Bahrain: Wefaq Leaders Colluded with Qatar to Carry Out Hostile Acts

Public Prosecution Logo
Public Prosecution Logo
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Bahrain: Wefaq Leaders Colluded with Qatar to Carry Out Hostile Acts

Public Prosecution Logo
Public Prosecution Logo

Bahrain announced on Wednesday that Wefaq Association, which has been dissolved, agreed and coordinated with Qatari officials to carry out hostile acts in Bahrain to damage its military, political, economic and national interests, as well as to undermine its status..

The Public Prosecution has carried out investigations confirming that Wefaq's Sec-Gen Ali Salman, Hassan Sultan, along other Qatari officials, had agreed to carry out hostile acts in Bahrain. It added that those meetings began in 2010 in Bahrain and abroad and some were coordinated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Investigations corroborated that Qatar had engaged in activities targeting many Arab countries, particularly Bahrain, by calling for resisting and confronting the authorities through force, violence and terrorist crimes.

In August, Bahrain revealed that a conversation between Hamad bin Jassem bin Jaber Al Thani and Ali Salman occurred following the events in the country between February 14 and March 16, 2011.

Earlier, investigations led to the discovery of money transfers made to Wefaq member Hasan Issa. Bahraini security services confirmed that this funding was used in the operation in Sitra on July 2015 that killed two security men and injured eight others.

Advocate-General Chancellor Ahmed al-Hammadi said the probe corroborated the events and proved that Qatar had engaged in activities targeting many Arab countries, particularly Bahrain.

He explained that since 2010, Doha had mobilized its media to attack the ruling regime in Bahrain and contacted some elements, including Ali Salman and others, for this purpose. 

The Advocate-General asserted that the two sides had held direct meetings in Bahrain and abroad, and Hezbollah members working for the interests of Qatar, exchanged messages and held phone conversations that had been monitored in line with legal procedures.

Those meetings revealed that both parties shared a willingness to carry out hostile acts in Bahrain and exchange information about the movement of the military forces that were assigned to maintaining security and stability during the 2011 events in Bahrain, and discussed hostile acts that could be conducted to face military actions.

The suspects appeared in the Qatari media and spread information and news aimed at damaging Bahrain’s military, political and economic status and undermining its status.

The suspects carried out hostile acts by calling for resisting and fighting the authorities using force and violence and through terrorist crimes, Hammadi added.

He stated that the defendants received financial support from Qatar.

Reports also showed that Ali Salman asked one of the suspects to carry out acts that would damage the country and appointed another as a communication officer with Qatar, he stated, adding that they held several meetings, issued statements and made interviews with Qatari media.

The Advocate-General noted that the suspects also released to Qatari officials classified information that serves Doha.

Salman was interrogated in the presence of his lawyer, and was presented with evidence against him.

He is already serving a four-year prison sentence for inciting hatred and insulting the interior ministry after his arrest in 2015.



Oman’s Sultan Arrives in Iran for Two-Day Visit, Meetings with Iranian President and Top Officials

In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
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Oman’s Sultan Arrives in Iran for Two-Day Visit, Meetings with Iranian President and Top Officials

In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
In this photo released by the office of the Iranian Presidency, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, front right, is welcomed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, front left, during an official welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)

Oman's ruler arrived Sunday in Tehran for talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other top officials, state television reported.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was officially welcomed by Raisi at the capital's Saadabad Palace, state media said.

The sultan's visit followed an official invitation by the Iranian president. It is his first visit to Iran since he ascended the throne.

Iranian television said Sultan Haitham headed a large delegation including the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, economy and investment.

State-run IRNA news agency said investment, oil and gas issues will be discussed during the Omani’s ruler's stay in the Iranian capital.


Pope, MWL Secretary-General Discuss Means to Confront Religious Extremism

Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)
Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)
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Pope, MWL Secretary-General Discuss Means to Confront Religious Extremism

Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)
Pope Francis and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meet at the Vatican. (MWL)

Pope Francis received in the Vatican on Sunday Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

The extraordinary meeting reflects the efforts carried out by the MWL in bolstering effective dialogue, understanding and positive cooperation between followers of different religions, faiths and cultures.

The meeting was held at the Pope’s private residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Al-Issa exchanged views on several international issues, most notably building bridges between civilizations and efforts to combat religious and ideological extremism, hatred, marginalization and discrimination.


Oman’s FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Sultan Haitham’s Visit to Iran Will Positively Impact Region

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)
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Oman’s FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Sultan Haitham’s Visit to Iran Will Positively Impact Region

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Muscat. (ONA file photo)

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq will kick off on Sunday an official two-day visit to Iran, his first since ascending the throne in 2020.

He is set to meet with President Ebrahim Raisi and a number of senior officials.

The Sultan is traveling at the head of a large delegation that includes the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, economy and investment.

The visit is taking place amid a wave of regional reconciliations, the most recent of which was the reinstatement of Syria’s membership in the Arab League and the announcement in March that Saudi Arabia and Iran were reestablishing diplomatic ties.

Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the region is embarking on a new positive phase in regional relations.

Cooperation and consultations must be deepened in several files and issues to consolidate the new phase, which will no doubt be at the heart of discussions between the leaders, he remarked.

He noted that Oman and Iran enjoy historic fraternal relations based on firm principles of trust and mutual respect. The visit stems from the importance the leaderships of both countries place on cooperation and consultations on various regional and international issues.

“In Oman, we are hoping that this historic visit will reflect positively on the stability and security of the region and on relations between the region’s neighbors,” the FM stressed.

“We will work on ensuring that its outcomes will be felt on the regional and international levels,” he went on to say.


EgyptAir Flight from Cairo Blows Tire during Landing in Saudi Arabia

Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)
Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)
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EgyptAir Flight from Cairo Blows Tire during Landing in Saudi Arabia

Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)
Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (AFP file photo)

An EgyptAir jetliner blew out a tire but made a safe landing at its destination early Sunday in Saudi Arabia, Egypt’s national carrier said. No causalities were reported.

Flight MS643 took off from Cairo international airport early Sunday and one of its tires burst during landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah, EgyptAir said in a statement.

The Boeing 738 made a safe landing on the runway and all passengers have disembarked the airplane with no injuries reported, the statement said.

The airline didn’t elaborate on what caused the problem, and said an examination and maintenance of the plane were underway.


Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudanese Army, RSF to Continue Talks to Extend Ceasefire

Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudanese Army, RSF to Continue Talks to Extend Ceasefire

Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and the United States called on Saturday the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to continue discussions to reach agreement on extending the ceasefire that is set to expire on Monday evening.

As facilitators of the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements, the Kingdom and the US noted that “while imperfect, an extension nonetheless will facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people.”

“In the absence of an agreement to extend the current ceasefire, it remains incumbent on the parties to adhere to their obligations under the short-term ceasefire and the preceding Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,” they stressed.


Saudi Team Arrives in Damascus to Discuss Mechanisms for Embassy Reopening

Minister Plenipotentiary Ghazi bin Rafi Al-Anzi meets with Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sousan and Chief of Protocol at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry
Minister Plenipotentiary Ghazi bin Rafi Al-Anzi meets with Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sousan and Chief of Protocol at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry
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Saudi Team Arrives in Damascus to Discuss Mechanisms for Embassy Reopening

Minister Plenipotentiary Ghazi bin Rafi Al-Anzi meets with Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sousan and Chief of Protocol at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry
Minister Plenipotentiary Ghazi bin Rafi Al-Anzi meets with Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sousan and Chief of Protocol at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry

A Saudi Technical Team responsible for reopening the Saudi embassy in Damascus has arrived in Syria, in line with the Kingdom’s decision to resume the operations of its diplomatic mission in the country.

The team, headed by Minister Plenipotentiary Ghazi bin Rafi Al-Anzi, has met with Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sousan and Chief of Protocol at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Damascus.

During the meeting, the head of the Saudi technical team expressed gratitude to the Syrian side for the warm welcome extended to the team. Sousan warmly welcomed the Saudi team and pledged to provide all necessary means and support to facilitate its mission.


Al-Jubeir Meets with Officials During Panama Visit

Al-Jubeir met with Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs. SPA
Al-Jubeir met with Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs. SPA
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Al-Jubeir Meets with Officials During Panama Visit

Al-Jubeir met with Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs. SPA
Al-Jubeir met with Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs. SPA

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Affairs Envoy, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met, during his visit to Panama, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Janaina Tewaney, in the presence of other Ministers.

During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations and ways of developing them to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed the latest developments in the world.

The meeting was attended by several officials.

Al-Jubeir also held talks with Panama's Minister of Trade and Industry Federico Alfaro Boyd.

During the meeting, they reviewed the relations and ways to enhance and develop them in all fields.

The meeting was also attended by several officials.


Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets with Colombian Officials

Al-Jubeir briefed the Colombian officials on the Kingdom's initiatives in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. SPA
Al-Jubeir briefed the Colombian officials on the Kingdom's initiatives in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. SPA
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Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets with Colombian Officials

Al-Jubeir briefed the Colombian officials on the Kingdom's initiatives in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. SPA
Al-Jubeir briefed the Colombian officials on the Kingdom's initiatives in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. SPA

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member and Climate Envoy, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, has met in Bogota, with several Colombian officials, including the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Luis Felipe Quintero.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to develop them in various fields, especially in energy and climate action.

Al-Jubeir briefed the Colombian officials on the Kingdom's initiatives in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, including the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives.

The meeting was attended by the Kingdom's non-resident Ambassador to Colombia, Dr. Hassan Al-Ansari, the Minister's Office Director General, Ambassador Khalid bin Musaed Al-Anqari, the Director of Investment Ministry's Office in Washington, Abdulrahman bin Talal Bakir, and senior Colombian officials.


Belgium, Iran Conduct Prisoner Swap in Oman

General view of old Muscat in Muscat, Oman. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
General view of old Muscat in Muscat, Oman. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
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Belgium, Iran Conduct Prisoner Swap in Oman

General view of old Muscat in Muscat, Oman. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
General view of old Muscat in Muscat, Oman. REUTERS/Christopher Pike

A Belgian aid worker jailed in Iran and an Iranian diplomat imprisoned in Belgium were freed on Friday in an exchange mediated by Oman, both sides said.

Oman's Foreign Ministry said that “those released were transferred from Tehran and Brussels to Muscat today, Friday, in preparation for their return to their countries.” It added that "the Sultanate of Oman appreciated the high positive spirit that prevailed in the talks in Muscat between the Iranian and Belgian sides, and their keenness to settle this humanitarian issue.”

Aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele was arrested on a visit to Iran in February 2022 and sentenced in January to 40 years in prison and 74 lashes on charges including spying.

Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi was convicted in Belgium in 2021 in connection with a foiled bomb plot in France and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Both countries rejected the charges against their citizen as fabricated.

"As I speak, Belgium's Olivier Vandecasteele is on his way to Belgium. If all goes to plan, he'll be with us this evening. Free at last," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in on Friday.

"Last night Olivier was flown to Oman where he was looked after by a team of Belgian soldiers and diplomats. This morning he underwent a number of medical examinations to assess his state of health and to enable him to return in the best possible conditions", De Croo added.

Iranian state TV reported that Assadi had arrived back in Tehran and showed him sitting with officials including government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi.

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said is scheduled to travel to Iran on Sunday for a two-day visit.


Saudi Arabia, US Note Improved Respect for Deal on Sudan Ceasefire

A man rides his donkey-drawn carriage in southern Khartoum on May 25, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
A man rides his donkey-drawn carriage in southern Khartoum on May 25, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
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Saudi Arabia, US Note Improved Respect for Deal on Sudan Ceasefire

A man rides his donkey-drawn carriage in southern Khartoum on May 25, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
A man rides his donkey-drawn carriage in southern Khartoum on May 25, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

Saudi Arabia and the US have noted improved respect for the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan and urged the warring sides to adhere to their obligations under the deal.

“Although there was observed use of military aircraft and isolated gunfire in Khartoum, the situation improved from May 24 when the ceasefire monitoring mechanism detected significant breaches of the agreement,” Saudi Arabia and the US said in a joint statement in their capacity as facilitators of the ceasefire.

“Those included observed use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, credible reports of airstrikes, sustained fighting in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and clashes in Zalingei, Darfur.”

“Following the serious violations of May 24, the facilitators engaged the parties, highlighting that the resurgent fighting had endangered civilians, obstructed humanitarian assistance and prevented restoration of essential services, undercutting the ceasefire’s principal aims,” said the statement.

Riyadh and Washington cautioned the warring sides against further violations and implored them to improve respect for the ceasefire on May 25, which they did.

“On May 25, humanitarian actors delivered some urgently needed medical supplies to several locations in Sudan. In addition, maintenance crews were able to make repairs to begin restoring telecommunications services in Khartoum and other areas of Sudan,” the statement said.

The facilitators urged the parties to carry forward the positive progress of May 25 for the remainder of the short-term ceasefire and uphold their commitments under the May 11 Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.

“Both parties must put the needs of the Sudanese people first and abide by the terms they agreed to,” they said.

The Kingdom and the United States implored the warring sides to adhere to their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and take the steps necessary to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and restoration of essential services.