegal confinement would not have raised an eyebrow.”

As per the opinion piece, the fate of Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri as a judge seems to have now been sealed, and the action against the judge seems to be a warning to other judges who refuse to toe the line.

“It’s now also a test for the chief justice to defend the independence of the judiciary and protect the judges from such revengeful actions. The pressure on the judges is also growing with the apex court increasingly becoming the battleground for resolving political and constitutional disputes as parliament is becoming increasingly redundant,” according to the Dawn opinion piece.

The writer opined it is not surprising that every effort is being used by the Pakistani government to divide the institution and curtail its power. 

“The Supreme Court’s ruling on redistribution of reserved seats may have deprived the ruling coalition of the two-thirds majority in parliament required for a constitutional amendment in the pretext of judicial reform, but the current dispensation has not yet given up hope for reversal of the majority decision,” the writer highlighted.

As per the opinion, the next few months seem very critical for Pakistan’s future political course, while the spectre of despotism is looming large over the political spectrum with an increasingly fragmented civilian setup struggling with legitimacy questions and resorting to draconian measures. 

“The attack on the independence of the judiciary and the clampdown on freedom of expression are part of the moves to strengthen despotism,” the opinion piece read.

“Setting up firewalls and downgrading internet services are not going to work for the dispensation mired in deep muddy waters,” the opinion added. “The challenges are too serious for a government lacking public mandate to deal with, and take the country out of, the morass. Its increasing dependence on the security establishment has removed even the pretence of civilian rule. The establishment’s hold is evident in all aspects of decision-making.”

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Musk’s X Banned in Brazil

Earlier, the Brazil Supreme Court gave X, owned by Elon Musk, a 24-hour deadline to designate a legal representative in the country, reports Asian Lite News

Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered the social media platform X to be blocked nationwide after the company refused to appoint a legal representative in the country.

Earlier on Wednesday, de Moraes gave X, owned by Elon Musk, a 24-hour deadline to designate a representative. X shut down its Brazil office on August 17, claiming that there were threats to detain its former legal representative.

X had been in conflict with de Moraes for months over the platform’s refusal to comply with court orders to remove profiles that promote coup-related content or undermine democracy, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Friday, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) also ordered X to pay fines amounting to 18 million reais (about $3.2 million) for non-compliance.

The judge justified the block decision, citing the company’s repeated, willful defiance of court orders and refusal to pay daily fines, accusing X of attempting to bypass Brazil’s legal system and create a “lawless zone” on social media, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 municipal elections.

De Moraes added that X has facilitated “the actions of extremist groups and digital militias, enabling the spread of Nazi, racist, fascist, hateful, and anti-democratic speech”, particularly ahead of the upcoming elections.

The Brazilian judge also instructed the country’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to block access to X within 24 hours. Apple and Google have been given five days to remove the X app from their online stores.

Additionally, a daily fine of 50,000 reais (about $10,000) was imposed on any individual or company that uses methods such as VPNs to access X after the ban.

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Iran, Saudi Ministers Discuss ‘Israeli Crimes’

Iran and Saudi Foreign Ministers discussed the ongoing Israeli “crimes” in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the West Asia region, stressing the need to halt Israel’s “crimes” and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian coastal enclave…reports Asian Lite News

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional issues of common interest as Israel intensifies attacks on Lebanese targets.

During their telephone conversation, both sides noted the ongoing Israeli “crimes” in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the West Asia region, stressing the need to halt Israel’s “crimes” and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian coastal enclave, said a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Both sides agreed that bilateral relations were on the right track, and called for expanding cooperation in different areas, the statement added.

They also urged continued consultations between the two countries, noting that such dialogue aligns with both bilateral and regional interests.

In April 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia announced the resumption of diplomatic relations in Beijing after years of estrangement.

Meanwhile, Israeli and Hezbollah forces engaged in intense exchanges of fire early Sunday along the Israel-Lebanon border, marking a dramatic escalation in their protracted conflict.

Hezbollah revealed that it had unleashed hundreds of missiles against Israel in vengeance for the killing of its top military commander, Fouad Shokor, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut last month. Also on Sunday, Israel reported conducting a series of “preemptive airstrikes” targeting Hezbollah’s rocket launchers in southern Lebanon.

The long-anticipated retaliation by Hezbollah, following Shokor’s death on July 30, has heightened global apprehension that these intensifying hostilities could ignite a broader conflict, drawing in regional and international players such as the United States and Iran.

Additionally, the violence threatens to derail ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza, where Israel has been embroiled in a prolonged struggle with Hamas for over 10 months.

During an emergency national security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the destruction of thousands of Hezbollah rockets in a “preemptive attack.”

“This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel,” Netanyahu said. “In consultation with the defense minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that approximately 100 fighter jets carried out strikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon.

However, these attacks did not prevent Hezbollah from launching a large-scale assault on Israeli targets. Hezbollah reported the firing of over 320 rockets and drones at northern Israel, while the IDF confirmed that about 210 rockets and 20 drones were launched from Lebanon. Some were intercepted, while others caused damage and injuries.

In a video speech on Sunday afternoon, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah denied that Israel had destroyed thousands of rocket launchers, stating that the attacks had only hit two missile launch pads.

The Israeli media reported that an Israeli soldier was killed, and a civilian sustained light injuries from Hezbollah shrapnel.

Another report says Lebanese sources said that four militants were killed and six others wounded in southern Lebanon due to Israeli raids. Lebanese state media reported significant damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure in the southern part of the country, and to power and water systems in particular.

In response to the escalating tensions, Israel’s Home Front Command issued defense guidelines for Tel Aviv and northern areas. Educational and work activities may continue if safe shelter is available, but outdoor gatherings are limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings to 300. Beaches near the Lebanon border are closed.

Several airlines have announced the suspension of flights to and from Israel and Lebanon due to the escalating situation.

UN CALLS FOR PEACE

International calls for restraint followed Sunday’s escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, urging both sides to return to a cessation of hostilities.

His call was echoed by officials in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah warned that the violence in southern Lebanon could trigger a broader regional conflict and criticized ongoing “Israeli aggression” in Gaza.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty cautioned that the Israel-Hezbollah escalation threatens regional stability, calling for all parties to work towards de-escalation.

Yemen’s Houthi group and Hamas, both allies of Hezbollah, praised the Lebanese group’s actions, with the Houthis commending Hezbollah for what they described as a “significant and courageous attack” against Israel.

The U.S. National Security Council said that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with his national security team. Biden has instructed U.S. officials to coordinate with Israel and reaffirmed support for Israel’s “right to self-defense.”

Regional analysts view the likelihood of Sunday’s escalation evolving into a full-scale conflict as low but caution that ongoing attrition could lead to unforeseen incidents.

Refaat Badawi, a political analyst and former adviser to the Lebanese prime minister, noted that Hezbollah’s retaliation was within the “engagement rules” and that Israel’s decision to highlight its success with Sunday’s preemptive strikes while refraining from further escalation indicates a desire to avoid additional conflict.

Despite the intense morning clashes, fighting has largely subsided since Sunday afternoon, with both sides mainly targeting military sites. Nasrallah said that the missiles were aimed primarily at military targets.

“The target should not be a civilian enemy or infrastructure,” he said in the aforementioned televised speech.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Israel’s strikes on Lebanon were defensive measures against Hezbollah’s planned large-scale attack and that Israel is not seeking a full-scale war.

Eyal Zisser, vice rector at Tel Aviv University and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, observed that neither side aims for an all-out war but warned that the risk of unintended incidents could escalate the situation dramatically.

ALSO READ: Blinken, Saudi counterpart discuss Mideast tensions

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Harmanpreet’s Goal Earns India a Draw Against Argentina

Argentina, which had lost their previous match to Australia 0-1, looked more determined to put India under the pump right from the starting hooter…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh came up with a late, 59th-minute goal to help his team hold Argentina 1-1 in a Pool B match in the 33rd Olympic Games at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium here on Monday. Lucas Martinez (22′) had put Argentina, gold medallists at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, in the lead before Harmanpreet saved the day for eight-time champions India.

Coming into the match with the confidence of winning their opening game 3-2 against New Zealand, India looked dominant in the first quarter, with bursts of attacks by the young Indian forwards but breaking the Argentine deadlock was a struggle.

Meanwhile, Argentina, which had lost their previous match to Australia 0-1, looked more determined to put India under the pump right from the starting hooter.

India made a breakthrough in the 10th minute, thanks to Mandeep Singh winning a penalty corner. With Harmanpreet subbed out Sanjay made an attempt but failed to capitalise from the drag-flick. In the following minutes, Abhishek took an ambitious shot on goal, but the ball hit the crossbar, narrowly missing out on an early lead.

After a goalless first quarter, India began the second quarter with back-to-back PCs in the 19th minute but Argentina goalie Santiago did well to keep India’s captain from scoring. Unfortunately for India, there was no such luck when Lucas Martinez attempted a goal in the 22nd minute. Making space in the circle, and beating defender Harmanpreet, Martinez successfully found the net despite goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh’s diving effort. Though India came up with some potential moves in this quarter to equalise, the Argentine backline was resolute throughout.

India came out of the 10-minute break looking positive; however, Argentina ensured the Indian forwards had little space to move around in the striking circle.

On the other hand, Argentina had several opportunities to double their lead including the PCs earned in the 37th minute but to no avail. They were even awarded a penalty stroke following a body infringement by Jarmanpreet while defending the PC but Maico Casella Schuth was way off the target.

Both teams continued to trade PCs in the remaining minutes of this quarter. Argentina won back-to-back chances in the 42nd and India in the 44th minute but there was no joy for both teams as they failed to convert.

The final quarter was dramatic, yet tense for India as they were still in the hunt to find that equaliser but Argentina’s defence hardly allowed any movement. India had to bank on aerial balls to move forward.

The final few moments remained intense as India managed a flurry of PCs and were successful finally in making the late surge. Harmanpreet came up with a brilliant execution, and powerful drag to put the ball past Santiago who was exceptional throughout the game. He kept it high, aiming at the middle of the net to find the equaliser.

The late goal brought huge celebrations among Indian fans present in the stands and ensured they split the winning points with Argentina.

With four points in two matches, India are placed third in the Pool B standings and will next take on Ireland at 4:45 pm IST on Tuesday. Ireland have lost both their matches in the tournament so far.

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Guterres Urges Calm Amid Student Protests in Bangladesh

File photo shows Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking during a daily news briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, Aug. 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie E/IANS)

More than 175 people, including police, have been killed and over a thousand injured in the upheaval that has shaken the nation…reports Arul Louis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for “calm and restraint” as students resumed their protests that were suspended last week, according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres “remains deeply concerned about the situation in Bangladesh”, Dujarric said on Monday at his daily briefing.

“He notes reports of the resumption of student protests today and reiterates his call for calm and restraint,” Dujarric said.

The UN has raised its concern with “relevant authorities, both in the capital, Dhaka, and here in New York, and we count on Bangladesh to respect and uphold human rights, including as a top troop-contributing country to United Nations peacekeeping missions”, he added.

The students had been protesting against a 30 per cent reservation in government jobs for relatives of freedom fighters who wrested independence for Bangladesh from Pakistan in a bloody civil war in which, according to Dhaka officials, 3 million people were killed in the genocide by Pakistani troops and their supporters.

After the Supreme Court slashed the reservations to 5 per cent, student leaders last week put the protests on hold.

But the demonstrations resumed on Monday because the students said that the government ignored their demand to release all their leaders.

More than 175 people, including police, have been killed and over a thousand injured in the upheaval that has shaken the nation.

Guterres is “alarmed by emerging reports about the excessive use of force by security forces and credible evidence of human rights violations” and “reiterates his call for all acts of violence to be investigated promptly, transparently, and impartially, and for those responsible to be held to account”, Dujarric said.

Last week, the UN said it had “serious concern” about reports that Bangladesh authorities had deployed vehicles with UN insignias during the riots.

Dujarric said on Monday that the UN had taken note of statements from Bangladeshi authorities that UN-marked vehicles are no longer being deployed within the country.

With 5,859 Bangladeshi troops deployed in UN peacekeeping operations, the nation is the third-largest contributor of personnel to current UN missions.

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