Greece states it is ready for discussions with Turkey
(MENAFN) Greece seeks to have a constructive discussion with Turkey based on global law but its Aegean neighbor must stop its unprecedented growth of provocations, the Greek foreign minister stated on Sunday.
Both nations — North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies but historic foes — have been at odds for years over a range of problems, including where their continental shelves begin and end, overflights in the Aegean Sea and divided Cyprus.
“It is up to Turkey to choose if it will come to such a dialogue or not, but the basic ingredient must be a de-escalation,” Nikos Dendias informed Proto Thema newspaper in an interview.
In September, the European Union uttered worry over declarations by Turkish Leader Tayip Erdogan blaming Greece, an EU member, of conquering demilitarized islands in the Aegean and stating Turkey was prepared to “do what is necessary” when the time came.
“The one responsible for a de-escalation is the one causing the escalation, which is Turkey,” Dendias added.
He accused Ankara for increased provocations with a rhetoric of false and legally baseless statements, “even personal insults.”
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(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, March 9 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) condemned Friday the adoption this week by Israeli Knesset of a legislation which empowers the Israeli Minister of Interior to revoke the permanent residency status of persons involved in terrorism, treason or espionage.
"The European Union rejects terrorism in all its forms, and the crimes set out in this legislation are very serious. However, the new law could make the residency status of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, a protected population under International Humanitarian Law, even more precarious than it already is today," said Maja Kocijanic, spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, in a statement.
"The new law could be used to further compromise the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem, which would further undermine the prospects of a two-state solution," it warned.
In line with international law, the EU said it does not recognise Israelآ's sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967, including East Jerusalem, and does not consider them to be part of Israelآ's territory, irrespective of their legal status under domestic Israeli law.
The EU will closely monitor if and how this new law is applied to Palestinians in East Jerusalem, it added. (end) nk.mt
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(MENAFN- The Peninsula) AP
BUENOS AIRES: Argentina's government has joined the squabble between shop owners and the local manufacturers of popular but scarce World Cup sticker albums.
Soccer fans in the South American nation have struggled to find the collectible stickers two months before the tournament kicks off in Qatar.
Argentina's trade department convened a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of the New Rita company which owns the rights for sticker manufacturer Panini's products in the country, and members of the nation's union of shop owners.
Lucas Perrone, 39, pastes soccer World Cup stickers with his kids in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on September 16, 2022. (REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian)
'We have opened a dialogue and engaged our legal and technical staffers to collaborate so we can find solutions,' the department said on Twitter. It did not list any concrete measures.
Shop owners blame the company for the scarcity of the stickers and argue that it is hampering a tradition allowing supermarkets, gas stations and apps to also sell Panini's products. They also complain that the official price of 150 pesos ($1) for each five-sticker pack is not being respected by local distributors.
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The albums and stickers went on sale Aug. 24 but quickly disappeared from stores, which fans initially attributed to a marketing strategy of the company. New Rita denied that and promised to end the scarcity rapidly.
Spokespeople of the company did not make comments about Tuesday's meeting.
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(MENAFN - Swissinfo) Switzerland has remained an attractive location for foreign firms, creating more jobs last year than in 2019 - despite the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Swiss public television SRF and RTS have reported.
This content was published on April 9, 2021 - 09:25 April 9, 2021 - 09:25 SRF/RTS/ilj
Foreign firms accounted for 11% more jobs in 2020, bringing the total to almost 1,200, even if the total number of companies moving to the country dropped (by 9%), SRF saidExternal link . Over the next three years, they are expected to drive the creation of 3,500 jobs.
'The workforce is very qualified, and taxation is favourable and Switzerland is in the middle of Europe,' saidExternal link Jim Fitzgerald, director of Tiffin Metal in SwitzerlandExternal link .
The company, which manufactures custom metal solutions for a wide range of industries, decided to open its first branch outside the US in Schmitten, in the canton of Fribourg. Stability
The figures come at a time of general economic global woes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Switzerland's economy shrank 2.9% last year as a result of Covid-19, the worst annual contraction since the aftermath of the oil crisis in 1975. But officials are optimistic that the Swiss economy will rebound.
Patrick Wermelinger, from Switzerland Global Enterprise, the Swiss export promotion agency, said Swiss stability had played a role.
'In a crisis year, stability, long-term planning, the economic security play an even more important role. This is in Switzerland's favour. But we were surprised by just how many new jobs were created,' he told SRF.
Companies from China, the US and Germany created the most jobs.
Switzerland is also one of the few that have attracted more foreign investment in 2020, according to SRF. Only Ireland attracted more, the fDi Markets Financial Times report found.
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(MENAFN) Provisional data released by Germany's federal statistics office, Destatis, has revealed an unexpected decline in new orders for industrial goods during October. The manufacturing sector experienced a significant downturn, with factory orders decreasing by 7.3 percent year-on-year and a notable 3.7 percent from September. This unexpected contraction defied analysts' predictions, who anticipated a month-on-month increase of 0.2percent.
The machinery and equipment sector bore the brunt of the slump, recording a substantial 13.5 percent decrease in new orders compared to September, where a 9.8 percent rise had been observed. Other vital sectors, including fabricated metal products (excluding machinery and equipment), basic metals manufacturing, electrical equipment, and automotive parts, also reported declining demand.
Foreign orders faced a substantial 7.6 percent month-on-month decline, contrasting with a 2.4 percent increase in domestic orders. While certain sectors, such as aircraft, ship, and train equipment manufacturing, reported a noteworthy 20.2 percent surge in new orders, the overall picture remains one of economic uncertainty.
The unexpected fall in industrial orders comes at a challenging time for Germany, as the country's industrial output already contracted by 0.1 percent in July-September. Economists now anticipate another contraction in the current quarter, raising concerns about Germany's economic trajectory and the potential for recession in the European Union's economic powerhouse.
Industry experts point out that companies have been navigating the lower order intake by working off their existing order backlogs, emphasizing the need for strategic measures to overcome ongoing challenges in the global economic landscape. The decline in industrial orders signals the complexity of managing economic uncertainties amidst the energy crisis and weak global demand, prompting a closer examination of Germany's economic resilience and adaptability.
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Orchestra, Medtronic Join Forces
Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OBIO) watched its shares soar Tuesday, as the company, a biomedical concern accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval of an investigational device exemption (“IDE”) to initiate the global pivotal BACKBEAT (BradycArdia paCemaKer with atrioventricular interval modulation for Blood prEssure treAtmenT) study evaluating the efficacy and safety of atrioventricular interval modulation (“AVIM”) therapy (also known as BackBeat CNTTM) for treating hypertensive patients who are indicated for a dual-chamber cardiac pacemaker.
Said Orchestra CEO David Hochman,“We are thrilled to receive IDE approval from the FDA and move forward with plans to initiate the BACKBEAT global pivotal study, which is designed to support potential future regulatory review and potential approval of AVIM therapy for hypertensive patients indicated for a pacemaker. Achieving this milestone a little over a year after starting our strategic collaboration with Medtronic is a significant accomplishment for our company.”
Orchestra BioMed and Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) formed a strategic collaboration for the development and commercialization of AVIM therapy for hypertensive pacemaker patients in July 2022. Under the collaboration, Medtronic is providing Orchestra BioMed with development, clinical, and regulatory support for the BACKBEAT global pivotal study, which Orchestra BioMed is sponsoring.
OBIO shares hiked $1.10, or 13%, Tuesday to $9.54, while those for MDT fell 14 cents to $82.60.
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(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman's forthcoming tour of Namibia assumes great significance as a top-two finish will provide a chance to compete for a spot in the 2019 World Cup.
With the stakes so high, Oman Cricket (OC) had bolstered its coaching team by hiring two specialist coaches - Ruwan Kalpage, a former Sri Lankan Test player, and Anusha Samaranayake, a former Sri Lankan first-class cricketer, to assist head coach Duleep Mendis, a former Sri Lanka Test captain.
Tasked with improving the team's fielding, Kalpage is also mentoring the spinners while Samaranayake is honing the skills of the fast bowlers.
OC has had sought the services of Kalpage in the past also to sharpen the skills of Oman players.
'The skill level of our boys is good. We are focusing on the planning part. We see a big difference in the awareness level of their strengths and weaknesses and how the players prepare for a game. Our inputs to
Nandisha, the team analyst, will go a long way in our preparations,' said Kalpage.
'When you are in a semi-professional environment, work and play compete for your time. Fitness is a key issue and we are focusing on the agility factor in our fielding drills and we expect good results,' he said.
Kalpage said that Oman had a 'limited bench strength' and 'can't afford to lose its key players due to injury or fitness concerns'.
He said, 'Our boys have good skills, we just have to polish them.'
Samaranayake said Oman had good quality pacers. 'I believe our fast bowlers can still improve and perform better in match situations,' he said.
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(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides USD 692 billion for US Defense Department spending in 2018.
"This legislation will enhance our readiness, expand and modernize our forces, and help provide our service members with the tools that they need to fight and to win," Trump said during a White House bill signing ceremony. "We will fight and win. But hopefully, with this, we won't have to fight, because people will not be wanting to fight with us." The legislation authorizes funds "for our continued campaign to obliterate" the so-called Islamic State (IS), Trump said.
"As you know, we've won in Syria, we've won in Iraq," he said. "But they spread to other areas, and we're getting them as fast as they spread." "We've had more success with ISIS in the last eight months than the entire previous administration has had during its entire term," he said, referring to IS and the eight years of the administration of Barack Obama.
The legislation "approves missile defense capabilities as we continue our campaign to create maximum pressure on the vile dictatorship in North Korea," Trump said.
"We're working very diligently on that -- building up forces. We'll see how it all turns out. It's a very bad situation -- a situation that should have been handled long ago by other administrations." (end) rm.ibi
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(MENAFN- The Conversation) Professor of Urban Analytics, University of Leeds Profile Articles Activity
Ed Manley is Professor of Urban Analytics in the School of Geography, University of Leeds, and Turing Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. His work focuses on uses of computational and analytical methods to better understand and predict complex behavioural and social processes over geographic space. This research focuses mainly on intersections of mobility choices and social outcomes, such as public health and economic activity, and applies methods including data science and agent-based simulation. He is also interested in modelling the cognitive processes involved in spatial decisions, in particular those involving navigation choices. He is a co-author of the book 'Agent-based Modelling and Geographical Information Science', published by Sage, he chairs the GIScience Research Group at the Royal Geographical Society, and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Society of Arts (RSA).
- –present Professor of Urban Analytics, University of Leeds
- 2013 University College London, Engineering Doctorate
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(MENAFN) Chinese tech giant Baidu has unveiled its latest artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, called "Ernie" (Enhanced Representation of Knowledge Integration), in response to OpenAI's recently released GPT4. Baidu is best known for its search engine and map services in China, and its celebrity founder Robin Li showcased the chatbot in a prerecorded video presentation. Li claimed that Ernie could comprehend human intentions and deliver responses approaching human level.
Although the service has not yet been released for the general public to try out, the presentation listed functions such as understanding Chinese language, generating writing, and performing mathematical calculations, which overlap with ChatGPT's functionality. One highlight of the presentation was the poster that Ernie was said to have conjured up based on text descriptions.
However, the prerecorded launch failed to impress investors, with Baidu's stock price on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange falling by as much as 10 percent at one point during the unveiling. Despite this setback, the stock recouped its losses in Friday trading.
The unveiling of Ernie highlights the growing competition in the AI chatbot market, with tech companies vying for dominance in the field. ChatGPT's latest version, GPT4, has already made waves in the market, and Baidu's entry into the space is likely to intensify the competition.
The development of advanced AI chatbots has the potential to revolutionize industries such as customer service, healthcare, and finance, among others. As AI technology continues to advance, chatbots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the ability to understand natural language, generate personalized responses, and even learn from previous interactions with users.
While the competition in the AI chatbot market is heating up, the development of these technologies also raises important questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of work. As these chatbots become more sophisticated, it is important to consider the potential implications for society and ensure that these technologies are developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner.
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(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday modified the previous order related to the constitution of a committee for deciding the mechanism of outsourcing of the identified assets of the Tourism Department.
Two more members have been included in the committee while the Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education Department has been excluded as the member of the panel.
As per the order, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Forest, Environment & Ecology Department and Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department shall be co-opted member(s) of the Committee.
Earlier, the government in December last year constituted a committee headed by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Finance Department, to select the properties from the identified list to be outsourced besides identifying the model for each property or group of assets for outsourcing.
In the fresh order, under number 36-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 11-01-2023, the government said that in partial modification of Government Order No. 1297- JK(GAD) of 2021 dated 09-12-2021 read with Government Order No. 327-JK(GAD) of 2022 dated 07-11-2022, it is hereby ordered that Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Forest, Environment & Ecology Department and Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department shall be co-opted member(s) of the aforesaid Committee.
“Concerned Deputy Commissioner(s) & Vice Chairman(s)/Chief Executive Officer(s) of the Development Authorities (if any) shall be special invitees to the Committee,” the order reads.
It further added that Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education Department shall not be a member of the Committee.
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New Delhi, Jan 23 (IANS) The non-BJP governments in four states have teamed up against the Centre's proposal to amend the IAS (Cadre) Rules, 1954. Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have written to the Prime Minister and urged him to roll back the decision, claiming that the change in the rules for central deputation of IAS officers will affect the states' administration.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written two letters to the Centre. In her second letter she says, 'I find the revised amendment proposal more draconian than the former, and indeed its very grain is against the foundations of our great federal polity and the basic structure of India's Constitutional scheme.
'The moot point of the further revised draft amendment proposal is that an officer, whom the Central government may choose to take out of a state to any part of the country without taking his/her consent and without the agreement of the state government under whom he or she is serving, may now stand released from his/her current assignment forthwith,' Banerjee said.
The states say that the power proposed to be usurped by the Central government by resorting to over-centralisation of powers is going to destroy the morale and freedom of the All-India Service officers.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren too wrote to the Prime Minister expressing his concern. He said, 'I have written to @PMOIndia expressing strong reservations on the proposed All India Services cadre rule amendments by Govt of India. They promote 'unilateralism' rather than 'cooperative federalism'. I hope he will consider my request and bury the proposal at this stage itself.'
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel have also written letters to the Prime Minister opposing the move.
The government has defended the move and has stated that working with the Centre and state governments both will broaden officers' perspectives and will advance the mission of the all-India services.
He stated that the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers cannot always be posted in states since it is inefficient for both the service and the officers. It has said that working with the Central government provides them with a unique viewpoint for the personal development of officers after serving in the states and then returning to the Centre.
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu too have decided to oppose the changes.
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(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) US President Joe Biden announced on Friday a significant escalation in sanctions against Russia, with over 500 new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow on the second anniversary of its war in Ukraine. Additionally, Washington will implement new export restrictions targeting nearly 100 entities for their support to Russia and take steps to further diminish Russia's energy revenues, Biden stated in a release.
These measures are intended to hold Russia accountable for its actions in the war and the demise of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Biden emphasized. Despite facing acute shortages of ammunition and prolonged delays in receiving US military aid due to congressional processes, the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine.
"They will ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression abroad and repression at home," Biden said of the sanctions.
Focus on vloggers in Russian job scam: One lures Indian youth into Ukraine warzone, another warns of danger
Biden stated that Friday's measures will focus on individuals linked to Navalny's incarceration, along with targeting Russia's financial sector, defense industry, procurement networks, and sanctions violators across various continents.
These sanctions represent the latest addition to the thousands of targets identified by the United States and its allies since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and extensive destruction of cities.
"Two years into this war, the people of Ukraine continue to fight with tremendous courage. But they are running out of ammunition. Ukraine needs more supplies from the United States to hold the line against Russia's relentless attacks, which are enabled by arms and ammunition from Iran and North Korea," Biden said.
"That's why the House of Representatives must pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill, before it's too late."
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(MENAFN- IANS) Nairobi, May 4 (IANS) The main opposition coalition in Kenya, Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance Coalition Party, has called off street protests that they had scheduled for Thursday after the government agreed to one of their demands to engage in bipartisan talks.
The coalition had demanded that the government drop one of the lawmakers it had selected to represent it in the parliamentary talks before they started, noting that the member belonged to the opposition coalition, reports Xinhua news agency.
The government replaced the MP with an agreeable one prompting the coalition to call off protests, which it had resumed after a three-week break.
Regarding its voe to call off the protests, the coalition said it "took this step following the decision by Kenya Kwanza (a Kenyan political alliance currently headed by President William Ruto) to accede to one of our demands that informed the resumption of mass action".
The opposition said instead of holding the protests, they have summoned their seven-member delegation to the bipartisan committee for fresh instructions to inform further engagement with the Kenya Kwanza side.
"As a party, we express deep gratitude to all Kenyans who have participated in the demonstrations in defense of justice and democracy in our country. We also wish to reiterate that we will not hesitate to resume mass action at the slightest indication of lack of goodwill and honesty on the Kenya Kwanza side."
The opposition has been holding protests over the high cost of living and alleged electoral fraud and had vowed to resume demonstrations on Thursday unless their demands are addressed.
On Tuesday, at least two vehicles were burnt and fuel stations vandalised in Nairobi as the coalition held street protests to push the government to act on the high cost of living and electoral injustice.
The protests that followed collapsed talks with Ruto's government over their grievances and slowed down activities in the capital.
Kithure Kindiki, the cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, said 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the robberies, arson, and malicious damage of property within Nairobi, while 32 have been arrested in different parts of western Kenya.
All suspects will be arraigned in court, said Kindiki.
There was a heavy presence of police across the Nairobi central business district during the demonstrations on Tuesday, with officers blocking roads leading into the city centre to prevent opposition supporters and their leaders from getting in.
Protests were also witnessed in four counties which are opposition bastions in western Kenya, where youth barricaded roads and lit bonfires.
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Russia has built up a substantial stock of cruise missiles that it is highly likely to use in another attempt to destroy Ukraine's critical infrastructure this winter.
The UK Ministry of Defence said this in an intelligence update posted on the social platform X, Ukrinform reports.
It is noted that between the 18-19 November 2023 Russia launched around 50 Iranian-designed Shahed one way-attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, primarily towards Kyiv. These were launched in waves on two axes – from the Kursk to the east, and from Krasnodar to the south-east, the British intelligence said. Read also:
Air defenses shoot down 10 Shahed drones, Iskander-K missile overnight - General Staff
“One of Russia's objectives was likely to degrade Ukraine's air defences, to shape the battlespace ahead of any concerted winter campaign of strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure,” the report says.
In addition, Russia has now refrained from launching its premier air launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet for nearly two months, likely allowing it to build up a substantial stock of these weapons.
“Russia is highly likely to use these missiles if it repeats last year's effort to destroy Ukraine's critical national infrastructure,” the report says.
As reported by Ukrinform, the UK intelligence earlier said that the apparently indefinitely extended combat deployments of Russia's personnel without rotation is increasingly seen as unsustainable by both the troops themselves and by their relatives.
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(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)
The future of car rental is electric cars
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, August 5, 2022 /EINPresswire.com / -- Wisecars announces that so far throughout 2022, customers have preferred electric or hybrid cars twice as much as in 2021. Moreover, further growth is expected in the near future. Several of Wisecars' largest partners have increased investments in hybrid and electric cars. The largest of them is Avis, which recently announced plans to triple its investments. Several other Wisecars partners have also announced investments in electric or hybrid cars, among them are Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, and Hertz.
“Recently, customers have become much more aware of the environment and prefer to travel with an electric car,” says Rachel, Marketing Specialist at Wisecars.“The supply of electric and hybrid cars has increased, as customer demand for them has become greater in recent years. Compared to 2021, three times more people are renting electric cars. What is more, interest in hybrids has risen as well.”
The entire car rental industry is becoming greener as more and more investments are being made in green energy sources. Therefore, a large increase in the share of electric car usage in the car rental industry is expected in the coming years.
About Wisecars : Wisecars is a car rental broker focused on delivering a seamless and simple car rental experience. Founded by people with years of experience in the industry, Wisecars has been marked as the 8th best car rental agency by Trustpilot and is in the top 50 car rental-themed sites by Similarweb. Wisecars has partnered with hundreds of car rental companies worldwide connecting travelers with affordable solutions.
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Due to the protests of Polish carriers, who have been blocking Ukrainian trucks from crossing the border for the second week, 317 trucks crossed the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing point in Volyn in three days instead of 1,800 in each direction.
Volyn customs reported this, Ukrinform saw.
"During this weekend, 1,800 vehicles in each direction should have crossed the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint in six shifts, according to the memorandum approved in June last year. However, due to the ongoing protest of Polish carriers, 317 trucks have been cleared for entry into Ukraine and 47 for departure from the country," the statement said.
The customs office noted that compared to the optimal number of vehicles that can cross the border through this road crossing, only 1/10th of the memorandum on the capacity of Ukrainian-Polish checkpoints was actually used. Read also:
Poles don't let fuel tankers, humanitarian aid into Ukraine
Given the capacity of Yahodyn, which was built in 2012, 4,800 trucks, 12,000 cars, and 300 buses could use it in three days. In total, 34,000 passengers could cross the border.
As Ukrinform reported, on November 6, the announced protest of Polish carriers on the Polish-Ukrainian border began. The carriers' demands to the Polish government include the return of the practice of permits for Ukrainian carriers; tightening of ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) transportation rules for foreign carriers; the inability to register companies in Poland if their financial activities are not in the EU; a separate queue for cars with EU license plates; a separate queue at all borders for empty trucks; and access to the Ukrainian Shliakh system.
Negotiations at the state level have not yet yielded any results. As of the morning of Monday, November 20, about 3,000 Ukrainian trucks were stuck in lines at the border.
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Dollar stabilizes as markets wait for U.S. jobs data, Fed rate reduction signs
(MENAFN) On Thursday, the dollar stabilized below recent highs, with investors eagerly anticipating the release of US jobs data and finding reassurance in Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's statements. Powell's remarks were interpreted as signaling a willingness to consider lowering interest rates later this year, which buoyed market sentiment. The Japanese yen, on the other hand, remained range-bound, largely unmoved from the 151.56 level it has hovered around for the past three weeks. This stability is attributed to the possibility of intervention by Japanese authorities to maintain exchange rate stability.
Meanwhile, the euro saw a 0.6 percent increase, reclaiming a position within the middle of its one-year range against the dollar at $1.0837. European inflation figures released on Wednesday came in lower than expected, fueling expectations of a potential interest rate cut by the European Central Bank in June.
Powell's comments struck a balanced tone, emphasizing that future policy decisions will be data-dependent. Market participants paid close attention to his assertion that recent economic data has not significantly altered the overall outlook. Analysts at ANZ noted, "The speech generally confirmed that the Fed is going to cut interest rates this year, and that the timing will be determined according to the data. We believe that by July the Fed will likely have enough confidence to start cutting interest rates." This assessment underscores the prevailing sentiment among investors regarding the Fed's stance on monetary policy and its potential implications for the dollar's performance in the coming months.
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This partnership is part of the company's commitment to preserving the country's culture, heritage, and environment.
Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) announced its participation in the second edition of the Liwa Date Festival and Auction as an official sponsor. The event will be held from 21 to 30 September 2023 in Liwa city in the Al Dhafra region.
The Liwa Date Festival and Auction is one of the main heritage events held in Liwa city in the Al Dhafra region to celebrate the date harvest season. Dates are considered a national treasure and an essential component of the Emirati culture. The festival will showcase the best practices followed by date farmers and provide the opportunity for participants and visitors to exchange knowledge and experiences around the production and harvesting of high-quality dates.
Tadweer will serve as the primary entity responsible for ensuring cleanliness of the festival. As one of the sponsors, Tadweer will provide services in three stages: before, during, and after the event-to promote environmentally sustainable practices. The company will allocate teams to provide cleaning and waste management services and ensure the visitors' safety.
During the event, Tadweer will also be launching a campaign under the theme“Sustainability is a way of life”, which aims to raise awareness on the best sustainability practices. As part of the campaign, the company will organise activities, including competitions, handicrafts and workshops, and theatre activities. Tadweer will educate visitors, including farmers, farm owners, and students, about the best practices for recycling, reducing, and reusing waste. Tadweer aims to contribute to establishing a strong culture of recycling and environmental preservation in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer, said:“Tadweer constantly works in collaboration with the local authorities to promote environmental awareness and sustainability across various platforms, including national and heritage events. This comes in line with our strategic objectives, which aim to convert waste into an asset and achieve a circular economy. We remain committed to fostering a greener and more sustainable future for our communities, as well as protecting our environment.”
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(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
Thousands of protesters in Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia joined rallies on Friday to condemn Washington's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, as authorities tightened security outside US embassies.
Leaders in both Asian countries have joined a global chorus of voices condemning US President Donald Trump's move.
Several thousand protesters, some shouting anti-US slogans and burning an effigy of Trump, gathered in front of the American embassy in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.
In Indonesia, hundreds of protesters mostly clad in white were arriving outside the US embassy in Jakarta, capital of the world's biggest Muslim-majority country. Some wore checkered scarves and waved Palestinian flags, while others shouted "Allahu Akbar".
"We have prepared personnel and patrols to secure the US embassy. We are expecting between 500 and 1,000 demonstrators," said Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono.
The US embassy in Jakarta advised its citizens to avoid areas where there were demonstrations and said its consulate in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya had suspended public services on Friday.
Indonesia has been a long-running supporter of the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and there have been public demonstrations in support of Palestine in recent years.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday urged the United States to reconsider its decision and instructed his foreign minister to summon the US ambassador for an explanation.
In Malaysia, leaders from the ruling party United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) and the popular right wing Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), both of which represent the majority ethnic Malay-Muslims, led the rally and representatives of the Palestinian group Hamas are expected to join.
Protests are also expected in South Asia. Pakistan's Jamaat-e-Islami party has announced rallies in all major cities after Friday prayers.
President Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would move its embassy to Jerusalem in the coming years.
Protests have already broken out in the West Bank and the Gaza strip as Hamas urged Palestinians to launch a fresh uprising against Israel.
The status of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest barriers to a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace. Its eastern sector was captured by Israel in a 1967 war and annexed in a move not recognised internationally. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem for the capital of an independent state they seek.
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Living at Home: Lend a helping hand to an area senior
Volunteering is about giving, contributing and helping other individuals and the community. Volunteering means working with others to make a meaningful contribution to a better community.
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(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 20th March, 2018 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, ADJD, and the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, have launched a system linking the public prosecution and criminal courts to penal and correctional facilities, as well as police stations via closed-circuit television, CCTV.
The system will allow the courts and public prosecution to communicate with inmates and review interim requests via video conferencing technologies. This latest launch is the first step in an integrated project that will allow for coordination and cooperation between ADJD and Abu Dhabi Police.
The system launch was attended by Yousef Saeed Al Abri, ADJA Under-Secretary, Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, Attorney-General of Abu Dhabi, along with senior officials and representatives from both sides.
A direct session via CCTV technology saw requests being reviewed for inmates at Al Wathba Abu Dhabi Central Prison.
Al Abri said that the launch of this project is in line with the directives set by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to improve judicial working systems, while ensuring the optimal use of modern technologies to provide judicial and security services in line with best international practices.
Al Balushi said that the Public Prosecution, as a representative of society concerned with the Rule of Law, was keen on partaking in this project that ensures the application of human rights principles and maintains the Criminal Procedure Code, guaranteeing defendants access to a fair trial.
[Image credit:Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, ADJD, Twitter: @ADJD_Official]
WAM/Nour Salman/MOHD AAMIR
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UAE moves forward with USD20bn gas plans to enhance fuel exports
(MENAFN) The Emirates is going to speed up USD20 billion of natural-gas plans by giving agreements for a few of them in the next days, as it plans to enhance fuel exports.
Based on people involved with this matter, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) is going to give engineering and construction labor for the Dalma gas field in Gulf waters very soon this present week. The gas is intended to begin flooding by around 2025.
ADNOC is amongst some main state oil corporations raising output of gas as customers’ attempt to shift away from oil and coal. Gas is a cleaner form of energy, however the business is still an important supply of carbon and methane emissions.
On Monday, ADNOC chief executive officer Sultan al Jaber stated Dalma is going to aid the UAE, OPEC’s third-largest crude producer, in its offer to become self-adequate in gas by the year 2030. The nation is going to export a few extra supplies as liquefied natural gas.
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(MENAFN) Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani has emphasized the great military capability of the Islamic Republic, stating that it is a proven fact in the world. Speaking at a Quran reading ceremony in Sirjan, Kerman province, Rear Admiral Irani highlighted how the promotion of defense capability has brought power to Iran, and that this power has been demonstrated to the world.
The navy chief also expressed his admiration for martyr Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, stating that the Iranian navy is a follower of the late general. According to Rear Admiral Irani, this has helped to promote Iran's defense capability.
Furthermore, the Iranian navy chief asserted that Iranian warships have no fear of threats in open seas. This statement denotes the confidence that the Iranian navy has in its own military capabilities.
The comments made by Rear Admiral Irani come amidst a tense geopolitical climate, with Iran facing increased sanctions and pressure from the international community. The country has invested heavily in its military capabilities in recent years, and has been involved in conflicts in the region, including in Syria and Yemen.
Despite this, Iran has maintained that its military capability is defensive in nature, and that it is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The statements made by Rear Admiral Irani reflect this commitment, as he emphasized the importance of promoting defense capability to bring power to the Islamic Republic.
The situation also highlights the importance of maintaining open communication and peaceful dialogue between nations, as tensions continue to escalate in the region. As Iran seeks to assert its military capability, it is crucial that all parties involved remain committed to peaceful resolution and the avoidance of conflict.
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Hudson is the county seat of St. Croix County and home to the St. Croix County Government Center.
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has delivered a message to the Punjab bureaucracy in the recent meetings.
PM Imran Khan wants implementation of 100 days reforms plan in true spirits and change in style of governence.
The PM said that the party will prioritise adequate spending, an end to dishonesty and upholding of merit.
PM Imran on his official Twitter account said that the government is determined to induce a change in the style of governance.
He further said that the meeting held with the Punjab government on Saturday remained fruitful. PM Imran said that a meeting was also held with former IGP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who had brought reforms in the provincial police force.


(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ALGIERS, May 18 (KUNA) -- Dar Mustapha Pacha, a palace located in Casabah of Algiers near Ketchaoua Mosque, is a marvel of Islamic architecture, built between 1798 and 1799 by Dey Mustapha Pacha.
The palace, decorated with arches and beamed ceilings, witnessed the rise and fall of several leaders in the country.
Mustapha Pacha resided in the Dar with his family, servants and bodyguards, as well as used it to host high profile guests until his assassination in 1805.
French colonizing forces took over the palace and utilized it for various purposes including as headquarters for light infantry, and a winter palace for French governor in Algeria.
The French government reverted it to a library and museum in 1863, but in 1897 the contents of the palace were moved to the national museum.
The palace currently houses the National Museum of Miniatures, Illumination and Calligraphy.
In December of 1992, the palace, along with all of Casabah of Algiers monuments, was listed as a UNESCO heritage site. (end)
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(MENAFN- The Peninsula) ISTANBUL:A bomb blast in a four-storey building in the town ofAfrinin northwest Syria killed seven civilians and four Free Syrian Army members overnight, state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Monday.
The explosion hit after the Syrian rebels swept into the town with Turkish forces on Sunday, declaring full control after an eight-week campaign to drive out Kurdish YPG forces.
Anadolu said the bomb, which it described as planted by terrorists, exploded as the Syrian fighters conducted a search. It ripped out a hole four metres (4.37 yards) deep and badly damaged other buildings and vehicles, it said.
A spokesman for the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army rebels said on Sunday they had enteredAfrinbefore dawn, meeting no resistance. A war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said some YPG fighters defied orders to withdraw, but Turkish forces were in control.
Turkey says the YPG is an extension of the militant PKK group fighting an insurgency inside Turkey, and vowed to crush what it described as a "terror corridor" of YPG-controlled territory along Turkey's southern border with Syria.
It has said its next target would be a Syrian region further east where U.S. forces are stationed alongside the YPG, Washington's ally against Islamic State in Syria.
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(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Amman, Sep. 23 (Petra) -- Jordan will be affected on Thursday by a wet air mass, pushing temperatures down and bringing mild autumn conditions in the highlands, while it will be moderate in the Badia and the plains, and relatively hot in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said in its daily update.
Clouds will build up at low altitudes, mainly in the northern and central regions, the JMD added, warning of poor visibility in the heights and the Badia due to fog and dust formation.
Friday is expected to bring in similar cool and partly cloudy weather conditions, with temperatures 5-6 degrees below annual average and a chance for light showers of rain in the morning over the northern and central regions that may extend to the south-western highlands, the meteorologists noted.
As we head into Saturday, mercury levels will rise few degrees, becoming around seasonal average and making moderate weather in most parts of the Kingdom, except in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba where it will relatively hot, with low clouds and northwesterly to northeasterly moderate to brisk winds, the JMD predicted.
The highs in Amman and other highlands across the Kingdom on Thursday will range between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. In the late afternoon and evening hours, cooler weather is forecast as mercury levels slide to 17C or even 12C in the southern highlands.
In the port city of Aqaba, daytime temperatures will stand at 36 degrees, while lows will slide to 23C at night.
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(MENAFN- AzerNews) By Vafa Ismayilova
Azerbaijan has downed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of illegal Armenian armed detachments on its territory under Russian peacekeepers' control, the Defence Ministry reported on October 14.
"On October 14, a quadcopter belonging to illegal Armenian armed detachments on the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, tried to carry out reconnaissance flights over the positions of the Azerbaijan army in the direction of Fuzuli region. However, the UAV was seized as a result of the vigilance of the Azerbaijani army units," the ministry said.
In May 2021, Azerbaijan's army units detected and landed the Griphon-12 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Armenian armed forces in Kalbajar on the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border.
Azerbaijan and Armenia resumed the war after that latter started firing at Azerbaijani civilians and military positions starting September 27, 2020. The war ended on November 10 with the signing of a trilateral peace deal by the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders.
The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani Army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city. The signed agreement obliged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s.
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- #ARMENIAN UAV
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(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Tue 24 Jan 2023, 2:27 PM
Last updated: Tue 24 Jan 2023, 2:33 PM
Dubai's longest rail bridge is now up and standing. Etihad Rail posted images of the Al Qudra bridge, which is the“longest within the Emirate's mainline network”.
It forms a vital route for trade and commerce to facilitate the“movement of goods throughout the UAE”, the rail operator posted on Twitter.
Al Qudra features a cluster of man-made lakes and is home to an 86km cycling track. Earlier, residents of neighbourhoods around the area had told Khaleej Times about their excitement in spotting trains.
Rineesha Mohammed Ali, who lives in Nshama Town Square, has seen the train track take shape from her house.“The location is a constant hive of activity,” she said.“It is actually quite exciting to watch the whole thing take shape. Sometimes if you are lucky enough to look out of the window at the right time, you can see locomotives on the tracks.”
Last week, Etihad Rail had offered a glimpse into its 1km marine bridge that connects the Khalifa port to the national railway network.“This will improve the efficiency of goods transportation and cuts down on shipping expenses,” it posted.
Last year, the rail reached several milestones, including a 75 per cent completion of its 1,200km long network. Etihad Rail's passenger services will connect 11 cities in the UAE. With top speeds of 200kmph, passengers can travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes, and from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 100. The trains are expected to reduce commute times by up to 40 per cent. By 2030, the number of passengers is expected to reach more than 36.5 million annually.
watch: etihad rail to pass through abu dhabi forest; passengers to enjoy stunning uae scenery
video: how far has uae's etihad rail come?
watch: uae's etihad rail passenger train chugs on a track in new video
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(MENAFN- 3BL) The Mayor of Beaverton, Oregon, declared November 14, 2023 as International Paper Day, in recognition of the company's many contributions to the community. Proclamations are ceremonial documents, signed by the Mayor and issued to businesses for special honors, on the recommendation of the Mayor.
For 125 years, International Paper has been the catalyst in the global economy as the world's leading producer of renewable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products essential to everyday life. IP transforms renewable resources into products people depend on every day including packaging solutions that protect and promote goods, enable worldwide commerce and help keep consumers safe. The company produces renewable basic materials such as pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products, and delivers circular solutions that enable recycling, reduce waste and build a better future for our planet.
IP strives to be a force for good and mobilizes people, products and resources to address critical needs in the communities where we live and work. Most of the company's donations and IP Foundation grants support projects and programs focused on our signature causes – education, hunger, health and wellness, and disaster relief.
International Paper opened in Beaverton in 1956, first as Western Kraft and became part of International Paper in 2002. IP has been a valued partner in the community with more than 300 employees working at four locations in Beaverton. Since 2017, International Paper's foundation has donated more than $300,000 to support a variety of local Beaverton organizations, including the Hoyt Arboretum's Youth Environmental Education program.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp, and other fiber-based products, and one of North America's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa, and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper .
Media: Amy Simpson, 901-419-4964
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) During the current day, November 24, aircraft of the Defense Forces of Ukraine launched 12 strikes on the areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment of the Russian army, as well as 2 strikes air defense positions of the enemy.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its operational update posted on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.
According to the General Staff, as of 18:00, the enemy continues armed aggression against Ukraine, focusing its efforts on restraining the actions of the Defense Forces and attempting to hold the temporarily captured territories.
At the same time, the enemy is improving the fortification equipment of the defensive line, conducting offensive actions in certain directions, relocating personnel, weapons and military equipment to the areas of hostilities.
During the current day, Russian troops have launched 2 airstrikes and 16 MLRS attacks on the positions of the Defense Forces and civilian objects.
In Kherson region, the enemy intensified counter-subversive and police measures in the temporarily captured territories of the Skadovsk district in connection with effective fire damage to the facilities of the Russian troops. In particular, in Novomykolaivka and Krasne, the invaders checked homes, phones and documents of local residents.
As reported by Ukrinform, from February 24 to November 24, Russia lost about 85,720 troops in Ukraine.
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Housing tax credit open to more homebuyers
If you've been thinking about buying a home, and weren't eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit, here's some good news: the housing tax credit has been expanded and extended.
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(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Rabat- Moroccan contestants Mouad Ahmed Al Daouk and Oussama Omar Bouzahir have won Bahrain's 2018 International Quran Recitation Competition Awards.
Moroccans Mouad Ahmed Al Daouk and Oussama Omar Bouzahir received the Al Qari Al Muratel Award for recitation used in prayers or completion of Quran and the Al Qari Al Sageer Award for best young reciter, respectively on Wednesday, April 25.
Ali Salah Omar from Bahrain won the Al Qari Al Mojawed award for recitation style commonly used in events.
The Bahrain Quran Competition is world's biggest web-based Quran reciting competition, with the aim of encouraging youths from different backgrounds across the world to listen to, understand, memorize, and recite the Holy Quran.
The number of contestants from 81 countries increased from 5,000 to 7,000 in the first two years of the competition, before hitting 9,200 participants this year.
This global competition offers its participants the opportunity to polish their recitation skills, demonstrate their dedication to the Quran, and win up to USD 30,000 in prizes.
Through logging-in and applying via the website, participants upload video clips of their recitations, which then undergo assessment and evaluation by juries based on the acceptance criteria.
As it stands, the contestants are male-only, although the organizing committee is looking for ways to engage women in the competition-stated quran.bh.
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(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Reuters
Canada's transport minister is expected to defend the government's response to recent travel chaos at a Friday parliamentary hearing, as aviation wrestles with surging passenger demand after a pandemic-induced slump.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra will update a transportation committee on progress in areas like hiring, a spokesperson said, following recent complaints by passengers of lost luggage and long lines.
Carriers in the United States and Canada are cutting thousands of flights to reduce disruptions during peak travel periods.
Canada's busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, had among the most flight delays in the world earlier this summer, according to FlightAware data.
While baggage handling and average wait times for passengers have improved in recent weeks, governments in both countries are facing calls to improve protections for travelers.
'The increase in passenger volume and the labor shortage that arose from the pandemic are the main causes of these delays,' Alghabra's spokesperson said ahead of the hearing on airport delays and cancellations.
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that provides consumer protection for air passengers, said it had received a record 18,200 complaints by the end of July 2022, mostly for air travel.
Under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations, travelers are entitled to compensation for flight cancellations and delays of 3 hours or more, if the disruption is within airlines' control and not related to safety.
Canadian media reports have been rife with passengers saying they were refused compensation due to safety reasons. Consumer advocates say some of those cancellations were related to crew shortages.
The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), a trade group representing Canada's largest airlines, said compensation varies by case and the system must allow 'airlines to make decisions based on safety without being penalized.'
As of Sept. 8, new Canadian requirements will oblige airlines to provide passengers with either a refund or rebooking, for flight disruption outside their control.
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(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, May 26 (Petra)-- Senate Speaker Faisal al-Fayez, on Thursday, said that Jordan, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is carrying out comprehensive reforms.
He indicated that such reforms aim at consolidating democracy, enhancing development and modernization, cementing the values of justice and accountability, activating the role of women and youth to enable the Kingdom to reach parliamentary governments.
Al-Fayez made his remarks as he met with a German delegation representing Konrad Adenauer Stiftung company, in the presence of Head of the Senate Jordanian-German Friendship Committee Senator Saleh Irshidat and German Ambassador in Amman Bernhard Kampmann.
Al-Fayez praised the depth of Jordanian-German relations and Berlin's support for His Majesty King Abdullah's efforts aiming at maintaining peace in the Middle East region.
Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, rejects all the Israeli attempts aiming at changing the historical and legal status quo in the holy city of Jerusalem, al-Fayez stressed.
He voiced His Majesty King Abdullah II's keenness to deepen and build on Jordan's ties with Germany, especially in the economic, investment and development aspects, and to enhance trade exchanges between the two friendly countries.
For their part, the German delegation highlighted efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II to bring peace to the region and restore security and stability to it, in addition to His Majesty's constant endeavors to enable the peoples of the region to live in peace.
The delegation praised Amman's humanitarian role in hosting Syrian refugees, expressing their country's desire to work with the Kingdom and support ventures that constitute a priority for Jordan.
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(MENAFN) Turkish construction firm Dorce is shipping tailor-made solutions all across the globe.
The largest benefit of modular steel structure technology is that constructions outputted in the factory are exported as ready-to-install parts in the area, the company stated.
These buildings offer great convenience.
Into the bargain, even though the margin of error has been lessened with firm control devices in the factory environment, the necessity for machinery, labor, as well as equipment in the area is cut, as a result fuel, raw materials, time, as well as freight expenses are saved.
Dorce is outputting containers that can be shipped by helicopter and that are prepared for consumption within minutes deprived of the necessity for any machinery or tools, however, it can be used even sloping lands up to seven degrees.
Counting in the impression of sustainability with building technology, the modular constructions can be shipped as well as recycled if wanted.
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SEATTLE - REI has named Roma McCaig the co-op's new VP of public affairs and impact. In her role at REI, McCaig (pictured) and the newly created public affairs and impact organization will work to scale the co-op's mission and purpose, with work including internal and external communications, employee events and recognition, sustainability, community partnerships, philanthropic giving, public policy, government affairs, and broader advocacy initiatives. McCaig brings more than 25 years of experience at the forefront of communications, business operations and impact to REI. Most recently, she served as senior VP of impact and communications at Clif Bar & Company.
NEW YORK - Eileen Sheil has been appointed assistant vice provost for communications and public affairs for Weill Cornell Medicine. Starting Feb. 1, Sheil will jointly lead the office of external affairs and oversee its more than 40-member division of communications and public affairs, which encompasses functions including editorial, multimedia, media relations, social media, marketing and brand, and government and community affairs. She succeeds Mason Essif, who led the division for nearly a decade. Sheil has spent three decades in healthcare communications. She served most recently as chief communications officer of medical technology company Cue Health. Before that, Sheil was VP of global external communications for Medtronic and executive director of corporate communications for Cleveland Clinic.
ATLANTA - Craig Hodges has joined Cox Enterprises as senior VP of corporate affairs. In this role, Hodges will oversee the corporate communications and corporate social responsibility strategy, while providing communications counsel to executive leaders. Hodges replaces Bob Jimenez who retires at the end of the year.
He joins Cox from VF Corporation, the parent company to numerous apparel and footwear brands including Vans, The North Face, Timberland and others.
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the situation on the front lines remains difficult, especially in the Donetsk region.
The head of state said this in his nightly video address on Friday, February 3, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
'The situation at the front remains very difficult, especially in Donetsk region. I thank all our soldiers who withstand the harsh pressure of the occupiers and who clearly and completely fulfill the task of defending our positions. And who, even in such difficult conditions as on the front lines now, bring Ukraine good news,' Zelensky said.
He thanked the 10th mountain assault brigade for successful counteroffensive operations in Donetsk region and the fighters of the 54th separate mechanized brigade for their bravery and true Ukrainian resilience in the battles for Donbas.
'The 81st separate airmobile brigade and the 66th separate mechanized brigade – I thank you, guys, for the protection of Luhansk region and steel strength! And I would like to single out our National Guardsmen – the 3rd operational brigade of the National Guard. Guys who successfully destroy enemy aircraft in Donetsk region. Thank you!' Zelensky said.
He also thanked everyone who fights for Ukraine, everyone who helps defend Ukraine from the occupiers, and everyone who strengthens its international position and helps get weapons for Ukraine.
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(MENAFN- Jordan Times)
AMMAN — HRH Prince Feisal, the Regent, and the Chairman of Generations for Peace, and President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach on Thursday signed an agreement to officially announce the renewal of the partnership between Generations for Peace and the Olympic Refugee Foundation for the next three years.
The partnership includes a plan to implement more than 3,000 sporting activities to feature the participation of 15,000 young men and women from the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps, and other host communities around Jordan, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Prince Feisal said that throughout successive regional crises, Jordan has not hesitated to open its borders to all victims of conflicts and wars. He added that the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, has proven its firm commitment to hosting those affected by displacement and has ensured their appropriate protection, psychological support and integration opportunities.
Prince Feisal commended the efforts of the Olympic Refugee Foundation and the IOC for their continued support to Jordan and their work to implement programmes that have a sustainable, positive impact on“our communities'.
He also expressed Generation for Peace's pride in renewing the partnership with the Olympic Refugee Foundation, stating that sports will be used as an effective tool capable of promoting community cohesion and providing safe spaces in the lives of young people affected by displacement.
Bach reaffirmed the IOC's commitment to build a better world through sport and its hard work with the 206 national Olympic committees around the world to support sport and the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship and mutual respect.
Bach visited the UNICEF-affiliated Makani Centre at Zaatari camp to participate in a number of sporting activities and to meet with a group of UNHCR representatives.
Also on Thursday, Bach, accompanied by Prince Feisal, visited the Jordan Olympic Committee's (JOC) Olympic Preparation Centre, where the OIC head checked on the facilities, which provide services to high-performing athletes in Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
The facility is considered the first of its kind in the Kingdom, Petra added.
Bach praised the JOC's efforts, and the“big step” of establishing the centre and its offer of full support to athletes so that Jordan can achieve excellence in major sporting events.
Earlier in the day, Prince Feisal, the Regent, and Princess Zeina Al Feisal welcomed Bach and his wife Claudia to Jordan.
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Newest county park to take shape this summer
Douglas County’s quest for a 142-acre lakeside park is closer to coming together.
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(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Doha: The QU Health at Qatar University, which includes the Colleges of Medicine, Health Sciences, Pharmacy and the College of Dental medicine, organised a blood donation campaign in cooperation with the blood bank centre of Hamad Medical Corporation, on November 10, under the title: Save a Life, Donate Blood.
The aim of the campaign is to facilitate the participation of university members, male and female students and faculty members who have great awareness of the importance of blood donation and encourage them to support such steps. QU-Health is also committed to organising blood donation campaigns periodically because of the importance of supporting health care system efforts in Qatar and strengthening the role of Qatar University in the service of society. Blood donation is a noble way to serve humanity, especially for those who are in urgent need of blood.
As many as 281 students, employees and academics at Qatar University participated in the campaign, while female and male donors reached 103 donors in this campaign. Awareness publications on blood donation and its benefits were distributed.
The campaign witnessed a large number of attendees from students, staff and academics at Qatar University.
Muneera Al Ansari, Manager of Communication and Outreach at QU-Health said:“Donating blood is one of the ways to maintain your health as it stimulates production of new blood and the blood circulation, and the blood you donate plays a critical role in people's lives, it dose save lives in many cases, so we strongly encourage our dear students to participate in these campaigns and for those who missed the chance in participating can always go to blood donor centre at Hamad Medical Corporation.”
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Roma, Celik reach agreement on 4-year contract
(MENAFN) The Italian giants Roma confirmed on Tuesday that they have signed a four-year deal with Turkish fullback Zeki Celik.
Celik stated after the signing event that "It's an honor for me to play for such a big club; I have big ambitions and I want to help this team be successful.”
Adding "I feel focused and ready – I will never let up and you will always see me fighting for everything out there on the pitch."
He previously played for Bursaspor, Karacabeyspor, as well as Istanbulspor in Turkey before transferring to France 4 years ago to play with Lille.
Celik, who got eight goals under his name in 143 appearances for Lille, and was a key part to help his team achieve the French Ligue 1 cup and the French Super Cup in the 2020-21 season.
The 25-year-old played 32 matches for the Turkish national team, and netting two goals.
He is going to wear the No. 19 jersey for the Italian club.
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(MENAFN) A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Ecuador and Peru on Saturday, causing widespread damage, leveling buildings, and claiming at least 15 lives, with over 126 people injured, according to initial reports. The epicenter of the earthquake was located roughly 80 km (50 miles) south of Guayaquil, Ecuador's second-largest city, in the coastal Guyas region.
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso's office confirmed 14 deaths in the aftermath of the quake, with the coastal state of El Oro, located to the south of the epicenter, being particularly hard hit. Multiple people were killed when a structure collapsed on the island of Jambeli. Another person was reportedly killed while traveling in a vehicle that became trapped under the rubble of a collapsing house in the town of Cuenca.
Peru was also affected, with a 4-year-old girl reportedly losing her life when her home in the border region of Tumbes collapsed. Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat reported damage to houses, commercial buildings, power and energy infrastructure, and roads. Video footage from affected areas showed the extent of the damage, with clips from Cuenca appearing to capture the immediate aftermath of the fatality there.
Ecuador is situated at the junction of the Nazca and South American Plates, and the country experiences regular earthquakes. The most powerful earthquake in recent years was in 2016, which registered a magnitude of 7.8 and hit the northwestern coast of the country, near the town of Muisne. The 2016 earthquake claimed at least 675 lives, injured over 16,000 people, and caused around $3 billion worth of damage. The latest earthquake highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the region.
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukraine will resume talks with Russia, when Russian troops get withdrawn to the positions held before February 24, 2022.
The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Japan's publication NHK , an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“For each Ukrainian, victory is to bring territories back. We believe Crimea and Donbas are our territories. Today we are bringing our territories back through military means. We are doing absolutely right. We are fighting for ourselves. I would like us to reach at least the borders of February 24, and then we offer to sit down at the negotiating table once again and agree on peace, the end of the war and the return of our territories,” Zelensky noted.
A reminder that Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak stated earlier that Ukraine had suspended peace talks with the Russian Federation. In his words, the parties may resume negotiations, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky provides a road map and Russia begins to take the world adequately.
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(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Sat 2 Mar 2024, 10:41 AM
Last updated: Sat 2 Mar 2024, 11:42 AM
As the weekend rolled in, residents woke up to chilly weather and a nip in the air. In the last week, the country has been experiencing pleasant weather as rains lashed the Gulf nation.
On March 2, Saturday, the UAE recorded the year's lowest temperature at 2.3oC, just a day after recording an icy low of 2.4oC at Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. The other lowest temperatures in the country today morning were 4.5oC and 5.5oC at Jabal Al Rahba and Mebreh mountain, respectively.
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Take a look at the lowest temperatures recorded across the country:
Yesterday, in Al Ain, cars were covered with mattresses, blankets and carpets to protect them from damage in case of a hailstorm. This was done after an alert was issued by authorities on Thursday informing them to secure their vehicles due to upcoming inclement weather .
Watch the video of the cars below:
Inclement weather next week
The UAE's Met Department has also warned residents of inclement weather in the upcoming week.
The National Centre of Meteorology has said that "a surface low-pressure system" will be affecting the country and put out a forecast from Monday to Wednesday.
On Monday and Tuesday (March 4 and 5) rainfall of varying intensities will take place along with thunder and lightning. On Wednesday, rainfall is set to decrease as the cloud cover clears a little. Temperatures will decrease in the south.
UAE weather: Thunder, lightning and dip in temperatures forecast for next week
Icy 2.4oC chills UAE: Lowest temperature recorded this winter
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(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Prince Moulay Rachid has welcomed a baby boy that HM King Mohammed VI has baptized HH Prince Moulay Ahmed, the ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery announced Thursday.
On this happy occasion, the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery presents its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to HM King Mohammed VI, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, his Spouse Lalla Oum Kaltoum and all members of the illustrious royal family, the ministry said in a statement read by Abdelhak Lamrini, Spokesman of the royal palace. Prince Moulay Rachid, brother of King Mohammed VI, got married with Miss Oum Keltoum Boufares in June 2014. Oum Keltoum Boufares is the daughter of Mamoun Boufares who was the governor of Marrakech when King Mohammed VI ascended the throne in July 1999. Moulay Mamoum Boufares, is the son of Princess Lalla Khadija, daughter of Sultan Moulay Youssef, who is the father of the late king Mohammed V, the grandfather of King Mohammed VI.
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(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Rabat – Morocco's wealth more than doubled between 1999 and 2013, from MAD 5.904 billion to 12.833 billion, an average annual increase of five percent, according to a study by the Economic and Social Council (CESE) and Bank Al-Maghrib.
The country's Intangible Capital is the main asset of the global wealth, "with an average share of 73 percent between 1999 and 2013," said the research entitled "The intangible capital: factor of creation and equitable distribution of the national wealth."
During the same period, adjusted Net Savings (ENA) recorded an average 17.4 percent of Gross National Product (GNP), confirming that Morocco is on a "sustainable growth path."
Nevertheless, the study sees that GNP generated by ENA "is not sustainable in the long term," given its downward trend, which went from 24.1 percent in 2006 to 14.8 percent in 2013.
Further, the national economy has reached a new level of growth at 4.6 percent in 2013 compared with 3 percent in the 1990s, while per capita income has almost doubled owing to sectoral policies, infrastructure projects and purchasing power policy.
The increase in Morocco's global wealth has led to the reduction of poverty rates from 15.3 percent to 4.2 percent and the illiteracy rate from 48 percent to 32 percent and the reduction of housing deficit by half.
This growth has also pushed for an "almost universal access" of rural populations to drinking water and electricity and the construction of roads for more than three million inhabitants in rural areas.
Despite these advances, the study finds that a number of challenges remain, including youth unemployment, social and regional inequalities, and lack of trustworthy governance.
The mMinister of Economy, Mohamed Boussaid, as previously indicated that a lack of developed skills is "a handicap to economic and social development."
The minister noted that 320,000 jobs were created between 2000 and 2007, while the average growth during this period was at 4.2 percent.
Between 2010 and 2016, when GDP growth was at 3.2 percent, only 26,000 jobs were created, recalled the minister.
In terms of the "endemic" corruption in the country, Boussaid recalled that Morocco scored of 3.7 out of 100 in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.
Meanwhile, Freedom House rated the Functioning of Government with 3 points of 12 points, stressing that corruption is "rife in and the economy," and that "despite the government's rhetoric on , it has a mixed record on enforcement."
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(MENAFN- KNN India)
CBIC issues guidelines on import ban on plastic products from July 1
New Delhi, June 24 (KNN) The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) recently issued instructions regarding import ban on products made from plastics from July 1, 2022.
The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of following single use plastic (SUP), including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from July 01, 2022, reads the notification released by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
It further stated that carry bag made of virgin or recycled plastic should not be less than one hundred and twenty (120) microns in thickness with effect from the December 31, 2022.
Trade bodies have called this sudden restrictions highly disruptive for the trade and industry.
They have urged the government to implement the ordered ban in a phased manner with a clear time extended time table so that traders can plan accordingly.
Delhi based trade body CAIT has suggested forming a task force comprising senior officials and stakeholders to draw out a timeline for implementation of the order and to explore plastic alternatives. ( KNN Bureau)
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