VIF Neighborhood News Digest: November 22, 2019

PAKISTAN

Trump thanks PM Imran for facilitating Western hostages' release in Afghanistan: Dawn
November 22, 2019

Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday during which bilateral and regional issues were discussed, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said. During the phone call, Prime Minister Imran termed the release of two Western hostages by the Taliban in Afghanistan as a "positive development", saying Pakistan was happy that the duo was safe and free. Click here to read.. [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Trump Invites Ghani to the US after Discussing Peace Process: Tolo
November 22, 2019

US President Donald Trump in a phone conversation on Thursday thanked President Ghani for his cooperation in the release of two AUAF Professors and invited Ghani to for an official visit to the US, which Ghani accepted, Palace spokesman Sediqqi tweeted late Thursday. According to Sediqqi, President Ghani briefed Trump about his “seven-point peace plan” for the Afghan government, and President Trump emphasized the need for a ceasefire as a precondition for peace. Trump also said that in order for the peace process to succeed, the Afghan government's management and involvement are needed and must begin from now on. Click here to read.. [3]

BANGLADESH

NRC scare and persecution: BGB detains over 250 trespassers from India in 15 days: Dhaka Tribune
November 22, 2019

Over the last 15 days, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained more than 200 people, including women and children, after they illegally crossed over from India through border areas under Moheshpur upzila in Jhenaidah. Officials of 58th BGB battalion said these people had claimed they are Bangladeshis. They fled different areas of India after facing persecution at the hands of locals and fearing repercussions after being left out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). They had entered through the Joluli, Polianpur and Khoshalpur border areas under Moheshpur. Of the detainees, 75 were women, 64 men, and 64 children. Four of them were detained on Tuesday. Click here to read.. [4]

MYANMAR

Mixed reaction to State Counsellor’s ICJ decision: Myanmar Times
November 22, 2019

While some people cheered the decision by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar against accusations of genocide at the UN’s top court, some legislators urged her to rethink her intention. Reaction on social media to the announcement by the State Counsellor’s Office late Wednesday that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would lead a legal team to defend Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was mostly favorable. On November 11, Gambia filed a complaint on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation before the ICJ accusing the Tatmadaw (military) of committing genocide against the Muslim minority in northern Rakhine during a massive crackdown in 2017. Click here to read.. [5]

SRI LANKA

Tussle over the appointment of Opposition Leader: Daily Mirror
November 22, 2019

More than 40 MPs have handed over a document to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya requesting him to appoint NDF candidate Sajith Premadasa as leader of the Opposition, MP Ajith P. Perera told Daily Mirror today. “We handed over a letter to Speaker Jayasuriya requesting him to appoint Mr. Premadasa as Leader of the Opposition and this was in addition to the letter handed over by UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam who had requested for the appointment of outgoing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Opposition Leader. However we will wait for the decision of the Speaker,” he said. Click here to read.. [6]

NEPAL

Ahead of UN resolution deadline, Nepal will deport 12 North Koreans: The Kathmandu Post
November 22, 2019

A government team raided the North Korean Botonggang Restaurant in Kathmandu on Wednesday in an attempt to abide by UN resolution 2397, which requires member states to prohibit North Koreans from engaging in businesses in foreign countries. Twelve North Korean citizens were found to be working illegally at the Durbar Marg-based restaurant. The North Koreans were asked to sign statements attesting to their illegal status in Nepal and let go upon the condition that they present themselves the next day at the Department of Immigration, according to officials involved in the raid. Click here to read.. [7]

BHUTAN

Bhutan renews commitment to the well-being of children: Kuenselonline
November 22, 2019

Bhutan renewed its commitment to the wellbeing of children on the World Children’s Day in the capital yesterday. Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering signed the voluntary global pledge coinciding the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989, protects the rights of the children and ensures that all of them are treated with respect and dignity. Click here to read.. [8]

CHINA

Backlash grows stronger against U.S. passage of Hong Kong-related legislation: Xinhuanet
November 22, 2019

Voices of opposition against the passage of Hong Kong-related legislation by the U.S. Congress has grown stronger in Hong Kong as local authorities, experts and business groups warned it would not help calm down the current situation but only harm the interests of both sides. Click here to read.. [9]

US Hong Kong bill nothing but a vain attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs: People's Daily
November 22, 2019

The US Senate passed the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 on Tuesday local time despite strong opposition from the Chinese government. As a barefaced encouragement to the Hong Kong rioters, this act neglects facts and truth, applies double standards and blatantly interferes in China’s internal affairs. Click here to read.. [10]

Ministry calls equality basis for the phase-one deal: China Daily
November 22, 2019

China will strive to reach a phase-one trade agreement with the United States as the two sides remain in close communication, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. The ministry made the remark after top trade negotiators from both countries agreed over the phone on Saturday to keep communication channels open following "constructive" discussions on each other's core concerns for the phase-one deal. Click here to read.. [11]