Ankara                                                                                                                                                                                              26 Nov 2017                                                                                                                                                                                  (Anadolu News)

A counter-terrorist bloc of Muslim nations on Sunday stressed the ideological, communications, financing, and military fronts against terrorism during a meeting in the Saudi capital.

Convened with the participation of its 40 members at the ministerial level, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting was held in Riyadh with Turkey's National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli in attendance.

In a final declaration released after the meeting, the coalition emphasized the importance of joint efforts, organized collective action, and comprehensive strategic planning to deal with the threat of terrorism.

The defense ministers said all possible means must be used to confront extremism and terrorism “in all their ideological notions and perceptions, to reveal their truth”.

They also highlighted the role of “education and knowledge” in directly countering terrorism.

They also highlighted the importance of correct Islamic concepts to establish the truth of moderate Islam, “which is consistent with human nature and common values.”

The ministers stressed the significance and role of the media in fighting terrorism and exposing its agenda.

“We will work with the media to counter terrorist propaganda, by destroying its foundations to reduce its influence,” the declaration said, adding that terrorists should be prevented from using the media to deliver their message.

Data exchanges

The ministers also urged that monetary policies, legislation, and financial controls be developed to cut off the sources of terrorist financing.

Calling for increased coordination and technical and security cooperation in the exchange of data and information, the defense ministers emphasized the transfer of knowledge and expertise while fighting terrorism.

The final declaration also stressed providing military capabilities to weaken, dismantle, eliminate, and deprive terrorist groups of the means to reorganize.

Held under the theme “Allied Against Terrorism”, Sunday’s ministerial meeting was set to discuss ways of fighting terrorism and cutting off its finances.

The 40-member bloc was launched by Saudi Arabia in late 2015 with a view to fighting terrorism. It includes countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia and Egypt.

A declaration issued by this May’s Arab-U.S.-Islamic summit in Riyadh said the alliance member states were ready to deploy 34,000 troops to support operations against terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

Doha, Qatar                                                                                                                                                                                          26 Nov 2017

5^th Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute from Nov. 29 to Dec. 04 at Katara Cultural Village, will offer a diverse slate of 36 short films in competition from Qatar and around the world, representing a wide range of perspectives and cinematic approaches.

This year’s line-up of 36 short films in competition presents a rich showcase of inspiring tales from 28 countries. Collectively, the programme will help raise awareness on global issues amongst the youth and stimulate their creativity and thought process. Many of these debut productions transcend multiple genres and varied narratives, and each demonstrate the power and precision of short form cinema made by new voices from Qatar and around the world.

Ajyal jurors in each category analyse the films in their respective categories and select standout works that they feel most strongly engage their inquisitive minds and present authentic statements on society and contemporary culture.

Jurors aged 8 to 12 will watch and discuss films under the Mohaq category with 12 short films to be screened.

Jurors aged 13 to 17 comprise the Hilal jury, who will watch 10 short films, while the Bader jury, aged 18 to 21, will watch two programmes of seven films each.

All three Ajyal Juries will choose the Best Film from their categories, and the directors of the winning films will receive funding support for their next film.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “Short films are an extremely refined form of cinematic expression, requiring very precise focus, where each shot and frame is measured, weighed and shaped to ensure its effectiveness.

She said that We sourced films from across the world to present our jurors a vivid cross-section of movies that present new perspectives on life, transcends borders and provides fresh insights into communities and people.

'In line with the theme of our festival, we focused on films that inspire our audiences with the lighter as well as profound side of life, and encourages them to contribute to positive social change', Fatima AlRemaihi said.

Okinawa, Japan                                                                                                                                                                              (IHS Jane's Defence Weekly)

The US Air Force (USAF) first operational overseas deployment of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is now up and running on the Japanese island of Okinawa, the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) announced recently.

Twelve aircraft and more than 300 personnel from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings (FWs) based at Hill Air Force Base (AFB) in Utah have now begun Theater Security Package (TSP) operations out of Kadena Air Base (AB).

The deployment which began earlier in November will see the F-35As operate alongside USAF Boeing F-15C Eagle fighters from the 18th FW that are co-located at Kadena AB. For the next six months, the TSP will provide reassurance to regional allies that will primarily take the form of joint training missions.

While this deployment is being billed as a first for the USAF, the 34th FS and 466th Fighter Squadrons (also from Hill AFB) were dispatched to Europe in April. Though that event was reported to be a training mission, it also included flying NATO reassurance sorties.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    26 Nov 2017

Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK), a member of Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Pre-University Education (PUE), celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art recreation facility with a fun-packed day of sports activities on Saturday.

The official opening ceremony was attended by senior Qatar Foundation officials including Machaille Al-Naimi, President of Community Development, Buthaina Al Nuaimi, President of PUE and Naser Al Muhannadi from Health, Safety, Security and Environment Department of Qatar Foundation.

Al Muhannadi said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the official opening of the Qatar Academy Al Khor Recreation facility. Part of our mandate at Qatar Foundation is to encourage the community to lead active and healthy lifestyles, so we would really like to encourage everyone to make use of the many amenities on offer.”

Following the ceremony, children, parents, and teachers took part in a range of activities as part of a special QSports Open House event held at the QAK building. The events range from friendly basketball and football tournaments, to gymnastics, karate, and taekwondo classes led by QSports coaches.

The new facility includes a 25m swimming pool and training pool; two multipurpose indoor courts for basketball, volleyball, futsal and badminton; a running track; as well as outdoor football pitches and basketball and volleyball courts.

The QAK Recreation facility is open to the wider community and provides a range of health and fitness, social, and sports-related community classes and activities on a weekly and monthly basis. In addition, the new facilities will be available for rental for interested local groups.

For more information on classes, or to rent out any of the facilities, may contact through email qakrecreation@qf.org.qa  or call Tel: 44541534.

Tehran      
26 Nov 201
(IRNA)

Countries of the region should not assume that 'weapons and the Zionists' support' can bring
them happiness, unity and stability, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said.

Intervention of some countries in the internal affairs of the region is the root cause of
the problems, President Rouhani said on Saturday evening.

'There are signs and proofs that show the Zionists are behind adventures by certain 
governments in the region, and some big powers are supporting such adventures,' he said.

'The countries in the region should solve their problems on their own, and should not assume
that the region can reach happiness, unity and peace using weapons or enjoying the Zionists'
and the Americans' support,' the president said.

'Stability and peace will be reached through cooperation among countries in the region.'
Iran has always been a powerful country and if required, can use all options, but its 
priorities have always been engagement, dialogue and solving problems at negotiation table,
and these ways have always been its preferences, according to President Rouhani.

He said that today the Lebanese are fortunately resolving the problems they were facing, and
the Iraqi people are also overcoming the disintegration challenge.

President Rouhani also expressed hope that in the cooperation with all the countries, the 
region will witness peace and stability.

Referring to the Iran, Russia and Turkey Summit in Sochi, President Rouhani evaluated the
political efforts made by the three countries on Syria's future as satisfactory.

The political issues in the region are as important as the fight against terrorism, he said.
'Syria's future, its people situation, the freedom they are seeking, a new constitution, all
the political moves that should be made, the decisions Iran, Turkey and Russia agreed on in 
Sochi, and the cooperation which is underway with the Syrian government, as well as the 
stability in the region, are all important to us' he said.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    25 Nov 2017

Kenyan participant Cristopher Oketch picked third time Qatar's Strongest Expat Title on Friday at 2017 ‘Qatar’s Strongest Man’ (QSM) Championship, 5th in series held by Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) at Aspire Park.

Joseph Iroo Ekadeli, a Kenyan too won second place followed by Egyptian national Mohamed Dweidar. respectively.

Eight Qatari nationals, including defending two-time champion Fahad Al Haddad, will compete on Saturday evening taking place at 0400 PM.

Galma Mukhe Boru, ambassador of Kenya was present on the occasion to witness his national Oketch retaining the title. Second position holder Ekadeli is 2014 title holder, whereas, Dweidar held 2016 third place position.

Over 1,500 spectators watched various performances displayed by participants on Friday night at Aspire grounds including series of challenges such as the truck pull, sand bag lift, giant tyre lift, farmer walk, and car lift / Conan’s Wheel.

“The 2016 edition generated incredible feedback, and the surge of QSM’s popularity has encouraged AZF to take the competition to a higher level, thus, extending the challenge over two days,”  said.

Ibrahim al-Hilal, QSM 2017 organising committee Chairman said “Building on the competition’s success over the past few years, AZF has also decided to take in more participants this year, expanding it from 14 to 16. He said that the event also aims to promote the culture of physical activity among members of the community.

Joseph Iroo Ekadeli was presented a car by event sponsor M/s Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. Second and third position holders were presented Cash Prize of QR 20,000 and QR 10,000.

The first, second and third place winners will be awarded to competitors in each category based on who has the highest number of points across all five challenges. If two competitors are tied in terms of number of points, they will participate in a deadlift challenge.

On the sideline of 2017 Qatar's Strongest Expat championship, a number of fun-filled family events and popular games on the side-lines including  ‘Dragon Punch’ and ‘King of the Hammer’, two bed bungee trampolines and obstacle courses were set up for children.

 

London                                                                                                                                                                                                23 Nov 2017                                                                                                                                                                                      (MOFA)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister  said that winning the war on terrorism and ending the cycle of violence requires collective global effort to provide education, job opportunities, stability and finding just solutions for a lasting peace.

Addressing the Westminster Counterterrorism Conference, organized by the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) on Nov. 23 and 24, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said in a speech that the recent horrific events that took place across the world have placed terrorism under the spotlight.

He noted that the world is living at a time when terror attacks cannot be predicted, adding that these attacks are carried out by a small group of extremists who insist on harming and terrifying innocent civilians.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said a lot has been achieved in the war on global terrorism and violent extremism but the battle is not over. He added that people in the United Kingdom and around the world continue to doubt the root causes of terrorism and solutions aiming to eradicate the cycle of violence but they have not reached a solution yet.

"This conference reflects Qatar's continued desire for nations and organizations of goodwill to bond together to fight evil ideologies. Today we will exchange experiences, knowledge and enhance global cooperation, while working with our existing and hopefully new partners in the war against terror," HE the deputy prime minister and foreign minister said.

"Although the Middle East was once a region of peace and coexistence, it has unfortunately been transformed into a region of turbulence and totalitarianism where extremism flourishes.

"We need to learn from history and build on perspective and experience to discover how to end the spread of extremism. So, who is the enemy and what is the root cause of terrorism? Tyranny, totalitarianism, aggression and the absence of justice.

"Regional conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa are threatening the lives of 24 million children, most of whom live in Yemen, Iraq and Syria. Recent examples of the catastrophes created by evil ideologies can be found across my region. Children who have lived through the mass atrocities of the Syrian regime, ISIS in Iraq and Syria or the war in Yemen are now young adults with little hope for better future.

"It is time for the international community to say enough is enough. We have to work together to end the discourse and begin rehabilitating these children. If we don't act quickly, those desperate children will fall prey to the distorted ideologies of extremism," he added.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said the solution to end the cycle of violence and extremism is through "resolve, cooperation and perseverance."

"As you know, Qatar, located in a turbulent region, has watched sister nations crumble to tyrannies and terrorists, and yet Qatar has managed to rank as one of the safest countries in the world. It has not been an easy achievement.

"For many years Qatar has stood together with allied nations like the United Kingdom in saying enough is enough. And Qatar remains resolutely committed to eradicating terrorism of all kinds. Qatar wants constantly to seek new collective approaches to the global threat of terrorism in a changing world.

Since 2004, HE the deputy prime minister and foreign minister said, "Qatar took aggressive steps to cut off the flow of finance to terrorists by developing the proper legislative framework and improving our financial monitoring system."

"Since then, we have successfully identified and prosecuted individuals and organizations within our borders who are suspected of supporting terrorism, while implementing the rule of law and due process.

"Qatar has learned that the key to eradicating terrorism and its ideology must be through a holistic approach. By combining tough security measures with more lasting safeguards, we can all succeed," HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said.

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met Thursday in London with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

The two sides discussed bilateral ties and the way to enhance them, in addition to development in the GCC and the region.

They discussed other issues of joint interest as well.

Peshawar                                                                                                                                                                                            24 Nov 2017                                                                                                                                                                                       (Dawn News)

Ashraf Noor, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Police Headquarters Peshawar was martyred in a suspected suicide blast targeting a police vehicle in Hayatabad District in Peshawar on Friday, police officials told Dawn News.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Tahir Khan told DawnNews the blast appeared to be a suicide attack.

The suicide attacker, who was on a motorbike, rammed into the vehicle carrying the AIG and other police officials near Zarghooni Mosque as they were on their way to work this morning, the CCPO said, adding that the attacker then detonated his explosives. The blast left the police vehicle in flames, witnesses added.

Conflicting claims on casualties

There are conflicting claims regarding the number of dead and injured in the blast, and their identities.

According to CCPO Tahir Khan, who addressed the media following the blast, only AIG Noor had been martyred in the blast.

The CCPO added that at least six policemen had been injured and were shifted to Peshawar's Hayatabad Medical Complex for treatment.

Sub-Inspector Ejaz, a police official who was present at the blast site, said that the AIG had lost his life in the blast, along with two others ─ a security guard and the vehicle's driver ─ placing the death toll at three.

An AFP report quoting police said that the AIG's bodyguard was killed in the attack, along with the high-ranking police official.

A rescue emergency officer, Naveed, claimed that the bodies of two dead were transported to a medical facility, one of whom was identified as the AIG, and another a member of his staff named Habibullah.

Inspector General Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Salahuddin Mehsud told AFP that five people, including three policemen, had been injured and were receiving medical treatment.

Initial investigation report

According to an initial probe report compiled shortly after the attack, the suicide attacker was identified as an 18-20 year old youth.

His bomb contained 15-20 kilograms of explosive material, the report said. He is believed to have been waiting at the site of the blast for the AIG's vehicle, and he rammed into the vehicle at a u-turn.

Evidence has been gathered from the site of the blast for further investigation, the report said.

AIG Ashraf Noor

According to DawnNews, it is the first time a police official of AIG rank has been targeted in Peshawar. AIG Noor was born in Gilgit Baltistan in 1963. He joined the police force in 1989 and was promoted to BS-21 grade earlier this year. He was set to retire in 2023.

Prior to holding the position of AIG HQ, he was appointed AIG Elite Force Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The KP Police Department issued a statement describing the AIG as a "principled and honest man".

"His sacrifice has renewed our resolve to conduct ourselves courageously," the statement said.

"The KP police will continue to stand firm... Each police official from the IGP to a sepoy is ready to lay down their lives in this war [against terrorism]," the statement added.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi "strongly" condemned the murder. "Our resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism can not be shaken," he said in a statement.

Peshawar still threatened by militancy

After the blast, security officials cordoned off the site and began a search operation in the surrounding area.

Although there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, the city of Peshawar has for decades been a victim of militancy due to its status as a front line for the ongoing war against terrorism as well as its proximity to the restless tribal areas and the Pak-Afghan border.

The number of attacks in the country has fallen around 70 per cent over the past year, due to a combination of the military offensive against Taliban bases along the Afghan border and government initiatives to tackle militancy, but attacks on security and civilian targets continue to occur occasionally.

The Pakistan Army had launched Operation Raddul Fasaad earlier this year in the aftermath of a fresh resurgence in terror attacks in the country.

The operation seeks to eliminate the "residual/latent threat of terrorism", consolidating the gains made in other military operations, and further ensuring the security of Pakistan's borders.

Hundreds of suspected terrorists have reportedly either been killed or arrested in raids carried out by security personnel since the start of the operation.

Lefkosa                                                                                                                                                                                                Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus                                                                                                                                      (Anadolu Agency)

The 34th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was celebrated recently in Lefkosa and in various friendly states of TRNC.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdag, Secretary-General of Turkish Presidency Fahri Kasirga, TRNC Spokesperson Sibel Siber and TRNC Prime Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun extended their greetings to Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci at the presidential palace.

A ceremony was organized in front of Ataturk monument in the capital Lefkosa, where a minute of silence was observed, which was followed by Turkish national anthem.

Akinci wrote in the notebook of monument: “Dear Ataturk, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is 34 years-old today. Turkish Cypriots, who willingly adopted your principles and ideas, continue their struggle to build a safe future on this land taking root.”

Later, Akinci also attended and addressed a ceremony held at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Boulevard.

Reminding a co-existence in the island, Akinci reiterated a common solution for the Cyprus issue.

“It should be known that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots will live together in Cyprus. A solution without the permission of the Turkish people is not acceptable,” Akinci told the attendees.

"It is out of question for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to allow a pursuit [for solution] to continue fruitlessly for another 50 years," he added.

Attending the same ceremony, Akdag emphasized that Turkey would continue to defend legitimate rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots in the east Mediterranean.

“Nobody should fall into wrong ideas, or dreams. There are two communities in the island and any step to be taken should be in accordance with this [fact],” Akdag said, adding: “We won’t allow Greeks to lay a unilateral claim on the island".

As part of the anniversary, ceremonies are being held across the capital.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also extended greetings in a message posted on Twitter.

“I congratulate the 34th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is the most valuable achievement of the Turkish Cypriot people’s legitimate struggle. Motherland Turkey will always continue to support the Turkish Cypriots,” Cavusoglu said.

The eastern Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island's Turks, and Ankara's intervention as a guarantor power.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared on Nov. 15, 1983. It is currently recognized only by Turkey as an independent state.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                  23 Nov 2017

Lulu Group in cooperation with Qatar based ASEAN Diplomatic Group inaugurated ASEAN Food Festival at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Messila, on the occasion of the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ASEAN Festival to continue from Nov. 22-30, 2017, present on the occasion were ambassadors & Charge d' Affaires of Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Brunei, Etienne Thévoz, Ambassador of Switzerland as  guest of honour, number of diplomats of ASEAN States embassies, Mohamed AlThaf, Director Lulu Group and senior management of Lulu Hypermarkets in Qatar.

Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group, in his remarks, extended his heartfelt greetings on this milestone occasion. He said that this event was a timely effort at promoting ASEAN food products in Qatar. ASEAN countries are playing a vital role in the food safety and we are looking forward to co-operate more with our partners from the ASEAN region to accelerate the imports.

He said that Lulu Group has strong business ties with the ASEAN and other Asian countries since last two decades.  Over the years, we have enjoyed excellent support and cooperation from each of your Embassies. We assure you of our continued support in the future to further strengthen our relationship.”

The festival being held simultaneously across all Lulu Hypermarket outlets in Qatar and offers exciting discount on a wide range of imported products from ASEAN countries. The festival at Lulu was largely focused on the food and cuisine of ASEAN countries and the event has become popular in Qatar since year 2010.  The collective effort of the ASEAN Embassies is to promote the products of ASEAN origin, in the Qatar market.

Well-designed pavilions of a wide variety of more than 130 fruits and vegetables together with Deli Hot and Cold items, ice creams, chips, candies, biscuits, coffee, dry fruits, canned foods, beverages and energy drinks, frozen lines namely nuggets, fish fillet, French fries, sauces, chicken franks, chicken breast and pastries etc.  from the ASEAN countries were made available on display, as part of the festival.

Special counters were set to enable the customers and food connoisseurs to taste the fruits and different varieties of food items.  Apart from the food category, a wide range of Health & beauty and Household items were also on shelves at highly competitive prices.

Marking the beginning Golden jubilee celebrations, Royal Thai Embassy hosted the Flag raising ceremony on 08 August 2017, followed by a Seminar on ‘ASEAN’s investment potentials’ organized by the ASEAN Committee in Doha, that took place on 20 November 2017 with the participation of prominent businessmen.

The ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam then joined on 7 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN.  

 

Lulu Group has been organizing the ASEAN Food Festivals since long, with the objective of promoting food products of different ASEAN countries and culinary heritage of the East among the local community. Over the years the festival gained a wide popularity and the volume of imports have increased considerably.

Lulu’s management indicated that it has been importing products from ASEAN countries for more than a decade in Qatar, and with this festival Lulu intends to further promote products of ASEAN through their stores in Qatar.

Lulu Group has become the largest retailer and importer of agricultural produce from the ASEAN countries, and owns Export logistics centres in most of the ASEAN countries, Far East and other parts of the world. Thailand Ministry of Commerce conferred the ‘Thailand’s Best Friend Award’ in the recent past on Lulu Group in honour of their best efforts towards import of merchandise from Thailand.