New Caledonia: curfew after protests against constitutional changes

Today's news: three men accused of spying for Hong Kong arrested in the UK; India and Iran sign agreement to develop Chabahar port; Japan will invest in construction of a new railway line in Indonesia; Myanmar generals propose a national census.

NEW CALEDONIA

A curfew was imposed in the French territory in the Pacific Ocean after a series of protests turned violent. Since yesterday the indigenous population of the Kanak ethnic group, which makes up 41% of the population, has been protesting against the constitutional amendments under discussion in Paris which, by allowing more French residents to vote, would increase the size of the electorate for the next provincial elections, marginalizing even more so the native population.

CHINA

In the UK, three men have been arrested on charges of providing materials and information to Hong Kong's intelligence services. After appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, he was granted bail. According to a report published by Amnesty International, however, Chinese students abroad are hesitant to express political opinions due to possible repercussions in China. Many self-censor, avoiding discussing certain topics considered sensitive by Beijing or participating in academic debate.

INDIA – IRAN

After Delhi and Tehran signed a contract to develop and operate a terminal in Iran's Chabahar port for 10 years, Washington said countries that make trade deals with Iran are at risk of having their trade imposed on them. sanctions. Indian Ports Global Limited will invest about 0 million in the project, which the Indian government says provides “an alternative trade route.”

JAPAN – INDONESIA

The Japanese government said it will provide a loan of up to about 140.7 billion yen (0 million) for the construction of the second railway line in Jakarta. The 84.1 kilometer long East-West line project will be divided into two phases, of which the first will begin by 2026. The new railway line will be built with Japanese technology for vehicles and signaling systems.

MYANMAR

Myanmar's generals have proposed a national census in October, state media reported today, despite ongoing civil conflict, a move that observers say aims to monitor opponents of the regime. Military officials added that the census would need to be completed before the next election, but the coup junta that took power had announced elections several times before and had been unable to organize them because of the war.

RUSSIA

Among the new appointments of Vladimir Putin's government after his re-election, the figure of the new energy minister stands out, the ex-governor of the Kemerovo region, Sergei Tsivilev, husband of Anna, nephew of Putin himself and owner of a large energy company. coal mining. 70% of Russia's GDP depends on the activities subjected to this ministry.

UZBEKISTAN - GULF

Speaking at the III Investment Forum in Tashkent, President Šavkat Mirziyoyev proposed opening up to "Islamic finance" in discussions with representatives of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, and an agreement was signed between Anorbank and the Islamic corporation for Private Sector Development (Xsrik) to develop a project in this direction.

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