PAKISTAN
PML-Q in damage control mode after Pervaiz’s assertions: Dawn
November 18, 2019
In an effort to control the ‘damage’ caused by recent statements of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and cousin Chaudhry Shujaat Husain, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) says it is an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and will remain so. “No conspiracy theory to create differences among the allies in the government will succeed and those behind the bid will fail. We are government allies and will remain so, God willing. None can create misunderstanding (among us),” Mr Elahi, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, said in a brief statement issued here on Sunday. Click here to read...
AFGHANISTAN
Suicide Attack Close to Kabul Military Training Center: Tolo
November 18, 2019
A suicide bomber detonated his explosives close to the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Police District 19 on Monday morning, said Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. The incident took place at approximately 7:30 am, and, “according to preliminary information, four soldiers were wounded,” Rahimi said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. Click here to read...
BANGLADESH
PM seeks larger UAE investment in Bangladesh: Dhaka Tribune
November 18, 2019
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought both public and private investment in larger volumes in potential sectors in Bangladesh, such as RMG, IT, agriculture and special economic zones, for mutual trade benefits. “Our government has taken initiatives to attract foreign investments in our Economic Zones, Special Economic Zones and High Tech Parks,” she was addressing a dinner reception arranged in her of honour by the Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi at Shangri-La Hotel on Sunday, reports BSS. Click here to read...
MYANMAR
Senior General warns those who oppose ’08 Constitution: Myanmar Times
November 18, 2019
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the government would make “the necessary response” to anyone who tries to disrupt the country’s democratic transition under the 2008 Constitution. The country’s Tatmadaw (military) chief told the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun that the military is trying to keep the system stable so that democratization can continue. “We can’t change often. Such changes have been experienced in the past through the slowing down of national development. We are trying to make the system stable,” he told the Japanese newspaper on Wednesday. Click here to read...
SRI LANKA
Gota to be sworn-in today in Anuradhapura: Daily Mirror
November 18, 2019
President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be sworn in as the 7th Executive President of Sri Lanka at the Maha Maluwa of the Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura today. Mr Rajapaksa, who contested the presidential election held on Saturday from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), was declared as the President yesterday upon his victory. The SLPP said the swearing-in ceremony will take place in the morning and Mr Rajapaksa is to visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya seeking blessings prior to the ceremony. SLPP and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, Party's Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris, its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, party leaders of the Opposition, MPs and others will attend the ceremony today. Click here to read...
NEPAL
As passport crisis looms, government scrambles to negotiate deal for secure printing press: The Kathmandu Post
November 18, 2019
With the country’s stock of passports fast depleting, the government is looking at an administrative crisis that could derail the plans of thousands of migrant workers, students and travellers in coming months. Officials at the Department of Passports say they only have 750,000 passports in stock, which could barely last six months. Among the three passport categories—diplomatic, official and ordinary—the department will soon be running low on official passports as two battalions of Nepali personnel are gearing up for peacekeeping operations abroad, according to two officials at the department. Click here to read...
BHUTAN
Trongsa Court orders Anti-Corruption Act amendment: Kuenselonline
November 18, 2019
In the 3,767-page judgment Trongsa dzongkhag court passed in the land case between the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the 10 defendants, the court pointed out anomalies in laws, particularly the Anti-Corruption Act and issued other directives. The court ruled that ACC and the Parliament should amend the Anti-Corruption Act to ensure the care and custody of immovable properties once ACC seizes it. One of the main issues before the Court was whether ACC has the responsibility and duty to take care of immovable properties it seized. Click here to read...
CHINA
Xi's visit to Greece, Brazil widely praised: People’s Daily
November 18, 2019
President Xi Jinping arrived in Beijing on Sunday, wrapping up his tour of Greece and Brazil, a significant trip that has been hailed by officials and observers as a major diplomatic success.
The trip extended China's hand toward Europe and emerging markets to strengthen win-win cooperation and promote multilateralism, they said. Click here to read...
Ministry: China, US trade negotiators in close contact: China Daily
November 18, 2019
Top trade negotiators for China and the United States agreed in their latest phone call to remain in close communication after "constructive" discussions on each other's core concerns for a phase-one deal, the Ministry of Commerce said on Sunday. Click here to read...
Analysts suggest dropping out of RCEP may hurt Indian exports: China Daily
November 18, 2019
Uncomfortable questions are cropping up following India's last-minute decision to withdraw from the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP. Is India overly circumspect? Is it committing another historic blunder? Click here to read...
