Maddalena Tomassini

The Holy See representative is visiting for six days. Prayer and the determination of Korean people will bring "many good things" despite difficulties. To the North Koreans, Msgr. Gallagher says, "Let's move on". The contacts between the two Koreas are multiplied.

The Archbishop of Tokyo comments on the scourge of violence against children. Lack of support among family members. Young people grow up in isolation and cannot ask for help. The government should favour parental leave, not encourage parents to leave their children in institutions. The lack of community solidarity, young parents increasingly alone and isolated. Need to educate people about the value of life, fundamental mission for the Japanese Catholic Church.

Concern for the health of Liu Xiaobo's wife. "If Liu is free as the authorities state, she should be allowed to exercise her right to freedom of expression and movement in peace".

Souad Abderrahim won over 26 municipal councillors against 22 for her rival. She had come in first in May’s municipal election with 33.8 per cent of the vote. The mayor of the capital also gets the title of Sheikh. A political activist since the 1980s, she is the symbol of the opening up of Islamist Ennhada party.

On July 2, an NGO presented a petition with more than 100,000 signatures to demand the government fight the increase in cases. The problem of violence exploded after the death of a five-year-old girl. In the fiscal year 2016 more than 100 thousand cases were reported: one hundredfold compared to 1990. Single-parent families, the poorest in all OECD countries, are increasing. Children's centers are under-staffed.

Legislative references to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers, present for almost a century in Turkish jurisprudence, are replaced. Turkey towards "exclusive presidentialism". Erdogan will swear oath in coming days.

The controversy exploded after the arrival of 500 Yemeni refugees. Rallies for and against migrants were held in Seoul. The government has kept asylum seekers on Jeju island.

The Haredim threaten to abandon the coalition government if draft law is approved. The latter includes an ultraorthodox quota set to rise every year for ten years. If not respected, the school budget would be cut.

The commemoration took place on July 1 south of Cairo. Institutional and diplomatic figures present. The Coptic Pope praises the beauty of Egyptian people and monuments.

The latest sign of détente with Seoul is part of the ongoing talks. Pyongyang is also looking to Beijing and Washington. However, experts and US intelligence sources are sceptical about North Korea’s sincerity.

There are 12 sites recognized on June 30th, linked to the history of Christian persecutions of the Edo period (1603-1867). Card. Maeda: "The history of hidden Christians is forgiveness and mutual respect". Archbishop of Nagasaki: "Japanese Christianity recognized in its history".

The attack on a group heading to meet the Afghan president visiting the province. Among the victims also the only Sikh candidate for the elections. It is the second attack claimed by the Islamic State in 24 hours.