UAE denounces Iran lawmakers’ visit to islands
Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)
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Meanwhile, the Federal National Council has expressed condemnation and denunciation of the visit made recently by a delegation from Iran’s Shura Council to the three occupied UAE Islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. In a statement issued today, the FNC said the policy of ‘Fait accompli’ practiced by Iran to perpetuate its occupation of UAE’s islands would not change historical and legal facts that confirm UAE sovereignty over the islands, and their territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, as being an integral part of the UAE. Condemning the Iranian Shura Council’s, the FNC denounced the Iranian provocative acts which constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its territory and undermines all efforts for a peaceful settlement to end the Iranian occupation of the islands.
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US-led naval exercises in Gulf begin amid Iranian maritime buildup
Source: Washington Post (Read full story)
The US Navy says envoys from 41 nations have gathered in Bahrain to begin anti-mine drills in the Persian Gulf amid efforts by Iran to expand its naval presence there. The US-led exercises, which run through May 30, mark the second major show of maritime cooperation in the Gulf in less than a year. Although the Navy says the drills are not specifically tailored to counter Iranian threats, Iran has previously warned it could block critical Gulf oil routes in retaliation for Western sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran also has sought to expand its naval capabilities, including plans to launch new submarines. A Navy statement Monday says the drills will begin with onshore training and then move to the Gulf for maneuvers including mine-sweeping and search-and-seizure operations.
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Etihad Airways named Middle East’s Leading Airline for seventh year Source: The National (Read full story)
Etihad Airways has scooped three major awards at The World Travel Awards, Middle East in Dubai – including the title of Middle East’s Leading Airline for a seventh consecutive year.The airline also won the Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew. “On behalf of the whole Etihad Airways’ team, I am delighted to accept the title of Middle East’s Leading Airline, said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer. “Everything we do is focused on giving our guests the best possible travel experience. “The hallmark of Etihad Airways is the warm and generous hospitality that is drawn from the traditional Arabian culture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and, of which, we are extremely proud.”
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Opposition plans protests until verdict
Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)
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The opposition has claimed that the amendment allowed the government to elect a rubberstamp Assembly. Separately, the National Assembly’s financial and economic affairs committee yesterday approved a proposal to allow female Kuwaiti government employees to go on retirement only after 15 years of service without any age restrictions. At present, Kuwaiti women can seek retirement with full benefits after they complete at least 15 years in service provided they reach 40 years of age. The government had in the past rejected similar proposals because of the financial cost as the measure overburdens the country’s pension system which is facing a huge deficit. The proposal is expected to be rejected again by the government when it goes to the floor for discussion.
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Yemen separatist justifies withdrawal from National Dialogue with “plot” allegation
Source: Middle East Online (Read full story)
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Most southern factions finally agreed to take join the national dialogue after months of negotiations and under UN pressure. But Southern Movement hardliners led by the former South Yemen’s ex-president Ali Salem al-Baid have dug in their heels, insisting instead on negotiations between two independent states in the north and south. Supporters of southern independence often stage demonstrations against the national dialogue, especially in Aden.
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Govt to fund on-the-job training in private sector
Source: Oman Daily Observer (Read full story)
The Ministry of Manpower is all set to launch a scheme in which the private sector companies would be asked to select Omani workers for a one year on-the-job training to be absorbed subsequently. The government will bear all expenses.
This was stated by Dr Muna bint Salim al Jardaniah, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Manpower for Technological Education and Vocational training, here yesterday at Oman Forum 2013 on the theme of “Job Creation — The National Agenda”.
She said on-the-job-training is critical to employment and retention of local manpower and this scheme will ensure that Omanisation is linked to productivity and quality.
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