Iran urges 'practical' steps, 'tangible' results in nuke talks
The Iranian official made the remarks at the meeting with visiting Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora in the capital Tehran…reports Asian Lite News
Taking “practical” steps with “tangible” outcomes should be the purpose of the upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri.
Iran urges ‘practical’ steps, ‘tangible’ results in nuke talks
The Iranian official made the remarks at the meeting with visiting Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora in the capital Tehran, reports Xinhua news agency.
During the meeting, Bagheri said Iran had always proved a responsible player in the international affairs, while the behaviour of the other side, the US, showed that it was far from being a responsible player.
He added that the side showing more responsibility was closer to the negotiating table.
“Achieving tangible results is important for Iran, as Tehran is always ready for serious negotiations that result in a practical agreement and not merely a paper agreement,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, he cast “serious doubts” on the real intention of the US to fulfil its obligations.
Bagheri also criticized what he called “inaction” of the European parties in meeting their commitments under the JCPOA, stressing the need for them to “act responsibly”.
For his part, Mora announced his readiness as the EU coordinator to cooperate with Iran and other parties at negotiations to reach acceptable results for all sides, according to a press release by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
As for the relations between Iran and the EU, the two officials emphasized the promotion of cooperation in a range of regional and international areas and agreed to continue consultations in the coming days in Brussels.
According to the Western media, the EU-Iran talk was aimed to bring Washington and Tehran back to complying with the deal.
After six rounds of talks in Vienna between Russia, China, Germany, France, the UK and Iran, with the US indirectly involved, Iran recently said its current administration, which assumed office in late August, needed “a reasonable amount of time” to prepare its negotiating team and strategy.
The nuclear talks that began in April sought to bring Washington back to the table and persuade Tehran to assume compliance with the commitments it dropped after former US President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
This policy only applies specifically to direct flights to Bali and Riau Islands…reports Asian Lite News
Indonesia has allowed international visitors from 19 countries, including India, with a Covid-19 positivity rate of less than 5 per cent to enter the country, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said.
Indonesia allows int’l visitors from 19 countries
Besides India, the other 18 countries are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Norway, reports Xinhua news agency.
“This policy only applies specifically to direct flights to Bali and Riau Islands,” Pandjaitan added.
They are allowed to enter Indonesia if they test negative for Covid-19, have been fully vaccinated, and have health insurance as well as proof of booking accommodations for a five-day quarantine.
Bali is an Indonesian province with the most international visitors, while Riau Islands, in the west of the country bordering Singapore, is in the second position of foreign tourist arrivals.
Indonesia resumed flights for international visitors in the two provinces from Thursday as the Covid-19 pandemic has been under control.
Airblue Limited, the private Islamabad-based airline, has taken delivery of its first A321neo aircraft…reports Asian Lite News
Airblue Limited, the private Islamabad-based airline, has taken delivery of its first A321neo aircraft. It marks an important step in Pakistan’s aviation journey, making Airblue the first operator of an Airbus neo aircraft in the country. The airline currently operates an all Airbus fleet of nine A320 Family aircraft.
Airblue receives its firstA321neo aircraft
Airblue’s A321neo, on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is equipped with CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines. Currently Airblue operates domestic flights to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Multan and to international destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The A321neo will enable the airline to further expand its network.
The highly-fuel-efficient A321neo will help reduce Airblue’s operating costs and will offer exceptional technical, economic and environmental performance by incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances and cabin innovations.
Airblue’s A321neo is configured with 235 seats in an all economy class cabin. Passengers on-board the aircraft will benefit from the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft, stand-alone Off Seat Power Supply system and Wireless Content Distribution (WCD).
The A320neo Family offers airlines more options for configuring the generous floor space offered by its A321neo, allowing more flexibility and thus increasing the total number of available seats. These new cabin options, along with the A320 Family commonality and its new engine options, will allow Airblue to further enhance its operations, routes, and market share.
The UAE won membership on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term…reports Asian Lite News
In a new international achievement, the UAE won membership on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term after obtaining 180 votes from countries of the Asia-Pacific group during elections that took place today among members of the United Nations General Assembly by direct secret ballot.
This victory is the culmination of the UAE’s tireless efforts to strengthen human rights and freedoms and affirms the importance it places on human rights in achieving sustainable development on the regional and international levels, a press release stated.
The win also underscores the UAE’s enduring cooperation with various UN bodies in order to address challenges the international community is facing and achieve a more prosperous future for all countries and peoples of the world, it added.
The UAE believes in the pivotal role played by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights, as the UAE, through its membership on the Council, aspires to enhance cooperation and constructive dialogue and strengthen partnerships between countries to enrich its work.
The election of the UAE as a Council member is evidence of the global standing it enjoys in the international community and the role it plays in defending human rights around the world.
Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, the Diplomatic Advisor to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, has said that UAE’s win of the UN Human Rights Council’s membership for the 2022-2024 term from the Asia-Pacific group for the third time reflects international acclaim of the crucial work being carried out to bolster human rights in this county.
“The UAE’s track record in this highly significant international file is not confined to the protection and promotion of political, economic and social rights, but also covers the State’s successful model in areas like women’s empowerment, religious and ethnic tolerance, judicial system, labour rights, combatting human trafficking and other key related issues,” Dr Gargash added.
He noted that this membership coincides with the launch of the UAE National Human Rights Action Plan at a time the country is accelerating its tireless efforts to complete the establishment of human rights institutions based on an internationally recognised set of standards for credibility, independence and effectiveness, like the National Human Rights Authority, the National Human Rights Committee and other similar federal and local institutions.
“The UAE society is founded on such core values as balance, and support for justice, where more than 200 nationalities co-exist together and enjoy the freedom of practising their civil rights under an efficient judicial system that ranks first regionally according to relevant international indices,” Dr Gargash continued.
The UAE will have efficient contributions to the UN Human Rights Council in its upcoming term, he said, explaining that the Emirates will share its successful experience in a number of issues with other countries, including member and non-member states, in order to ensure an inclusive and equitable approach toward the human rights file.
SILA signs 120 agreements with authors and publishers
With the signing of the new agreements, SILA will step up efforts to safeguard the intellectual property rights of publishers and writers…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah International Literary Agency (SILA) has signed 120 agreements with authors and publishers during the Sharjah Book Authority’s (SBA) participation at the 20th edition of the Amman International Book Fair which concluded recently in the Jordanian capital.
The first-of-its-kind literary agency in the UAE and the region, SILA was launched in October 2020 by SBA to facilitate communication among publishers, authors, translators and creatives, and regulate their operations in line with prevailing official frameworks.
SILA signs 120 agreements with authors and publishers
With the signing of the new agreements, SILA will step up efforts to safeguard the intellectual property rights of publishers and writers alike are protected, in addition to stimulating the Arabic publishing market, while also promoting Arabic literary and cultural content globally.
The SBA pavilion at the book fair in Amman welcomed large numbers of visitors, officials, and VIP’s, including Ali Al Ayed, Minister of Culture in Jordan, who was received by Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in the Eastern Region. During his visit, the minister was presented with a copy of The Inquisition, authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and published by Al Qasimi Publications.
FADEL HUSSEIN BUSSAIM, DIRECTOR, EASTERN REGION,SBA: “the authority is keen on strengthening its regional presence and extend wholehearted support to Emirati authors and publishers by showcasing their works at various regional and international cultural events, as these efforts support the goals of the emirate’s cultural project as envisioned by the Ruler of Sharjah that aims to build bridges between cultures and nations. The 120 agreements align with SILA’s goals to support publishers and authors in the region mark their foray into international markets and connect them with their counterparts around the world.”
SILA signs 120 agreements with authors and publishers
The Director praised the visitor turnout at the Amman International Book Fair and the exceptional footfall experienced at the SBA pavilion. He pointed out that the high influx of reading enthusiasts and the soaring demand for books are clear indicators of recovery following the setbacks experienced by the regional publishing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An important literary and cultural event in the Arab region, the 20th edition of the Amman International Book Fair saw the participation of more than 360 publishers from 20 countries and hosted several panel discussions, seminars, and book signing ceremonies.
Metropolitan Premium Properties, a full-service real estate agency specializing in selling luxury properties, is marketing the most expensive luxury penthouse currently in Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
A top-floor five-bed penthouse triplex at the Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences is selling for a jaw-dropping AED 180,000,000 (USD 49mn), the ultra-luxurious 25,000 sqft property has six bathrooms, an expansive outdoor deck with its own infinity pool and offers its occupants views of the Palm and the sea. There’s also a private lounge and beach, as well as access to five-star amenities.
Penthouse Master Bedroom
Metropolitan Premium Properties has seen strong demand for luxury properties from overseas investors. Last year, 30% of the transactions were from international clients, primarily from the CIS, the UK and other parts of Europe including France, Germany and Austria and this trend has continued into this year as well. One of the group’s biggest transactions was two penthouses located in the W Residence, Palm Jumeirah, which sold for AED 102 million to the same buyer in addition to a Royal Atlantis Garden Villa for AED 44 million and one in IL PRIMO Downtown for AED 42 million to a European buyer.
NIKITA KUZNETSOV, PARTNER METROPOLITAN GROUP AND CEO OF METROPOLITAN PREMIUM PROPERTIES: “Dubai has some of the most luxurious properties in the world and continues to offer its residents an unmatched lifestyle. The city emerged as one of the safest and more open cities in the world which gave residents and investors confidence in the real estate market. The people who are buying are choosing Dubai due to the high levels of safety and security the country offers, especially for high-net-worth individuals.
“Currently, we are continuing to see strong demand for luxury properties from overseas investors. Sales of properties over AED 5M accounted for 15% of the total sales in the first six months with the average sales price of high-end property increasing from AED 5M to AED 10M. We have also witnessed a spike in the number of transactions for villas and townhouses, with a notable interest and high demand for waterfront/shoreline property,” he added.
Built and operated by Kerzner, Atlantis The Royal Dubai is located on the crescent of The Palm is made up of 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites and is destined to become an iconic, world-renowned address.
The Residences will have expansive living and entertainment spaces with balconies or lushly landscaped terraces. All Residences offer unique uninterrupted views towards the sea or across the waters of The Palm towards the Dubai skyline.
Designed by KPF architects, the property features luxurious interior options by Sybille De Margerie who has commissioned talented artists to create unique works in materials ranging from leather, metal and porcelain to glass and gold leaf.
The milestone 10th edition of the prestigious two-day forum promises to be rich and diverse,
The milestone 10th edition of the prestigious two-day forum promises to be rich and diverse…reports Asian Lite News
The 2021 edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) opens Sunday at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
EXPO 2020
The milestone 10th edition of the prestigious two-day forum promises to be rich and diverse, bringing together a host of 79 communication experts from around the world to evaluate the historical experience of government communication, discuss innovative crisis management mechanisms and determine the future of public communication.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) under the slogan ‘Historic lessons, Future ambitions’, IGCF 2021 promises to deliver a rich and diverse edition with heads of states, ministers, thought leaders and influencers, coming together to deliver keynote speeches and participate in pathbreaking interactive sessions.
Dubai International Chamber was established to strengthen partnerships with global corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs and boost Dubai’s status as a major trade hub…reports Asian Lite News
The Board of Directors of the newly formed Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers under the umbrella of the newly formed Dubai Chambers, held its first meeting earlier today at the Dubai Chamber headquarters where board members discussed priorities and new plans to boost Dubai’s trade with global markets.
DIC board meeting
The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai International Chamber, in the presence of board members H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri; Stephen Moss; Gassan Al Kibsi; Mark Willis; Nader Haffar; Dr. Habib Mulla; Nabil Habayeb; Sanjiv Kakkar; Elissar Farah Antonios; Julia Onslow-Cole; Rani R. Raad; Rola Abu Minh; May Nasrallah Merville; Shukri Eid; and Ahmed Alkhallafi. The meeting was also attended by H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, of Dubai Chamber.
The board discussed ways to leverage the Chamber’s international network to tap into the 30 priority markets, which have been identified as high potential markets that can accelerate the growth of Dubai’s foreign trade. Member companies of Dubai International Chamber will work towards achieving target of boosting Dubai’s foreign trade to AED 2 trillion within the next five years, consolidating Dubai’s position as global trade hub.
HE Sultan bin Sulayem, stated that trade is the cornerstone of Dubai’s economy and essential for its diversification and stated that the new board will focus its efforts on implementing as new strategy announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to boost Dubai’s foreign trade to AED 2 trillion within the next five years and cement the emirate’s position as global trade hub.
HE BIN SULAYEM: “Through integrated plans, the chamber will target new international markets and support the expansion of national companies abroad. The chamber will also support and integrate global investors, entrepreneurs and talent into Dubai’s flourishing business community within a comprehensive framework that ensures providing an agile pro-business environment,” said HE Bin Sulayem.
“I am confident that the Dubai International Chamber will not only achieve its new targets but take Dubai’s trade ties with promising markets to the next level. The Chamber is already in strong position to achieve its objectives as it can leverage Dubai Chambers’ resources and vast network of international representative offices across Africa, Eurasia and Latin America,” he added.
DIC board meeting
Dubai International Chamber was established to strengthen partnerships with global corporations, investors and entrepreneurs and boost Dubai’s status as a major trade hub. Adopting a more specialised approach to driving Dubai’s foreign trade, the chamber will promote the opportunities that the emirate offers in facilitating trade flows.
The Chamber was established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of a recent government restructuring that aims to drive a comprehensive economic development in Dubai.
The 1971 Genocide by the Pakistan Army is well documented and reported in the international media and also in the diplomatic correspondences during that period…reports Asian Lite News
Europe-based Bangladesh diaspora oraganisation, European Bangladesh Forum (EBF) in collaboration with Switzerland Human Rights Commission Bangladesh will hold an international conference on ‘Recognition of 1971 Bangladesh Genocide’ at the Geneva Press Club, Switzerland on 30 September.
Earlier on the same day, EBF will hold a demonstration in front of the Broken Chair at the United Nations building in Geneva, reported ANP Pers Support.
At the conference, a documentary film on ‘War Crimes 1971’ will also be screened.
1971 Genocide in Bangladesh committed by the Pakistan military and their local collaborators is one of the worst mass atrocities that the world witnessed in the 20th century.
The Pakistani occupation army in nine months killed approximately three million people, violated over two hundred thousand women, and forced ten million people to cross the border and take shelter in India. The number of people killed by the Pakistani Army is the highest in such a short period of time, reported ANP Pers Support.
The 1971 Genocide by the Pakistan Army is well documented and reported in the international media and also in the diplomatic correspondences during that period.
The Pakistani Army under a blueprint systematically killed the intellectuals and professionals of Bangladesh, apart from the mass killing, reported ANP Pers Support.
The conference on ‘Recognition of 1971 Bangladesh Genocide’ will be addressed among others by the Member of the European Parliament, Brando Benifei (Italy), Member of the British Parliament from Labour Party, Rushanara Ali, former Member of the Dutch Parliament Harry van Bommel (Socialist Party), Professor of Amsterdam Vrije University Prof Dr Anthonie Holslag, Dutch journalist of de Volkskrant (Correspondent in Istanbul, Turkey) Rob Vreeken, Trustee of International Crimes Strategy Forum (ICSF), UK Dr Rayhan Rashid and member of the Genocide victim family Asif Munir from Bangladesh.
The conference will also be addressed by President of EBF UK Ansar Ahmed Ullah, Director of Switzerland Human Rights Commission Bangladesh Khalilur Rahman and EBF Netherlands President Bikash Chowdhury while Dr Mojibur Doftori, a writer and senior researcher from Finland will chair, reported ANP Pers Support.
As per the participants of the conference, there is an urgent need for a UN resolution condemning the Pakistanis for the 1971 atrocities.
“The perpetrators must be brought to justice. The new generation must know what treatment was meted out to Bangladeshi people who deserve to enjoy equal human rights,” said the participants. (ANI)
The International Humanitarian Summit at Expo 2020
The International Humanitarian Summit will address major humanitarian issues such as racism, gender inequality, intolerance, and persecution, at the Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The International Humanitarian Summit was launched on World Humanitarian Day, 19th of August 2021, to be held on the 30th of March 2022, in its mission to solve ongoing issues around the world including COVID 19 challenges and the persisting issues of racism, gender inequality, intolerance, and persecution.
The International Humanitarian Summit will bring together the international community of intellectuals, governmental institutions, human rights and philanthropic institutions, religious institutions, artists, media professionals, cultural associations and the private sector in order to discuss and shed light on the current concerns that need to be addressed, at the Expo 2020 Dubai.
IHS Logo
Today’s crises are larger, more complex, and go on for years at a time. Providing humanitarian assistance has become much more difficult. The International Humanitarian Summit will voice out and discuss these issues in March next year, in order to lead, coordinate, and put efforts towards assistance overseas responding to humanitarian crises, natural disasters and manmade disasters. The International Humanitarian Summit will play a major role in promoting and assisting international humanitarian organizations that can better people’s lives and save more lives.
The United Arab Emirates is proud to host the International Humanitarian Summit, which will shed light on humanitarian workers who are reaching out to the most vulnerable people to save lives and alleviate suffering. In no other time has the generous, bravery, and sacrifice of aid workers been more evident or necessary. Around the world, humanitarian workers haven’t stopped saving lives despite the recent pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic was responsible for one of the largest humanitarian crises since the Second World War. Over the past few months, it has severely affected the humanitarian sector. The aid industry has suffered the most severe impact of all the industries affected by the pandemic. Countries from all over the world came together to provide medical supplies and medical professionals, however, other sectors of the aid industry received little support. Even with the global pandemic, the International Humanitarian Summit will continue to voice out issues and be a platform to inspire the world, serving as a catalyst for international crisis response in both diplomatic engagements and humanitarian assistance.
The United Arab Emirates has made its mark at the forefront of countries in the world in providing services and providing humanitarian aid and helping those in need around the world. And to crown this role comes the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday announced that the UAE would offer Golden Visas to charity and humanitarian aid workers in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices. The announcement to provide long-term residence visas was made on World Humanitarian Day.
Mr.Dawood Al Shezawi
MR. DAWOOD AL SHEZAWI, SECRETARY-GENERAL, BOARD OF TRUSTESS: “ The UAE policies put humanitarian and development work at the center, which is evident by the establishment of hundreds of humanitarian projects and institutions. Globally, the UAE plays a leading humanitarian role, dedicating resources and efforts to empowering communities and removing barriers to sustainable development.”
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment are topics that will be explored at the International Humanitarian Summit to enable private organizations and governments in promoting an equal world. Sessions will focus on creating an inclusive environment for women and people of determination within the society.
Utilizing the latest digital technology via Events10x, the International Humanitarian Summit will take place in the form of a hybrid event, and will be a powerful dialogue platform that will discuss vital issues in order to achieve a peaceful, healthy and liveable society based on mutual respect and understanding.
The summit is powered by the most anticipated Global Leaders Debate who will discuss the increased fragmentation around the world due to extremism and intolerance, which play a destructive role in achieving global happiness and prosperity. The purpose of this debate is to bring together international leaders to discuss policies to counter these problems and to propose initiatives to further boost human fraternity and tolerance.
The International Humanitarian Summit will feature the Humanitarian Art and Photography Gallery, which allows artists and photographers from around the world to showcase their work while promoting humanitarian values. Through this, visitors will be able to cultivate knowledge, increase awareness and access leading academic archives. Furthermore, the event will also host a digital exhibition where local governments, private institutions and organizations from respective countries will unveil their humanitarian efforts to virtual attendees.
Humanitarian Stories will provide participants with the opportunity to watch encouraging stories about life-changing initiatives from around the world. By doing so, The International Humanitarian Summit will help improve society, as well as highlight individual and institutional efforts in shaping it.
