MORNING NEWS BRIEF [ August 16, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The UN Secretary General urged the Taliban and all other parties to exercise extreme restraints to safeguard lives, expressing a concern for women’s future in Afghanistan. Source: CNA
2. Canada will hold a snap election for the 44th federal election on September 20, from the initial schedule in October 2023, after Trudeau announced the dissolution of the Parliament. Source: China.org.cn
3. Taliban claimed victorious power in Afghanistan after taking control over the presidential palace in Kabul, as president and foreign diplomats fled the country. Source: The Straits Times

WORLD

1. French President will not attend a UN Durban conference on racism this year, citing the concerned by a history of anti-Semitic statements made within the conference. Source: France24
2. The British parliament will be recalled to discuss the situation in Afghanistan where the Taliban seized control to form a new government after 20 years of war. Source: Sputnik
3. Haitain government sought for assistance from the U.S. first responders as the country suffered from the tropical storm causing heavy rain, further complicating the relief efforts. Source: The Washington Post

REGIONS

1. Malaysia’s Prime Minister will hold his crucial audience with the King where he is expected to offer his resignation after failing to regain the majority in the Parliament. Source: The Straits Times
2. Thousands of people have begun their mobile rallies to protest across Thailand to demand for the resignation of PM Prayuth Chan-ocha due to his mishandling of the pandemic. Source: SCMP
3. Japan’s economy is back on the growth path but the prospect of robust recovery deems uncertain as the country is crippled with the worst coronavirus outbreak since it began. Source: The New York Times

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia and Japan convened a meeting to discuss ways of promoting agri-tourism projects by boosting agri-tourism products and green belt development in the Kingdom. Source: Khmer Times
2. The MAFF and its development partners are accelerating the drafting of the 2030 National Roadmap to promote the sectors toward the Kingdom’s sustainable development. Source: AKP
3. The ECCC will commence a four-day appeal hearing on Mr. Khieu Samphan’s case this month as the SCC is expected to announce its final decision in the fourth quarter of 2022. Source: The Phnom Penh Post