ABU DHABI // Ali Larijani, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, delivered a fiery address yesterday in which he repeatedly blamed the West, particularly the US and Israel, for plotting against the Muslim world. He also said that his country has evidence that Israel orchestrated the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Countries (Puic) conference, Mr Larijani also continued a campaign of vilification against the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), which is investigating the murder of Rafiq Hariri, the former Lebanese premier who was assassinated.
Iran sent to the Puic summit a 45-member delegation led by Mr Larijani after the speaker was told the UAE was planning to withdraw a proposal to create a body that would resolve conflicts between Muslim nations.
Mr Larijani also met with Sheikh Saud al Qassimi, the Ruler of Ras al Khaimah, and Abdulaziz al Ghurair, the speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC).
"Authoritarian governments have been busy for many years planting discord among the Islamic ummah," he said.
He reeled off a list of grievances against western powers, saying they were destroying Jerusalem's Islamic features and were forcing Palestinians to emigrate from their lands, in addition to maintaining the siege of Gaza.
"How can they, under the guise of fighting terrorism, continue occupying Afghanistan for many years and transforming this country into continuous destruction?" Mr Larijani asked.
Mr Larijani accused the West of failing to respond to what he termed "Zionist governmental terrorism", manifested in the assassinations of Mahmoud al Mabhouh, a Hamas operative killed in Dubai last year, and Iranian nuclear scientists.
"We have compelling documents that confirm the involvement of the Zionists in these assassinations," he said.
Mr Larijani dubbed the STL a "Zionist-American court" bent on destabilising Lebanon.
"Here we see America praising its stooge, this court that is undermining the stability and security of Lebanon," he said.
Lebanon's government collapsed last week after ministers from Hizbollah, the Iran-backed militia, resigned from the premier Saad Hariri's cabinet.
Mr Larijani went further, blaming the possible secession of south Sudan on Israel and the UK.
He also said the US abandoned its former allies in the Tunisian government after the overthrow of the former president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali over the weekend in an effort to retain its influence in Tunisia "under the guise of defending the Tunisian people".
Mr Larijani blamed what he termed "arrogant governments" for fuelling the "drumming and demagoguery" surrounding Iran's nuclear programme.
kshaheen@thenational.ae
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Biography
Favourite drink: Must have karak chai and Chinese tea every day
Favourite non-Chinese food: Arabic sweets and Indian puri, small round bread of wheat flour
Favourite Chinese dish: Spicy boiled fish or anything cooked by her mother because of its flavour
Best vacation: Returning home to China
Music interests: Enjoys playing the zheng, a string musical instrument
Enjoys reading: Chinese novels, romantic comedies, reading up on business trends, government policy changes
Favourite book: Chairman Mao Zedong’s poems
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
