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Jordan's prime minister Khasawneh resigns

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:40 GMT

Jordan's Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh resigned on Thursday after barely six months in office, state media said, following growing criticism of a draft election law his government was preparing.

Khasawneh, 62, was asked to form a government last October by King Abdullah after protests calling for faster political reforms in the kingdom.

But his proposed election law drew criticism, including from tribal parliamentarians and the powerful intelligence services, who felt it favoured Islamist politicians.

A minister who declined to be named said Khasawneh took the unusual step of submitting his resignation while outside the country in response to a decision to extend a parliamentary session in which he was likely to face further criticism.

'It was a surprise move. The prime minister was unhappy about the decision to extend parliament,' the minister said.

Khasawneh was a former chief of the royal court and a legal advisor to the Jordanian team that negotiated a peace treaty with Israel in 1994. – Reuters

Bahrain mulls new dual nationality law

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:40 GMT

Bahrain's parliament will discuss some amendments submitted to the kingdom's dual citizenship law on Wednesday, a report said.

The MPs will discuss a draft law amending some provisions of the Bahraini Penal Code issued by decree-law 15 for 1976, said the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister newspaper.

Under the proposed law, a person holding dual citizenship will have his Bahraini nationality withdrawn if convicted of criminal offences, it said quoting an Akhbar Al Khaleej report.

However, the law will not in any way curtail citizens' freedom of opinion and expression, it added.

The proposed law aims to make sure that a person found guilty of criminal acts is not allowed to take advantage of his Bahraini nationality to continue committing further offences, the report said.

Those who commit or take part in a criminal act will lose their Bahraini nationality in addition to being punished by a court of law. It will serve as a deterrent to people intending to threaten the kingdom's security, said the report.

Since punishment is individual in accordance with the Constitution, the citizenship of dependants such as children, wife and others, will not be affected.

The law will apply only to people holding dual citizenship and not to those holding only Bahraini nationality, the report said.-TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain backs UAE in islands row

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:39 GMT

Bahrain has pledged its support for the civilised and peaceful approach by the UAE to resolve the issue of three occupied islands, either through direct negotiations or amicably through international arbitration.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ghanim Al Buainain on Friday lauded the UAE for its policy of self-restraint and keenness on maintaining good neighbourly relations, calling for the dispute to be settled peacefully so as to maintain peace and security in the region.

Al Buainain urged Iran to stop its provocative practices and statements as they would only further strain GCC-Iranian relations and curb efforts aimed at enhancing co-operation and mutual co-ordination.

He voiced Bahrain's principled stance as he attended an extraordinary Arab League Council ministerial meeting in Cairo.

Chaired by Kuwaiti Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shaikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, the session discussed issues on the agenda relating to the consequences of the Iranian president's recent visit to the disputed Iranian-occupied Island of Abu Musa.

The session also discussed developments on the ground in Syria, urging, in this regard, the Syrian government to ensure inclusive implementation of the Joint Special Envoy of the UN and Arab League Kofi Annan's plan to facilitate the deployment of the monitors and ensure freedom of movement throughout the country.

It also condemned killings and acts of violence targeting innocent civilians, urging the Arab League secretary-general to convene all components of the Syrian opposition for a meeting in Cairo next month.

The session expressed solidarity with Sudan, backing its right to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity following South Sudan's "military aggression" against Sudanese territories in Heglig.-TradeArabia News Service

US law firm opens offices In Iraq

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:39 GMT

US-based global law firm Diaz Reus and Targ has announced the opening of its offices in Iraq, further expanding its presence in the Middle East and reinforcing its long term commitment to the region.

'As the first major international US law firm to enter post-war Iraq, our new offices provide us with a significant presence in this increasingly important emerging market,' remarked Diaz Reus managing partner Michael Diaz, Jr.

'This is the natural and logical next step for our firm, which already has a presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre.'

According to Diaz, these new offices will enable the firm to further provide full service support to its clients and their business needs in the Middle East region.

As a key player in Iraq's legal market, Diaz Reus will focus on project finance, direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and business transactions, regulatory compliance and international arbitration.

The Miami-based firm has established a strategic alliance with Newton & Partners, an emerging markets law firm that will serve as Diaz Reus's affiliate in Iraq.

'We are pleased to be of counsel to Diaz Reus and look forward to advising the foreign firms regarding their investment strategy and associated corporate and regulatory aspects while operating in greater Iraq and the Kurdistan area,' observed Halim Gebeili, senior partner of this growing Mideast firm which has just started operations in Libya and Cairo.

'The Middle East is becoming increasingly important to our worldwide client base, which ranges from North and South America to greater Asia, China, India, and Europe,' he stated.

'It's clear that emerging markets will be driving global economic growth for the next decade, and Diaz Reus is well positioned with its in-depth local understanding, coupled with market-leading international expertise, to assist in accessing these markets,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Saudi recalls envoy, shuts embassy in Egypt

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:39 GMT

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday it had recalled its ambassador from Egypt for 'consultation' and would close its embassy and consulates in the Arab nation.

State news agency SPA said the reason behind the diplomatic move was 'unjustified protests' in Egypt and attempts to storm the Saudi embassy and consulates which 'threatened the safety of its employees'.

Egyptians have protested outside the embassy over the arrest of an Egyptian lawyer and human rights activist in the kingdom. Egyptian activists had said the lawyer was arrested for insulting King Abdullah after filing a complaint against Saudi Arabia for its treatment of Egyptian citizens in Saudi prisons.

Saudi Arabia said he was arrested in possession of drugs.-Reuters

ElBaradei launches new Egypt party

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:38 GMT

Mohamed ElBaradei and other prominent Egyptians on Saturday launched a party which he said would one day govern the country, offering a new choice to voters seeking alternatives to Islamist parties that now dominate parliament.

Though ElBaradei pulled out of the race for Egyptian presidency in January, his role in the new Dustour Party shows the Nobel Peace Prize winner and political liberal still aims to play a leading role in the future of the country of 80 million.

"I am confident that this party will be the one that governs Egypt in the future," said ElBaradei, the former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations watchdog.

"We will not see results tomorrow or the day after. It could take us months or up to a year, and we could become the majority," he added at a Cairo news conference alongside other founding members of the party including novelist Alaa Al Aswany.

ElBaradei has been a prominent figure in the Egyptian reform movement since he returned to Egypt in 2010 and challenged Mubarak's rule by calling for political reform. He has been consistently critical of the army council ruling Egypt since Mubarak was toppled by mass protests in February, 2011.

His supporters viewed him as the man to replace Mubarak as president but he was criticised for failing to build grass-roots support. His withdrawal from the presidential race was seen in large part as an admission that he could not win.

ElBaradei justified the decision by saying he could not take part in an election unless it was held within a real democratic system.

The presidential election is scheduled to go ahead on May 23 and 24 with a run-off between the top two candidates in June.

The front-runners include former Arab League chief Amr Moussa, Mohamed Mursi, a politician from the Muslim Brotherhood, and Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, a former member of the Islamist group.

The Brotherhood and more hardline Islamist parties dominated legislative elections - Egypt's most democratic in six decades.

Parties with leftist or liberal ideologies meanwhile struggled to make headway in a country where politics was mostly crushed for decades.

Mustapha Kamel Al-Sayyid, a professor of political science, said the new party had come too late. "It would have been useful to establish this party before legislative elections," he said.

"We have to wait to see what impact this party will have on the Egyptian political scene, after most of the political trends have established their own parties," he added.

ElBaradei described the party's ideology as one of "science, competence and real democracy". "This is our solution for launching the renaissance of Egypt," he said.-Reuters

Egypt Salafis back former Brotherhood candidate

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:44:38 GMT

Influential Egyptian hardline Islamist movement, the Salafi Call, said it will back moderate former Muslim Brotherhood member Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh for president, hurting the Brotherhood's chances of winning next month's vote.

"The Salafi Call has decided by majority vote to back Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh in the presidential elections," senior Salafi Call member Yasser Borhamy said. "The Nour Party, the political wing of the Salafi Call, has also voted to back Abol Fotouh."

The second largest party in parliament, bettered only by the Brotherhood in legislative elections early this year, the Nour Party is a formidable force in Egypt's new politics.

Its decision comes as a blow to Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Mursi who had been lobbying for the conservative vote as well as the backing of Salafi groups which have up to 3 million devotees and control as many as 4,000 mosques.

The May 23 and 24 presidential election will decide who replaces Hosni Mubarak. Other front-runners include the Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi, former Arab League chief Amr Moussa and Ahmed Shafiq, Mubarak's last prime minister.

Abol Fotouh, known as a reformer within the Muslim Brotherhood, broke ties with the group last year when he decided to run for president, going against the group's initial decision not to run for the presidency.

But in a policy U-turn last month, the Brotherhood decided to contest the election. Mursi, the group's candidate, is seen as part of a more conservative wing in the Brotherhood and has been widely criticised for lacking charisma.

Borhamy said that should Abol Fotouh not make it to the second round, the Salafi Call and Nour Party would back Mursi, should he get that far.

Finding support among the Liberal and and Islamist camps, Abol Fotouh said last week he was confident he would win in the first round. - Reuters

Egypt lets Mubarak PM back in elections

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:08:27 GMT

The last prime minister to serve under deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been allowed to re-enter the race for the presidency, one day after electoral authorities disqualified him, the state news agency reported on Wednesday.

Analysts said Ahmed Shafiq's re-entry into the race will make him the favourite of the military and a very strong contender to win Egypt's presidential elections set for May 23-24, with a run-off scheduled in June.

"The presidential electoral committee headed by Farouk Soltan accepts the appeal of former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, allowing him to contest the presidential race," Mena reported.

Shafiq had been disqualified on Tuesday after the ruling military council approved a new law drawn up by the Islamist-dominated parliament denying political rights to anyone who served as president, vice president or prime minister in the decade prior to Mubarak's fall in February of last year.

The electoral committee gave no reasons for accepting Shafiq's appeal, although some analysts said it had acted to avoid further appeals that might have delayed the elections.

An ex-air force commander, Shafiq's success in the elections would extend military rule in a country that has been led by army officers since the overthrow of King Farouk in 1952.

He is likely to take votes that otherwise would go to Amr Moussa, the former chief of the Arab League who is seen as an alternative for voters who do not want an Islamist head of state.

"His entry back into the race will certainly appease remnants of Mubarak's old order. It will also allow the army to breathe a sigh of relief because, of all the presidential candidates, Shafiq is the one who understands the military best," political analyst Nabil Abdel Fattah said.

In an interview with Reuters in February, Shafiq said he was running because he had the experience to maintain good ties with the generals and ensure a smooth handover to civilian rule.

The 71-year-old, who was civil aviation minister for a decade, said he can bridge the divisions in Egypt.

The other front-runners are the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi and Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, a former member of the group.

"The decision to accept my client's appeal proves that the electoral committee functions as an independent body according to the rule of law," Shafiq's lawyer, Shawqi Sayyid, said.

The electoral committee also decided to refer the law that had been used to disqualify Shafiq to the Supreme Constitutional Court to review its constitutionality.

Political activist Hassan Nafaa said the electoral committee's decision was a rebuke to the Islamist parliament, which had passed the law to prevent Mubarak associates from running.

"This decision is a slap in the face of parliament and shows it has rushed into passing a law that is likely to be unconstitutional," Nafaa said, adding that parliament's authority had been undermined by the decision. – Reuters

Bahrain reforms put on ‘fast track’

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:08:27 GMT

Landmark constitutional amendments that give more power to the people were approved in 'record' time by Bahrain's Shura Council yesterday (April 25), according to chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh.

He said members of the chamber had been working round-the-clock to fast-track yesterday's decision, which he described as a reflection of public opinion.

Nineteen of 21 amendments originally proposed by His Majesty King Hamad in January have now been approved by both parliament and the Shura Council.

They will now be referred back to the King and will come into effect as soon as he ratifies them.

'We want to thank the King for his initiative to introduce the amendments in the first place to reflect the will of the people and the government for helping parliament and the council approve it in the best format possible,' said Al Saleh.

'Our collaborative efforts have meant that the landmark amendments were approved in a record week's time, rather than the two weeks I had originally set. I know that councillors have had minimal sleep since last week.'

The amendments were held up in parliament for three months due to disagreements on some articles, before being voted on by MPs two weeks ago.

Parliament approved 19 of them with some tweaks, but did not approve one establishing minimum education requirements for potential MPs and another allowing the government to fast-track 'urgent' legislation.

The Shura Council yesterday followed MPs' lead by failing to approve the same two amendments.

Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowment Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa told members of the Shura Council yesterday that Bahrain's democratic reforms would continue.

'Reforms by logic are ongoing and will not stop,' he said. 'It is always up to the people to seek them through proper channels. The National Assembly proved to everyone that it is a real representative of the public's will. It (calls to increase parliament's powers) all started in the National Dialogue in July and in less than a year it has become a reality.'

The head of the Shura Council committee charged with reviewing the amendments said it was a massive step in the right direction.

'Bahrain has a taken a huge step forward with those amendments and the future has more reforms lined up for the people,' said legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed.

Meanwhile, Shura Council member Ali Al Asfoor said opposition groups such as Al Wefaq National Islamic Society - which pulled its MPs out of parliament last year in protest during the height of unrest and walked out of last summer's National Dialogue - had missed out as a result.

'They would have certainly helped give the amendments a better spectrum, but it is not the end of the road and they have a chance on new amendments that will come in future,' he said.

Under the approved amendments, the National Assembly will have the power to reject a four-year plan presented by the Cabinet at the beginning of each legislative term and order HRH the Premier to present a new one.

Two-thirds of parliament will also have the right to take a vote of 'no confidence' against HRH the Premier if MPs feel they can't co-operate with the Cabinet.

Parliament's chairman will take over as chairman of both chambers in the National Assembly, a role previously occupied by the Shura Council chairman.

MPs who resign from parliament will be prevented from running again in the same four-year term, unless parliament decides otherwise.

Shura Council members will be appointed by the King through criteria he will determine and announce before selections are made.

For parliament to be dissolved, consent must be forthcoming from the parliament, Shura Council and Constitutional Court chairmen - besides the King and the Prime Minister.

Five MPs will have the right to ask for a particular minister to be questioned on the open floor and the government will be obliged to submit an annual budget, rather than a two-year budget. – TradeArabia News Service

Top US law firm opens offices in Iraq

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:08:26 GMT

Global law firm Diaz Reus and Targ has announced the opening of offices in Iraq, further expanding its presence in the Middle East.

"As the first major international US law firm to enter post-war Iraq, our new offices provide us with a significant presence in this increasingly important emerging market," said Diaz Reus managing partner Michael Diaz, Jr.

"This is the natural and logical next step for our firm, which already has a presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre."

According to Diaz, these new offices will enable the firm to further provide full service support to its clients and their business needs in the Middle East region.

The Miami-based firm has established a strategic alliance with Newton & Partners, an emerging markets law firm that will serve as Diaz Reus's affiliate in Iraq.

"We are pleased to be of counsel to Diaz Reus and look forward to advising foreign companies regarding their investment strategy and associated corporate and regulatory aspects while operating in the greater Iraq and the Kurdistan area," said Halim Gebeili, senior partner of this growing Mideast firm which has just started operations in Libya and Cairo.

"The Middle East is becoming increasingly important to our worldwide client base, which ranges from North and South America to greater Asia, China, India, and Europe,” he added.

“It's clear that emerging markets will be driving global economic growth for the next decade, and Diaz Reus is well positioned with its in-depth local understanding, coupled with market-leading international expertise, to assist in accessing these markets.” – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain set to introduce new labour law

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:20 GMT

A new legislation that includes tougher punishments for companies that flout health and safety standards, grants private sector workers 30 days of annual leave and increases the length of maternity leave will be introduced in Bahrain.

The new-look labour law was passed by the Shura Council yesterday (April 23), after being delayed by conflict between the upper chamber of the National Assembly and parliament over certain articles.

But the Shura Council yesterday voted in favour of MPs' amendments on the last two disputed articles, one of which sets out compensation for workers unfairly dismissed.

Under the new law, employees sacked unfairly would qualify for an entire year's salary in compensation.

Meanwhile, employers who violate the new labour law would face fines of BD200 ($530) to BD500.

Milestone

MPs had refused to back down in the stand-off over the two articles, prompting the Shura Council to finally approve them as parliament wanted yesterday.

Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan described the decision as a 'milestone' for the private sector.

'The differences between the two legislative chambers are not huge and I believe that councillors should pass parliament's amendments on the two conflicted articles,' he said before the vote.

'The new law will revitalise the private sector labour market in a way that will take Bahrain to unprecedented heights, considering it would give more rights to employees - besides ensuring that employers' rights are protected at the same time.'

The law will be referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification and will be implemented on the same day it appears in the Official Gazette.

Under the law, female private sector workers would get 60 days of maternity leave instead of the current 45.

They would also be entitled to another 15 days off without pay if additional time was needed, in line with their counterparts in the government sector.

Contracts signed under the existing law would have to be updated to include benefits granted under the new legislation.

However, if employees actually lose benefits as a result new contracts have to be drawn up.

Failure to implement proper health and safety standards at work could carry jail sentences of up to three months and fines of BD500 to BD1,000, or both. The punishment is doubled for a repeat offence.

Meanwhile, employees would be granted sick leave within a year of up to 15 days with pay, 20 additional days with half pay and 20 more days without pay.

The sick leave could be extended by up to 182 days if ordered by a medical commission.

Employees aged 15 to 18 who are not working on a professional contract would also get 30 days' annual leave. – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain King names 3 new ministers

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:20 GMT

His Majesty King Hamad of Bahrain yesterday (April 23) issued a Royal decree appointing Ghanim bin Fadhel Al Buainain as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

He also named Dr Salah bin Ali Mohammed as Minister of State for Human Rights Affairs and Samira bint Ibrahim Rajab as Minister of State for Information Affairs. – TradeArabia News Service

Moroccan PM slams king's entourage

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:20 GMT

Morocco's prime minister has hit out at courtiers around King Mohammed in rare criticism that could signify the start of a confrontation between the Islamist-led government and powerful figures close to the palace.

Moroccan authorities, under pressure from the "Arab Spring" upheavals elsewhere in the region, held early elections last year which for the first time handed power to the opposition PJD party of moderate Islamists.

Since then, analysts have been predicting a stand-off between the government, which is committed to tackling corruption and poverty, and a moneyed elite with long-standing ties to the palace.

Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane spoke out on Sunday after his government's plan to reform state-run television, widely seen as a mouthpiece for the monarchy, was criticised by figures close to the palace.

"The Arab Spring is not over yet," Benkirane told a PJD gathering in Rabat, according to remarks carried on Monday by local newspapers. "It (the Arab Spring) is still wandering about and may feel like coming back," he added.

"In this country, even the monarchy itself needs citizens who seek reform ... Kings are not always surrounded by the right kind of people, they can actually be surrounded by foes who become the first to desert them."

In a statement emailed to Reuters, Benkirane later said his comments were "taken out of context".

"Morocco's democracy is a participatory one based on cooperation between constitutional institutions under the leadership of His Majesty the King, may God protect him, and his directives," Benkirane said.

Two officials with Benkirane's PJD party confirmed to Reuters that he had made the remarks, which were reported by publications including the independent newspaper Akhbar al-Youm and the Febrayer.com news portal.

Jamaa Moatassim, head of Benkirane's office, could not be reached for comment. Any criticism of the palace is highly unusual in Morocco, especially from such a senior politician.

The monarchy itself is revered, with King Mohammed held by Moroccans to be a descendant of the Prophet Mohammad, and the elite around the palace, commonly known as the Makhzen, is also generally treated with deference.

The PJD won the biggest share of the vote in November by promising to fight corruption, especially among people using high-level connections to enrich themselves.

It promised to unveil lists of beneficiaries of business licences granted at the authorities' discretion to politicians, businessmen and senior army officers.

Benkirane's government issued guidelines that would have banned lottery commercials and required them to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer - both in line with the PJD's policy of promoting conservative social values.

Executives at the state-run RTM and 2M channels argued that these rules were a threat to their independence from government. Two government ministers from parties close to the palace that are in coalition with the PJD also attacked the guidelines.- Reuters

Egypt rejects licences for US groups

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:19 GMT

Egypt has rejected a request from eight US-based civil society groups for licences to operate in the country after a crackdown on their activities sparked the first diplomatic spat with Washington since the ousting of Hosni Mubarak.

In a move that may damage Cairo's relations with Washington, the Insurance and Social Affairs Ministry rejected the applications because it believed the groups' activities violated state sovereignty, Egyptian state news agency Mena reported on Monday.

It said requests from the Carter Center for Human Rights, set up by former US President Jimmy Carter, Christian group The Coptic Orphans, Seeds of Peace and other groups had been rejected.

"I don't understand how a charity group like the Coptic Orphans, which works with over 35 churches in Egypt to provide medical and social aid, was rejected," said the group's lawyer, Negad al-Borai.

Sanne van den Bergh, field office director for the Carter Center in Egypt, said the group had not been formally notified of the decision to deny it a licence "but we are aware of the media reports about it and we are looking into them".

The Egyptian decision came on the same day that Interpol's headquarters in France refused a request by Egypt to issue worldwide arrest warrants for 15 employees of a number of US-based non-governmental organisations that operate in Egypt.

Interpol's statement said the request for arrest warrants for the 15, of whom 12 were Americans, was not in line with its rules that forbid "political, military, religious or racial" interventions.

Under Mubarak, foreign-funded democracy and human rights groups were allowed to operate in Egypt but were kept in legal limbo by the government, which repeatedly turned down their applications for licences.

Under the military rulers who took over after Mubarak fell a year ago, Egyptian authorities have pursued an even tougher line, raiding NGOs' offices and pressing criminal charges against a number of Egyptian and foreign NGOs.

Washington threatened to withdraw $1.3 billion in military aid until an Egyptian judge lifted a travel ban on several American democracy activists last month and allowed them to leave the country and avoid possible imprisonment.

But just after the United States announced it was resuming aid to Egypt in March, Cairo asked Interpol to issue "red notices" for 15 other NGO workers who were not in Egypt when the charges against the organisations were made.

One of the 15, American Charles Dunne, told Reuters in Washington on Monday that he was grateful for the US government's efforts to get Interpol to quash the Egyptian request for global arrest warrants, but noted that the criminal case against the NGOs had not been dropped in Egypt.

"Everyone is still under indictment and the case is proceeding. The Egyptians are doing everything they can to escalate this and the confrontation with civil society more broadly," Dunne told Reuters.

Dunne is a former US diplomat who was based in Cairo from 1999-2002. He is now the Middle East director for Freedom House, which advocates for democracy and human rights worldwide.

Twelve of the 15 whose arrest was sought by Egypt were American, two were Lebanese and one was Jordanian, Interpol said in its statement.

Egyptian police raided the offices of Freedom House and other pro-democracy groups in late December.

Prosecutors later charged 43 people including 16 Americans - one of them the son of US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood - with working for organisations that received illegal foreign funding.

Tensions have since eased, but human rights campaigners say they fear the Egyptian decision announced Monday to deny them licences may signal a new crackdown on their activities.

"This decision is moving illogically and in opposition to the path of history as the entire world is magnifying the importance of civil society," said Hafez Abu Saeda, the head of the Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights. "The government insists on stifling civil work in Egypt." T

The military generals who took power after Mubarak are due to hand it to the winner of the presidential election at the end of June. - Reuters

Saudi man spends 15 years in jail on father's order

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:19 GMT

A Saudi Arabian man who was jailed for three years in 1997 has spent a further 12 years behind bars waiting for his father to pardon him, a local human rights group has said.

Eid Al-Sinani, 43, was originally sentenced to three years in prison and 200 lashes for beating up his step mother, Musab Al-Zahrani, a researcher at the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), told Reuters.

However, when the sentence had been served the father asked a judge to keep his son in prison "until he is proven to be righteous by his father". The judge agreed and 12 years later Sinani is still in jail, Zahrani said.

Under the kingdom's Islamic legal system, law is not systematically codified and judicial rulings are subject to individual judges' interpretation of sharia. Some judges view children's "disobedience" towards their parents as an offence worthy of lashing and even jail sentences.

"We are optimistic that he will be released because he has been jailed for (almost) 16 years and there is no real charge. This is legally problematic because they gave absolute power to the father and the son is left under his mercy," Zahrani said. NSHR is affiliated with the Saudi government. - Reuters

Egypt army passes law banning ex-PM from vote

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:18 GMT

Egypt's ruling army council approved a law that bans Hosni Mubarak-era officials from running for the presidency, the state newspaper Al-Ahram said on Tuesday, a move that excludes former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq from running.

A copy of the law published on Al-Ahram's website said it was effective from April 24 and showed the law had been printed in the official gazette, confirming that the legislation drafted by parliament this month had been approved by the ruling generals.

The law denies political rights to anyone who served as president, vice president or prime minister in the decade prior to Mubarak's removal from power on Feb. 11, 2011. It also applies to anyone who served in top posts in the ruling party. – Reuters

Bahrain MPs threaten to veto Gulf Air bail-out

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:18 GMT

Bahrain MPs are threatening to veto a government bailout of Gulf Air unless their demands for annual payouts for Bahraini families are approved.

Parliament was notified yesterday that the Cabinet had refused a proposal to pay families BD100 ($265) on each of the two Eids, as well as BD100 at the start of the school year.

Parliament second vice-chairman Shaikh Adel Al Ma'awada said MPs would only agree to a BD664.3 million rescue package for Gulf Air if the payments they were seeking for families were accepted.

'Either they include our demands for this allowance or we will stop their bailout package and instead use the money for other highly awaited schemes,' he said.

It is understood that the Eid and school payouts would add an extra BD43.5 million to the government's spending every year.

Parliament was due to vote on the proposed rescue package for Gulf Air yesterday.

However, the bill was withdrawn by chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani after parliament's financial and economic affairs committee urged MPs to vote against it.

A new vote will now take place within two weeks after the same committee has reviewed the airline's spending plan for the first year, which is due to be submitted to parliament tomorrow.

The committee has been set a two-week deadline to review the plan, but its report on the proposal could be presented to MPs during an extraordinary session next Wednesday.

Al Dhahrani cancelled yesterday's scheduled vote following a high-level meeting with top government officials on Monday. – TradeArabia News Service

Dubai hosts anti-money laundering session

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:48:45 GMT

Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) is organising an anti-money laundering (AML) training session for senior Pakistani government officials, under the supervision of leading professionals and experts from the UAE, US and Pakistan.

A leading centre for legal studies and judicial training in Dubai and a member of the General Network for Government Communication, DJI said the five-day training session is a testament to the international community’s confidence in DJI’s role as a regional and international hub for legal and judicial excellence.

It further demonstrates the solid relation between DJI and the US Embassy, reaffirming their joint efforts to create channels for sharing knowledge, expertise and best international practices, said a statement from the institute.

The session attracted 30 participants from Pakistan, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, Parliament, National Accountability Bureau, Anti Narcotics Force and Public Prosecution who learnt about the various global standards besides assessing the existing practices and exchange experiences in dealing with money laundering.

Hosting the AML training session underlines the UAE’s status as a leading hub for legal, humanitarian, social, development, cultural, economic and investment affairs, said a senior official.

“Held in collaboration with the US Embassy, the AML training session is very important as it acts as an interactive platform to look into local and international experiences and discuss the AML system application challenges,” remarked Dr Jamal Hussein Al Sumaiti, the DJI director general.

'DJI is committed to organizing purpose-built initiatives that support our vision towards best judicial practices, transparency and an improved judicial system for the UAE’s legal and judicial community,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service

EGov CEO participates in China meeting

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:48:45 GMT

Bahrain’s eGovernment Authority, chief executive officer Mohammad Ali Al Qaed, participated in a high-level meeting held recently in China, in response to an invitation by the United Nations Organisation.

Participants of the meeting gathered in Hong Kong to discuss issues relating to information and communication technology (ICT) and sustainable urbanisation in South Asian countries, said a statement.

It was jointly organised by South-South News, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (Habitat) along with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Attendance included senior officials from organisations and agencies of the United Nations, accompanied by a number of ambassadors from South Asia.

Keynote speakers included Ambassador Francis Lorenzo, Honorary President of South-South News, ITU secretary-general Dr Hamadoun Touré, Nicolas Pron, Unicef's executive board secretary, Cheick Sidi Diarra, together with the under secretary general of the UN Office’s high representative for the least developed countries, and John Tintori, chair of Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at the New York University.

The meeting was held in the presence of ambassadors of the South Asian countries and representatives of Unicef, Habitat and UNDP - in order to share the outcome of the meeting and discover how ICT innovations can help achieve sustainable urban developments.

Participants discussed the eGovernment plans relating to the usage of technology to achieve sustainable urbanisation and support urban life-cycle.

Bahrain was the only country to contribute in setting eGovernment plans, the statement said.

“Information and communication technology is one of the tools that help nations reach their required goals, develop existing infrastructure and meet the necessities in various fields,” said Al Qaed. He additionally stressed on the importance of setting clear plans and mechanisms in accordance with the country’s needs and requirements - based on a realistic timeframe, definite budget and making use of available resources – with leadership guidance and government support for ICT initiatives.

During his speech, the CEO also shared Bahrain’s experience in the eGovernment field, covering the stages of the Authority’s development since its establishment up to where it stands today – highlighting key milestones, initiatives and challenges faced through its journey and providing outlines of the new National eGovernment Strategy for the years 2012 to 2016. – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain King commits to more reforms

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:16:46 GMT

His Majesty King Hamad welcomed the success of Bahrain’s Grand Prix and confirmed his government was committed to further reform in the kingdom.

His Majesty attended the climax of the three-day event.

He said, “We are grateful to the FIA, teams, sponsors and the Bahrain International Circuit for ensuring that this great event went off peacefully and in the celebratory spirit of community that Formula 1 represents.”

“I also want to make clear my personal commitment to reform in our great country. The door is always open for sincere dialogue amongst all our people.

“Last month I received the report on progress made on the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. It confirmed that broad and substantial progress on reform has already been made by the government,” he added.

“We must, of course, continue the pace of reform.” – TradeArabia News Service

IMF sees 'good progress' on Egypt loan

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:02:20 GMT

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Egypt's government and political partners have made good progress in agreeing on the content of an IMF funding program for the country.

"We feel there is some progress in terms of getting a commitment and broad buy-in to the objectives and the measures" of a program, including among those who are likely to be involved in implementing after the elections, said IMF Director for the Middle East Masood Ahmed.

Egypt and the IMF are in discussions on a $3.2 billion loan program. The IMF is insisting that any agreement on financing is backed by Egypt's government and political partners ahead of June elections.

Ahmed said the IMF agreed with Egypt's estimated financing needs of $10 to $12 billion.-Reuters

UK's Cameron backs Bahrain F1

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:02:20 GMT

British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday defended Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, saying that "Bahrain is not Syria".

"We should be clear: Bahrain is not Syria; there is a process of reform underway," he said in a statement published in newspapers and posted on British websites.

Reacting to calls of the Shadow Government and the Labour leader for the race to be called off, Cameron reaffirmed his government's support for Bahrain's reform process.

"This government backs that reform and wants to help promote that reform," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain Embassy in London ‘back to normal’

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:19:53 GMT

Bahrain Embassy in London was working as normal, said the kingdom’s Ambassador to the UK, adding that rumours about it closing, following the intrusion of two terrorists onto its roof, were not true.

Alice Sama'an said what happened at the Bahrain Embassy in London was an odd and unprecedented incident and the two men who climbed onto the roof from another building were seeking publicity.

"The terrorists were publicity seekers, and what we have been through was a difficult experience, but it's history now!" Sama'an said.

She said once she came to know of the intrusion she contacted the Foreign Ministry in Bahrain, the Foreign Office in London as well as the diplomatic police, who immediately sent a team to deal with the two people.

Sama'an said the issue took longer than usual to resolve as the two men were threatening to jump off the fifth floor if police approached them.

However, once they realised that there was no way out they gave themselves in voluntarily and were led by police handcuffed. They will be tried according to British law.

The ambassador said this dangerous incident violated the Bahrain Embassy's sovereignty which is completely unacceptable and the UK had assured that such incidents would not occur again.

On rumours that the embassy halted business, the ambassador reassured that work was unaffected and the embassy's personnel were safe and sound.

As a result of the efforts made by the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with British authorities, the terrorists were arrested and the embassy resumed normal business. It also began providing services following the directives of Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

Meanwhile, Bahrainis in London pledged their solidarity with the leadership.

Citizens visited the embassy to condemn the criminal act targeting the security of Bahrain. They called it "an evil attempt to undermine the interests of citizens, which failed thanks to the wise leadership and the efforts of the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. – TradeArabia News Service

Migrant workers get repatriation support

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:19:52 GMT

Labour chiefs from Bahrain and across the region have agreed to fast-track repatriation of migrant workers, particularly women, at times of security crisis at a major forum in Manila, the Philippines.

They also agreed to assign government teams to closely monitor the recruitment of labourers.

It comes as 19 Asian and Middle Eastern countries are taking part in the Abu Dhabi Dialogue-II (ADD-II), which is being held under the theme 'Sustaining Regional Co-operation Towards Improved Management of Labour Mobility in Asia', at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

Bahrain's delegation headed by Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan, is taking part in the high-level conference, which ends today.

He will then enter talks with senior GCC officials to discuss labour and migration policies in the region.

Activists welcomed the new recommendations, saying it would help fast-track proposals made by human rights societies in Bahrain.

"Most of our recommendations to protect the rights of migrant workers are being considered or reviewed by authorities. The laws are gradually changing and becoming labour-friendly," said Migrant Workers Protection Society chairwoman Marietta Dias.

"We have an average of eight to 10 domestic workers housed at our shelter because of different cases such as abuse or being exploited by unscrupulous recruiting agents," she added.

She met Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chief executive Ausamah Abdulla Al Absi yesterday to discuss the progress of new job contracts for domestic workers that stipulate their rights and duties.

The key document which is in the final stages will state conditions to recruit domestic workers that should be followed by employers and manpower agencies.

"We are ready to discuss and provide our feedback to LMRA for its unified contract for domestic workers that stipulates their rights and duties," said Dias.

However, unionists are urging authorities to make vital amendments to the country's labour law to protect migrant workers from exploitation.

"There is no doubt in crisis situations like in Libya it is important to repatriate domestic workers," said a General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions spokesman yesterday.

"But at the same time, we should not ignore their rights in such situations such as receiving their full settlements. We have always called for the protection of domestic workers, who continue to be excluded from Bahrain's labour law."

The ADD-II featured proposals and discussions by labour-exporting countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam and labour-importing countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE and Yemen. Japan, Malaysia and South Korea took part as observers.

Philippines Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said during the opening of the forum that their nationals continued to face difficulties in repatriating distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) amid the Arab Spring that spread across Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Syria.

He said this was due to policies adopted by these countries that require payment to be made to employers and respective governments before allowing OFWs to leave.

Meanwhile, a petition signed by hundreds of domestic workers in Bahrain would be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council at the Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain in Geneva next month.

The Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) is spearheading the initiative and will attend the meeting from May 21-25.

"Our goal has always been to ask the government to incorporate domestic workers under the labour law," said BHRWS secretary-general Faisal Fulad .

He said more than 72,000 signatures of domestic workers of different nationalities such as India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia were collected in 2010 to call for better protection.

"Some domestic workers are paid about BD45 ($119) per month and work for more than 12 hours without proper rest," he said. "In others cases, they are abuse victims and escape from their employers' homes, but their cases continue to be in courts.” – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain demands UK action on Embassy chaos

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:41 GMT

Bahrain's parliament is holding British authorities responsible after two publicity seekers were allowed to camp out on the Bahrain Embassy in London for more than 24 hours.

It issued a statement yesterday in which it demanded the prosecution of both men and a review of the UK's policy on political asylum and awarding of British passports to Bahraini dissidents.

The two men Moosa Al Sitrawi and Ali Mushaima, who is wanted in Bahrain in connection with two terrorism trials, were allowed to remain on the roof of the embassy since Monday without police intervention before they came down yesterday.

Bahrain's parliament is now demanding action from British authorities to protect the embassy, as required by international law.

'We want legal action taken against the two terrorists and police have to start procedures without delay against them, considering that they horrified and threatened our diplomatic personnel,' said a statement read by parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani yesterday.

Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla said at a Press conference held at the ministry headquarters last night that severely cold weather and falling rain contributed to speeding up the intruders' surrender.

He said that Bahrain will take all legal proceedings against the two and ask the British authorities to hand them over. – TradeArabia News Service