Paris 02 Feb. 2018 (AlJazeera News)
Tariq Ramadan is expected to go before a French investigating magistrate on Friday after the prominent Islamic scholar was taken into custody earlier this week over allegations of sexual assault and rape.
Ramadan, an Oxford University professor of Islamic studies, has been held in France since Wednesday as part of a preliminary probe into the accusations, which he has denied.
After his appearance before the magistrate on Friday, a French judge may then decide to formally charge or release him, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, the Paris prosecutor's office has demanded that Ramadan be indicted and placed in pre-trial detention, a judicial source told French newspaper Le Monde.
Two women came forward last October to accuse Ramadan, 55, of rape and sexual assault. They both filed charges against him.
One of the women, a former Salafi who has become a secularism activist, accused Ramadan of raping her in a French hotel room in 2012.
Henda Ayari described parts of the alleged assault in a book that was published in 2016, but publicly named Ramadan last year amid the #MeToo movement to combat sexual violence against women.
A second woman, who has remained anonymous, came forward a week later, accusing Ramadan of raping her in 2009.
The woman, who has been given the pseudonym "Christelle", detailed the alleged assault in front of an investigative judge for over three hours earlier this week in Paris, Le Monde and AFP reported.
Ramadan and his lawyer, who were present during the woman's testimony on Thursday, vehemently denied the allegations.
Ramadan also refused to sign a written report at the end of the session, Le Monde reported.
The French newspaper said police in France had investigated the allegations for three months.
The investigators have reportedly collected stories from other women who made similar allegations against Ramadan, but have not pressed charges, Le Monde said.
After the accusations became public last year, Ramadan filed a complaint against Ayari for slander.
A Swiss citizen, Ramadan is one of the most prominent Islamic scholars in Europe.
He is also the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Participants
United States Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis Secretary of Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin Secretary of Energy James R. Perry Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr.
State of Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense, Khalid Al-Attiyah Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman AlThani Minister of Energy and Industry, Mohammed Al-Sada Minister of Economy and Commerce, Ahmed bin Jassim AlThani Minister of Finance Ali Sharif Al-Emadi, Co-Chaired the closing ceremony
Objectives
The Strategic Dialogue focused on the strength of their bilateral relationship and the mutually beneficial opportunities for the peoples of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation, and established a shared vision for the future of the U.S.-Qatar strategic partnership, and a shared commitment to advance global peace and prosperity.
Areas of Mutual Concern/Opportunity
Political Cooperation Defense Counter-terrorism Trade & Investment
OUTCOMES
Three (3) important documents were signed between the US and Qatar, outlining their joint cooperation:
- A memorandum of understanding (MOU) that establishes the convention for this US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue on an annual basis going forward, to continue building on the close partnership between our two countries.
- A joint declaration outlining the United States cooperation with Qatar on matters of shared regional security interests.
- An MOU creating a framework for the cooperation between the United States and Qatar to combat trafficking.
Joint Statement of the Inaugural United States-Qatar Strategic Dialogue
Office of the Spokesperson (US Department of State) Washington, DC January 30, 2018
The governments of the State of Qatar and the United States held the inaugural Strategic Dialogue in Washington D.C. on January 30, 2018. U.S. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson and U.S. Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis co-chaired the opening session jointly with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Khalid al-Attiyah and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. U.S. Secretary of Energy James R. Perry and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. participated in sessions with Qatari Minister of Energy and Industry Mohammed al-Sada and Qatari Minister of Economy and Commerce Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, respectively. U.S. Secretary of Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin and Qatari Minister of Finance Ali Sharif al-Emadi co-chaired the closing ceremony.
The two countries welcomed this first Strategic Dialogue, highlighting the strength of their bilateral relationship and the mutually beneficial opportunities for the peoples of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation. Today, the United States and Qatar underscored the strength of their ties and established a shared vision for the future of their strategic partnership. The two governments took an important step to elevate the bilateral relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an annual Strategic Dialogue.
In this inaugural Strategic Dialogue, the two countries discussed specific areas of partnership, including defense, counterterrorism, combating extremism, and trade and investment. As those conversations continue, both the United States and Qatar believe their continued mutual cooperation will benefit the interests of both countries, as well as the security and stability of the Gulf region.
Qatar and the United States discussed and welcomed enhanced cooperation, particularly, but not limited to, the areas described below.
Political Cooperation
Qatar and the United States expressed satisfaction at the recently strengthened and expanded bilateral relationship. This highlights their shared commitment to advance global peace and prosperity.
Qatar and the United States discussed the Gulf crisis and expressed the need for an immediate resolution which respects Qatar’s sovereignty. The two governments expressed concern about the harmful security, economic and human impacts of the crisis. Concern was also expressed over peace and stability in the Gulf and adherence to international law. Qatar emphasized its appreciation for the role played by the United States in the mediation of the dispute in support of the efforts of the Emir of Kuwait. Qatar and the United States affirmed their backing for a strong Gulf Cooperation Council that is focused on countering regional threats and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all its peoples.
Qatar emphasized the role of the United States in the region and the significant part it plays in countering threats of terrorism and violent extremism. The two governments discussed regional security and stability, including joint efforts to defeat ISIS, ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan, as well as efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The United States acknowledged Qatar's generous humanitarian role bilaterally and multilaterally through the work of various UN agencies, in supporting forcibly displaced populations, and in assisting refugees including millions of vulnerable young children and women. The United States acknowledged recent progress and commitments made by Qatar on combating human trafficking and advancing labor rights. The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue progress in these areas.
The two governments intend to identify and prioritize areas for further cooperation based on the results of the inaugural dialogue and decided to establish a working group to advance common policy priorities and political partnerships.
Defense
Qatar and the United States emphasized the vital contribution their defense partnership provides for the security and stability of the region. This cooperation is key to successfully combating terrorism, countering violent extremism, and deterring external aggression. U.S. officials lauded Qatar’s contributions in supporting the sizeable U.S. military presence in Qatar under the U.S. Central Command.
The two governments issued a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, affirming the two countries’ joint commitment to promoting peace and stability and countering the scourge of terrorism. The United States expressed its readiness to work jointly with Qatar to deter and confront any external threat to Qatar’s territorial integrity that is inconsistent with the United Nations Charter.
The two governments discussed the $24.7 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program that currently exists between the United States and Qatar. Since 2014, Qatar has used its national funds to purchase state of the art military systems and conduct extensive training at U.S. facilities. The United States thanked the Qatari government for those purchases, noting they have resulted in over 110,000 American jobs and the sustainment of critical military capabilities for the United States. Qatar highlighted the continued opportunity for future FMS and direct commercial sales, particularly relating to the development of the Expeditionary Amphibious Capability, which could lead to several billion dollars of future acquisitions and training in the near term, as well as an improved ability to defend against external aggression and to better interoperate with U.S. and NATO military forces in coalition operations.
The United States welcomed Qatar’s offer to expand critical facilities at U.S. bases in the country. Qatari funding of capital expenditures and sustainment offers the possibility of an enduring presence, as with U.S. facilities in Europe and the Pacific. The two governments acknowledged the strong and lasting bilateral security partnership, and look forward to further discussions on the possibility of permanent basing.
Counterterrorism
Both sides intend to strengthen their security and counterterrorism partnership to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism. They reviewed the positive progress made under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Counterterrorism signed on July 11, 2017, including with respect to information sharing, countering the financing of terrorism, aviation security, and capacity building. The United States thanked Qatar for its action to counter terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including by being one of the few countries to move forward on a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding with the United States.
Qatar and the United States intend to begin the Anti-Terrorism Assistance training program as soon as possible, as set forth in a Letter of Intent signed in 2017; the program will focus on key areas such as aviation security, terrorism investigations, and the protection of soft targets.
The two governments also noted the recent conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Attorney General and his Qatari counterpart on the fight against terrorism and its financing and combating cyber-crime.
Qatar and the United States expressed the need to address violent extremism through preventive frameworks. They emphasized the role that both countries are playing in founding and being leading donors of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).
Trade and Investment
The two governments acknowledged the challenges facing Qatar as a result of the GCC dispute, which disrupted Qatar’s previous trading partnerships. Qatar noted that despite the dispute, Qatar has honored its international trade obligations.
Qatar and the United States committed to boosting bilateral trade. They welcomed the role of U.S. companies in Qatar’s development and of Qatari investment in U.S. firms and jobs. Both countries recognized the importance of bilateral investment. The Qatari delegation described recent reforms designed to attract foreign investment in Qatar, including free trade zones, expanding ownership for non-citizens, improvement of the banking system, consolidation of the rule of law, including the development of a mechanism for dispute resolution.
The two governments recognized the importance of Qatar Investment Authority’s previously committed investment of $45 billion in American firms, real estate, and jobs. Qatar Investment Authority’s chief executive described plans to increase investments in U.S. infrastructure and to expand across the United States of America.
The two governments recognized the positive outcomes emerging from the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed in 2004. It was noted that TIFA continues to serve as a platform for increased cooperation in the fields of job creation, property law, communications, customs, SMEs, and new markets.
Qatar and the United States signed various Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent in the fields of bilateral trade, investment, and technology. They welcomed the United States’ Commercial Law Development Program’s partnership with the Ministry of Finance, and officials signed a Letter of Intent on cybersecurity cooperation and a Letter of Intent on smart technologies collaboration.
The two governments welcomed a set of Understandings on civil aviation reached January 29 aimed at ensuring healthy competition in the global aviation sector while maintaining the Open Skies framework of U.S. international aviation policy. Anchored in the two countries’ close bilateral economic and strategic relationship, the Understandings represent important, high-level political commitments. They affirm both governments’ intention to promote best practices for marketplace participation by their airlines, while ensuring a continuation of the important economic, political, and cultural benefits of air services made possible by Open Skies.
Qatar and the United States stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, of overflight, and of unimpeded lawful commerce in accordance with international law.
The two governments expressed their mutual desire to further strengthen their bilateral relations in the energy sector, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation between Qatar and the United States.
Forward Together
This new Strategic Dialogue process underlines the commitment of Qatar and the United States to increase cooperation in fields that are of the greatest mutual and practical benefit. Such cooperation includes the issues discussed today but also incorporates important work in the fields of sports, education, health, arts, and culture.
The two governments outlined a way forward together for the development of their partnership. They committed to continue their dialogue and cooperation on issues including: combating regional terrorism and violent extremism; countering the financing of terrorism; consolidating state of the art defense facilities; and expanding their trade and investment partnerships. Qatar and the United States look forward to making progress in these areas when the Dialogue reconvenes in Qatar in 2019. Both sides look forward to further enhancing bilateral relations during the visit of the Emir of Qatar to Washington later this year.
Doha 01 Feb. 2018
Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is prepared to receive and welcome thousands of visitors to Qatar’s largest entertainment event at the “Aspire Winter Festival”, opening today on Thursday for Public.
'Aspire Winter Festival', running through May 1st, features more than 50 activities and entertainment events for the whole family to enjoy in one place at Aspire Park, the destination of choice during the welcoming winter months.
Fstival timings are from 0400 PM-1000 PM on regular days and week-ends, both Friday and Saturday's timings will be 0300 PM to 1000 Pm.
Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri, Director of PR and Communication, at AZF, said in a statement “AZF has a clear strategy to diversify its entertainment activities and events to attract more families to encourage them to go out and enjoy the outdoors at Aspire Park. We are proud to partner with the Festival Organization Company to bring this festival to Qatar, where visitors can bask in the warm winter sun and take part in a variety of outdoor fun. It is sure to be a very unique experience."
Festival organisers brought a number of unusual and fun activities for festival attendees, including musical performances, a pop up art gallery, a pirate treasure hunt, an extreme rush slide, a circus, an extreme race, a 7D cinema, a theatre, a sand pit, and many lego and board games, as well as rock climbing and archery stations.
The festival also has a dedicated food and beverage area, featuring more than 14 outlets, as well as 30 shopping outlets introducing international vendors.
During Winter Festival, AZF has plan to mark a number of international observances, including World Health Day, Earth Hour, World Youth Day.
But the President had other priorities ahead of a key appearance by Rosenstein on the Hill, according to sources familiar with the meeting. Trump wanted to know where the special counsel's Russia investigation was heading. And he wanted to know whether Rosenstein was "on my team."
The episode is the latest to come to light portraying a President whose inquiries sometimes cross a line that presidents traditionally have tried to avoid when dealing with the Justice Department, for which a measure of independence is key. The exchange could raise further questions about whether Trump was seeking to interfere in the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is looking into potential collusion by the Trump campaign with Russia and obstruction of justice by the White House.
At the December meeting, the deputy attorney general appeared surprised by the President's questions, the sources said. He demurred on the direction of the Russia investigation, which Rosenstein has ultimate authority over now that his boss, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, has recused himself. And he responded awkwardly to the President's "team" request, the sources said.
"Of course, we're all on your team, Mr. President," Rosenstein told Trump, the sources said. It is not clear what Trump meant or how Rosenstein interpreted the comment.
The Justice Department declined to comment for this story. The White House did not comment.
Rosenstein's meeting with the President came as Rosenstein prepared to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. Trump appeared focused on Rosenstein's testimony, according to a source briefed on the matter, and he brought it up with the deputy attorney general.
As a further sign of the President's focus on Rosenstein's testimony, one of the sources said Trump also had suggested questions to members of Congress that they could ask Rosenstein.
One line of inquiry Trump proposed lawmakers ask about was whether Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election because Mueller was not selected as FBI director.
CNN has reported that trump has been venting to his aides about Rosenstein in recent weeks and even raised the possibility of his removal. Sources say Trump believes Rosenstein was upset Mueller wasn't selected as FBI director and responded by making him special counsel. It does not appear those questions were asked of Rosenstein at the hearing.
Rosenstein's December 13 appearance before the committee included strong backing for Mueller. He also pushed back at Democrats' questions about the President's demands for loyalty.
"As long as you are following your oath of office, you can also be faithful to the administration," he testified.
At the hearing, Rosenstein repeatedly declined to say whether Trump had ever asked him about the Russia Investigation. But he testified that he never received any "improper orders" from Trump and denied that anyone ever asked him to pledge his loyalty, dating back to his time in the Bush administration.
"Nobody has asked me to take a loyalty pledge, other than the oath of office," Rosenstein said.
In the first months of his presidency, Trump asked Comey for loyalty, according to Comey's testimony on Capitol Hill and his account to other FBI officials. Comey did not pledge loyalty, and after a few additional tense interactions with Trump, he was fired in May 2017.
While searching for Comey's replacement, Trump interviewed acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. Trump asked McCabe who he voted for during that interview, according to a source familiar with the matter. McCabe did not vote for president in the 2016 general election but did vote in the Republican primary in Virginia, sources told CNN. Trump has publicly denied that he asked McCabe who he voted for.
Seven months later, Rosenstein made his pitch in the December meeting with the President, asking for White House backing as the Justice Department sought to deny access to sensitive documents demanded by Nunes, who has spent months pursuing claims of surveillance abuses by the FBI and the Justice Department against the Trump campaign.
There was no decision by the President at the meeting, the sources told CNN.
White House chief of staff John Kelly later notified the Justice Department that the President would not help block access to the documents.
Islamabad 01 Feb 2018
The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday took a suo moto notice of "contemptuous speeches" against judiciary made by PML-N leader and State Minister of Interior Talal Chaudhry.
The court will hear the matter against the state minister for interior affairs on February 6, when Cahudhry has also been asked to appear.
In a speech in PML-N's rally in Jarranwala last week, Chaudhry had said; "Mian sahab, there was an era when the Kaabah was full of idols. Today, the judiciary, which is the country's highest institution, is also full of PCO [Provisional Constitution Order] idols."
"Mian Nawaz Sharif, throw them out, throw him out of the court. They will not give justice but will continue their injustices."
He said that despite the PML-N President Sharif doing so much for the country, "they say that somebody else should become the prime minister."
Earlier in the day, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court sentenced Senator Nehal Hashmi to one-month imprisonment, barred him from holding public office for the next five years, and imposed a fine of Rs50,000 for what were deemed as contemptuous remarks against the judiciary.
In May 2017, as a Supreme Court-mandated joint investigation team was probing the Sharif family's business dealings in the Panama Papers case, Hashmi had warned that those conducting the investigation would be "taken to task" for grilling the premier's family. The video of Hashmi's remarks had gone viral on social media and was also aired on news channels.
In December 2017, Sharif had also lashed out at the “PCO judges” who disqualified him and termed him dishonest.
Addressing a public meeting at the Ayub Stadium, he bitterly criticised the decision “made by five individuals” to oust a “thrice elected premier”.
“Those who had taken the oath under the PCO called me dishonest, those who had sworn in dictators,” he told the crowd at an event held to mark the 44th death anniversary of Pakhtunkhawa Milli Awami Party founder Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai.
Former president General Pervez Musharraf brought two PCOs — in 1999 and in 2007 — briefly suspending the constitution.
A case against judges who took oath under the November 2007 PCO was dismissed last month by a bench headed by the chief justice.
Today’s rare eclipse combined three separate lunar phenomena: A Super Moon, a Blue Moon and a Blood moon.
Appearing second time of full moon in same month is rare and is named as 'Blue Moon', was watched by stargazers around the world last night, last day of January 2018.
During this eclipse, Moon was at the closest point to Earth in its orbit, thus appearing very large and bright, therefore it is also known as 'Supermoon'.
Since, the Moon was in Earth's shadow, it took on a reddish tint, so is know as 'blood Moon'.
Pictures appearing above are taken by Chinese News Agency photographer
Washington 01 Feb. 2018
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of State of Qatar expresed his hope for a restored GCC which is more transparent and based on shared interest like trade and security. He also highlighted the State of Qatar's resilience and survival under the siege in his address at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI),
He also expressed hope that the international community will join in calling for an immediate regional strategic dialogue to agree upon common principles of coexistence, which can serve as a foundation to healing and ultimately prosperity for the region.
Qatar's top diplomat began his speech by expressing hope that he can shed light on the current turmoil in the Middle-East and how aggressive forces in the region threaten Qatar's interest and ultimately threaten U.S. interests. He also hoped he can provide ideas for how to move forward towards a more stable situation.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of State of Qatar said that the U.S. and the State of Qatar have been allies for 45 years. During that time, the two sides signed dozens of agreements that memorialize their commitment to each other.
He then turned focus to last week's meeting between the two countries for a historic strategic dialogue, which took place in Washington. The dialogue led to the signing of five agreements in many fields. They included agreements to defend the cyber security of the critical infrastructure for energy, strengthening trade, investment, and technology, developing international law enforcement to stop human trafficking, and continued joint defense commitments.
He highlighted that the State of Qatar and the U.S. enjoy a unique partnership and noted that the State of Qatar welcomed U.S. troops when the country was looking for a home for them in the Middle-East. Qatar now hosts the largest US military foreign air base in the world. He told that there are 11,000 U.S. troops, thousands of American teachers and students, and hundreds of US-owned companies living and working in Qatar
He mentioned that Qatar and the U.S. base were strategically located as they are surrounded by powerful players in the Middle East. HE the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that some of the nations in the region were on intimidation, aggression, and dangerous flirtations with war. He added that those nations were feuding for domination, taking as prisoners not just the neighbors they bully. The Foreign Minister noted that The suffering inflicted by these power-hungry forces is not limited to the starvation and devastation in places like Yemen, Syria, and Somalia. The well-being of citizens within these dominating regimes is also being sacrificed in the power grab.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that "the illegal blockade started last year against Qatar is one of many instruments of sabotage intended to bully my country into submission."
The world is discovering that the blockading states will stop at nothing: illegal market manipulation, military aggression, humanitarian assaults, silencing of dissenters, weaponing propaganda, and undermining the global fight against terrorism," he added.
HE the Foreign Minister then moved to discuss Qatar's resilience in the face of the siege, and highlighted that other countries might not be able to deal with such attacks as have been seen in "in example after example across the region."
He warned that "the worldwide and long-term danger of aggression will eventually reach countries around the globe because these rulers will stop at nothing: intentional, international destabilization of the energy and financial markets; and worse, by laying the groundwork for the next generation of terrorism."
He said that "terrorism flourishes in oppressive, closed regimes, where the needs and rights of the citizens are not met. While many reckless leaders surrounding us double down on hidden and oppressive means of governance, Qatar and many other nations in the Middle East hope to keep developing into nations that can provide justice and security to its citizens."
"As I told Secretaries Tillerson and Mattis yesterday, Qatar sees the U.S. as a critical part of that vision. Ending the turmoil in the Middle East will take further leadership," he added.
He stressed that cooperation between all countries in the Middle-East to regain security will be vital. "Qatar and the US have been fighting terrorism together for many years. We agree that terrorism must not only be destroyed through military efforts, but also by lifting up the oppressed with a vision of openness and hope through lasting social transformations."
He warned that imposing repression over reform and development, using the law of power instead of the power of law, is detrimental to the global counter terrorism efforts. He said that "the U.S., Qatar, and the other 72 members of the coalition against ISIS have spent years crushing this evil. We do'nt want to find ourselves in the same situation again and again. We need to work together to completely end terrorism financing, recruitment, propaganda, and extremist ideologies."
He said that wise leadership means putting aside personal feelings to help the good of the people. He added that it is Qatar's hope that the GCC can be rebuilt. The citizens of Qatar are a forgiving and resilient people.
"We wish for unity. We cant ignore the historic bond between the countries of the GCC, and the shared family, cultural, and financial ties that can actually make us stronger. Qatar hopes for a restored GCC which is more transparent and based on shared interest like trade and security."
Qatar's Foreign Minister stressed that the State of Qatar hopes for a restored the GCC that would have "a clear process for raising and resolving differences; would need to be void of forced compliance regarding foreign policy and decisions concerning domestic affairs; would need to be governed by reason over impulse; and would need to serve the best interest of all its members."
As for the Middle-East as a whole, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister said that the devastated areas cannot be rebuilt "unless more diplomatic pressure is put on power-hungry players; and a holistic security plan is established across the region. This security plan must find common ground, include an arbitration mechanism that gives small and large nations equal protection, and provide binding consequences for those who create crisis and threaten security."
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