Latest news with #JohnDavison
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Iraq reopens Syria crossing for trade and passenger traffic
FILE PHOTO: Iraqi army commanders visit by helicopter a military base near a border crossing with Syria at Al-Qaim, Iraq January 18, 2021. Picture taken January 18, 2021. REUTERS/John Davison/File Photo ANBAR - Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for trade and passenger traffic, a spokesman for the Iraqi border authority said on Saturday, marking a key step in efforts to normalise relations and revive economic ties between the two countries. 'The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,' the spokesman told Reuters, adding that the reopening followed joint security assessments by Iraqi and Syrian officials. The move comes three months after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad and urged Iraq to resume cross-border trade. The crossing had been shut in the wake of the revolt that toppled President Bashar al-Assad and the ensuing years of conflict that destabilised the region. The reopening is also seen as a sign of warming ties between Baghdad and Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought to re-establish diplomatic and economic relations with regional neighbours. Iraqi officials say the two governments have intensified coordination on border security and trade facilitation since al-Sharaa took office last year. 'This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,' said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the town of al-Qaim, where the border post is located. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Iraq reopens Syria crossing for trade and passenger traffic
FILE PHOTO: Iraqi army commanders visit by helicopter a military base near a border crossing with Syria at Al-Qaim, Iraq January 18, 2021. Picture taken January 18, 2021. REUTERS/John Davison/File Photo ANBAR (Reuters) -Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for trade and passenger traffic, a spokesman for the Iraqi border authority said on Saturday, marking a key step in efforts to normalise relations and revive economic ties between the two countries. 'The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,' the spokesman told Reuters, adding that the reopening followed joint security assessments by Iraqi and Syrian officials. The move comes three months after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad and urged Iraq to resume cross-border trade. The crossing had been shut in the wake of the revolt that toppled President Bashar al-Assad and the ensuing years of conflict that destabilised the region. The reopening is also seen as a sign of warming ties between Baghdad and Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought to re-establish diplomatic and economic relations with regional neighbours. Iraqi officials say the two governments have intensified coordination on border security and trade facilitation since al-Sharaa took office last year. 'This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,' said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the town of al-Qaim, where the border post is located. (Reporting by Kamal Mohammed in Anbar; Writing by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Now roof to protect 'much-loved' theatre
Work to replace the roof of a theatre is expected to finish in March, officials have said. The Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, was built in 1958, but a recent survey found the existing roof had reached the end of its lifespan. North Lincolnshire Council, which owns the building, said it could no longer continue with patchwork repairs due to the risk of leaks damaging the auditorium, performance equipment and other parts of the interior. The £160,000 funding for the project has come from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The venue, which is named in honour of the late actress Dame Joan Plowright, has been described by the council as an "essential part of Scunthorpe's entertainment scene". Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for culture, heritage and arts, said: "This investment is fantastic news for the Plowright Theatre and for the local community. "By replacing part of the roof now, we are protecting this much-loved venue and ensuring it remains a vibrant space for live performances in North Lincolnshire." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Acting legend Dame Joan Plowright dies at 95 Victorian theatre to reopen after 8-year renovation Dancing dads take to stage to help 'leaky' school North Lincolnshire Council Scunthorpe Theatres
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Now roof to protect 'much-loved' theatre
Work to replace the roof of a theatre is expected to finish in March, officials have said. The Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, was built in 1958, but a recent survey found the existing roof had reached the end of its lifespan. North Lincolnshire Council, which owns the building, said it could no longer continue with patchwork repairs due to the risk of leaks damaging the auditorium, performance equipment and other parts of the interior. The £160,000 funding for the project has come from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The venue, which is named in honour of the late actress Dame Joan Plowright, has been described by the council as an "essential part of Scunthorpe's entertainment scene". Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for culture, heritage and arts, said: "This investment is fantastic news for the Plowright Theatre and for the local community. "By replacing part of the roof now, we are protecting this much-loved venue and ensuring it remains a vibrant space for live performances in North Lincolnshire." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Acting legend Dame Joan Plowright dies at 95 Victorian theatre to reopen after 8-year renovation Dancing dads take to stage to help 'leaky' school North Lincolnshire Council Scunthorpe Theatres
BBC News
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
New roof to protect 'much-loved' Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe
Work to replace the roof of a theatre is expected to finish in March, officials have Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, was built in 1958, but a recent survey found the existing roof had reached the end of its Lincolnshire Council, which owns the building, said it could no longer continue with patchwork repairs due to the risk of leaks damaging the auditorium, performance equipment and other parts of the £160,000 funding for the project has come from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The venue, which is named in honour of the late actress Dame Joan Plowright, has been described by the council as an "essential part of Scunthorpe's entertainment scene".Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for culture, heritage and arts, said: "This investment is fantastic news for the Plowright Theatre and for the local community."By replacing part of the roof now, we are protecting this much-loved venue and ensuring it remains a vibrant space for live performances in North Lincolnshire."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
