MORNING NEWS BRIEF [December 15, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The U.S. envoy to the UN stated that Washington is ready to nullify sanctions against Iran that are not related to the JCPOA as an effort to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Source: TRT World
2. Britain denounced attempts by China and Russia to establish national sovereignty over communications, adding that it could fuel great power competition. Source: The National
3. Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the U.S. drone attacks that left 10 casualties, including children, in Kabul is a form of atrocity and the U.S. shall be accountable. Source: RT

WORLD

1. Putin held a phone conversation with Finnish President and said Russia wanted to immediately launch negotiations with the U.S. and NATO over rising tensions in Ukraine. Source: CGTN
2. Cuban and French’s Trade Ministers signed six cooperation agreements to bolster bilateral partnership while setting aside economic impacts from the U.S. sanctions on Cuba. Source: teleSUR
3. Some U.S. lawmakers urged for pre-emptive sanctions against Russia and increased arms deployment to Ukraine, saying that previous actions may appear weak. Source: Digital Journal

REGIONS

1. Japan pledged its largest contribution of USD 3.4 billion to the International Development Association of the World Bank to help the recovery of low-income countries. Source: The Straits Times
2. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew from the 2022 Senate race to have a better focus on the government’s pandemic response and ensure peaceful elections. Source: Al Jazeera
3. The Singapore-Malaysia VTL via Causeway will be available for citizens of the two countries starting from December 20 and will be expanded to more groups of people. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn attended the video conference with ASEAN and G7 ministers, touching on the priorities for next year, including the Myanmar crisis. Source: Fresh News
2. The Phnom Penh Municipal court will resume the trial of the former CNRP President Kem Sokha on January 19, 2022 after it has been delayed for two years due to COVID-19. Source: Khmer Times
3. The Royal Government of Cambodia had spent more than USD 2.3 billion over two years to ease economic destruction from COVID-19 crisis. Source: Khmer Times