Day: March 15, 2023

National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander, Major General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today patronized a ceremony to celebrate the Royal Guard Day.

The event was also attended by Royal Guard Special Force Commander Colonel Staff HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today patronized a ceremony celebrating the Royal Guard Day and honoured the winners of sports competitions.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa received the 2023 Royal Guard Day Cup during the ceremony after the Royal Guard Special Force ranked first.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa also honoured the organizing committees and participants, congratulating the winners in different sports competitions.

He stressed the importance of such sports competitions and activities in raising the level of physical fitness, which contributes significantly to increasing military efficiency, hailing the participants’ fairplay.

Royal Guard Day Deputy Commander Major General Hamad Khalifa Al Nuaimi and other officers have also attended.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which was hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from 11 to 15 March, concluded this evening.

The global event was hosted in the presence of more than 1,700 parliamentary figures representing about 143 parliaments, as well as parliamentary organizations and unions.

Chaired by Council of Representatives Speaker, IPU 146th Assembly Chairman, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, the 146th IPU Assembly issued the final statement -"Manama Declaration" - affirming parliaments' commitment to enacting laws criminalizing hatred and violence and establishing constructive dialogue with parliamentarians of all beliefs.

“We, members of Parliament from around the world, gathered at the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, are acutely aware of the dangers that hatred, intolerance, exclusion and violence in all its forms pose to the foundations of democracy and the social contract that binds our societies”.

“Plagued by greed and competition, our world faces social and economic inequalities on an unprecedented scale and worsening economic insecurity that leads to the disintegration of communities, leaving increasing numbers of people socially isolated, self-reliant and often without adequate access to public services and social safety nets”.

“Inequality and economic insecurity can fuel anger and frustration in communities everywhere. The inherent dignity of every human being can be undermined by factors such as poverty, denial of inalienable economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, violations of the rule of law, discrimination against women, lack of youth inclusion, and the de facto exclusion from politics of the most vulnerable and marginalized”.

“Xenophobia, racism, intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigma, discrimination, and extremist narratives are all expressions of this deep malaise in our societies. It manifests itself in hate speech or explicit violence in various forms against immigrants, persons with disabilities and marginalized national, ethnic, religious, linguistic or other groups that are perceived as a threat to the established order”.

“It can also be expressed in the desecration of religious sites and symbols, actions that are deeply offensive to people of faith. However, we recognize diversity within our communities as a source of enrichment, and we reaffirm the fundamental rights and freedoms of all peoples, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, said the final statement.

“Unfortunately, some in positions of power in society seek to exploit the weaknesses of others, and to sow hatred and division as a means to advance their own interests. Digital platforms designed to facilitate social interaction and communication are being misused to target, amplify and spread misinformation and bad faith against others.

“The ease with which some speak in complete disregard for the truth carries profound dangers to democracy, and most disturbingly, their words can be a direct cause of violence and intolerance within communities and between nations.”

“We can address these challenges by encouraging collaborative networks that foster dialogue and joint ventures in community service, creating channels for conflict prevention and mediation, promoting moderation, advancing education and building awareness, and by encouraging community and religious leaders to contribute to these goals”.

“We commit to speaking out against intolerance and especially any advocacy of hatred that constitutes discrimination, hostility or violence, and we will also help resolve the conflict through the exercise of parliamentary diplomacy”.

“We consider it our unique responsibility, as parliamentarians, to speak and act responsibly towards all people, especially those who disagree with us, in ways that bring people together in pursuit of the common good”.

“We affirm that societies that are inclusive and just, and in which rights are respected, are more likely to be cohesive, peaceful and democratic”.

“We pledge to combat inequality through rights-based economic and social policies that put people before profits and the weak before the powerful, and uphold equality and dignity for every person”.

“We reaffirm the urgent need to implement the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 – leaving no one behind – as our best hope for peace, democracy and sustainable development for all.”

"We pledge to take this Declaration forward through concrete actions and in accordance with the core values of the IPU as articulated in its current strategy.", the final statement concludes.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Qatar Charity (QC) said that its 'Alaqraboon' initiative delivered social assistance worth nearly QR 195 million to 4,102 cases, and implemented approximately 296 programs and initiatives through its community development centers in 2022.

The beneficiaries of humanitarian aid in Qatar included families with limited income, those in debt, the sick, widows, people with special needs, students, the elderly, families of prisoners, and divorced women, while sponsorships were provided to orphans, students, and families with special needs. The number of those sponsored by the QC reached 1,000.

Qatar Charity's cultural, social, and awareness programs targeted workers, families, expatriate communities, students, children, women, youth, people with special needs, and the elderly, in addition to orphans and widows.

As QC attaches significant attention to community services, it launched the 'Alaqraboon' initiative last month, which includes a bunch of community programs and initiatives and educational and awareness activities implemented within Qatar.

The initiative includes social assistance programs that work to receive and study requests for assistance for appropriate cases, and sponsorships for those most in need within the local community, empower families in Qatar through training, and support small business owners, in addition to developing new programs to raise financial awareness through workshops, lectures, consultations, and community initiatives.

The 'Alaqraboon' initiative also includes the expatriate communities fund program, which contributes to supporting their members and implementing various projects for them, and the worker support fund to help those who have problems with their companies and those who need to pay the treatment cost.

The initiative also includes awareness, educational, and health activities for them, in addition to providing in-kind materials to them. Besides, there are programs of partnership with local commercial entities for community service.

The QC is keen to recruit and involve volunteers in charitable and humanitarian work within and outside Qatar and raise awareness of voluntary work in the community. In this regard, Qatar Charity launched the Initiatives and Volunteering Incubator 'Ezdehar'.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced the settlement of 99 percent of the total number of complaints it received regarding telecom services during the past year.

In a statement on Wednesday, the CRA said that 99 percent of complaints received from telecommunications services consumers during the past year were settled, in conjunction with the World Consumer Rights Day, which falls on March 15 of each year.

During 2022, CRA received 2,389 complaints and inquiries from consumers about telecom services in Qatar.

Complaints were evaluated by CRA based on a set of criteria to determine their validity to CRA's complaint process; 844 were valid complaints and CRA resolved 99 percent of the total valid complaints received.

Also, CRA is working with the telecom Service Providers; Ooredoo Qatar Q.P.S.C. and Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. to finalize the related investigation of the remaining ones.

The statistics indicate that 76 percent of all received complaints were related to mobile services and the highest percentage of received complaints were related to packages issues, mobile number portability service, and billing of post-paid services.

As for fixed-line services, the statistics indicate that they were 24 percent of the total complaints, and the most received complaints were related to internet service disconnection, internet speed, and billing complaints.

CRA Director of Consumer Affairs Amel Salem Al Hanawi said: "We mark World Consumer Rights Day by reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that telecom consumers in the State of Qatar have their rights protected. Also in line with CRA's keenness to enhance transparency, we will continue publishing the data related to consumer complaints."

She added: "CRA ensures protecting consumers' rights by developing proper regulatory instruments, granting the telecom Service Providers the necessary licenses, determining the necessary obligations on them, monitoring their compliance with these obligations, and resolving consumers' complaints if not resolved by the Service Providers or if consumers are not satisfied with the provided resolution. In addition to enhancing the sustainable competition between the Service Providers to ensure the provision of innovative and high-quality services."

Under CRA's telecom complaint resolution process, consumers with a complaint are free to approach the CRA if their complaint lodged directly to their service provider about a mobile service disconnection remains open or unresolved for 48 hours, or 72 hours in case of fixed-line disconnection. Also, if the complaint is not related to a service disconnection and remains unresolved for 30 calendar days or if the complaint is closed at any time and they were dissatisfied with the offered resolution.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Lattakia, SANA-An Emirati aid plane arrived at Lattakia International Airport for those affected by the earthquake.

“The plane was carrying 19.6 tons of relief aid, including school bags and stationery, with the aim of supporting and assisting those affected by the earthquake in the stricken areas”, the Director of Lattakia International Airport, Eng. Ziyad al-Taweel, told SANA reporter.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Moscow, SANA- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, discussed with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, the foundations of bilateral cooperation and a number of issues of common concern.

“Lavrov and Mikdad discussed during their meeting a number of regional and international issues that received special attention from both sides, the most important of which are the changes taking place in the Middle East along with Syria’s restoration of its rights in the League of Arab States and other topics,” RIA Novosti quoted the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement Wednesday.

According to the statement, Lavrov affirmed his country’s support for the positive changes taking place in the Arab world.

“We will continue to support this positive trend and positive feelings in the Arab world during the next ministerial meeting between the League of Arab States and Russia, which we plan to organize in the coming months.” Lavrov said.

He added that Russia, with the support of Syria and other Arab countries, has been working for many years to strengthen the concept of collective security in the Gulf region and adjacent areas, pointing out that there are many conflicts in the region, which have extended to a number of countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Moscow, SANA- In his Excellency’s first station of his visit to Federal Russia, President Bashar al-Assad, and the accompanying delegation, visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and laid wreath at the monument.

President al-Assad was received by General Yevgeny Seleznev, Commander of the Moscow Garrison, Director of Russian Foreign protocol, as the President reviewed the Honor Guard and the official orchestra played the tune of the unknown soldier and the national anthem of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier symbolizes martyrdom in defending the homeland, as well as for cities whose locals have shown models of heroism in defending them.

The Syrian delegation accompanying President al-Assad comprises of Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, Minister of Presidential Affairs Mansour Azzam, Economy and Foreign Trade Minister Samer al-Khalil, Defense Minister, General Ali Abbas , Finance Minister Kanan Yaghi, Chairman of Planning and International Cooperation Commission Dr. Fadi al-Khalil, Cabinet Secretary General Dr. Qais Khedr , Special Adviser at the Republic’s Presidency, Luna al-Shebel and Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic to Moscow.

President Assad arrived in Moscow yesterday evening for an official visit to the Russian Federation, during which he is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Moscow, SANA- Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas discussed with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu mutual cooperation in the military domain.

“The Syrian and Russian Defense Ministers held official talks on the latest developments in Syria and the military-technical cooperation between the two countries,” Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated on Wednesday.

The two sides underlined the importance of continued close cooperation; one that preserves the security and stability of Syria.

Shoigu extended condolence to the families of the victims and those affected by the devastating earthquake, asserting his country’s support to Syria.

“In the recent years, we have walked a long way, a huge distance in terms of liberation of Syrian territory from international terrorism. There is, of course, still a lot of work ahead, but most of this work has been done,” Shoigu said, according to the Defense Ministry.

General Abbas, for his part, hoped that the bilateral cooperation would continue to thrive in future, extending appreciation to the efforts of Russia in Syria.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency