VIF Neighborhood News Digest: December 20, 2019

PAKISTAN

Fawad Chaudhry claims attempts being made to 'divide, weaken army under targeted strategy': Dawn
December 20, 2019

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Friday warned "it would not possible to save [the country] from anarchy if the institution of army is divided or weakened." While referring to the detailed verdict issued by a special court in the treason case against former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf, Chaudhry said: "This is not an individual matter of Pervez Musharraf's; the Pakistan Army was targeted with a specific strategy.Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Biden: I Was Against Troop Surge in Afghanistan: Tolo
December 20, 2019

Former US Vice President Joseph R. Biden said Thursday during a presidential debate that he fought within the Obama administration against surging troops to Afghanistan, saying it was a mistake to allocate forces to a conflict that the United States could not win. Biden was challenged at the Democratic debate over a Washington Post article that reported the military misled the public over the war, publicly saying it was going well while internal reports suggested otherwise.

BANGLADESH

Awami League national council begins Friday 3pm: Dhaka Tribune
December 20, 2019

Awami League President, and Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the council. The two-day 21st national council of ruling Awami League is set to begin at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka at 3pm on Friday. Awami League President, and Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the council, reports UNB. The wave of anticipation over the council of the country’s oldest political party which is committed to introduce diversified and revitalized leadership at different ranks is comparatively higher this time.Click here to read... [3]

MYANMAR

Myanmar State Counsellor visits Rakhine town despite explosions: Myanmar Times
December 20, 2019

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday arrived in Manaung town, which was rocked with explosions a few hours ago. The de facto Myanmar leader was accompanied by senior officials. She was met at the Manaung Airport by Rakhine State and Manaung local officials. The State Counsellor was to attend the opening ceremony of a solar power plant in the town. She was also to meet with local residents. Construction of the solar power plant started last year. The project is a partnership between the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the Rakhine government, and South Korea’s POSCO Daewoo Corp.Click here to read... [4]

SRI LANKA

Rajitha’s anticipatory bail application rejected: Daily Mirror
December 20, 2019

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by former minister Rajitha Senaratne on the basis that it could not be granted in relation to uncertain charges. He filed the bail application yesterday seeking a court order preventing his arrest in connection with the 'white van news conference' held by Mr. Senaratne.Click here to read... [5]

NEPAL

Nepal turns to China for onions after Indian ban: The Kathmandu Post
December 20, 2019

Kathmandu's vegetable markets are not shedding tears over the loss of onion shipments from India. The traders have quickly turned north to fulfil the demand for the essential cooking ingredient, the price of which has risen steeply in the past few months after India imposed a ban on exports, triggering frantic buying and resultant shortages. Chinese onions started flowing into Kathmandu’s markets almost immediately after supply from India ceased. Traders say that if the trend continues, the fiery red bulbs could make the list of largest imports from across the Himalaya.Click here to read... [6]

BHUTAN

Political parties outside Parliament struggle to stay relevant: Kuenselonline
December 20, 2019

The government came to power with the promise to take all the political parties on board, including those outside of the Parliament, by involving them in discussions and dialogue. However, political parties outside of the Parliament are struggling to find a platform to participate in discussions on issues of national importance. It has also been a challenge to stay relevant after getting eliminated from the primary round of National Assembly elections. The government says that it has been open to ideas from all political parties and that it has been more inclusive than the past governments.Click here to read... [7]

CHINA

Patriotism most important reason for Macao's success in "one country, two systems" practice: Xi: Xinhuanet
December 20, 2019

Chinese President Xi Jinping said patriotism is the most important reason for Macao's success in the "one country, two systems" practice. Xi made the remarks Friday while addressing a gathering in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.Click here to read... [8]

Year-ender: Major economic events in China: China Daily
December 20, 2019

China's economy continues to show strong resilience and stability, as well as remains the anchor of global economy, despite facing a complex environment. Now, let's take a look at the country's efforts to promote its high-quality development in the year.Click here to read... [9]

Trade war: China’s trading partners wary of phase one deal, while analysts puzzle over US$200 billion import figure: South China Morning Post
December 20, 2019

Economists continue to puzzle over the details of the US-China phase one deal announced last Friday, particularly Washington’s demand that Beijing imports an extra US$200 billion of American goods and services over two years.Click here to read... [10]