World

Envoys scuffle at Afghan embassy in Rome

Police were called to Afghanistan’s embassy in Rome this week after a sacked Afghan diplomat claiming ties to the Taliban attacked the ambassador, the mission said.

Many of Afghanistan’s embassies are in diplomatic limbo, with staff still loyal to the Western-backed government toppled by the Taliban last August.

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The Taliban have not appointed new representatives to most missions, however, and their government is not recognized by any nation.

In a statement published on social media Tuesday, the Rome embassy said a diplomat — appointed by the former Afghan government but recently dismissed — returned to the mission earlier that day, claiming he had been named ambassador by the Taliban.

“Later he attacked the ambassador in the presence of an embassy employee but the ambassador defended himself and called the Italian police,” read the statement, written in the Dari language.

It named the dismissed diplomat as Mohammad Fahim Kashaf, saying he lost his job due to “lack of commitment to national values and the values of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”

Police escorted Kashaf — who had been with his child — out of the embassy, while the ambassador was unharmed, it said.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is the United Nations-recognized name of the country, which the Taliban call the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

An Afghan diplomatic source told AFP Kashaf had “switched loyalty” to the Taliban, and had been “beaten up” by his former colleagues.

The Rome embassy did not return a telephone call and email seeking comment.

Police in Rome told AFP a “misunderstanding” had taken place at the embassy, but provided no further details.

The Taliban’s foreign ministry in Kabul denied Kashaf been appointed ambassador, but also said he had not been dismissed.

It said records showed Kashaf was appointed first secretary at the embassy in December 2020, with a contract valid until December next year.

“Our records show that he continues to be a diplomat and his contract had not been terminated,” said foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi in a statement.

“But the ministry has also not appointed him as ambassador of the Afghan embassy in Rome. Kashaf’s contract is valid and his termination is illegal.”

There has also been a diplomatic standoff at the UN, with representatives of the former and current regime both claiming Afghanistan’s seat.

Late last year the UN Security Council indefinitely postponed making a decision on the matter.

World

London’s Piccadilly lights up with Ramadan decorations for first time ever

London’s famous Piccadilly Circus lit up with Ramadan decorations for the first time ever ahead of the Islamic holy month.

The city’s West End sparkled with 30,000 new lights as Muslims around the world prepared to fast for an entire month starting from March 23.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan switched on the lights on Tuesday evening in honor of the 1.28 million Muslims who live in the city.

For the first time ever the West End is being lit up by a beautiful display of lights to mark the holy month of Ramadan ☪️✨
It was an honour to switch them on officially this evening ahead of the start of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/t6gXpwAxiE

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) March 21, 2023

A “Happy Ramadan” LED sign was hung on Coventry Street, which links Leicester Square – the heart of West End London – with Piccadilly.

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First ever Ramadan lights installation at Piccadilly Circus is pictured on the eve of the first day of Ramadan, in London, Britain, March 21 2023. (Reuters)

Women take pictures of the first ever Ramadan lights installation at Piccadilly Circus on the eve of the first day of Ramadan, in London, Britain, March 21 2023. (Reuters)

First ever Ramadan lights installation at Piccadilly Circus is pictured on the eve of the first day of Ramadan, in London, Britain, March 21 2023. (Reuters)

Ramadan is an essential pillar of Islam and is the month-long period when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. The ritual is meant to encourage everyone to focus on their spirituality, patience, and charity.

Across London, an open Iftar – the meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset – will be organized at the Victoria and Albert Museum in south Kensington, according to local media reports.

A temporary mosque and Ramadan pavilion have also been set up for Muslims and non-Muslims to enjoy.

Football giant Chelsea is also set to host an Iftar at their stadium in Stamford Bridge on March 26 – the first time a Premier Club has done so.

We can’t wait to make history! @ChelseaFC @CFCFoundation #RamadanFestival https://t.co/h5MVQGnhg9

— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) March 16, 2023

Ramadan: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman wishes Muslims around the world a blessed month

Saudi Arabia, UAE announce Ramadan to begin on Thursday

World

North Korea suspected to have fired cruise missile off its east coast

North Korea appears to have fired a suspected cruise missile off its east coast on Wednesday, the South’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper said.
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World

US shooting kills teenage boy, injures 5 women

A 15-year-old boy died and five young women were injured in a Milwaukee shooting in the latest violence to target the city’s young people, police said.

The 15-year-old boy died at the scene following the shooting that occurred about 11:30 p.m. Monday on the city’s north side, Milwaukee police said. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the boy as Davion Patterson.

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Five women, ages 18, 19, 21, and two 22-year-olds, were taken to a hospital for treatment of non-fatal injuries, police said.

Investigators said they were looking for unknown suspects and trying to learn what led up to the shooting.

Jacqueline Moore told WTMJ-TV her 16-year-old daughter was shot and killed in the same area nearly three years ago.

“Fifteen or 14 years old, it doesn’t matter it was still a child,” Moore said. “Somebody lost their baby again. Another Black parent has to bury their baby.”

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