MORNING NEWS BRIEF [August 17, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The UN Security Council called for talks to create a new government in Afghanistan and an end to fighting and abuse after the Taliban seized Kabul. Source: Al Jazeera
2. Biden stood by his decision to pull out forces from Afghanistan as he acknowledged the current escalation and accepted the responsibility of the deteriorating situation. Source: The Hill
3. The UK will launch a new resettlement scheme extended to Afghans who are vulnerable, especially women and girls after the Taliban seized control across the country. Source: Reuters

WORLD

1. The IAEA reported that Iran is continuing its progress on enriching uranium metal despite the Western warning, adding that the move could threaten talks to revive the nuclear deal. Source: Reuters
2. Polish President signed a controversial bill passed by the parliament that would restrict the process for Holocaust survivors and their families to own restitution property. Source: Sputnik
3. Russia announced their decision to lift travel restrictions on regular and non-regular air travel from the Dominican Republic, Czech Republic and South Korea from Aug 27. Source: TASS

REGIONS

1. Chinese FM told Blinken that the hasty move of the U.S. troops pullout from Afghanistan will leave negative impacts while pledging to work with Washington to promote stability. Source: The Straits Times
2. The former PM of Malaysia appointed a caretaker Prime Minister until the new PM is appointed, after his resignation has been accepted by the King. Source: CNA
3. Japan is developing a maritime surveillance system using AI and satellite technologies to identify and track foreign ships suspiciously entering their territorial waters. Source: SCMP

CAMBODIA

1. JETRO reported that the Cambodia-Japan bilateral trade reached more than USD 1.1 billion in the first semester of this year, a year-on-year increase of 9.57 percent. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. The MoH announced the mandatory mask wearing and safety distancing in fifteen more provinces in a bid to contain the pandemic, starting from August 16 until further notice. Source: AKP
3. The MoH and JICA have officially launched the SITS project, aiming to strengthen the in-service training system for nurses in order to improve the nurses’ competency and skills. Source: AKP