Middle East

The appeal by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate against lower court decision was rejected. Although the purchase of the disputed buildings in the Old City by the radical Jewish group is valid in all respects, the Greek Orthodox patriarch says he will continue the battle alongside the residents.

The measure would concern primaries, later high schools and universities. Controversy on social media and "strong opposition" from civil society, opposed to "Islamisation". Saad Salloum: the divisions "are contrary to our culture", but it remains a "controversial" issue.

The arrival of the Energean Power has revived the issue. The vessel is ready to develop the Karish gas field on behalf of the Israelis. US envoy Amos Hochstein is expected next week. On the border question, Hezbollah leaves the field free to the government. The respective exclusive economic zones are at stake.

Once an "anchor of salvation", today the family is "in tatters" and its identity "lost". Young people struggle amidst enormous "torment", torn between the battlefield and lack of economic prospects or work. The Church called to "question itself" about the future and how to continue the mission.

Card Semeraro presided over the beatification ceremony of Fr Léonard Melki and Fr Thomas Saleh. Because of their witness of faith, they were "victims in the eyes of men” but “victors” from a perspective of faith. As in the past, world today is giving in to the violence of war, and so the testimonies of blood are back.

The Swiss-born bishop is preparing to entrust the mandate to his successor Msgr. Martinelli. In his last pastoral letter, he expressed his "gratitude" for a reality that has matured in 18 years of missionary work. With ups and downs, from the pope's visit to the killing of the four Missionary Sisters of Charity in Aden.

The regent and Metropolitan of Australia and New Zealand Mar Yakoob III Danil was chosen. he served in Syria. He succeeds Mar Addai II Gewargis, who passed away in February. Informed sources say that the election represents a setback in talks on possible reunification with the Assyrian Church of the East.

The Ministry of Social Affairs wants the governor of the central bank to get private institutions to lift limits on withdrawals by social service associations. Many paramedics, healthcare workers and educators are seeking better wages and working conditions abroad. The crisis is compounded by skyrocketing prices and the lack of resources (or inability to access them).

Authorities are clamping down on support for the demonstrations. Crackdown on celebrities who joined the "‘Lay Down Your Arms" campaign, subject to threats and intimidation. A fatwa against the film 'Holy Spider', starring Zar Amir Ebrahimi. But citizens defy the bans and demonstrate to demand justice for the 37 victims of the collapse in Abadan.

On a state visit to Iran, Tajik President Rahmon met with Iran’s Khamenei and Raisi. The delicate situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and the search for an ally to replace Russia in the border dispute with Turkey-backed Kyrgyzstan are speeding up the thaw in relations that began in the summer 2019.

The Mar Sawa al-Hakim church in Tel Tamr, which had already been targeted by the Islamic State in 2015, suffered serious damage. Houses and the local infrastructure were also hit. The local Orthodox Syriac bishop blames Turley’s expansionist ambitions, aimed at driving Christians out of the area.

The Shiite representative elected in the first round, with the minimum number of votes required (65 out of 128 in total). Independent MPs expressing protest were unable to prevent the appointment. Within the Assembly, however, a shift in the balance of power emerges. The goal now is to elect the president of the Republic and the premier, avoiding institutional deadlock.