Day: June 19, 2023

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Settlements establishment by Israel has no legal validity, says UN

The United Nations (UN) Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Monday expressed deep concern by the Israeli Government’s decision yesterday to alter settlement planning procedures that have been in place since 1996, which is expected to expedite settlement expansion. “I am also alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities,” Wennesland said in a statement. “I reiterate that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law,” Wennesland added. “I urge the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions, which are a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace,” Wennesland said. “At a time of increased violence and fragility on the ground, the prolonged absence of a political process, and concerted international and regional efforts to support constructive dialogue between the parties, such steps only push Israelis and Palestinians further apart and risk destabilizing an already highly tense situation on the ground,” Wennesland concluded.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Chinese yuan strengthens to 7.1201 against US dollar Monday

BEIJING, 19th June, 2023 (WAM) — The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 88 pips to 7.1201 against the US dollar Monday, state media (Xinhua) quoted the China Foreign Exchange Trade System as saying. In China’s spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day. The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day. Rola AlGhoul/ Esraa Esmail

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

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General Civil Aviation Authority, ICAO sign collaboration agreement

MONTREAL, 18th June, 2023 (WAM) –The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) signed a joint cooperation agreement at ICAO’s HQ in Montreal, Canada. The agreement was signed by Mohammed Abdullah Al-Salami, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, in Fujairah,GCAA Deputy Board Chairman, and Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General. This came during Al Salami’s visit to ICAO’s HQ to discuss measures to improve cooperation on facilitating personnel secondment to ICAO. The two sides discussed joint initiatives, the most notable of which is Fujairah Air Navigation’s accession to ICAO’s TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, which promotes training collaboration aiming to support a safe, secure, and sustainable development of the global air transport. During the meeting, the Fujairah Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services Center’s accreditation in accordance with ICAO requirements was also discussed. Al-Salami also met with Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO, to discuss ways and mechanisms for greater joint cooperation between the two sides. Al Salami also met with representatives of ICAO’s member states to discuss ways to improve collaboration. Additionally, he met with officials of the Arab Group, and hailed their efforts. Al Salami also met with UAE students enrolling on scholarships in Canada. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

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Spain win shootout to deny Croatia in Nations League final

Serial winner Dani Carvajal converted the decisive spotkick to hand Spain a first title in more than a decade as they edged Croatia 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the Nations League in Rotterdam on Sunday, Reuters reported.

The 31-year-old, who has won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, calmly chipped home Spain’s sixth kick of the shootout as they claimed their first silverware since the 2012 European Championship.

The final at the Feyenoord Stadium ended goalless after extra time, and defeat on penalties was a further heartbreak for an expectant Croatia, who were runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and third in Qatar last year, but are yet to win a title.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon first saved from Lovro Majer in the shootout, giving Aymeric Laporte a chance to win the contest, but the defender blasted his effort against the crossbar to leave it 4-4 after five kicks each.

But Simon came up trumps again with another save, this time from Bruno Petkovic, before Carvajal wrapped up victory.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

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Abdullah bin Zayed, Italian FM discuss promoting cooperation

ABU DHABI, 18th June, 2023 (WAM) H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, today discussed the prospects of further cementing cooperation following the two countries’ recent announcement to promote their relations to strategic partnerships. This came as the UAE top diplomat received his Italian counterpart in Abu Dhabi Sunday to discuss aspects of bilateral cooperation in all fields, with special emphasis on areas of economy, trade, energy and others. The two sides also reviewed climate action collaboration, in light of the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in Dubai late this year. The two ministers exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of interest, in addition to the situation in the region. Sheikh Abdullah underscored the depth of relations between the UAE and Italy and their continuous cooperation to grow their strategic partnership in a way that serves their mutual interests and benefits their peoples. For his part, the Italian top diplomat expressed his country’s determination to enhance cooperation with the UAE, stressing the strength of relations between the two nations. He also wished the UAE success in hosting COP28 this year, commending the country’s efforts in addressing global climate action and its pioneering initiatives to promote clean and renewable energy solutions across the world. The meeting was attended by Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation,, and Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

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Public Prosecution Office in Amran province approved releasing of 29 prisoners

The Public Prosecution Office in Amran province approved the release of 29 prisoners from pretrial detention, detention centers, detention in the security and criminal investigation departments in a number of directorates.

He pointed out that these measures come in implementation of the directives of the Public Prosecutor to follow up cases, and to grant prisoners who deserve release after three-quarters of the term of their sentence has passed, and they do not have special rights for others, as well as detainees pending investigation with the necessary guarantees, they do not have criminal records, and their cases do not pose a danger to society.

The judge pointed out that the visits included listening to prisoners’ complaints, clarifications from the security directors, and researching them. He indicated that the judicial control officers were instructed to refer the cases of detainees in places of detention to the Public Prosecution office to act on them in accordance with the law.

Source: Yemen News Agency