Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urges support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

Netherlands' outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte gestures as he leaves his office in the Torentje after delivering a farewell speech in The Hague on June 30, 2024. (ANP photo via AFP)

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Updated 01 July 2024

July 01, 2024 05:48

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urges support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

After leading the country for 14 years, he will take over as NATO’s new secretary-general later this year
He stressed the need to continue support for Ukraine, “for peace there and security here”

Updated 01 July 2024

July 01, 2024 05:48

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: Long-serving Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged his country to support Ukraine and international cooperation in his final address to his compatriots Sunday, as an inward-looking new government is set to take over the Netherlands in two days.
“It is crucial that our country is embedded in the European Union and NATO. Together we are stronger than alone. Especially now,” the 57-year-old Rutte said from his office in The Hague.
After leading the country for 14 years, he will take his experience with consensus-building to Brussels, where he will take over as NATO’s new secretary-general later this year.
He stressed the need to continue support for Ukraine, “for peace there and security here.” The new government, expected to take office on Tuesday, has pledged to maintain assistance. But far-right populist Geert Wilders, whose party won the largest block of seats in last year’s election, has expressed pro-Russia views and Kremlin backers cheered his victory at the polls.
Rutte described the MH17 tragedy in 2014 as “perhaps the most drastic and emotional event” during his tenure. The passenger jet was shot down over eastern Ukraine as it traveled from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, killing all 298 passengers and crew, including 196 Dutch citizens.
A Dutch court convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian in 2022 of involvement in the downing of the Boeing 777.
Known for cycling to meetings and his dedication to politics, Rutte highlighted his country’s positive attributes.
“There is no war here, you can be who you are, we are prosperous,” he said in the 12-minute speech.
He acknowledged that there had been low points during his tenure, including a child benefits scandal that wrongly labeled thousands of parents as fraudsters.
Wearing a white shirt with several of the top buttons undone, Rutte said that his time in office had added some “gray hairs and wrinkles” to his appearance.

Battle of the Giants will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as combat sports hub, say MMA chiefs

Updated 2 min 25 sec ago

Arab News

October 16, 2024 20:53

Battle of the Giants will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as combat sports hub, say MMA chiefs

Riyadh to host latest event as Professional Fighters League and Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation continue partnership

Updated 2 min 25 sec ago

Arab News

October 16, 2024 20:53

RIYADH: Battle of the Giants: Brace For Impact, which will take place on Saturday, is set to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for combat sports, say the CEOs of the Professional Fighters League and Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

The big fight night at The Mayadeen will be headlined by Francis Ngannou’s PFL debut against 6-foot-8-inch phenomenon Renan “Problema” Ferreira for the heavyweight world title, while MMA legend Cris Cyborg faces hard-hitting Brazilian Larissa Pacheco in the women’s featherweight world title fight.

Saturday’s fight night is the latest of six PFL events in the Kingdom in 2024 so far and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading destination for major MMA competitions.

PFL and SMMAF have partnered up to advance the sport across the Kingdom. On Wednesday they held a joint media day in Riyadh to promote both Saturday’s fight and the growth of mixed martial arts in the Kingdom.

Abdullah Al-Hazza, CEO of SMMAF, said: “Hosting major international events and partnering with organizations like PFL not only puts Saudi Arabia on the global MMA map but also brings world-class fighters and competitions to our local audience. And that is very much the case with Battle of the Giants: Brace For Impact on Saturday in Riyadh.

“Partnerships like ours provide Saudi fighters with the opportunity to train and compete against the best in the world, and the exposure and experience gained through these events are invaluable for the development of our athletes. Just ask Hattan Al-Saif, Mostafa Nada, Malik Basahel and Abdullah Al-Qahtani, for example, all of whom have demonstrated their skills and elevated their careers.”

Meanwhile, Pete Murray, CEO of PFL, reiterated the brand’s support for Saudi Arabia’s vision of building a world-class MMA ecosystem of MMA and of being a global leader within it.

“This ties to Vision 2030, with the idea of developing future champions,” he said. “We at PFL pledge to play our role, and this continues Saturday when we couldn’t be prouder to host the biggest MMA event about at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, headlined by world-class fighters in Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira.

“Riyadh has become the fight capital of the world, with boxing and now MMA. The region itself is a major demand growth market and the epicenter of that is right here.”

Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 100 global sports events since 2018, with 2.5 million international fans in attendance. The number of sports federations has increased by 200 percent in the last nine years from 32 in 2015 to 97 in 2024. And Saudi people have clearly been inspired — the number of people participating in sports rose from 13 percent in 2015 to 48 percent in 2023.

US says Israel must show no Gaza ‘policy of starvation’

Updated 5 min 13 sec ago

Reuters

October 16, 2024 20:48

US says Israel must show no Gaza ‘policy of starvation’

“The Government of Israel has said that this is not their policy, that food and other essential supplies will not be cut off,” Thomas-Greenfield said
“Food and supplies must be surged into Gaza, immediately”

Updated 5 min 13 sec ago

Reuters

October 16, 2024 20:48

UNITED NATIONS: The United States is watching to ensure that Israel’s actions on the ground show that it does not have a “policy of starvation” in the northern Gaza Strip, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council on Wednesday.
She told the 15-member council that such a policy would be “horrific and unacceptable and would have implications under international law and US law.”
“The Government of Israel has said that this is not their policy, that food and other essential supplies will not be cut off, and we will be watching to see that Israel’s actions on the ground match this statement,” Thomas-Greenfield said, in a ratcheting up of the US posture toward its longtime ally.
The United States has told Israel that it must take steps in the next 30 days to improve the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave or face potential restrictions on US military aid, US officials said on Tuesday.
“Food and supplies must be surged into Gaza, immediately. And there must be humanitarian pauses across Gaza to allow for vaccinations and the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
A deadly attack on southern Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, triggered Israel’s retaliation in Hamas-run Gaza, sparking a humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. Authorities say more than 42,000 people have been killed and almost the entire population of 2.3 million displaced.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the council that the issue in Gaza was not a lack of aid, saying more than 1 million tons had been delivered during the past year. He accused Hamas of hijacking the humanitarian assistance.
“Israel, along with our international partners, continues to flood Gaza with aid, but it will never reach all those in need as long as Hamas remains in power,” he said. “Hamas has weaponized the humanitarian situation.”
Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli allegations that it was stealing aid and says Israel is to blame for shortages.

’UNCONSCIONABLE’
The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza and distributing it throughout the war zone, blaming impediments on Israel and lawlessness. The UN said no food aid entered northern Gaza between Oct. 2 and Oct. 15.
“Given the abject conditions and intolerable suffering in north Gaza, the fact that humanitarian access is nearly nonexistent is unconscionable,” acting UN aid chief Joyce Msuya told the council.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military unit that oversees aid and commercial shipments to Gaza said 50 trucks carrying food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment provided by Jordan were transferred to northern Gaza.
Msuya said that throughout Gaza less than a third of the 286 humanitarian missions coordinated with Israel during the past two weeks were facilitated without major incidents or delays.
She said that on Oct. 12 a humanitarian team reached two hospitals in northern Gaza after they were denied or impeded by Israeli forces nine times. They transferred more than a dozen critical patients to Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
“These missions were completed amid fierce ongoing hostilities,” said Msuya, adding that drivers in the convoy “were subjected to humiliating treatment during security screening and temporary detention” at an Israeli checkpoint.
“Medical staff kept one child alive by hand pumping oxygen for over seven hours until they made it through the checkpoint,” she said.
Danon cited the recent medical mission as an example of Israel’s “comprehensive” humanitarian efforts, adding that “as always, we acted in accordance with international law, going above and beyond our obligations.”
Danon also spoke about the start of a second round of polio vaccinations on Monday by the UN children’s agency UNICEF and the World Health Organization, targeting 590,000 children under the age of 10 during area-specific pauses in fighting.
Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama questioned Israel’s humanitarian efforts.
“How is it possible that we can vaccinate these children yet we cannot feed them?” he said. “The inevitable conclusion is that this is not ... collateral damage, but a deliberate calculated Israeli policy of starvation.”

Topics: War on Gaza Israel US starvation

Pakistan calls for direct flights to Russia amid push for increased connectivity

Updated 24 min 21 sec ago

Arab News Pakistan

October 16, 2024 20:11

Pakistan calls for direct flights to Russia amid push for increased connectivity

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif meets Russia counterpart at SCO summit’s sidelines in Pakistan’s capital
Islamabad has been eyeing increased connectivity with Central Asian states, Russia for economic progress

Updated 24 min 21 sec ago

Arab News Pakistan

October 16, 2024 20:11

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed the need for direct flights between Pakistan and Russia to enhance connectivity between the two states, his office said, as Islamabad warms up to regional countries in a bid to improve its economic prospects.

Pakistan has recently pushed for enhanced regional connectivity with Central Asian countries and Russia in its bid to unlock mutual economic opportunities, particularly in energy, trade and infrastructure. The South Asian country hopes it can tap into its tourism potential and use its strategic geographical location to improve trade and cooperation with Russia and other states as it fights to ward off a prolonged economic crisis.

Sharif met Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit of the Heads of Government in Islamabad on Oct. 16. Both leaders discussed bilateral ties and economic prospects, Sharif’s office said.

“He (Sharif) also emphasized the need for direct flights between Russia and Pakistan for enhanced connectivity between the two countries,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

The two premiers noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia ties over the past two decades. Sharif and Mishustin spoke about bilateral cooperation and agreed to pursue “robust dialogue” and cooperation in trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education sectors, the PMO said.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen political, economic, and defense ties with Russia. The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation at different international forums, including the United Nations and SCO.

COLD WAR RIVALS

Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have warmed up to each other in recent years through regular business and trade interactions.

Islamabad’s ties with Russia also saw a significant improvement in 2023 after Pakistan started purchasing Russian crude oil at a discount rate. The development came after geopolitical tensions almost doubled the fuel prices in Pakistan, forcing the South Asian country to opt for cheaper sources of fuel.

Last week, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari met Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an international forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where they pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties.

In September, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk visited Islamabad on a brief visit, seeking to expand trade and investment ties with Pakistan.

Topics: Pakistan Russia Ties

UK’s UN envoy calls for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian action in Gaza

Updated 40 min 46 sec ago

Arab News

October 16, 2024 20:14

UK’s UN envoy calls for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian action in Gaza

UK urged immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, violence in Lebanon

Updated 40 min 46 sec ago

Arab News

October 16, 2024 20:14

NEW YORK CITY: The UK urged immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza during a meeting at the UN on Wednesday.

Barbara Woodward, Britain’s permanent representative to the UN, said at a Security Council session that the UK supported the call for the emergency meeting, with a focus on urgent steps needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians in the region.

“The situation in northern Gaza is harrowing,” she said.

“Approximately 400,000 Gazans have been ordered to evacuate the north and move southward to the IDF-designated humanitarian zone. Many of these people will already have been displaced, some many times over, and are desperately searching for refuge.

“But there are no safe places in Gaza. Just this week we saw horrifying images following the Israeli strike on Al-Aqsa Hospital, inside the IDF-designated humanitarian zone,” she added.

Woodward highlighted the severe challenges faced by those attempting to flee, including intimidation, traveling in active conflict zones and the threat of airstrikes. Those who remain face dire conditions, with extreme hunger and little access to healthcare or basic services.

The representative pointed to the lack of food aid delivered to northern Gaza in the first half of October, criticizing the Israeli authorities for blocking or delaying the majority of humanitarian efforts. With aid levels expected to be the lowest since the conflict began, the UK envoy described the situation as “unconscionable,” especially with a second winter approaching for Gaza’s population, which has been left with diminished resilience and resources.

She called on Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure that aid reaches all areas of Gaza, expressing concern about legislative efforts to undermine UNRWA, a key player in the humanitarian response.

In a broader appeal, she demanded that civilians in northern Gaza be allowed to return to their communities and rebuild, warning against any forcible transfers or reductions in the territory of the Gaza Strip.

Woodward also highlighted the need for an immediate ceasefire to bring an end to the conflict and called on Hamas to release the 101 hostages still in captivity.

Beyond Gaza, she reiterated the UK’s call for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, urging all parties to avoid civilian casualties and ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel. In the West Bank, the UK envoy urged the Israeli government to crack down on settler violence and halt the expansion of illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

To support accountability, the UK recently imposed further sanctions on three illegal settler outposts and four organizations linked to human rights abuses against Palestinians.

“The Palestinian people, the Israeli people and the region as a whole deserve a better reality than the daily cycle of violence and fear to which they have become accustomed. But there is a path to peace, one which would see a safe and secure Palestinian state, beside a safe and secure Israel,” Woodward said.

“We urge the parties to be courageous and to take the path toward peace and a better future for their people.”

Topics: War on Gaza Battlefield Lebanon Israel Palestine Lebanon Gaza Hamas Hezbollah UK UN

UNHCR official says refugee numbers will surge without urgent climate action

Updated 49 min 48 sec ago

Nadia Al Faour

October 16, 2024 20:06

UNHCR official says refugee numbers will surge without urgent climate action

Global Future Councils, Andrew Harper underlines need ‘to turn despondency into hope’
Prof. Tolu Oni: ‘Future cities could be transformative if designed to be “cleaner, greener, and fairer”’

Updated 49 min 48 sec ago

Nadia Al Faour

October 16, 2024 20:06

DUBAI: The global refugee crisis will continue to escalate unless immediate action is taken to address the effects of climate change, Andrew Harper, special advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, told the Global Future Councils in Dubai on Tuesday.

Highlighting the inextricable link between human security and climate change, Harper said that current data paints a grim picture, making it difficult to remain optimistic about future outcomes.

“There are talks, meetings and conferences but we are still not seeing the change that is required,” Harper said.

“The number of vulnerable people and refugees fleeing conflicts and climate disasters will only increase if no change is implemented. The climate is getting warmer and so we simply must change from rhetoric to action.”

With more than 120 million refugees worldwide, Harper said that accountability must extend not only to the refugees themselves but also to the countries that host them.

“How do you go about empowering people when you’ve got budget cuts in food programs and other organizations? There are no schools, no education on sustainability, we have got to turn despondency into hope.”

Harper called for a focus on “repairing the environment,” adequately funding frontline workers, and building sustainable infrastructure, stressing the importance of including women and youth in decision-making processes to “find long term solutions for our long term problems.”

According to UNHCR, 84 percent of refugees and asylum seekers in 2022 came from highly climate-vulnerable countries, up from 61 percent in 2010.

Only 1 percent of refugees have been able to return home, a challenge expected to grow as climate change continues to worsen conditions in many countries, further deteriorating basic living conditions and hindering opportunities for development in many countries of origin.

The Institute for Economics and Peace predicts that in the worst-case scenario, 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050 as a result of natural disasters and other ecological threats.

Speaking on the “Betazone: Green and Fair?” panel, Tolu Oni, clinical professor of global public health and sustainable urban development at the University of Cambridge, said that cities and large urban areas are not immune to the effects of climate change.

She argued that as pressure and reliance on urbanization grow, cities must be central to climate change discussions.

Oni said “50 percent of greenhouse emissions come from cities. Meanwhile, urbanization is happening faster than ever before in history. It cannot be business-as-usual-models anymore. We need to develop new approaches.”

Oni pointed out that future cities could be transformative if designed to be “cleaner, greener, and fairer,” warning that relying on outdated methods would come at a high cost.

“Are we exploring different ways or still consulting the same people but expecting different outcomes?” she said, adding that “the cost of inaction will be high if cities are not built well and will end up bearing the cost later in a different sector, like the health sector.”

Oni stressed the need for better urban planning and financing, emphasizing intersectoral collaboration. She also called for local action and greater public involvement in decision-making.

“We need to democratize knowledge creation and encourage mainstream participation,” she said, noting that real change can come only through collective effort at every level.

Topics: World Economic Forum Dubai Global future councils

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urges support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urges support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

NATO appoints outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general

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Battle of the Giants will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as combat sports hub, say MMA chiefs

Battle of the Giants will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as combat sports hub, say MMA chiefs

Saudi MMA fighter relishing chance to join ‘Battle of The Giants’

Professional Fighters League reveals ‘Battle of the Giants’ video ahead of Riyadh showdown

US says Israel must show no Gaza ‘policy of starvation’

US says Israel must show no Gaza ‘policy of starvation’

UK’s UN envoy calls for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian action in Gaza

Israeli strikes hit children in Gaza before receiving second polio vaccines, family says

Pakistan calls for direct flights to Russia amid push for increased connectivity

Pakistan calls for direct flights to Russia amid push for increased connectivity

UK’s UN envoy calls for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian action in Gaza

UK’s UN envoy calls for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian action in Gaza

Israeli strikes hit children in Gaza before receiving second polio vaccines, family says

Israel says Lebanon negotiations will only be held ‘under fire’

UNHCR official says refugee numbers will surge without urgent climate action

UNHCR official says refugee numbers will surge without urgent climate action

Global Future Councils meeting in Dubai focuses on AI, environment and governance issues

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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urges support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urges support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

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