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Saudi Arabian ambassador to UN calls for extension of Iran arms embargo

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the UN Abdul Aziz al-Wasel on Thursday called for the extension of the arms embargo on Iran, adding that Tehran smuggles weapons to militias to disturb the peace in the Middle East."Lifting the arms embargo on Iran will only lead to further devastation and fuel conflicts in Lebanon," he added."Iran is smuggling weapons to armed militias working to destabilize the region," al-Wasel said, adding that "the Middle East region is passing through a critical stage."
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabian ambassador to UN calls for extension of Iran arms embargo

Coronavirus: UAE detects 277 new COVID-19 cases after conducting over 68,000 tests

The UAE detected 277 new cases of the novel coronavirus after conducting over 68,000 COVID-19 tests, which raises the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 63,489, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced on Thursday.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page. No new deaths were recorded in the past day, according to the ministry. The death toll in the country is currently 358.Meanwhile, the number of recoveries rose to 57,372 after 179 people recovered from the virus.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE detects 277 new COVID-19 cases after conducting over 68,000 tests

Dubai’s Emirates announces 50 flights to Lebanon, provide relief after Beirut blast

Dubai’s Emirates airline announced Thursday that it would open an airbridge to Lebanon to provide support to the country after an enormous blast rocked the nation’s capital, Beirut, last week.Emirates SkyCargo plans to dedicate over 50 flights to provide freight and airlift operations to Lebanon after the blast has left Beirut in tatters. A week on from the explosion that left at least 170 people dead and over 6,000 wounded, the nation remains in shock with widespread protests and government resignations.“Emirates supports the UAE's ongoing humanitarian efforts to support Lebanon and is committed to bolster its global emergency response to ensure that it can support organisations which provide urgent care, shelter, food and medical support to the Lebanese people,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group said in a statement.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The airline has announced that people can donate money or pledge their Skywards Miles, Emirates’ frequent flier program miles, to the cause, with every donation providing cargo capacity for humanitarian relief. Critical medical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency goods are all on the list to be sent to Beirut by Emirates.“People from all corners of the globe have been sending their support to Lebanon and we are proud to facilitate a means for them to tangibly and proactively assist the Lebanese people with relief and recovery efforts on the ground during this difficult time,” Al Maktoum added.The airline added that it has already been supporting disaster relief efforts in Lebanon through dispatching over charter flights carrying food, clothing and medical supplies from various organizations in the UAE to the country.The Lebanese community in the UAE has been seeking to support their home country in several ways. A program announced last week has resulted in the shipment of 138 tonnes of glass from the UAE to Beirut to help repair the damage caused by the shockwave of the blast.The Lebanese Business Council of Abu Dhabi used its contacts in the Lebanese community in the UAE, as well as a partnership with the multinational courier company Aramex, to procure and transport the glass, which will be enough to repair around 1,000 moderate size homes in Beirut.Read more:Lebanon’s parliament approves two-week state of emergency after Beirut explosionBeirut blast: Lebanon prosecutor to question ministers over explosionBeirut explosion: Cost of damage exceeds $15 billion says President Aoun
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Dubai’s Emirates announces 50 flights to Lebanon, provide relief after Beirut blast

Israel, UAE reach historic US-brokered peace deal

Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on Thursday that will lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations in an agreement that US President Donald Trump helped broker.Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed confirmed on Twitter.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app."During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed tweeted.The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said."This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region. All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from today's historic achievement," read a joint statement from all three countries.According to the joint statement released, delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.Read more:Coronavirus: UAE companies to collaborate with Israeli companies on COVID-19Israel’s plans to annex Palestinian land a ‘serious setback for peace’: UAE’s Gargash(With Reuters)
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Israel, UAE reach historic US-brokered peace deal