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Russian official rules out Arafat polonium poisoning
Russian official rules out Arafat polonium poisoning (Reuters) / 15 October 2013 If confirmed, the findings would deal a blow to Palestinian suspicions that Arafat was assassinated by Israel – a theory fuelled by a Swiss lab report last year. The head of a Russian forensics agency said on Tuesday that samples from the body of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat had revealed no traces of radioactive polonium, a Russian news agency reported. However, the government scientific body later denied that it had made any official statement about the research, saying only that it had handed its results to the Russian Foreign Ministry. If confirmed, the findings would deal a blow to Palestinian suspicions that Arafat was assassinated by Israel – a theory fuelled by a Swiss lab report last year which found unusual amounts of the deadly isotope polonium on his clothes. A Palestinian medical team took samples from Arafat’s corpse in the West Bank last year and gave them to Swiss, French and Russian forensic teams in an attempt to determine whether he was murdered with the hard-to-trace radioactive poison. “He could not have been poisoned with polonium. The research conducted by Russian experts found no traces of this substance,” the Russian news agency Interfax quoted Vladimir Uiba, who heads the Federal Medico-Biological Agency (FMBA), as saying. Uiba said experts from the FMBA had conducted a detailed study of Arafat’s remains. The agency later sought to distance itself from the comments. “The FMBA of Russia has made no official statement about the results of research on the remains of Yasser Arafat,” the FMBA’s Press service said. It added that it had completed its tests and given the results to the authorities. The Russian Foreign Ministry declined immediate comment, but state-run news agency RIA cited a source in the ministry as saying it was up to the Palestinian authorities to release any information about the tests. Arafat died aged 75 of an unexplained ailment he developed while confined to his Ramallah headquarters by Israeli tanks at the height of an armed Palestinian uprising in 2004. Palestinians saw the veteran guerrilla as a hero of their national cause. Israel regarded him as a terrorist, though it denied responsibility for his death. A negative result from the samples may not totally preclude a poisoning, as experts warned last year that his partial exhumation might have occurred too late to detect polonium. The Lausanne-based hospital which first found the isotope on Arafat’s clothing said that eight years would be the limit to detecting it on his remains and questioned whether such a late examination would provide conclusive results. A spokesman for the hospital said at the time of the exhumation that findings might be reached by early this year. No explanation has been given for the lengthy delay in presenting the results. Continue reading
Eid excitement, mall offers bring joy to UAE residents
Eid excitement, mall offers bring joy to UAE residents Dhanusha Gokulan / 15 October 2013 The streets are decked up with sparkling lights; there are sales in practically every store in every shopping mall; and there’s a wide range of activities that families can pick from. Sarah Majid is all excited like any other six-year-old. No wonder as she has been shopping with her Pakistani parents all day long. Asked what she plans to do on Eid Al Adha, a bashful Sarah replied: “Wear my new clothes of course. And have lunch at my aunt’s house and I will also get lots of Eidi (gifts).” Sarah and her family, along with the several thousand families here in the UAE are all geared up to welcome the festival of Eid Al Adha. The streets are decked up with sparkling lights; there are sales in practically every store in every shopping mall; and there’s a wide range of activities that families can pick from. “The mutton has been marinated, the new clothes have been bought, and the house is sparkling clean,” said Nafisa Jehangir, Sarah’s mother. “The kids are really excited about the festivities and like all celebrations, I believe Eid is a wonderful time for families to get together,” added Nafisa. For those who don’t have a big family function planned, the Beach Family Fair Jumeirah in Umm Suqeim 2 provides a perfect place for a family gathering during Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha celebrations. The family gatherings at the Beach Family Fair has seen enthusiastic adults and kids participating in, and enjoying loads of beach and water-based activities daily from 10am until 9pm. These include entertainment workshops for children, inflatables and performances by roaming artistes including clowns and jugglers. A variety of food kiosks have also been set up at the event for the benefit of visitors. Families also get the opportunity to end their outing on a highly exciting note, thanks to the dazzling fireworks show that commences in the same location around 8.30 every night. The 6th edition of ‘Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha’ celebrations is being held under the theme ‘Eid Al Adha unites us in celebration’, and is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Those who prefer a touch of tradition with their Eid celebrations can head out to the Heritage Village in the Shindaga area. The inaugural ‘Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season’, organised under the directives of Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, is hosting 50 traditional activities during Eid Al Adha. People taking sacrificial goats from Al Qusais cattle market in Dubai on Monday. — KT photos by Shihab, Grace Guino and Nezar Balout Dubai Culture will host a range of heritage and cultural events until April 2014 to educate visitors and residents of the UAE’s traditions and customs. The creek will feature an exhibit, including replicas of boats, insights on pearl diving and Arabian hospitality, and competitive fishing. The Shaikh Obaid bin Thani House will serve as a location for field trips for students, visits to the souk, roaming entertainment, carnivals and performances and arts and crafts for children. A hospitality tent will shed light on the facets of Emirati heritage, including the traditional Bedouin Camel Caravan used during weddings; wedding rituals and insights into the life of Bedouin dwellings. Khalid Gharib, Head of the Committee of the Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “The Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season will shed light on the bold ambitions of the UAE, while educating and reaching out to audiences from around the world, making it one of the most sought-after events in the city.” The activities will bring to life the essence of the Arabian souk; traditional weddings and games, in addition to a delectable line-up of authentic Emirati cuisine from all three geographic regions. -dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Khalifa receives Eid Al Adha greetings
Khalifa receives Eid Al Adha greetings (Wam) / 14 October 2013 Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, GCC leaders and heads of Arab and Islamic countries greet President. The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has received cables of greetings from His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. The leaders extended their best wishes and prayers for Shaikh Khalifa on the occasion. Shaikh Khalifa also received similar cables from the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers of the Emirates. Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers also sent similar cables to the GCC leaders, Crown Princes, leaders and heads of Arab and Islamic countries. Mohammed bin Zayed sends Eid greetings General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has sent a cable of greetings to Shaikh Khalifa on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. Gen Shaikh Mohammed in his note wished Shaikh Khalifa health and wellness and for the UAE people peace and prosperity. The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince has sent similar cables to Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, wishing them good health and prosperity. In his cables Gen Shaikh Mohammed also felicitated Kings, GCC, Arab and Islamic leaders on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, wishing them good health and progress and prosperity for their people. Shaikh Hazza greets leaders on Eid Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, has also sent a cable of greetings to Shaikh Khalifa on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. The National Security Advisor wished Shaikh Khalifa good health and happiness and UAE’s people peace and prosperity. Shaikh Hazza dispatched similar cables to Shaikh Mohammed and to Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, General Shaikh Mohammed as well as other Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers of other emirates, wishing them good health, happiness and prosperity. Continue reading
