Latest news with #SecurityCouncilResolutions
Kuwait Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Gulf Group tables landmark resolution to deepen GCC–UN partnership
Draft aims to strengthen cooperation on peacebuilding, conflict prevention and regional security NEW YORK: The Gulf Group at the United Nations has introduced a groundbreaking draft resolution to the UN General Assembly, aimed at formalizing and deepening cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The move marks the first resolution of its kind and reflects the growing relevance of the GCC as a regional partner in promoting peace and stability. The resolution, formally titled 'Cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council,' was submitted under agenda item 125 during the 79th session of the General Assembly. It was co-sponsored by GCC countries in addition to others including Jordan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Philippines, and Singapore, among others. In a speech delivered on behalf of the Gulf Group on Monday evening, Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, emphasized that 'this draft resolution not only commends the existing cooperation but also seeks to build a sustainable and systematic strategic partnership grounded in the shared principles between the UN and the GCC.' What the resolution seeks The draft resolution aims to establish a structured and long-term partnership between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council by enhancing coordination in areas critical to regional and international peace and security. It seeks to strengthen the GCC's capacity in conflict prevention, mediation, early warning, crisis management, and post-conflict peacebuilding through joint training programs, technical assistance, and institutional support. The resolution also promotes regular high-level consultations and expert-level meetings between the two bodies to improve information-sharing, develop coordinated responses to emerging threats, and foster dialogue-driven solutions to regional crises. By formalizing these mechanisms, the resolution aspires to turn shared values into practical collaboration and to position the GCC as a proactive partner in the UN's broader peace and development agenda. The resolution requested that the UN Secretary-General submit a report at its 80th session on the implementation of the resolution—a move described by Al-Bannai as one that 'reflects the seriousness and practicality of advancing this institutional partnership.' Why it matters The draft resolution builds on long-standing principles in the UN Charter and previous Security Council Resolutions (1631 and 2167), which highlight the essential role of regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. It aligns with recent global policy frameworks which reaffirm the need for stronger regional-global partnerships to address complex, cross-border challenges. Ambassador Al-Bannai highlighted that this year marks the 44th anniversary of the GCC's founding, and said it has proven to be 'a cornerstone for stability and prosperity in our region,' as well as 'a voice of wisdom and moderation, and a beacon of constructive dialogue in a region full of challenges and rapid transformations.' Over the past 15 years, the GCC has evolved into a credible and capable force in international mediation, with its member states playing key roles in resolving some of the world's most intractable conflicts. From facilitating the 2011 Darfur Peace Agreement and the 2020 US-Taliban deal to mediating ceasefires between Hamas and the Zionist entity and negotiating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Gulf states have proven their effectiveness as neutral intermediaries. What sets their approach apart is a combination of diplomatic flexibility, strategic neutrality, and economic leverage. Kuwait's successful mediation of the 2017–2021 Gulf Crisis further cemented its role as a trusted regional broker. Countries like Qatar have maintained open channels with actors ranging from the Taleban to Western governments, allowing them to mediate where others cannot. Oman's quiet diplomacy helped pave the way for talks on the Iran nuclear deal. These consistent efforts across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond have positioned the GCC as a growing diplomatic force—one that the UN can now engage through a more structured, institutional partnership as outlined in the draft resolution. With a focus on building long-term peace infrastructure, the resolution marks a shift from ad hoc coordination to institutionalized, forward-looking partnership. It acknowledges the GCC's growing role in conflict prevention and resolution in the region, while offering UN agencies and bodies a framework for engaging more systematically with Gulf states. 'The project reflects a new chapter of joint cooperation,' Al-Bannai noted, pointing to shared values and aligned priorities between the two institutions. The Gulf Group expressed hope that the draft will be adopted by consensus, sending a unified message about the international community's commitment to regional partnerships. As Al-Bannai concluded, the group remains committed to doing 'all that is necessary to enhance strategic cooperation with regional and international organizations and to realize the noble objectives we all aspire to.' — Agencies
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BNM imposes penalties totalling RM35,000 on Merchantrade, JAGS Money
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) imposed a total of RM35,000 in administrative monetary penalties (AMP) on Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd and JAGS Money Sdn Bhd. In a statement today, the central bank said that an AMP of RM29,000 was imposed on Merchantrade Asia and RM6,000 on JAGS Money due to non-compliance with the Money Services Business Act 2011. "The non-compliances are due to Merchantrade Asia's oversight of sanctions screening procedures, and gaps in updating their sanctions database upon the publication of the Domestic List," BNM said. Merchantrade Asia, as a reporting institution, is required to conduct sanctions screening on existing, potential or new customers against the Domestic List and United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) List as part of the customer due diligence and ongoing due diligence processes. It also has to ascertain that potential matches with the UNSCR List or Domestic List are true matches to avoid false positives. "In response, Merchantrade has since strengthened its processes by subscribing to a commercial database service to ensure it receives updates on the sanctions list in a timely manner, and that staff and agents are provided with regular on-the-job training to improve compliance," BNM said. Meanwhile, JAGS Money's non-compliances resulted from failure to promptly update the sanctions database upon the publication of the Domestic List and failure to conduct sanctions screening on new customers against the Domestic List. "JAGS paid a total of RM6,000 for the AMP imposed by BNM on March 17, 2025," the central bank said.
Free Malaysia Today
30-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
BNM slaps Merchantrade Asia with RM29,000 penalty
Bank Negara Malaysia said Merchantrade has since strengthened its processes by subscribing to a commercial database service. (Facebook pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Bank Negara Malaysia has imposed RM29,000 in administrative monetary penalties on Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd and RM6,000 on JAGS Money Sdn Bhd for breaching the Money Services Business Act 2011. 'The non-compliances are due to Merchantrade Asia's oversight of sanctions screening procedures, and gaps in updating its sanctions database upon the publication of the Domestic List,' BNM said in a statement. Merchantrade Asia, as a reporting institution, is required to conduct sanctions screening on existing, potential or new customers against the Domestic List and United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) List as part of due diligence processes. It also has to ascertain that potential matches with the UNSCR List or Domestic List are true matches to avoid false positives. 'In response, Merchantrade has since strengthened its processes by subscribing to a commercial database service to ensure it receives updates on the sanctions list in a timely manner, and that staff and agents are provided with regular on-the-job training to improve compliance,' the central bank said. On the other hand, JAGS Money's non-compliance resulted from failure to promptly update the sanctions database upon the publication of the Domestic List and failure to conduct sanctions screening on new customers against the list.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Bank Negara imposes penalties totalling RM35,000 on Merchantrade Asia, JAGS Money
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) imposed a total of RM35,000 in administrative monetary penalties (AMP) on Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd and JAGS Money Sdn Bhd. In a statement today, the central bank said that an AMP of RM29,000 was imposed on Merchantrade Asia and RM6,000 on JAGS Money due to non-compliance with the Money Services Business Act 2011. "The non-compliances are due to Merchantrade Asia's oversight of sanctions screening procedures, and gaps in updating their sanctions database upon the publication of the Domestic List,' BNM said. Merchantrade Asia, as a reporting institution, is required to conduct sanctions screening on existing, potential or new customers against the Domestic List and United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) List as part of the customer due diligence and ongoing due diligence processes. It also has to ascertain that potential matches with the UNSCR List or Domestic List are true matches to avoid false positives. "In response, Merchantrade has since strengthened its processes by subscribing to a commercial database service to ensure it receives updates on the sanctions list in a timely manner, and that staff and agents are provided with regular on-the-job training to improve compliance,' BNM said. Meanwhile, JAGS Money's non-compliances resulted from failure to promptly update the sanctions database upon the publication of the Domestic List and failure to conduct sanctions screening on new customers against the Domestic List. "JAGS paid a total of RM6,000 for the AMP imposed by BNM on March 17, 2025,' the central bank said. - Bernama
Arab Times
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
‘Kuwait committed to defending Palestinian rights'
KUWAIT CITY, March 5 : The representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah delivered Kuwait's speech during the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo on Tuesday. His Highness the Crown Prince stressed the need for the summit to formulate a unified Arab position against any attempts to displace Palestinians, highlighting several steps. 1. Raising the Arab voice, rejecting any attempts to displace the Palestinian people, and refusing to blame countries of the region, namely Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia of any consequences for calls of displacement. 2. Formulate plan for the reconstruction of Gaza and compensate the Palestinian people for the damage caused in addition to holding the Israeli occupation responsible for rebuilding what its forces destroyed. 3. Holding the Israeli occupation accountable through international law, international humanitarian law, General Assembly and Security Council Resolutions, Human Rights Council, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice. 4. Pursuing the two-state solution concretely and realistically at the international conference for the implementation of the two-state solution in June. 5. Urge all UN member states that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so, and support Palestine in obtaining full membership status in the UN. 6. Unite Palestinian ranks and the administration of the Gaza Strip, and strengthen the Palestinian government's capabilities, in addition to unifying Arab ranks to protect Arab national security. 7. Strengthen financial and political support for the United Nations relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and reject any attempts to reduce its role. His Highness reaffirmed Kuwait's position that a lasting, comprehensive, and just peace is the only way forward through what has been agreed upon in accordance with international resolutions, leading to establishing an independent Palestinian State on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Earlier, Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah attended an 'iftar' banquet, hosted by Egyptian President Abdelfattah El-Sisi. The banquet was held on Tuesday evening in honor of leaders of the Arab countries participating in the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, Cairo Governorate. Following the summit, His Highness the Crown Prince departed Cairo, where he was seen off by Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh Al-Hafni, Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Assistant Foreign Minister Ambassador Bader Al-Tunaib, and Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Talal Al-Mutairi. His Highness the Crown Prince returned to Kuwait on Tuesday after leading the country's delegation to the summit. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and senior officials from the Crown Prince's Diwan. Upon his return, His Highness the Crown Prince sent a message of gratitude to President El-Sisi, thanking him for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Kuwaiti delegation. (KUNA)
