The eastern branch of the Libyan Business Council (LBC) reported yesterday that economist, and its Advisor, Dr. Mohamed Al-Safi, warned against contin...

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced yesterday that, through Mellitah Oil & Gas, it is finalising the operational procedures for a key pro...

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu says local authorities will coordinate with mayors to decide whether to impose curfews.

Analysts say a Russian craft’s close pass by a commercial radar satellite is a first and a warning to Kyiv’s backers.

Dan Mackenzie initially defended his father but now says he felt he had to report his own grandmother.

More than 400 people, mostly children, become ill after drinking contaminated water, east of Pretoria.

More than half a million young people will cast their ballots in Israel next week - and they could make all the difference.

The UK announces it will provide additional defensive military support to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate in the region.

Burnham rejects Corbyn's call for public inquiry into 'British complicity' in Gaza genocide Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 10/20/2026 - 11:20 The former Labour leader wrote to the prime minister after he took office in July urging him to back a 'full, independent, public inquiry' into UK cooperation with Israel Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks on a pro-Palestine march, on 1 April 2026 (AFP) Off The UK government has rejected a call by Jeremy Corbyn MP for an independent inquiry into "British complicity" in Israel's genocide in Gaza. The former Labour leader wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July calling on him to back a bill for a public Chilcot-style inquiry into British military, economic and political cooperation with Israel over the course of its ongoing onslaught in Gaza which began in October 2023. The bill, which was rejected by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government during its second reading last year, specifically sought a probe into the British government's "supply of weapons, surveillance aircraft" to Israel as well as its use of Royal Air Force bases. The independent MP revived the bill in July, following Starmer’s resignation, and called on Burnham for his support. But Burnham’s government rejected the call in response to a written question on Monday, saying that a tribunal isn’t necessary as there are “extensive mechanisms already available for parliamentary accountability and oversight”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Andy Burnham rightly said that the last Labour government 'got it wrong' over Gaza,” Corbyn said in a statement on Tuesday. Palestine Action: Police arrest protesters throughout the night outside Labour conference Read More » “However, his words will mean very little if he doesn’t break with the last government’s shameful record of complicity, secrecy and evasion”. The UK has supplied Israel with arms during the course of its military operation in Gaza, which is confirmed to have left more than 74,480 people dead and has involved ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their homes in various parts of the territory. Britain’s Royal Air Force has also conducted hundreds of surveillance flights over Gaza and supplied Israel with intelligence for its operations. “Delaying scrutiny will not make questions about British complicity in genocide disappear,” Corbyn wrote. “The public deserve to know the full extent of Britain’s military, economic and political cooperation with Israel, including arms supplies, surveillance flights and the use of RAF bases. "It’s not complicated: if the government has nothing to hide, then why block our efforts to expose the truth?” Israel's genocide in Gaza News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Exclusive: Full text of the Mecca defence pact signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Submitted by Ragip Soylu on Tue, 10/20/2026 - 12:05 The agreement commits the three countries to mutual defence, military assistance, intelligence sharing and defence industry cooperation, barring withdrawal for the first 10 years Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud leave after a committee meeting of Mecca defence pact in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 5 October 2026 (Turkish Foreign Ministry/Handout via Reuters) Off The Turkish government submitted the text of the Mecca Defence Pact to the Turkish parliament on Tuesday. The pact, signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August, establishes a new international defence alliance that commits the signatories to one another’s defence, similar to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The text of the agreement, obtained exclusively by Middle East Eye, does not identify any specific country or region as a threat, but emphasises that all participating countries will take the necessary measures to support one another in the event of an armed attack against their independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity. “If the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or internationally recognised borders of any of the ‘Parties’ are threatened or endangered, the ‘Parties’ shall use all necessary means to eliminate such threat(s) or danger(s),” the treaty’s first article states. Article 2 states that “an externally originating armed attack against any of the ‘Parties’ shall be considered an attack against all the ‘Parties’.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “If one of the ‘Parties’ is subjected to an armed attack or military aggression by another country or group of countries, the ‘Parties’ shall immediately assist the attacked ‘Party’, making full use of all means of mutual assistance that they can provide to one another.” The article adds that the parties shall determine the scope and nature of the support to be provided following an objective assessment of the assistance required, and shall cooperate within the limits of their available resources, “including military means and capabilities”. The agreement also provides for cooperation in developing defence industries, training armed forces and supplying one another with equipment, fuel and other defence material. It also establishes a framework for intelligence sharing. The agreement, which consists of 16 articles, has no expiration date. It allows signatories to withdraw only after 10 years have elapsed from its entry into force, provided they give the other parties written notice of their intention to withdraw at least three months in advance. Below is an unofficial translation of the full text of the pact:  The Government of the Republic of Turkiye, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to as a “Party”, the “Parties”, or the “Core Parties”), Taking into consideration mutual respect for sovereignty, the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the relevant principles of domestic law; and agreeing to bring the existing mechanisms of cooperation, coordination, and integration relating to the defence partnership among the “Parties” into a joint defence agreement, Reaffirming their willingness to further develop relations among the “Parties” ,in accordance with their common interests, on the basis of cooperation, coordination, and integration encompassing the interoperability, readiness, and effectiveness of their armed forces, thereby strengthening the existing bonds of friendship and brotherhood among the “Parties” and their peoples, Reaffirming the importance of the principles of non-interference in one another’s internal affairs, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognised borders, and declaring that implementing the necessary measures of mutual support is essential in the event of an armed attack against their independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, Stating the importance of joint efforts and coordination, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, to ensure global and regional peace, stability, and security, Expressing their desire to deepen existing cooperation among the competent authorities of the “Parties” in combating terrorism, Emphasising the importance of strengthening existing cooperation among the “Parties” in regional and international organisations in order to adopt a common position on international matters, (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Noting the need to further develop defence and defence-industry cooperation among the “Parties”, Have agreed as follows: Article 1 The “Parties” shall cooperate to ensure and safeguard one another’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of their internationally recognised borders. If the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or internationally recognised borders of any of the “Parties” are threatened or endangered, the “Parties” shall use all necessary means to eliminate such threat(s) or danger(s). Article 2 An externally originating armed attack against any of the “Parties” shall be considered an attack against all the “Parties.” If one of the “Parties” is subjected to an armed attack or military aggression by another country or group of countries, the “Parties” shall immediately assist the attacked “Party,” making full use of all means of mutual assistance that they can provide to one another. For this purpose, to enable the exercise of the right of self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, the “Parties” shall determine the scope and nature of the support to be provided following an objective assessment of the assistance required, and shall cooperate within the limits of their available resources, including military means and capabilities. Article 3 Pursuant to Article 2 of this Agreement, the “Parties” shall cooperate closely in the fields of defence, defence industry, and security; develop relations among their Armed Forces; and carry out agreed activities aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence. Article 4 The “Parties” shall hold regular consultations on international security matters. They shall continuously and effectively assist one another and cooperate in developing individual and joint measures based on common assessments, in order to protect their vital interests and national security and eliminate threats and dangers to their national security. Article 5 The “Parties” shall strengthen existing cooperation and joint efforts, including at the operational level, in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations that adversely affect regional and international stability and security. Article 6 In wartime and peacetime, the “Parties” shall encourage reciprocal personnel exchanges among defence institutions, joint training programmes and exercises, and deployments and activities aimed at increasing the interoperability of the “Parties’” armed forces, in order to develop their defence capabilities. Article 7 To strengthen their defence capabilities, the “Parties” shall, on the basis of mutual agreement, support technology sharing among defence-industry institutions, joint technology development, joint production, and cooperation among defence-industry organisations in the following areas: a) Encouraging joint production in the field of defence; b) Implementing defence innovation through joint research and development projects in technologies requiring specialised expertise; c) Training personnel and supporting the military industry within the territories of the “Parties” through experts from any “Party”; d) Sharing expertise and lessons learned in the fields of defence industry, defence research and development, and innovation; e) Other areas of cooperation mutually agreed upon by the “Parties”. Article 8 1. The “Core Parties” shall establish a “Strategic Political and Defence Committee”, comprising the Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers, and Chiefs of General Staff of the “Parties” to provide strategic direction for joint defence, develop defence and security cooperation among the “Parties” and address obstacles that may arise during the implementation of this Agreement. The Committee shall meet twice a year, with hosting rotating among the “Parties”. The leaders of the “Parties” may meet once a year if deemed necessary. 2. The “Strategic Political and Defence Committee” may establish subcommittees if it considers this necessary. 3. Agreements or protocols shall, where necessary, be negotiated among the “Parties” for the implementation of the areas of cooperation envisaged in this Agreement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 4. The “Strategic Political and Defence Committee” shall be authorised, by consensus of the “Core Parties”, to determine and approve the procedures and principles governing the accession of other “Parties” to this Agreement. 5. A Secretariat headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall be established to serve the “Strategic Political and Defence Committee”. The Secretariat shall conclude a headquarters agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The procedures and principles governing the Secretariat’s functioning, organisational structure, and establishment shall subsequently be determined by consensus of the “Core Parties”. 6. The Secretariat shall be headed by a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term on a rotational basis among the “Core Parties”. The first Secretary-General shall be a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 7. The provisions of this Article shall not prejudice the work of existing military cooperation committees among the “Parties”. Article 9 To deepen cooperation in intelligence and provide the necessary coordination in this regard, the “Parties” shall share intelligence through mutually agreed secure channels, while observing information security, data protection and confidentiality. Article 10 Subject to the availability and compatibility of logistical support services, the “Parties” shall provide one another with logistical support in peacetime, wartime, and other emergencies, including weapons, ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and other equipment. Article 11 Without prejudice to international law and the relevant domestic laws of the “Parties”, the “Parties” shall accept this Agreement as the legal basis for implementing its provisions and shall propose additional legal measures where necessary. Article 12 This Agreement shall not prejudice the rights and obligations of the “Parties” arising from international agreements they have previously concluded. Article 13 1. The “Parties” shall respect the confidentiality of classified information and documents obtained under this Agreement and shall respect national legislation. 2. Classified information and documents shall not be shared with any state, company, or person outside the “Parties”. 3. Access to classified information and documents shall be provided on a “need-to-know” basis and only to persons holding the appropriate level of security clearance. Article 14 Any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled amicably through consultations and discussions among the “Parties”. Article 15 This Agreement may be amended through consultations and unanimous agreement among the “Core Parties”. Article 16 1. This Agreement shall be ratified in accordance with the procedures applicable to each “Party” and shall enter into force on the date on which the final instrument of ratification is deposited with the Secretariat of the “Strategic Political and Defence Committee”. 2. This Agreement shall remain in force indefinitely. 3. Any “Party” may withdraw from this Agreement after 10 years have elapsed from its entry into force, by giving the other “Parties” written notification of its intention to withdraw through diplomatic channels at least three months in advance. 4. Termination of this Agreement or withdrawal from it shall not affect any ongoing activities or projects agreed upon by the “Parties” before the date of termination or withdrawal. 5. The responsibilities of the “Parties” concerning the protection of classified information and documents and the prevention of their disclosure shall continue after termination of this Agreement or withdrawal from it. This Agreement has been signed in three original copies in the Turkish, Arabic, and English languages, each text being equally authentic. In the event of a difference in interpretation between the texts, the English text shall prevail. This Agreement was signed in Mecca on Friday, August 7, 2026 (24/2/1448 AH). Diplomacy Ankara News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Three junta-ruled Sahel states – Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – on Saturday resumed dialogue with the ECOWAS regional bloc, which they withdrew from more than 18 months ago. They agreed to work towards a “framework agreement” on cooperation. FRANCE 24’s regional correspondent Harold Girard tells us more.

In tonight's programme: Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie is convicted of 191 murders, 190 of which were of children. Also, a former Rwandan soldier and outspoken government critic, Robert Kabera, is found decapitated in Uganda. Plus we meet a young Ivorian music lover who travels around the country looking for old-school sounds that need a little TLC. 

RAF Typhoon fighters to fly defensive missions over cities and infrastructure in extension of UK support for RiyadhRAF Typhoon fighters are to be used in efforts to protect Saudi Arabia from attack by Yemen’s Houthis, flying defensive missions over the country’s cities and critical infrastructure as western allies increase their intervention in the escalating conflict.The operation – the most significant military mission signed off by Andy Burnham as prime minister – will involve RAF pilots attempting to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones, which have been used in attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities. Continue reading...

Their overland routes to safety blocked off, several thousand people have boarded boats to escape gunfire, bombing and a dire humanitarian situation Abubaker Saeed was fishing in the Red Sea off Yemen’s coast last month when he noticed explosions in the distance. His mind turned immediately to his wife and two children, and he raced back to his home village of al-Wahijah.Aircraft from the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemeni government forces had launched airstrikes in surrounding areas, targeting members of the Iran-aligned Houthi militia as its fighters approached the nearby port city of Mocha. Continue reading...

JEDDAH: While browsing a European bookshop on my recent travels, I asked a staff member to recommend something deeply devastating to sink myself into as the rain tap-danced behind the closed door. Before she could even respond, my hand gravitated to a book cover that looked like it could play the part perfectly: Georgi Gospodinov’s “Death and the Gardener.” After reading the very first line, I knew I had made the right decision. It read: “My father was a gardener. Now he’s a garden.” “That’s a g

JOHANNESBURG: A woman died after a shark attacked her ⁠while she was ⁠swimming near KuGompo City in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province on ⁠Tuesday, public broadcaster SABC reported. The Buffalo City Municipality, which is centered around KuGompo City, said in a social media post that there had been a shark attack ⁠at ⁠Orient Beach that resulted in a “tragic incident.” The municipality said Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach had been closed until further notice.

A group protested against tech giant Meta in front of the company’s office in São Paulo on Monday over its alleged interference in Brazil’s elections.

Community leaders in the north-eastern Menaka region have blamed the killings on the Islamic State Group.