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New Zealand’s PM promises tougher terror laws after mall attack

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New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern vowed on Saturday to pass legislation to tighten counter-terrorism laws this month after a knife-wielding “extremist” known to the authorities stabbed and wounded seven people in a supermarket.

Police shot dead the 32-year-old attacker, a Sri Lankan national who had been convicted and imprisoned for about three years before being released in July, moments after he launched his stabbing spree on Friday.

Ardern said earlier the man was inspired by the Islamic State militant group and was being monitored constantly but could not be kept in prison by law any longer.

“I am committing, that as soon as Parliament resumes, we will complete that work – that means working to pass the law as soon as possible, and no later than by the end of this month,” Ardern told a news conference.

The Counter Terror Legislation Bill criminalizes planning and preparation that might lead to a terror attack, closing what critics have said has been a loophole allowing plotters to stay free.

But Ardern said it would not be fair to assume that the tighter law would have made a difference in this case.

“This was a highly motivated individual who used a supermarket visit as a shield for an attack. That is an incredibly tough set of circumstances,” she said.

Ardern said the man arrived in New Zealand in 2011 and it was not known to hold any extreme views. He first came to the police’s attention in 2016 after he made concerning posts on Facebook.

He was later arrested at the Auckland Airport where authorities believed he was traveling to Syria. In August 2018 he was charged with possession of objectionable material and possessing weapons.

She said she wanted to explain why the terrorist was not deported but can not yet because of suppression orders.

Ardern was unable to reveal the name of the deceased attacker for now due to a court order but said she had no intention of naming him anyway.

Police were following the man when he went into the Countdown supermarket in New Lynn mall in Auckland. They said they had thought he had gone in to do some shopping but he picked up a knife from a display and started stabbing people.

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Afghanistan committed to continued cooperation with UN on humanitarian and development projects: FM Muttaqi

According to the ministry, during the meeting Lemarquis shared his views on improving the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan says Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has met with Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of UNAMA and Humanitarian Coordinator, for an introductory meeting.

According to the ministry, during the meeting Lemarquis shared his views on improving the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian aid while also stressing the need to implement development and infrastructure projects across the country. He reiterated that the Islamic Emirate will continue its necessary cooperation with the United Nations in this regard.

Lemarquis thanked the Foreign Minister for the meeting and pledged to make full efforts in carrying out his responsibilities. He also highlighted the importance of expanding engagement and cooperation in various sectors between the two sides.

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6.1-magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan, epicenter in Badakhshan

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A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.

So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.

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Delawar says Afghanistan has achieved security and unity after 47 years

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Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).

Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.

Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.

Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.

He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.

Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.

“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.

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