Latest news with #Fathi
Libya Review
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Night Fires in Libya Blamed on Humans
A senior environmental official in Libya has warned of a worrying rise in wildfires occurring during nighttime hours, pointing to potential human involvement as the main cause. Faris Fathi, Director of the Geographic Systems Department at the Ministry of Environment under Libya's eastern-based government, told the Libyan News Agency (LANA) in Al-Bayda that data from the ministry shows an increase in nighttime blazes in areas such as Shahat and Wadi Al-Kouf. He attributed the trend to 'human intervention,' either through deliberate acts or severe negligence. 'Forest fires are among the most dangerous environmental threats in Libya,' Fathi said, explaining that they destroy natural habitats vital to wildlife and have a direct economic impact on local communities reliant on forests for farming, herding, and eco-tourism. Fathi categorised wildfires into two main types: natural and man-made. Natural fires are typically sparked by weather events such as lightning storms, extreme heat, or strong winds. However, the most common cause in Libya remains human activity — including deliberate arson or careless behaviour like discarding cigarette butts or lighting open fires without supervision. He stressed that the recurrence of these fires every year demands urgent action from the authorities to strengthen prevention strategies and implement effective emergency response plans to safeguard forest ecosystems and Libya's biodiversity. The call comes amid a series of intense fires sweeping through eastern Libya's Green Mountain region, fuelled by high temperatures and dry southern winds known locally as 'Ghibli.' Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: libyaMinistry of EnvironmentWildfires
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
CAF Champions League final: Five key battles that could decide Sundowns vs Pyramids
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Grant Kekana lifted the Betway Premiership earlier this week. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns host Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. Both clubs are determined to seize the early advantage in the race for continental glory. Obakeng Meletse highlights five crucial match-ups that could define the outcome of this decisive tie. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Grant Kekana vs Fiston Mayele Mayele is an old-fashioned box poacher with a natural instinct for sniffing out goals. His sharp positioning and hunger in front of goal make him a constant threat. The Congolese striker has shown clinical finishing when opportunities arise. Kekana, by contrast, has been one of Sundowns' most consistent defenders. Set to marshal the backline at the heart of defence, the ever-reliable centre-back will need to remain alert throughout, especially against a team known for creating and converting chances with efficiency. Aubrey Modiba vs Mostafa Fathi Pyramids' right winger, Fathi, brings flair and versatility, often switching flanks with ease. His ability to adapt to the flow of the game and provide attacking impetus has been a key factor in his side's Champions League run, as well as their current lead in the Egyptian Premier League. Standing in his path is the experienced Modiba, a player noted for his reliability on both ends of the pitch. While his forward contributions strengthen Sundowns in attack, it is his defensive discipline that will be vital in keeping Fathi contained. Walid El Karti vs Teboho Mokoena Karti, the versatile Moroccan midfielder, thrives in multiple roles under coach Krunoslav Jurčić, who regularly adjusts tactics based on the opposition. His intelligence and positional awareness make him effective in both defensive and attacking transitions. Mokoena, a powerhouse in midfield, has already made his mark against Pyramids, scoring the decisive goal in their 2023/24 group stage encounter. This renewed rivalry could prove pivotal in a midfield battle expected to be fiercely contested. The player who asserts greater control may well swing the tie in their side's favour. Ahmed Samy vs Lucas Ribeiro Costa At 33, veteran Egyptian centre-back Samy has been a defensive cornerstone for Pyramids throughout their campaign, appearing in ten matches and providing leadership at the back. He will face a stern test against Ribeiro, the Betway Premiership Golden Boot winner. Ribeiro not only has a keen eye for goal but also excels at linking up play, making him a multifaceted threat.
Iraqi News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Arab League Media Delegation: Preparatory Meeting for the Development Summit to Discuss 27 Topics
The expert on Arab affairs and a member of the media delegation accompanying the Arab League Murad Fathi, announced on Monday that the preparatory meeting for the Development Summit will discuss 27 agenda topics, noting that the meeting will continue until next Thursday. Fathi stated, 'The preparatory meetings for the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit began today in Baghdad with the participation of senior officials, in order to draft the agenda for the fifth session of the summit.' He explained that 'the participants will examine a draft agenda consisting of 27 items covering various issues of joint Arab action in the development, economic, and social spheres,issues that directly affect the Arab citizen.' Fathi praised Baghdad's preparations for hosting the Arab summit, affirming that the Iraqi capital is making a strong presence. 'We have seen all the key signs welcoming the delegations,' he said. He added that the draft agenda includes a number of topics, such as an initiative from the Secretary-General of the Arab League on artificial intelligence and the future landscape, economic empowerment of women, support for displaced Palestinians, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. He noted that the political dimension will be addressed during the Arab Summit, alongside proposals submitted by member states, including a proposal from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and a green economy initiative presented by the Mauritanian President. 'These are major projects that concern every Arab citizen,' he remarked. Fathi further noted that the work will continue through next Thursday to finalize all official documents. 'Today and tomorrow are dedicated to economic and social files, while Wednesday and Thursday will be reserved for political matters to be discussed by the Arab foreign ministers,' he concluded.
Egypt Today
04-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Cairo Airport sees rise in flight activity as TourismMin announces 25% increase in tourists during Q1
Cairo – May 4, 2025: Passenger and flight activity at Cairo International Airport saw notable year-on-year growth in April 2025, signaling continued momentum in Egypt's aviation recovery. A total of 2.62 million travelers passed through the airport during the month, with 18,966 flights handled across arrivals and departures. Outbound traffic included 1.28 million passengers on 9,470 flights, reflecting a 12 percent rise in the number of travelers and an 8 percent increase in flight frequency compared to April 2024. On the inbound side, 1.34 million arriving passengers were recorded across 9,496 flights, with arrival volumes up 7 percent and passenger numbers growing by 8 percent year-on-year. This growth comes amid continued efforts to enhance air services and strengthen connectivity, with Cairo Airport expected to witness further increases in traffic ahead of the Hajj season. The rise in passenger movement also reflects the airport's ongoing infrastructure upgrades and deployment of modern technologies aimed at improving the travel experience. Complementing the rise in air travel, Egypt's tourism sector posted a 25 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025, with 3.9 million visitors, according to Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi in an interview last week with Al-Sharq during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. The minister announced that 18,000 new hotel rooms are set to be added this year, reinforcing Egypt's push to expand its hospitality capacity. The country received 15.7 million tourists in 2024, up 5 percent from the previous year, despite regional geopolitical challenges that continue to weigh on the tourism sector. Tourism revenues in 2024 neared $16 billion, underscoring the industry's role as a critical source of foreign currency. Fathi also unveiled a new international marketing campaign targeting eight European countries to diversify Egypt's tourist base while preserving its traditional source markets. He projected an additional 8 percent increase in visitors by the end of 2025. Earlier this month, the Tourism Ministry introduced new licensing regulations for 'holiday apartments'—a new model of accommodation—aimed at accommodating growing demand. Egypt aims to double its tourist arrivals to 30 million by 2030 and raise annual tourism revenues to $24 billion, up from approximately $15 billion today. To support this vision, the country plans to add over 200,000 hotel rooms within the next 3 to 4 years, increasing total capacity from the current 230,000 rooms. These expansions are part of a broader national strategy to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve the quality of services, and tap into new international markets.
CBC
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Tariff fears are driving a boost in auto sales in Detroit
With a licence plate and set of keys in hand, Jerry Chen gets into the new Toyota Highlander his family decided to purchase before U.S. President Donald Trump's auto tariffs kicked into gear. Chen and his wife, who have two children, bought the vehicle from a Toyota dealership in Bloomsfield Township, a northern suburb of Detroit. "I'm super excited," Chen said moments before getting into the driver's seat. CBC News travelled to Michigan's Motor City because of its large auto industry presence, to find out how consumers and dealerships are responding to the tariffs. Detroit is also across from Windsor, Ont., Canada's key auto industry player that's home to giant plants like Ford and Stellantis. Chen admitted the purchase of the family's Highlander was made sooner than originally planned. "We were a little concerned about waiting, you know, six months or a year, not knowing what would happen," he said, referring to what vehicles might cost down the road. "I actually have been looking for about a month, so I think the car itself is great and I'm due for a new car, and with all the tariffs going on, I figure it's probably a good time to get a new car before the prices go up." He's not alone. Sales for U.S. vehicles rose over 10 per cent in March compared to the same month last year, according to Cox Automotive and a TD Economics report. The figures were released after Trump announced in late March that, effective April 2, his administration would be slapping a 25 per cent tariff on imported vehicles that don't fall under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and that 25 per cent tariffs would be imposed on certain auto parts beginning May 3. 'Pretty good rush' of car sales Bob Page, owner of the Toyota dealership where the Chen family bought their car, said his sales are up about 20 per cent this year compared to the same period in previous years. "Generally speaking, we've had a pretty good rush. And I'm hearing it throughout the nation for added car purchases. Moving people, people that are thinking of doing it the next two or three months, we're trying to do it now." Page also owns a Honda dealership about 16 kilometres from the Toyota business. At Bloomsfield Honda, one of Page's top salespeople, Sean Fathi, said business has been good. "As of mid-March when the tariffs were announced … we had a huge uptick in new car sales and a lot of buyers," said Fathi. "So a buyer that was in the market a month from now is coming now; a buyer who was in the market this summer is coming now. People are worried that they [further tariffs] will happen." Sales are so good, Fathi said jokingly to CBC that,"I have a vacation … coming up right now, and I kind of don't want to go because it's been so busy." But Fathi knows the sales boom could screech to a halt. "I hope it doesn't happen because, you know, why should people pay more just because of tariffs, just because somebody wants to put a tariff on a vehicle. It's not fair." Tariff-impacted cars may cost thousands more According to Anderson Economic Group, tariffs are expected to add $2,500 to $5,000 US to the price of American vehicles and up to $20,000 to some imported models, costing Americans an estimated $30 billion in the first full year. The general sentiment from those CBC spoke with regarding Trump's grand plan to move as much production back to the U.S. as possible was that people aren't opposed, but at the same time, they recognize change doesn't happen overnight — and in the meantime, it could hurt the economy. "I feel like he's doing it for a reason, and hopefully it all works out because, you know, it hasn't really happened. He says he's gonna do it and then he doesn't do it," said Fathi. "It's annoying, but there's a 90-day pause and hopefully that's going to help," he added. "I just don't know what's going on, to tell you the truth. I mean, I voted for Trump, but I don't know what is going on." Another dealership owner, George Glassman, also isn't complaining about the sales uptick now, but worries about the future. "The concern, the anxiety over what the tariffs are going to mean or could mean, it's going to be in higher prices. So if somebody can buy a car or lease a car today, they have the certainty of knowing what the cost is going to be, as opposed to what's down the road." Glassman, a second-generation owner of his family's auto park in suburban Detroit, sells both new and used vehicles. It carries a number of foreign brands, including Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Genesis and Mitsubishi. "At the moment, customers are coming in, in pretty good numbers, to buy the pre-tariff vehicles, which are all the cars on the ground," said Glassman. During the second week of April, Glassman estimated he had a 60-day supply of tariff-free vehicles on his lot. 'It's going to take years and years' According to the Kelley Blue Book, the average auto brand had a 91-day supply of product and by the end, it was at 70. The auto data provider also says the nationwide sales pace in March was more than 17 per cent faster than in February. Although the tariffs are only on new cars, supply and demand dictate the supply of used cars will decrease as consumers race to find an affordable vehicle, and therefore create an increase on these vehicles as well. WATCH | In Detroit, how the auto industry is responding to an incoming tide of higher prices: Despite the uncertainty, Glassman is optimistic that tariff-related negotiations will produce an outcome he can live with. "I don't think anyone could have necessarily imagined the scope of what is currently taking place. And having said that, I'm still optimistic that there's going to be negotiations that go on. Do I think that there will be tariffs and there will be some increases in terms of the cost of vehicles? Absolutely." Like others, Glassman sees Trump's big picture, but realizes how long it could take to come to fruition. "I don't think anybody can take issue with the idea, the goal of having more plants in the United States producing more vehicles, but this is not something that we're going to see in any short-term period of time. It's going to take years and years." Big 3 automakers may suffer most, analyst says JATO Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz has crunched the numbers and argues Detroit's Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford and Stellantis — are more exposed to tariffs compared to many foreign brands. "I would say that it's not going to be easy for them, especially because some of the products they are bringing from these two countries, Canada and Mexico, are mainly volume products, and it's hard to relocate the production of these cars just in months. It's not going to happen. So in the meantime, they're going to suffer in my opinion," Munoz told CBC News. He said American carmakers have been able to produce cheaper cars in Canada and Mexico and sell them with competitive prices in the U.S., and "that competitive position they've had for years is now being threatened." Munoz also said that while the new trade policy is intended to boost domestic carmakers, they will be impacted because of the smaller global presence they have, relying heavily on domestic sales compared to some of the Japanese and European competitors. At the moment, it's not clear whether or not the auto industry will catch a break with tariffs, but Trump did allude to one. On April 14, he told reporters in the Oval Office, "I don't change my mind, but I'm flexible," creating further uncertainty in an industry already rocked by the president's whims.
