Beirut summit: Arab League calls for dialogue and solidarity to elect Lebanon’s president
Today's news: Hong Kong police want to install surveillance cameras in schools and universities. India's defence production grew by 12 per cent. North Korea is set to launch a new spy satellite, a "step forward" in military science. Turkey is pressing to add "Islamophobia" in a UNESCO resolution on discrimination. Cambodian opposition leader slams upcoming elections as a "sham", calls on democratic countries not to recognise their legitimacy.
LEBANON – SAUDI ARABIA
In a final communiqué at the end of its summit in Beirut, the Arab League expressed “solidarity" with Lebanon, the host country, which is facing economic hardships, social unrest and a major political crisis. Participants urged the Lebanese to engage in dialogue and reach an agreement on the election of the country’s president, who plays a “necessary" role in the proper functioning of state institutions and in approving reforms. This meeting also saw the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
HONG KONG
Hong Kong police want to install surveillance cameras in school and university classrooms, as well as public spaces, raising fears and concerns among students. The proposal is one of many “good practices” posted on Safe City Hong Kong, a security website; another suggestion calls for a 2.8-metre barrier around schools with motion sensors, guard booths, and electric fencing.
INDIA
India's domestic defence production rose by more than 12 per cent last year, exceeded one trillion rupees (US$ 12 billion) for the first time. Over the past decade, India has been the world's largest arms importer, but now wants to reduce dependence on countries like Russia by boosting local production. The number of defence-related licenses has tripled in recent years.
NORTH KOREA
North Korea is preparing to launch a spy satellite that will boost its defensive capabilities. A successful operation would represent "a clear stride forward" in military science and technological development. Satellite images of the launch site suggest that preparations could be completed by the end of June.
TURKEY – ISLAM
The inclusion of "Islamophobia" in a draft UNESCO resolution on discrimination and racism is a "positive step" for all Muslim communities and humanity in general, this according to Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkish President Recep Erdogan. For Turkey’s First Lady, her country is committed to oppose hate crimes, and the proposal is a "promising" step in the "fight against crimes" against Islam.
CAMBODIA
Exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy slammed Cambodia’s upcoming election in July as "fake and sham”. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling party are running without opposition. Rainsy is calling on democratic countries not to recognise the legitimacy of Cambodia’s elections. This comes a few days after the Election Commission disqualified the Candlelight Party, the only party challenging the country’s current leaders.
RUSSIA
Russia’s Supreme Court is set to rule that soldiers who wilfully surrender to the enemy without serious wounds or injuries can be charged with treason upon returning home. This practice was put in place during the Second World War when Soviet prisoners of war freed from Nazi camps were sent back to the Soviet Union only to be shipped to Stalinist concentration camps.
CHINA – CENTRAL ASIA
China and Central Asian countries signed a joint declaration at the Xi'an summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said on television. The full text has not yet been made public, but concerns development and common support for the “sovereignty, security, independence and territorial integrity of Central Asian countries.” This sounds like a warning against Russia's possible actions.
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