Maronite bishops call for a safe and dignified return of refugees. But the bases for peace and security are still missing. Lebanon risks economic and social collapse. For the UN, a repatriation plan is still premature. Fr Karam wants the international community to promote a peace process in Syria that respects everyone involved.
Marchers walked under the scorching sun whilst fasting for Ramadan. Of all ages, they share the pain of the violence they witnessed and a desire for peace. The Taliban refuse to extent the truce and announce new attacks. The Islamic State group never stopped the attacks.
Washington wants to extend tariffs to 284 more Chinese product types. Beijing is set to respond with counter duties worth USD 50 billion. Google inks deal to invest US$ 550 million in Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com.
Yahya Cholil Staquf, a leader in Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), travelled to Tel Aviv on a "private mission". According to extremists, he is undermining Indonesian support for a Palestinian state. Israel’s decision to stop issuing tourist visas to Indonesians remains controversial.
Mgr Michael Hoàng Đức Oanh tells President Trần Đại Quang to respect the popular will in the name of social harmony. People carry Vatican flags and banners saying "No leasing land to Chinese communists for even one day” and “Cybersecurity law kills freedom”. Last week’s demonstrations ended with thousands of arrests across the country. Now the government threatens even greater repression.
"The dictatorships, all of them, began like this, by adulterating communication, by putting communication in the hands of an unscrupulous person, of a government without scruples". "Communicating scandals is hugely seductive, a great seduction. You can seduce by scandal. Good news is not seductive".
