Saudi Labor Courts Conclude First Year With Over 42k Rulings

A vehicle drives past the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 18, 2017 | REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
A vehicle drives past the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 18, 2017 | REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
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Saudi Labor Courts Conclude First Year With Over 42k Rulings

A vehicle drives past the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 18, 2017 | REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
A vehicle drives past the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 18, 2017 | REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

The Saudi labor judiciary has concluded its first year since its official launch with over 42,000 rulings and 170,000 hearings, with an average of 23 days to resolve each case.

The labor courts were officially launched in November last year. “Those courts were equipped with up-to-date electronic systems, which enabled digital procedures, enhanced judicial output, and fast-tracked decisions.” Explained the ministry.

The first phase of the labor judiciary included opening 7 labor courts in major cities, 27 labor panels in various regions, and 9 appellate labor panels at six courts of appeal.

“The labor justice system has reflected positively on the business sector in the Kingdom in many aspects,” added the ministry. “We have seen indicators to an improved work environment as well as increased levels of stability among workers.”



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.