MORNING NEWS BRIEF [August 20, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Taliban Spokesperson stated that China plays a constructive role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and significantly contributes to rebuilding peace in the country. Source: Metro US
2. G7 seeks to secure cooperation to evacuate and resettle refugees as the chaos continues at Kabul airport following the hasty pullout of the American troops and Taliban’s takeover. Source: CGTN
3. Qatar and the UN agreed to return some subsidies to the Gaza Strip by providing $100 salary for 100,000 impoverished families, which is a significant progress for a ceasefire. Source: Times of Israel

WORLD

1. France, Germany, and Britain expressed their  grave concern about the report that Iran had accelerated its enrichment of uranium, stating that the move is violating its commitment. Source: The Globe and Mail
2. Lithuania has accused Belarusian officers of illegally pushing migrants into its territory as more than 4,100 migrants have  illegally entered Lithuania from neighbouring Belarus. Source: BBC
3. Guatemalan indegenous authorities and advocate groups resumed demonstrations to demand for the resignation of the President and the Attorney Gen. of the Public Ministry. Source: teleSUR

REGIONS

1. A U.S. senior official said that U.S. policy on Taiwan remained unchanged after President Joe Biden was asked about the effects of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Source: Reuters
2. Malaysia’s Former Deputy Premier moved a step closer toward becoming the country’s next Prime Minister after receiving the majority support in the parliament. Source: The Straits Times
3. Singapore will launch its first vaccination travel routes with Germany and Brunei that exempt fully vaccinated travellers to enter Singapore without a stay-home notice. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. The CMAA and ARMAC signed an agreement on the Victim Assistance Project with USD 2 million from South Korea to enhance roles and responsibilities related to mine actions. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. The Environment Minister held talks with the South Korean ambassador as the Kingdom supported South Korea’s candidacy to host the COP 28 in 2023. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
3. Cambodian government decided to end the nationwide campaign to strengthen measures for combating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 after 21 days of implementation. Source: Khmer Times