October 2019 International Affairs

• US calls for ending violence in protest-torn Iraq
  The United States has called for ending violence in protest-torn Iraq.
  
  Washington is also deeply concerned about the forced closure of media outlets in the country.
  
  Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya and its subsidiary project Al Hadath said in the early hours of Sunday (27 October) that Iraqi authorities had suspended their activities in the country, citing lack of a license as the reason.
  
  The protests began on 1st of October and were suspended in mid-October for pilgrimage before resuming.
  
  
• Thousands of Lebanese form human chain to support protests
  Thousands of Lebanese formed a human chain along highways and coastal roads in a show of solidarity with anti-government protests.
  
  The protesters joined hands along a main bridge connecting central Beirut to the north and south on the 11th day of nationwide protests.
  
  Ignited by anger at proposed economic reforms, the protests rapidly escalated into calls for the overthrow of the political elites who have governed the country since the end of its 1975-1990 civil war.
  
  The rallies have paralysed the country already grappling with a severe fiscal crisis.
  
  
• ISIS leader Baghdadi killed
  The ISIS leader and world's most wanted terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in an American air raid in northwest Syria.
  
  Baghdadi, who led the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorist movement and inspired one of the most brutal and misguided terror campaigns in modern history, is dead at the hands of the United States military.
  
  Mark Esper was part of a small group of people who were aware of the top-secret operation and watched the raid live form the Situation Room of the White House.
  
  Congratulating American troops for raid in northwest Syria that led to the death of Islamic State Chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, top United States leaders described it as a great day for America and hailed President Donald Trump for the secret mission.
  
  The ISIS leader's death marks a significant milestone in US' ongoing campaign to destroy ISIS.
  
  
• California declares state-wide emergency on raging forest fire
  California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state-wide emergency due to the unprecedented high winds that have led to the Kincade Fire in the state. The blaze has destroyed dozens of homes and wineries, including the iconic Soda Rock Winery built in 1869.
  
  The Kincade Fire ignited on Wednesday and spread quickly due to powerful wind gusts up to 145 kilometres per hour.
  
  More than 3,000 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters were battling to control the blaze, which was not expected to be contained before 7th of November.
  
  In a bid to reduce the risk of fire, California's largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, expected to turn off power to nearly one million customers across northern and central California.
  
  The same type of line was responsible for California's deadliest wildfire ever, last year's Camp Fire, which killed 86 people.
  
  PG&E, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, has been blamed for several other fires in the state in recent years.
  
  
• Chile President sacks whole cabinet after protests
  In Chile, President Sebastian Pinera has dismissed his whole cabinet in order to form a new government and introduce social reforms demanded by protesters.
  
  He announced that a curfew imposed in cities across Chile a week ago had been lifted.
  
  Meanwhile, the opposition has called for the state of emergency.
  
  Earlier in the week, Pinera declared a state of emergency across much of Chile and put the military in charge of security in the capital Santiago and other cities.
  
  More than a million people joined a peaceful rally in Santiago, calling for social justice.
  
  Protests began in Chile over an increase in subway fares more than a week ago and escalated into riots.
  
  At least 17 people have been killed and more than 7,000 people arrested during the protests.
  
  
• Peronists win in Argentina election
  President Mauricio Macri was ousted in an election by Peronist rival Alberto Fernandez.
  
  Peronists swept back into power, ousting Mr. Macri in an election result that shifts Latin America's No. 3 economy firmly back toward the left after it was battered by economic crisis.
  
  
• China, Russia, Pakistan call for early resumption of US-Taliban peace talks
  The Representatives of Pakistan, China, and Russia called on the US and the Taliban to return to the negotiation table at the earliest and reach an agreement.
  BACKGROUND:
  To end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan.
  
  The discussion in this regard held during the four-party consultations between representatives of US, China, Pakistan, and Russia on the Afghan peace process.
  
  The participants committed to work with Afghanistan and the Taliban to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between the two to end in the country.
  
  Russia, China, and Pakistan expressed their support for the earliest resumption of the negotiation process and an agreement between the US and the Taliban, which will pave the way for launching intra-Afghan talks.
  
  They reaffirmed that any peace agreement must include protection for the rights of all Afghans.
  
  The nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar's capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban reached upon an agreement.
  
  The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores.
  
  
• Likely successor to ISIS leader Baghdadi killed by US forces
  United States President Donald Trump has announced that the American military has killed the likely successor of slain Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
  
  The US President did not identify the person or give more detail on how the ISIS terrorist was killed. Al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwest Syria.
  
  
• US House sanctions on Turkey over Syria
  The United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a legislation aimed at imposing sanctions on Turkish military and government officials over Ankara's military operation against Kurdish forces in northeast Syria.
  
  The 403-16 vote is the latest rebuke of Trump's decision to withdraw US forces from northeast Syria and leave Kurdish allies without military support as Turkey launched an operation in the area.
  
  The Bill could cripple Turkey's economy and would punish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally by requiring an assessment of his net worth amid questions inside Turkey about his finances.
  
  Turkey condemned the House votes, saying the sanctions Bill is "incompatible with the spirit of our allied relations under NATO.
  
  
• British MPs vote in favour of holding general elections on Dec 12
  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposal for an early poll on the 12th December got through the House of Commons by a margin of 438 votes to 20.
  
  If the bill is approved by the House Lords also, this will be for the first time that elections will take place in December since 1923.
  
  The Prime Minister Johnson has said the public must be given a choice over the future of Brexit and the country.
  
  Mr Johnson hoped, the election will give him a fresh mandate for his Brexit deal and break the current Parliamentary deadlock.
  
  The deadlock has led to the UK's exit being further delayed to 31 January.
  
  
• Sri Lankan Cabinet approves Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant of 480 million from US
  Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant of 480 million US dollars from the US Government.
  
  Earlier, President Maithripala Sirisena had said that he will not approve the deal after the main opposition had raised concerns over the agreement.
  
  MCC consists of grant funds for traffic management in Colombo, road construction island-wide and land administration improvements covering the whole country.
  
  These compact programmes to be funded by this project have been developed by the Sri Lankan officials of the line ministries and departments based on the needs of the country.
  
  Sri Lanka is the 37th recipient of such grant funds from the people of the United States of America.
  
  The Minister of Finance will sign the agreement in the near future as it was confirmed by the Cabinet today while the implementation will begin early next year.
  
  Opposition parties have been against the agreement saying there are tough conditions attached to it which impinges on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.
  
  
• US House likely to vote on President Donald Trump impeachment inquiry
  The full US House of Representatives is likely to vote today (31 October, 2019) on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, addressing the White House argument that the probe has been illegitimate.
  
  Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has scheduled a vote today, saying in a letter to fellow representatives that she wants to eliminate any doubt about the process.
  
  Trump and his Republican supporters have called the impeachment probe illegitimate because it is being held behind closed doors and the full House never voted for it.
  
  
• Syrian government & Opposition delegates meet to draft new constitution
  Syrian government and Opposition delegates have begun meeting in Geneva to draft a new constitution as a prelude to U.N.-supervised elections for their war-torn country.
  
  A total of 150 delegates representing the government, opposition and civil society yesterday met at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. After nearly nine years of war, U.N. mediator Geir Pedersen calls the meeting of Syria’s arch-enemies an historic moment.
  
  Reforming the Constitution is the first step towards the beginning for a political process that will lead to UN-supervised elections under UN resolution 2254.
  
  Delegation is prepared to consider possible amendments to Syria's existing constitution. Opposition co-chair Hadi Albahra said Syrians seek a nation that respects all people, without discrimination.
  
  
• Chile pulls out of hosting APEC and COP 25 due to protests
  Chile has pulled out of hosting two major international summits, including a UN climate change conference, as anti-government protests continue.
  
  The decision had caused him pain but his government needed to prioritise re-establishing public order.
  
  The decision to call off the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) planned for November and U.N. global climate gatherings (COP25) have dealt a blow to Chile’s image as a regional oasis of stability and economic development.
  
  The demonstrations were originally triggered by a now-suspended rise in the price of metro fares in the capital Santiago.
  
  However, protesters are now marching to express their discontent over a wide variety of problems ranging from inequality to the high cost of healthcare.
  
  Opposition and pro-government parties in Chile generally welcomed the president’s decision, they say holding the summits was unrealistic given the circumstances.
  
  
• Sheikh Sultan inaugurates Sharjah International Book Fair 2019
  The 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2019 was inaugurated on 30 October, 2019 by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
  
  Nearly 1800 exhibitors from 77 countries are participating in the Fair. The fair will showcase 987 activities presenting scientific, knowledge and literary themes.
  
  This year's book fair will be carrying the theme of the Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC), 'Open Books Open Minds', to promote books and reading across age groups and communities.
  
  Republic of Mexico has been declared as the Guest of Honour at the 38th edition of SIBF.
  
  The Fair will bring together a host of Arab and international guests and celebrities including Orhan Pamuk, the first Turkish novelist to win the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature; famous host Steve Harvey and the leadership guru, Robin Sharma.
  
  America’s most-loved host, Steve Harvey, has been announced Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2019)’s ‘Principal Guest of Honour’.
  
  He is slated to speak at the fair’s 38th edition, on October 31, during the Sharjah Expo Centre event scheduled to take place from 30th Oct -9th Nov 2019.
  
  Sharjah International Book Fair is an annual event and runs for 11 days.
  
  
• Fire breaks out in Tezgam express train in Pakistan, several killed
  A massive fire broke out in Tezgam express train on October 31 in Pakistan. The train runs between Karachi and Rawalpindi. The incident took place in Liaqatpur near Rahim Yar Khan.
  
  The railways minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, said most of the deaths were passengers throwing themselves from the moving train to escape the fire.
  
  The minister said the incident was caused by the explosion of a gas canister while passengers were cooking breakfast on a stove on the train on Thursday morning. It is illegal to bring gas canisters on to trains but the rules are frequently flouted.
  
  “Two stoves blew up when people were cooking breakfast, the presence of kerosene with the passengers in the moving train further spread the fire,” Ahmed said.
  
  Mansoor Ahmed, the assistant commissioner of the nearby city of Multan, confirmed the death toll stood at 70 so far, with more than 40 injured, many critically.
  
  
• 35th ASEAN Summit begins in Bangkok
  The 35th ASEAN Summit began today (31 October, 2019) in Bangkok. The summit will continue till November 4. Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan -o-Cha inaugurated this summit at IMPACT convention complex. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a group of ten member countries that encourages political, economic and social co-operation in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this summit on November 3rd and 4th. AIR Correspondent reports that Advancing Partnership for sustainability is the theme of the summit.
  
  During five days summit East Asia summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Summit (RCEP) will also be held. Apart from leaders of 10 Asean countries head of eight dialogue partner countries including India, USA China, Japan, republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand are also participating in the summit. The summit would discuss comprehensive and sustainable ASEAN economic development and s on negotiations related to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) including market opening. The RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten members state of ASEAN and its parter countries. The summit is likely to discuss security and cyber crime.
  
  
• US House of Representative approves procedure to impeach President Trump
  The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to formally proceed with the Democrat-led impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.
  
  The resolution sets the stage for the next phase of investigation into a whistleblower's complaint which alleges that the US President attempted to pressure Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 presidential elections by investigating the family of his potential political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.
  
  The vote, 232-196, was largely along party lines. No Republican supported the resolution, while Independent Justin Amash of Michigan, who left the Republican party earlier this year, voted in favour.
  
  This was the first formal vote on the new impeachment process by the House of Representatives after Speaker Nancy Pelosi had backed the need for an inquiry against the US President last month.
  
  
• Spain confirms offer to host COP Climate Summit after Chile abandons plans
  The Spanish government confirmed today that it has offered to host the COP 25 climate summit after Chile abandoned plans to hold it due to deadly anti-government protests.
  
  Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had "made a generous offer to host the COP 25 summit in Madrid" on the original scheduled dates of December 2-13.
  
  The Spanish government confirmed Sanchez had made the offer "given the short time available" and "the importance of guaranteeing that COP25 take place normally".
  
  Spain is gearing up for a general election in November 10, its fourth in as many years.
  
  
• ASEAN Summit: Negotiators to meet to thrash out RCEP deal issues
  The 10 ASEAN member countries and six trading partners remain optimistic about making a breakthrough on the much delayed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal during the 35th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok.
  
  Some issues have yet to be agreed upon and negotiators are scheduled to meet today and tomorrow to thrash them out. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has arrived Bangkok this morning to take part in deliberations.
  
  The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) were launched in November 2012. The main objective of RCEP is deepening economic cooperation between10 ASEAN nations and six trade partners.
  
  Trade partners are India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
  
  If the RCEP is finalized the 16 countries will form a major trading block across domestic product accounting for around one-third of the world’s gross domestic product.
  
  Signatory countries to the RCEP have a combined population of about 3.56 billion, with a trading volume 29 per cent of world trade. Once the RCEP comes into effect the agreement will cover nearly half of the world's population.
  
  
• Antonio Guterres hails 'landmark' meeting on Syrian Constitution
  UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on 31 October, 2019 hailed as a landmark the first meeting of a committee comprising Syrian government and opposition negotiators, tasked with amending the war-torn country's Constitution.
  
  The two sides sat face-to-face in Geneva for the launch of the constitutional review committee's work.
  
  At a Conference on mediation in Istanbul organised by the Turkish government, Mr Guterres said that the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee was a landmark, a foundation for progress.
  
  He expressed hope that this will be the first step towards a political solution that will end this tragic chapter in the lives of the Syrian people.
  
  It will also be the step to create the opportunity for all Syrians to return to their places of origin, in safety and dignity, to end their status as refugees.
  
  The United Nations-brokered committee includes 150 delegates divided equally among President Bashar al-Assad's government, the opposition and civil society.
  
  
• Sikhs don't need passport to visit Kartarpur, no fee on day one, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan
  Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on 01 November, 2019 announced that Sikh pilgrims from India would not need a passport to travel to Kartarpur and no fee would be charged from them on the opening day of the corridor on November 9.
  
  The Kartarpur Corridor will connect the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Punjab with Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur, just 4 kilometres from the International Border, located at Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province.
  
  Pakistan will allow 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib where Guru Nanak spent last 18 years of his life.
  
  Each visitor would be required to pay $20 as fee, though India has requested Pakistan not to charge the Indian pilgrims.
  
  
• Pakistan's hard-line cleric gives Prime Minister Imran Khan two-day ultimatum to resign
  Pakistan's hard-line cleric Maulana Fazlur Rehman on 01 November, 2019 gave Prime Minister Imran Khan a two-day ultimatum to resign.
  
  only people of Pakistan and not any institution had the right to govern the country.
  
  "Gorbachev of Pakistan" Imran Khan must step down without testing the patience of peaceful protestors.
  
  The much-hyped rally led by the right-wing opposition leader's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl reached its final destination Islamabad on 31 October, 2019 after it set off from the Sindh province and left Lahore on 30 October, 2019.
  
  Along with Rehman, leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz, Pakistan People's Party, and Awami National Party participated in the march held to topple Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government led by Prime Minister Khan.
  
  The government has taken elaborate security arrangements to keep calm in the capital. Main roads have been completely or partially blocked by placing shipping containers.
  
  
• Chinese and US trade negotiators reach consensus on principle, says China's commerce ministry
  China's commerce ministry has said that top Chinese and US trade negotiators have reached consensus on principles.
  
  Chinese Vice Premier Liu He had a phone call with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin.
  
  They have conducted serious constructive discussions on properly addressing their core concerns and reached consensus on principles.
  
  China and the US have exchanged blows for over a year with tariffs now impacting hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.
  
  
• Thousands of demonstrators converge on Algiers for massive anti-government rally in Algeria
  Thousands of demonstrators converged on capital Algiers for a massive anti-government rally in Algeria.
  
  The protests coincided with a national holiday in Algeria to commemorate the start of the war in 1954 that led to the independence of North African country after 132 years of French colonial rule.
  
  Several thousand protesters gathered at the Grande Poste building in downtown Algiers.
  
  Algerian social media was flooded with calls to fill the streets of the capital today to mark the 65th anniversary of the start of the independence war and demand a new revolution.
  
  Calls to join protests have drawn parallels between the fight for independence launched on this day in 1954 and the current demonstrations.
  
  Police were deployed in force, blocking protesters on an avenue near the Grande Poste and making several arrests in the morning.
  
  Weekly demonstrations have taken place in Algiers and other parts of the country since 22nd February, forcing long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign at the beginning of April.
  
  But demonstrations have not waned, instead turning their attention on the whole regime and amping up calls for an overhaul of the political system in place since 1962.
  
  
• Fundamental Rights petition filed against signing of several agreements with US including MCC
  In Sri Lanka, a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an interim injunction against the signing of several agreements proposed with United States including the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
  
  The petitioner claimed that these agreements would be seriously harmful to the national security and sovereignty of the country and that this is a violation of the constitution.
  
  It has named President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Affairs Minister Tilak Marapana and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera as respondents.
  
  The petition came as Prime Minister Wickremsinghe said that MCC will be signed before elections while Leader of Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa has stressed that the government should not sign the pact behind the back of the general public and the Parliament.
  
  No agreement should be hurriedly signed with a foreign government just days before a decisive Presidential election.
  
  Parliament will have ample opportunity to review the grant assistance agreement. Cabinet had this week approved the implementation of the grant, which consists of 480 million US dollars grant funds for traffic management in Colombo, road construction island-wide and land administration improvements covering the whole country.
  
  
• Beto O'Rourke drops out of 2020 U.S. Presidential election
  Democrat Beto O'Rourke dropped out of the crowded 2020 U.S. presidential race on it had become clear his campaign did not have the resources to continue to seek his party's nomination.
  
  Service to the country will not be as a candidate or as the nominee.
  
  Acknowledging this now is in the best interests of those in the campaign; it is in the best interests of this party as we seek to unify around a nominee; and it is in the best interests of the country.
  
  Mr. O'Rourke, 47, a former Texas congressman, was struggling to qualify for the next Democratic debate after months of poor showings in opinion polls and lackluster fundraising.
  
  Mr. O'Rourke, who became a Democratic rock star after almost winning a U.S. Senate seat in Texas in 2018, he would also not be running for the Senate next year, a decision that will disappoint some party leaders.
  
  
• Thailand has reopened the cave for visitors after Wild Boars rescue
  Thailand has reopened the cave where 12 young footballers and their coach were trapped last year in a saga that captivated the world.
  
  The Tham Luang cave has been closed to visitors since the Wild Boars football team were rescued alive after nearly three weeks inside the grotto's waterlogged corridors.
  
  But the world-famous cave in northern Chiang Rai province was re-opened on 01 November, 2019, drawing some 2,000 tourists in a single day.
  
  
• Anti-migration deal between Italy and Libya renewed
  A deal to restrict the arrival of migrants and refugees into Italy from Libya has renewed automatically.
  
  The MoU, signed in February 2017 by Italy and the UN-recognised Libyan Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj, set out a framework for the two countries to work together in development cooperation, countering illegal migration, human trafficking and smuggling and reinforcing security at the Libya-Italy border.
  
  Despite calls from human rights groups to revoke it, the newly installed Italian government signalled it has no intention of changing course in the way it deals with its Libyan partners.
  
  The deal committed Italy to provide training and resources to the Libyan coastguard as well as finance migrant centres, alongside the European Union, where an estimated 4,500 people are currently in detention.
  
  
• Quit coal addiction, UN Chief warns Asian countries
  The Chief of the United Nations has warned Asia to quit its addiction to coal in a bid to tackle climate change.
  
  UN Secretary-General António Guterres said countries in the region were among the most vulnerable to global warming and should be on the front line of efforts to stop it.
  
  He cited a new study that found that Asian countries were at particular risk of climate-driven flooding.
  
  
• Israel carries out retaliatory strikes on Gaza
  Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on Gaza on Friday, killing one Palestinian and injuring two, following two nights of rocket attacks that were the first since September.
  
  Dozens of pre-dawn strikes targeted bases of Islamist rulers Hamas and allied militant groups.
  
  The strikes targeted a wide range of Hamas terror targets, including a naval base, a military compound and a weapons manufacturing plant. It had fired at the Israeli aircraft carrying out the raids and the Israeli military confirmed fresh incoming fire.
  
  The strikes came after at least 10 rockets were fired from Gaza at southern Israel causing damage but no casualties.
  
  
• End Impunity for Crimes against Journalist Day
  The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a UN-recognized day observed annually on 2 November.
  
  The day draws attention to the low global conviction rate for violent crimes against journalists and media workers, estimated at only one in every ten cases.
  
  This year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, is focused on local journalists.
  
  
• New Colombo Plan Mobility Program
  As part of the 2020 New Colombo Plan Mobility Program, over 1,600 Australian university students will take part in study and projects in India.
  
  The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian government, providing students opportunities to gain cross-cultural awareness and experiences that are vital to today's globally connected workforce.
  
  
• Afghan army kills 12 Taliban terrorists in Baghlan
  Over 12 Taliban terrorists were killed and 16 villages were liberated from Taliban's rule in an operation carried out by Afghan forces in the northern province of Baghlan.
  
  The operation was carried out on 16 October, 2019 against Taliban terrorists in parts of Baghlan province.
  
  The 16 villages were liberated from the Dand-e-Ghori, Dand-e-Shahabudin and Kilagai areas of the province.
  
  More than 24 terrorists, including Taliban senior commander Qari Bakhtyar, were wounded in the operation.
  
  Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman of the Taliban group, rejected the claim and insisted the security forces' operation had been repulsed.
  
  
• Hong Kong descends into chaos again as protesters defy ban
  In Hong Kong streets descended into chaotic scenes again on 20 October, 2019 as protesters set up roadblocks and torched businesses on a main tourist drag and police responded with tear gas and a water cannon following an unauthorised pro-democracy rally.
  
  Protesters tossed firebombs and took their anger out on shops with mainland Chinese ties as they skirmished late into the evening with riot police, who unleashed numerous tear gas rounds on short notice, angering residents and passers-by.
  
  Police had beefed up security measures ahead of the rally, for which they refused to give permission, the latest chapter in the unrest that has disrupted life in the financial hub since early June.
  
  Some 24 people were injured and treated at hospitals, including six with serious injuries.
  
  Many protesters wore masks in defiance of a recently introduced ban on face coverings at public gatherings, and volunteers handed more out to the crowd.
  
  The protest movement sprang out of opposition to a government proposal for an extradition bill that would have sent suspects to mainland China to stand trial, and then ballooned into broader demands for full democracy and an inquiry into alleged police brutality.
  
  
• Indonesia's President Joko Widodo sworn in for final term
  Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has been sworn on 21 October, 2019 for his second and final five-year term amid a string of fresh challenges around security, corruption and economic slowdown.
  
  Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, took oath at a ceremony in the capital, Jakarta, attended by politicians and foreign dignitaries.
  
  Re-elected in polls that took place in 17th April, the 58-year-old was sworn into office along with 76-year-old vice president Maruf Amin, who replaces Widodo's vice president in his first term, Jusuf Kalla.
  
  Widodo clinched victory with 55.5 percent of the vote in the April presidential election.
  
  More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed in the capital.
  
  Police locked down some parts of the city and closed off streets near the parliament building and the presidential palace as they heightened the security.
  
  The president would push two bills to replace laws that have hampered job creation, as well as warning he could sack underperforming civil servants.
  
  
• EU calls for ceasefire in Afghanistan
  European Union officials have called for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, as US Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived in Kabul on 20th October, 2019.
  
  US President Donald Trump last month declared talks with the insurgents "dead" after a Taliban attack killed a US soldier.
  
  Roland Kobia, the EU special envoy for Afghanistan, said the talks' collapse provide a chance to push for a ceasefire. He told journalists in Kabul that it is the right moment and the right opportunity to go one step beyond a simple reduction in violence and explore ways in which a ceasefire will take place.
  
  Travelling with Mr. Esper that he believes the United States can reduce its force in Afghanistan to 8,600 without hurting the counterterrorism fight against al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
  
  Any withdrawal would happen as part of a peace agreement with the Taliban. He said the aim is to still get a peace agreement at some point, that's the best way forward.
  
  US has about 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan as part of the American-led coalition.
  
  
• Canada goes to poll to elect new Parliament
  Voters in Canada are going to elect 338-member House of Commons, the lower house of Parliament.
  
  One hundred and seventy seats are needed to form a majority government. The poll is largely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
  
  It is expected to be a close race between Trudeau's Liberals and Andrew Scheer's Conservatives, with Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party making gains in the final week of the campaigning. Forty-seven year old Trudeau is seeking a second mandate.
  
  Trudeau and Scheer made last desperate pitches to undecided voters over the weekend in key battlegrounds in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec provinces.
  
  
• Lebanese continue protests for fourth day
  Tens of thousands of Lebanese took to the streets for a fourth day on 20 October, 2019 to protest political stasis and corruption, as the government was rocked by the resignation of a coalition partner.
  
  Demonstrations began spontaneously on 17 October, 2019 in response to a proposed tax on calls via WhatsApp and other messaging services.
  
  While the government quickly dropped the plans, the protests morphed into demands for a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon's political system, with grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure.
  
  Street rallies swelled again, with thousands streaming into central Beirut and other locations throughout the country, many chanting 'revolution'.
  
  
• Israel President to give Blue and White party next chance to form new government
  Israel's President Reuven Rivlin has said that he would give Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz the next chance to form a new government.
  
  Rivlin is expected to formally announce his decision within 72 hours. Gantz will have 28 days to form a government.
  
  The statement came after long-standing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the President of his inability to form a new government.
  
  His attempts to form a coalition government with Gantz's party failed repeatedly.
  
  Any lawmaker with a majority of at least 61 members would be able to form a government in 120 member assembly.
  
  Mr Netanyahu has been in power for the past decade. He was running a coalition government since April elections this year (2019).
  
  Elections were due in November this year (2019) but were brought forward in September following disputes between members of the current government. However, September's elections also failed to produce a clear winner.
  
  
• Venezuela Opposition leader seeks support from China, Russia
  Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido has asked China and Russia to help end the political crisis crippling the country.
  
  Guaido's diplomatic representative Teresa Belandria informed the same while presenting the opposition's economic plan to Brazilian and Venezuelan investors in Sao Paulo.
  
  Oil-rich Venezuela's economy is crumbling amid a political standoff between leftist President Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido. Mr Guaido is the national assembly speaker and is widely recognized as the country's legitimate leader. Ms Belandria expected that the talks will bear positive fruits for the restoration of democracy.
  
  Opposition parties had agreed to re-elect Guaido in January 2020 as National Assembly leader.
  
  
• Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to decide on its stand at the Presidential election
  In Sri Lanka, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is to decide on the stand it will take at the Presidential election before the end of this month (October, 2019).
  
  TNA and other Tamil political parties have signed a 13-point memorandum to be submitted to the Presidential candidates but are yet to decide which candidate it will support at the Presidential election on 16 November.
  
  Minority Tamils constitute around 10 per cent of the population and their votes are crucial for the final outcome of election results.
  
  Meanwhile, Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) has demanded clarity from United National Front Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa on the 13-point demands which include the merger of north and east provinces.
  
  SLPP Chairman, Professor G.L Peiris said that Premadasa must tell the country if he accepts or rejects the demands.
  
  The SLPP has refused to accept the demands saying it would lead to the division of the country and creation of a separate Tamil state. Former defence secretary Gotabya Rajapaksa is contesting on SLPP ticket.
  
  
• Donald Trump likely to sign mini-trade deal with China
  US President Donald Trump has said he is likely to sign the mini-trade deal with China in November month on the sidelines of the summit when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He had announced the deal earlier this month.
  
  That efforts to commit the agreement to paper before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile next month (November, 2019) are on track. He, however, added that some work remains to be done.
  
  The new mini-deal includes a surge in Chinese purchases of American farm exports and also covers intellectual property, financial services and currency exchange.
  
  
• British Parliament rejects PM Boris Johnson's attempt to fast-track Brexit deal
  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan to fast-track his Brexit deal through Parliament in time for 31st of October deadline was blocked by MPs last night even after he threatened to pull it and press for a general election.
  
  The lawmakers rejected the three-day deadline for debating the Brexit Bill after passing it in principle.
  
  They voted against wrapping up the debate on Thursday by 322 to 308. This was against the wishes of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was pausing the legislation until he had spoken to European Union leaders.
  
  The Commons supported the Withdrawal Agreement Bill earlier, but voted against the short time-table. Earlier, the bill had cleared the first Parliamentary hurdle, with MPs backing it 329 votes to 299. It effectively meant Johnson's Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with the EU could become law, but the MPs then voted 322 to 308 against the sped-up timetable for the bill.
  
  Expressing his disappointment, Mr Johnson said, they now face further uncertainty. He said, approval for the time-table would have guaranteed that the UK would be in a position to leave the EU on 31st of October with a deal. Mr Johnson had earlier threatened to pull the bill and seek a General Election instead of delaying Brexit beyond the October 31 deadline.
  
  Meanwhile, in a tweet, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said last night that he will recommend to EU leaders that they postpone Brexit beyond the current deadline.
  
  
• Canada Elections 2019: Trudeau's Liberal Party wins but loses majority
  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party held onto power in a nail-biter of a Canadian General Election on 22 October, 2019, but as a weakened minority government.
  
  Television projections declared the Liberals winners or leading in 157 of the nation's 338 electoral districts, versus 121 for his main rival Andrew Scheer and the Conservatives, after polling stations across six time zones closed.
  
  The 47-year-old former school teacher dominated Canadian politics over the four years of his first term but faced a grilling during the 40-day election campaign, which was described as one of the nastiest in Canadian history.
  
  The Bloc Quebecois came back from a ruinous 2015 election result, tapping into lingering Quebec nationalism to take 32 seats, while the New Democratic Party (NDP) won 25 seats, according to projections.
  
  NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, a leftist former criminal defence lawyer, is the first non-white leader of a federal political party in Canada, and will likely emerge as the kingmaker.
  
  
• Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaims ascension to throne
  In Japan, Emperor Naruhito has formally proclaimed his ascension to the throne in an elaborate ceremony.
  
  The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito.
  
  But, after a series of traditional rituals inside the imperial palace in Tokyo, his ascension has now been formalised.
  
  As about 2,000 people looked on, the curtains of the Imperial Throne called 'Takamikura' were opened, revealing Emperor Naruhito dressed in a traditional robe.
  
  The ceremony comes as Japan reels from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, which left almost 80 people dead.
  
  A celebration parade was postponed out of respect for the victims and their families.
  
  
• US wins ownership of North Korean vessel
  The United States Justice Department said, that the United States has been awarded ownership of a North Korean cargo ship that was seized for violating international sanctions. The court ordered the vessel to be forfeited to the US government and for the Treasury Department to dispose of it.
  
  The Wise Honest, one of the largest cargo ships in North Korea's fleet, was caught carrying a three million US Dollar shipment of coal, got in Indonesia in April 2018 and seized by the US a year later.
  
  The seizure came with nuclear talks deadlocked since the collapse of the second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi last February.
  
  
• North Korea accuses US officials of maintaining hostility against Pyongyang
  North Korea on 23 October, 2019 accused US officials of maintaining hostility against Pyongyang despite a special relationship between leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump. Pyongyang urged Washington to act wisely through the end of the year.
  
  The statement issued by Foreign Ministry adviser Kim Kye Gwan was clearly referring to an end-of-year deadline set by Kim Jong Un for the Trump administration to offer mutually acceptable terms for a deal to salvage their diplomacy.
  
  Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have faltered after the collapse of a February summit between Kim Jong Un and Trump.
  
  At the summit, the US side had rejected North Korean demands for broad sanctions relief in exchange for a piecemeal deal toward partially surrendering its nuclear capabilities.
  
  The two sides resumed working-level discussion in Sweden earlier this month, but the meeting broke down amid acrimony with the North Koreans calling the talks sickening and accusing the Americans of maintaining an old stance and attitude.
  
  
• US President Donald Trump says permanent cease-fire established in northeastern Syria
  Turkey was making the ceasefire in northern Syria permanent, prompting the United States to lift recent sanctions.
  
  It had imposed sanctions on Turkish imports in response to the violence.
  
  Mr. Trump also declared a change of course in US relations with the Middle East, where he said too many American service members had died.
  
  
• Russian forces heading to Turkey border
  Russian forces in Syria are heading for the border with Turkey, to ensure Kurdish fighters pullback after a deal between Moscow and Ankara wrested control of the Kurds' entire heartland.
  
  Kurdish forces, who previously controlled nearly a third of Syria, have lost almost everything after Turkey secured the right to remain fully deployed in an Arab-majority area that was the main target of a two-week-old offensive.
  
  Russian military police and Syrian border guards are to facilitate the removal of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres of the Turkish-Syrian border.
  
  This is being done as per the Sochi deal between Russian and Turkish presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following talks.
  
  The withdrawal must be finalised within six days.
  
  
• Hong Kong legislature formally withdraws extradition bill that sparked mass protests
  Hong Kong authorities on 23 October, 2019 withdrew an unpopular extradition bill that sparked months of chaotic protests that have since morphed into a campaign for greater democratic change.
  
  The long-expected scrapping of the bill was overshadowed by the drama surrounding the release of Chan Tong-Kai from a Hong Kong prison.
  
  Kai is accused of murdering his girlfriend and told reporters he was willing to surrender to authorities in Taiwan.
  
  Kai was released after serving a separate sentence for money laundering offences.
  
  He could not be sent to Taiwan because the semi-autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong has no extradition agreement with self-ruled Taiwan.
  
  Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam had offered extradition legislation earlier this year to close what she called a "loophole" but the bill sparked widespread protests over concerns it put residents at risk of being sent into mainland China's murky judicial system.
  
  
• NATO Defence Ministers lash out at Turkey for its military operation in Syria
  NATO defence ministers have slammed Turkey for its military operation in Syria. The first day of a two-day meeting of the ministers in Brussels was dominated by the issue, with Turkey isolated among the 29 member states.
  
  NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that the ministers agreed on the need to maintain our unity in the fight against ISIS.
  
  Germany presented an idea to deploy international troops to create a security zone in northeast Syria.
  
  The top commander of Syria's Kurdish force, Mazloum Abdi, welcomed the proposal.
  
  Instead of this plan, they stressed their broad support for ways to engage the international community to find a political situation in northern Syria.
  
  It is planning to beef up its presence in the northeast corner of Syria to protect oil fields there from being retaken by the Islamic State terror group.
  
  The US is committed to reinforcing its position, in coordination with its SDF partners, in northeast Syria with additional military assets to prevent those oil fields from falling back to into the hands of ISIS or other destabilizing actors.
  
  Turkish and Syrian ambassadors clashed at their first UN Security Council encounter since Turkey launched a cross-border offensive earlier this month.
  
  Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari told council members his government condemns in the strongest terms the Turkish aggression.
  
  He accused the Europeans of creating the current situation.
  
  These countries played a vital role in sponsoring secessionist, illegitimate militias in the northeast of Syria.
  
  Turkey's ambassador, Feridun Sinirlioglu, called it a limited counter-terrorism operation to eliminate the longstanding existential terror threat along their border with Syria.
  
  Michael Barkin, a special advisor at the US Mission to the United Nations, told the council that the US is hopeful the permanent cease-fire will be honoured and civilians will be protected.
  
  
• Protests in Lebanon enters 2nd week
  Protests in Lebanon entered a second week on 24 October, 2019 with demonstrators blocking main roads in Beirut and other parts of the country.
  
  October 17 by a proposed tax on calls made through messaging apps, the protests have morphed into a cross-sectarian street mobilisation against a political system seen as corrupt and broken.
  
  Embattled Prime Minister Saad Hariri has presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities.
  
  Hariri held meetings with security and military leaders, stressing the need to maintain security and open roads, the state-run National News Agency reported.
  
  
• US urges Bangladesh to postpone relocation of Rohingyas
  The US has urged Bangladesh to postpone relocation of Rohingyas to the uninhabited island Bhashan Char.
  
  In a statement given at the House Foreign Affairs Sub Committee, acting assistant secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asia Alice G Wells urged Bangladesh to postpone any refugee relocation to Bhashan Char until independent experts can determine it a suitable location.
  
  Appreciating Bangladesh for allowing Rohingya refugees to take shelter in the country that opening its border for 700,000 Rohingya refugees since August 2017 deserves recognition from international partners, including the United States.
  
  Myanmar must create conditions for the Rohingya’s voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation and guarantee their rights as recommended by the Annan Commission.
  
  Earlier on October 21, Bangladesh had assured European Union that relocation of the Rohingyas to the Bhashan Char will be voluntary.
  
  Government of Bangladesh has been keen to relocate the Rohingya refugees to the Bhashan char island where arrangements for relocating 1 lakh people have been made at a cost of 23,000 crores Taka.
  
  It has built houses, cyclone shelters, a three-metre high and 13-km long flood-defence embankment, food warehouses and other basic facilities on the island.
  
  While the government planned to relocate Rohingyas, environmentalists say that the Bhashan Char which has emerged less than two decades back from the sea falls in an ecologically fragile area prone to floods, erosion and cyclone.
  
  The issue of forced relocation and lack of mobility on the island has also been raised by organisations working among the Rohingyas.
  
  
• Pakistani court grants bail to former PM Nawaz Sharif
  A top Pakistani court on 25 October, 2019 granted bail to jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with an acute immune disorder which reduced his blood platelet count to dangerous levels.
  
  The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo was rushed to the Services Hospital in Lahore from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) office late on Monday night after a massive drop in his platelet count.
  
  According to the short order, Sharif will have to submit two surety bonds worth ten million rupees each for his release in the case.
  
  However, Sharif will not be released immediately as the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing of his bail plea in a separate Al-Azizia steel mills case until 29th October, 2019.
  
  He is also serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia corruption case.
  
  
• EU postpones decision on length of Brexit delay until next week
  European Union Ambassadors postponed a decision on how long to delay Britain's exit from the bloc until next week, on 25 October, 2019 after talks in Brussels.
  
  The 27-member states agreed in principle that Brexit should be delayed beyond the end of the month, but talks are ongoing about how much longer to wait.
  
  The Ambassadors agreed that the decisions could be made by written procedure, rather than an emergency leaders' summit, but their next meeting is going to be on 28th or 29th October, 2019.
  
  After what EU negotiator Michel Barnier said were excellent discussions, European Commission Spokeswoman the work will continue in coming days.
  
  The Ambassadors set an informal deadline of late Monday or early Tuesday to decide -- just two days before the current Brexit deadline.
  
  
• Protesters reject President Aoun's call for dialogue
  In Lebanon, Protesters in the capital Beirut have rejected President Michel Aoun's call for dialogue. They are demanding the government's resignation before any such talks take place.
  
  President Michel Aoun on 24 October, 2019 said, the government is ready for a dialogue with protesters to help save the country from collapse. The statement came after days of demonstrations against the ruling elite and suggested a government reshuffle was possible.
  
  Banks would remain closed today for a seventh day due to safety concerns and would open as soon as the situation stabilised.
  
  Protests expressing outrage with an establishment seen as corrupt have swept Lebanon since last week, paralysing the country.
  
  
• Japan Industry Minister resigns over election law violation
  Japan's industry minister Isshu Sugawara has resigned over reports of a possible election law violation.
  
  Sugawara gave his Tokyo constituents expensive melons, oranges, roe and royal jelly.
  
  Japan's election law bans politicians from sending donations to voters in their home constituency.
  
  Prime Minister Shinzo, took the responsibility for Sugawara's appointment in the cabinet and apologised to the people.
  
  He is set to appoint former regional revitalization minister Hiroshi Kajiyama to the post.
  
  
• 18th NAM Summit
  18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit will start today. 120 countries are participating in the NAM summit in Azerbaijan.
  
  NAM summit is held every three years since its inception in 1961 at Belgrade under the leadership of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru along with Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Sukarno of Indonesia.
  
  The newly independent countries decided to set up NAM in the backdrop of the cold war between the two superpowers of the US and Soviet Union.
  
  
• Tunisia Exit polls: Kais Saied heading for landslide victory in Presidential runoff
  In Tunisia, exit polls indicate that academic Kais Saied is heading for a landslide victory in the Presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, Nabil Karoui.
  
  Mr Saied is projected to secure nearly 70 per cent of the votes according to two different exit polls. Sixty-one-year-old Saied is an independent candidate with no political experience. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tunis to celebrate Saied's victory.
  
  In his first reaction, Mr Saied thanked the country's young people for turning a new page and vowed to try to build a new Tunisia. The poll, Tunisia's second free Presidential elections since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi in July.
  
  
• International Day of Rural Women being celebrated today (15 October)
  International Day of Rural Women is being celebrated today (15 October).
  
  Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has urged the world community, accord top priority to empowerment of women.
  
  Mr Naidu also urged to make it a global agenda and encourage more women to embark on the path of entrepreneurship and self reliance.
  
  Empowerment of women is central to achieving inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.
  
  Apart from creating an ecosystem for rural entrepreneurship to thrive,there is an urgent need provide them employable skills.
  
  
• US President announces to authorize sanctions against Turkish officials
  Protesting Turkey's military offensive into northeast Syria, US President Donald Trump has announced that he will authorize sanctions against Turkish officials, raise steel tariffs and end negotiations on a 100 billion dollar trade deal.
  
  Turkey launched a cross-border assault on Kurdish fighters on Wednesday after the US decided to withdraw troops from Syria.
  
  This executive order will enable the US to impose powerful additional sanctions on those who may be involved in serious human rights abuses, obstructing a ceasefire, preventing displaced persons from returning home, forcibly repatriating refugees or threatening the peace, security or stability in Syria.
  
  Turkey's military offensive is endangering civilians and threatening peace, security and stability in the region.
  
  Trump is fully prepared to swiftly destroy Turkey's economy if Turkish leaders continue down this dangerous and destructive path.
  
  The order will authorize a broad range of measures, including financial sanctions, the blocking of property, and barring entry into the US.
  
  He asserted that his administration will aggressively use economic sanctions to target those who enable, facilitate, and finance heinous acts in Syria.
  
  During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump had promised to bring back US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
  
  US forces have defeated the ISIS physical caliphate, the troops are coming out will now redeploy and remain in the region to monitor the situation and prevent a repeat of 2014, when the neglected threat of ISIS raged across Syria and Iraq.
  
  
• House of Commons debate over Queen's speech on Brexit
  In Britain, the House of Commons is currently debating over the speech of Queen Elizabeth II where she had highlighted her government's plans over Brexit.
  
  Her government's priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on October 31.
  
  Prime Minister Boris Johnson repeated that Britain must leave the EU on October 31. Now, all depends on the outcome of closed-door discussions in Brussels.
  
  The officials are racing to reach a deal on Britain's exit terms before a summit of EU leaders starting on Thursday.
  
  As per a British law, if Boris Johnson cannot get a deal by 19 October, 2019, he might have to ask the EU to delay Brexit for a third time rather than risk a no-deal departure.
  
  The bloc's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had earlier mentioned that it may even be possible this week but they're not there yet.
  
  
• New Zealand to establish team of investigators dedicated solely to tackling online extremism
  New Zealand will establish a team of investigators dedicated solely to tackling online extremism.
  
  Ms. Jacinda Ardern has led global efforts to force technology firms to clamp down on extremist material since a lone gunman killed 51 Muslim worshippers in March.
  
  The attack also showed her own government needed to improve resources to curb the spread of online hate.
  
  A dedicated team focused on targeting and disrupting violent extremist content across our digital channels will work in a similar way to how child sexual exploitation material is targeted.
  
  She sought to work with online content hosts to find and remove harmful content.
  
  The Internal Affairs department would hire 17 specialists in investigative, forensic and intelligence work to focus on violent extremist content online.
  
  
• Britain, Spain join other major powers in suspending military exports to Turkey
  Britain and Spain have joined other major powers in suspending military exports to Turkey following its incursion into northeastern Syria.
  
  British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, no further export licences will be granted to Turkey for items which might be used in military operations in Syria.
  
  Spain, a major arms exporter to Turkey, similarly announced a halt to sales of military material. Spain's Socialist government asked Turkey to put an end to this military operation. Sweden also announced it has halted exports of military equipment.
  
  Meanwhile, Russia has said it is patrolling in areas along the line of contact between Syrian and Turkish forces.
  
  The patrolling are taking place after Syrian government troops took control of the city of Manbij. A spokesman for the US-led coalition confirmed its forces had pulled out of the area.
  
  Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in north to protect the region from an assault by Turkish forces.
  
  
• Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in UAE
  Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in UAE, to what is being termed as a ‘historic visit’, this afternoon to a warm welcome.
  
  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces received him at the Presidential Airport.
  
  This is Putin’s first visit to the UAE after 2007.
  
  The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in a tweet said, he welcomes President Vladimir Putin as an honoured guest to the UAE.
  
  The historic visit reflects the strength of UAE-Russia relations, which they will continue to jointly promote at all levels for the mutual benefit of the two nations.
  
  The two leaders later witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between the UAE and Russia.
  
  The Emirates News Agency said that the agreements span various vital sectors, including trade and investment, and sustainability and environment, intending to develop strategic partnerships between the UAE and Russia further.
  
  At a delegation-level meeting at the Qasr Al Watan or the Presidential Palace, Mr Putin said bilateral relations between Russian and the UAE are developing in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. Sheikh Mohamed thanked Mr Putin for his visit. The Crown Prince also said that Moscow is like his second home.
  
  The bilateral relationship with Russia has enabled the UAE to send its first astronaut to space earlier this month.
  
  Besides the bilateral ties, the two leaders are also expected to discuss regional and international developments.
  
  
• Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam slams US Senator for "Police State" remark
  Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam on 15 October, 2019 said that it's totally irresponsible and unfounded to suggest the semi-autonomous Chinese territory is becoming a police state as her government grapples with protests now in their fifth month.
  
  Responding to criticism from visiting U.S. senators, Carrie Lam has defended Hong Kong's 30,000-strong police force, now widely detested by protesters for its riot-control methods and nearly 2,600 arrests.
  
  The protests started in June over a contested extradition bill that would have allowed some criminal suspects to be sent for trial in mainland China and have snowballed into an anti-government, anti-police and anti-China movement.
  
  The protests have increasingly ended in violence between hardcore demonstrators and police.
  
  Despite repeated government appeals for people not to take the side of those involved in vandalism, the protest movement is still rousing determined support from more moderate demonstrators, broadly worried about the future of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory and its freedoms, unique in China.
  
  
• Can't recognize what UN signed with past Sri Lankan govts: Ex-defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapksa
  Sri Lanka’s Presidential candidate and former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapksa won’t recognize an agreement with the UN human rights council to investigate alleged war crimes during the LTTE war.
  
  Mr Gotabaya will always work with the United Nations, but can't recognize what they have signed with past Sri Lankan governments.
  
  His party has already rejected that and on this issue, their policies and the present government policies are far apart.
  
  The current government has a co-sponsored resolution in 2015 to investigate the war crimes and set up several commissions. An Office of missing persons has already been set up as part of that.
  
  The former defence secretary added that the issue of missing persons is related to those deaths whose bodies could not be retrieved in war conditions.
  
  Mr Gotabaya asserted that he will be the President of future Sri Lanka and will like to leave the past behind.
  
  He will try to ensure dignity for all sections of society and their development.
  
  SLPP Government will take forward a neutral stand on its foreign policy.
  
  The Government will need to be realistic and ensure it maintains a good relationship with all countries.
  
  Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is the elder brother of Mr Gotabaya and other coalition party leaders were present on the occasion.
  
  
• Minister of State External Affairs V Muraleedharan on 2-day visit to UAE
  Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan is on a two day official visit to UAE from 16 October 2019.
  
  He is expected to participate in the ministerial level meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD).
  
  The Minister is also scheduled to participate in the Indian Community function being held in Sharjah.
  
  The Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) was established in 2008.
  
  
• Bangladesh: Government approves administrators for recovery of dues from top two telecom companies
  Bangladesh government has approved the proposal to appoint administrators for recovery of dues from top two telecom companies of the country.
  
  Government has approved the recommendation of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to appoint administrators for Grammenphone (GP) and Robi for recovery of Tk 13,446 crore owed by these companies to the government.
  
  The BTRC conducted two audits in 2016 to calculate the outstanding revenues of the operators.
  
  Based on the audit report BTRC claims that GP owes it Taka 12,579 crore while Robi owes Taka 867.24 crore.
  
  The dues include amounts accruing on account of dodging of revenue share, taxes and late fees accumulated until December 2014.
  
  Earlier in September BTRC had issued a show-cause notice to the two companies for recovery of the dues giving 30 day deadline failing which their licenses were to be cancelled.
  
  According to the BTRC, GP has 7.48 crore active connections while Robi has 4.77 crore connections accounting for close to 75 percent of all the mobile connections in Bangladesh.
  
  In the meanwhile, on Thursday High Court in Dhaka issued an interim stay on the realization of Tk 12,579.95 crore from GP by BTRC for two months.
  
  
• Next year's G7 summit to take place in US President Donald Trump's Florida golf club
  Next year's G7 summit will take place in one of US President Donald Trump's Florida golf clubs.
  
  This was informed by the President's acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney on 17 October, 2019.
  
  Mr Trump had previously suggested hosting the summit at one of his own golf clubs, drawing immediate criticism that he is profiteering from his presidency.
  
  Climate change will not be on the agenda of next year's G7 summit.
  
  
• Turkey agrees to ceasefire in northern Syria
  Turkey has agreed to a ceasefire in northern Syria to let Kurdish-led forces withdraw. The deal came after US Vice-President Mike Pence and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met for talks in Ankara.
  
  As per deal all fighting will be paused for five days, and the US will help facilitate the withdrawal of Kurdish-led troops from what Turkey terms a safe zone on the border, Mr Pence said.
  
  Chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in a Kurdish TV interview said they would observe the agreement in the area between the border towns of Ras al-Ayin and Tal Abyad, where fighting has been fierce.
  
  They have not discussed the fate of other areas referring to parts of the northeast where Turkey wants to create what it calls a safe zone.
  
  Abdi urged Washington to guarantee the return of the displaced and ensure the region does not undergo demographic change as Turkey wants to create a buffer zone 30 kilometres deep on the Syrian side of the border, to keep Kurdish militias at bay and resettle some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees living on its soil.
  
  Clashes in Ras al-Ain continued despite news of the agreement.
  
  Since Turkey launched its invasion of northeastern Syria on October 9, dozens of civilians have been killed and 3 lakh have been displaced, according to the Observatory.
  
  
• EU and UK reach an agreement on Brexit deal
  Negotiators from the European Union and the UK have reached an agreement on a Brexit deal before a meeting of European leaders in Brussels.
  
  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called it a fair outcome.
  
  He urged MPs to come together to get Brexit done and get this excellent deal over the line.
  
  Now is the moment for us to get Brexit done and then together to work on building our future partnership.
  
  There was no need to extend the Brexit deadline.
  
  On other hand, British lawmakers voted narrowly in favour of holding the first Parliamentary Session on a Saturday in 37 years, to debate the government's new Brexit deal. Members of the lower chamber House of Commons voted 287 to 275 in favour.
  
  It would only be Parliament's fifth Saturday session since the eve of World War II.
  
  The two sides have been working on the legal text of a deal, but it will still need the approval of both the UK and European Parliaments.
  
  Britain is due to leave the European Union by 31st of October, with Johnson racing against time to strike a deal to meet that deadline.
  
  
• IMF Members agree to double pool of money to aid distressed countries
  Global Finance Ministers agreed to double a key pool of money that the International Monetary Fund can use to aid distressed countries but again put off giving more votes to major emerging economies.
  
  The IMF has been working to restructure its voting shares to give more weight to growing economies like China, India and Brazil but some traditional powers have resisted since they stand to lose influence in the institution.
  
  Despite a prior commitment to complete the new voting distribution before now, IMF membership at this week's annual meetings kicked the can down the road, committing instead to revisit the issue at the latest by December 2023.
  
  However, a new division of voting power would be expected to result in increases in the quota shares of dynamic economies in line with their relative positions in the world economy.
  
  The Washington-based lender, founded in the wake of World War II, has traditionally been controlled by the United States and western European countries.
  
  But major developing economies, which account for a growing share of global GDP, warn that without a shift of the power structure the IMF risks losing legitimacy and the ability to influence economic policies.
  
  But the IMF's governing body did agree to a plan to shore up the crisis lender's resources, doubling to 500 billion dollars a temporary fund provided by 40 of the fund's 189 members.
  
  The IMF gets most of its resources through member quotas but since the review was pushed back it will rely on the special fund, known as the New Arrangements to Borrow, NAB, to ensure it has sufficient resources to ward off a new crisis.
  
  The NAB was rolled back following the global financial crisis and the current iteration was approved for five years through November 2022.
  
  IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva welcomes this high-level endorsement, which demonstrates the strong support of our membership for the fund's mission.
  
  
• UK Parliament to vote for Brexit Deal
  The Lower House of British Parliament, House of Commons will hold a special session to debate and vote on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's fresh Brexit deal.
  
  Jhonson urged MPs to come together to back the deal, insisting there is no better outcome.
  
  Johnson had secured a new Brexit deal from the European Union earlier this week. Johnson's Conservative Party holds only 288 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, so he will have to rely on support from other parties and independent lawmakers to get over the line.
  
  If lawmakers reject the deal - as they did three times with an earlier agreement presented by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May - a law passed earlier this year compels the Prime Minister to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Britain's exit date.
  
  Jhonson has pledged not to seek another extension of the October 31 deadline.
  
  
• Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) signs MoU with SLPP to support its Presidential candidate
  The Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) pledging to support its Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
  
  CWC is one of the main parties representing Tamil estate workers of Indian origin.
  
  The proposals it had submitted have been included in the policy framework of the SLPP. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya were present on the occasion.
  
  Meanwhile, former Justice Minister in United National Front (UNF) Government Wijayadasa Rajapaksa declared his support for Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
  
  The Yahapalana Government was a failure that did not achieve what it had set out to do. He emphasized that he was supporting candidate Rajapaksa as not doing so would mean that separatism and Islamic fundamentalism would take over the country.
  
  UNF has put up Minister Sajith Premadasa as its candidate for Presidential elections scheduled for 16th of next month.
  
  
• FATF retains Pakistan on Grey List, warns of action
  Pakistan continues to be on the Grey List of the international terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force.
  
  Islamabad has been warned of action for its failure to combat money laundering and terror financing.
  
  The decision of FATF was taken after the completion of its five-day plenary session in Paris.
  
  By making this decision public, the FATF has given notice to the global financial institutions that they need to prepare to red flag the jurisdiction and ready their systems for the eventuality in February 2020.
  
  If Pakistan continues with the 'Grey List' or is put in the 'Dark Grey' list, it would be very difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, the World Bank and the European Union which will make its financial condition more precarious.
  
  The FATF Plenary noted that Pakistan addressed only five out of the 27 tasks given to it in controlling funding to terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Both these groups are responsible for a series of attacks in India.
  
  In light of the additional fact of Pakistan's poor performance on its mutual evaluation, chances of Pakistan exiting the Grey List in the next few years are now reduced to nil and the possibility of a formal Black Listing in February 2020 is now highly probable.
  
  Pakistan was placed on the Grey List by the FATF in June 2018.
  
  It was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 or face the risk of being placed on the blacklist with Iran and North Korea.
  
  The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
  
  
• UK PM will attempt to persuade British MPs to back revised Brexit deal with EU
  UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will attempt to persuade British MPs to back his revised Brexit deal with European Union.
  
  EU leaders gave their unanimous backing to the deal with Britain, putting the onus on PM Johnson to secure Parliament's approval in a vote in two-days time.
  
  British and EU negotiators reached the agreement after days of late night talks and nearly three years of heated discussions that have strained EU-UK ties.
  
  But despite optimism from Johnson, British opposition parties and some of the prime minister's own allies in the House of Commons were quick to warn they would not support it when it goes to a vote in a special sitting.
  
  If the deal is defeated, the prime minister is legally obliged to ask EU leaders to postpone Brexit for a third time.
  
  
• Italy to introduce web tax on digital giants
  Italy approved a new tax on digital companies, including U.S. tech giants, as part of its 2020 draft budget on October 16, 2019.
  
  The levy, due to be introduced from 2020, will oblige companies such as Facebook, Google and Amazon, to pay a 3% levy on internet transactions, according to a text of the draft budget.
  
  The Italian scheme is expected to yield about 600 million euros a year.
  
  
• Sri Lanka removed from FATF's Grey List
  Sri Lanka has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of countries at risk for money laundering.
  
  Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera said in a statement that FATF in Paris informed the removal of Sri Lanka's name from the blacklist commending the new measures taken by the country on financial security.
  
  Sri Lanka was first included in the blacklist in 2011.
  
  By 2012, Sri Lanka was listed in the list as a dangerous country with no commitment to the financial security plan.
  
  The government together with the Central Bank and other financial institutions, has taken several measures since 2016 to ensure the financial security of the country.
  
  Sri Lanka has declared a cooperating state in 2016 and the FATF put Sri Lanka on a grey list from November 2017.
  
  Sri Lanka set out a sound framework to bring the commitment of all the stakeholders to enhance the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards in order to improve its compliance and the country rating.
  
  It reported the progress achieved in the implementation of the action plan regularly to the FATF.
  
  
• Brexit: British PM vows to press on despite defeat over deal delay
  British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson will press on undaunted with Brexit on 31st October, 2019, despite losing a crunch Commons vote.
  
  The Prime Minister will now have to ask the European Union (EU) for an extension to that deadline after Member of Parliaments backed a motion designed to rule out a no-deal exit by 322 votes to 306.
  
  He will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel him to do so. He vowed to bring in legislation tomorrow to implement the deal he struck with Brussels this week.
  
  MPs could also be given another vote on the deal tomorrow if Commons Speaker John Bercow allows it.
  
  The Commons defeat is a major setback for the Prime Minister, who has repeatedly insisted that the UK will leave at the end of this month come what may.
  
  Under the terms of the so-called Benn Act, passed last month by MPs determined to prevent a no-deal Brexit, he has until midnight to send a letter to the EU requesting an extension.
  
  Mr Johnson is not daunted or dismayed by the Commons defeat and remained committed to taking Britain out by the end of this month on the basis of his excellent deal.
  
  But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said, the Prime Minister must now comply with the law.
  
  He can no longer use the threat of a no-deal crash-out to blackmail members to support his sell-out deal.
  
  Downing Street refused to offer any explanation as to why the Prime Minister did not consider he is obliged to negotiate a fresh extension. The EU said it is up to the UK to inform it of the next steps.
  
  
• Afghanistan village bury victims of mosque bombings
  Funerals are being held in eastern Afghanistan for the victims of yesterday's deadly bomb blast in a village mosque which killed 62 people during prayers.
  
  Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province said that the explosion also wounded 36 people when it went off as dozens of people had gathered in the mosque in the village of Chodari.
  
  No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but both the Taliban and the Islamic State group are active in eastern Afghanistan, especially Nangarhar province.
  
  However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in a statement condemned the attack in Nangarhar and called it a serious crime.
  
  
• Chile President declares state emergency in Santiago
  Chile's President Sebastian Pinera has declared a state of emergency in Santiago and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over an increase in the price of metro tickets.
  
  Protestors clashed with riot police throughout in several parts of the capital, Santiago, and the subway system was shut after attacks on stations in some of the worst violence the city has seen in years. At least 16 buses were torched and a dozen metro stations totally destroyed.
  
  The President has appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as the head of national defence. In a statement, he said the objective of the state of emergency is to ensure public order and peace for the inhabitants of Santiago.
  
  The state of emergency is initially for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly. General Iturriaga said the military would patrol major trouble spots in the city of seven million but would not impose a curfew at present.
  
  
• Sri Lanka presidential polls: SLFP signs MoU with SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa
  Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the presidential candidate of Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
  
  The MoU is to ensure SLFP support for Mr. Gotabaya at the elections scheduled for 16th of next month.
  
  It was signed by SLFP General Secretary Dayasri Jayasekara and Mr. Gotabaya in Colombo.
  
  The latter termed it as a momentous occasion while Mr. Dayasri tweeted that it is a great moment in transforming the landscape of Sri Lanka.
  
  Both parties had already agreed to form an alliance for the upcoming elections as well as the General elections expected early next year.
  
  SLPP is a breakaway group of SLFP, formed after the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa at the last Presidential elections.
  
  President Maithripala Sirisena, who was leading the SLFP, has decided to quit the chairman post and remain neutral at the elections.
  
  Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga has opposed alliance of SLFP with SLPP saying it has put SLFP future at stake.
  
  Mr. Gotabaya, a former defence secretary and brother of Mahinda Rajapksa is mainly pitted against minister Sajith Premadasa at the elections, being contested by record 35 candidates.
  
  
• North Korea called off working-level nuclear talks with US
  North Korea said that working-level nuclear talks with the US have been called off.
  
  US and North Korean officials met in Sweden.
  
  North Korea said that the negotiations have not fulfilled their expectations and finally broke up without any outcome.
  
  These talks were held at a crucial moment when the situation on the Korean peninsula stands at the crossroads of dialogue.
  
  This meeting came after months of deadlock and Pyongyang's test of a sea-launched ballistic missile this week.
  
  It was set to be the first formal working-level discussion since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met briefly at the inter-Korean border zone in June.
  
  
• UN human rights chief calls for probe into violence related to Hong Kong protest
  The United Nations human rights chief has called for an independent probe into the violence during anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
  
  Two teenage protesters were shot while a journalist was permanently blinded in one eye in the past week during the worst outbreak of violence after four months of unrest in the Chinese-ruled city.
  
  They are also alarmed by the injuries to the police and protesters, including journalists and protesters shot by law enforcement officers.
  
  Pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong in defiance of the face mask ban.
  
  Hundreds of protesters, almost all masked, staged an unsanctioned march through the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay.
  
  
• Imran to take up J&K issue in China
  The special relationship between Islamabad and Beijing, forged during the Cold War to balance ties between India and the former Soviet Union, will be in focus when Mr. Khan and the Chinese leadership discuss, in all likelihood, the next steps of their collaboration — on Kashmir, Afghanistan and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
  
  The Pakistani President, facing a volatile situation at home highlighted by a proposed massive march led by religious leader Maulana Fazlur Rahman against his administration, is expected to meet Mr. Xi.
  
  There is apprehension that the Pakistani leadership could be seeking China’s endorsement for actions that could divert attention from the internal instability in Pakistan.
  
  
• Iraq Govt announces reforms following protests
  Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's cabinet has issued a series of reforms in response to sweeping anti-government rallies that have left nearly 100 dead.
  
  Iraqis have gathered in Baghdad and across the south to demand widespread government reforms, which Abdel Mahdi had promised to tackle when he came into power just under a year ago.
  
  His cabinet issued a decree including more than a dozen planned reforms including land distribution, military enlistment and increased welfare stipends for needy families.
  
  The government has officially designated those killed as martyrs, granting their families a special set of benefits
  
  
• State Dept will follow law in Trump impeachment
  US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that his department will follow the law in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump and defended his boss' attempts to push Ukraine to investigate former vice president Joe Biden.
  
  Pompeo's remarks came after the State Department missed a Friday deadline to comply with a subpoena issued by House Democrats to hand over documents related to the department's dealings with Ukraine and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani.
  
  Democrats in the US House of Representatives are examining whether there are grounds to impeach Mr Trump, a Republican, based on a whistleblower's account that said he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 phone call to help investigate Democratic political rival Biden.
  
  Mr Pompeo, who is travelling to Greece, told reporters that his department had sent a letter to Congress, which is their initial response to the document request.
  
  
• Voting begins for third parliamentary polls in Tunisia
  In Tunisia, voting began for the third parliamentary polls of a transition to democracy since the North African country's 2011 revolution.
  
  Preliminary official results are scheduled for Wednesday.
  
  The vote comes two weeks after the first round of a presidential election that swept aside traditional political parties in favour of independent candidates, a trend likely to be repeated in the ballot for MPs.
  
  More than 15,000 candidates on 1,500 lists are contesting 217 seats in a parliament dominated by Ennahdha in alliance with centrist party Nidaa Tounes.
  
  While the presidential race may have overshadowed the legislative contest, parliament is responsible for tackling the main challenges facing Tunisian society.
  
  
• EU to reach Brexit position by end of next week
  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the possibility of a Brexit accord would be evaluated by the end of next week.
  
  Mr. Macron indicated that the negotiations should continue rapidly in the coming days, with the team of France’s EU negotiator Michel Barnier, in order to evaluate at the end of next week whether an accord is possible, while respecting the principles of the European Union.
  
  Difficult discussions on Brexit are set to resume on Oct 7th between the British and the Europeans, who have broadly rejected Mr. Johnson’s bid to avoid a “no-deal” Brexit on October 31.
  
  
• U.N. peacekeeper killed, four wounded in Mali mine attack
  A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and four others wounded on Sunday when their vehicle hit an explosive device in northern Mali.
  
  The identity of the attackers was not immediately clear.
  
  U.N. peacekeeping and French forces are stationed in Mali to combat jihadist groups seen as threatening security across Africa's Sahel region.
  
  The soldiers had been participating in a patrol near the village of Aguelhok when the blast hit, U.N. mission spokesman Olivier Salgado tweeted.
  
  The West African country has been in conflict since 2012 when Islamists hijacked an ethnic uprising by Tuaregs in the north.
  
  More recently the violence has moved to central Mali, where fighting between farmers and herders has also surged this year.
  
  Jihadist groups have exploited ethnic rivalries in Mali and its neighbours to boost recruitment and render swathes of territory ungovernable.
  
  
• Ecuador to quit OPEC in 2020
  Ecuador, one of the smallest members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), will leave the 14-nation bloc from January 2020 due to fiscal problems.
  
  Ecuador produces about 545,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil.
  
  Ecuador joined OPEC in 1973, withdrew in 1992, then rejoined in 2007.
  
  
• India, China should jointly maintain peace and tranquility along their border: Chinese Ambassador
  Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong has said that the two countries should jointly maintain peace and tranquility along their border before a final settlement on the issue is found.
  
  It is normal for neighbours to have differences which should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
  
  The two emerging Asian powers should not let the boundary dispute adversely impact the normal development of bilateral relations.
  
  Mr Sun called the India-China boundary question as a complex and sensitive issue left over from history. He said, over the past decades, not a single bullet has been fired at the China-India border area, and peace and tranquility has been maintained. Mr Sun said, boundary question is only one part of China-India relations and the two countries need to keep in mind the larger picture of the bilateral ties.
  
  Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in Chennai on Friday to hold the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in coastal town of Mamallapuram.
  
  There has been indication that the second informal summit between Mr Modi and Mr Xi may focus on ways to further enhancing peace and tranquility along the border. The first informal summit between the two leaders took place in picturesque Chinese lake city Wuhan in April 2018.
  
  
• China calls Kashmir a bilateral issue between New Delhi & Islamabad
  China has changed its position on the Kashmir issue by omitting its recent references to the UN charter and Security Council resolutions to the matter.
  
  Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said yesterday that New Delhi and Islamabad should take the bilateral route to resolve all issues.
  
  China calls on India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and consultation on all issues, including the Kashmir issue, and consolidate mutual trust. This is in line with interest of both countries and common aspiration of the world.
  
  A departure from the position that Beijing took when Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had visited China after abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5.
  
  China indicated that it is ready to go back to its pre-August 5 position when it had held that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan.
  
  The omission of references to the UN charter and Security Council resolutions particularly assume significance at a time when Imran Khan and Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa are in Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders.
  
  By changing its position, China seems to be in agreement with the Indian stand that there should be no third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue.
  
  Explaining Beijing’s changed position, observers said supporting Pakistan’s position on Kashmir might make it difficult for Mr Xi to make his India visit successful. Also, by changing its position, China is trying to soften Pakistan’s rhetoric on the Kashmir issue.
  
  
• UN Secretary-General calls for maximum restraint on all parties in Syria
  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties in Syria to exercise maximum restraint, amid Turkey's preparations to start a military operation in the north of the country.
  
  The UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric stated this after the United States began pulling troops back from the area.
  
  Mr Dujarric said the U.N. chief emphasized that civilians must be protected, and all parties must guarantee sustained, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access to civilians in need.
  
  Antonio Guterres has been in contact with all relevant parties in the region regarding the matter and reiterated that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict.
  
  
• Special sitting for MPs to decide future of Brexit
  In Britain, MPs will be called to Parliament for a special sitting for the future of Brexit.
  
  Parliament will meet on 19 October after a crunch EU summit.
  
  The parliamentary session will take place the day after the crucial two-day summit of the European Council ends in Brussels.
  
  By the day, MPs will have a clear picture of the European Union's response to the Brexit deal brokered by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
  
  Cabinet ministers are privately concerned at suggestions the prime minister may try to circumvent the Benn act which is aimed at forcing him to request a Brexit delay if he fails to reach a deal.
  
  
• Turkey's military offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria attracts worldwide condemnation
  Turkey's military offensive against Kurdish Forces in Syria has attracted World-wide condemnation.
  
  UN Security Council and Arab League have called emergency meetings to discuss the situation arising out of the Syrian Military operation.
  
  NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has urged Turkey to show restraint in its operation, warning that the fight against the Islamic State group should not be put at risk.
  
  The assault has been strongly criticised by France and Germany, which warned it risked an IS resurgence.
  
  United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the Turkish military aggression in Syria.
  
  This aggression represents a serious development and an unacceptable, flagrant assault on the sovereignty of a brotherly Arab state in defiance of international law and blatant interference in Arab affairs.
  
  Two civilians were killed in airstrikes conducted by Turkish forces in Misharrafa village in northeastern Syria on 09 October, 2019.
  
  Two civilians also sustained injuries in the airstrikes.
  
  
• US to curb China officials' visas over repression of Uighurs
  The United States has said that it will curb visas for Chinese officials over repression of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang.
  
  The United States calls on China to immediately end its campaign of repression in Xinjiang " Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement”.
  
  
• Two killed in attack in eastern German city of Halle
  In Germany, at least two people have been killed in an attack in the eastern city of Halle. A spokesman of the city's hospital told, two people also suffered serious bullet wounds in the attack.
  
  The shooting occurred near a synagogue while the Jewish community was observing Yom Kippur.
  
  The police have detained one suspect, but have warned that others may remain at large.An unauthenticated video circulating in German media showed a man wearing a helmet, getting out of a vehicle before firing several shots in the air.
  
  
• Romania government collapses in no-confidence vote
  Romania's beleaguered left-wing government collapsed in a no-confidence vote today. This has paved the way for the president to appoint a new prime minister.
  
  A total of 238 MPs in the 465-seat parliament voted in favour of the motion against the government of Prime Minister Viorica Dancila.
  
  Ms. Dancila had been fighting for her political survival since her Social Democrats, PSD, lost their junior coalition partner's support in August.
  
  
• Philippines: Over 500 illegally working foreigners arrested for fraud
  In Philippines, police and immigration authorities have arrested more than 500 illegally working foreigners, mostly Chinese involved in telecommunications and investment scams.
  
  The 542 foreigners, who were arrested last night in metropolitan Manila, did not have work permits and were involved in defrauding victims mostly in China by blackmailing or tricking them into sending out money.
  
  China provided information that led to the arrests of more than 400 Chinese and other workers from Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia.
  
  This was one of the biggest mass arrests this year (2019) in Philippines.
  
  
• Sri Lanka People’s party wins 17 wards in Elpitiya PS poll
  Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) has secured the majority of the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, polling .
  
  SLPP led by former President Mahinda Rajapksa won 17 out of the 29 wards.
  
  United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe secured 7 seats.
  
  The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) led by President Maithripala Sirisena got 3 seats while the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) came in last securing 2 seats.
  
  The results held significance ahead of Presidential elections scheduled for 16 of next month.
  
  The area is a stronghold of SLPP and the results were on expected lines.
  
  
• Turkey will not stop its operation against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria
  Turkey will not stop its operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria.
  
  Despite the threats from other countries, the steps taken will not be stopped.
  
  The fight will continue until all the terrorists go south of the 32-kilometre (20 miles) limit from the border of Turkey that US President Trump himself mentioned.
  
  Turkey launched an operation on Wednesday against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria that it considers a terrorist off-shoot of Kurdish insurgents in its own territory.
  
  It aims to establish a buffer zone to keep the YPG away from its border -- an idea that was first publicly mooted by US President Donald Trump at the start of the year.
  
  Meanwhile, Turkish forces faced fierce resistance from US-allied Syrian Kurdish fighters on the third day of Ankara's offensive in northern Syria, as casualties mounted and the number of those who fled the violence at swelled to 100,000.
  
  It captured more Kurdish-held villages in the border region. A war monitor said Kurdish fighters waged intense battles against advancing Turkish troops that sought to take control of two major towns along the Turkish-Syrian border.
  
  
• Climate change protesters target BBC Head Quarters
  In Britain, Extinction Rebellion climate protesters on 11 October, 2019 blocked the main entrances at the BBC's London headquarters.
  
  In the latest protest, around 50 activists set up camp in front of the main doors at the BBC's Broadcasting House, in London, prompting the reported shutdown.
  
  The group has carried out a wave of demonstrations in the British capital and around the world , primarily attempting to blockade city streets.
  
  The demonstration is the latest in a week of long-planned protests by Extinction Rebellion in countries around the world to highlight what it claims is the inadequate response of governments to climate change.
  
  The protests in Britain have seen more than 1,000 people arrested since Monday (07 October, 2019).
  
  
• Iranian oil tanker hit by two suspected rockets off the coast of Saudi Arabia
  An Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea has been hit by two suspected rockets on 11 October, 2019 off the coast of Saudi Arabia and oil is leaking from the vessel.
  
  The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) said in a statement the hull of the ship sustained two separate explosions about 100km off the Saudi port city of Jeddah. NITC said all the ship's crew are safe and the ship is stable too.
  
  It also added that those on board were trying to repair the damage.
  
  The incident came amid heightened tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
  
  Saudi Arabia has not issued any statement over the incident.
  
  Lieutenant Pete Pagano, a spokesman for the US Navy's 5th Fleet in the Middle East, there were aware of reports of this incident but he declined to comment further.
  
  The reported attack comes after the US has alleged that in past months Iran attacked oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, something denied by Tehran.
  
  
• U.S., China agree 'Phase 1' trade deal; Trump suspends October tariff hike
  The United States and China agreed on 11 October, 2019 to the first phase of a deal to end a trade war, prompting President Donald Trump to suspend a threatened tariff hike, the agreement had to be put on paper and more work was required to get it finalized.
  
  The partial accord, covering agriculture, currency and some aspects of intellectual property protections, represented the biggest step toward resolution of a 15-month tariff war between the world's two largest economies that has hit financial markets and slowed global growth.
  
  The announcement did not include many details, however,it could take up to five weeks to get the deal written.
  
  
• US builds pressure to stop incursion against Kurds
  Pressure is building in the United States to stop Turkey from continuing its offensive against Kurdish-held areas in Syria.
  
  US Defence Secretary Mark Esper warned of serious consequences while Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held out the prospect of fresh sanctions against Turkey.
  
  President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw US troops effectively triggered the Turkish incursion.
  
  He would like the US to negotiate a truce between NATO ally Turkey and the Kurds. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, the military operation will continue.
  
  According to the UN, more than one lakh people have fled their homes since the offensive began on Wednesday.
  
  President Erdogan wants to create a safe zone in northern Syria free of Kurdish militias which could also be home to Syrian refugees.
  
  Meanwhile, the Pentagon said its base near the northern Syrian town of Kobane - an area known by Turkey to have US forces present - had seen shell fire from Turkish positions. Turkey has denied deliberately targeting US forces.
  
  
• US to deploy additional 3000 troop to Saudi Arabia
  The United States has announced to deploy additional 3,000 troops to Saudi Arabia in view of the increased threat perception following drone attacks on oil facilities.
  
  An additional 3,000 US troops will flow to Saudi Arabia. He said Saudi Arabia was a long-standing security partner of the US and had requested additional support to supplement their defences and defend the rules-based international order.
  
  Iran must change its behaviour and act like a normal nation or it would watch its economy crumble.
  
  
• Lanka’s ex-Army chief Mahesh Senanayake to run for President
  Former Army commander of Sri Lanka Mahesh Senanayake announced that he would contest the November 16 Presidential election, pledging legal reform and a “new political” culture for the country.
  
  General Senanayake is being fielded by the National People’s Movement (NPM), a collective of island-wide civil society organisations that converged in late 2018, with the aim of offering a political alternative.
  
  
• Austria votes in snap general election
  In Austria, people have voted in a snap general election after a scandal caused the previous coalition government to fall.
  
  According to the exit polls released after voting ended this evening, the conservative People's Party, led by former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, is projected to come top with 37 per cent of the vote, but will again need to form a coalition.
  
  Social Democrats are projected to get 22.5 per cent with the far-right Freedom Party on 16.7 per cent.
  
  Other parties involved are the Greens (projected to get 13.1 per cent) and the liberal Neos party (7.8 per cent).
  
  In the election, 183 delegates will be chosen to represent eight parties in the parliament. The scandal toppled Kurz's government, and the former leader of his coalition partner the Freedom Party (FPÖ), Heinz-Christian Strache.
  
  
• Fierce clashes in Hong Kong ahead of China's 70th anniversary
  In Hong Kong, fierce clashes broke out between protesters and riot police as thousands marched, during a day of global protests ahead of China's celebrations marking its 70th anniversary.
  
  Despite authorities refusing to approve today's march, thousands of protesters marched in Hong Kong's usually busy shopping district.
  
  The violence came two days before Tuesday, when China will mark its 70th anniversary.
  
  Police and protesters clashed, with protesters throwing bricks and petrol bombs and setting fires on the street.
  
  Protesters gathered to mark five years since the start of the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement that brought parts of the city to a standstill for 79 days.
  
  Marches were also held in Australia and Taiwan, with more planned in some 40 locations across Europe and North America later in the day.
  
  Students are planning a one-day strike while activists have called for people to dress in black.
  
  
• International Translation Day is observed on 30 September
  International Translation Day observed in bringing nations together, contributing to the development and strengthening world peace and security.
  
  This day provides a great opportunity to spotlight the important work of translators, interpreters and others in the language service industry.
  
  BACKGROUND:
  The theme of International Translation Day 2019 is "Translation and Indigenous Languages".
  
  It focuses on the indigenous languages that are in danger of disappearing. As it is important to preserve and protect the languages of millions of indigenous people around the world. Languages for indigenous people are an integral part of their culture. And it is said that when a community loses its language, it is on the way to lose its culture too.
  
  
• Hong Kong: Protesters planned a fresh round of disruption today (02 October)
  In Hong Kong, protesters planned a fresh round of disruption on 02 October, 2019 after violent clashes led police to shoot a pro-democracy activist for the first time since the unrest began in June.
  
  Anti-government protests turned violent early yesterday and continued into the night, as thousands of people demonstrated in defiance of a protest ban for the 70th anniversary of Communist rule in China.
  
  Hong Kong Police confirmed that a protester was shot in Tsuen Wan district, where protests earlier turned violent. According to health authorities, at least 66 people were also injured. Two people were in a critical condition and two others were seriously injured, said the Hospital Authority. According to local media, at least 180 people were arrested.
  
  Secondary schools in Hong Kong were planning a mass class boycott today in response to the point-blank shooting of an 18-year-old man that was captured in dramatic video footage.
  
  
• North Korea launches at least one more projectile after announcing US talks
  North Korea fired at least one more projectile launch, the South Korean military a day after Pyongyang's announcement of the resumption of nuclear talks with the U.S.
  
  South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired an unidentified projectile this morning from around Wonsan, in southeast Kangwon province, towards the sea to the east.
  
  Japan’s Coast Guard said North Korea had launched what appeared to be a missile. However, Japan’s chief government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, said it appeared two missiles were launched within minutes of each other and that the second of them fell in waters within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
  
  It came just a day after Pyongyang announced it had agreed with the US to hold working-level talks on Saturday, a development that could potentially break months of stalemate.
  
  Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe strongly condemned North Korea’s latest launch of ballistic missiles and said it was a violation of United Nations resolutions.
  
  Pyongyang had launched two ballistic missiles earlier in the day.
  
  
• China celebrates 70 years of communism with massive military parade
  China is celebrating its 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with a massive military parade, showcasing its most advanced weapons.
  
  It is China’s most important and high-profile event of the year.
  
  The official ceremonies began on 30 September, 2019 with Chinese President Xi Jinping paying his respects to the founder of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Mao Zedong's embalmed body in Beijing.
  
  President Xi, accompanied by six other members of the CPC's Standing Committee, visited Mao's Mausoleum.
  
  over the past 70 years, the Chinese people under the leadership of the ruling CPC had successfully blazed a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advanced socialism with Chinese characteristics into a new era.
  
  Hailing the remarkable achievements made by the Chinese people, Xi said Chinese nation has been able to reduce the absolute poverty to a great extent.
  
  The main event of the celebrations of the day was the largest parade held by the Chinese military involving 15,000 troops and a display of the nation's latest nuclear and hypersonic missiles, besides stealth aircraft and a host of other weaponry to showcase its military might.
  
  On 1st October 1949, Mao Zedong - or Chairman Mao - announced the formation of the PRC, after communist forces won a bloody civil war.
  
  The celebrations came at a time when the country is facing serious political and economic challenges. The parade is being held in the shadow of unending protests in Hong Kong where thousands of people have taken to the streets in protest against what they say is increasing control by Beijing over the territory's society and politics.
  
  While China is grappling with its economic slowdown, it is also waging a grim trade war with the US. US President Donald Trump started the trade war in June last year, demanding China to reduce massive trade deficit which last year climbed to over 539 billion US Dollars. Both the countries have slapped additional tariffs on each other's export goods.
  
  
• North Korea says nuclear talks with U.S. will resume on October 5
  North Korea and the U.S. have agreed to resume nuclear negotiations on October 5 following a months-long stalemate over withdrawal of sanctions in exchange for disarmament, a senior North Korean diplomat said on 01 October, 2019.
  
  Choe Son Hui, North Korea’s first vice minister of foreign affairs, said the two nations will have preliminary contact on October 4 before holding working-level talks on October 5.
  
  Ms. Choe expressed optimism over the outcome of the meeting but did not say where it would take place.
  
  
• US widens trade war with tariffs on Airbus planes, French cheese, Scotch whisky
  The United States has said it would enact 10% tariffs on European-made Airbus planes and 25% duties on French wine, Scotch ,Irish whiskies and cheese from across the continent as punishment for illegal EU aircraft subsidies.
  
  The announcement came after the World Trade Organization gave Washington a green light to impose tariffs on 7.5 billion dollars worth of EU goods annually in the long-running case, a move that could ignite a tit-for-tat transatlantic trade war.
  
  After 15 years of litigation, the WTO has confirmed that the United States is entitled to impose countermeasures in response to the EU’s illegal subsidies. US expect to enter into negotiations with the European Union aimed at resolving this issue in a way that will benefit American workers, Lighthizer added.
  
  The US target list for EU tariffs, set to take effect on Oct. 18, includes large Airbus planes made in France, Britain, Germany and Spain for 10% tariffs.
  
  
• Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina leaves Dhaka for 4-day India Visit
  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh left Dhaka on a four day visit to India. On her arrival she will be attending the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum in Delhi.
  
  This is the first visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after assuming office for the third consecutive term and the second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  
  During the visit Sheikh Hasina will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 5. She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind on the same day.
  
  External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Congress President Sonia Gandhi will call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate 3 bilateral projects via video link.
  
  Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen said that the two countries are likely to sign 10-12 MoUs and agreements during the visit. The two leaders will discuss issues including water sharing of Teesta and Rohingya repatriation.
  
  The two countries will also discuss ways to enhance connectivity between Bangladesh and India through river and sea routes.
  
  Both the Prime Ministers are also likely to discuss the joint celebration of birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, 50- years of Bangladesh independence and diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India.
  
  
• Ireland voices doubts about Britain's new plans to leave EU
  Ireland voiced doubts about Britain's new plans to leave the European Union by the end of the month, indicating that the border with Northern Ireland remained an issue.
  
  Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had spoken to his British counterpart Boris Johnson on phone. He added that London's proposals do not fully meet the agreed objectives for keeping the border invisible and free-flowing.
  
  Earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had reiterated that the UK will leave the EU on 31st October, come what may. He was addressing his ruling Conservative party conference in Manchester.
  
  
• US widens trade war with tariffs on Airbus planes, French cheese, Scotch whisky
  It would enact 10% tariffs on European-made Airbus planes and 25% duties on French wine, Scotch ,Irish whiskies and cheese from across the continent as punishment for illegal EU aircraft subsidies.
  
  The announcement came after the World Trade Organization gave Washington a green light to impose tariffs on 7.5 billion dollars worth of EU goods annually in the long-running case, a move that could ignite a tit-for-tat transatlantic trade war.
  
  U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement that finally, after 15 years of litigation, the WTO has confirmed that the United States is entitled to impose countermeasures in response to the EU’s illegal subsidies. US expect to enter into negotiations with the European Union aimed at resolving this issue in a way that will benefit American workers, Lighthizer added.
  
  The US target list for EU tariffs, set to take effect on Oct. 18, includes large Airbus planes made in France, Britain, Germany and Spain for 10% tariffs.
  
  
• Sri Lanka: Judgement likely on petition challenging citizenship of Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapksa
  In Sri Lanka, a three-judge bench of the court of appeal is likely to pronounce its judgement on 03 October, 2019 on the petition challenging citizenship of Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapksa.
  
  The court has held the hearings where deputy solicitor general Nerin Pulle informed the court that the Department of Immigration and Emigration does not have the applications and documents pertaining to the passport of Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
  
  The petitioners alleged that the citizenship certificate issued to Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa is not a valid document before the law.
  
  They added that only the subject minister is vested with the power to issue dual citizenship but Gotabaya’s certificate has been issued by his brother and then President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which is an illegal act.
  
  Deputy solicitor general stated that executive powers are vested with the President even if a cabinet has not been appointed.
  
  Meanwhile, the Permanent High Court granted permission to Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to travel overseas for a medical checkup from 9th to 12th October, 2019.
  
  The former defence Secretary is an accused for allegedly misappropriating state funds during the construction of the D.A. Rajapaksa museum.
  
  Mr. Rajapksa has requested the court to release his client’s passport as he is due to travel overseas for a medical examination and for handing over nominations for the upcoming presidential election on November 16.
  
  
• Iraqi protesters defy curfew as violence leaves 31 dead
  In Iraq, anti-government demonstrators defied an around-the-clock curfew in Baghdad and other cities on 03 October, 2019 as security forces used live ammunition and tear gas during a third day of unrest that has left 31 people dead.
  
  Authorities cut internet access in much of Iraq since last night in a desperate move to curb the rallies. The curfew was extended to three other southern provinces.
  
  The spontaneous rallies have been spurred mostly by youths wanting jobs, improved services such as electricity and water, and an end to endemic corruption in the oil-rich country.
  
  The unrest is a serious challenge for Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi's year-old government, which also has been caught in the middle of increasing US-Iran tensions in the region.
  
  
• US Diplomats pushed Ukraine to investigate, dangled Trump visit
  Top U.S. diplomats encouraged Ukraine newly-elected president to conduct an investigation linked to Joe Biden family in return for a potentially high-profile visit to Washington with President Donald Trump.
  
  That according to a cache of emails released late Thursday (03 October, 2019) by House investigators following a 10-hour interview with one of the diplomats, Kurt Volker, who stepped down as former special envoy to Ukraine amid the Democratsimpeachment inquiry.
  
  The pages of text messages convey a distinct campaign among the diplomats, who apparently against some of their stated better judgment appear to be trying to help Ukraine reset its relationship with Mr. Trump by pushing his interest in investigating his Democratic rival.
  
  Mr. Volker, in a text message on the morning of a planned July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, wrote- eard from White House Assuming President Z convinces trump he will investigate / “get to the bottom of what happened” in 2016, we will nail down date for visit to Washington.
  
  An adviser to the Ukrainian president appears to go along with the proposal, which entails investigating Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company. Joe Biden son Hunter served on the board of the company at the same time his father was leading the Obama administration diplomatic dealings with Kyiv.
  
  
• Hong Kong Clashes; Rrail services suspended
  All train services in Hong Kong including the line to the airport were suspended today (05 October, 2019) after violent clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters saw subway stations vandalised.
  
  All MTR services covering the Heavy Rail including Airport Express, Light Rail and MTR bus cannot be resumed.
  
  After the outbreak of violence at multiple districts, the maintenance staff has to make sure of their own safety before they could travel to the damaged stations to inspect and assess the extent of damages at stations, and to carry out repair works.
  
  
• Sri Lankan court dismisses petitions against citizenship of Presidential candidate
  In Sri Lanka, the court of appeal has unanimously dismissed the petitions challenging the citizenship of Presidential candidate and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
  
  The decision was delivered this evening after a three-day continuous hearing on the case, heating up the political atmosphere as Gotabaya, brother of former President Mahinda Rajapksa is the main opposition candidate for Presidential elections scheduled for 16th November, 2019.
  
  The petitioners had alleged that the citizenship certificate issued to Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa is not a valid document before the law and thus he is not eligible to contest the elections.
  
  Earlier, Mahinda’s elder brother Chamal Rajapksa had submitted security deposit this afternoon as an independent candidate for the elections, to cope up with an adverse judgement.
  
  Mr Gotabaya renounced a dual US citizenship this year to contest for the Presidential polls.
  
  In another decision, country’s Supreme Court today dismissed a petition challenging the holding of Presidential elections on the ground that the current President has a six-year term.
  
  
• Iraq anti-government protests
  In Iraq, Police have opened fire at a group of protesters in the capital Baghdad on the fourth day of anti-government protests.
  
  The death toll surged to 44 today, most of them killed in the last 24 hours.
  
  Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said, the government accepted the rightful demands of protesters.
  
  In a televised address, the Prime Minister said, he would respond to their concerns, but there was no magic solution to Iraq's problems.
  
  A curfew has been imposed in Baghdad and several other cities in the country's southern provinces.
  
  Nationwide protests broke out across the country, as thousands of mostly young men demonstrated against corruption and calling for an end to endemic corruption.
  
  
• Impeachment probe reaches into White House with new subpoena
  For the first time, the impeachment inquiry reached directly into the White House on 04 October, 2019 as Democrats subpoenaed officials about contacts with Ukraine and President Donald Trump signaled his administration would not cooperate.
  
  The demand for documents capped a tumultuous week that widened the constitutional battle between the executive branch and Congress and sharpened the political standoff with more witnesses, testimony and documents to come.
  
  Mr. Trump would formally object to Congress about the House impeachment inquiry, even as he acknowledged that Democrats “have the votes” to proceed. They’ll be sorry in the end, he predicted.

Published date : 09 Oct 2019 04:06PM