January 2024 – Page 820 – Safir News Agency

World

Iran sends 2nd notice to US over Gen. Soleimani assassination

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Tavakkol Habibzadeh, the head of center for Iranian President’s Legal and International Affairs, made the announcement on Monday, saying the second notice was written and sent after the United States failed to respond to the first one on holding negotiations, Press TV reported.

The notice demanding arbitration was written based on the Protection of Diplomats Convention, a 1973 United Nations anti-terrorism treaty on the prevention and punishment of crimes against internationally protected persons, including diplomatic agents.

According to Article 13 of the convention, Habibzadeh said, the first notice seeking negotiation is sent to the other party and if it does not respond to it, the second memo is sent to request arbitration.

As per the convention, if no response is provided by the Americans within six months from the date of the request for arbitration, the third step will be taken that is referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice, he further explained.

Habibzadeh said that about a month and a half ago, the Iranian Foreign Ministry sent the second notice to the United States to request arbitration between Tehran and Washington, and that the US administration has until the end of April to respond to it.

General Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), and their companions were assassinated in a US drone strike authorized by then-US President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.

Two days after the attack, Iraqi lawmakers approved a bill that required the government to end the presence of all foreign military forces led by the US in the country.

Both commanders were highly revered across the Middle East because of their key role in fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

On January 8, 2020, the IRGC targeted the US-run Ain al-Asad base in Iraq’s western province of Anbar with a wave of missile attacks in retaliation for the assassination of General Soleimani.

According to the Pentagon, more than 100 American forces suffered “traumatic brain injuries” during the counterstrike on the base, with the Islamic Republic describing the missile attack on Ain al-Assad as a “first slap.”

MNA

Middle East

US entirely responsible for Gaza war: Ghalibaf

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During a meeting with the Spokesman for Yemen’s Ansarullah Resistance movement Mohammad Abdul-Salam on Monday, Qalibaf said that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports the Resistance Front, adding that the US is at the top of the sedition actions and problems of the Islamic world.

He underlined that the US is entirely responsible for the ongoing war on Gaza and its people, adding that if the US did not fully support the regime, the Zionist regime could not even tolerate the first blow of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.

Referring to the unity and convergence of the Resistance Front against the enemies, he described the divine tradition and the accompanying people as two basic pillars of success against enemies.

Mohammad Abdul-Salam, for his part, thanked Iran’s constructive efforts and support for the Yemenis, emphasizing that Yemen’s capabilities, including its weapons and nation’s will, are all in the service of Muslim interest.

Referring to the complete support of Yemenis for Palestinians, he noted that Yemen’s position on Palestine issues is based on their faith and belief.

Backed by the US, the Zionist regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas-led Palestinian Resistance groups carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime’s decades-long campaign of death and destruction in Palestine.

Since the start of the offensive, Tel Aviv’s regime has killed at least 21,822 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 56,451 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza.

MP/IRN

India

Hardworking, Humble Blue Tigers 'Impress' Newly-Appointed Trevor Sinclair

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Doha :

The Blue Tigers have put their grand reception in Doha behind them and have now begun training for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. While there are plenty of familiar faces around, a few have yet to make their senior international debut. The coaching team, which has remained the same over the last year, has, however, had a new edition – a certain Trevor Sinclair, a former England international and World Cupper (2002). The 50-year-old has joined the National Team as an assistant coach along with Mahesh Gawali, and attended the Blue Tigers’ training session for the first time on New Year’s Eve. “It’s been a hectic few days with all the travel, but we’ve gotten things underway with a gym and a training session, and frankly, I’m impressed,” Sinclair said to the-aiff.com. “It’s a hardworking, humble, enthusiastic, and talented group of lads.”

“They have a very good relationship with (head coach) Igor (Stimac) and the staff, and they want to try and do their best for the country,” he said.

A speedy winger in the Premier League with clubs like Manchester City and West Ham back in his days, Sinclair specialises in training set-pieces, which he believes, could give any team the advantage at various times during a match.

“I was a forward, a creative player, so I know very well that when you enter the final third, it’s not always about things that are in the coaching books. It’s what you see in the players and work situations to your advantage,” said Sinclair.

“We all know how statistically important set-pieces are in any football match. It’s not just for the corners and free-kicks, but also simple things like throw-ins that, if worked on, can help you,” he said. “If you are on the back foot, and you can keep possession from a throw-in, it’s as simple as that. It’s all about those little details, and making them work to eventually put the ball into dangerous positions.”

While Sinclair has not worked with Indian footballers before, he has shared some understanding of the country, its culture, and more importantly how the beautiful game is growing in it.

“I’ve got an ex-teammate (Robbie Fowler), who had coached in India before and worked for Indian broadcasters. So, I understood that there was a growing appetite for the game in India over the last decade,” he said. “Of course, we all know about Sunil (Chhetri), and the huge mark he’s made in the world of football. It’s not just what he does on the pitch, but also how he conducts himself off it.”

Having coached mostly in the UK, Sinclair feels that simplicity is the key for India, especially before facing opponents like Australia (January 13), Uzbekistan (January 18), and Syria (January 23).

“When Igor sent me the videos of the team before coming here, I could see the considerable work that’s gone into this side. It’s a nuance, not quite obvious to all people,” said Sinclair. “I was impressed with how Igor has built this team. He’s had the maturity to get the boys to do the basics well and showcase them in the match situations.”

Facing an Australian side placed 25th in the FIFA World Rankings could be a daunting task for India (102), but the 50-year-old is relishing the challenge ahead.

“We are the underdogs, but I like the challenge that comes with that status. I myself have come through from the fourth tier of English football, so I know it’s all about hard work and creating a culture amongst the players so that they can supersede the expectations and create more belief in the group,” he said. “We’ve got to fight for the shirt.”

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Middle East

Hamas says its Qassam fighters have killed more Israeli soldiers in Gaza

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The Israeli military evacuates soldiers wounded in battles in Gaza, December 18, 2023.

The military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it has killed a number of Israeli soldiers in parts of the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Qassam Brigades announced on Monday that one of its fighters killed an Israeli trooper east of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. 3 Israeli soldiers were also killed in the Qarara area, north of Khan Younis. The soldiers were targeted with an anti-personnel missile.

Qassam fighters also attacked Israeli vehicles east of the Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City.

Meanwhile, an analysis of satellite imagery shows the Israeli military failed to make any new progress closing in on the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip between December 24 and 30. Satellite images taken on December 30 showed fierce battles in the Katiba area, Gamal Abdel Nasser Street, and west of the Abu Hamid roundabout.

Comparison of the images with those taken on December 24 shows Israeli vehicles were trying to make progress, but to no avail, and continued to remain in their position.

Qassam fighters also targeted Tel Aviv and its suburbs.

Israel plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Gaza

Weeks after Israel ignited its bloody war machine in Gaza, its military announced it would withdraw some troops from the besieged territory.

The withdrawal includes five brigades which reportedly consist of a considerably large number of soldiers.

The regime says nearly 170 of its soldiers have been killed and 900 injured since the launch of the ground operation in Gaza in early October.

Palestinians say fatalities among the invading troops are much higher and that the regime is underreporting the figures.

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Editorial: Race against time

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The ongoing global efforts to tackle the climate crisis reveals that the outcomes have been far from satisfactory

Published Date – 11:45 PM, Mon – 1 January 24

Editorial: Race against time — Representational Image

The new year is bound to throw up challenges that are more serious than ever before on the climate change front. A closer look at the ongoing global efforts to tackle the climate crisis reveals that the outcomes have been far from satisfactory. In fact, experts have been warning that the situation could deteriorate further and the time is fast running out for the international community to protect the planet from the catastrophic impact of the man-made crisis. Eight years ago, at the Paris Climate Summit — Conference of Parties (COP) 21— the countries had agreed to strive to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events across the world should convince us that we are nowhere near the target. In 2023, the world came perilously close to this threshold, as global temperatures rose on average by 1.46 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In fact, a few days in November last were even warmer than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The World Meteorological Organisation’s Global Climate Report says that 2023 was the warmest year on record and the planet will get hotter this year. There is a huge disparity among countries in terms of their greenhouse gas emissions. To meet climate goals, the United States must exceed its current commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

India, Brazil and Indonesia, accounting for 19% of the global emissions, face unique challenges. Considering their relatively modest historical contributions to global warming, expecting them to abruptly cut fossil fuel usage is unfair. The same applies to African countries, which contribute 8.7% to emissions. A more effective strategy could be to have prosperous countries set ambitious targets and influence others to follow suit. India has played a significant role in shaping the discourse at the climate change summits by emphasising equity, climate justice and energy access. India’s domestic goals are in line with its self-imposed 2070 deadline for reaching net-zero emissions. However, challenges persist in aligning policy with sustainable development. Typically, negotiations at the climate summits highlight how difficult it is to achieve a balance between national priorities and climate requirements, especially when one is not the primary culprit but a disproportionate victim of this global crisis. India has been positioning itself as the voice of the global south, articulating the concerns of the developing world. During his opening speech at the recent Dubai summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted how a small section of mankind has exploited nature indiscriminately but the whole of humanity is paying the price. At COP26 in Glasgow, India was instrumental in changing the focus of the declaration from ‘phase-out’ to ‘phase-down’ our dependence on coal. It argued that a complete stop to coal could significantly hinder the country’s development — a stance many developing nations echoed.

Palestinian artist transforms rubble of Gaza houses into art

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Palestinian artist covers the rubble in murals depicting the losses of the ongoing Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza.

(Source: AFP)

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Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Cops book 3,000 for drunk driving

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The police booked 2,435 cases against two-wheeler riders for driving in inebriated condition while 493 cases were booked against four-wheeler drivers and the remaining 73 against three-wheelers

Updated On – 11:31 PM, Mon – 1 January 24

Hyderabad: Cops book 3,000 for drunk driving — File Photo

Hyderabad: The traffic police of the tri commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda booked around 3,000 cases of drunk driving on Sunday night. The Hyderabad Police booked 1,243 cases, Cyberabad 1,241 and Rachakonda booked 517 cases. The police booked 2,435 cases against two-wheeler riders for driving in inebriated condition while 493 cases were booked against four-wheeler drivers and the remaining 73 against three-wheelers.

Among those caught were two women and two transgenders.

The traffic police conducted checks at important stretches in the city and outskirts all through the night. Senior officials of the traffic police supervised the checks aimed at preventing road accidents during New Year’s Eve. The traffic police officials said all those caught will have to appear before the court concerned and attend counselling at the Traffic Training Institutes in the city.

Drunk

The highest number of cases booked in Cyberabad was at Miyapur traffic police station where the police caught 253 persons while in Hyderabad, Chandrayangutta traffic police station topped with 66 cases. In Rachakonda, Uppal traffic police station topped with 107 cases. A couple of instances of the violators misbehaving and abusing traffic police personnel during the drunk driving checking were reported. The traffic police personnel informed the local police who took into custody the persons and shifted them to the police station.

Middle East

Iran FM thanks Yemen for supporting Palestine

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The spokesman of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement and the head of the negotiating team of the country’s national salvation government, Mohammad Abdul Salam, on Monday met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during his visit to Tehran.

In the meeting, Amir-Abdollahian reiterated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for peace in Yemen and expressed his satisfaction with the advances in the talks between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He also emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran always supports the will of the Yemeni people.

The top Iranian diplomat also appreciated and thanked the strong and vigorous stance adopted by the Yemeni army in supporting the oppressed people of Palestine.

Mohammad Abdul Salam, for his part, praised the continuous political support of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Resistance Front and informed the Iranian foreign minister about the latest peace talks developments in Yemen.

KI/5982684

Dominant Iga Swiatek Sends Poland Into United Cup Quarter-Finals

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Iga Swiatek left Spain reeling on Monday as Poland booked a 2-1 win to move into the quarter-finals of the United Cup whilst holders United States were beaten by hosts Australia. The 2-1 victory for Australia propelled them into the last eight as well. World number one Swiatek showed no mercy to Sara Sorribes Tormo in a 6-2, 6-1 singles victory before teaming up with Hubert Hurkacz to clinch the tie with a 6-0, 6-0 mixed doubles thrashing in just 53 minutes. Hurkacz was ambushed in the day’s opening singles, losing 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The top-seeded Poles finished Group A play with a perfect 2-0 record and await a last-eight opponent.

Swiatek, who has lost only seven games in two singles matches to start her countdown to the Australian Open, said playing mixed doubles was good experience.

“It’s lessons for the future and great practice,” the 22-year-old said. “I hardly ever play mixed. You use different skills, it’s about feeling the geometry of the court.”

Hurkacz credited his teammate with doing most of the hard yards.

“She carried me throughout the whole match, in every game she was making amazing shots,” the world number nine said.

Australia had to work hard to join Poland in the quarter-finals but emerged with an excellent over the United States.

Alex de Minaur got the ball rolling for the hosts, nullifying the big serve of American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2.

The 12th-ranked winner needed four match points and 90 minutes to win.

“Today was a little bit of “new year, new me,” said de Minaur.

“I was in a great headspace, things worked out well.

“I played the type of tennis I wanted to play, I’m happy with that.

“He has explosive firepower and I could not let him dictate play.”

Ajla Tomljanovic was unable to get past world number five Jessica Pegula, with the American levelling the tie after a tight 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory.

But Australia completed the evening’s work in mixed doubles, with Storm Hunter and Matt Ebden defeating Pegula and Rajeev Ram 6-3, 6-1.

“We were playing for our lives,” Ebden said.

“We knew we had to to everything possible, every point, every game.”

Hunter said it was a very special moment.

“Playing in front of the home crowd and playing with Matty, a Perth local, it is a dream come true to win and go into the quarter-finals at home,” she said.

In Sydney, France prevailed by the same score over Germany.

Germany’s two-time ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev needed to dig deep to get past Adrian Mannarino 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 and give Germany a 1-0 lead over France.

It seemed they would wrap up the tie when former world number one Angelique Kerber took the first set against Caroline Garcia 6-1, but she crumbled to lose the next two 6-2, 6-2 and send it to a mixed doubles decider.

Kerber, on her way back from maternity leave, returned to team up with Zverev against Garcia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin, with the French clinching the tie by winning the mixed doubles rubber 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 12-10.

Earlier in Sydney, a sharp Casper Ruud won his second straight singles match before backing up in the mixed doubles to steer Norway past Croatia.

World number 24 Donna Vekic ground past unheralded Malene Helgo 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 to give the Croats a winning start to the Group F tie.

But three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud swept past Borna Coric 6-4, 6-1 in just 89 minutes to level proceedings, then partnered with Ulrikke Eikeri to beat Vekic and Ivan Dodig 6-2, 3-6, 10-7.

It was a much-needed win for Norway, who lost to the Netherlands at the weekend.

“I’m motivated for the new year, I’m fresh and I’m ready,” said world number 11 Ruud. “Another great singles match. I’m very happy to start the new year that way.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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