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Tunisia reports increase in migrant interceptions

The National Guard also said it had prevented 21,462 people from entering Tunisia across its borders with Algeria in the west and Libya in the east, four times the 5,256 number from last year…reports Asian Lite News

Tunisia on Sunday reported a 22.5 percent rise in the number of migrants “intercepted on shore or rescued at sea” as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Italy.

The National Guard reported that more than 21,000 people had been prevented from leaving Tunisian shores or had been rescued during the first four months of 2024.

A press statement from the National Guard, which also overseas Coast Guard operations, said 21,545 people were intercepted between January 1 and April 30, compared with 17,576 over the same period last year.

It said the interceptions occurred in an equivalent number of operations — 751 this year and 756 in 2023.

Tunisia and neighboring Libya have become key departure points for migrants, often from sub-Saharan African countries, who risk perilous Mediterranean sea journeys in the hopes of a better life in Europe.

Since January 1, the bodies of 291 shipwreck victims have been recovered compared with 572 last year in almost triple the number of operations (1,967 this year against 686 in 2023), the statement said.

The National Guard also said it had prevented 21,462 people from entering Tunisia across its borders with Algeria in the west and Libya in the east, four times the 5,256 number from last year.

The number of alleged smugglers and their accomplices detained more than doubled, with 529 arrests and 261 prosecutions, up from 203 and 121 respectively last year.

Sfax, the North African country’s second city, remained the main point of departure for clandestine attempts to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa less than 150 kilometers (90 miles) away.

The National Guard said 19,457 would-be migrants were prevented from making the perilous journey in the first four months of 2024, as opposed to 15,468 last year.

Last year many thousands of people from sub-Saharan countries fleeing poverty and conflict, notably in Sudan, and thousands of Tunisians seeking to escape the country’s economic and political crisis attempted to make the crossing.

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EU ‘concerned’ by Tunisia arrests

EU flags are seen outside the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 6, 2023.(Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS)

Lawyer Sonia Dahmani was arrested late Saturday after criticizing the state of Tunisia on television…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union on Tuesday expressed concern over a string of arrests of civil society figures in Tunisia.

Tunisian lawyers on Monday protested and launched a nationwide strike over the arrest of a lawyer and political commentator in a weekend police raid.

Tunisian authorities ordered Sunday the arrest of two political commentators over critical comments, a day after security forces stormed the bar association and took a third pundit into custody.

Lawyer Sonia Dahmani was arrested late Saturday after criticizing the state of Tunisia on television.

“The European Union has followed with concern recent developments in Tunisia, in particular the concomitant arrests of several civil society figures, journalists and political actors,” an EU spokeswoman said.

“Freedoms of expression and association, as well as the independence of the judiciary, are guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution and constitute the basis of our partnership.”

The clampdown is the latest sign of the authorities tightening control over the country since President Kais Saied began ruling by decree after a sweeping power grab in 2021.

Concern over the situation in Tunisia did not prevent the EU last year from inking a major cooperation deal with the North African state aimed at curbing the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean.

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7 Arab Nations Excel in Achieving SDG Targets

The ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ highlighted that UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets…reports Asian Lite News

Seven of the 22 Arab countries – specifically, the UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco – have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets in the journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

This key achievement was highlighted in a report by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The report – ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ – aligns with the Year of Sustainability and building on the recent COP28 discussions.

This pivotal report is a key resource for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a comprehensive means to track and measure progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, it identifies key implementation challenges and data gaps, providing a solid foundation for developing actionable strategies.

Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said, “The report reflects MBRSG’s dedication to empowering governments with innovative and proactive policies to meet various challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances at local, regional, and global levels,” he added.

Dr. Al Marri explained, “The report sheds light on the various development challenges confronting the Arab region, particularly its least developed countries. By adopting a data-driven approach, it offers a practical tool for targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive transformations across the region in relation to all Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of the Policy Research Department at MBRSG and co-author of the report, stated, “The index, with its data-driven insights, underscores significant regional challenges and priorities. It calls for concerted efforts in the upcoming years to expedite development across diverse regional paths.” He also highlighted the importance of leveraging COP28 outcomes for unified regional progress towards a sustainable future.

Despite some regional advancements, the report highlights substantial ongoing obstacles in various developmental sectors within the Arab region. It calls for intensive efforts and the adoption of regional strategies to bridge existing gaps and foster progress towards a more sustainable future.

The report particularly highlights challenges in achieving gender equality (SDG 5), where all Arab countries have shown low performance, and the impact of conflicts on realising SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). It calls for increased collective efforts to enhance gender equality policies, strengthen institutions, and tackle conflict-related issues.

Additionally, the report notes advancements in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) in some Arab countries, especially in basic health outcomes like neonatal and under-five mortality rates, and improvements in sectors related to SDG 4 (quality education).

Lama Zakzak, Principal Researcher at MBRSG and co-author, stressed the importance of the report’s findings on SDG 13 (climate action). She pointed out that while some countries have made progress in climate action, the least developed are still vulnerable to climate disasters and require significant support for climate-related goals, including adaptation measures.

Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the UN SDSN, commented, “This updated report offers a renewed assessment of the SDG progress and challenges in the Arab region, based on transparent and internationally recognized data.” He stressed the urgency of developing long-term investment strategies and ambitious plans with effective monitoring systems to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The report also identifies the ongoing challenge of data availability, especially in monitoring SDGs related to poverty eradication and inequality reduction. It includes 113 indicators for the 17 SDGs, each with a score, colour-coding for performance levels, and trend arrows.

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Tunisia says it has intercepted 70,000 Italy-bound migrants in 2023

Migrants who take part in a caravan board a truck on the Puebla-Mexico highway, in the state of Puebla, Mexico, on Dec. 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Carlos Pacheco/IANS)

International humanitarian sources told AFP that at least 5,500 migrants have been expelled to the border with Libya and 3,000 to that with Algeria since June, including a large number caught trying to leave for Europe…reports Asian Lite News

Close to 70,000 migrants were intercepted trying to cross the Mediterranean from Tunisia to Italy this year, more than double the 2022 figure, the Tunisian National Guard told AFP on Saturday.
Tunisia, alongside Libya, is the principal departure point for thousands of migrants hoping to reach Europe. The number intercepted by Tunisian authorities was 69,963 for the first 11 months of 2023, compared to 31,297 in the same period last year, according to data from the National Guard.

Foreigners made up 78 percent, while the rest were Tunisians.
That was a significant shift from 2022, when 59 percent were foreign migrants.The exodus accelerated in February after Tunisia’s President Kais Saied denounced the arrival of “hordes of illegal migrants” from sub-Saharan Africa whom he claimed were part of a “criminal plan” aimed at “changing the demographic composition” of the country.

The speech triggered a violent anti-migrant campaign, prompting several African countries, notably the Ivory Coast and Guinea, to repatriate thousands of their citizens, while many migrants attempted to flee by boat, leading to a number of sinkings.
Tunisia has been accused by the United Nations and humanitarian NGOs of “expelling” migrants to Libya and Algeria, which Tunisian authorities deny.

International humanitarian sources told AFP that at least 5,500 migrants have been expelled to the border with Libya and 3,000 to that with Algeria since June, including a large number caught trying to leave for Europe.More than 100 migrants have died in the Libyan-Tunisian desert this summer, they said, adding that “collective expulsions to Libya and Algeria continue.”

Most of the intercepted migrants were caught on Tunisia’s eastern coastline close to Sfax, which is only around 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa.
This summer, a wave of departures was triggered by a brawl in Sfax in which a Tunisian was killed, leading police to send hundreds into the desert.

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-Top News India News

AU’s membership in G20 positive move, says Tunisian ex-PM

Jomaa further said that the G20 presents a unique opportunity to ensure a common prosperous future for all…reports Asian Lite News

Former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mehdi Jomaa on Tuesday said the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 is a positive development that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated.

“The permanent membership of the African Union in the G20 is a very positive development that Prime Minister Modi has advocated for,” the former Tunisian Prime Minister said while speaking on Day 2 of the Think20 (T20) Summit in Mysuru on Tuesday. “Africa,” he continued, “is well positioned to become an emerging multi-sector corridor which fosters innovation, development and multilateralism.”

The T20 is an official Engagement Group of the G20, and serves as an “ideas bank” for the G20 by bringing together think tanks and high-level experts to deliberate on relevant policy issues. Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is serving as the T20 Secretariat during India’s Presidency of the G20.

Jomaa further said that the G20 presents a unique opportunity to ensure a common prosperous future for all.

Meanwhile, Policy Advisor of the a2i Programme, ICT Division and the Cabinet Division of the Government of Bangladesh, Anir Chowdhury, while speaking on Bangladesh’s efforts at innovating technology and data for development, said that while Bangladesh started the data journey late, it picked up pace during COVID-19 for symptom mapping and providing better access to vaccines.

“Companies now have task forces on Al to contend with the multifarious challenges that the ubiquitous technology brings,” noted Mahima Kaul, Head of Public Policy, APAC, Bumble.

Founder and CEO, Girlhype Women Who Code, South Africa, Baratang Miya, while speaking on day 2 of the T20 Summit, said that the verification of content online will become an important question that will require answers as Al becomes more accessible.

“Who is going to lead the technology conversation – private companies, public enterprises, or academia and civil society? We need a confluence of all of them,” averred Erin Watson, Founder and Managing Director, Baker & York, Australia.

Sharad Sharma, Co-Founder, iSPIRT Foundation, noted: “Techno-legal regulation is our true test of democracy in the emerging tech times marked by disruptive forces like AI.”

In the session on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and shaping a new paradigm for sustainable development, Eenam Gambhir, Joint Secretary (G20), Ministry of External Affairs, pointed out India’s efforts at putting development at the heart of all G20 processes.

“Even if we sit at the same table, we have differentiated responsibilities due to differentiated vulnerabilities,” noted Gladys Lechini, Professor, International Relations, National University of Rosario, Argentina.

Sachin Chaturvedi, Member, T20 India Core Group and Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, India, said, “New technologies and sustainable production are critical to enable a Lifestyle for Environment.”

“India has been able to lower emissions only because of the lifestyle choices we have been able to make,” he continued.

Over 200 participants from 35 countries and nearly 110 institutions are being hosted at the T20 Summit. The delegates include ministers, diplomats, policy planners, heads of think tanks and research institutions, civil society organisations, and eminent thinkers whose collective agency will ensure rich and diverse discussions at the Summit.

The T20 Summit is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation under the aegis of India’s G20 Presidency. (ANI)

ALSO READ-At G20 meet, PM lauds role of women in startups

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-Top News Europe

Tunisians start voting in legislative elections

Preliminary results of the parliamentary elections will be announced between Sunday and Tuesday…reports Asian Lite News

Tunisians on Saturday started voting in legislative elections, with a total of 4,551 voting centres and 11,310 polling stations open in the Tunisian territory, the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) said.

Polling stations across the country opened to voters at 8 a.m. amid tight security measures, and the voting is scheduled to continue until 6 p.m.

The total number of candidates running for the legislative elections reached 1,058, competing for the 161 seats in the parliament, Xinhua news agency reported.

Preliminary results of the parliamentary elections will be announced between Sunday and Tuesday.

Tunisian President Kais Saied announced on March 30 the dissolution of the Assembly of People’s Representatives, or the Tunisian parliament.

In December last year, Saied announced a constitutional referendum would be held in July this year, followed by parliamentary elections at the end of 2022.

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Europe Qatar Sports

Tunisian shocker for France

Wednesday two other matches will see Argentina take on Poland and a winless Mexico taking on Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News

A 58th minute goal from Wahbi Khazri helped Tunisia inflict a first-ever defeat on defending champions France but the win at the Education City Stadium was not enough to see them to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup as Australia piped them to the qualifying post.

Khazri’s goal went in vain as the Socceroos’ made it at the expense of the North Africans from Group D after defeating Denmark at the Janoub Stadium and made it to the knockout stage from the group along with France.

France started the World Cup in fine fashion, picking up six points from their first two games and scoring six goals in the process but finished as group leaders ahead of Australia. France, who had already qualified for the knock-out stage with two wins, ended up top despite making nine changes and producing a poor performance.

Both Australia and France finished with six points from two wins, while Tunisia took the third spot with four points from one win and one draw against Denmark, which finished at the bottom with one point.

Australia join already qualified teams France, Portugal, Brazil, Senegal and The Netherlands and will take on winners of Group C, which consists of Argentina, Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Wednesday two other matches will see Argentina take on Poland and a winless Mexico taking on Saudi Arabia.

“It’s mixed feelings because we’re happy to beat a team like France,” Tunisia manager Jalel Kadri said.

“We can be proud and leave with our head high, but it is a bitter victory.

“It would have been beautiful to beat France and reach the last 16. It is our fault for not doing what we needed to do before.”

“I said nothing is impossible. We have been able to win over the world champions,” added Kadri.

“We have been able to prove our efficiency and we did our best. We worked as a team. It wasn’t easy for us to get these four points (in the group stage) but we leave with a lot of honour and pride.”

On Wednesday, France having already qualified for the last 16 stage opted to rest a number of players, including Hugo Lloris, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.

Taking a cue, the Tunisians dominated the major chunk of the opening session.

The Tunisian continued to call the shot in the second session for the major part of the second session.

Khazri struck 13 minutes into the second session. Youssouf Fofana lost the ball in midfield for France and the ball went to Khazri 30 yards from goal, he moved deep into the rival territory and dribbled into the box almost unchallenged, before slipping the ball past Steve Mandanda, 1-0.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvxsMaz-ulc

It was only the introduction of Antonie Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe that injected some energy into the French attack.

Infact, Griezmann the Athletico Madrid man had volleyed home from 10 yards to put the teams on level terms but the goal was ruled out following VAR review.

The huge contingent of Tunisian fans welcomed the decision with a big roar as the Kiwi referee Matthew Conger overturned the last-minute equalizer.

Tunisia held on to record an against-the-odds to claim a memorable 1-0 win but The Eagles of Carthage will not progress to the last 16 due to Australia’s victory over Denmark in Group D’s other final fixture but will take solace from this upset against the 2018 champions.

There is a large Tunisian community in France who will savour the result, the country’s first win against European opposition at a World Cup and just their third ever in 18 matches at the tournament.

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Tunisia, France ink pacts worth 200 mn euros

The financing agreement aims to support the implementation of the government’s reform programs….reports Asian Lite News

Tunisia and France on Saturday signed a 200-million-euro (about 206.9 million U.S. dollars) deal to meet Tunisia’s financing needs on the sidelines of the 18th summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

The deal was inked between Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Saied and French Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna, according to a statement released by the Tunisian Ministry of Economy and Planning.

The financing agreement aims to support the implementation of the government’s reform programs.

“The agreement shows France’s readiness to continue its support for Tunisia in the concretization and implementation of its reform programs,” Saied assured during the signing ceremony.

“This initiative will help the country regain its financial balance, boost growth and energize a sustainable economy,” he continued.

Tunisia, France,flag.

For her part, the French foreign minister stressed the importance of the reform program put in place by the Tunisian government, which “will help Tunisia to recover gradually and go beyond socio-economic difficulties.”

The 18th summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie, commonly known as La Francophonie, started on Saturday in Djerba Island in southern Tunisia.

A total of 89 delegations from across the Francophone world, including those from France, Canada, Senegal and the European Council, as well as 31 heads of state and government, attended the two-day event.

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Sport Sports

Brazil smash Tunisia, Argentina beat Jamaica in friendlies

Messi struck two late goals as Argentina earned a 3-0 victory over Jamaica…reports Asian Lite News

Raphinha scored twice and Neymar converted a penalty as Brazil cruised past Tunisia 5-1, while Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Jamaica 3-0 in pre-World Cup international friendlies on Tuesday.

In Paris, Brazil took the lead in the 10th minute with a header from Barcelona forward Raphinha, assisted by Casemiro. Seven minutes later, Montassar Talbi’s header equalised for Tunisia.

However, Richarlison helped Brazil restore their lead in the 18th minute and Neymar extended the advantage with a penalty on the half-hour. Before the halftime break, Raphinha slotted home to register his second goal to make it 4-1, Xinhua reports. Brazil kept up their domination in the second half. In the 74th minute, Pedro sealed the win for the Selecao with a powerful volley.

Brazil, the world No. 1 side in the latest FIFA rankings, have been drawn in World Cup Group G with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.

Against Jamaica, Argentina opened the scoring through Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez. In the second half, Lionel Messi came in from the bench and scored a brace. Argentina have been drawn in Group C with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia.

In other warm-up games, 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar drew with Chile 2-2, Uruguay beat Canada 2-0, and Saudi Arabia held the United States to a goalless draw.

Messi struck two late goals as Argentina earned a 3-0 victory over Jamaica.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez put the Albiceleste ahead in the 13th minute at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey when he tapped in from close range after Lautaro Martinez’s fine run and cut-back.

Argentina controlled possession but struggled for scoring opportunities against Jamaica’s well-organised defence. That changed following the introduction of Messi from the bench in the 56th minute. The two-time world champions immediately looked more threatening and Messi capitalised on poor defending to double their advantage with a long-range effort in the 86th minute.

The Paris Saint-Germain veteran made it 3-0 three minutes later with a low free-kick from the edge of the 18-yard box that caught goalkeeper Andre Blake off guard.

The South American outfit will have one more chance to test their squad before the World Cup when they meet the United Arab Emirates on November 16. Jamaica did not qualify for the tournament, to be played in Qatar from November 20 to December 18.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Tunisians vote on new constitution referendum

Iraq announces success in early voting for parliamentary polls

The vote is being held on the first anniversary of Saied’s ousting of an elected parliament, when he established emergency rule and began governing by fiat…reports Asian Lite News

Voting began on Monday in a referendum on a new constitution that critics of Tunisian President Kais Saied fear will damage the democracy that emerged from a 2011 revolution by handing him nearly total power, it was reported.

Few people were out in the humid early morning streets, but at Rue Marseilles polling station in downtown Tunis, Illyes Moujahed was first in line, saying Saied was the only hope, Reuters reported.

The vote is being held on the first anniversary of Saied’s ousting of an elected parliament, when he established emergency rule and began governing by fiat, it was reported.

Tunisia’s divided opposition parties have called his moves a coup that risks flinging Tunisia back into the autocratic era from before the revolution and putting the final nail into the coffin of the 2011 “Arab spring” uprisings.

It is not clear when the results will be announced after polls close at 2100 GMT, the report said.

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