Rai stresses the importance of holding legislative elections next year as Aoun says Lebanon needs “six to seven years” to emerge from the crisis..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon crisis to drag on, top Christian cleric issues elections plea
Israel adds Mexico to COVID-19 no-fly list
The United States and Canada remain on the list, as well.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel adds Mexico to COVID-19 no-fly list
The COVID-19 fear factor won’t work forever – analysis
Israel’s Prime Minister has issued dire warnings about the “fifth wave” of COVID-19 that he says has begun.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: The COVID-19 fear factor won’t work forever - analysis
Visitor numbers to Expo 2020 Dubai continue to climb despite COVID-19 concerns
Organizers at Expo 2020 Dubai have announced visitor numbers continue to climb – regardless of the scaling back of some activities at the site due to rising numbers of COVID-19.The number of visits to Expo - the largest major global event to be held since the start of the pandemic - has increased to 8,067,012 in the period up to 27 December, with organizers saying stringent COVID-19 safety measures are in force to protect everyone on site and include mandatory mask-wearing – indoors and outdoors – for visitors, as well as all staff and participants.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Organizers said venues may also close temporarily for deep cleaning and sanitisation in response to positive cases detected by extensive workforce testing protocols, as well as for maintenance, private events and staff shortages.During the past week, Expo 2020 celebrated Christmas with a series of special events, with thousands of visitors safely enjoying the festivities, with many taking advantage of the AED 95 festive pass valid until the end of December.Visitors and performers have shown collective responsibility in the face of heightened health concerns. Academy and Grammy award-winning composer A.R. Rahman, during a special concert on 22 December, thanked audiences for being responsible and encouraged everyone to wear masks – a message echoed on Christmas Day by award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga and internationally acclaimed singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe.On December 24, The Holy See held a prayer service for humanity, award-winning Lebanese singer Tania Kassis and the Festival Chorus performed a special carol service, while the UK’s most successful gospel choir group, the London Community Gospel Choir and American soul artist Naia Izumi delighted audiences.The next seven days promise another host of events , with a special focus on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Helping visitors ring in 2022 will be two of the world’s biggest DJs – Dimitri Vegas, who will perform at Jubilee Park from 11.30pm, and Armin Van Buuren, the producer of electronic music, who will be in action from 1.30am.New Year’s Eve will also see numerous Arab, Filipino and Indian DJs performing sets, and there will be a midnight ‘ball drop’ moment at Al Wasl Plaza, as well as two separate fireworks displays at midnight and 3am.Dubai Metro will run continuously throughout New Year’s Eve, ensuring every visitor to Expo 2020 can get home safely.Expo 2020’s virtual visitation rose to 37 million up to December 27, with more than three million children around the world enjoying the Virtual School Animation Series – now available in six languages – in the last 20 days alone.The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone continue to be of the highest priority and organizers remain committed to working with participants to welcome visitors to a safe and exceptional Expo.Expo 2020 Dubai runs until March 31, 2022, inviting the world to join a global celebration that will help to shape a better, brighter future for everyone.Read more:Expo 2020 Dubai to host New Year’s Eve spectacular despite COVID-19 concerns
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Visitor numbers to Expo 2020 Dubai continue to climb despite COVID-19 concerns
Israel’s Bennett says firm position needed against Iran in nuclear talks
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday that world powers should take a more firm position in nuclear talks with Iran.“Of course there can be a good agreement. Of course. We know the parameters. Is that expected to happen now ins the current dynamics? No. Because there needs to be a much firmer position,” Bennett said in an interview with Israel’s Army Radio.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Iran is negotiating with a very weak hand. But unfortunately the world is acting like Iran is at a strong point,” he said.Read more:Israel will act alone against Iran if needed: Foreign MinisterIran nuclear deal in limbo may be most EU diplomats can achieveIran insists on crude exports as Vienna nuclear talks resume: FM Amirabdollahian
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Israel’s Bennett says firm position needed against Iran in nuclear talks
UAE approves Sinopharm’s protein-based vaccine as a booster dose
The United Arab Emirates has approved emergency use of Sinopharm’s protein-based COVID-19 vaccine and it will be available to the public as a booster dose starting January 2022, the health ministry said.The vaccine will be produced and distributed by a joint venture between the UAE’s Group 42 and China National Biotec Group (CNBG), a unit of China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), the ministry said in a statement on state media on Monday.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The approval came following a UAE-based study that included individuals who were previously vaccinated with two doses of Sinopharm CNBG’s inactivated vaccine, the ministry added.The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, on Monday reported 1,732 new coronavirus cases and one death. Authorities, who do not give a breakdown for each emirate, said around 91 percent of the population of some 10 million had been fully vaccinated.Read more:UAE reports decline in daily COVID-19 cases, after six-month high in infections
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE approves Sinopharm’s protein-based vaccine as a booster dose
Russia: Closure of International Memorial is an insult to victims of the Russian Gulag
The closure of International Memorial represents a direct assault on the rights to freedom of expression and association..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Russia: Closure of International Memorial is an insult to victims of the Russian Gulag
Man arrested in Qatar for human trafficking
Qatari authorities announced on Monday the arrest of an immigrant for illegally employing absconded domestic workers amid increasing runaway complaints..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Man arrested in Qatar for human trafficking
Aoun hints at frictions with Hezbollah over cabinet boycott, Kordahi crisis
Aoun said he has been unfairly criticised and his authority undermined while he cannot even force the cabinet to convene..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Aoun hints at frictions with Hezbollah over cabinet boycott, Kordahi crisis
Egypt ‘digitally unwraps’ mummy of pharaoh through funerary mask
“The Egyptian study revealed for the first time the face of King Amenhotep I, his age, health condition, in addition to many secrets about the mummy’s unique mummification and reburial.”..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Egypt ‘digitally unwraps’ mummy of pharaoh through funerary mask