UAE says citizens can again travel to Lebanon
DUBAI: Emirati citizens will be able to visit Lebanon within days after a ban imposed during a diplomatic row in 2021 was lifted, the official WAM news agency reported Sunday.
The announcement comes after Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with his UAE counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, after which it was announced that the ban would be lifted.
In 2021, the United Arab Emirates imposed the travel ban and withdrew diplomats from Beirut in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, after a Lebanese minister criticised the Riyadh-led military intervention in Yemen.
Lebanese citizens were not banned from travelling to the UAE, although some experienced difficulties obtaining visas.
Ties between Beirut and Abu Dhabi had soured in the past decade over Hezbollah's influence on Lebanon.
But with the group weakened by its recent war with Israel, the UAE is the latest Gulf country to renew its interest in Lebanon.
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Express Tribune
42 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Lee Jae-myung wins South Korea presidency months after martial law protest
South Korea's President-elect Lee Jae-myung waves as he leaves to meet his supporters, in Incheon, South Korea, June 3, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article South Korea's liberal party candidate, Lee Jae-myung, was elected president in Tuesday's snap election, six months to the day after he evaded military cordons to vote against a shock martial law decree imposed by his ousted predecessor. Lee's victory stands to usher in a political sea change in Asia's fourth-largest economy, after the backlash against the martial law brought down Yoon Suk Yeol, the conservative outsider who narrowly beat Lee in the 2022 election. Nearly 80% of South Korea's 44.39 million eligible voters cast their ballots, the highest turnout for a presidential election in the country since 1997, with Lee terming the polls "judgment day" against Yoon's martial law and the People Power Party's failure to distance itself from that decision. With more than 99% of the votes counted, the Democratic Party's Lee stood at 49.3% to PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo's 41.3%, according to National Election Commission data. A subdued Kim conceded the race and congratulated Lee in brief remarks to reporters. Lee had long been favoured to win, and his supporters erupted in cheers as exit polls by the country's major broadcasters showed him defeating Kim by wide margins. In a brief speech to supporters gathered outside parliament after the polls closed, Lee said he would fulfil the duties of the office and bring unity to the country. "We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities," he said. He also vowed to revive the economy and seek peace with nuclear-armed North Korea through dialogue and strength. The martial law decree and the six months of ensuing turmoil, which saw three different acting presidents and multiple criminal insurrection trials for Yoon and several top officials, marked a stunning political self-destruction for the former leader and effectively handed the presidency to his main rival. Yoon was impeached by the Lee-led parliament, then removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April, less than three years into his five-year term, triggering the snap election that now stands to remake the country's political leadership and foreign policies of a key US ally. Lee has accused the PPP of having condoned the martial law attempt by not fighting harder to thwart it and even trying to save Yoon's presidency. Kim was Yoon's labour minister when the former president declared martial law on December 3. "I was here on December 3 after martial was declared and December 14 when Yoon was impeached," said Choi Mi-jeong, 55, a science teacher who gathered outside parliament to hear Lee speak. "Now Lee Jae-myung is becoming president. I hope he will become a leader who supports ordinary people, not vested interests, not a small number of riches." US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told a briefing that Washington was awaiting final certification before commenting. Official results were expected to be certified by the National Election Commission on Wednesday morning after ballots are sorted and counted by machine, then triple-checked by election officials by hand to verify accuracy. Just hours later, the inauguration ceremony is planned. Need for change Park Chan-dae, acting leader of Lee's Democratic Party, told KBS that the projections suggest voters rejected the martial law attempt and are hoping for an improvement in their livelihoods. "I think people made a fiery judgment against the insurrection regime," he said. The winner must tackle challenges including a society deeply scarred by divisions made more obvious since the attempt at military rule, and an export-heavy economy reeling from unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally. Both Lee and Kim pledged change for the country, saying a political system and economic model set up during its rise as a budding democracy and industrial power are no longer fit for purpose. Their proposals for investment in innovation and technology often overlapped, but Lee advocated more equity and help for mid- to low-income families while Kim campaigned on giving businesses more freedom from regulations and labour strife. Lee is expected to be more conciliatory toward China and North Korea, but has pledged to continue the Yoon-era engagement with Japan. Kim branded Lee a "dictator" and his Democratic Party a "monster," warning if the former human rights lawyer becomes president, nothing will stop them from working together to amend laws simply because they do not like them. 'Polarised' "The economy has gotten so much worse since December 3, not just for me but I hear that from everybody," Kim Kwang-ma, 81, said. "And we as a people have become so polarised... I wish we could come together so that Korea can develop again." There were no female candidates running in Tuesday's election for the first time in 18 years. Despite polls showing wide gaps between young men and women, gender equality was not among the key policy issues put forward during this election, a stark contrast from the 2022 vote. "One thing I am a bit frustrated about with mainstream candidates whether Lee Jae-myung or other conservative candidates is they lack policy on women or minority groups," said Kwon Seo-hyun, 18, a university freshman and first-time voter who went out to the streets for anti-Yoon protests following his martial law.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Bilawal rejects India's false accusations, reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to peace
Listen to article The high-level parliamentary delegation led by Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed the member states of OIC at the United Nations on the grave developments in South Asia following India's military aggression and its baseless accusations against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation Briefs OIC Group of Ambassadors about Regional Situation in South Asia #PeaceWithResponsibility@BBhuttoZardari Read More: — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 3, 2025 Addressing the OIC Permanent Representatives, Bilawal Bhutto categorically rejected India's attempt to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident without any credible investigation or evidence. He highlighted that the hasty attribution of blame was used as a pretext for unlawful military actions, including cross-border strikes, which targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure. He expressed grave concern at the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan considers a blatant act of weaponizing water and a violation of international and treaty obligations. He made it clear that we cannot allow this to become a new normal. He stressed that due to India's belligerent aggression, the world had become a less safe place, with real and present implications for peace and security in South Asia. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace, restraint, and diplomacy, and called for the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty, full respect for the ceasefire, and the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue with India, with the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute at its core. Bilawal Bhutto underlined that the OIC has emerged as the moral conscience of the world in these difficult times and thanked the OIC member states for their steadfast support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains pivotal to the establishment of lasting peace in South Asia. The Permanent Representatives of OIC countries expressed appreciation for Pakistan's transparent and timely briefing and reaffirmed their solidarity with Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated their concern over the worsening security situation in South Asia and stressed the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in this regard, the sanctity of treaties, including the Indus Water Treaty. The OIC countries welcomed Pakistan's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, by the UN Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, two multi-party delegations dispatched by Pakistan to key world capitals as part of its diplomatic offensive against India began their high-level interactions on June 02, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led delegation holding talks with China and Russia's UN ambassadors in New York. As I arrive in New York to lead Pakistan's delegation at the UN, I carry a clear message: Pakistan seeks peace with dignity, dialogue with purpose, and partnerships built on justice. The unresolved issue of Kashmir continues to threaten regional peace. Any aggression over shared… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 2, 2025 On the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, two separate delegations began their tour of New York, Washington, London, Brussels, and Moscow in order to brief these countries about Pakistan's stance because of the recent military escalation with India. Bilawal, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman, is currently in New York, leading a nine-member delegation, comprising parliamentarians and former diplomats. Another delegation, led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Tariq Fatemi, is visiting Moscow. According to the Foreign Office, the delegations were scheduled to engage in a series of meetings with the leadership of international bodies, public office holders, senior officials, parliamentarians, think tanks, media, and diaspora. Bilawal started his two-day visit to New York with an interview with a foreign news channel. Later, he met with China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, and Russia's Permanent Representative, Vassily Nebenzia. The Permanent Representative of Russian Federation, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia called on the high-level parliamentary delegation of Pakistan, led by Chairman Pakistan People's Party and former Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari. #PeaceWithResponsibility Read More:… — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 2, 2025 China support Bilawal thanked China for supporting Pakistan during the conflict with India. He apprised the Chinese ambassador of Pakistan's responsible behaviour after the April 22 attack in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) resort of Pahalgam. نیویارک: پاکستانی سفارتی مشن کے قائد بلاول بھٹو زرداری کی چین کے مستقل مندوب فو کانگ سے اقوام متحدہ کے دفتر میں اہم ملاقات نیویارک: چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری اور چین کے مستقل مندوب کے درمیان ملاقات میں بھارتی جارحیت اور خطے کی سیکیورٹی صورتحال پر گفتگو نیویارک: سابق وزیر خارجہ… — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 2, 2025 He said that India had rejected Pakistan's offer for a transparent and impartial investigation into the attack. He stressed that the resolution of the Kashmir issue was indispensable for a lasting peace in South Asia. The Pakistan delegation urged China to play its role in this regard. While expressing serious concerns over India's targeting of Pakistani citizens during the four-day conflict, the delegation urged the international community to move beyond conflict management and towards dispute resolution. During the meeting, there was unanimity between both sides in opposing unilateral actions and aggression. Both sides emphasised the need for respecting the UN Charter, international laws, and agreements. They also opposed India's decision to weaponise water. The delegation comprised Dr Musadik Malik; Sherry Rehman; Hina Rabbani Khar; Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan; Faisal Subzwari; Bushra Anjum Butt, Ambassador (retd) Jalil Abbas Jilani, and Ambassador (retd) Tehmina Janjua. Russia briefing The delegation briefed Russia's UN ambassador on the situation following the Pahalgam attack, rejecting India's baseless accusations against Pakistan without any evidence, and highlighting its premature and unilateral actions, including the holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. Together with Pakistan delegation met with the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN to convey Pakistan's principled stance in the wake of India's unprovoked aggression. Highlighted Pakistan's responsible and measured approach, and underscored the… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 2, 2025 He noted that Pakistan's measured and proportionate response - guided by restraint and international law - was aimed at preserving regional peace and avoiding a wider conflict. He underlined that Pakistan was the biggest victim of terrorism, in which more than 80,000 civilians have lost their lives. He also apprised the Russian diplomat of India's sponsorship of terrorism inside Pakistan. He underscored that durable peace in the region hinged on the just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute by international law. Humanitarian impact Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik highlighted the humanitarian implications of holding the IWT in abeyance. Highlighting Pakistan's mature and restrained approach, the delegation reiterated the country's commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability. In an interview earlier, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan's desire for peace through "dignity, strength and diplomacy", and termed India's actions after the Pahalgam attack dangerous and a violation of international law. "No lasting solution is possible without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," he said, emphasising that the current ceasefire should lead to permanent peace, which would come through the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. India's unilateral decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance violated international law and the treaty obligations. "By unilaterally suspending the IWT, India has set a dangerous precedent with implications for regional peace and security," he warned. He added that Pakistan wanted the international community to play its role in facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and India. "We are ready to talk to India on Jammu and Kashmir, IWT, and terrorism," Bilawal pointed out. He also said Pakistan is a victim of terrorism; from the political leadership to the military to Pakistani citizens, we have all been affected by terrorism. "While India committed naked and blatant acts of aggression by violating the international border, Pakistan acted in self-defence," he said. The delegation's US engagements on Tuesday included meetings with US lawmakers, think tanks, and media representatives. A meeting of the Pakistani delegation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also on the cards. The visits of the delegations aim at projecting Pakistan's perspective on the recent Indian aggression. The Foreign Office said that they would engage in a series of meetings with the leadership of international bodies, public office holders, officials, parliamentarians, think tanks, media, and diaspora. "The delegations will highlight Pakistan's responsible and restrained conduct, seeking peace with responsibility, in the face of India's reckless and belligerent actions. They will also highlight that dialogue and diplomacy should take precedence over conflict and confrontation," the Foreign Office said. "The delegations will underscore the imperative for the international community to play its due role in promoting a lasting peace in South Asia. The need for immediate resumption of the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty will also be a key theme of the delegations' outreach." Meanwhile, responding to media queries concerning a flurry of antagonistic statements made by the Indian leaders as well as remarks made by the Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that facts could not be obscured by hollow narratives. The Indian leadership's recent remarks, including those made in Bihar, reflected a deeply troubling mindset that prioritised hostility over peace, the spokesperson stated. "Any attempt to portray Pakistan as the source of regional instability is divorced from reality," he added. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the international community was well aware of India's record of aggressive behaviour, including documented support for terrorist activities within Pakistan. "These facts cannot be obscured by hollow narratives or diversionary tactics." The spokesperson stated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained the core issue and Pakistan would continue to stand firm in advocating for a just and lasting resolution to the dispute in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. "To sidestep this fundamental issue is to condemn the region to continued mistrust and potential confrontation," he said. "The developments of recent weeks have once again underscored the utter futility of jingoism and coercion," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson emphasised that "India cannot and will not achieve its objectives" through threats, misrepresentation, or force, saying that Pakistan was equally resolved to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression. "Durable peace in South Asia demands maturity, restraint, and a willingness to address the root causes of conflict, not the pursuit of narrow political gains at the expense of regional harmony," the Foreign Office spokesperson stated.
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Delegations to project Pakistan's perspective on Indian aggression
ISLAMABAD: Pursuant to the prime minister's directive, two high-level multiparty delegations started their visit to New York, Washington DC, Moscow, London and Brussels on 2 June 2025 to project Pakistan's perspective on the recent Indian aggression. In response to media queries, the Spokesperson of the Foreign Office (FO) confirmed that, under the PM instructions, the Pakistani delegations will engage with key capitals, to present the country's perspective on recent Indian aggression and Pakistan's measured and responsible conduct. FO Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement on Monday that a nine-member Pakistani delegation is led by Chairman Pakistan People's Party, and former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The other members of the delegation include Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Masood Malik; Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and former Minister for Information and Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman; Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar; former Minister for Commerce, Defence and Foreign Affairs, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan; former Minister for Maritime Affairs, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari; and Senator Bushra Anjum Butt. Bilawal-led delegation reaches US The delegation also includes two former Foreign Secretaries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani (retired), who also served as Caretaker Foreign Minister, and Ambassador Tehmina Janjua (retired). Another delegation, led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Syed Tariq Fatemi, will visit Moscow from 2 June 2025, the spokesperson added. The visits of these delegations are aimed at projecting Pakistan's perspective on the recent Indian aggression. The delegations will highlight Pakistan's responsible and restrained conduct – seeking peace with responsibility – in the face of India's reckless and belligerent actions in violation of international law. They will also highlight that dialogue and diplomacy should take precedence over conflict and confrontation, Ambassador Shafqat remarked. 'The delegations will underscore the imperative for the international community to play its due role in promoting a lasting peace in South Asia,' he said, adding the need for immediate resumption of the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty will also be a key theme of the delegations' outreach. The delegations will engage in a series of meetings with the leadership of international bodies, public office holders, senior officials, parliamentarians, think tanks, media and diaspora. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
