UN: nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees returned since the fall of Assad
Today's news: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Washington for Trump's inauguration; Hundreds of supporters of Korean President Yoon, jailed for insurrection, storm the court; Delhi authorizes for 2025 export of 1 million tons of sugar; Asean excludes Burmese generals from top leadership; junta fighters kill 28 people in Rakhine State.
SYRIA
Nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees have repatriated since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, according to figures provided by UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi on the eve of a visit to the region. Between Dec. 8 and Jan. 16, some 195,200 Syrians returned home. The total return figure for 2024 is about half a million, many of whom had returned from Lebanon to escape Israel's war on Hezbollah.
UNITED STATES-CHINA
It will be Vice President Han Zheng who will represent China today at the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president: this is the first time a senior Chinese leader will attend the swearing-in of a U.S. president; under previous circumstances it had always been the ambassador to Washington. Trump had invited, among other leaders, President Xi Jinping with whom he had a cordial phone call on Friday on the eve of the inauguration during which they also discussed the ban against Tik Tok, which Trump has promised to freeze. Relations between Washington and Beijing are set to be one of the crucial issues of the Trump presidency after threats of escalation in the trade war announced in the election campaign.
INDIA
Delhi-the world's second-largest producing country-authorizes the export of one million tons of sugar for 2025 , aiming to help sugar companies clear excess stocks and help support on domestic market prices. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh account for more than 80 percent of the country's total sugar production.
SOUTH KOREA.
Hundreds of supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, imprisoned on charges of insurrection for declaring martial law last December, stormed a court building yesterday after judges extended his prison term. Shortly after the decision, supporters invaded the building overwhelming police in riot gear.
MYANMAR - ASEAN
The priority is peace, not elections. That's the warning issued by Asean, the Association that brings together 10 Southeast Asian nations, to representatives of Myanmar's military junta, which wants to hold the vote amid escalating civil war. Also confirmed is the decision to exclude generals from the summits and limit participation to a non-political level. Meanwhile, a junta air raid killed 28 people, including children, and injured 25 in Rakhine State.
CHINA - RUSSIA.
According to experts at Autonews.ru, Chinese-made cars that have now invaded the Russian market are unable to withstand the country's weather conditions for long. This is according to tests carried out in 26 regions on vehicles of popular brands including Jac, LiXiang, Lifan, Jetour and Dongfeng, whose metal components rust within two years.
TAGIKISTAN
Tajikistan's Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda reported at the enlarged cabinet meeting that the country was able to attract .9 billion in foreign investment in 2024. This is +73% over 2023, with a total GDP of 154.3 billion somoni, more than 22 billion more than the previous year, while keeping inflation at 3.6%, with growth throughout the economy.
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15/07/2023
