Day: April 13, 2023

Scientists from the Russian Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) have discovered types of bacteria that can consume oil.

Russian researchers have discovered cold-resistant decomposer bacteria in the Sea of Japan that are able to “consume” oil, which could help create a biological product for the purification of water from oil, the (FEFU) said in a statement cited by Novosti Agency.

According to the statement, the researchers have managed to identify the ability to decompose oil in 12 species of bacteria.

Decoding the genome of the bacteria would help better understand the work of genes and enzymes involved in the decomposition of oil in the seas in Russia’s Far East, the university added.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syria and Saudi Arabia welcomed the resumption of consular services and air flights between the two countries, affirming the necessity of boosting security and combating terrorism with all its forms and organizations.

“In the framework of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Arab causes, and to boost the interests of the Arab countries and people, and in response to an invitation by his highness, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Syrian Foreign Minister, Fayssal Mikdad visited the Kingdom today,” A joint press statement said at the conclusion of the visit of Mr. Mikdad to Saudi Arabia.

The statement added that a session of talks was held between the two sides, during which they discussed the efforts exerted to realize a political solution to the crisis in Syria that keeps its security, stability, Arab and Islamic identify and territorial integrity in the interest of the Syrian people.

The two sides stressed the importance of solving the humanitarian difficulties, providing a suitable environment to deliver aid to all regions in Syria, availing the proper conditions for the return of Syrian refugees and the displaced to their areas, ending their suffering and taking more procedures that help stabilize the situation all over Syrian territories, the statement said.

It added that the two sides also affirmed the necessity of boosting security, combating terrorism with all its forms and boosting cooperation regarding war on smuggling drugs and trafficking in it, and the need to support the Syrian State’s institutions to establish its control on its territories to end the presence of the armed militias and the foreign interventions in the Syrian domestic affair.

“The two sides discussed the steps needed to achieve a comprehensive political settlement in Syria that ends all its repercussions, realizes the national reconciliation and helps Syria’s return to its Arab surrounding and resume its normal role in the Arab nation,” the statement said.

At the conclusion of the statement, the two sides welcomed the beginning of procedures to resume the consular services and aerial flights between the two countries.

Mikdad expressed Syria’s appreciation to the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia to end the crisis in Syria and the humanitarian aid it provides to the earthquake- affected people in Syria.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Today, the Container Control Programme (CCP) released its Annual Report for 2022. The CCP continued to deliver impressive results by making a wide variety of seizures, including cocaine, firearms, ammunition and parts of explosives, cigarettes, and products related to crimes that affect the environment. Translating these outcomes into impact, the CCP continues to improve the security, health, and economies of countries and people around the world.

Director of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Pranab Kumar Das, highlights that “the results and impact are thanks to a multitude of partnerships with countries and their law enforcement agencies through interagency cooperation, the private sector, international organizations, academia, and the media.” Mr. Das emphasizes that “due to the recent years of a pandemic, conflict, and economic recession, we have all realized our vulnerability and understood more than ever before, that we can only prevent global challenges together. Similarly, organized crime, illicit trafficking and terrorism and their threat to health, economy, and security, must be tackled by a spirit of joint responsibility while leveraging everyone’s strength and mandate”.

Alan Cole, Chief of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Border Management Branch, echoes this sentiment. He said that “recognizing the fragility of traditional supply chain systems and the necessity of remaining relevant by looking into the future, we aligned our border management programmes; placed staff close to operations; advanced the “CCP’s Women’s Network”; launched new training curricula on emerging threats; upgraded technologies and modes of analysis and information sharing; delivered advanced and specialised equipment; expanded into new geographical regions; contributed to the Black Sea Grain Initiative; and strengthened international cooperation”.

As the CCP takes a first glimpse into its 19th year of existence, it invites countries, the private sector, and international organizations to join the Programme. To remain relevant, sustainable, and effective, the CCP has developed a strategy for 2022-25.

Container and cargo trade through seaports, airports, dry ports, rail terminals, and land border crossings are the lifelines of the globe, but they are also exploited for illicit trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism.

The CCP was established as a partnership between the UNODC and WCO in 2004. In 2015, the UNODC also signed a partnership Memorandum of Understanding with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The goal of the CCP is to build capacity in countries seeking to improve risk management, supply chain security, and border management to prevent the trafficking of illicit goods, organized crime, and terrorism and support trade facilitation. In doing so, the mission of the CCP is to safeguard the health, security, and economic situation for people and countries around the world.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon