Latest news with #Alami
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Gentle nudge towards peace
Trust and consistency key to Asean resolution, says experts PETALING JAYA: Myanmar's long-running crisis defies easy answers, but analysts say the road to resolution hinges on two key elements: trust and consistency. As Malaysia chairs Asean this year, experts say the path forward must be anchored in trust-building and consistent engagement to ensure regional stability. Drawing parallels with Timor Leste's post-conflict transition, international relations analyst Dr Zokhri Idris pointed out that open lines of communication are critical to de-escalating tensions. 'What our Prime Minister is trying to do now is open a channel with both the military junta and the National Unity Government (NUG), not necessarily because trust already exists, but because consistency can begin to rebuild it. 'The idea is to neutralise hostile sentiment and reintroduce dialogue,' he said when contacted. This aligns with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's approach. In April, he met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok following a major earthquake in Myanmar. The discussion centred on halting military hostilities to allow humanitarian aid access, a step positioned as a humanitarian imperative rather than political endorsement. 'Malaysia's engagement does not legitimise any one party,' said senior lecturer at UiTM and director of the Asia West East Centre Dr Abdolreza Alami. 'Rather, the aim is to create momentum for a broader peace process by focusing on the humanitarian aspect and fostering dialogue.' Alami argues that institutionalising the Asean Chair's Special Envoy to Myanmar as a permanent role is crucial. He said the current practice of rotating the envoy annually has weakened the association's credibility. A permanent envoy, he said, would ensure sustained engagement with all stakeholders – including the junta's State Administration Council (SAC), the NUG and various ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) – while adapting to Myanmar's evolving political terrain. 'The SAC has lost significant ground over the past year, with two major military commands falling in 2024. Resistance groups now control over 40% of Myanmar's territory. 'A permanent envoy allows Asean to remain relevant, coordinate internal member state efforts and align external support, especially from China, India and Japan, with the Five-Point Consensus,' he added. He said such an envoy would reduce the grouping's dependency on external powers and help mitigate internal divisions over Myanmar's participation in Asean forums. The diplomatic outreach, Alami said is being supported by Malaysia's broader humanitarian strategy. Beyond political dialogue, he said Malaysia has coordinated aid delivery and refugee support, engaging carefully with the NUG and EAOs to navigate around junta restrictions. He said the government has also encouraged regional capacity-building, particularly in governance, judiciary, health and education, as preparation for a post-conflict transition, should federal governance take root in liberated regions. But challenges remain. Despite Malaysia's efforts, he said the junta continues to defy international appeals, with 171 airstrikes launched since Anwar's Bangkok meeting. Still, analysts stressed that pragmatism and consistency are key. Fellow at the National Council of Professors Dr Azmi Hassan said the region's historical reluctance to confront the junta has undermined Asean's credibility. 'Previously, Asean avoided risks and kept a passive posture. But things are changing. We are now opening channels, and the Prime Minister's moves signal that both pressure and consistency must go hand in hand,' Azmi said. Echoing this, director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania Professor Dr James Chin said after years of failed attempts, Malaysia's move is a renewed push for dialogue – even if the final breakthrough may lie elsewhere. 'The general understanding in the international arena is that the key to resolving the issue is China ... the junta might be willing to do peace talks then. 'There have been too many civilian deaths and this must stop,' he said.
United News of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
US sanctions 4 individuals over allegedly facilitating Hezbollah's finances
Washington, May 15 (UNI) The US Department of the Treasury has sanctioned two senior officials of the Lebanese-based Shia movement Hezbollah, as well as two people allegedly facilitating the movement's financial operations, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on Thursday. "Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting two senior Hizballah [Hezbollah] officials and two financial facilitators for their roles in coordinating financial transfers for Hizballah. These individuals, based in Lebanon and Iran, work closely with Hizballah leadership to send money to the group from overseas donors. These donations are a significant portion of the terrorist group's overall budget. In addition to managing and processing funding for Hizballah within Lebanon, one of these individuals is responsible for overseeing financial activity for Hizballah-aligned groups around the world," OFAC said in a statement. The measures target Mu'in Daqiq Al-'Amili, a senior movement representative in Iran who coordinated cash payments to senior Hezbollah officials, and Jihad Alami, who was responsible for receiving and distributing the funding, the office added. "Following Hamas' brutal attack on October 7 and during the ensuing conflict in Gaza in late 2023 and early 2024, Al-'Amili coordinated the delivery of at least $50,000 to Alami in Lebanon, which was collected from Iran, likely for onward transfer to Gaza," the statement read. The office also targets Fadi Nehme, who oversaw the movement's overall budget and spending, and Hasan Abdallah Ni'mah, who facilitated Hezbollah's "funding and networking opportunities" in Africa, it said. "Al-'Amili, Alami, and Nehme are being designated ... for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hizballah. Ni'mah is being designated ... for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hizballah," the office added. All properties and assets of the sanctioned individuals that are located in the US or controlled by US people, as well as entities that are owned by them by at least 50%, will be blocked, OFAC said. UNI SPUTNIK GNK
Morocco World
10-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Mauritania Build Economic Partnership Amid Regional Challenges
Rabat — In a powerful address at the Moroccan-Mauritanian Parliamentary Economic Forum in Nouakchott today, Morocco's House of Representatives Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami commended the unique opportunity for cooperation between the two North African neighbors. Alami spoke of the stability both countries enjoy while the region is 'facing a turbulent geopolitical environment in many contexts.' His invigorating speech focused on similar environmental challenges. Alami particularly addressed climate change-induced drought and desertification, which he said have triggered job losses, reduced income sources, and intensified internal migration in both countries. Alami further noted that both countries also manage migration flows from other regions of the world 'with responsibility and a humanitarian approach that honors the traditions of hospitality and coexistence' that distinguish the two peoples. 'With determination, genuine partnership, and intensive cooperation, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Kingdom of Morocco can write a success story of prosperity and comprehensive development rarely available to neighboring countries,' he argued. The Parliament Speaker recalled the economic complementarity that ties Morocco and Mauritania, as well as their strategic geographic positioning. 'God has blessed our countries with a pivotal strategic location open to the sea and ocean, with a coastline stretching over 4,200 kilometers,' he said. This extensive coast creates various economic opportunities that could contribute to strategic tourism projects, infrastructure, and services, alongside rich marine mineral resources and fisheries. Read also: Morocco Opens New Border Crossing with Mauritania at Amgala 'This location allows both countries to transform into international trade hubs, not just between Africa and Europe, but also toward the Americas,' Alami added. Both countries boast young populations and enormous human resources that, with proper training and guidance, 'can form a decisive wealth for renaissance, transforming the despair affecting some youth groups into ambition, enthusiasm, and contribution to nation-building.' Alami further explained that Morocco and Mauritania possess tremendous potential to expand, intensify, and diversify agriculture, livestock, and fishing industries, building on rich traditions and cultural heritage in these sectors. Against an 'ambiguous, changing, and tense international context in several regions,' Alami described relations between Morocco and Mauritania as 'a model of brotherhood and good neighborliness based on mutual trust guaranteed by the political will of both countries' leaders.' Tags: Morocco MauritaniaMorocco Mauritania Relations
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Telr has been granted the Retail Payment Services License from the Central Bank of the UAE
DUBAI, UAE – Telr, an award-winning leader in digital payments across MENA, has secured a Retail Payment Services License (RPS) by the Central Bank of the UAE, marking a transformative milestone in its mission to drive financial innovation and seamless digital transactions. After successfully meeting all regulatory conditions and requirements through a thorough approval process, this prestigious approval allows Telr to expand and revolutionize merchant acquiring and enhance payment aggregation solutions within the UAE. This strengthens Telr's position as a trusted, forward-thinking payment provider, delivering a cutting-edge, secure, and efficient suite of solutions for businesses of all sizes. By advancing its technology and broadening its compliant offerings, Telr continues to empower merchants, accelerate business growth, and redefine the future of digital payments in the UAE. Khalil Alami, Founder and CEO of Telr, expressed his gratitude: We are honored by the Central Bank of the UAE's trust and recognition,". Alami added, "This achievement cements our role as a pioneer in digital payments, fueling our drive for innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly cashless economy. As the UAE's digital economy continues to thrive, Telr Payment Gateway remains at the forefront of digital transformation, Coupled with its recent recognition in the Future 100 - a national initiative led by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Office of Government Development and the Future - and securing a spot on the Forbes Middle East Fintech 50 List, Telr continues to rank among the region's top digital finance innovators. Telr powers digital commerce across the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, and Jordan with seamless payments, e-wallet integrations, BNPL, financing, and split payments for marketplaces. As a PCI-certified payment gateway, Telr provides businesses with unified APIs for secure, instant payment acceptance across web, mobile, and social media, ensuring a frictionless digital payment experience. About Telr: Established in 2014, Telr, the UAE-based award-winning payment gateway solutions provider, offers a unique platform that enables payment handling in over 120 currencies and 30 languages in UAE, KSA, Bahrain, and Jordan with the highest level of security. Through a single integration, Telr grants access to every payment method, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB, Apple Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, SADAD, Mada, STC Pay, and urpay. With its one-stop mindset, Telr extended its service seven further, offering a complete solution for the e-commerce world. This covers a wide range of financial and business services, including social commerce, QR Codes, digital invoicing, Telr Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and Telr Finance, a merchant financing program. Telr is the first PCI-DSS Level 1 & NESA-certified company in MENA. Learn more at connect with us at
