Relations between Moscow’s eastern neighbours remain largely in limbo, as they seek to reduce their dependence without severing ties with Russia for good. Meanwhile, in Bishkek, Xi Jinping has, yet again, rejected Putin’s call to unblock the ‘Power of Siberia 2’ gas pipeline project.
The president's party at 54%. For the other forces only crumbs. The results of the uninominal constituencies are awaited. The government formation is the only structured one in the country. The low turnout is not a good sign for the 'new Kazakhstan' dreamt of by the head of state.
Russia’s leader highlights the building of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline by 2030, but China keeps it out of the final declaration. While willing to buy more Russian gas at discounted prices, Beijing also wants to keep its traditional suppliers. The Chinese are already in talks with the Turkmens for another pipeline.
The 'president's gift' is part of presidential propaganda. The latest initiative that reintroduces it is the granting of 30 new buses to some cities. There is no control over the destination of these funds. In 2023 they will reach the sum of EUR 43 million.
Popular referendum proposed on the issue. President Sadyr Žaparov's approval needed. Humanitarian activist opposed: no to punishment contrary to international conventions. Violence against minors on the rise in the country. Parents often go abroad for work and children are left without family protection.
A recent discovery reportedly proves thesis of neutrality. Turkmen scholar: the Parthian Empire was the first state in world history with a legally fixed neutral status. The Berdymukhamedov family also based its power on respect for traditional cultures.
Russia and the United States are the main movers. Real parliamentary opposition is unlikely to emerge. Moscow claims rights over Russian-speaking regions in northern Kazakhstan. Ethnic hostility actually favours the stability of Tokaev's power.
Today's news: Hong Kong jails three activists who organised Tiananmen vigils while releasing Elizabeth Tang on bail; Thai authorities issue a pollution alert; Japan remembers the victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on the 12th anniversary of the accident; Indian police arrest three people in connection with the death of a Muslim man, lynched for allegedly transporting beef.
Today's headlines: 23-year-old Palestinian man injures three people in Tel Aviv, killed by police; The Taliban governor of Afghanistan's Balkh province dies in an Isis attack; Cambodian authorities arrest and reduce to a lay state a monk over suspected links to the opposition; South Korean president expected in Tokyo, first visit by a Seoul head of state in 12 years.
The most prominent, former MP Asya Sasykbaeva, remains in prison despite health problems. House arrest denied to other prisoners like her. President Žaparov targeted those who opposed his border agreement with Uzbekistan.
Today's headlines: emergency landing in Nepal for a Shree Airlines plane; for Women's Day, the Pyongyang regime calls for more children for the army; three more Palestinian victims today in the West Bank from an Israeli raid. More than 14,000 Protestant Christians attend Spring Love Festival in Vietnam; more and more Japanese companies leave Russia.
Today's headlines: the Burmese junta implodes schools, 300,000 teachers missing; Six Palestinian victims in an Israeli raid in Jenin, rockets fired from the Strip today; Millions of Indians celebrate Holi, festival of colours; Young Thai man sentenced to two years in prison for lese majesty; earthquake damage exceeds 100 billion in Turkey alone.
Today's headlines: for the UN, the Taliban's treatment of Afghan women is tantamount to 'crimes against humanity'; the Philippine Catholic Educators Association condemns the practice of 'hazing' after a suspicious death at a university. Tehran confirms its hard line on transgressions of the Islamic 'dress code'; in 2022, new births in Japan fell below 800,000 for the first time.
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