Kuwait calls on UN to end Syria bloodshed – Use of chemical weapons in Syria deplored

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

Kuwait called on the UN and the international community to shoulder their responsibilities to end the bloodshed in Syria and prevent the usage of chemical weapons there. Speaking after the cabinet’s meeting, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Health Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah said that a briefing on the Arab Foreign Ministers meeting with regards to Syria was provided by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said that the meeting in Cairo on Sunday focused on the use of chemical weapons in Syria which led to the death of hundreds of innocent civilians, said Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah.

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Efforts to tap nuclear energy accelerated

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

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While making a presentation on “a sustainable energy mix for Saudi Arabia” at the first roadshow featuring cooperation between the Kingdom and South Korea, Garwan said: “The nuclear cooperation agreements are under discussion with the United Kingdom, Hungary and Russia, besides the US.” Saudi Arabia, he said, had already signed bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with South Korea, France, China and Argentina. The “Nuclear Value Chain Roadshow” was organized by a large number of South Korean companies led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) at the local Ritz Carlton Hotel here. The event was attended by top Saudi and South Korean officials, including Ambassador Jin-Soo Kim; Deputy Minister for Energy and Resources Kim Jundong; KEPCO President Hwan Elik Cho; KEPCO chief nuclear officer Hee-Yong Lee; and Ahmed M. Al-Sadhan, chief of international cooperation at K.A.CARE.

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Qatar has fourth highest asset wealth per head

Source: The Peninsula Qatar (Read full story)

Qatar has the fourth highest built asset wealth per person in the world.  The rate of growth in built asset wealth per person is, at 8.4 percent between 2011 and 2012 and Qatar has the highest growth than any other country, the first Global Built Asset Wealth Index published by EC Harris revealed yesterday. The Index provides an alternative indicator of economic health and growth prospects of a country. Conducted in conjunction with the Centre for Economic and Business Research, the Global Built Asset Wealth Index quantifies the accumulated wealth of 30 countries’ built assets – encompassing all the property and infrastructure that contributes to economic productivity – to present an alternative indicator of economic health and growth potential.

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Arab Foreign Ministers hold Syrian regime accountable over unleashing chemical weapons on civilians

Source: Emirates News Agency (Read full story)

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In its communique, the Council fully held the Syrian regime responsible for the heinous crime, demanding it to bring those involved before fair international court, similar to war criminals. It also called for provision of all forms of required support to the Syrian people to defend themselves, urging for concerted Arab and international efforts to help the Syrian people. The Arab foreign ministers called on the United Nations and the international community to shoulder their responsibilities in accordance with the UN Charter and the norms of international law, to take necessary deterrent measures against perpetrators of this crime. They also called for putting an end to the violations and crimes of genocide being perpetuated by the Syrian regime since the eruption of the war two years ago.

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Bahrain backs Egypt leaders

Source: Gulf Daily News (Read full story)

Bahrain yesterday affirmed its support to Egypt in its efforts to secure further progress and stability. The solidarity was declared in a letter written by His Majesty King Hamad to Egyptian President Adli Mansour, which was delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at the presidential headquarters in Cairo. His Majesty wrote that Bahrain hopes the situation in Egypt is resolved according to the people’s aspirations, so that it becomes a fine example of tolerance between its components. He expressed his confidence in the capability of the Egyptian leadership to overcome current challenges. President Mansour, meanwhile, praised the kingdom’s support and asked Shaikh Khalid to convey his greetings to the leadership.

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UAE moves into top 20 of world’s most productive global economies

Source: The National (Read full story)

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On the UAE, the report said: “Higher oil prices have buoyed the budget surplus and allowed the country to reduce public debt and raise the savings rate. The country has also been aggressive at adopting technologies and in particular using information and communication technologies.” Margareta Drzeniek Hanouz, the Wef’s lead economist and one of the authors of the report, said the report was “very positive” for the GCC, but added there was “still room for more innovation in the UAE”. She said that the UAE ranked high on government efficiency indicators including transparency and the absence of “red tape” bureaucracy. atar was praised for its “strong performance in terms of competitiveness [that] rests on solid foundations made up of a high-quality institutional framework, a stable macroeconomic environment, and an efficient goods market”.

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