Thursday, September 4, 2014

Al-Azhar plans satellite television channel about Islam

The channel will be broadcast on both main satellite channels operating in Egypt and will be accessible worldwide. It will initially transmit in Arabic with some English and French programming and there are plans to add content later in Urdu and Turkish. Azhari received its initial 15 million Egyptian pounds funding from a Libyan businessman and philathropist, Hassan Tatanaki.
Guindy told Reuters the plan really got going about a month ago, when he officiated at the wedding of Tatanaki’s daughter. “The father of the bride and I forgot completely about that wedding and started to talk about a new wedding, about how to introduce this new channel to the rest of the world,” he said.

Guindy is hopeful that a new age, which he dubs the Age of Obama, is dawning in which a dialogue between Islam and the West will flourish. And he hopes his channel will play an important role in that conversation. Yet for all his modern touches, Guindy retains a deeply traditional side. He preferred to conduct our interview not in English or everyday modern Arabic, but in precise classical Arabic.
Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/2009/05/31/idINIndia-39998720090531

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Libya Needs $25 Billion in Investments for Oil Production, Challenger Says

Libya’s oil industry will need at least $25 billion in investment to increase its oil production to 2 million barrels a day, the chairman of drilling-rig operator Challenger Ltd. said.

“Fields need to be developed, others redeveloped,” Hassan Tatanaki said in a telephone interview today. “The Libyan oil industry needs a lot of revamping. We have to reinvest to be able to get the proper cost effective amount into the industry in terms of the country’s production level.”
The armed conflict in Libya, holder of Africa’s largest proven reserves, has reduced the nation’s output to 100,000 barrels a day in July from the 1.6 million barrels pumped before the uprising started in February. A full recovery of production may take as long as three years, according to analyst estimates.

Tatanaki, 53, said he intends to play a role in rebuilding Libya’s oil industry, of which Challenger’s 35 rigs across the country “are the core.” His Libya El Hurra charity, set up shortly after the unrest began, has been providing humanitarian aid and relief to refugees and those displaced by the conflict in Libya operating out of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and the U.S. continue reading

New channel for moderate Islam to be launched

Al-Azhar announces launch of new satellite channel to challenge extremist distortions of Islam.
Middle East Online
By Paul Schemm - CAIRO
Azhari is set to be launched in mid-August
A group of Muslim clerics connected with Egypt's prestigious Al-Azhar University have announced the creation of a new satellite channel to propagate moderate Islam and challenge what it describes as extremist distortions of the religion.

The announcement comes just ahead of President Barack Obama's address Thursday to the Muslim world from Cairo in a speech co-sponsored by Al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam's premier educational institution.

Sheik Khaled el-Guindy, a member of Egypt's Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and a driving force behind the "Azhari" channel, said the idea is to use the knowledge and skills of Al-Azhar graduates to combat ignorant interpretations of the religion.

"Azhari will promote the idea that Islam is a religion of moderation free from extremism," he told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "Several satellite channels right now promote a strict interpretation of Islam and issue incorrect religious opinions that fill young people with extremist ideas." read more

Exclusive- Another Libyan Club Chases Kotoko Striker Seidu Bancey

Ghana league top scorer Asante Kotoko could be on his way out the club at the end of the season after top Libyan outfit Al Ahli SC of Benghazi offered a mouth-watering offer for the hitman, Ghanasportsonline.com can exclusively reveal.

The striker's contract, Ghanasportsonline.com understands has a year left and the Asante Kotoko chiefs are quietly confident of him signing a new deal but the offer will obviously deril their plans.
Bancey has been watched by the Benghazi-based side for months and they lodged a fresh inquiry this week, according to reports.

Al Ahli Benghazi, owned by Libyan Billionaire business mogul and philantrophist Hassan Tatanaki have made the ex Edubiase marksaman their first-choice target to strengthen their attack at the resumption of the Libyan league. read more

Libya Awalan TV joins CNN’s global affiliate network

Deborah Rayner, VP and managing editor at CNN International, said: “Libya Awalan’s bravery and commitment to independent journalism during the conflict in Libya was an example to any news network, and their ongoing commitment to serious reporting is there for all to see. They will be valuable partners to CNN International and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to our affiliate family.”
Hassan Tatanaki, founder and chairman of Libya Awalan TV, added: “CNN is the original 24-hour news channel and a network that continues to set the standard in global news. It has a long-standing presence in and passion for our region, so to become part of its affiliate network is a proud moment for us as a young channel. We hope we can make a strong contribution to CNN’s reporting in a new and free Libya and beyond.” read more


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Libya Needs $25 Billion in Investments for Oil Production, Challenger Says

Libya’s oil industry will need at least $25 billion in investment to increase its oil production to 2 million barrels a day, the chairman of drilling-rig operator Challenger Ltd. said.

“Fields need to be developed, others redeveloped,” Hassan Tatanaki said in a telephone interview today. “The Libyan oil industry needs a lot of revamping. We have to reinvest to be able to get the proper cost effective amount into the industry in terms of the country’s production level.”
The armed conflict in Libya, holder of Africa’s largest proven reserves, has reduced the nation’s output to 100,000 barrels a day in July from the 1.6 million barrels pumped before the uprising started in February. A full recovery of production may take as long as three years, according to analyst estimates.

Tatanaki, 53, said he intends to play a role in rebuilding Libya’s oil industry, of which Challenger’s 35 rigs across the country “are the core.” His Libya El Hurra charity, set up shortly after the unrest began, has been providing humanitarian aid and relief to refugees and those displaced by the conflict in Libya operating out of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and the U.S.

Challenger Limited announces the closing of a major international partnership deal

Mr. Hassan Tatanaki, Chairman of Challenger Limited, declared that " In view of the vast opportunities of high growth in the MENA region, we along with our partners have decided to go into partnership with one of the best-regarded companies in the oil drilling industry; namely Bronco Drilling Company. This partnership will energize and undoubtedly increase our capacity to expand Challenger activities in both scope and scale. This was based on our full confidence and faith in the investment model and general direction". Mr. Tatanaki said that "This transaction shows that the growing cooperation amongst Libya, the U.S., and the Middle East, is creating an attractive investment environment for U.S. and International companies".

Mr. Tatanaki went on to say "We are very happy that Challenger has attracted foreign investments into Libya, especially from a prominent company in the oil industry like Bronco. We are very proud of this partnership and strongly believe that it will be the starting point for many other foreign investments to be made in the services sector in Libya".

In conjunction with these partnership transactions, it was agreed that Challenger will acquire four additional land drilling rigs and ancillary equipment from Bronco to be paid for in installments. Challenger and Bronco also agreed to enter into a number of services and management agreements under which Challenger will engage Bronco to provide broad-based technical and managerial support services bringing more International expertise to the already International name of Challenger Limited.

Frank Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Bronco stated, "We have been diligently working on expanding the company internationally and are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Challenger. This transaction allows us to deploy a portion of our fleet abroad that is not ideally suited for the unconventional drilling which dominates activity in the United States and also provides the company greater exposure to oil. The MENA area has become a region of tremendous growth and opportunity and we are excited about participating in its potential. We are confident that the combination of Bronco and Challenger will create a formidable contractor in the MENA market and beyond." read more

INTERVIEW - Egypt's al-Azhar to launch Islamic TV channel


CAIRO: In a bid to bridge cultural gaps and clear misconceptions about Islam, Azhari TV is reaching out to a wider audience and is now available in English, French, Urdu and Pashto in addition to its original Arabic language programming.
Azhari TV was first launched following US President Barack Obama's address to the Muslim World in June 2009 where he called for a dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding between people of different faiths.
One year later, Azhari TV, the educational and entertainment satellite channel created to promote moderate Islam, has decided to expand.
“[Through Azhari TV] we're trying to show the people in the west and the rest of the world that the problem isn't in Islam but it's the misinterpretations by certain people that's the problem,” said Hassan Tatanaki, chairman of Azhari TV, in an interview with Daily News Egypt.
The satellite channel was founded with the aim of promoting a moderate interpretation of Islam and intends to counter extremist rhetoric which they saw dominating the debate.
Breaking language barriers
Operating on a new channel, Azhari TV 2, the dub of the Arabic language channel's original content into four additional languages, will enable the station to reach homes across Europe and Asia, spreading its message of reason and tolerance.
The channel aims to serve as a direct counterweight to more confrontational and aggressive interpretations of Islam that have proliferated in the last several years and exacerbated the turmoil that has plagued much of the Muslim world.
Through the expansion, Azhari will be reaching non-Arab Muslims that don't have access to a correct interpretation of Islam because they are limited to certain outlets. continue reading

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Journalists & Media: Sheikh al-Guindy: Azhar University to Launch Satellite Channel

Egypt's seat of Islamic learning, al-Azhar University, will launch a satellite channel it claims will give the world a better understanding of Islam and counter some Islamic outlets preaching "extremist dialogue".

Sheikh Khaled Al-Guindy, a scholar at al-Azhar mosque and university, said the new channel would reach out to the world's Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The channel will broadcast 75 percent of its output in Arabic, with the rest initially in English and French. Other languages will be added next year.

Al-Azhar, one of the oldest institutions in Sunni Islam, is headed by Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, who is selected by Egypt's president. The institution receives most of its funding from the Egyptian state.

"In the Age of Obama we realized it was time to look at new ways to deliver our message," Guindy said, four days before U.S. President Barack Obama visits Egypt to address the Muslim world.
"We cannot have a conversation with ourselves. We will include politicians, actors, thinkers, writers and all religions in our dialogue," he told Reuters in an interview.

The launch is planned for the start of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and religious reflection, that begins in mid- August.

The channel, to be called Azhari, has received initial funding of 15 million Egyptian pounds ($2.7 million) from Libyan businessman Hassan Tatanaki, who estimated annual operating expenses at around $2.5 million.

"Associating with al-Azhar is the ultimate in the sense of promoting the proper interpretation of the religion," Tatanaki said.


source: http://libyanhassantatanaki.blogspot.com/2014/08/journalists-media-sheikh-al-guindy.html

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Suicide attack escalates Libya violence, oil output slips

BENGHAZI: A twin suicide bombing at a Libyan army base in Benghazi killed at least four solders in an escalation of clashes between Islamist militants and regular forces battling to oust them from the eastern city.
A first attacker blew himself up at the entrance to Benghazi’s special forces headquarters, allowing a second suicide bomber to detonate his explosives at the base and kill at least four troops, a security source said.
Suicide bombings are rare in Libya, where a fragile government is struggling to impose order. Tripoli and Benghazi are now caught up in some of the fiercest fighting between rival armed groups since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
In another blow to the government, Libya’s oil production has fallen, turning back a hard-won increase since April in revenue for the state just as it faces increased fighting around the airport in the capital and across Benghazi.
More than 40 people have died in a week of fierce clashes at Tripoli airport involving artillery, Grad rockets and anti-aircraft guns.
Fresh fighting broke out overnight on Monday in Tripoli and also Benghazi. In the eastern city, armed regular forces and troops loyal to a renegade former army general are battling Islamist militants who have entrenched themselves there. continue reading

You may also like:

Hassan Tatanaki's Opinion: Libya requires emergency government

Sunday, June 29, 2014

This election was about change, and we hope this includes a change in how the world sees Africa, said Libya's Hassan Tatanaki

                  Obama's African Roots on Center Stage at Pan-Africa

Inaugural Ball

Sarah Obama, Robert De Niro, Rev. Desmond Tutu to Help Boost Africa's New

Special Relationship

Much was made during the campaign about President Barack Obama's African
heritage. His roots will be definitely showing at the pan-Africa ball, where African
political leaders, NGOs, and activists will be turning up en masse to show their
support for America's first African-American President, and to symbolize the
special new relationship the continent shares with America. Among the special
guests who will welcome the new President: the President-elect's Kenyan
Grandmother Sarah Obama, actor Robert DeNiro, Nobel Peace Prize winners
Reverend Desmond Tutu and Wangari Maathai.

"This election was about change, and we hope this includes a change in how the
world sees Africa," said Libya's Hassan Tatanaki, Chairman of the Tatanaki
Foundation and one of the event's sponsors. "Africa is more than famine and
poverty and war. It is a place of beauty and history and culture as well. We are
grateful for the humanitarian commitment of previous Presidents to Africa, but we
feel Africa now has a personal connection to America, at the highest level."

To secure interviews, exclusive photos and b-roll, please contact Ethan Wagner:
1-646-673-2469 or ethanw@brownlloydjames.com

WHAT: "Africa on the Potomac," the 2009 Pan- Africa
Inaugural Ball

WHERE: 1 700 Jefferson Davis
WHEN: 6:00pm, Tuesday, January 20, 2009 (Inauguration Day)

2 K>

This material is distributed by Brown Lloyd James on behalf of Challenger Limited. Additional information
is available at the Dept. Of Justice. Washington DC.  continue reading 

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Hassan Tatanaki's Opinion: Libya requires emergency government

Libyan agent Hassan Tatanaki conversed with Al-Hayat about the need of framing a crisis government in Libya to fortify the armed force, police and legal, before the nation turns into a wellspring of terrorism.

Creator Mohammad Ali Farhat Posted May 23, 2014

Translator(s)joelle El-Khoury

The decisions may not be hung on calendar in light of the fact that the occasions on the ground continue changing day and night. Then, neighboring nations are shutting their outskirts to individuals, the Bedouin Group is making a move and the Maghreb nations are assembling for a conference to examine the advancements in Libya. As far as concerns them, the United Countries, the United States and Europe are viewing with an incredible level of tension.

Tatanaki said that Islamic political gatherings were controlling the GNC after they had gained the assent of Western rings and got influential. On the other hand, he considers Libya's issue to grow past this, as advancements uncover a longing to transform this nation into a hotbed of terrorism.

Tatanaki said he is idealistic in regards to the capability of the Libyan individuals, with all their progressives, military and tribes, to overcome tumult and discourage radical pioneers that are striving to spread strife between the tribes and over the urban communities. He recommended the formation of a crisis government checked by a chose parliament to improve the armed force, the police and the legal, and admiration the obligations of the tribes according to their traditions, for discouragement. This prompts disposing of unlawful weapons and makes individuals believe the state security organizations and the legal.

As a political extremist, Tatanaki said in all transparency that he helped close partners of the administration in tackling the issue of the bar coming about because of the Lockerbie issue. In those days, the administration of previous President Moammar Gadhafi thought of him as a nearby partner of the United States and some European nations. Some Gadhafi supporters even blamed him for working together with these nations.

Tatanaki went hand in hand with the Libyan insurgency from the earliest starting point. He offered social and media support and served as a collaborator to the first organization of the insurgency, which was headed by Mustafa Abdul Jalil. He helped the organization in its relations with the United States and some European nations. Tatanaki dependably wants to be alluded to just as a Libyan "resident."

The content of the meeting takes after:

Al-Hayat: Transformations breed mayham while sitting tight for the crystallization of the national political framework, and on account of Libya, this is taking eventually. There are concerns tormenting both the down home and the provincial enclosures. Why is the methodology taking so long? Is it accurate to say that it is a regular or deliberate deferral?

Tatanaki: The GNC's term, according to concentrated onlookers, has terminated, however the political Islam parties' control of the GNC and their lack of regard of the individuals and the state clarifies their survival and the survival of the GNC. It's similar to they've abducted the state by obstructing the foundation of new post-progressive organizations. The GNC is invalid now, notwithstanding the way that outside nations accept it is. Had a comparative demonstration happened in a remote nation, the included individuals would have been alluded to courts.

The control of the GNC, the shortcoming of the administration and the vicinity of state armies are all elements that prompt an autocracy venture with a fanciful element called political Islam.

They are attempting to control the state offices and utilize their supporters in the joints of open divisions and establishments, despite the fact that they are a minority, and they are doing so through weights that the Libyans are mindful of, including immediate and aberrant dangers.

At the prominent level, these individuals don't revel in incredible backing, however they take part in coldhearted conduct and political diversions that can't be managed by the post-unrest period of state development. For instance, they push some of their figures to the cutting edge and present them as free.

Al-Hayat: The Islamic political gatherings are losing in the Libyan post-insurgency choices, however they are sticking to power positions, now and again with the assent of real outside nations.

Tatanaki: Western pioneers consider what happened in Egypt and is occurring in Libya as a common matter. As per them, the Fraternity is a religious and social development that has a political skeleton joined with the requests of the individuals. These pioneers can't recognize the Muslim Fellowship and the moderate religious training of the individuals. There is truly a distinction between the two. The Fellowship is a political development; it does exclude individuals spent significant time in religious sciences and direction. The Muslim Fellowship's association with religion is not robust or problematic. Their administration does exclude specific pastors in light of the fact that a large portion of them are architects and specialists, among other common orders. They simply develop facial hair and take themselves for gatekeepers of Islam.

Some European presidents have shallowly backed the Fellowship in an offered to let Muslims take care of their own issues inside, yet did they truly abandon us and avoid meddling in our undertakings and supporting the Muslim Fraternity? There is most likely this is an amusement that goes past Libya's fringe and spreads in the district. The incredible potential and talk of the Fellowship and their partners in Libya goes past their need to take control of Libya alone. There is a whole other world to it. [they] need to transform Libya into a stage and a wellspring of terrorism provided for its vital area. Terrorism is continuously honed under the standard of Islam, albeit in reality it has nothing to do with Islam.

Read More


Related Post:
http://goarticles.com/article/Libya-Requires-Emergency-Government/9113107/