The weekly newsletter from 9th to 15th of april 2021
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Egypt
Dr Aymen abou al aala the head of the parliamentary committee of the reform and development party and representative of the human rights committee in the parliament, attacked the government because of what he called the repetition the parliament’s remarques about the closing books of the national budget saying that: “there are 7 fixed remarques and the government ignored it, this is unacceptable”.
On another level, the IMF’s expectations for the public debt in Egypt augmented to the national GDP over the current one by 3% during the last 6 months. The report of the financial monitor that is issued twice a year on October and April, expected the public debt to reach 93% of the national GDP by next July, while the former report expected in October that the percentage would be around 90.6%. additionally, the IMF increased its expectations comparing to those of the former year from 86.6% in October to 90.2% in the latest report which reflects a difference if slightly over 3%. The report’s expectation mirrored a decrease during the upcoming 5 years to settle around 73.4% as of 2025-2026.
The parliament is discussing during its general assembly on next Sunday two reports issued by two of its committees. The first, is the report of the collective committee composed of the energy and environment committee and the offices of local governance administration, transportation, and health affairs. The second, a decision by the president of the republic n°111-2021 which authorizes a loan which parties are Egypt and the world bank about the project of air pollution and climate change in grand Cairo estimated of 200 million US dollars, it was signed on the 24th of January 2021.
After an international disregard, a decrease in escalation through the military solution from the Egyptian side
Sameh Chokri, the minister of foreign affairs affirms that Egypt is coordinating with fellow Sudanese in order to take coordinated and intensive steps to clarify the position and the Ethiopian reluctance through the negotiations of “the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam” and to let international partners and international organizations know of this hazardous evolution and its impact on peace and security in the “horn of Africa” region as well as internationally. Chokri added that among the possible options, there could be a resort to the security council adding that “after the hurdles in the last negotiations we look forward firstly to the reactivity of the presidency of the African Union and what measures could be taken to reunite with presidents around the last evolutions and its dangerousness, moreover, to reach through the presidents of countries and governments a guidance that would stress on the fact that this path eventually leads to a legal agreement that is binding about filling the Dam which is what Ethiopia tried to flee from performing and refused to its use as the closing of the final statement that was being discussed”
Aswan Railway incident, solely holding small employees accountable:
The Egyptian public prosecution announced on Sunday the investigative results of the accident between two trains in Sohag that happened on March and led to the unfortunate death of 20 persons while 200 were injured. It pointed out that “al maragha” station controller was intoxicated and so was the train driver who was on “tramadol” pills too. The prosecution added, in its statement, that “investigations found out that the head controller of the central unit in Asyut left his position by the time of the incident, even though the latter was responsible of monitoring the train movement at the accident’s location. Investigations with two other controllers at the station revealed that they performed their duty poorly” it added as well that “one of them was late to notify the Spanish train’s driver of the estopping of the other train, he was mistaken about the number of the train when he started notifying the driver and the records show that the latter did not make the “supposedly made calls”. The public prosecution pointed out that it listened to “the communication recorded by the station” and deducted that the attempts to notify were belated
8 years of imprisonment for Al maadi rapist
The Cairo criminal court adjudicated about the case of the accused “ahmed bassem zaki” on Sunday and issued its 8 years of imprisonment decision. He was convicted of assaulting 3 minor girls as well as with drug use.
The on-going series of the judicial alignment
- Al jizah felonies court decides to convict the deputy General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood mahmud Ezzat in reconsideration of his procedures in the case known as “the events of the guidance office” of life incarceration.
- The cassation court decided to refuse the appeals of the accused in the case of “the helluan bus cell” and to confirm the decisions of death sentence.
- Cairo felonies court issued an acquittal judgement in favor of “Ahmed Chafik”, former prime minister and 2 others in the case relating to Heliopolis National Services Association (the family park project). The court was presided by judge sourour Mohamed ahmed, Abu almajd ahmed Ali, said Ahmed Abdah, amena sir Mohamed khamis and Samir refaat. Chafik and the others did not attend the hearing.
- The 3rd terrorism division of Torra appeal commission decided to renew the imprisonment of Patrick George zaki the researcher of the “Egyptian initiative for personal rights” and college student at Poland university that has been detained for case n°1766 and investigated since 2019 by the high prosecution court. The latter was detained upon his return to Egypt on February 8th 2020 and is facing completely untruthful and framed accusations.
Patrick’s defence lawyers are evoking a conflict of interest with the judge designed by the court. The latter already ruled on Patrick’s renewal of detention for 5 times on a row and his position is already known as to Patrick’s case, even though there is a flagrant lack of evidence and a lack as to the legal motives of precautionary detention. The defence waited for a change in the competent court’s composition and for another composition to have jurisdiction. But, a decision incarcerating Patrick for an additional 45 days was issued .
What future for the youth behind prison bars?
Under the emblem ”freedom for aymen moussa” and “presidential amnesty for aymen moussa”, thousands of social media activists blogged the two emblems. Aymen is sentenced to 15 years of prison, he served almost half of it.
Aymed was an engineering student at the British university of Cairo and a water polo coach at the Heliopolis Sports Club when he was arrested on the 6th of October 2013 following the Ramsis incidents.
He was sentenced to 15 years of jail and the judgement was confirmed before the high court. He is detained at Ouadi Natroun prison and accused by the public prosecution of Committing premeditated murder, attempted premeditated murder, gathering to disrupt the implementation of laws and regulations, attempting to storm Tahrir Square and attacking citizens, influencing state authorities, assaulting people, damaging public property, and resisting authorities. He was sentence to 15 years of firm imprisonment, 5 years of parole and a 20.000 £ penalty. Aymen was jailed very young, only at 9 years old and will get out of prison in his 30’s or a bit less. His father died 2 years ago while he was jailed and could not even say goodbye to him as his family’s requests to authorize aymen to attend his father’s funeral were declined.
The integrity of elections of the semi renewal of the journalists’ syndicate raises controversy and annulation demands
A week after the closing of elections and the re-election of dhia rachwan as head of the union and 6 new members, the integrity of the elections is still questioned, subject to controversy with demands of annulment od results and re-election as a member of the committee that supervises the election, Mahmoud kamel and Hicham Younes, issued a statement to the general assembly exposing the claims received by the committee which have not received any serious responses nor were they investigated. Despite that kamel and Younes said they witnessed some of the facts stated in few of the claims and the statement exposing Violations that occurred during the electoral process among them we find: violation of the syndicate act by the absence of a member from the general assembly as a supervisor inside every electoral committee therefore, the absence of the signature of any member on the ballot. The interdiction of delegates of the candidates from entering the committees. Prohibiting the candidates and their delegates from being present during the triage. Prohibiting the present persons from seeing the voting papers and keeping it away in a way that would hurdle keeping track of the papers. As well as substantive claims relating to the gathering and to the count. Some were able to fix the violations after fights with the heads of the committees. At last, putting the candidate’s name of the receipts if the candidates while they did not represent any membership at the general assembly to begin with, despite the loss of the candidate of his claim before courts to be listed as one.
The statement added that “this matter points out the degree of neglect, underestimation and unilateral decision-making that led to the questioning, criticism and annulation appeals of the electoral process…over the last week we were surprised to receive calls from candidates and general assembly members witnessing the repetitive mistakes during the triage of the votes. Finally, named incidents were not announced to not be biased to a person or another or hustling after a story.”
The committee aanounced the wrap up of the election on the 3rd of April and the winning of candidates: dhia rachwan, President of the State Information Service as captain for the 2nd time, and Mohamed kharaja and Ibrahim abu kila and houssain Zenati and aymen abdelmajid and duaa Najjar and Mohamed saad abdelhafiz as members.
The epidemiological situation, nothing new.
Tunisia
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IS STILL STALLED DUE TO THE NEGOTIATIONS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN PARLIAMENT:
After the President of the Republic directed a letter to the House of Representatives regarding the Constitutional Court, in which he expressed his rejection of establishing this court for several legal and political reasons, and after the parliament fixed a date of a session in order to elect 3 members of the constitutional court on April 8th, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People was obligated to adjourn this session. it also decided to set a hearing on April 15 to deliberate on the President’s response in this regard. In light of the lack of trust between the political parties, especially the president’s mistrust in the other 2 heads of power, it is only natural that today several legal institutions, including the Constitutional Court, are suspended. The national dialogue has become an imperative today to try and reach consensus satisfying all parties. Regrettably, for the same reason of mistrust, it is repeatedly suspended and delayed.
In addition to the predicament of the Constitutional Court, the country’s economic situation continues to be subject to great controversy, as the assembly’s office decided to consider during the plenary session, that will take place on April 14th and April 15th, the following bills:
- Bill N° 111-2020 related to the approval of the financing agreement concluded on February 10, 2020 between Tunisia and the International Fund for Agricultural Development to contribute to financing the project of economic, social and solidarity integration in Kairouan.
- Bill N°142-2020 related to the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Loan Agreement signed on the 19th of November 2020 and the 24th of November 2020 between the Tunisian republic and the EU relating to the loan assigned to the Tunisian government within the framework of the total financial support mechanism (new version)
- Bill N° 152-2020 related to authorizing the state for the subscription to the 7th general increase in the capital of the African Development Bank, in the shares available from the 6th general increase, and in the updated shares according to the accession of "Ireland" to the African Development Bank
MEETINGS BETWEEN THE 3 HEADS OF POWER REMAIN SYMBOLIC IN THE CONTEXT OF THE POLITICAL CONFLICT:
After a long period of political alienation during the celebrations of the Martyrs’ Day the three presidents gathered to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Martyrs’ Day, which was oversaw by the President of the Republic, Kais Saiid, on Friday morning April 9 at the Martyrs’ place in Sijumi. The parade was attended by the president of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, Mr. Rached Ghannouchi, the chief of government, Mr. Hichem Mechichi, the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Ibrahim Bartegii, the Governor of Tunis Mr. Chadli Bouallague, the Mayor of Tunis, Mrs. Souaad AbdelRahim, and the members of the Supreme Council of the Armies.
During b the ceremony, the President of the Republic reviewed with the chief of government the measures that were announced the day before , especially the curfew during the holy month of Ramadan. The President of the Republic called for taking into account the proposals of the scientific committee, but also carefully consider the economic and social situation, and as usual the statements of Kais Saiid raised debates, since he described Tunisia as a patient and that its treatment relies on the harmony between state institutions.
Consequently, the chief of government reduced the curfew from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. During this press conference, Mechichi expressed his intention to create a fund for donations so that Tunisians with a fixed income could aid vulnerable layers in coping with the pandemic. In order to encourage citizens to donate, members of the government donated 50% of their salaries to this fund.
- A joint press release between President Qais Saeed and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
- The meeting of the President of the Republic, Qais Saeed, with the Sheikh of Al-Azhar
- Visit of the President of the Republic to the east bank of the Suez Canal
- Présidence Tunisie
- Presidency of the Tunisian Government
KAIS SAIID’S VISIT TO EGYPT TO SUPPORT DIPLOMACY OR AN ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN UNDER A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR HUMAN RIGHTS:
the president Kais Saiid left to Egypt on Friday afternoon April 9th, 2021. It is an official visit in return the al SiSi’s invitation. The Tunisian president was very warmly greeted, many supported these recent diplomatic movements to Libya and Egypt after a long diplomatic stagnation.
The President of the Republic used this opportunity to visit several historical monuments in Egypt, including the Museum of Civilization, which was recently inaugurated. He also visited the Tunisian embassy in Cairo on Saturday 10th of April to oversee a meeting that gathered members of the Tunisian community residing in Egypt.The president delivered a speech in which he stressed on the important role of Tunisians living abroad in enhancing the effulgence of Tunisia and maturing its relations and partnerships with their countries of residence in numerous fields. On Sunday morning, April 11, 2021, the President of the Republic, Kais Saiid, met at the headquarters of the Al-Azhar institute, the Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar]. On the afternoon of Sunday, April 11, 2021, the President of the Republic, transported to the eastern bank of the Suez Canal and to the place from which the Egyptian armed forces crossed the canal before controlling the Bar Lev Line in a few hours.
Even in the light of the discrepancy about the importance of that visit, Kais Saiid did not, during his various statements in Egypt, condemn the deteriorating legal and political situation in the country. He only focused on praising and thanking the Egyptian regime and the Egyptian president, and even stressing on the similarity of the Tunisian position vis à vis the Egyptian one over all international and regional issues, with a focus on Africa as regards the Renaissance Dam.
In the same context, the chief of government Hichem Mechichi received, on Thursday, April 8, 2021, in the Government Palace in Al Kasbah, President of the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, Ibrahim El-Araby. In a media statement, Ibrahim Al-Arabi stated that this meeting is a fruit of the strong bilateral relations existing between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade, industry and agriculture, and revolved around the multiple ways to develop these fields and open new horizons for them for both countries,focusing on the importance of enhancing economic integration and raising the level of intra-trade and the volume of joint investments, addedly the call for more investment in the proportional positive points inherent to both countries, which constitutes a distinct base for launching into new regional and international markets.
In an endeavour to better the health situation, which has worsened since the start of the pandemic on the occasion of World Health Day, which is held this year under the emblem “Establishing a world with greater justice and health.” Chief of government Hichem Mechichi, on Wednesday morning April 07th, 2021, oversaw a parade during which the ratification of the National Health Policy 2030 and the signing of the Charter for the Reform of the National Health System. The National Health Policy 2030 is founded upon a vision vis à vis general health coverage that guarantees that everyone has access to the needed quality health services without financial hardship.
In another context, chief of government Hechem Mechichi oversaw, on Thursday evening April 08, 2021 in “Al-Ghazala pole for Communication Technologies”, in the city of Ariana, the launch of the “Emerging Tunisia” program in its second version, accompanied by the Minister of Communication Technologies Mohamed Fadhel Karim and Ariana’s mayor Samir Abdeljawad, as well as representatives of diverse and supporting international organizations and other actors involved in implementing this program, which aims to encourage innovation and renewal, and support private initiative, with the aim of making Tunisia a distinct regional platform and a catalytic framework for the resurrection of young enterprises in the regional and international sphere.
On the economic level, the 3rd meeting of the House of Wisdom consultations on economic revitalization and investment catalysation is on-going with the House of Wisdom under the supervision of the chief of government Hichem Mechichi, accompanied with national organizations and a number of economic players.
On the social level, Mechichi handed over the keys to 331 collective social housing in the Al-Manar region, and 72 individual dwellings at the Commissariat of Sebikha for the benefit of the beneficiaries during a procession held on the morning of Monday, April 12, 2021, in the state of Kairouan. He was accompanied by the Minister of Equipment, Housing and Infrastructure, Kamel Eddoukh, and the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr.
The chief of government indicated that the special program for social housing consists of two main components: the first component is the elimination of primitive housing and replacing it with modern one, and that around 10,000 housing units are distributed over all governorates, while the housing in the process of completion is 2140 and the programmed housing is estimated at 2000. As for the 2nd component, the completion and provision of divisions and Social housing that includes about 13700 homes distributed all over the country, at an estimated cost of 940 million dinars. also, he pointed out that the beneficiaries of the program are the low-income groups that live in old houses and do not have a habitable home. This program has multiple sources of funding which could be summed in the national state budget, foreign loans and grants emanating from the Saudi Fund for Development.
- The Dean of Lawyers disavows me and goes out convulsively to shout at me: I am just like the lawyers..I do a demand that I don't make up for this .. A thousand thanks .... # Register_O_Date
- The heart of Tunisia opens an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Ayadh Al-Loumi
THE FREE CONSTITUTIONAL PARTY CONTINUES TO SHOW OFF AND A CONFLICT OVER THE LEADERSHIP OF QALB TOUNES PARTY:
After getting excluded from the plenary sessions and stopped by the president of the house of representatives Rashed Ghannouchi, Representative Abir Moussi, relying on her lawyer status, resorted to the Dean of Lawyers for help, but he excused himself by indicating that he has more important matters than that. She confirmed that he disavowed her and shouted convulsively at her.
The Heart of Tunisia party is also internally conflicted. After the prison crisis of Nabil Karoui, the head of the Political Bureau, Yadh Elloumi, announced his resignation from the party. Although he stated that he resigned due to the harassment of Sofien Toubel, according to a post he published, it is clear that after the imprisonment of its president, the Heart of Tunisia party is witnessing an intense struggle and competition over leadership.
Therefore, the party in an announcement published on April 13, 2021, that it shall postpone consideration of the resignation of Yadh Elloumi and that a committee of wise-persons shall be assigned to research and investigate the reasons and circumstances of this resignation. In its statement, the party also called for the convening of a national assembly in order to assess the party’s activities during the past months.
POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS “TUNIS AFRICA NEWS AGENCY” AND USE OF FORCE IN A CLEAR VIOLATION THE FREEDOM OF PRESS
After the security forces stormed the headquarters of the Tunis Africa News Agency on Tuesday, April 13th, by public force and blatantly attacked its employees who refuse the appointment of Kamel Ben Younes, as director general of the institution, in a dangerous precedent in the history of the media sector in Tunisia. As a result, the Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists and the General assembly of Media (the two union branches) held an emergency meeting, assisted by Sami Tahri, the assistant Secretary-General of the UGTT, in charge of media and publishing, at the agency’s headquarters. They issued a joint statement to denounce the violence and blatant threat to freedom of the press and the media.
COFFEE SHOP OWNERS’ PROTESTS:
The recent decisions related to the health situation have aroused great anger and discontent among the owners of cafes and restaurants, after these groups hoped to return to the regular pattern of their work and improve it during the month of Ramadan. However, contrary to their expectations, the severity of procedures continued and the shutdown of their businesses persisted. this led to their unions in many areas such as Kairouan rejecting the government’s decisions and calling for them to be reduced. Additionally, the Bar Association Chamber in Gabes rejected this decision and threatened to disobey and not comply with these orders, which it considered unfair to it.
FOLLOW UP OVER THE CASE OF BECHIR AKREMI AND TAIEB RACHED:
In a follow-up to the case of Judge Bechir Akremi ,Faisal Bouguerra , a judge at the Administrative Court, , confirmed that the hearing at the Administrative Court supported the ruling issued by the Appeal Chamber , which decided the cancellation of the Supreme Judicial Council’s decision to transfer Judge Bechir Akremi, the former public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Tunis to the General Administration of criminal (penal)Affairs. According to Judge Bouguerra, the problem lies now in the execution of the Supreme Judicial Council of the annulment decision, since the Council had previously appointed Judge Imed Jemni as the public prosecutorat the Court of First Instance of Tunis to succeed Bechir Akremi during the last judicial movement in August 2020.
THE HEALTH SITUATION RAISES THE ALARM
Due to the aggravation of the epidemiological situation in the country, the increase in cases of the new strain of the Coronavirus, and the slow vaccination rate, the periodic meeting of the National Authority to Combat Coronavirus was held under the supervision of the chief of government, the speaker on behalf of the government Hasna Ben Slimen affirmed that the will be:
- the application of procedures from 09 to 30 April.
- the Emphasis on the application of personal protections and health protocols and strictly monitor them.
- the Banning of private and public gatherings.
- the Closing of weekly popular markets.
- the Calling on the governors to declare a curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- the authorization of all governors, based on the reports and meetings of the regional committees, to close areas with a high level of risk.
- Compulsory self-quarantine for 5 days for people arriving from abroad after presenting a negative test before traveling.
- the Application of Ramadan hours to the administration (exceptionally starting April 12th).
The Minister of Health, Fawzi Al-Mahdi, confirmed that these measures were taken due to the seriousness of the epidemiological situation and the high number of hospitalizations, and the rate of utilization of reanimation beds that reached 80%, which augments the complexity and seriousness of the health situation.
The vaccination campaign is also witnessing an evolution by obtaining licenses to promote new types of vaccination, as Tunisia obtained an exceptional and temporary license to promote the Janssen Covid-19 Vaccine in the Tunisian market for the Janssen Covid-19 Vaccine by the laboratories of Janssen Cilag-Belgique.This development is also reflected in the registration of one million Tunisians in the vaccination system so far, which predicts an approaching to the Ministry of Health’s goal of vaccinating 3 million Tunisians before the end of June 2021.
Libiya
AN AMERICAN-ITALIAN CONSENSUS OVER LIBYA:
The international community still supports the issue of withdrawing mercenaries from Libya, as Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said that Italy and the United States share a common concern about the presence of foreign forces, whether Russian or Turkish, in Libya. He also explained that there is a vision for a more robust cooperation between the two countries over this dossier. That occurred during a meeting held in Washington between Di Maio with his American counterpart, Anthony, and the spokesman for the US State Department said in a statement, published by the Italian agency Ansamed, of a greater American commitment to Libya, which was one of the most prominent outputs of the meeting held between the two parties in Washington. Besides, Di Maio said that the United States has promised more engagement to expedite the process of unity and stability of Libya.
THE ARAB LEAGUE URGES ITS ROLE THROUGH COORDINATING WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SUPPORT MISSION AND THE QUARTET:
The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Abul Gheit, received the UN envoy Ján Kubiš, who is currently on a visit to Cairo. An official source at the League’s General Secretariat stated that Abul-Gheit and Kubiš reviewed all the developments that Libya has witnessed in the political, security and economic LEVELS, specifically since the last visit that Kubiš had made to the headquarters of the Arab League on March 8, and Abul-Gheit intends to call for a meeting of the Quartet, which includes The League, the UN, the African Union and the EU next week through the general secretaries of the four organizations, to exchange visions and coordinate positions facilitate the transition process that Libya is going through and to reach a complete political settlement of the country’s situation. In Libya, under the auspices of the UN, President Muhammad al-Manfi and Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba discussed with Kubiš the support to the new executive authority and encouragement of the brothers in Libya to complete the implementation of the political roadmap adopted by the Forum for Political Dialogue, and to finalize the merits and steps stipulated in the ceasefire agreement including the expulsion of foreign forces and mercenaries from all Libyan lands, and commitment to be Holding the national elections scheduled for December 24, 2021.
A NEW PHASE OF COORDINATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS SUPPORT MISSION AND THE AFRICAN UNION
The Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Ján Kubiš, concluded his first visit to the African Union in Addis Ababa, and his discussions on ways to enhance the cooperation of the United Nations and the African Union in support of Libya and the region. the UN mission announced in a statement that Kubiš met during his visit With the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, they agreed to strengthen and enhance the partnership, coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the interest of the Libyan people and the peace, security and sustainable stability both in the country and the region. The two sides discussed ways to develop cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in In several areas, especially in assisting Libya in its endeavour to achieve national reconciliation and social cohesion, holding national elections on December 24, 2021 and addressing the illegal circulation of weapons and armed groups, he also met the Special Envoy of the African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, Mrs. Amira Fadhel. Their meeting addressed a number of issues. With a focus on immigration and refugee issues, respect for their rights, and respect for the humanitarian International law, besides activating the role of the tripartite joint working group that includes the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations, especially the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Special Envoy expressed his appreciation for the continuous and strong participation of the African Union in the Libyan dialogue that is facilitated by the United Nations within the framework of the Berlin operation, and for the prominent role of the African Union in helping Libya achieve lasting peace, security and stability.
LIBYAN-TURKISH AGREEMENTS OVER INFRASTRUCTURE, ARE THEY CONCILIATORY MOVEMENT TO TURKEY FOR THE REDRAWING OF THE MARITIME BORDERS?!
Turkey and Libya concluded 5 agreements in different fields. At a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the National Unity Government, Abd al-Hamid al-Dabaiba and officials from both sides signed agreements, namely, “a protocol on establishing an electrical station in Libya,” “a memorandum of understanding to establish 3 power stations in Libya,” and “a memorandum of understanding on building a new passenger station at Tripoli International Airport, in addition to a memorandum. An understanding to build a shopping centre in Tripoli”and“ a memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation in the field of media”. President Erdogan and Dabaiba also signed the joint statement of the first meeting of the high-level strategic cooperation council between Turkey and Libya.
A Libyan government delegation headed by Dabaiba, comprising 14 ministers and Chief of Staff Mohamed Al-Haddad, arrived earlier in the capital, Ankara, to participate in the first meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council, and this is the first visit that Dabaiba makes to Turkey, after assuming his duties on March 16, to lead Libya to general elections. At the end of the year, at the same time,[1] the head of the Libyan Presidency Council, Muhammad Al-Manfi, confirmed that the current council could not hold any agreements according to the agreement of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Geneva, according to a statement by the spokeswoman of the Council to “Nova” and in his meeting with the President of the GreeceKaterina Sakellaropoulou, Al-Manfi stressed on the importance of Activating the work of the joint committees now, in preparation for any future agreements that the next elected authority may conclude, including the issue of demarcating the boundaries of the economic zone. The exiled expressed “the importance of activating and revitalizing aspects of joint cooperation, including the cultural and economic aspect and the return of companies and cooperation in the fields of electricity and renewable energy” following the Libyan Presidential Council spokeswoman, Najwa Wahiba, and Al-Manfi the Libyan Presidential Council president is on an official visit to Greece to discuss bilateral relations and discuss all suspended issues between the two countries, most notably the maritime agreement concluded between Turkey and Libya. Which Greece expresses an objection to it.
It seems that international support to reach the electoral process on December 24 is continuing, as the French Embassy in Libya announced the signing of an agreement with the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program, Gerardo Noto, under which France would commit to pay 1 million euros to support the program “Preparing for the Libyan elections” of the United Nations Program. The United Nations Development Program, and raising the total French financial support for the project to 1,850 million euros. The embassy confirmed that its country increased the value of its contribution to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) project to promote elections in Libya, as it is the first step towards democracy. The project is to purchase 12,000 ballot boxes and issue voter cards to be used as one of the basic requirements for determining the identity of voters in the polling stations to ensure the transparency of the process. The project also works to support the High National Elections Commission in Libya to prepare for and conduct national elections, including capacity development assistance, and to strengthen the voter registration system. During the signing ceremony, the ambassador stated that “France is fully committed to supporting the Libyan presidential and parliamentary elections in December 24, 2021.
It also praised the commitment of the head of the High National Elections Commission in Libya, Imed Sayeh and his entire team, calling on all actors to help them in their mission. On his part, Gerardo Noto said that “The elections are a fundamental pillar of democratic governance in Libya, the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Libya work together to support the High National Elections Commission to conduct a transparent and inclusive electoral process in which all Libyans can elect their government and the future of their country on December 24, 2021”.
Economically, 4 European countries dominate more than half (1/2) of Libyan exports, with a value of about 20 billion and 549 million dinars in 2019, representing 53% of total exports. According to the latest data issued by the Central Bank, Italy received about 6 billion Libyan exports and 204 billion dinars, followed by Germany with about 6 billion and 135 million dinars, Spain with a value of 5 billion and 973 million dinars, then France, whose markets attracted exports of two billion and 237 million dinars, which confirms once again that the European Union is the first trading partner of Libya. Countries: China ranked first with the highest value of Libyan exports, which reached 6 billion and 665 million dinars, followed by Italy, then Germany, Spain and France respectively, and the export census for 2019 showed that the United States came in sixth place, as its markets received two billion and 199 million dinars of Libyan exports., followed by the Netherlands with about one billion and 259 million dinars, then Greece ranked eighth with 935 million dinars, then the UAE was about 843 million dinars, and Turkey and Thailand came in tenth place with exports that were evaluated at 663.39 million dinars respectively.
Health-wise, the health authorities in Libya announced that 541 new infections were recorded, with 4 deaths, and 897 people were cured, within 24 hours. The National Centre for Disease Control in Libya said, in a statement, that the capital, Tripoli, witnessed the largest number of new infections, with 225 infections and 543 healed cases while no deaths were recorded. It added that the total number of persons infected with Coronavirus in Libya rose to 170. 045 including 12.094 active cases, and 2834 deaths. The health authorities in Libya announced the registration of positive cases of the British strain of Corona virus in the country, after random collection of samples.
It pointed out that the new strain, is characterized by its speedy warning of serious consequences in light of the slackening and lack of commitment to the implementation of the preventive measures
Last update : 16/04/2021 - 15:00
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