EU welcomes Saudi Arabia and Iran's decision to resume ties

The EU has welcomed the agreement by Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations, saying it looked forward to its implementation.

In a joint statement with China on Friday, Riyadh and Tehran said they had agreed to resume diplomatic relations, following days of talks in Beijing.

“As both Saudi Arabia and Iran are central for the security of the region, the resumption of their bilateral relations can contribute to the stabilisation of the region as a whole,” Peter Stano, the European Commission's lead foreign affairs spokesman, said.

“Promoting peace and stability and achieving de-escalation of tensions in the broader Middle East are key priorities for the EU.

“The EU remains ready to engage with all actors in the region in a gradual and inclusive approach, and in full transparency.”

In the joint statement, Iran and Saudi Arabia thanked Oman and Iraq, which hosted several rounds of talks in Baghdad, for their efforts towards the two sides agreeing to restore diplomatic relations.

Riyadh cut ties with Tehran in 2016, after protesters invaded Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran following the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric in the kingdom.

Friday's breakthrough has raised hopes of progress towards resolving some of the Middle East's long-running crises — from the conflicts in Yemen and Syria to the economic collapse and political vacuum in Lebanon.

In Yemen, a Saudi-led coalition intervened at the request of the country's internationally recognised government in 2015, after Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa.

France also saluted the restoration of ties, saying it was in favour of dialogue, but urged Iran to “renounce its destabilising actions”.

Stamp duty timeline

December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%

April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.

July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.

March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.

April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.

Fight card

Bantamweight

Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) v Rey Nacionales (PHI)

Lightweight

Alexandru Chitoran (ROM) v Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR)

Catch 74kg

Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) v Omar Hussein (JOR)

Strawweight (Female)

Weronika Zygmunt (POL) v Seo Ye-dam (KOR)

Featherweight

Kaan Ofli (TUR) v Walid Laidi (ALG)

Lightweight

Leandro Martins (BRA) v Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW)

Welterweight

Ahmad Labban (LEB) v Sofiane Benchohra (ALG)

Bantamweight

Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR)

Lightweight

Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Glen Ranillo (PHI)

Lightweight

Alan Omer (GER) v Aidan Aguilera (AUS)

Welterweight

Mounir Lazzez (TUN) Sasha Palatnikov (HKG)

Featherweight title bout

Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR)

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Key findings of Jenkins report

Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."

THE SPECS

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Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 285bhp

Torque: 353Nm

Price: TBA

On sale: Q2, 2020

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Whiile you're here

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Tamkeen's offering

Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
Option 2: 50% across three years
Option 3: 30% across five years

While you're here

Mustafa Alrawi: To get the 'jab' done, there must be patience and empathy

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Editorial: What makes the UAE such a good place to test vaccines?

Editorial: The fight against Covid-19 should be guided by science

Cryopreservation: A timeline

Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
Ovarian tissue surgically removed
Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months

Tips to keep your car cool

Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
Park in shaded or covered areas
Add tint to windows
Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat