MORNING NEWS BRIEF [May 12, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov denounced the accusation that Russia was involved in the ransomware attack on a major U.S. pipeline, saying such accusation is unacceptable. Source: China.org.cn
2. Ukraine said that Russia’s military hardware and soldiers have not been fully removed, stating that about 100,000 Russian troops remain near its eastern border and in Crimea. Source: Al Jazeera
3. The UN envoy called on Iraqi government to uphold integrity in holding the national election, stating that the world will be the observers to ensure transparency. Source: ABC News

WORLD

1. The U.S. urged both Israel and Palestine to take steps to de-escalate tension and strongly condemned rocket fire by Hamas, claiming that it needs to stop immediately. Source: RFI
2. Kenya banned commercial flights from Somalia for three months despite the restoration of diplomatic ties, except for medevac and the UN’s missions flights. Source: Al Jazeera
3. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the state of emergency in the Jewish-Arab city of Lod due to the increasing tension and mass riot between Israel and Hamas. Source: The Times of Israel

REGIONS

1. The EU is seeking to re-engage in free trade talks with Malaysia as industry groups are committed to support the resumption of the negotiations that broke down in 2012. Source: Deutsche Welle
2. The Prime Minister of India will not attend the G7 summit in the UK physically to avoid exposure of the transmission due to the COVID-19 cases surges in the country. Source: CNA
3. China seeks to expand natural gas cooperation and create a strategic industry chain with Turkmenistan after Beijing severed the energy support from Canberra. Source: SCMP

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia will purchase another five million doses of Chinese Sinovac vaccine as the Kingdom plans to acquire 26 million doses to inoculate 13 million people across the country. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. MFAIC commenced a virtual meeting with the national commission to discuss preparation of ASEAN Summit and other related meetings which will be hosted by Cambodia in 2022. Source: AKP
3. MPWT and China Great Wall Industry signed an MoU on Beidou GPS to promote remote sensing and road map satellite systems in Cambodia. Source: Khmer Times