Russia Discusses Reopening its Embassy with Libyan Authorities

Russia Discusses Reopening its Embassy with Libyan Authorities
TT

Russia Discusses Reopening its Embassy with Libyan Authorities

Russia Discusses Reopening its Embassy with Libyan Authorities

A Russian delegation has discussed with Libyan officials arrangements for reopening the Russian embassy in Tripoli.

The Libyan Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Consular Affairs, Murad Ahmeima, received a delegation from the Russian Foreign Ministry headed by Director of the Planning Department Haidar Aghanid.

The Russian delegation included the Charge d'Affaires of the embassy in Libya, Djashmed Poltayev, and the mission’s second secretary, Sergei Khabarov.

The meeting focused on the necessary security arrangements for reopening the mission after it had suspended its work in 2013.

The Undersecretary welcomed the Russian delegation and praised their keenness to provide the necessary support to implement the plan to reopen the embassy.

Aghanid stressed the importance of the embassy's presence in Tripoli to support and develop historical relations between the two countries and provide services to citizens wishing to visit Russia.

He said the Russian government was willing to support the bonds of friendship between the two peoples.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.