Until last year, financial transactions were mainly facilitated by institutions in China and Singapore. Between April 2023 and March 2024, Myanmar bought US$ 253 million worth of weapons, a third less than the previous year, but much remains to be done over sanctions, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights said. Meanwhile, former President Thein Sein visits China.
Francis dedicated today's general audience to the World Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. "Let just laws be promoted to help drug addicts". Meaningful words for the continent of the Golden Triangle, but also for the Chinese companies that export the active ingredients for the production of Fentanyl and Duterte's bloody 'war on drugs'.
Thailand and Malaysia are the latest two nations to express interest in the China-sponsored global forum. According to Premier Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, the decision to join has already been made. More cautious are the Philippines and Vietnam, which fear a further strengthening of Beijing's political hegemony also in maritime disputes.
Due to shooting from Myanmar, links between the island and the mainland have been cut. According to local sources, it is not clear whether the shooting was done by the military or the Arakan Army, the local ethnic militia that seems to be on the verge of seizing Rakhine State. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has deployed its Navy to the area.
Refugees are celebrating the Feast of Sacrifice in open-air prisons. Shedding tears and praying, they call for an end to torture and a dignified return to their homeland. Some 2,200 animals were provided for the sacrifice, said Refugee Relief Commissioner Shamsud Douza. For Saiful Hossain, a resident of Camp 13, “this is not our country, and there is no joy”.
Kim Aris, 47, has accepted on his mother’s behalf the honorary citizenship awarded to her by the town of Abbiategrasso (Italy). Her family does not know where the 79-year-old is being detained nor her health conditions. According to her son, the international community did not understand Aung San Suu Kyi's actions with the Rohingya.
