Paolo Fossati

On 24 March, parliamentary elections will mark Thailand’s return to a democratic regime, after years of military rule. Irregularities were recorded in advance polling in the provinces of Samut Songkhram, Kalasin and Uthai Thani. The large number of parties might confuse voters. For expert, "The most interesting news is the Phak Anakhot Mai (New Future Party), which brings together young vibrant and prepared people who do not let themselves be influenced by the country’s deep-rooted religious tradition.”

About 62.4 per cent of South Koreans support restarting the Kaesong industrial park and Mount Kumgang resort. But about 45% of 20-year-olds say the reunification process is not necessary. To overcome the deadlock between Washington and Pyongyang, 63.9 per cent of South Koreans approve of President Moon Jae-in’s mediation.

They will take place this week and are the result of a series of informal meetings. The government asked each of the eight organizations to form a delegation. Groups opposed to the ceasefire also participate. Aung San Suu Kyi intends to end decades of conflicts that have hampered the transition to a democratic federal union.

As the country reels in shock, people gather at makeshift memorials outside the Al Noor mosque and the botanical garden. The stories of some victims take centre-stage in the international media. Western leaders express solidarity, whilst some Muslim countries slam Islamophobia. The Islamic State promises revenge.

The attacks reflect a malaise, reinforced by extreme right-wing and hate-filled intellectuals. The murderer was obsessed with the end of Europe and the idea of "a great replacement" of its peoples. Islamic terrorism is a direct cause of the emergence of nationalism and Islamophobia.

Pope Francis expresses his closeness to the victims relatives. Indonesian Catholics condemnation joined by Synod of Protestant Churches (PGI), the Archdiocese of Singapore, the Indian Bishops Conference and the Union of Indian Christians (Protestants and laity). Archdiocese of Singapore: "We must teach young people tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation of other faiths in every way".

“We are keeping an eye on them,” said Malaysia’s counter-terrorism chief. An estimated 102 Malaysians joined the Islamic State group. Some 51 are still in Syria, 40 have died, nine as suicide bombers. Fighters are now turning their attention to the Philippines.

If approved, the law would offer 3.2 million yen and an official apology to each victim. About 25,000 people were subjected to eugenics procedures between 1948 and 1996. Plaintiffs complain that the bill does not indicate who is apologising and the compensation is inadequate.

The archbishop: "Almsgiving helps us to recognize the Lord Jesus in the poor and needy. It is a path that can lead to true conversion ". In Lent, a second collection is scheduled for Sunday Masses: the collected offerings will be used as emergency funds for disasters.

Sister Piermaria Kondo Rumiko was born into a Shinto family. During her childhood, her religious experience was influenced by her grandmother. She became a Christian at 24, after a period of personal difficulties and illness. For her, "Faith is a grace” and her vocation has made her happy.

All nine pastoral sectors of the capital met for catechumens’ decisive call and presentation, including members of the communities in Bati and Tropeang Kragnoun, who recently welcomed their first baptised. Mgr Schmitthaeusler told them “not be afraid to bear witness!"

According to investigators, a truck dumped toxic waste into the Kim Sungai River. 166 people hospitalized, nine are in intensive care. It is not clear what type of poisonous gas is responsible for the intoxication.