US extremely concerned by levels of violence in Israel and West Bank

US extremely concerned by levels of violence in Israel and West Bank
A Palestinian faces an Israeli military vehicle during a raid on the occupied-West Bank city of Nablus, on February 22, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 22 February 2023

US extremely concerned by levels of violence in Israel and West Bank

US extremely concerned by levels of violence in Israel and West Bank
  • Washington recognized Israel's security concerns but was deeply concerned by the large number of injuries and loss of civilian life

WASHINGTON: The United States is extremely concerned by the levels of violence in Israel and the West Bank and is concerned that a raid by Israeli forces there could set back efforts at restoring calm, the State Department said on Wednesday.
State Department spokesman Ned Price told a regular press briefing that Washington recognized Israel’s security concerns but was deeply concerned by the large number of injuries and loss of civilian life.
Israeli troops killed 10 Palestinians, including at least four gunmen and three civilians, and wounded over 100 others during a raid on the flashpoint city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, witnesses and medical officials said.


Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 

Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 
Updated 13 sec ago

Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 

Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 
  • First group of 115 released fishermen arrived in the Red Sea town of Khokha on Tuesday,
  • Second group of 51 arrived on the same day in the coastal region south of the port city of Mocha

AL-MUKALLA: Eritrean authorities have released 166 out of 267 detained Yemeni fishermen, but have refused to hand back their vessels or their personal belongings.

Locals said on Wednesday that the first group of 115 released fishermen arrived in the Red Sea town of Khokha on Tuesday, while a second group of 51 arrived on the same day in the coastal region south of the port city of Mocha.

The fishermen were detained by the Eritrean authorities five months ago while working in international waters.

A local fisherman, who requested anonymity, told Arab News: “We sent boats (to Eritrea) to transport the freed fisherman home because the Eritrean authorities refused to return their seized boats and other property. Their sole possession is the clothing they wear.”

The Yemenis have demanded that the authorities free the remaining 101 fishermen currently being held.

Hundreds of Yemeni fishermen have been jailed in Eritrea in recent years for allegedly violating Eritrean waters, a claim rejected by the Yemenis.

The dispute between Yemen and Eritrea over water rights in the Red Sea erupted into a brief conflict in 1995 over the island of Greater Hanish. A ruling later determined that the territory belonged to Yemen.

Separately, foreign envoys in Yemen and human rights organizations have condemned the Iran-backed Houthis for abducting 17 members of the Baha’i religious minority after attacking its gathering in Sanaa last week.

US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin said in a tweet: “We condemn the May 25 Houthi raid on a peaceful gathering of Baha’i in Sanaa resulting in the forced disappearance of at least 17 people.

“We stand with the people of Yemen and their right to freedom of religion, expression, and association.”

Human Rights Watch also condemned the action while urging the Houthis to set those held free and refrain from persecuting religious minorities.

Niku Jafarnia, Yemen and Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement: “The Houthis have systematically violated the rights of minorities in Yemen and show no sign of letting up on the pressure.

“The international community should stand in solidarity with the Baha’i community and exert pressure on the Houthi authorities to release the detained people immediately.”

Yemeni organizations, including the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms, also strongly condemned the actions of the Houthis.


Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA
Updated 42 min 29 sec ago

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA

VIENNA: The UN nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that Iran’s estimated stockpile of enriched uranium had reached more than 23 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers.
According to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency report seen by AFP, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 4,744.5 kilograms (10,459 pounds) as of 13 May. The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 202.8 kilograms.


Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant

Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant
Updated 31 May 2023

Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant

Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant
  • Salameh has been the subject of a series of judicial probes both at home and abroad
  • Lebanese judge Imad Qabalan questioned Salameh over accusations of "money laundering, fraud, embezzlement and illicit enrichment"

BEIRUT: A Lebanese judge questioned central bank chief Riad Salameh on Wednesday after Beirut received a second Interpol Red Notice targeting him, this time following an arrest warrant from Munich, a judicial official said.
Salameh has been the subject of a series of judicial probes both at home and abroad into the fortune he has amassed during some three decades in the job.
France earlier this month issued an arrest warrant for Salameh after he failed to appear for questioning in Paris.
On Wednesday, Lebanese judge Imad Qabalan questioned Salameh over accusations of “money laundering, fraud, embezzlement and illicit enrichment,” the judicial official said, requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Two days earlier, Lebanon received an Interpol Red Notice pursuant to the arrest warrant issued in absentia by Munich’s public prosecutor, according to the judicial official.
Last week Qabalan had questioned Salameh, banned him from traveling, confiscated his French and Lebanese passports and released him pending investigation, after receiving the first Interpol Red Notice, issued following the French arrest warrant.
An Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but asks authorities worldwide to provisionally detain people pending possible extradition or other legal actions.
Lebanon does not extradite its nationals but Salameh could go on trial in Lebanon if local judicial authorities decide the accusations against him are founded, an official previously told AFP.
Qabalan on Wednesday again banned Salameh from travel and released him pending investigation, the judicial official said.
He also requested Salameh’s file from the judiciary in Munich and noted that “only the Lebanese judiciary has the authority to try him,” the official added.
In March 2022, France, Germany and Luxembourg seized assets worth 120 million euros ($130 million) in a move linked to a probe into Salameh’s wealth.
In February, Lebanon charged Salameh with embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion as part of its own investigations.
The domestic probe was opened following a request for assistance from Switzerland’s public prosecutor looking into more than $300 million in fund movements by Salameh and his brother.
Salameh, who was questioned for more than an hour on Wednesday, again “denied all charges against him” and said wealth came from private sources, the official added.
Salameh continues to serve as central bank governor. His mandate ends in July.
Activists say the travel ban helps shield him from being brought to justice abroad — and from potentially bringing down others in the entrenched political class, which is widely blamed for endemic corruption in the crisis-hit country.
His brother Raja was due to appear for questioning in France on Wednesday, but his lawyer said he was unable to attend due to medical reasons and the judge postponed the session for two months, the official added.


UAE launches quality mark for local products

UAE launches quality mark for local products
Updated 31 May 2023

UAE launches quality mark for local products

UAE launches quality mark for local products
  • The label will signify that the item meets national quality and safety standards, boosting its competitiveness in foreign markets

DUBAI: The UAE government has launched Made in the Emirates, a new quality mark for Emirati-produced products.

The label will signify that the item meets national quality and safety standards, boosting its competitiveness in foreign markets, the Emirates News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Saba Sanabel flour, made by Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment, was the first to bear the Made in the Emirates label.

The mark has also been issued to Yas Electronic Systems for traffic management technologies, Euro Pack Industries for biodegradable plastics, and Rubber Plas Tech LLC for food contact materials.

The new quality mark is in line with the UAE’s strategy for industry and advanced technology, which aims to support the growth of national industries while enhancing the reputation of the country’s industrial products and increasing exports to global markets.

Companies can apply for a license to use the Made in the Emirates mark directly through the website of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
 


Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding

Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding
Updated 31 May 2023

Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding

Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding
  • Crown Prince Hussein will marry Saudi citizen Rajwa Al-Saif on Thursday

AMMAN: Jordan’s Zarqa University has granted 10 scholarships in honor of the upcoming wedding of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Saudi citizen Rajwa Al-Saif, the Jordan News Agency reported.

The university said on Wednesday that the scholarships would be given to students from central Zarqa governorate.

Dr. Mahmoud Abu Shaira, chairman of the university’s board of directors, congratulated King Abdullah II, Queen Rania Abdullah and the Jordanian people on the royal wedding, which takes place on Thursday, and wished the couple a happy life together.