Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                     , 11 Feb. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                          (QNA)

Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce met today on Sunday visiting Minister of Industry and Commerce of Paraguay Gustavo Leite and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, both the ministers signed an agreement on mutual promotion and protection of investments between Qatar and Paraguay.

The two sides also reviewed the bilateral relations and aspects of cooperation mainly in the fields of economy, trade and investment, and ways of developing them.

The agreement aims to create a good investment climate between the two countries and to promote and protect those investments.

Bilateral trade between both the countries was around QR 06 million in 2017.

In another press release from Ministry of Energy & Industries, State of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of State of Qatar met today with visiting Gustavo Leite, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Paraguay.

The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and ways and means to boost them, particularly in the industrial sector.

 

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    11 Feb. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (QNA)

Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met today on Sunday at the Emiri Diwan General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and members of the delegation.

During the meeting, they reviewed the ties of cooperation between the two countries in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.

Lahore                                                                                                                                                                                                    11 Feb. 2018

A Pakistan's senior lawyer, world renowned social activist, a daring women's rights vocal and a controversial personality in home country, Asma Jahangir, 66, passed away due to cardiac arrest.

She has been President of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (1987-2011) and President of Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association (2010-12).

She was recipient of Pakistan's highest civil award Hilal-e-Pakistan and awards from France and Sweden on her works in human rights field.

She played strong role during Lawyers Movement in restoring judiciary during General Pervez Musharaf tenure.

In present internal political situation in Pakistan, she was of the opinion that Supreme Court of Pakistan should not involve itself in political questions.

She has been a staunch critic on former President General Zia ul Haq policies specially in regards to implementation of religious laws in Pakistan.

A graduate from Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Lahore and Kinnard College, Lahore was born in January 1952 in Lahore. She obtained her Law Degree from University of Punjab in 1978.

President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain has paid tribute to Asma Jahangir and expressed his grief on her demise.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi while sending his tributes said that her death was a great loss for the legal fraternity.

Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister of Pakistan's largest populated province of Punjab expressed his views by tweeting that ' he was deeply saddened at the news'.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai regarded Asma Jahangir a 'saviour of democracy and human rights'.

NDTV, Indian media reported that 'the Indian film industry today mourned the death of Pakistan's renowned human rights lawyer and social activist, Asma Jahangir.  Personalities including screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar, actor Shabana Azmi, filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Nandita Das offered their last tributes to the fearless activist'.

 

 

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                  08 Feb 2018

ASP Liyanage, Sri Lankan envoy to State of Qatar has said that both the countries enjoy strong bonds of friendship. He was addressing on the occasion of celebrations of the 70th National Day of Sri Lanka at the Hotel Sheraton Grand Doha at a gala reception hosted by him.

The reception was attended by Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaim, Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs of Qatar, Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Minister of Municipality and Environment, Qatar,  Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, Chief of Protocol at the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, large number of diplomats, guests and prominent members of Sri Lankan community in Qatar.

Ambassador Liyanage said that bilateral relations between Qatar and Sri Lanka were further enhanced upon the  recent visit of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. He said that seven agreements pertaining to various  areas were signed.  He lauded his government efforts in building 'excellent int'l cooperation' in various areas. He lauded bilateral and diplomatic relations between both the countries since 1976.

He paid his gratitude to Emir of State of Qatar for the opportunities given to Sri Lankans to serve in Qatar. He announced that it is his first and last national day reception to hold since he will be going back on a new assignment in Sri Lanka.

On the occasion,  ambassador ASP Liyanage on behalf of government of Sri Lanka presented 'Award of Excellence' to ambassador  Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, Chief of Protocol of Qatar in recognition of his services.

Two prominent Sri Lankan professionals namely, Prof. Chitra Weddikkara and Arlyasiri Vithanage were also facilitated with 'Award of Excellence'.

A short documentary on Sri Lanka was shown on the occasion.

A cake cutting ceremony was also held joined by the Chief Guests Ministers of Qatar and Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

It is to note that flag hoisting was held on 4th of February celebrating National Day of Qatar. Moreover, a colorful cultural program is also scheduled for 16th of February to be held in Qatar National Convention Center, Doha.

 

There are around 120,000 Sri Lankan nationals serving in Qatar from senior professionals of various fields to semi and unskilled workers.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    11 Feb. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                          (MOFA)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of State of Qatar  received today on Sunday a written message from Sirodjidin Aslov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan  pertaining to the bilateral relations and means of boosting them.

The message was delivered to Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar during his meeting with Khisrav Sohibzoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Qatar .

A number of officials at the foreign Ministry were also present on the occasion.

 

 

Berlin, Germany                                                                                                                                                                                10 Feb. 2018

Dr. Bayat Rudolph, President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, in a written letter to  Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman, National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHRC) affirmed the support of the Global Alliance of 110 national human rights institutions throughout the world and encouraged the National Human Rights Commission to continue its legal duties with a high degree of vigilance and independence. To exercise its mandate and to urge it to continue to take appropriate action to address the human rights implications of the crisis.

Dr. Rudolf, who is also Director General of the German Foundation for Human Rights in Germany, noted that she remains concerned that the conflict between Qatar and neighboring countries has a negative impact on human rights in the region.

During her meeting with Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman, National Human Rights Committee Qatar in Berlin on Thursday, February 9, Dr. Beate Rudolph delivered an official letter of thanks to the efforts of the National Committee to monitor the violations of the embargo countries since the beginning of the crisis. In the credibility of the Committee, calling on them to continue their efforts.

"I write in my capacity as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, which includes at the international level more than 110 national human rights institutions from all over the world, 78 of which have a grade" A "in the United Nations, indicating their compliance Of the Paris Principles of 1993.

I have followed the developments in the Gulf region since Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut off their relations with the State of Qatar on 5 June 2017. I have received and reviewed reports published by the National Human Rights Committee from Qatar to document human rights violations in this case and their impact on The peoples of the region enjoy human rights ".

"The National Human Rights Commission is internationally recognized by the United Nations as the national human rights institution representing the State of Qatar, where it has been awarded a Class A after a thorough review of its full compliance with the principles of the United Nations in Paris. In order to re-establish accreditation in 2015, the degree of accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission has been confirmed by the Subcommittee on Accreditation. "

"National human rights institutions are independent institutions established by the State and charged with the promotion and protection of human rights, and the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council have repeatedly stressed the importance of the independent national institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights. The United Nations in Paris decided that national human rights institutions should have the mandate to address any cases of human rights violations in their country, to report on such cases and to submit proposals for initiatives to put an end to such violations. "

She noted that the "general observations" of the Global Alliance of NHRIs, which made sense of the content and scope of the Paris Principles, stated that "in cases of coup d'état or emergency, the NHRI undertakes a high level of vigilance and independence, in full conformity with its mandate, The role of national human rights institutions ensures their respect, respect for democratic principles and the promotion of the rule of law in all circumstances and without exception, including conflict situations or emergencies, including monitoring, documenting and issuing regular and detailed public statements through the media at the time Appropriate to address violations of human rights ".

It stressed that "peace and security operations in no way nullify or diminish the relevant obligations of national human rights institutions". In such circumstances, the protection of human rights becomes more important, and national institutions must ensure that individuals have access to available and effective remedies to address human rights violations. "

"In line with its mandate to monitor the human rights situation in Qatar, the National Committee of Qatar has received an increasing number of complaints since the beginning of the crisis, monitored the situation and analyzed complaints, and published several results reports to document the impact of the crisis. I have taken note of these reports and remain concerned that the conflict between Qatar and its neighboring countries has a negative impact on human rights in the region.

"I also note that the National Human Rights Commission has repeatedly issued, in accordance with its mandate, recommendations to the State of Qatar, as well as other States concerned, international human rights bodies such as the Human Rights Council and the international community to take the necessary action and protect the human rights of peoples in The region and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. "

"In view of the requirements laid down in the Paris Principles, as well as the general observations of the Global Alliance, and in view of the activities undertaken by the Committee since the beginning of the political crisis in the Gulf region, I encourage the National Human Rights Commission to continue to take appropriate action to address the consequences of the crisis in the area of human rights", Dr Pieta Rodol concluded.

Seoul                                                                                                                                                                                                  09 Feb 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (Xinhua)

The Samjiyon orchestra from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) staged a performance in the South Korean city of Gangneung on Thursday night, 08 Feb. 2018 before the opening of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

In another development, Xinhua, Chinese news agency reported today that South Korea's presidential Blue House saw a visit by the sister of top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un to the South Korea-hosted Winter Olympics as meaningful to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Eui-kyeom, spokesman for South Korean President Moon Jae-in, told a press briefing that the composition of the DPRK delegation showed its will to ease tensions on the peninsula while congratulating the winter sports event.

The DPRK notified South Korea earlier in the day of the list of its high-ranking delegation, which will be led by Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.

The delegation will make a three-day visit to South Korea from Friday to attend the opening ceremony of the 23rd Winter Olympics scheduled for Friday at South Korea's eastern county of PyeongChang.

Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of the top DPRK leader and the first vice director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), was included in the delegation.

Washington  DC                                                                                                                                                                                  09 Feb. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                (Xinhua)

The U.S. government is shutting down at midnight as the Senate went into recess and missed a midnight deadline to pass a short-term funding bill.

Senator Rand Paul on Thursday blocked the Senate from a vote on a short-term funding bill which will fund the government through March 23 and a bipartisan budget package which will set a spending framework for fiscal year 2018 and 2019.

Paul opposed the budget package, saying it will further add debt and fiscal deficit to the government.

The budget package, agreed by the leaders from both Republican and Democratic parties and supported by President Donald Trump, will increase defense and non-defense spending by about 300 billion U.S. dollars for the next two years, and also raise the debt ceiling through March 2019.

The Senate recessed around 11 p.m. Thursday (0400 GMT Friday) with plans to reconvene just after midnight.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Thursday has directed federal agencies to prepare for a lapse in funding.

The budget package which was combined with the short-term spending bill is expected to pass the Senate early Friday, despite Paul's opposition, according to media reports.

The House is set to vote on the package after Senate's approval, although its fate remains uncertain in the House.

The package is not to the liking of some House Democrats because it doesn't address immigration. Meanwhile it will also be challenged by House Republican fiscal conservatives who oppose any increases for non-defense spending and increases in the nation's debt and fiscal deficit.

Xinhua| 2018-02-09 

Berlin                                                                                                                                                                                                   08 Feb. 2018

Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman, National Human Rights Committee of Qatar, invited the German Parliament to send an official mission to Doha to discuss the repercussions of the ongoing siege on Qatar for more than eight months, the serious violations committed by thousands of citizens, depriving them of the most basic human rights.

In his second stop of the European tour,  Dr. Ali Bin Samikh visited the German Capital Berlin, where he held a series of important meetings with a number of officials from the German Foreign Ministry and Parliament, the German Foundation for Human Rights, the World Alliance of Human Rights Institutions. He briefed them on the latest repercussions of the unjust siege imposed on Qatar since the fifth of last June.

On the first day of his visit, Dr. AlMarri held discussions with a delegation from the German Parliament including Martin Batzelt, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and a number of MPs.

Dr. Al-Marri briefed the MPs on the details of the report of the technical mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and highlighted the conclusions that emerged, stressing that the report of the UN mission confirmed the report of the National Committee for Human Rights in the State of Qatar and the reports of international human rights organizations.

He pointed out that "the report of the High Commission confirmed that what the National Human Rights Committee spoke of was not allegations, as alleged by the countries of the blockade, but arbitrary and discriminatory violations and punitive measures violated the rights of citizens and residents in Qatar and the countries of the blockade," and that "the four countries (Saudi Arabia, , Bahrain and Egypt) is continuing to impose severe collective punishment against the people, not to the heart of all international appeals to governments and human rights organizations to demand an immediate end to the blockade. "

Al-Marri noted that "the blockade countries that launched a scathing attack against well-known human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, accusing them of bias towards Qatar, have not found it embarrassing to continue in the same arbitrary manner. The degree of questioning the credibility of the High Commission operating under the authority of the United Nations, accusing it of bias to the State of Qatar, in a behavior that reflects the approach of the embargoed countries in defiance of the international community and the lack of respect for the laws and international conventions of the UN organizations.

"Against this arbitrary behavior of the embargoes, we call upon the United Nations and the world to act immediately to defend human rights instruments and to impose strict measures against anyone who attempts to violate human rights and international law, conventions of the United Nations and the Human Rights Council. He stressed them to encourage blocked states to respect and implement the human rights conventions they have committed and to ensure that the unjust embargo are lifted. "

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh AlMarri concluded by calling upon the German Parliament to send an official mission to Doha as soon as possible, as in the previous parliamentary missions in Qatar, to review the violations of the embargo countries and to hold witness testimonies directly to monitor their suffering and suffering for eight months, And convey their message to the international community to stop the injustice they are subjected to.

He also appealed to members of the German Parliament to intensify their actions at the level of the European Parliament, the World Union of Parliamentarians to hear the voice of victims, and call on the two bodies to "give the issue of human rights, in the context of the siege crisis, the highest priority, and placed on the agenda of the relations of the European Union countries embargoes, Human rights standards, as a top priority precedes any agreements or political or economic relations linking the countries of the blockade with their counterparts in the European Union, as provided for in the European Union charters.

He concluded by stressing that he is prepared to attend a hearing in the German Parliament at the earliest opportunity and to open a discussion with the deputies on the repercussions of the Gulf crisis on human rights and the risks it poses to the security of the region and its threats to international peace and security.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    07 Jan 2018                                                                                                                                                                                          (QNA)

Qatari crude oil prices rose between 6.9% and 7.4% in January.

Qatar Petroleum (QP) announced Wednesday its onshore crude oil official prices for January at $69.10 per barrel, compared to $64,35 for the previous month, rising by 7.4%.

QP also set the offshore crude oil price at $66.95 per barrel for January, compared to $62.65 for the previous month, up by 6.9%.