VIF Neighborhood News Digest: December 17, 2019

PAKISTAN

Rethink in Islamabad over moot in Malaysia to pacify Saudis: Dawn
December 17, 2019

Pakistan is reconsidering its decision to participate in the upcoming Kuala Lumpur Summit after Saudi Arabia expressed its reservations. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters on Monday that a decision on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s participation in the event would be taken after his return from the ongoing overseas trip to Bahrain and Switzerland on Wednesday (Dec 18). Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

US Senator Supports Proposed ‘8,600’ US Troops in Afghanistan: Tolo
December 17, 2019

US Senator Lindsey Graham at a Kabul press conference on Monday spoke of a possible troop reduction in the next year and offered a suitable remaining force level of “8,600” troops, which he has heard “mentioned.” “I believe we can responsibly reduce our forces--if the number 8,600 is chosen it’s a good decision, it is not a threat to American national security, to go below that I believe would have to be substantial change—a peace agreement that’s real, that would stand the test of time,” said Graham. Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH

Khaleda Zia: Rejecting bail is absolutely unprecedented: Dhaka Tribune
December 17, 2019

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said denying her bail is absolutely unprecedented. Quoting the BNP chairperson, her sister Selima Islam made the remark to journalists after visiting Khaleda at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on Monday. Selima said: “Her (Khaleda’s) condition is not well, her diabetes is not in control, she is not able to do any work properly, and even the doctors are not giving her proper treatment.” When asked about the possibility of Khaleda getting parole, Selima said they did not speak about this. She added: “The court should have given her bail, considering the condition of her health.” Click here to read... [4]

MYANMAR

Myanmar, Northern Alliance negotiators meet in China: Myanmar Times
December 17, 2019

Government officials and representatives of the four ethnic armed groups in the Northern Alliance met in China over the weekend in an effort to revive truce negotiations. U Thein Zaw, vice chair of the Peace Commission, led the government side at the talks in Kunming, China, on Sunday. The two sides agreed to resume truce negotiations in the last week of January. No other details were available. Also at the talks were former Lieutenant General Khin Zaw Oo, U Moe Zaw Oo and U Zaw Htay, spokesperson of the President Office. Click here to read... [5]

SRI LANKA

Swiss government criticizes lack of due process: Daily Mirror
December 17, 2019

Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has criticized lack of due process in case against a local employee of the Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka. “The FDFA expects the Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities to comply with national law and international judicial standards and to ensure that the employee's rights are now better protected,” the FDFA said in a statement today. “The FDFA has repeatedly called for due process to be followed. In particular, the FDFA has criticized the 30-hour interrogation to which the employee was subjected over three days despite being in poor health and the public statements by senior Sri Lankan officials questioning her account before the investigations had been completed.” Click here to read... [6]

NEPAL

As ruling party Standing Committee meeting continues, top leadership is roundly criticized: The Kathmandu Post
December 17, 2019

The second day of the ruling Nepal Communist Party’s Standing Committee meeting saw a barrage of criticism against the party leadership, despite Co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s acceptance of failures on the leadership’s part. Most leaders took issue with the party’s failure to hold regular meetings of the central committee and the Standing Committee. The ongoing Standing Committee meeting is being held after a year. Click here to read... [7]

BHUTAN

Poor yield worries mandarin exporters in Gelephu: Kuenselonline
December 17, 2019

There has not been enough supply this season at the orange depot above the sewerage treatment plant in Gelephu. Usually, this time around, the depot would be crowded with farmers and laborers from across the border, sorting, packing and loading consignments for export. An exporter from Paro, Tshering Choki, said that the business this year looked ominous. “Hopefully the supply will increase, as farmers are still collecting the fruit.” Tshering’s family has been in the orange export business for the last three decades. Click here to read... [8]

CHINA

Xi Focus: Xi meets with HKSAR chief executive: Xinhuanet
December 17, 2019

President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lam on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work. Click here to read... [9]

Beijing urges UN commission not to consider Malaysian claim in South China Sea: South China Morning Post
December 17, 2019

Beijing has accused Malaysia of infringing on its sovereignty after its Southeast Asian neighbor filed an extended shelf claim in the disputed South China Sea. Click here to read... [10]