Latest news with #regionalstability
Asharq Al-Awsat
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Report: Türkiye Wants SDF to Show It Abides Deal with Damascus
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) must prove it is adhering to a recent integration agreement with the Syrian government, a Turkish defense ministry source said on Wednesday. Syria's territorial integrity is essential for regional stability and Ankara is closely monitoring events there, following a deal reached on March 10 between Damascus and the SDF, which Türkiye considers a terrorist organization. "The SDF must concretely demonstrate that it is abiding by the agreement it made with the Damascus government," the defense ministry source said, requesting anonymity. Türkiye has repeatedly said it would not tolerate moves that could lead to the fragmentation of Syria and has voiced opposition to any form of autonomy for Kurdish groups near its southern border.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
President Mahama meets Alex Soros of the Open Society Foundations
President John Dramani Mahama held a highly productive meeting on Friday with Mr. Alex Soros, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). The discussion centred on Ghana's notable progress in economic recovery, democratic governance, and regional stability. President Mahama took the opportunity to brief Mr. Soros on the key policy measures driving Ghana's economic revival and the notable progress being made. He elaborated on the government's 'Reset Agenda' aimed at fostering a positive national mindset, ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability institutions, and recent developments within the ECOWAS sub-region. Ghana: A Beacon of Democracy. President Mahama reiterated Ghana's unwavering commitment to upholding the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the fundamental freedoms of its citizenry. He noted Ghana's stellar reputation for democratic governance, marked by peaceful transitions under its 33-year-old Fourth Republican Constitution. 'We've had nine elections, all of which have been successful. And we've experienced several peaceful changes of government from one party to another, all of which have occurred smoothly.' On the economic front, President Mahama stated that Ghana's economy is recovering rapidly, a direct result of bold fiscal and monetary policies underpinned by robust governance principles. He noted the appreciation of the Ghana Cedi by approximately 42% and a sharp decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio, with the government targeting single-digit inflation in the coming months. The President acknowledged that investor confidence had waned in the past due to governance challenges and weakened institutions. However, he reassured Mr. Soros that his administration is committed to non-interference in corruption-related cases and has instituted strict disciplinary measures for all appointees. 'There was a lot of corruption and a lack of accountability. So, we came in with a comprehensive programme to strengthen anti-corruption institutions,' President Mahama explained, referencing the 'Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL),' a major initiative to recover state assets. 'You will continue to hear of prosecutions and other measures against individuals who have mismanaged public resources, as we steadfastly pursue accountability.' Addressing the delicate relations with the three Sahelian countries – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – President Mahama assured Mr. Soros of positive progress in ongoing efforts to reunite the sub-region. He referred to visits to the three countries to establish channels for continuous communication and dialogue. 'We held an ECOWAS meeting barely three weeks ago, and happily, the whole mood has changed. There is now a clear appetite for rapprochement between ECOWAS and the three countries,' he said. 'Discussions are ongoing between the ECOWAS Secretariat and these nations. In the meantime, we all agreed to prioritise the free movement of people and goods across our borders and encourage transit trade.' On his part, Mr. Alex Soros congratulated President Mahama on his re-election victory and commended his leadership. He explained that his visit to Ghana was part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. He noted that the Open Society Foundations in Africa have historically championed ECOWAS integration, celebrating significant achievements such as visa-free travel. Mr. Soros, an investor and philanthropist, expressed his foundation's interest in exploring partnerships and providing support for further regional integration efforts. Besides chairing the OSF Board, he also sits on the investment committee for the Soros Fund Management. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
China "strongly" condemns Pahalgam attack, calls on regional countries to enhance counter terrorism ops
Beijing: After the United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), China has condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack, calling for greater regional cooperation to counter terrorism and ensure stability. China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian lauded the effort of the US in helping combat terrorist activities. When asked about the US State Department's effort by designating The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organisation, Lin said that China condemns all forms of terrorism. "China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22. China calls on regional countries to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and jointly maintain regional security and stability," he said. The US Department of State on Thursday (local time) designated The Resistance Front (TRF). In a statement issued by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, the statement acknowledged the fact that the organisation claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The US, therefore, accorded the TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). "Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024," the statement read. The statement said that this action demonstrated the US President Donald Trump administration's commitment to countering terrorism. "These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," the statement said. "TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT's designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register," the statement added.
LBCI
15-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's FM urges EU to uphold sovereignty, warns of ongoing Israeli threats
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over all of its territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the government's policy statement. Speaking at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Rajji called on the EU to support Lebanon's right to full sovereignty, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation and launch a comprehensive initiative to support the Lebanese army. He emphasized that the army remains the sole legitimate armed force in southern Lebanon, alongside UNIFIL, and is a key pillar of peace and security. Rajji highlighted that the Lebanese army has significantly bolstered its deployment south of the Litani River, with troop numbers expected to reach 10,000—a clear indication of Lebanon's determination to protect national sovereignty and promote regional stability. He warned that the continued occupation of five strategic hilltops—despite a U.S.- and French-mediated agreement—remains a significant obstacle to de-escalation in southern Lebanon. He added that ongoing drone attacks and strikes in both the South and the Bekaa Valley demand urgent international attention. Rajji urged the European Union to mobilize its diplomatic efforts to stop these violations and to uphold Lebanon's right to full sovereignty. He cautioned that weakening the role of the Lebanese army would endanger regional stability and reiterated the importance of renewing UNIFIL's mandate for another year. He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference dedicated to Lebanon's reconstruction and economic recovery and addressed the issue of Syrian displacement—calling for the launch of a safe, dignified, and coordinated return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
Arab News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistani province offers to help build cancer hospital in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: The provincial administration of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Saturday offered assistance to build a cancer hospital in neighboring Afghanistan during a meeting between Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Afghan envoy to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakib. KP shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan and maintains strong cultural and linguistic ties with Pashtun populations across the frontier. The province has also experienced a major surge in militant violence in recent months, with Pakistani officials frequently accusing armed groups based in Afghanistan of orchestrating cross-border attacks, a claim the Taliban government in Kabul denies. 'Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur held an important meeting with Afghanistan's Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakib, during which bilateral relations, mutual cooperation and regional stability were discussed in detail,' the KP administration said in a statement. 'Gandapur offered assistance in establishing a cancer hospital in Afghanistan and assured full support in the agricultural sector [to Kabul] as well,' it added. 'He expressed his commitment that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is ready to play every possible role in the welfare of the Afghan people.' Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan became strained in 2023 when Islamabad launched a major crackdown on undocumented migrants, most of them Afghans, citing security concerns. While Pakistan's federal administration and military adopted a tough posture toward Kabul, it was widely reported in the local media that the KP government wanted diplomatic engagement with Afghan Taliban, signaling an interest in negotiated cooperation. The two sides have recently sought to reset relations and agreed to appoint ambassadors following a China-facilitated tripartite meeting this year. Saturday's discussion also emphasized the deep cultural and ethnic links between the two countries, with both sides agreeing that these bonds should be strengthened through mutual respect and cooperation. The statement said Gandapur plans to send a special delegation to Afghanistan 'to serve as a bridge between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan and to promote trust and harmony.' Ambassador Shakib expressed appreciation for the KP government's support for Afghan refugees and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral ties through peaceful and people-centric initiatives.
