FATF blacklists Myanmar for 'terrorism and crime finance’
Today's news: Sri Lanka's parliament amends the constitution to limit presidential powers; Japan and Australia sign new energy and security agreements; Chinese former President Hu Jintao is escorted from the closing ceremony of the Communist Party congress; new Israeli raids hit Syria; Russian oncology clinics will provide treatment only upon payment for each session.
MYANMAR
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has blacklisted Myanmar (along with Iran and North Korea) for "terrorism and crime finance,” dealing a blow to the international image of the military regime that came to power in a coup in February 2021. Among the factors behind the decision are the uncertain nature of the country’s casino business and illegal cross-border trade.
CHINA
Former Chinese President Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping's predecessor, was unexpectedly escorted out of the closing ceremony of the Communist Party congress, which consecrated Xi’s third time in office. Two stewards accompanied the 79-year-old Hu, who was seated on Xi's left, outside Beijing's Great Hall of the People. No reasons were given. In recent days, he appeared to be frail and unsteady.
SRI LANKA
The Sri Lankan Parliament voted yesterday on a constitutional amendment restricting the powers of the Office of the President. This is partial concession to the protest movement that ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, over his responsibility in the country’s economic meltdown characterised by major food and fuel shortages. The amendment curtails the president’s control over police, judiciary, and civil service appointments.
JAPAN – AUSTRALIA
Defence and energy security are at the centre of this weekend meeting in Perth (Australia) between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese. Australia is one of Japan’s key strategic partners, supplying it with iron, coal, and gas, as well as beef and wheat. The two leaders signed a new cooperation agreement, in response to China’s growing regional influence.
SYRIA – ISRAEL
Israeli air raids were reported overnight in Syria, particularly in the Damascus area. Air defence systems were activated against "hostile targets" in the skies of the capital, where several explosions were heard. Syrian and pro-Iranian military sites were among Israeli targets. Preliminary reports indicate only material damages with no one killed or wounded.
RUSSIA
Some of Russia's leading cancer clinics, such as Moscow's Pirogov Hospital and the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences, will no longer offer chemotherapy to patients under either public or private health insurance. Treatment will only be provided upon payment for each treatment since it is no longer funded by the government.
KAZAKHSTAN – TURKMENISTAN
The Parliament of Kazakhstan ratified an agreement with Turkmenistan to demarcate the borders between the two countries in the Caspian area, the definition of common zones for fishing in border waters and the implementation of various projects for the exploitation of biological resources. The pact highlights "the economic, social and cultural significance of the Caspian Sea".
.png)
