Aoun Praises Role Lebanese Businessmen Play in Guinea-Bissauhttps://english.aawsat.com/home/article/1538696/aoun-praises-role-lebanese-businessmen-play-guinea-bissau
Aoun Praises Role Lebanese Businessmen Play in Guinea-Bissau
President Michel Aoun meets Guinea-Bissau's Speaker Cipriano Cassama, Jan. 8, 2019. | Dalati Nohra
President Michel Aoun Tuesday lauded the contributions of Lebanese expatriates to Guinea-Bissau's economy, during a meeting at Baabda Palace with the West African nation's speaker of parliament, a statement from the presidency reported.
"The Lebanese expatriates around the world and in African countries, in particular, are playing a leading role in promoting Lebanese-African relations, and reaffirming the distinguished Lebanese presence abroad; a presence that has become a role model," Aoun said during his meeting this Tuesday with Guinea-Bissau's Speaker.
Aoun noted that many members of the Lebanese community in Guinea-Bissau hold high-level positions in local business and politics.
He underlined "the excellent relations between Lebanese expats and the Guinea-Bissau authorities and citizens, especially owing to their contribution to economic life and investment projects," lauding the support of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in international forums.
The president thanked Speaker Cipriano Cassama for his country's ongoing support for Lebanon and expressed hope for further cooperation between the two nations in the future, particularly through the International Organization of the Francophonie.
For his part, Cassama conveyed to Aoun the greetings of the President of Guinea-Bissau, praising the importance of cooperation between the two countries, and shedding light on the role played by the Lebanese businessmen in Guinea-Bissau.
He told reporters after the meeting: "I have had the opportunity to share with the President some of the concerns of the House of Representatives and the political situation in Guinea-Bissau," adding that his country is deemed friendly to Lebanon and the Lebanese" in all international fields, and the various authorities in our country have stood by Lebanon's side at the United Nations."
Later that day, Cassama was welcomed by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri at the Center House in the presence of Minister Jamal Jarrah and MPs Bahia Hariri, Michel Moussa, Dima Jamali and Nazih Najem.
The meeting focused on the good relations between the two countries, the positive and constructive role played by the Lebanese community in Guinea-Bissau and its effective contribution to the country's development.
At the end of the meeting, Hariri and his guest exchanged souvenir gifts.
Maliki Says Has ‘Absolutely No Intention’ to Withdraw PM Candidacy as Barrack Visits Iraq https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5244147-maliki-says-has-%E2%80%98absolutely-no-intention%E2%80%99-withdraw-pm-candidacy-barrack-visits
A handout picture made available by the Iraqi prime minister's office on February 22, 2026, shows US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack (L) meeting with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (R) in Baghdad's Green Zone. (Handout / Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)
Maliki Says Has ‘Absolutely No Intention’ to Withdraw PM Candidacy as Barrack Visits Iraq
A handout picture made available by the Iraqi prime minister's office on February 22, 2026, shows US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack (L) meeting with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (R) in Baghdad's Green Zone. (Handout / Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)
The leading candidate to become Iraq's next prime minister, former premier Nouri al-Maliki, told AFP on Monday that he will not withdraw his nomination after pressure from the US, while also seeking to allay Washington's concerns.
Since the US-led invasion that overthrew former ruler Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraqi leaders have struggled to find a balance between two global powers competing for influence in the country: neighbor Iran and its arch-rival the United States.
Last month President Donald Trump intervened by issuing an ultimatum that if Maliki -- a two-time former premier with close ties to Iran -- was named Iraq's next prime minister, the US would no longer help the country.
"I have absolutely no intention of withdrawing out of respect for my country, its sovereignty, and its will," Maliki told AFP in an interview.
"No one has the right to say whom we can or cannot vote for," the powerbroker added.
"I will not withdraw until the end."
Trump's threat left Iraqi leaders at a loss, particularly within the Coordination Framework -- a ruling alliance of Shiite groups with varying degrees of links to Iran than nominated Maliki.
Maliki told AFP that "countries have the right to set conditions in their dealings with Iraq," but changing the nomination depends on the Coordination Framework, which still backs him.
Iraq’s former PM and candidate for the premiership, Nouri al-Maliki, speaks during an interview with AFP at his office in the Green Zone in Baghdad on February 23, 2026. (AFP)
- 'One army under one command' -
Maliki -- who is Iraq's only two-term prime minister, serving from 2006 to 2014 -- also rejected claims that his relationship with the US was bad during his previous tenure.
Maliki at first enjoyed support from the American occupation following the 2003 invasion, but later fell out with Washington over his growing ties with Iran and allegations that he pushed a sectarian agenda.
Iraq's new premier will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad rein in Tehran-backed factions that are designated terrorist groups by the US.
Maliki said that Washington has conveyed several messages to Iraqi leaders.
"They seek changes in the state's policies," he said.
Washington's concerns include the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) -- a former paramilitary alliance that has integrated into the armed forces -- as well as disarming pro-Iran armed factions and accusations that some Iraqi entities are helping Iran evade US sanctions on oil exports.
Maliki sought to reassure the US on Monday.
"In fact, what America wants is not new. These are our demands," he said.
"We want weapons in the hands of the state. We want a centralized military force. We have said it repeatedly: we want one army under one command, directly under state authority.
"It's quite possible" to achieve a deal with pro-Iran armed factions, he added.
"There is a good basis for understanding with the factions" but this cannot happen "through force, war or confrontations," he said.
Maliki added that he believes factions "do not want to expose Iraq to any danger."
Washington has also demanded that the eventual Iraqi government exclude Iran-backed armed groups -- an issue that is under discussion, according to Maliki.
Some of these groups have increased their presence in the new parliament and have seen their political and financial clout increase.
"We want those who participate in the political process and the government to lay down their arms," Maliki said.
"Those who lay down their arms are welcome to be part of the next government."
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and US envoy Tom Barrack meet in Baghdad on Monday. (Iraq Foreign Ministry)
- No attacks -
After decades of conflict, Iraq has begun to enjoy some stability in recent years, yet its politics remain volatile, shaped not only by internal disputes but also by regional dynamics.
Today, all eyes are on negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, with a third round of talks scheduled for Geneva on Thursday.
With fears rising that Iraq could be dragged into a war if the US strikes Iran, Maliki vowed to prevent attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq if he becomes prime minister.
"All countries can be assured that we will prevent any violation against their embassies or officially recognized interests in Iraq," Maliki said.
"We will not allow any party to target any country that maintains a diplomatic presence."
Previously, Iran-backed armed groups attacked US missions and troops in Iraq.
Maliki defended Iraq's relations with Iran, which he said "rest on the principle that Iraq's sovereignty is respected" and that "shared interests define this relationship".
"We share a 1,300-kilometer border and mutual interests with Iran," he added.
Despite its oil wealth, Iraq depends on imports from Iran to meet its energy needs.
Maliki warned that "if Iran cut off our natural gas supply... it would be a major catastrophe."
This handout picture made available by the Iraqi prime minister's office shows Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (top C), Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani al-Sawad (top R), US envoy Tom Barrack (top L), Chevron's Director of Business Development Joe Koch (bottom L), and the Basra Oil Company Director Bassem Abdul Karim (bottom R) attending the signing of agreements between Chevron Corporation and the Basra Oil Company at the government palace in Baghdad on February 23, 2026. (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)
- Barrack visits -
Meanwhile, US envoy Tom Barrack was in Iraq on Monday where he held talks with caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and President of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan.
Sudani said the meeting with Barrack stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes.
The officials discussed bilateral ties between Iraq and the US and developments in the region, as well as Baghdad’s efforts to support regional stability, especially in Syria, read a statement from Sudani’s office.
They also tackled opportunities for economic cooperation.
For his part, Barrack described the meeting with Sudani as "fruitful".
In a post on the X platform, he said he discussed with Sudani "continued Iraqi goals and objectives to build a sovereign, stable, and prosperous future that aligns with Trump’s desire and plan for peace and prosperity in the region."
"The necessity of effective leadership that aligns itself with the policies and practices of further stabilization for Iraq and the Iraqi people is key to our mutual goals," he remarked.
Barrack later held meetings with President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani and Taqaddum Party leader Mohammed Halbousi.
During his visit, Iraq's foreign minister said Türkiye had agreed to take back Turkish citizens from among thousands of ISIS detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria when camps and prisons there were shut in recent weeks.
Also on Monday, Iraq and the US energy giant Chevron signed deals to manage and develop several oil fields, including one previously operated by Russia's Lukoil.
Sudani's media office said "two preliminary memoranda of principles" were signed with Chevron, the first of which was "concerning the transfer of management of the West Qurna 2 field," one of the world's largest oil fields.
The second agreement concerns the development of the Nasiriyah field and four exploratory blocks in Dhi Qar province in the country's south, as well as the Balad field in the northern province of Salah al-Din.
Sudani and Barrack attended the signing ceremony.
EU Diplomats Meet Board of Peace Director over Gaza's Futurehttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5244142-eu-diplomats-meet-board-peace-director-over-gazas-future
EU Diplomats Meet Board of Peace Director over Gaza's Future
Trump and leaders and representatives of participating states sign the founding charter of the Board of Peace in Davos on Jan. 22, 2026. (AFP)
The European Union's top diplomats met Monday in Brussels with the director of the Board of Peace after a shaky and controversial embrace of US President Donald Trump's efforts to secure and rebuild the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
Nikolay Mladenov, a former Bulgarian politician and UN diplomat chosen by Trump to manage the Board of Peace, met the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from across the 27-nation bloc. The EU diplomats were also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and fresh sanctions on Russia.
“We want to be part of the peace process in Gaza and also contribute with what we have,” Kallas said ahead of the meeting. Afterward, she said Mladenov updated diplomats on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Board of Peace's activities and strategy, which included an EU presence in stabilization and humanitarian efforts.
“It was good to hear from Mladenov that it’s really right now trying to improve the situation, that he sees this in the same way, that actually they also need us there contributing," Kallas said.
One EU nation blocked new sanctions on Israeli settlers agreed by the rest of the bloc, she said, without naming the holdout. The EU's planned training of Palestinian police in Gaza is awaiting approval by Israel, Kallas said.
Just across the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle East, the EU has deep links to Israel and the Palestinians. It now plays a crucial oversight role at Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt, and is the top donor to the Palestinian Authority.
The question of whether to work with the Trump-led board has split national capitals from Nicosia to Copenhagen. The EU is supportive of the United Nations’ mandate in Gaza.
EU members Hungary and Bulgaria are full members of the board, as are EU candidate countries Türkiye, Kosovo and Albania.
Twelve other EU nations sent observers to the inaugural meeting in Washington on Thursday: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The EU flag was displayed at the event alongside EU observer and member nations.
European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen turned down invitation to join, as did Pope Leo XIV. But von der Leyen did send European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica to the meeting in Washington as an observer.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said sending Šuica without consulting the European Council, the group of the bloc's leaders, broke EU regulations.
“The European Commission should never have attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington,” Barrot said in a post on X. “Beyond the legitimate political questions raised by the ‘Board of Peace,’ the Commission must scrupulously respect European law and institutional balance in all circumstances.”
"It is in the remit of the commission to accept invitations,” von der Leyen spokesperson Paula Pinho said Friday.
While the executive is not joining the board, it is seeking to influence reconstruction and peacekeeping in Gaza beyond being the top donor to the Palestinian Authority, she said.
Trump’s ballooning ambitions for the board extend from governing and rebuilding Gaza as a futuristic metropolis to challenging the UN Security Council’s role in solving conflicts. But they could be tempered by the realities of dealing with Gaza, where there has so far been limited progress in achieving the narrower aims of the ceasefire.
Israeli Minister Says Army will Occupy All Gaza if Hamas Does Not Disarmhttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5243967-israeli-minister-says-army-will-occupy-all-gaza-if-hamas-does-not-disarm
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits Nariman House to pay his respects to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, in Mumbai, India, 09 September 2025. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
Israeli Minister Says Army will Occupy All Gaza if Hamas Does Not Disarm
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits Nariman House to pay his respects to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, in Mumbai, India, 09 September 2025. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Monday that Palestinian Islamist group Hamas may soon be given a deadline to lay down its weapons.
"We estimate that in the coming days, Hamas will be given an ultimatum to disarm and completely demilitarise Gaza," Smotrich said in an interview with public broadcaster Kan, AFP reported.
Israel invaded the Gaza Strip in 2023, in retaliation for Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack.
Under the first phase of a US-sponsored ceasefire in Gaza intended to halt two years of war, the Israeli army withdrew to positions behind a so-called Yellow Line, but still controls over half of the territory.
Both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of near-daily ceasefire violations, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting 615 people killed by Israeli forces since the truce started.
The Israeli military says it has lost five of its soldiers during the same period.
If Hamas does not comply with the Israeli ultimatum to disarm, the army "will have international legitimacy and American backing to do it itself, and the (military) is already preparing for this and is making plans", said the minister, who is a member of Israel's security cabinet charged with approving large-scale military operations.
The second ceasefire phase, which officially began last month, calls for a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army and the disarmament of Hamas, which the militant group has vehemently opposed.
"The (Israeli military) will definitely enter and occupy Gaza if Hamas does not disarm," Smotrich said.
Asked how the military would do this, he said "there are two or three alternatives right now that we are examining".
The peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump also calls for the establishment of a 20,000-strong peacekeeping force, called the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), to which several countries have committed troops.
Asked how the Israeli army would operate against Hamas when foreign soldiers were deployed on the ground, Smotrich said the latter would "pull out very quickly and allow the (Israeli military) to enter. This is coordinated with the Americans."
"By the way, I don't yet see them going in that fast," he added of the ISF.
A security source in Gaza, meanwhile, said on Monday that Israeli forces shelled Beit Lahia in the north.
The source also said that Israeli tanks opened fire in the south Gaza city of Khan Younis, where at least two air strikes were also conducted.
Israel's military said Monday that Israeli troops "eliminated" a fighter who had crossed the Yellow Line into Israeli-held territory the previous day.
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