Day: May 5, 2024

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad emphasized that his country’s position has been consistent since the emergence of the Palestinian cause in 1948, stressing that it has not wavered for a moment despite the circumstances that Syria has gone through, stressing that it will provide everything within its capabilities to the Palestinians or any resistance against “Israel” without any hesitation.

Damascus’ position on resistance, “as a concept or in practice, will not change, but rather become more firmly entrenched,” noting that “events have proven that those who do not make their own decision have no hope for the future. Those who do not possess power have no value in this world; those who do not resist in defense of the homeland do not deserve a homeland in the first place,” the Syrian President stressed.

In a speech during an expanded meeting of the Central Committee of the Arab Socialist Baath Party that was held Monday at the Conference Palace in Damascus, al-Assad emphasized that Syria “will not compromise
today because the essence of the issue has not changed, and the enemy itself has not changed.”

The only change that has taken place is the physical form of the events and Israeli brutality, he said, stressing that massacreswere not new for the Israeli occupation whether they have increased or decreased in frequency.

“Western countries blindly siding with Zionism is a tale as old as time,” al-Assad said. Nothing will change Damascus’ position or budge by an inch “as long as the situation does not change and the rights of the Palestinian and Syrian people are not restored.”

He also emphasized that submission gives a false sense of security, perhaps power, and sometimes allows for the extension of the existence of certain parties, explaining that this would remain the case until the party is no longer useful, “after which people, states, and homelands are dispensed with.”

“When homelands are dispensed with, it means their destruction and demise,” he added.

WESTERN LEADERS CANNOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

In an in
terview with Russian broadcaster Channel One in late April, al-Assad said that the West no longer has statesmen worthy of dialogue, and that the current leaders in charge are running governments in the likes of running businesses.

“Modern politicians do not think strategically. They solve problems in front of them and they no longer keep their word. Any agreement can be broken the next day … I can say that there is not a single politician in the West whom I would want to talk to,” Al-Assad said.

Since the times of UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher or US President Ronald Reagan, the West has not produced a single “statesman” worthy of consideration, he said.

Due to the influence of capitalism, “countries have turned into corporations and leaders into corporate managers,” President Al-Assad added.

Assad leveled accusations specifically at the United States, that it profits from other countries and transforms every conflict into a “dangerous chronic disease.”

“America makes money off any conflict and then
steps aside and watches the chaos unfold and waits to deal the final blow,” he mentioned

Since 2011, Syria has been ravaged by a global war of attrition which was spearheaded by Western countries, including the US. The country is currently divided between pro-government and anti-government factions.

The US currently has troops stationed in the anti-government-controlled parts of Syria, which are also rich in oil resources. According to UN figures, more than half of the country grapples with food insecurity, while millions continue to be displaced due to the ongoing turmoil.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Amman: The National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) is set to elevate the availability rate of its transmission network from 99.95% to 99.96% by the year 2026, according to a statement by the Company on Sunday.

Underlining its commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure, the company also aims to raise the contribution of local resources in the energy mix from 34% to 36.2% by 2026, as outlined in its strategic plan for the period 2024-2026.

As part of its ambitious agenda, NEPCO is actively pursuing an increase in the proportion of renewable energy in the energy mix for transmission from 18.6% to 22%, while simultaneously aiming to reduce the share of non-supplied energy from 0.01% to 0.005%.

Moreover, the company seeks to expand its network of electrical interconnections from 4 to 5 countries, while maintaining electricity loss rates at a competitive 1.94%, in line with its vision to emerge as a regional leader in the electricity sector.

The company is also dedicated to enhancing safety st
andards, aiming to decrease the accident rate per 200,000 working hours from 2.9 to 2.8. Additionally, it is embarking on two pivotal projects for digital transformation and actively engaging in both local and international competitions within the electricity sector.

The strategic objectives of NEPCO align with national goals outlined in the Jordan Vision 2025, focusing on sustainable growth rates to enhance citizens’ quality of life, foster an attractive investment climate, maintain financial stability, and build a robust financial system.

Furthermore, the company’s strategic roadmap encompasses efforts to improve service delivery, promote fairness in resource distribution, nurture innovation, and cultivate a highly productive workforce.

Looking ahead, the company’s contributions to the energy sector’s strategic objectives for 2020-2030 include increasing the share of local energy sources in the energy mix, reducing energy costs, and positioning Jordan as a regional energy hub to facilitate sustainable de
velopment.

The Kingdom’s Economic Modernization Vision, centered on the theme of “A Better Future,” emphasizes accelerating growth, enhancing quality of life, and integrating sustainability into all aspects of development. In pursuit of this vision, NEPCO is spearheading initiatives to expand renewable energy usage and promote efficient energy utilization.

In conclusion, NEPCO’s strategic initiatives are geared towards ensuring the safe, sustainable, and efficient operation of the electrical system, while fostering institutional development, optimizing resources, and enhancing community partnerships.

NEPCO’s General Manager, Amjad Al-Rawabdeh, emphasized that the company’s strategy prioritizes safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency, positioning it as a regional leader in the electricity sector. He underscored the company’s role in ensuring the stability and resilience of Jordan’s electrical infrastructure, which rivals systems in advanced economies.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Israeli occupation army announced on Sunday that it has decided to close the Karem Abu Salem border crossing after a rocket attack, which the military described as “unusual”.

According to Euronews, the Israeli army and media outlets confirmed that at least 14 soldiers were injured, including three whose injuries were described as serious, in a rocket attack carried out by Hamas from the city of Rafah.

The Israeli army decided to close the crossing after sending military support, helicopters, soldiers, and ambulances to evacuate the wounded from the site of the attack.

The attack comes as Israel prepares to launch a ground assault on Rafah, the last refuge for over 1.4 million Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: A slight temperature decrease is expected on Sunday, though most areas will experience pleasant weather. However, warmer conditions are anticipated in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba, accompanied by the appearance of low-hanging clouds. Moderate westerly winds will gradually shift to become active northwest winds by afternoon.

As evening approaches, the weather is forecast to gradually cool down, accompanied by the stirring of dust and sand in desert areas. The Jordan Meteorological Department has issued warnings regarding potential reduced visibility due to fog in the early morning hours, primarily over high northern mountainous areas. Additionally, there is a risk of slippery roads in late-night hours in regions expected to experience rainfall, as well as reduced visibility due to dust in desert areas.

Looking ahead, Jordan is expected to be influenced by a relatively cold and moist air mass on Monday. Temperatures are projected to drop below average for this time of year by approximatel
y 6 to 7 degrees Celsius. While most areas will experience relatively cold weather, warmer conditions are expected in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba. Partial to occasionally cloudy skies are anticipated, with rainfall expected in the north, central regions, and parts of the east. Northwest winds are expected to be active, stirring dust in desert regions.

Tuesday will see a slight temperature increase, with pleasant weather forecast for most areas and warmer conditions expected in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba. Low-hanging clouds may appear, accompanied by moderate northwesterly winds.

By Wednesday, temperatures are projected to rise to around normal levels for this time of year. Warm weather is expected across most areas, with relatively hot conditions anticipated in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba. Light southeasterly winds are expected.

Today’s temperature ranges differ by region. East Amman anticipates temperatures ranging from 23 to 11 degrees Celsius, while West Amm
an expects temperatures between 21 to 9 degrees Celsius. In the northern highlands, temperatures are forecast to be between 20 to 8 degrees Celsius, while the southern highlands may experience temperatures ranging from 21 to 7 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, temperatures at the Dead Sea are projected to be between 33 to 18 degrees Celsius, with the Aqaba Gulf expecting temperatures between 34 to 19 degrees Celsius.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced that, for the second time in a week, Israeli authorities have denied the agency’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini entry into the Gaza Strip.

Lazzarini said in a post on his X account that he wanted to join his team working in Gaza, especially those on the front lines helping Palestinians.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Jerusalem – Ma’an – The Meteorological Department expects the weather on Monday to be partly cloudy and relatively cold during the day and cool in the evening and night hours, especially in the mountainous areas. Temperatures will drop, and scattered showers of rain will fall, God willing, in most areas, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms and southerly winds. Westerly to northwesterly, active speed, with strong gusts at times, causing dust, and the sea is wavy.

On Tuesday, the weather will be partly cloudy to clear, and in the morning hours there is a weak chance of scattered light rain falling in some areas, and there will be a rise in temperatures while remaining below the general average. Winds are westerly to northwesterly moderate, active at times, and the sea is of average wave height.

On Wednesday, the weather will be partly cloudy to clear and moderate during the day and relatively cold in the evening and night hours, especially over the mountainous areas. There will be another rise in temper
atures, and the winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly active, with strong gusts at times, and the sea will be wavy.

On Thursday, the weather will be partly cloudy to clear and relatively hot to hot and dry, with a significant rise in temperatures.

On Friday, the weather will be clear, hot to very hot and dry, as there will be another significant rise in temperatures.

On Saturday, the weather will be partly cloudy and there will be a significant drop in temperatures.

Source: Maan News Agency