Agar also called for coordinated efforts in the region and internationally to enable an end to the tensions and to preserve the integrity…reports Asian Lite News
Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and Deputy Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council Malik Agar discussed the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the international and regional initiatives to resolve the ongoing armed conflict in the country.
During a meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo, Agar briefed Aboul-Gheit on the developments in Sudan, including the field situation and the challenges facing the Sudanese Armed Forces in restoring security and control in the capital Khartoum, the AL said on Monday in a statement.
Agar also called for coordinated efforts in the region and internationally to enable an end to the tensions and to preserve the integrity, stability and unity of Sudan, Xinhua news agency reported.
For his part, Aboul-Gheit stressed the commitment of the AL to work for the stability of Sudan and its territorial integrity, preserving the capabilities of the Sudanese people and protecting its institutions, as well as its readiness to provide all forms of support to achieve security and stability in the African country.
He also asserted the need for international action and initiatives to work for the benefit of Sudan and its people, in cooperation and coordination with the government of Sudan.
The AL Secretary-General called for serious work to achieve more harmony among these initiatives, adding that the AL would present ideas in this regard to various parties.
He highlighted the importance of working to reach arrangements that allow dealing with the deteriorating humanitarian situation in areas witnessing armed clashes through the ceasefire that is agreed upon during the Jeddah meetings.
Agar’s visit came amid a 72-hour truce between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which started Sunday morning, and relatively restored calm in the country. The two forces’ deadly clash has claimed hundreds of civilian lives and displaced millions more across the country since it broke out on April 15.
The 32nd Arab League Summit kicked off in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Friday with the participation of Arab leaders to discuss regional and global issues…reports Asian Lite News
The 32nd Arab League Summit concluded in the Saudi city of Jeddah by adopting the Jeddah Declaration, which calls for Arab unity to solve regional issues, state media reported.
The declaration welcomed Syria’s readmission to the Arab League (AL), vowing to intensify pan-Arab efforts to help Syria tackle its crisis, Al Arabiya TV reported on Friday.
It underlined the Arab Peace Initiative to solve the Palestinian issues, urged for the de-escalation of tensions in Sudan, called for the election of a new Lebanese President and the required reforms to lift Lebanon out of its crisis, and supported initiatives to promote security and stability in Yemen, Xinhua news agency reported.
The declaration rejected foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries and “categorically reject all support for the formation of armed groups and militias outside the scope of state institutions”.
At a press conference to brief on the summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud was quoted by Al Arabiya TV as saying that the Jeddah Declaration will reinforce joint Arab work.
The Minister affirmed that the Palestinian cause remains the Arab’s pivotal cause, expressed hope that Syria’s return to the Arab fold would contribute to ending the Syrian crisis, and called on the Sudanese warring parties to resort to dialogue to put an end to the current armed clashes.
AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit highlighted the success of the Jeddah summit in achieving its goal, expressing hope that the summit would be a beginning for the Arab countries to grasp their fate in their own hands.
The 32nd Arab League Summit kicked off in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Friday with the participation of Arab leaders to discuss regional and global issues that are crucial to the region’s stability.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the summit for the first time since his country was suspended from the Arab League after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
In the summit, Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane handed over the rotating presidency of the Arab League to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Amin Salam, the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, stated that the UAE has established itself as a global leader in luring investors from all over the world…reports Asian Lite News
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, said that the UAE’s openness to the world has ensured its economic progress over the past two decades.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi, the AL Chief said that the meeting is a platform for connecting Arab business leaders and investors to explore investment prospects available in the Arab region.
The event’s sessions addressed the challenges that impede the growth of investments in Arab countries, he said, affirming the importance of promoting cooperation to benefit from major investment opportunities in the region.
Aboul Gheit said that political, economic and monetary stability are essential for attracting FDI inflows, noting that a conducive legal ecosystem and good governance are necessary to safeguard invested capital, help achieve intended objectives and accelerate FDIs.
Despite having considerable potential, Arab countries have received very low direct investments over the past 20 years due to regional crises that began in 2011 and reduced capital value, he added.
Meanwhile, Amin Salam, the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, stated that the UAE has established itself as a global leader in luring investors from all over the world, as well as in achieving strong economic growth rates that have encouraged all Arab countries to follow suit.
In statements on the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi, the Lebanese minister said that Lebanon is significantly reliant on its long-standing commercial and economic ties with the UAE, which will surely contribute to the Lebanese economy’s critical economic and trade balance.
He emphasised that new legislation that will be of an economic and reform nature and serve as significant incentives for foreign investors to come to Lebanon are currently being finalised.
The Arab League accused the Israeli government of resorting to a policy that would “eliminate any opportunity to achieve peace and ignite chaos and violence in the region.”…reports Asian Lite News
The Arab League (AL) on Tuesday condemned Israel for committing a “heinous crime” as its airstrikes killed at least 15 in Gaza.
“The dangerous escalation comes within the open war waged by the Israeli right-wing government against the Palestinian people, their properties and sanctities,” MENA quoted Saeed Abu Ali, AL assistant secretary-general for Palestine and occupied Arab territories affairs, as saying.
The AL official accused the Israeli government of resorting to a policy that would “eliminate any opportunity to achieve peace and ignite chaos and violence in the region,” vowing to hold it fully responsible for an escalation of violence.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli fighter jets and unmanned drones carried out simultaneous and surprise attacks at buildings housing senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) military leaders in Gaza.
The Gaza-based health ministry said 15 Palestinians were killed and more than 20 were injured in the airstrikes, including ten civilian women and children.
The ministry said in a press statement that among those killed included four children and five women, while seven of the 22 injured were in serious condition.
The PIJ confirmed in a statement that three of its commanders, namely Jihad Ghannam, Khalil Al-Bahtini and Tareq Izzeldeen, were killed in the strikes. The faction vowed a response.
In a fresh airstrike in the afternoon, the Israeli military said they killed two PIJ militants preparing a rocket attack against Israel.
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Israel braces for retaliation
Israel was on high alert on Tuesday as it prepared for retaliatory rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip after a series of Israeli airstrikes killed militants and civilians in the coastal Palestinian enclave.
Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported that over 2,000 Israelis have been evacuated from communities near the enclave, as a precaution against possible rocket attacks launched by Gazan militants at nightfall.
Residents in southern Israel were being relocated to hotels in central regions of the country. In the city of Sderot, preparations have been made by the municipality to temporarily relocate approximately 4,500 elderly or sick residents.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told local council heads near Gaza that they “must be prepared for every scenario.” He added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security forces “are prepared to defend every front,” according to a statement released on his behalf.
Arab nations condemn Israel
Jordan condemned Israel’s escalation of tension in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a statement, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Sinan Al-Majali underlined the need for the international community to act immediately and effectively to stop the Israeli attacks and protect the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and all other occupied Palestinian territories.
Al-Majali said that Israeli raids on the holy sites in Jerusalem and occupied Palestinian cities could lead to further violence that will affect all.
Jordan will continues its communication with relevant parties to immediately stop this dangerous escalation, so as to restore calm and prevent violence, he added.
The UAE condemned the Israeli operation that targeted areas in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the death and injury of numerous people.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) called on Israeli authorities to halt escalation and avoid exacerbating tension and instability in the region.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes.
In a statement posted on the ministry’s website, Nasser Kanaani highlighted the necessity of an “immediate, effective, deterrent and coordinated” action by Muslim states to stop Israel’s “crimes,” after the Israeli attacks on Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in the Gaza Strip that killed at least 13 people, including women, children and three senior PIJ military leaders, and injured at least 20 others.
Kanaani said the Israeli offensive was aimed at diverting the public opinion away from Israel’s “very shaky and critical” domestic situation.
The spokesman added that the silence and inaction of Western countries and relevant international organizations in the face of Israel’s recent escalation of tensions with the Palestinian people had greatly emboldened Israelis to continue their “crimes.”
The photo shows the scene of an Arab League (AL) extraordinary meeting held in Cairo, Egypt on May 7. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
The Arab foreign ministers have agreed on the necessity to intensify efforts “to help Syria out of its crisis”, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Arab foreign ministers decided in an Arab League (AL) extraordinary meeting held in Cairo on Sunday to restore Syria’s membership in the league after 12 years of suspension, said a final statement after the meeting.
The AL council meeting at the ministerial level decided to resume “the participation of delegations of the government of Syria in the meetings of the AL council and all its organizations and bodies as of May 7, 2023,” read the statement issued by the pan-Arab organization.
The Arab foreign ministers also agreed on the necessity to intensify efforts “to help Syria out of its crisis.”
Assad dials MBZ
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call yesterday evening from President Bashar al-Assad of the Arab Republic of Syria.
During the call, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them further.
President al-Assad expressed Syria’s appreciation for the UAE’s role in strengthening relations and enhancing cooperation between Arab nations, for the benefit of those countries and their people.
‘A step in the right direction’
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Sunday said the Arab League (AL)’s decision to restore Syria’s membership in the league is a step in the right direction to a unified Arab stance.
“This decision was delayed for years, but it is a step in the right direction towards a return to Arab righteousness,” Berri said in a statement released by the National News Agency.
He added: “With the return of Syria to the Arabs and the return of the Arabs to Syria, there is a glimmer of hope for a new resurrection of joint Arab action.”
Meanwhile, caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said “Lebanon was among the first to call for Syria’s return to the Arab League, and it was against suspending its membership.”
Arab foreign ministers decided in an AL extraordinary meeting held in Cairo on Sunday to restore Syria’s membership in the league after 12 years of suspension.
‘Qatar’s stance unchanged’
Qatar said its position regarding normalising ties with Syria remains unchanged, Qatar’s foreign ministry said on Sunday.
In a statement carried by the QNA, Majed bin Mohammad Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Qatar always seeks to support achieving Arab consensus and will not be an obstacle to that.
Yet he said the official position of Qatar on normalization with “the Syrian regime” is a decision linked primarily to progress in the political solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.
Qatar will “work with the Arab brothers in achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people … and for this consensus to be a motive for the Syrian regime to address the roots of the crisis,” he said.
Al Ansari also reaffirmed Qatar’s support for all regional and international efforts to find a comprehensive and just solution to the crisis that respects Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Qatar has recently ruled out all chances of joining the regional reconciliation wave with Syria.
AL ministerial panel for Sudan
The Arab League Council issued a resolution to form an Arab ministerial contact group to communicate with the Sudanese parties and influential countries, aiming to reach a settlement of the crisis in Sudan.
The resolution, made during the Council’s emergency meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo, is meant to intensify Arab efforts to find a peaceful solution to the current conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that erupted in mid-April.
Under the resolution, the contact group would include representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Arab League, according to an Arab League statement.
The contact group will hold communication with the Sudanese parties, influential countries regionally and internationally as well as relevant international organizations, according to the statement.
The committee aims to reach a complete and sustainable ceasefire in Sudan and address the causes of the crisis.
It will further coordinate with international relief organizations to provide urgent humanitarian and medical support to citizens and displaced persons inside Sudan.
The group will also work to help those taking refuge in neighboring countries.
The Council also stressed the need to fully respect Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and not to interfere in its internal affairs to avoid fueling conflict and threatening regional peace and security.
Sudan violence: Indian embassy asks citizens to stay indoor in fresh advisory(grab)
Arab League (AL) Secretary-General, in a “purely humanitarian call”, urged warring sides in Sudan to bring a ceasefire during Eid days….reports Asian Lite News
Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit called on conflicting Sudanese parties to cease fire during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday that follows the holy month of Ramadan.
“I call on the brothers in Sudan from the Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) … to announce a ceasefire during the Eid days,” the chief of the pan-Arab organisation said in a video statement, Xinhua news agency reported.
Sudan has been witnessing armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.
“Let the Eid days be a truce in which fire ceases on both sides in a comprehensive and complete way,” Aboul-Gheit said.
“This is a message of a purely humanitarian call, which has nothing to do with the political position on the crisis,” the AL chief added.
Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr for three days to mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Whether the Eid al-Fitr will fall on Friday or Saturday is decided by the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday by Muslim scholars.
Sudan army’s Khartoum HQ hit
Paramilitary troops from the Rapid Support Forces launched waves of attacks on Wednesday targeting the main Sudanese army HQ in Khartoum as the death toll from five days of fighting headed for 300, Arab News reported.
There were continuous bombardments and loud explosions around the army compound in the center of the capital, and also at the main airport, which has been fiercely contested and out of action since violence erupted at the weekend.
This photo taken on April 15 shows smoke rising in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua
Thousands flee home
As fighting between the army and paramilitaries raged for a fifth day after a 24-hour truce collapsed, thousands of residents have fled their homes in Sudan’s capital Khartoum.
When the planned ceasefire, set to begin at 1600 GMT on Tuesday, was broken up within minutes, the hopes of residents in Sudan being evacuated were crushed. The rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular army both released statements accusing the other of breaking the ceasefire. According to the army’s top leadership, actions to secure the capital and other areas will continue, reported Al Jazeera.
According to Al Jazeera, the witnesses claim that thousands of people in Khartoum took matters into their own hands and started to leave their homes, some in cars and some on foot, including women and children.
With food supplies running low, power shortages, and a lack of running water, the civilians holed up in their homes as they grew more desperate to be evacuated from the violence-hit region.
As many as 270 people have been killed and more than 2,600 have been injured in the unrest in Sudan, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) officials citing Sudan’s Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Center, reported CNN.
A humanitarian crisis, as stated by the UN, has been brought on by the conflict, including the almost complete collapse of the health system. The Global Food Programme of the organisation halted operations when three of its staffers were killed.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was nearly impossible to provide humanitarian services around the capital. It warned that Sudan’s health system was at risk of breakdown, reported Al Jazeera.
Sudanese citizens demonstrate on the street in Khartoum, Sudan, Dec. 30, 2021. Mass protests started in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and other cities on Thursday to demand civilian rule. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir/IANS)
Turkey holding talks
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that negotiations are on with the two warring parties in a bid to reach an ultimate ceasefire.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, the Minister said: “We are negotiating with both parties. We are negotiating to stop the conflict. We are on the field with our friends.
“We are currently meeting with the Vice President. We’re also meeting with the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to stop the war.”
Cavusoglu further said they expected a ceasefire to be reached on Thursday ahead of Eid al-Fitr on Friday.
He also noted that Turkey will evacuate its citizens from Sudan after its airspace opens on Thursday.
The AL chief started his visit to Lebanon on Monday to participate in the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development for 2023 held in the Lebanese capital of Beirut…reports Asian Lite News
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League (AL), has called for the speedy election of a new President in Lebanon, warning about the “dangerous” political vacuum in the country.
“There will be a new President for Lebanon; it is a matter of time. However, we must accelerate this step because the situation is dire,” Aboul Gheit was quoted by the National News Agency as saying on Tuesday, following his meetings with Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
On October 31, 2022, Lebanon entered a political vacuum as the country failed to elect a new President after the end of the term of former President Michel Aoun, due to the lack of consensus among different political parties, Xinhua news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Aboul Gheit said this year’s AL summit will be held in May in Saudi Arabia, adding that it will focus on the economy and ways to help the needy Arab countries.
The AL chief started his visit to Lebanon on Monday to participate in the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development for 2023 held in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.
Palestinian refugees take part in a protest in Tripoli, northern Lebanon. (Photo by Khalid/Xinhua/IANS)
Currency hits all-time low
The Lebanese currency (LBP) has collapsed to 100,000 LBP per US dollar for the first time in history as the country’s financial crisis and political deadlock continues.
The value of the Lebanese currency lost 8,000 pounds from two weeks ago when it stood at 92,000 pounds against the dollar, reports Xinhua news agency.
In 1997, the pound was pegged to the dollar at 1,500 LBP to $1, and the two were convertible until October 2019.
On February 1, the Central Bank of Lebanon shifted its long-standing official exchange rate from 1,507.5 LBP to 15,000 LBP against the dollar, but is still well below the real value of the dollar.
Lebanon’s economists have been calling on authorities to elect a new President and form a new cabinet to end the political deadlock and allow the country to implement necessary reforms and stop the collapse.
The Summit also called for cooperation in ensuring food and energy security, confronting climate change, as well as ending the crises in some Arab countries….reports Asian Lite News
The 31st Arab League (AL) Summit concluded with the adoption of the Algiers Declaration which calls for joint action to tackle the regional and global challenges.
The declaration on Wednesday warned of the risks brought by changing international situation posed to Arab national security and stability, stressing the importance of unifying efforts to preserve Arab common interests, reports Xinhua news agency.
It also called for cooperation in ensuring food and energy security, confronting climate change, as well as ending the crises in some Arab countries.
According to the declaration, the Arab leaders reiterated their full support for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, while urging Israel to halt its attacks against Palestinians and end its blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Referring to the Libya issue, the Arab leaders vowed to make all efforts to end the crisis through an inter-Libyan process in accordance with United Nations resolutions and with respect to Libya’s unity, stability, and sovereignty.
The declaration suggested that Arab states should play a key role in settling the Syrian crisis while addressing the country’s political, security, humanitarian, and economic challenges.
The Arab leaders further expressed support for the incumbent government in Yemen and commitment to extending the truce.
The Arab leaders also agreed to work on establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East as part of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The two-day summit was the first meeting of the regional body since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Economic development summit
Arab leaders meeting at a summit in Algiers has agreed to hold an economic and social development summit every four years in conjunction with the regular Arab Summit, reported Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
An extraordinary session, attended by leaders and heads of state, may be held “when necessary or if there are developments that require it,” read an Arab League statement after the Algiers-hosted Arab Summit.
Dubbed the ‘Arab Development Summit’, it may be hosted by the Cairo-based Arab League or by the nation host of the Arab Summit of leaders.
Lebanon seeks joint Arab efforts
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on Arab countries to “join together to save Lebanon,” which is going through an “exceptionally difficult situation”.
“Lebanon is still counting on the help of all Arab brothers. Therefore, let the Arab hands join together to save my country, Lebanon,” Mikati said on Wednesday during the Arab League Summit in Algiers, according to a statement by Lebanon’s Council of Ministers.
Lebanon suffers economically, socially, and environmentally and fights epidemics with the least resources, he warned as quoted by Xinhua news agency reported.
“Our infrastructure has become weak, our resources are scarce, and we suffer from unprecedented inflation. Yet, despite all of this, we received this big Arab population, but we have turned into a weak body that needs strengthening instead of being ignored,” the Lebanese Prime Minister said, referring to the growing population of foreign Arabs, including refugees in the country.
Mikati also affirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to all the decisions of the Arab League and its support for this institution to play its role in these historical circumstances”.
‘Peace, recovery and prosperity’ motto of UAE
UAE plays a prominent role in addressing critical challenges at the regional and international levels, according to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
In his speech at the 31st Arab League Summit in Algeria, Sheikh Mohammed mentioned the motto of UAE and said, “The choice of the UAE is to propagate the slogan ‘peace, recovery and prosperity’ based on the rules of international law and cooperation in the fields of economy, sustainable development, advanced technology and scientific research, and to overcome challenges and confront existing threats.”
Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE is giving priority to peaceful resolution of conflicts, humanitarian relief, maintaining peace and addressing global health crises in a spirit of solidarity, supporting women’s empowerment, emphasising the role of youth in nation-building, harnessing the potential of innovation and advanced technology, and developing the international system to combat extremism and terrorism.
“In light of the unprecedented challenges facing Arab countries, we are in urgent need to intensify work, increase the pace of Arab coordination and cooperation, and resolve crises in the region to spread hope, optimism, unity, peace and tolerance. These values are the basis of the UAE’s approach since the era of the father of nation, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his founding brothers,” Khaleej Times quoted Sheikh Mohammed as saying.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said in Algiers that food security and the Palestinian issue will be on the top agenda…reports Asian Lite News
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will lead the UAE delegation participating in the 31st edition of the Arab Summit.
The Summit will commence in the Algerian capital Algiers today under the chairmanship of Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said in Algiers that food security and the Palestinian issue will be on the top agenda of the Arab League Summit.
In his opening remarks at the proceedings of the foreign ministers’ preparatory meeting for the Arab League Summit, Aboul-Gheit on Saturday urged the Palestinian factions to implement the Algiers Declaration signed two weeks ago in Algiers in a bid to reach real reconciliation.
He further noted that the summit of the Arab League in Algiers “should be a milestone for a brand new joint Arab action”.
Given that the summit’s top agenda include discussions to address the global and regional food crises, Aboul-Gheit called for concrete measures and strategies to be adopted to achieve and enhance food security in the Arab region, Xinhua news agency reported.
Last week, the Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi symbolically handed over the presidency of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers to his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra, who announced the beginning of the proceedings of the foreign ministers’ preparatory meeting for the Arab League Summit.
In his opening remarks, Lamamra called for “the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab countries and the non-interference in their internal affairs,” adding “we count on everyone to make a new start for a joint Arab action at the Algiers Summit”.
He further advocated for reconciliation among the Arab countries, noting “we hope that our meetings will be crowned with success, as we are urged to redouble our efforts in a bid to push forward peace and reconciliation among our countries”.
The Algerian top diplomat also indicated that the Palestinian issue will be on the top agenda of the Arab League Summit, noting that the recent meeting of the Palestinian factions in Algiers will pave the way for establishing reconciliation ahead of forming a national unity government.
Inspection campaigns intensified during Eid al-Adha
Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) emphasised its readiness for Eid al-Adha to ensure the safety of markets through the intensified campaigns…reports Asian Lite News
The department explained that joint inspection campaigns are organised with Sharjah City Municipality and Sharjah Asset Management Holding according to specified plans to ensure the safety of all economic practices in all economic establishments in Sharjah.
The campaigns carried out by SEDD included all food service establishments, retail and wholesale stores, men’s and women’s salons, and gold markets, in addition to all other economic establishments whose activities are related to the Eid season.
Commenting on that, Salim Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at SEDD, said that the department implements extensive inspection campaigns in Sharjah around the year to spread awareness about consumer rights and duties in addition to informing merchants of the systems and procedures adopted. This falls within SEDD’s concerns to protect consumers and ensure the safety of markets.
Also, he explained that the Commercial Control and Protection Department intensified its inspection campaigns at the emirate’s markets during the last period.
The campaigns included several major markets to inform merchants and investors in outlets of the need to develop lists showing the prices of products and to give advice and guidance on the importance of adhering to laws and ensuring consumer knowledge of the value and quality of consumer goods. Likely, Al Suwaidi stressed that it is essential to clarify the price to the consumer before purchasing to prevent any abuse in the sales process.
Moreover, Al Suwaidi confirmed that SEDD would continue to intensify its inspection campaigns on economic establishments during Eid al-Adha. These establishments include Al Jubail market, livestock markets and others, in addition to various economic activities that are in great demand at this time. In addition, the department organised awareness and control campaigns at the level of the emirate to raise awareness among consumers and traders to ensure their safety.
He pointed out that the department organises inspection campaigns in the emirate’s markets regularly through a comprehensive field plan, which is implemented throughout the year by the specialised commercial officers. These tours are intensified during the days preceding the important seasons to confirm the control of the markets, spread awareness among merchants and consumers, and reduce negative practices that some merchants may resort to.
Likely, Al Suwaidi called on all consumers to contact SEDD in the event of facing any violation or complaint during Eid, either by calling 80080000 or through the department’s digital services available through its smart applications or website www.sedd.ae, as part of the active participation to control the market.
