Mediaboss Marketing

JEDDAH:Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the Arab League Summit on Fridaythat they must not allow the region to turn into a conflict zone, but reassured the world that world peace was near.

The Kingdom hosted the summit in which Syrian President Bashar Assad was welcomed back after a 12-year suspension and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to rally support for his country.

We assure friendly countries in the East and the West that we are moving forward in peace. We will not allow our region to turn into a zone of conflict, the crown prince said.

It is enough for us, with turning the page of the past, to remember the painful years of conflicts that the region lived through,it is enough for us to have conflicts that the peoples of the region suffered from and because of which development was faltered in the region, he added.

And on Syria the crown princesaid: We hopethat Syrias return to the Arab League will mark an end to its crisis.

The crown princeemphasized that the Palestinian cause was, and still is,the pivotal issue forall Arabs.

He also expressed hope that dialogue would lead to a resolution of the crisis in Sudan. Saudi Arabia is welcoming the signing of the Jeddah Declaration by the two parties involved in the conflict in Sudan, he said.

The outgoing chairman of the Arab League has called on the world to bring the Israeli settlement policy to an end and he added: The Palestinian cause was and still is the central issue of the Arabs.

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky who had arrived in Jeddah a short time beforetold delegates his country was in a state of war not just a conflict.

He also said he appreciated the Saudi mediation for the release ofprisoners of war last year.

The crown prince said: We reaffirm the Kingdoms position supportive to everything that contributes to reducing the intensity of the crisis in Ukraine, and not to allow further worsening of the humanitarian situation there,Saudi Arabia is ready to continue mediation efforts between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

Also on Friday, Russian President sent a cable to the Arab League saying his countrywould continue to provide all possible assistance to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He also said Moscowintended to expand its multifaceted cooperation with Arab countries, and remained keento support efforts to resolve the crises in Sudan, Libya and Yemen.

In his opening remarks of the summit outgoing Arab League chairman Algerian prime minister Aymen Benabderrahmane, praised Saudi Arabia for hosting the event.

He added that the world was going through increased polarization with an energy crisis and face threats to food security.

He said all efforts to solve the ongoing crisisin Yemen would be appreciated.

Jordans ruler King Abdullah II told the summit the system of joint Arab action required the cooperation between the countries to be strengthened.

And he added: A fair and comprehensive peace will only be achieved through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

King Abdullah said the crisis in Syria had come at a high price. We welcome its return to the Arab League, he added, addressing the Syrians.

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said countries were going through a harsh period.

Preserving the national institutions of our countries is necessary and vital, he said.

He said Egypt was continuing in its efforts to stabilize Gaza, and he affirmed the need to establish a Palestinian state to achieve regional peace.

Palestines President Mahmoud Abbas called on the international community to provide protection to the Palestinian people, and to resort to all international courts to restore our rights.

But he thanked his Arab neighbors for their support.

We commend the firm positions of Arab leaders towards the Palestinian cause.

Tunisian President Kais Saied condemned what he described as the international communitys inaction over Palestine.

There must be an end to the violations against the Palestinian people and the international silence towards them, he said.

Syrian President Bashar Assad thanked Saudi Arabia for promoting the reconciliation in the region in his first speech to the Arab League in over a decade.

We are facing a historic opportunity to sort out our situation without foreign intervention, he said.

Without mentioning specific countries, he then went onto add: We must prevent foreign interference in our affairs.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman had welcomed dignitaries through the afternoon for the start of the Arab League Summit in jeddah.

Representatives started arriving for meetings in the build up to the summit earlier in the week.

Among the most notable arrivals for the main meetingwas Syrian President Basha Assad who was greeted by the crown prince before the pair shook hands and then posed for a photograph.

It's the first time in more than a decade that Assad was excluded from the alliance.

A short time before the opening of the summit, images were transmitted around the globe of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as he arrived for what he described as a historic visit to build relations with Arab nations.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was the first Arab leader to leave the summit on Friday afternoon, as others began returning home in the evening.

The rest is here:
UN officials urge Iraq to push on with reforms and preserve women's rights - Arab News

The Interior Ministry of Iraq issued a ban on U.S. dollar transactions across the country. Iraq is one among the 24 countries that have shown interest to join the BRICS alliance and accept the new currency for global trade. The Iraqi government banned entities from initiating business transactions with the U.S. dollar early this week. Iraq aims to control the fluctuating black market exchange rate, that has been plaguing the country for long enough.

Also Read: BRICS: 10 Asian Countries Agree to Ditch The U.S. Dollar

The development is also designed to strengthen the usage of the Iraqi Dinar in the nations Forex markets. The ministry aims to lower the difference between the official exchange rate offered by the government and the exchange rate thats thriving in the black markets. The move will reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar and bolster its native currency the Iraqi Dinar.

The dinar is the national currency in Iraq. Your commitment to transact in it instead of foreign currencies boosts the countrys sovereignty and economy, the statement read. The Ministry also pointed out that failing to do so will lead to criminal offenses with punishable crimes. The law will hold accountable anyone who attempts to undermine the Iraqi dinar and the economy, it read.

Also Read:30 Countries Now Ready To Accept BRICS Currency

General Hussein Al Tamimi, who heads the operation directorate explained that offenders will be fined one million Iraqi Dinars. Moreover, repeat offenders will attract harsher punishments including double the fine with a years imprisonment.

If the violator repeats it, he will face an imprisonment penalty of up to one year plus a one-million Iraqi dinar financial fine. In case of a third violation, that penalty will be doubled and well have the business license turned, Tamimi said.

Iraq is looking to join the BRICS bloc in a move to end reliance on the U.S. dollar. The nation is ready to accept the new currency to settle cross-border transactions. The next BRICS summit will be held in Cape Town, South Africa in August 2023. Around 19 countries have both formally and informally requested to join the alliance, reported Bloomberg.

If more countries join BRICS, the expansion of BRICS+ will only hurt the prospects of the U.S. dollar. Also, if the yet-to-be-released BRICS currency grows stronger, it could ring the death knell for the USD. Read here to know what could happen to the American economy if the BRICS currency becomes the global reserve.

View original post here:
Ahead of Joining BRICS, Iraq Issues Ban on U.S. Dollar Transactions - Watcher Guru

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq declared in Executive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003 as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13290 of March 20, 2003, Executive Order 13315 of August28, 2003, Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004, Executive Order 13438 of July17, 2007, and Executive Order 13668 of May27,2014 is to continue in effect beyond May 22, 2023.

Obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, I have determined that it isnecessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303 with respect to the stabilization of Iraq.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,May 16, 2023.

The rest is here:
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National ... - The White House

Sir Halford John Mackinder, one of Britains most prominent theorists in the field of geopolitics, discusses the significance of land connectivity between nations in his 1904 essay called The Geographical Pivot of History.

Besides introducing his notableHeartland Theory, Mackinder argued that advancements in transportation technology, such as the development of railways, have altered the balance of power in international politics by enabling a powerful state or group of states to expand its influence along transport routes.

The establishment of blocs, like the EU or BRICS, for instance, aims to enhance communication between member states. This objective has positive implications for the economy and helps reduce the risk of tensions among them.

The cost of such tensions has increased considerably, given the growing benefits and common interests achieved through strengthened ties between nations. Consequently, reinforcing connections within a specific region has a positive impact on the entire area.

Therefore, any infrastructure project between countries cannot be viewed solely from an economic standpoint; its geopolitical effects must also be highlighted.

West Asia connected by railway

In July 2018, Saeed Rasouli, head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), announced the countrys intention to construct a railway line connecting the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea, the Iran-Iraq-Syria railway link. This ambitious project would run from Basra in southern Iraq to Albu Kamal on the Iraqi-Syrian border and then extend to Deir Ezzor in northeastern Syria.

Undoubtedly, this project strengthens communication between the countries of West Asia and increases the need for other powers to collaborate with this important region, which is strategically located in parts of Mackinders Heartland and Nicholas Spykmans Rimland of Eurasia.

Moreover, in accordance with Mackinders proposition, it can be argued that this railway project holds geopolitical significance for the three involved countries Iran, Iraq, and Syria and for West Asia as a whole.

The concept of a railway link between Iran and Iraq emerged over a decade ago. In 2011, Iran completed the 17-kilometer Khorramshahr-Shalamjah railway, which aimed to connect Irans railways to the city of Basra. Subsequently, in 2014, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Tehran and Baghdad to construct the Shalamjah-Basra line.

As per the agreement, Iran was responsible for designing and building a bridge over the Arvand River, while the Iraqi side pledged to construct a 32-kilometer railway line from the Shalamjah border to the Basra railway station within Iraqi territory.

Final destination: Syria

On 14 August, 2018, Iran announced its intention to further extend the railway from its territory to Syria, with Iraqs participation. This move aimed to counter western sanctions and enhance economic cooperation.

The railway project would begin at the Imam Khomeini port on the Persian Gulf, located in Irans southwestern Khuzestan province, to the Shalamjah crossing on the Iraqi border. From there, the railway traverses through the Iraqi province of Basra, crossing Albu Kamal on the Syrian border and ending at the Mediterranean port of Latakia.

Iranian official sources stated that this railway would contribute to Syrias reconstruction efforts, bolster the transport sector, and facilitate religious tourism between Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Iran would bear the costs of the project within its own territory, while Iraq would contribute its share up to the Syrian border.

During the visit of former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Iraq in March 2019, a memorandum of understanding on the project was signed between Tehran and Baghdad. However, despite the agreements, the Iraqi side has faced economic challenges and a lack of funds, resulting in a delay in the construction of the railway.

Three Sections

The railway project can be divided into three sections: The first section links the Imam Khomeini Port to the Shalamjah crossing on the Iraqi border. According to the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, the railway line in Iran has been completed and has reached the zero border point.

The second section will link the Shalamjah Crossing to Basra in southern Iraq, then extend to Baghdad, Anbar province, and finally, the Syrian border. The financing of this section, according to the agreement, falls under the responsibility of the Iraqi government. The commencement of this phase is expected soon.

The third section, within Syria, encompasses two routes:The northern route extends between Iraqs al-Qaim and Syrias Albu Kamal, then heads west towards the Syrian port of Latakia.The southern route runs from the al-Qaim crossing on the Iraqi-Syrian border to Damascus via Homs.

It should be noted that although the shortest route to Damascus is through al-Tanf, due to the presence of the illegal US occupation forces there, the longer Homs-Damascus corridor was adopted. This also ensures the passage of railways through a greater number of Syrian cities.

Economic significance

Although the rail line between Iran and Iraq will only span 32 km and cost approximately $120 million, divided equally, its significance extends far beyond its length. It will serve as the sole railway connection between the two countries and play a crucial role in improving communication throughout the wider region by linking Chinas Belt and Road Initative (BRI) lines to Iraq via Iran.

Once completed, the project will enable Iraq to easily connect to Irans extensive railway network, which extends to Irans eastern border. This linkage will open pathways for Baghdad to connect with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Far East.

Moreover, in the future, the project positions Iraq as a transit route for trade between the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf region and Central Asia, as well as Russia. Incidentally, Iran and Russia have just inked an agreement to establish a railway connecting the Iranian cities of Astara with Rasht, as part of the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The railway line also contributes to the promotion of religious tourism among the three countries, which are home to several important Shia shrines. In September 2022, more than 21 million people from around the world, including 3 million Iranians, visited Iraq for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in the holy city of Karbala. This figure is likely to increase significantly with a rail link, leading to increased revenues for the Iraqi treasury.

Furthermore, the project serves as a means to bypass western sanctions and external pressures on the three countries, particularly Iran and Syria. It strengthens the independence of these nations and reduces the likelihood of foreign powers interfering in the economic relations of the project countries.

Obstacles to project implementation

Despite the signed agreements, the Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus railway project has faced mixed reactions in Iraq, leading to a lack of enthusiasm for moving forward with the rail link. Only last month, the Ministry of Transport issued a clarification regarding its rail link with Iran, stressing that the project is related to passenger transportation only.

Iraqi politicians have expressed concerns that the rail link with Iran could hinder their countrys Dry Canal project, which aims to connect the port of Faw in Basra province to the Turkish and Syrian borders.

They believe that the Grand Faw Port is strategically positioned as the closest point for sea cargo to Europe, potentially bringing economic benefits and employment opportunities. These concerns arise from the fear that the Imam Khomeini port in Iran could gain increased importance, diminishing the significance of the Faw Port.

But Iraqi concerns actually present an opportunity to link Iran to the Dry Canal, enhancing the strategic importance of both projects and bolstering Iraqs position as a regional trading hub. In the near future, communication and cooperation between these neighbors will be crucial in thwarting external efforts to impede the economic interdependence of the three countries.

A promising journey

The tripartite railway link project holds immense significance as it connects these countries within a larger network, resembling the historical Silk Road that facilitated trade between the east and the west for centuries.

The railway project has the ability to initiate a major transformation in West Asia if it materializes and expands further afield to countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Their participation would not only reduce tensions among regional states but also yield positive economic outcomes and bolster tourism, particularly religious tourism, and foster stronger inter-regional ties.

By connecting key players in a geopolitically strategic region, the Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus rail link has the potential to lay the foundation for a new West Asian paradigm that promotes connectivity, stability, and prosperity.

As seen by the recent Iran-Saudi and Syria-Saudi rapprochement agreements, the region is in a collaborative mood, actively seeking economic development instead of conflict. With China and Russia two powers at the forefront of Eurasias biggest interconnectivity projects (BRI and INSTC) brokering and impacting many of these diplomatic initiatives, expect railways, roads, and waterways to begin linking countries that have been at odds for decades.

Read more here:
Railway of Resistance: A grand project to connect Iran, Iraq, Syria - The Cradle

The Secretary-General departs today for the Group of Seven Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

For the first time since 4 May, the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) agreed to authorize new vessels to participate in the Black Sea Initiative. While we welcome this partial resumption of inbound movement activity, we call on the parties to ensure that the authorization of new vessels is done for all three ports to make use of capacity and meet industry demands.

On the response to Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar, where a massive clean-up effort is underway, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today said that in many parts of Rakhine State and the northwest, electricity and telecommunications services are still down. Critical supplies including fuel and clean water are urgently needed.

This morning, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, told the Security Council that Iraq has a full to do list and narrow or partisan actions will not help in checking it off.

Over the last few days, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) responded to alerts of the presence of CODECO members in several villages of Djugu territory in Ituri province. UN peacekeepers immediately deployed to the areas, prompting the assailants to flee the scene.

In Sudan, the UN continues to scale up deliveries of life-saving assistance to those in need. The World Food Programme (WFP) says it has now reached more than 300,000 people since restarting emergency distributions in Sudan two weeks ago.

In Somalia, the UN has stepped up assistance after massive flooding left a trail of destruction across the country. The World Food Programme (WFP) is distributing 90 tonnes of high energy biscuits in isolated flood affected areas and cash assistance to more than 62,000 people in Belet Weyne, one of the most impacted districts.

Go here to see the original:
G7, Black Sea Initiative, Iraq & other topics - Daily Press Briefing - UN Web TV