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A New York jury found Donald Trump, former President of United States of America on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to an adult-film actress. Trump, the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, days before the start of the Republican National Convention.
Anadolu News Agency reported that Ex-US President Donald Trump tore into what he called a "fascist" judicial system Friday, just hours after he was found guilty by a New York jury of 34 state crimes.
Trump, now a convicted felon, went on a meandering and at times contradictory 42-minute diatribe in which he maintained that the "rigged" case was politically motivated by his successor, President Joe Biden, telling his supporters, "If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone."
Trump maintained that he would appeal "this scam," even as he is scheduled to be sentenced by acting New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case, July 11. Each count of which Trump was convicted carries up to a four-year state prison term, with a a maximum term of 20 years.
The former president did not specify on which grounds he would be appealing, but said his attorneys would object "on many different things."
Throughout Donald Trump’s hush money trial, prosecutors repeatedly told jurors not to rely on what Michael Cohen, their key witness and the ex-president’s former lawyer and fixer, had said in court.
Instead, they should focus their attention on the paper trail. The jury seems to have done that, finding Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. At the heart of the prosecution’s case against Trump were 34 documents: 11 invoices, 12 vouchers and 11 checks. Each of these documents accounted for one of the charges on which Trump was found guilty.
Prosecutors alleged that these documents show that Trump intentionally misclassified payments to Cohen that reimbursed him for hush money he gave adult-film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. The hush money was to keep Daniels quiet about a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump in 2006 — an allegation Trump denies.
In total, the prosecution found that Cohen was paid $420,000 by Trump and his trust in 2017. Cohen told jurors in his testimony that this sum was discussed at a meeting with Trump and then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg days before Trump’s inauguration. It includes the $130,000 in hush money, $50,000 toward a vendor payment Cohen had addressed for Trump, $180,000 to cover any tax liability on those two payments and a $60,000 bonus.
The various amounts were documented on a handwritten note by former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney, who testified to a separate meeting with Weisselberg where they discussed the repayment plan to Cohen.
In the meeting with Trump and Weisselberg, Cohen testified, the men decided he would be repaid for his $130,000 payment to Daniels through twelve $35,000 payments.
In total, Cohen sent 11 invoices to Weisselberg in 2017 for 'services rendered'. He later testified that no services were in factrendered, and that the check was really 'reimbursement of hush money'.
In total, 12 vouchers were created to record the payments to Cohen. Vouchers are a standard business practice to record how much money a company spends, and to detail who is paid and why, but the prosecution alleges that these vouchers inaccurately describe the money being paid to Cohen as a legitimate legal expense. The voucher entries were recorded by Trump Organization bookkeeper Deborah Tarasoff, who testified that authorization to pay Cohen came from Weisselberg and another top financial officer of the company.
In total, 11 checks were made out to Cohen, totaling $420,000. Two of the checks were from the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust Account, but nine were from Trump’s personal account.
Documents from the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Editing by Sarah Frostenson, Kevin Uhrmacher and Debbi Wilgoren. Copy editing by Dorine Bethea. Photo editing by Max Becherer. Illustration by Emma Kumer.
Rawalpindi, Pakistan, 30 May 2024 (ISPR)
2-day 83rd Formation Commanders Conference concluded today at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi presided over by Gen. Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all Formation Commanders of Pakistan Army participated in the conference.
The forum offered Fatiha and paid tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas, including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who laid their lives for the country's safety, security, and sovereignty.
The forum was briefed on the dynamics of the geo-strategic environment, emerging challenges to national security, and the Army's strategy to counter multi-domain threats. The participants were also briefed on technological innovations to modernize the Army and optimize logistic support to field formations, in line with fast-evolving operational environment.
The forum expressed serious concerns over continued cross-border violations from Afghanistan and terrorism being orchestrated using Afghan soil, noting that Pakistan's adversaries were using Afghanistan to target Security Forces and innocent civilians inside Pakistan. The forum acknowledged the priceless sacrifices of the people of Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) in the war against terrorism and underscored the importance of uplifting the NMDs to decisively defeat terrorism.
The forum also underlined the need for socio-economic development in Balochistan to counter externally propagated narratives of exclusion, exploited by foreign-sponsored proxies to lead Balochistan's youth away from peace and progress.
Reviewing the prevailing situation on the Eastern Border and the latest round of extra-judicial murders in IIOJK, the forum expressed complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in UNSC Resolutions.
The forum showed concern over the treatment of minorities, especially Muslims, in India and noted the growing fascism being perpetrated to achieve vested political ends.
The forum also expressed complete solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations and war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza, supporting the International Court of Justice decision to stop Rafah Operation and all other operations within the Gaza Strip.
The forum underscored that politically motivated and vested digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators duly abetted by their foreign cohorts, against State institutions is clearly meant to try to induce despondency in the Pakistani nation, to sow discord among national institutions, especially the Armed Forces, and the people of Pakistan by peddling blatant lies, fake news, and propaganda. However, the nation is fully cognisant of their ugly and ulterior motives and surely the designs of these nefarious forces will be comprehensively defeated, InshaAllah.
The forum noted that planners, perpetrators, abettors, and facilitators of 9th May need to be brought to justice for the collective good of the country, and that without swift and transparent dispensation of justice to the culprits and establishing the rule of law, stability in the country will ever remain hostage to the machinations of such elements.
The forum resolved to continue to fully support the government's initiatives in various domains for sustainable economic growth and curbing illegal activities, including smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, implementation of One Document Regime, dignified repatriation of illegal foreigners, and safeguarding of the national database, etc.
The COAS appreciated the high standard of training displayed by formations during various exercises and the excellent performance of officers and troops in counter-terrorism operations. The COAS commended the formations for their high morale and round-the-clock operational readiness. The participants expressed their complete satisfaction with the steps being taken at the Army level for the training, administration, and welfare of serving and retired officers and troops. The forum noted the significant milestone achieved by Pakistan on Youm-e-Takbir and its stabilizing impact on the region.
The Conference concluded by affirming the resolve to neutralize all threats to the security and stability of the country with the full backing of the proud nation.
Doha, 28 May 2024 (QT)
By Ashraf Siddiqui
Pakistan's cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif has recently ratified a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Qatar to enhance collaboration in labour mobility, a Pakistani official has confirmed to Qatar Tribune.
Qatar Tribune learned that the said MoU draft proposed by Qatar aimed at exchanging expertise in labour relations, labour inspections, and occupational safety and health.
Talking to Qatar Tribune in Islamabad recently, Jawad Sohrab Malik, Special Assistant to Former Interim Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development, praised Qatari people’s traditional hospitality.
He said he was inspired by Qatar’s comprehensive transformation spanning infrastructure, economic progress, peace and security, cleanliness, and the harmonious co-existence among its extensive expatriate worker community.
Malik said that during his official visit to Qatar in January this year, he had fruitful and very positive meetings with Minister of Labour of Qatar HE Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, government officials, and top management of some of the leading private sector companies.
He stressed the importance of ratification and implementation of MoUs signed between both the countries, especially those relating to labour sector. More than 45 MoUs and agreements have been signed between Qatar and Pakistan.
Admiring the groundbreaking labour reforms introduced by Qatar, Malik said the country has set a benchmark among the GCC states. He added that those reforms encompass various measures such as the implementation of non-discriminatory minimum wages, elimination of exit-re-entry permits, regulations ensuring safe working conditions during extreme heat, establishment of a Labour Disputes Settlement Committee, creation of Workforce Support and Insurance Fund, the introduction of Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) in major labour-supplying countries, including Pakistan, the incorporation of worker representatives in Joint Committees within large organisations; among other initiatives.
Malik thanked the leadership of Qatar for their care for the expatriate workers and having deep concern on solving their issues. He said that during his meetings with some of the Pakistani workers, he was also told about the quality and state-of-the-art medical facilities available for a common person in government hospitals.
Qatar’s facilitation of visa on-arrival for businessmen, tourists from over 80 countries, including Pakistan, and foreign investors is commendable and deserving of recognition, Malik added.
Talking about role of Pakistani expatriate workers, he said that Pakistan is one of the major contributors to the global workforce, fulfilling the demands of burgeoning economies worldwide, with over 10 million Pakistanis employed abroad, spanning various skill levels, a significant portion serving in the GCC states.
Malik added that annual remittances from overseas Pakistanis of around $30 billion are the primary source of foreign exchange, bolstering the nation’s economy significantly.
Replying to a question about addressing an array of issues faced by the overseas Pakistanis, he said that Pakistan has deployed labour attaches in eight countries. Notably, in Qatar, two labour attaches and their teams are dedicated to aiding Pakistani passport holders in resolving employment-related grievances and addressing other concerns promptly and effectively.
European Union
EU HR/VP Blog, 26 May 2024
External Action
(EU Offocial Web Site)
Last Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) took a provisional order regarding the situation in Rafah. The EU has constantly supported a rules-based world order and in particular the ICJ, the highest court of the UN System. Therefore, we ask the government of Israel to respect fully this Court order. Tomorrow the Foreign Affairs Council will extensively discuss the situation in Gaza.
Last Friday, following the provisional measures already taken on 26 January and 28 March 2024, the International Court of Justice has, by 13 votes to 2, requested the Government of Israel to “immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. Maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. Take effective measures to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide. Submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this order, within one month as from the date of this order.”
The highest Court of the United Nations system
Those decisions elicit the following remarks. The ICJ is the highest court of the United Nations system. All its Members States have the obligation to comply with its decisions. All EU Member States are then bound to them. Disregarding it would be against the rules based world order we support and promote everywhere. The unconditional respect and the relentless promotion of international law is at the heart of both our identity and our foreign policy. The European Union, built on the ruins left by the two world wars of the 20th century, has always been a strong supporter of a peaceful resolution of international conflicts, notably through courts such as the International Court of Justice in The Hague. We can therefore only emphasize the crucial importance of fully respecting this decision of the ICJ. Introducing caveats, objections or exceptions based on non-legal grounds damages the rule-based order, damages our values and will damage our international standing and weaken our position on other issues including Ukraine. If one of the parties is not satisfied by the decision of the Court it can of course address a specific request for interpretation but not disregard it.
Decisions consistent with the requests by almost all UN members
Those decisions are largely consistent with the requests made publicly for many months by almost all members of the UN including all permanent members of the UNSC and EU member states. The ICJ decisions are by no means targeting the brave people of Israel, which deserves to live in peace and security side by side with the Palestinian people. The Court has recalled in particular its concern over the fate of the hostages abducted during the attack in Israel on 7 October 2023. It found “deeply troubling that many of these hostages remain in captivity and reiterated its call for their immediate and unconditional release”. From the beginning, freeing the hostages has also been a core demand from the EU.
The deep concerns of the international community
The decision of the ICJ, following the requests for arrest warrants made by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court earlier last week, is of course not of the same nature. However, they both reflect the deep, constant and mounting concerns of the international community in front of the catastrophic situation prevailing in Gaza and the urgency to reach a cease-fire paving the way for a political solution.
On Monday, the FAC will have the opportunity to discuss extensively the situation in Gaza. This important meeting is taking place at a crucial moment. It will be enhanced by the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the Secretary General of the league of Arab States. They will give their assessment of the situation and present their proposals to get out of the deadlock and reach a political solution. We obviously remain also ready to welcome our Israeli counterpart. It is time for the EU to take its responsibilities in front of a catastrophic situation of an unprecedented magnitude. We have to act. Our moral and political credibility is at risk.
Doha, 25 May 2024 (QNA)
The 15th edition of the Al Jazeera Forum commenced today, shining a spotlight on the profound transformations triggered by the "Tufan Al-Aqsa" operation and the subsequent Israeli war on Gaza. The discussions focus on the impacts at Palestinian, Israeli, regional, and international levels.
This two-day forum, titled "Transformations in the Middle East After the Tufan Al-Aqsa," features a distinguished group of experts, researchers, and media professionals from various countries.
Opened on Saturday under the title 'Tufan Al-Aqsa in the Context of Palestinian National Struggle', the opening session of the forum delved into the contexts of Palestinian resistance, the causes and factors leading to the Tufan Al-Aqsa operation, and the political prospects for the Palestinian cause amid the current international dynamics.
Speakers highlighted that despite its significant humanitarian cost, the Tufan Al-Aqsa operation rekindled discussions on the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state and the Palestinians' right to self-determination. It also reminded the world of the tragedies of occupation, settlement, and blockade across Palestinian territories.
In the second session, "Repercussions of the War on Israel," participants examined the internal Israeli situation and the long-term impacts of the Tufan Al-Aqsa operation on Israel. These discussions spanned military, political, social, and economic dimensions.
The first day's agenda includes two more sessions: one addressing "International Justice in the Balance of the Israeli War on Gaza," and the other discussing Arab stances on the Palestinian cause. Tomorrow, participants will engage in four additional sessions covering post-Tufan Al-Aqsa balances, the international agenda, targeting journalists amid the Gaza war, and a dedicated session for social media influencers on narrative conflicts regarding the war on Gaza.
Doha, 23 May 2024 (QT)
The Embassy of Italy in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian National Association of Construction Companies (ANCE), and Msheireb Properties, recently held the opening ceremony of the worldwide premiere innovative exhibition ‘CONNECT-IT. Visions, to unite the world’, at the Atrium Z in Msheireb Downtown District, Doha.
The exhibition is open for public until September 14, with free entry. The exhibition is displaying photographs of hi-tech and amazing architecture works done by Italian construction companies in Qatar and other countries.
Present on the opening of the exhibition were Valentino Valentini, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy; Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi; Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali Al Kuwari; Curators Prof. Tullia Iori, Ludovico Pratesi and Marco Bassan; ambassadors; members of the Italian community and guests.
The ‘CONNECT-IT’ exhibition illustrates the evolution of an industrial sector that is a source of pride for Italy. It also aims to showcase the contribution made by the Italian infrastructure companies across the world, including in Qatar with the majestic projects of Doha Metro and the two FIFA 2022 World Cup stadiums – Al Bayt and Al Janoub.
In his inauguration remarks, Italian Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini said he was delighted to open the first-ever CONNECT-IT expo in Qatar, a key economic partner for Italy. “Italy’s infrastructure sector stands out for its combination of advanced technology, practicality, and stunning architecture.
This exhibition gives the people of Doha a chance to experience some of Italy’s most impressive infrastructure projects, as well as other remarkable works from around the world, showcasing the power of connecting people through unique and innovative designs,” he said.
Italian Ambassador to Qatar, Paolo Toschi, in his address, said, “It was not a case that Doha was chosen as the first location worldwide to host CONNECT-IT; we know how intertwined are our economies and how valuable is the contribution of Italian companies to Qatar’s infrastructural development, especially in landmark projects such as Doha Metro or the World Cup stadiums.”
He added, “Today, we not only celebrate the excellence of the Italian infrastructure industry, but also the strength and the success of the friendship between Italy and Qatar.”
Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali Al Kuwari said, “Msheireb Properties has a positive, long-standing relationship with our Italian colleagues in Qatar spanning more than five years.”
He added that “together, we presented a rich offering of exhibitions and programs to the creative community in Qatar and those visiting us from abroad. We are excited to host CONNECT-IT in our district, which in itself is a testament to craftsmanship and design excellence.”
Doha, 22 May 2024
The third and final day of the 2024 Global Security Forum in Doha heard a rallying call for global partnerships to secure world peace from the Maldives’ Minister of Homeland Security and Technology.
Delivering high level remarks at the Forum, which ran under the theme ‘Strategic Competition: The Complexity of Interdependence,’ Ali Ihusaan underscored the profound impact of terrorism on societies and economies, highlighted the universal threat of cybercrime, stressed the importance of education, awareness, and cybersecurity measures in safeguarding citizens and institutions and emphasized the significance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges.
He said, 'As we confront the daunting challenges of the 21st century, let us reaffirm our commitment to global partnerships for world peace. Let us eradicate divisions, bridge differences, and work together in pursuit of a shared vision of a world where peace, justice and prosperity prevail for all.”
Minister Ali Ihusaan also expressed solidarity with innocent civilians affected by conflict, particularly in Gaza, emphasizing the Maldives' commitment to peace and justice, its resilience in the face of threats and highlighting its robust counter-terrorism measures and international cooperation efforts. The Minister also lauded Qatar’s dedication to promoting peace and stability worldwide.
The final day of the 2024 Forum, was organized by The Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) and The Soufan Center.
US Ambassador Timmy Davis proffer insights into resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a fireside chat, Ambassador Davis emphasized the importance of Qatar's diplomatic engagement with Hamas and advocated for a two-state solution.
He added that he does not think we have learned the lesson that ultimately for parties to live with any resolution to their conflict, it has to be theirs. Often people think the United States is problematic in the world, and we have made decisions that we have had to live with and that we've had to fix; … it is also true that if there's going to be a solution, the United States must be a part of it, he added.
In his address on the current global security landscape, Ambassador Robert C. O'Brien, former US National Security Advisor, highlighted tensions in Europe, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Straits and underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive approach towards achieving peace in the Middle East.
Discussing on with a focus on interdependency in a multipolar world, Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan, former Ambassador-at-Large in Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the inherent competition in international relations and the importance of strategic partnerships.
He said that competition among sovereign states, whether big or small, to him was an inherent condition of international relations. And of course, competition, unfortunately, sometimes becomes conflict.
Dr. Ilan Pappe, Director of the European Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter, talking on the geopolitical implications of the Gaza conflict, he call for global cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis and advocate for human rights in the region.
He warned that the next few years are going to be very tough. The kind of Israel that develops since November 2022, especially after the 7th of October, is a menace to the Palestinians and to the area. And there should be a global coalition that can stop it and tame it, because otherwise, we will see one cycle of bloodshed after the other, and we are always at the risk of having a global, or a regional war.”
However, the President of Al Sharq Forum, Wadah Khanfar emphasized the necessity of understanding the region’s intricate dynamics when addressing its future.
Khanfar said that forecasting the future of this region requires background knowledge, depth of understanding, and patience to unravel its complexity. Conferences and conversations of this nature are indispensable in gaining a deeper comprehension of regional dynamics. Patience is key in delving into the nuances of the situation.
During a fireside chat, Brig. Mubarak Sherida Al Kaabi, Commander of the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in disaster response.
He said that with more than 15 years of experience working with search and rescue groups in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, our search and rescue groups have gained valuable experience and are able to transfer information to others at the international level. Our goal is to share expertise and knowledge with countries that can benefit from our experience and assistance.
Final Forum features also included panels on Energy Security and Economic Interdependence in an Era of Global Competition, the Security Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, and Threats to Human Security in the Global South.
The 2024 Global Security Forum was committed to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration, underscoring the dedication of global leaders to tackle shared security challenges and promote peace and stability worldwide.
Doha, 22 May 2024
By Ashraf Siddiqui
Wassim Nasr, Paris based French journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center has lauded the importance of the discussions being held at the Global Security Forum Doha.
Talking to Editor, www.asiantelegraphqatar.com on the sidelines of the three day conference, he said that the platform provides opportunity to meet, listen such a large number of participants from across the world. The decision makers are here to discuss and exchange their point of views freely and openly on various challenging and concerning issues about their region and across the regions world is facing today.
This year, major emphasis are on Africa and prominent leaders from African continent are participating in this forum on both political and security level. It is interesting to see the presence of personalities like of HE Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson, African Union Commission; ambassador Ahmed Abubakar, Director General, National Intelligence Agency of Nigeria; HE Prof. Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Togolese Republic; Djibril Bassole, Former Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso, etc discussing their regional issues in detail which is also helping participants to know and understand in much better and clear way. Certainly some of the issues are having their strong impact not only on their region as well as beyond like migration, terrorism, human rights abuses, etc.
From such discussions, he said that politicians do realize their responsibilities and discuss on how to over come these challenges before it leads to major concern for the country, to the region and the world. He said that in his panel discussion on Wednesday, he will be talking in detail on the role of military junta and its worst impact, changing dynamics of Jihadis factions including those affiliated to AlQaida, Islamic State and their impact on the local population.
Talking on genocide in Palestine in the hands of occupied Israeli forces and recent ICC declaration on arrest of Israeli Prime Minister and Israeli Defence Minister, he said that it looks unlikely any follow up, however, it will certainly have a strong impact on public opinion.
In regards to including the names of Hamas leadership, he said that it is very obvious, understandable, is political to show a balance in ICC decision, nothing more. However, issuing ICC recommendation against a sitting prime minister and defense minister of a country is hard decision, not that easy, will leave major impact on the general public, Wassim Nasr concluded.
Doha, 22 May 2022
Effective from September 1, traffic law violators will not be allowed to leave the country through any state borders without paying the fines and dues through the (Metrash2) application, Ministry of Interior announced at press conference held at Directorate's headquarters in Madina Khalifa South
The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Traffic, announced the rules and procedures for vehicle exit permits to leave the country, the payment of traffic fines before leaving the country, and the designated lanes for buses with more than 25 passengers, taxis, limousines, and delivery motorcycles.
Brig. Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, Director of Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Interior; Col. Ali Hassan Al Kaabi, Assistant Director of the Licensing Department at the General Directorate of Traffic, and Major Engineer Mohammed Misfer Al Hajri, Assistant Director of the Traffic Safety Department spoke at the press conference.
Several ministry officers and representatives of local media attended the conference.
Brig. Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah pointed out that these procedures regarding vehicle exit permits, fine payments, and lane designations are based on the Traffic Law issued by Decree-Law No. (19) of 2007 and the decision of the Minister of Interior No. (21) of 2024 regarding the rules and procedures for issuing permits for motor vehicles to exit the country.
The ministry officials said the procedures are based on the Traffic Law issued by Decree-Law No. (19) of 2007, the decision of the Minister of Interior No. (21) of 2024 regarding the rules and procedures for issuing permits for motor vehicles to exit the country.
Accordingly, the General Directorate of Traffic has announcedto the owners of motor vehicles the implementation of the following rules and procedures, effective from May 22:
A permit must be obtained from the General Directorate of Traffic for motor vehicles to exit the country, as per the prescribed form and the following conditions:
The vehicle must not have any outstanding traffic violations.
The final destination (point of arrival) for the motor vehicle must be specified.
The applicant for the permit must be the owner of the vehicle, or present proof of the owner's consent for the vehicle to exit the country.
The following vehicles are exempted from the requirement for a vehicle exit permit:
Vehicles bound for the GCC countries (point of arrival) provided they have no traffic violations, and the driver is either the owner or has the owner's consent. Goods transporting vehicles.
The press briefing also set out the rules for the return of vehicles with Qatari plates.
Considering the exception mentioned in the above, owner of a vehicle outside the country must adhere to the following: Return the vehicles that are outside the country before applying these rules and procedures, within 90days from the date of this announcement, unless the owner obtains a permit from the licensing authority for the vehicle to remain abroad for a specified period or periods.
Return the vehicle permitted to leave the country before the permit expires, with the possibility to renew the permit for a further period or periods.
In case of violating the aforementioned rules and procedures, legal actions will be taken, including the administrative impoundment of the vehicle for up to 90 days, the ministry said.
Effective from the date of this announcement, motor vehicles outside the country will not be allowed to renew their registration unless the vehicle undergoes a technical inspection inside the country. If the registration is not renewed within the legal period (30 days from the expiration date), the vehicle owner must return the licence plates to the General Directorate of Traffic.
Failure to return the plates will result in referring the violator to the Public Prosecution for its procedures, according to Article (95) of the mentioned Traffic Law, which stipulates imprisonment for not less than one week and not more than one year, and a fine of not less than QR3,000and not more than QR10,000, or either of these penalties.
A 50 percent discount on the value of traffic violations for all motor vehicles will be applied from June 1 until August 31, 2024. The discount includes violations recorded within no more than three years.
Effective from September 1, 2024, traffic law violators will not be allowed to leave the country through any state borders (land, air, and sea) without paying the fines and dues through the (Metrash2) application, Ministry of Interior website, traffic sections, or unified service centers.
Effective from May 22, 2024, as per the provisions of the Article No. 49 of the Traffic Law, buses with more than 25 passengers, taxis and limousines are prohibited from using the left lane on road networks with three or more lanes in each direction.
Delivery motorcycle riders must use the right lane on all roads, with lane changes allowed at least 300 meters before intersections.
In case of non-compliance with the above, legal action will be taken against the violator, who will be subject to referral to the Public Prosecution for its procedures according to Article (95) of the aforementioned Traffic Law.
Doha, 20 May 2024
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi emphasized that the State of Qatar has become known for years as a suitable center for mediation and resolving disputes between parties to the conflict, noting that, thanks to its mediation efforts, it has been able to resolve many disputes and reach consensus formulas between many parties.
During a panel discussion at the Global Security Forum, held in Doha, he said that the mediation efforts made by the State of Qatar alongside Egypt and the United States of America regarding the war in the Gaza Strip are considered one of the most difficult cases ever faced historically.
Dr Al Khulaifi said that Qatar's mission in this context is not over yet, and it continues to seize all opportunities that enable it to achieve the necessary breakthrough to overcome this crisis and allow the people of Gaza to obtain another period of calm and end the war.
He added that Qatar's role in mediation does not extend only to its region, but extends beyond it to other regions geographically distant from Qatar, such as contributing to resolving the dispute between the US and Venezuela.
He stressed that Qatar counts on its partners in the international community to contribute to resolving conflicts, and all of these important factors have created Qatar's distinguished reputation, adding that there is no contradiction between Qatar's firm political stances and mediation files. In all cases, work is carried out in accordance with the provisions of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, Qatar's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi said, commenting on the mediation of Ukraine's children, that the main motive for participating in these mediations is a humanitarian motive, through which Qatar seeks to reunite the families affected by these conflicts.
On the sidelines of the Global Security Forum, Dr. Al Khulaifi met separately today with Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat; Lord of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and United Nations at the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Lord Tariq Ahmed; US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West; and US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens.
During the meetings, they discussed bilateral relations and discussed the latest developments on regional and international levels.
QNA reported that in his video recorded message on the official opening of the 6th Forum, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mohammad Shiaa Al Sudani, has praised the Global Security Forum, which focuses on attention to security and its sustainable solutions, pointing out that security includes all aspects and paths that affect the lives of peoples and govern their quest to achieve a decent living in peace.
The Iraqi Prime Minister said in a speech he delivered via video communication technology at the opening of the sixth edition of the Global Security Forum currently being held in Doha that the State of Qatar's hosting of this event confirms and strengthens its position at the forefront of successful experiences in development and construction.
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