AMMAN -- Jordan on Thursday dispatched a second plane carrying a rescue team and humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Libya to support its rescue and relief operation.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday in a statement that the plane was sent upon an order by King Abdullah II and in coordination with the armed forces, the Public Security Directorate, and the government-run Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation. (Jordan-Libya-Floods Aid)

- - - -

TEHRAN -- Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the Australian charge d'affaires in Tehran on Wednesday to protest against "meddlesome" remarks by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the official news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

The Australian diplomat was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday in the absence of Ambassador Lyndall Sachs and was notified of Iran's "strong protests" against the "meddlesome remarks" by the Australian foreign minister and Australia's new anti-Tehran sanctions, the report said. (Iran-Australia-Protests)

- - - -

JERUSALEM -- Israeli military announced Thursday it will impose a three-day total closure on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the upcoming Jewish New Year holiday, starting on Friday.

The closure, which follows "an instruction by the political echelon," will begin right after midnight Friday and will be lifted before midnight Sunday, according to a statement released by the military. (Israel-Closure-West Bank-Gaza)

- - - -

CAIRO -- France is willing to help Egypt solve its debt problems and attract foreign investments, said visiting French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on Thursday in Egypt.

Colonna made the remarks in a joint press conference in the capital Cairo with her Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. (Egypt-France-Foreign Investment)