Page 2 | NATIONAL Bandit Bias Campaign Page 3 | ECONOMY Leaving In a recent interview with Greek media, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister Women’s Economic by May 1? of the British Empire, said he refused to return the Parthenon ... Empowerment ‘National Priority’: Govt Page 2 | NATIONAL

Kabul Herat Nangarhar Balkh 17 / 5 21 / 7 26 / 14 14 / 7

Your Gateway to Afghanistan & the Region Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Issue No. 937 www.heartofasia.af 10 afs 15 Civilians Wounded in

US Chairman Lynch to Hold Blast: Police Subcommittee Taliban immediately claimed Hearing with responsibility for the blast. SIGAR Today On Sunday, five people were killed, and 16 more people were US Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, the Chairman wounded, in two separate blasts of the Subcommittee on National occurring in less than one hour Security, will hold a hearing with Special of each other in PD3 and PD6 of Inspector General for Afghanistan Kabul city, Kabul police said. Reconstruction (SIGAR) John F. Sopko Both explosions targeted vehicles today on Tuesday. The US House Committee on Oversight and “all the victims were civilians,” and Reform in a statement said that according to security sources. The hearing will examine the eight However, At least 25 Taliban areas of U.S. reconstruction activity in members were killed in Afghanistan that SIGAR has identified avalanches at Tangi Zaghni area in its “2021 High-Risk List” as especially of Jaji Aryoub district of Paktia vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse. province, officials said. According to the SIGAR report, stalled Hayatullah Nezami, the provincial intra-Afghan peace negotiations, the Police spokesman told Reporterly ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a that the Taliban militants were deteriorating security environment, killed under avalanches when and the recent withdrawal of U.S. and Coalition forces put reconstruction they entered Afghanistan from efforts in Afghanistan ... P2 Pakistan. According to him, the identities of At least 15 civilians were wounded pm local time in the Dahan-e- further details about the blast. the killed Taliban insurgents have in an explosion that targeted Bagh area after a bus struck a Sources said that the bus was not been recognized and Police a bus in Kabul city on Monday mine, the statement said. carrying the employees of the efforts are underway to specify afternoon, Kabul police said in a “The victims have been transferred Ministry of Communication and their identities. statement. to the hospital,” it said. Information Technology. The Taliban group has not The blast occurred around 3:50 The statement did not provide No group including the commented on the incident so far. NDS Kills Key ‘Daesh Commander’ Ukraine Officials Met Taliban Meets Khalilzad, in Nangarhar President’s Advisor, According to the local officials, NDS’ Discussed Issues on Qatari Official in Doha special operatives clashed with Islamic State militants (Daesh) in the Mohmand Bilateral Agenda The US Special Representative for district of eastern Nangarhar on Sunday Deputy Head of the Office of the Afghanistan’s Reconciliation, Zalmay night. President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva has Khalilzad, and Qatar Deputy Prime National Directorate of Security (NDS) met with Advisor to the President of Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh special forces clashed with Islamic State Afghanistan Kabir Khan Isakhel. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al- militants in Mohmand district of eastern The government of Ukraine in a Thani met with Taliban negotiators Nangarhar province on Sunday night, statement on Sunday said that and their deputy leader Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha on Monday evening. killing the district chief, Mahmood Jan, interlocutors discussed a wide range officials said. This meeting follows Khalilzad’s of issues on the bilateral agenda, “Mahmood Jan”, the ISI-K district chief recent visits to Kabul and Pakistan. including the strengthening of trade, was killed during the operation. In Kabul, the US envoy shared a economic and military-technical Sources indicated that the killed proposed draft for Afghan peace cooperation. individual was a well-known Daesh with Afghanistan’s political leaders. According to the statement, the fighter and the group’s commander, who A Taliban spokesman in Doha, time to time plotted violent attacks on successful holding of the second Mohammad Naeem, said: “The republic and the Taliban are results.” security forces. meeting of the Ukrainian-Afghan Joint implementation of the Doha still in Doha and are continuing Concerns are growing over the A provincial official reported that the Intergovernmental Commission ... P3 agreement, the current situation of their meetings, according to one country’s future--both on the Afghan security forces arrested three Afghanistan and the ongoing process negotiator. However, according to political and security front-- as the other Daesh members. of the Intra-Afghan negotiations” analysts, there has been no progress May 1st deadline to withdraw all Meanwhile, Mohammad Saber Tokhi an were discussed at the meeting. in these meetings. US and foreign troops--called for in area representative in the Qalat district In Kabul, key Afghan political leaders “The attitude in favor of negotiations the US-Taliban agreement--draws was targeted by an IED explosion. held talks on Sunday to discuss is much better than in the past,” a closer. Hekmatullah Kochi, commander of two upcoming conferences on republic negotiator Ghulam Farooq The commander of US Central Zabul police told the media, that the Afghanistan peace. Majroh said on Sunday. “We will Command, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, incident happened at around ... P3 Some negotiators of the Afghan continue our efforts to achieve good has said that fighting in ... P3 March 16, 2021 Heart of Asia NATIONAL TUESDAY 2 [email protected] fb/heart of asia twitter/@heartofasiapost Antony Blinken:... By Eve Ottenberg the Yemeni people, the state department said. “The Secretary underscored that the United States’ efforts under Special Leaving Afghanistan by May 1? Envoy Lenderking intend to reinvigorate diplomatic WILL the US. military ever leave US casualties. The military knows it. efforts, alongside the UN Afghanistan? The answer appears to be But that’s a price our generals appear and others, to end the war in no. When the US military comes it stays. willing to pay. After all, the Taliban and Yemen.” It’s been in Germany since the 1940s, the US military have been killing each Houthi official Mohammed and now has expanded, with its attack other for 20 years. What is another 20? Ali al-Houthi said on Monday dog, NATO, from there throughout US generals have referred to this war that Blinken’s comments Eastern Europe to menace Russia. The as a ‘generational’ conflict. Apparently, about supporting a Yemen Afghan adventure has so far lasted they don’t mean just one generation. free from foreign influence 20 years and cost two trillion dollars. ‘The consequences of unilaterally are “positive”. Afghanistan provides a convenient, ignoring the May withdrawal deadline He said the US should back imperial base from which to threaten will be the dissolution of the US-Taliban up its intentions by ending China. The US military, realistically, will agreement, placing US soldiers back in its involvement in military never want to give that up. the crosshairs of the Taliban’, wrote operations carried out by the Trump left office with plans in Adam Weinstein recently in Responsible Saudi-led coalition against his place for the remaining 2500 US Statecraft, ‘and an end to intra-Afghan a letter, MSN reported, to form ‘an many years in prison. From the lower group. troops to depart Afghanistan by negotiations.’ Weinstein argues that inclusive Afghan government with depths to opulence, in the time it takes The Houthis, who have May 1. Not a word about the 18,000 those intra-Afghan talks may fail to the Taliban and establishing a three- for one plane trip. ‘We tortured you been battling the Saudi-led contractors, aka mercenaries, who produce a peace agreement, ‘but it is month reduction in violence leading to for years, but now we need you’, is the have long outnumbered US soldiers in dead on arrival if Washington chooses coalition since it intervened a ceasefire.’ Blinken suggests convoking peculiar message from US negotiators, Afghanistan. Like those soldiers, these to ignore the deadline altogether. An the foreign ministers of Russia, the whom these Taliban must regard with in Yemen, recently stepped mercenaries’ lives are at risk. They are endless US war effort will be the only United States, China, India, Pakistan a jaundiced eye, to say the least, that up cross-border missile and also a geopolitical liability. If one gets remaining option.’ and Iran to put together a peace is, those of them who still have the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. killed, as happened not too long ago in Altogether 35 governments currently proposal. This longshot actually seems unbroken mental capacity to consider Houthis said on Monday it Iraq, the US retaliates. That could ignite have soldiers in Afghanistan. According like a good idea; it worked with the Iran their circumstances. had fired armed drones at war at any time. to World Beyond War, these troop nuclear deal, until Trump came along. Western money sponsors the Afghan an airport and airbase in Trump’s attempt to remove US numbers range ‘from Slovenia’s six Let’s just hope the US never has another government, which clings to power and southern Saudi Arabia. Riyadh commandos from Afghanistan was to the US’s 2500. Most countries have such loony leader, determined to rip up has stalled negotiations on occasion. said it had intercepted an a grudging concession to reality: the fewer than 100.” Meanwhile, Ireland, every treaty that doesn’t have his very ‘Without financial pressure’, Moon of explosive drone. Taliban control most of the country Canada, Jordan, Croatia, New Zealand own signature on it. Alabama writes, ‘there is no chance This appears to be the first and, if things continue on their current and France have removed their soldiers Meanwhile a ceasefire. Such a truce is that the Afghan government and news of Houthi drones being trajectory, will sooner rather than altogether. It’s a safe bet that were the what’s needed, argues Dexter Filkins in the Taliban will ever reach a power fired into Saudi Arabia in later rule all of it. They are a battle- US to honour its deal with the Taliban the New Yorker — a promise from the sharing deal. Even if there would be almost a week. hardened force, regard Americans as and leave, those other 34 countries Taliban to stop its attacks. But there’s no an agreement, there is little chance invaders and certainly do not need would follow suit. clear path to getting that before May 1, that it will be upheld by all sides. The the much ballyhooed and likely phony That is the wise course. ‘Militarily even with Blinken’s offer — and it may conflict would likely reignite and the US Chairman... bounties from Russia as an incentive the war against the Taliban has long not exist any time after that, either. Still, Taliban would win.’ The most viable “at greater risk than ever to attack US troops. (Western media been lost’, according to Moon of Washington appears to want to delay solution is a speedy US departure. But before.” also accused the Chinese, those copy- Alabama on February 23. ‘Even with the withdrawal deadline, which the anonymous officials have said that as The hearing will also cats, of putting bounties on US soldiers, the 100,000 western troops the Obama Taliban will not agree to. far as the Biden team’s concerned, a consider how the scheduled but somehow that frenzied fabulation administration had sent, there was In an aside exposing the cruelty, full withdrawal by May is off the table. withdrawal of U.S military never caused the hullaballoo that the no way to win it.’ But of course, if the dysfunction and absolute power of In his letter, however, Blinken says it’s forces from Afghanistan Russian one did.) The Trump team US finally departs, the current Afghan empire, Filkins describes how the still possible. therefore negotiated with the Taliban, government may very well fall. Talks US transferred Taliban leaders from One wonders how the US government in May 2021 might affect who did not cease harassing US-backed resumed on February 23, but the Guantanamo, where many had been will prime the press to cover this likely ongoing reconstruction and financed Afghan government Taliban still resist a ceasefire; they still tortured and all had been isolated for extension of an utterly pointless war. efforts and prospects for forces throughout this process. Biden kill Afghan government troops, and nearly 20 years, to luxury apartments Will it squawk ‘democracy!’ as it has a peace agreement that quickly applied the brakes to the Trump plenty of other Afghans. with their families in Doha, so they so often in the past? After the initial protects the rights of all disengagement vehicle. In late February, Secretary of State can negotiate ending the war. Filkins US assault to root out al-Qaeda in Afghans, including women Biden must know that by staying Antony Blinken ‘proposed a United mentions that some of these Taliban 2001, democracy-building was the and girls. longer or adding troops, he ensures Nations-led peace conference’, in seem dazed and unfocussed after so watchword. Then came ... P3

By XiMeng ACB Announces 15-Member Squad Bandit Bias Campaign for T20 Series against Zimbabwe In a recent interview with Greek and schools founded by ancient How can it have the right to give media, Boris Johnson, Prime Greeks. The year 2021 coincides Greek historical antiques to a Minister of the British Empire, said with the 200th anniversary of the third party?! But I don’t think the he refused to return the Parthenon independence of Greece, so the Greek government should expect temple sculptures in the British Greek government hopes that the too much from the Britain. The Museum to Greece and said they sculptures of Parthenon temple UK will not return these antiques were legally obtained by Earl Elgin should return to its native land as to them. Although donation and in line with the laws at that soon as possible. But when and and purchase were important time. When it comes to the British how did these historical sculptures sources of antiques in the early Museum, many Afghan friends get to the British Museum? British period, robbery and theft may not have been there, but they It was in the year 1801, when were still the main means for must know its reputation. I had the Greece was under the Ottoman the British Museum to become a The Afghanistan Board (ACB) test match against Zimbabwe in Abu honor to visit the museum and saw Turkish Empire. The Earl Elgin behemoth. Ms. Lina Mendoni, the on Sunday announced a 15-man squad Dhabi on Sunday, according to the many precious historical antiques mentioned above was the Greek Minister of culture, said that for the upcoming three-match T20I Hindustan Times. from all over the world, including diplomatic envoy of Britain to “Britain still has the ruling ideology series against Zimbabwe that will be The spinner bowled a total of 17 China, Egypt, Japan, Greece the Ottoman Empire at that of outdated colonial views”. played in Abu Dhabi. maidens in the second innings, and and other countries. When I saw time. He was very curious about Even though it is 2021 now, Britain The first match of the series will be due to his effort, Afghanistan has just Chinese historical antiques there, the sculptures in the Parthenon, still treats the world as a colonist. played on March 17. been set a target of 108 runs to win the as a Chinese, I felt complicated, removed some of them and then The British government and its On Sunday, Afghanistan won the second Test, it said. because I knew that these precious packed them for England. At that media are still blatantly interfering second Test against Zimbabwe by six Rashid set a record as he bowled the antiques were basically looted time, the Sultan of the Ottoman in China’s internal affairs, accusing wickets and leveled the series 1-1. greatest number of overs in a single when China was poor and weak. Empire was quite generous with and slandering China. I think Afghanistan’s 15-man squad: Test in the 21st century. He surpassed Today, let’s talk about the these Greek relics and did not whether the issues of human rights (C), Rashid Khan, Aussie spin legend Warne’s record of sculptures of Parthenon of Greece. block the acts of the British envoy. or Hong Kong are just excuses. , Rahmanullah 98 overs in a Test match against South I think most readers may not know That’s why Prime Minister Boris I don’t believe that any rational Gurbaz (WK), Afsar Zazai (WK), Usman Africa in Cape Town. why Britain and Greece are at odds said these antiques were acquired civilized person will remain Ghani, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Rashid ended up bowling 99.2 overs about it. One of the origins of the by Britain “legally”. indifferent facing the ironclad Shahidi, Najib Zadran, Karim Janat, in the ongoing second Test against so-called contemporary western The Greek government believes proof, but prejudice blinds their Sharafuddin Ashraf, Amir Hamza Zimbabwe at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket civilization is Greece. Philippe that the Ottoman Empire is eyes. In short, the colonists cannot Hotak, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Nemo, a famous French scholar, an invader, who enslaved the accept that the people colonized Haq and Farid Malik. This is also the biggest number of pointed out five origins of Western Greek people so the regime had by them before have enjoyed a Rashid’s Record in Sunday’s Match overs bowled by a bowler since 1998, civilization, one of which was the no right to represent the will of good life, especially when their Rashid Khan, the Afghan cricket star, when Muralitharan had bowled 113.5 city states, lawful freedom, science the Greek people at that time. own life is not so good now. broke Australian cricketer Shane overs against England at The Oval, the Warne’s record in Afghanistan’s second report said March 16, 2021 Heart of Asia ECONOMY TUESDAY 3 [email protected] fb/heart of asia twitter/@heartofasiapost

Women’s Economic Empowerment Exchange Rates ‘National Priority’: Govt 77.4 77.5 Ministry of Finance officials at a governmental organizations and are conference aimed at women’s outside of the national budget need 92.7 92.8 economic empowerment held on to be aligned with national priorities, Wednesday said that women’s officials in the Ministry of Finance and 106.7 106.8 economic empowerment is one of Ministry of Economy said. the national priorities and that some “We should provide a right path for 483 484 programs and projects have been women’s empowerment. We see that included in the country’s national $1 billion is not less money, it is close budget. to the development budget,” said the 21.8 21.9 “We have 2.8 billion Afs (over policy deputy minister of economy, $36 million) available for women Nabi Soroush. 1060 1070 empowerment projects in our The Ministry of Women Affairs is the budget from Optional Funds and implementing agency of the women’s roadmap in Afghanistan.” of the Economy show that women’s International Aid. Apart from this, economic empowerment program. Rula Ghani, the first lady of participation in business activities Contact Numbers another 300 million Afs has also The ministry says this event is aimed Afghanistan, participated in the event has decreased in the current solar been allocated for the recruitment at initiating a roadmap for achieving and said: “Afghan businesswomen year (1399). Kabul Police -119 of female teachers,” said Nazir Kabiri, the goals of the program. financially support their families According to the figures, 53 percent of deputy minister for policy at the Hasina Sapai, minister of women amid challenges by accepting risks women’s investments are in industry, Ministry of Finance. affairs, said: “We will lay out the on their way forward,” 19% are in farming and less than 5% Kabul Ambulance - 112 The funds that are provided by non- women’s economic empowerment Meanwhile, figures from the Ministry are in the service sector. Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital Ukraine Officials... Leaving... opium, responsible for over 90 drug trafficking percolated on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the achievement feminism, promoted by the percent of the world’s heroin. By thorough articles, reports and 0202301360 of a number of agreements on deepening economic unlikely trio of Bush, Cheney 2017, according to Alfred McCoy books in recent years. The cooperation between the two countries were noted. and Rumsfeld. Lately less of in the Guardian a year later, US government investigated Ata Turk Hospital During the meeting, the parties discussed the political and that. Instead, we get tired Afghan opium production had some of these claims. Suffice reached 9000 tons. Money from it to say, it would be shocking security situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan nostrums about ‘reducing 0202500312 the sale of that pays wages to if the CIA were not involved in and the efforts of the Afghan authorities to promote intra- the level of violence.’ Not to Taliban fighters. McCoy explains the Afghan heroin trade. It’s Afghan dialogue. be a party pooper, but there Corona call center - 166 how western intervention made simply too lucrative to resist. “Ukraine is closely monitoring the positive changes in will always be violence in Afghanistan. If we wait until Afghanistan ‘the world’s first But even with the CIA’s hand Afghanistan. We share the Afghan party’s commitment perfect peace breaks out, we’ll true narco state.’ in this cookie jar, the Taliban to deepening bilateral relations. The time has come to be there forever, which appears It’s not too much of a stretch appears to have that jar firmly intensify political dialogue and organize further bilateral to be the plan. to say the Afghan struggle is a in its grasp. Which means they contacts at the highest level. We are serious about Just how badly the democracy war for control of the country’s have a steady source of income developing our trade and economic cooperation, restoring venture was a bust is opium profits. A teachable to finance their war indefinitely. bilateral trade,” Ihor Zhovkva stressed. instructive. ‘Afghan officials moment is provided by the case The only question is when will The Deputy Head of the Office of the have conspired for more than of one Afghan drug-kingpin, Washington accept reality and Ukraine President noted the opportunities to increase 15 years to both multiply and Haji Juma Khan who, targeted either leave or admit that it the supply of Ukrainian agro-industrial products to ignore election fraud’, wrote by federal prosecutors and intends to squander blood Afghanistan, which can contribute to food security. James Bovard recently. ‘US tax the DEA, never went to trial. and treasure in Afghanistan dollars poured into the coffers His lawyer noted evidentiary ad infinitum? Or will the high of Afghanistan’s Electoral discussions of ‘several law council of ministers that Blinken NDS Kills Key... Complaints Commission to enforcement agencies from hopes to convene somehow 9:00 am this morning in the Chowk area in Qalat city. safeguard voting. Alas — that the United States approaching save the day? Chances are a Taliban took the responsibility for the attack. agency was a prime source of people in Afghanistan, including much more prosaic course will This comes despite peace efforts in Afghanistan, just the most brazen vote stealing.’ Mr. Khan, and requesting prevail: the US military will recently Los Angeles times reported that Gen. Kenneth Tangled up with all these assistance… payments made, stay and gloss over its plans. McKenzie said that the war in the country will intensify and prevarications about why we services requested’, according Democracy, peace, women’s the Taliban could threaten major cities unless the Biden are in Afghanistan is the heroin to a 2018 article in the Intercept. rights. Take your pick of these administration does not push for an end to the conflict trade. Since 2001 Afghanistan Allegations of the CIA’s excuses. They all mean the within the coming two months. has led the world producing enmeshment in Afghan same thing — endless war. LA TIMES quoted Gen. McKenzie saying: “If we withdraw and no deal was made with the Taliban, I think the government of Afghanistan is going to be in for a very stiff fight to retain is supporting Turkey and Turkey’s efforts on diplomacy, possession of towns and cities”. ‘Peace in Syria... the peaceful settlement of becoming part of the solution humanitarian relief President Ashraf Ghani and General McKenzie had a residents: Euphrates Shield in Syria “at minimum cost and “Turkey proved that it is the meeting on Saturday in Kabul, both discussed the security (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and with maximum impact.” only country that can do what’s situation, the peace process, and America’s support to Peace Spring (2019). Erdogan added that Turkey necessary in Syria by leading Afghan national defense and security forces. In its more than 35-year terror specifically expects the West to humanitarian relief efforts, The war in the country is so complex at a level that Interior campaign against Turkey, clearly stand against the YPG/ being on the front line against Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said that according to the the PKK -- listed as a terrorist PKK terror group, which “plays terrorist groups and actively MoI investigations, a private media outlet was involved in organization by Turkey, the into the hands of the Assad participating in diplomatic the transfer of explosives. US, and the EU -- has been regime” and attacks safe zones processes,” Erdogan also said. He added there are serious questions in this regard and that responsible for the deaths of where millions of displaced “The Joe Biden administration MoI is working to find the desired answer for it. nearly 40,000 people, including Syrian live. must stay true to its campaign Arian did not provide any further details about the media women, children, and infants. “Moreover, we call on the pledges and work with us to outlet. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian Western nations to live up to end the tragedy in Syria and to WAYGAL Printing Co. offshoot. their responsibilities to end defend democracy,” Erdogan ‘3 options available to West’ the humanitarian crisis, as said, adding that the Turkish If You Can Think It, Erdogan stressed that the failure to share Turkey’s burden people are ready to support We Can ink it. Western world has three options may result in fresh waves of any initiative that will serve the on the Syrian crisis: The first is migration towards Europe,” he interests of our Syrian neighbors Chief Editor : M. Hamid Hamdard “to watch from the sidelines added. Syria has been embroiled in Reporters: Safiullah Nasary, Shafiq Amirzay, as more innocent people lose The Turkish president also a vicious civil war since early their lives in Syria,” while the called on the Western world to 2011, when the Bashar al- Jawad Temori & Hameedullah Hamidi second is “to take the military, “invest” in safe zones within Assad regime cracked down on Graphic & Design: Arman economic and diplomatic Syria and endorse the peace pro-democracy protests with measures necessary to develop project, saying: “We must unexpected ferocity. Phone: +93-202502100 - +93-777989696 a lasting solution.” show the world that there is Turkey hosts some 3.6 million Website: www.heartofasia.af The third one, he said, being a democratic and prosperous Syrian refugees, more than any the “most sensible option,” alternative for Syria’s future.” other country in the world. Email: [email protected] Address: Behind Rahman Baba High School - Opposite to 3rd District, Taliban Meets... diplomatic push to end the 20- and no deal was made with the Afghanistan will intensify year conflict yields results in the Taliban, I think the government Kabul - Afghanistan sharply and Taliban militants next two months. Quoted by of Afghanistan is going to be the Los Angeles Times, the US in for a very stiff fight to retain Print: Waygal Printing .Co - +93 - 202512626 could threaten major cities unless a Biden administration general said: “If we withdraw possession of towns and cities.” March 16, 2021 WORLD TUESDAY Heart of Asia 4 [email protected] fb/heart of asia twitter/@heartofasiapost Antony Blinken: No Military Solution to the Conflict in Yemen The US secretary of state has told the UN special the UN termed the world’s worst humanitarian envoy for Yemen that Washington plans to crisis in the Middle East’s poorest nation. They “reinvigorate diplomatic efforts” to end the war also highlighted how US support to the Saudis in Yemen, reiterating the Biden administration’s helped aggravate the crisis. stance that there is no military solution to the US President Joe Biden ended US support for the conflict. Saudi-led offensive, in a break with the policies “He [Antony Blinken] highlighted that the US of his predecessor Donald Trump, who turned supports a unified, stable Yemen free from foreign a blind eye to Riyadh’s human rights abuses in influence and that there is no military solution to Yemen. the conflict,” State Department Spokesman Ned Since taking over in January, Biden has appointed Price said in a statement on Sunday. Timothy Lenderking as US envoy for Yemen as his Tens of thousands of civilians have died and administration boosted diplomatic efforts to end millions are facing hunger since Saudi Arabia led a war that brought catastrophe for the Yemenis. a coalition that intervened militarily months after The UN estimates that 80 percent of Yemen’s 24 Houthi rebels overthrew Yemen’s internationally million people are in need of aid. recognised government in late 2014 and captured Houthis welcome Blinken’s comments large parts of territories in the country’s north, In the introductory call with UN Special Envoy including the capital Sanaa. for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Sunday, Blinken Rights groups have criticised Saudi Arabia for its expressed US concern regarding the conflict, six-year bombing campaign that has created what particularly the humanitarian toll on ... P3 A look at the world ‘Peace in Syria Netherlands Saudi Arabia Begins Depends on Western Suspends Rollout of Reforms for Foreign Support to Turkey’ AstraZeneca Jab Employees President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that Saudi Arabia on Sunday began an initiative re-establishing peace and stability in Syria to improve contractual relationships to give depends on Western support to Ankara. foreign employees greater flexibility in their In a column titled The West should help Turkey relationship with employers. end Syria’s Civil War for Bloomberg, Erdogan The reform effectively did away with the wrote that a peaceful and lasting solution Kafala system, a common tool in Gulf will not be possible unless Syria’s territorial countries for employers to monitor migrant integrity and political unity are respected. “On the 10th anniversary of the Syrian laborers. uprising, we should remember the hundreds Last November, the Saudi Human of thousands of people killed and tortured, Resources and Social Development English Academy and the millions displaced - all because they Ministry announced a decision to improve demanded democracy, liberty and human the contractual relationship between American rights,” he noted. workers and employers through a number Erdogan stressed that Turkey rejects “any plan that does not address the Syrian people’s ENGLISH FILE demand for human dignity,” as such options would only deepen the crisis.

Dutch health officials said that they had suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine on Sunday for two weeks after ‘possible side effects’ were reported in Denmark and Norway. ‘Based on new information, the Dutch Medicines Authority has advised, as a “At the same time, we stress that a peaceful precautionary measure and pending and lasting solution will be impossible in of policies, including abolishing the Kafala the absence of respect for Syria’s territorial further investigation, to suspend the system. integrity and political unity,” he added. administration of the AstraZeneca ‘Safe zones become islands of peace, stability’ vaccine,’ the health ministry said in a The decision was scheduled to enter into The Turkish president said safe zones in statement. force this Sunday. Syria, which Turkey created in cooperation ‘The crucial question is whether these The Saudi initiative allows foreign with its local partners, are proof of Ankara’s are complaints after or because of the employees to exit, return, and move from commitment to the future of the war-torn vaccination. There should be no doubt one job to another without the need for country. about the vaccines,’ health minister Hugo employers’ approval. “These areas have become islands of peace and de Jonge said in the statement. The initiative defines the mechanisms stability, as well as self-sustaining ecosystems. ‘We still need to be careful, so it is wise of transition during the duration of the We have implemented basic programs to to press the pause button now as a contract, provided that the notice period establish and train law enforcement; improve and the specified controls are adhered to. civilian infrastructure, including power and precaution,’ he added. The initiative encompasses all expatriate drinking water; and reopened schools and Countries including Norway and Denmark hospitals,” said Erdogan. have already suspended their rollouts workers in the private sector under specific conditions that take into account the rights Western Street of He went on to say that Ankara created of the AstraZeneca vaccine because of Kabul University Close to safe zones in areas liberated from terrorist concerns about blood clots. of both the employer and the employee. organizations, including the YPG/PKK and No similar cases are currently known in Official estimates show that the Dehbori Park. Daesh/ISIS, “patiently and decisively” to the Netherlands, the ministry said, but unemployment rate among Saudis during create “new hope” in Syria. it advised people who had received the the third quarter of 2020 reached 14.9%. “By taking all these measures, Turkey has vaccine to contact their doctor if they According to the Labor Ministry, the oil- +93 (0) 789 98 9696 sheltered Europe from irregular migration and develop ‘unexpected and/or unknown’ rich kingdom seeks to enhance its private terrorism, and secured NATO’s southeastern symptoms after three days. sector and make it more competitive border. Our actions, which reflect our values, internationally and attract foreign talent. support our claim that Turkey is the hope of The World Health Organization said on [email protected] The initiative also seeks to reduce the oppressed peoples, the guardian of innocents, Friday that there was ‘no reason not to and the key to a solution,” Erdogan noted. use’ the vaccine developed by Swedish- disparity in contractual procedures Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of British laboratory AstraZeneca and between Saudi and expatriate workers by Shigal English Academy successful anti-terror operations across its Oxford University. AstraZeneca said its boosting employment opportunities for border in northern Syria to enable ... P3 vaccine was safe. citizens in the labor market.