We say goodbye to 2012 without regret. 2012 has been a very difficult year for the peace-loving people of this region: in Gaza and the West Bank, and in Israel. But 2013 can be different, if we have the collective political will to make it so - to make 2013 the year of peace.
For that wish to become reality, we need a new US-led peace initiative as soon as possible, early in the first year of President Barack Obama's second term of office.
The US president knows the issues well. His initiative will need to be backed strongly by the European states, and to obtain full engagement both by the Palestinian leadership and the Israeli government formed after the January 22 elections there.
That will require bold and decisive leadership from both parties to this conflict, which has lasted for too long, and from the United States, which is uniquely able to influence both parties to enter into credible negotiations, without preconditions, leading to a permanent agreement resolving all issues and ending all disputed claims.
Achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of Britain's top international priorities.
We support a negotiated agreement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders, with agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states and with a just, fair and agreed settlement for refugees.
That is the only way to secure a sustainable end to the conflict. To achieve it will require a US-led effort on a scale not seen since the Oslo Accords.
The impasse in the peace process over the last two years has harmed the interests of the people directly affected by this conflict, and the interests of the international community. We need to break this vicious circle of absence of talks and lack of trust.
That will require efforts from all sides, including the Palestinian leadership and all of the neighbours of the Palestinian people as well.
In the last two years, we have witnessed systematic settlement expansion; this has been condemned by the United Kingdom's government and by the international community, since settlements undermine the foundations of a two-state solution, which is in real and present danger.
All settlements are contrary to international humanitarian law, and are thus illegal. The creation of new settlements, such as Givat Hamatos or E1, is contrary to commitments made under the 2002 Roadmap.
In our view, the best response to such provocative settlement expansion is to maintain the focus on the goal of a negotiated, just and lasting agreement, and once more to offer the hand of peace.
We know that President Mahmoud Abbas is a man of courage, a man of peace. We respect him and his powers of leadership.
The present impasse benefits only those who want to build settlements. A comprehensive peace agreement can end the unsustainable situation in Gaza and the West Bank, which remains our goal.
For the people of Gaza and of Israel we wish peace in 2013. We support the courageous efforts of Egypt to secure a lasting ceasefire.
Children in Israel and in Gaza need to be able to go to school without fear. We want to see Gaza rebuild its future - a future tied indissolubly to the West Bank, as envisaged by President Abbas, with free movement of goods, services and people.
The Palestinian Authority is the legitimate authority in Gaza, as in the West Bank. We firmly support the Palestinian Authority, which has passed the test of carrying out the functions of a state, and deserves and needs to succeed.
So we call on the Israeli government to resume the transfer of Palestinian tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, and we ask Arab states to fulfil their commitments to the PA in this time of need. The British ministry of international development will continue to invest more than $150 million (Dh551m) a year to help Palestinian development in 2013, and beyond.
For 2013, the Palestinian people deserve to enjoy the same rights and dignity as the people of any other nation on Earth, living side by side in peace and security with all their neighbours: Israel, Egypt, Syria and Jordan.
Achieving this honourable goal is a shared responsibility, and a heavy one. If progress through negotiations is not made in 2013, then the two-state solution could become impossible to achieve.
The United Kingdom is prepared to play its part in 2013, in what needs to be the decisive year for peace in the Middle East.
Sir Vincent Fean is the British consul general in Jerusalem
Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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2.
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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7.
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Singapore
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8.
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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10.
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South Korea
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Teaching in coronavirus times
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
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The specs
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Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
SPECS
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Traces%20of%20Enayat
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The years Ramadan fell in May
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
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Lampedusa: Gateway to Europe
Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta
Quercus
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now