Paris                                                                                                                                                                                                       13 Oct. 2017                                                                                                                                                                             (Yahoo/Reuters)

The United Nations' cultural agency selected former French culture minister Audrey Azoulay as its new chief on Friday, handing her the keys to revive UNESCO's fortunes after the United States pulled out.

Azoulay edged Qatar's Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari after the fifth round of voting and the decision will now be put forward for approval to UNESCO's 195 members on Nov. 10.

A sudden announcement on Thursday that the United States was quitting over perceived anti-Israel bias meant that whoever wins the top job would inherit a body in turmoil, with huge questions over its future funding and mission.

"In this time of crisis we need more than ever to support, strengthen and reform UNESCO and not leave it," Azoulay told reporters, saying she would modernize the organization.

"If I'm confirmed...the first thing I will do is to restore its credibility, restore the faith of its members and its efficiency so it can act."

Azoulay, who will replace Irina Bokova, a Bulgarian who has led the body since 2009, will have to try to restore the relevance of an agency born from the ashes of World War Two, but increasingly hobbled by regional rivalries and a lack of money.

"Congratulations" France will continue to fight for science, education and culture in the world," President Emmanuel Macron tweeted.

The 45-year-old, a former minister under President Francois Hollande, has the political background, and knows the cultural and communications' sectors well having dedicated much of her career to them.

She also has the ardent backing of Macron, who had lobbied for her actively overseas during the last few months, and has made education one of his top priorities. He has also pushed for more multlilateralism at a time when the United States has pushed back.

Officially known as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Paris-based UNESCO is best known for designating and protecting archaeological and heritage sites, from the Galapagos Islands to the tombs of Timbuktu.

Most of its activities are uncontroversial, but when it comes to, say, resolutions about how religious sites should be run in Jerusalem, every word is studied for accusations of bias.

The United States is meant to provide a fifth of UNESCO's funding, but had already been withholding that since 2011 when the body admitted Palestine as a full member. It announced its departure on Thursday accusing UNESCO of anti-Israeli bias. Israel itself followed.

"Unfortunately, this venue has become politicized, undermining the work of UNESCO across its mandate. It's become a venue for anti-Israel bias, and unfortunately we are taking the decision to withdraw from UNESCO at this time," U.S. Charge d'Affaires at UNESCO, Chris Hegadorn told Reuters.

Tunis                                                                                                                                                                                                      09 Oct 2017

Sultan Bin Hassan Al-Jamali, Executive Director of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions (Doha) has said that it is continuous violations of human rights in the conflict areas specially in Arab region resulting in armed conflicts.

AlJamali was addressing at a seminar organized by the Arab Institute for Human Rights in Tunis on the role of National Human Rights institutions. He said that it seems humanity has forgotten its pain as a result of the First and Second World Wars and the subsequent wars and armed conflicts.

The Executive Director of ANHRI stated that human rights are universal in nature, one may belong to any region or gender. He said that there is no one inferior to any other.  He warned that conflicts are increasing day by day, it is responsibility of human rights bodies to work together and educate, create awareness towards individual rights and encourage parties of the conflict to avoid all human rights in our societies before it is too late.

Human Rights bodies to cooperates with stakeholders to monitor, document and expose violations and to refer them to competent authorities. Access to humanitarian assistance for civilians and support for children, women and vulnerable groups, including minorities, internally displaced persons and girls, and to support and protect the right to education.

Sultan Bin Hassan Al-Jamali said that in the aftermath of the conflict, national institutions, in cooperation with all stakeholders, should take appropriate action to ensure that victims of human rights violations receive adequate support without discrimination, including comprehensive medical treatment, mental health care and psychological support And legal, ensuring equity and justice.

He said that in addition to carrying out its role in the process of national reconciliation, demanding appropriate compensation for the victims, providing information to the families of missing persons and those who disappeared forcibly and following up their cases, and following up on the accountability of war criminals and ensuring their impunity.

He called on Governments, national human rights institutions, civil society and the international community to cooperate with their agencies, bodies and organizations to reduce armed conflict and violations of human rights in peace and war and said that if rights in peacetime were not violated when we came to a state of war or armed conflict, Efforts are being made to renounce hate speech, reduce exploitation, greed and wealth, and work for justice among human beings, thereby achieving peaceful societies living in peace and security.

Aljamali pointed out that the basis for cooperation among stakeholders in the field of human rights is integration, not competition. In this context, the previous appeal, which emphasized the universality and universality of human rights and their integrity, calls for the need to unify strategies between national institutions, the global coalition, civil society organizations, Human rights, the High Commission, the United Nations bodies and all stakeholders in the context of the universalization of the human rights process and the accumulated efforts that will lead to a qualitative leap that will change the moods of peoples and nations.

It called on NHRIs to carry out their tasks and to undertake a range of actions within the framework of implementation of their role of protecting and promoting human rights. They should, therefore, allocate resources within their own means to enable them to play their role before, during and after the conflict.

AlJamali said that national institutions have a role before the conflict, by monitoring the discourse of hatred and discrimination within the media and curricula, in all state institutions and society at large, monitoring laws and reviewing legislation, pointing to discriminatory texts and urging legislation that penalizes discrimination.

As well as the follow-up of the laws of tax and tax and the extent of fairness, and monitor the statements and behaviors of politicians and religion and the heads of trade unions and civil associations, and all that may cause congestion may lead to resort to violence later, and work with all stakeholders to reduce and eliminate.

He added that in order to carry out this important role, each institution must have a specific department or section to monitor the manifestations of discrimination and intolerance in society, including follow-up of the laws and work to consolidate the culture of acceptance of the other. And (this is what I consider an early warning device).

He called on national institutions, in partnership with civil society stakeholders and relevant government departments, to review and refine the curricula of hate speech and all that are contrary to human rights, and to propose decisions on human rights education in schools and universities. And to foster a culture of dialogue through activities approved during the school year.

Sant’Agata Bolognese                                                                                                                                                                        09 October 2017

Twenty-five years after the legendary LM002 ceased production, Automobili Lamborghini will launch the Urus on 4 December 2017 in Sant’Agata Bolognese, again creating a new class of Super SUVs. In advance of the Urus world premier Automobili Lamborghini looks back on its SUV legacy in order to recall an extraordinary automobile.

The black LM002 (chassis #12231) from the Lamborghini museum, entirely-restored by the classic department Lamborghini Polo Storico represents Lamborghini’s original SUV creation: the LM002 is widely considered as the father of luxury SUVs. Turning heads in sophisticated city streets, the LM002 was equally at home in dirt, gravel and snow.

The LM 002’s development started as a project to develop a high performance off-road vehicle for military use at the end of the 1970s, with the name of Cheetah. Lamborghini engineer Giulio Alfieri resurrected the project in 1981 with the LM 001: an innovative concept with a rear-mounted engine, followed by the LMA prototype with a front-mounted powertrain. The final production model of the LM002 was first presented at the Brussels Auto Show in 1986, consolidating the final design: the V12 engine from the Countach Quattrovalvole provided a 5,167 cc capacity and 450 hp at 6,800 rpm.

In an aluminum and fiberglass body, with four-wheel drive transmission, transfer case and three self-locking differentials, the SUV could exceed gradients of 120%. Reaching speeds of more than 200 km/h, the LM002 was equipped with specially-developed Pirelli Scorpion tyres, allowing ‘floating’ capabilities across soft surfaces such as sand, and highly durable in hot conditions. The production of the bodies started in a company near Bilbao (Spain). Then the semi- assembled parts were shipped to Sant’Agata Bolognese for completion with the powertrain, mechanical parts, finishing, testing and delivery. A luxurious interior matching the individual needs of the customer completed the LM 002.

The LM002 attracted significant attention when launched, as a vehicle unlike any other, with performance to match its super sports car stablemates as well as significant off-road capabilities and an imposing design and presence. A total of 300 were produced from 1986 to 1992.

Like the LM002, the Urus will create a new Super SUV class of its own, with exceptional power and torque, distinctive design and a very significant presence. The Urus assures exceptional road-going dynamics, performance and luxury and like the LM002, has exceptional capabilities on off-road terrains, including sand.

Moscow                                                                                                                                                                                              05 October 2017                                                                                                                                                                            . (TASS)

"I would like to mention the energy industry, not just traditional one, but the nuclear energy industry as well and cooperation in space exploration, agricultural sector and infrastructural projects among advanced industries in which agreements were signed today," the Russian top diplomat noted.

The Russian president and the Saudi king had an in-depth exchange of opinions on most important aspects of the situation in the Middle East and in North Africa. Special accent was put on Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, the situation in the Persian Gulf and in the Palestinian-Israeli settlement," Lavrov said.

Russia supports Saudi Arabia in its efforts to unite Syrian opposition, he went on.  "Russia welcomes efforts being exerted by Saudi Arabia for the sake of uniting the Syrian opposition with the aim to consolidate it on a constructive platform for talks with the government on the basis of the UN Security Council’s resolution 2254," Lavrov said.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      25 Sept. 2017

Ambassador Li Chen of China said that Chinese contribution of 30 % towards world's economic growth makes China a “main engine” of the world economy. Addressing recently at a reception hosted by him on the occasion of 68th anniversary of Founding of the People’s Republic of China, Li Chen said China stands as world's second largest economy and second largest country of trading and foreign direct investment.

He lauded strong relations in all fields between both the countries and told that during first half of 2017, bilateral trade between China & Qatar exceeded US $ 3. 3 Billion, a  growth of 19.82 %  to the same period of year 2016.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar,  Dr. Hassan Lahdan Al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice of Qatar, ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, Director of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar, ambassador of Eritrea Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Head of Diplomatic Corps, ambassadors, dignitaries and guests.

Full text of speech

' Ever since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China has made remarkable achievements. Especially over the past three decades of reform and opening up, both the Chinese economy and society have experienced rapid growth with a rising comprehensive national strength, and a significant improvement of the people’s living standards. China has now become the second largest economy in the world, the second largest country of trading and foreign direct investment. In 2016, despite the sluggish recovery of the world economy, the Chinese economy achieved a steady GDP growth of 6.7%. Making over 30% of contribution to global economic growth, the highest among all nations. China has thus become a “main engine” of the world economy. China’s development has not only improved the quality of living of the Chinese people which covers 19.2% of world population, and effectively promoted the stability and development of the global economy.

Next month, the Chinese Communist Party will be holding its 19^th National Congress. It is a major political event for the Chinese people which is held every five years. The Chinese Communist Party led the Chinese people to realize national liberation 68 years ago, and united the Chinese people on the course of opening up and reforms, which contributed to great achievements in development that attract the attention of the world. The Congress will be planning new blueprints and starting another glorious five years for China’s development.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends,

Over 1,300 years ago, ancient Chinese merchant ships set sailing from Guangzhou port in the South of China, crossing the waters in Southeast Asia and finally arrived in the Arabian Peninsula. China and the Gulf Countries were connected by the ancient Maritime Silk Road ever since.

In 2013, Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping proposed The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (the Belt and Road initiative), once again creating close ties between China and the Gulf States as well as other countries along the routes. Qatar is an important country with unique influence in the Gulf region, and has been a supportive partner in the Belt and Road cooperation. It is one of the first countries that offer actively respond to Belt and Road initiative, thus becoming an important partner in making joint contributions to the initiative.

During H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Emir of Qatar’s visit to China in 2014, the two heads of state agreed to raise the China-Qatar relations to a strategic partnership, and signed the MoU of jointly building the Belt and Road.

In recent years, under the common concern of the two heads of states of China and Qatar, strategic partnership of the two countries continues to contribute healthy and rapid development. Since the end of last year, H.E. Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, H.E. Minister of Energy and Industry Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani had made successful visits to China, H.E. Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Al-Sulaiti had attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, these have all effectively promoted bilateral cooperation between our two countries.

Right now, Staff Major General Saad Bin Jassim Al-Khulaifi, the the Director General of Public Security is paying a visit to China, the tow countries will sign agreements of cooperation in the security field.

January to June this year, total volume of import and export trade between China and Qatar exceeded 3.3 billion dollars with a growth of 19.82%. Qatar has become the second largest exporter of LNG to China, while China is the fourth largest trading partner and the second largest exporter to Qatar. Chinese companies has participated in strategic and major projects in Qatar like the Hamad Port and the main stadium of the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, the Chinese Navy fleet visited Qatar, China-Qatar 2016 Year of Culture had made a successful conclusion, which has greatly enhanced the understanding and friendship between the people of China and Qatar.

The next year will mark the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, the China-Qatar relationship is entering a new phase of rapid development. China is willing to continue working together with the State of Qatar to enhance political trust, deepen economic cooperation and increase cultural exchanges.

At the present time, the Chinese people are striving to fulfill the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the Qatari people are also devoted to realize the Qatar National Vision 2030. We are convinced that the China-Qatar relationship if full of opportunities and broad prospects, and will continue to achieve even more development and delivering greater benefits to the people of the two countries.

Thank you all again for your presence tonight. Let us wish China and Qatar a progressive and prosperous future, wish the China-Qatar relationship lasts forever, and wish everyone here tonight all the best !

Thank you!

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    28 Sept 2017

British members of the parliament have asked for immediate lifting of blocked of Qatar. Lord Grahame Morris of House of Lord  and head of the visiting eight members delegation said during his address to media at a press conference held at the Headquarters of National Human Rights Committee of Qatar.

Lord Grahame Morris, member of the British House of Lords  told media in Qatar that the delegation has met a number of victims of the blocked including local families, patients, children, traders and investors.  All members of the delegation believe these cases are real and painful. He said that they believe siege as being illegal and violating international and humanitarian laws and conventions, Lord Grahame Morris asked the blocked countries to  lift their blocked immediately.

British eight members delegation, three members from British House of Lord, one from British House of Common, two members of Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the United Kingdom (AOHRUK) and one from media are on a fact finding mission in Qatar on the impact of blocked of Qatar by the four countries, i.e. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

Lord Grahame Morris told that he has invited Dr. Ali Samekh Al Marri, President of NHRC to visit London and address the parliament providing facts and figures.

He said that by last week of October 2017, their report will be ready to submit to various organisations including British parliament, concerned institutions within UK and member states  of the European Union.

'We have met a number of victims from the on-going blocked of Qatar who are passing through serious situation including students, patients, business community members, separated family members, investors, such cases are real, solid and are painful, said Lord Grahame Morris of House of Lord  and head of the visiting delegation.

He said during his address to media at a press conference that  we believe siege as being illegal and violating international and humanitarian laws and conventions, Lord Grahame Morris asked the blocked countries to  lift their blocked immediately.

Press Conference was held at the Head Quarters of of Qatar National Human Rights Committee this evening. Present on the occasion were Lord Nazir Ahmad, Lord Qurban Hussain, both also from House of Lords and Lord John KilClooney of House of Common.

Lord Grahame Morris said that he has invited Dr. Ali bin Samekh AlMarri, President of NHRC to address to British parliament and present their findings.

“These violations are painful, especially with regard to medical treatment, education, reunification, investment, mobility and the exercise of religious rites,” Lord Morris said.

He stressed that it is not only people of Qatar suffering but people of blocked countries are also victim of the crisis. Lord Morris added that the siege imposed on Qatar violates the basic human rights that should be respected rather than violated.

He pointed out that there are international obligations on the countries to abide by them, stressing that it is in everyone's interest that the current Gulf crisis be resolved urgently.
The head of the British Parliamentary Committee, currently visiting Doha, said that the committee invited the

He said that the members of the committee will present the results of their visit to the British Parliament by last week of October. He also said that after meeting with the victims here in Qatar, and  have questioned them, we believe them and have collected number of witnesses.

Lord Grahame said that his delegation members will use their pressure on members of the parliament and the Prime Minister to push blocked countries to remove their blocked of Qatar immediately.

“The committee met with officials of the British embassy in Qatar, who said that it supports efforts to lift the siege on Qatar, which is the position of the British government itself which supports the mediation efforts of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah to end the crisis.

"The issue of Qatar is just in that it is an illegal blockade that violates international laws and human rights. The violations are documented. The region is an extended family. The blockade has greatly affected the rights of people and the ties between families. We will do our utmost to lift it. He said the committee would prepare a report on its visit to Qatar and its meetings with the victims of the siege. The report will be published in about a month, he added.

Las Vegas, USA                                                                                                                                                                                    02 Oct. 2017                                                                                                                                                                                        (New York Times)

A gunman firing from a Las Vegas hotel rained a rapid-fire barrage on a huge outdoor concert festival on Sunday night, sending thousands of people fleeing until SWAT units found and killed him. More than 50 victims died, and at least 200 others were wounded, officials said, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in United States history.

Online video of the attack outside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino showed the singer Jason Aldean performing outside at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, a three-day country music event, interrupted by the sound of automatic gunfire. The music stopped, and concertgoers ducked for cover. “Get down,” one shouted. “Stay down,” screamed another.

Several SWAT teams were sent to the hotel immediately after the first reports of the shooting at 10:08 p.m., and officers overheard on police radio reported being pinned down by gunfire. Shortly before midnight the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that “one suspect is down,” and soon thereafter the police said they did not believe there were any more active gunmen.

Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of Clark County told reporters early Monday morning that more than 50 people were killed and more than 200 injured. He identified the gunman as Stephen Paddock, 64. He said the police were seeking “a companion” named Marilou Danley, and the authorities later said they were “confident” they had located her.

On Monday morning, President Trump issued a statement on Twitter extending sympathies to the victims and their families.

Video of the shooting captured nine seconds of rapid-fire, continuous bursts, followed by 37 seconds of silence from the weapon amid panicked screaming. The barrage of gunfire then erupted again in at least two more rounds, both shorter than the first.

In the confusion after the shooting, the police also descended on the Ali Baba Restaurant, about a 10-minute drive from the Mandalay Bay, and they also investigated reports of a shooting at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, not far from the concert ground.

Doha, Qatar                                                                                                                                                                                          1st. Oct. 2017

In line of Qatar-German 2017 Year of culture, Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa AlThani, Chair-person Qatar Museums inaugurated today 'Driven by German Design' exhibition at the Al Riwaq Hall, Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha. The exhibition will be opened for public from 3rd of October 2017 to 14 January 2018.

Present on the occasion were former German President Christian Wulff, German ambassador to Qatar, Hans-Udo Muzel, Matthias Müller, Chairman of the board of management, Volkswagen Group, diplomats, dignitaries and the guests.

The exhibition celebrates the evolution and achievements of German different design disciplines including architecture, graphic design, product design, automotive design, fashion and furniture design.  It offers visitors a range of insights into both the artistic value of developments in design and their cultural significance by showcasing design concepts and works created in Germany or developed by German designers since 1945.

 The show also embodies the ambitious vision of its curator Martin Roth, who sadly passed away during the final stages of the show’s development. Roth is considered one of the most innovative and active cultural managers of the last decades. As director of world-famous museums in Dresden and London, he was committed to creating engaging platforms for a wide audience and encouraging them to experience and be inspired by art.

on the occasion, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said, '“Exhibition 'Driven by German Design' brings the best of German culture to the people of Qatar and the region by celebrating more than six decades of the country’s most famous design icons. This landmark show is a major highlight of the Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture and typical of the world-class exhibitions and events that Qatar Museums is increasingly famous for delivering to the highest standard. Its success is the result of deep collaboration between an enormous range of partners and truly demonstrates the rich cultural relationships between our two countries.”

 Matthias Muller, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group said on the occasion 'This retrospective of 70 years of German design has a close connection with Volkswagen Group and its brands. Many of our vehicles have given expression to the Zeitgeist of their era as well as shaping German cultural identity. This will continue to be our aspiration for the future, as digitalisation and new drive concepts affect automotive and industrial design. We are thrilled that "Driven by German Design" offers visitors a hands-on experience and in this way directly appeals to their individual potential for innovation.”

Dr. Gabriele Landwehr, Director of the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, said ' With this expertly curated presentation of German products for the Qatar Germany Year of Culture, Volkswagen Group and Qatar Museums not only present the master objects and their creators in a remarkable overview of 70 years of design, but also convey the spirit that is driving the German design. We are proud that German design is so well regarded in Qatar. Live speakers who will guide the visitors will allow them to enjoy a history lesson on German design. The various accompanying education activities and workshops will also allow children and students to learn about the inspiration and skills that made these master designs possible.”

Over 400 objects are on display, including a number of studies and prototypes that have never before been shown in public. Five exhibition areas are dedicated to the most important periods of post-war German design and showcase the works of more than 30 designers that have influenced design history in both Germany and around the world.

The exhibition documents the development of design in Germany based on the pioneering works of Frei Otto, Achim Menges, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Dieter Rams, Richard Sapper, Max Bill and many others. Though it does not claim to be exhaustive, it presents the widest possible range of design forms. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to take a closer look at the designers’ methods and try out their own ideas.

A design lab at the center of the exhibition, which was co-developed by Volkswagen Group, provides a window into design processes. For example, visitors can experience how an idea is generated and developed through to production based on a chair design by Konstantin Grcic and several prototypes from industrial designer Stefan Diez.

To complement QM’s strong commitment to education, workshops and talks focusing on the theoretical and practical aspects of design will be held by experts such as Dr. Mateo Kries, Director of the Vitra Design Museum, and Prof. Lutz Fügener from the Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences. Through these workshops, university students will have the opportunity to work on a project together with the world-renowned Porsche Design Studio.

Exhibition Driven by German Design is organised by Qatar Museums in partnership with Volkswagen Group, the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region and the German Embassy Doha as part of the landmark ‘Years of Culture’ initiative developed under the guidance of QM Chairperson, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The year-long programme is made up of a wide variety of exhibitions and events in addition to literary and art workshops, film screenings, concerts and performances, sports competitions and trade shows. The Year of Culture initiative is sponsored by Qatar Airways and the St. Regis Hotel.

Catalonia                                                                                                                                                                                          1st Oct. 2017                                                                                                                                                                                (AlJazeera Network/Media)

Catalonia’s referendum on independence is underway, as voters across the region cast their ballots on the question: "Do you want Catalonia to become an independent state in the form of a republic?"

Since polls opened at 07:00 GMT, there have been frequent confrontations between Spanish police forces and would-be Catalan voters.

More than 460 civilians and up to 12 security officials have sustained injuries as a result, according to Ada Colau, the Mayor of Barcelona, and the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.

On social media, the exchange of opinions on the referendum also mirrored the tension in the streets of Catalonia.

Reactions in Spain were divided, with officials from the central government and regional government offering different versions of events.

Juan Ignacio Zoido, Spain’s interior minister, praised the response of security officials as "proportional and professional" in a post containing a video showing a Spanish police officer providing a helping hand to a father and child near the Catalonian city of Girona.

However, Raül Romeva i Rueda, the Catalan government’s minister of foreign affairs, took a different view on events. He criticised Madrid’s response to the referendum, saying Catalonia would continue to push forward with the vote.

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior posted a video showing stones being thrown at the Spanish Civil Guard, declaring "violence against the police continues".

Spain's Civil Guard also posted a video showing clashes with members of the public, claiming officials were continuing to "resist harassment and provocations as they discharge their obligations proportionally in defence of the law".

A number of individuals in Catalonia took to social media to contest the Spanish government’s claims of proportionality, claiming violence was being used by security officials to deter Catalans from exercising their opinion.

Natza Farre’s post, with images courtesy of Jordi Folch, showed police striking a number of civilians in the Guinardo district of Barcelona.

Charles Michel, Belgium’s prime minister, also spoke out against the use of force by Spanish police. He called on both parties to resolve their political differences through non-violent means.

Polls were scheduled to close at 18:00 GMT

As reported by INDEPENDENT, Catalonia has overwhelmingly voted for independence from Spain, with 90 per cent of over two million votes counted saying "yes", the regional government has said.

According to voting figures issued early on Monday morning, 90.9 per cent of the votes now counted, or 2,020,144 were in favour of independence, and 7.87 per cent, just 176,565, were against.

The regional government spokesman, Jordi Turull, said 15,000 votes were still due to be counted and that total voting figures remain incomplete and provisional because a much larger number, an estimated 770,000, are either inaccessible or lost after some polling stations were closed and ballot boxes were seized by police.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    27 Sept 2017

The Expatriates’ Exit Grievances Committee organized an introductory seminar on its functions and services recently at the Officers' Club of the General Directorate of Civil Defence. The event was attended by Brig. Salem Saqr Al Muraikhi, Director of Legal Affairs Department, Ministry of Interior and Chairman of the Committee, Lt Colonel Muhammad Ali al Kubaisi, Human Rights Department, Saleh Rashid Al Kuwari, Representative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Capt.  Juma Ali Al Buainain, Rapporteur and Secretary of the Committee and Nayef Musabih Al-Shammari, National Human Rights Committee and large representation of number of  Asian communities.

Brig. Salem Saqr Al-Murikhi said that the Ministry of Interior was keen to deliver the services of the committee to all walk of the communities in order to strengthen the coordination between the relevant authorities in the State. He said that the committee has been working for more than six months and has handled many complaints that have been resolved in a way that satisfies all parties. He emphasized the keenness of the Ministry of Interior to respect the rights of expatriate workers and keep the stability between the employees and employers.

Capt. Juma Ali Al-Buainain presented the functions and services of the committee. He said that the establishment of the committee came within the context of the major changes introduced by Law No. (21)/ 2015 compared to the previous law No. 4/ 2009. He added that according to the article No.(7)of the Law No.(1 / 2017),  an expatriate has the right to exit from the country for leave or for an emergency reason or any other reason after informing the recruiter as per labor contract.  An expatriate has the right for final exit from the country before the expiry of the labor contract period after informing the recruiter based on the labor agreement.

If the recruiter or the competent authority refuses to grant exit permit or refuses the permission for final leaving of the expatriate from the country, the expatriate can approach and appeal to the Exit Permit Grievances Committee. The Committee has to take its decision on the appeal within three working days.

Regarding the work mechanism of the committee he said the appellant should submit his appeal to the secretariat of the Committee in the prescribed form prepared by the Committee along with attachment of supporting documents for his grievance appeal. The concerned officer at the secretariat of the committee will receive the appeal and register it in the registry and the appellant will receive a notification with grievance No. and date of appeal submission. The appeal should be reviewed by the committee in the first meeting after submitting the appeal.

The committee will notify its decision the concerned administrative unit in the Ministry, recruiter and expatriate by any means of communication like fax, telephone or SMS.

All inquiries can be made through the email :   EPGC@moi.gov.qa.