It should be reminded that over the past 20 years, Azerbaijan’s water balance indicators have decreased by more than 15%. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Azerbaijan is among the 20 countries in the world that suffer most from water shortages. At the same time, about 70% of fresh water in our country is used in agriculture, where huge losses are observed in worn-out main water channels and earthen ditches. To solve this problem, it is planned to introduce electronic control systems for water resources use in the country, as well as to implement projects on sealing irrigation canals by concreting and covering them with polymer materials.
Day: December 28, 2023
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NPR News: 12-28-2023 11PM EST
Qatar has decided to commute the death penalty initially imposed on eight ex-Indian Navy personnel, possibly converting the sentence to lifetime imprisonment to be served within the borders of Qatar.
The decision, made after diplomatic negotiations between Qatar and India, marks a noteworthy compromise in a case that had strained bilateral relations. India though cliamed a big diplomatic win but still more details have to be public yet.
The eight individuals, former members of the Indian Navy, had been convicted in Qatar on charges espionage for Israel. The death sentences, which drew international attention, have now been replaced with relax one.
While specific details of the charges were not disclosed in the official announcement, sources close to the matter indicate that the Qatari government is taking a firm stance by maintaining a severe punishment, albeit without resorting to capital punishment.
The question now arises: What are the next steps for the eight ex-Indian Navy personnel? According to sources, Qatar intends to confine the individuals within its borders for the duration of their lifetime sentences. This decision poses a challenge to India’s plans to extradite the convicted personnel back to their home country.
India has expressed its desire to bring the individuals back to face justice on home soil. However, legal experts suggest that the extradition process is likely to be complex given the severity of the charges and the sovereign authority of Qatar. The Indian government is expected to engage in further diplomatic discussions with Qatar to explore avenues for cooperation and resolution.
The announcement of the commuted sentences has porty India as a diplomatic win, but it might not be possible for the extradition very soon.