Today's headlines: Metropolitan Antonij reports Pope Francis has requested a new meeting with Patriarch Kirill; ceasefire holds between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; protests in Iran over the death of a young woman detained for violating headscarf regulations; pork prices in China mount, about 70% year-over-year; Phnom Penh set to issue final verdict on Khieu Samphan. 

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Pakistan, floods and infections cause more than 1,500 deaths. One-third children

Today's news: Metropolitan Antonij reports on a request received from Pope Francis for a new meeting with Patriarch Kirill; ceasefire holds between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; protests in Iran over the death of a young woman detained for violating headscarf regulations; pork prices in China mount, about 70% year-over-year; wait in Phnom Penh for final verdict on Khieu Samphan. 

 

 

PAKISTAN

In a single day, more than 90,000 people were treated for waterborne infectious diseases in southern Pakistan, hit by devastating floods. Cases of malaria, dengue, dysentery and skin problems are of concern. The total death toll has exceeded 1,500, more than 500 children. Since July 1, 2.3 million people have turned to field hospitals. 

RUSSIA - VATICAN

Russian Metropolitan Antonij said at the end of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana that he had received a new request from Pope Francis for a meeting with Patriarch Kirill. A summit that would be "necessary" and the Russians also consider important, but "must be properly prepared" and end with a document as in Havana in 2016.

TAJIKISTAN - KYRGYZSTAN

No clashes occurred overnight between the two countries, confirming that the ceasefire signed after a day of intense fighting seems to be holding and remains in effect. Only one village in Kyrgyz territory came under brief attack, without serious consequences. Yesterday Biškek reported 24 dead and dozens wounded; Dushanbe did not provide official casualty figures. 

IRAN

The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, a native of Iranian Kurdistan who was detained by mortal police during a vacation in Tehran because she was not wearing her headscarf properly, raised outrage and protests. Even ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi had to bow to the opening of an investigation. For the police it is heart attack, according to the family she was beaten. 

CHINA

Pork prices in China, the largest global consumer, continued to rise last week, fueling inflation fears and prompting the government to draw from frozen product reserves. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, a kilogram of meat costs an average of just over 6 euros, a year-on-year increase of about 70 percent.

CAMBODIA

Nearly a decade after the 002/02 case against Khieu Samphan began, the U.N. Special Court (Eccc) in Cambodia is set to deliver its final judgment against the former Khmer Rouge head of state. The reading is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 9:30 a.m. Samphan, now 91, the only survivor among the top leadership is on the stand for crimes against humanity and genocide. 

TURKMENISTAN

In some regions of Turkmenistan, where the cotton harvest season has been officially opened, "Ak Kerven" or the "white caravan," have been specially organized in camps chosen by the government. The call for harvesting is attended by many in search of some wages, but several soldiers are also sent.

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