UN envoy warns against Syria collapse at crisis talks Posted on 14/12/2024 In the meeting with Geir Pedersen (front right), Anthony Blinken said the UN “plays a critical role” in humanitarian assistance and protecting minorities in Syria. (AP pic) AQABA: A UN envoy on Saturday urged foreign powers to work to avoid a collapse of vital Syrian institutions following the downfall of leader Bashar al-Assad, as diplomats gathered in Jordan for a conference on the crisis. Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, also backed a “credible and inclusive” political process to form the next government as he met US secretary of state Antony Blinken. “We need to make sure that state institutions do not collapse, and that we get in humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible,” Pedersen said. “If we can achieve that, perhaps there is a new opportunity for the Syrian people.” Top Arab, Turkish, EU and US diplomats are holding talks in the Jordanian Red Sea resort city of Aqaba less than a week after Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad. Blinken, on a trip in which he has met the leaders of Jordan, Turkey and Iraq, has repeatedly called for an “inclusive” process that reflects all the diverse ethnic and religious communities in Syria. News
Stocks end flat after Fed-induced selloff as early bounce fades Posted on 20/12/2024 Traders now see just one quarter-point rate reduction by mid-2025, and see less than two cuts in total by the end of the year. (EPA Images pic) NEW YORK: US stocks ended little changed on Thursday, as an early rebound from a sharp drop in the prior session after the… Read More
Ghost hunting at abandoned Batu Pahat mall lands car wash assistant in jail for trespassing Posted on 26/12/2024 BATU PAHAT, Dec 26 — A 24-year-old car wash assistant was sentenced to three months in jail by the magistrate’s court today after admitting to trespassing in a building for paranormal activity last Saturday. According to the New Straits Times (NST), Muhammad Haikal Mesrol pleaded guilty after the charge was… Read More
China warns NZ against joining Aukus amid security concerns Posted on 27/11/2024 New Zealand previously stated it had been gathering information on future Aukus cooperation but made no commitments. (AP pic) WELLINGTON:- Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said that if New Zealand were to join security grouping Aukus it would “inevitably” have negative consequences for the country’s relationship with China…. Read More