Nuclear talks to focus on centrifuges, reactor: Iran
Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)
An Iranian negotiator said nuclear talks with world powers this week would focus on advanced centrifuges and the unfinished Arak heavy water reactor, the official IRNA news agency reported on Sunday.
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Saudi calls Iran to withdraw troops from Syria
Source: Middle East Monitor (Read full story)
Iran must withdraw its troops from Syria if it is serious about improving Saudi-Iranian relations, a Saudi official said. Former Saudi Arabian intelligence chief Turki Al-Faisal told American new station CNN that Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani must convert his words into actions if he truly wishes to improve the Saudi-Iranian relation. He added the golden opportunity to prove the sincerity of his intentions is by withdrawing Iranian troops from Syria. Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia and Iran restored their relations in 1995; however tensions have not been eased between the two countries.
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KSA demands urgent Syria session at UN
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
Saudi Arabia has called for an emergency meeting of the UN General Assembly to discuss the Syrian crisis, Al-Arabiya channel reported on Sunday quoting the Kingdom’s permanent mission at the UN.
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Egypt’s army rebukes Kuwaiti report of El Sisi candidacy
Source: The National (Read full story)
Egypt’s army said today a Kuwaiti newspaper “misinterpreted” remarks by Field Marshal Abdel Fattah El Sisi in which he said he would run for president. The army said he would announce such a decision only to the Egyptian people. Kuwait newspaper Al-Seyassah published an interview with Field Marshal El Sisi today in which he was quoted as saying he would run in the presidential election due to be held before mid-April.
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Obama’s anticipated march to Saudi Arabia
Source: Al Arabiya English (Read full story)
There is little doubt that Washington and Riyadh are not seeing eye to eye on key issues in the Middle East, namely Syria and Iran. The next six months are critical given the ongoing violence in Syria with no end in sight combined with the continued negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran moving towards a possible Comprehensive Nuclear Treaty sometime during Summer 2014. A U.S.-Saudi summit reportedly announced for next month hopes to mend ties at this critical and timely juncture and to reassure both the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that their policy objectives will, hopefully, mesh nicely. It is interesting to note that the announcement comes days after the failure of the Geneva II discussions.
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Obama’s anticipated march to Saudi Arabia
Source: Al Arabiya English (Read full story)
There is little doubt that Washington and Riyadh are not seeing eye to eye on key issues in the Middle East, namely Syria and Iran. The next six months are critical given the ongoing violence in Syria with no end in sight combined with the continued negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran moving towards a possible Comprehensive Nuclear Treaty sometime during Summer 2014. A U.S.-Saudi summit reportedly announced for next month hopes to mend ties at this critical and timely juncture and to reassure both the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that their policy objectives will, hopefully, mesh nicely. It is interesting to note that the announcement comes days after the failure of the Geneva II discussions.
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Al Qaradawi’s allegations against UAE false, provocative: GCC chief
Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)
GCC Secretary-General Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Monday strongly condemned accusations levelled by Yousif Al Qaradawi in his Friday sermon on January 24 against the UAE. Al Zayani slammed the accusations as unacceptable provocation and false allegations that only raise sedition and serve enemies of the Islamic Nation. Al Zayani, in a statement to Wam, expressed his sorrow for such provocative charges from Al Qaradawi against the UAE, which is always known for its principled, honourable stances and supportive initiatives towards the Islamic causes as well as its assistance for Muslims regardless of their place.
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Shoura clears 40-hour week for private sector
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
The Shoura Council has endorsed a proposal to reduce the weekly working hours for employees in the private sector from 45 to 40 with a two-day weekend. The Shoura members, who met on Monday, adopted a number of amendments to the Labor Law and agreed to reduce total weekly working hours from 45 to 40. They also agreed to make the working contract unlimited if it is renewed three times and if the total employment period had touched four years.…