Gulf in the News – August 21, 2013

Gulf bloc slams Hizbollah move to double fighters in Syria

Source: The National (Read full story)

Arabian Gulf countries yesterday criticised Hizbollah for interfering in Syrian affairs after the chief of the Lebanese militant group vowed to double the number of fighters he sends in support of Bashar Al Assad’s regime. The statement comes amid growing fears that the Syrian conflict could threaten the stability of Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. “Nasrallah continues to boast about the participation of his militia in slaughtering children, women and innocent Syrians, and destroying their towns and property,” said Abdullatif Al Zayani, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in a statement.

Al Jazeera America debuts as newest news network

Source: Gulf News (Read full story)

Al Jazeera America signed on with a brisk hello from anchor Tony Harris before he got down to business with his network’s first stories: continued turmoil in Egypt, shots fired at an Atlanta elementary school and more wildfires in the west of the country. With that, the network entered the local cable-news fray long dominated by CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel. The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera Media Network launched its US outlet only eight months after announcing the new venture, which on Tuesday replaced Al Gore’s Current TV in more than 45 million TV homes. An hour before settling into its regular schedule at 4pm. (2000 GMT), the network aired a preview of its programming and goals.

Qatar sends second shipment of LNG to Egypt

Source: The Peninsula Qatar (Read full story)

Doha agreed in June to supply Egypt, which suffers frequent power cuts, with five shipments to cover some of its needs, which increase during the hot summer. The total amount agreed has not been revealed, but traders say the shipments will only cover some of the gap in supply to Egypt, which has borrowed billions of dollars from abroad and delayed payments to oil companies and other suppliers. The latest delivery seems to confirm that Qatar will honour the deal despite the army’s removal of Mursi after mass protests and the resulting violence which has killed almost 900 people. The Qatari foreign ministry has asked for the release of jailed Muslim Brotherhood leaders and condemned the Egyptian security forces’ clearing of two pro-Mursi sit-ins last week.

President Hadi negotiates with Southern Movement to resume NDC participation

Source: The Yemen Times (Read full story)

Southern Movement leader and NDC representative Dr. Ahmed Al-Sulmani told the Yemen Times that President Hadi has been involved in intense discussions over the past days to bring the southerners back to the dialogue.  “The NDC hasn’t provided any tangible solutions to the Southern Issue [so] far,” Al-Sulmani said. The movement will not accept the outcome of the conference if it reaches decisions without the participation of Southerners, he said.  NDC Deputy Secretary General Yasser Al-Ro’ini said Hadi ordered the ministerial committee assigned to carry out the 31 Points to specify a deadline for the implementation of the document.

Oman weighs credit risks on Egypt exports

Source: Times of Oman (Read full story)

 …

In light of the political instability and current events in Egypt which have affected businesses, export credit agencies  (ECAs) of several countries are exercising considerable caution in providing new cover to their exporters to that country.  A number of ECAs have cancelled credit limits to buyers in Egypt as the payment risks have been compounded by political risks which could inhibit buyers to fulfil their payment commitments.  According to Nasir bin Issa Al Ismaily, General Manager of Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman, the level of its exposure to Egypt is currently negligible as it constitutes 2.2 per cent of its total commitments.

KSA urges all countries to back Egypt’s security

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday called upon foreign countries to support Egypt in its bid to restore peace and security and not to take any steps that would jeopardize its stability “We expect from the international community that they would support the Egyptian government’s efforts to reinforce peace and stability in the country,” said Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal. He also urged all political powers in Egypt to participate in the efforts to achieve national unity and cohesion. He welcomed the new government’s efforts to change the constitution and its commitment to the roadmap. “This shows the Cairo government’s determination to go ahead with its roadmap, with the support of all political powers and currents in the country,” he said.