Latest news with #stability
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia welcomes peace declaration signed in Doha between Democratic Republic of the Congo, March 23 Movement
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed the signing on Saturday of a declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the March 23 Movement, describing the agreement as a positive step toward peace and stability in the region. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom expressed its hope that the declaration, which was signed in Qatar's capital of Doha, would contribute to improving humanitarian and economic conditions in the DRC and bolster regional and international security. Riyadh also praised the diplomatic efforts of Qatar in facilitating the agreement, highlighting Doha's constructive role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the parties, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The declaration comes amid regional and international calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC, where fighting between government forces and armed groups, including the M23, has displaced millions and deepened humanitarian crises. Both sides have pledged to pursue dialogue, cease hostilities, and work toward a comprehensive political settlement, according to the agreement. Qatar hosted the talks as part of its growing diplomatic engagement in African conflict resolution efforts.
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Qatar Hosts Signing of Declaration of Principles Between Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), March 23 Movement
The State of Qatar hosted Saturday in Doha the signing ceremony of a Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, in a step considered a significant development in efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the eastern region of Congo. The signing of this declaration is the result of the diplomatic efforts made by the State of Qatar over the past months, during which it worked to create a favorable environment for constructive dialogue between both sides, in preparation for reaching a peaceful solution to the long-standing conflict in the region. The signing ceremony was attended by official representatives of both parties, along with a high-level Qatari delegation. The Declaration of Principles included mutual commitments between the two sides, in addition to a general framework paving the way for constructive negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement. In his speech on this occasion, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that this development reflects the State of Qatar's belief in the importance of dialogue as a means for conflict resolution, and its keenness to support peaceful efforts aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo. His Excellency also pointed to the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting political solution tracks in coordination with the African Union, in complement to the progress achieved through the signing of the peace agreement between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington on June 27. Negotiations are set to continue in the coming phase, with active participation from regional and international parties, in order to reach a final and comprehensive agreement that reinforces security and stability in the region. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
CNN
8 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Syrian government says it's deploying forces to restive south after week of violence
Syrian security forces are beginning to move into the restive province of Suwayda after days of communal fighting in which hundreds of people have been killed, the country's interior ministry says. Clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes have continued in Suwayda since last week, threatening the stability of the government in Damascus as it tries to exert control over Syria's complex and volatile sectarian landscape. The violence prompted Israel to carry out strikes against Syrian government forces, which it said were to protect the Druze, who are a significant minority in both countries. Israel has also expressed alarm about the new Islamist-led government in Syria despite contacts between the two on ensuring security. There were reports of sporadic violence continuing Saturday. Both Bedouin and Druze groups issued statements indicating they were prepared to accept the ceasefire, but one Druze faction then demanded that Bedouin leave Suwayda Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Dean Baba said that 'Following the bloody events caused by outlaw groups… Internal Security Forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province as part of a national mission with the primary goal of protecting civilians and restoring order.' A short while later, Syria's presidency declared what it called an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the province, calling on everyone to allow the state 'to implement this ceasefire responsibly, ensuring stability and halting the bloodshed.' In a televised statement Saturday, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that events in Suwayda had 'marked a dangerous turning point in Syria's security and political landscape.' Al-Sharaa also referred to the Israeli airstrikes in Suwayda and Damascus last week, which he said had 'reignited tensions, pushing the country into a critical phase that now threatens its stability.' Referring to Israeli support for some Druze groups in Suwayda, al-Sharaa said that 'some figures, emboldened by foreign support, have shown separatist ambitions and led armed groups that committed acts of killing and abuse.' He again pledged to protect the Druze, who have been wary of his government, and called for national unity. 'Syria is not a playground for separatism or sectarian incitement. Now more than ever, it is essential to return to the path of reason and come together on a unified national foundation,' al Sharaa said. After US mediation aimed at ending the violence and halting Israeli airstrikes, al-Sharaa thanked the Trump administration for its 'commitment to the country's stability.' Al-Sharaa's statement followed the announcement late Friday by the US envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, that Syria and Israel had agreed to a new ceasefire in Suwayda. Geolocated video from the city of Suwayda early Saturday showed columns of dark smoke rising and the sound of sporadic gunfire. But Druze and Bedouin groups indicated they would accept the ceasefire once government forces were deployed. Bedouin groups represented by the Southern Tribes Gathering said they were declaring 'an immediate and comprehensive cessation of all military actions,' and called for 'channels for dialogue and coordination to ensure that what happened does not recur.' One Druze group heavily involved in the clashes said Saturday that it was ready to accept a ceasefire. The Spiritual Leadership faction, led by Hikmat al-Hijri, said it was renewing a call to 'return to our shared humanity.' But al-Hijri, who had rejected a previous ceasefire, later demanded that Syrian security forces should only be deployed at the border of the province, and called for Bedouin to leave the province altogether. The Israeli government has insisted that Suwayda should be a demilitarized zone out of bounds to government forces. But amid the ongoing violence Israel said Friday that it would allow a limited presence of internal security forces to restore order in Suwayda. On Friday, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of at least 321 people in Suwayda since last Sunday, when clashes began. It said there had been 'extrajudicial killings, mutual shelling, as well as airstrikes carried out by Israeli occupation forces.'
LBCI
9 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President al-Sharaa says Syria is not a battleground for secessionist agendas, praises US support for national unity
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed on Saturday that Syria will not become a platform for secessionist projects, emphasizing the importance of preserving the country's sovereignty and unity. He welcomed Washington's stated support for Syria's territorial integrity. Speaking during a televised address, President al-Sharaa revealed that Damascus had received international calls to intervene and restore stability in the southern city of Sweida, following weeks of unrest and violent clashes. He blamed Israeli interference for reigniting tensions in the region, saying that the "blatant bombardment of southern Syria and Damascus had further destabilized the situation in Sweida.'' 'The Syrian state alone is capable of preserving its authority and sovereignty over all its territory,' al-Sharaa said, reiterating appreciation for the United States' assurances of support for Syria's unity. In light of what he described as a 'critical moment,' the president called on tribal leaders and members of the Druze community to stand united against efforts to incite sectarian strife. He emphasized that the government would firmly counter any attempt to fuel the flames of division. Al-Sharaa added that recent events had demonstrated that the people of Sweida largely support the Syrian state, 'except a small group,' reiterating that Syria will not tolerate fragmentation.
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Harris holds calls over Unifil mandate
Ireland remains committed to renewing the Unifil mission, the Tánaiste has said. Simon Harris held discussions with EU and UN counterparts on Friday in a bid to secure a continuation of the mission ahead of the renewal of its mandate at the end of August. Advertisement He held separate calls with UN Under Secretary General for peace operations Jean Pierre LaCroix, foreign minister of Italy, Antonio Taranji, and foreign minister of Lebanon, Youssef Raggi. Speaking afterwards, the Tánaiste said: 'Since 1978, participation in Unifil has been a key demonstration of Ireland's commitment to international peacekeeping. 'I remain exceptionally proud of the Defence Forces members serving in Unifil and the contribution they make every day. 'It is clear to me, including through my visit in March this year, that Unifil continues to play a vital role in ensuring stability and security. Advertisement He added: 'Ireland remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon, including through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the renewal of Unifil's mandate in the coming weeks.' In the call with Mr Rajji, Mr Harris also discussed the ongoing trial of those accused of killing Private Sean Rooney in Lebanon in December 2022. He said: 'I underscored the importance of ensuring accountability and justice in this case for the family of Private Rooney, the Government and people of Ireland.' Mr Harris will hold further talks on the matter, including with the French foreign minister, who is leading the bid to secure the renewal of the mandate. Advertisement Poland has also said it believes the mission must continue for the stability and security of the region. Mr Harris told Cabinet this week that the Unifil mission is vital for retention and morale of Irish troops, as well as Ireland's 'unwavering commitment to international peace and security'.
