Nidaa al-Watan: Sanctions on oil barons burn Frangieh; Qatari envoy leaves with answers to three questions Al-Akhbar: France briefs Rahi on outcome of Paris meetings, Bkerki list expands to include 16 names: Qatar returns to army commander’s nomination Al-Liwaa: New Doha Agreement awaits heads of blocs and parties; roadmap en route No cabinet session this week; Mikati leaves appointments to new tenure Asharq: Second day of Qatari exploration: No results
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants vehemently condemned the Israeli police forces’ storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Palestine, attacking worshipers and those who were present there. The statement further blasted the ‘Israeli officials’ negligence desecrating holy Muslim and Christian sites in occupied Palestine.’ ‘The Israeli persistence in attacking Palestinian Muslim and Christian homes, properties, and lands, is a result of Israel’s repeated impunity,’ the statement added, calling on the international community to “assume its responsibilities to stop these attacks and to hold the Israeli government responsible for the crimes it is committing, and for the consequences thereof.’
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was working to calm the situation following clashes between police and worshipers at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem early on Wednesday. ‘Israel is committed to maintaining freedom of worship, free access to all religions and the status quo and will not allow violent extremists to change that,’ he said in a statement.
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el- Sisi made phone calls with H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, congratulating Their Highnesses on their new appointments, wishing them continued success in fulfilling their responsibilities.
During the phone calls, the Egyptian president wished the UAE leaders full success in achieving the aspirations of their people toward more progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Mansour, Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Tahnoun and Sheikh Khaled expressed their thanks to the Egyptian president for his genuine feelings toward the UAE, and emphasised the two countries’ long-standing and privileged relations, wishing Egypt continued development and success under his leadership.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
A UN expert today expressed grave concern about interference in an investigation into the 2020 port explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, including threats against the investigating judge. UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Margaret Satterthwaite condemned the undue delays that have prevented justice for those affected by the blast. ‘I am deeply disturbed by reports that former State officials and others who have been implicated in the case have disingenuously resorted to recusal proceedings and other challenging actions directed at the investigating judges appointed to examine the case,’ Satterthwaite said. ‘This has led to the replacement of an investigating judge in February 2021, as well as several suspensions of the investigation in recent months’. The UN expert pointed to reports that since the explosion was referred to the Lebanese Judicial Council for investigation, authorities have rejected judicial requests to lift parliamentary immunity and allow questioning of security officials. The government has also failed to execute arrest warrants against former ministers. Judge Tarek Bitar who was appointed to lead the investigation in February 2021 has faced increasing obstacles and threats to carry out his work, the Special Rapporteur said. Satterthwaite noted that to date, no one had been tried for the August 2020 explosion, which left 218 people dead, 7000 injured and 300,000 displaced. ‘The blast destroyed Beirut’s port, caused extensive damage to the city, and released dangerous chemicals that can harm human health and the environment,’ she said. ‘On 23 January 2023, Judge Bitar announced that, after a pause, he would resume investigations into the port explosion. Two days later, he was charged with several offences, including ‘usurpation of power’ and a travel ban was imposed,’ the expert said. ‘A number of motions have been filed with the intention of removing Judge Bitar from the case, and there is an ongoing campaign on television and social media to discredit him,’ she said. Satterthwaite said the judge had reportedly received credible death threats and currently has military protection. ‘Judge Bitar must have the security he needs to carry out his work,’ Satterthwaite said. ‘I urge Lebanese authorities to ensure that these threats are investigated, and that the judge, his colleagues and his family are adequately protected’. ‘Judges should never be threatened or subjected to criminal or disciplinary action simply for doing their job,’ the UN expert said. ‘The victims of the explosion and their families have been seeking justice for more than two years,’ Satterthwaite said. She urged Lebanese authorities to take immediate steps to protect the independence and integrity of the investigation and ensure that those responsible for the explosion can be held accountable. ‘Those affected by the blast have a fundamental right to the protection of the law and to effective remedies,’ the UN expert said. ‘That can only happen if the independence of the judiciary is upheld.’ The Special Rapporteur has been in contact with the Government of Lebanon regarding these allegations.
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon
SHARJAH, 4th April, 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, received on Tuesday at Al Badee’ Palace, Ramadan well-wishers, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included Sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people. Hatem Mohamed
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
