Zone 1-
Political Front:
In
Higher Education Board, or YÖK, head Özcan recently directed female students dismissed from university classes for wearing headscarves to contact the board and personally guaranteed the education rights of students with & without headscarves. His remarks have created controversy for legal experts since
Geo-strategic Front:
A Turkish aid group moved
Turkish PM paid a visit to
Noam Chomsky said that Resistance to
Economic Front:
The crisis in meat prices that hit
Turkish bakers have announced an increase of as much as 15 % in the price of bread that indicates increase in inflation. The increase in exports of fresh vegetables – which totaled nearly $1.44 million – was up 6 % in volume and 16 % in value with a turnover of $585.49 million, while the exports of fresh fruits reached $853.6 million.
Meanwhile the number of tourists that came to the southern Turkish province
Social Front:
According to reports a recent survey showing high levels of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment in
GCC
Geo-strategic Front:
The North-South railway project, currently under construction in
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz have discussed regional affairs by telephone amid tensions over Iraqi and Lebanese politics and a Gulf arms buildup. Further more
Economic Front:
Social Front:
Three people died in the past two weeks from swine flu in
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has called upon individuals in
FERTILE CRESCENT
Political Front:
In
Meanwhile the Muslim Brotherhood's decision to participate in, rather than boycott, November's parliamentary elections added a dash of spice to the otherwise insipid political climate. Muslim Brotherhood has revealed that 154 MB members including 23 students have been arrested in just one week following the group's announcement that it will participate in the elections. Over seven thousand students, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood movement, staged a protest against a decision to ban their colleagues from running in upcoming student elections. Members of an internal opposition front within the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) movement have challenged recent statements by MB leader Mohamed al-Badie that 98 % of the group's Shura council has been in favor of participating in next month’s parliamentary elections. The new body, called The Egyptian
Hundreds of followers of cleric Sayyed Moqtada al-Sadr took to the streets in
Member of the Knesset of the National Union fundamentalist party in
Geo-strategic Front:
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi accused
The leaders of
Syrian President has strongly denounced the new Israeli citizenship law requiring all non-Jews in the country to pledge allegiance to
Economic Front:
The authorities in the southern
Social Front:
In Egypt the April 6 Youth movement has organized a protest in front of the Education Ministry demanding the immediate investigation of the assaults on the Azhar female students and the expulsion of the university guards on the grounds that the girls were violently beaten by baton wielding officials.
Also in
Meanwhile the government of
Under a new government program, jobless Iraqis have been entitled to purchase cars at lower prices if they used them as taxis.
Political Front:
Five political parties received enough votes in
Kyrgyz elections went smoothly however small scale protests were launched after the announcement of election results. The United
The Tajik government has offered an amnesty to armed groups fighting government troops in the east of the country if they declare a cease-fire.
Geo-strategic Front:
Iranian Defense Minister arrived in
The Tajik government has formally asked the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to send a fact-finding mission to look into a railroad dispute between
Uzbek authorities have officially explained why security forces raided a South Korean-owned golf club in
Social Front:
Muslims in the Northern Azerbaijani district accused police of harassing them because of having a beard.
Meanwhile the government of
Geo-strategic Front:
German Foreign Minister in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart has asked
Member of the Majilis Energy Committee has called
Meanwhile a senior Iranian foreign ministry official dismissed foreign solutions to the ongoing crisis in
President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s recent visit to
Meanwhile
Economic Front:
Social Front:
Political Front:
In
The Tibetan government-in-exile has asked the United Nations and the Amnesty International to help Tibetans living in
Geo-strategic Front:
Meanwhile expressing concern over
Sri Lanka President met Indian Prime Minister in
Economic Front:
The textile industry of
Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee has instructed concerned officials to ensure early shipment of 300,000 tonnes of rice and 200,000 tonnes of wheat to
According to reports
Social Front:
Trafficking different types of intoxicating drug through
Political Front:
Maoist sympathizer and revolutionary leader balladeer Gadder launched his new outfit of Telangana Praja front (TPF) to advocate a separate state of Telangana. The formation of TPF outfit is to exert pressure on the central government to table a bill in the winter session of parliament for granting statehood to Telangana. He pointed out that for 60 years the parties fighting for Telangana could not achieve anything because their struggle was not mass-based. Telangana comprises 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh, including
Party president Sonia Gandhi has urged the cadres in Tamil Nadu to strengthen its base and make it the "party of the future". Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi hinted that the ruling DMK would come back to power after the ensuing Assembly polls, which was due in six to seven month's time. Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa won the second 'Trust Vote' in the State Assembly of Karnatka after 106 MLAs voted in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Government, but the fate of the Government would depend on the verdict of the Karnataka High Court in the case relating to disqualification of the MLAs.
Economic Front:
Andhra Bank has increased interest rates on domestic term deposits with effect from October 8.For one year to less than two years, the interest rate has been enhanced to 7.5 % from 7 % per annum irrespective of the amount of deposit.
Hyderabad-based Nuclear Fuel Complex has decided to induct robots in the fuel fabrication process for new reactors - indigenous as well as imported.
Social Front:
In a first case of Swine Flu death in South Tamil Nadu, a 30-year-old woman succumbed to the dreaded disease.
Political Front:
Chinese Vice President has encouraged younger officials to work at the grass-roots level so they might "learn from the public masses" and "shape character." More than 100 members of a Communist Party committee released a petition backing Wen Jiabao's promises of political reform.
The Chinese mainland has offered to open talks on military issues with
Meanwhile the 17th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened its fifth plenary session in
Geo-strategic Front:
Chinese Defense Minister has urged
Economic Front:
The Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) issued recently cites
Meanwhile
Social Front:
China has questioned the intentions of foreign governments supporting the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize going to Liu Xiaobo, who had been in jail for 11 years in Beijing, saying those governments had no right to interfere in China's internal affairs.
The World Association of Newspapers and Journalists' Association recently issued the list of the 2010 Top 100 world daily newspapers by circulation in
A new land resources survey found a total of more than 900 mineral deposits in
Geo-strategic Front:
A cargo vessel operated by Japanese shipping company NYK-Hinode Line Ltd. lost contact after issuing an emergency signal off
Meanwhile Japanese and
Economic Front:
Differences over currency management persisted after a weekend meeting of global finance ministers who left without resolving what to do. They did agree, however, that the 187-nation International Monetary Fund was the organization best suited to deal with rising global currency tensions that risk overshadowing next month's summit meeting of the Group of 20 nations in
Bank of
In
Social Front:
A study by the World Economic Forum revealed that
Geo-strategic Front:
The chief of
The
Economic Front:
The South Korean government has announced plan to create about 70,000 public-sector jobs for young adults over the next two years to help recent university and high-school graduates find work amid the protracted tight job market.
A group led by Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. made the lowest bid to design, build, operate and maintain a bridge in
Meanwhile
Social Front:
Foreign scholars and experts, who were invited by the South Korean government to evaluate the quality of the nation’s higher education, have pointed out that a lack of English language proficiency still holds back Korean students from becoming more proactive in the classroom.
World Food Organization has claimed that
Zone 1-
Politics:
Despite the fact that Kurdish Party leaders warned to break cease fire in case government launches military operation; Turkish military began an operation against a group of outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. PM Erdogan gave instructions at the camp to contact the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, to solve the headscarf issue. The ruling AKP had previously proposed constitutional changes in 2008 to allow headscarves at universities, a decision repealed by the
Parliament’s Constitution Committee has discussed a new bill that would bring harsher punishments to media institutions for controversial content. Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader has accused the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) of having a secret agenda.
Geo-strategic Issues:
The Greek Foreign Ministry has summoned the Turkish ambassador and warned him over the interference of Turkish diplomats in the domestic affairs of the country. Meanwhile Erdogan has announced his decision to boycott the Mediterranean Climate Change Initiative, which will be held in
Economy:
The 2010 export figures show a significant increase for
A recent report from real-estate brokerage Cushman & Wakefield has declared
Society:
The latest annual freedom of the press index by the international group Reporters without Borders has ranked
GCC
Politics:
Geo-strategic Issues:
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has brought down the curtains on the “GCC Days in London”, a three days event that has been widely hailed by the British people and government, which signaled the close ties between the GCC nations and
UAE has taken initiatives that aim at securing food to those who need it and providing all means of living to millions of peoples who experience severe hunger and its tragic consequences.
Kuwaiti activists, participating in a Gaza-bound aid ship, affirmed their solid stance with the Palestinian cause, saying that the international community should move to break the three-year Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Economy:
Omani Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, has received a written message from the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance in Iran, relating to enhancing co-operation in joint economic and investment fields.
Society:
Labor Minister has estimated the number of unemployed Saudis at 500,000, adding that they represent about 10 % of the expatriate work force. Meanwhile according to a recent study, 78.3 % of jobless women hold university degrees and at least 1,000 of them doctorate degrees.
The Majlis Addawla in
Politics:
Iranian opposition leader has announced that the "Supervision over Members of Parliament" bill will mean "the end" of parliament in the Islamic Republic system.
According to reports
Iranian Ministry of Communications announced that they have identified the source of Stuxnet infection in
Head of the Majlis Economic Committee has warned about the seditionists’ plots over the economic independence of the country and urged the judiciary of not being silent against them. Meanwhile
Geo-strategic Issues:
Iran's Police Chief Brigadier General took the US and British forces in Afghanistan responsible for increased drug trafficking in the world, cautioning that the Afghan drug problem has gravely deteriorated since the US invasion of the country 9 years ago.
Secretary of
Meanwhile President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has announced
Economy:
Iran has exported 6mln tons of oil to Italy in the first seven months of the current year.
Croatia’s Ambassador to Iran has described Iran as the most tourist-appealing place in the world and said with proper publicity Iran’s tourism revenue can even outdo its oil revenue. Iran-Venezuela bilateral economic relations have exceeded 3.5 billion dollars.
Iran's exports of industrial and mineral goods crossed the $8.8 billion mark during the five months to August 2010, up more than 34 % from the same period last year. Likewise Iran’s trade volume with Silk Road countries reached 16.7 billion dollars during the first half of 2010, registering 29 % growth compared with the same period last year.
Society:
During the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Poland in an unprecedented move, an Iranian athlete took his place on the medal podium beside an Israeli athlete drawing criticism from Iranian authorities.
According to reports Tony Blair’s sister-in-law has converted to Islam after having a ‘holy experience’ in Iran.
Three consecutive tremors hit the different parts of Iran's Southwestern province of Bushehr, while a fourth quake jolted a bordering province in the Northeastern parts of the country.
AFGHANISTAN
Politics:
More than 2,000 candidates who had contested last month's parliamentary election asked the government to hold a fresh election over the allegation of rigging. Ballots cast at 30 polling centers, constituting 120 polling sites, in last month's parliamentary election have been invalidated after nearly 1,100 allegations of irregularities were probed. The Afghan election body has announced a preliminary list of winners in last month's fraud-tainted Wolesi Jirga election, adding that it had invalidated nearly a quarter of all ballots. A nomadic Kuchi won the highest number of votes in last month's parliamentary election, illustrating the somewhat surprising results released by the election commission. Meanwhile all the 11 candidates who have been announced as potential winners in last month's parliamentary election from southern Ghazni province represented a minority ethnic group.
Nearly 60 militants have surrendered to security personnel since the start of an operation last week in northern Kunduz province. More than a dozen vehicles carrying fuel for NATO-led coalition forces were torched and three guards were killed overnight in the southern province of Zabul. In the meantime a NATO soldier from US was killed following "an insurgent attack" in eastern Afghanistan, taking the death toll of American soldiers to 400 this year.
President Hamid Karzai has accused foreigners of being in Afghanistan to serve their own interests, and not that of the people. However, he also praised the international community for its efforts to achieve peace in the country.
Maulavi Abdul Kabir, member of the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has declared peace talks in the presence of foreigners to be meaningless and futile. In the meantime Islamic Emirates has claimed that the NATO forces in Afghanistan, in collaboration with their Afghan puppets and western media outlets under the leadership of U.S have been trying by diplomatic maneuver and organized propaganda to make it appear as though Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate were ready for negotiations and that they have made progress in this regard.
Geo-strategic Issues:
An Afghan peace council has called on Saudi King Abdullah to use his influence with the Taliban and help bring the militants to the negotiating table.
A top Canadian military official recently stated that Afghan security forces are not strong enough to take over the responsibility for security from international forces. In response the Ministry of Defence stated that Afghan forces are ready and strong enough to take over the task from their international counterparts.
Economy:
The Shir Khan Port Customs House in northern Kunduz province has earned 326 million afghanis in revenue over the past six months, showing a 5 % increase over the same period last year. Afghanistan receives $1.5 million in revenue per year from the extraction of precious stones.
Society:
Ten out of 100 families in northern Balkh province earn a living with the assistance of others while 80 % people are living in extreme poverty. Meanwhile the revival of a dam and farm in southern Ghazni province could provide work for 20,000 people.
29 women have graduated from the Afghan army’s training school.
SOUTH ASIA
Politics:
A Bangladesh Rifles special court in Sylhet has been set up for holding trial of 166 mutiny suspects of Comilla and Sylhet region.
Bangladeshi PM has announced to shortly restore the word 'secularism' in its constitution. She further added that it will remain an Islamic state, allowing functioning of religion-based parties. The government has announced to reprint the constitution following a Supreme Court directive to restore 'secularism'. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has further stated that her government would exchange views with the religion-based political parties to dispel confusion over constitutional amendments.
In Nepal Madhesh-based parties have said the caretaker government must wait for the new government to introduce a full-fledged budget. In the meantime Unified CPN (Maoist) has declared that it would not allow the caretaker government to preset the budget. Nepali Prime Minister Madhav Kumar however said that the government is determined to bring in a full-fledged budget after discussion with political parties within mid-November. He further added that Nepalese government is committed to timely drafting of the Constitution and concluding the peace process at the earliest despite various obstacles.
The Sri Lankan government ahs expressed its willingness to accept any allegations on war atrocities made by the public before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). Meanwhile Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister has slammed the right group Amnesty International (AI) saying that the organization has a political objective to hurt Sri Lanka, its economy and its people.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Nepal has requested World Bank (WB) to increase its assistance to develop physical infrastructure and construct mid-hill highway in the country. Meanwhile US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake has expressed positive hope regarding formation of government in Nepal.
Economy:
Bangladesh Bank has added Tk 570 million more to its refinancing fund for housing loan to settle the claims of the eligible clients. Bangladesh plans to demand a separate quota for raw cotton from India to ensure the item's adequate supply for the readymade garment sector. The cotton price has reached its all-time high of $1.19 a pound on the international market this month.
Meanwhile the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed in principle to lend Bangladesh $1 billion under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon Italy to import jute and jute goods, pharmaceuticals and ceramic products from Bangladesh.
Sri Lankan government has offered free land and tax concessions to encourage top ranking foreign universities to set up branches in the country. In an effort to boost the economy in the war-torn North, the Sri Lankan government is planning to revive the ceased industries in Jaffna. Sri Lanka has shown strong improvement in fiscal performance but needs forceful action to reduce the budget deficit and public debt.
Society:
A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has turned into a cyclonic storm named "Giri" lying about 650 km south-east from Balasore in Orissa.
Over 30 million children of Bangladesh live below the poverty line, according to the UNICEF.
SOUTH INDIA
Politics:
Maoist sympathizer and president of newly-floated Telangana Praja Front (TPF) Gaddar began touring villages in Telangana to strengthen the movement for separate statehood. Apart from holding meetings with representatives of various backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and students; he also had an interaction with Muslim community Mahabubnagar town.
TPD leader and former CM of Andhra Pradesh has been arrested by the Police for staging a protest against PM Man Mohan Singh’s visit to Hyderabad. Meanwhile the opposition party in Tamil Nadu has announced to launch protest amidst heavy security.
The only South Indian BJP led Karnataka government has won the 2nd trust vote with a narrow margin. District Superintendent of Police in Karnataka said that by having approached family members of Naxals to convince them to return to the mainstream of the society the Maoists activities in the state have decreased substantially. BJP has accused Congress and CPI for building ties with Muslims in order to increase their vote bank in Kerala.
Economy:
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has assured that government would protect the interests of industry. His assurance came in response to the concern voiced by some industrialists in view of the threats by pro-Telangana groups of a massive movement in January. Meanwhile shutdowns and the violence in Hyderabad, other parts of Telangana and also in the Andhra and the Rayalaseema regions has hit the business and industry hard.
German’s most industrialized city intends to build IT ties with Kerala. Meanwhile the Communist Party of India (Marxist), heading the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala flayed the recent hike in fuel prices by the congress led UPA.
Society:
To discuss raising demands of Muslim minorities of Andhra Pradesh, Tribal Welfare Minister inaugurated the 2nd all minority employees’ welfare association of AP. The Lawyers of the Coastal AP districts decided to observe ''fast unto death'' from October 25, demanding the government and the High Court to establish a High Court bench here.
Vaccine maker, Bharat Biotech, has launched the ''India's first indigenously developed cell culture H1N1 swine flu vaccine'' under the brand name 'HNVAC'.
Tamil Nadu ruling DMK government has assured that they would expedite the Chennai Metro Rail Project aimed at decongesting traffic in the city. Heavy rains have caused floods in the state of Karnataka.
EAST ASIA
Politics:
Malaysian President Najib Razak has asked Umno leaders to make thorough preparations to face the next general election.
Thai PM has to face a trial over the allegations of corruption along with few other members of his executive. In case found guilty he would be banned from politics. Meanwhile the government of Thailand has renewed the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations in its three southern regions which have been plagued by violence. The emergency decree, which was first introduced 5 years ago, takes effect in the three southernmost provinces - Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat - for another three months, from October 20 to January 19, 2011. The Philippine government has formed a new panel to negotiate with communist rebels in a bid to restart peace talks stalled for more than five years.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Thailand and China have agreed to proceed with rail connections that will connect the two countries through neighboring Laos. The planned links aim to enhance rising trade flows sparked by the new China-Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) free-trade agreement and facilitate with modern infrastructure the region’s move towards a common ASEAN market. Meanwhile Chinese top political advisor has greatly appreciated Chinese relations with Indonesia.
Cambodia's foreign ministry has issued a press release saying the allegation made by Thailand that Cambodia has allowed armed training on its territory for members of the Red-shirt group to commit acts of terror against Thai government and plot assassination of top Thai government officials, is causing greater harm to the two countries' relations.
Economy:
Taking its FTA with the 10-nation ASEAN bloc a step further, India has implemented a free trade pact with Indonesia that slashes the import duties on thousands of products like seafood, chemicals and apparel.
Indonesia's National Agency for the Protection and Placement of Migrant Workers said the government will soon end the ban after Malaysia promised to improve the protection and welfare of Indonesian migrant workers.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also the finance minister, has announced his plans to accelerate spending by 2.8 % while the deficit is projected to shrink only a meager 0.2 % to 5.4 % of gross domestic product from 5.6 % currently.
The Philippines' biggest business group has warned of more crippling power outages unless plants were upgraded and more investment in the sector was allowed to go ahead.
Society:
A survey indicated that in Indonesia the level of intolerance among the Muslim community toward the Ahmadiyah sect has more than doubled during the six years of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s rule.
The Indonesian government has been asked to develop growth centers in the eastern part to fill economic gap with western and central ones.
CHINA
Politics:
The Communist Party of China (CPC) has concluded Fifth Plenary Session of the 17th Central Committee on Oct. 18. China’s 12th five year plan has been passed in the meeting.
Geo-strategic Issues:
After a brief relaxation, tensions between China and Japan have escalated again. On Oct. 16, thousands of protesters in Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Xi’an, China, raised complaints against Japan over the territorial dispute in the East China Sea, which has been the catalyst for recent tensions. These demonstrations continued into Oct. 18, and though the numbers of protesters dwindled considerably, reports of vandalism against Japanese-owned shops continued. The Japanese Embassy has warned citizens about threats to their safety in China. The Chinese Embassy in Japan however reported that it had received a threat in the form of an envelope containing a bullet. In the meantime a Chinese official has urged Japan to "show sincerity" in mending strained relations between the two nations by taking substantial steps.
China has expressed regret over Israel's plan to build new housing units in East Jerusalem.
Meanwhile China seems keen to boost strategic ties with Indonesia, South Africa and Poland and economic ties with Turkey, Latvia and Canada.
China has urged the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) to stop interfering in China's internal affairs. A senior Chinese military official reiterated that a peaceful resolution through consultation and negotiation was needed to handle disputes over the South China Sea.
Economy:
The U.S. Treasury Department has decided to postpone its six month report on the currency practices of its major trading partners after the upcoming U.S. Congressional elections turned Chinese currency, the Yuan, into a tricky campaign issue. Meanwhile China has vowed to enhance coordination with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to continuously push forward the reform of the global economic and financial systems.
Prices of edible farm produce in China's 36 large and medium-sized cities remained largely unchanged in the week that ended October 17 from the previous week, ending sixteen consecutive weeks of increases. Meanwhile Profits of China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) hit 1.44 trillion Yuan (216.4 billion U.S. dollars) in the first nine months, up 46.2 % year on year. China's telecommunication industry reported core business revenues of 667.51 billion Yuan (100 billion U.S. dollars) during the first nine months of 2010, up 6.8 % year on year.
A World Trade Organization panel has largely rejected Chinese claims in a dispute with the United States over extra duties on Chinese goods which Washington argued were priced at below cost and subsidized. Tourists visiting east China's Fujian Province spent 94.49 billion Yuan (about 14.2 billion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of the year, up 18 % from the same period last year.
Society:
Human Rights officials from the UNO have appreciated China for having notable achievements in promoting people's economic and social rights. China's urban unemployment rate stood at 4.1 % at the end of September, with 9.05 million urbanites registered as unemployed. With a growing multitude of smokestacks dismantled and polluting factories closed, China is scaling up its often painful efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and boost energy efficiency.
Cyber News:
According to reports Baidu, sometimes called the Google of China, reported third-quarter profits last week that more than doubled, easily beating analysts’ forecasts. Sales rose a stunning 76%. The company continues to gain market share in China while Google (GOOG, Fortune 500) remains a distant second
HONG KONG & MACAU
Hong Kong's graft watchdog Independent Commission against Corruption has recorded 2,634 corruption reports in the first nine months this year, up 5 % from a year earlier.
Macao and the Republic of Mongolia have signed an "agreement on cooperation to combat trafficking in persons".
As companies from overseas and Chinese mainland running business in Hong Kong has reached 6,561 this year, up 2.6 % from a year earlier, Hong Kong's role as Asia's preferred business hub remained unchanged.
Meanwhile Hong Kong has signed an agreement with France for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion on income and capital. Hong Kong saw a growth of 73 % in the value of total wine imports in the first eight months of 2010, continuing to develop as Asia's wine hub.
JAPAN
Politics:
The government of Japan seems close to revising a bill related to its plan to set up a national strategy bureau, which is at the heart of the Democratic Party of Japan's policy goal of enhancing politicians' power over bureaucrats.
The Tokyo District Court has rejected Ichiro Ozawa's request to halt procedures linked to the ruling party kingpin's mandatory indictment in connection with false financial reports submitted by his political fund management body.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Ministers from Japan and the 16-member Pacific Island Forum have agreed to boost ties through aid and personnel exchanges, and to cooperate on climate change and reforming the United Nations Security Council. A joint team of researchers from Japan and South Korea has called for deepening dialogue with China as part of efforts to maintain maritime order in the East and South China Seas amid a series of territorial disputes.
Economy:
According to reports Japan is a major importer of rare plants and animals whose international trade is restricted under a convention on endangered species.
Four major banks have launched talks on providing a fresh loan of about ¥320 billion to embattled Japan Airlines Corp.
Society:
Representatives of over 190 signatories to a United Nations biodiversity pact are set to gather in Nagoya for a two-week marathon conference. The 10th meeting of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP10, is expected to forge a new agreement that could set aside vast amounts of the world's land and marine areas as sanctuaries.
KOREA
Geo-strategic Issues:
According to reports a South Korean fishing boat has been hijacked by Somali pirates.
A recent public opinion survey has indicated that Chinese people think that South Korea and the United States are more responsible for the sinking of the warship Cheonan than North Korea. Meanwhile South Korea’s Unification Minister has said that dialogue with North Korea can resume only after the regime admits to sinking one of the South’s warships, dismissing the North’s latest “peace-offensive gestures.”
China and North Korea have urged efforts from related parties to start the six-party nuclear talks. Movements of North Korean personnel and vehicles near an atomic weapons site have sparked speculation of a third nuclear test as leader Kim Jong Il prepares to hand over power to his youngest son.
The United States has warned North Korea against conducting a third nuclear test.
Meanwhile, according to reports scholars of Korea and Japan have reached a blue print for future relations of the two neighbor countries, which is forward-looking yet lacking details.
Korean President and his Panamanian counterpart have agreed to boost partnership in the development of resources and infrastructure and explore the possibility of Korea participating in the project to expand the Panama Canal.
Economy:
South Korea has extended its worldwide fixed-line broadband Internet leadership and the U.S. held onto joint 15th place as the technology’s speed and availability expanded. South Korea, which has 100 % broadband penetration, topped Cisco’s list for the third year in a row.
South Korea has announced plan to reduce its dependency on Chinese supplies of rare earths after cutting overall imports of the materials used in hybrid cars and wind turbines by almost two-thirds since 2005. South Korean President Lee has called on the financial chiefs of Group of 20 nations to find agreement on overcoming imbalances in the global economy.
Society:
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has launched an investigation into allegations that the principal of Seonyu Elementary School in Yeongdeungpo District has extorted money from members of a parent representative group. §
Zone 1- Asia Summary- Week # 143
TURKEY
Politics:
According to reports the Turkish government has not taken any step to stop PKK from ending ceasefire. However plans to extend date of ceasefire are under way.
TUSAID-an influential business group has made a plan to engage the non-governmental organizations and political parties in a dialogue process. Meanwhile the leading Justice and Development Party, or AKP, has prepared a draft bill that would reduce penalties for civil servants found guilty of misconduct and save them from having to serve time in prison. The draft has been approved by the Parliament.
Company Poll mark’s executive has revealed that the Turkish prime minister was especially shocked to know that the educated class voted “no” in the referendum. The Survey results have indicated that as the level of education increases, people’s ideas of the AKP turns negative.
Geo-strategic Issues:
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) fined Turkey more than 15 million euros in 19 cases filed by Greek Cypriots for their abandoned properties in the northern part of the divided island of Cyprus. The cases concerned the applicants’ complaints that the 1974 Turkish military intervention in the northern part of Cyprus deprived them of their homes and properties.
According to reports Israel's leader praised the naval commandos who participated in a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla last May that drew international condemnation; meanwhile a Turkish rights group denounced the praise showered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During his visit to China Foreign Minister of Turkey expressed concern about Uyghur’s rights.
Economy:
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister has announced to invest nearly $3.2 billion in Iraq in the tenders for two of the three natural gas zones in Northern Iraq. Turkey’s poultry exports to Iraq have increased to $91 million in the first nine months of this year.
At Istanbul’s 13th International Auto show has begun with 200 automobile brands displaying their new models to boost local economy. Turkey has recorded 11-% growth by selling 465,178 cars in the first nine months of this year. Turkey ranks second in the world for the highest taxes on the automotive industry after Denmark.
Turkey's imports from Iran increased by 130.7 % to reach 5,360 million USD in the January-September period this year. The country's exports to Iran were also up by 39.5 % year-on-year in the first nine months of 2010 and they totaled 1,978 million USD.
Meanwhile according to reports Turkey is the third-largest tomato producer in the world after China and the US. Despite this, the price of tomatoes is still high due to heavy rainfall early this summer.
Society:
58 environmental activists, many of them Greenpeace members, went on trial for demonstrating in July against Turkey's plans to build a nuclear power plant.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader has strictly criticized the Republican People's Party (CHP) for its stance regarding the ban on the Islamic headscarf in universities. Meanwhile the European Union has said it cannot take a position on Turkey’s headscarf debate claiming there is no common implementation on the issue among member countries.
GCC
Politics:
Third parliamentary elections were held in Bahrain amid a crackdown by the Sunni Muslim-led government against the Shia majority. Bahrain's main opposition group, the Islamic National Accord Association, has won 18 of parliament’s 40 seats. The first round of Bahrain’s municipal and parliamentary elections was largely peaceful with the exception of a few isolated cases of disturbance. Out of 317,900 eligible voters, a large number of Bahrainis exercised their right of franchise. Tight security was laid as a trial opened in Bahrain for 27 persons accused of being militants who plotted to overthrow the Gulf state’s monarchy.
Yemen has ordered the confiscation of all firearms in the possession of its citizens after canceling weapons licenses not carrying the Interior Minister’s signature. Yemen has also launched a manhunt for Al Qaeda in its southern Shabwa province, the same day a U.S.-born Muslim cleric sought by Washington and thought to be hiding in that area appeared in an online video.
Geo-strategic Issues:
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed grave concerns regarding reports published recently on the killings and widespread torture at the hands of U.S. forces in Iraq.
Meanwhile GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman has also condemned a decision by the Israeli Ministerial Committee on Legislation "to add Jerusalem to the new map of national priority zones. Saudi King has discussed the latest developments related to Palestinian cause with Mahmood Abbas. The talks also tackled the currently exerted efforts to put the peace process back on the right track. A pledge of $ 100m from Saudi Arabia and other international aid has eased the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) financial crisis. Saudi Ambassador to the United States lauded the historic strong relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United States of America.
The United Arab Emirates has opened a naval base on its east coast as part of efforts to secure its ability to export oil in the event Iran closes the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The State of Kuwait called on the international community to squeeze Israel to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Meanwhile a senior Kuwaiti customs official has reaffirmed his country's commitment to the Arab League's boycott of Israel as an effective weapon in the face of the aggressive policies and crimes systematically pursued by the Jewish state against the Palestinian people. The Kuwaiti cabinet approved a draft agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of France on the peaceful uses of the nuclear energy.
Economy:
The Arab World Competitiveness Review 2010 indicated that the global economic crisis has further widened the competitiveness gap between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the rest of the Arab world. Non-oil trade rose to Dh412 billion during the first seven months of this year. Exports saw a growth of 31 % during the same period and there was also a rise in the number of items imported. The UAE experienced a 9 % growth in non-oil trade during the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year. Traders in the UAE reported one of the highest levels of confidence globally, second only to those in the country's largest trading partner, India.
Society:
The Supreme Judicial Council has announced to establish 14 courts in Makah and Madina to consider crimes committed during the Hajj season. Officials of the Passports Department deputed at 12 checkpoints leading to Makah have prevented as many as 15,000 pilgrims without permits from entering Makah.
Kuwait’s rank in the Corruption Perception Index 2010 (CPI) dropped from 66th to 54th, while it was ranked number seven among the Arab countries and last among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Gunmen in south Yemen shot dead a colonel in the country’s intelligence service. Meanwhile the Yemeni police foiled a plot aiming to blow up several sites in the southern port city of Aden, which is due to host the Gulf Cup soccer tournament next month.
CENTRAL ASIA
Politics:
Opposition leaders from Azerbaijan's Popular Front have refused to meet with a delegation of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) observers for next month's parliamentary elections. Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has registered 581 international observers to monitor parliamentary elections.
Kyrgyzstan's top election official said that "a wave of mistakes" has held up the release of the final tally from parliamentary elections held earlier this month. Meanwhile Kyrgyzstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) declared invalid election results on 2 polling stations in Uzgen district, Osh oblast. Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister, whose party finished third in this month's parliamentary elections, said that the country is not yet ready to make the transition to a parliamentary republic. The cases against two Kyrgyz politicians accused of planning mass disorder and attempting to overthrow the government were sent to court. Hundreds of supporters of nationalist Kyrgyz politician Kamchybek Tashiev staged a rally outside the parliament building in the capital, after Tashiev claimed to have been targeted for potential kidnapping or assassination.
Tajikistan's Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP) has alleged that a fire that destroyed the party's cultural center in Dushanbe-widely known as the "women's mosque"-was not an accident.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Azerbaijan discussed in Moscow the situation around the draft multilateral agreement on security cooperation in the Caspian Sea. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia can reach agreement on the principles of a peace deal for the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh by early December.
Kazakh President met with NATO Secretary General and European Commission President respectively in order to explore areas of cooperation. Meanwhile Defense Ministers of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have signed the plan of military bilateral co-operation in 2011. Tajikistan and Afghanistan have signed six cooperation documents in Kabul. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan issued a statement to the press in connection with the appearance of reports in recent days in the Russian media, "giving unreasonable interpretation of some aspects of the energy policy of Turkmenistan, including those related to the implementation of the projects for delivery of Turkmen energy resources to the international markets." Turkmenistan has expressed keenness to increase gas export to Russia.
Economy:
The volume of unregistered economy in Azerbaijan makes approximately 9% of GDP.
Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, the Majilis, has approved a 2011 budget with a deficit equivalent to 2.8 % of gross domestic product. The unstable political situation has caused outflow of deposits from the banking system of Kyrgyzstan. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for the modernization of the seaport of Turkmenbashi has been signed in Ashgabat.
Society:
Jailed Azeri Journalist Eynulla Fatullayev continued his hunger strike. Fatullayev, editor of the independent newspaper "Realny Azerbaijan," was sentenced in 2007 to 11 years in prison on charges including tax evasion and fomenting interethnic hatred.
Rights organizations believe the charges against him were fabricated.
Hundreds of oil workers in western Kazakhstan have ended their strike after management promised to hire a lawyer to defend a union activist accused of drug possession.
AFGHANISTAN
Politics:
Richard Holbrook, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, claimed that recent contacts between the Afghan government and Taliban leaders don’t rise to the level of peace negotiations. Meanwhile according to reports a senior Haqqani leader was killed during an overnight military operation in eastern Paktika province, a main hub for Haqqani Network.
According to the Taliban at least 50 civilians, mostly women and children, have been killed in a US air strike in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. Meanwhile four suicide bombers armed with weapons launched an unprecedented attack on a UN office in western Herat province. In response to suicide attack the United Nations vowed to continue its mission in western Afghanistan.
Parliamentary candidates, who locked up Independent Election Commission (IEC) officials in western Ghor province, have called off their protest. Dozens of unsuccessful preliminary candidates have called for a fresh vote, alleging the September 18 election had been rigged at a massive scale. The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) has accused about 120 parliamentary candidates of election law violations, and gave them five days to explain their positions.
President Hamid Karzai has called on the international community to stop threatening his administration on the issue of security firms, warning 'it is not the way they should deal with Afghans'. Hamid Karzai also accused ‘Black Water’ for its involvement in terrorism in Afghanistan.
Geo-strategic Issues:
The United States expressed concern over Iran’s growing role in Afghanistan after President Hamid Karzai’s said his office received “bagsful” of cash from Tehran. In the meantime the Presidential Palace and the Iranian embassy in Kabul have rejected a US media report that President Hamid Karzai's chief of staff is receiving cash support from Tehran.
Economy:
The annual cost of the war in Afghanistan has reportedly exceeded USD 200 billion for the first time since 2001. A US government audit has found that billions of dollars earmarked for reconstruction projects in Afghanistan cannot be tracked.
Germany's foreign ministry has signed an agreement with Afghanistan to give 14 million dollars to Taliban militants, who choose to lay down their arms, every year. Meanwhile Germany has also announced to spend €12.5 million (786.5m afghanis) over the next six months on surveying existing and new hydraulic power stations in the north and northeast of the country.
Society:
According to reports US military operations in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan have destroyed more homes and farmland.
SOUTH ASIA
Politics:
Bangladeshi law minister has told reporters that the existing constitution will be replaced under the directives of the Supreme Court soon, which will stop doors for anyone in continuing religion based politics in the country.
Meanwhile European Union Ambassador has suggested that political parties of Bangladesh should turn away from the path of confrontation and has called for dialogue between ruling and opposition parties.
Police has detained 20 Jamaat-e-Islami men, including former lawmaker Mujibur Rahman, with "bomb making materials" and "anti-state" leaflets from the capital. Meanwhile Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina renewed her government's firm stance to hold the trial of war criminals who committed crimes against humanity during the country's War of Liberation in 1971.
Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudyal, the sole candidate who is adamant over not quitting the prime ministerial race, has failed to garner a majority in Parliament for an unprecedented 14th time in a row, prolonging the leadership crisis in the country. Hence the first protest in parliament against the charade came from Nepal's only openly Unified CPN (Maoist) secretary and chief whip, who expressed his party’s readiness to show maximum flexibility in order to forge national consensus to end the current deadlock if the UML and Nepali Congress show similar gesture.
Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by the former Army Commander and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka challenging President Mahinda Rajapakse’ reelection at the January 26 presidential elections.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Nepal's main-opposition party, Unified Maoist has decided to write a formal letter to the Indian establishment demanding immediate release of its three cadres arrested by the Indian police suspecting that they were supporting the Indian Maoists' rebels. The row between Nepal's caretaker government and the opposition Maoist party over the latter's guerrilla army fighters' clandestine visit to China escalated with the government seeking an explanation from the UN agency monitoring the combatants and the Maoists calling it interference. In response to this the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) made it clear that the Maoist division commanders, who visited China last week, did not approach it for the travel that has been dragged into a political controversy. President of Nepal during his visit to China reiterated his country’s commitment to one China policy and assured that territory of Nepal would never be used against China.
According to reports the British Prime Minister has said there should be an independent investigation into what happened during the decisive phase of Sri Lanka's war against Tamil Tiger rebels.
Economy:
Bangladeshi central bank has taken various measures for attaining sustainable economic development. Economic experts, former ministers and industrialists in Nepal have warned that if a full fledged budget is not introduced in time then it will be disastrous for the economy. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said it will continue to work closely with the Government of Nepal and stakeholders in reducing poverty and promote inclusive growth for all Nepalese.
Sri Lanka's inflation as measured by consumer prices in Colombo rose for the sixth consecutive month in October. The inflation increased to 6.6 % in October from 5.8 % in last month while the Colombo Consumer Price Index increased by 1.2 % to 223.3 points from 220.7 points in September 2010.
Society:
The CPI - Corruption Perceptions Index-2010 revealed that Bangladesh has failed to achieve improvement over last year. Meanwhile the owners of CNG refueling stations in the country have decided to go for an indefinite strike from November 26 instead of November 1 following a meeting with State Minister for Power and Energy. The strike aims to press home six-point demand including withdrawal of government order for six-hour closure of pump stations.
Sri Lanka has shown improvement in reducing corruption according to the global Corruption Perceptions Index figures as it has been placed at 91st position among 178 countries surveyed in 2010 with a score of 3.2. Last year Sri Lanka was at the 97th position with a score of 3.1 among 180 countries surveyed. The progress made by Sri Lanka so far in resettling the people displaced by the conflict and achieving the Millennium Development Goals amidst a long drawn-out conflict was commended by the United Nations representative in Sri Lanka.
INDIA
Politics:
As much as 75.72 % of the voters exercised their franchise in the first stage of the local body elections held in seven districts in Karnataka. Statistics show that the Congress party’s vote share of vote has consistently eroded even in the rural areas of Gujarat.
Congress party has asked noted writer and activist Arundhati Roy to withdraw her statement on Kashmir, saying it was "contrary to historical facts" and could mislead the nation and the international community. The Booker Prize winning author had said “Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this.” Meanwhile BJP asked UPA led government to take action against Arundhati Roy.
Uttar Pradesh Congress has asked the Central and state governments to monitor the activities of RSS, which is involved in almost all the riots that took place in the country and ban the fundamentalist organization if its activities could not be controlled.
In Kashmir curfew has crippled life in many parts, particularly Srinagar downtown, Sopore, Palhalan and Pattan, as they remained under curfew for most of the time during this period. Even as the government has been claiming that Kashmir is returning to normality, the life of the common man has become difficult. Experts say the Valley faced a whopping loss of over Rs. 12,000 crore in the past four months as businesses were badly affected.
Geo-strategic Issues:
BJP claimed that “startling revelations” had come to light about links among Pakistan’s ISI, Kashmiri separatists and Naxals in India and demanded action without further delay from the UPA in this regard. Meanwhile Pakistan’s Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani has expressed disappointment that the promise held out at the Prime Minister-level engagements with India had not yet been realized in the form of a full resumption of the dialogue process.
India and Malaysia have formally announced firming up of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to boost trade and decided on a range of other engagements in various sectors, including defence.
Economy:
India's exports shot up by an annualized 23.2 % in September, 2010, to a two-year high of USD 18.02 billion, but even faster import growth increased concerns over the country's widening trade gap. India's exports were valued at USD 15.8 billion in September, 2008. After remaining in the red for 13 months in a row, exports have been growing since November, 2009. However, imports grew even faster, by 26.1 % to USD 27.14 billion in September.
Society:
PM Man Mohan Singh said cyber warfare is another emerging area of concern, while Naxalism and left-wing extremism posed the “greatest threat” to national security.
CHINA
Politics:
A signed article published in People's Daily stressed that China's political reform must be conducted in a step-by-step manner under a socialist system and the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Meanwhile Chinese Parliament has approved the nomination of Vice President Xi Jinping for the vice-chairmanship of the powerful Central Military Commission, paving the way for him to succeed President Hu Jintao in 2012.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Presidents of Israel, Italy and Indonesia paid visit to China in order to boost ties with the later. Meanwhile China has vowed to enhance ties with Costa Rica and Azerbaijan. China and France seem hopeful to sign a number of cooperative documents in civilian nuclear energy and aviation. Foreign Ministers of China and Japan have agreed to put effort to improve ties. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister later on accused Japanese representatives of violating China's sovereignty and territorial integrity through statements to the media during the summit meetings between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rejected the view to apply "a zero-sum calculation" on U.S.-Sino relationship, insisting the two countries are working together for a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive relationship in the new century. At least 29 candidates for the Congress have released advertisements accusing opponents of helping China at the expense of the American workers. Of them, 19 are Democrats and 10 are Republicans, showing that blaming China has become a mid-term election strategy for both parties.
Economy:
An official of one of China's top government think tanks called for the readjustment of the nation's breakneck expansion of the auto industry as an explosion of new cars on China's roads aggravates problems with pollution and congestion. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index surged 2.57 %, or 76.38 points, to close at 3,051.42, its highest level since April 21.China's government announced to exempt components of some major items of technical equipment from import taxes.
China has welcomed the World Trade Organization's (WTO) final ruling that United States restrictions on Chinese poultry imports are inconsistent with WTO regulations. Meanwhile China's quality watchdog has called for joint efforts from other countries to enhance the safety of consumer goods.
Chinese Premier has made proposals for boosting cooperation, especially in economy and trade, at a series of ongoing summits between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners including China, Japan and South Korea.
Society:
China has been ranked 17th in the world in terms of national competitiveness, up 56 places since 1990. China's top legislature began to discuss draft law amendments, designed to give rural residents greater say in village affairs. Three weeks after jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was named winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, the government in Beijing has defied widespread international criticism and continued its crackdown on human rights activists and lawyers. China's state media accused the Nobel committee of using the Peace Prize as a "political tool" - the latest in a barrage of complaints after the award went to jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo.
According to reports the Chinese government has been working to bridge the wide "digital divide" between urban and rural areas caused by imbalances in Internet access and information literacy.
JAPAN
Politics:
Hundreds of Chinese staged protests against Japan stirring more discontent.
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan has denounced to field its own candidate in Okinawa's November gubernatorial election. The decision was due to a rift between DPJ headquarters, which backs the government plan to relocate a major U.S. air base within Okinawa, and the party's local chapter, which is opposed to the policy and wants the base moved elsewhere. Meanwhile the Liberal Democratic Party proposed a law to continue promoting the economic development of Okinawa beyond the March 2012 expiration of current legislation.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Indian PM paid three day-visit to Japan in order to boost cooperation with the later. Meanwhile a meeting of economic ministers from China, Japan and South Korea got canceled over objections by Beijing.
Economy:
Japanese exports continued to increase with a preliminary gain of 14.4 % in September, but the pace is slowing because of the yen's summer surge and sluggish consumption in other Asian economies. Prime Minister's Cabinet has endorsed an extra budget for this fiscal year to fund a ¥5.1 trillion emergency stimulus package aimed at fighting deflation and the surging yen. The unemployment rate fell to 5 % in September from 5.1 % in August for the third consecutive monthly drop, edging down on an expansion in payrolls in such sectors as manufacturing, medical and welfare.
Society:
This year's two Japanese Nobel Prize laureates, Akira Suzuki and Eiichi Negishi, have been awarded the Order of Culture, the country's top cultural award, for fiscal 2010.
Japan has pledged $2 billion to preserve biodiversity in the developing world. Meanwhile according to a report released by the National Cancer Center, contrary to common belief, drinking lots of green tea was found to have little effect in reducing the risk of contracting breast cancer.
KOREA
Politics:
The chairman of the South Korean governing Grand National Party (GNP) vowed to introduce more reformative policies and turn his party to a “centrist” conservative party in an effort to appeal to a broader base of voters.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Senior North Korean and Chinese military officials demonstrated strong military ties between the two communist allies. The leaders of South Korea and Gabon have agreed to boost cooperation in the development of energy, natural resources and infrastructure as the two nations signed a package of deals on boosting energy cooperation, cultural exchanges and avoiding double taxation.
Korea vowed to contribute more financial resources and tailored technical assistance to join the global effort to help poor nations get out of the “aid trap.” The U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) and North Korea failed to arrange a general-level military meeting.
North Korean troops fired two rounds at a military guard post near the border.
Economy:
S Korea agreed with ASEAN, an economic bloc of 10 Southeast Asian nations, to upgrade their relations to a “strategic partnership” last week, to promote stronger economic, cultural and security ties.
Society:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade opened a Twitter account in English to reach out to foreign bloggers who are interested in knowing more about the ministry’s policies and major events. It also created Face book accounts both in Korean and English on the same day, intensifying its communication online with Koreans, as well as foreigners and foreign governments.
South Korea has seen no progress in the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), remaining in 39th place among 178 countries for the second consecutive year. §
Zone 1- Asia Summary- Week # 144
TURKEY
Politics:
Turkish Prime Minister Recep emphasized the need to bring reforms in Higher Education Board’s policies due to the growing unemployment rate especially among university graduates.
A suicide bomb blast took place in Taksim Square at Istanbul in which 32 people including 15 police officers were injured. On the basis of captured terrorists' statements, the Turkish police identified that the attack command for the Taksim suicide bombing came from Denmark based Roj TV. A terrorist group connected to the PKK, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), has claimed responsibility.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced Turkey’s schedule for general elections, saying his government plans to hold elections on June 12, 2011. In the meantime Prime Minister has directed harsh criticism at the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which sparked controversy earlier this week with a cartoon exhibition held at its headquarters.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Turkey's permanent representative at the UN has reiterated a call on the Israel government to make an apology for a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Turkish PM recently paid a visit to Kosovo where he agreed to play a mediator role between Kosovo and Serbia if the two countries requested it.
Economy
Leather export of Turkey has been on the rise. The leather export in 2008 was of $ 1.3 billion, 2009 at $1.1 billion. While data from the first eight months of 2010 show that there has been a 19.4 % increase in leather exports.
Society:
Turkey's telecommunications authority has announced to block access to You Tube unless the video-sharing site removes a sex video of a former opposition party leader.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued an extensive report in which it strongly criticized Turkey for its handling of cases opened against individuals who took part in protests organized or supported by the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
GCC
Politics:
According to reports pro-government candidates have won all nine parliamentary seats up for grabs in Bahrain’s runoff elections. The results announced by state media give opposition group candidates a combined total of 22 seats in the 40-member legislature from two rounds of voting. They also leave the country’s embattled main opposition group Wefaq with 18 seats. Now re-polling of nine seats would be held next week.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Interior Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said that security bodies in their countries were ready to confront threats posed by terrorist groups in a drive to preserve security and stability of the Gulf peoples.
US President Barrack Obama called Saudi King Abdullah to discuss the explosive packages that were disrupted in addition to the situation in Lebanon.
Meanwhile the Saudi King has invited Iraq's political parties for talks in Saudi Arabia after Hajj in an attempt to break a political deadlock and help them form a unity government in the war-torn country. Saudi King has been ranked third in the list of the World's Most Powerful People released by the leading American business magazine Forbes.
Society:
A Bahraini woman made history by becoming the first female elected as municipal councilor. Fatima Salman, who could not make it in the 2006 municipal election, outnumbered her opponent this time with 134 votes in the run-off. Oman has promised to take steps to protect bio-diversity.
FERTILE CRESCENT
Politics:
In Egypt Safwan Mohamed, a long-time activist for Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei founder of National Association for Change and one of his first supporters was hauled in by Security forces. Meanwhile over a dozen members of Muslim Brotherhood launched demonstration in order to give message to the people of Alexandria that their candidates have been registered for upcoming elections.
The Supreme Administrative Court has issued a ruling requiring Minister of Information and president of the International Radio and Television Union, to allocate broadcasting time on state-run Egyptian television to all political parties in order to allow them to present their election platforms. Meanwhile the chairman of the Alexandria Bar Association has submitted a lawsuit to the state council demanding President Hosni Mubarak and Interior Minister cancel the People’s Assembly elections recently scheduled for 28 November.
Jordan's parliamentary elections scheduled for November 9 is expected to shift the kingdom towards democracy.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the US have pushed Iraq to end political stalemate. After eight months of political gap and in a move considered as the first step in forming government, Iraqi Parliament is to convene on November 8 in order to elect new speaker and two deputies. In fact political rivals in the country have reached a power-sharing agreement in which the incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will stay in his post and the other party has to choose a speaker.
Geo-strategic Issues:
A war of words between Syrian and Egyptian media continued to flare up with a leading Syrian daily taking jabs at Cairo's Middle East policy. The editor-in-chief of Syria's al-Watan newspaper, an independent newspaper which has long supported official government policy, wrote a scathing column accusing Cairo of no longer having a leading role in the region, and only serving Israeli and US interests.
A state-run Syrian newspaper has dismissed US accusations that Syria was undermining Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty, calling the claims “irresponsible.” Meanwhile Lebanese Muslim and Christian figures condemned the killing of hostage parishioners at the Karada church in Iraq.
Israeli occupation authorities have decided to block any Palestinian official aside from the president and prime minister from crossing over the Allenby Bridge from the West Bank into Jordan.
Also Israel has postponed all strategic dialogue with Britain in protest at a law which allows UK courts to prosecute visiting Israeli officials for alleged war crimes.
Economy
A World Bank Report shows that conducting business in Lebanon has become more complicated and problematic in 2010 than in 2009. Prices of gasoline, fuel oil and kerosene in Lebanon continued to rise slowly this month amid indications that the rates may not fall lower in the near future as long as the demand for crude remained high in international markets.
Society:
The Arabic Network for Human Rights denounced the continuous crack down of the Egyptian security services on activists demanding democratic reform and the violation of the activists’ legal rights of expression and privacy.
Meanwhile Egypt refused to react to demands over two Coptic women rumored to have converted to Islam made by an Al-Qaeda group in Iraq that claimed a deadly hostage-taking in Baghdad. An Al-Qaeda threat to Egypt's Coptic Christians has met with growing condemnation from Muslim figureheads and the press in Egypt, which said it was an attack on national unity.
The Muslim Brotherhood opposition group said Muslims must protect Christian houses of worship after an Al-Qaeda group in Iraq threatened to target Copts and other Christians. Al-Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for attack on Baghdad church that resulted in deaths of 58 people. As a result many Christians have started thinking of leaving Iraq.
CENTRAL ASIA
Politics:
Head of the CIS observation mission has lauded the high level of preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan on 7th of November; 743 people have been registered so far. Meanwhile 53 from registered people have withdrawn their candidacy.
Two people found guilty of attacking a Kazakh opposition leader have been sentenced by an Almaty court.
Another Kazakh opposition figure has announced plans to run for president in the 2012 elections. Meanwhile a Kyrgyz political party has announced its plan to challenge parliamentary election results that showed it failed to win enough votes to enter parliament.
The nephew of former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a court found him guilty of involvement in unrest in the city of Jalal-Abad in May.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has convened a meeting in the south Russian city of Astrakhan with the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Meanwhile Azerbaijan and Turkey have reportedly agreed to build missiles jointly.
Economy
Azerbaijani and Uzbek companies have signed several documents within the framework of Azerbaijan National Exhibition in Uzbekistan. Also the 7th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan intergovernmental economic commission was held in Astana on November 4. The meeting featured proposals to develop and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. Consumer prices and tariffs for services increased by 0.9% in Azerbaijan in October compared to previous month. Meanwhile food prices rose by 1.4%, while non-food products by 0.9%, tariffs for paid services to the public and prices on industrial goods increased by 0.2%.
Turkmenistan has announced plan to systematically strengthen exchange rate of Turkmen manat.
Society:
A public movement in Kyrgyzstan has been demanding the adoption of a lustration law to remove members of the current government who belonged to the "corrupt government" that was ousted in April. About 100 people in the Akjar suburb of the Kyrgyz capital blocked the main road near the largest Central Asian bazaar to demand that electricity and a water line be brought into the suburb.
The appeal hearing has resumed in southern Kyrgyzstan for an ethnic Uzbek human rights activist jailed for life in connection with June's deadly ethnic violence.
United States has expressed serious concern regarding recent developments in Tajikistan that appear to limit media access and media freedom while increasing pressure on independent media.
AFGHANISTAN
Politics:
Tribal elders, religious scholars, youth representatives and influential figures in southern Zabul province have voiced their support for the government-initiated peace process. The Afghan election body has rejected the accusation of a watchdog that it acted irresponsibly in the process of fraud evaluation. Meanwhile Afghan and NATO-led forces re-captured Khogyani district in southern Ghazni province, just hours after the Taliban claimed to be in control of the area.
According to reports conflicts and militancy had claimed the lives of 229 civilians in the militancy-plagued Afghanistan in October. The NATO-led forces stationed in Afghanistan has increased mounting pressure on a militant group affiliated with Taliban -- the Haqqani Network in Afghanistan's eastern provinces, and killed at least five leaders in the latest attacks. Police has also claimed that over 100 Taliban insurgents including key commanders have given up insurgency and surrendered to the government in northern Afghan provinces over the past weeks.
Geo-strategic Issues:
The US and Russia, have expanded their cooperation in Afghanistan in a bid to pursue their own interests there. In this regard Russia has agreed to launch more raids in Afghanistan despite strong protests from the Afghan government.
Economy
The foundation stone of an export promoting centre, a $40,000 project funded by the USAID, has been laid in Kabul.
Society:
The Afghan government and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed a three-year agreement to increase access to clean water and sanitation services in poor communities across the war-torn country.
Afghan counter-narcotics police have seized nearly 400 kilograms of opium in southern Helmand province, the largest poppy-producing region. Meanwhile the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed concern about the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) caused by conflict in Afghanistan, and the fact that it is often too dangerous to assist them.
President Hamid Karzai has told the Ministry of Education to include patriotism in the school curriculum after meeting with his Cabinet ministers. The Afghan Ministry of Communication and Information Technology claims that more than 30,000 jobs were provided in the first 7 months of this year. Government has recently revealed that nine million people in Afghanistan are living in extreme poverty, while two years ago only five million Afghans lived in penury.
SOUTH ASIA
Politics:
Bangladesh's opposition leader Khaleda Zia has demanded that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should test her popularity by holding a mid-term parliamentary poll.
The main opposition BNP has expressed readiness to accept transit facilities for neighboring India if it is proved profitable for the country through proper studies. The party leaders further added that people would not accept any decision without political consensus and consultation with all regarding transit and corridor facilities for India.
Nepali PM has been strongly condemned because of his recent statements regarding transfer of power in Nepal. Meanwhile according to reports top leaders from the big three political parties – UCPN Maoist, Nepali congress and CPN UML have begun their discussions to end political deadlock.
Sri Lanka government is started preparations to launch a post-war rehabilitation program at a cost of US$ 14 million for the former Tamil Tiger fighters.
Geo-strategic Issues:
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to give 'fresh impetus' to their bilateral relationship and planned a prime ministerial-level dialogue by the end of 2011.
The World Bank has launched the Program for Accountability in Nepal (PRAN), a capacity development program that aims to enhance knowledge and skill of diverse constituencies to promote greater accountability of government institutions and programs.
Economy
A think tank has recently revealed that Bangladesh could reap a profit of $2.3 billion in a period of 30 years by giving transit facilities to India, Nepal and Bhutan. To earn that profit, Bangladesh would, however, have to invest $1.17 billion in capital expenditure, operation and maintenance costs for over 30 years to develop corridors for transit traffic.
Sri Lanka's overall economic conditions are improving as expected, and the economy is likely to show strong growth this year but the government is yet to reduce the deficit and take action on tax reforms which have been delayed by one year.
Society:
A controversial 80 % minimum wage hike for Bangladesh's three million garment workers came into force last week with the government vowing to prosecute factories that fail to comply. Hundreds of protesting Bangladeshi garment workers fought riot police and ransacked a factory north of Dhaka demanding full implementation of a new government-backed wage hike.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched its Human Development Report 2010 saying Bangladesh's Human Development Index (HDI) increased by 81 % in the past 30 years.
INDIA
Politics:
The Congress top brass lauded the contribution of Rahul Gandhi in bringing a new generation to the party fold through a democratic process in the youth and student wings of the organization. Rahul Gandhi said it is only Congress which could unite the “two Hindustans” one for the rich and the other for the poor.
The RSS has decided to hit the streets on the issue of saffron terror. The outfit, which has been on the back foot after the names of some of its functionaries were linked with cases of bomb blasts, has drawn up protest plans as its top brass decided to aggressively counter the terror allegations being hurled at it.
Regional Front:
The Karnataka High Court has issued notice to state Assembly Speaker on petitions filed by five Independent MLAs, challenging their disqualification from the Assembly. 51 % electorate has cast their votes in 42 Assembly seats in Bihar. Voters ignored the poll boycott call with turnouts ranging up to 55 % in Alauli (SC) and 54 % in Begusarai and above 50 % in Bachwara, Teghra and Jhajha, in the Maoist belt which figured in the fourth phase of polling. The Congress party emerged victorious in all the 11 municipal council polls, held in Goa.
Geo-strategic Issues:
The Prime Ministers of India and China have expressed their determination to carry their relations forward through dialogue. Meanwhile President Obama’s visit to India remained the most significant development at geo-strategic front.
Society:
The findings of the 2010 Human Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme revealed India’s record is very poor as per its Gender Inequality Index.
CHINA
Politics:
A signed article to be published in People's Daily, a flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has reminded Party officials to be mindful of the people's interests.
Geo-strategic Issues:
China has sent a strong signal that it would boost regional peace, stability and development in the spirit of cooperation and unity at the fifth East Asia Summit. Chinese growing relations with Oman, France, Hungary, Poland, Britain, Germany, Cambodia and Finland remained significant. Meanwhile China and the Africa Union (AU) held their third strategic dialogue to boost cooperation in Shanghai.
Chinese State Councilor held an unofficial meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in order to explore ways to enhance trust and cooperation between the two states.
China and Turkey voiced commitment to make joint efforts to crack down on terrorism and separatism. Meanwhile Chinese President has reaffirmed its support to the UNO. China has also called on Japan to make substantial efforts to create appropriate conditions for improvement of bilateral ties ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Economy
Total volume of China's foreign trade is expected to hit 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars for the whole year of 2010, up 25 % year on year. China's economic planner called on the Chinese people to give advice and suggestions for the drawing up of the 12th Five-Year (2011-2015) Plan for National Economic and Social Development.
The World Bank has raised its forecast for growth of China's gross domestic product (GDP) in full-year 2010 to 10 % from its previous estimate of 9.5 %. Meanwhile China's ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) urged Chinese exporters to boost product upgrade as the United States shifts its focus from labor-intensive goods to investigate imports of high-end products from China. Also China's stocks rose to a seven-month high last week following a Wall Street rally.
Society:
A total of 11,200 Chinese Muslims have already left China on chartered flights for the annual pilgrimage to the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
China has announced to increase investment in pre-school education to ensure "basic" and "quality" pre-school education are more accessible to children. Meanwhile Chinese Vice President has called on the international community to make concerted efforts to protect children's rights around the world.
According to reports the proportion of people in China with basic scientific knowledge is growing but scientific literacy is still low. A senior Chinese publication official has called on domestic E-book firms to roll out products with enriched content and functions to improve market competitiveness. §
Zone 1- Asia Summary- Week # 145
TURKEY
Political Front:
Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq and the northern Iraqi regional administration have agreed to pressurize the PKK to lay down arms and turn its current cease-fire to a permanent situation. Meanwhile PM has condemned European countries for covertly supporting PKK. Meanwhile the news channel CNN-Türk has been fined for broadcasting comments of a parliamentary deputy regarding the outlawed Kurdistan Worker’s Party, or PKK.
Professor Ali Bardakoğlu Directorate head of the Religious Affairs has been removed from his office due to his remarks about Eid ul Adha and head scarf issue.
The September 12 referendum on the constitutional amendment package has approved some judicial reforms. In this regard the Justice Ministry has recently prepared a Judicial Reform Strategic Action Plan to implement current reforms as soon as possible, as no more changes are required in the constitution to put new reforms into action. However for additional reforms, the government has to wait until after elections next year so a new constitution can be drafted.
Geo-strategic Front:
Cyprus issue seems to be major point of concern for Turkey. President in this regard has stated that Turkey has done enough to push for the settlement of Cyprus issue and would not go further under any pressure. In the meantime Britain's former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Formal partition of Cyprus should be considered if ongoing peace talks fail to produce a plan to reunite the island. Iran has expressed readiness to hold talks in Turkey with major world powers concerned about its nuclear program, yet no date has been decided. Critical comments passed by Turkish ambassador against Austrian ambassador over immigrants’ problem caused strain in Austrian-Turkish relations. Austrian government however clarified the misunderstanding. Turkish Foreign Minister has urged all Iraqi political groups to gather around the same table to form a government.
Economic Front:
Turkey’s Central Bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, marking a year of record-low borrowing costs that have fueled a surge in economic growth. Turkish Minister of Industry and Commerce has announced a support package worth $3 billion for small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs. Turkey has become the twentieth biggest economy of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The number of foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2010 has increased by 6 % year-on-year.
Social Front:
Turkish President has agreed to support the stance of PM over the head scarf issue. Despite being listed among countries that showed “high human development, Turkey has still been placed behind all European Union member countries and other EU candidates in a UN rating. The assessment came in the Human Development Index (HDI), an annual measure of well-being that has been published by the UN Development Program (UNDP) for the past 20 years, which combines individual economic prosperity with education levels and life expectancy.
Cyber issues:
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has signed the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cyber-crime. This convention would help her to regulate fight against online crimes.
GCC
Political front:
Bahrain's oil companies and oil installations have "active and comprehensive" risk management systems in place to tackle any internal security issues. Official statistics reveal that only 29 % of the manpower in Bahrain comprises women although they represent half of Bahrain’s population. The opening session of the first National Bahraini Women’s Conference discussed the need to integrate the women workforce with the development process.
Geo-strategic Front:
GCC Secretary General has condemned the Israeli 'hostile and provocative' decision to build 1,300 housing units in occupied East Jerusalem.
The GCC joint defense council has renewed support to Bahrain in the face of any threats targeting its security, safety and stability pursuant to the principles of collective defense and common target and destiny.
Saudi Arabia has secured a seat on the board of a new United Nations women's agency. Afghan Foreign Minister has recently stated that Saudi Arabia has a big role to play in establishing peace and stability in his country.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, held meeting with President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas and members of the accompanying delegation and discussed the latest developments and the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, stalled over Israeli stubbornness. Kuwait's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has asserted the right of states to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Sudanese Foreign Minister has affirmed that relations with Kuwait are 'historic and strong' adding that Kuwait had always supported Sudan at all possible levels. Kuwait has reiterated its commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative for the Middle East, expressing its deep regret over Israel's reluctance to stop building settlements. Kuwait's National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee has adopted several draft bills including one in support of a boycott of Israel. The boycott includes prescribed economic measures, visits, the import and export of goods and the declaration of goods. Government of Qatar also condemned Israeli act of building settlements in Jerusalem.
Economic Front:
All member countries of the Cooperation Council of Arab States of the Gulf seek to develop joint economic system to create one economic block.
Kuwait Minister of Finance and First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the IMF-Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (CEF) in Kuwait. Kuwaiti Ambassador to Syria has affirmed the need to upgrade the economic, trade and investment cooperation between Kuwait and Damascus to the level of political relationship.
Yemen has expressed determination to complete requirements of accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by end of this year. International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asserted support to the development programs in Yemen via mobilizing funds of donors to bridge the financing gap of the 4th development plan. The IMF also affirmed its commitment to the partnership with Yemen and readiness to present all kind of support the economic reform in Yemen.
Social Front:
Saudi Arabia unveiled the largest healthcare technology project of-its-kind in the GCC at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conference which began in Dubai. Qatar has submitted to the UN a proposal regarding carbon capture and storage, a move that could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
FERTILE CRESCENT
Political Front:
The Egyptian state, along with several writers and intellectuals, has started attacking the Brotherhood on the basis that its use of religious slogans violates the law. Many people however condemn this act of state by saying that real objective of the critics is to undermine the Brotherhood’s chances in the upcoming parliamentary elections by silencing their demands and restricting the movement of their candidates. Moreover, this clampdown violates the spirit of the law since it deprives citizens of their legitimate right to run in elections, regardless of their political, religious or intellectual orientations. Dr. Mohamed Saad el-Ketatni, head of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Parliamentary bloc, has ascertained that the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) after failing to honestly compete against MB candidates has resorted to repressive measures to stem the Brotherhood's increasing influence on people and prevent them from expressing their views freely. Egypt's opposition Muslim Brotherhood chief has warned the government to "beware" of the people's anger if it rigs the results of a parliamentary poll this month but ruled out violence by his group.
The Forum of Independent Human Rights NGOs warned in a report entitled "Rigging the 2010 Parliamentary Elections in Egypt" that the country's Interior Ministry is continually cracking down, sometimes violently, on the media, people's right to campaign and the right to assemble peacefully. Elections in Egypt are routinely marred by fraud but authorities have pledged that the Nov. 28 balloting will be fair — although they have rejected calls for allowing international observers to monitor the vote. Hopes for a breakthrough deal on a new Iraqi government have been tempered as talks between rival political factions broke up after 90 minutes without agreement.
Leaders of Iraq's Kurdish, Shi'ite, and Sunni Muslim blocs met in the Kurdish regional capital of Irbil to try to broker a final deal on a national-unity government. Allawi's Iraqiya was the final big group to agree to join a coalition this week in an accord that gave Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki a second term. Under the power-sharing deal reached recently, politicians divided the three top posts - prime minister, president and speaker of parliament - among the main ethnic and sectarian political blocs. Israeli legal circles and parties opposing the occupation and construction of settlements on Palestinian lands revealed that the Israeli occupation government was reviving an old law allowing it to usurp more Palestinian properties in occupied Jerusalem.
Geo-strategic Front:
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said that Middle East peace is more important than building more settlements, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to seize the opportunity to strike a final-status deal.
Economic Front:
Massive expenditure ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections is slowing down the government’s ability to accelerate economic reforms. Boosted by the success of a new tax regime, the budget deficit in the fiscal year 2009-2010 has shrunk from 8.3 to 8.1 % of GDP. According to the ministry, tax revenue reached LE170.5 billion, 7.3 billion more than in FY2008/2009.
Social Front:
The United Nations Security Council and the United States have led condemnations of a new series of attacks in Iraq targeting members of the Christian minority.
Meanwhile a community center active in reporting rights violations in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) has warned of an Israeli plan to demolish more Palestinian homes after Eid al-Adha.
CENTRAL ASIA
Political Front:
Azerbaijan's electoral authorities claimed that according to near complete results, the ruling Party of President Ilham Aliev has won a strong majority in the November 7 parliamentary election. Azerbaijan has expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. criticism of Baku's parliamentary elections. In the aftermath of Azerbaijan's parliamentary elections on November 7, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said "the country needs to do much more to make progress in developing a truly pluralist democracy.
Following unproductive negotiations among the five parties that won seats in last month's parliamentary elections, Kyrgyz President finally used her powers to pressurize them to form a coalition government. About 80 supporters of a Kyrgyz political party have held a protest against election results that showed the party failed to win enough votes to enter parliament.
The head of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security has announced that the operation launched in late September against Islamic militants in the eastern Rasht Valley was a success and is almost complete.
The chairman of Turkmenistan's Central Election Commission has called on Gurbanguly to keep his post as the country's president forever. The request came last month during a meeting of the cabinet of ministers. Meanwhile the Turkish President paid a two-day visit to Turkmenistan
Geo-strategic Front:
Military officials in the breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh have handed over the bodies of two Azerbaijani soldiers and received an ethnic Armenian corpse in an exchange agreed to by the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents last month.
Tajik-Russian inter-MFA consultations took place in Moscow on November 9..
Economic Front:
The Kazakh National Bank has issued a new 1,000 tenges ($6.60) banknote to mark the 2011 Asian Winter Games that will be hosted by Kazakhstan.
According to the report issued by the IMF following a visit of its representatives to Turkmenistan, the country's economy has once again proved its stability during the global financial crisis. Economic indicators of Turkmenistan in 2009 remained high. The real gross domestic product rose by 6.1 % while Inflation fell to 0.1 %.
Social Front:
A labor activist who helped organize an oil workers' strike in western Kazakhstan earlier this year has been convicted of illegal drugs possession. Protesters at the center of a land-grab dispute in southern Kyrgyzstan have been promised plots of land.
Relatives and supporters of two Kyrgyz men convicted of murdering ethnic Uzbeks during clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan earlier this year have protested the court's decision.
The Tajik-language political weekly "Farazh" has been published after a three-week interval as a joint publication with the Russian-language weekly "Fakty i kommentarii.
According to reports hundreds of Tajik students have "voluntarily" abandoned their studies at religious schools in Egypt and Pakistan.
In a landmark statement coming from a European official, Markus Löning, Germany’s federal commissioner for human rights, has demanded that Uzbekistan cease using child labor in harvesting cotton, and has called for inspections to be carried out by the International Organization of Labor (ILO).
IRAN
Political Front:
Iranian security forces have prevented Great Ayatollah from meeting with an Iranian opposition leader.
Geo-strategic Front:
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has called for refraining from unilateral measures by any Caspian Sea littoral states.
Iranian leaders have proposed restarting nuclear talks with the United States and other world powers on November 15, signaling a willingness to engage with the international community. Iran however has reiterated that the nuclear fuel swap issue was separate from its overall atomic program for which the six world powers and Tehran are expected to hold talks later this month.
Thai representative at the 9th ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) has underscored Iran's important role in leading the Asian group, stressing that his country has always had full trust and confidence in Iran during the last four centuries. Singapore too has called for recognition of Iranian right for civilian nuclear energy.
Economic Front:
Iran has been engaged in discussions with Chinese companies for the further development of the giant oilfield in the southwest of the country. Remarkable growth in Iranian-Algerian economic ties has been observed. Qatar has reportedly reached a deal with Iran to import agricultural soil from the country in large quantities.
Social Front:
According to reports Iranian journalist has been held in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison. Meanwhile Iranian authorities have been tightening security ahead of a controversial government plan to phase out basic food and fuel subsidies.
Four prominent Iranian student activists have been arrested in a fresh crackdown targeting students. Meanwhile Retired Iranian workers gathered in protest in front of the Islamic Republic parliament to contest their pay increase and changes in their health benefits.
Iranian opposition leader has announced that gender equality and establishing equal opportunities for all is a "non-negotiable demand" for the Iranian reform movement.
SOUTH ASIA
Political Front:
Bengali Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the main opposition BNP to return to the parliament for the sake of strengthening democracy instead of protesting on the streets. Meanwhile Islamic Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), an Islamic political party, has threatened to wage a tough movement across the country if the government attempts to ban religion-based politics.
In Nepal the second round meeting of the big three parties—UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress and CPN UML—concluded inconclusive yet again. Nepalese Supreme Court has directed Parliament Speaker to take appropriate alternative steps to end the current political deadlock over the "meaningless" process to elect a prime minister, which has affected drafting of a new constitution. Meanwhile leaders from nine small parties have said the government should be allowed to immediately present annual budget despite the government’s caretaker status.
Suppression of LTTE has brought plurality in Tamil politics hence political landscape of Srilanka seems to have changed. Meanwhile decrease in security check points has increased criminal activities of pro-government militias and common criminals.
Economic Front:
Bangladesh has announced to welcome Indian investment in developing Chittagong port as well as deep sea port at Sonadia Island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh’ growing economic ties with China have also grabbed attention.
A delayed budget has adversely affected Nepal’s economic growth.
Social Front:
In a wide-ranging survey of countries, the UNDP's Human Development Report 2010 places Bangladesh in third position among 95 countries in terms of an improvement in the quality of life. For good measure, the report shows that the Human Development Index in Bangladesh has gone up by as much as 81 % since 1981.
A group of war veterans of Sri Lanka staged a protest calling for the release of former Army commander and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Sarath Fonseka from prison.
INDIA
Political Front:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and VHP expressed its disappointment as US President Barack Obama did not "speak enough" on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and that the global menace could have been checked if he had made any utterance. Meanwhile the activists of the Left parties held a demonstration to protest against America's “hegemonic policies.” Besides that The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has announced to strongly counter the allegations of ‘saffron terrorism’ and also to take measures which can strengthen its base in UP.
While enforcing a shutdown to protest U.S. President Barack Obama's India visit, the Maoists triggered blasts at a railway station and in two government buildings in Jharkhand's Palamu district. Reportedly they killed two persons, blasted a school building and blocked a highway by felling trees in south Orissa.
The moderate Hürriyet Conference faction said economic development cannot be achieved without political stability in the region, which was dependent on the resolution of the Kashmir issue. He demanded the third party assistance (US) to resolve Kashmir dispute.
Geo-strategic Front:
Visit of the US President Barack Obama grabbed attention at geo-strategic front. During his visit the United States President expressed concern over the impact of India's Nuclear Liability Act, in his meeting with the Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Obama has supported reforms in UN Security Council and India’s inclusion as a permanent member of institution. During his speech to Indian parliament he praised Indian rich history and culture. Guaranteeing America's support, U.S. President expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would be able to live in peace despite their past history. However, he stressed India's key role in bringing about a stable Pakistan and said a peaceful Pakistan would be in India's interest. India and Canada have announced to formally launch negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement as Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh and his Canadian counterpart Mr. Stephen Harper met and decided to take their ties to a new level.
The Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has urged Sri Lankan president to ensure considerable progress in the construction of houses for internally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Economic Front:
United States president Barack Obama has announced 20 new bilateral trade deals worth $10 billion (nearly Rs 44,000 crore). These deals are expected to create over 50,000 jobs in the US. Trade between the two nations stood at $36.5 billion in 2009-10, and both India and the US aim to double this figure in the next five years.
The country's foreign exchange reserves went up by USD 2.56 billion to USD 297.96 billion on the back of a big surge in gold reserves and foreign currency assets. After remaining static for weeks; the country's gold reserves shot up by USD 1.15 billion to USD 21.67 billion for the week ended October 29.
The International Monetary Fund has approved proposals that will lead to a major overhaul of the Fund's quotas and governance, and would put India among top 10 members. In the midst of an ongoing currency war between the USA and China, Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh asked the G-20 nations to avoid competitive devaluation and advocated that any resurgence of protectionism be resisted.
SOUTH INDIA
Political Front:
The left parties of India CPI and CPM in Andhra Pradesh and All India Youth Federation (AIYF), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala organized a huge rally protesting the US president Barak Obama’s visit to India. Opposition AIADMK leader in Tamil Nadu has created a political storm by offering unconditional support to Congress-led UPA.
Economic Front:
Global Internet search giant Google Inc has announced plans to hire 300 people to double its engineering headcount in India and strengthen Hyderabad as its largest cloud computing research and development centre in the world. Hyderabad city has emerged as the hub of pharmaceutical industries, information technology, biotechnology and research and development organizations.
Social Front:
Exploration of Natural Gas in the Krishna-Godavari Basin (KG Basin) has been causing severe environmental damage. A large number of RSS workers launched a massive protest in Andhra Pradesh alleging the ruling UPA government for adopting an appeasing policy towards Muslim minorities and extending tacit support in carrying out vicious campaign against the RSS and other Hindu dharma leaders. Heavy rains lashed South Interior Karnataka under the influence of ''Jal'' cyclonic storm that had damaged nine districts which were already reeling under vigorous Northeast Monsoon for last one week.
EAST ASIA
Political Front:
East Java’s deputy governor has expressed disappointment over the government’s decision not to include the late President Abdurrahman Wahid in the National Heroes Day announcement.
Geo-strategic Front:
Most awaited visit of the US President Barack Obama to Indonesia seems to be the most significant development at geo-strategic front. Obama emphasized greatly on the need to boost ties with the Muslim world mainly Indonesia. His speech in Indonesia has been regarded as a sequel of his previous speech in Cairo that grabbed attention of the Muslim world.
Meanwhile China and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to seeking stronger strategic partnership.
Settlement of the border dispute with Cambodia hit a critical point recently when Thailand’s intellectual and moderate chief of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Commission (JBC) Vasin Teeravechyan resigned.
Vietnam has criticized a Chinese map of disputed islands in the South China Sea, calling it a serious violation of its sovereignty amid tensions over Beijing's growing assertiveness in making territorial claims in the region. China's state bureau of surveying and mapping recently launched online maps that claim sovereignty over the Paracels and Spratlys.
Economic Front:
Investors have been favoring Malaysia’s Islamic bonds over shorter-term bills as overseas funds increase holdings in the world’s biggest sukuk market.
China has announced to inject 1.6 billion dollars into Cambodian infrastructure over five years; just days after the US urged the country not to become too dependent on the Asian giant.
Social Front:
A high-ranking member of the Catholic clergy has criticized politicians for using the Church's influence to suit their political ends, amid a clash between the bishops and the government over a controversial reproductive health bill in the Philippines. Floods in northern part of Philippines have caused more than P300 million in damage to agriculture and fisheries, displaced over 100,000 families or at least 400,000 people, and left 13 people dead so far.
CHINA
Political Front:
China has moved to speed up the building of a clean government ruled by law, part of the country's efforts to further enhance the government's credibility and maintain a harmonious social order for its rapid economic development. Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, held meeting with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Kuomintang (KMT), and both pledged efforts to further the stable development of cross-strait relations.
Geo-strategic Front:
Chinese growing ties with Portugal, Sweden, Romania, France, Britain, Italy, Turkey, Israel, Qatar, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Indonesia and ASEAN countries remained significant.
China extended support to the rational and necessary reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Chinese President and his U.S. President counterpart agreed to work together to advance the globally significant relations between their two countries on the sidelines of G-20 Summit.
Economic Front:
China has announced to spend 30 billion Yuan (4.48 billion U.S. dollars) over the next five years to explore for mineral deposits to cut its reliance on imported mineral products. Consumer confidence of Chinese bank card holders fell in October amid continuing inflationary pressure and an interest rate hike by China's central bank. Weakness in heavyweight stocks dragged China's stock market down from a seven-month high as investors turned cautious amid concern that inflation may trigger further tightening in monetary policy. Property prices in 70 major Chinese cities rose 8.6 % year on year in October, the lowest year-on-year increase this year. Auto sales in China grew 34.76 % from a year earlier to 14.68 million units in the first 10 months of the year, exceeding the total number of vehicles sold last year. China's exports rose 22.9 % in October from a year earlier to 135.98 billion U.S. dollars, while imports increased 25.3 % to 108.83 billion U.S. dollars.
Meanwhile China's trade surplus expanded sharply to 27.15 billion U.S. dollars in October from September's 16.88 billion U.S. dollars, making the October figure the second highest this year after July's 28.73 billion U.S. dollars. China's foreign exchange regulator has introduced measures to increase checks on the foreign exchange businesses and further curb inflows of hot money.
China has called on the parties of the Group of 20 (G20) to work together to shore up market confidence and consolidate the momentum of the world economic recovery. China has also welcomed the increasing of quota shares for emerging markets and developing economies in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The first annual development report for east China's metropolis Shanghai was released, pointing out new strategies to build the city into an international economic, financial, trading and shipping center by 2020.
Social Front:
Senior Chinese official took the opportunity of Journalists' Day in China to call on Chinese journalists to better protect the people's right to know and to better report the truth. The Chinese government has reportedly expressed anger with the BBC over the way its spy drama Spooks portrays its undercover operatives that it has ordered television companies not to work with the Corporation.
The Chinese government has pledged to cut dioxin emissions by 10 % in key industries such as the steel industry and waste incineration in the next five years. China's central government has closed 625 of the 971 local government liaison offices in Beijing after the public criticized the offices for allegedly bribing central government officials and wasting public funds.
Cyber Technology:
Chinese Premier has unveiled an image of the moon's Sinus Iridium, or Bay of Rainbows, photographed by Chang'e-2, marking the success of China's second lunar probe mission.
China has called for increased international efforts to safeguard network security at the opening ceremony of the Fourth U.S.-China Internet Industry Forum. The Dawning Information Industry Co., a Chinese supercomputer manufacturer, has achieved a market share of 34 % in China, surpassing IBM's 28 % and HP's 19 % for two consecutive years.
HONGKONG & MACAU:
Hong Kong has signed an agreement with Japan on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Hong Kong Secretary for Labor and Welfare has announced that Chief Executive-in-Council has adopted the recommendation of the Provisional Minimum Wage Commission to set the initial statutory minimum wage rate at 28 HK dollars (about 3.61 U.S. dollars) an hour. Macao saw its domestic loans to local private sector went up by 2.4 % month-to-month to 119.6 billion patacas (14.95 billion U.S. dollars) in September. §
Zone 1- Asia Summary- Week # 146
TURKEY
Politics:
Ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) made a strong reaction against former US Ambassador in Ankara Eric Edelman for depicting military coups as justifiable in Turkey during a speech he delivered at the beginning of this week. In response to Edelman's remarks, AK Party's Foreign Affairs Chairman Omar issued a written statement and said the former envoy issued a confrontational speech on groundless claims without having the necessary knowledge of current developments in Turkey.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
Turkey has strongly condemned the Israeli proposal to build 1,300 apartments in East Jerusalem. The Syrian ambassador to Turkey has firmly rejected news reports suggesting that Syria reached a deal with the Greek Cypriot administration for mutually defining their economic zones.
Finland has emphasized greatly on the strategic importance of Turkey and criticized attempts by certain EU member countries to hinder Turkey's accession into the 27-member bloc. Turkish Prime Minister has called for a higher level of trade with Bangladesh, vowing to support the South Asian Muslim country in international platforms. Meanwhile on his visit to South Korea Erdogan also discussed free trade agreement, energy cooperation and a number of diplomatic, military, cultural, economic and commercial issues with South Korean executives.
Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, who have been engaged in UN-mediated reunification talks since September 2008, had a tripartite meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and agreed to continue talks until the end of January.
Economy:
Turkey's petroleum company has signed a protocol on running two natural gas fields in Iraq.
The talks with South Korean authorities for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Sinop has virtually ended with a negative result as the two sides failed to reach common ground on issues such as price and purchasing guarantees and the state's share.
On several occasions Japan has expressed to Turkey its interest in constructing a nuclear plant through the mediation of Toshiba. Meanwhile Russian Premier Vladimir Putin said his country made an unmatched offer both in terms of price and technology to Turkey for the second nuclear power plant project, too. Turkey has already agreed with Russia on a nuclear plant in Mersin’s Akkuyu district.
Society:
Turkey’s environment minister has reiterated his commitment to do everything necessary to reduce carbon emissions blamed for climate change but those efforts should not prevent the country’s development. Despite the fact that the government devised its Action Plan to Fight Corruption in January Turkey has been ranked 56th among 178 countries in a list of corrupt states. The action plan has yet to be implemented after getting approval of the parliament.
A recent Euro monitor International report has revealed that cinema attendance reached record numbers in Turkey in 2010 partially because of the growing popularity of domestically produced films. The Euro monitor report also pointed out the increasing popularity of Turkish TV series abroad, too. The booming film industry has increased Turkey’s global visibility, helping to improve tourism and the export of films and TV series.
GCC
Geo-Strategic Issues:
Europe has been urged to open its doors to GCC citizens, following complaints over the way some Gulf travelers are treated. In this regard Kuwait Ambassador to Brussels criticized Europe for allowing "Islamophobia" to dictate its immigration policies.
Yemen-based Al Qaeda denied staging any action to coincide with the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia after a Saudi minister said such an operation could not be ruled out.
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has refused to ratify the death sentence of a Lebanese psychic convicted of practicing witchcraft in a case that has outraged international human rights groups.
The UAE has reiterated its commitment to fully cooperate with the United Nations and other regional efforts to fight the piracy off the Somali Coasts.
After airlifting flood relief materials from Qatar to Pakistan, the Qatar armed forces have sent aid for the first time by the sea to South Asian country.
Economy:
The central bank of Kuwait has asked Gulf emirate banks, investment companies and money exchange firms to start implementing UN sanctions against neighboring Iran. Bank accounts of 36 charities have been frozen after they were found in breach of new regulations. The Social Development Ministry took the action against those who failed to register as fully-fledged societies.
Society:
Saudi Arabia has achieved third place in combating drugs at the world level, according to the classification of the Administrative Commission for the United Nations Program.
Kuwait officially and emphatically denied Indian press reports that a Kuwaiti ship had been seized by the Indian authorities for its crew promoted books calling for Islam.
Amnesty International has renewed its call for Bahrain to investigate allegations by 23 jailed Shia activists who, it said have complained of torture both before and after their trial began.
FERTILE CRESCENT
Politics:
Jamal Mubarak, the younger son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, has denied any intention to pursue a personal political ambition, saying he is only interested in helping bring about change in Egypt.
Meanwhile Brotherhood member arrests have reached 487--288 members of which remain detained--since the movement announced its participation in upcoming elections. The London-based Amnesty International called on Egyptian authorities to refrain from harassing election candidates as hundreds of opposition members have been arrested and their marches dispersed. Following eight months of political vacuum, and three days of high-pressure talks between the rival factions, Iraqi politicians reached a power-sharing deal, agreeing to take part in a new government headed by the incumbent prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki. Meanwhile Sunni leader and former PM Allawi has declared peace deal as ‘dead’ and warned government about chances of remarkable increase in violence. Later on Iraq's legislators headed back to parliament on 21 November for what was expected to be a lackluster session that will not address the key decisions on who will run the new government.
Economy:
While Iraqis complain of power outages that may last up to 20 hours a day, the Electricity Ministry asked consumers to pay half a billion dollars (530 billion dinars) to cover unpaid bills.
Society:
Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb said that the existence of sectarian tension in Egypt amounted to nothing more than "rumors." He blamed foreign influence for existing tensions in Egypt.
CENTRAL ASIA
Politics:
The leader of the unregistered Kazakh opposition party Algha (Forward) has praised the role played by Kyrgyz President in ensuring her country's recent parliamentary elections were free and fair. The trial of former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev and nearly two dozen others has been postponed until November 22.
Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov addressed a joint session of his country's parliament on November 12 and proposed some interesting and unexpected changes to the constitution involving the selection of prime minister.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
Armenian President has announced to boycott the NATO summit in Lisbon because of the alliance's plans to uphold the principle of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. An Azerbaijani activist has been released after being detained for more than a day on the border with Georgia.
Leaders from the five Caspian littoral states have gathered in Baku for the fourth Caspian summit to discuss the sea's legal status.
The U.S. State Department says it is "troubled" by the lack of religious freedom in many places throughout the world and has again named Iran and Uzbekistan as "countries of particular concern" that severely restrict citizens' right to practice their faith.
Economy:
Turkmenistan's First Deputy Prime Minister has expressed readiness to provide some 40 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the European Union-backed Nabucco pipeline project.
Society:
A senior Karabakh Armenian official said five Azerbaijani mosques and other Islamic sites located in and around the breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh have been repaired in recent years as part of a government effort to preserve the region's Islamic heritage.
The Kazakh Coalition of NGOs against Torture has called for an investigation into the death of a prisoner in northern Kazakhstan. Meanwhile three Kazakh players have been expelled from the women's hockey tournament at the Asian Games after admitting they had played for Belarus at a World Cup qualifying tournament earlier this year.
A Tajik opposition activist jailed for election violations has been released on parole on health grounds.
SOUTH ASIA
Politics:
Senior BNP leaders have warned of launching movement to oust the government as they alleged that the government has failed in all fronts. Main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Begum Khaleda Zia "vacated" her cantonment residence hours after police and elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) troops laid a siege around the house to "execute a High Court order". The main opposition BNP has observed a half-day general strike as part of its three-day protest against the murder of a Bangladesh Chhattra Dal (BCD) leader.
The United Nations expressed concern over the participation of Maoist fighters in an upcoming party meeting, saying it would breach a peace agreement that ended Nepal's decade long civil war. Meanwhile the US has urged the UCPN (Maoist) to sever its relation with ex-combatants if the party wants its commitment to democracy and peace unquestioned, while calling on the other parties to assure the Maoists of integration and rehabilitation of ex-combatants on "fair terms."
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has urged UCPN (Maoist) to revise decision to allow combatants to participate in the Gorkha plenum. Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) has claimed that the UCPN (Maoist) was unwilling to integrate and rehabilitate PLA combatants as the party still harbors an intention to seize state power. In the meantime various 27 political parties represented in the Constituent Assembly (CA) have supported the government’s plan to amend the interim constitution to bring the annual budget. Even as top leaders of the big three parties are working to find a mutually agreeable solution on ending the political impasse, the major political parties have made moves and countermoves to suit themselves in connection with finding an appropriate alternative to the ongoing prime ministerial election in light of the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict.
The world's biggest ever 'kiribath', or rice cake, has been prepared in Sri Lanka to celebrate the re-inauguration ceremony of Mahinda Rajapakse as the country's President. Meanwhile the Sri Lankan government has announced plan to reintegrate Tamils into the society.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
India has pledged to provide a grant assistance of Rs 16.19 million to Nepal for construction of 350 tube-wells in the southern region of the country.
Sri Lanka and China have signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.
Economy:
Nepali caretaker government held meeting to finalize annual budget in order to cope up with ongoing economic crisis amidst political impasse.
Society:
Bangladesh has witnessed at least 50 deaths in road crashes across the country during the Eid vacations.
According to reports Nepal stands fifth among South Asian countries on gender equality in education.
Meanwhile in Sri Lanka, recently, Buddhist monks and perhaps clergy of other faiths have objected to the Casino Gambling Law. Almost 57,000 families have been affected by floods caused by record setting rains that lashed the capital Colombo and surrounding areas.
INDIA
Politics:
Issue of selling 2G spectrum in 2008 at prices determined in 2001 has become controversial. Opposition parties have started mounting pressure on the government regarding this. Meanwhile Supreme Court asked the government to file an affidavit on the issue. DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister have asserted that Union Telecom Minister A. Raja was not guilty in the 2G spectrum allocation issue.
The six-phased Bihar elections entered the last lap when 26 constituencies, 18 of them in Maoist strongholds, went to the polls with officials fervently hoping that the exercise proceeds as peacefully as the earlier rounds.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
India summoned the Iranian charge d' affaires and conveyed its "deep disappointment" over comments on Kashmir emanating from Tehran. The government reaction came to the message of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Hajj pilgrims in which he has appealed to the Muslim elite worldwide to back the "struggle" in Jammu and Kashmir, equating the state with the "nations" of Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Meanwhile the omission of Jammu and Kashmir from a list of disputes under the observation of the UN Security Council has been welcomed by India while Pakistan has lodged a protest.
Economy:
India's merchandise exports have shot up by 21.3 %, year-on-year, to USD 18 billion in October this fiscal year while imports grew by 6.8 %. Inflation declined for the second consecutive month to 8.58 % in October, with price pressure mostly confined to food items.
During G-20 Summit the leaders of the world's biggest economies including India agreed to curb “persistently large imbalances” in saving and spending but deferred until next year tough decisions on how to identify and fix them.
Society:
Leading Islamic seminary Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband has asked Muslims not to slaughter cows on occasion of Id-ul-Adha to respect sentiments of Hindus.
SOUTH INDIA
Politics:
Telangana Rashtra Samiti leader and former Union Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao urged the Centre to implement its promise of creation of Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh in the coming Budget Session of Parliament. He further added that if the government failed to come out with the bill or if there is any delay, the Government will face severe resistance from the people of the region. The DMK High Command asked its MP and Union Telecom Minister to resign in the wake of his alleged involvement in the multi crore 2G spectrum allotment scam.
Society:
Pondicherry Union territory Higher Education Minister said that Pondicherry stood first in education in the country due to the top priority accorded by the administration. Where as per the 1991 data, the literacy rate in the Union Territory was 85 % and in case of a survey now, it would be 90 %. In the backdrop of the Union Government setting up an ambitious target of generating 3 lakh Mega units of power by 2025, a two-day national conference began to deal with technological advances for new generating units. The Kerala Congress (P C Thomas faction), a pro LDF organization, urged the Centre to fix the import duty for palm oil at 35 % to save coconut farmers in Kerala. Several workers and their family members took out a rally in Bhavnagar town and submitted a memorandum to the District Collector seeking immediate withdrawal of report on Endosulfan published by city-based National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH). They demanded and added that if it is found true in Kerala then it will be found true in Gujarat too. §
Zone 1- Asia Summary- Week # 147
TURKEY
Politics:
A newly established Turkish People’s Voice Party has criticized NATO’s Missile Defence Shield project by saying that it would cause World War III.
Meanwhile two prominent Ministers have suspended three senior military officers for alleged involvement in the Sledgehammer coup case.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
Turkish PM has warned Israel that in case of Israeli attack against Lebanon or Gaza, Turkey would not remain silent.
Meanwhile despite mounting pressure from the European Union to open its ports and airports to the Greek half of Cyprus, Turkey has rejected the proposal by saying that it would not do so until a settlement on the divided island is reached.
Turkish PM received a warm welcome by Turks during his visit to Lebanon. Both countries signed a free trade agreement and high level cooperation agreement. President Abdullah Gül also paid a two days visit to Switzerland to discuss bilateral issues and ways to cooperate in international platforms.
Turkey has condemned North Korea's assault on South Korea that left two marines dead and dozens injured, calling for the avoidance of actions which could stir up tensions in the peninsula. Meanwhile Turkish relations with Syria have been developing for quite long. In this regard their defence cooperation remained significant.
According to reports Turkey's military representative at NATO refused to welcome President Abdullah Gül upon his arrival in Lisbon for a summit because his wife wears a headscarf.
Economy:
A Japanese company has decided to move six plants from Belgium to Istanbul, attracted by the recent economic growth and business-friendly environment in Turkey. Tourism revenue of Turkey is expected to reach 22.5 billion US dollars in 2010.
Society:
Turkey's prime minister has announced his government’s plan to speed up pre-school education.
GCC
Politics:
Saudi King has left for USA for the purpose of medical treatment. Hence Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz has got hold of power in his absence. Age and health issues being faced by both of them have raised serious concerns about their replacement in future.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
The British Queen Elizabeth paid a five-day state visit to the Gulf to help strengthen Britain's ties with the region. Heads of the GCC parliaments and Shura councils have supported the right of sovereignty of the UAE over its three islands; Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa. In their final communiqué following their fourth periodic meeting, they stressed their support of the UAE over its three islands, territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of the three islands as an integral part of the UAE. The leaders of Gulf parliaments held meeting to discuss better ways of co-operating, and to increase the region's influence internationally.
Economy:
An economic recovery driven by a surge in crude prices in Gulf oil producers boosted the income of many listed companies in the first nine months of 2010 as they continued their march towards a full post-crisis recovery. Bahrain increased its oil imports from Saudi Arabia by more than 15,000 barrels per day in September to meet higher demand as the Gulf country’s own crude output remained unchanged.
The demand for gold in the six GCC countries as well as Egypt rose 16 % in the third quarter (Q3) of this year to a staggering $ 2.6bn over the corresponding period in 2009. Arabian Gulf issuers are choosing to sell non-Islamic bonds instead of sukuk in the borrowing rush that has followed Dubai World’s debt restructuring. Non-Islamic bond sales from the region may almost double to $ 15bn this quarter as companies from QNB, Qatar’s largest bank, to Oman-based MB Petroleum Services tap the market.
Society:
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has recently signed agreements with universities in countries such as Australia, Hungary, Ireland and Switzerland for the first time.
CENTRAL ASIA
Politics:
Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission has approved the final results of the November 7 parliamentary elections and sent them to the Constitutional Court for endorsement. Ata-Zhurt faction has accepted the offer made by the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) to hold negotiations on creation of the parliament coalition in Kyrgyzstan.
According to reports two more gunmen have been killed in Rasht Kyrgyzstan, an eastern district where authorities have been targeting Islamic militants for two months.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
The second meeting of Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission was held in Baku on November 25. Kazakhstan has favored a weighted and thoughtful approach regarding the timeline for withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Prime ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states have wrapped up an annual meeting by vowing to strengthen ties. Tajikistan’s President held a meeting with the visiting Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Meanwhile seven bilateral documents have been signed in the course of the Prime Minister of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China’s official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan.
Tajik President has urged the Council of heads of governments of the SCO to pay attention to strengthening of regional peace and security. The Turkmen-Armenian high-level talks between President of Turkmenistan and his Armenian counterpart were held in Ashgabat on November 24. Director of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recently paid a working visit to Turkmenistan.
According to reports coalition and Afghan special operations teams detained several "insurgents" during a raid that targeted a senior leader in the al Qaeda and Taliban-linked Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in the Afghan north.
Economy:
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has approved a Draft on State Budget for 2011 with a consolidated budget deficit in the amount of 8.705 million manat.
Kazakhstan’s national oil company has announced to increase its fuel storage capacity in France by 10,000 cubic meters by 2011. Kazakhstan hasn’t abandoned plans to partner with Russia in the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) in the city of Aktau.
China has announced plan to put its cheap labor force to work in a new 70,000-strong factory town across the border in Kazakhstan. Russian PM has emphasized the need to develop closer business ties with Kyrgyzstan. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has claimed that Kyrgyzstan’s volume of gross domestic product (GDP) would reduce by 3.5 % in 2010. The United Nations has also urged international donors to accelerate appropriation of funds to Kyrgyzstan.
Turkmenistan has increased capacity to produce liquefied natural gas.
Meanwhile relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan have witnessed a remarkable development, especially in economic aspects. Qatar and Spain have expressed their intentions to include mobile technologies in projects extracting gas from complex or depleted gas deposits in Uzbekistan.
Society:
The European Union's special envoy to the South Caucasus has welcomed the release of two bloggers in Azerbaijan whose jailing caused an international outcry. Sustainable development of civil society in Azerbaijan has created an opportunity for expanding NGOs' activities.
A Kyrgyz man trapped in an abandoned mine for three days has been rescued.
Tajikistan's only daily newspaper, "Imruz News" (News Today), has suspended publication less than three months after it was launched. Meanwhile some 137 Tajik students who had been studying in Iranian madrasah arrived in Dushanbe on November 22 after official concerns about their radicalization abroad. Some 30 inmates of Uzbekistan's notorious Zhaslyq prison have been on a hunger strike since the end of October to protest their treatment.
EAST ASIA
Politics:
Thai PM has stated that if Parliament clears the Constitution amendment bill according to legislative procedures in February, the PM would dissolve the House in April. If Parliament does not pass the charter amendment bills in February, the PM will dissolve the House in February and call a general election in April. Meanwhile the People's Alliance for Democracy has warned to launch rally in front of parliament when the lower house will deliberate charter amendments next week.
Malaysia's ruling coalition won two crucial local polls, paving the way for an early general election and giving Premier Najib Razak fresh impetus to pursue promised economic reforms.
Geo-Strategic Issues::
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to avoid confrontation in future.
Meanwhile MILF central committee has made an official resolution requesting the Malaysian government to retain Razak as the facilitator of the talks however Philippine government reportedly does not consider Razak as a neutral player.
Economy:
Malaysia's moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2020 will not only promote the country’s economic growth but also enhance the growth of ASEAN as a whole, as the nation looks to invest more in the region in order to become more service-oriented than export-oriented at home. Malaysian plans to debate a goods and services tax (GST) in the current parliamentary session were withdrawn due to the risk of hurting the government's popularity as were proposals for electricity price hikes. These measures are unlikely to be implemented before the next general election that must be held by 2013 at the latest, but could come in 2011.
The State Bank of India is on the lookout for a bank in Indonesia in a cash deal not exceeding $100 million (about Rs 450 crore).Indonesia provides high growth potential, and the SBI has identified two to three banks for the acquisition. The bilateral trade between India and Indonesia has surpassed the USD ten billion mark in October this year and is poised to cross USD 12 billion by March next. G-20 Summit has ended recently.
It is assumed that G-20 succeeded in assisting the traditional and emerging powers to agree to disagree. Stock exchanges of countries at the forefront of investor concerns over Europe's debt crisis closed lower, on a day when trading activity was light as Wall Street was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Meanwhile the Philippine economy unexpectedly contracted on a quarterly basis as the government cut spending, adding to signs of a broader slowdown in Asia.
The slide in the US dollar has forced many regional currencies higher, causing slowing export growth.
Vietnam, has decided to ship more than 6.5 million metric tons of the grain this year. Meanwhile the Economist has stated that the heavy flooding that hit several regions for a month would bring down the gross domestic growth in the fourth quarter of the year about 2-2.5 %.
Society:
Indonesia's parliament voted to appoint a tough-talking lawyer to lead an anti-corruption commission, 18 months after the previous incumbent resigned over murder charges.
Cambodian PM has reiterated that disasters and floods in his country are not caused by Chinese dams, but are triggered instead by global climate change. The Vietnamese government has rejected a US report on the state of religious freedom in the country. The US State Department's 2010 Report on International Religious Freedom, released said Vietnam's religious freedom environment had improved in recent years, but criticized several attacks on minority Buddhist and Christian groups.
SOUTH ASIA
Politics:
Two influential ministers of the Bangladeshi government have blasted the country's apex trade body, FBCCI, for their stance on enacting law to ban hartal. Meanwhile Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has urged the political parties to look for an alternative Programme to hartal as it goes against the people's basic rights. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has renewed her pledge to build a hunger, poverty and illiteracy-free Bangladesh imbibed with the spirit of the Liberation War.
Maoists chief Prachanda has stepped up his anti-India rhetoric as he battles for supremacy in the ultra-left group at a key party conclave to formulate its future strategy in a bid to return to power in Nepal. Nepalese Minister for Energy has claimed that the main opposition UCPN (Maoist) is not willing to give up their arms and fighters in order to form their government forcefully. In the meantime Prime Minister Madhav Kumar has expressed confidence that the UCPN (Maoist) will not pull out of the ongoing peace process.
Amid India's call for a political settlement to the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has met representatives of the minority community's political parties, barring pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance, to discuss aspects of post-conflict reconciliation. Rajapaksa appointed 59 senior ministers and 33 deputy ministers to his new Cabinet.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
Bangladeshi Prime Minister started her three-nation tour tonight to Russia, Belgium and Japan with Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and Padma Bridge on top of her agenda. Meanwhile a Chinese delegation held a meeting with Bangladeshi opposition leader during their visit to Bangladesh.
Economy:
The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has opposed the new criteria of the EU Commission, which has allowed 14 Least Developed Countries the GSP plus status for exporting duty-free goods to the European Union countries, on the ground that substantial investment has been made in Primary Textile Sector (PTS) in its country. EU assistance aims to reduce poverty in the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested the Belgian government to recruit skilled sailors, and skilled manpower for IT and other related sectors from Bangladesh.
In a move to attract more foreign direct investment (FSI) Sri Lankan government has started thinking to issue multiple entry visas to foreign investors and businessmen. The Sri Lankan government's budget for 2011 will focus on massive infrastructure development and the restructuring of the existing tax network. Meanwhile government has disclosed that Sri Lanka's total debt is Rs. 43.475 trillion.
Society:
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the world community to assist Bangladesh in protecting the Royal Bengal Tigers and the Sundarbans. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received an honorary doctorate degree from St Petersburg State University for her outstanding contribution to the international humanitarian development. European Union (EU) has announced to provide nearly 200 million euros grant support for poverty alleviation, good governance and human rights, human and social development throughout Bangladesh.
Meanwhile the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced to extend financial assistance of US$615 million for a major bridge project in Bangladesh which will help accelerate growth and poverty reduction in the country's poor and underdeveloped southwest.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has decided to increase the load shedding hours to 38 hours a week due to closure of both units of the Middle Marshyangdi Hydro project, which is closed for maintenance. The Asian Development Bank has promised to assist Nepal’s poorest farmers shift production from traditional low-earning crops to high-value commodities, resulting in improved quality of life and incomes for nearly 19,000 households. The Sri Lankan government has taken measures to build a water treatment plant to supply pipe borne drinking water to the rural areas of the Eastern Province.
INDIA
Politics:
BJP regarded trend of political families and dynasties overruling merit as major challenge that needs to be dealt by India. By making this statement BJP has in fact targeted Nehru-Gandhi family for practicing dynastic politics.
CPI (M) has condemned ruling regime over its reaction to allocation of 2G scam issue. Even as Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh however has made an appeal “to all political parties to allow Parliament to function” and make space for “reasoned debate” to raise “nationally acceptable” approaches, while promising action against the guilty. The Centre has rejected a Delhi government proposal seeking a hike of up to 200 % in the monthly salary of MLAs and 300 % increase in the salaries drawn by ministers in the city.
About 20 Naxals were killed in a fierce encounter with CRPF and state police personnel in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. In another incident, two CRPF jawans were killed in a landmine blast triggered by the Naxals in Bijapur district. With an aim of tackling Naxalism through development, the government has unveiled a special Rs 3300 crore action plan in 60 affected tribal and backward districts across nine states. The Integrated Action Plan (IAP) is intended to provide immediate redresser to problems of the people in tribal and backward districts in the sector like healthcare, drinking water, education and roads.
The Nitish Kumar-led JD (U)-BJP alliance attained a three-fourth majority in Bihar, bagging 183 of the 243-Assembly seats while still leading in 23 places. JD-U on its own won 99 seats, while its electoral ally BJP snapped up 84 of the 141 and 102 seats, they contested respectively. JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar was sworn in as chief minister for a second consecutive term.
Geo-Strategic Issues:
India has successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-I strategic ballistic missile, with a range of 700 km, as part of the Army's user trial from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island off Orissa coast.
Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh has recently stated that India had been making efforts to normalize relations with Pakistan, but dialogue could not take place until the “terror machine” there was brought under control.
China appears to be finally responding to India's concerns over the issuance of stapled visas to people of Jammu and Kashmir, a matter taken up recently by Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh with his Chinese counterpart. In fact in a move indicative of shift in Chinese policy on Jammu and Kashmir, Tanya Gupta, a singer from the state has been issued a stamped visa, instead of a stapled one, to travel to perform at the closing ceremony of the ongoing Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 27. The Chinese have been issuing visa on a separate sheet, stapled to the passports of residents of Jammu and Kashmir for more than a year, thereby questioning state's status as the integral part of India.
Economy:
India's gems and jewelry exports shot up by 31 % in October 2010, to Rs 12,979.19 crore ($2.92 billion) from Rs 9,907.61 crore ($2.12 billion) in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Society:
Textile production last week came to a halt in several parts of West Bengal, as garment and weaving units went on a one-day strike, seeking ban on cotton yarn exports.
Cyber News:
Social networking on the internet appears to have become the favorite pastime of school children in Indian cities as nearly 85 % of them remain “hooked” to one or more social networking sites.
CHINA
Geo-Strategic Issues:
Great achievements have been made in Sweden-China trade and investment over the past 30 years and the volume of bilateral trade and investment has increased remarkably. Though NATO does not mention China in its new Strategic Concept approved just days ago, NATO's chief recently stated that he looks forward to strengthening ties between China and the Western military alliance.
China has urged for restraint and calmness in Korean peninsula. High-ranking military officials of China and Britain have called for more cooperation and communication between the two countries' armies.
Chinese growing ties with Africa and Central Asian Republics grabbed attention as well. China has called for a settlement to the territorial dispute between Israel and the Arab countries through negotiations.
Economy:
The State Council, China's Cabinet, has announced a slew of measures to rein in rising commodity prices to ease the economic pressures on the people. Chinese companies have been stepping up efforts to take advantage of foreign mines, while boosting their own domestic supply.
China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has urged local authorities to map out temporary subsidy plans for both urban and rural low-income groups to help them cope with food price hikes.
In other news China and Russia have decided to renounce the US dollar and resort to using their own currencies for bilateral trade.
Society:
China has reached 1.14 billion telephone users, of which 840 million are cell phone users. The central government has recently allocated an additional 11 billion Yuan in order to further advance the fund guarantee system for rural compulsory education in addition to the 64 billion Yuan of funds appropriated earlier in 2010. China's top court has overturned 10 % of all death sentences nationwide since 2007 when it took back the right of final review from lower courts.
China has set up an interdepartmental mechanism, as well as optimizing laws and regulations, to protect women from domestic violence. China's ethnic minority areas have witnessed great economic, social and cultural development over the past five years.
The Chinese government has allocated a total of 200 billion Yuan (30.12 billion U.S. dollars) from its central budget for energy conservation and emission cutting from 2006 to 2010. China's clean energy investments ranked first in the world in 2009, reaching 200 billion Yuan. As a result, China has achieved some success in energy conservation, emissions reduction and in promoting the green economy.
Cyber Technology:
The third Sino-British Internet Roundtable was jointly held by the
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