Women carry sacks of wheat during a distribution of food organised by the Ethiopian government in the city of Alamata, Ethiopia. AFP
Women carry sacks of wheat during a distribution of food organised by the Ethiopian government in the city of Alamata, Ethiopia. AFP
Women carry sacks of wheat during a distribution of food organised by the Ethiopian government in the city of Alamata, Ethiopia. AFP
Women carry sacks of wheat during a distribution of food organised by the Ethiopian government in the city of Alamata, Ethiopia. AFP

US envoy meets Ethiopia deputy PM in bid to revive truce efforts


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Jeffrey Feltman, the US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, met Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Thursday in a bid to revive stalled talks on a ceasefire, as the Ethiopian government gave permission for 369 aid lorries to enter famine-hit Tigray.

Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo — now the African Union's high representative for the Horn of Africa — and Mr Feltman arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday, the country's foreign ministry said.

Mr Obasanjo and Mr Feltman have said they want the Ethiopian government and rebellious Tigrayan forces and their allies to declare an unconditional ceasefire that will humanitarian aid access to areas in northern Ethiopia affected by fighting.

Leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) want Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to step down and the government to allow aid to reach Tigray. The government wants Tigrayan forces to withdraw from territory they have captured in neighbouring regions.

The TPLF have publicly speculated that their forces could march south on the capital Addis Ababa, but more intense fighting has been reported in their push east as they attempt to capture the route linking landlocked Ethiopia to the region's main port of Djibouti.

About 400,000 people in Tigray are believed to be living in famine-like conditions and only a trickle of aid has entered the region for months.

Widespread hunger has also been reported in the neighbouring regions of Afar and Amhara, home to the cities of Lalibela and Kombolcha, which Tigrayan forces and their allies say they control.

“During their discussions, Demeke disclosed that humanitarian flights to Lalibela and Kombolcha are allowed and in addition 369 aid trucks are permitted to enter to Tigray,” a tweet from the government communications service read.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left Kenya on Thursday after discussing Ethiopia with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“A lot of what was discussed yesterday was how we marry the different efforts” of the US, the African Union and other mediators, a senior State Department official told reporters.

Mr Kenyatta, who was in Addis Ababa on Sunday, indicated that Mr Abiy “is more willing than he has been in the past to take advantage of the diplomatic efforts that have been there”, the official said.

Kenya has taken a more proactive role in mediation and sees the situation in neighbouring Ethiopia as a threat, the official said.

Keep it fun and engaging

Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.

“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.

His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.

He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Report to local authorities

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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4. Shahada

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The biog

Occupation: Key marker and auto electrician

Hometown: Ghazala, Syria

Date of arrival in Abu Dhabi: May 15, 1978

Family: 11 siblings, a wife, three sons and one daughter

Favourite place in UAE: Abu Dhabi

Favourite hobby: I like to do a mix of things, like listening to poetry for example.

Favourite Syrian artist: Sabah Fakhri, a tenor from Aleppo

Favourite food: fresh fish

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

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RESULT

Manchester United 2 Burnley 2
Man United:
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Burnley: Barnes (3'), Defour (36')

Man of the Match: Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Updated: November 18, 2021, 4:45 PM`