Saudi Cabinet slams violations in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta

King Salman presides over a cabinet meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
Updated 07 March 2018
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Saudi Cabinet slams violations in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday condemned ongoing human rights violations in Eastern Ghouta by the Syrian regime and allied militias, including indiscriminate bombing, the use of chemical weapons and the prevention of humanitarian access.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, also demanded that all parties immediately adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2401 to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance and medical evacuations.
The Cabinet paid tribute to Bahrain’s efforts to combat terrorism, including foiling a number of terrorist acts and arresting 116 people affiliated to a terrorist organization formed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Cabinet condemned a series of militant attacks in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, offering condolences to the victims, the government and the country’s people.
The Cabinet reviewed the latest regional and global developments, and Saudi participation in the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The Kingdom promotes and protects human rights regardless of race, color or gender, and cooperates with international human rights mechanisms, the Cabinet said.
It was briefed on the results of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Egypt, and his talks with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during which agreements and a memorandum of understanding were signed to deepen strategic bilateral relations in various fields.


Rainy Abha alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom

Updated 14 sec ago
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Rainy Abha alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom

  • Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop
  • Asir region is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet)

RIYADH: After the recent rains in Asir, the city of Abha is awash with color as the jacaranda trees that line its streets spring into life.

Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Asir region is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet).

The jacaranda genus, which comprises about 45 species of trees and shrubs, is known for its ability to thrive in temperate regions. Within the Kingdom, the trees are mostly cultivated in moderate regions to the south.


Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives a delegation from the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law
Updated 15 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation

  • Strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi in Riyadh on Monday.

During the reception, Prince Faisal, Al-Owaisi, and his accompanying delegation discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of international humanitarian law.

The strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was also discussed during the meeting.

Later, a memorandum of understanding to enhance joint cooperation in the field of international humanitarian law was signed by the Foreign Ministry and the committee. 

The MoU aims to support the integration of joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of experiences and transfer of knowledge in the field of international humanitarian law.

The chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi and Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji sign a MoU in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

 


Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj

Updated 13 May 2024
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Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj

RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan on Monday visited the Welcome and Reception Center for Pilgrims on the Hijrah route to inspect the services offered to pilgrims and the preparations made to receive those who are coming to perform the Hajj rituals this year.

He also reviewed the center’s workflow, ensuring it guarantees the comfort of pilgrims and the expeditious completion of procedures related to the services provided to them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region, inspected the workflow mechanism and services provided to pilgrims arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, as well as those visiting Madinah after completing the rituals.

He also examined the center’s operational indicators, which automatically monitor arrivals and groupings, along with the plan to enhance the service system through screens monitoring bus arrivals and the completion of procedures within a period not exceeding 120 seconds, by guiding pilgrims and ensuring their residences are ready to receive them.

During the tour, Prince Salman received an explanation of the center’s components, including a support center for transportation services, health clinics and ambulance transportation services, as well as the security and safety system and integrated operational services in welcome lounges, bus routes, the charity warehouse headquarters, transportation companies, and other administrative buildings within the center’s scope.


Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures

Updated 13 May 2024
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Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures

RIYADH: Municipal authorities in the Asir region have announced the completion of renovation and development works in the historic Al-Yanfa heritage village in the Tamniah district.

The initiative aims to elevate the village into a premier destination, attracting visitors and tourists from across the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Al-Yanfa, situated in the scenic Al-Shaaf district of Asir, reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Just 45 km from Abha, the village features historical landmarks such as ancient buildings, mosques and fortified structures amid Asir’s picturesque landscapes. It is also known for its moderate climate and lush green surroundings.

Bandar Al-Nafiei, deputy secretary for projects at the Asir Municipality, highlighted the restoration efforts. He said that the project began with rehabilitating pathways and courtyards, with stone paving throughout the village.

To enhance the village’s charm, illumination fixtures were placed along pathways and courtyards, Al-Nafiei said.

Extensive landscaping was also undertaken, covering every part of the village, from entrances to pathways and courtyards. Additionally, a rainwater drainage project was implemented, incorporating natural wood elements, the SPA reported.

Al-Nafiei said that the village project, spanning more than 60,000 sq m, was implemented using advanced engineering methods. This approach aimed to provide visitors with easy access to explore the village and its historical heritage.


Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum

Updated 13 May 2024
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Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum

RIYADH: The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,” this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace.

Bringing together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex challenges, the SPA reported.

It serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development amid rapid transformations.

Attendees include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.

Exploring dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the center’s mission, the SPA said.

By fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.

With participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and societal advancement, the SPA reported.