First Independent Mena Newspaper
Gallia Lindenstrauss and Iftah Celniker Croatia’s expected entry into the European Union as its 28th member in July 2013 is yet another reminder that Turkey, who started formal accession talks at the same time as Croatia, is still in line waiting. Along with Turkey, other actors in the Western Balkans are aspiring to become member […]
Dustin Dehez The freshly confirmed U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, has only been in office for a couple of weeks and has already raised some eyebrows. Despite some misgivings from the foreign policy establishment, his first overseas trip took him to Europe and some key Middle Eastern allies. Most had expected him to go […]
Locust invasions are generally decried as plagues that devastate crops and impoverish farmers. The view is not shared by all. On Tuesday, when millions of locusts, wind-driven from the Egyptian Sinai, landed in Kadesh Barnea, the historical spot where Jews are said to have settled when they fled from Egypt in the biblical era, all […]
Interpol and the European Union have agreed with Libyan authorities to set up a real-time passport control capacity at Tripoli International Airport to help Libyan government improve border security. The project, that costs about € 2.2 million, is funded by the EU’s Instrument for Stability. It will enable the Libyan law enforcement and control authorities […]
Tunisian authorities have awarded an oil exploration permit to Ukraine’s YNG Exploration Limited. The permit authorizes the Ukrainian firm to begin explorations in the 988 KM² Araifa site in Tatounie, southern Tunisia. The firm will conduct seismic exploration and proceed to the drilling of two test wells over a five-year period at an estimated cost […]
Skeletons dating back to between 8,000 and 4,200 years have been discovered by archaeologists in Libya’s Sahara desert. The team discovered 20 Stone Age skeletons in and around a rock shelter which is believed to have been a local cemetery. About 15 women and children were found buried in the rock shelter, while 5 men […]
Plans are underway to enhance struggle against money laundering in Egypt through the issuance of personal certificates for Islamic Sukuk bonds. The plans were designed at the request of the head of the Financial Supervisory Authority in Egypt, Ashraf al-Sharqawy, who argued that such certifications will prevent money laundering. During a meeting with members of […]
The U.S.A has released a quarter of a billion dollar in economic aid to Egypt and has pledged more if Egypt implements economic and political reforms.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry described the gesture as a “good-faith effort.” After holding meetings in Cairo during the weekend, Kerry said the United States would provide the first $190 million […]
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment Juan E. Méndez hailed the progress scored in Morocco with regard to the promotion of human rights culture and prevention of torture and ill-treatment. The Special Rapporteur who was presenting to the 22nd session of the Human Rights Council currently held […]
Morocco, which is determined to preserve the historic monuments and buildings in the ancient city of Fes, has launched this week a new program providing for the rehabilitation of some 27 monuments, including five medersas (residential colleges for Islamic scholars), four Borjs (tours) three Foundouks (hostels), three tanning factories, two walls, two bridges and eight […]