Egyptian Govt. Supports Projects in ‘New Capital’ Despite COVID-19

Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)
Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)
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Egyptian Govt. Supports Projects in ‘New Capital’ Despite COVID-19

Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)
Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)

The Egyptian government supports the technological and telecommunications projects at the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, despite the spread of COVID-19.

Egyptian officials visited a number of projects and sites in the new capital to follow up on developments as part of the government’s plan to “coexist with the coronavirus” and resume activities.

The Health Ministry recorded 1,677 new coronavirus cases Sunday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak to 42,980, with 62 deaths and 421 discharged from isolation hospitals after receiving necessary medical care.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that construction can be completed, however, the main challenge is training employees and transfer all facilities to the new capital.

He stressed that the government transfer to the New Administrative Capital must be accompanied by the implementation of full automation of all communications between the authorities. He said all government documents and data will be electronically archived and digitized.

In April, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi postponed the launch of mega-projects, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and moving civil servants to the NAC to 2021 from 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak

Cabinet spokesperson Nader Saad said the prime minister held a meeting to discuss developing the digital capabilities of public employees, with the aim of enhancing state performance and supporting government mechanisms.

The meeting also addressed issues of transparency and corruption, calling for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions which will improve the quality of services provided to citizens.

In addition, Tourism Minister Khaled al-Anani toured the museum of the new capital to inspect recent work in preparation for its imminent opening.



Lebanon Condemns Attacks on UN Peacekeeping Mission

 A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy drives through the southern Lebanese area of Marjayoun on November 20, 2024, as the war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group continues. (AFP)
A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy drives through the southern Lebanese area of Marjayoun on November 20, 2024, as the war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group continues. (AFP)
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Lebanon Condemns Attacks on UN Peacekeeping Mission

 A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy drives through the southern Lebanese area of Marjayoun on November 20, 2024, as the war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group continues. (AFP)
A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy drives through the southern Lebanese area of Marjayoun on November 20, 2024, as the war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group continues. (AFP)

Lebanon on Monday condemned attacks on the United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) stationed in its south, including last week's rocket strike in which four Italian soldiers were lightly injured.

The 10,000-strong multi-national UNIFIL mission is monitoring hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, an area hit by fierce clashes between the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah party and Israeli forces.

Since Israel launched a ground campaign across the border against Hezbollah at the end of September, UNIFIL soldiers have suffered several attacks coming from both sides.

"Lebanon strongly condemns any attack on UNIFIL and calls on all sides to respect the safety, security of the troops and their premises," Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said during a conference in Rome.

Bou Habib spoke before attending a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Anagni, southeast of Rome, along with other colleagues from the Middle East, which was set to discuss conflicts in the region.

Bou Habib added: "Lebanon condemns recent attacks on the Italian contingent and deplores such unjustified hostilities."

Italy said Hezbollah was likely responsible for the attack carried out on Friday against its troops in UNIFIL.

Beirut's foreign minister called for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended a previous war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 with a ceasefire that has faced challenges and violations over the years.

"Lebanon is ready to fulfil its obligations stipulated in the above-mentioned resolution," Bou Habib said.

"This literally means and I quote: 'There will be no weapons without the consent of the government of Lebanon and no authority other than that of the government of Lebanon'."

Hezbollah, militarily more powerful than Lebanon's regular army, says it is defending the country from Israeli aggression. It vows to keep fighting and says it will not lay down arms or allow Israel to achieve political gains on the back of the war.