The Saudi coalition offensive to conquer the port of Hudaydah continues. Dozens of victims, and aid at risk. Msgr. Hinder: the pontiff calls to dialogue "important". But the situation is worrying, the danger of an "even greater catastrophe". Pessimism shrouds dialogue.
Islamabad High Court hands three years to culprits in the torture case of a 10-year-old maid
by Shafique Khokhar | PAKISTANCard Coutts: Eid al-fitr is a joy also for Pakistani Christians
by Kamran Chaudhry | PAKISTAN-VATICANIn addition to sharing iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during the Islamic holy month, with Muslims, Indonesian Catholics tried to show closeness and solidarity via seminars, youth meetings but also bazaars, selling basic necessities at very low prices to help less fortunate families. “I pray the month of Ramadan may always generate love, peace and harmony in our society,” said the archbishop of Palembang.
For the end of Ramadan festival, Mar Sako addresses a message of good wishes to Muslim brothers and sisters. He expresses hopes that winning parties in the recent elections will take responsibility, overcome allegations of fraud and promote unity for an executive that moves towards reconciliation, peace, stability and reconstruction.
The incident occurred in Suruc, a town near the border with Syria with a Kurdish majority. The government accuses the Kurdish HDP party and the PKK militias. Local media instead report the bodyguards of the politician opened fire because of "hostile" reception. At least ten people are arrested.
The area is of strategic importance. It is the main entry point for humanitarian aid. Up to seven million people rely on external assistance to survive. An urgent meeting of the UN Security Council is scheduled today. Appeals for moderation and dialogue.
The 21st World Cup starts tomorrow with the host nation playing against Saudi Arabia. Asian teams have little chance of winning, but Asian businesses are swooping up sponsorship deals. Nike denies Iran boots as a result of Trump’s sanctions. Child labour used in making World Cup goods emerges as an issue.
Pakistan goes to the polls on 25 July. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, an alliance of five ultraconservative regional parties, is using religion “to attract votes”. The Constitution already promotes Islamic law. Some want to see a focus on women's rights and unbiased education.
With today's signature, the two leaders commit to a lasting and stable peace on the Korean Peninsula. The deal calls for the recovering the remains of prisoners of war. Kim makes an "Unwavering commitment" to denuclearise the peninsula. Trump offers security guarantees to North Korea. China approves; France has doubts. South Koreans “hope” for peace. North Korean refugees are concerned.
The civil war in the northern state has entered its seventh year. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has exceeded 150,000. Some tell of their flight from their homes and of their life in the reception facilities.
Writer Liao Yiwu spoke with Liu Xia, wife of the late dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was left to die in prison from cancer. Under house arrest, Liu Xia was promised by the government that she could leave China for treatment. But nothing has happened so far. Despite her request, Angela Merkel could not meet her. Liao pleads with politicians and ordinary people.
