Just as in the ‘glorious’ days of Covid, a document on exit visas has suddenly appeared in Russia in recent days – likely inspired by the FSB – imposing new rules on travel to ‘hostile countries’. Travellers will only be permitted to go in tourist groups of at least 10 people, accompanied by an approved itinerary
Francis' urbi et orbi message "in this Easter of war". An appeal for tormented Ukraine: "Stop flexing muscles while people are suffering ". A look at the world's other wounds, from Jerusalem to forgotten Yemen. Reconciliation for Myanmar plagued by hatred and violence and for Afghanistan in the throes of a humanitarian crisis.
Today's headlines: in Hong Kong, a pastor arrested for sedition; a Cambodian Catholic institute awarded environmental prize; Burmese junta arrests a hundred people in response to protests; Ukrainian prisoners and "deserter" soldiers locked up in Russian camps; Armenian minister in Moscow to conclude an agreement on the purchase of fuel in rubles.
From Mukachevo, Sister Ligy Payyappilly writes: in Ukraine, there are “many mothers who mourn their children just as Mary suffered before the Cross for her beloved Son.” For her, “the more this war goes on, the more innocent people will die”. Yet, “We believe and know that God is with us. Easter will come for us too.” So, “please continue to pray” for peace.
The flight of Ukraine war opponents is harming the pro-democracy camp at home. In the past 10 years, only one person, Alexei Navalny, has been able to reach out successfully to ordinary Russians. Presidential powers could be curbed if regional and local governments are no longer under presidential control.
Today's news: In China, online searches for ways to emigrate and escape the government’s zero-COVID policy hit a record; in Myanmar, the Church is negotiating with the military for the release of a priest and 13 worshippers; in Hong Kong, a law forces pet owners to hand over their animals if they are “suspected” of having COVID-19; the UN allocates funds for Yemen where there is some “light at the end of the tunnel”; more than 700,000 Ukrainians have been deported to Russia.
Yoon visited North Gyeongsang Province this week to mend fences with local conservatives. The Park administration ended in 2016-17 amid a corruption scandal. The former president was released from prison in December. Elections for the mayor of Daegu are set for June.
Today's headlines: Three Palestinians killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank; "outlawed" Hong Kong pro-rights statues on display in Taiwan; the World Bank cuts growth forecasts for India (and South Asia); Damascus among possible venues for the meeting between Francis and Kirill, the Moscow Patriarchate praises the Pope for his "balanced position" on the conflict; in Turkmenistan police raids on beauty centres.
In March trade grew by 12.8 per cent, down from 25.7 per cent in February. Beijing is careful not to violate the punitive measures adopted by the West against Moscow. The Chinese are avoiding new oil contracts with the Russians. Xi Jinping's goal is to find a balance between the US and the EU on the one hand and the Kremlin on the other.
On the eve of the Easter Triduum in his general audience, Francis warns against the temptation of "a false peace, based on power," while "the peace of Jesus does not overpower others, it is never an armed peace." And to participants in an interfaith pilgrimage in Ukraine, he writes: "War is a shameful surrender, a defeat in the face of the forces of evil."
After Dagestan, Tatarstan has the highest number of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The Tatar authorities support Putin. Tatars in exile want to bring the Russian president to an international court. They do not want to submit to the "great-Russian" ideology.
Today's headlines: Victims from storm Megi in the Philippines rise to 58; Sri Lanka's Central Bank says its impossible to repay debt; the Taiwan army publishes a survival manual in case of war (with China); Tehran sends two human rights activists back to prison; more and more young Russians seek legal ways to avoid war in Ukraine; the president of Azerbaijan discusses peace plans with Armenia with Putin.
Today's headlines: Pope Francis spoke by video-conference with the president of Kazakhstan, hypothesis of a trip to the country; in Herat Afghans protest against Iranian guards use of violence on refugees; Over 200 priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church want to expel Patriarch Kirill; in Hong Kong the journalist and producer Allan Au arrested; a hundred private planes belonging to Russian oligarchs blocked at Dubai airport.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
