JEDDAH: A top aide of Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani stressed on Friday that the Kurds are within their rights to demand separation from Iraq.
Hours after Barzani made it clear that there would be no deferment or cancelation of the planned independence referendum on Sept. 25, Mohammed Haji Mahmoud, a well-known Kurdish Peshmerga commander and president of the Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party, told Arab News: “Kurdistan is a federating unit of Iraq. Our constitution stipulates that if a federating unit is not happy in the union, it has the right to separate. We are doing exactly that.”
Speaking through an interpreter, Haji Mahmoud said Iraq’s government was neither following the constitution in letter, nor in spirit. “We are a separate nation. After the referendum is over, we will hold talks with Baghdad. That will be our next step. We are only doing what we have agreed upon in the past,” he told Arab News from Irbil, where he had come to attend a rally addressed by Barzani.
Responding to a question about the strong opposition to the referendum expressed by many Kurdish allies, Haji Mahmoud said: “Why have they been pressurizing us? We are only asking for our rights. We are asking for our freedom. That is all.”
Addressing the rally in Irbil, Barzani said: “The referendum is no longer in my hands, nor is it in those of the (political) parties — it is in your hands.
“We say that we are ready for serious open-minded dialogue with Baghdad, but after Sept. 25, because now it is too late.”
Iran and Turkey have vehemently opposed the referendum. Both have sizable Kurdish populations of their own and they fear that the vote in northern Iraq will stoke separatist aspirations at home.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, speaking on television on Friday, said that the vote posed a threat to national security, adding that Ankara “will do what is necessary” to protect itself. He did not elaborate.
But Hoshyar Zebari, a senior adviser to Barzani, told Reuters: “This is the last 5 meters of the final sprint and we will be standing our ground.”
The Iraqi government has called the referendum unconstitutional.
On Thursday, the UN Security Council warned the referendum was “potentially destabilizing.”
The council urged “dialogue and compromise” to address differences between the Iraqi government and the regional authorities.
It added that the vote could weaken the military campaign against Daesh, “in which Kurdish forces have played a critical role.”
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia urged Barzani to cancel the referendum to avoid further “crises” in the region.
In areas disputed between Irbil and Baghdad, some have issued strong warnings against the vote.
Hadi Al-Ameri, head of the powerful Iran-backed Badr militia, last week vowed to defend the unity of Iraq, warning that the referendum could trigger partition and civil war.
And, according to AFP, Atef Annajar — an official from the Iran-backed Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi Shiite militia in the town of Tuz Khurmatu in Salaheddine province — said he would not allow voting to take place.
“We’re ready for a fight to the death,” he said.
Related report — Page 11
Vote to go ahead: Barzani aide says ‘we have the right to separate’
Vote to go ahead: Barzani aide says ‘we have the right to separate’
Arya ton powers Punjab to IPL win over Chennai
Arya, a left-hand batter known for his six-hitting in domestic cricket, smashed 103 off 42 balls to steer Punjab to 219-6 at Mullanpur, near Chandigarh, where Chennai managed 201-5.
Spotted by Punjab after hitting six sixes in an over in a Delhi Premier League T20 match last year, the 24-year-old Arya was brought by the franchise for $440,000 in the November auction.
The big-hitter did not disappoint as he smashed the second ton of this season in his fourth match in the T20 tournament. He raced to his hundred in 39 balls as he pummelled the opposition attack with seven fours and nine sixes.
The ton was the fastest against five-time champions Chennai and the joint fourth-fastest ever in the IPL. Chris Gayle holds the record with a century in 30 balls.
Opener Arya found little support at the start as Punjab slipped to 83-5. After Shashank Singh joined the rising star and the two put together 71 runs in 34 balls.
Arya finally fell to Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, but Shashank, with his 52, and South African Marco Jansen, who smashed 34, finished with a flourish in an unbeaten stand of 65.
Chennai attempted to make a fist of the chase as New Zealand left-handers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway put on 61 runs for the opening wicket.
Australia spinner Glenn Maxwell got Ravindra stumped on 36. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad fell for one off fast bowler Lockie Ferguson.
Conway powered on with impact substitute Shivam Dube as the two put on 89 runs but Ferguson broke through to get the left-handed Dube bowled for 42.
Veteran M.S. Dhoni walked out to loud cheers but even though Conway retired out, Chennai’s batters failed to keep up to the ever-increasing run-rate.
Dhoni, 43, raised faint hopes of getting the target in his 12-ball 27 but departed at the start of the last over and Chennai went down to their fourth loss in five matches.
Israel fulfilling ‘none’ of its legal duties as an occupying power, UN chief warns
- Gaza is ‘killing field’ and civilians caught in ‘endless death loop,’ says Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
- West Bank could spiral into a similar crisis unless urgent steps are taken to protect civilians, end dehumanization and restore peace, he adds
NEW YORK CITY: The UN secretary-general evoked several provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention on Tuesday to remind Israeli authorities of an occupying power’s “unequivocal” obligations under international law.
The obligations Antonio Guterres highlighted included ensuring the welfare of the civilian population, the supply of food and medicine, and the maintenance of public health services.
“None of that is happening today,” he said. “No humanitarian supplies can enter Gaza. At the crossing points, food, medicine and shelter supplies are piling up and vital equipment is stuck.”
Speaking in New York to reporters, the UN chief described Gaza’s current path as a dead end that is “totally intolerable” in the eyes of international law and history.
He also warned that the situation in the West Bank could spiral into a similar crisis unless urgent steps are taken to protect civilians, end dehumanization and restore peace.
Guterres called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and full humanitarian access to be restored. It has been more than a month since aid entered the territory, he added, exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian crisis.
“More than an entire month has passed without a drop of aid into Gaza,” he said. “No food. No fuel. No medicine. No commercial supplies. As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have reopened.”
Guterres condemned proposals by Israeli authorities to introduce “authorization mechanisms” for the delivery of aid that risk further controlling and “callously limiting aid, down to the last calorie and grain of flour.”
He said the UN “will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.”
He warned that “the situation in Gaza has become a killing field” and civilians are trapped in an “endless death loop” as a result of the blockade on food, medicine, fuel and other essential supplies.
“Ceasefires work,” Guterres said. “During that ceasefire (between January and March this year), humanitarian organizations successfully delivered critical aid, including food and medical supplies, to Gaza. Guns fell silent, obstacles were removed, looting ended and we were able to deliver lifesaving supplies to virtually every part of the Gaza Strip.
“That all ended with the shattering of the ceasefire. Hope sank for Palestinian families in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel.”
Guterres expressed deep concern about the continuing detention of hostages by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. He met the families of the hostages on Monday and reiterated his call for their immediate release.
“With crossing points into Gaza shut and aid blockaded, security is in shambles and our capacity to deliver has been strangled,” he continued.
He reiterated the declaration made by UN humanitarian organizations on Monday, who said in a joint statement that “assertions that there is now enough food to feed all Palestinians in Gaza are far from the reality on the ground, and commodities are running extremely low.”
Guterres said: “We must stick to our core principles. It is time to end the dehumanization, protect civilians, release the hostages, ensure lifesaving aid and renew the ceasefire.
“The world may be running out of words to describe the situation in Gaza but we will never run away from the truth.”
Palestinian minister appeals to Egyptian counterpart to support Gaza’s education
- Israeli actions in Gaza have led to the destruction of 95 percent of schools
- Ministry resumed educational activities through online platforms by creating new virtual classrooms amidst displacement
LONDON: The education system in the Gaza Strip has lost nearly 95 percent of its operational capacity due to Israeli attacks since October 2023.
Amjad Barham, the Palestinian minister of education, informed his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Abdel-Latif, during a meeting in Cairo on Tuesday about the significant damage sustained by the schooling sector in Gaza.
Barham reported that Israeli actions in Gaza have led to the destruction of 95 percent of schools, either through demolition, bombing, or severe damage, rendering 293 out of 309 schools non-operational.
Over 720,000 students in Gaza have been affected, with approximately 700,000 having no access to adequate education. He added that Gaza’s universities were significantly damaged by the Israeli military attacks, with around 85 percent of their buildings reduced to rubble.
Despite significant challenges, the ministry resumed educational activities through online platforms by creating new virtual classrooms amidst displacement. It also conducted 2024’s final year school exams in Egyptian schools for nearly 1,350 students from Gaza.
Barham appealed to his Egyptian counterpart to continue supporting online education initiatives for Palestinian students, according to Wafa news agency.
He urged opening courses in math, science, and language subjects. He requested that Palestinian teachers residing in Egypt be allowed to work and teach online for students in Gaza and those who have left the territory, Wafa added.
Shashai Studio group exhibition shines light on Saudi creativity
- Art Week Riyadh positions the Kingdom’s capital as a global cultural destination
- Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud: This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked
RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh’s group exhibition in JAX District brings together a range of artists to celebrate heritage, spark conversations, and showcase the wealth of Saudi creativity, on view through April 13.
The Annual Salon at Shashai Studio is presenting a stunning tapestry of perspectives and artworks to celebrate individual artists and the art community under one roof.
The visual feast encapsulates the spirit of experimentation, encouraging conversations around identity, culture, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
Visitors can get a look at the narratives woven through each piece of artwork.
Among the standout pieces on display, Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud’s artwork entitled “The Moon” symbolises the enduring strength and presence of women throughout history.
“This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked,” she told Arab News.
Utilizing natural sheep wool as a medium, the artwork underscores the ancestral skills of women in weaving and home-building.
“Women have always been the backbone of our society, supporting families, cultures, and traditions,” Princess Al-Johara explained. This tribute to women serves as a reminder of their multifaceted roles — from caretakers to creators, their contributions are invaluable.
Mona Bashatah, whose works explore ancient crafts of the Arabian Peninsula, discussed her recent project that depicts a fisherman — a character symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of coastal life.
“My art stems from the rich history of our region, focusing on the stories that need to be shared with the new generations,” she explained. Her pieces were not only visually stunning but also served as a medium for storytelling, connecting the past with the present.
“I chose to draw inspiration from mulberry bark paper from East Asia, bridging historical trade routes that linked our ancestors to lands far and wide,” she added.
Her sketches present a narrative intertwined with themes of environmental pollution and cultural identity. The illustrations recount tales of shepherds and sailors who served as vital connections between Eastern and Western worlds.
They represent memories that modern generations may overlook, making her work both a celebration of heritage and a call for awareness.
The artist also incorporated texts from poet Khalil Gibran, merging literature with art to deepen the emotional impact of her pieces. “My intention is to evoke a sense of belonging and pride in our history,” Bashatah noted.
Studio founder and curator Rashed Al-Shashai spoke to Arab News on the significance of the exhibition and the importance of showcasing both emerging and established artists within the Saudi art community.
“We have cultivated an environment of cultural and artistic dialogue at Shashai Studio. This exhibition featured various artists, each with distinct techniques and narratives,” he said.
“This exhibition marks the culmination of a year’s worth of experimentation and collaboration.”
Visitors encountered pieces from notable artists such as Mazin Andijani an Arabic calligrapher, and Fatima Al-Attas, an innovative contemporary artist.
The inaugural Art Week Riyadh is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene, bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, and arts entities under the overarching theme, “At The Edge.”
The week-long event is fostering exchange, dialogue, and collaboration, inviting art enthusiasts to explore themes of thresholds, liminality, and transitions in art and culture.
The program includes curated gallery exhibitions, rare displays of private collections, as well as talks, workshops, and performances.
Organized by the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Art Week Riyadh is a non-commercial platform designed to nurture, celebrate, and position Riyadh as a global cultural destination.
Drawing on the past and present as points of departure, it reimagines an interconnected global arts ecosystem that contributes to the Kingdom’s creative economy while inspiring the preservation of art collecting and patronage.
After bloodbath a day earlier, Pakistan stocks gain in line with global recovery
- Pakistan Stock Exchange fell to intraday low of 8,687 points on Monday, largest intraday point-wise drop in PSX history
- Major stock indexes plunged on Monday after US President Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from the rest of the world
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stocks closed at 118,938, gaining 623 points (0.54 percent) on Tuesday, a day after the Pakistan Stock Exchange fell to an intraday low of 8,687 points, the largest intraday point-wise drop in PSX history.
Major stock indexes plunged on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from the rest of the world, saying a 10 percent tariff on all nations and much higher rates of up to 50 percent on individual countries will boost the US economy and protect jobs.
“In line with the global trend, the market saw a recovery,” Topline Securities said in its daily market review. “A total of 526 million shares were traded, with a turnover of Rs 33 billion.”
Major stock markets jumped on Tuesday after three days of heavy selling while US Treasury yields rose for a second day as investors were optimistic that Washington might be willing to negotiate on some of its aggressive tariffs. Oil prices rebounded as well, helping lift energy shares. European shares also rose from 14-month lows on Tuesday after four straight sessions of heavy selling, although investors’ mood remained sensitive to tariff-related developments. Britain’s main indexes also recovered from their lowest levels in more than a year, as investors looked for any indication of Washington softening its stance on the aggressive tariffs that have roiled global markets over the last few days.
Pakistan is sending a commerce ministry team to negotiate a 29 percent tariff on Pakistani goods announced by Washington last week.
