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Afghans jailed in Greece over Moria migrant camp blaze

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Four Afghan asylum-seekers were sentenced to 10 years in prison in Greece on Saturday for their part in a fire that destroyed the Moria migrant camp last year, in a case that highlighted the chronic refugee problem on Europe's borders.

The men, charged with arson with risk to human life over the fire on the island of Lesbos last September, were found guilty after a court rejected a request by lawyers for three of them to be tried by a juvenile court because they were under 18 at the time.

Before the blaze, Moria was considered Europe's biggest migrant camp, a sprawling and overcrowded town of tents and improvised shelters notorious for its poor and often dangerous living conditions.

Described by rights groups and the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR as unfit for humans, the camp had become a symbol of Europe's stumbling response to the migration crisis on its southern borders, which left much of the burden to be carried by small islands like Lesbos.

Greek authorities believe the fire was deliberately lit by camp occupants after quarantine measures were imposed following the discovery of COVID-19 cases among people living on the site.

The blaze sent more than 12,000 people, mostly Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi refugees who had already endured a dangerous sea crossing, fleeing for their lives, forcing most to sleep in the open for days without shelter, food or water or sanitation.

No one was killed in the fire.

A new temporary camp was set up on the site of an old army firing range but tenders have been launched for new closed centres on Lesbos and the nearby island of Chios that the government says will provide safer accommodation but which critics say risk becoming like prisons.

The four men were among a group of six Afghans detained by police following the fire. The other two were sentenced in March to five years in prison.

Defence lawyers said the men had been framed by a witness and that the court's decision was "an inconceivable conviction without evidence".

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IEA and Syrian FMs hold phone talks, express hope for bilateral ties  

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The Islamic Emirate's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has held a telephone conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, the ministry said in a statement.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, the Ministry's deputy spokesman, stated that during the conversation, Muttaqi congratulated the Syrian government on their success, praised their stance on general amnesty and good governance, and expressed hope for the establishment of regular diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Syria.

Takal added that the Syrian Foreign Minister also expressed hope for the expansion of bilateral ties and for delegations from both sides to meet and engage in discussions.

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IEA spokesman announces NDC has built a rail for the first time

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Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, has announced that the National Development Corporation (NDC) has successfully built a rail for the first time in Afghanistan.

Previously, Mujahid also revealed that the NDC had produced both a freight truck and a passenger vehicle, further highlighting the corporation's growing role in boosting Afghanistan's industrial capabilities.

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Qosh Tepa Canal phase 2 surpasses 81% completion

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In a significant milestone for Afghanistan's infrastructure development, officials from the National Development Corporation (NDC) have announced that the second phase of the Qosh Tepa Canal in northern Afghanistan is now 81 percent complete, with the construction of its dam progressing steadily at 67 percent. This ambitious project is poised to transform the region, enhancing irrigation systems and boosting agricultural productivity.

The ongoing work on this irrigation project is taking place in the Andkhoy district of Faryab province, where hundreds of machines are actively involved. NDC officials have confirmed that the second phase of the canal will be completed in the coming months.

Nabiullah Arghandiwal, spokesperson for the NDC, stated, “The second phase of the Qosh Tepa Canal is currently 81 percent complete, with thousands of machines and workers engaged in the project.”

Arghandiwal also highlighted the construction of six large bridges along the canal in Balkh and Jawzjan provinces. Two of the bridges are completed, and the remaining four are expected to be operational soon.

Economic experts believe that once completed, the canal will help Afghanistan achieve self-sufficiency in grain production and generate numerous job opportunities in various sectors.

Young workers involved in the project have expressed their satisfaction with the employment opportunities it provides. They are calling on the government to launch similar development projects to combat youth unemployment.

Abdul Ghani, a worker, remarked, “This project is progressing very well, and I urge the Islamic Emirate to implement similar projects.”

It is important to note that the entire funding for the Qosh Tepa Canal project is sourced from domestic revenue.

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