Jerusalem’s Light Rail Project Sparks Controversy

Pedestrians walk as a light rail tram passes by in Jerusalem November 11, 2014. (Reuters)
Pedestrians walk as a light rail tram passes by in Jerusalem November 11, 2014. (Reuters)
TT
20

Jerusalem’s Light Rail Project Sparks Controversy

Pedestrians walk as a light rail tram passes by in Jerusalem November 11, 2014. (Reuters)
Pedestrians walk as a light rail tram passes by in Jerusalem November 11, 2014. (Reuters)

The Palestinian Authority (PA) asked the government of Spain to prevent a Spanish company from participating in constructing infrastructure on occupied territories.

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) won a tender earlier this year to build a part of the Jerusalem tram project.

Sources at the Spanish international news agency, EFE, revealed that the PA vocally expressed its disapproval of the manufacturer taking part in the project, which will cut deep into occupied territory.

The tram is set to connect Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem to occupied territories in the West Bank.

In Jerusalem, where Israel has been occupying the eastern part since 1967, there is an already operational tram line in service since 2011, and which has already sparked controversy for linking Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem with West Jerusalem.

The new project will include the construction of 114 new trams and the rehabilitation of 46 units that are currently operational.

However, Palestinians are urging the Spanish company to withdraw from the project because of its impact on the occupied territories and warned that the continuation of this work may violate international law.

“Any attempt by any company to do business in the occupied territories would be violating international law,” former PA foreign minister Nasser al-Qudwa had said.

He clarified that if CAF does not rollback its participation it will be faced with multiple lawsuits.



Saudi Arabia Establishes Non-Profit Association of Medical Device Manufacturers

The headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (SPA)
The headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (SPA)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia Establishes Non-Profit Association of Medical Device Manufacturers

The headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (SPA)
The headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced on Tuesday the establishment of the Non-Profit Association of Medical Device Manufacturers, aimed at supporting the development and growth of the medical device industry.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s efforts to empower non-profit organizations in the industrial and mining sectors, reflecting its belief in their role in advancing the Kingdom’s economic and social development.

According to a Ministry statement, the Association seeks to encourage high-quality investments in medical device manufacturing, support factories’ compliance with the highest standards of quality and safety, raise awareness about locally produced devices and their advantages, and enhance the export efficiency of Saudi medical products.

The Association will also provide specialized advisory services, foster innovation, and help develop the skills of the workforce in the sector to strengthen its regional and global competitiveness.

The establishment of the Non-Profit Association of Medical Device Manufacturers forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to enable the non-profit sector and enhance its role in industry and mining. The initiative aims to increase its contribution and direct impact on the Kingdom’s GDP, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.