Armenia and Azerbaijan said on Thursday that they have reached an agreement on taking confidence-building steps by releasing prisoners of war following their first-ever direct negotiations with no mediators involved
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan to improve their relations, said his spokesman.
“The Secretary-General welcomes the joint statement issued by Armenia and Azerbaijan announcing a series of confidence-building measures and reaffirming their commitment to normalise bilateral relations,” said Stephane Dujarric, the UN spokesman, on Friday.
The United Nations encourages the parties to build on the agreement to advance mutual confidence and secure long-term peace for the benefit of their population and the region, Dujarric told a daily press briefing.
Armenia and Azerbaijan said on Thursday that they have reached an agreement on taking confidence-building steps by releasing prisoners of war following their first-ever direct negotiations with no mediators involved, Xinhua news agency reported.
The two countries said they intend to normalise relations and reach a peace treaty.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, since 1988. Peace talks have been going on since 1994 when a ceasefire was agreed on, despite sporadic clashes since then.
UN peacekeepers are also working to keep civilians out of harm’s way by preserving ceasefires and preventing the resumption of hostilities, he said…reports Asian Lite News
The UN peacekeeping chief has urged the need for stronger, more consistent and unified support from member states for the world body to fulfill its key peacekeeping goals.
Growing divisions among member states, combined with the increased complexity of today’s conflicts, pose a formidable challenge to peacekeeping and the broader task of maintaining peace and security, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN undersecretary-general for peace operations, on Thursday.
“Peacekeeping is not a magic wand to help a country return to stability, but with the support of a unified international community, political processes and peace agreements have been implemented,” Lacroix told a UN Security Council meeting.
Even where political solutions to conflicts seem distant, peacekeepers continue to protect the lives of hundreds and thousands of civilians in the countries and regions in which they are deployed, he added.
UN peacekeepers are also working to keep civilians out of harm’s way by preserving ceasefires and preventing the resumption of hostilities, he said.
Lacroix noted that a convergence of global phenomena, including geopolitical tensions, climate change and transnational organised crime, point to a future of overlapping crises, Xinhua news agency reported.
“We must continue to strengthen the effectiveness of one of the most powerful multilateral tools at our disposal to manage and resolve conflict,” he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed G7( https://www.facebook.com/zelenskiy.official/videos/1211736476236426)
Ukraine has proposed its widely-expected 10-point peace formula at talks in Saudi Arabia attended by senior officials from some 40 countries including US, China and India…reports Asian Lite News
Ukraine has proposed its widely-expected 10-point peace formula at talks in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, according to reports.
Senior officials from some 40 countries including the US, China and India met in Jeddah for discussions that Ukraine and its allies hope will lead to agreement on key principles for a peaceful end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A source from the Ukrainian delegation told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that the proposals were “supported by several countries.”
The two-day meeting is part of a diplomatic push by Ukraine to build support beyond its core Western backers by reaching out to Global South countries to help reach a solution to the conflict, which has hit the global economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office said this week that the meeting would focus on the 10-point peace formula that calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
Pleased to join the successful National Security Advisors' Meeting in Jeddah. I had the opportunity to meet and congratulate the Saudi NSA Al-Aiban and talk with the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Yermak. Italy supports Ukraine in its efforts for a just peace. pic.twitter.com/ogAHzgUUtm
The Jeddah meeting follows talks in Copenhagen in June that were designed to be informal and did not yield an official statement, and the Ukrainian source said the 10-point formula “received more support than in Copenhagen.”
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is leading Washington’s delegation to the Saudi city, a senior White House official said.
The meeting highlights Saudi Arabia’s “readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace”, the official Saudi Press Agency said Friday.
In May, the Kingdom hosted Zelensky at an Arab summit also in Jeddah, where he accused some leaders of turning “a blind eye” to the horrors of Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy posted a video message on Twitter, saying that a total of 42 countries are represented at the peace talks in Jeddah and everyone is united by the priority of international law.
“Today is another active day for our international efforts. Our team is working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the meeting of advisors to the leaders of the states on the Peace Formula. In total, 42 countries are represented there. Different continents, different political approaches to global affairs, but everyone is united by the priority of international law. And it is for this that Ukraine proposed the Peace Formula because the international rules-based order, violated by Russian aggression, must be restored,” Zelenskyy said.
He added, “It is very important that there, on the sidelines of the meeting in Jeddah, bilateral negotiations with partners take place. Thankful to our delegation for this work. Consolidation of the world is one of the most essential tasks”.
The visiting Saudi delegate said that his organisation is working across the world to promote religious awareness…reports Asian Lite News
Muslim World League Secretary General Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed a wide range of issues, including Indian diversity within the framework of its national constitution.
Taking to Twitter, the Muslim World League organisation informed about the meeting between the two leaders and wrote, “At the beginning of his visit to India, during which he met with all Indian components.”
Al-Issa who is the current Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), an organisation based in Saudi Arabia and representing Muslims worldwide is on a five-day visit to India that began on July 10.
While delivering an address at an event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in the national capital organised by the Khusro Foundation earlier today, Saudi Arabia’s former Minister for Justice said that India with its diversity, is “a great model for coexistence” and that the country can send a message of peace to the world.
“We have talked just moments ago about the different components in the Indian society and we have been in the past days engaging with them. And I know that the Muslim component of the Indian society, they are, as I said, proud of their Constitution and proud of their nation and they are proud of the brotherhood that they share with the rest of the components of the Indian society” al-Issa said in the national capital today.
Appreciating “Indian wisdom”, al-Issa said, “We reach out with the different components and diversity for the common objectives that we share. We have heard a lot about Indian wisdom and we know that it has contributed a lot to humanity…”
“We know that here coexistence is very important… we also work on promoting stability and harmony all over the world. We know that the Indian component, with all its diversity, is a great model for coexistence not only in just mere words but also on the ground.”
The visiting Saudi delegate said that his organisation is working across the world to promote religious awareness.
‘India can send message of peace to world”India can send message of peace to world‘
Saudi Arabia’s former Minister for Justice, Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, considered a leading global voice on moderate Islam on Tuesday said that India with its diversity, is “a great model for coexistence” and that the country can send a message of peace to the world.
“We have talked just moments ago about the different components in the Indian society and we have been in the past days engaging with them. And I know that the Muslim component of the Indian society, they are, as I said, proud of their Constitution and proud of their nation and they are proud of the brotherhood that they share with the rest of the components of the Indian society” al-Issa said in the national capital today. al-Issa who is the current Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), an organisation based in Saudi Arabia and representing Muslims worldwide, was delivering an address at an event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in the national capital organised by the Khusro Foundation. The Saudi leader is on a five-day visit to India that began on July 10.
Appreciating “Indian wisdom”, al-Issa said, “We reach out with the different components and diversity for the common objectives that we share. We have heard a lot about Indian wisdom and we know that it has contributed a lot to humanity…”
“We know that here coexistence is very important… we also work on promoting stability and harmony all over the world. We know that the Indian component, with all its diversity, is a great model for coexistence not only in just mere words but also on the ground.”
The visiting Saudi delegate said that his organisation is working across the world to promote religious awareness.
“There is this pessimist theory in the world that says that the clash between civilizations is unavoidable, and thus such a clash depends on two factors. There are religions and also civilizations. That’s why the United Nations has been aware of such theories, and they have established an organization, an organ within the United Nations called the Alliance of Civilizations,” al-Issa said.
He further stated that the Muslim World League in cooperation with the United Nations and their leadership have launched an intitiative titled “Building Bridges between the East and the West” from the platform of the United Nations.
“Yes, we can cooperate together, and yes, we can live in peace together,” he said.
al-Issa arrived in India on Monday and is expected to meet External Affairs, S Jaishankar, and Minister for Minority Affairs Smriti Irani, and according to sources he is likely to call on President Droupadi Murmu.
A good meeting with Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa of the Muslim World League.
Discussed the importance of global diversity and of inter-faith dialogue. Believe that initiatives in this regard merit support and appreciation. pic.twitter.com/MWVXtIY0tq
He will also meet the leadership of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and interact with a gathering of distinguished faith leaders at the Vivekanand International Foundation, sources said, adding that he is scheduled to visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal. As per sources, he might visit Akshardham Temple and meet with some prominent personalities.
During his stay in the national capital, an important part of his engagement will be a visit to Jama Masjid Delhi for Friday prayers, they said. (ANI)
UAE leaders His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid wished health and peace on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha…reports Asian Lite News
As Muslims perform prayers all across the country marking Eid Al Adha, UAE leaders wished continued peace and happiness to the people.
“To the Rulers of the Emirates, citizens and residents of the UAE, and Muslims around the world, I wish you a blessed Eid Al-Adha and pray that God grants continued peace and happiness to our nation and to the people of the world,” President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wrote on twitter.
Prime Minister and Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wished health and peace on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.
“Happy new year to the people of the Emirates and all the Arab and Islamic peoples, health and peace on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, may God bring it back to us and the Muslims with security, safety, safety and Islam,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He added: “Muslims stand today with knowledge and their hearts are united. Their supplication is one. Their hope is God’s mercy, His forgiveness, and His paradise. We ask God to accept their obedience and prayers. And to unite their hearts always and forever on goodness, love, and peace.”
Meanwhile, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed this morning performed the Eid Al Adha prayer alongside worshipers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Performing prayers by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s side were His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and a number of Sheikhs, high-ranking officials and worshipers.
During the Eid sermon, Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Director-General of the UAE Fatwa Council, highlighted the importance of family bonds in bringing joy into our lives, and caring for one’s parents who serve as our top role models.
Following the prayer, the UAE President exchanged greetings with worshipers on the occasion.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed then visited the tomb of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, read Al Fatiha for his spirit.
Later, President Sheikh Mohamed received the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and the Crown Princes and the Deputy Rulers, on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.
Their Highnesses exchanged greetings with the UAE President on this blessed occasion.
President Sheikh Mohamed also received several UAE ministers, high-ranking military and police officers, dignitaries and well-wishers who came to greet him.
From 28th to 30th June, residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi will find plenty of options to celebrate across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. With Eid festivities kickstarting the season, “One Summer Isn’t Enough” at various indoor theme parks, inspiring cultural sites and other unique attractions, which can be unlocked with the Abu Dhabi Summer Pass.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi has announced that surface parking and the Darb toll gate system will be free of charge during the Eid Al-Adha holidays, starting from Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 until Friday, June 30th, 2023.
#EidAlAdha2023: UAE President receives Rulers and Crown Princes of all emirates, exchanges greetings
Leaders exchange warm greetings with each other on the occasion of Eid Al Adhahttps://t.co/JpPsM5nOeC
Customers Happiness Centres across the emirate of Abu Dhabi will be closed during the holiday, but customers may continue to apply for ITC’s services online or by calling the Service Support Centre on 800850.
MAWAQiF surface parking fees will be free of charge until 7:59 AM on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. Parking fees at the Musaffah M-18 truck parking lot will also be free during the Eid holiday.
Abu Dhabi Express and the “Abu Dhabi Link” bus services will operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM during Eid Al-Adha holiday.
He then conveyed his appreciation to Algeria for its work as president of previous Arab summits and the Secretariat-General of the Arab League for preparing the summit…reports Asian Lite News
UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the UAE supports all efforts to promote stability and peace in the region.
During the 32nd Arab Summit held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, His Highness Sheikh Mansour stressed that the best way to ensure development and prosperity in the Arab region is through cooperation. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for their hospitality and excellent preparations for the summit.
He then conveyed his appreciation to Algeria for its work as president of previous Arab summits and the Secretariat-General of the Arab League for preparing the summit.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour said that despite the region’s challenges, some hopeful developments could lead to the resolution of local conflicts, affirming the importance of building on related accomplishments.
He congratulated Syria for returning to its place among friendly countries during the summit, hoping it would get through its current difficulties and achieve stability and prosperity.
He also appealed to Arab countries to capitalise on positive developments to reinforce their cooperation and establish economic and developmental collaborations.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour called on the Sudanese people to solve their issues through dialogue and compromise to overcome the country’s crisis, expressing his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating talks in Sudan and helping end the political deadlock.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed left Jeddah after he had participated in the 32nd Arab League Summit. (ANI/WAM)
Sudan violence: Indian embassy asks citizens to stay indoor in fresh advisory(grab)
This initial phase of diplomacy to establish a process to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The Trilateral Mechanism on Sudan, which brings together the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the UN, have called for the full implementation of the ceasefire in Sudan.
Members of the Trilateral Mechanism made the call in a joint statement along with the Quad on Sudan that brings together Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US, according to a joint statement issued on Friday.
“Members of the Trilateral Mechanism and the Quad welcome the announcement by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to extend the current ceasefire for an additional 72 hours and call for its full implementation,” the statement said.
They also welcomed the readiness of the two Sudanese warring factions to engage in dialogue toward establishing a more durable cessation of hostilities and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access, Xinhua news agency reported.
People fleeing from Sudan arrive at a bus station in Aswan, Egypt, on April 25, 2023. Many people crossed into Egypt through the border crossing between Egypt and Sudan, as conflict in the latter country continues. (Photo by Radwan Abu Elmagd/Xinhua)
This initial phase of diplomacy to establish a process to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and humanitarian arrangements will contribute to action on the development of a de-escalation plan as outlined in the April 20 African Union release, the statement says.
Since mid-April, Sudan has been mired in military clashes between the Sudanese Army and the RSF following days of tension between the once-allied leaders of both sides.
The country has been suffering a political crisis since the Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan declared a state of emergency in October 2021 and dissolved the Sovereign Council as well as the government.
Sagaing region — near the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay — has put up some of the fiercest resistance to the military’s rule, with intense fighting raging there for months…reports Asian Lite News
On the ongoing military violence in Myanmar, External Affairs Ministry here on Thursday said that “India reiterates its call for a return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar.”
According to media reports, at least 133 people were killed, including women and children in an airstrike by the military Junta on a village in the Central Myanmar. Responding to this, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that as a neighbour and friend of the people of Myanmar, “We have repeatedly called for stopping of violence by all sides,” and a peaceful resolution of all issues.
“We have seen disturbing reports of violence on April 11 in Kanbalu in the Sagaing region of Myanmar. India reiterates, its call for a return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar,” he added.
The military attack which took place on Tuesday in Kanbalu township in the central Sagaing region of the country is seen as one of the deadliest attacks since the junta seized power in a coup two years ago.
According to CNN, 50 people were hurt during the strike, the Kyunhla activist group said, which was there. At least 20 children were killed.
Although there have been no additional strikes, military jets have continued to fly over the town, preventing first responders and medical professionals from reaching the attack site, according to Aung Myo Min, who told CNN.
Sagaing region — near the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay — has put up some of the fiercest resistance to the military’s rule, with intense fighting raging there for months.
Reacting to the incident, UN rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday he was “horrified” by the deadly air strikes, whose victims he said included schoolchildren performing dances, with the global body calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Photos from the village being shared on social media showed more than a dozen burned and mutilated bodies, while videos showed a destroyed building, burned motorcycles and debris scattered over a wide area. Rescuers at the scene confirmed the authenticity of the images with The New York Times.
The apparent target of the attack was a celebration to mark the local resistance movement’s opening of an administration office. Only the charred frame of the building remained standing after the air raid, a video and photos showed.
Myanmar’s military, which has battled armed ethnic groups for territorial control since soon after independence in 1948, has a long history of brutal attacks on civilians. (ANI)
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks at a news conference in New York on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo: Arul Louis/IANS)
The two sides have also completed verification of each other’s positions adapter pulling back troops from the friction point…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that peace and tranquillity in the border areas of India and China remain the basis for normal relations.
Speaking at the conference of the Center for Contemporary China Studies (CCCS) on “China’s Foreign Policy and International Relations in the New Era,” Jaishankar said, “Peace and tranquillity in the border areas clearly remain the basis for normal relations. From time to time, this has been mischievously conflated with the sorting out of the boundary question.”
He further said that the truth is that the prerequisite has been and remains one much more modest, and even that was breached in 2020.
Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar shared the main points and said that India’s search for a more balanced and stable relationship with China takes it across multiple domains and many options. “Given the developments of 2020, they obviously focus on an effective defence of the border. This was notably undertaken even in the midst of Covid,” he added.
Referring to India and China tensions which intensified after the Galwan valley clash, Jaishankar said that establishing a way of life between New Delhi and Beijing after 2020 is not easy. “Yet, it is a task that cannot be set aside. And this can only become sustainable on the basis of three mutuals: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest,” EAM added in a tweet.
Delivered the keynote address at a conference of Center for Contemporary China Studies (CCCS) on “China’s Foreign Policy and International Relations in the New Era”.
The Galwan valley clash has strained the relationship between India and China. Recently, on September 13 completed the disengagement process in the Gogra Heights-Hot Springs area near Patrolling Point-15 in the eastern Ladakh sector, according to government sources.
The two sides have also completed verification of each other’s positions adapter pulling back troops from the friction point.
India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May 2020 over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan Valley, Hot springs, and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.
“Internationally, building deeper relationships and promoting a better understanding of its interests strengthens India. We must prepare to compete more effectively, especially in our immediate periphery,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.
Calling the tension between India and China, “a period of serious challenge,” Jaishankar tweeted that it will impact the relationship and prospects of the continent. It is the willingness to take a long-term view of their ties that the two countries must display today. The continuation of the current impasse will not benefit either India or China. New normals of posture will inevitably lead to new normals of responses.”
Earlier in the conference, Jaishankar said that in the past seven decades of engagement, India has taken a “bilateral approach to China.” He further added that there are many reasons for this including a sense of Asian solidarity and suspicion of 3rd party interests that emanated from other experiences
“Indeed, Indian policy in the past has exhibited a remarkable degree of self-restraint that led to the expectation that others can have a veto over its choices. That period, however, is now behind us. The ‘new era’ is apparently not just for China,” Jaishankar tweeted. (ANI)
He also stressed the need to preserve the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, maintain calm, and stop unilateral action that undermines the two-state solution…reports Asian Lite News
King Abdullah II of Jordan reaffirmed the necessity to intensify efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine on the basis of the two-state solution during a meeting with visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.
King Abdullah reiterated that achieving just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution is the key to bolstering regional cooperation, according to a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court.
He also stressed the need to preserve the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, maintain calm, and stop unilateral action that undermines the two-state solution.
Earlier in the day, Lapid met with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi and talked about efforts to return to serious and effective negotiations based on the two-state solution. ■
Meanwhile, Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi has reaffirmed that there is no alternative to the two-state solution as the real political ground for achieving fair and comprehensive peace in the region.
In a meeting with Sven Koopmans, the visiting European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Middle East Peace process, Safadi said Jordan would keep working to find such a political ground, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Jordanian Foreign Minister also briefed Koopmans about Jordan’s efforts to arrange peace negotiations and support the Palestinian economy, while acknowledging the EU’s role in the regard, the statement added.
The Jordanian top diplomat said all illegitimate procedures that undermine the Israeli-Palestinian peace process should stop, including building settlements and seizing Palestinian lands, Xinhua news agency reported.
He also reiterated the importance of respecting Palestinian residents’ rights in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, as well as the legal status quo of Jerusalem and its holy sites.
For his part, the EU Special Representative praised Jordan’s role and efforts in pursuing regional peace and stability, reiterating the EU’s keenness to continue cooperation with Jordan to reinvigorate the peace process which has stalled since 2014.
