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Politics
South Korea decides to ‘conditionally’ suspend termination of Seoul-Tokyo military pact
Seoul: South Korea announced a decision Friday to “conditionally” suspend the expiry of a military information-sharing accord with Japan. South Korea has also decided to temporarily halt a petition process at the World Trade Organization while negotiations with Japan on the two sides’ export control policies go on, Kim You-geun,…
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Politics
Gulf women deliver diplomatic messages with panache, stylish elegance
By Habib Toumi Manama: They are the new type of successful Gulf diplomats determined to overcome challenges, bias and misconceptions both at home and abroad and to assert themselves as genuine voices for their countries, successfully delivering their global messages, loudly and clearly. Sara Ashour, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of…
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Politics
BTS will not be exempted from military service: culture minister
Paris: South Korea’s globally acclaimed superstars BTS and other high-flying K-pop stars will not be exempted from mandatory military service under the government’s new guidelines on conscription waivers, the culture minister has said. Since early this year, a government task force has been working to revamp the guidelines to raise fairness…
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Politics
Korea, Japan fail to narrow differences in trade talks
Geneva: South Korea and Japan failed to narrow their differences in a second round of talks Tuesday aimed at resolving their dispute over Tokyo’s export restrictions, Seoul’s chief negotiator said. The six-hour-long meeting was arranged as part of a dispute settlement process under rules of the World Trade Organization. South…
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Politics
Kuwait emir urges new prime minister to crack down on corruption
Kuwait: Kuwait’s Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah has urged the newly-appointed Prime Minister, Shaikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah to crack down on corruption. “We have given you responsibility … a big responsibility … fight corruption and the corrupt … Inshallah Allah the Almighty help…
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Politics
2 South Koreans seized by Houthi rebels in Red Sea
Seoul: Houthi rebels in Yemen seized three boats carrying two South Koreans and 14 others in the Red Sea this week, and all of them have been confirmed to be safe, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Tuesday. The Iran-linked militia captured them and the three vessels — two tugboats and a…
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Politics
Moon vows to maintain security cooperation with Japan despite looming GSOMIA expiry
Seoul: President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday his government will try “till the last moment” to avoid the termination of an accord with Japan on exchanging military information but he made clear that depends on Tokyo’s stance on its export restriction against Seoul. Although the agreement, known as GSOMIA, is scheduled…
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Politics
South Korea, U.S. abruptly cut short defense cost-sharing talks
Seoul: South Korea and the United States abruptly cut short their defense cost-sharing talks Tuesday, with the U.S. chief negotiator accusing Seoul of making proposals falling short of a “fair and equitable burden sharing.” The abrupt ending underlined wide differences between the two sides after Washington’s reported demand for a…
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Politics
Kuwait emir pledges zero tolerance towards corruption, deplores media spat
By Habib Toumi Kuwait: Kuwait’s Emir has pledged that no-one regardless of their status will evade punishment related to public funds crimes and stressed that the issue was under his personal attention. “We reaffirm our relentless keenness on preserving public funds, and our commitment to protecting them, and affirm that…
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Politics
Kuwait designated premier declines post amid rare public feud
By Habib Toumi Kuwait: Kuwait’s caretaker prime minister has turned down a proposal by the Emir to be reappointed and to form a new government. Shaikh Jaber Al Mubarak said in a statement on Monday that although it was an honor to serve the country, he felt sorry “over not…
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