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Dialogues, consultation have strength in resolving conflicts

Published

3 years ago

April 29, 2023

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

Saudi Arabia and Iran recently signed a joint statement in Beijing, with which the two countries announced the resumption of diplomatic relations.

Since they held talks in Beijing in March, the two sides have made new strides in improving bilateral relations in accordance with the roadmap and timetable laid out in their Beijing agreement.

The improved ties between the two countries are believed to be a significant matter of the evolving international relations today, which not only opened a path for peace and stability in the Middle East and set an important example for countries to use dialogue and consultation to resolve their conflicts and differences, but also demonstrate how major countries should responsibly resolve international hotspot issues and safeguard world peace.

The international community gave high recognition to the important results achieved in the Beijing agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, believing that the agreement marked an important step of turning conflicts in the Middle East into reconciliation.

The major diplomatic breakthrough is constantly releasing its positive influence, creating new opportunities for the political resolution of regional hotspot issues. “Ice-breaking dialogues” have frequently made the headlines in the Middle East.

This fully proves that the Middle East, a region torn by wars and turbulence, aspires to peace and security. The will and capability of countries in the region to safeguard peace and security through enhancing solidarity and coordination are on a rise.

Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, noted that people in the Middle East have long suffered from wars and they long for peace. Seeking peace and development has become a mainstream voice of regional countries especially in the recent years, the director added.

Countries in the Middle East should keep the future and destiny of the region firmly in their own hands, which is conducive to the peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.

However, the reaction of a few major countries to the improved ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran is completely different from that of most countries in the world. In an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this month, William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, aired Washington’s “frustration” at being left out of regional developments after Riyadh moved to restore ties with Iran and Syria, according to The Wall Street Journal. He reiterated that Iran and Syria are still under heavy sanctions from the United States.

The U.S. “frustration” is not surprising at all. German daily newspaper Junge Welt said that Washington is not seeing any benefits from the improved ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the Beijing agreement between the two countries will make it more difficult for the United States to implement the “divide and rule” tactics in the Middle East.

The United States has long taken the Middle East as a strategic chessboard, on which regional countries are all viewed by it as chess pieces. Stoking tensions and creating divisions, it is a major source of turbulence in the Middle East.

A recent article published on The Guardian about the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq noted that the “war on terror” provided political cover for the further pursuit of supremacy, and the political system planted in Iraq by Washington has intensified divisions and made it practically ungovernable.

The international community is highly alert to the U.S. practices of stoking conflicts and benefiting from them. Its awareness of maintaining strategic independence is rising. The improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran well proves this. The more solidarity the countries in the Middle East have, the less space there will be for external forces to pursue offshore balance, divide and rule, and maintain hegemony and private interests.

On a renowned question-and-answer website, a user asked why China was able to broker a truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran while the U.S. failed to do such a thing. An answer winning a lot of upvotes noted that China likes peace but the U.S. doesn’t want it.

Military force is not a solution, and zero-sum game can never bring lasting peace. Upholding dialogues and strengthening communication holds the key to resolving differences. Only results achieved from equal consultation are the most sustainable.

Following the Beijing agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a foreign media outlet pointed out that dialogues are the most powerful weapon, which helps achieve peace better than however many troops. All relevant parties have seen the new hope to resolve international hotspot issues from the Chinese philosophy and actions that prioritize dialogues, diplomacy and peace.

China advocates the Global Security Initiative (GSI), calls on countries to adapt to the profoundly changing international landscape in the spirit of solidarity, and champions the win-win mindset to address the complex and intertwined security challenges, so as to eliminate the root causes of international conflicts and improve global security governance. The Beijing agreement just marked a successful practice of the GSI.

Major countries shoulder special responsibility for world peace and stability. They should always use their resources and strength to promote dialogues and reconciliation, rather than the other way around.

Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram said the Beijing agreement heralded the birth of the Chinese solution based on peace and understanding, adding that China is committed to seeking common ground while putting differences aside and to safeguarding common interests. It said the Chinese solution was obviously fairer and better for handling international and regional issues compared with U.S. approaches of seeking interests by provoking troubles and wars.

Factors of instability, uncertainty and insecurity are increasing in the international situation. The reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran told the world that constructive dialogues and peace talks are the best approach to resolving conflicts and promoting peace. No matter how complex the issues are or how thorny the challenges may be, equal-footed dialogue on the basis of mutual respect will lead to a mutually acceptable solution. To resolve differences and conflicts through

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

10 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Our Reporter

As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.

He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.

“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.

He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.

“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.

The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.

She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.

According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.

The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.

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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.

Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.

“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.

He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.

He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.

Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian Apechihin

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.

In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.

Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.

“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”

Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.

The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.

Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.

In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.

Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.

According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.

Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.

The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.