Two-week truce between the United States and Iran. Peace talks in Islamabad

Today’s headlines: New appointments in Vietnam, from the Prime Minister to the Governor of the Central Bank; In Urumqi, “useful” progress between Afghanistan and Pakistan towards ending the conflict; Thailand set to close petrol stations at night in response to the energy crisis; New ballistic missile launches from North Korea dash hopes for diplomacy with Seoul.

MIDDLE EAST - VATICAN

Just hours after making good on his threat to “wipe out a civilisation”, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran lasting two weeks. Tehran reports that peace talks are set to begin on 10 April in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as mediator – a role which, at least so far, has averted a devastating escalation. In the last few hours, Israel also appears to have accepted the truce with the Islamic Republic, but warns that Lebanon is not included and that the bombings continue. These statements contrast with those of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who claims the US-Iran ceasefire applies “everywhere”, including Lebanon. The White House occupant’s remarks have caused oil prices to plummet, whilst the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is awaited, which Tehran has described as “possible”. Last night – before this news broke, speaking from Castel Gandolfo – Pope Leo also spoke out: the pontiff described the threat against the entire Iranian people as “unacceptable”, as well as “all attacks on civilian infrastructure” which are “against international law”. He called on people “to pray but also to seek ways to communicate – perhaps with members of Congress, with the authorities – to say that we do not want war”.

VIETNAM

The Vietnamese Parliament today approved the appointment of long-serving banker Pham Duc An as the new governor of the Central Bank for a five-year term. The change is part of a regular leadership rotation and is not expected to have a significant impact on monetary policy, although it comes at a delicate time. Among other government members, the new Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan, a long-serving official in the fight against corruption, and Phan Van Giang – a possible presidential candidate – have been confirmed as Defence Minister and promoted to Deputy Prime Minister. Yesterday saw the appointment of Le Minh Hung as the new Prime Minister.

AFGHANISTAN - PAKISTAN - CHINA

Afghanistan and Pakistan have made “useful” progress in the talks held since last week in the north-western Chinese city of Urumqi, with the aim of resolving the conflict that broke out between the neighbours last October. This was stated yesterday by the Taliban administration in Kabul, whilst the two South Asian Muslim nations confirm the continuation of negotiations to end hostilities.

THAILAND

Bangkok is set to close petrol stations at night from the second half of the month, to conserve fuel amid serious global fears of shortages due to the Gulf War. This was announced yesterday by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose new government was sworn in on the evening of 6 April. A ban on fuel sales from 10 pm to 5 am is under consideration from 20 April, though travel to home towns during Songkran will be permitted.

NORTH KOREA

Parents and families in Chongjin, the capital of North Hamgyong Province, are being forced to provide meals, snacks and cigarettes for workers mobilised to renovate school facilities, with the costs falling on the poorest households. Behind the works lies an attempt to earn the title of “model educational district”, a highly coveted status for institutions seeking recognition as a “Red Flag of Honour”. In theory, external bodies are responsible for the renovation works. In practice, the schools themselves must cover materials and costs, and this arrangement shifts the financial burden onto students and families. Meanwhile, today, Pyongyang launched several ballistic missiles, dashing Seoul’s hopes of a resumption of diplomatic ties with the North.

INDIA

Around 9.1 million voters have been removed from the electoral rolls in West Bengal following a state-wide review. This was reported by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which stated that at least 11.85 per cent of eligible voters had been struck off the rolls. Around 45.22% of cases under judicial review have been struck off. ECI data showed that the majority of removals from the registers took place in the predominantly Muslim district of Murshidabad. Voters may appeal to the courts.

RUSSIA

Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife, Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, earned over four million euros last year through her microfinance firm CarMoney. This is according to official documents reported on the website ‘Possiamo spiegare’, which applies variable interest rates ranging from 15% to 364% to loans – a rapidly growing business in recent times, with applications mostly from individuals who are often unable to repay their debts.

UZBEKISTAN - SAUDI ARABIA

Over 170 Uzbek citizens who travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah are unable to return home due to errors made by the trip organisers, having arrived in separate groups as part of a 14-day tour. Due to incorrect information provided by the organisers, they have not yet managed to return home; many of the pilgrims are elderly and have appealed to the Uzbek authorities for assistance.

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