Latest news with #nationalunity
Zawya
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Eritrean Community Festival in Scandinavian Countries Concludes
The 27th annual Eritrean Community Festival in the Scandinavian countries, held from 24 July in Stockholm, concluded with a vibrant expression of national unity and patriotism. The festival featured seminars, a photo exhibition showcasing national development programs and the activities of the Eritrean community in the Scandinavian countries, children's and youth programs, exhibitions by villages representing Eritrea's ethnic groups and national organizations, as well as cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea. Speaking at the concluding event, Mr. Mohammed-Ali Mohammed-Seid, Chargé d'Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, said the yearly Eritrean Community Festival is an event that promotes national identity and values. He commended the members of the coordinating committee for organizing the colorful national event despite various challenges. Ms. Tsigereda Berhe, Secretary of the National Holidays Coordinating Committee, stated that the success of the festival reflects the strong participation and commitment of the Eritrean community, as well as the noble Eritrean culture of sharing and mutual support. The festival was attended by over 28,000 nationals from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, as well as from various European countries and the United States. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Hezbollah's Qomati warns of regional conspiracy, urges Lebanese unity
Member of Hezbollah's Political Council and former minister Mahmoud Qomati warned of a "large and dangerous project" targeting the region, stressing that only national unity can protect Lebanon. He said that any attempt to undermine this unity serves Israel and the broader conspiratorial agenda. In remarks delivered during a memorial held by Hezbollah for missing fighter Ali Afif Nahleh, Qomati urged Lebanese citizens to rally around their country and its sovereignty. "Our call today is clear, vital, and significant: we must unite as Lebanese in service of this nation. At the forefront is the resistance, which defends Lebanon's sovereignty. We are not a tool serving any foreign country. We are the arm, strength, and weapon of this nation, and we will defend it in all its diversity. We will not submit to anyone or relinquish our power, no matter the threats," he stated. Qomati emphasized that abandoning the resistance's weapons would mean "the end of Lebanon." He further warned that Lebanon is "at the heart of the storm" and faces existential threats from all directions. Referring to international positions, he claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron had presented Lebanon with a stark choice between Israeli and Syrian tutelage. He also cited alleged statements by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who he claimed suggested that Lebanon could become part of Greater Syria if it does not comply with Western demands. "These are things that some Lebanese fail to hear because their minds are consumed by hatred and resentment," Qomati said, calling for a unified national stance in the face of growing regional and internal challenges.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanon's president urges unity to seize Arab support, pledges no more wars
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday warned that his country cannot endure another war, stressing that national unity and Arab cooperation are key to Lebanon's recovery. 'The Lebanese can no longer withstand any additional war,' Aoun said, as he urged leaders to reject divisions and foreign meddling, and instead harness growing regional support to rebuild the nation. He was speaking to a delegation of prominent Sunni religious leaders headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian at the Republican Palace. The president condemned what he termed Lebanon's historical 'fatal error' —seeking foreign backing against domestic opponents. 'We all saw the devastating consequences of this approach,' Aoun said. 'Instead, I want to strengthen partnerships with my brothers and allies domestically to counter external threats, regardless of their source.' Aoun cited Israel as exemplifying the divide-and-conquer strategy that, he said, Lebanon must resist through internal unity. 'Our cohesion confronts this approach and addresses all challenges,' he said. The president gave reassurances about the country's future, saying that 'Lebanon is secure, and we will not return to warfare rhetoric. Our framework is Lebanon itself, destined only for stability and prosperity.' Fresh from diplomatic talks in Manama, where Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on Wednesday announced plans for a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, Aoun praised recent interfaith coordination that prevented regional tensions from destabilizing Lebanon. Highlighting the emerging opportunities for Lebanon's recovery, his call was to seize the support offered by Lebanon's regional neighbors. 'We have tremendous prospects ahead of us. You witness how our Arab brothers are extending their hands and approaching us. We must capitalize on these chances and transform our nation's circumstances.' He commended the collaboration between Mufti Derian and the Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Aql Sami Abi Al-Mona, during Syria's Sweida clashes, calling it evidence of 'elevated national consciousness and profound responsibility.' The president criticized those 'spreading rumors to intimidate citizens against one another,' while celebrating the dual contributions of Lebanon's Sunni community: internal moderation and affirming Lebanon's Arab identity. Aoun praised the community's sacrifices, noting religious and political leaders who died serving Lebanon, from clerics Sheikh Ahmed Assaf, Mufti Hassan Khaled, and Mufti Subhi Al-Saleh, to prime ministers Riad Al-Solh, Rashid Karami, and Rafic Hariri. 'No individual possesses the power to eliminate another in Lebanon, nor does anyone hold superior merit,' Aoun said. 'United, we all serve Lebanon's interests. Divided, we destroy the entire nation, leaving no protection for anyone.' Aoun reported significant progress in government reform, claiming achievements unseen in nearly 15 years — recognition he attributed to international observers. While acknowledging the absence of quick fixes, he emphasized making the most of available opportunities. Addressing corruption — which he identified as Lebanon's core problem alongside impunity — Aoun vowed continued action. 'Corruption recognizes no boundaries of color, sect, or denomination,' he concluded. Meanwhile, Mufti Derian expressed deep concern over the prevailing 'fear and anxiety among the Lebanese,' warning that the country is entering a precarious phase during continued Israeli aggression. He emphasized that UN Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 war, has been implemented solely by the Lebanese side, while Israel has consistently failed to respect its obligations under the resolution. The November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was intended to revive the terms of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, a halt to Hezbollah's military operations near the southern border, and full control of arms by the Lebanese state. But little progress has been made. 'Even the ceasefire that followed was unilateral, respected and implemented only by Lebanon. According to what we are witnessing, new agreements are now being proposed. Let Resolution 1701, which encompasses all relevant matters, be implemented in full, and let new agreements be dispensed with,' Mufti Derian said in a call for international accountability. He added: 'The Lebanese people have endured immense hardship in recent years, facing one crisis after another, and yet they have remained resilient. Today, more than ever, they need to feel the presence of a state that stands to protect them.' He reaffirmed support for Aoun in upholding the oath of office, 'which we regard as a vital gateway to rescuing both Lebanon and its people. In this critical moment, we look to you to help steer the country through uncertainty, as citizens grow increasingly anxious over the prospect of renewed Israeli aggression. We stand behind the Arab consensus, whatever all Arabs agree upon, we support,' Mufti Derian told Aoun. He praised Aoun's efforts to restore Lebanon's influential position in the region, citing his regional visits and the trust he enjoys among Arab and international partners. He also commended the president's commitment to preserve stability among Lebanon's diverse communities. 'The voice of moderation and centrism must prevail among all Lebanese,' Derian said, calling for cooperation. Lebanon is facing mounting international pressure to implement the US plan, which calls for setting a timetable for the process of restricting arms to the state in implementation of the ceasefire agreement. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack highlighted the issue on Wednesday upon his departure from Lebanon after a three-day visit filled with meetings with Lebanese officials. Barrack confirmed from Beirut airport that 'there is no deadline for this, and your neighbors are the ones who set the timetable, not the United States,' referring to Israel. On the security front, the Central Internal Security Council convened a high-level meeting, bringing together senior military, security, and judicial officials. Lebanon's Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar emphasized the importance of sustained field operations, calling for intensified patrols and a reinforced security presence in Lebanese regions to uphold internal stability. He also highlighted the need to strengthen existing measures along the Syrian border to ensure tighter control and enhanced national security. The Lebanese Army Command announced that army units arrested 78 Syrians at the Assi-Hermel and Chadra-Akkar checkpoints for illegally entering Lebanese territory. The army also said that an Intelligence Directorate patrol raided the homes of wanted individuals in Beirut's southern suburbs, specifically in the Bir al-Abed area, and arrested four citizens.
The Herald
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
‘Nkabane epitomised political arrogance': Parties welcome former minister's axing
'One Nkabane does not a renewed ANC make. There is a very long list of ANC corruption to be eradicated.' The MK Party (MKP) said the move was necessary and long overdue. 'The former minister's failure to account for the irregular and unlawful allocation of the Seta board positions raised serious questions about the government of national unity's governance, their lack of transparency and the severe political interference that has become characteristic of the former liberation movement,' said MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. 'It was evident the appointments disproportionately favoured individuals with strong ties to the ANC, a pattern that cannot be ignored in a constitutional democracy such as South Africa.' The ANC expressed confidence in the new leadership of Manamela and Dube-Ncube. 'The ANC is confident the new leadership team will advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector,' said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu. 'We extend our gratitude to Nkabane for her service and wish her well in her future endeavours. The appointments reaffirm our commitment to a capable, ethical and developmental state.' Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi also welcomed Nkabane's removal, citing her alleged misconduct in parliament. 'Nkabane epitomised political arrogance and showed an unrepentant disregard for what it means to be in service to the people of South Africa. While she no longer serves as a member of the executive, she must be held accountable by the joint committee on ethics and members' interests for misleading parliament and the people of South Africa.' ActionSA said Nkabane's tenure as minister was marked by 'failure, scandal and neglect'. It said: 'Her attempt to bury parliamentary questions under 800 pages of bureaucratic nonsense concealed, among other things, an R11.2m departmental travel spree.' TimesLIVE
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Premiers meet in Ontario: analyst says Trump's tariffs, internal trade top the agenda
Political analyst Duane Bratt says Trump's tariffs and internal trade will dominate talks as premiers meet in Ontario, with national unity also being a prime focus.
