MORNING NEWS BRIEF [August 11, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. UNSMIL expressed their concerns over the abduction and disappearance of a senior Libyan government official amid the transition for unification and conciliation process. Source: Anadolu Agency
2. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russia and China have begun a large-scale joint military exercise in an effort to deepen cooperation amid regional security concerns. Source: The Moscow Times
3. North Korea did not answer routine calls on inter-Korean hotlines after a Pyongyang senior official warned about Seoul and Washington’s annual joint military drills. Source: Reuters

WORLD

1. The U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan warned that a military takeover of Kabul would not be internationally recognised as Taliban’s forces claimed 65% of Afghan territory. Source: France24
2. Ethiopian PM urged residents to join the military forces in the fight against resurgent Tigrayan troops as rebel fighters have advanced in the northern regions. Source: Reuters
3. Saudi cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding with Germany to cooperate in the field of hydrogen to expand the market and potential growth. Source: Reuters

REGIONS

1. China firmly urged the EU to respect the spirit and the rule of law and China’s judicial sovereignty after the EU expressed concerns over the death penalty of a drug smuggler. Source: CGTN
2. The UN special envoy for Myanmar warned that the military junta leader appeared ready to consolidate his power as the NLD could soon be abolished. Source: The Straits Times
3. Thai Prime Minister revoked his order to ban the dissemination of information which he imposed on July 29, as a civil court ordered to temporarily restrain the enforcement. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. The MPTC revealed that Cambodia will host the 27th ASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting this year, and coordinate with India, Australia, World Bank, ADB and AIIB. Source: AKP
2. The Cambodian government confirmed the doubling of expenditure budget for COVID-19 pandemic intervention, especially vaccination campaigns and treatment services. Source: Khmer Times
3. The Ministry of Interior’s working group held a meeting to discuss a draft master plan on ICT, aiming to modernize the public services in accordance with e-government master plan. Source: The Phnom Penh Post