VIF Neighborhood News Digest: October 1, 2019

PAKISTAN

In major reshuffle, Munir Akram to replace Maleeha Lodhi as Pakistan's envoy to UN: Dawn
October 1, 2019

In a major reshuffle in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the appointment of Ambassador Munir Akram as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, the Foreign Office announced on Monday. Akram will replace Dr Maleeha Lodhi, who has held the office of Pakistan's envoy to the UN since February 2015. Akram has served as Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN previously as well, holding the office for six years between 2002 and 2008. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Abdullah Says His Team Will Form the Next Govt: Tolo
October 1, 2019

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, a three-time presidential contender, appeared at a press conference on Monday--two days after the 2019 presidential election--and said his team will form the next government, as they have received the highest number of votes. According to the Election Commission, the current total is 2.1 million votes. And although voting information is still coming in, the entry of results into the main server has begun. Abdullah was supported by First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum, High Peace Council Chairman Mohammad Karim Khalili, Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Mohaqeq and head of Jamiat-e-Islami party, and acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani. Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh Army named 3rd most powerful in South Asia, 45th in the world: Dhaka Tribune
October 1, 2019

Bangladesh advanced 11 notches on the latest index. The Global Firepower's 2019 Military Strength Ranking has named Bangladesh as the third most powerful military power in South Asia, after India, and Pakistan. The country ranked 45th out of 137 countries reviewed for the ranking. It was ranked 56th in the previous index. Among South Asian nations, Indian military has been ranked strongest, while Pakistan has been ranked the second most powerful military. Click here to read... [4]

MYANMAR

Myanmar seeks to establish Myanmar-India-China economic corridor: Myanmar Times
October 1, 2019

As part of efforts to make Myanmar the doorway to ASEAN door, the government will try to establish a Myanmar-India-China economic corridor, says Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein. The potential for Myanmar to become a trade hub is good because of its location between two rapidly developing countries with large populations U Phyo Min Thein said during a dinner to mark the foundation of the Myanmar-India-China Friendship and Development Association and signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding among Chinese traders, the India-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and 10 local business associations on September 27. Click here to read... [5]

SRI LANKA

Not bothered about rival candidates: Sajith: Daily Mirror
October 1, 2019

The UNP led alliance’s presidential hopeful Sajith Premadasa yesterday said his rival candidate SLPP presidential hopeful Gotabaya Rajapaksa was not a concern for him. Mr. Premadasa came up with this remark when journalists asked for his opinion on the petitions filed against the candidature of SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa at a news conference yesterday. “What is important to me is my set of policies and not those of my rival candidates,” he said. He also said he did not believe that filing of a case against Mr. Rajapaksa was political victimisation. He said the judiciary will not engage in acts of victimisation. “The judiciary meted out justice to the people during the October 26 political crisis and therefore one cannot say that the process of filing a case and delivering a judgment is an act of political victimisation,” he said. Click here to read... [6]

BHUTAN

Bhutan’s faith in UN remains unwavering: PM: Kuensel
October 1, 2019

The Bhutanese delegation to the United Nations General Assembly returned home satisfied by its contribution to the global community despite its smallness. Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering who spoke about multilateralism in his address to the UN on September 28, said that there is no alternative to multilateralism. “At a time when multilateralism is often questioned, Bhutan’s faith in the United Nations remains unwavering,” he said. “I return with renewed confidence that Bhutan continues to enjoy goodwill and support from the international community.” Click here to read... [7]

NEPAL

Congress’ shadow cabinet has largely failed to check on government activities: The Kathmandu Post
October 1, 2019

In order to keep a closer watch on the KP Sharma Oli administration, the primary opposition Nepali Congress had formed a “shadow government” headed by party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. But in the five months since its formation, not a single meeting of the shadow government has taken place. The role of shadow ministers has not been effective either, with little discussion over the content of proposed bills, say party insiders. Click here to read... [8]

CHINA

Xi says China will stay on peaceful development path: China Daily
October 1, 2019

"We gathered here today for a grand rally to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. "Right at this moment, Chinese people of all ethnic groups and all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad take pride in and give our best wishes to our great motherland with great joy," he added. Click here to read... [9]

China anniversary: Beijing celebrations mark 70 years of Communist rule: BBC
October 1, 2019

On 1 October 1949, Mao Zedong - or Chairman Mao - announced the formation of the PRC, after communist forces won a bloody civil war. Modern China has since developed at an extraordinary pace, but it has also one of the world's most restrictive states. One of the biggest military parades ever is currently under way in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping, said in a brief opening address: "No force can ever stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward." He then inspected the 15,000 troops gathered at the parade. Click here to read... [10]