SANAA/NEW YORK: Yemeni militias on Wednesday dispersed a protest in Sanaa staged by dozens of women demanding the handover of the body of slain former President Ali Abdullah Saleh for burial.
“There is no god but Allah and the martyr is a friend of Allah,” the women shouted in front of the Saleh Mosque, named after the former president, and the largest in the capital.
Witnesses say the protest lasted less than an hour before Houthi militias violently dispersed it. Video footage of the women fleeing the scene was posted on social media.
Witnesses said a second group of women gathered in front of Sanaa Military Hospital, shouting, “The people want the remains of the leader.”
It was unclear on Wednesday whether the Houthis had already buried Saleh’s body, according to the Agency France-Presse.
The previous day, Khaled Hussein Al-Yamani, Yemen’s permanent representative to the UN, revealed that the UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, told a closed session of the UN Security Council that Houthi militias are assassinating leaders of Saleh’s General People’s Congress party (GPC).
Al-Yamani said Houthi militants have executed “thousands” of people in the past two days, adding that there is an agreement to evacuate UN humanitarian workers from Sanaa in light of recent developments.
Koro Bessho, president of the UN Security Council, said the council strongly condemns the missile attacks carried out by Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia, stressing that the council has imposed an arms embargo on the rebels.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, called for a negotiated settlement.
In Washington, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that Saleh’s murder would either push the conflict toward UN-led peace negotiations or create an “even more vicious war.”
Either way, he suggested, in the short-term, it would likely worsen an already dire humanitarian situation “for the innocent people” in Yemen.
“This is where we’ve all got to roll up our sleeves,” Mattis said. “What are you going to do about medicine and food and clean water and cholera? I think there has got to be a lot more focus on the humanitarian side right now.”
In another development, the Houthi militias have detained more than 40 media staff, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Wednesday, demanding their immediate release.
They reportedly include staff of Yemen Today — a channel affiliated with Saleh. Houthis overran the channel’s Sanaa offices on Saturday, attaching with rocket-propelled grenades and wounding three guards the press watchdog said.
“This hostage-taking is typical of the climate of hostility in Yemen toward journalists, who are often targeted in this conflict,” said RSF’s Alexandra El-Khazen.
A GPC official said some of the detained staff had since been transferred to prison while others were still being held in the television’s offices.
“The Houthis were exerting pressure on them to change their coverage, to issue certain statements, and report the betrayal of former President Saleh and accuse him of working for the Arab coalition. But the journalists refused to do it,” the official said.
A spokesman for the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate release of the journalists, saying the Houthi attack on Yemen Today “shows profound contempt for press freedom.”
Houthis execute ‘thousands’ in two days: UN’s Yemen envoy
Houthis execute ‘thousands’ in two days: UN’s Yemen envoy
Saudi Arabia was green corridor 8 million years ago: Saudi Heritage Commission
- Mesfer Alqahtani: The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert, it underwent repeated humid phases that supported rich biodiversity
- SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations
RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission unveiled new findings this week that prove the Kingdom was a vital oasis eight million years ago.
Mesfer Alqahtani, archaeology consultant at the commission, said on Wednesday: “The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert, it underwent repeated humid phases that supported rich biodiversity and sustained both land and marine ecosystems, making it a natural bridge for the movement of species between Africa and Asia in the ancient world.”
The SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations. It used a combination of dating techniques such as uranium-thorium and uranium lead analysis studies to document the longest-known record of ancient climate in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back about eight million years.
The study analyzed 22 speleothem samples extracted from seven desert caves located northeast of Riyadh near Shawayyah in Rumah governorate. The caves are locally known as Duhool Al-Samman.
Experts at the SHC underlined that these findings provide clear evidence of recurrent humid and rainy periods in the region’s past.
The study also found fossils pointing to the presence of a fertile environment.
Dr. Ajab Alotaibi, director general of the commission’s antiquities sector, said that the study highlighted the Arabian Peninsula’s crucial role as a corridor for the dispersal of organisms between Africa, Asia and Europe.
The study is part of the commission’s flagship initiative, the Green Arabia Project, which aims to explore the region’s natural and environmental history.
Michael Petralia, professor and director, Australian Research Center for Human Evolution, said: “Our archaeological work on the lakes of Arabia has now indicated that humans and early humans were in Saudi Arabia 500,000 years ago; that tells us immediately that Arabia acted as a crossroads between continents, between Africa and Asia, so this is a landscape that is very important in terms of documenting heritage, paleontology, archaeology, through time.”
The SHC-led findings have been published in the scientific journal, “Nature,” under the title “Recurrent humid phases in Arabia over the past 8 million years.”
The research brought together 30 scientists from 28 organizations — local and international — including the Heritage Commission, the Saudi Geological Survey, King Saud University, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Griffith University in Australia, and several universities and research centers across Germany, Italy, the UK and the US.
According to the SHC, the study marks a major milestone for the Green Arabia Project, one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious efforts to promote scientific research and document the natural and cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
These findings also offer valuable insights into restoring Saudi Arabia to its original, greener state, supporting pivotal projects such as Green Riyadh and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The project seeks to better understand how environmental and climatic changes have shaped the region across eras — contributing to a richer, more complete understanding of Saudi Arabia’s natural history.
Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the SHC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing research and fostering international collaborations.
Endangered species find new home in Saudi royal reserve
- Five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments
- Initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has released 25 animals from endangered species into the King Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve.
The initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats.
The animals — five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures — have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments, restore ecological balance and enhance biodiversity in Saudi Arabia’s protected areas.
Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said it was “another step toward achieving our vision for wildlife development in the Kingdom.”
He emphasized it demonstrated the center’s commitment to breeding endangered species according to international standards, enhancing biodiversity and achieving environmental sustainability targets under Saudi Vision 2030.
The program also reflects the center’s dedication to collaborating with environmental partners to achieve common goals that reflected the Kingdom’s efforts to balance economic development with the protection of natural resources. It continues the center’s work in ecosystem rehabilitation and endangered species breeding, supporting the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Green Initiative.
Qurban added the work also boosted tourism, created jobs and led to improved quality of life in local communities.
The initiatives are implemented through specialized centers considered among the world’s best in breeding and reintroduction, applying international standards and practices to ensure successful releases and ecological balance.
Pakistan unveils first-ever policy to regulate digital assets in line with FATF guidelines
- New policy will set rules for the operation of digital currencies and related companies in Pakistan
- Pakistan Crypto Council was established in March to create legal framework for digital currencies
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has introduced its first-ever policy framework to regulate virtual assets and service providers, aligning with compliance and financial integrity guidelines of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the country’s top investigation agency said on Thursday.
The new policy, created by a special government group under the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) authority, is meant to set rules for how digital money like cryptocurrencies and the companies that deal in it should operate in Pakistan.
The move follows the establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council last month to create a legal framework to create a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading in a bid to lure international investment.
Cryptocurrencies including bitcoin are not officially regulated in Pakistan but are also not illegal or banned. As of Jan. 16, 2021, the State Bank of Pakistan has not authorized any individuals or organizations to carry out the sale, purchase, exchange, and investment of virtual currencies, coins, and tokens.
“Pakistan has formulated its first-ever comprehensive policy framework for the regulation of Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers,” the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said in a statement.
The policy will be scrutinized by stakeholders and legislative proceedings before being implemented in phases from next year.
The policy aims to curb money laundering, terrorism financing, financial instability and the potentials of blockchain-based finance and also provide space for innovation and develop institutional expertise.
“This is a paradigm shift in how Pakistan views digital finance,” FIA Director Sumera Azam was quoted in the statement as saying. “The policy proposal seeks to strike a historic balance between technological advancement and national security imperatives.”
She added that the framework aligned with FATF Recommendation 15 on compliance and financial integrity.
FATF Recommendation 15, titled “New Technologies,” ensures that AML and CFT frameworks are adaptable to emerging financial technologies, including virtual assets and virtual asset service providers.
Global markets rattle as US tariffs on China hit 145%
- Initial market gains wiped out; US stocks dive and oil slumps over renewed trade fears
WASHINGTON: The global economy was thrown into turmoil on Thursday as the US-China trade war sharply escalated, overshadowing a temporary sense of relief sparked by President Donald Trump’s earlier decision to scale back sweeping tariffs on other international partners.
While investors initially cheered a perceived de-escalation in the US’ trade stance, it soon became clear that the administration was doubling down on its economic confrontation with Beijing—sending markets into a tailspin and raising alarm over the direction of global trade.
Just a day after hinting at a broader pause in tariff threats, the White House confirmed that the cumulative tariff rate imposed by the US on Chinese imports this year had reached a staggering 145 percent, not the previously reported 125 percent.
The correction stemmed from the fact that the latest hike builds on a 20 percent base tariff already in place. In retaliation, China has slapped its own 84 percent levies on US goods, signaling its readiness for a prolonged standoff.
The dramatic escalation came in stark contrast to Trump’s softer stance toward other global trade partners. The president maintained a 10 percent blanket tariff on most countries but walked back harsher threats—particularly against the EU, which had been bracing for a 20 percent hit. That reversal prompted Brussels to suspend for 90 days its planned retaliatory tariffs on €20 billion worth of US goods.
Financial markets
Amid the mixed signals, global financial markets reacted in sharply divergent ways. Asian and European markets soared early Thursday, buoyed by the initial news of Trump’s restraint. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 surged 9.1 percent, South Korea’s Kospi climbed 6.6 percent, and Germany’s DAX jumped 5.4 percent, marking their first trading sessions since the US policy shift.
However, sentiment soured quickly in the US as investors digested the deeper implications of the escalating conflict with China. The S&P 500 dropped 5 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted by 1,746 points, and the Nasdaq Composite sank 5.8 percent, wiping out optimism fueled by a surprisingly positive inflation report.
President Trump has framed the tariffs as part of a broader strategy to rewire the global economy, encouraging manufacturers to return to US soil. His commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, remained upbeat, declaring on social media, “The Golden Age is coming. We are committed to protecting our interests, engaging in global negotiations, and exploding our economy.”
Meanwhile, international leaders struck a more cautious tone. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Trump’s partial retreat, saying, “We want to give negotiations a chance,” but warned that the EU would not hesitate to reinstate countermeasures if talks failed to deliver results.
Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the US shift as a “welcome reprieve” and confirmed that Ottawa would initiate trade negotiations with Washington following Canada’s April 28 elections.
China also signaled both resistance and openness. In a symbolic move, Beijing announced it would restrict the number of Hollywood films allowed into the country, but left the door open for dialogue. Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian called on the US to meet China halfway and resolve differences through “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
Oil markets react
Commodities markets were not spared from the uncertainty. Oil prices, which had rallied the previous session, reversed course as investors reassessed the implications of the trade tensions.
US West Texas Intermediate crude fell $2.22 or 3.6 percent to $60.13 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped $2.04 or 3.1 percent to $63.44 per barrel.
Visual artists craft souvenirs for visitors at ART Week Riyadh
- Organized by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission, the eight-day event is running until April 13 at the JAX District in Diriyah, under the theme At the Edge
- Cultural Development Fund is a programming partner in the inaugural edition of ART Week Riyadh, and presents an exclusive collection of artworks at its pavilion
RIYADH: The Cultural Development Fund is offering exclusive souvenirs during ART Week Riyadh, designed for visitors in collaboration with Saudi visual artists.
Organized by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission, the eight-day event is running until April 13 at the JAX District in Diriyah, under the theme “At the Edge.”
The fund is a programming partner in the inaugural edition of ART Week Riyadh, and presents an exclusive collection of artworks at its pavilion, created in collaboration with leading figures in the visual arts sector.
Among the standout exhibits are limited-edition souvenirs, designed in partnership with renowned Saudi visual artists Lulwah Al-Homoud and Faisal Al-Kheriji.
The scheme seeks to promote local talent while celebrating unique artistic expression.
The fund’s activities include a workshop titled “Cultural Financing for the Visual Arts Sector,” which highlights available funding opportunities to support businesses throughout the entire value chain of the sector.
The fund’s involvement highlights its steadfast commitment to advancing cultural projects and nurturing creative production across all 16 cultural sectors, including the visual arts.
Nawaf Al-Owain, executive director of marketing and communications at the Cultural Development Fund, highlighted the organization as a pivotal financial force in Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape.
Al-Owain told Arab News: “Our participation in ART Week Riyadh and other major cultural and developmental events is part of the fund’s commitment to aligning its efforts with both the cultural and developmental landscapes.
“These platforms enable us to engage directly with entrepreneurs and companies in the cultural sector, introducing them to the financial and non-financial solutions offered by the Community Arts Development Fund to support the launch and growth of their projects,” Al-Owain added.
The fund’s pavilion serves as a dynamic platform for engaging with entrepreneurs in the visual arts sector, offering in-depth insights into the cultural funding programs provided by the fund and showcasing its solutions that support the growth of creative projects, he said.
Its activities aim to broaden access to sector opportunities, while also aligning with the objectives of the National Culture Strategy to support the development of a sustainable and thriving cultural sector in Saudi Arabia, Al-Owain added.
Through its participation, the fund highlights the opportunities it offers to empower the visual arts sector, and foster a supportive environment for expanding cultural projects, he said.
