Siberia: demonstrations opposed to war in Ukraine

Today's headlines: fuel shortage hits Vietnam; striking in Cambodia can lead to imprisonment; Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan proposes televised debate with Narendra Modi; the Emirates wants to buy Chinese jets; women in Turkmenistan must wear traditional dress to vote.

RUSSIA

Citizens of Novosibirsk, central Siberia, demonstrated against the recognition of the independence of the Donbass, fearing that  'Putin's warlike manias will lead to an increase in the cost of living in all regions of Russia'. Also in St. Petersburg and other cities signs against war with Ukraine appeared.

VIETNAM

In Vietnam there is a fuel shortage: according to data from the Ministry of Commerce at least 300 retailers have suspended sales of petrol. The reasons appear to be twofold: insufficient supplies and another number of workers who have contracted Covid-19.

THAILAND

Yesterday, the number of Covid-19 cases reached a new record in Thailand with 23,557 new infections. Despite this, entry restrictions for foreign tourists have been relaxed: from March, quarantine will no longer be compulsory and only a negative swab will be required after the fifth day in the country.

CAMBODIA

Around 50 workers were arrested and detained in degrading conditions for striking against the NagaWorld Casino in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian authorities made the end of the protests a condition for their release. The casino, owned by a Hong Kong-based company, had 8 union leaders arrested and workers demanded their release.

SOUTH KOREA

Kim Sung-han, an adviser to the main opposition presidential candidate, Yoon Suk-yeol, said the purchase of an additional THAAD defence system - after the one installed in 2017 - would provoke economic retaliation from China, but at the same time allow for a "reset" of diplomatic relations with Beijing.

PAKISTAN - INDIA

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has proposed a televised debate with Narendra Modi to resolve "differences" between the two countries. According to the Prime Minister, greater trade relations would benefit both countries. After months of stalemate, convoys of aid began being shipped overland to Afghanistan from India through Pakistan yesterday.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Emirati Defence Minister said he intended to sign a contract with the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation for the purchase of 12 L15 training and light combat aircraft, with the provision to add 36 more.

TURKMENISTAN

The registration of candidates for Turkmenistan's snap presidential elections has been completed, with eight candidates including the favourite Serdar Berdymukhamedov. Female university students in the country were obliged to wear national costumes, without which they will not be admitted to the polling stations.

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