The global initiatives proposed by China will benefit countries around the world, as they enable every country to play a constructive role in the pursuit of peace and common prosperity, said former Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.
Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the trio of global initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), reflects his vision of a more inclusive, equitable and harmonious world order.
"I think it's commendable, especially what China is seeking is an inclusive peaceful world that has a place for everybody. We're not talking about just big countries, but even the small ones. This gives a sense of relaxation on the level of countries, such as Lebanon, that China can be part of pushing for this peaceful world where everybody has a chance to be proactive and play a positive role," said Diab.
China's global initiatives seek peace, prosperity for all countries: former Lebanese PM
China's global initiatives seek peace, prosperity for all countries: former Lebanese PM
A dozen people have been arrested following a devastating fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia that claimed 59 lives, with investigations at the site still ongoing, local officials said on Monday.
The fire broke out at the nightclub in Kocani Municipality in the early hours of Sunday morning, killing 59 people and injuring 163, including 45 in critical condition.
North Macedonia's Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said on Monday that those arrested include managers, security personnel and ticketing staff at the nightclub.
The Mayor of Kocani Municipality, Ljupco Papazov, announced his resignation following the tragedy and expressed his willingness to be investigated.
Preliminary investigations showed that the blaze was triggered by a pyrotechnics display used by a live band who were performing on stage at the club. The fireworks used onstage were brought by the band, and the person responsible for operating them had died in the accident.
Hundreds gathered in Kocani's town center on Sunday evening to silently pay their respects, lighting candles to honor those who perished in the fire.
The small town of 30,000 people is struggling to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy, while North Macedonia has declared seven days of national mourning.
Dozen arrested after nightclub fire kills 59 in North Macedonia
