BEIRUT: Syrian government forces along with the help of heavy Russian air support, drove Islamic State out of Palmyra, dealing what the army called a “mortal blow” to militants who has captured the city last year and blown up its ancient temples. The loss is a major setback for the terrorist group since it declared a caliphate in 2014 across Syria and Iraq. Army general command said that its forces took over the city with support from Russian and Syrian air strikes. Palmyra would become a “launchpad to expand military operations” against the Islamic State in those two provinces, the general said, promising to “tighten the noose on the terrorist group and cut supply routes ahead of their complete recapture.”
Saudi reporter jailed for 5 years for insulting rulers
DUBAI: Saudi has sentenced a journalist to five years in jail for insulting the rulers and “inciting public opinion” on Twitter. In a statement, Amnesty has opposed the sentencing of Alaa Brinji and called it a “clear violation of international law”. It also said it showed intolerance of the right to peaceful expression. Brinji, worked for Saudi Arabian Newspapers al-Bilad, Okaz and al-Sharq and was found guilty on March 24. Amnesty said the court also found him guilty of ridiculing Islamic religious figures and of making accusation against “security officers of killing protesters in Awamiyah.” Brinji was reportedly arrested in May 2014 and has been in detention since
Al-Jazeera to slash 500 jobs, many at Qatar HQ
DUBAI: Broadcaster Al-jazeera has announced cutting 500 jobs in a worldwide workforce reduction move, just a little more than two months after announcing the closure of its US offshoot. The network gave the news saying the cuts were part of a “workforce optimisation initiative” linked to changes in the media landscape. This will enable Al-Jazeera to “maintain a leading position and continue our recognised commitment to high quality, independent and hard-hitting journalism around the world,” said acting Director General Mostefa Souag. The move comes after Qatar refocuses its spending priorities amid a steep drop in prices for oil and gas.
Chinese flags defaced in Prague ahead of Xi's visit
PRAGUE: Dozens of Chinese flags hung on the streets of Prague in lieu of a landmark visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, were marred with black substance over night. Police spokesman Jan Danek said, “Several dozen Chinese flags were splattered with a black substance overnight. An inquiry has been opened, and police are going to examine video surveillance cameras from the streets.” Xinping will arrive for a two-day visit before he leaves for the US for talks on nuclear issues. His visit will be opposed by Czech demonstrators who are against China's policies in Tibetm and, they are expected to put up protests. Rights groups have accused the country of suppressing Tibetan culture and freedom of expression.
Indian jailed for 14 years in jail for drug smuggling
DENPASAR: Indian Sayed Mohammed Said is sentenced to 14 years in jail for trying to bring crystal meth into Bali. The 30 year old was arrested with 53 ounces of the narcotics hidden inside his backpack when he arrived at Bali airport from Bangkok, in September. While he had claimed the package belonged to a friend and he wasn't aware it contained drugs, the court in Denpasar found him guilty this Monday and handed him a 14 year sentence. Said's lawyer Daniar Trisasongko said his client was still considering whether to appeal. Indonesian President Joko Widodo had launched a tough campaign against narcotics use in 2014, which also resulted in the execution by firing squad last year of seven foreign drug convicts including two Australians.
Two Bangladesh Ministers fined for contempt
Dhaka: Bangladesh Supreme Court has found two Cabinet Ministers guilty for committing contempt of court over statements about the Chief Justice. A full bench led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, ordered Food Minister Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq to pay a fine of Tk 50,000 each. The court also said the ministers have been fined by the country's top court. They issued the contempt rule against the two ministers on March 8, and asked them to explain their “derogatory and highly contemptuous statements”. Qamrul Islam, on March 5, had called for a new bench that should exclude the chief justice to hear Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali's appeal. Mozammel Huq had criticised the chief justice at the same programme.
Pakistan opts out of SAARC satellite plan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has “decided to opt out” of the ambitious SAARC satellite project, proposed in November 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all member countries of the regional grouping. At the SAARC summit held in Kathmandu, Modi had announced India’s decision to develop the satellite to benefit all member countries in different fields including telecommunication and telemedicine. MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “Pakistan has decided to opt out of the satellite project. So, it cannot be called a SAARC satellite. It will be a South Asia satellite.” The neighbouring country has expressed some reservations over the safety of its space programme data, conveyed during the SAARC meeting in Pokhara this month.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka to broaden economic, political ties
COLOMBO: Speaking at a ceremony marking the 76th Pakistan Day, High Commissioner Syed Shakeel Hussain said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have undertaken measures to further deepen and broaden their economic and political ties. He said both the countries were in the process of refining a free trade agreement, expanding the portfolio of tradeable items and encourage bilateral investments. He also expressed satisfaction on the traditionally close and mutually beneficial relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in all fields.
Indian appointed UN adviser on human rights and businesses
UNITED NATIONS: India-born academician Surya Deva has been appointed as the Asia-Pacific representative of the UN Working Group by the UN Human Rights Council. An associate professor at the School of Law of City University of Hong Kong, he recently wrote a background paper for India's National Framework on Business and Human Rights. He was also elected a Member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Constitutional Law in 2014. President of the Human Rights Council Choi Kyong-lim informed in a letter to all permanent representatives to the United Nations Office at Geneva last week of Deva’s appointment.
Suu Kyi to be Myanmar's foreign minister
NAYPYIDAW: Aung San Suu Kyi will be the Foreign Minister in Myanmars' first civilian government for decades. This gives the democracy icon a formal post despite being blocked from the presidency. Her close ally Htin Kyaw has already been picked as president for the administration that will come to power next week. Nobel laureate, Suu Kyi was the sole woman and one of the only six members of her National League for Democracy party in a cabinet list read out by Parliament Speaker Mann Win Khaing Than. While he hadn't confirmed which position she or others would hold, NLD spokesman Zaw Myint Maung later confirmed she would lead the foreign ministry.
