Day: June 21, 2024

Members of Jableh Firefighting Unit in Lattakia province extinguished a fire that broke out today in a large café opposite al-Rais Square in Jableh. The Fire Brigade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bassam Raya told SANA reporter that two fire engines extinguished the fire and preventing it from extending to the old market. The fire caused some material damage to the property, while the investigations are ongoing to find out the causes of the fire. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The Japanese government decided on Friday to extend the dispatch of six Self-Defense Force officers to the UN peacekeeping operation in South Sudan by another year, the Foreign Ministry said. The extension, until the end of June next year, was approved at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day in light of the significance of continuing contribution toward international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement. The announcement comes after the UN Security Council adopted resolution in April, which extended the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMISS) until April 30, 2025. "The dispatch of headquarters staff personnel to the UNMISS is intended to support the progress of the peace process in South Sudan together with the international community," the ministry said, adding that this mission is the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan currently deploys its personnel. "From the perspective of maintaining close engagement with the UN, cooperating with African countries in the vicinity of Sou th Sudan and ensuring opportunities for human resource development, the dispatch is meaningful for Japan," the statement said. Since November 2011, Japan has dispatched staff officers at UN mission's headquarters in Juba. Currently, six Ground Self-Defense Force personnel carry out their duties, including Deputy Chief of Staff, as well as officers in charge of logistics, database, engineering, and air operations, it said. Source: Kuwait News Agency

Morocco's Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs on Friday said that there had been no "abnormal situation" regarding deaths among Moroccan pilgrims during the current 1445 Hajj season, adding that twenty deaths had been recorded to date. In a statement on "Deaths among Moroccan pilgrims", the Ministry indicated that these cases of death had been recorded among pilgrims belonging to the official organization and the travel agency organization, virtually the same number compared with the same period of last year's Hajj season. Over the last twenty years, the Ministry pointed out, the number of deaths among Moroccan pilgrims has ranged between 30 and 45 cases each year. With regard to this year's deaths, the Ministry stated that they are "natural deaths", pointing out that 15% of Moroccan pilgrims this year are over 80 years of age. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Board of Trustees Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, hailed the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on transferring all budgets allocated by official authorities for the celebrations of the Silver Jubilee of HM the King's accession to charitable organisations and funds, through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF). Dr. Shaikh Abdullah emphasised that this initiative embodies the values of unity and charitable work. He also said that the Silver Jubilee of HM the King's Accession was an occasion to underscore the achievements attained within the framework of the comprehensive development process, led by HM King Hamad, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah noted the significance of royal initiatives to enhance solidarity and cooperation, the most recent of which were the initiatives announced during the 33rd Arab Summ it. The initiatives included the hosting of an international conference for peace in the Middle East and fostering international partnerships to provide educational and health services to those affected by conflicts in the region. He added that charitable work is strongly associated with the identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and was driven by religious and social values in the Bahraini community. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said that His Majesty the King led a visionary approach that embodies the values of tolerance and forgiveness and fosters dialogue among religions and cultures to contribute to the betterment of humanity. The chairman said that the work of the centre is driven by this approach and the vision of His Majesty to serve the goals of building bridges among cultures. Additionally, he commended the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Board of Trustees Chairman of RHF, in leading the foundation and its in itiatives. Source: Bahrain News Agency