Author: Steven Sahiounie

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wished the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims a “Ramadan Kareem” Tuesday, but acknowledged that for many of the faithful, the fasting month “feels different” this year. “This year, this season of peace comes at a time of conflict and pain for many Muslim communities, including Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Rohingya in Burma and Bangladesh, and Palestinians in Gaza,” Blinken said in a statement. “This pain is felt acutely by Muslims around the world, and so this year, Ramadan feels different. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is heartbreaking,” he added. Israel has waged a deadly military offensive…

President Mahmoud Abbas accepted tonight the resignation of the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Counselor Issa Abu Sharar. Counselor Issa Abu Sharar handed in his resignation to the president tonight during a meeting at the presidential headquarters in the city of Ramallah. The President praised the important efforts made by Counselor Abu Sharar during his long years of work to develop the Palestinian judiciary system, while ensuring the preservation of the rights of civilians, including their quick access to justice. source: WAFA

Ukraine needs more military aid before it can start negotiating a peace deal with Russia, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said. His comments came after Pope Francis told Swiss broadcaster RSI that Kiev should have “the courage of the white flag” and begin talks with Moscow. Speaking with Reuters on Monday, Stoltenberg rejected the idea, saying more military support for Ukraine is the way to achieve a negotiated peaceful solution. The secretary-general added that “what happens around a negotiating table is inextricably linked to the strength on the battlefield.” “It’s not the time to talk about surrender by the Ukrainians. That will be a tragedy for the…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received letters of credentials on Tuesday from the newly appointed ambassadors of five countries. At the presidential complex in the capital Ankara, Erdogan separately welcomed Blerta Kadzadej of Albania, Henry S. Bensurto of the Philippines, Theodoros Bizakis of Greece, Didace NTureka of Burundi and Jeong Yeon-doo of the Republic of Korea. After the credentials were presented, Erdogan separately met with the new envoys. source: Anadolu Agency

US President Joe Biden has been told to stop supplying offensive weaponry to Israel by senior members of his own party. Seven Democratic senators — including Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley, Tina Smith and Ben Ray Lujan — alongside independent Sen. Bernie Sanders have written to Biden telling him his government’s current policy contradicts the US Foreign Assistance Act. The terms of the act prevent the supply of weapons to foreign states that restrict humanitarian aid from reaching civilians. For months, the UN and other aid organizations have said Israel has not provided safe passage for convoys, or has actively…

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has announced his candidacy to replace Jens Stoltenberg as NATO’s secretary general. Iohannis entered the race despite the bloc’s leading members already backing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the role. “I have decided to enter the competition for the position of secretary general of NATO,” Iohannis said in a video statement on Tuesday. “This decision is based on Romania’s performance, the experience accumulated during my two mandates as president of Romania, [and] my deep understanding of the challenges faced by NATO, Europe, and especially our region,” he stated. Iohannis’ interest in the position was revealed last month by…

Russia hails China’s initiative calling on nuclear powers to sign a treaty on the non-use of nuclear weapons first, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said. “We are studying this proposal. It is obvious for us that in a situation when the collective West has embarked on a path of non-stop escalation of the international situation and is disregarding the risks stemming from a direct armed confrontation between nuclear powers such ideas present some common sense,” he said. According to Ryabkov, Russia wants to clarify the West’s position on this matter to know whether it is ready “to consider such…

RIYADH: Jordan-based fintech Numa will collaborate with Visa to fuel its expansion plans into Saudi Arabia, signifying the Kingdom’s financial sector embracing international expertise. Visa will be incorporating an investment to fuel Numa’s transition into the Saudi and UAE markets. This alliance is set to broaden Numa’s service offerings to its clientele across various markets, enhancing the financial landscape for independent professionals in the region. Established in 2021 by Loay Malahmeh and Issam Najm, Numa aims to bridge the financial services gap for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs, providing specialized digital banking solutions like virtual International Bank Account Numbers and prepaid…

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have announced their successful recapture of the national radio and television headquarters in Omdurman from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) on Tuesday announced that it regained control over national radio and television headquarters in the city of Omdurman from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. “Your armed forces and other regular forces and sons of this country that are working alongside with the army have today succeeded in forcing the headquarters of the national cooperation for television and radio (a history and love of the Sudanese people) from…

RIYADH: Saudi Public Investment Fund subsidiary Jada Fund of Funds has entered venture debt, investing in Partners for Growth, which has SR3.75 billion ($1 billion) in assets under management.