Habshan-Fujairah pipeline inaugurated today

Source: Gulfnews (Read full story)

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The new pipeline can carry three-quarters of the UAE’s oil exports if needed. Until now, the UAE, like Qatar and Kuwait, had been entirely dependent on Hormuz to export its crude and the pipeline ends its dependence on a shipping artery that Iran has increasingly threatened to block as Western sanctions on its oil exports have tightened.

The US and its allies in Europe have been saying Iran’s nuclear programme is aimed at building nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charge, saying its nuclear programme is meant for peaceful purposes and if its oil exports are threatened, it will close the Strait of Hormuz.

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New cabinet likely within few days

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

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The new cabinet is highly expected to retain almost the same ministers with a few additions because the government will be temporary to manage the forthcoming parliamentary elections, as under Kuwaiti law the cabinet must resign after each parliamentary polls. Based on previous statements, as soon as the new cabinet is sworn in by the Amir, the 2009 assembly, which was reinstated by a constitutional court ruling, last month, will be called to hold regular meetings.

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$ 100 m Saudi aid hailed by Palestinian PM

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

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Abbas on Friday had asked King Abdullah for emergency financial assistance for his West Bank Palestinian Authority government, which is facing a shortfall that officials have said is the worst in the government’s history. On Friday, the top Palestinian diplomat in Riyadh, Jamal Shobaki, told AFP that the PA’s debts stood at $ 1.5 billion.
Citing statistics from Fayyad’s government, Shobaki said an estimated $ 500 million was needed in urgent aid to tackle the current crisis, which has left the government unable to meet payroll for its employees.

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