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[size=52]The former British Minister of Defense and Trade warns against the new Iraqi parliament legislation that punishes the death penalty for anyone who calls for normalization[/size]
[size=52][size=48]LIAM FOX TO AL MAJALLA: THE WORSENING SITUATION IN UKRAINE WILL EXPORT FAMINE TO THE WORLD [/size]
[size=48]THE DEVELOPING [/size]
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FORMER BRITISH DEFENSE AND TRADE MINISTER LIAM FOX DURING HIS INTERVIEW WITH AL MAJALLA
[size=45]LONDON: LIAM FOX SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS FOR THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY, AND HEADED THE ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS GROUP, IN ADDITION TO SENIOR POSITIONS IN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, AND ALSO HELD THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.[/size]
[size=45]IN THE GOVERNMENT OF JOHN MAJOR HE SERVED AS LORD COMMISSIONER TO THE TREASURY AND CHAIRED THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY UNDER PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, AND IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THERESA MAY HE SERVED AS MINISTER OF DEFENSE FROM 2016-2019 AND THEN AS SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE FROM JULY 2016 TO JULY 2019.[/size]
[size=45]AS ONE OF BRITAIN'S LEADING LEADERS, FOX SPENT SEVERAL YEARS ENSURING TRADE CONTINUED IN THE UK BEFORE AND AFTER BREXIT. HE WAS FAMOUS FOR HIS SUPPORT FOR CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS, WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND PEACE BETWEEN THE ARAB PEOPLES AND THE ISRAELI PEOPLE.[/size]
[size=45]IN AN INTERVIEW WITH “ AL MAJALLA ” IN HIS OFFICE IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, THE FORMER BRITISH MINISTER OF DEFENSE AND TRADE PRESENTED HIS IMPRESSIONS ABOUT HIS VISIT A FEW WEEKS AGO TO RIYADH, AND THE REASONS FOR HIS IMMINENT RETURN TO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA. AND HE SENT A MESSAGE TO SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN, IN WHICH HE SAID: " YOU ARE AT YOUR HIGHEST LEVELS, KEEP GOING . "[/size]
[size=45]FOX SPOKE OF THE NEED FOR DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS TO SUPPORT THE ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS AND ADVANCE POLITICAL PROGRESS AND LASTING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.[/size]
[size=45]THE DOCTOR AND THE FORMER BRITISH MINISTER PRESENTED A FUNDAMENTAL CRITICISM OF THE NEW IRAQI PARLIAMENT PROJECT THAT PUNISHES ANYONE WHO CALLS FOR ARAB-ISRAELI PEACE WITH THE DEATH PENALTY. FOX CONSIDERED THE IDEA OF THE LEGISLATION APPALLING, STRESSING THAT IRAN HAS A HAND BEHIND IT, AS IT IS THE MALIGN INFLUENCE IN THE REGION.[/size]
[size=45]REGARDING THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR, FOX EXPRESSED HIS CONCERNS ABOUT THE AGGRAVATION OF THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE AND THE RISK OF EXPORTING FAMINE TO THE DEVELOPING WORLD, STRESSING HIS CONDEMNATION OF PUTIN'S ACTIONS, AND SAID THAT HE USED THE SAME WAY THAT STALIN USED FAMINE AS A WEAPON IN UKRAINE ITSELF. THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE INTERVIEW:[/size]
[size=45]* WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO INTRODUCE THE DOWN SYNDROME ACT OF 2022?[/size]
[size=45]- THERE ARE MANY REASONS; PARTIALLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE; WORKING AS A PHYSICIAN AND AS A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, I HAVE SEEN MANY PATIENTS AND FAMILIES OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME. I HAVE HELPED MANY FAMILIES IN MY AREA DEAL WITH NOT ONLY HEALTH OR EDUCATION ISSUES, BUT ALSO LONG-TERM CARE ISSUES. AND THAT'S PROBABLY THE GREATEST MOTIVATION OF ALL, BECAUSE WE KNOW WITH INCREASING LIFE EXPECTANCY THAT THIS IS LIKELY THE FIRST GENERATION OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME WHO WILL OUTLIVE THEIR PARENTS.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR PARENTS. YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE PARENTS ARE NOT AROUND. THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A PARLIAMENT AND DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION IS TO TRY TO DEAL WITH CRISES BEFORE THEY HAPPEN. AND SO I BELIEVE THAT THE LEGISLATION THAT WE HAVE PRESENTED WILL FOCUS THE MINDS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, EDUCATION PROVIDERS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY PROVISIONS ARE MADE TO PROVIDE CONTINUITY AND SO THAT PEOPLE CAN LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITH DIGNITY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.[/size]
[size=45]* AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEADING ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS GROUP, WHAT ARE - IN YOUR OPINION - THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THIS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP SO FAR, AND DO YOU THINK THAT IT CAN BE REPLICATED IN OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES? AND WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY?[/size]
[size=45]OF COURSE, THE EUROPEAN UNION CONDUCTS A SINGLE FOREIGN POLICY, AND NOT AS WE DO, WE ARE OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION.[/size]
[size=45]BUT I HAD HOPED THAT WHAT THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS WOULD DO WOULD BE TO SHOW THAT THERE IS ANOTHER WAY TO THINK ABOUT MIDDLE EASTERN ISSUES, THAT WE CANNOT IMPOSE A SINGLE VIEWPOINT REGARDING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN SITUATION, AND THAT WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN SPREAD PROSPERITY AND STABILITY MORE BROADLY. ACROSS THE REGION.[/size]
[size=45]I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT IF PEOPLE ENJOYED GREATER PROSPERITY, IT WOULD OPEN UP NEW POTENTIAL POLITICAL SOLUTIONS.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS WHAT I SEE AS THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE. AND IF YOU CAN INVOLVE COUNTRIES LIKE EGYPT AND JORDAN AND NOT JUST THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, BAHRAIN AND MOROCCO, YOU CAN SEE HOW THE DYNAMIC BEGINS TO CHANGE OVER TIME.[/size]
[size=45]I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE REASONS WHY SAUDI ARABIA DOES NOT CURRENTLY FEEL ABLE TO JOIN THE AGREEMENTS. BUT I THINK IT IS IN EVERYONE'S INTEREST IN THE REGION THAT THE PROJECT SUCCEED.[/size]
[size=45]* WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES DO YOU THINK WILL BENEFIT THE FUTURE OF THE PALESTINIANS IF THEY JOIN THE PEACE CLUB (ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS)?[/size]
[size=45]- IT'S NOT JUST PEACE. I THINK WHAT WE HAVE TO SHOW IS THAT THE ABRAHAM AGREEMENTS CAN PRODUCE TANGIBLE BENEFITS IN TERMS OF LIVING STANDARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AS WELL.[/size]
[size=45]AND TO ENSURE THAT BY GIVING THEM A BIGGER STAKE IN ECONOMIC TERMS, THEY WILL BECOME MORE INVESTED IN THE DESIRE TO ENSURE THE POLITICAL STABILITY THAT PEACE COMES FROM.[/size]
[size=45]BUT IF SOMEONE HAS AN INTEREST, THEY WILL BE MORE CAREFUL ABOUT HOW THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE EVOLVES. I HOPE THAT WHEN PEOPLE SEE THAT INCREASED PROSPERITY AND POLITICAL STABILITY IMPROVE THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE COUNTRIES CONCERNED, OTHERS WILL KNOCK ON THE DOOR.[/size]
[size=45]I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO ENCOURAGE OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO SO. IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING SO TANGIBLY SUCCESSFUL AND USEFUL THAT OTHER COUNTRIES, AS I SAID, COME KNOCKING ON THE DOOR TO JOIN.[/size]
[size=45]* WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE " PARTNERSHIP " THAT WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN YOU AND A GROUP OF AMBITIOUS GULF YOUTH, AS WELL AS IN COOPERATION WITH JARED KUSHNER? [/size]
[size=45]I THINK IT'S ABOUT GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO YOUNG PEOPLE. THEY WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO WILL HAVE TO LIVE IN WHATEVER WORLD WE START BUILDING FOR THEM TODAY. YOUNG PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND THAT THEY CAN COEXIST PEACEFULLY WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE VERY DIFFERENT VIEWS, WITH DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND IN SOME CASES NO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND REALIZE THAT THEY CAN WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD THE STABILITY, INSTITUTIONS, TRUST… WHICH ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL OF THESE THINGS.[/size]
[size=45]THAT'S WHAT THIS RELATIONSHIP REALLY BEGAN TO BUILD. AND I HOPE WE CAN BUILD ON THAT MORE SO WE CAN HAVE THE NEXT GENERATION THAT DOESN'T GROW UP WITH THE SAME PREJUDICES AND DIVISIONS THAT PLAGUED PREVIOUS GENERATIONS.[/size]
[size=45]AND I THINK THE KIND OF CHANGES THAT ARE HAPPENING IN SAUDI ARABIA POINT IN THE SAME DIRECTION. LET'S GET THE NEXT GENERATION TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. LET'S GET THEM MOVING FORWARD ABOUT THEIR PLACE IN THE WORLD AND HOW THEY CAN HELP SHAPE THE WORLD AROUND THEM.[/size]
[size=45]* AS A FORMER MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN THE THERESA MAY GOVERNMENT AND ONE OF THE PERSONALITIES DEFENDING THE “ SHE TRADES ” INITIATIVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER, DO YOU THINK THE WTO PLAYS ITS ROLE IN COORDINATING TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY, AND WHAT ARE THE MOST PROMINENT NEGATIVES THAT THE ORGANIZATION SUFFERS FROM, ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU WERE ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT CANDIDATES TO MANAGE?[/size]
[size=45]I THINK THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING THE WTO IS A SUBJECTIVE ONE, WHICH IS THAT THEY HAVE COME TO INTERPRET THE TERM COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT TO MEAN CONSENSUS.[/size]
[size=45]IF THEY MEANT THE SAME THING, THEN THERE WOULDN'T BE TWO DIFFERENT WORDS FOR THEM. INDEED, WHAT WE HAVE NOW IS A POSITION IN WHICH ANY MEMBER CAN VETO ANY MOVE FORWARD.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS CLEARLY NOT WHAT THOSE WHO FOUNDED THE WTO WANTED. AND I THINK THE RESULT OF THAT WILL LEAD TO FEWER GLOBAL AGREEMENTS AND MORE AGREEMENTS BY THOSE WHO WANT TO WORK TOGETHER IN SPECIFIC AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE, IN GREEN TECHNOLOGY OR IN E-COMMERCE.[/size]
[size=45]SO I THINK THIS IS THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS. I THINK THE FREE TRADE INITIATIVE WAS REALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE I THINK, AGAIN, IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROSPERITY THAT CAN COME FROM FREE TRADE, YOU HAVE TO INCLUDE WOMEN IN THE ECONOMY.[/size]
[size=45]ECONOMIES THAT DO NOT TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF WOMEN'S TALENT, CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND EDUCATION ARE DEPRIVING THEMSELVES OF A KEY TOOL IN IMPROVING THEIR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.[/size]
[size=45]HENCE, WE KNOW THAT WHERE WOMEN ARE MORE INVOLVED IN THE ECONOMY, THERE IS ALSO GREATER POLITICAL STABILITY. BECAUSE GOING BACK TO MY POINT OF VIEW ABOUT SHARING THAT PROSPERITY, YOU CAN SHARE THAT PROSPERITY MORE BROADLY. AND I MUST SAY, IN MY TIME IN POLITICS, I HAVE NEVER KNOWN THAT WISDOM OR GOOD POLICY-MAKING IS THE PRESERVE OF MEN. [/size]
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COLLEAGUE MUSTAFA EL-DESOUKY WITH FORMER BRITISH MINISTER OF DEFENSE AND TRADE LIAM FOX
[size=45]* AS WE CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ABRAHAMIC ACCORDS, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE NEW BILL CURRENTLY BEING DISCUSSED IN THE IRAQI PARLIAMENT THAT CALLS FOR THE DEATH PENALTY FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO COOPERATE OR WORK WITH THE ISRAELIS OR CALLS FOR PEACE.. DO YOU THINK THE UK AND OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD CONFRONT THIS THE PROJECT BEFORE IT BECAME LAW? AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE IMPACT OF THAT LAW - IF APPROVED - ON THE COOPERATION OF THE COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD WITH IRAQ, COMMERCIALLY AND MILITARILY?[/size]
[size=45]- I THINK IT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA. AND THAT GOES AGAINST THE TREND THAT EVERYONE IN THE REGION IS TRYING TO DO, WHICH IS TO HAVE A GREATER COMMITMENT TO PEACE, A GREATER COMMITMENT TO DIALOGUE. AS YOU KNOW, I SEE THE HAND OF IRAN BEHIND IT. IRAN - AS WE ALL KNOW - HAS LONG BEEN INTERFERING IN IRAQI POLITICS. IRAN IS THE MALIGN INFLUENCE IN THE REGION. ITS BIGGEST EXPORT IS TERRORISM.. AS YOU KNOW, I WOULD BE VERY SUSPICIOUS OF AN IRANIAN HAND IN THIS MATTER. AND I THINK IT'S VERY UNFORTUNATE, BECAUSE I THINK MOST PEOPLE IN IRAQ WANT TO LIVE IN PEACE AND COOPERATION WITH THEIR NEIGHBORS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE GREATER REGIONAL STABILITY. SO I THINK THIS IS A VERY TRAGIC PATH FOR ANY COUNTRY. I HOPE THAT PEOPLE OF GOOD SENSE AND PEOPLE OF GOOD CONSCIENCE WILL REJECT IT.[/size]
[size=45]* AS A FORMER DEFENSE MINISTER, HOW DO YOU SEE THE SITUATION BETWEEN UKRAINE AND RUSSIA? ARE YOU WITH BRITAIN'S PROVISION OF MILITARY SUPPORT TO UKRAINE? WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE WAR ON SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE IN PARTICULAR?[/size]
[size=45]I THINK THE FIRST THING TO SAY IS THAT THIS IS A WAR OF CHOICE. VLADIMIR PUTIN CHOSE TO ATTACK UKRAINE, WHICH POSED ABSOLUTELY NO THREAT TO RUSSIAN SECURITY. I THINK THAT THE ACTIONS OF PUTIN AND HIS ASSOCIATES HAVE REACHED THE BOTTOM OF THEIR INHUMANITY. I THINK HE HAS A LUST FOR VIOLENCE.[/size]
[size=45]WATCHING THE BARBARISM OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE IS TRULY HORRIFIC IN THE 21ST CENTURY. AND SO I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.[/size]
[size=45]THE WAY IN WHICH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY STOOD FIRMLY AGAINST RUSSIA, OR AT LEAST MOST OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DID, WAS ESSENTIAL. IT SEEMS THAT OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM NOW IS THAT NOT ONLY DID HE PERPETRATE VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN UKRAINE, BUT BY CORNERING UKRAINE AS WELL, HE FORCED UKRAINE TO EXPORT FAMINE, ESPECIALLY TO THE DEVELOPING WORLD, THE WAY STALIN USED FAMINE AS A WEAPON IN UKRAINE ITSELF. IT IS A HORRIFIC HUMAN TRAGEDY, BUT PERHAPS MORE THAN THAT, IT IS A MASSIVE HUMAN CRIME.[/size]
[size=45]* DURING YOUR TENURE AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE UNDER PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, YOU SUPERVISED A MAJOR REORGANIZATION OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE AND BRITAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CAMPAIGNS IN AFGHANISTAN AND LIBYA... WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SITUATION IN LIBYA AND AFGHANISTAN NOW? AND DO YOU, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THINK THAT THE CAMPAIGNS IN LIBYA AND AFGHANISTAN WERE SUCCESSFUL AND ACHIEVED THEIR GOALS?[/size]
[size=45]THE CAMPAIGN IN LIBYA WAS AIMED AT AVERTING A HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE REPRESENTED BY GADDAFI’S MOVE AGAINST THE CIVILIAN POPULATION AND WAS CLOSE TO SUCCESS. I CONSIDER THAT THE FAILURE IN LIBYA OCCURRED IN THE AFTERMATH AND BECAUSE OF THE INCOHERENCE OF THE PLAN. BUT WE SAW HOW AWFUL THAT WAS. I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE WITNESSING FAILURE DUE TO THE LACK OF THE POLITICAL PLAN TO COMPLETE THE MILITARY PLAN, SO I SEE FRAGMENTATION AND LACK OF PROGRESS AS A GREAT SHAME IN THE FIRST PLACE FOR THE LIBYAN PEOPLE THEMSELVES.[/size]
[size=45]AS FOR AFGHANISTAN, THE FIRST OBJECTIVE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, WHICH IS TO DEPRIVE ANYONE WHO PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO AL-QAEDA THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS AND CAPABILITIES THAT LED TO THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS, OF POWER.[/size]
[size=45]COMPLICATIONS REAPPEAR HERE IN THE FOLLOW-UP PERIOD, BUT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE HAVE SEEN A GREAT IMPROVEMENT AFTER THAT THROUGH THE PROSPERITY, STABILITY AND FREEDOM OF THE PEOPLE OF AFGHANISTAN. IN FACT, I WAS ABLE TO VISIT SCHOOLS AND TRAVELED AROUND THE COUNTRY, VISITING MANY PLACES, WHERE CONDITIONS WERE MUCH BETTER.[/size]
[size=45]I BELIEVE THAT THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND THEIR FREEDOM HAS BEEN GREATLY PROVEN. I ALSO SEE THAT WE HAVE SEEN THE TALIBAN RETURN LITTLE BY LITTLE TO THE OLD WAYS, TO THEIR REACTIONARY AND ANTI-WOMEN THINKING, AND I THINK THAT IF WE LOOK AT THE GULF COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY SAUDI ARABIA OR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, WE WILL NOTICE THE GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF WOMEN AND THEIR RIGHTS THAT WERE EXCLUDED. WE ALSO NOTE THAT AFGHANISTAN UNDER THE TALIBAN IS GOING BACKWARDS RATHER THAN MOVING FORWARD.[/size]
[size=45]* IN JULY 2018, I ESTABLISHED THE “GIVE US TIME” CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, WHICH PROVIDES FAMILY LEAVE FOR THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE ARMED FORCES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE FIGHTING IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN.. WHAT IS THE FATE OF THIS FOUNDATION NOW AND WHAT ARE ITS MOST PROMINENT ACHIEVEMENTS?[/size]
[size=45]OF COURSE, THE STRENGTH IS GETTING STRONGER NOW, THE EPIDEMIC WAS A TERRIBLE SETBACK FOR US BECAUSE WE WERE UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH MANY OF THE THINGS WE HAD PLANNED AND ESTABLISHED A PRIVATE CHARITY TO BE LOW-COST BECAUSE OF EXPERIENCES THAT SHOW THAT THE FURTHER AWAY FROM THE CONFLICT THE LESS THE PUBLIC REMEMBERS IT AND THE LESS LIKELY IT IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT. SO WE SAID LET'S ASK WHO OWNS A SUMMER HOME OR A SECOND HOME AND ASK VACATION COMPANIES THAT CAN HELP US WITH HOMES AND WE GAVE THEM TO FAMILIES WHOSE MEMBERS WERE INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT. THIS IS DUE TO THE TIME I WORKED AS AN ARMY DOCTOR, AND PEOPLE TENDED TO FORGET THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE DUTY ON FAMILIES.[/size]
[size=45]A LOT OF CHARITIES ARE CONCERNED WITH SERVICE STAFF, EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, ETC., BUT IT IS OFTEN FAMILIES WHO BEAR THE BURDEN. YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE FIVE OR SIX YEARS OLD AND YOUR DAD HAS BEEN AWAY FOR SIX MONTHS, THAT'S A LONG TIME AND THERE'S OFTEN TRAUMA IN THE FAMILY, AND WE WANT TO GIVE THEM A GOOD TIME TO GET THEIR FAMILIES BACK. THIS YEAR WE WILL BE SENDING A RECORD NUMBER TO FAMILIES FAR AWAY, WHICH IS A GREAT TESTAMENT TO OUR WONDERFUL STAFF AND THE WORK THEY ARE DOING GIVEN ALL THE HARDSHIPS IMPOSED BY THE PANDEMIC. [/size]
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FORMER BRITISH DEFENSE AND TRADE MINISTER LIAM FOX DURING HIS MEETING WITH BAHRAINI KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA IN BAHRAIN LAST APRIL
[size=45]* WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MEDIA DISCOURSE THAT INCITES AGAINST PEACE AND THE PROMOTION OF CIVIL PARTICIPATION AMONG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE ARAB/ISRAELI PARTNERSHIP?[/size]
[size=45]EVERYONE WHO OCCUPIES A POSITION OF AUTHORITY BEARS RESPONSIBILITY. TAKE POWER AND POWER WITH IT RESPONSIBILITY. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION. I THINK WE ALL HAVE TO CONFRONT THOSE WHO ABUSE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEGATIVE PERSONAL POLITICAL REASONS. I BELIEVE THAT ALL TELEVISION CHANNELS THAT INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY PROMOTE DISSENT AND VIOLENCE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE MESSAGES THEY BROADCAST.[/size]
[size=45]* WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF VISITING THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA A FEW WEEKS AGO AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS YOU WITNESSED ON THE GROUND THANKS TO THE VISION OF CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN?[/size]
[size=45]HOW AMAZING IT IS TO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA, AND I WENT A FEW WEEKS AGO. I WAS AMAZED BY THE ABUNDANCE OF CINEMAS, STARBUCKS, AND OTHER SIGNS OF CHANGE, IN ADDITION TO SEEING PEOPLE MINGLING IN THE STREET.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS A POSITIVE CHANGE AND A VISION OF WHAT TECHNOLOGY CAN DO. I ALSO THINK NEOM IS VERY EXCITING NOT ONLY FOR WHAT IT MIGHT ACHIEVE, BUT IT IS A SIGN FOR EVERYONE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN, AND I HOPE BRITISH COMPANIES WILL PLAY THEIR PART IN THAT, BECAUSE THE MORE WE CAN DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGIES TOGETHER THE MORE WE SHARE THE SOCIAL PROFITS FROM IT, SO I FEEL RELIEVED. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THE SAUDI CROWN PRINCE: “ YOU ARE AT YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL...GO ON . ”[/size]
[size=45]* DO YOU INTEND TO VISIT THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA SOON?[/size]
[size=45]I WILL VISIT SAUDI ARABIA SOON. I HAVE TWO BRITISH COMPANIES THAT REALLY WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEOM PROJECT AND I THINK THEY HAVE GREAT TECHNOLOGICAL IDEAS FOR AN EXCELLENT PARTNERSHIP… I WILL REPEAT: THINGS WERE VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THEY ARE TODAY.[/size]
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[size=52]The former British Minister of Defense and Trade warns against the new Iraqi parliament legislation that punishes the death penalty for anyone who calls for normalization[/size]
[size=52][size=48]LIAM FOX TO AL MAJALLA: THE WORSENING SITUATION IN UKRAINE WILL EXPORT FAMINE TO THE WORLD [/size]
[size=48]THE DEVELOPING [/size]
[size=48][You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] [/size][/size]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
FORMER BRITISH DEFENSE AND TRADE MINISTER LIAM FOX DURING HIS INTERVIEW WITH AL MAJALLA
[size=45]LONDON: LIAM FOX SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS FOR THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY, AND HEADED THE ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS GROUP, IN ADDITION TO SENIOR POSITIONS IN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, AND ALSO HELD THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.[/size]
[size=45]IN THE GOVERNMENT OF JOHN MAJOR HE SERVED AS LORD COMMISSIONER TO THE TREASURY AND CHAIRED THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY UNDER PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, AND IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THERESA MAY HE SERVED AS MINISTER OF DEFENSE FROM 2016-2019 AND THEN AS SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE FROM JULY 2016 TO JULY 2019.[/size]
[size=45]AS ONE OF BRITAIN'S LEADING LEADERS, FOX SPENT SEVERAL YEARS ENSURING TRADE CONTINUED IN THE UK BEFORE AND AFTER BREXIT. HE WAS FAMOUS FOR HIS SUPPORT FOR CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS, WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND PEACE BETWEEN THE ARAB PEOPLES AND THE ISRAELI PEOPLE.[/size]
[size=45]IN AN INTERVIEW WITH “ AL MAJALLA ” IN HIS OFFICE IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, THE FORMER BRITISH MINISTER OF DEFENSE AND TRADE PRESENTED HIS IMPRESSIONS ABOUT HIS VISIT A FEW WEEKS AGO TO RIYADH, AND THE REASONS FOR HIS IMMINENT RETURN TO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA. AND HE SENT A MESSAGE TO SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN, IN WHICH HE SAID: " YOU ARE AT YOUR HIGHEST LEVELS, KEEP GOING . "[/size]
[size=45]FOX SPOKE OF THE NEED FOR DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS TO SUPPORT THE ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS AND ADVANCE POLITICAL PROGRESS AND LASTING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.[/size]
[size=45]THE DOCTOR AND THE FORMER BRITISH MINISTER PRESENTED A FUNDAMENTAL CRITICISM OF THE NEW IRAQI PARLIAMENT PROJECT THAT PUNISHES ANYONE WHO CALLS FOR ARAB-ISRAELI PEACE WITH THE DEATH PENALTY. FOX CONSIDERED THE IDEA OF THE LEGISLATION APPALLING, STRESSING THAT IRAN HAS A HAND BEHIND IT, AS IT IS THE MALIGN INFLUENCE IN THE REGION.[/size]
[size=45]REGARDING THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR, FOX EXPRESSED HIS CONCERNS ABOUT THE AGGRAVATION OF THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE AND THE RISK OF EXPORTING FAMINE TO THE DEVELOPING WORLD, STRESSING HIS CONDEMNATION OF PUTIN'S ACTIONS, AND SAID THAT HE USED THE SAME WAY THAT STALIN USED FAMINE AS A WEAPON IN UKRAINE ITSELF. THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE INTERVIEW:[/size]
[size=45]* WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO INTRODUCE THE DOWN SYNDROME ACT OF 2022?[/size]
[size=45]- THERE ARE MANY REASONS; PARTIALLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE; WORKING AS A PHYSICIAN AND AS A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, I HAVE SEEN MANY PATIENTS AND FAMILIES OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME. I HAVE HELPED MANY FAMILIES IN MY AREA DEAL WITH NOT ONLY HEALTH OR EDUCATION ISSUES, BUT ALSO LONG-TERM CARE ISSUES. AND THAT'S PROBABLY THE GREATEST MOTIVATION OF ALL, BECAUSE WE KNOW WITH INCREASING LIFE EXPECTANCY THAT THIS IS LIKELY THE FIRST GENERATION OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME WHO WILL OUTLIVE THEIR PARENTS.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR PARENTS. YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE PARENTS ARE NOT AROUND. THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A PARLIAMENT AND DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION IS TO TRY TO DEAL WITH CRISES BEFORE THEY HAPPEN. AND SO I BELIEVE THAT THE LEGISLATION THAT WE HAVE PRESENTED WILL FOCUS THE MINDS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, EDUCATION PROVIDERS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY PROVISIONS ARE MADE TO PROVIDE CONTINUITY AND SO THAT PEOPLE CAN LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITH DIGNITY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.[/size]
[size=45]* AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEADING ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS GROUP, WHAT ARE - IN YOUR OPINION - THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THIS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP SO FAR, AND DO YOU THINK THAT IT CAN BE REPLICATED IN OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES? AND WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY?[/size]
[size=45]OF COURSE, THE EUROPEAN UNION CONDUCTS A SINGLE FOREIGN POLICY, AND NOT AS WE DO, WE ARE OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION.[/size]
[size=45]BUT I HAD HOPED THAT WHAT THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS WOULD DO WOULD BE TO SHOW THAT THERE IS ANOTHER WAY TO THINK ABOUT MIDDLE EASTERN ISSUES, THAT WE CANNOT IMPOSE A SINGLE VIEWPOINT REGARDING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN SITUATION, AND THAT WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN SPREAD PROSPERITY AND STABILITY MORE BROADLY. ACROSS THE REGION.[/size]
[size=45]I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT IF PEOPLE ENJOYED GREATER PROSPERITY, IT WOULD OPEN UP NEW POTENTIAL POLITICAL SOLUTIONS.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS WHAT I SEE AS THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE. AND IF YOU CAN INVOLVE COUNTRIES LIKE EGYPT AND JORDAN AND NOT JUST THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, BAHRAIN AND MOROCCO, YOU CAN SEE HOW THE DYNAMIC BEGINS TO CHANGE OVER TIME.[/size]
[size=45]I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE REASONS WHY SAUDI ARABIA DOES NOT CURRENTLY FEEL ABLE TO JOIN THE AGREEMENTS. BUT I THINK IT IS IN EVERYONE'S INTEREST IN THE REGION THAT THE PROJECT SUCCEED.[/size]
[size=45]* WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES DO YOU THINK WILL BENEFIT THE FUTURE OF THE PALESTINIANS IF THEY JOIN THE PEACE CLUB (ABRAHAMIC AGREEMENTS)?[/size]
[size=45]- IT'S NOT JUST PEACE. I THINK WHAT WE HAVE TO SHOW IS THAT THE ABRAHAM AGREEMENTS CAN PRODUCE TANGIBLE BENEFITS IN TERMS OF LIVING STANDARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AS WELL.[/size]
[size=45]AND TO ENSURE THAT BY GIVING THEM A BIGGER STAKE IN ECONOMIC TERMS, THEY WILL BECOME MORE INVESTED IN THE DESIRE TO ENSURE THE POLITICAL STABILITY THAT PEACE COMES FROM.[/size]
[size=45]BUT IF SOMEONE HAS AN INTEREST, THEY WILL BE MORE CAREFUL ABOUT HOW THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE EVOLVES. I HOPE THAT WHEN PEOPLE SEE THAT INCREASED PROSPERITY AND POLITICAL STABILITY IMPROVE THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE COUNTRIES CONCERNED, OTHERS WILL KNOCK ON THE DOOR.[/size]
[size=45]I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO ENCOURAGE OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO SO. IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING SO TANGIBLY SUCCESSFUL AND USEFUL THAT OTHER COUNTRIES, AS I SAID, COME KNOCKING ON THE DOOR TO JOIN.[/size]
[size=45]* WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE " PARTNERSHIP " THAT WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN YOU AND A GROUP OF AMBITIOUS GULF YOUTH, AS WELL AS IN COOPERATION WITH JARED KUSHNER? [/size]
[size=45]I THINK IT'S ABOUT GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO YOUNG PEOPLE. THEY WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO WILL HAVE TO LIVE IN WHATEVER WORLD WE START BUILDING FOR THEM TODAY. YOUNG PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND THAT THEY CAN COEXIST PEACEFULLY WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE VERY DIFFERENT VIEWS, WITH DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND IN SOME CASES NO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND REALIZE THAT THEY CAN WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD THE STABILITY, INSTITUTIONS, TRUST… WHICH ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL OF THESE THINGS.[/size]
[size=45]THAT'S WHAT THIS RELATIONSHIP REALLY BEGAN TO BUILD. AND I HOPE WE CAN BUILD ON THAT MORE SO WE CAN HAVE THE NEXT GENERATION THAT DOESN'T GROW UP WITH THE SAME PREJUDICES AND DIVISIONS THAT PLAGUED PREVIOUS GENERATIONS.[/size]
[size=45]AND I THINK THE KIND OF CHANGES THAT ARE HAPPENING IN SAUDI ARABIA POINT IN THE SAME DIRECTION. LET'S GET THE NEXT GENERATION TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. LET'S GET THEM MOVING FORWARD ABOUT THEIR PLACE IN THE WORLD AND HOW THEY CAN HELP SHAPE THE WORLD AROUND THEM.[/size]
[size=45]* AS A FORMER MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN THE THERESA MAY GOVERNMENT AND ONE OF THE PERSONALITIES DEFENDING THE “ SHE TRADES ” INITIATIVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER, DO YOU THINK THE WTO PLAYS ITS ROLE IN COORDINATING TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY, AND WHAT ARE THE MOST PROMINENT NEGATIVES THAT THE ORGANIZATION SUFFERS FROM, ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU WERE ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT CANDIDATES TO MANAGE?[/size]
[size=45]I THINK THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING THE WTO IS A SUBJECTIVE ONE, WHICH IS THAT THEY HAVE COME TO INTERPRET THE TERM COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT TO MEAN CONSENSUS.[/size]
[size=45]IF THEY MEANT THE SAME THING, THEN THERE WOULDN'T BE TWO DIFFERENT WORDS FOR THEM. INDEED, WHAT WE HAVE NOW IS A POSITION IN WHICH ANY MEMBER CAN VETO ANY MOVE FORWARD.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS CLEARLY NOT WHAT THOSE WHO FOUNDED THE WTO WANTED. AND I THINK THE RESULT OF THAT WILL LEAD TO FEWER GLOBAL AGREEMENTS AND MORE AGREEMENTS BY THOSE WHO WANT TO WORK TOGETHER IN SPECIFIC AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE, IN GREEN TECHNOLOGY OR IN E-COMMERCE.[/size]
[size=45]SO I THINK THIS IS THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS. I THINK THE FREE TRADE INITIATIVE WAS REALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE I THINK, AGAIN, IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROSPERITY THAT CAN COME FROM FREE TRADE, YOU HAVE TO INCLUDE WOMEN IN THE ECONOMY.[/size]
[size=45]ECONOMIES THAT DO NOT TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF WOMEN'S TALENT, CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND EDUCATION ARE DEPRIVING THEMSELVES OF A KEY TOOL IN IMPROVING THEIR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.[/size]
[size=45]HENCE, WE KNOW THAT WHERE WOMEN ARE MORE INVOLVED IN THE ECONOMY, THERE IS ALSO GREATER POLITICAL STABILITY. BECAUSE GOING BACK TO MY POINT OF VIEW ABOUT SHARING THAT PROSPERITY, YOU CAN SHARE THAT PROSPERITY MORE BROADLY. AND I MUST SAY, IN MY TIME IN POLITICS, I HAVE NEVER KNOWN THAT WISDOM OR GOOD POLICY-MAKING IS THE PRESERVE OF MEN. [/size]
[size=45][You must be registered and logged in to see this image.][/size]
COLLEAGUE MUSTAFA EL-DESOUKY WITH FORMER BRITISH MINISTER OF DEFENSE AND TRADE LIAM FOX
[size=45]* AS WE CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ABRAHAMIC ACCORDS, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE NEW BILL CURRENTLY BEING DISCUSSED IN THE IRAQI PARLIAMENT THAT CALLS FOR THE DEATH PENALTY FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO COOPERATE OR WORK WITH THE ISRAELIS OR CALLS FOR PEACE.. DO YOU THINK THE UK AND OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD CONFRONT THIS THE PROJECT BEFORE IT BECAME LAW? AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE IMPACT OF THAT LAW - IF APPROVED - ON THE COOPERATION OF THE COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD WITH IRAQ, COMMERCIALLY AND MILITARILY?[/size]
[size=45]- I THINK IT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA. AND THAT GOES AGAINST THE TREND THAT EVERYONE IN THE REGION IS TRYING TO DO, WHICH IS TO HAVE A GREATER COMMITMENT TO PEACE, A GREATER COMMITMENT TO DIALOGUE. AS YOU KNOW, I SEE THE HAND OF IRAN BEHIND IT. IRAN - AS WE ALL KNOW - HAS LONG BEEN INTERFERING IN IRAQI POLITICS. IRAN IS THE MALIGN INFLUENCE IN THE REGION. ITS BIGGEST EXPORT IS TERRORISM.. AS YOU KNOW, I WOULD BE VERY SUSPICIOUS OF AN IRANIAN HAND IN THIS MATTER. AND I THINK IT'S VERY UNFORTUNATE, BECAUSE I THINK MOST PEOPLE IN IRAQ WANT TO LIVE IN PEACE AND COOPERATION WITH THEIR NEIGHBORS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE GREATER REGIONAL STABILITY. SO I THINK THIS IS A VERY TRAGIC PATH FOR ANY COUNTRY. I HOPE THAT PEOPLE OF GOOD SENSE AND PEOPLE OF GOOD CONSCIENCE WILL REJECT IT.[/size]
[size=45]* AS A FORMER DEFENSE MINISTER, HOW DO YOU SEE THE SITUATION BETWEEN UKRAINE AND RUSSIA? ARE YOU WITH BRITAIN'S PROVISION OF MILITARY SUPPORT TO UKRAINE? WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE WAR ON SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE IN PARTICULAR?[/size]
[size=45]I THINK THE FIRST THING TO SAY IS THAT THIS IS A WAR OF CHOICE. VLADIMIR PUTIN CHOSE TO ATTACK UKRAINE, WHICH POSED ABSOLUTELY NO THREAT TO RUSSIAN SECURITY. I THINK THAT THE ACTIONS OF PUTIN AND HIS ASSOCIATES HAVE REACHED THE BOTTOM OF THEIR INHUMANITY. I THINK HE HAS A LUST FOR VIOLENCE.[/size]
[size=45]WATCHING THE BARBARISM OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE IS TRULY HORRIFIC IN THE 21ST CENTURY. AND SO I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.[/size]
[size=45]THE WAY IN WHICH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY STOOD FIRMLY AGAINST RUSSIA, OR AT LEAST MOST OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DID, WAS ESSENTIAL. IT SEEMS THAT OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM NOW IS THAT NOT ONLY DID HE PERPETRATE VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN UKRAINE, BUT BY CORNERING UKRAINE AS WELL, HE FORCED UKRAINE TO EXPORT FAMINE, ESPECIALLY TO THE DEVELOPING WORLD, THE WAY STALIN USED FAMINE AS A WEAPON IN UKRAINE ITSELF. IT IS A HORRIFIC HUMAN TRAGEDY, BUT PERHAPS MORE THAN THAT, IT IS A MASSIVE HUMAN CRIME.[/size]
[size=45]* DURING YOUR TENURE AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE UNDER PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, YOU SUPERVISED A MAJOR REORGANIZATION OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE AND BRITAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CAMPAIGNS IN AFGHANISTAN AND LIBYA... WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SITUATION IN LIBYA AND AFGHANISTAN NOW? AND DO YOU, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THINK THAT THE CAMPAIGNS IN LIBYA AND AFGHANISTAN WERE SUCCESSFUL AND ACHIEVED THEIR GOALS?[/size]
[size=45]THE CAMPAIGN IN LIBYA WAS AIMED AT AVERTING A HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE REPRESENTED BY GADDAFI’S MOVE AGAINST THE CIVILIAN POPULATION AND WAS CLOSE TO SUCCESS. I CONSIDER THAT THE FAILURE IN LIBYA OCCURRED IN THE AFTERMATH AND BECAUSE OF THE INCOHERENCE OF THE PLAN. BUT WE SAW HOW AWFUL THAT WAS. I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE WITNESSING FAILURE DUE TO THE LACK OF THE POLITICAL PLAN TO COMPLETE THE MILITARY PLAN, SO I SEE FRAGMENTATION AND LACK OF PROGRESS AS A GREAT SHAME IN THE FIRST PLACE FOR THE LIBYAN PEOPLE THEMSELVES.[/size]
[size=45]AS FOR AFGHANISTAN, THE FIRST OBJECTIVE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, WHICH IS TO DEPRIVE ANYONE WHO PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO AL-QAEDA THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS AND CAPABILITIES THAT LED TO THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS, OF POWER.[/size]
[size=45]COMPLICATIONS REAPPEAR HERE IN THE FOLLOW-UP PERIOD, BUT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE HAVE SEEN A GREAT IMPROVEMENT AFTER THAT THROUGH THE PROSPERITY, STABILITY AND FREEDOM OF THE PEOPLE OF AFGHANISTAN. IN FACT, I WAS ABLE TO VISIT SCHOOLS AND TRAVELED AROUND THE COUNTRY, VISITING MANY PLACES, WHERE CONDITIONS WERE MUCH BETTER.[/size]
[size=45]I BELIEVE THAT THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND THEIR FREEDOM HAS BEEN GREATLY PROVEN. I ALSO SEE THAT WE HAVE SEEN THE TALIBAN RETURN LITTLE BY LITTLE TO THE OLD WAYS, TO THEIR REACTIONARY AND ANTI-WOMEN THINKING, AND I THINK THAT IF WE LOOK AT THE GULF COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY SAUDI ARABIA OR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, WE WILL NOTICE THE GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF WOMEN AND THEIR RIGHTS THAT WERE EXCLUDED. WE ALSO NOTE THAT AFGHANISTAN UNDER THE TALIBAN IS GOING BACKWARDS RATHER THAN MOVING FORWARD.[/size]
[size=45]* IN JULY 2018, I ESTABLISHED THE “GIVE US TIME” CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, WHICH PROVIDES FAMILY LEAVE FOR THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE ARMED FORCES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE FIGHTING IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN.. WHAT IS THE FATE OF THIS FOUNDATION NOW AND WHAT ARE ITS MOST PROMINENT ACHIEVEMENTS?[/size]
[size=45]OF COURSE, THE STRENGTH IS GETTING STRONGER NOW, THE EPIDEMIC WAS A TERRIBLE SETBACK FOR US BECAUSE WE WERE UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH MANY OF THE THINGS WE HAD PLANNED AND ESTABLISHED A PRIVATE CHARITY TO BE LOW-COST BECAUSE OF EXPERIENCES THAT SHOW THAT THE FURTHER AWAY FROM THE CONFLICT THE LESS THE PUBLIC REMEMBERS IT AND THE LESS LIKELY IT IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT. SO WE SAID LET'S ASK WHO OWNS A SUMMER HOME OR A SECOND HOME AND ASK VACATION COMPANIES THAT CAN HELP US WITH HOMES AND WE GAVE THEM TO FAMILIES WHOSE MEMBERS WERE INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT. THIS IS DUE TO THE TIME I WORKED AS AN ARMY DOCTOR, AND PEOPLE TENDED TO FORGET THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE DUTY ON FAMILIES.[/size]
[size=45]A LOT OF CHARITIES ARE CONCERNED WITH SERVICE STAFF, EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, ETC., BUT IT IS OFTEN FAMILIES WHO BEAR THE BURDEN. YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE FIVE OR SIX YEARS OLD AND YOUR DAD HAS BEEN AWAY FOR SIX MONTHS, THAT'S A LONG TIME AND THERE'S OFTEN TRAUMA IN THE FAMILY, AND WE WANT TO GIVE THEM A GOOD TIME TO GET THEIR FAMILIES BACK. THIS YEAR WE WILL BE SENDING A RECORD NUMBER TO FAMILIES FAR AWAY, WHICH IS A GREAT TESTAMENT TO OUR WONDERFUL STAFF AND THE WORK THEY ARE DOING GIVEN ALL THE HARDSHIPS IMPOSED BY THE PANDEMIC. [/size]
[size=45][You must be registered and logged in to see this image.][/size]
FORMER BRITISH DEFENSE AND TRADE MINISTER LIAM FOX DURING HIS MEETING WITH BAHRAINI KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA IN BAHRAIN LAST APRIL
[size=45]* WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MEDIA DISCOURSE THAT INCITES AGAINST PEACE AND THE PROMOTION OF CIVIL PARTICIPATION AMONG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE ARAB/ISRAELI PARTNERSHIP?[/size]
[size=45]EVERYONE WHO OCCUPIES A POSITION OF AUTHORITY BEARS RESPONSIBILITY. TAKE POWER AND POWER WITH IT RESPONSIBILITY. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION. I THINK WE ALL HAVE TO CONFRONT THOSE WHO ABUSE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEGATIVE PERSONAL POLITICAL REASONS. I BELIEVE THAT ALL TELEVISION CHANNELS THAT INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY PROMOTE DISSENT AND VIOLENCE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE MESSAGES THEY BROADCAST.[/size]
[size=45]* WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF VISITING THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA A FEW WEEKS AGO AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS YOU WITNESSED ON THE GROUND THANKS TO THE VISION OF CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN?[/size]
[size=45]HOW AMAZING IT IS TO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA, AND I WENT A FEW WEEKS AGO. I WAS AMAZED BY THE ABUNDANCE OF CINEMAS, STARBUCKS, AND OTHER SIGNS OF CHANGE, IN ADDITION TO SEEING PEOPLE MINGLING IN THE STREET.[/size]
[size=45]THIS IS A POSITIVE CHANGE AND A VISION OF WHAT TECHNOLOGY CAN DO. I ALSO THINK NEOM IS VERY EXCITING NOT ONLY FOR WHAT IT MIGHT ACHIEVE, BUT IT IS A SIGN FOR EVERYONE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN, AND I HOPE BRITISH COMPANIES WILL PLAY THEIR PART IN THAT, BECAUSE THE MORE WE CAN DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGIES TOGETHER THE MORE WE SHARE THE SOCIAL PROFITS FROM IT, SO I FEEL RELIEVED. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THE SAUDI CROWN PRINCE: “ YOU ARE AT YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL...GO ON . ”[/size]
[size=45]* DO YOU INTEND TO VISIT THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA SOON?[/size]
[size=45]I WILL VISIT SAUDI ARABIA SOON. I HAVE TWO BRITISH COMPANIES THAT REALLY WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEOM PROJECT AND I THINK THEY HAVE GREAT TECHNOLOGICAL IDEAS FOR AN EXCELLENT PARTNERSHIP… I WILL REPEAT: THINGS WERE VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THEY ARE TODAY.[/size]
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