Day: May 15, 2023

The Jordanian embassy headquarters in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, was stormed and vandalized on Monday, reports Jordan News Agency (PETRA).

announced.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the attack, denouncing all forms of violence and vandalism which target, especially diplomatic buildings

The ministry stressed the need to adhere to the international law and comply with to relevant covenenants and agreements, especially Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, received twenty-one notaries, who took the oath after passing the licensing requirements to serve as private notaries in Arabic.

This batch of private notaries is licensed for three years, renewable in accordance with the terms and requirements.

The minister stressed the significance of enhancing the role of private notaries through partnership with the private sector in providing notary services, due to its importance in accelerating procedures for the beneficiaries, individuals and the business sector by providing a variety of options in terms of time and place.

Transactions processed by private notaries are reviewed by the Notary Directorate via an electronic platform connecting the ministry to them.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda today received Honorary Swiss Consul-General to the Kingdom of Bahrain Humbert Vincent Buemi.

During the meeting, the minister praised solid bilateral relations, noting steadily-growing ties across all fields.

They reviewed judicial cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Swiss Confederation, in addition to issues of mutual interest.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

One person has been reported dead and one injured in two road accidents within the last 24 hours, the Traffic Management Center said on Monday.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The preparatory meeting of senior officials of the Economic and Social Council for the Arab League Summit, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on 19 May, witnessed the participation of Syria for the first time in years.

Head of the Syrian delegation Rania Ahmed said during the meeting that her country ‘expresses its appreciation and thanks to the Arab countries that provided assistance to alleviate the repercussions of the earthquake disaster on the Syrian people.

‘Syria pays great attention to the return of people displaced by the war to their cities and homes, which requires stimulating economic activity in their areas by encouraging the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises in various sectors,’ Ahmed said. ‘Legislation and programs that support this and provide facilities for foreign companies that desire to invest will be enacted.

She called for ‘working on removing tariff and non-tariff restrictions on the movement of bilateral trade in a way that enhances the role of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area in Arab economic development.

A large Syrian economic delegation headed by Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Mohammed Samer Khalil arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the Economic and Social Council preparations for the Arab Summit, scheduled for May 19th.

The preparatory meetings will begin on Tuesday at the level of permanent representatives and senior officials in preparation for the meeting of foreign ministers to discuss recommendations and draft resolutions that will be submitted to the meeting of foreign ministers, scheduled to be held next Wednesday, in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad.

On 7 May, the Arab League announced its agreement to allow Syria to return to its seat after suspending its membership for 12 years following the war.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

In Action Events, Souk El Akel, and CD Global Associates, supported by the Municipality of Beirut, Ministry of Tourism, Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, and LBCI bring back to the streets of Gemmayzeh Lebanon’s largest street market.

Last year Gemmayzeh was host to Lebanon’s largest street festival with over 50,000 people in a single day! This year, In Action Events will bring you the 2nd edition of 3A TARIK EL GEMMAYZEH which will be bigger, better, with more surprises for all!

‘The 2nd edition of 3A TARIK EL GEMMAYZEH will not only help support all the amazing restaurants and businesses in Gemmayzeh, but it will once again bring life to the streets of Beirut and give Lebanese a reminder of what was once great and what can still be with Beirut!’

Not only will there be fashion, designers, concept stores, arts and crafts, local produce, street entertainment, street shows, Bands, DJs and three kids’ areas, street food market, but the day will show respect for our Beirut’s heritage with the creation of a traditional « Ahweh Square » including Arabic seating areas, newspapers distribution, traditional carts, backgammon, Tarneeb, Likha, and many other traditional activities.

‘In Action Events is committed to bringing to Lebanon new and exciting experiences and this year’s 2nd edition of 3A TARIK EL GEMMAYZEH will exceed even our own high expectations.

The 2nd edition of 3A TARIK EL GEMMAYZE will take place on May 21on Gemmayzeh and Pasteur streets from 10 am to 10 pm.

The event is free to the public.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

More than a year after the signing of a Staff Level Agreement between the Government of Lebanon (GoL) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Lebanon is still in arrears, not least in a deliberate stalemate that has been blocking sectoral reforms that are crucial for economic recovery.

The patchwork approach that the GoL has adopted for decades must cease; ad hoc circulars issued by the Central Bank that fall short of a comprehensive package of reforms including a fair capital control law, and a solid bank restructuring plan inter alia is futile. More importantly, accountability and justice to depositors are indispensable to nstreinstating local and international trust in the financial sector.

The standard response from officials entrusted to manage a country facing the worst financial and economic crisis in its history should strictly exclude depleting foreign reserves and include working around the clock on corrective policies and laws.

The IOB emphasizes that current taxation schemes are unfair and inequitable and a well-designed fiscal policy is indispensable. The IOB urges decision-makers to adopt reforms that simplify tax legislation and structures, introduce more progressive personal income taxes and broaden tax bases. Lebanon needs reforms that reduce the scope of arbitrary implementation such as digital tools and e-government, that support growth, improve the distribution of wealth and promote social justice.

We aspire that the national social protection strategy will bring adequate respite to all vulnerable groups and stress that social protection programs should be given the needed fiscal space in the 2024 budget.

The IOB condemns the parliament’s postponement of municipal elections as it undermines the democratic process and the principles of good governance. We call on the Constitutional Council to swiftly take the appropriate verdict in protecting the right of citizens to elect their representatives and consecrating constitutional deadlines.

We call on the Lebanese parliament to elect a President and fast-track the formation of a Council of Ministers whose roles are indispensable to setting Lebanon on a meaningful reform track and to sustaining and strengthening public institutions.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon