Category: Politics

A fire broke out in wheat farms, northeast of Baquba, Diyala Governorate Center.

A local source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that “a fire broke out in the wheat fields in (Sarajek) village of Al-Salam district, northeast of Baquba. Indicating that the fire devoured more than 40 dunums of areas planted with wheat before the civil defense teams managed to control and extinguish the fire.

He added that the accident caused economic losses and that the competent authorities opened an investigation to find out the causes of the fire.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The security expert, Safaa Al-Aasam, confirmed: The American decision to extend the state of emergency in Iraq is evidence of the unwillingness to leave.

He told the National Iraqi News Agency / NINA /: The United States does not think about the interests of Iraq as much as its own, and the decision taken by President Biden to extend the state of emergency in Iraq is not to serve Iraq, but rather to serve its interests in the US.

Al-Aasam added: The continued establishment of the United States’ largest base in Ain al-Assad, with the presence of the Incirlik base in Turkey and another in Qatar, are clear indications that the US does not intend to leave the region and Iraq, which is the heart of the Middle East and the fourth richest oil country in the world.

Last week, US President Joe Biden signed a decree extending the state of national emergency related to the situation in Iraq.

A statement by Biden, published on the White House website, said, “There are still obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and preservation of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative and economic institutions in Iraq.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, and the head of al-Fateh Alliance, Hadi al-Amiri, stressed today, Saturday, the importance of Iraqi openness to its Arab and Islamic surroundings and the international community.

A statement from Al-Hakim’s office stated: “The two parties mentioned that Iraq has proven the sincerity of its intentions and directions to be with everyone and to resolve differences by adopting dialogue and searching for common ground.”

The two parties indicated that the world’s view of Iraq is changing due to the development it is witnessing politically, socially, economically and in terms of security.

The meeting also discussed developments in the political scene, future entitlements, and ways to support the government to implement its program in accordance with priorities, especially the services file, and ways to strengthen the coordination framework and the state administration coalition and their cohesion.

The two parties stressed the need to expedite the approval of the general budget and preserve the rights of all, and the importance of the budget being consistent with the government’s priorities.

They renewed, according to the statement, the call to transform the current state of stability into a permanent state, because permanent stability is not only a product of the government’s movement, but rather is achieved through the concerted efforts of everyone from the government and political forces.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), the fifth edition of the youth entrepreneurship forum (Micro Shabab) will kick off on Sunday.

The event is organised by the Future Society for Youth at the University of Bahrain’s Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Hall on May 21-23.

The first day of the forum will feature a lecture by businessman and CEO of Falak Consulting, Suhail Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, a presentation by UAE project development expert, Mohammed Al-Mahri, a panel session themed “Pioneering Enterprises in the Sports Sector” and a presentation by Mariam Eshaq, expert and SMEs development consultant.

Forum’s Executive Committee Chairman affirmed that all preparations for the commencement of the event have been completed, stressing that HH Shaikh Khalid’s patronage requires everyone to double their efforts in order to ensure the success of Micro Shabab forum, given its importance in serving the national development process.

Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mohammed Malik, asserted that the youth entrepreneurship forum (Micro Shabab), which was launched by the Future Society for Youth in 2013, has become of the most successful youth forums, in light of the growing number of participants in it, being an important platform for promoting inspiration and innovation, as well as spreading the culture of entrepreneurship, in addition to exchanging expertise and experiences among youth entrepreneurs.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Rebirth Beirut is pleased to announce the opening of the highly anticipated solo exhibition, “Ghost Like”, featuring the remarkable works of Ouisam Melhem. The exhibition opening will take place on Tuesday May 23, 2023 from 6:00 PM till 9:00 PM and will remain open until May 29, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (except Sunday) at the association’s headquarters in Gemmayze. Curated by Dr. Tony Karam, “Ghost Like” promises to captivate art enthusiasts with its elegant, yet complex portrayal of stories on canvas. Ouisam Melhem’s distinctive artistic style seamlessly combines simplicity with depth, allowing viewers to delve into a world of emotions and narratives. President and Founder of Rebirth Beirut, Mr. Gaby Fernaine, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “We are proud to present Ouisam Melhem’s ‘Ghost Like’ exhibition, which not only showcases his exceptional talent but also highlights our commitment to supporting the arts in Beirut. Through events like this, we hope to contribute to the cultural revitalization and healing of our beloved city.” Ouisam Melhem, a Lebanese painter and sculptor, is known for his unique ability to express narratives through five core elements: The Human, The City, The Crown, The Bird, and The Cloud. His artworks have garnered recognition both locally and internationally, earning him a place as a featured artist at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in the United States from November 30, 2021, to January 9, 2022. Notably, one of his art pieces has been officially accepted in the permanent collection of the museum.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, on Friday welcomed in Bkerki “National Dialogue” party leader, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, who said after the meeting, ‘Let the opposition reach an agreement over a presidential candidate’s name, and whoever gets 65 votes, will win and be congratulated!’ Patriarch Al-Rahi separately welcomed MP Ziad Al-Hawat, as well as Judge Arz Al-Alam and his son Fadi, who briefed the Maronite Patriarch on their vision regarding expanded administrative decentralization.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, on Friday welcomed a delegation representing the jury of ‘The Beautiful Era Festival Awards’. The delegation handed Makary an official invitation to attend the festival in its sixth edition, on June 3, 2023, at the Casino Du Liban. After the meeting, Minister Makary indicated that “Lebanon is rich in its energies and creativeness in all fields’ and that it ‘remained a symbol of beautiful art’. Makary also affirmed that since assuming his duties at the ministry of information, he has been striving to “improve all what could reflect a bright image of Lebanon and its history, including Tele Liban, in its capacity as a national media institution that chronicles Lebanon’s history and its beautiful era.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday met on the sidelines of the Arab league summit, which is currently being held in Jeddah, with Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. During the meeting, the Iraqi Prime Minister expressed his “love for Lebanon’, describing Iraq and Lebanon as ‘twins’. For his part, Mikati said, “Iraq has always extended its support for Lebanon, especially amid its dire circumstances,” thanking the Iraqi state for what it provides to Lebanon on a permanent basis. “The recent Iraqi initiative supplying oil to Lebanon represents a basic support at this stage for all the Lebanese and all the country’s productive sectors,’ Mikati added. “We also thank Iraq for facilitating the arrival of transit trucks, through Iraqi territory, to Gulf states,’ Mikati concluded, noting that a memorandum of understanding will soon be signed between Lebanon and Iraq.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is currently holding a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, in Jeddah.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

President Bashar al-Assad arrived in Damascus on Friday, returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following his participation in the Arab summit held in Jeddah.

His Excellency left King Abdulaziz International Airport and was seen off by Salman bin Hazza Al-Mutairi, Head of the Honorary Mission.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The leaders, presidents and kings of the Arab countries stressed the importance of continuing and intensifying the Arab efforts aimed at helping Syria overcome the crisis in line with the common Arab interest and the fraternal relations that unite all the Arab peoples.

“Jeddah Declaration” was released at the conclusion of the 32nd session of the League of Arab States Council meeting at the summit level in the Saudi city of Jeddah.

The Palestinian cause is the central one for the Arabs

“We condemn in the strongest terms the violations and practices that threaten the lives and property of the Palestinians and their existence,” the declaration said.

The declaration stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to reach a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian cause and to reach a real prospect for achieving peace on the basis of the Two-State solution under international resolutions.

Intensify Arab efforts to help Syria overcome its crisis

The Declaration also welcomed the decision issued by the ministerial-level Arab League Council meeting, which included the resumption of the participation of Syrian government delegations in the meetings of the Council of the League and its affiliated organizations and agencies.

“We hope that this will contribute to supporting the stability of the Syrian Arab Republic, preserving its territorial integrity and resuming its normal role in the Arab world,” the Declaration said.

It stressed the importance of continuing and intensifying Arab efforts aimed at helping Syria overcome its crisis, taking into account the common Arab interest and the brotherly relations that unite all Arab peoples.

Sustainable development and security are inherent rights of the Arab citizen

On the other hand, the declaration affirmed sustainable development, security, stability and living in peace as inherent rights of the Arab citizen.

“This will only be achieved through concerted and integrated efforts,” the declaration added, underlining the commitment and pride in Arab values and culture based on dialogue, tolerance, openness and non-interference in the affairs of others. under no pretext.

The Declaration concluded “We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its efforts to ensure the right conditions for stability and economic growth in the region, especially with regard to sustainable development”.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

President Bashar al-Assad discussed Friday with Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, and developments in the Arab arena in light of the positive atmosphere in the inter -Arab relations that reflect a collective approach towards common visions that culminated at Jeddah summit.

President al-Assad appreciated the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia to achieve Arab rapprochement and build a political atmosphere that helps joint action among Arab countries to pbtain the benefit of their people.

The President congratulated His Highness the Crown Prince on the success of Jeddah Summit, considering that it would contribute to more Arab cohesion.

President al-Assad and Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised the return of the usual relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia, which would contribute to the stability of the region and serve the joint Arab action.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency