World

Iran calls for release of Afghan funds during Taliban envoy’s visit

The Taliban administration's acting foreign minister travelled to Iran to meet with his Iranian counterpart, who called for Afghan financial assets blocked since the Taliban takeover to be released for humanitarian purposes.

A spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday the visit did not constitute official Iranian recognition of neighbouring Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. But Iran's foreign minister criticised the US over the frozen assets.

“The assets of Afghanistan blocked by America…should be used for humanitarian purposes and improvement of the living conditions in Afghanistan,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said, according to a local news agency after his meeting with Afghan acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

“The fighting of the brave Afghan nation has shown that no foreign power can occupy Afghanistan and rule there,” he said.

Hardline Taliban insurgents took control of Afghanistan on Aug. 15 as U.S. and other foreign forces withdrew after a 20-year presence in support of its Western-backed Kabul government.

Foreign governments have since scrambled to work out how to engage the Taliban to avoid a meltdown of the Afghan economy and security while avoiding formally recognising the new government.

The US, with support from some other Western governments, has blocked billions in Afghan central bank assets held abroad, and upheld sanctions on Taliban members, paralysing the banking sector and hastening economic collapse.

Some neighbouring countries are stepping up calls for the international community to take action to tackle a humanitarian crisis unfolding amidst the harsh Afghan winter.

Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said the acting foreign minister also met in Tehran with Ahmad Massoud, exiled leader of the Afghan National Resistance Front (NRF).

Karimi said the Taliban had assured Massoud and other resistance leaders they could come back to the country “without tension”, but did not provide further details of the meeting.

Massoud could not immediately be reached for comment.

The NRF opposed the Taliban takeover and violent clashes have taken place since August between the two sides in the resistance movement's stronghold of Panjshir, north of Kabul.

Taliban official meets son of ‘lion of Panjshir’ in Iran

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.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

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.

of 3

(3 Photos)

URL Copied

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.
Developing

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.

For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

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.”

US man fatally shot by deputy, officer in Washington standoff

Girl, 3, kills sister in accidental shooting at Texas home