Hitachi Energy to appoint Andreas Schierenbeck as new Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Facchin to step down on June 30, 2024

Zurich, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy today announced that Andreas Schierenbeck will be appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2024. Claudio Facchin, Hitachi Energy CEO, will step down at the end of June 2024. Andreas will engage with the Hitachi Energy Board, Executive Team and Claudio to ensure a smooth transition prior to the handover on July 1, 2024.

Andreas joins Hitachi Energy from HH2E, a new green-hydrogen production company, where he is currently co-founder and board member. He previously worked as CEO of Uniper from 2019 to 2021, where he launched the company’s decarbonization strategy. Prior to that he was the CEO of thyssenkrupp Elevator, where he led the transformation of the company into a global leader leveraging digital technology from 2013 to 2018. Between 1992 and 2012, Andreas held various management positions within Siemens, including President and CEO of Siemens Building Technologies in the US between 2010 and 2012 and Senior Vice President in the Siemens electric utility sector in Switzerland. He holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the TU Dresden and an Advanced Management Certificate from Harvard University in the US. Andreas is a German citizen.

“I would like to welcome Andreas to Hitachi Energy to lead the next phase of exciting growth for the business. I would also like to express my appreciation to Claudio for his great leadership transitioning and transforming the company over the last four years from the carve-out of ABB’s Power Grids business through the Hitachi ABB Power Grids Joint Venture (JV) into Hitachi Energy, a fully-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Group”, said Keiji Kojima, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO of Hitachi, Ltd. “I look forward to continuing to support Hitachi Energy’s growth plan under the leadership of Andreas, and I wish Claudio all the best for the journey ahead.”

“Following a planned transition and a thorough selection process, we have appointed Andreas Schierenbeck as the successor to Claudio Facchin”, said Alistair Dormer, Chair of Hitachi Energy and Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and General Manager of Green Energy & Mobility Strategy Planning Division, Hitachi Ltd. “Claudio can be proud of his four years as CEO, and it has been a pleasure working with him during the past two years, supporting him and the Executive Team to deliver the transformation into Hitachi Energy, the leading power grids technology and solution provider. The Hitachi Energy 2030 growth plan centered around the commitment to continuously invest in innovation and partnerships to serve our customers is a solid foundation to build on, and I look forward to working with Andreas and the entire Hitachi Energy leadership team as we accelerate the delivery of the Hitachi Energy growth plan. Andreas’ experience of delivering transformational growth across sectors will help Hitachi Energy to scale growth and synergies with Hitachi.”

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the transition to Hitachi Energy, working alongside the Executive Team and the entire Hitachi Energy organization across the globe”, said Claudio Facchin, CEO of Hitachi Energy. “The authentic passion and unwavering ownership of this team has been a limitless source of energy and motivation for me personally. Together with Hitachi teams, we have worked with customers and partners to advance the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure. The extraordinary achievements of Hitachi Energy would not have been possible without the continuous support from Hitachi Group. I look forward to onboarding Andreas, together with the Executive Team and the Board of Hitachi Energy, until the handover on July 1, 2024.”

“I am thrilled to embark on this journey as the new CEO of Hitachi Energy, steering the company towards new horizons in an era of transformation, where the demand for electricity is surging due to the rapid electrification of transport, buildings, and industries”, said Andreas Schierenbeck. “It is a profound honor to lead an experienced team so deeply committed to quality, innovation and sustainability as we help our customers and society accelerate towards a greener future. Together, we will continue to expand Hitachi Energy’s profitable business, ensuring that our collective efforts contribute significantly to a sustainable and electrified future.”

Hitachi Energy to appoint Andreas Schierenbeck as new Chief Executive Officer

About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. We integrate more than 150 GW of HVDC links into the power system, helping our customers enable more wind and solar. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ more than 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachment

Global Media Relations
Hitachi Energy
media.relations@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9059761

Dentsu Appoints Shirli Zelcer to Chief Data and Technology Officer

Steve Simpson joins as President, Data, Audiences and Technology; Shiva Vannavada appointed as President, Data and Technology Solutions

Shirli Zelcer

Chief Data & Technology Officer, dentsu

TOKYO, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dentsu (brand: dentsu; Head Office: Dentsu Group Inc.; Location: Tokyo; Representative: President and Global CEO Hiroshi Igarashi) today announced the appointment of Shirli Zelcer as Chief Data and Technology Officer (CDTO), sitting on dentsu’s Group Management Team. In this role, Zelcer will be responsible for all of dentsu’s client-facing data-driven, analytics and technology-enabled products and platforms, driving innovation and sustainable growth for clients.

Dentsu also announced today that Steve Simpson has been appointed as President, Data, Audiences and Technology, dentsu and Shiva Vannavada as President, Data and Technology Solutions, dentsu. Simpson will join the Global Media Practice leadership team to support the development of a winning Media Practice community that delivers continued excellence in its offering to clients, driving client growth and transformation. In his newly created role, Simpson will be responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of a globally-scaled, data-driven and technology-enabled audience platform that drives growth for clients, while Vannavada will focus on creating synergies across product and platforms, AI innovation, analytics and across Dentsu Global Services (DGS).

Zelcer brings over 20 years of experience in analytics and insights, business advisory and organizational design, AI and data science, and cloud and marketing technologies. She was most recently the Global Head of Analytics and Technology at Merkle, where she led a global division of over 5,600 practitioners across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. In her new role at dentsu, Zelcer will be responsible to innovate the vision, roadmap, development and commercial impact of dentsu’s data and tech strategy across our three core practice areas: Media, CXM and Creative, working closer with Practice leads and Jean Lin, Global President – Global Practices, dentsu. The role will lead a newly formed team brought together from these Practice areas to drive consistency, interoperability and ultimately to deliver growth to dentsu’s clients through more unified capabilities.

Joining from Publicis, in his new role, Simpson will lead a global team of experts from across data management, identity, personalization, media activation and dynamic creative production, and partner with dentsu’s global products and platforms team to integrate and scale the platform across dentsu’s Global Practices.

Simpson will also be accountable for evolving dentsu’s global media delivery platform. Enabled by programmatic media delivery, enriched with 1st, 2nd and 3rd party data, it will leverage dentsu’s leading Merkury products suite to drive client competitiveness.

Having previously served as Global Chief Product and Technology Officer, dentsu Solutions, Vannavada’s expanded responsibilities as President, Data and Technology Solutions will include driving cross-practice and product collaboration, nurturing dentsu’s AI Connective community and leading his team to contribute to tech-enabled solutions and strategy.

“Innovation across data and technology are two of dentsu’s most critical points of differentiation, having led the market for many years in the development, adoption and application of proprietary platforms which give our clients the edge,” said Hiroshi Igarashi, President and Global CEO, dentsu. “We are very proud to appoint Shirli, Steve and Shiva into these new strategic roles which bring together our efforts across the organization, honing our capabilities and ensuring that dentsu and our clients remain at the forefront of innovation.”

The leadership of the broader Data and Tech organization at dentsu includes: Head of Product, Matt Seeley, and Sunil Rao leading Analytics, and Peter Rogers leading Data Platforms. DGS will also now report into Zelcer’s Data and Technology structure and in turn, Zelcer will report into Michael Komasinski, CEO, dentsu Americas & Global President – Data & Technology, dentsu.

Quotes:

“During her time at Merkle, Shirli brought together teams from around the world to collaborate on vital programs, ranging from data infrastructure implementation to advanced media mix modeling, personalization strategies and the development of bespoke AI solutions,” commented Michael Komasinski, CEO, dentsu Americas & Global President – Data & Technology, dentsu. “With her vast experience of successfully partnering with clients, alongside a proven ability to solve business challenges with cutting-edge technology solutions, I’m truly excited to see the impact that Shirli will have in her new expanded global role at dentsu.”

“It is a very exciting prospect to move into this new role at a time when not only is dentsu at a pivotal moment in its history, but data and technology have never evolved at a faster pace,” remarked Shirli Zelcer, Chief Data and Technology Officer, dentsu. “As a group, we have already made some big moves into AI over the last few years, but I truly see the combination of AI with dentsu proprietary and partner technologies as a major differentiator for our clients. I’m looking forward to broadening the impact I can have across dentsu and working closely with the talented leaders and teams across our tech community.”

Steve Simpson, President, Data, Audiences and Technology, dentsu, said: “I am thrilled to join dentsu at this exciting time of transformation and innovation. Data and technology are at the heart of the media industry and the integrated opportunity across Practices at dentsu in vast. I look forward to working with the talented teams throughout dentsu to build a world-class platform that will deliver value and innovation for our clients, helping them achieve their business goals.”

Shiva Vannavada, President, Data and Technology Solutions, dentsu, commented: “Since I began my journey at dentsu, we have been actively planning our future with AI and I am excited to take on this new expanded remit as we enter into what will undoubtedly be a transformational year for AI and the products and solutions we build using it. At dentsu, we don’t consider AI as a standalone technology, it is part of the fabric of our data, technology and product capabilities, ingrained into every practice and present in every agency brand. This makes us naturally more collaborative, more integrated and faster to market for our clients, and I look forward to working with teams across dentsu to break new ground in what is possible across data and tech for our clients.”

About dentsu

Dentsu is the network designed for what’s next, helping clients predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities and create new paths to growth in the sustainable economy. Taking a people-centered approach to business transformation, we use insights to connect brand, content, commerce and experience, underpinned by modern creativity. As part of Dentsu Group Inc. (Tokyo: 4324; ISIN: JP3551520004), we are headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and our 71,000-strong employee base of dedicated professionals work across four regions (Japan, Americas, EMEA and APAC). Dentsu combines Japanese innovation with a diverse, global perspective to drive client growth and to shape society.

https://www.dentsu.com/
https://www.group.dentsu.com/en/

Contact:

Matt Cross
Phone: +442074306319
Email: matt.cross@dentsu.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf533a57-ac1f-4ad2-87e5-340b90ec6957

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000927842

ONESIAM Experience Unites for “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena” – Reaffirming Global Destination Status with Unparalleled Celebratory Experience

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Siam Piwat solidifies its position as Thailand’s leader in crafting world-class destinations by uniting efforts to showcase the unmatched ONESIAM Experience. This initiative brings together the allure of global hotspots situated in the heart of Bangkok – Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery – with the iconic ICONSIAM along the Chao Phraya River, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, the only world-class luxury outlet in Thailand. The collaboration also includes the integration of the ONESIAM SuperApp. Joining forces, they collaborate to bring forth a miraculous spectacle, crafting the iconic “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena.” This grand and spectacular event is set to unfold throughout April 2024.This year’s event is set to surpass all previous years in scale and uniqueness, especially since ‘Songkran in Thailand’ was honored as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO at the end of last year.

Throughout April, the ONESIAM Experience is advancing via collaboration of 5 top destinations to craft an iconic event. The World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena is set to deliver extraordinary experience to both Thai and international visitors. It establishes itself as the ultimate Songkran Festival destination, a must-visit for everyone. In anticipation of the Songkran Festival and the vibrant hues of summer, preparations are underway, with each shopping center, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, gearing up to showcase its unique highlights and special features. Engaging activities and exclusive shopping opportunities tailored to reflect the distinct character of each venue.

Siam Paragon is set to host the “Siam Paragon Ultrasonic Water Festival 2024,” from April 9-16, 2024. This grand celebration aims to captivate a global audience by showcasing an exceptional blend of global artists, music and entertainment, alongside the marvels of Thai culture. Siam Paragon embarks on its ‘Co-create & Collaborate’ initiative with globally renowned British artist Philip Colbert. Colbert, celebrated for pioneering a novel Pop Art style characterized by distinct lines and vibrant colors, brings his original creation, “Lobster Man,” into this collaboration for the first time in Thailand. His work will be transformed into a vast ‘Giant Inflatable Playground,’ embracing a “splash” theme.

Siam Paragon is also setting the stage for entertainment with the ‘World Stage – Music Festival,’ a platform that gathers famous artists to add vibrancy to the festivities by JOOX Music.

Concurrently, Siam Paragon is bringing revered ancient Buddha statues, to be enshrined for public veneration. This auspicious opportunity is offered to all for garnering good fortune during the Thai New Year Festival and will be accessible for worship from April 12-16, 2024, at the Fashion Hall on the 1st floor of Siam Paragon.

Siam Center is set to embrace the summer festival season with the “Siam Center Splashtastic Fun Fest,” spotlighting the newest trends in ‘Fashion & Innovation’ such as Water Interactive Screen’ and ‘3D Aquatic Installation’ which is scheduled from April 1-30, 2024.

A special highlight of the event is the showcase of fashion and design through an exclusive collection curated by Thai and emerging new-generation designers. This collection places a spotlight on Thai batik, a wisdom of Thai craftsmanship, reimagined in a contemporary style.

Siam Discovery is preparing to embrace the summer festival with the event themed “Siam Discovery: The Summer Exploratorium,” scheduled from April 3-16, 2024. This event extends an invitation to all under the motto ‘Come Play with Us,’ focusing on sports and street art. The shopping center is setting the venue for a ‘3×3 Basketball Tournament’, attracting over 100 teams, including superstars, celebrities, artists, and national team athletes, to compete. Alongside this, a ‘Splash Party’ will enhance the atmosphere with light and sound displays from screens surrounding the competition area, complemented by a variety of other activities.

Other highlights of the event feature renowned Korean street artist JAYFLOW, who will bring his creativity to craft street art basketball characters infused with the lively spirit of the Songkran Festival for all to enjoy. Additionally, visitors can browse new fashion collections from Thai designers, specially crafted to celebrate the Songkran Festival.

ICONSIAM, in collaboration with government and private sector partners, is organizing Thailand’s grand Songkran event, “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024 ICONSIAM Miraculous Chao Phraya Maha Songkran 2024.” This year’s festival is themed “THE ICONIC SPLASH FESTIVAL Miraculous Songkran World Heritage,” and is set to take place from April 10-21, 2024. The festival will showcase the rich tapestry of customs and traditions, aiming to welcome tourists from across the globe with a blend of hospitality and contemporary Thai entertainment.

By transforming the River Park area into a venue for a grand Songkran celebration, the event is designed not only to create a momentous occasion but also to elevate Songkran in Thailand to the status of a world-class festival by celebrating Thai cultural heritage and blending it with contemporary elements. Participants will be treated to the elegant and stunning Miss Songkran parade, showcasing traditional Thai beauty. To foster good fortune, attendees will have the chance to pour water over the city’s sacred Buddha image. Additionally, the festivities include enjoying the vibrant Songkran water splashes along the Chao Phraya River and being entertained by performances from top music artists.

Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok is launching a campaign to commemorate the Songkran Festival, featuring special promotions from top brands exclusively for tourists.

Everyone is invited to partake in the “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena.” Come join the ONESIAM Experience in embracing the enchantment of the Songkran Festival and welcoming the vibrant hues of summer all through April. 

Media Contact

Suwipa Sukcharoen

Email : suwipa@goodwillcom.co.th

‫شركة سهم كابيتال تستعرض أحدث حلول التكنولوجيا المالية والذكاء الاصطناعي في مؤتمر ليب 2024

الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 مارس 2024 – تستعرض شركة سهم كابيتال المالية، وهي شركة وساطة رائدة مرخصة من هيئة السوق المالية السعودية (برقم 22251-25)، حلول التداول الشاملة الخاصة بها في جناح H1A.C100 في ليب 2024 (LEAP 2024)، وهو الحدث التقني الأكثر حضوراً في العالم. خلال فعاليات المؤتمر كشفت شركة سهم كابيتال عن أحدث حلولها، والتي تضم مُقدِمة برامج تُدعى “عليا” (Aliyah) تم تصميمها بواسطة الذكاء الاصطناعي لتوجيه المستثمرين للاستفادة من الفرص الاستثمارية.

توفر الشركة حلول تداول شاملة مع التركيز على ابتكارات التكنولوجيا المالية، بما في ذلك تطبيق “سهم”، وهو الأول من نوعه في المملكة العربية السعودية، حيث يجمع بين أسعار السوق في الوقت الحقيقي والأخبار على مدار الساعة طوال أيام الأسبوع وتعليم المستثمرين وأدوات التحليل. ولهذا يتميز التطبيق عن غيره من منصات التداول من خلال عدم ضرورة قيام المستخدمين باستخدام عدة تطبيقات لاتخاذ قرارات الاستثمار عبر الأسواق.

ويقدم التطبيق أيضًا تصميمًا أنيقًا وسهل الاستخدام لواجهة المستخدم، تتضمن وظائف مجمعة مثل مؤشر الأسهم المتوافقة مع الشريعة الإسلامية، مما يلبي الاحتياجات الفريدة للسوق المحلية. علاوة على ذلك، يوفر تطبيق سهم معلومات شاملة عن السوق، بما في ذلك الملفات التعريفية التفصيلية للشركات المدرجة وتقويم الأحداث المالية ومخططات التحليل الديناميكية وإحصائيات السوق الرئيسية.

كشفت هديل بديري، المدير العام لشركة سهم كابيتال، خلال الحدث عن “عليا”، والتي تم تطويرها ضمن تطبيق سهم. تقدم “عليا” معلومات ودعم في الوقت الفعلي، مما يساعد المستثمرين على فهم ميزات المنتج وتحديد خيارات مستنيرة. تتقن عليا اللغتين العربية والإنجليزية، وتتحسن باستمرار من خلال التعلم من المحتوى الذي تقدمه، وتصبح تدريجيًا أكثر واقعيةً وانخراطًا.

ظل تطبيق سهم، منذ ظهوره لأول مرة في ديسمبر 2023، من بين أفضل خمس تطبيقات مالية من حيث الإيرادات في كل من متجر التطبيقات (App Store) وجوجل بلاي (Google Play) في المملكة العربية السعودية. تسعى شركة سهم كابيتال جاهدة إلى تبسيط الاستثمار من خلال الاستفادة من أحدث ابتكارات الذكاء الاصطناعي والتكنولوجيا المالية وتزويد المستثمرين السعوديين بأدوات تداول سهلة الاستخدام ورؤى محدثة عن السوق.

لمزيد من المعلومات حول شركة سهم كابيتال وحلولها المالية، تفضل بزيارة موقعها الرسمي على https://www.alsahm.com/.

نبذة عن “سهم كابيتال”

شركة “سهم كابيتال” (المعروفة سابقًا باسم “شركة رأس المال القيم المالية”) شركة مسجلة في الرياض، وهي مشروع مشترك بين شركة “ڤاليبل كابيتال غروب ليميتد” وشركة “إي دبليو تي بي أرابيا كابيتال”، كما أنها عضو مسجل في السوق المالية السعودية (تداول)، وكذلك في الشركتين التابعتين لتداول؛ شركة مركز إيداع الأوراق المالية (إيداع) وشركة مركز مقاصة الأوراق المالية (مقاصة). الشركة أيضًا عضو في جمعية التكنولوجيا المالية في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، وجمعية الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا وآسيا للعملات الرقمية والبلوك شين.

Sahm Capital Showcases latest Fintech and AI Solutions at LEAP 2024

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Sahm Capital Financial Company, a leading brokerage firm licensed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (No: 22251-25), showcased its all-in-one comprehensive trading solutions at booth H1A.C100 in LEAP 2024, a global technology event taking place in Riyadh. Throughout the four-day event, Sahm Capital also unveiled its latest AI-generated solutions, featuring an AI presenter named ‘Aliyah’, designed to help investors capitalize on investment opportunities.

With a focus on Fintech innovation, the company provides comprehensive trading solutions, including the Sahm App, the first of its kind in KSA to combine real-time market quotes, 24/7 news, investor education, and analysis tools, distinguishing itself from other trading platforms by removing the necessity for users to juggle multiple Apps for cross-market investment decisions.

The App also offers a sleek and user-friendly UI design, complete with bundled functions such as a Shariah Compliant Stocks indicator, catering to the unique needs of the local market. Furthermore, Sahm App provides comprehensive market information, including detailed listed company profiles, a financial event calendar, dynamic analysis charts, and key market statistics.

During the event, Hadeel Bedeeri, General Manager of Sahm Capital, unveiled ‘Aliyah’, an AI-generated presenter developed within the Sahm App. Aliyah provides real-time information and support, aiding investors in understanding product features and making informed choices. Proficient in both Arabic and English, Aliyah constantly improves by learning from the content she presents, progressively becoming more lifelike and engaging.

Since its debut in December 2023, Sahm App has remained a top-five grossing finance App in both App Store and Google Play in KSA. Leveraging cutting-edge AI and Fintech innovations, Sahm Capital strives to simplify investing, offering Saudi investors easy-to-use trading tools and up-to-the-minute market insights.

For more information about Sahm Capital and its financial solutions, visit their official website at https://www.alsahm.com/.

About Sahm Capital

Registered in Riyadh, Sahm Capital (previously known as VCFC) is a joint venture company of Valuable Capital Group Ltd and eWTP Arabia Capital. Sahm Capital is also a registered member of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul, as well as its affiliates, the Securities Depository Center Company (Edaa) and the Securities Clearing Center Company (Muqassa). The company is also a member of Mena Fintech Association and Middle East Africa and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA).

Dollar rate on Moscow Exchange falls to 90.37 rubles, yuan rate up to 12.548 rubles


MOSCOW, The dollar-to-ruble exchange rate at the opening of trading on the Moscow Exchange decreased by 22.5 kopecks compared to the closing level of previous trading session and amounted to 90.37 rubles.

There were no transactions on the euro at the beginning of trading.

In turn, the yuan-to-ruble rate increased by 1.5 kopecks to 12,548 rubles.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syria: The West exploits OPCW to implement its political agendas


The Hague, The United States and its allies have worked to use the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the service of the implementation of their aggressive political agendas against Syria, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Milad Attia said Wednesday.

Attia’s remarks came while delivering Syria’s statement during the opening of the 105th session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Attia added that Damascus has been facing an unprecedented campaign of skepticism and false accusations of not cooperating with the organization and its technical secretariat, and that it hides chemical weapons, despite having cooperated with the technical secretariat of the organization and provided all the facilities.

‘The Syrian experience, and then the Russian one, and before them that of José Bustani, with the organization, have become conclusive proof of how some Western countries worked to politicize the work of this
organization and divert it from the objectives for which it was created,’ said the diplomat.

He clarified that the manner of adoption and approval of the decision of the fourth special session of the Conference of States Parties in June 2018 and the consequent creation of an illegal group that violates the provisions of the Convention constitute a turning point in the history of this organization, despite the fact that the majority of member states demanded faithful, fair and non-discriminatory implementation of what the convention stipulates.

According to the Syrian representative, some Western countries are accustomed to imposing their dictations on other countries and refusing to listen to any opinion that contradicts their instructions or does not serve their political agendas, even if that would lead to direct aggression against the sovereignty of other countries in a manner that violates international law and the UN Charter, similar to what happened in the US-British-French aggression launched against
Syria in April 2018.

‘The United States and some Western countries have turned the OPCW into an arena to settle their aggressive and colonialist geopolitical scores, since the independence of this organization is at stake. We say very clearly that in the face of this reality, the organization is no longer capable of achieving its purpose and it is difficult for it to regain its credibility and carry out the tasks assigned to it,’ considered the Damascus delegate.

In the same context, he added that ‘as a result of the political interference of Western countries, the OPCW is currently facing a crisis of credibility, disagreements, polarization and divisions within it, and these countries continue their approach by adopting politicized decisions directed against the states parties to the convention.’

Attia highlighted the need to support the request of the State of Palestine to investigate the incidents of use of chemical weapons by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and call
ed on the Technical Secretariat to move and carry out its tasks in accordance with its mandate, as it has been done elsewhere.

‘The excuse that there is no evidence and that the security situation does not allow an investigation is unacceptable and reveals a double standard,’ he said.

Finally, the Syrian delegate reiterated Syria’s call for international cooperation to confront the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States and its allies on the transfer of scientific technology for peaceful purposes to developing countries, with the aim of preventing them from achieving economic and scientific development for its people, in clear violation of the provisions of the agreement and international law.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Arab League calls on UN Security Council to adopt resolution obligating occupation to stop genocide in Gaza


Cairo, The Council of the League of Arab States called on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution obligating Israeli occupation to stop the ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip for the 153rd day in a row and the attempts to forcibly displace them from their land, and to ensure the entry of relief aid into the entire Strip.

At the conclusion of its 161st regular session at the level of foreign ministers, the Council stressed the need for the decision to include enforcement of the temporary measures contained in the order of the International Court of Justice on January 26.

The Council condemned the US repeated use of the veto to prevent the Security Council from issuing a resolution to stop the aggression.

The Council warned of the occupation’s scheme to forcibly displace more than one and a half million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, after they were internally displaced as a result of the aggression and pushed to move to the far south of the Strip.

The Council af
firmed the importance of implementing the decision of the recent Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh to break the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and impose the entry of Arab, Islamic and international humanitarian aid convoys by land, sea and air, including food, medicine and fuel, to the entire Strip immediately.

The Council condemned the continued crimes of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, which constitute a persistent crime of genocide.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syrian armed forces kill terrorists, shoot down three drones in countryside of Idlib and Quneitra


Damascus, Units of Syrian armed forces killed several members of a terrorist group and left others wounded, along with shooting down three drones in the countryside of Idlib and Quneitra.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement today: ‘A unit of armed forces operating in southern countryside of Idlib clashed with a terrorist group affiliated with the so-called Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization that attempted to infiltrate and attack one of Syrian military points, killing many troops and leaving others wounded.’

‘One of the group members was arrested.’ the statement went on to say.

Other units of our armed forces also managed to shoot down and destroy three drones belonging to terrorist groups in the countryside of Quneitra and Idlib, the ministry added.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Tourism ministry and Aga Khan Network sign a joint cooperation agreement in rehabilitation and training field


Damascus, Ministry of Tourism and the Aga Khan Development Network in Syria signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding in the field of tourism and hotel training and education in framework of the network’s non-profit humanitarian and development role.

The memorandum, signed by Minister of Tourism, Mohammad Rami Martini, and the resident representative of Aga Khan Development Network in Syria, Ghatafan Ajoub stipulates carrying out projects and programs in tourism and hotel training, education, and rehabilitation, support the quality of education according to modern educational media, and link the outcomes of tourism and hotel vocational training and education to the needs of the labor market.

The memo includes facilitating the implementation of initiatives and activities in the field of tourism and hotel training and qualification, and tourism and hotel training programs using modern and advanced training methods and hosting experts and technical specialists to train students in various tourism fields
.

Martini affirmed in a press statement that cooperation between Ministry of Tourism and Aga Khan Network will continue in the field of training and qualification for students in hotel schools under the age of 18 or in the university education stage, technical institutes, training and qualification centers and tourism colleges affiliated with Higher Education Ministry to facilitate their entry into the labor market with high efficiency.

Martini pointed out that the number of beneficiaries of these programs and curricula has so far reached more than 25,000 ones during the eight years.

In turn, Ajoub noted that cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism will continue in accordance with the memo which will last for three years, and focuses on the humanitarian and development aspect, which helps students and youth cope with life’s circumstances.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency