MORNING NEWS BRIEF [July 02, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The Yemeni government and STC discussed the implementation of Riyadh Initiative which  obliges all parties to accept the political solutions and cease the 2019 violence. Source: Arab News
2. The U.S. stressed that the modernization of Chinese nuclear force was concerning and urged Beijing to engage with practical measures to reduce risks of arms races. Source: CNA
3. Israel struck the Islamist militant base in Gaza as the retaliation to the arson balloons fires from the Palestinian enclaves in the latest unrest since the ceasefire of May’s conflict. Source: France 24

WORLD

1. Russia expects the EU to restore the Russia-EU summit as it was traditionally held twice a year but it was suspended due to the unconstitutional coup d’etat in Ukraine. Source: TASS
2. Iran has reportedly restricted the UN inspectors to its Natanz nuclear site due to security concerns, as Iran allegedly declared an Israeli attack on the site in April. Source: The Times of Israel
3. The EU sees a new wave of infections as the Delta variant rapidly evolved in the region despite the efforts to place restrictions, after a 10-week drop of COVID-19 infected cases. Source: The Straits Times

REGIONS

1. President Xi Jinping committed to completely reunify with Taiwan and pledged to smash any attempts at formal independence as China celebrated the 100th birthday of CCP. Source: Reuters
2. The UN Secretary-General called on Myanmar’s military to release the State Councilor Suu Kyi and President Win Myint after other detainees have been released. Source: CNA
3. Malaysia announced tougher measures on movement and businesses in the capital of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state as the country showed no decline of infected cases. Source: Reuters

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia and Singapore pledged to work together in an effort to strengthen cooperation on financial development, aiming to prop up economic growth in the Kingdom. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. Australia showed their support for smart city development in Sihanoukville, citing that the project could improve sustainable and cost-effective service deliveries. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
3. The Minister of Agriculture revealed that Cambodia exported almost 4.5 million tons of agricultural products in the first half of 2021, a year-on-year increase of 84.64 percent. Source: AKP