VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: 26th July, 2018

PAKISTAN

‘Naya Pakistan' imminent: PTI leads in slow count of 11th general elections vote: Dawn

July 26, 2018

More than 19 hours after polling ended on Wednesday, Pakistan is awaiting an official announcement from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the general election's outcome. While vote counting ─ amid allegations of fraud by PML-N and other political parties ─ has been tediously slow, preliminary results indicate that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has obtained a clear edge over other parties. Although PTI workers and supporters started celebrations before the final results, no statement — or even a tweet — has been issued by Imran Khan on his victory. Although his spokesperson Naeemul Haque earlier said that Khan would "address the nation" today at 2pm, state broadcaster PTV tweeted that the PTI chief would address a press conference at 4pm today.Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Political Leaders Launch New Coalition: Tolo News

July 26, 2018

Key political leaders and former government officials on Thursday officially launched a new coalition which they say they intend to use to help resolve numerous issues including "growing instability, poverty and ethnic divisions" among other issues. Addressing guests attending the launch of the alliance, which they call the Grand National Coalition of Afghanistan, former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor said it has been formed under the leadership of First Vice President of Afghanistan General Abdul Rashid Dostum, Jamiat Islami Chief Executive Atta Mohammad Noor, Second Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Mohaqiq, and other key figures. The alliance says it aims to work for improved governance, creating jobs, holding of transparent elections and ensuring improved security across the country. Addressing the guests, Noor said the growing ethnic division in the country was worrying and that different flags flew in some parts of the country – instead of Afghanistan’s official flag.Click here to read... [3]

US Envoy Meets Taliban Officials In Doha: Tolo

July 26, 2018

The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells met with Taliban officials this week to discuss ways to lay the groundwork for peace talks, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The report said the aim of the discussion was to build on momentum created by the recent three-day ceasefire over Eid al-Fitr. The Wall Street Journal reported that Wells led the US delegation, which met with members of the Taliban’s political commission in Doha, Qatar. The Taliban’s political office declined to comment, according to the Wall Street Journal report, which also stated that Wells did not respond to an emailed request for comment. “The United States is exploring all avenues to advance a peace process in close consultation with the Afghan government,” a State Department official said. The State Department declined to comment specifically on the question of talks with the Taliban, but said Wells returned to the US on Tuesday after discussing progress toward an Afghan-led process with Qatari officials.Click here to read... [4]

BANGLADESH

India In Talks With Bangladesh To Deport Illegal Rohingyas: Home Minister: NDTV

July 26, 2018

India is in talks with Bangladesh for deportation of Rohingyas refugees illegally staying in India, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said in the Rajya Sabha Mr Singh's deputy Kiren Rijiju also said that as many as 52 illegal Bangladeshis will be deported on July 30 from Assam. "There has been discussion with Bangladesh on this issue," Singh said during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha. He also said that the External Affairs Ministry, if the need arises, will talk to both Bangladesh and Myanmar so that Rohingyas refugees are deported. The Home Minister further said the Centre has sent an advisory to state governments to identify illegal immigrants and take their biometric and ensure that they don't have any such document to claim Indian citizenship in the future.Click here to read... [5]

CHINA

Govts will open further to business: China Daily

July 26, 2018

Facing trade frictions, local governments will continue opening up to make the business environment fair and equal to all - lowering the market access threshold and costs for enterprises - senior officials said on Wednesday. High-ranking officials from Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang province upheld the stance at a policy briefing hosted by the State Council Information Office in Beijing.Click here to read... [6]

Xi urges more joint innovation efforts: China Daily

July 26, 2018

China, South Africa to boost exchanges among young scientists, president says. President Xi Jinping has called for a joint effort with South Africa to promote cooperation in scientific innovation across the world. Xi spoke at the opening of the South Africa-China Scientists High-Level Dialogue on Tuesday. He said China-South Africa cooperation in scientific innovation faces great opportunities. Xi said building on progress already made, the two countries must now develop new platforms for innovation and enhance exchanges in areas including mining, biology, archaeology and aerospace.Click here to read... [7]

Chinese president shares thoughts on world's next decade at BRICS Business Forum: People’s Daily

July 26, 2018

From new global growth drivers to the international landscape and the global governance system, Chinese President Xi Jinping here Wednesday shared his thoughts on the changes the world is going to witness in the next decade. The next decade will be a crucial one in which new global growth drivers will take the place of old ones, seeing faster changes in the international landscape and the international alignment of forces, and witnessing a profound reshaping of the global governance system, Xi said while addressing the BRICS Business Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa.Click here to read... [8]

China lodges representations with U.S. over defense bill: People’s Daily

July 26, 2018

China expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition on Wednesday to a U.S. defense spending bill which includes propositions aimed at China, and urged the U.S. not to disrupt the stable development of bilateral ties. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a routine news briefing when asked for comments about a draft bill of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.http://en.people.cn/n3/2018/0726/c90000-9484774.html " target="_blank">Click here to read...

China deploys People’s Liberation Army team to assist with relief efforts after Laos dam collapse: South China Morning Post

July 26, 2018

Rescuers battled fresh rains Thursday to reach scores of people still missing after a dam collapse in southern Laos that unleashed a torrent of water, washing away whole villages and killing at least 26 people.Click here to read... [9]