The president spoke yesterday in Cotabato City on the seventh anniversary of the founding of the Barmm. For the head of state, “peace” in the area is vital for the progress of the whole country. The promise to support “the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters.” Meanwhile, September 28 is being considered as the date for the elections, which have already been postponed several times.
Trade unionist Lee Cheuk-yan, lawyer Chow Hang-tung, and former Legislative Council member Albert Ho, who have been in prison for more than four years, appeared in court this morning for the first hearing of one of the trials symbolizing the battle for democracy in Hong Kong. Accused of subversion, they face up to 10 years in prison. The prosecution: “There are no legitimate means to demand an end to the Communist Party's leadership in China.”
India is celebrating the Week of Christian Unity from 18 to 25 January. As religious intolerance and hate speech rises, especially in states governed by the BJP, ecumenism is becoming a concrete sign of solidarity. Celebrations were held in Karnataka, with the faithful of various denominations participating.
Today's headlines: Filipino journalist convicted of “terrorism”, NGO: accusations are instrumental; Bangladesh, election campaign begins ahead of 12 February elections; In Manila, ASEAN restarts talks on Myanmar; Group of Arab and Islamic nations join Trump's Board of Peace; Vatican also invited, Parolin: “We are considering”.
As was the case with the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, Moscow is not going beyond statements of circumstance on what is happening in Venezuela and Iran, two historic allies. The Kremlin's criticism is now directed almost exclusively at Europe and NATO, without involving Washington's responsibilities to any great extent.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong asked the main opposition party to appoint another MP for the post of Leader of the Opposition. The issue stems from Singh's conviction for pressuring a former MP who had lied about the police. The Workers’ Party defends its leader, accusing the government of using the courts for political reasons.
