Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition - Qatar

People visit the "Dialogue of Letters Between Qatar and China" calligraphy exhibition at Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, on April 24, 2025. The exhibition opened here on Wednesday, aiming at promoting cultural and art exchanges between the two countries. Photo by Nikku/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition - Qatar

People visit the "Dialogue of Letters Between Qatar and China" calligraphy exhibition at Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, on April 24, 2025. The exhibition opened here on Wednesday, aiming at promoting cultural and art exchanges between the two countries. Photo by Nikku/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition - Qatar

People visit the "Dialogue of Letters Between Qatar and China" calligraphy exhibition at Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, on April 24, 2025. The exhibition opened here on Wednesday, aiming at promoting cultural and art exchanges between the two countries. Photo by Nikku/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition - Qatar

People visit the "Dialogue of Letters Between Qatar and China" calligraphy exhibition at Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, on April 24, 2025. The exhibition opened here on Wednesday, aiming at promoting cultural and art exchanges between the two countries. Photo by Nikku/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Oman's Honourable Lady Ahd Al Busaidi - Muscat

Undated photo of Oman’s Sultan’s wife, the Honourable Lady Ahd (or Ahed) Abdullah Al Busaidi, wearing a traditional Omani ‘burqa’ (textile mask worn to distinguish married ladies from non married in the Arabian Gulf area), photo released on the occasion of the Omani Woman Day, in Muscat, Oman, on October 17, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, looking at the horizon, holds her daughter on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The town's cultural vibrancy is a testament to the community's resilience. On this final d

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women wearing red on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. Th

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim po

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women in the water together care for a child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A group of women together in the water in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The t

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three children playing in the water gaze into the lens in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim p

E

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, along with four children at the water's edge, in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home

E

Aftermath of Israeli Attack In West Bank And Gaza Strip

A man checks charred cars after an Israeli attack in Burqa, east of the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestine, on June 7, 2024. Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Aftermath of Israeli Attack In West Bank And Gaza Strip

A man checks charred cars after an Israeli attack in Burqa, east of the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestine, on June 7, 2024. Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

MIDEAST-RAMALLAH-CARS-FIRE

(240608) -- RAMALLAH, June 8, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man checks charred cars after an Israeli attack in Burqa, east of the West Bank city of Ramallah, June 7, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

MIDEAST-RAMALLAH-CARS-FIRE

(240608) -- RAMALLAH, June 8, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man checks charred cars after an Israeli attack in Burqa, east of the West Bank city of Ramallah, June 7, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

MIDEAST-RAMALLAH-CARS-FIRE

(240608) -- RAMALLAH, June 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man checks charred cars after an Israeli attack in Burqa, east of the West Bank city of Ramallah, June 7, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-RAMALLAH-CARS-FIRE

(240608) -- RAMALLAH, June 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man checks charred cars after an Israeli attack in Burqa, east of the West Bank city of Ramallah, June 7, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 8

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral procession for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 7

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral procession for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 6

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral procession for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer.

E

Iran: Crowd Gathers In Qom For President Raisi’s Funeral Procession 2

Thousands of mourners filled streets along Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi funeral procession path through Tabriz and the Shia clerical centre of Qom on Tuesday, May 21. A state ceremony is scheduled in Tehran on Wednesday.

E

Iran: Crowd Gathers In Qom For President Raisi’s Funeral Procession

Thousands of mourners filled the streets of Tabriz on Tuesday, May 21 as a funeral procession of President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, took place in the capital city of East Azerbaijan province, the closest large city to the crash site. Late president’s body would be flown to the holy city of Qom and then to Tehran before a state ceremony on Wednesday.

E

Iran: Thousands Gather In Tabriz For President Raisi’s Funeral Procession

Thousands of mourners filled the streets of Tabriz on Tuesday, May 21 as a funeral procession of President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, took place in the capital city of East Azerbaijan province, the closest large city to the crash site.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 5

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer. This video shows mourners heading to the university.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 2

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer. This video shows mourners heading to the funeral.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 3

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer.

E

Iran: Funeral For Late President Raisi Held In Tehran 4

A large crowd of people thronged the streets of Tehran on Wednesday, May 22 as a funeral for late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage was held in the capital. At the University of Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a funeral prayer.

E

Afghan woman in burqa

A woman clad in a burqa shops in Kabul on Nov. 4, 2023.

E

MIDEAST-BURQA-FUNERAL

(230805) -- RAMALLAH, Aug. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mourners carry the body of Qusai Ma'tan, who died in clashes with Israelis, during his funeral in the village of Burqa, northwest of the West Bank city of Nablus, Aug. 5, 2023. Two Palestinians were killed on Friday during clashes with Israelis in two separate incidents in the West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said. Qusai Ma'tan, 19, died after he was shot by Israeli settlers during clashes in the village of Burqa, northwest of Nablus, while two other Palestinians were moderately injured, the ministry said in a statement. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

E

(2)Picture from frontier town of Chaman, Pakistan

CHAMAN, Pakistan - An Afghan woman in a burqa (front) waits near a checkpoint in Chaman, western Pakistan, on Oct. 18.

E

Scene from Afghanistan

A woman (L) clad in the burqa, a full-body veil, walks in Kabul on Aug. 14, 2022.

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220419) -- NABLUS, April 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A member of Israeli border police fires a tear gas canister at Palestinian protesters in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on April 19, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220419) -- NABLUS, April 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian protester burns tires during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on April 19, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220307) -- NABLUS, March 7, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian protester burns tires during clashes with Israeli soldiers following a protest against the expansion of Jewish settlements, in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, March 7, 2022. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

E

Demonstration In Support Of Afghan Women - Toulouse

Poster comparing the dress appearance of women in 1975 (streetwear), and in 2013 (burqa). In Toulouse (France), a rally took place on October 7, 2021, in support of Afghan women. Repressed during their latest protests in Kabul, women have been permanent targets for the Taliban since they took power last summer. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220113) -- NABLUS, Jan. 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian protester burns a tire during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Jan. 13, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220113) -- NABLUS, Jan. 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to hurl a stone at Israeli soldiers during clashes in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Jan. 13, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220113) -- NABLUS, Jan. 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Israeli soldiers hold weapons during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Jan. 13, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220113) -- NABLUS, Jan. 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to hurl a stone at Israeli soldiers during clashes in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Jan. 13, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

E

MIDEAST-NABLUS-CLASHES

(220113) -- NABLUS, Jan. 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Israeli soldiers hold weapons during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the village of Burqa near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Jan. 13, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)