Beijing wants no surprises in replacement for controversial Carrie Lam. The city's leader is to be chosen by a restricted election committee loyal to the central government. The reopening of the border with mainland China, closed due to Covid-19, is among Lee's priorities. The city leader in pectore invites the democratic camp to submitt suggestions "in writing".
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.
On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.
The meeting with the president of the German Bishops Conference, in all likelihood touched upon the assembly with "deliberative power" convoked by the Germans to address issues such as the separation of power in the Church, priestly life, women's access to ministry and to offices in the Church and sexual morality.
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.
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.
