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Hezbollah Supporters Protest Against U.S. Envoy Over Diplomatic Spat

BEIRUT, June 29 (NNN-NNA) – A number of Hezbollah supporters protested on Sunday, in Dahie, Beirut’s southern suburbs, against the U.S. ambassador in Lebanon, for her remarks blaming Hezbollah for the economic crisis in the country.

The envoy, Dorothy Shea, announced earlier this week that, Hezbollah stands behind the economic and financial crisis in Lebanon.

The ambassador’s remarks prompted Lebanese judge, Mohammad Mazeh, to prevent the Lebanese media from covering any speeches by Shea.

The U.S. embassy then criticised the judge’s decision.

Routine Iran-UAE flights resume

Tehran, June 27, IRNA - Flights between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) returned to normal, Iran's Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced on Saturday.

Iranian airlines can directly make their demands and receive permission from the UAE, the Embassy said through a statement.

After following-up measures taken by the Iranian Embassy, permission has been given to fly Dubai to operate flights from Iran to UAE.

Passengers should see https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae to get coronavirus test before flying, according to Iranian Embassy.

‘Turkey can use right of self-defense in Mediterranean’

28 June 2020; AA: Turkey has the right to intervene if a ship under its protection is attacked in the Mediterranean Sea, said a Turkish expert.

As tensions heighten in the region every day due to the Libyan crisis and the hydrocarbon reserves in the Mediterranean, so have policies and interventions.

Rouhani: US sanctions, coronavirus make for Iran's toughest year

28 June 2020; MEMO: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that his country is experiencing its toughest year because of U.S. sanctions coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.

The coronavirus crisis has exacerbated economic problems that worsened after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 from Iran’s nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions. On Monday, Iran’s rial currency fell to its lowest ever level against the U.S. dollar.

Ethiopia to begin filling Nile dam in 2 weeks

28 June 2020; MEMO: Ethiopia will start filling its $5 billion hydroelectric dam on the Nile River in two weeks, the government said Saturday, Anadolu Agency reports.

The announcement came after an online summit between leaders of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt convened by the African Union (AU) for negotiations on guidelines for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Hundreds of Israelis protest in Jerusalem against Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Jun 28 (AP/PTI) Hundreds of Israelis protested on Saturday evening against Benjamin Netanyahu outside his Jerusalem residence as the Israeli prime minister faces corruption charges.

The demonstration was fuelled by the detention of seven protesters on Friday who held a smaller rally against Netanyahu's continuation as premier despite being under indictment.

The demonstrators held banners describing Netanyahu as "crime minister".

Palestine signs $112m cooperation deal with Spain

27 June 2020; MEMO: A memorandum of understanding on economic development and cooperation spanning the next four years has been signed between Palestine and Spain at a value of €100 million ($112 million), reported Wafa news agency.

The agreement, signed by Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki and his Spanish counterpart Arancha Gonzalez Laya, includes support for the employment sector and the Palestinian economy, agriculture and water sector.

EU holds off decision on borders, Americans set to be excluded

BRUSSELS/CHICAGO (Reuters) - European Union countries failed to settle on Friday on a final “safe list” of countries whose residents could travel to the bloc from July, with the United States, Brazil and Russia set to be excluded.

Ambassadors from the 27 EU members convened from Friday afternoon to establish criteria for granting quarantine-free access from next Wednesday.

IMF approves $5.2 bn, 1-year loan program for Egypt

WASHINGTON, June 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The IMF board on Friday approved a one-year, $5.2 billion financing package for Egypt to help the country alleviate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new funding under a standby arrangement comes on top of $2.8 billion in emergency aid the IMF board approved a month ago, although at the time officials acknowledged that more help would be needed.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan agree to delay filling Renaissance dam

CAIRO, June 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have agreed that Addis Ababa will delay filling a mega-dam as part of a comprehensive deal on the project that has raised tensions between the three countries, the Egyptian presidency said.

Ethiopia had previously pushed to start filling the gigantic Nile River dam next month despite vehement opposition from downstream Egypt and Sudan, and the dispute was raised with the UN last week.

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