IAEA, Iran agree to replace surveillance cameras at n-site
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will soon install new surveillance cameras at Iran’s Karaj nuclear facility under an agreement between the two sides…reports Asian Lite News
The agreement was concluded by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Mohammad Eslami.
According to an IAEA press release, the cameras, to be installed in the coming days, will replace those that were removed from the Karaj centrifuge component manufacturing workshop earlier this year, Xinhua news agency reported.
IAEA, Iran agree to replace surveillance cameras at n-site
The agency and Iran will also “continue to work on remaining outstanding safeguards issues with the aim of resolving them,” it added.
The agreement with Iran is an important development for the IAEA’s verification and monitoring activities in the country, Grossi said. “It will enable us to resume necessary continuity of knowledge at this facility.”
“I sincerely hope that we can continue our constructive discussions to also address and resolve all outstanding safeguards issues in Iran,” he added.
To this end, Iran and the agency will exchange information and assessments, including through meetings of experts.
On December 19, the agency will make available a sample camera and related technical information to Iran for analysis by its relevant security and judiciary officials in the presence of the IAEA inspectors.
The agency will also reinstall cameras to replace those removed from the workshop at Karaj and perform other related technical activities before the end of this year on a mutually agreed date.
The World Bank has announced a $93 billion replenishment package of the International Development Association (IDA) to help the poorest countries respond to the raging Covid-19 crisis and boost economic growth…reports Asian Lite News
The World Bank’s IDA, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives, reports Xinhua news agency.
IDA’s 19th funding cycle kicked off in July 2020, and a record replenishment of $82 billion was originally expected to finance projects over the three-year period ending June 30, 2023, according to the multilateral lender. The replenishment was advanced by one year due to scaled up pandemic response.
World Bank Plans Packages For Poorest Nations
The latest financing pledge brings together $23.5 billion of contributions from 48 high- and middle-income countries with financing raised in the capital markets, repayments, and the World Bank’s own contributions.
The financing package, agreed over a two-day virtual meeting hosted by Japan, is the largest mobilised in IDA’s 61-year history, according to the World Bank.
“Today’s generous commitment by our partners is a critical step toward supporting poor countries in their efforts to recover from the Covid-19 crisis,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass on Wednesday.
Malpass noted that IDA countries are lagging in Covid-19 vaccinations and economic recovery.
“We have seen that the recovery has been dramatically uneven, with per capita income in advanced economies growing at 5 per cent compared to only 0.5 per cent in low-income countries,” he said.
The funds will be delivered to the world’s 74 poorest countries under the 20th replenishment (IDA20) program, which focuses on helping countries recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, according to the bank.
In these countries, the ongoing pandemic is worsening poverty, undermining growth, and jeopardising the prospects of a resilient and inclusive development, the World Bank noted, adding that countries are struggling with falling government revenues; increasing debt vulnerabilities; rising risks to fragility, conflict, and instability; and dropping literacy rates.
To help countries build back greener, a substantial portion of these funds go to tackling climate change, with a focus on helping countries to adapt to rising climate impacts and preserve biodiversity, the multilateral lender added.
The West Indies cricket team arrived here on Thursday for three Twenty20 and three one-day internationals series. All the matches will be played in Karachi from December 13…reports Asian Lite News
This is the Caribbean team’s first visit to Pakistan since 2018. A Pakistani official said that a 26-member team had flown to Karachi on Thursday before being escorted by heavy security to the team hotel.
The series comes three months after New Zealand quit their first tour to Pakistan in 18 years shortly before the opening match was due to start following a security alert. That was followed by England’s decision to withdraw visits by their men’s and women’s teams scheduled for October.
Windies arrive in Pakistan for T20, ODI series
Pakistan endured a long spell without a visit from an international team following a terror attack on a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009. After that Pakistan were forced to play their home international matches abroad – mostly in the United Arab Emirates – until 2015 when normal service tentatively resumed.
This West Indian squad is somewhat understrength, with regulars Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons all opting out for personal reasons. Former skipper Jason Holder is being rested, while Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy are out because of injuries. Last week, captain Kieron Pollard also withdrew through a hamstring injury, leaving the Twenty20 leadership to Nicholas Pooran and ODIs to Shai Hope.
The three T20Is are on December 13, 14 and 16, while the ODIs will be on Dec 18, 20 and 22.
Uzbekistan has urged the international community to lift sanctions and unfreeze the assets of Afghanistan as the country is going through the worst humanitarian situation…reports Asian Lite News
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in his contribution at the Italy-Central Asia Second Ministerial Meeting in Tashkent urged the world community to lift sanctions and unfreeze the assets of Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported.
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister (ANI)
According to the Afghanistan news agency, Uzbekistan has now become another country in the region that asks for the release of over USD 9.5 billion preserves of Afghanistan now frozen in American banks.
Earlier, Pakistan, China, and Russia had urged the world to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets.
The Uzbek Foreign Minister asks the world to undertake actions to lift sanctions of Afghanistan, unfreeze its assets, and work for the restoration of its banking system as the country is going through the worst humanitarian situation, Khaama Press reported.
“The people of Afghanistan are in a very difficult situation and the humanitarian situation of the country is nearing disaster. It is important to provide effective assistance to the people of Afghanistan.” Said Kamilov. He further called on the Taliban to take action and do not allow terrorism to spread from their soil.
The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15, causing the US-backed government to step down. Later in September, the outfit announced the composition of the new interim government of Afghanistan.
The country is currently battered by the deepening economic, humanitarian, and security crisis following the Taliban takeover. The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people. (ANI)
UN extends mandate for international forces fighting piracy off coast of Somalia
The UN Security Council has renewed for an additional three months its authorisation for states and regional organisations cooperating with Somalia to use all necessary means to fight piracy off the coast of the East African country…reports Asian Lite News
Unanimously adopting Resolution 2608, the council on Friday decided for a further period of three months from the date of the resolution, to renew the authorisations, as set out in Resolution 2554, granted to states and regional organisations cooperating with Somali authorities in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, for which advance notification has been provided by Somali authorities to the secretary-general.
UN extends mandate for international forces fighting piracy off coast of Somalia
The Security Council said that there were no successful piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia in the prior 12 months and noted that joint counter-piracy efforts have resulted in a steady decline in pirate attacks and hijackings since 2011, as well as no successful ship hijackings for ransom since March 2017, Xinhua news agency reported.
It also recognised the ongoing threat of resurgent piracy and armed robbery at sea, making reference to the letter of December 2, 2021 from the permanent representative of the permanent mission of Somalia to the UN requesting international assistance to counter piracy off its coast.
The council also called upon the Somali authorities to interdict, and upon interdiction to have mechanisms in place to safely return effects seized by pirates, investigate and prosecute pirates and to patrol the waters off the coast of Somalia to prevent and suppress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea.
In addition, it encouraged the Federal Government of Somalia to accede to the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and develop a corresponding legal architecture as part of its efforts to target money laundering and financial support structures on which piracy networks survive.
The council decided that the arms embargo on Somalia imposed in Resolution 733, further elaborated upon in Resolution 1425 and modified by Resolution 2093 does not apply to supplies of weapons and military equipment or the provision of assistance destined for the sole use of member states, international, regional and subregional organizations undertaking measures most recently reaffirmed by Resolution 2607.
It also urged all states to share information with the International Criminal Police Organization for use in the global piracy database, through appropriate channels.
International passengers will have to submit a self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal and include travel history for the past two weeks, reports Asian Lite News
As more countries announce travel restrictions over the detection of new variants of Covid-19 Omicron, the Union Health Ministry on Sunday revised its guidelines for international arrivals in India.
The Centre has mandated submitting 14 days travel details and uploading negative Covid (RT-PCR) test results on the Air Suvidha portal before the journey. The new rules will come into effect from 1 December till further orders. The revised guidelines will supersede earlier ones issued on and after 11 November.
The travellers from ‘countries at-risk will need to take Covid-19 test post-arrival and wait for results at the airport, the Health Ministry has said.
If the test is negative, they’ll follow home quarantine for 7 days, re-test on the 8th day and if negative again, further self-monitor for the next 7 days, the ministry’s statement read.
The government also said that travellers from countries excluding those ‘countries at risk’ will be allowed to leave the airport and shall self-monitor their health for 14 days.
“A sub-section (5% of total flight passengers) shall undergo post-arrival testing at random at the airport on arrival,” the statement said.
A declaration with respect to the authenticity of the Covid-19 test report will also be required, manipulated reports will make the passenger liable for criminal prosecution.
The existing guidelines have been revised in view of the Covid variant Omicron (B.1.1.529), which has been now classified as a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization, the Health Ministry said.
As per the revised guidelines, before boarding passengers originating from or transiting through at-risk countries shall be informed by the airlines that they will undergo post-arrival testing, quarantine if tested negative, stringent isolation protocols if tested positive, etc.
Do’s and Don’ts shall be provided along with tickets to the travellers by the airlines/agencies concerned and airlines will allow boarding of only those passengers who have filled in the self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report.
This test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey.
At the time of boarding the flight, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board after thermal screening and all passengers shall be advised to download Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices.
“Travellers from specified countries at risk will follow the protocol as detailed below: Submission of sample for post-arrival COVID-19 test at the point of arrival (self-paid). Such travellers will be required to wait for their test results at the arrival airport before leaving or taking a connecting flight.
“If tested negative they will follow home quarantine for 7 days. Re-test on the 8th day of arrival in India and if negative, further self-monitor of their health for next seven days,” the guidelines stated.
However, if such travellers test positive, their samples should be sent for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network.
They shall be managed at separate isolation facilities and treated as per laid down standard protocol, including contact tracing, and the contacts of such positive cases should be kept under institutional quarantine or at home quarantine monitored strictly by the state government concerned.
The nations (at risk updated as of November 26, 2021) from where travellers would need to follow additional measures on arrival in India include European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.
Children under five years of age remain exempted from both pre-and post-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic for Covid-19 on arrival or during the home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing and be treated as per laid down protocol.
As per the guidelines, contacts of the suspect case are the co-passengers seated in the same row, three rows in front and three rows behind along with identified cabin crew.
Also, all the community contacts of those travellers who have tested positive during the home quarantine period would be subjected to quarantine for 14 days and tested as per ICMR protocol.
International passengers arriving through seaports/land ports will also have to undergo the same protocol, except that facility for online registration is not available for such travellers currently.
UAE is continuing to support the efforts and programmes of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)…reports Asian Lite News
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said the UAE is continuing to support the efforts and programmes of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to establish peace by promoting international cooperation in education, science and culture.
As an active member of UNESCO’s executive board and in light of its history of supporting joint action under the framework of the international organisation, the UAE aims to enlarge the scope of its contributions to the efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and peace, creating links between cultures and peoples, preserving human heritage, and supporting innovation, science, culture and arts globally.
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi
Al Kaabi made this statement as part of the UAE’s official speech at the 41st General Conference of UNESCO.
“The general conference drafted a medium-term strategy identifying the organisation’s strategic vision, which will enable it to perform its leading role in areas of competence. We welcome the support for the “Priority Africa” programme and the work to develop island states in this document,” she said.
Al Kaabi also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to the work of UNESCO and its ongoing willingness to help achieve further strategic outcomes, as well as supporting various segments of communities served by the international organisation.
Al Kaabi then thanked UNESCO’s member states, whose contributions have supported the organisation’s awards, meetings and initiatives.
“In 2019, the UAE applied for membership in the executive board, pledging to explore new practices and ideas related to cultural and creative industries. The executive board recently approved a resolution presented by the UAE, Bangladesh, Colombia and Indonesia, which will enable UNESCO to host collective talks on cultural and creative industries and draft policies and unified international indexes on the contribution of the innovative economy to achieving sustainable development goals. The board also approved a resolution presented by the UAE to continue the efforts of Portugal and Korea to upgrade existing frameworks on education and culture to executive plans,” she added.
She pointed out that the UAE is committed to exploring new education opportunities by deploying technology, through the partnership between Dubai Cares and UNESCO aimed at focussing on digital transformation, to offer education to marginalised people and provide high-quality free digital educational content.
She stressed the UAE is an active partner in the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, by creating 1,000 job opportunities for Iraqis in the city by 2023. Al Kaabi announced that nearly 1,087 residents were employed as part of this initiative.
UAE-Russia relations continue to flourish as non-oil trade exchange between the two countries witnesses 80% growth in H1 2021…reports Asian Lite News
The 10th Session of the Intergovernmental Russia-Emirate Committee on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation was held in Dubai, chaired by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; and Dr. Denis Manturov Russian Minister of Trade and Industry.
UAE FLAG
During the session, Bin Touq underlined the strength of the UAE-Russian relations, which represents a unique model of bilateral relations, and pointed out the two countries’ shared aspirations to develop existing partnership in a sustainable manner in line with their respective development visions and objectives. The minister further noted that the ties binding the UAE and Russia today have broad development potentials and promising prospects as they are based on solid historical foundations of mutual respect and common interests.
The ties binding the two friendly countries were consolidated over the last five decades, said Bin Touq, adding that they continue to flourish through strong strategic partnership that spans multiple areas of cooperation, development, and common interests, especially on the economic front.
Bin Touq added: “The economic relations between the UAE and Russia are witnessing progress in various fields, especially in new economic sectors such as 4IR, Artificial Intelligence, innovation, circular economy and various other vital fields. We will continue to intensify joint efforts with our partners in Russia to further strengthen cooperation and economic integration in accordance with a clear vision and new paths that serve the development aspirations of the two countries.”
During the session, both parties set a new framework for economic cooperation that includes 12 vital and future sectors and areas, in addition to outlining a roadmap for cooperation between the two countries in the next stage. It covers trade and investments, energy, industry and innovation, financial and banking services, customs, food security and agriculture, education and transportation, information and communication technology, media and culture, tourism and sports, environmental protection and natural resource management, circular economy, the Industry 4.0, and space.
Abdulla bin Touq briefed the Russian side on the latest trends and achievements the UAE economy has witnessed, elaborating on the initiatives launched by the UAE recently in line with its futuristic vision. He reviewed the ‘Projects of the Fifty’ and the UAE’s efforts to fast-track the transformation towards new economic model that is more sustainable and flexible by liberalizing investments, enabling 100% foreign ownership of companies, conclusively developing economic legislations to facilitate doing business, and fostering the UAE’s attractiveness for pioneering projects, prominent international companies and outstanding talents and innovations.
Furthermore, invited Russian corporations to leverage these economic developments in the UAE to explore more partnership and business opportunities in the country’s markets and expand into regional and global markets.
Meanwhile, Denis Manturov affirmed his country’s keenness to enhance collaboration with the UAE and build on the achievements made in recent years in terms of mutual economic relations, which has seen a tenfold growth since the year 1997 – the year in which the first Intergovernmental Committee session was held.
Al Zeyoudi noted that the economic cooperation between the UAE and Russia has reached new milestones in terms of volume and diversity in recent years, encompassing multiple vital sectors, such as renewable energy, space, modern technology and Industry 4.0, in addition to the successful projects and investments in the two countries’ companies in real estate, food security, infrastructure, petrochemicals, ports and aviation.
UAE-Russia non-oil trade records 80% growth
“The UAE markets are home to more than 4,000 Russian companies, which are considered major contributors to the growth of commercial ecosystem in UAE and the enhancement of opportunities and partnerships for both countries’ markets. We will move forward with joint efforts with our Russian partners to further strengthen the ties between our business communities and facilitate their access to promising opportunities in both countries’ markets,” Al Zeyoudi added.
DR. MOHAMMED AHMED AL JABER: “Next December marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between UAE and Russia. Our relations have always been friendly, stable, and built on the pillars of mutual respect and understanding. The dynamic nature of UAE-Russia Intergovernmental Committee is a testament to the significance of economic diplomacy’s role in shaping the UAE’s foreign policy, enhancing cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the relations in all areas. The Committee’s outputs present important collaborative programs in the sectors of the new economy that serve both countries’ futuristic visions and pave the way for a more sustainable and diversified development partnership between UAE and Russia.”
The UAE is Russia’s largest economic partner in GCC, accounting for 55 percent of the total trade between Russia and GCC region.
During the session, the two countries agreed on a plan to develop the volume of trade exchange, increase the contribution of the private sector in mutual trade and investment activities, enhance cooperation through the UAE-Russia Business Council, and expand the scope of communication to create new opportunities.
The two sides approved to take practical steps to support cooperation in the areas of the circular economy and the green economy, as well as to encourage the UAE business community to invest in Russia in various vital and future sectors, including industry, renewable energy, logistics, aerospace, automobiles, medicine, medical technology, transportation, agriculture, food, real estate, infrastructure, minerals and mining.
The visa has been introduced to further simplify visa application procedures, provide ease-of-access to the city and extend the duration of stay of international visitors…reports Asian Lite News
As Dubai continues to drive global travel recovery and growth, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai, in cooperation with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa for employees of multinational companies, to further accelerate momentum across tourism and all other business sectors.
Sheikh-Hamdan
“The new Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Dubai to create new opportunities for professionals and talented individuals across the world to grow and thrive. The city has been steadily rising in status among the world’s biggest metropolises as a hub for travel, business, investment and talent, offering visitors an experience that is not only productive for work and business but also enriching in terms of lifestyle and culture,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince.
” Dubai seeks to dynamically adapt to evolving global conditions, embrace change and develop innovative initiatives to deliver future growth and offer new avenues for development and transformation, while remaining one of the world’s safest and most secure cities.”
In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the best city in the world to live, work and visit, the visa has been introduced to further simplify visa application procedures, provide ease-of-access to the city and extend the duration of stay of international visitors. It is especially beneficial to employees of foreign-owned firms as it enables them to participate in events, conferences, training courses, exhibitions and similar activities hosted in Dubai by these companies.
GDRFA-Dubai has now fully activated this visa process and has started issuing it to employees of multinational companies, allowing them to visit and stay in the UAE for 90 days, with the option of extending their stay for another 90 days.
Dubai
The visa joins other new categories of visas and programmes launched by Dubai including the Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and property and business investors, as well as the Retire in Dubai and Virtual Working programmes, which provide more flexibility and options for talent looking to work and reside in Dubai.
Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, GDRFA -Dubai, said, “This new step of providing a Five-Year Multi-Entry-Visa for major companies will bolster Dubai’s reputation as a global business and tourism hub. Dubai is committed to simplifying the procedures for issuing entry visas to all nationalities to help realise the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the preferred destination for international visitors.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said, “This significant initiative is a testament to the strategies inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to remain agile in the wake of the global pandemic and to drive business growth and lead the recovery of the tourism sector.
“Dubai is the preferred destination for multinational companies to host their corporate events and activities, conferences and meetings. All this will have a positive impact across many business sectors and provide an additional incentive for travel to Dubai, building on our unique opportunity to drive growth in this landmark year featuring Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Golden Jubilee, and beyond.” Between January and September 2021, Dubai received around 3.85 million international visitors. There are 726 hotel establishments with a total of 123,868 rooms that are open in Dubai, with the overall 61 per cent occupancy being among the highest worldwide.
In September, the World Bank awarded Dubai a certificate for the quality of services to investors and described it as a world-class logistics hub. In a report titled “At Your Service? The Promise of Service-Led Development” the bank said that Dubai is one of the most prominent models in the world for service centres, especially for logistics and financial services.
Dubai also ranked first regionally and 11th globally among 25 global cities in the “Best Business Cities in Granting Residency Visas to Investors” index maintained by Henley & Partners, which specialises in residency and citizenship advice.
Multinational companies interested in obtaining the Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa for their employees can follow the detailed procedures at: www.dubaimultiyear.com
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will make an official visit to Tehran soon, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh announced…reports Asian Lite News
The Iranian spokesman said that Tehran is awaiting Grossi’s response to its invitation, reports Xinhua news agency.
Technical relations between Iran and the IAEA are going in a good direction, he said.
IAEA chief to visit Iran
“Grossi has very close relations with both our atomic energy organization and our friends at the Iranian embassy in Vienna”
In his next trip, the IAEA chief will meet the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) as well as Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said Khatibzadeh.
During a meeting between Grossi and Mohammad Eslami, vice president and the head of the AEOI, in Tehran in September, IAEA inspectors were permitted to service the identified monitoring equipment, installed in Iran’s nuclear facilities, and replace their storage media which would be kept in seals.
On February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of voluntary measures envisaged in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in a reaction to the former US President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the agreement and re-imposition of sanctions against Tehran.
Iran and the remaining parties to the JCPOA are set to meet in the Austrian capital of Vienna on November 29 to resume the negotiations which were paused in June due to Iran’s presidential election and the subsequent alteration in the administration.
