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A photograph released by the Lebanese Government Press Office yesterday, shows Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaking during a press conference after a cabinet session in…
Thailand’s prime minister yesterday expressed hope for a ceasefire with Cambodia, even as Phnom Penh accused the Thai military of intensifying its bombardment of disputed border areas.Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand’s National Security Council had agreed to send the country’s defence minister to meet his Cambodian counterpart today – the fourth day of border talks aimed at negotiating an end to deadly clashes. “If the defence ministers can reach an agreement that both Thailand and Cambodia accept, the document they sign will largely follow the four main points” outlined in a previous joint declaration that followed a round of clashes earlier this year, he said. The October declaration said the two sides would organise mine clearing efforts along their border, withdraw heavy weapons and allow access to ceasefire monitors.“What matters is that we must keep our promise not to invade, threaten, provoke or escalate tensions between the two sides,” Anutin told reporters at a news conference.“You can trust Thailand. We always uphold our agreements and commitments. Let this be the final signing, so that peace can be restored and our people can return home.”The neighbours’ long-standing border conflict reignited this month, shattering an earlier truce and killing more than 40 people, according to official counts. Around a million people have also been displaced.As Cambodian and Thai officials held their third day of talks at a border checkpoint yesterday, Cambodia’s defence ministry said Thailand carried out a heavy bombardment of disputed border areas in Banteay Meanchey province.“From 6am to 7.15am, the Thai military deployed F-16 fighter jets to drop as many as 40 bombs, to intensify its bombardment in the area of Chok Chey village,” the defence ministry said in a statement.Thai media said yesterday that Cambodian forces had launched heavy attacks overnight along the border in Sa Kaeo province, where several homes were damaged by shelling.The two countries blame each other for instigating the fresh fighting, which has spread to nearly every province along their border.Both countries also claim to have acted in self-defence and accuse the other of attacking civilians.The US, China and Malaysia brokered a truce to end five days of deadly clashes in July, but the ceasefire broke down.Earlier yesterday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Facebook that he had spoken by phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the two discussed “ways to secure a ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border”.The conflict stems from a territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km frontier and a collection of temple ruins situated there. Source link
German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul has affirmed that Berlin strongly supports the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire plan and post-war arrangements in Gaza, warning that prolonging the current situation would exacerbate human suffering and undermine the prospects for stability.Wadephul added, in a statement to German media, that improving humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip is a top priority for Berlin, emphasising that the German government has intensified its contacts with international partners to facilitate the delivery of aid through all available channels.Wadephul noted that Germany is among the largest international supporters of humanitarian organisations operating in the Palestinian territories, explaining that these organisations need safe, sustained, and unimpeded access to expand their operations and meet the growing needs of the civilian population.The German foreign minister affirmed Berlin’s readiness to play a pivotal role in international efforts to rebuild the Gaza Strip, emphasising that this process requires substantial financial participation from the international community.He cautioned that reconstruction must proceed in parallel with a clear political track that guarantees the prevention of a recurrence of cycles of violence.He explained that Berlin supports the idea of holding an international conference for Gaza’s reconstruction in the near future, with the participation of international and regional stakeholders, to co-ordinate efforts, define priorities, and ensure that aid is directed effectively and sustainably.The German foreign minister ruled out his country’s participation in any potential international force to stabilise the Gaza Strip, asserting that the German government does not see a realistic possibility at present of deploying German troops for such a mission.He added that talk of an international force is not merely symbolic or political, but rather entails intervention to impose security in a highly complex environment.He further stated that this type of mission is currently inconceivable for German forces. He clarified that Germany is instead focusing on contributing politically and diplomatically to international efforts aimed at reaching a sustainable settlement, noting that any future security arrangements in Gaza must be part of a comprehensive political process that enjoys clear international legitimacy and regional acceptance. Source link
Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak (second right) leaves after his verdict in the 1MDB trial at the Palace of Justice, which houses the Malaysian Court…
Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker near the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Gulf, saying it was carrying 4mn litres of smuggled fuel, state media reported yesterday. Authorities did not name the vessel or disclose its nationality. They said 16 foreign crew members had been detained on criminal charges. State TV said the tanker was seized on Wednesday.Iranian news websites published video footage and photographs of what they said was the seized tanker. Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6mn litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman without identifying the vessel or its nationality. Iran, which has some of the world’s lowest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and a sharp fall in the value of its national currency, has been seeking to curb widespread fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to other states. Source link
Qatar’s Fares Ahmed Jaber yesterday stunned weightlifting fans by winning a staggering tally of 15 medals – 12 gold and 3 silver – on the final day of the 10th Qatar International Cup, an event that also included the Arab and the West Asian Championships. Overall the Qatari weightlifting team concluded its memorable participation in the combined championships, which included the 10th Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship for Youth, Junior, and Senior categories, and the West Asian Championship, held at the Ezdan Palace Hotel. The event saw wide participation from over 25 countries and more than 250 athletes.The Qatari weightlifting team achieved a remarkable feat by winning 24 medals, including 21 gold and 3 silver medals, distributed between the team’s stars Fares and Ouissal Ikhlef. Fares yesterday excelled in various age categories, cementing his status as one of the most promising rising talents regionally and internationally.In the Qatar International Cup, the 110kg weight class witnessed fierce competition, with Fares securing the silver medal in the clean and jerk by lifting 201kg in a thrilling battle against a field of elite international weightlifters. Uzbek weightlifter Hasanbayev Davranbek won gold in both the snatch and total, while Saudi Arabia’s Ali Ahmed Alkhazal claimed gold in the clean and jerk.Fares continued his impressive performance in the Arab Championships, winning silver in the men’s clean and jerk, in addition to three gold medals in the youth and junior categories, dominating the snatch, clean and jerk, and total, achieving remarkable results. In the West Asian Championships, Fares won three gold medals in the youth category, in addition to new gold medals in the junior category, making him one of the most decorated weightlifters and leading Qatar’s participation successfully. Earlier on Thursday, Qatar’s Ikhlef achieved a historic feat by winning nine gold medals in the same combined championships.Ikhlef delivered an outstanding performance, lifting 116kg in the snatch, 161kg in the clean and jerk, and a total weight of 277kg, reflecting her development and technical prowess. Fares said yesterday: “I look forward to winning more laurels for the country in the coming months, raising Qatar’s name high in regional and international arenas. I will continue to work hard to achieve my ambitions and the ambitions of the sport in the future.”Mohammed bin Yousef al-Mana, President of the Qatar Weightlifting Federation (QWF), praised the support of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC). Al-Mana told reporters the QOC president is the main driving force behind Qatar achieving the ‘amazing results’.Al-Mana said: “We dedicate this great achievement to our wise leadership, in appreciation of their continuous support and keen interest in developing Qatari sports, which has enabled our champions to achieve the best results. This achievement reflects the development of weightlifting in Qatar and the success of our training programs and the technical and administrative support we provide.”Al-Mana added: “We will continue to support and develop Qatari weightlifters and work on preparing future champions. Doing this will enhance Qatar’s position on the international sports map.” We are delighted with the performances of Qatari lifters: Al-MansouriJassim Ibrahim al-Mansouri, Secretary-General of QWF, praised the achievement of weightlifter Fares and Ikhlef, emphasising that their success reflects the systematic approach adopted by the Federation. Al-Mansouri said: “Fares Jaber’s achievement of winning 15 medals in the combined championships is a great accomplishment for Qatari weightlifting and shows we possess promising talent capable of competing internationally.” He added: “The results achieved by our athletes in the Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship, and the West Asian Championship are the fruit of sound planning and comprehensive preparation programs of the Federation, with the support and follow-up of the Board of Directors, chaired by His Excellency Mohammed bin Yousef al-Mana.”He continued: “At the Federation, we place great importance on developing youth categories as they are the foundation for building future champions for Qatar.Fares is a shining example of a disciplined and ambitious player, capable of representing Qatar in the best possible way in upcoming competitions, in the region and internationally.” Source link
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will discuss territorial issues, the main stumbling block in talks to end the war, with US President Donald Trump in Florida tomorrow, as a 20-point peace framework and a security guarantee deal near completion. Announcing the meeting, Zelensky said “a lot can be decided before the New Year,” as Washington drives efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. “As for the sensitive issues: We will discuss both Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We will certainly discuss other issues as well,” he told reporters in a WhatsApp chat. Source link
A view shows an interior of a damaged mosque after several people were killed in an explosion in Homs, Syria yesterday. An explosion killed at least eight worshippers and injured another 21 at a mosque in Syria’s Homs yesterday, state media said.Health authorities in the city reported that the explosion occurred inside Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi Al Dahab neighbourhood of Homs yesterday.A security source meanwhile revealed that initial investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque.Civil defence teams are working to remove the traces of destruction and secure the site, with investigations continuing to uncover the circumstances of the incident.Syria’s interior ministry said in a statement that “a terrorist explosion” targeted the mosque and that authorities had “begun investigating and collecting evidence to pursue the perpetrators of this criminal act”.Syria’s foreign ministry condemned a “cowardly criminal act”, saying it came “in the context of repeated desperate attempts to undermine security and stability and spread chaos among the Syrian people”, vowing to hold the attackers accountable.Several countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkiye and Jordan condemned the attack.Yesterday, Syrian state television reported the release of 70 detainees in the coastal city of Latakia “after it was proven that they were not involved in war crimes”, saying more releases would follow.In a speech this month marking a year since the fall of Bashar Assad, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasised the importance of all Syrians unifying efforts to “to build a strong Syria”.Despite major achievements in relaunching Syria’s foreign standing, Sharaa faces the major domestic challenge of maintaining security and unity domestically. Source link
Magna Grecia Star won the Distaff Cup with a powerful late finish at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday.Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik-owned and Debbie Mountain-trained three-year-old bay filly continued her upward trajectory this season, doubling her tally with a determined success in the Thoroughbred Fillies and Mares Graduation run over 1,400m to win the cup. The filly was patiently ridden before unleashing a powerful late sweep in the home straight, edging out the gallant September Leaves by a neck to secure the victory.The race was run at a solid and even tempo as Flashy Dark Angel dictated proceedings for much of the journey, tracked closely by Kaliysta, September Leaves and Ripple Effect, the leading quartet maintaining their positions through the early and middle stages with little change in the order. As they straightened, several runners began to close, but it was Magna Grecia Star and September Leaves who emerged as the principal dangers. Produced from the rear of the field, Magna Grecia Star unleashed a strong sweeping run from the outside, drawing alongside September Leaves and locking horns in a fierce duel all the way to the line. The pair flashed past the post almost together in a blanket finish, with the result only confirmed after a photo. Magna Grecia Star was eventually declared the winner by a very narrow margin. September Leaves, representing Al Eida Racing, trained by Gassim al-Ghazali and ridden by Marco Casamento, was gallant in defeat in second while Ripple Effect, racing for Abdulrahman Fahad al-Attiyah, from the Hamad al-Jehani yard and partnered by Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi, finished a further one and a quarter lengths back in third. In the penultimate race of the day, jockey Ivan Rossi completed a double as he rode Winston’s Tipple, in the silks of Al Jasra Stud, to victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (65-85) race for three-year-old+.Settled just behind the early leaders, Winston’s Tipple watched a steadily run contest unfold as Lucentio dictated the tempo, tracked closely by See All Match and Cambria Legend. The trio maintained their positions through the early and middle stages with the pace remaining moderate while Winston’s Tipple was momentarily shuffled further back as the field bunched approaching the home turn. Passing the bend, Lucentio and See All Match appeared set to fight out the finish as they continued to control the race. Winston’s Tipple, however, emerged from the outside with perfect timing in the final 200m, unleashing a sharp turn of foot that saw him sweep past his rivals and strike the front in a matter of strides to land the spoils. Corpus Juris, representing Al Ghazali Stud, trained by Jassim al-Ghazali and partnered by Marco Casamento, stayed on well to secure second while Tamborrada, racing for Fahad Salem al-Hajri, prepared by Mohammed Hassan al-Matwi and ridden by Arnaud De Lepine, finished a further three-quarters of a length back in third. Earlier in the eight-race card opener, Rossi guided Dawod to the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate race for three-year-olds.Dawod put a modest debut behind him to open his account in the over 1,400m, Class 6, race, prevailing by one and a half lengths from 14 runners. The bay gelding, racing for Al Wasmiyah Farm, trained by Hamad al-Jehani, under Rossi, showed marked improvement at just his second career start to get off the mark, with the progeny of Mister Ginoux dominating the first three places. Breaking well from barrier six, Dawod quickly moved to the front after Lzaz showed early speed from the gates. Once in control, Dawod travelled comfortably and set his own rhythm, never looking in danger as he maintained the advantage throughout. Lzaz, carrying the same colours, remained in close attendance and applied pressure along the way, with HM Al Jadwal tracking the leading pair. Turning for home, the order remained unchanged and Lzaz closed the gap inside the final 200m, briefly threatening to challenge. Dawod; however, responded willingly, keeping his rival at bay and holding on gamely to seal a deserved victory. Lzaz, representing the same ownership and handled by Mohammed al-Ghazali with Soufiane Saadi aboard, secured second to complete a one–two for Al Wasmiyah Farm. HM Al Jadwal, racing for Al Majd Stud, trained by Yousef al-Jumaily and ridden by Louis Nomis, finished a further three and a half length back in third, completing a clean sweep for the Mister Ginoux progeny. Source link
MCC1 won the championship in the ISC women’s cricket tournament. The Ladies Box Cricket Season 2, conducted under the banner of the ISC ‘Khel Mahotsav,’ concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation and high-quality competition, reflecting the growing engagement of women in sports and community activities in Qatar.The final match, held at the Doha Pearling International School ground, witnessed a closely contested encounter in which Mangalore Cricket Association 1 (MCC1) emerged as champions, registering a four-wicket victory over Mangalore Cricket Association 2 (MCC2).The tournament saw participation from multiple women’s teams across Qatar, including Alpha Squad, Captains Screw, Sealine Strikers, Team Al Khor, SNVB Thrissur, and others, underscoring the inclusive and competitive spirit of the event.For the individual awards, the Best Batter was awarded to Sathya Sasikumar (MCC2) while the Best Bowler went to Trupti Kale (MCC1). Sathya Sasikumar (MCC2) received the the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.The matches were officiated by umpires Satya Anumalla and Kiran Kumar, ensuring fair play and smooth conduct throughout the tournament.The closing ceremony was attended by office-bearers and management committee members of the Indian Sports Centre, including president EP Abdurahman, vice president Sithendu Pal, general secretary Hamsa Yusuf, head of Cricket Deepak Chukkala, secretary Basheer Thuvarikkal, joint secretary Kavita Mahendran, and management committee members Abdul Azeem, Hamsa P Kunniyil, Chandrashekhar Angadi, Somaraju and Nivedita Mehta, who presented the trophies and awards to the winners and outstanding performers. Source link