Author: Yahya Rahman

Some news stories have been recently released, citing an Egyptian official, about the imminent normalization of relations between Tehran and Cairo. This comes just after President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received a phone call from President of Iran Ebrahim Raeisi who congratulated him on his re-election for a new term in office. Speculation about the imminent re-establishment of relations between the two countries has not materialized after all those years. Iran and Egypt’s lack of diplomatic ties, the most crucial of its kind, has hindered the two influential regional players from benefiting from mutual relations. The current situation in Gaza, along with the national…

Three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by soldiers in Gaza on Friday had used leftover food to write signs pleading for help, Israel says. The men had been staying at the building next to where they were shot “for some period of time”, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Officials have admitted that killing the men who were holding a white flag was a breach of “rules of engagement”. Israel is under increasing pressure for a deal to free more hostages. About 120 are believed to be still in captivity in the Gaza Strip. They were seized by militants during…

Berlin (21/09 – 40) His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, spoke at the General Debate of the 78th Session of the General Assembly on 21 September 2023, reflecting on the theme of ‘Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity’ and its relevance to Sri Lanka’s recent challenges. President Wickremesinghe said that amidst multiple global crises in 2022, his country experienced its most challenging period in recent times. “Nevertheless, we succeeded in bringing about a democratic political transition, due to our deeply entrenched and resilient democratic traditions,” he added. Turning to technological and scientific advances, he said they offer boundless new…

Berlin (06/11 – 58) UN Special Rapporteur of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, has once again called on the authorities of Tajikistan to release imprisoned Tajik journalists and bloggers. Mary Lawlor posted on her social media account, formerly Twitter, that during a meeting with Tajikistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jonibek Hikmat, in New York on October 24, she reiterated her call for the Tajik authorities to release the convicted human rights defenders and journalists, including Daler Imomali, Abdullo Gurbati, and Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva. Last year, in Tajikistan, eight journalists and bloggers were sentenced to various prison terms, ranging from 7…

Brussels (27/10 – 50) Just in September this year, ten “distinguished” people in Tajikistan have been awarded general ranks. The decree on conferring general ranks was signed by the country’s president, Emomali Rahmon, on September 7th. According to this decree, there are now three more generals in the Agency for State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption. The rank of Major General of Justice was awarded to the head of the Finance and Economic Department, Fazliddin Khodjazoda, the head of the Special Operations Department, Abdurakhmon Davlatzoda, and the head of the Agency for GBAO, Zoir Gafurzoda. The rank of Major General of…

On Thursday, “a journalist team of seven people covering news… near the Israeli enemy’s al-Abad site outside the town of Hula, was targeted with machine guns by enemy (Israeli) members, killing one and injuring another,” the Lebanese army said in a statement. Earlier, peacekeepers with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement that one person had been killed after civilians were caught in cross-border fire in Lebanon’s south. Lebanese armed forces asked them for help “for seven individuals stranded near” the border during “a significant exchange of fire”, UNIFIL, said in its statement. A spokesperson confirmed…

Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 26th General Assembly session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2025, it was announced during the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb participated in the session. This is the first time the Kingdom will host the General Assembly of a UN organization, underscoring the country’s growing prominence in global tourism. As a leading member of the UNWTO General Assembly, Saudi Arabia’s role has been further emphasized by its selection as the host for…

Two Turkish vehicle manufacturers, Otokar and Nurol Makina, on Wednesday signed contracts with Estonia for the supply of 230 armored vehicles worth around €200 million (approximately $211 million). A contract signing ceremony was held in the Estonian capital Tallinn for the 230 4X4 and 6X6 vehicles to be delivered to Estonian security forces by the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI). “Additionally, four wheeled armoured vehicles have been purchased for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of the Estonian Rescue Board. These armoured vehicles are intended to safeguard members of the Defence Forces in combat situations, ensuring their rapid and secure…

iFarm, a vertical farming technologies provider, announced the launch of the first vertical farm in the UAE to use iFarm technologies. Located in Dubai, the farm will produce “ultra-fresh” produce such as leafy greens, microgreens, herbs and edible flowers. Its initial target markets are premium retail and hotel, restaurant, catering sectors. Located just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Dubai, the vertical farm covers a growing area of 712 sq m and is expected to yield around 3 tonnes of high-quality produce per month. The farm will operate under the Mama Natura Greens brand. The farm in Dubai is…

Saudi Arabia’s stc Group has announced the largest expansion of the 5G network in history. Investments will be made to develop and expand the existing network to cover more than 75 cities and governorates in Saudi Arabia. This project builds on the group’s success in delivering 5G network technologies to more than 90 per cent of its locations in major cities. 5G in Saudi Arabia The investments made by stc group will contribute to the development and expansion of the network, encouraging the digital economy, supporting local content, creating quality jobs, and enhancing people’s lives digitally. This is all in line with the group’s…