EU Offers Tunisia Over €1 Billion to Address Economic Crisis and Migration Challenges
Plus: Turkey's first female central bank governor, Berlusconi's ties with the Middle East, Beirut blast victims awarded $1 million, and much more.
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EU Offers Tunisia Over €1 Billion to Address Economic Crisis and Migration Challenges
The European Union plans to offer Tunisia a loan of over 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) to aid its struggling economy, address financial issues, and handle a migration crisis.
The majority of the funds will be contingent on Tunisia agreeing to implement economic reforms.
The offer was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who are concerned about Mediterranean migration.
This effort by major donors aims to persuade President Kais Saied to accept the terms of a $1.9 billion IMF bailout.
Despite Tunisia's presidency stating that a partnership with the EU will be formed to combat illegal migration, President Saied has expressed opposition to proposals that involve subsidy cuts and restructuring state-owned companies, deeming them a potential cause for social unrest.
Additionally, the EU plans to provide Tunisia with 100 million euros this year for border management, search and rescue operations, anti-smuggling measures, and humane returns.
Lebanon's Ongoing Political Chaos Deepens as Twelfth Attempt to Elect President Fails
Lebanon's ongoing political chaos continued as lawmakers made their twelfth unsuccessful attempt to elect a president, leaving the country in a seven-month power vacuum.
Sleiman Frangieh, Hezbollah's favored candidate, fell behind Jihad Azour, a former finance minister supported by Hezbollah's opposition and some nominal allies. Although Azour received more votes, he did not achieve the two-thirds majority required to win in the first round.
This deadlock further hinders progress in addressing the worsening economic crisis.
Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi Dies at 86: His Ties with the Middle East
Silvio Berlusconi, the billionaire media tycoon and former Italian Prime Minister, died on Monday, June 12, at 86.
He served as Italy's Prime Minister from 1994 to 2011 and strongly supported Israel, considering it the only democracy in the Middle East.
Berlusconi opposed recognizing a Palestinian state without Israeli agreement while supporting Israel's plan for a demilitarized Palestinian state.
He had a notable relationship with Muammar Gaddafi, having jointly inaugurated an underwater gas pipeline between Italy and Libya in 2004.
Berlusconi condemned Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on protesters in 2011 but later endorsed Russia's military intervention in Syria, aiding Assad's hold on power.
He supported the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, contributing troops to the coalition, as he believed it exemplified the West's promotion of freedom.
In 2013, Berlusconi was found guilty of paying a minor for sex and abuse of office, involving a controversial incident where he used his position to free the person from jail, claiming diplomatic reasons by falsely linking her to President Mubarak of Egypt.
First Female Central Bank Governor Appointed in Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appointed Hafize Gaye Erkan, formerly a co-CEO of First Republic Bank, as the new head of the country's central bank.
This decision could signal a departure from the policy of maintaining low-interest rates and frequent government interventions to support the Turkish lira.
Erkan's appointment as the first female central bank governor in Turkey poses a unique challenge, as she will be working under a president who believes, contrary to evidence and mainstream theory, that lower interest rates lead to reduced inflation.
Netherlands and Canada Sue Syria in International Court over Torture Claims
The Netherlands and Canada have filed a case against Syria at the International Court of Justice, accusing Syria of numerous violations of international law, including torture, since 2011.
They are requesting urgent protective measures for individuals at risk of torture.
The aim is to hold President Bashar al-Assad's government responsible for serious human rights abuses and torture, based on the UN Convention against Torture, which Syria ratified in 2004.
Germany previously convicted a former Syrian state official for torture under its universal jurisdiction laws, which enable prosecution of crimes against humanity regardless of the location.
UK Court Orders $1 Million Compensation from Company Found Liable for Beirut Explosion
A British court has ordered Savaro Ltd, the company responsible for the Beirut explosion, to pay some victims $1 million in compensation.
The judge granted compensation to the victims based on firsthand testimonies, including those of the parents of a three-year-old girl who died, describing the impact of the blast on their lives.
The explosion occurred in August 2020 when a warehouse in Beirut port containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate imported by Savaro caught fire and exploded after several years of storage, resulting in the death of at least 215 people.
The damages were awarded following the High Court's previous ruling that held Savaro accountable for the explosion made early this year.
Read more on The National News.
Israel's Defense Exports Skyrocket, Fueled by Global Drone Demand and Gulf Market Growth
In 2022, Israel's defense exports reached a record-breaking $12.5 billion, driven by global demand for drones and air defense systems.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense revealed this information, highlighting the significant growth in the Gulf countries that are part of the Abraham Accords.
These countries, including the UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain, purchased defense platforms worth approximately $3 billion.
Since the signing of the peace deals in 2020, the sales to these newly connected nations almost matched Israel's total sales of $3.6 billion in 2005, accounting for 24% of all exports.
Read more on Breaking Defense.
Turkey's President Erdogan Hosts UAE and Libyan Leaders at Champions League Final
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan used sports diplomacy during the Champions League final in Istanbul on Sunday, June 10, by hosting UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
This move aims to promote better relations between Dbeibah's government and Abu Dhabi, which previously supported a rival faction in the Libyan conflict.
However, the UAE's stance has since softened, with Dbeibah making several visits to the UAE.
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My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
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Cover photo: EU