Survey suggests link between corruption, corona response
The link between corruption and coronavirus response could be widely seen around the world, according to the report's analysis. For example, Uruguay scored 71 — putting it at 21st place on the list. “Corruption is also pervasive in the procurement of medical supplies.”Even in New Zealand, which placed No. 1 as the least corrupt nation with a score of 88 and has been lauded for its pandemic response, there was room for improvement, Transparency noted. Overall, of 180 countries surveyed, two thirds scored below 50 out of 100 and the average score was 43.
Source:Libya Today
January 28, 2021 05:48 UTC
With new outlook on Gulf policies, Biden team starts long path with Iran
Blinken said that a review was routine for any new administration to ensure that a sale “advances our strategic objectives”. Pompeo had pointed to the Houthis’ ties to Iran, an arch-nemesis for the Trump administration, which piled sanctions against the Shiite clerical regime. Blinken confirmed that the Biden administration wants to return to the 2015 nuclear deal trashed by Trump – but rejected Iranian calls to act first. Iranian officials fear that the US – where Trump’s Republican Party, narrowly in the minority in Congress, remains adamantly opposed to the nuclear deal – will not fulfil sanctions relief even if Tehran goes ahead. Israel, in turn, is strongly critical of the nuclear deal, with its military chief publicly warning this week that military plans are being drawn up to use if needed.
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2021 22:30 UTC
UN to hold meeting on Libyan mission
The UN will convene today to discuss the activities of its Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Expect today’s meeting to focusThe UN will convene today to discuss the activities of its Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Expect today’s meeting to focus on recent talks that have yielded agreements for a ceasefire and elections for a unified government in December of this year. Despite UN emphasis on following the troop withdrawal timeline, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries have not made any attempt to evacuate forces from Libyan soil. This neglect of the UN-brokered agreement by foreign powers could thwart the efforts of an already brittle peace process and plunge Libya’s political future into a further state of turmoil.
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2021 20:04 UTC
Libyan interior security force arrives at Musaid border crossing with Egypt to impose security
This came to implement an order issued by Libyan Minister of Interior Ibrahim Bushnaf; the security forces arrived at the border headed by Director of the General Administration for Central Support Salah Al-Khafifi. They began to carry out their duties at the gate of the security post Al-Jarfan, and the road to the Musaid border crossing. The Director of the Central Support Department in the Libyan Interior visited the Tobruk Security Directorate and discussed with officials the plan drawn up by the Minister of Interior to impose security and combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other negative phenomena. Musaid is the main border crossing to Egypt and is approximately 240 kilomtres from Marsa Matrouh and 150 kilomtres from Tobruk. Egypt is adopting a strategy of opening up to all Libyan parties supporting a political solution, as part of its support for efforts to defuse the crisis in the country.
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2021 14:15 UTC
Libyan interior security force arrives at Musaid border crossing with Egypt to impose security
This came to implement an order issued by Libyan Minister of Interior Ibrahim Bushnaf; the security forces arrived at the border headed by Director of the General Administration for Central Support Salah Al-Khafifi. They began to carry out their duties at the gate of the security post Al-Jarfan, and the road to the Musaid border crossing. The Director of the Central Support Department in the Libyan Interior visited the Tobruk Security Directorate and discussed with officials the plan drawn up by the Minister of Interior to impose security and combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other negative phenomena. Musaid is the main border crossing to Egypt and is approximately 240 kilomtres from Marsa Matrouh and 150 kilomtres from Tobruk. Egypt is adopting a strategy of opening up to all Libyan parties supporting a political solution, as part of its support for efforts to defuse the crisis in the country.
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2021 14:15 UTC
Tripoli Looks for Ways to Enhance Trade and Cooperation with Berlin
Tripoli Looks for Ways to Enhance Trade and Cooperation with BerlinLibya has witnessed major developments in recent weeks, as members of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) voted on a mechanism to select the executive authority. Simultaneously Ahmed Maiteeq was conducting his shuttle rounds between the countries influencing the Libyan file to develop common ground for understanding between all the Libyan parties. Maiteeq discussed with the German ambassador to Libya, Oliver Ovtsha, ways to enhance trade and cooperation between Tripoli and Berlin. Media reports have highlighted the importance of the meetings that Ahmed Maiteeq is holding with the countries most concerned with the Libyan issue. It is interesting that Ahmed Maiteeq has played an important role in opening channels of communication between the Libyan Interim Government and the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2021 10:41 UTC
From frontline to headline, volunteer doc is no stranger to epidemics
As a specialist in infectious diseases, the 70-year-old Penangite is no stranger to medical crises and has made headlines doing her work. But even with her vast experience, Lai is confounded by the sheer scale of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Harvard medical faculty physician was also stationed at the island of St Croix to help set up Covid-19 centres. “The governor asked doctors from other states to go and help out because the doctors in New York were tired and needed a break. “I certainly would like to continue volunteering.”CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST DATA ON THE COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2021 01:52 UTC
Former police chief discloses Muslim Brotherhood's moves to undermine Egyptian state while in power
It is noted that Morsi was member of the Supreme Guidance Bureau of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is outlawed in Egypt and designated terrorist group. Speaking of the brotherhood's attempt to break into the ministry's headquarters, Youssed said, "9,000 Muslim Brotherhood elements encircled the ministry. As a consequence, the former minister was questioned by the House of Representatives that was dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists. "I headed to the presidential palace and found Ahmed Abdel Aty, who is a dangerous Muslim Brotherhood element, waiting for me with Morsi. Yousef confirmed that the Muslim Brotherhood was using the Urtlas in riots after January 25 Revolution.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2021 19:30 UTC
Senate confirms Antony Blinken as Biden's secretary of state
WASHINGTON – The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Antony Blinken to be the nation’s 71st secretary of state on Tuesday, as lawmakers scrambled to approve President Joe Biden's Cabinet nominees before impeachment proceedings begin. "Mr. Blinken has a long and distinguished history when it comes to state-craft and foreign relations matters," said Sen. James Risch, the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He served as Biden's staff director on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for six years, starting in 2002. When Biden became vice president, Blinken became his national security director – before President Barack Obama elevated him to higher positions, including the No. In his confirmation hearing, Blinken promised to rebuild the State Department, repair frayed alliances and restore America’s global leadership.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2021 17:37 UTC
PTI files foreign funding case against JUI-F
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a foreign funding case against the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday, wherein it claimed the JUI-F took funds from Libya and Iran. The PTI had previously filed similar cases against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). “Nawaz Sharif took [funding] from Osama bin Laden in the name of the Islamic system and ending a woman’s rule,” Habib claimed. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had given directions for government spokespersons to expose the opposition’s propaganda and said that those trying to trap the PTI in a foreign funding case are now trapped themselves. The foreign funding case has now become a key agenda of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) anti-government campaign, which they believe will help them dethrone PM Imran.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2021 13:07 UTC
Egypt, Qatar resume maritime navigation
CAIRO – January 26, 2021: Egypt announced on Monday the resumption of maritime navigation between Cairo and Doha, in light of the mutual obligations that resulted from the Al-Ula Gulf Declaration during the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Saudi Arabia. On January 20, 2020, Egypt's Foreign Ministry annonced that Egypt and Qatar have exchanged official memoranda on resuming diplomatic relations. The Al-Ula agreement ended a boycott on Qatar by the Arab quartet, which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. On January 18, the first Egyptian flight took off from Cairo to Qatar following the milestone agreement. In a joint statement, nine charity entities were listed as linked to “terrorism" supported by Qatar, with three based in Yemen and six in Libya.
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2021 23:37 UTC
Tripoli Interior Ministry send force to impose law and order in Tarhuna following disorder believed to be sparked by Kaniat mass graves body identifications
Tripoli Interior Ministry send force to impose law and order in Tarhuna following disorder believed to be sparked by Kaniat mass graves body identificationsBy Sami Zaptia. London, 26 January 2021:The Tripoli based Interior Ministry sent a strong force on Sunday into Tarhuna to reimpose security after disorder and attacks on property. The outbreak of disorder is believed to be acts of revenge by families whose relatives’ bodies were recently recovered and identified in the city’s mass graves. The Kani brothers ruled the city with an iron grip accused of cold bloodedly murdering anyone who opposed them. Funeral prayers for 14 victims of Tarhuna’s mass graves held in Tripoli Friday | (libyaherald.com)
Source:Libya Herald
January 25, 2021 23:03 UTC
Ship transporting unhealthy livestock forced to leave Tripoli port back to Spain
Ship transporting unhealthy livestock forced to leave Tripoli port back to SpainBy Sami Zaptia. London, 26 January 2021:The ship, Elbeik, carrying unhealthy livestock was ejected out of Tripoli port yesterday under armed patrol, Tripoli’s Interior Ministry reported yesterday. The livestock shipments had arrived at Tripoli port earlier in January. The violating shipments of cattle were on board the ship “Karim Allah” carrying 895 calves, and Elbeik carrying 1,776 calves. Animal Health rejects shipments of 2,671 cattle at Tripoli port | (libyaherald.com)
Source:Libya Herald
January 25, 2021 23:03 UTC
Masasi stars again as virus-hit DR Congo snatch dramatic victory
Although hard hit by coronavirus with 12 players and head coach Florent Ibenge testing positive during the three-match first round, DR Congo topped the standings with seven points. In the quarter-finals of a competition restricted to home-based footballers, DR Congo face Group A runners-up Cameroon in Douala and Congo meet Group A winners Mali in Yaounde. DR Congo were fortunate that goalkeeper Siadi Ngusia Baggio was not injured against Niger as they did not have a reserve goalkeeper owing to positive coronavirus cases. John Kadima put DR Congo ahead midway through the opening half and Niger substitute Mossi Moussa levelled 17 minutes from time. In Douala, Libya kicked off with a one-point advantage over Congo and were hopeful of reaching the quarter-finals having been unlucky not to defeat DR Congo.
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2021 22:30 UTC
Europe must resume saving refugee lives in the Mediterranean, rescuers say
EUROPEAN states must resume saving lives in the central Mediterranean, a refugee-rescue organisation urged today before disembarking more than 370 people in Italy. The Ocean Viking, a rescue ship operated by SOS Mediterranee, rescued 374 people from four boats in distress off the coast of Libya at the weekend. “While we are relieved for the 373 people on our ship, we insist again that a return to an effective co-ordination of state-led search and rescue in the central Mediterranean is vital. Another refugee boat carrying about 45 people who had left Libya at the weekend reached the Italian island of Lampedusa today. According to the latest IOM figures, 469 people have been returned to Libya so far this month, 12 have died in the central Mediterranean and 67 people are missing.
Source:Libya Today
January 25, 2021 17:26 UTC