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Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Jordan’s King Abdullah discuss bolstering ties

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II held extensive talks in Amman, mainly focusing on regional developments and bolstering ties.During his visit to Amman, the Crown Prince discussed means to strengthen bilateral ties toward serving mutual interests and enhancing economic cooperation as well as diversifying investments in various fields, including tourism, agriculture and healthcare.Jordan voiced its appreciation for the Kingdom’s support of developmental projects, mainly in transportation and energy, highlighting the significance of Saudi investments in expanding various sectors in Jordan.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.During their discussions, both parties also said they look forward to enhancing cooperation in the field of clean energy and voiced the importance of exchanging expertise in projects on renewable energy.The Crown Prince and King Abdullah also discussed regional and international affairs, such as the Palestinian cause and developments in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Iran.On Palestine, both reaffirmed that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve comprehensive peace and noted that Israel must cease all unlawful practices that undermine this solution.On Iraq, the Crown Prince and King Abdullah noted that Iraq’s stability is essential for the region’s stability and voiced hope that Iraqi parties reach a consensus on forming a cabinet that meets the aspirations of the Iraqi people.Turning to Yemen, Jordan reiterated its condemnation of the Iran-backed Houthi militia’s attacks which target civilians and vital facilities in the Kingdom, adding that it fully supported any measures the Kingdom takes to protect its security, stability and interest.The Crown Prince and King Abdullah also said, “Jordan’s and Saudi Arabia’s security is one.”As for Syria, they called for intensifying efforts to reach a political solution to end the crisis and restore security and stability.On Lebanon, the Crown Prince and King Abdullah voiced the importance of carrying out comprehensive reforms to help the country overcome its current crisis, adding that Hezbollah must commit to not interfering in Arab countries’ internal affairs.On Iran, both reiterated their support of international efforts aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.The Crown Prince and King Abdullah reaffirmed that both countries would continue cooperating and coordinating political and security developments to further strengthen security and prosperity.Read more:Saudi Arabia consulate requests probe results in death of two citizens in AustraliaJordan’s King stresses pivotal regional role of Saudi Arabia led by King SalmanKuwait dissolves parliament, calls for early general elections
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Jordan’s King Abdullah discuss bolstering ties

Dubai’s longest-serving dog shelter at risk of closure after financial woes

K9 Friends, one of Dubai’s longest serving dog shelters for stray animals, has announced it may be forced to close its doors after dwindling sponsorship from the public.For more than 30 years, the center – which has the capacity for 130 stray dogs – has been run solely by volunteers who carry out maintenance, care for the animals and focus on rehoming the dogs to the right households.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app. It is also run purely on sponsorship from members of the public.Over the past three decades, the center has helped re-home thousands of dogs in need.However dwindling funds have forced the shelter to close permanently, despite it being one of the few rescue homes in the emirate who provide shelter for the stray and abandoned animals across the UAE.In a statement, K9 Friends – established in 1989 – said it is constantly filled with dogs who need a home, but a lack of sponsortships may mean it can no longer operate.“Unfortunately, the last few years has been hard on everyone, and it is with a heavy heart that K9 Friends is now in financial trouble,” the statement read. “With no official help we can no longer sustain the financial burden of DEWA, maintenance, insurance, staff costs and vet bills that are all associated with running a rehoming center.”K9 Friends running costs are roughly $22,000 a monthly. In May, they received just over $5,000 in sponsorship– only about a quarter of what they need to keep afloat, the rescue organization said.“K9 Friends has been a local institution for well over 30 years; it started as a small group of volunteers helping the stay and abandoned dogs of the UAE. With the support of an amazing team of volunteers and sponsorship they have helped literally rehome thousands of dogs.”“K9 Friends has helped the dogs and family in so many ways. Not just in the homing of dogs, but also in medical emergencies that arise. Ensuring all dogs in our care are neutered and vaccinated.”“We have never been in this situation that we have had to directly ask for assistance but COVID-19 has hit us hard and we can see no way out of this current situation.“If K9 Friends do not receive immediate help then they will be forced to close the doors within the next few months.”The organization told Al Arabiya English that, with sufficient sponsorship, they will be able to continue serving the stray animals in the UAE.Read more:Dubai cat cafe hopes rescues will find purr-fect new homesUAE animal welfare groups urge residents to adopt abandoned pets this ChristmasUAE vets warn dog owners to be aware of outbreak of deadly canine disease
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Dubai’s longest-serving dog shelter at risk of closure after financial woes

Horrific videos of employer assaulting workers in Lebanon sparks fury

Videos showing a group of Lebanese and Syrian workers being assaulted and tortured by their employer in the Lebanese town of Majdel al-Aqoura sparked fury on Wednesday, according to local media reports.The employer accused the cherry-picking workers of stealing a watch and sunglasses from him, charges which they denied.In one of the videos seen by Al Arabiya English, the employer slaps the workers – some of whom have been stripped of their clothes.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.According to An-Nahar, the employer and other men also assaulted the workers with sharp objects and electric wires. They also stuffed the young workers’ mouths with potatoes.Videos of the incident stirred an uproar on social media with people demanding security forces launch an investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.The general directorate of the internal security forces issued a statement on Wednesday saying that on June 20, a man filed a complaint stipulating that several people who work for him stole 20 million Lebanese liras from him, the equivalent of about $700 using the unofficial rate.The statement identified the man as the employer who assaulted the workers, adding that an investigation has been initiated into the incident and the employer has been summoned to give in a statement.The municipality of Fneidik in the governorate of Akkar where some of the workers live issued a statement describing the incident as a “heinous crime,” adding that the employer falsely accused them of theft because he did not want to pay them their wages.On Thursday, MP Michel Moussa, the chairman of the parliamentary human rights committee, condemned the “abhorrent torture” of the young men, and called for arresting the perpetrators and holding them accountable, al-Markazia news agency reported.Read more:Lebanon central bank forensic audit to begin June 27: SourcesSome Lebanon banks disagree with ABL letter objecting IMF planPM Mikati likely to be nominated for another term amid Lebanon crisis: Sources
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Horrific videos of employer assaulting workers in Lebanon sparks fury