The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday.

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also notified other local authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the municipalities of its emirates, to prevent the entry of any fresh produce from Kerala, it said in a statement.

The ministry suspects that fruit bats are the source of the virus. It said it was banning fresh produce, including mangoes, dates and bananas - the bats' preferred fruits.

Indian health officials have not been able to trace the origin of the Nipah outbreak and have begun a fresh round of tests on fruit bats from Perambra, the suspected epicentre of the infection.

Kerala has sent 116 suspected cases for testing in recent weeks, 15 have been confirmed with the deadly disease and 13 of these people have died, with two patients still undergoing treatment.

No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state.

There is no vaccine for the virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

Last week, the UAE consulate in Kerala advised travellers to take precautions and follow safety instructions issued by the Indian authorities.

The Gulf state has also banned imports of live animals from South Africa, based on a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the registration of Rift Valley Fever disease, the ministry said.

South Africa's Department of Agriculture said on May 16 that an outbreak of the disease had been confirmed in sheep on a single farm in the central Free State province and that further investigations were being conducted.

Officials could not be reached on Tuesday to provide updates.

The disease is spread by mosquitoes and the department said its potential to spread was reduced by the onset of the dry winter season in the region.

Humans can be infected with Rift Valley Fever if contact is made with the blood or other body fluids of a diseased animal.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday. The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also notified other local authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the municipalities of its emirates, to prevent the entry of any fresh produce from Kerala, it said in a statement. The ministry suspects that fruit bats are the source of the virus. It said it was banning fresh produce, including mangoes, dates and bananas - the bats' preferred fruits. Indian health officials have not been able to trace the origin of the Nipah outbreak and have begun a fresh round of tests on fruit bats from Perambra, the suspected epicentre of the infection. Kerala has sent 116 suspected cases for testing in recent weeks, 15 have been confirmed with the deadly disease and 13 of these people have died, with two patients still undergoing treatment. No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. There is no vaccine for the virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Last week, the UAE consulate in Kerala advised travellers to take precautions and follow safety instructions issued by the Indian authorities. The Gulf state has also banned imports of live animals from South Africa, based on a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the registration of Rift Valley Fever disease, the ministry said. South Africa's Department of Agriculture said on May 16 that an outbreak of the disease had been confirmed in sheep on a single farm in the central Free State province and that further investigations were being conducted. Officials could not be reached on Tuesday to provide updates. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and the department said its potential to spread was reduced by the onset of the dry winter season in the region. Humans can be infected with Rift Valley Fever if contact is made with the blood or other body fluids of a diseased animal.

UAE bans fruits from Kerala after Nipah virus outbreak

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all.

Addressing a gathering at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, the Union minister said during the Modi government`s regime, their endeavour has been to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity to all and that has also made India an attractive investment spot, especially in the energy sector.

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Today India is the number 3 absolute energy consumer, our energy appetite is very high. Our per capita energy consumption is very modest which will increase in the coming years. So we request stakeholders to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan <a href="https://t.co/LcuQmmd7sE">pic.twitter.com/LcuQmmd7sE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995604057678012416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Under the leadership of PM Modi, India in the last four years has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Our government`s endeavour to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity provides a plethora of investment opportunities in India," he said according to news agency PTI while addressing over 250 Indian professionals, business leaders and community representatives working in the UAE.

Further talking about the achievement of the Modi government, Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to the UAE, said, "It has been 70 years of Independence, still there was no electricity in 18,000 villages in last two years. But in last two months, the electricity has reached to almost every village."

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India is a new and emerging market. Downstream Investment Forum is a very important forum and UAE is a reliable partner of India. I appeal all the stakeholders in this energy business to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan <a href="https://t.co/Dp9tdFyJlt">pic.twitter.com/Dp9tdFyJlt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995604047846457344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he added.

He further highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in the Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development sectors in India and also extended an invitation to the business community in the UAE for greater collaborations and increased investments in India.

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Nasser Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai, UAE. <a href="https://t.co/jxfujdrtyz">pic.twitter.com/jxfujdrtyz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995674210306375683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, Pradhan and UAE Minister of State and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of 2 million barrels of ADNOC crude for Mangalore Cavern on Saturday.

During the day, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with HE&nbspDr&nbspJaber. Minister Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador Navdeep Suri, senior officials and CEOs for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.

Pradhan is visiting UAE to follow up on the February 2018 UAE visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the visit of the Prime Minister, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) signed an agreement with the ADNOC of UAE under which the latter will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India`s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facility at Mangalore at its own cost.&nbsp

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India is our strategic partner. We are honoured & glad about Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's participation. Proud of all the Indian companies that are looking for investments: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi <a href="https://t.co/FjiluC2jfA">pic.twitter.com/FjiluC2jfA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995609957381754880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

(With PTI inputs)

"In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he said.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Addressing a gathering at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, the Union minister said during the Modi government`s regime, their endeavour has been to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity to all and that has also made India an attractive investment spot, especially in the energy sector. Today India is the number 3 absolute energy consumer, our energy appetite is very high. Our per capita energy consumption is very modest which will increase in the coming years. So we request stakeholders to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/LcuQmmd7sE — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × "Under the leadership of PM Modi, India in the last four years has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Our government`s endeavour to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity provides a plethora of investment opportunities in India," he said according to news agency PTI while addressing over 250 Indian professionals, business leaders and community representatives working in the UAE. Further talking about the achievement of the Modi government, Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to the UAE, said, "It has been 70 years of Independence, still there was no electricity in 18,000 villages in last two years. But in last two months, the electricity has reached to almost every village." India is a new and emerging market. Downstream Investment Forum is a very important forum and UAE is a reliable partner of India. I appeal all the stakeholders in this energy business to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/Dp9tdFyJlt — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × "In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he added. He further highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in the Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development sectors in India and also extended an invitation to the business community in the UAE for greater collaborations and increased investments in India. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Nasser Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai, UAE. pic.twitter.com/jxfujdrtyz — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × Yesterday, Pradhan and UAE Minister of State and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of 2 million barrels of ADNOC crude for Mangalore Cavern on Saturday. During the day, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with HE&nbspDr&nbspJaber. Minister Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador Navdeep Suri, senior officials and CEOs for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. Pradhan is visiting UAE to follow up on the February 2018 UAE visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit of the Prime Minister, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) signed an agreement with the ADNOC of UAE under which the latter will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India`s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facility at Mangalore at its own cost. India is our strategic partner. We are honoured & glad about Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's participation. Proud of all the Indian companies that are looking for investments: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi pic.twitter.com/FjiluC2jfA — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × (With PTI inputs)

Modi government providing energy justice to all: Dharmendra Pradhan

A Syrian man has been stranded inside Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia for over a month and has nowhere to go.&nbsp;

36-year-old Hassan al-Kontar left Syria in 2006 after he feared being arrested for refusing to join the military service and went to United Arab Emirates (UAE) where had worked in marketing and the energy industries until 2011. However, everything changed when the Syrian civil war happened in 2011 which ended in him losing his work permit.&nbsp;

Kontar was deported by UAE authorities to a holding center in Malaysia in January 2017. Malaysia is one of the few countries that offer visas on arrival to Syrian nationals. He was granted a three-month tourist visa after which he tried to save money to travel onwards to Ecuador, which also does not require a visa.&nbsp;

He booked a flight to Ecuador but was rejected to enter the gate of the Turkish Airline as his ticket was canceled. He felt helpless and had nowhere to go but somehow booked another flight to Cambodia which granted Syrians visas on arrival. But, when he arrived he was prohibited from entering and had his passport confiscated, officials said that Syrians could be turned away if they failed to meet the government's guidelines.&nbsp;

Kontar was forced to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), the low-cost carrier terminal, on March 7. He says Malaysia made him pay a fine for "overstaying" his tourist visa and was then "blacklisted," meaning he cannot leave the terminal to enter the country.

He has been making efforts to get out of the airport by sending emails to the right groups and making daily life update videos on Twitter - he has 8,000 followers on the social media portal - dubbing his plight 'The Terminal Part 2'. He has been sleeping on stairways and showering in toilets for disabled people.

The Terminal is a Steven Spielberg-directed film about a man (Tom Hanks) from a fictional country (Krakhozia) who gets stranded at JFK airport after war breaks out at home.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/syrian_stuck_airport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#syrian_stuck_airport</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mystory_Hassan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mystory_Hassan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airport_is_my_home?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airport_is_my_home</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/the_terminal_movie?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#the_terminal_movie</a> 
This is my 32 days <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tomhanks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tomhanks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/guardian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@guardian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TIME?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TIME</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/washingtonpost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@washingtonpost</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_Erdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RT_Erdogan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SophieT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SophieT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Maisie_Williams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Maisie_Williams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/liamcunningham1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@liamcunningham1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IAMLenaHeadey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAMLenaHeadey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nikolajcw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nikolajcw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cnni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cnni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSun</a> <a href="https://t.co/IJUupKmqv6">pic.twitter.com/IJUupKmqv6</a>
— Hassan Al Kontar (@Kontar81) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kontar81/status/982640704965914624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">7 April 2018</a></blockquote>
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He is nearly out of money and eats the same food that the airline provides - which is a package of rice and chicken - for every meal. He would occasionally get to indulge in a McDonald's meal or a coffee brought to him by the airport cleaners, who would then charge him an extra 10 Malaysian Ringgit (£1.80) for the service.

36-year-old Hassan al-Kontar says Malaysia made him pay a fine for 'overstaying' his tourist visa and also 'blacklisted' him, meaning he cannot leave the airport terminal and enter the country

A Syrian man has been stranded inside Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia for over a month and has nowhere to go. 36-year-old Hassan al-Kontar left Syria in 2006 after he feared being arrested for refusing to join the military service and went to United Arab Emirates (UAE) where had worked in marketing and the energy industries until 2011. However, everything changed when the Syrian civil war happened in 2011 which ended in him losing his work permit. Kontar was deported by UAE authorities to a holding center in Malaysia in January 2017. Malaysia is one of the few countries that offer visas on arrival to Syrian nationals. He was granted a three-month tourist visa after which he tried to save money to travel onwards to Ecuador, which also does not require a visa. He booked a flight to Ecuador but was rejected to enter the gate of the Turkish Airline as his ticket was canceled. He felt helpless and had nowhere to go but somehow booked another flight to Cambodia which granted Syrians visas on arrival. But, when he arrived he was prohibited from entering and had his passport confiscated, officials said that Syrians could be turned away if they failed to meet the government's guidelines. Kontar was forced to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), the low-cost carrier terminal, on March 7. He says Malaysia made him pay a fine for "overstaying" his tourist visa and was then "blacklisted," meaning he cannot leave the terminal to enter the country. He has been making efforts to get out of the airport by sending emails to the right groups and making daily life update videos on Twitter - he has 8,000 followers on the social media portal - dubbing his plight 'The Terminal Part 2'. He has been sleeping on stairways and showering in toilets for disabled people. The Terminal is a Steven Spielberg-directed film about a man (Tom Hanks) from a fictional country (Krakhozia) who gets stranded at JFK airport after war breaks out at home. #syrian_stuck_airport#mystory_Hassan #airport_is_my_home#the_terminal_movie This is my 32 days @JustinTrudeau @tomhanks @guardian @AP @TIME @washingtonpost @nytimes @RT_Erdogan @SophieT @Maisie_Williams @liamcunningham1 @IAMLenaHeadey @nikolajcw @FoxNews @cnni @ABC @TheSun pic.twitter.com/IJUupKmqv6 — Hassan Al Kontar (@Kontar81) 7 April 2018 × He is nearly out of money and eats the same food that the airline provides - which is a package of rice and chicken - for every meal. He would occasionally get to indulge in a McDonald's meal or a coffee brought to him by the airport cleaners, who would then charge him an extra 10 Malaysian Ringgit (£1.80) for the service.

Video: Syrian man stuck at Kuala Lumpur airport for 54 days, dubs plight 'The Terminal Part 2'

The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that it will give Lebanon`s armed forces $200 million (162.5 million euros) in aid to help "stabilise" the country.

The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders war-torn Syria.

The oil-rich Gulf country said its support was a "continuation of efforts made for the stability and prosperity of (Lebanon`s) people."

The "resilience and strength" of Lebanon`s military and security institutions was a priority given the region`s "delicate circumstances", the statement said.

At a mid-March meeting in Rome, the international community pledged to help strengthen the Lebanese army.

France, in particular, said it would release a credit line of 400 million euros ($492 million).

On Friday, the international community announced it would provide more than $11 billion to modernise Lebanon`s economy and strengthen its stability, threatened by regional crises, particularly the war in neighbouring Syria.

The loans and donations, announced at a conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese economy, are intended to help finance investment projects over the next five years.

Fears of an economic crisis have hovered over the small Middle Eastern country since the crisis in Syria began more than seven years ago, pushing more than one million refugees to flee across the border into Lebanon.

The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders war-torn Syria

The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that it will give Lebanon`s armed forces $200 million (162.5 million euros) in aid to help "stabilise" the country. The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders war-torn Syria. The oil-rich Gulf country said its support was a "continuation of efforts made for the stability and prosperity of (Lebanon`s) people." The "resilience and strength" of Lebanon`s military and security institutions was a priority given the region`s "delicate circumstances", the statement said. At a mid-March meeting in Rome, the international community pledged to help strengthen the Lebanese army. France, in particular, said it would release a credit line of 400 million euros ($492 million). On Friday, the international community announced it would provide more than $11 billion to modernise Lebanon`s economy and strengthen its stability, threatened by regional crises, particularly the war in neighbouring Syria. The loans and donations, announced at a conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese economy, are intended to help finance investment projects over the next five years. Fears of an economic crisis have hovered over the small Middle Eastern country since the crisis in Syria began more than seven years ago, pushing more than one million refugees to flee across the border into Lebanon.

UAE pledges $200 million to support Lebanon armed forces

The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump would host the United Arab Emirates' Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, but did not specify a date.&nbsp

The news comes after Washington said Trump would host Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on April 10 in an effort to end a diplomatic spat that has riven America's Gulf allies.&nbsp

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar last year, accusing Doha of bankrolling Islamist extremists and fostering ties with Saudi arch-rival Iran.

The White House said Trump spoke on the phone with bin Zayed, his country's de facto ruler, "to discuss regional developments and opportunities for increasing cooperation on a range of security and economic issues."

A statement added: "The leaders agreed that all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states can and should do more to increase coordination with each other and with the United States to ensure the peace and prosperity of the people in the region."

It said the pair "agreed on the importance of a united GCC," in what appeared to be a reference to the regional dispute, since the GCC member countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Trump had taken a hard line against Qatar, saying the country needed to scale back ties with Iran and stop funding extremism.

Aides -- mindful of the pivotal role that the Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha plays in US Middle East operations -- have since convinced him to take a more moderate approach.

The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump would host the United Arab Emirates' Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, but did not specify a date

The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump would host the United Arab Emirates' Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, but did not specify a date. The news comes after Washington said Trump would host Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on April 10 in an effort to end a diplomatic spat that has riven America's Gulf allies. Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar last year, accusing Doha of bankrolling Islamist extremists and fostering ties with Saudi arch-rival Iran. The White House said Trump spoke on the phone with bin Zayed, his country's de facto ruler, "to discuss regional developments and opportunities for increasing cooperation on a range of security and economic issues." A statement added: "The leaders agreed that all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states can and should do more to increase coordination with each other and with the United States to ensure the peace and prosperity of the people in the region." It said the pair "agreed on the importance of a united GCC," in what appeared to be a reference to the regional dispute, since the GCC member countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Trump had taken a hard line against Qatar, saying the country needed to scale back ties with Iran and stop funding extremism. Aides -- mindful of the pivotal role that the Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha plays in US Middle East operations -- have since convinced him to take a more moderate approach.

Trump to host UAE Crown Prince, calls for Gulf unity

United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team skipper Rohan Mustafa and Zimbabwe batsman Sean Williams have been fined 15 per cent of their match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Both the players breached the code of conduct during their Thursday&#39;s Super Six match in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Harare Sports Club.

Rohan was found to have breached Article 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to &quot;using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match&quot;.

While Williams was found guilty of violating Article 2.1.4, which deals with &quot;using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match&quot;.

Apart from fine, one demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of the two players.

The incident happened on the final ball of the 37th over when the two players exchanged inappropriate language after Rohan dismissed Williams.

later, they admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by David Jukes.

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Gregory Brathwaite, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Simon Fry.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player&#39;s match fee, and one or two demerit points.&nbsp;

One demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of the two players

United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team skipper Rohan Mustafa and Zimbabwe batsman Sean Williams have been fined 15 per cent of their match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Both the players breached the code of conduct during their Thursday's Super Six match in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Harare Sports Club. Rohan was found to have breached Article 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match". While Williams was found guilty of violating Article 2.1.4, which deals with "using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match". Apart from fine, one demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of the two players. The incident happened on the final ball of the 37th over when the two players exchanged inappropriate language after Rohan dismissed Williams. later, they admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by David Jukes. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Gregory Brathwaite, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Simon Fry. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points.

ICC WC Qualifier: Rohan Mustafa, Sean Williams fined for indiscipline

India&#39;s most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim&#39;s key aide and an accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, Farooq Takla was brought back to Mumbai on Thursday after he was deported from United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As per reports, an Air India flight number AI 996 carrying Takla landed in Mumbai earlier this morning.

Takla, is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and will be produced in Mumbai&#39;s Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court later in the day.

He fled from India after 1993 Mumbai blasts, following which a Red Corner Notice was issued against him in 1995.

Apart from this, Takla also faces criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and several other charges.

At least 27 other accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, continue to elude and are declared as absconders.

As per reports, an Air India flight number AI 996 carrying Takla landed in Mumbai earlier this morning

India's most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's key aide and an accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, Farooq Takla was brought back to Mumbai on Thursday after he was deported from United Arab Emirates (UAE). As per reports, an Air India flight number AI 996 carrying Takla landed in Mumbai earlier this morning. Takla, is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and will be produced in Mumbai's Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court later in the day. He fled from India after 1993 Mumbai blasts, following which a Red Corner Notice was issued against him in 1995. Apart from this, Takla also faces criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and several other charges. At least 27 other accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, continue to elude and are declared as absconders.

Dawood's key aide arrested, brought to Mumbai from Dubai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah.

The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata&#39;a).

After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the Mausoleum, the Prime Minister will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata&#39;a.

The Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard.

The Prime Minister on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there.

Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which is his transit to Palestine. The prime minister&#39;s office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit.

After Palestine, the Prime Minister would visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

The Prime Minister will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day.

Prior to Prime Minister Modi, former President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine in October 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat. Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah. The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata'a). After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the Mausoleum, the Prime Minister will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum. Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata'a. The Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard. The Prime Minister on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which is his transit to Palestine. The prime minister's office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit. After Palestine, the Prime Minister would visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. The Prime Minister will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day. Prior to Prime Minister Modi, former President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine in October 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Palestine: All you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a four-day State visit to Palestine, the United Arab Emirates and Oman from today.

This is the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, and Prime Minister Modi&#39;s second visit to UAE and first to Oman. Modi will conclude his three-nation tour on February 12.

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&#39;&#39;Prime Minister of India will be on a State visit to Palestine, UAE and Oman from 9-12 February 2018. This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, and Prime Minister Modi&#39;s second visit to UAE and first to Oman,&#39;&#39;&#39; the MEA said in a statement earlier.&nbsp;

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with the leaders of the three countries, apart from participating in other events.

Prime Minister would be addressing the Sixth World Government Summit being held in Dubai at which India has been extended &#39;Guest of Honour&#39; status.

He will also meet the Indian community in UAE and Oman.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with the leaders of the three countries, apart from participating in other events.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a four-day State visit to Palestine, the United Arab Emirates and Oman from today. This is the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, and Prime Minister Modi's second visit to UAE and first to Oman. Modi will conclude his three-nation tour on February 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on three nation visit to Palestine, Oman and the UAE. pic.twitter.com/HhTYMAu7Ld — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2018 × ''Prime Minister of India will be on a State visit to Palestine, UAE and Oman from 9-12 February 2018. This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, and Prime Minister Modi's second visit to UAE and first to Oman,''' the MEA said in a statement earlier. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with the leaders of the three countries, apart from participating in other events. Prime Minister would be addressing the Sixth World Government Summit being held in Dubai at which India has been extended 'Guest of Honour' status. He will also meet the Indian community in UAE and Oman.

PM Modi begins 4-day visit to Palestine, UAE  and Oman

A rise in tension between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in a row over military flights threatens US&nbsp;strategic interests in the Gulf and could benefit regional rival Iran.

Abu Dhabi says Qatari air force jets intercepted two UAE civilian aircraft on commercial flights to Bahrain last month, and Doha says UAE military aircraft violated its airspace on Dec. 21 and January 3.

Each denies the other&#39;s accusations and the two energy-producing states have sought to ease the dispute. The risk of a confrontation between them has increased but a war between them is unlikely, regional experts say.

The increase in tension, seven months after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt imposed travel and trade sanctions on Qatar over accusations -- denied by Doha -- that it supports terrorism and regional rival Iran, has alarmed Washington.

&quot;When you have Qatari (military) planes being scrambled near a civilian airliner, it runs the risk of an incident that, even unplanned, could result in the loss of lives and escalate this into an situation Gulf countries have never had among each other,&quot; said a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Gabriel Collins, an expert on financial sanctions at Rice University in Texas, said &quot;military posturing&quot; against a background of underlying tension because of the diplomatic and trade sanctions &quot;left space for a miscalculation.&quot;

&quot;A very small spark can, in a worst-case scenario, light a huge fire,&quot; he said.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary James Mattis has said the fracturing of ties among its Gulf Arab allies hinders Washington&#39;s fight against Islamic State and &quot;countering the spread of Iran&#39;s malign influence&quot;.

Iran has criticised the restrictions on Qatar and called for the rift to be resolved through dialogue. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has lamented what he called a &quot;dialogue deficit&quot; in the region.

The Gulf is a strategically important area for the United States. The US&nbsp;Fifth Fleet is based in Bahrain and the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is a centre of its air operations against Islamic State.

&quot;The United States considers both Qatar and the UAE to be critical regional partners,&quot; a US&nbsp;Air Forces Central Command spokesman in Qatar said in response to a Reuters request for comment on the incidents. He called for &quot;meaningful solutions to reduce tensions.&quot;

The base would be crucial if the United States were to go to war with Iran, which Washington says sponsors terrorism and is a threat to stability and US&nbsp;interests in the Middle East. Tehran denies the accusations.

Abu Dhabi says Qatari air force jets intercepted two UAE civilian aircraft on commercial flights to Bahrain last month, and Doha says UAE military aircraft violated its airspace on Dec. 21 and January 3

A rise in tension between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in a row over military flights threatens US strategic interests in the Gulf and could benefit regional rival Iran. Abu Dhabi says Qatari air force jets intercepted two UAE civilian aircraft on commercial flights to Bahrain last month, and Doha says UAE military aircraft violated its airspace on Dec. 21 and January 3. Each denies the other's accusations and the two energy-producing states have sought to ease the dispute. The risk of a confrontation between them has increased but a war between them is unlikely, regional experts say. The increase in tension, seven months after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt imposed travel and trade sanctions on Qatar over accusations -- denied by Doha -- that it supports terrorism and regional rival Iran, has alarmed Washington. "When you have Qatari (military) planes being scrambled near a civilian airliner, it runs the risk of an incident that, even unplanned, could result in the loss of lives and escalate this into an situation Gulf countries have never had among each other," said a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. Gabriel Collins, an expert on financial sanctions at Rice University in Texas, said "military posturing" against a background of underlying tension because of the diplomatic and trade sanctions "left space for a miscalculation." "A very small spark can, in a worst-case scenario, light a huge fire," he said. US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said the fracturing of ties among its Gulf Arab allies hinders Washington's fight against Islamic State and "countering the spread of Iran's malign influence". Iran has criticised the restrictions on Qatar and called for the rift to be resolved through dialogue. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has lamented what he called a "dialogue deficit" in the region. The Gulf is a strategically important area for the United States. The US Fifth Fleet is based in Bahrain and the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is a centre of its air operations against Islamic State. "The United States considers both Qatar and the UAE to be critical regional partners," a US Air Forces Central Command spokesman in Qatar said in response to a Reuters request for comment on the incidents. He called for "meaningful solutions to reduce tensions." The base would be crucial if the United States were to go to war with Iran, which Washington says sponsors terrorism and is a threat to stability and US interests in the Middle East. Tehran denies the accusations.

Iran could be winner, US a loser from UAE-Qatar tensions

The United Arab Emirates said on Monday that Qatari fighter jets intercepted an Emirati civilian aircraft during a routine flight to Bahrain, which Qatar denied, escalating a months-old feud between the Gulf Arab states.

The UAE Civil Aviation authority condemned the alleged incident and said it would take &quot;all necessary legal measures to ensure the safety and security of civil air traffic.&quot;

Sheikh Saif Bin Ahmed al-Thani, the director of Qatar`s government communications office, said on his official Twitter account that the charge was &quot;completely untrue&quot;.

The UAE is one of four Arab countries, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, that imposed travel, diplomatic and trade sanctions on Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied the charges.

On Friday, Qatar filed a complaint with the United Nations about an alleged violation of its airspace in December by an Emirati military aircraft.

Qatari authorities said the violation on Dec. 21, which the UAE denied, lasted one minute.

The UAE Civil Aviation authority condemned the alleged incident and said it would take "all necessary legal measures to ensure the safety and security of civil air traffic."

The United Arab Emirates said on Monday that Qatari fighter jets intercepted an Emirati civilian aircraft during a routine flight to Bahrain, which Qatar denied, escalating a months-old feud between the Gulf Arab states. The UAE Civil Aviation authority condemned the alleged incident and said it would take "all necessary legal measures to ensure the safety and security of civil air traffic." Sheikh Saif Bin Ahmed al-Thani, the director of Qatar`s government communications office, said on his official Twitter account that the charge was "completely untrue". The UAE is one of four Arab countries, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, that imposed travel, diplomatic and trade sanctions on Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied the charges. On Friday, Qatar filed a complaint with the United Nations about an alleged violation of its airspace in December by an Emirati military aircraft. Qatari authorities said the violation on Dec. 21, which the UAE denied, lasted one minute.

UAE says Qatari fighter jets intercepted civilian flight

Egypt&#39;s former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq said on Sunday that he will not now be a candidate in this year&#39;s presidential election, reversing a previous pledge to stand.

His decision to step aside is likely to pave the way for the poll to be dominated by incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The National Elections Authority is expected to announce a date for the election on Tuesday.

Shafiq&#39;s decision not to stand came after he was returned to Egypt last month from the United Arab Emirates, where he had lived in exile since 2012.&nbsp;

&quot;I have decided to not run in the upcoming 2018 presidential elections,&quot; Shafiq said in a statement posted online.

&quot;I saw that I will not be the best person to lead the country in the coming period.&quot;

Shafiq was appointed premier by former president Hosni Mubarak shortly before he was toppled in 2011. He was seen as a main challenger for Sisi who has not yet officially announcing his candidacy but is expected to cruise to a new term.

&quot;His withdrawal from the elections might be leaving the scene void of any strong personality that can challenge President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi,&quot; said Mustapha Kamel al-Sayyid, a political science professor at Cairo University.

Shafiq announced his plan to stand in a November 29 video from the UAE, saying that it seemed Egypt needed &quot;new blood&quot; to face &quot;many problems in all aspects of life&quot;.

After angering his Emirati hosts by saying in a video first aired by Al-Jazeera that he was being prevented from leaving the country, his aides said he was deported on December 2.

After arriving in Egypt, Shafiq disappeared for around 24 hours before reemerging to tell a talk show host he was reconsidering his bid for the presidency.

On Sunday Shafiq appeared to have dramatically changed his tune on the situation in Egypt.

Being in exile &quot;may have kept me away from carefully following updates in the homeland, of progress and accomplishments,&quot; he said.

Shafiq narrowly lost out on the presidency in 2012 to Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

After the election, he was tried in absentia on corruption charges, and was eventually acquitted.

Sisi, a former army chief, was elected president in 2014, a year after leading the military&#39;s ouster of Morsi.

&quot;Shafiq was considered a strong potential candidate to challenge President Sisi as he enjoyed popularity when he ran in the 2012 presidential elections,&quot; Sayyid said.

&quot;Perhaps many people are nostalgic for the days of Hosni Mubarak, who see Shafiq as a continuation of Mubarak&#39;s rule. That&#39;s why it was expected he would attract a large number of voters,&quot; he said.

Other potential candidates may not be able to be muster similar interest, Sayyid added.Such candidates include Khaled Ali, a rights lawyer and presidential candidate in 2012 who challenged the government over Red Sea islands Egypt gave to Saudi Arabia.

In November, Ali announced his intention to stand again in 2018.

However, he had been sentenced in September in absentia to three months in jail on accusations of &quot;offending public decency&quot;, a ruling he appealed.

This was in relation to a photograph, that Ali says was fabricated and that appeared to show him making an obscene gesture while celebrating a court ruling in the case of the islands&#39;&nbsp;transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Ali said only the committee organising the election can decide whether that ruling would disqualify him as a candidate.

Another presidential hopeful, military colonel Ahmed Konsowa, was given six years in prison in December by a military court after the previous month announcing his intention to stand.

Konsowa&#39;s lawyer said his client was given the jail sentence for stating political opinions while still in the military, even though Konsowa said he had been trying to resign from the military for more than three years.

Lawyer Asaad Heikal said Konsowa had only followed Sisi&#39;s example in announcing his candidacy.

Sisi was in uniform when he did so, before later resigning as defence minister.

PM's decision to step aside is likely to pave the way for the poll to be dominated by incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

Egypt's former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq said on Sunday that he will not now be a candidate in this year's presidential election, reversing a previous pledge to stand. His decision to step aside is likely to pave the way for the poll to be dominated by incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The National Elections Authority is expected to announce a date for the election on Tuesday. Shafiq's decision not to stand came after he was returned to Egypt last month from the United Arab Emirates, where he had lived in exile since 2012. "I have decided to not run in the upcoming 2018 presidential elections," Shafiq said in a statement posted online. "I saw that I will not be the best person to lead the country in the coming period." Shafiq was appointed premier by former president Hosni Mubarak shortly before he was toppled in 2011. He was seen as a main challenger for Sisi who has not yet officially announcing his candidacy but is expected to cruise to a new term. "His withdrawal from the elections might be leaving the scene void of any strong personality that can challenge President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi," said Mustapha Kamel al-Sayyid, a political science professor at Cairo University. Shafiq announced his plan to stand in a November 29 video from the UAE, saying that it seemed Egypt needed "new blood" to face "many problems in all aspects of life". After angering his Emirati hosts by saying in a video first aired by Al-Jazeera that he was being prevented from leaving the country, his aides said he was deported on December 2. After arriving in Egypt, Shafiq disappeared for around 24 hours before reemerging to tell a talk show host he was reconsidering his bid for the presidency. On Sunday Shafiq appeared to have dramatically changed his tune on the situation in Egypt. Being in exile "may have kept me away from carefully following updates in the homeland, of progress and accomplishments," he said. Shafiq narrowly lost out on the presidency in 2012 to Islamist president Mohammed Morsi. After the election, he was tried in absentia on corruption charges, and was eventually acquitted. Sisi, a former army chief, was elected president in 2014, a year after leading the military's ouster of Morsi. "Shafiq was considered a strong potential candidate to challenge President Sisi as he enjoyed popularity when he ran in the 2012 presidential elections," Sayyid said. "Perhaps many people are nostalgic for the days of Hosni Mubarak, who see Shafiq as a continuation of Mubarak's rule. That's why it was expected he would attract a large number of voters," he said. Other potential candidates may not be able to be muster similar interest, Sayyid added.Such candidates include Khaled Ali, a rights lawyer and presidential candidate in 2012 who challenged the government over Red Sea islands Egypt gave to Saudi Arabia. In November, Ali announced his intention to stand again in 2018. However, he had been sentenced in September in absentia to three months in jail on accusations of "offending public decency", a ruling he appealed. This was in relation to a photograph, that Ali says was fabricated and that appeared to show him making an obscene gesture while celebrating a court ruling in the case of the islands' transfer to Saudi Arabia. Ali said only the committee organising the election can decide whether that ruling would disqualify him as a candidate. Another presidential hopeful, military colonel Ahmed Konsowa, was given six years in prison in December by a military court after the previous month announcing his intention to stand. Konsowa's lawyer said his client was given the jail sentence for stating political opinions while still in the military, even though Konsowa said he had been trying to resign from the military for more than three years. Lawyer Asaad Heikal said Konsowa had only followed Sisi's example in announcing his candidacy. Sisi was in uniform when he did so, before later resigning as defence minister.

Egypt ex-PM Shafiq says will not stand for president in 2018

British foreign minister Boris Johnson will travel to Iran on Saturday to lobby counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif for the release of jailed Iranian-British aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

The trip will be only the third by a British foreign minister to Iran in the last 14 years, and takes place against a complex backdrop of historical, regional and bilateral tensions.

Johnson has vowed to leave &quot;no stone unturned&quot; in Britain&#39;s efforts to free Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, who was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment. She denies the charges.

&quot;The Foreign Secretary will urge the Iranians to release dual nationals where there are humanitarian grounds to do so,&quot; a foreign office spokesman said.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe is not the only dual national being held in Iran, but has become the most high profile after Johnson said she had been teaching people journalism before her arrest in April 2016, in remarks critics said could have prompted Iran to extend her sentence.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation, a charity organisation that is independent of Thomson Reuters and operates independently of Reuters News, said Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been on holiday and had not been teaching journalism in Iran. Johnson has since apologised for his comments.

There were calls for his resignation - something which threatened to destabilise Prime Minister Theresa May&#39;s minority government at a crucial point in Britain&#39;s Brexit negotiations.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been told she will appear in court on Dec. 10, her husband Richard has said.

Pitfalls

The visit will be sandwiched between meetings in Oman and the United Arab Emirates as Johnson - a key proponent of Britain&#39;s exit from the European Union - takes advantage of a gap in a domestic parliamentary calendar dominated by Brexit.

Johnson was a surprise choice for Britain&#39;s top diplomat when he was appointed by May in 2016. He has a record of political gaffes and use of florid and sometimes undiplomatic language.

The visit will test his ability to navigate a political landscape littered with potential pitfalls. Iran&#39;s 1979 Islamic Revolution turned it into a pariah state for most of the West and many Middle Eastern neighbours.

International sanctions have only recently been lifted as part of a multilateral nuclear deal to curb Iran&#39;s disputed uranium enrichment programme. That deal is under threat after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to decertify Iran&#39;s compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Britain has voiced its continued support for the nuclear deal but is one of a number of Western powers voicing concerns about Tehran&#39;s &quot;destabilising&quot; influence in the region.

&ldquo;This visit comes at a crucial time for the Gulf region and provides an opportunity to discuss a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen, the future of the Iran nuclear deal and the current volatility in the Middle East,&quot; the spokesman said.

British foreign minister Boris Johnson will travel to Iran on Saturday to lobby counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif for the release of jailed Iranian-British aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

British foreign minister Boris Johnson will travel to Iran on Saturday to lobby counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif for the release of jailed Iranian-British aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. The trip will be only the third by a British foreign minister to Iran in the last 14 years, and takes place against a complex backdrop of historical, regional and bilateral tensions. Johnson has vowed to leave "no stone unturned" in Britain's efforts to free Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, who was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment. She denies the charges. "The Foreign Secretary will urge the Iranians to release dual nationals where there are humanitarian grounds to do so," a foreign office spokesman said. Zaghari-Ratcliffe is not the only dual national being held in Iran, but has become the most high profile after Johnson said she had been teaching people journalism before her arrest in April 2016, in remarks critics said could have prompted Iran to extend her sentence. The Thomson Reuters Foundation, a charity organisation that is independent of Thomson Reuters and operates independently of Reuters News, said Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been on holiday and had not been teaching journalism in Iran. Johnson has since apologised for his comments. There were calls for his resignation - something which threatened to destabilise Prime Minister Theresa May's minority government at a crucial point in Britain's Brexit negotiations. Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been told she will appear in court on Dec. 10, her husband Richard has said. Pitfalls The visit will be sandwiched between meetings in Oman and the United Arab Emirates as Johnson - a key proponent of Britain's exit from the European Union - takes advantage of a gap in a domestic parliamentary calendar dominated by Brexit. Johnson was a surprise choice for Britain's top diplomat when he was appointed by May in 2016. He has a record of political gaffes and use of florid and sometimes undiplomatic language. The visit will test his ability to navigate a political landscape littered with potential pitfalls. Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution turned it into a pariah state for most of the West and many Middle Eastern neighbours. International sanctions have only recently been lifted as part of a multilateral nuclear deal to curb Iran's disputed uranium enrichment programme. That deal is under threat after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to decertify Iran's compliance with the terms of the agreement. Britain has voiced its continued support for the nuclear deal but is one of a number of Western powers voicing concerns about Tehran's "destabilising" influence in the region. “This visit comes at a crucial time for the Gulf region and provides an opportunity to discuss a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen, the future of the Iran nuclear deal and the current volatility in the Middle East," the spokesman said.

British foreign minister to visit Iran, lobby for jailed aid worker

The United Arab Emirates on Sunday denied a report that Yemen&#39;s Houthi group had fired a missile towards a nuclear plant in the UAE, state news agency WAM reported on its Twitter account.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-group-says-fires-missile-toward-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25754" target="_blank">Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen&#39;s Houthi rebels</a>

It quoted the UAE&#39;s emergency and crisis management department as saying the UAE possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats and adding the al-Barakah nuclear plant was secure against all eventualities.

The UAE said it possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats

The United Arab Emirates on Sunday denied a report that Yemen's Houthi group had fired a missile towards a nuclear plant in the UAE, state news agency WAM reported on its Twitter account. Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels It quoted the UAE's emergency and crisis management department as saying the UAE possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats and adding the al-Barakah nuclear plant was secure against all eventualities.

UAE denies Yemen's Houthis fired missile at Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor

Air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition left at least three civilians wounded in Yemen&#39;s rebel-held capital Sanaa late Friday, witnesses said.&nbsp;

The strikes hit a residential area near the ministry of defence building, which had been targeted just before.

&quot;I was sitting at home and heard the first strike hit the ministry of defence. Everyone was afraid. Minutes later, another strike hit my neighbour&#39;s house,&quot; resident Mohammed Aatif said.

&quot;My entire house shook,&quot; said Aatif, who fled with his family from the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

He said the strike destroyed his neighbour&#39;s house, leaving an enormous crater, and damaged others.&nbsp;

Witnesses said the number of casualties may rise as wounded are pulled from the rubble.

The coalition has targeted the nearby defence ministry in the past, leaving it heavily damaged, but the fresh strikes come amid a ratcheting up of tensions between Saudi Arabia and its rival Iran, which backs the Huthi rebels.

Saudi Arabia and its allies shut down Yemen&#39;s borders earlier this week after intercepting a ballistic missile fired by the Huthis near Riyadh airport on Saturday.

The rebels have threatened additional attacks on Saudi Arabia and its coalition partner the United Arab Emirates in response to the blockade.

The United Nations said on Friday that the coalition is still blocking desperately needed UN aid deliveries to Yemen despite the re-opening of the Yemeni port of Aden and also a land border crossing.&nbsp;

This week, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council that, unless the blockade was lifted, Yemen would face &quot;the largest famine the world has seen for many decades, with millions of victims&quot;.

The world body has listed Yemen as the world&#39;s number one humanitarian crisis, with 17 million people in need of food, seven million of whom are at risk of famine.&nbsp;

More than 2,000 Yemenis have died in a cholera outbreak now affecting nearly one million people.

Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in neighbouring Yemen in March 2015 with the stated aim of rolling back Huthi rebel gains and restoring the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to power.

The Huthis continue to control the capital Sanaa and much of Yemen&#39;s north.&nbsp;

The conflict has left more than 8,650 people dead, including many civilians.

The strikes hit a residential area near the ministry of defence building

Air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition left at least three civilians wounded in Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa late Friday, witnesses said. The strikes hit a residential area near the ministry of defence building, which had been targeted just before. "I was sitting at home and heard the first strike hit the ministry of defence. Everyone was afraid. Minutes later, another strike hit my neighbour's house," resident Mohammed Aatif said. "My entire house shook," said Aatif, who fled with his family from the neighbourhood. He said the strike destroyed his neighbour's house, leaving an enormous crater, and damaged others. Witnesses said the number of casualties may rise as wounded are pulled from the rubble. The coalition has targeted the nearby defence ministry in the past, leaving it heavily damaged, but the fresh strikes come amid a ratcheting up of tensions between Saudi Arabia and its rival Iran, which backs the Huthi rebels. Saudi Arabia and its allies shut down Yemen's borders earlier this week after intercepting a ballistic missile fired by the Huthis near Riyadh airport on Saturday. The rebels have threatened additional attacks on Saudi Arabia and its coalition partner the United Arab Emirates in response to the blockade. The United Nations said on Friday that the coalition is still blocking desperately needed UN aid deliveries to Yemen despite the re-opening of the Yemeni port of Aden and also a land border crossing. This week, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council that, unless the blockade was lifted, Yemen would face "the largest famine the world has seen for many decades, with millions of victims". The world body has listed Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis, with 17 million people in need of food, seven million of whom are at risk of famine. More than 2,000 Yemenis have died in a cholera outbreak now affecting nearly one million people. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in neighbouring Yemen in March 2015 with the stated aim of rolling back Huthi rebel gains and restoring the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to power. The Huthis continue to control the capital Sanaa and much of Yemen's north. The conflict has left more than 8,650 people dead, including many civilians.

Saudi-led strikes on Yemen capital, three civilians wounded

The four Arab countries that have cut ties with Qatar said on Sunday they were ready for talks to tackle the dispute if Doha showed willingness to deal with their demands.

The foreign ministers of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates met in the Bahraini capital, Manama, to discuss the crisis that has raised tensions across the region.

The Saudi-led bloc cut ties with the Gulf state on June 5, accusing it of backing militant groups and cosying up to their arch-foe Iran, allegations Doha denies.

Diplomatic efforts led by Kuwait and backed by Western powers have failed to end the dispute, in which the four states have severed travel and communications with Qatar.

&quot;The four countries are ready for dialogue with Qatar with the condition that it announces its sincere willingness to stop funding terrorism and extremism and its commitment to not interfere in other countries&#39; foreign affairs and respond to the 13 demands,&quot; Bahrain&#39;s foreign minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa, told a joint news conference after the meeting.

They announced no new economic sanctions on the Gulf state.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain previously issued a list of 13 demands for Qatar, which include curtailing its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, shutting down the Doha-based Al Jazeera channel, closing a Turkish military base and downgrading its relations with Gulf enemy Iran.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Qatar was not serious in tackling the countries&#39; demands.

&quot;We are ready to talk with Qatar on the implementation of the demands, on the implementation of the principles, if Qatar is serious, but it has been clear that it is not,&quot; he said.

The four countries have also listed &quot;six principles&quot; they want Qatar to adopt.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani dismissed Sunday&#39;s statement from the four countries and said sanctions were violating international laws.

&quot;There isn&#39;t a clear vision (from Manama&#39;s meeting), there is only a stubborn policy from the blockading countries and refusal to admit that these are illegal actions,&quot; Sheikh Mohammed told Al Jazeera TV channel.

Earlier on Sunday, al-Hayat newspaper said, citing unidentified Gulf sources, that the four countries &quot;are expected to impose sanctions that will gradually affect the Qatari economy.&quot;

Saudi Arabia has closed its land border with Qatar, while all four countries have cut air and sea links with Doha, demanding the gas-exporting country take several measures to show it was changing its policies.

Turkey and Iran have stepped in to provide fresh produce, poultry and dairy products to Qatar instead of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Oman providing alternative ports to those in the UAE.

The four Arab countries added 18 groups and individuals they say are linked to Qatar to their &quot;terrorist&quot; lists last week.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have listed 'six principles' they want Qatar to adopt

The four Arab countries that have cut ties with Qatar said on Sunday they were ready for talks to tackle the dispute if Doha showed willingness to deal with their demands. The foreign ministers of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates met in the Bahraini capital, Manama, to discuss the crisis that has raised tensions across the region. The Saudi-led bloc cut ties with the Gulf state on June 5, accusing it of backing militant groups and cosying up to their arch-foe Iran, allegations Doha denies. Diplomatic efforts led by Kuwait and backed by Western powers have failed to end the dispute, in which the four states have severed travel and communications with Qatar. "The four countries are ready for dialogue with Qatar with the condition that it announces its sincere willingness to stop funding terrorism and extremism and its commitment to not interfere in other countries' foreign affairs and respond to the 13 demands," Bahrain's foreign minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa, told a joint news conference after the meeting. They announced no new economic sanctions on the Gulf state. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain previously issued a list of 13 demands for Qatar, which include curtailing its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, shutting down the Doha-based Al Jazeera channel, closing a Turkish military base and downgrading its relations with Gulf enemy Iran. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Qatar was not serious in tackling the countries' demands. "We are ready to talk with Qatar on the implementation of the demands, on the implementation of the principles, if Qatar is serious, but it has been clear that it is not," he said. The four countries have also listed "six principles" they want Qatar to adopt. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani dismissed Sunday's statement from the four countries and said sanctions were violating international laws. "There isn't a clear vision (from Manama's meeting), there is only a stubborn policy from the blockading countries and refusal to admit that these are illegal actions," Sheikh Mohammed told Al Jazeera TV channel. Earlier on Sunday, al-Hayat newspaper said, citing unidentified Gulf sources, that the four countries "are expected to impose sanctions that will gradually affect the Qatari economy." Saudi Arabia has closed its land border with Qatar, while all four countries have cut air and sea links with Doha, demanding the gas-exporting country take several measures to show it was changing its policies. Turkey and Iran have stepped in to provide fresh produce, poultry and dairy products to Qatar instead of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Oman providing alternative ports to those in the UAE. The four Arab countries added 18 groups and individuals they say are linked to Qatar to their "terrorist" lists last week.

Four Arab countries ready to talk with Qatar, with conditions

The United Arab Emirates arranged for Qatari government social media and news sites to be hacked in late May in order to post fiery but false quotes linked to Qatar&#39;s emir, prompting a diplomatic crisis, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/uae-hacked-qatari-government-sites-sparking-regional-upheaval-according-to-us-intelligence-officials/2017/07/16/00c46e54-698f-11e7-8eb5-cbccc2e7bfbf_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_usqatar-640pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&amp;utm_term=.8eb6d0263976" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> reported on Sunday, citing US&nbsp;intelligence officials, Reuters reports.

The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, had been quoted in May as praising Hamas and saying that Iran was an &quot;Islamic power,&quot; the Post reported. In response, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar said in late May that hackers had posted fake remarks by the emir, an explanation rejected by Gulf states.

<h3 style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;</h3>

<h3 style="font-style: italic;">Related:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/website-says-report-of-plot-to-strip-qatar-of-world-cup-was-fake-17986" target="_blank">Website says report of plot to strip Qatar of World Cup was &#39;fake&#39;</a></h3>

&nbsp;

The Post reported that US intelligence officials learned last week of newly analyzed information that showed that top UAE government officials discussed the planned hacks on May 23, the day before they occurred.

The officials said it was unclear if the UAE hacked the websites or paid for them to be carried out, the newspaper reported. The Post did not identify the intelligence officials it spoke to for the report.

The hacks and posting took place on May 24, shortly after President Trump completed a lengthy counterterrorism meeting with Persian Gulf leaders in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and declared them unified, the Washington Post reports.

UAE Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba denied the report in a statement, saying it was &quot;false,&quot; the Post said.

&quot;What is true is Qatar&rsquo;s behavior. Funding, supporting, and enabling extremists from the Taliban to Hamas and Qadafi. Inciting violence, encouraging radicalization, and undermining the stability of its neighbors,&quot; the statement said.

The US&nbsp;State Department declined comment in response to a Reuters query. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was previously known to be working with Qatar to probe the hacking.

US intelligence says United Arab Emirates arranged for Qatar's site to be hacked and orchestrated fake quotes, which launched the whole crisis

The United Arab Emirates arranged for Qatari government social media and news sites to be hacked in late May in order to post fiery but false quotes linked to Qatar's emir, prompting a diplomatic crisis, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing US intelligence officials, Reuters reports. The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, had been quoted in May as praising Hamas and saying that Iran was an "Islamic power," the Post reported. In response, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Qatar said in late May that hackers had posted fake remarks by the emir, an explanation rejected by Gulf states. Related: Website says report of plot to strip Qatar of World Cup was 'fake' The Post reported that US intelligence officials learned last week of newly analyzed information that showed that top UAE government officials discussed the planned hacks on May 23, the day before they occurred. The officials said it was unclear if the UAE hacked the websites or paid for them to be carried out, the newspaper reported. The Post did not identify the intelligence officials it spoke to for the report. The hacks and posting took place on May 24, shortly after President Trump completed a lengthy counterterrorism meeting with Persian Gulf leaders in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and declared them unified, the Washington Post reports. UAE Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba denied the report in a statement, saying it was "false," the Post said. "What is true is Qatar’s behavior. Funding, supporting, and enabling extremists from the Taliban to Hamas and Qadafi. Inciting violence, encouraging radicalization, and undermining the stability of its neighbors," the statement said. The US State Department declined comment in response to a Reuters query. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was previously known to be working with Qatar to probe the hacking.

UAE arranged hacking of Qatar gov sites, causing diplomatic row: Washington Post

Four Arab states currently boycotting Qatar for allegedly supporting terorrism have sent the country a lot of 13 demands, according to one of the countres&#39; officials who spoke to Reuters.

The&nbsp;boycott, launched on June 5, entails each of the&nbsp;countries&nbsp;cutting economic, diplomatic and travel ties with Doha The four nations who made the list of demands include&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahain.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The list of demands

Reuters reports that the four nations demand that Qatar:

Close the TV station&nbsp;Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

Reduce&nbsp;their ties with Iran.

Close&nbsp;a Turkish military base in Qatar.&nbsp;

Declare that it is cutting off ties with terrorist, sectarian and ideological organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Jabhat Fateh al Sham.&nbsp;

Must also surrender anybody designated as a terorrist on its territory.

Must stop interfering in the four countries&#39; domestic and foreign affairs&nbsp;

Stop&nbsp;giving Qatari nationality to citizens of the four countries

Pay reparations to these countries for any damage or costs incurred over the past few years because of Qatari policies, he added

More, if Qatar does agree to meet this list of demands, the four countries will monitor compliance with monthly reports in the first year, then&nbsp;three-month reports in the following year, then annual reports in the next decade, said an official to Reuters without offering further clarification.

&nbsp;

Qatar&#39;s response

Qatar has denied that they are guilty of what the four Arab nations accuse them of: Funding terorrism, creating regional instability &nbsp;and warming up to revolutionary theocracy Iran.

Earlier this week the foreign minister said Qatar would not negotiate with the four states unless they first lifted their measures. Reuters was not able to reach him for comment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What if Qatar says no?

The countries give Doha 10 days to comply, failing which the list becomes &quot;void&quot;, the official said without elaborating. This suggests that the&nbsp;offer to end the dispute in return for meeting the thirteen demands may&nbsp;no longer be on the table.

&nbsp;

How are others responding?

Donald Trump has called Qatar a &quot;high level sponsor of terrorism&quot;, but also offered to mediate to help these parties resolve their differences. Days after Trump plainly said&nbsp;Qatar sponsors terrorism, the US sold them $12 billion in weapons.

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The US accuses Qatar of supporting terrorism and then turns around and sells F-15 fighters, and continues to use the Al Udeid Air Base. Clearly politics is all very well but nothing can halt the business of America. WION brings you this report (WION)
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Turkey has so far taken Qatar&#39;s side. It has launched ships carrying aid in the form of food to Qatar, and yesterday sent a small a small group soldiers and even armoured vehicles. Turkey&#39;s president Tayyip Erdogan met with Saudi Arabia&#39;s leaders in an effort to calm the regional tension.&nbsp;

The concessions are not just numerous but large, and if Qatar agrees their compliance will be monitored closely for ten years

Four Arab states currently boycotting Qatar for allegedly supporting terorrism have sent the country a lot of 13 demands, according to one of the countres' officials who spoke to Reuters. The boycott, launched on June 5, entails each of the countries cutting economic, diplomatic and travel ties with Doha The four nations who made the list of demands include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahain. The list of demands Reuters reports that the four nations demand that Qatar: Close the TV station Al Jazeera. Reduce their ties with Iran. Close a Turkish military base in Qatar. Declare that it is cutting off ties with terrorist, sectarian and ideological organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Jabhat Fateh al Sham. Must also surrender anybody designated as a terorrist on its territory. Must stop interfering in the four countries' domestic and foreign affairs Stop giving Qatari nationality to citizens of the four countries Pay reparations to these countries for any damage or costs incurred over the past few years because of Qatari policies, he added More, if Qatar does agree to meet this list of demands, the four countries will monitor compliance with monthly reports in the first year, then three-month reports in the following year, then annual reports in the next decade, said an official to Reuters without offering further clarification. Qatar's response Qatar has denied that they are guilty of what the four Arab nations accuse them of: Funding terorrism, creating regional instability and warming up to revolutionary theocracy Iran. Earlier this week the foreign minister said Qatar would not negotiate with the four states unless they first lifted their measures. Reuters was not able to reach him for comment. What if Qatar says no? The countries give Doha 10 days to comply, failing which the list becomes "void", the official said without elaborating. This suggests that the offer to end the dispute in return for meeting the thirteen demands may no longer be on the table. How are others responding? Donald Trump has called Qatar a "high level sponsor of terrorism", but also offered to mediate to help these parties resolve their differences. Days after Trump plainly said Qatar sponsors terrorism, the US sold them $12 billion in weapons. The US accuses Qatar of supporting terrorism and then turns around and sells F-15 fighters, and continues to use the Al Udeid Air Base. Clearly politics is all very well but nothing can halt the business of America. WION brings you this report (WION) × Turkey has so far taken Qatar's side. It has launched ships carrying aid in the form of food to Qatar, and yesterday sent a small a small group soldiers and even armoured vehicles. Turkey's president Tayyip Erdogan met with Saudi Arabia's leaders in an effort to calm the regional tension.

Arab states send Qatar 13 demands to end crisis, official says

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced hotlines to help families with Qatari members, their official news agencies reported, after their cutting of diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar led to travel disruption.

The coordinated move suggests the Gulf states are seeking to lessen the humanitarian impact of their June 5 severing of ties with Qatar, in retaliation for what they call its support for terrorism and their regional foe Iran.

Qatar has called the accusations baseless and have described the measures as a &quot;siege&quot; harmful to ordinary people there.

The three countries&#39; news agencies did not make clear what services the hotline would provide.

Amnesty International on June 9 criticised the measures against Qatar as sweeping and arbitrary and said they had split up families and destroyed peoples&#39; livelihoods and education.

Until the political dispute, which has cut air links and banned Qataris from visiting the three countries, Gulf societies enjoyed close travel ties and many families are intermarried.

But authorities in the UAE and Bahrain have made praise for Qatar&#39;s government a criminal offence carrying possible jail time, and some Gulf citizens have worried that the strong rhetoric on Qatar&#39;s foreign policy would divide their peoples.

But in language common to the three countries&#39; announcements, the UAE said it drew a distinction between Qatar&#39;s government and its people.

The hotline showed &quot;the UAE&#39;s commitment to the wellbeing of the brotherly Qatari people as a natural, authentic extension of their brothers in the UAE&quot;, it said.

The three countries' news agencies did not make clear what services the hotline would provide

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced hotlines to help families with Qatari members, their official news agencies reported, after their cutting of diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar led to travel disruption. The coordinated move suggests the Gulf states are seeking to lessen the humanitarian impact of their June 5 severing of ties with Qatar, in retaliation for what they call its support for terrorism and their regional foe Iran. Qatar has called the accusations baseless and have described the measures as a "siege" harmful to ordinary people there. The three countries' news agencies did not make clear what services the hotline would provide. Amnesty International on June 9 criticised the measures against Qatar as sweeping and arbitrary and said they had split up families and destroyed peoples' livelihoods and education. Until the political dispute, which has cut air links and banned Qataris from visiting the three countries, Gulf societies enjoyed close travel ties and many families are intermarried. But authorities in the UAE and Bahrain have made praise for Qatar's government a criminal offence carrying possible jail time, and some Gulf citizens have worried that the strong rhetoric on Qatar's foreign policy would divide their peoples. But in language common to the three countries' announcements, the UAE said it drew a distinction between Qatar's government and its people. The hotline showed "the UAE's commitment to the wellbeing of the brotherly Qatari people as a natural, authentic extension of their brothers in the UAE", it said.

Amid diplomatic fallout, Gulf states announce humanitarian hotline for mixed Qatari families

Qatar on Friday dismissed a terrorism blacklist published by Saudi Arabia and its allies as &quot;baseless&quot;&nbsp;which linked individuals and organisations in Doha to support for Islamist militant groups.

The emirate was responding just hours after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain published a list of 59 people and entities linked to &quot;terrorism&quot;.

&quot;The recent joint statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE regarding a &#39;terror finance watch list&#39; once again reinforces baseless allegations that hold no foundation in fact,&quot; read a statement from Qatar&#39;s government.

The statement added that Qatar does not support terrorist groups.

&quot;Our position on countering terrorism is stronger than many of the signatories of the joint statement -- a fact that has been conveniently ignored by the authors,&quot; it added.

Included on the list were Doha-based Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Qatari-funded charities.

The list and its response adds to the diplomatic and political tensions in the Gulf which have heightened since Saudi Arabia and its allies severed ties with Qatar over its alleged support for extremism.

Qatar has vehemently denied the claims and on Thursday its foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, said his country would not &quot;surrender&quot;.

(AFP)

Qatar dismissed a terrorism blacklist of 59 people and entities which linked individuals and organisations in Doha to support for Islamist militant groups published by Saudi Arabia and its allies as 'baseless'

Qatar on Friday dismissed a terrorism blacklist published by Saudi Arabia and its allies as "baseless" which linked individuals and organisations in Doha to support for Islamist militant groups. The emirate was responding just hours after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain published a list of 59 people and entities linked to "terrorism". "The recent joint statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE regarding a 'terror finance watch list' once again reinforces baseless allegations that hold no foundation in fact," read a statement from Qatar's government. The statement added that Qatar does not support terrorist groups. "Our position on countering terrorism is stronger than many of the signatories of the joint statement -- a fact that has been conveniently ignored by the authors," it added. Included on the list were Doha-based Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Qatari-funded charities. The list and its response adds to the diplomatic and political tensions in the Gulf which have heightened since Saudi Arabia and its allies severed ties with Qatar over its alleged support for extremism. Qatar has vehemently denied the claims and on Thursday its foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, said his country would not "surrender". (AFP)

Saudi, allies terrorism list 'baseless': Qatar

A woman seeks sex change in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in what is the first demand of such kind in the region. 
 
The 29-year-old Emirati woman sought leave to have a sex change operation following an amended law that legalised gender reassignment surgery earlier this month. 
 
Lawyer Ali al-Mansouri told Gulf News the woman always felt strongly that she was not the gender she physically appeared to be. 
 
&quot;Ever since she was three, the woman felt instead that she is actually a male. She would have an intense desire to have a male body and to be accepted by others as a male and would feel her true identity is male,&quot; he told the paper. 
 
&quot;She has been undergoing physical and psychological care since 2012 and a medical commission had recommended that she undergo a sex-change surgery,&rdquo; he added. 
 
The court said it would hear the case on September 28. 
 
The new Medical Liability Law that came into effect earlier this month allows for sex change operations on medical grounds. 
 
&quot;The surgical procedure... is permitted if it is part of a treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender people, as advised by a medical commission to be set up for this purpose,&quot; the law says. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

The 29-year-old woman sought leave to have a sex change operation after a new law legalised gender reassignment surgery

A woman seeks sex change in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in what is the first demand of such kind in the region. The 29-year-old Emirati woman sought leave to have a sex change operation following an amended law that legalised gender reassignment surgery earlier this month. Lawyer Ali al-Mansouri told Gulf News the woman always felt strongly that she was not the gender she physically appeared to be. "Ever since she was three, the woman felt instead that she is actually a male. She would have an intense desire to have a male body and to be accepted by others as a male and would feel her true identity is male," he told the paper. "She has been undergoing physical and psychological care since 2012 and a medical commission had recommended that she undergo a sex-change surgery,” he added. The court said it would hear the case on September 28. The new Medical Liability Law that came into effect earlier this month allows for sex change operations on medical grounds. "The surgical procedure... is permitted if it is part of a treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender people, as advised by a medical commission to be set up for this purpose," the law says. (WION with inputs from AFP)

In a first, woman seeks sex change in UAE