First Independent Mena Newspaper
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 […]
Chaos is threatening the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) as the head of the sovereign wealth fund, Mohsen Derregia, refuses to step down from his position despite the government’s decision to replace him because of poor performance. Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has named deputy central bank governor, Ali Mohammed Salem Hebri, as the temporary head of […]
Britain which is seeking to reduce its dependency on Qatar for gas imports is said to be eying Algeria as its next supply market, while the North African country is looking for investments in its oil and gas sector to boost revenue, potentially dented by the In Amenas gas plant attack. The visit of the […]
In the past ten years, North African countries progressed in liberalizing their trade relations with the EU as well as Korea. As part of the Euro-Mediterranean (Barcelona Process) Partnership, North African nations and the EU entered association agreements with provisions for free trade in industrial goods. This opened doors for European manufacturers to new export and investment markets. Most recently, North African nations and the EU launched initiatives to extend their agreements to trade in agricultural products, trade in services, government procurement, and trade harmonization. Trade between North Africa and Korea also exploded in the past five years. As latecomers to North Africa, […]