Turkish Foreign Minister says he discussed "gravity" of situation in Gaza with Egyptian counterpart
Istanbul: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday that he discussed the “gravity” of the situation in Gaza with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, along with efforts to step up humanitarian aid to the enclave.
"We especially emphasized the gravity of the situation at this point we have reached in Gaza and what needs to be done,” Fidan said in a joint news conference with Shoukry after a meeting in Istanbul.
“We discussed in detail with him what diplomatic steps can be taken, what can be done about humanitarian aid, what methods can be used for a two-state solution in the long term."
Commenting on tensions between Israel and Iran, Shoukry said they are concerned about the ongoing escalation in the region and have called on both parties to exercise restraint.
“Further military conflict threatens countries around the world,” he said.
“It threatens Egypt, it threatens Turkey, and our talks with the minister revolved around these developments in particular and the importance of joint efforts to contain the negative impacts.”
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Make polling hours 6am-7pm for May 7 LS polls, Karnataka BJP urges EC citing heatwave
Bengaluru, May 3: Citing the ongoing heatwave in the state, Karnataka BJP on Friday petitioned the Election Commission with a request to modify the polling hours to the 6am-7pm period in the 14 parliamentary constituencies in the state that goes to polls on May 7.
Polling is currently scheduled to be held in the second phase in the state in 14 segments in the northern districts between 7am to 6pm on May 7.
"It has become hard to come out and vote between hours 10.00 to 17.00 due to uncontrollable heat. The average heat in those parts (north Karnataka) covering 14 parliamentary constituencies are between 37 and 42 degree (Celsius). The mercury is rising at an alarming level and it would become hard for the electors to come out and vote," BJP's petition said.
The petition highlighted the alarming rise in temperatures, which are expected to go beyond 40 degree Celsius, and also stated that the number of voters over the age of 40 is high and that they are vulnerable to the heatwave.
"To keep up the good spirit of voting, necessary action should be taken," the BJP petition urged the Election Commission, saying, "In this background, it is requested to modify the time of voting in the 14 parliamentary constituencies from 06.00 to 19.00 hours on May 7".
Polling was held between 7 am and 6 pm during Karnataka's first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in 14 constituencies on April 26.
