Middle East & North Africa

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A prominent contender in Iran’s presidential election appealed Tuesday for better economic and political relations with the West, his most extensive attempt yet to attract reformist voters just days ahead of the poll.

Former Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati, among the seven candidates allowed on the ballot for Friday’s vote, has no official ties to any political faction but is positioning himself as the likely candidate for moderate and reform-minded voters.

BEITA, West Bank (AP) — Israel’s fragile new government has shown little interest in addressing the decades-old conflict with the Palestinians, but it may not have a choice.

Jewish ultranationalists are already staging provocations aimed at splitting the coalition and bringing about a return to right-wing rule. In doing so, they risk escalating tensions with the Palestinians weeks after an 11-day Gaza war was halted by an informal cease-fire.

Jerusalem, Jun 14 (PTI) Israel's new government will work to "advance strategic relations" with India, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Monday, a day after Naftali Bennett became the new premier ending Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power.

"I look forward to working together to advance the strategic relations between our countries and hope to welcome you to Israel soon," Lapid tweeted in response to a congratulatory message from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

14 June 2021; MEMO: The High Administrative Committee in Gaza told traders that they can import new and used cars through Egypt, making the Palestinian Authority (PA) angry, Sama News agency reported yesterday.

This measure, which was approved by Egypt, increased the income of the Administrative Committee of the government in the Gaza Strip.

14 June 2021; MEMO: Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) yesterday announced the arrest of 136 citizens and expatriates for their "alleged" involvement in corruption.

Nazaha said in a statement that the detainees include employees in the ministries of defence, interior, National Guard, health, justice, municipal and rural affairs, and housing and education.

The defendants face charges related to bribery, abuse of power, and forgery, it said.

14 June 2021; MEMO: Hamas and other Palestinian factions have called for a day of rage tomorrow after Israel approved the settler Flag March through Jerusalem, local media reported yesterday.

14 June 2021; MEMO: Scores of Palestinian fishermen yesterday staged a protest against the continuous Israeli siege on Gaza, as well as the occupation's aggression on the fishing industry, Anadolu reported.

Fishermen Syndicate in Gaza organised the protest, which took place in the port west of Gaza City.

The fishermen held posters reading: "It is my right to move freely… Yes to the full lifting of the siege." They also raised the Palestine flag.

(Reuters) --- Iran does not expect Israeli foreign and security policy to change under its new government, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday, according to ISNA news agency, a day after Israel's parliament ended Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year run as prime minister.

"Iran's enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don't think Israel's policies will change with the new government," Saeed Khatibzadeh said.

(Reuters) --- Israel's new foreign minister said on Monday that Israel must change the way it deals with U.S. Democrats, who he said had been abandoned by former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The Republicans are important to us, but not just them. We find ourselves, as you know well, facing a Democratic White House, a Democratic Senate and a Democratic Congress," Yair Lapid told Israeli diplomats. "And these Democrats are angry."

13 June 2021; MEMO: The Turkish president on Sunday stressed the importance of alliance ahead of Monday's NATO summit, reports Anadolu Agency.

"We will participate in an important summit where decisions will be taken regarding the NATO 2030 process, which will determine the alliance's roadmap for the next ten years," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters before his departure for Brussels.