Just as tensions over its alliance with Russia are rising, North Korea accepted the credentials of the Swedish diplomat, the first Westerner to return on a permanent basis. Sweden’s embassy in North Korea has always performed consular services for US citizens and played an important mediatory role. Still, North Korea’s strongman continues to slam Washington's “provocations”.
According to the US Attorney for New York’s eastern district, the businessman close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi lied about investigations into his activities and the transparency of his companies in order to secure US investments. The case highlights the shortcomings of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the country’s regulatory body for securities and commodity markets.
After pressure from investors, Japan becomes one of 38 countries with visa-free entry to China. This follows a meeting in Lima (Peru) between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. In the background, historical animosity lingers, as evinced in the latest match between the two countries’ football teams a few days ago in Xiamen.
Mohd Affendi, a 42-year-old widower, spent time on 16 June with a woman not from his family. If no appeal is made, he will be struck six times with a rotan cane on 16 December. His action is an offence in the four Malaysian states ruled by the Malaysian Islamic Party. So far, this kind of punishment has been meted out only in Terengganu, the first public caning involving two lesbians in 2018.
The official death toll speaks of more than 40 dead, but according to other information disseminated online, the number of victims is more than 100. The convoy that was targeted was travelling along a recently reopened road with an escort of agents. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been unstable for some time and residents accuse the government of failing to guarantee the safety of residents.
In November, fresh fruit and vegetables were distributed to 5,000 families, Christian and Muslim, thanks to convoys organised by the Patriarchate with the Sovereign Order of Malta. Work is also underway to set up a medical centre and to reopen the school in the parish. Card. Pizzaballa: "It is not just a response to needs, but a moral duty towards these brothers".
