Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 May 2024, 12:21 Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly visited Lebanon to show support to the crisis-hit country amidst her tour of the region. This visit comes after her trips to Cyprus, Türkiye, and Greece. During her stay in Lebanon, Minister Joly engaged with key officials like Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and others to address the challenges faced by Lebanon. She reiterated Canada’s commitment to regional stability and support for the Lebanese people. Minister Joly highlighted the strong ties between Canada and Lebanon, with a significant Lebanese-Canadian population in Canada. Canada…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 May 2024, 15:28 Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s memoirs, titled “Freiheit” (“Freedom”), co-written with her assistant Beate Baumann, are set to be released on Nov. 26. The roughly 700-page volume documents Merkel’s 16-year tenure and her journey from a scientist in East Germany to the first female chancellor of Germany. Throughout her leadership, Merkel navigated various crises, including the global financial crisis, migration crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite criticism post-retirement, she remains a prominent figure globally, known for her liberal values and leadership. The memoirs will be available worldwide in over 30 countries, shedding light…

The European Union has approved sweeping reforms to its asylum system, aiming to address the challenges posed by migration as Europe gears up for the upcoming elections. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, endorsed by EU government ministers, outlines rules for member countries to manage unauthorized entries, from screening to deportation processes. Although Hungary and Poland opposed parts of the package, the mainstream parties see it as a resolution to the issues stemming from the 2015 migrant crisis. The reforms, set to take effect in 2026, aim to unify member nations on asylum policies and curb far-right sentiments. The…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 May 2024, 12:50 A historic moment has occurred as caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon initiated direct communication with the Syrian government, marking a shift from the usual contact through ministers and security chiefs. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s adviser Luna al-Shebel shared on Facebook that Mikati reached out to Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous, with plans for a meeting between Mikati and Assad at the upcoming Arab Summit in Manama to discuss mutual concerns. Amid tensions in Lebanon regarding the presence of Syrian refugees and economic migrants, this diplomatic move signifies a potential step towards…

The recent flash floods and cold lava flow from a volcano in western Indonesia have tragically claimed the lives of 41 people, with 17 still missing. Heavy rains caused volcanic rocks to cascade down Sumatra island, affecting two districts and leading to widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are underway to locate the missing individuals, with hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the disaster. Evacuation centers have been set up, and authorities are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected. Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the terrifying events, emphasizing the urgent need for support and resources. Indonesia is no…

The United States has condemned Iran for providing an “unprecedented” amount of weapons to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, allowing them to launch reckless attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Deputy ambassador Robert Wood urged the U.N. Security Council to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions and violation of U.N. sanctions. The U.S. Maritime Administration reported over 50 Houthi attacks on shipping since November, leading to a decline in maritime activity in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Despite a reduction in hostilities and attacks, the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, with recent provocations from the rebels. The…

A group of 49 employees at the Vatican Museums have taken a bold step by filing a class-action complaint demanding better benefits and working conditions. Their complaint, made public in Italian newspapers, highlights concerns over seniority, leave, and overtime, as well as health and security risks due to cost-saving measures. This challenge to Pope Francis’ governance sheds light on the unique legal challenges faced by Vatican employees, who often lack recourse under the city-state’s laws. The employees, represented by Vatican attorney Laura Sgro, are advocating for better treatment in line with social teachings of the Catholic Church and Francis’ own…

A shocking incident unfolded at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York, where Hadi Matar, a Lebanese-New Jersey man, allegedly stabbed renowned author Salman Rushdie during a public event. Rushdie suffered severe injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye, while the moderator, Henry Reese, was also wounded. Matar, facing charges of assault and attempted murder, is now navigating talks with county and federal prosecutors to potentially resolve the charges without going to trial. The U.S. Justice Department is considering additional terrorism-related charges against Matar, adding a layer of complexity to the case. As legal negotiations unfold, Matar’s defense…

In 2023, Emirates, the long-haul carrier owned by Dubai’s government, achieved record profits of $4.7 billion, marking a significant jump from the previous year. With revenues of $33 billion and 51.9 million passengers flown, the airline saw immense success despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum attributed the success to high demand and the airline’s ability to meet customer needs quickly. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, commended Emirates for its growth and influence in the global aviation industry. The Emirates Group, which includes dnata and other…

Global stock markets show a mixed performance on Monday, following a positive week on Wall Street. European markets remain stable with minimal changes, while futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones see slight gains. However, concerns arise in Asia due to weak Chinese lending data and the U.S. government’s plan to increase tariffs on Chinese exports. The situation in Japan and China is cautious, with the Nikkei 225 and Shanghai Composite index experiencing minor fluctuations. On the other hand, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng sees a rise, supported by technology shares. The Biden administration’s potential announcement of increased tariffs on…