Dario Salvi

Forty leading figures from the world of culture, law and politics sign a study that accuses the president of violating the constitution while in office. For the bishop of Byblos, Lebanon needs help from abroad to end the deadlock; however, the attacks against the president go too far. External violence has repercussions on domestic problems.

The delegation led by intelligence chief Khalid Al-Humaidan. The official representation was closed in 2012. The reopening perhaps after Eid al-Fitr. New meetings are expected between the parties in the coming weeks. Middle Eastern diplomacy is moving from Riyadh to Tehran.

The Maronite Patriarch and the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan united in criticism of political class. Greek Orthodox Metropolitan: errors accumulated over time, we pray "for resurrection". Maronite Patriarch: we need "solutions" to conflicts and unsolved problems. International aid is fundamental, because the origin "is not Lebanese".

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s "change of tone" and hopes to work together for peace and stability. After a regional tour, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif sees “positive signs on [the] horizon”. US President Biden might be ready to ease sanctions to jumpstart the nuclear deal.

Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister and India’s ambassador meet in Hanoi, pledging to renew mutual support. Shipping oxygen, medicines, drugs and equipment is under consideration. About a thousand Vietnamese nationals have been repatriated in the past few days. ASEAN and India expect bilateral trade to reach US$200 billion next year.

Tens of thousands of people had gathered on Mount Meron for the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer. This is the first mass event authorized by the authorities since the start of the pandemic. According to some sources there was a number three times higher than the authorized one. A rescuer: “One of the worst tragedies I've ever experienced”. The condolences of the Church of the Holy Land.

Saudi Arabia’s strongman is sending signals of dialogue and détente towards the Islamic Republic. Divisions and opposing interests remain, but collaboration can “benefit everyone”. The White House, Gulf nations and COVID-19 are the factors that led to the change. Hinduism and Buddhism are included in Saudi school curriculum.

The deadline to present candidates for the May 26th vote closed yesterday. In order to run for election, each candidate must obtain the support of a member of parliament. France, the United States and the United Kingdom are already talking about sham elections. For Russia it is "inadmissible interference in internal affairs".

On 7 May, the COVID-19 prayer campaign will stop at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Antipolo), the oldest Marian shrine in the country. Other famous shrines include the Basilica of the Annunciation in Israel, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, and Meryem Ana Evi in Turkey.

In Turkey, majority and opposition parties, Erdogan’s supporters and opponents are against Biden. Turkey’s Armenian minority keeps a low profile amid tensions. Sources told AsiaNews that the issue is “complex and sensitive”, that the “political and instrumental use” of the word must end.

The interim prime minister had chosen Ofir Akunis, a staunch loyalist and Likud member. A vote sanctioned by forcing the procedures and blocked by the Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. More talks on the choice is scheduled for today. Criticism and attacks from the opposition: it is not possible to make deals with Netanyahu.

Saudi Arabia banned imports following the discovery of amphetamines in a pomegranate shipment. More than 50 per cent of Lebanon’s agricultural production goes to Arab countries. Lebanon’s Mufti joins the prelate’s appeal. There are fears about its impact on the economy.