Deeply attached to Hyderabad, reveals cousin on Virginia Lt Guv elect Ghazala Hashmi
Hyderabad (PTI): India-born American politician Ghazala Hashmi, who was elected as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, had visited her hometown of Hyderabad a decade ago, displaying a profound attachment to the city, according to her cousin.
Hashmi's family migrated to the US when she was four years old (in 1968).
She grew up in the Malakpet neighbourhood here, where her family owned a home which has been sold out.
Speaking to PTI, Rasia recounted how during her visit, Hashmi explored the city's historical sites, including Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, and Salar Jung museum.
"What I can see is, she (Hashmi) is deeply attached to Hyderabad. She was very emotional when she came here. She is deeply attached to her paternal and maternal family in Hyderabad. That's the reason she visited at that time, though she was busy then also," said Rasia, a first cousin of Hashmi.
Hashmi was very much interested in the history of India and Hyderabad, which made her visit the Salar Jung museum and Chowmahalla Palace, she said.
Hashmi was accompanied by her elder daughter when she visited Hyderabad. A family get-together also took place, Rasia, a journalist, recalled.
The Hyderabadi food was spicy for her, she said.
Rasia, who remains in touch with her cousin, said Hashmi's election is a proud moment for Indians and Hyderabadis.
Wishing good luck for Hashmi in her new role, Rasia prayed that her cousin work for the betterment of people in Virginia and carry on with her humanitarian service.
Hashmi has been elected as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian American to be elected to the top political post in the state.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
