Briefing 2023-10-19
Thursday, 19 October 2023
Regulator frees independent
directors of fear, pressure
Independent directors appointed or nominated by the regulator have been relieved from the responsibility of furnishing and signing documents on behalf of companies to get bank loans or any other mortgage. The independent directors, who are appointed under any special circumstances, will enjoy indemnity from any criminal and civil lawsuits involving other directors. Page 9
Biden backs Israel's account of Gaza blast
US President Joe Biden has said a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital appears to have been caused by Palestinian militants, backing Israel's account of the incident as he visits the country. Mr Biden, who landed in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, said he was "deeply saddened and outraged" by the explosion. Page 17
Oil spikes amid ME strife
Global oil benchmark Brent touched $93 a barrel on Wednesday as the risk of escalating conflict in the Middle East threatened to disrupt oil supplies from the region, with Iran calling for an oil embargo to be imposed on Israel. Page 19