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North Korea sanctions threaten humanitarian aid group
Aid agencies helping millions of people in North Korea could be forced to pull out after a Chinese bank cut ties with main foreign exchange bank, a humanitarian group said on May 22. The freeze – imposed amid growing concern over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions – has made it impossible…
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South Asia
Afghan President meets Indian counterpart to seek military aid
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, right, listens to Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a meeting at the Indian Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Karzai is meeting with Indian leaders and is expected to seek increased military aid from India. India has invested more than $2 billion…
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West Asia
US Secretary of State Kerry meets Omani Sultan to discuss Syria plan
Secretary of State John Kerry headed back to the Middle East on Monday to press his case for peace talks between Syrian rebels and President Bashar Assad’s regime amid increasing signs the new U.S. strategy to halt the war is being undermined by Russia. Kerry will first have discussions with…
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West Asia
8 candidates determined for June 14 Iranian presidential election
Iran’s election overseers removed potential wild-card candidates from the presidential race Tuesday, blocking a top aide of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a former president who revived hopes of reformers. Their exclusion from the June 14 presidential ballot gives establishment-friendly candidates a clear path to succeed Ahmadinejad, who has lost…
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Politics
Asia-Pacific leaders warn of water conflict threat
Fierce competition for water could trigger conflict unless nations cooperate to share the diminishing resource, leaders from Asia-Pacific nations warned on May 20 at a regional water security forum. From Central to Southeast Asia, regional efforts to secure water have sparked tensions between neighbors reliant on rivers to sustain booming…
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South East Asia
Cambodia’s opposition demands reforms ahead of July election
Kem Sokha (1st L Front), vice-president of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the kingdom’s main opposition party, attends a protest rally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 20, 2013. CNRP held a peaceful protest on Monday to demand election reforms ahead of a general election in July. <Xinhua/Li Hong> Cambodia’s main…
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South East Asia
President Obama vows US support as Myanmar’s President Sein visits
President Barack Obama told Myanmar’s president during a long-awaited White House visit that he appreciates the leader’s efforts to lead the Asian country on its long, and sometimes difficult, path to democracy and assured him of U.S. support. Former general Thein Sein was the first president of Myanmar to visit…
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East Asia
China and India to make new engine of world economy
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visits India and meets with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh China and India are both willing and able to foster new highlights in cooperation among Asian countries and make new engine of the world economy, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday. “The two countries…
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[Asia Round-up] Slap in the face for women
Editor’s note: Followings are summaries of editorials from major Asian media on current issues. Slap in the face for women [India, Hindustan Times, 15-05-2013] After the huge demonstrations following the December 16 Delhi gang rape incident, many hoped that the police’s attitude toward crimes against women and women’s rights might change.…
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East Asia
S. Korean Minister Cho addresses East Asia Gender Equality Meeting
Cho Yoon-sun, S. Korea’s Minister of Gender Equality and Family delivers a keynote speech at the 5th East Asia Gender Equality Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2013. <Photo/ Minister of Gender Equality and Family> Delegates attend the 5th East Asia Gender Equality Ministerial Meeting in…
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