Sitra Mall joins ‘Forever Green’ campaign’s afforestation efforts


Manama, Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) has joined hands with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) in its ‘Forever Green’ campaign, by contributing to planting trees in Sitra Mall.

A ceremony was held to mark the beginning of the greening process at the mall, attended by Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of NIAD, and Dalal Ahmed Al Qais, Group CEO of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), attended the event.

Shaikha Maram said BDB’s support aimed at contributing to increasing green spaces in the outer spaces, to create a more sustainable environment and enhance its aesthetic appeal. She thanked BDB for its continuous support of agricultural projects, including the ‘Forever Green’ campaign and the permanent farmers’ market in Hoorat Aali.

Dalal Al Qais, Group CEO of the BDB, expressed delight in the partnership with the National Initiative for the Development of the Agricultural Sector, emphasising BDB’s commitment to sustainable development objectives. She pledged ongoing
support for local and international efforts, aiming for zero carbon neutrality by 2060.

BDB’s involvement is part of a broader collaboration between public and private sectors to implement environmental projects across Bahrain, aiming to enhance green spaces and mitigate climate change effects under the ‘Forever Green’ campaign.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

A worker died and another was injured in a factory fire in Jericho


Jericho – Ma’an – A 51-year-old female worker died and another was injured Thursday morning, as a result of a fire that broke out in one of the factories in the industrial zone in the city of Jericho.

A fire broke out in a plastic factory in the industrial zone in Jericho this morning.

Source: Maan News Agency

In preparation for the settlers’ storming, the occupation army closed the Bab al-Zawiya area in central Hebron


Hebron – Ma’an – This afternoon, Thursday, the Israeli occupation army closed the Bab Al-Zawiya area and Beersheba and Old Apple Valley Streets in the center of Hebron, due to settlers storming Beersheba Street.

The occupation army forced shop owners to close the doors of their shops, remove the stalls and vehicles that were parked in the area, and prevented the movement of citizens. Dozens of settlers stormed Beersheba Street, on the third day of their Easter celebration.

In a related context, hundreds of settlers, in the presence of the extremist settler and Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, held a dance party and performed some Israeli religious rituals in the courtyards of the Ibrahimi Mosque, after they stormed it.

For the second day in a row, the Israeli occupation authorities continued to close the Ibrahimi Mosque to worshipers and visitors, and allowed settlers to enter it only.

Source: Maan News Agency

Two persons accused of murder arrested in Baghdad

Federal Police Command forces arrested two persons accused of murder in Baghdad.

The Command stated in a statement: ‘Following the receipt of information that there was a quarrel and shooting in Al-Rashad area, east of the capital, Baghdad, a force from the 20th Brigade, 5th Division, Federal Police, proceeded to the scene of the incident, where it was confirmed that two people were killed and a child was injured as a result of a family dispute.’

It added: ‘The force executing the duty was able to cordon off the place and arrest those accused of committing the crime in record time, while seizing a Kalashnikov rifle from their possession. The accused, along with the seized weapon, were duly referred to the competent authorities to complete the investigative and legal procedures against them.’

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Al-Amairi stresses the need to move the political process away from sectarian or national quotas

The President of the Federal Supreme Court, Judge Jassim Muhammad Abboud Al-Amairi, stressed today the necessity of distancing the political process from sectarian or national quotas, stressing that the election law is the basis of true parliamentary representation that expresses the spirit of the constitution.

The official News Agency quoted Al-Amairi as saying, in his speech during the Iraqi Constitutional Judiciary Forum held at the College of Law, University of Baghdad: ‘The Republic of Iraq is a single, independent federal state and its system of government is republican, representative, parliamentary, and democratic, in accordance with what is stated in Article One of the Constitution.’

He added, “The system of government in Iraq is based on the basis that the people are the source of powers and their legitimacy is exercised by direct, public, secret ballot and the existence of its constitutional institutions based on the provisions of Article Five of the Constitution, and on the principle of peaceful
transfer of power through democratic means stipulated in the Constitution based on the provisions of Article Six thereof and it is necessary to provide all guarantees that enable all citizens, men and women, to participate in public affairs and enjoy political rights, including the right to vote, elect, and be nominated, in accordance with the provisions of Article 20 of the Constitution.’

He added, “The democratic system in Iraq is also based on the freedom to establish or join associations and political parties, and no one may be forced to join any party, association, or political entity or forced to continue membership in it based on the provisions of Article Thirty-Nine of the Constitution.” It is not permissible to restrict or limit the exercise of any of the rights and freedoms mentioned in the Constitution except by or based on a law, provided that such limitation or restriction does not affect the essence of the right or freedom based on the provisions of Article Forty-Six of the Constitution.’

He n
oted that “the methods of practicing the democratic process in Iraq are based on the principle of peaceful transfer of power and that this is achieved by applying the principle of periodic elections in a way that ensures the correct implementation of the democratic system and not just legal texts in order to reach the democracy of the people and not Democracy of the ruling authority.

He pointed out that ‘the aim of the principles included in the constitution is to transmit the basic rules for the way the state is organized and the formation of its government, the basic rights that must be implemented, the basic principles that direct and rationalize the electoral system, the rights of citizens to practice democracy, and the role of political parties, and electoral authorities.

He explained, ‘The election law is the basis for true parliamentary representation that expresses the spirit and values of the effective constitution. If the correct means are available to achieve sound parliamentary representation, t
he political and legislative process will be advanced and successful, given that the House of Representatives is the true representative of the will of the people.’ The people who are responsible for legislating laws and monitoring the performance of the executive authority.’

He continued, “The House of Representatives must be a true expression of the will of the people, and it must also take into account when legislating any electoral law the extent to which the Constitution is fulfilled in implementing the will of the people through that law, in addition to the fact that the electoral legal system is one of the most important components.” Conducting the electoral process, which includes the constitution, the electoral law, and related laws, the political parties law, the member replacement law, the law of the Independent High Electoral Commission in Iraq, and others.

He continued, “The political system in Iraq is based on party pluralism based on the provisions of Article Thirty-Nine of the Constitution,
which stipulates the freedom to establish or join political associations and parties,” indicating that “pluralism aims to deepen democracy in a real way, and that will be in The framework of Article 20 of the Constitution, which stipulates the right of citizens, men and women, to participate in public affairs and enjoy political rights, including the right to vote, elect, and be nominated.’

He continued, “Party pluralism must be a means adopted by the constitutional legislator to achieve a democratic system that is representative of all the Iraqi people,” noting “the importance that the goal sought by these parties, in light of their electoral programs, be a noble national goal and an interest based on The highest interest of the Iraqi people is to achieve the principle of peaceful transfer of power, fair distribution of wealth, the principle of equal opportunities for all, and distancing the political and democratic process from sectarian, national, or political quotas.

He noted that “the principle of demo
cracy is based on the rule of the people themselves, away from tyranny and oppression of others, and away from violating the people’s political, economic, social and cultural rights. If democratic systems do not lead to achieving the principle of peaceful transfer of power in a real way, then they are democracy of the ruling political system, not democracy of the people.’

He pointed out that ‘sovereignty is the law, and the people are the source of authority, so whoever is in charge of managing the file, whether at the federal or regional level, or at the level that concerns the governorates not organized into a region, must be a true representative of the Iraqi people,’ stressing that ‘ the stability of the state is maintained by the establishment of the laws of justice.’

He concluded, ‘It is a great honor for us to be in this great national historical edifice represented by the College of Law at the University of Baghdad,’ praising ‘all those responsible for the forum.’

Source: National Iraqi News Agenc
y

Over 5.9 Million Worshippers Perform Prayers at Prophet’s Mosque in a Week


Madinah, The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said that the Prophet’s Mosque received more than 5.9 million worshippers last week, amid integrated and high-quality services, allowing crowds to perform their prayers smoothly and efficiently.

The authority-issued statistics showed that 598,939 visited the Prophet Mohammed’s tomb, and 254,209 visitors performed prayers at Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa, as per organizational procedures that control the movement of the crowds and schedule times for optional prayers for men and women.

It also reported that 9,172 older people and people with disabilities benefited from the services granted to them last week. Visitors who benefited from the guidance services reached 22,627, and translation services 157,464, while 12,884 sought information at the Prophet’s Mosque’s library.

There were 153,068 gifts presented to visitors, and 61,207 benefited from transportation services.

Some 180,880 bottles of Zamzam water and 226,
193 Iftar meals were distributed in corridors of the mosque designated for people who had been fasting.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

THREE AIRSTRIKES ON MAROUN RAS CAUSE DAMAGES TO INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTIES

Israeli enemy warplanes have carried out three consecutive airstrikes on the southern border town of Maroun Ras shortly after midnight, causing massive damages to properties and water and electricity infrastructures.

No casualties have been reported.

The Israeli enemy has also fired incendiary bombs at Labbouneh and Allam mounts in Sector West, setting perennial trees ablaze.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Tourism Minister chairs BTEA board meeting


Manama, Fatima Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism, presided over the Board of Directors meeting of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, in the presence Sarah Buhijji, the CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA), alongside several managers and staff members from the Authority, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gulf Air, Mumtalakat Company, the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tour Agents, and representatives from the tourism sector.

The minister expressed thanks to all stakeholders in the public and private sectors who contribute directly or indirectly to the advancement and prosperity of the tourism sector and emphasised its role in enhancing the GDP and creating more employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens.

She highlighted that the tourism strategy of Bahrain for the years (2026-2022) constitutes a comprehensive national plan encompassing the whole of the kingdom.

The minister underlined the key statistics and accomplishments of the tourism sector, emphasising th
e strides made in aligning with the overarching goals and pillars outlined in Bahrain’s tourism strategy for the years (2026-2022).

She discussed the significant tourism initiatives launched in the first quarter of the current year and their positive impact on the national economy and commended the efforts of the authority in promoting these initiatives and integrating them into its marketing campaigns.

This is in addition to underscoring the imperative of intensifying these efforts to achieve further successes, thereby enhancing Bahrain’s tourism standing, and strengthening relations with local tourists and coordination with relevant government entities.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors of BTEA received a comprehensive overview from Sarah Buhijji regarding the array of initiatives launched in the first quarter of 2024, and the forthcoming implementation of tourism and entertainment events, programs, and offers scheduled for the second quarter of the year. Future strategies aimed at bolstering pa
rtnerships and political collaboration with private sector entities were also discussed, alongside plans to develop marketing campaigns targeted at international tourist offices to attract more visitors.

Buhijji discussed the advancements of the Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School and the collaborative efforts to enhance and promote the institution as a premier educational establishment offering exceptional higher education in hospitality and tourism in Bahrain, in line with global industry advancements.

The significance of creating national talents equipped with internationally recognised skills to bolster the tourism sector was emphasized, in addition to the pivotal role of the higher education sector as a key partner in the ministry’s endeavors to cultivate and equip the national workforce with essential expertise and knowledge in the fields of science and tourism.

Updates on the operational plan of the Exhibition World Bahrain were provided, noting the ongoing progress in strengthening the center
‘s infrastructure and investment initiatives aimed at attracting more international exhibitions and events. This is in addition to discussing updates on work plans for various tourist, hotel, and entertainment facilities, and the commitment to providing all necessary facilities to ensure the success of these endeavors.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

A young man was injured by occupation bullets in Beit Furik


Nablus – Ma’an – A young man was shot by Israeli occupation forces at dawn today, Thursday, in the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus, and another was arrested.

Local sources confirmed that several Israeli military vehicles stormed the town, toured several neighborhoods, and arrested the citizen, Hilal Abu Al-Saud, after storming his house, searching it, and tampering with its contents.

The sources indicated that confrontations broke out between the young men and the invading occupation forces, who fired live bullets and wounded a young man in the foot, after which he was transferred to a medical center to receive treatment.

Source: Maan News Agency

Intelligence in Hebron returns a car after it was burgled and stolen


Hebron – Ma’an – The Public Relations and Media Department of the General Intelligence Service, Hebron Directorate, said that the officers of the Service in the Hebron Directorate were able, today, Thursday, to recover a car after it was burgled and stolen last Tuesday.

The director of the department, Abdel Hafeez Al-Hashlamoun, stated that from the moment the citizen Othman Sharif Abido’s complaint was received to the security services about his exposure to robbery and the theft of the car of the company where he works, on Tuesday afternoon, the officers of the agency began their search and investigations, based on the directives and sustained instructions from the director of the department. The General Administration of Hebron Governorate, Major General Muhammad Ghannam ‘Abu Daoud’, to reveal the fate of the car and find out the perpetrators.

He added, through the follow-up and investigations that were carried out, the location of the car was monitored in the Ziv area, south of Hebron, and it was brought
and will be delivered at a later time to its owner according to the rules.

He pointed out that the General Intelligence Service has incomplete information about the perpetrators who carried out the robbery, robbery, and assault on citizen Abido, and they will be pursued, arrested, and brought to justice.

Source: Maan News Agency

CANADA-LEBANON-FAO PARTNERSHIP FORUM ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY


Under the Patronage of H.E. Dr Abbas Al Hajj Hassan, Minister of Agriculture, the Embassy of Canada, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, organized today a Partnership Forum on Agriculture and Food Security.

The Forum encompassed the closing event of the FAO project Support to Women’s cooperatives and associations in the agri-food sector of Lebanon (USD6.3 million, 2018-2024) and a roundtable discussion aimed at promoting key areas of collaboration in agriculture and food security in Lebanon.

It aimed at continuing to strengthen the partnership between FAO, Canada, and the Ministry of Agriculture as it relates to advancing women’s empowerment and food security in Lebanon.

Key highlights of the event series included:

Closing workshop of the project ‘Support to Women’s cooperatives and associations in the agri-food sector of Lebanon’, funded by the Government of Canada:

In the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Agricultu
re, Dr. Abbas Al Hajj Hassan, the Ambassador of Canada to Lebanon, H.E. Stephanie McCollum, and the FAO Representative to Lebanon, Nora Ourabah Haddad, the closing workshop marked the end of project activities. The Director General of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Agriculture, Engineer Gloria Abu Zeid, senior Ministry of Agriculture’s staff, ambassadors, representatives of donors, United Nations agencies, and beneficiaries of the project were also present.

This event emphasized the important role of FAO as the implementing agency, in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture, through the Directorate General of Cooperatives. The project aimed at empowering rural women and their cooperatives in Lebanon to enhance their livelihoods.

The closing ceremony featured a presentation highlighting the project’s main achievements and challenges, a discussion session involving beneficiaries, and a session on the project’s sustainability.

Launched in 2019 with funding from the Government of Canada, FAO, in collaborat
ion with the Ministry of Agriculture, implemented the project ‘Support to Women’s cooperatives and associations in the agri-food sector of Lebanon’ over a five-year period. Canada, FAO, and MoA’s strong commitment to promote gender equality and empower women were at the core of the project. The project empowered 255 women’s groups through capacity-building initiatives, while 143 of them received grants.

Project activities played a pivotal role in bolstering women’s self-confidence, skills, dedication, and willingness to actively contribute to Lebanon’s rural economy. Moreover, it laid the foundation for an improved cooperative model, fostering sustainable agrifood enterprises while ensuring that all stakeholders adhered to the highest standards of transparency, fairness, inclusivity, objectivity, impact, and sustainability.

Roundtable discussion on Canada-Lebanon-FAO Partnership in Agriculture and Food Security in Lebanon: The Embassy of Canada, the Ministry of Agriculture, and FAO discussed potential areas
for collaboration within the framework of a project entitled ‘Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security in Lebanon’, funded by the Government of Canada, and implemented by FAO in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The discussion focused on fostering collaborative partnerships in agriculture and food security to promote sustainable agrifood sector development and improve gender equality and women’s empowerment.

It also discussed alignment of the project with the National Agricultural Strategy and the emerging national priorities, agreed on enhancing coordination mechanisms for selecting and targeting beneficiaries, optimizing value chains, identifying geographic focus areas, and promoting involvement and empowerment of women in agriculture with a special emphasis on rural women.

The project aims at promoting the adoption of gender-responsive, nutrition-sensitive, and climate smart agricultural practices, as well as enhancing the performance of fruits and vegetables value chains and the enabli
ng environment for value chain actors. Furthermore, project activities are designed to increase resilience to climate and economic shocks within fruits and vegetables value-chains, to ultimately improve food and nutrition security in Lebanon.

The partnership forum served as a platform to showcase the achievements of the partnership and underscored its impact on agricultural development, food security, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities, particularly women. It provided an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments, outlined future collaboration strategies, and reaffirm the commitment of Canada, FAO, and the Ministry of Agriculture to fostering sustainable and food-secure Lebanon.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon