Dario Salvi

The first summit between government and opposition representatives to draft a new Charter is scheduled for 30 October in Geneva. It will only succeed if it guarantees "progress" towards ending the conflict. The agreement on the committee members was “the first concrete political agreement” between the parties.

The decision is part of the peace initiatives promoted by the UN under the Stockholm agreement. The released include 42 survivors of an air raid by the pro-Saudi coalition against a prison in Dhamar. The two sides have committed to release about 7 thousand prisoners.

For the city’s Chaldean archbishop, Iraq’s southern metropolis is facing a major environmental crisis. Half of the population has no access to water, whilst oil wells poison the air. Hospitals are overcrowded and drugs are in short supply. The river that runs through the city is the sick child of the country. Local leaders are not "in step" with science and modernity, relying instead on religious decrees.

The Saudi crown prince invites the international community to take action before oil reaches "unimaginable prices". A crisis in the Middle East endangers the global economy. He finally admitts indirect responsibility in the Khashoggi murder, but denies being the instigator.

...In its sixth year it has become a traditional event for fans of the region, from Syria to Lebanon. The concerts inside the churches, free and open to the faithful of all religions. Special appointment for the 800 years since the pilgrimage of the saint of Assisi in the region.

Security measures and checks have been stepped up in iconic places, like Tahrir Square. Exiled magnate Aly calls on Egyptians to rise and take part in a “million-man march”. About 1,900 people have been detained according to rights groups, a figure refuted by the Prosecutor’s Office. For the president, some media are fuelling "lies and defamation”.

This morning the vessel left the port of Bandar Abbas where it had been kept since July. The ship is bound for Port Rashid, in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Iranian government spokesman:a "friendly approach" created conditions for "the release of the ship".

The speaker of Lebanon’s parliament proposes legalisation, stressing that cannabis can be used for medical purposes. In the Beqaa, the plant was grown in Ottoman times. Production costs are low, and the local variety is among the best in the world. Farmers today are facing a collapse in prices and difficulties in trade with neighbouring Syria.

The Likud took 32 votes, one less than its Blue White rival (33). But in terms of a coalition the outgoing premier has 55 seats, against 54 in Gantz. Now the prime minister has 28 days to look for the seats needed for a parliamentary majority. But the rival has already ruled out the prospect of an alliance with a government led by Netanyahu.

Iraq’s prime minister approves a new development plan during a five-day visit to China. Mahdi says Iraq is "grateful" for China’s "valuable support" in the country’s reconstruction. Xi Jinping praises the "China-Iraq strategic partnership". In 2018 bilateral trade topped US$ 30 billion. A Chinese library is set to open at Baghdad University.

The bomb exploded this morning as agents passed through the southern Turkish province. The wounded would not be in serious condition. At the moment there are still no official claims for the attack. The Turkish magistrates issue a new arrest warrant for Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas.

As the UN is set to discuss climate change, the youth of 150 countries are taking to the streets to raise awareness. In the Middle Eastern, the issue is however still secondary to security and jobs. In Saudi Arabia 25 per cent of the population suffers from asthma. In 2100 going outdoors in the Persian Gulf could be "deadly". Small signs of hope are visible in the UAE.