Author: Publisher
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin announced that the European Union will hold emergency talks on Tuesday to discuss the migration crisis following the arrival of tens of thousands of irregular migrants into Spain through the Ceuta border enclave with Morocco.In a post on X, Martin said that Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, will convene a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council next Tuesday to discuss the situation in Ceuta.Irish media reported that the ministers will examine developments in Ceuta and their implications amid growing European concerns over increasing flows of irregular migrants.”We remain in close contact with all member states and the institutions and continue to monitor the situation,” Martin said.The meeting comes after between 50,000 and 60,000 irregular migrants arrived in Ceuta from Morocco over the past few days. At least 67 people have died while attempting to reach the city.Spanish authorities announced previously that they brought the situation under control, noting that the vast majority of migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly have returned voluntarily to Morocco.The crisis has prompted several European countries to adopt exceptional measures, including tightening border controls with Spain, amid calls for a coordinated European response to address its consequences. Related Story Source link
Gianni Infantino’s position as FIFA president looks untenable following his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights, the head of Europe’s professional football leagues said on Sunday. Claudius Schaefer, whose organisation represents 53 professional men’s and women’s football leagues, said there could be “only one consequence” for Infantino after his plan triggered a storm of protest from regional associations. “When I saw how this whole thing unfolded and that FIFA’s key bodies weren’t involved, then there’s essentially only one consequence in any company or association,” Schaefer told Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung. Asked if this meant that Infantino was now unacceptable as FIFA president, Schaefer said: “This is usually the consequence when someone in a company pushes such a business deal forward without anyone knowing about it.” Infantino said on Friday that FIFA had scrapped the plan after a widespread backlash. Regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership. Schaefer, also chief executive of the Swiss Football League, said the proposal suggested that FIFA’s main goal was to maximise profits for third parties by having more and bigger competitions in future. “It’s solely about the financial advantages; everything else is completely ignored,” he said. The European Leagues opposed this because it would add more matches to an already packed international calendar to the detriment of national championships, Schaefer said. “Nobody knew about the plans, not even the FIFA Council, the governing body of FIFA. I was very surprised that the president was acting completely alone in this matter.” Related Story Source link
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Lipfendra, scientifically known as enlicitide, as the first oral medicine designed to inhibit the PCSK9 protein and lower harmful cholesterol levels in adults. The medicine represents a new treatment option for patients, as PCSK9 inhibitors had previously been available only as injectable therapies. PCSK9 plays a role in regulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Lipfendra is taken as one tablet daily, alongside dietary changes and exercise, to reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with hypercholesterolaemia, including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol. Clinical studies found that enlicitide reduced LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 60%. A Phase 3 trial involving adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia recorded a 59.4% difference in LDL reduction between patients receiving enlicitide and those receiving a placebo. The availability of a once-daily oral medicine could make treatment more convenient for patients who previously relied on injections. However, the selection of cholesterol-lowering medication remains a medical decisionbased on each patient’s health, cholesterol levels and treatment requirements. Correction: The approved brand name is Lipfendra, not “Lepfendra”, and the scientific name is enlicitide, not “Enlicetide”. Source link
US embassies in capitals across the Middle East yesterday warned their citizens to beware of “unforeseen escalation” in the regional conflict and urged them to be ready to leave. The warning, posted online by US embassies in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, came a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran “very hard”.Iran and the United States have been at war since February 28. A period of calm followed a ceasefire, though that collapsed with a return of strikes.With no end in sight, the war has for months upended the lives of people across the Middle East and rattled global energy markets.“Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation,” said the security alert. The messages urged citizens to check flight details and to follow safety advice from local authorities.“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” it said. To Page 5US citizens in Jordan were told not to visit military bases in the country, which have recently come under Iranian missile attack, and in Israel they were urged to seek the location of the nearest bomb shelter. “The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations as well as to expand attacks to areas not previously targeted (such as Egypt),” said a post on the US embassy Jerusalem site.The US embassy in Beirut said the mission remained on “ordered departure status”, meaning that family members and non-essential US government personnel were still relocated outside of Lebanon.Iran’s military yesterday accused Washington of “escalating tensions” in the region. “Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war,” Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s military central command, said in a statement read on state television.Mohammad Mokhber, adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, also warned against any attacks on Iranian infrastructure. “You calculate through military equations, but we respond with the logic of history,” he wrote on X.“Attacking Iran’s infrastructure directly awakens the fault lines on which 250 years of your hegemonic architecture have been built.”Iran and the US resumed overnight exchanges of fire last month after a days-long lull in fighting, although there were no reported strikes overnight Friday to yesterday.Meanwhile an “unknown projectile” struck a tanker off the coast of Oman, a British maritime agency said yesterday, as the United States and Iran vie for control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively maintained control over navigation through Hormuz since the outbreak of the war on February 28, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees before using the waterway. Maritime trade tracking firm Kpler said on Friday that traffic through the Hormuz strait has dropped “sharply”.“With US and Iranian public positions still at odds, operators are closely monitoring traffic volumes, routing behaviour and any diplomatic developments that could reshape risk across regional shipping lanes in the days ahead,” the firm said on X. Source link
The General Assembly of the Arab Camel Racing Federation (Mahari) held its meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the headquarters of the Camel Racing Organizing Committee in the State of Qatar. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari, President of the Federation, with members participating remotely via video conference. Representatives from thirteen full national member entities out of sixteen participated in the meeting, thus achieving the quorum required for the Assembly to be valid and to exercise its powers. The Assembly began its proceedings by confirming the validity of the invitation, the date of the meeting, and its procedures. It also approved the agenda sent to the member entities and ratified the minutes of the previous General Assembly meeting held on April 14, 2025, and the minutes of the Executive Office meeting held on June 10, 2026, according to the organizational titles in effect at the time of each meeting. The General Assembly listened to the administrative report presented by the Secretary-General of the Union regarding the organizational and administrative actions and procedures undertaken during the previous period. It also listened to the Treasurer’s report on the Union’s financial status and reviewed the contents of both reports. This review did not constitute approval of the final accounts or a discharge of liability for previous periods.The General Assembly also reviewed the legal report concerning the ongoing procedures to safeguard the Union’s rights and retrieve its archives, documents, and accounts, and resolved to continue pursuing legal and administrative action in this regard. Comprehensive Institutional Amendments The General Assembly discussed the draft amendments to the bylaws, which had been previously sent to the national member entities, and provided an opportunity for their representatives to offer their comments and engage in discussion. Following the completion of the discussions, the meeting chair put the final draft amendments to a vote as a single package. All attendees unanimously approved the amendments, without any objections or abstentions. The amendments included reorganizing the Union’s bodies and their responsibilities, adopting the title “Board of Directors” in place of the previous organizational titles, and defining the relationship between the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, the President, and the General Secretariat. The amended system also strengthened the independence of national member entities in managing their internal affairs, establishing their own regulations, forming their own bodies, conducting their own elections, and organizing their races and activities. It limited the application of the Federation’s regulations to championships and activities organized or supervised by the Federation in accordance with the provisions of the system.The amendments also addressed the Federation’s independence in its relations with external entities, and included arbitration proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in disputes falling within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, they empowered the Federation to develop modern camel-related sports, establish their regulations, and organize their championships. The amendments entered into force within the Federation as of their adoption date of July 28, 2026. Elections by Acclamation After the adoption of the amended system and the alignment of nominations submitted under the previous titles with the new organizational titles, the General Assembly verified the validity of the nominations and declared the candidates elected to the approved positions by acclamation, as there was only one candidate for each position. The General Assembly renewed its confidence in His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari as President of the Federation and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and approved the formation of the Board of Directors in accordance with the titles and responsibilities stipulated in the amended bylaws. Following the announcement of the results, the President of the Federation issued a decision appointing Dr. Hazam Nasser Al-Muqarrah as Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Federation, and Mr. Hadef Mohammed Hamad Al-Marri as Treasurer. The General Assembly was informed of both decisions. Admission of the Syrian Arab Republic Under the “Other Business” agenda item, Mr. Mohammed Al-Farra, President of the Syrian Camel Racing Federation, presented the request for the Syrian Federation to join the Arab Federation for Camel Racing (Mahari) as a member. After discussing the request, the General Assembly unanimously approved the admission of the Syrian Federation as a member of the Federation, effective July 28, 2026, and approved Mr. Mohammed Al-Farra as the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Assembly affirmed that Syria’s membership strengthens the Arab presence within the Federation and expands the scope of cooperation, exchange of expertise, and development of championships and activities related to camel racing. The next meeting will be held in Qatar. The General Assembly decided to hold its next meeting in Qatar on the sidelines of the HH The Emir’s Camel Racing Festival, during late April or early May 2027. The Board of Directors was authorized to determine the final date and take the necessary steps for invitations and organizational arrangements. The meeting concluded after completing the items on the agenda and addressing any new business. The Federation reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to develop its institutional work, strengthening cooperation among its members, preserving the unique character of camel racing and its Arab heritage, and opening new horizons for its expansion and development. Al-Kuwari: The Federation’s members’ consensus is a pledge and a responsibility… and the next phase is one of work and achievement. His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari, President of the Arab Camel Racing Federation (Al-Mahari), expressed his pride in the confidence bestowed upon him by the General Assembly, which unanimously approved his continued presidency of the Federation. He affirmed that the next phase will be one of work, achievement, and strengthening the Arab presence in camel racing. Al-Kuwari said: “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the national member bodies for their invaluable trust. I do not view this trust as a personal honor, but rather as a pledge and a responsibility towards the Federation, its members, and this authentic Arab sport.” He added: “The State of Qatar nominated me for the presidency of the Federation, but the responsibility entrusted to me by the General Assembly is Arab in its aims and objectives. I will work with all members without discrimination, relying on the spirit of teamwork and on what unites our nations in history, heritage, and love for camel racing.”The General Assembly of the Arab Camel Racing Federation (Mahari) held its meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the headquarters of the Camel Racing Organizing Committee in the State of Qatar. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari, President of the Federation, with members participating remotely via video conference. Representatives from thirteen full national member entities out of sixteen participated in the meeting, thus achieving the quorum required for the Assembly to be valid and to exercise its powers. The Assembly began its proceedings by confirming the validity of the invitation, the date of the meeting, and its procedures. It also approved the agenda sent to the member entities and ratified the minutes of the previous General Assembly meeting held on April 14, 2025, and the minutes of the Executive Office meeting held on June 10, 2026, according to the organizational titles in effect at the time of each meeting. The General Assembly listened to the administrative report presented by the Secretary-General of the Union regarding the organizational and administrative actions and procedures undertaken during the previous period. It also listened to the Treasurer’s report on the Union’s financial status and reviewed the contents of both reports. This review did not constitute approval of the final accounts or a discharge of liability for previous periods.The General Assembly also reviewed the legal report concerning the ongoing procedures to safeguard the Union’s rights and retrieve its archives, documents, and accounts, and resolved to continue pursuing legal and administrative action in this regard. Comprehensive Institutional Amendments The General Assembly discussed the draft amendments to the bylaws, which had been previously sent to the national member entities, and provided an opportunity for their representatives to offer their comments and engage in discussion. Following the completion of the discussions, the meeting chair put the final draft amendments to a vote as a single package. All attendees unanimously approved the amendments, without any objections or abstentions. The amendments included reorganizing the Union’s bodies and their responsibilities, adopting the title “Board of Directors” in place of the previous organizational titles, and defining the relationship between the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, the President, and the General Secretariat. The amended system also strengthened the independence of national member entities in managing their internal affairs, establishing their own regulations, forming their own bodies, conducting their own elections, and organizing their races and activities. It limited the application of the Federation’s regulations to championships and activities organized or supervised by the Federation in accordance with the provisions of the system.The amendments also addressed the Federation’s independence in its relations with external entities, and included arbitration proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in disputes falling within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, they empowered the Federation to develop modern camel-related sports, establish their regulations, and organize their championships. The amendments entered into force within the Federation as of their adoption date of July 28, 2026. Elections by Acclamation After the adoption of the amended system and the alignment of nominations submitted under the previous titles with the new organizational titles, the General Assembly verified the validity of the nominations and declared the candidates elected to the approved positions by acclamation, as there was only one candidate for each position. The General Assembly renewed its confidence in His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari as President of the Federation and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and approved the formation of the Board of Directors in accordance with the titles and responsibilities stipulated in the amended bylaws. Following the announcement of the results, the President of the Federation issued a decision appointing Dr. Hazam Nasser Al-Muqarrah as Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Federation, and Mr. Hadef Mohammed Hamad Al-Marri as Treasurer. The General Assembly was informed of both decisions. Related Story Admission of the Syrian Arab Republic Under the “Other Business” agenda item, Mr. Mohammed Al-Farra, President of the Syrian Camel Racing Federation, presented the request for the Syrian Federation to join the Arab Federation for Camel Racing (Mahari) as a member. After discussing the request, the General Assembly unanimously approved the admission of the Syrian Federation as a member of the Federation, effective July 28, 2026, and approved Mr. Mohammed Al-Farra as the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Assembly affirmed that Syria’s membership strengthens the Arab presence within the Federation and expands the scope of cooperation, exchange of expertise, and development of championships and activities related to camel racing. The next meeting will be held in Qatar. The General Assembly decided to hold its next meeting in Qatar on the sidelines of the HH The Emir’s Camel Racing Festival, during late April or early May 2027. The Board of Directors was authorized to determine the final date and take the necessary steps for invitations and organizational arrangements. The meeting concluded after completing the items on the agenda and addressing any new business. The Federation reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to develop its institutional work, strengthening cooperation among its members, preserving the unique character of camel racing and its Arab heritage, and opening new horizons for its expansion and development. Al-Kuwari: The Federation’s members’ consensus is a pledge and a responsibility… and the next phase is one of work and achievement.His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari, President of the Arab Camel Racing Federation (Al-Mahari), expressed his pride in the confidence bestowed upon him by the General Assembly, which unanimously approved his continued presidency of the Federation. He affirmed that the next phase will be one of work, achievement, and strengthening the Arab presence in camel racing. Al-Kuwari said: “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the national member bodies for their invaluable trust. I do not view this trust as a personal honor, but rather as a pledge and a responsibility towards the Federation, its members, and this authentic Arab sport.” He added: “The State of Qatar nominated me for the presidency of the Federation, but the responsibility entrusted to me by the General Assembly is Arab in its aims and objectives. I will work with all members without discrimination, relying on the spirit of teamwork and on what unites our nations in history, heritage, and love for camel racing.” Source link
Five people have been found dead and 41 are missing after an Indonesian ferry with 271 people on board caught fire while at sea on Sunday, search and rescue officials said. The captain reported the fire as the vessel sailed from Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya in East Java, to Makassar in South Sulawesi, according to Basarnas, the National Search and Rescue Agency Source link
Overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza hit multiple residential buildings and killed at least eight people, authorities said Sunday, despite Hamas saying it agreed to the latest stage of a deal to end the war.Hamas said Friday it had agreed to a plan championed by US President Donald Trump that includes provisions for handing over its weapons and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.Israel has yet to officially comment on the agreement, but a political source has told AFP “that there will be no withdrawal whatsoever” without Hamas’s “genuine disarmament”. Gaza civil defence officials said Sunday eight people were killed in strikes around midnight that hit multiple residential buildings. In one attack near the central Gaza Strip, a man and his wife were killed and several others were wounded when an Israeli military helicopter struck an apartment, a civil defence spokesman said. An elderly man and a child were killed in another attack on an apartment west of Gaza City, and three people, including a child, were targeted when a strike hit another apartment northwest of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Authorities reported earlier Saturday that eight other people had been killed in strikes that damaged a hospital’s medical supplies and targeted a rooftop. Source link
Migrants try to make their way past Spanish police officers, following recent mass crossings of migrants on foot and by sea from Morocco into Spanish territory,…
Rescuers have found the body of renowned climber Nirmal Purja, who was killed along with nine team members in a powerful avalanche in northern Pakistan this week, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said on Sunday. “The ground rescue team has reached Nims Dai (Purja) at approximately 5,700m on Broad Peak — a mountain he loved, and a mountain that has now taken him from us,” the club posted on social media, with its general secretary later confirming to AFP Purja’s body and those of three others had been recovered Source link
His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, discussed with United States President Donald Trump in a phone call the latest regional developments and their wider implications.During the call, the Saudi Crown Prince stressed the need to prioritize dialogue to reduce escalation and the importance of making every possible effort to achieve calm that paves the way for diplomatic solutions, preserves the region's security and stability, and prevents a wider conflict whose repercussions would affect regional and international security and stability.The two sides also discussed existing areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen them further. Source link