Dr Anwar Gargash singled out the UAE's strategic relationship with the US for praise. Reuters
Dr Anwar Gargash singled out the UAE's strategic relationship with the US for praise. Reuters
Dr Anwar Gargash singled out the UAE's strategic relationship with the US for praise. Reuters
Dr Anwar Gargash singled out the UAE's strategic relationship with the US for praise. Reuters

Anwar Gargash and new UNRWA chief hold talks on Palestinians


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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash held a phone call with Philippe Lazzarini, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees' new chief, on Monday.

He said they spoke ahead of the UAE taking over the chair of the agency's advisory board from July.

He reiterated the UAE's support for the Palestinian cause, weeks after Abu Dhabi condemned Israeli plans to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank.

"Our commitment to the Palestinian cause and refugee support is principled. UAE aid to the agency during the past 6 years amounted to $216 million, which included education, health and social services," he said.

The agency has faced a cash crisis after US President Donald Trump removed all American funding of the body, leaving other states to stump up the cash to meet the shortfall.

The annexation plan "is a dangerous development that would undermine international efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict", the UAE said, according to a Wam report this month.

Israel's action is "unacceptable, violates international law and impedes the peace process", it said.

The UAE warned of "dangerous repercussions" and said the move could "fuel extremism, and terrorism in the region".

The international community must "fulfil its responsibility in calling for an end to all settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories" and "reject Israeli actions that violate international resolutions", it said.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees is struggling to cope with the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak in Jordan after a nationwide lockdown that left almost everyone in the camps without work.

Increased assistance to offset the loss of income for refugees has left the UN Relief and Works Agency needing an additional $100 million in funding by the end of May, officials say.

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If you go…

Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.

Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days. 

Cry Macho

Director: Clint Eastwood

Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam

Rating:**

French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (87')

Athletic Bilbao 1
Williams (14')

'Cheb%20Khaled'
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Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)

Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)