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Mandate of UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon to be extended after eleventh-hour talks


The UN Security Council resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is expected to pass a vote on Thursday after eleventh-hour talks appear to have resolved differences between voting members.

UNIFIL, formed initially to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops after they invaded Lebanon in 1978, is present in south Lebanon along the border with Israel. Their mandate expires on Aug. 31.

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But with Iran-backed Hezbollah and its Shia allies, the Amal Movement, having all but complete control over the southern part of Lebanon, they have blocked UN peacekeepers from carrying out their role on several occasions.

The US, UAE and UK were reportedly frustrated with the French-drafted resolution this year after Hezbollah voiced its opposition to language changes in the extension. One of the main sticking points Hezbollah criticized was authorizing UNIFIL troops to freely move and conduct operations without seeking permission or coordinating with the Lebanese government.

According to a draft resolution obtained by Al Arabiya English, after France initially removed allowing “unannounced patrols,” the following language was added back: “Demands the parties cease any restrictions and hindrances to the movement of UNIFIL personnel and guarantee the freedom of movement of UNIFIL, including by allowing announced and unannounced patrols.”

The draft resolution also urges Israel to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar and the adjacent area north of the Blue Line.

Lebanon’s caretaker foreign minister has been in New York lobbying voting members to help remove language that irked Hezbollah. After failing to convince the US and others, the minister turned to African countries, China, and Russia.

Diplomats and sources familiar with the discussions told Al Arabiya English that the voting states were prepared to abstain from voting during the scheduled session on Wednesday due to their frustration with what they saw as attempts to appease Hezbollah. The vote was delayed and shuttle diplomacy ensued.

An Emirati diplomat said that language restricting the movement of UNIFIL was unacceptable. “UNIFIL’s freedom of movement is absolutely paramount at a time when tensions in the area are rising to dangerous levels,” the diplomat told Reuters.

A State Department official said the US remained committed to UNIFIL’s mission and to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers. “UNIFIL’s independence and freedom of movement are absolutely critical elements of their ability to fulfill their mission and enshrined in the Status of Forces Agreement between UNIFIL and Lebanon, which has been active since 1995,” the State Department official told Al Arabiya English.

Asked about new efforts to expand the ability of UNIFIL to carry out its role, the State Department official said language added in last year’s mandate did not grant UNIFIL any additional authorities. However, the official said, it underscored the international community’s commitment to UNIFIL’s freedom of movement and access to key areas of concern, “which remains critical to mitigating instability along the Blue Line.”

Washington has called on Lebanon to ensure UNIFIL’s freedom of movement and access and to hold accountable those responsible for obstructing UNIFIL from implementing its mandate and for threatening the safety of UN peacekeepers.

Meanwhile, according to the draft resolution, a paragraph from last year’s mandate, which allowed for additional non-lethal aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), has been removed. This aid was in the form of food and medicine for troops, who the economic crisis in Lebanon has severely impacted. Diplomats and sources told Al Arabiya English that the Lebanese government did not request this aid again and that foreign countries would not do Beirut’s bidding for them.

Read more: Lebanon judge accuses Hezbollah militants of killing UN peacekeeper

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Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

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At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

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US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM

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