Bangladesh: Which way is politics headed?

< class="heading1">Analysis

With six months left for parliamentary election in Bangladesh, politics is likely to warm up, charting a new course in the process. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide victory in five city corporation elections suggest that the party has gained strength after facing a humiliating defeat in the 2008 parliamentary election. Speculation then was the party could hardly make a turnaround. But present trends suggest it has made a comeback and will be a dominant force in the upcoming election. Is this reflective of outcome of the upcoming elections in that country?

Historically, no party in Bangladesh has returned to power for a second consecutive term after democracy was introduced in 1991. Power has been shared between Awami League and BNP alternatively. Considering this trend, the rise of BNP seems to be a repetition of the electoral tradition of Bangladesh. Still, the it came as a surprise to many, especially after all the efforts by the military-backed caretaker government (2007-08) to transform Bangladesh politics. Also, due to the dislike people displayed towards that party during the parliamentary election of 2008 as it was accused of rampant corruption, patronising radicalisation and militancy. Political pundits of that country then analysed the victory of Awami League as a people’s mandate against militancy and corruption.

Corruption, nepotism

The Awami League returned to power with an overwhelming majority and was at the height of its popularity. Looking at Awami League’s popularity then no one could have imagined that the party have to face defeat at the hands of the BNP in a spell of just four years. Banking on its popular support, the Awami League government undertook some steps which were considered bold -- like its action against terrorism and improving ties with India (a politically sensitive issue). The economic performance of the government has also been encouraging.

Despite these positives, there have been some factors which hampered the image of the government. Issues those affected people’s sentiment most were- charges of corruption -- cancellation of the ’Padma loan’ by World Bank on charges of corruption, the share market collapse where government was accused of shielding the culprits, the collapse of a garment factory which was build flouting all building laws - killing over 1000 workers -- and whose owner was close to Awami League.

A feeling of helplessness was looming large among the people and they are looking for an alternative. Internal feud in the Awami League has also caused the party. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is accused of sideling all the veterans of the party who have a great hold over the grassroots and putting people in the limelight who have been close to her. Also, her attempt to forcibly stop the ’Shahbagh movement’ in face of threat from the religious radicals alienated the secular forces which has been her dedicated vote bank for all these years.

Anti-incumbency at work

Analysts in Bangladesh opine that rise of BNP has been due to the Awami League’s failure. In fact, anti-incumbency and lack of alternative have helped to turn the fortune of BNP. BNP has no credit for its gains. But BNP can gain only when it participate in the election. The party for now has declared not to participate in the elections unless the caretaker government is reinstalled. But the ruling Awami League has categorically said that the parliamentary election will be supervised by the democratically elected government.

The lack of consensus among the major political parties on the nature of government which will oversee the election have raised doubts about its prospects. Fear is in absence of decision on the nature of government the situation may deteriorate and it might trigger violent clashes between the supporters of the rival political parties. Political observers have not ruled out military takeover if situation demands. Since democracy is very dear to the people of Bangladesh the desire it that the political parties of that country will not overlook the desire of the people and they will work a middle path which will be acceptable to all.

It will be extremely futile to say that all is over for Awami League. Considering the electoral culture of the South Asia region a lot of changes can take place. Awami League should introspect on what went wrong for the party and work on improving its condition so that it wins back confidence of the people.

(The writer is an Associate Fellow at Observer Research Foundation)

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Myanmar : Ethnic nationalities and constitutional reforms

Mihir Bhonsale

Myanmar’s parliament on July 25, 2013 agreed to review the 2008 constitution and formed a 109-member committee for the task. The committee is expected to look into two pressing needs of the country- allowing, Aung San Suu Kyi to contest the 2015 presidential elections and allowing states to choose their own chief ministers. Mounting international and domestic pressure to allow Myanmar’s opposition leader and democracy campaigner, Suu Kyi to contest elections can be said to be the pretext behind the first need, the second is said to be an attempt to pacify the ethnic nationalities.

The Union of Myanmar was formed after Chin, Kachin, Shan and other non-Burman nationalities reached an agreement with the Aung San at Panglong in February 1947, where the ethnic nationalities were promised the right to exercise political authority with administrative, judiciary and legislative powers as well as right to protect and preserve their culture, language and religion in exchange for voluntary joining the Burman in forming a political union and lending their loyalty to a new State. However months after the agreement was reached Gen Aung San, was murdered in July 1947 and the Burman ethnic nationality’s grip over the union was tightened crushing the aspirations of the ethnic nationalities in their quest for ethnic equality in the newly formed union.

The 1961 State Religion Bill was placed before Parliament which sought to make Buddhism the State religion once again, in an attempt by the dominant Burmans to scuttle the rights of other nationalities. After decades of military rule, which deprived the ethnic nationalities the right to self-determination and equal representation in the Chamber of Nationalities, the 2008 Constitution for the first time revived the hope for federalism in Myanmar. However, though 2008 Constitution conceded to certain long-standing demands like popular sovereignty, a bi-cameral legislature and multi-party system it denied the ethnic nationalities equal representation in the Chamber of Nationalities and state constitutions.

Economic deprivation

Myanmar’s opening up its economy for foreign direct investment after coming out of 60 years of isolation is likely to further trigger resentment amongst the resource rich, ethnic States which are among the economically deprived in the country. The review of the 2008 Constitution is likely to fulfil the long-standing demand of ethnic States for appointment of chief ministers however unless there are State Constitutions with provisions for deterring investors from over-exploitation of natural resources and ensuing opportunities for locals, the ethnic problem is likely to threaten peace in the country.

Chapter 4, Section 96 of the 2008 Constitution centralises government control over the environment, granting no state or region the power over legislation relating to environmental protection and to legislate or regulate large-scale natural resource development. The constitutional committee set up to review the 2008 Constitution must pay heed to the demand for divesting the powers of the Union in favour of the federal states by giving them more power to exercise their discretion in management of natural resources.

Citizenship to Rohingyas

The denial of citizenship to Rohingya ethnic group is another factor which would decide the peace roadmap in Myanmar. Failing to contain the ensuing violence in the Rakhine State for over a year now, Thein Sein has failed to create a conducive environment for reviewing the 1982 Citizenship Law which effectively denies citizenship to Rohingyas on discriminatory ethnic grounds.

Extremist Buddhist elements in the Government and outside are using this degenerate law to carry out their offensive against the Rohingya Muslims, even calling it an ethnic cleansing. As of now, there seems to be a lack of political will in the country to review this law. Myanmar is also likely to face embarrassment at the hands of neighbouring countries as well as ASEAN partners like Malaysia and Thailand as they may move the International Court of Justice for the influx of Myanmar’s population in their countries. Myanmarr,for any possibility of reconciling with the ethnic groups, has to pave the way for constitutional amendments to the effect of empowering its ethnic nationalities. If there is any pressing need which Myanmar faces today, it is reviving the spirit of the Panglong Agreement. The Thein Sein Government has already signed a cease-fire agreement with 13 ethnic armed groups, including the Wa and Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) since assuming power. However, a lot depends on Myanmar’s military which still has its say in all matters concerning the country and it would be key in determining the course of reforms in the country.

(The writer is a Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation)

< class="heading1">Country Reports

Myanmar

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China gas pipeline in operation

Gas has started flowing to energy-hungry China through a pipeline from Myanmar, Beijing’s official media reported, in a major project that highlights their economic links even as political ties weaken. The 793-kilometre pipeline runs from Kyaukpyu on Myanmar’s west coast, close to the offshore Shwe gasfields, and across the country.

The pipeline has been years in construction and went into operation on Sunday at a ceremony in Mandalay, the official Xinhua news agency reported. "When torches flamed in the sky?. a storm of applause and cheers broke out," it said. A parallel oil pipeline is also part of the project, with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPN) the major partner in both assets.

According to Xinhua, the gas pipeline will be able to carry 12 billion cubic metres annually, while the crude oil pipeline has a capacity of 22 million tonnes per year. The start of the project comes as resource-rich Myanmar shakes off decades of rule by generals who kept the country largely isolated from the rest of the world.

They did, however, maintain close economic links with China, which for years was the major foreign influence in a country that was under heavy international sanctions.

< class="text11verdana">Source: AFP, July 29, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to step up military cooperation

As part of the overall policy to counter China’s strategic moves in the region, India now plans to assist Myanmar in building offshore-patrol vessels (OPVs) as well as further ramp up military training for Myanmarese armed forces. The measures to bolster bilateral military ties were discussed in the talks between visiting Myanmar Navy chief Vice-Admiral Thura Thet Swe and Navy chief Admiral D K Joshi, Army chief General Bikram Singh and Defence Secretary R K Mathur, among others, on Monday.

"Myanmar is one of our closest neighbours. We share a land border as well as maritime border with them," said Admiral Joshi, adding the Indian Navy was looking forward to take the "existing excellent relations to the next level".

Sources said India has agreed "in principle" to Myanmar’s request for assistance in building OPVs, which are likely to be constructed at an Indian shipyard, as well as almost doubling the number of vacancies for training Myanmarese Navy officers and sailors from the existing around 50. Similar will be the case for soldiers and air force personnel, with plans also afoot to train Myanmarese pilots to fly the Russian-origin Mi-35 attack helicopters, as part the overall "capacity building and enhancement" plan.

There is, however, worry in the Indian defence establishment that "not enough" is being done swiftly to meet the long-pending requirements of Myanmar, the only ASEAN country which with India shares borders. India has supplied some military hardware and software to Myanmar, which ranges from four Islander maritime patrol aircraft and naval gun-boats to 105-mm light artillery guns, mortars, grenade-launchers and rifles. But Myanmar has asked for much more, including radars, sensors and sonars for its naval frigates and corvettes.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Times of India, July 29, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indian companies bid for oil blocks

India’s Reliance Industries, ONGC Videsh and Cairn India are vying with global energy giants Shell, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil for 30 offshore oil and gas blocks that Myanmar has put on offer. In all, 61 companies have been pre-qualified to bid for 11 shallow water and 19 deepwater blocks in an international tender, according to Myanmar’s Energy Ministry.

The short-listed companies from India include RIL, ONGC Videsh (the overseas arm of State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp), Oil India Ltd, Cairn India, gas utility GAIL India and Jubilant Offshore Drilling (JODPL). International oil majors pre-qualified include Shell, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Total of France, Norway’s Statoil, Eni of Italy, Spain’s Repsol, Anadarko Petroleum of US, Husky Energy, Hess of US, Murphy Oil, Premier Oil of UK, Woodside Energy and Delek Energy.

Asian national oil companies such as China National Petroleum Corp, Korea National Oil Corp, Korea Gas Corp and Japan’s JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corp have also been short-listed. A notice on the ministry’s website said the short-listed firms had been called to view data on the blocks on offer last month. Myanmar is looking at awarding the acreages in February or March next year.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Press Trust of India, August 1, 2013

Nepal

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China, bridge with East Asia: Bhattarai

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has said that China is not only the friend and development partner of Nepal, but also the bridge between the Himalayan country and East Asia.

Nepal is a vibrant bridge between China and South Asia, the UCPN (Maoist) ideologue said at a programme organised by Nepal-China Society in Kathmandu on August 1 on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China . Nepal- China relations are multidimensional and encompass a wide range of areas from political, social, economic, trade, strategic to cultural affairs, he said.

After the second Constituent Assembly elections, the UCPN (Maoist) wants to focus on rapid economic development to catch up with the rest of the world in the shortest possible time, said Bhattarai, adding that close economic cooperation with the world’s second largest economy in that context will come in handy for both the sides.

Speaking at the function, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said the new Chinese leadership has attached great importance to its relations with Nepal and the recent high-level visits from the both sides exhibited commitment to that effect, taking the bilateral relations to a new height. China wants to build good party-to-party relations with Nepal’s political parties for further consolidating its relations with the Himalayan country, he said.

CPN-Maoist Vice-chairman CP Gajurel, who had recently visited China , said the reason behind China ’s rise was its ability to take decisions independently and without others’ interferences.

< class="text11verdana">Source: ekantipur.com, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Ex-royals under attack

Even after the Election Commission (EC) said that the Himani Trust, a non-profit charitable organisation chaired by former crown princess Himani Shah, cannot run its programme due to enactment of the election code of conduct, the trust has said that the programme to distribute relief to flood victims will go ahead as planned saying that the programme was planned prior to the enactment of the code of conduct .

The EC has maintained that after enactment of the election code of conduct , any organisation which is willing to distribute relief package to the flood victims should come through government agency.

The former royal family was in Dhangadi to distribute relief to the flood victims of the far-western region. The Trust officials have claimed that the issue of code of conduct should not be raised when a Nepali is willing to help another Nepali during the time of crisis. The Trust informed that former King Gyanendra Shah had provided NRs. 25, 00,000 as relief to the flood victims of far-west via the Trust.

Meanwhile, a rift has come about amongst the leaders of CPN-Maoist over their chairman Mohan Baidya’s statement that his party is ready to forge an alliance with former king to safeguard nationality

< class="text11verdana">Source: ekantipur.com, nepalnews.com, July 30-31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">NOC’s monthly loss jumps

Debt-ridden Nepal Oil Corporation’s (NOC) monthly projected loss has ballooned to Nepali Rs 1.15 billion, sparking fears of a possible petroleum shortage.

NOC officials said there is "not much pressure" on supply, but if the situation is not addressed by the government, who regulates supplies, on time, "it could affect the market". NOC is preparing to knock the government’s door, seeking NRs 4 billion to finance petroleum imports.

NOC ’s total outstanding debts to the government and financial institutions stand at around NRs 28.50 billion. It has borrowed NRs 12.64 billion from the government to finance petroleum imports.

Various agencies have recommended deregulation of oil prices and participation of the private sector in the petroleum business.

With a number of private sector companies willing to invest on oil trade, the government on 13 March this year issued the Petroleum and Gas Transaction (regulatory) Orders, allowing the private sector in the oil business. However, it was forced to roll back the orders after criticism from experts and entrepreneurs.

Officials have said that the government is preparing to reintroduce the orders and it has been reviewing it in coordination with various experts and stakeholders. Nepal imported petroleum worth NRs 100.57 billion in the first 11 months of 2012-13, up 16 per cent, according to the official data.

< class="text11verdana">Source: ekantipur.com, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Tiger population up

The number of wild Royal Bengal tigers in Nepal has increased to 198, which is a 63.6 per cent rise in five years, a government survey of the big cats has showed.

The findings are crucial for the protection of endangered tigers facing the threat of extinction from poachers for the lucrative trade in their parts, encroachment of habitat by villagers due to the rise in human settlements and loss of prey.

Conflicts between people and wild animals are frequent in Nepal, which has pledged to double the population of tigers by the year 2022 from an estimated 2010 level of 125. The study was supported by the conservation group WWF and the United States.

Conservation experts credit the increase to effective policing of national parks, stronger anti-poaching drives and better management of tiger habitats in Nepal, where forests cover 29 per cent of the land.

Tiger parts are also in high demand for use in traditional Chinese medicines, conservationists say.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Reuters, July 31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">1.6 m child-labourers: Report

National Child Labour Report 2011 has estimated that some 1,600,000 children between 5 to 17 years of age are working as labourers in the country, with 8 per cent of them working in hazardous conditions.

Reports by various organisations put the number of children trafficked to India for sexual exploitation at 12,000 per year. They state that around 13,000 girls and women are currently working in the night-entertainment industry in the Kathmandu Valley. In addition, multi-indicator cluster survey 2010, conducted by UNICEF in the far west regions, revealed that 83 per cent of the children aged 2 to 14 years are subjected to disciplinary violence.

Despite over two decades of consistent efforts to secure child rights in Nepal, the result has been far from satisfactory. The Ministry of Children, Women and Social Welfare itself has admitted that the government has not been able to adequately strengthen the machinery that fights for the rights of children.

< class="text11verdana">Source: myrepublica.com, August 1, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Chicken supply banned over flu spread

The spread of bird flu over the past 15 days has forced the Nepalese Government to ban the movement of poultry products in the Kathmandu valley. The ban, which came into effect on Thursday, will last for a week and the situation will be further assessed after that, according to Dr Vijay Kanta Jha of the Directorate of Animal Health. "So far 33,300 chickens have been culled in Kathmandu valley," Dr Jha said, adding that the spread of the H5N1 virus was yet to be brought under control.

For the past two weeks, chickens have been culled each day in 21 poultry farms on the city’s outskirts. The ban essentially means no poultry products will be available for sale in the capital, since there will be no supply. No similar restriction has been placed in the rest of the country.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Times of India, August 2, 2013

Pakistan

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Direct talks with US resumed

After a halt in relations and direct talks in 2001, the US and Pakistan on 1 August agreed to continue working together and build a "full partnership". US Secretary of State, John Kerry, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday to discuss resuming talking on security matters.

Relations between the two came to a halt 2001, after the US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani town in May. In the same year Pakistan supported Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, and US air attacks killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghan border.

After recent talks between Kerry and Sharif, both announced that the two nations are keen to resume talks and offer each other support on security matters. Kerry also stated that their relationship with Pakistan was not purely about counter-terrorism but improving economic ties and cooperation.

The talks focused on the economy, energy crisis and strategic concerns regarding NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan next year. The two states appreciated that cooperation would be mutually beneficial, as Pakistan’s economy could improve with American financial help and investment and the US requires Pakistan’s assistance in Afghanistan.

Yet relations will not be perfect, as continuing US drone attacks in Pakistan have caused much anger and controversy. The sensitive issue was not addressed and new developments were not announced leaving us to assume that the US will not budge on this matter. But the Pakistani government and Sharif have called for an end to US drone attacks, but the Pakistani government have also been accused of cooperating with the US behind closed doors.

Troubled areas along the Afghan border with Pakistan, such as North Waziristan, have been a key target area for US attacks, an area consisting of heavy Al-Qaeda and Taliban presence. Yet the Pakistani government is also viewed with suspicion by the US, for not cracking down on militants and terrorist safe havens in the country.

< class="text11verdana">Source: BBC, 1 August, 2013, Reuters, 1 August, 2013.

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Jailbreak frees Taliban militants

Gunfire in Dera Ismail Khan Prison, on 30 July allowed for the escape of at least 252 prisoners. It is believed that the militants that attacked the prison had at least 45 minutes of open fire without resistance from any police or the authorities. The police and constables have come under much scrutiny in days after the assault for negligence and cowardice.

In the open gunfire, thirteen died including six policemen. This was a high security prison which held hundreds of Taliban militants from banned groups. Many escaped the prison during the attack, and it has been reported that eleven prominent terrorists were among them.

The situation was handled poorly, as prison police and constables were accused of hiding in sewer lines when the prison was under attack. The provincial revenue minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur publicly attacked the police for cowardice behaviour. He noted their actions as a result of recruitment procedures which have not always been based on merit. The security in the prison was almost non-existent as the majority hid and disappeared during the attack. As a result, many policemen have been suspended including 25 constables, and more strict measures are yet to come.

The prison has managed to recapture some of the militants who escaped that night. The police rearrested 47 militants, some of whom turned themselves in.

< class="text11verdana">Source: BBC, 31 July, 2013, Dawn, 1 August, 2013.

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">25-year plan on energy concern

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced on 1 August of new plans to generate energy in Pakistan. While addressing the energy crisis, Sharif set out a 25-year plan for the country to generate an estimated 50,000MW to meet future energy needs.

The recent announcement also included plans to build coal-based and gas-based plants. It hoped to utilise the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant to generate 950MW. In this plan, the Kashgar-Gwander trade corridor with China was also on the agenda, as a means to attracting trade from china and accessing their markets.

The 25-year plan reveals a vision to improve the Pakistani economy and simultaneously address increasing energy demands. The new plan also hopes to create more jobs in Sindh and Balochistan.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Dawn; 2 August, 2013.

Sri Lanka

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">’TNA, SLMC strike deal to control NE’

Batticaloa District SLFP organizer Arun Tambimuttu yesterday alleged that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was seeking an unprecedented political arrangement with the UPFA constituent, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).

Thambimuttu, son of former Tamil MP, Sam Thambimuttu, said that the TNA move would be inimical to the well being of Eastern Province Tamils, though it might help the TNA’s short-term political project aimed at comfortably winning the northern provincial council polls.

The SLFP-led ruling coalition couldn’t ignore the fact a key partner like the SLMC was contesting the September 21 polls in the Northern Province on its own. The SLMC announced its decision to go it alone though the UPFA pushed for a combined team.

The deal, he implied, could lead to the SLMC dropping its long-standing demand for a separate ’south-eastern provincial council’, and support the TNA in the North, in return for the latter supporting an SLMC-led administration in the East.

Tambimuttu said that the ongoing attempt to undermine the authority of Eastern Province CM Najeeb Abdul Majeed should be examined against the backdrop of the SLMC-TNA marriage of convenience. With the two parties agreeing on a common agenda, strong efforts were now underway against the UPFA administration in the EP administration, he said.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Island, 2 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">K’gamar’s son moves court on land

Former Foreign Affairs Minister the late Lakshman Kadirgamar’s son in a Writ Application before the Court of Appeal bemoans there are moves afoot to acquire his ancestral property in the Jaffna district by the State.

S. J. Christian Kadirgamar, the son of late Lakshmanathan Kadirgamar in his petition cited Minister of Land & Land Development Janaka Bandara Thennakoon, Jaffna District Land Acquiring Officer and the Land Survey Officer as Respondents.

Petitioner who served as a Consultant Environmental Designer to the UDA in 1995 states that the longest serving Army Commander of the Navy Admiral Rajanathan Kadirgamar, the youngest Major in the Ceylon Army Selvanathan Kadirgamar and eminent Queen’s Counsel Sam Kadirgamar were his uncles.

He states his ancestral property called "Alvarmalaiyady" is situated at Maviddapuram in the Tellipallai Parish of Valikamam North Division of the Jaffna District off the Keerimalai - Kankesanthurai Road in close proximity of several Hindu places of worships.

He states that he visited his land in May 2013 and that under the direction of the Minister of Lands and Lands Development, the Land Acquiring Officer has issued a notice for the requirement for a public purpose but goes on to describe the reason for the supposed land requirement as Defence Battalion Headquarters (Jaffna). He laments despite the conclusion of the war, the state security forces have continued for many years to remain in possession of the area.

He contends the purported notices are unlawful, in that the said notices refer to ’regularising handover of area on which High Security Zone(Palaly and Kankesanthurai) is established despite the lands within the are specified in the notice not forming part of any High Security Zone recognized by law.

The petitioner apprehends the claim in the notice is an attempt to evade the statutory duty imposed by Land Acquisition Act and seeking the Court to issue a Writ of Prohibition preventing the Respondents from acquiring his ancestral property.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Daily Mirror Online, 2 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">US calls for right to protest

Expressing concern over the violence which broke out during a protest in Weliweriya on Thursday, the United States has urged the Sri Lankan government to respect the rights of people to protest peacefully.

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Colombo said, "The US Embassy is concerned about the violence at the protest in Weliweriya in Gampaha district and urges the Government of Sri Lanka to respect the rights of people to protest peacefully and urges restraint from all sides."

Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse a group of residents blocking the Colombo-Kandy main road in protest against ground water contamination by chemical waste from a neighbourhood factory. Armed troops were called in to assist the police in dispersing the protesters and that resulted in a tense situation with the protesters refusing to abandon their agitation.

Meanwhile, UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Democratic Party leader Sarath Fonseka and several other MPs visited Weliweriya to meet those affected by Thursday’s violence, while a full scale investigation, into the circumstances under which a 17-year-old boy was killed during Wednesday’s protest, got under way. The army said it, too, would conduct a separate investigation into the incident.

The teenager was identified as Kahadawa Arachchige Don Akila Dinesh of Helanwatta, Weliweriya. Among the wounded were 30 civilians, nine troops and the OIC of the Weliweriya police station. The injured were being treated at the Gampaha, Wathupitiwala and Ragama hospitals. Some of them were transferred to the National Hospital.

Asked what the cause of Akila’s death was, Gampaha Hospital Director, Dr. Sudath Dharmaratna said that the body had been handed over to the Consultant Judicial Medical Officer for the post mortem examination. Asked whether the others had sustained injuries due to being shot at by the army, Dr. Dharmaratne said that his staff had treated the patients as there were multiple cuts and wounds on them, but they had not bothered to ascertain who had inflicted them.

The police said they would use pictures and video footage taken by police and army intelligence units, various groups and journalists to ascertain how the protest had turned violent. Even yesterday, the area was highly protected with the presence of the Special Task Force, Police and army.

The protesters from ten villages blocked the Kandy-Colombo main road. A court case over the issue was pending and the Defence Secretary had held discussions with some representative from the protesters on the issue of groundwater contamination, the government said.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Island, 2 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">President invites Pope to Sri Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written to His Holiness Pope Francis I inviting him to visit Sri Lanka. The invitation stated:

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I consider it a great privilege and an honour to extend to Your Holiness an invitation to undertake a visit to this beautiful country, which only recently emerged from three decades of conflict.

"A visit by Your Holiness to Sri Lanka would be a momentous occasion for all Sri Lankans, and I earnestly hope I will soon have the honour of welcoming Your Holiness to our shores."

The invitation came days after Pope Francis, at a press conference, indicated that he may consider a visit to Sri Lanka as a part of an Asian tour. "Since Your Holiness was elected as the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church in March this year, the people of Sri Lanka have witnessed the humility, compassion, wisdom, and devotion with which Your Holiness has been conducting Papal duties," the President said.

Sri Lanka and the Holy See established formal diplomatic relations in 1976. Pope Paul VI visited Sri Lanka in 1970 and Pope John Paul 11 in 1995 to preside over the religious rites in the Beatification of Sri Lankan Missionary Fr. Joseph Vaz.

In his letter, the President described the hardships Sri Lanka faced during "a traumatic period of brutal terrorism that affected the entire social fabric of this country."

While expressing the Government’s commitment to rebuilding lives and "ensuring equity, harmony and sustainable economic, social and cultural development" in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa also described the significant role that the Roman Catholic Church has played in that process.

"The Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has played a pivotal role over the years in improving the lives of the citizenry, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare and social service," President Rajapaksa said. "The Church’s services for acceleration of post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation and restoration of livelihoods of affected communities are well recognised."

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Island, 2 August 2013

Afghanistan

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Pentagon dismisses ’Zero Option’

A top policy maker in the Pentagon announced that the ’zero option’ or complete withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan was not an option as the presence of US troops in Afghanistan post-2014 was necessary. Peter Lavoy, the Pentagon’s top Afghan policy official said that a number of options for the presence of troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 have been developed. "In none of these cases have we developed an option that is zero," Lavoy said.

In a recent report submitted to the US Congress, the Pentagon mentioned that even though the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are growing smoothly, these forces would still require substantial long-term military support from the international forces post-2014.

A part of the report states that it would be a difficult task to judge whether the Afghan government would able to stand against the Taliban? According to the report, until the exact number of the post-2014 US forces in Afghanistan is announced, establishing a strong government, ensuring rule of law and economic opulence are vital for sustainable stability in Afghanistan.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Khaama Press, July 31, 2013, Tolo News, July 31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">ANSF takes control of insurgent areas

The ANSF for the first time took control of several areas in eastern Afghanistan, which have always been a stronghold of the insurgents for over 10 years. The achievement was made after the ANSF launched an operation codenamed "Simorgh" in Logar and Paktia provinces.

"We have taken control over a large area starting from the entry gate of the valley. Our troops conducted search operations in at least 20 villages and cleared them all. Now, we are moving forward to capture the whole area and eliminate all insurgents," said Gen. Zahir Hedayat, Commander of the Army Corpse 203 Thunder.

The Afghan Forces eliminated insurgents from Dobandi in Azra district. Dobandi is a marketplace in Azra district where the Taliban ruled for over 10 years.

"For over 10 years, the government had no control over this area. It was completely under Taliban siege, and this is the first time that the ANA troops have reached here and eliminated all the insurgents," said Colonel Abdul Sami, Commander of the 4th Brigade of Thunder Army Corps.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Tolo News, July 28, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Increase in civilian casualties

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in its mid-year report noted that civilian casualties in Afghanistan during the first six months of 2013 rose by 23 per cent, compared to the same period in 2012. The organisation blamed the Taliban for causing maximum casualties, followed by the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and Afghan Local Police (ALP). The insurgent groups were responsible for 74% of civilian deaths and injuries in the first half of the year, with Improvised explosive devices planted by insurgents still remaining the single biggest threat for Afghan civilian

The report stated that around 1,320 civilians including women and children were killed and more than 2,500 were injured in war-linked incidents. The UN expressed concerns that the number of civilians injured or killed in ground clashes between Afghan forces and insurgents has soared.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Khaama Press, July 31, 2013, Tolo News, July 31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to donate $100 m

Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, Minister of Economy, announced that India will donate US$100 million to Afghanistan for developing its economy. Out of the total aid money, US$ 33.5 million will be spent on various development projects in the provinces. Arghandiwal said that the money would be made available over a period of four years.

He said that the donated money would be used for 60 projects, which includes 15 educational projects, 15 health care projects, 21 projects for rural rehabilitation and development, six agricultural projects and two projects related to social affairs.

The Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha said, ""Most of the projects are fairly small but these are much needed projects like schools for girls, vocational training, agriculture, etc. Most of these projects have not come under any attack from anybody. We as govt. of India are pleased to be assisting the friendly country. We really want Afghanistan to be stable and stand on its own feet".

< class="text11verdana">Source: Tolo News, July 31, 2013

Bangladesh

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Jamaat declared unfit for election

In a significant development, the High Court this week cancelled the registration of the Jamaat-e-Islami, a leading religious political party. This decision will prevent the party from contesting the forthcoming parliament elections due later this year or early next provided it loses appeal in the Supreme Court. Jamaat has moved the Supreme Court to overturn the verdict and if that does not happen, it will only be left with the option to amend its charter and apply for registration all over again. But such process is time taking.

The verdict comes at a time when the demand for outlawing the party, blamed for war crimes during the Liberation War, has been mounting. However, Jamaat termed it a ’wrong verdict’ which merely ’reflected the government’s political vengeance’ and has decided to hit the nation with a 48-hour shutdown beginning Aug 12.

It can be recalled in 2008, during the military-backed caretaker government, the EC made it mandatory for political parties to register if they wanted to contest polls. Jamaat, a key ally of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), registered with alongside 37 other parties.

A total of 25 persons, including Bangladesh Tariqat Federation’s Secretary-General Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri, Jaker Party’s Secretary-General Munshi Abdul Latif and Sammilita Islami Jote’s President Ziaul Hasan, moved the court challenging Jamaat’s registration in January the following year. Major argument against Jamaat were:- a) Jamaat in principle does not recognise people as the source of all powers and also the undisputed power of the people’s representatives to make laws. b) The Representation of People Order prohibits registration of communal parties, and ’it is clear from the acts and beliefs of the Jamaat that it is a communal party. C) a registered political party cannot in any way discriminate on grounds of religion or gender. But the Jammat’s charter does not allow any woman or non-Muslim to hold its top post. d) The Jamaat is a chapter of a foreign organisation born in India with units all over the world.

Jamaat opposed the separation of East Pakistan as Bangladesh was known then. It is known of supporting Pakistan Army during Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971. Soon after Bangladesh’s independence the party was banned. The ban was lifted during the military ruler General Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP and allowed Jamaat to enter politics in Bangladesh. The party Many of whose leaders are now facing trials or have been convicted by special war crimes tribunals set up by the ruling Awami League government to try war criminals of 1971 war.

< class="text11verdana">Source: bdnews24.com, August 2, 2013, The Daily Star, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Awami’s GenNext leader?

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna, made a formal public appearance this week signalling his entry in Bangladesh politics. He joined his mother Sheikh Hasina at a public meeting at the ancestral village home of his father in Pirojpur - seeking vote for the Awami League in the next general election.

By participating in a public meeting alongside her mother Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy has gave a clear signal that he will play a significant role in the upcoming national election in favour of the candidates of the ruling Awami League led by his mother Sheikh Hasina.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Independent, August 1, 2013

Bhutan

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to restore subsidy

India has assured Thimphu that the subsidy on LPG and kerosene it supplies to Bhutan will be restored by the first week of August. New Delhi had earlier this month decided to put an end to the subsidy causing much heartburn in the strategically important country at a time when it was in the middle of its parliamentary polls.

Many said India was trying to influence the outcome of the polls - ruffled as it was with then PM Jigme Thinley’s policies - but South Block steadfastly maintained its decision was apolitical. Government sources here said all "administrative, technical and financial arrangements" are in place for resumption of subsidy on cooking gas and kerosene.

While India had taken an "in principle" decision to restore the subsidy, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay was assured by Indian ambassador V P Haran in Thimphu that the subsidy will be restored first week of August.

This was expected as PM Manmohan Singh had himself assured Tobgay - after his triumph in the elections - that he had asked his officials to soon finalize terms for the Plan assistance to Bhutan. India had officially maintained that it needed to again negotiate terms for all financial help to Bhutan after the neighbouring country’s 10th Plan expired on June 30.

Indian government sources had also highlighted discrepancies in India’s export and Bhutan’s import figures suggesting misuse of subsidized commodities. The government though received a lot of flak for its decision forcing officials to admit later that the timing could have been better.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Times of India, July 30, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">New PM, a ’Happiness sceptic’

Bhutan’s pursuit of "Gross National Happiness" has brought it global fame as a model of alternative development, but its new Prime Minister believes the doctrine has distracted from tackling the country’s problems.

Tshering Tobgay, the new ’lyonchhen’ of Bhutan as prime ministers are known in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, won elections last month and settled into his new office in the capital on Monday.

Tobgay, 47, backs the principles and the notion that "economic growth is not the be all and end all of development", but he confesses to finding the complexities of modern-day GNH hard to grasp.

"I’m sceptical on how it has been overused by some people and how they have been distracted from the real business at hand," he told AFP in an interview over the phone from the capital Thimphu.

In a speech last year, the charismatic former civil servant, Tobgay called it "complicating stuff for me" and "very difficult".

< class="text11verdana">Source: AFP, August 2, 2013

India

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Telangana will be 29th State

For Andhra Pradesh, an era came to an end on Tuesday. Moments after the UPA Coordination Committee agreed to the division of the State, the Congress Working Committee pronounced in an unanimous resolution that Telangana will soon be a reality in four to five months.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, however, did not wait for the announcement. After making a last ditch effort-as did other Central Ministers, Congress MPs and leaders from Seemandhra-to persuade the Congress leadership not to go through with the separation, he dashed back to Hyderabad to deal with the political fallout.

The decision to carve out a separate Telangana state triggered unrest in Rayalseema and coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. The two regions, comprising 13 of the state’s total 23 districts, observed a shutdown in response to a call given by the United Andhra Joint Action Committee (JAC) to protest against the division.

Meanwhile, demand for separate statehood intensified from many parts of the country. UPA ally NCP revived the old demand for Vidharbha by seeking a second State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) to look into pending claims of statehoods. The BSP, an outside supporter of the UPA, made a pitch for carving out four states out of Uttar Pradesh.

Demand for a separate statehood of Gorkhaland from West Bengal also raised its head.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Hindu, July 31-August 1, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">United against disqualification

Political parties that rarely see eye to eye united on Thursday to urge theGgovernment to fight back against the recent Supreme Court judgements barring legislators behind bars from contesting polls and disqualifying them the same day they are convicted by a court of law.

Expressing concern over the "erosion" of Parliament’s "supremacy", opposition leaders asked the government to make amendments in existing laws to reverse the impact of back-to-back verdicts. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath is leant to have assured them that the government will come out with a response soon.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Hindustan Times, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">SC bars Govt from probes

In an order that could trigger another confrontation between the judiciary and the government, the Supreme Court on Thursday said that the CBI did not require sanction of the government to pursue a court-monitored investigation such as the 2G case.

"Why a sanction is required to investigate? It is a court-monitored investigation, you can go ahead and probe," said a bench of Justices G S Singhvi and K S Radhakrishnan, referring to the 2G case.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Indian Express, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Composite dialogue with Pak

The stalled Indo-Pak composite dialogue process is all set to restart in August with Islamabad proposing dates for water secretary level talks" meant to address the Wullar Barrage issue" and New Delhi "actively considering it". Pakistan, in fact, has also proposed a meeting between the two foreign secretaries but, as diplomatic sources confirmed, only after talks over water and Sir Creek issues are held.

The dialogue process with Pakistan was thrown off the track by the January ceasefire violations which led to killings of both Indian and Pakistani soldiers. The water talks that were to be held in late January were the first casualty of the impasse that followed. India decided to postpone the talks saying that its water resources secretary was retiring and instead proposed that the dialogue be held in March.

The postponement came days after then Pakistani Commerce Minister Makhdoom Fahim called off his visit to India. "There are some proposals from Pakistan for the resumption of dialogue and dates are being worked out through diplomatic channels," said an Indian government source.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said on Monday that the Government has to carefully weigh Pakistan’s offer to resume talks and take a suitable decision in the light of events of the recent past. Asked about India’s response to the new Pakistan Government’s purported offer for talks, Khurshid said no opening had been refused in the past. However, the latest one would have to be taken up carefully after addressing people’s hurt over soldiers being beheaded by Pakistan’s Army earlier this year. Simultaneously, the Government would also have to consider that the events happened before the present Pakistan government came in.

< class="text11Verdana">Source: The Times of India, July 28, 2013, The Hindu, July 30, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Tri-Services team for China

As a follow up to the visit by Defence Minister A K Antony to China, the Ministry of Defence has okayed a five day visit by a joint tri-Services delegation to that nation.

The delegation will have 27 officers drawn from the Indian Air Force, Navy and Army. It will largely include junior-level officers and the attempt is to build trust among the men who actually face action and will possibly go on to become future military leaders. The delegation will be in China between August 9 and 23.

< class="text11Verdana">Source: The Tribune, July 30, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Trade network with Saudi Arabia

India plans to launch a business network to promote commerce and trade, investment, business-to-business interactions and exchanges with Saudi Arabia. The proposed Saudi-India Business Network (SIBN), which will function in Riyadh and Dammam, would comprise of both Indian and Saudi businessmen, entrepreneurs, industrialists and members of business chambers.

The first meeting of the SIBN (Riyadh) is scheduled to take place on September 2, a statement released by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said.

Those Indian and Saudi companies recruiting Indians have also been invited to join the network.

India-Saudi Arabia trade relations have witnessed steady and remarkable growth in the last few years. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner and the bilateral trade stood at USD 43.19 billion in 2012-13.

< class="text11verdana">Source: www.business-standard.com, July 29, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Key policy rates unchanged

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today left key policy rates unchanged but left a window of hope open with remarks that rate cuts could happen in future.

RBI Governor D Subbarao, whose tenure ends in September, in his last quarterly policy left the repo or the rate at which banks borrow overnight money from the RBI, remained unchanged at 7.25 per cent. Similarly, the reverse repo rate or the rate at which banks park their surplus money with the central bank too remains at 6.25 per cent.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Tribune, July 31, 2013

Maldives

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Nasheed asks India to relax visa rules

Former President Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday urged neighbours India to relax the process of granting visa for Maldivians traveling to India for medical treatment.

During his ongoing visit to India, Nasheed had met India’s external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and highlighted the difficulties faced by Maldivians in obtaining Indian medical visa. He had also requested for more scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students from India.

The Opposition presidential candidate had also met Indian finance minister P. Chidhambaram on Thursday and discussed ways of obtaining financial assistance as budget support to revive Maldives’ flailing economy. He also noted the obstacles to development caused by the difficulties faced in obtaining construction gravel from India. After the meetings, Nasheed was hopeful that the Indian government will heed his requests.

< class="text11Verdana">Source: Haveeru Online, 3 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Police to probe SAARC audit findings

Police have been asked to investigate the possible embezzlement of state funds in the organisation of the SAARC summit held in the southern atoll of Addu in 2011, President Mohamed Waheed Hassan said Wednesday. Speaking during a campaign rally, president Waheed pointed out that his predecessor Mohamed Nasheed had violated laws and regulations "in the rush" to expend state funds to hold the summit.

An official audit had revealed that the then Government had spent an additional MVR 400 million to hold the SAARC summit. According to the Auditor-General, more than MVR 853 million has been spent on the SAARC Summit where additional funds were used against the constitution as article 96(c) clearly states that the Government can’t exceed the budget approved by Parliament.

The report also noted that Southern Utilities Limited (SUL), the state-owned utilities company in the southern region, took money for several projects carried out by the police and army. The audit revealed that funds were dispersed on directives issued by the president’s office after the finance ministry refused to do so.

In response to the audit report, Nasheed had admitted that State funds might have been expended in violation of the Public Finance Act in his attempt to push officials into expediting development projects. Nasheed, however, had insisted that even if the law had not been followed down to the letter, none of the transactions had involved corruption.

President Waheed in his speech said the prematurely downfall of Nasheed in February last year was due to him "being in such a rush".

< class="text11Verdana">Source: Haveeru Online, 2 August 2013

< class="brown12verdana">Contributors:
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale;
Nepal: Akanshya Shah;
Pakistan: Aniqa Mortuza;
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N Sathiya Moorthy;
Afghanistan: Aryaman Bhatnagar;
India:Dr.Satish Misra;
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee

< class="heading1">Analysis

With six months left for parliamentary election in Bangladesh, politics is likely to warm up, charting a new course in the process. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide victory in five city corporation elections suggest that the party has gained strength after facing a humiliating defeat in the 2008 parliamentary election. Speculation then was the party could hardly make a turnaround. But present trends suggest it has made a comeback and will be a dominant force in the upcoming election. Is this reflective of outcome of the upcoming elections in that country?

Historically, no party in Bangladesh has returned to power for a second consecutive term after democracy was introduced in 1991. Power has been shared between Awami League and BNP alternatively. Considering this trend, the rise of BNP seems to be a repetition of the electoral tradition of Bangladesh. Still, the it came as a surprise to many, especially after all the efforts by the military-backed caretaker government (2007-08) to transform Bangladesh politics. Also, due to the dislike people displayed towards that party during the parliamentary election of 2008 as it was accused of rampant corruption, patronising radicalisation and militancy. Political pundits of that country then analysed the victory of Awami League as a people’s mandate against militancy and corruption.

Corruption, nepotism

The Awami League returned to power with an overwhelming majority and was at the height of its popularity. Looking at Awami League’s popularity then no one could have imagined that the party have to face defeat at the hands of the BNP in a spell of just four years. Banking on its popular support, the Awami League government undertook some steps which were considered bold -- like its action against terrorism and improving ties with India (a politically sensitive issue). The economic performance of the government has also been encouraging.

Despite these positives, there have been some factors which hampered the image of the government. Issues those affected people’s sentiment most were- charges of corruption -- cancellation of the ’Padma loan’ by World Bank on charges of corruption, the share market collapse where government was accused of shielding the culprits, the collapse of a garment factory which was build flouting all building laws - killing over 1000 workers -- and whose owner was close to Awami League.

A feeling of helplessness was looming large among the people and they are looking for an alternative. Internal feud in the Awami League has also caused the party. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is accused of sideling all the veterans of the party who have a great hold over the grassroots and putting people in the limelight who have been close to her. Also, her attempt to forcibly stop the ’Shahbagh movement’ in face of threat from the religious radicals alienated the secular forces which has been her dedicated vote bank for all these years.

Anti-incumbency at work

Analysts in Bangladesh opine that rise of BNP has been due to the Awami League’s failure. In fact, anti-incumbency and lack of alternative have helped to turn the fortune of BNP. BNP has no credit for its gains. But BNP can gain only when it participate in the election. The party for now has declared not to participate in the elections unless the caretaker government is reinstalled. But the ruling Awami League has categorically said that the parliamentary election will be supervised by the democratically elected government.

The lack of consensus among the major political parties on the nature of government which will oversee the election have raised doubts about its prospects. Fear is in absence of decision on the nature of government the situation may deteriorate and it might trigger violent clashes between the supporters of the rival political parties. Political observers have not ruled out military takeover if situation demands. Since democracy is very dear to the people of Bangladesh the desire it that the political parties of that country will not overlook the desire of the people and they will work a middle path which will be acceptable to all.

It will be extremely futile to say that all is over for Awami League. Considering the electoral culture of the South Asia region a lot of changes can take place. Awami League should introspect on what went wrong for the party and work on improving its condition so that it wins back confidence of the people.

(The writer is an Associate Fellow at Observer Research Foundation)

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Myanmar : Ethnic nationalities and constitutional reforms

Mihir Bhonsale

Myanmar’s parliament on July 25, 2013 agreed to review the 2008 constitution and formed a 109-member committee for the task. The committee is expected to look into two pressing needs of the country- allowing, Aung San Suu Kyi to contest the 2015 presidential elections and allowing states to choose their own chief ministers. Mounting international and domestic pressure to allow Myanmar’s opposition leader and democracy campaigner, Suu Kyi to contest elections can be said to be the pretext behind the first need, the second is said to be an attempt to pacify the ethnic nationalities.

The Union of Myanmar was formed after Chin, Kachin, Shan and other non-Burman nationalities reached an agreement with the Aung San at Panglong in February 1947, where the ethnic nationalities were promised the right to exercise political authority with administrative, judiciary and legislative powers as well as right to protect and preserve their culture, language and religion in exchange for voluntary joining the Burman in forming a political union and lending their loyalty to a new State. However months after the agreement was reached Gen Aung San, was murdered in July 1947 and the Burman ethnic nationality’s grip over the union was tightened crushing the aspirations of the ethnic nationalities in their quest for ethnic equality in the newly formed union.

The 1961 State Religion Bill was placed before Parliament which sought to make Buddhism the State religion once again, in an attempt by the dominant Burmans to scuttle the rights of other nationalities. After decades of military rule, which deprived the ethnic nationalities the right to self-determination and equal representation in the Chamber of Nationalities, the 2008 Constitution for the first time revived the hope for federalism in Myanmar. However, though 2008 Constitution conceded to certain long-standing demands like popular sovereignty, a bi-cameral legislature and multi-party system it denied the ethnic nationalities equal representation in the Chamber of Nationalities and state constitutions.

Economic deprivation

Myanmar’s opening up its economy for foreign direct investment after coming out of 60 years of isolation is likely to further trigger resentment amongst the resource rich, ethnic States which are among the economically deprived in the country. The review of the 2008 Constitution is likely to fulfil the long-standing demand of ethnic States for appointment of chief ministers however unless there are State Constitutions with provisions for deterring investors from over-exploitation of natural resources and ensuing opportunities for locals, the ethnic problem is likely to threaten peace in the country.

Chapter 4, Section 96 of the 2008 Constitution centralises government control over the environment, granting no state or region the power over legislation relating to environmental protection and to legislate or regulate large-scale natural resource development. The constitutional committee set up to review the 2008 Constitution must pay heed to the demand for divesting the powers of the Union in favour of the federal states by giving them more power to exercise their discretion in management of natural resources.

Citizenship to Rohingyas

The denial of citizenship to Rohingya ethnic group is another factor which would decide the peace roadmap in Myanmar. Failing to contain the ensuing violence in the Rakhine State for over a year now, Thein Sein has failed to create a conducive environment for reviewing the 1982 Citizenship Law which effectively denies citizenship to Rohingyas on discriminatory ethnic grounds.

Extremist Buddhist elements in the Government and outside are using this degenerate law to carry out their offensive against the Rohingya Muslims, even calling it an ethnic cleansing. As of now, there seems to be a lack of political will in the country to review this law. Myanmar is also likely to face embarrassment at the hands of neighbouring countries as well as ASEAN partners like Malaysia and Thailand as they may move the International Court of Justice for the influx of Myanmar’s population in their countries. Myanmarr,for any possibility of reconciling with the ethnic groups, has to pave the way for constitutional amendments to the effect of empowering its ethnic nationalities. If there is any pressing need which Myanmar faces today, it is reviving the spirit of the Panglong Agreement. The Thein Sein Government has already signed a cease-fire agreement with 13 ethnic armed groups, including the Wa and Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) since assuming power. However, a lot depends on Myanmar’s military which still has its say in all matters concerning the country and it would be key in determining the course of reforms in the country.

(The writer is a Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation)

< class="heading1">Country Reports

Myanmar

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China gas pipeline in operation

Gas has started flowing to energy-hungry China through a pipeline from Myanmar, Beijing’s official media reported, in a major project that highlights their economic links even as political ties weaken. The 793-kilometre pipeline runs from Kyaukpyu on Myanmar’s west coast, close to the offshore Shwe gasfields, and across the country.

The pipeline has been years in construction and went into operation on Sunday at a ceremony in Mandalay, the official Xinhua news agency reported. "When torches flamed in the sky?. a storm of applause and cheers broke out," it said. A parallel oil pipeline is also part of the project, with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPN) the major partner in both assets.

According to Xinhua, the gas pipeline will be able to carry 12 billion cubic metres annually, while the crude oil pipeline has a capacity of 22 million tonnes per year. The start of the project comes as resource-rich Myanmar shakes off decades of rule by generals who kept the country largely isolated from the rest of the world.

They did, however, maintain close economic links with China, which for years was the major foreign influence in a country that was under heavy international sanctions.

< class="text11verdana">Source: AFP, July 29, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to step up military cooperation

As part of the overall policy to counter China’s strategic moves in the region, India now plans to assist Myanmar in building offshore-patrol vessels (OPVs) as well as further ramp up military training for Myanmarese armed forces. The measures to bolster bilateral military ties were discussed in the talks between visiting Myanmar Navy chief Vice-Admiral Thura Thet Swe and Navy chief Admiral D K Joshi, Army chief General Bikram Singh and Defence Secretary R K Mathur, among others, on Monday.

"Myanmar is one of our closest neighbours. We share a land border as well as maritime border with them," said Admiral Joshi, adding the Indian Navy was looking forward to take the "existing excellent relations to the next level".

Sources said India has agreed "in principle" to Myanmar’s request for assistance in building OPVs, which are likely to be constructed at an Indian shipyard, as well as almost doubling the number of vacancies for training Myanmarese Navy officers and sailors from the existing around 50. Similar will be the case for soldiers and air force personnel, with plans also afoot to train Myanmarese pilots to fly the Russian-origin Mi-35 attack helicopters, as part the overall "capacity building and enhancement" plan.

There is, however, worry in the Indian defence establishment that "not enough" is being done swiftly to meet the long-pending requirements of Myanmar, the only ASEAN country which with India shares borders. India has supplied some military hardware and software to Myanmar, which ranges from four Islander maritime patrol aircraft and naval gun-boats to 105-mm light artillery guns, mortars, grenade-launchers and rifles. But Myanmar has asked for much more, including radars, sensors and sonars for its naval frigates and corvettes.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Times of India, July 29, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indian companies bid for oil blocks

India’s Reliance Industries, ONGC Videsh and Cairn India are vying with global energy giants Shell, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil for 30 offshore oil and gas blocks that Myanmar has put on offer. In all, 61 companies have been pre-qualified to bid for 11 shallow water and 19 deepwater blocks in an international tender, according to Myanmar’s Energy Ministry.

The short-listed companies from India include RIL, ONGC Videsh (the overseas arm of State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp), Oil India Ltd, Cairn India, gas utility GAIL India and Jubilant Offshore Drilling (JODPL). International oil majors pre-qualified include Shell, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Total of France, Norway’s Statoil, Eni of Italy, Spain’s Repsol, Anadarko Petroleum of US, Husky Energy, Hess of US, Murphy Oil, Premier Oil of UK, Woodside Energy and Delek Energy.

Asian national oil companies such as China National Petroleum Corp, Korea National Oil Corp, Korea Gas Corp and Japan’s JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corp have also been short-listed. A notice on the ministry’s website said the short-listed firms had been called to view data on the blocks on offer last month. Myanmar is looking at awarding the acreages in February or March next year.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Press Trust of India, August 1, 2013

Nepal

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China, bridge with East Asia: Bhattarai

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has said that China is not only the friend and development partner of Nepal, but also the bridge between the Himalayan country and East Asia.

Nepal is a vibrant bridge between China and South Asia, the UCPN (Maoist) ideologue said at a programme organised by Nepal-China Society in Kathmandu on August 1 on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China . Nepal- China relations are multidimensional and encompass a wide range of areas from political, social, economic, trade, strategic to cultural affairs, he said.

After the second Constituent Assembly elections, the UCPN (Maoist) wants to focus on rapid economic development to catch up with the rest of the world in the shortest possible time, said Bhattarai, adding that close economic cooperation with the world’s second largest economy in that context will come in handy for both the sides.

Speaking at the function, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said the new Chinese leadership has attached great importance to its relations with Nepal and the recent high-level visits from the both sides exhibited commitment to that effect, taking the bilateral relations to a new height. China wants to build good party-to-party relations with Nepal’s political parties for further consolidating its relations with the Himalayan country, he said.

CPN-Maoist Vice-chairman CP Gajurel, who had recently visited China , said the reason behind China ’s rise was its ability to take decisions independently and without others’ interferences.

< class="text11verdana">Source: ekantipur.com, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Ex-royals under attack

Even after the Election Commission (EC) said that the Himani Trust, a non-profit charitable organisation chaired by former crown princess Himani Shah, cannot run its programme due to enactment of the election code of conduct, the trust has said that the programme to distribute relief to flood victims will go ahead as planned saying that the programme was planned prior to the enactment of the code of conduct .

The EC has maintained that after enactment of the election code of conduct , any organisation which is willing to distribute relief package to the flood victims should come through government agency.

The former royal family was in Dhangadi to distribute relief to the flood victims of the far-western region. The Trust officials have claimed that the issue of code of conduct should not be raised when a Nepali is willing to help another Nepali during the time of crisis. The Trust informed that former King Gyanendra Shah had provided NRs. 25, 00,000 as relief to the flood victims of far-west via the Trust.

Meanwhile, a rift has come about amongst the leaders of CPN-Maoist over their chairman Mohan Baidya’s statement that his party is ready to forge an alliance with former king to safeguard nationality

< class="text11verdana">Source: ekantipur.com, nepalnews.com, July 30-31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">NOC’s monthly loss jumps

Debt-ridden Nepal Oil Corporation’s (NOC) monthly projected loss has ballooned to Nepali Rs 1.15 billion, sparking fears of a possible petroleum shortage.

NOC officials said there is "not much pressure" on supply, but if the situation is not addressed by the government, who regulates supplies, on time, "it could affect the market". NOC is preparing to knock the government’s door, seeking NRs 4 billion to finance petroleum imports.

NOC ’s total outstanding debts to the government and financial institutions stand at around NRs 28.50 billion. It has borrowed NRs 12.64 billion from the government to finance petroleum imports.

Various agencies have recommended deregulation of oil prices and participation of the private sector in the petroleum business.

With a number of private sector companies willing to invest on oil trade, the government on 13 March this year issued the Petroleum and Gas Transaction (regulatory) Orders, allowing the private sector in the oil business. However, it was forced to roll back the orders after criticism from experts and entrepreneurs.

Officials have said that the government is preparing to reintroduce the orders and it has been reviewing it in coordination with various experts and stakeholders. Nepal imported petroleum worth NRs 100.57 billion in the first 11 months of 2012-13, up 16 per cent, according to the official data.

< class="text11verdana">Source: ekantipur.com, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Tiger population up

The number of wild Royal Bengal tigers in Nepal has increased to 198, which is a 63.6 per cent rise in five years, a government survey of the big cats has showed.

The findings are crucial for the protection of endangered tigers facing the threat of extinction from poachers for the lucrative trade in their parts, encroachment of habitat by villagers due to the rise in human settlements and loss of prey.

Conflicts between people and wild animals are frequent in Nepal, which has pledged to double the population of tigers by the year 2022 from an estimated 2010 level of 125. The study was supported by the conservation group WWF and the United States.

Conservation experts credit the increase to effective policing of national parks, stronger anti-poaching drives and better management of tiger habitats in Nepal, where forests cover 29 per cent of the land.

Tiger parts are also in high demand for use in traditional Chinese medicines, conservationists say.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Reuters, July 31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">1.6 m child-labourers: Report

National Child Labour Report 2011 has estimated that some 1,600,000 children between 5 to 17 years of age are working as labourers in the country, with 8 per cent of them working in hazardous conditions.

Reports by various organisations put the number of children trafficked to India for sexual exploitation at 12,000 per year. They state that around 13,000 girls and women are currently working in the night-entertainment industry in the Kathmandu Valley. In addition, multi-indicator cluster survey 2010, conducted by UNICEF in the far west regions, revealed that 83 per cent of the children aged 2 to 14 years are subjected to disciplinary violence.

Despite over two decades of consistent efforts to secure child rights in Nepal, the result has been far from satisfactory. The Ministry of Children, Women and Social Welfare itself has admitted that the government has not been able to adequately strengthen the machinery that fights for the rights of children.

< class="text11verdana">Source: myrepublica.com, August 1, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Chicken supply banned over flu spread

The spread of bird flu over the past 15 days has forced the Nepalese Government to ban the movement of poultry products in the Kathmandu valley. The ban, which came into effect on Thursday, will last for a week and the situation will be further assessed after that, according to Dr Vijay Kanta Jha of the Directorate of Animal Health. "So far 33,300 chickens have been culled in Kathmandu valley," Dr Jha said, adding that the spread of the H5N1 virus was yet to be brought under control.

For the past two weeks, chickens have been culled each day in 21 poultry farms on the city’s outskirts. The ban essentially means no poultry products will be available for sale in the capital, since there will be no supply. No similar restriction has been placed in the rest of the country.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Times of India, August 2, 2013

Pakistan

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Direct talks with US resumed

After a halt in relations and direct talks in 2001, the US and Pakistan on 1 August agreed to continue working together and build a "full partnership". US Secretary of State, John Kerry, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday to discuss resuming talking on security matters.

Relations between the two came to a halt 2001, after the US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani town in May. In the same year Pakistan supported Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, and US air attacks killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghan border.

After recent talks between Kerry and Sharif, both announced that the two nations are keen to resume talks and offer each other support on security matters. Kerry also stated that their relationship with Pakistan was not purely about counter-terrorism but improving economic ties and cooperation.

The talks focused on the economy, energy crisis and strategic concerns regarding NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan next year. The two states appreciated that cooperation would be mutually beneficial, as Pakistan’s economy could improve with American financial help and investment and the US requires Pakistan’s assistance in Afghanistan.

Yet relations will not be perfect, as continuing US drone attacks in Pakistan have caused much anger and controversy. The sensitive issue was not addressed and new developments were not announced leaving us to assume that the US will not budge on this matter. But the Pakistani government and Sharif have called for an end to US drone attacks, but the Pakistani government have also been accused of cooperating with the US behind closed doors.

Troubled areas along the Afghan border with Pakistan, such as North Waziristan, have been a key target area for US attacks, an area consisting of heavy Al-Qaeda and Taliban presence. Yet the Pakistani government is also viewed with suspicion by the US, for not cracking down on militants and terrorist safe havens in the country.

< class="text11verdana">Source: BBC, 1 August, 2013, Reuters, 1 August, 2013.

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Jailbreak frees Taliban militants

Gunfire in Dera Ismail Khan Prison, on 30 July allowed for the escape of at least 252 prisoners. It is believed that the militants that attacked the prison had at least 45 minutes of open fire without resistance from any police or the authorities. The police and constables have come under much scrutiny in days after the assault for negligence and cowardice.

In the open gunfire, thirteen died including six policemen. This was a high security prison which held hundreds of Taliban militants from banned groups. Many escaped the prison during the attack, and it has been reported that eleven prominent terrorists were among them.

The situation was handled poorly, as prison police and constables were accused of hiding in sewer lines when the prison was under attack. The provincial revenue minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur publicly attacked the police for cowardice behaviour. He noted their actions as a result of recruitment procedures which have not always been based on merit. The security in the prison was almost non-existent as the majority hid and disappeared during the attack. As a result, many policemen have been suspended including 25 constables, and more strict measures are yet to come.

The prison has managed to recapture some of the militants who escaped that night. The police rearrested 47 militants, some of whom turned themselves in.

< class="text11verdana">Source: BBC, 31 July, 2013, Dawn, 1 August, 2013.

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">25-year plan on energy concern

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced on 1 August of new plans to generate energy in Pakistan. While addressing the energy crisis, Sharif set out a 25-year plan for the country to generate an estimated 50,000MW to meet future energy needs.

The recent announcement also included plans to build coal-based and gas-based plants. It hoped to utilise the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant to generate 950MW. In this plan, the Kashgar-Gwander trade corridor with China was also on the agenda, as a means to attracting trade from china and accessing their markets.

The 25-year plan reveals a vision to improve the Pakistani economy and simultaneously address increasing energy demands. The new plan also hopes to create more jobs in Sindh and Balochistan.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Dawn; 2 August, 2013.

Sri Lanka

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">’TNA, SLMC strike deal to control NE’

Batticaloa District SLFP organizer Arun Tambimuttu yesterday alleged that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was seeking an unprecedented political arrangement with the UPFA constituent, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).

Thambimuttu, son of former Tamil MP, Sam Thambimuttu, said that the TNA move would be inimical to the well being of Eastern Province Tamils, though it might help the TNA’s short-term political project aimed at comfortably winning the northern provincial council polls.

The SLFP-led ruling coalition couldn’t ignore the fact a key partner like the SLMC was contesting the September 21 polls in the Northern Province on its own. The SLMC announced its decision to go it alone though the UPFA pushed for a combined team.

The deal, he implied, could lead to the SLMC dropping its long-standing demand for a separate ’south-eastern provincial council’, and support the TNA in the North, in return for the latter supporting an SLMC-led administration in the East.

Tambimuttu said that the ongoing attempt to undermine the authority of Eastern Province CM Najeeb Abdul Majeed should be examined against the backdrop of the SLMC-TNA marriage of convenience. With the two parties agreeing on a common agenda, strong efforts were now underway against the UPFA administration in the EP administration, he said.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Island, 2 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">K’gamar’s son moves court on land

Former Foreign Affairs Minister the late Lakshman Kadirgamar’s son in a Writ Application before the Court of Appeal bemoans there are moves afoot to acquire his ancestral property in the Jaffna district by the State.

S. J. Christian Kadirgamar, the son of late Lakshmanathan Kadirgamar in his petition cited Minister of Land & Land Development Janaka Bandara Thennakoon, Jaffna District Land Acquiring Officer and the Land Survey Officer as Respondents.

Petitioner who served as a Consultant Environmental Designer to the UDA in 1995 states that the longest serving Army Commander of the Navy Admiral Rajanathan Kadirgamar, the youngest Major in the Ceylon Army Selvanathan Kadirgamar and eminent Queen’s Counsel Sam Kadirgamar were his uncles.

He states his ancestral property called "Alvarmalaiyady" is situated at Maviddapuram in the Tellipallai Parish of Valikamam North Division of the Jaffna District off the Keerimalai - Kankesanthurai Road in close proximity of several Hindu places of worships.

He states that he visited his land in May 2013 and that under the direction of the Minister of Lands and Lands Development, the Land Acquiring Officer has issued a notice for the requirement for a public purpose but goes on to describe the reason for the supposed land requirement as Defence Battalion Headquarters (Jaffna). He laments despite the conclusion of the war, the state security forces have continued for many years to remain in possession of the area.

He contends the purported notices are unlawful, in that the said notices refer to ’regularising handover of area on which High Security Zone(Palaly and Kankesanthurai) is established despite the lands within the are specified in the notice not forming part of any High Security Zone recognized by law.

The petitioner apprehends the claim in the notice is an attempt to evade the statutory duty imposed by Land Acquisition Act and seeking the Court to issue a Writ of Prohibition preventing the Respondents from acquiring his ancestral property.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Daily Mirror Online, 2 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">US calls for right to protest

Expressing concern over the violence which broke out during a protest in Weliweriya on Thursday, the United States has urged the Sri Lankan government to respect the rights of people to protest peacefully.

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Colombo said, "The US Embassy is concerned about the violence at the protest in Weliweriya in Gampaha district and urges the Government of Sri Lanka to respect the rights of people to protest peacefully and urges restraint from all sides."

Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse a group of residents blocking the Colombo-Kandy main road in protest against ground water contamination by chemical waste from a neighbourhood factory. Armed troops were called in to assist the police in dispersing the protesters and that resulted in a tense situation with the protesters refusing to abandon their agitation.

Meanwhile, UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Democratic Party leader Sarath Fonseka and several other MPs visited Weliweriya to meet those affected by Thursday’s violence, while a full scale investigation, into the circumstances under which a 17-year-old boy was killed during Wednesday’s protest, got under way. The army said it, too, would conduct a separate investigation into the incident.

The teenager was identified as Kahadawa Arachchige Don Akila Dinesh of Helanwatta, Weliweriya. Among the wounded were 30 civilians, nine troops and the OIC of the Weliweriya police station. The injured were being treated at the Gampaha, Wathupitiwala and Ragama hospitals. Some of them were transferred to the National Hospital.

Asked what the cause of Akila’s death was, Gampaha Hospital Director, Dr. Sudath Dharmaratna said that the body had been handed over to the Consultant Judicial Medical Officer for the post mortem examination. Asked whether the others had sustained injuries due to being shot at by the army, Dr. Dharmaratne said that his staff had treated the patients as there were multiple cuts and wounds on them, but they had not bothered to ascertain who had inflicted them.

The police said they would use pictures and video footage taken by police and army intelligence units, various groups and journalists to ascertain how the protest had turned violent. Even yesterday, the area was highly protected with the presence of the Special Task Force, Police and army.

The protesters from ten villages blocked the Kandy-Colombo main road. A court case over the issue was pending and the Defence Secretary had held discussions with some representative from the protesters on the issue of groundwater contamination, the government said.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Island, 2 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">President invites Pope to Sri Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written to His Holiness Pope Francis I inviting him to visit Sri Lanka. The invitation stated:

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I consider it a great privilege and an honour to extend to Your Holiness an invitation to undertake a visit to this beautiful country, which only recently emerged from three decades of conflict.

"A visit by Your Holiness to Sri Lanka would be a momentous occasion for all Sri Lankans, and I earnestly hope I will soon have the honour of welcoming Your Holiness to our shores."

The invitation came days after Pope Francis, at a press conference, indicated that he may consider a visit to Sri Lanka as a part of an Asian tour. "Since Your Holiness was elected as the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church in March this year, the people of Sri Lanka have witnessed the humility, compassion, wisdom, and devotion with which Your Holiness has been conducting Papal duties," the President said.

Sri Lanka and the Holy See established formal diplomatic relations in 1976. Pope Paul VI visited Sri Lanka in 1970 and Pope John Paul 11 in 1995 to preside over the religious rites in the Beatification of Sri Lankan Missionary Fr. Joseph Vaz.

In his letter, the President described the hardships Sri Lanka faced during "a traumatic period of brutal terrorism that affected the entire social fabric of this country."

While expressing the Government’s commitment to rebuilding lives and "ensuring equity, harmony and sustainable economic, social and cultural development" in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa also described the significant role that the Roman Catholic Church has played in that process.

"The Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has played a pivotal role over the years in improving the lives of the citizenry, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare and social service," President Rajapaksa said. "The Church’s services for acceleration of post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation and restoration of livelihoods of affected communities are well recognised."

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Island, 2 August 2013

Afghanistan

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Pentagon dismisses ’Zero Option’

A top policy maker in the Pentagon announced that the ’zero option’ or complete withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan was not an option as the presence of US troops in Afghanistan post-2014 was necessary. Peter Lavoy, the Pentagon’s top Afghan policy official said that a number of options for the presence of troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 have been developed. "In none of these cases have we developed an option that is zero," Lavoy said.

In a recent report submitted to the US Congress, the Pentagon mentioned that even though the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are growing smoothly, these forces would still require substantial long-term military support from the international forces post-2014.

A part of the report states that it would be a difficult task to judge whether the Afghan government would able to stand against the Taliban? According to the report, until the exact number of the post-2014 US forces in Afghanistan is announced, establishing a strong government, ensuring rule of law and economic opulence are vital for sustainable stability in Afghanistan.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Khaama Press, July 31, 2013, Tolo News, July 31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">ANSF takes control of insurgent areas

The ANSF for the first time took control of several areas in eastern Afghanistan, which have always been a stronghold of the insurgents for over 10 years. The achievement was made after the ANSF launched an operation codenamed "Simorgh" in Logar and Paktia provinces.

"We have taken control over a large area starting from the entry gate of the valley. Our troops conducted search operations in at least 20 villages and cleared them all. Now, we are moving forward to capture the whole area and eliminate all insurgents," said Gen. Zahir Hedayat, Commander of the Army Corpse 203 Thunder.

The Afghan Forces eliminated insurgents from Dobandi in Azra district. Dobandi is a marketplace in Azra district where the Taliban ruled for over 10 years.

"For over 10 years, the government had no control over this area. It was completely under Taliban siege, and this is the first time that the ANA troops have reached here and eliminated all the insurgents," said Colonel Abdul Sami, Commander of the 4th Brigade of Thunder Army Corps.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Tolo News, July 28, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Increase in civilian casualties

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in its mid-year report noted that civilian casualties in Afghanistan during the first six months of 2013 rose by 23 per cent, compared to the same period in 2012. The organisation blamed the Taliban for causing maximum casualties, followed by the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and Afghan Local Police (ALP). The insurgent groups were responsible for 74% of civilian deaths and injuries in the first half of the year, with Improvised explosive devices planted by insurgents still remaining the single biggest threat for Afghan civilian

The report stated that around 1,320 civilians including women and children were killed and more than 2,500 were injured in war-linked incidents. The UN expressed concerns that the number of civilians injured or killed in ground clashes between Afghan forces and insurgents has soared.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Khaama Press, July 31, 2013, Tolo News, July 31, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to donate $100 m

Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, Minister of Economy, announced that India will donate US$100 million to Afghanistan for developing its economy. Out of the total aid money, US$ 33.5 million will be spent on various development projects in the provinces. Arghandiwal said that the money would be made available over a period of four years.

He said that the donated money would be used for 60 projects, which includes 15 educational projects, 15 health care projects, 21 projects for rural rehabilitation and development, six agricultural projects and two projects related to social affairs.

The Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha said, ""Most of the projects are fairly small but these are much needed projects like schools for girls, vocational training, agriculture, etc. Most of these projects have not come under any attack from anybody. We as govt. of India are pleased to be assisting the friendly country. We really want Afghanistan to be stable and stand on its own feet".

< class="text11verdana">Source: Tolo News, July 31, 2013

Bangladesh

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Jamaat declared unfit for election

In a significant development, the High Court this week cancelled the registration of the Jamaat-e-Islami, a leading religious political party. This decision will prevent the party from contesting the forthcoming parliament elections due later this year or early next provided it loses appeal in the Supreme Court. Jamaat has moved the Supreme Court to overturn the verdict and if that does not happen, it will only be left with the option to amend its charter and apply for registration all over again. But such process is time taking.

The verdict comes at a time when the demand for outlawing the party, blamed for war crimes during the Liberation War, has been mounting. However, Jamaat termed it a ’wrong verdict’ which merely ’reflected the government’s political vengeance’ and has decided to hit the nation with a 48-hour shutdown beginning Aug 12.

It can be recalled in 2008, during the military-backed caretaker government, the EC made it mandatory for political parties to register if they wanted to contest polls. Jamaat, a key ally of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), registered with alongside 37 other parties.

A total of 25 persons, including Bangladesh Tariqat Federation’s Secretary-General Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri, Jaker Party’s Secretary-General Munshi Abdul Latif and Sammilita Islami Jote’s President Ziaul Hasan, moved the court challenging Jamaat’s registration in January the following year. Major argument against Jamaat were:- a) Jamaat in principle does not recognise people as the source of all powers and also the undisputed power of the people’s representatives to make laws. b) The Representation of People Order prohibits registration of communal parties, and ’it is clear from the acts and beliefs of the Jamaat that it is a communal party. C) a registered political party cannot in any way discriminate on grounds of religion or gender. But the Jammat’s charter does not allow any woman or non-Muslim to hold its top post. d) The Jamaat is a chapter of a foreign organisation born in India with units all over the world.

Jamaat opposed the separation of East Pakistan as Bangladesh was known then. It is known of supporting Pakistan Army during Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971. Soon after Bangladesh’s independence the party was banned. The ban was lifted during the military ruler General Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP and allowed Jamaat to enter politics in Bangladesh. The party Many of whose leaders are now facing trials or have been convicted by special war crimes tribunals set up by the ruling Awami League government to try war criminals of 1971 war.

< class="text11verdana">Source: bdnews24.com, August 2, 2013, The Daily Star, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Awami’s GenNext leader?

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna, made a formal public appearance this week signalling his entry in Bangladesh politics. He joined his mother Sheikh Hasina at a public meeting at the ancestral village home of his father in Pirojpur - seeking vote for the Awami League in the next general election.

By participating in a public meeting alongside her mother Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy has gave a clear signal that he will play a significant role in the upcoming national election in favour of the candidates of the ruling Awami League led by his mother Sheikh Hasina.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Independent, August 1, 2013

Bhutan

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to restore subsidy

India has assured Thimphu that the subsidy on LPG and kerosene it supplies to Bhutan will be restored by the first week of August. New Delhi had earlier this month decided to put an end to the subsidy causing much heartburn in the strategically important country at a time when it was in the middle of its parliamentary polls.

Many said India was trying to influence the outcome of the polls - ruffled as it was with then PM Jigme Thinley’s policies - but South Block steadfastly maintained its decision was apolitical. Government sources here said all "administrative, technical and financial arrangements" are in place for resumption of subsidy on cooking gas and kerosene.

While India had taken an "in principle" decision to restore the subsidy, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay was assured by Indian ambassador V P Haran in Thimphu that the subsidy will be restored first week of August.

This was expected as PM Manmohan Singh had himself assured Tobgay - after his triumph in the elections - that he had asked his officials to soon finalize terms for the Plan assistance to Bhutan. India had officially maintained that it needed to again negotiate terms for all financial help to Bhutan after the neighbouring country’s 10th Plan expired on June 30.

Indian government sources had also highlighted discrepancies in India’s export and Bhutan’s import figures suggesting misuse of subsidized commodities. The government though received a lot of flak for its decision forcing officials to admit later that the timing could have been better.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Times of India, July 30, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">New PM, a ’Happiness sceptic’

Bhutan’s pursuit of "Gross National Happiness" has brought it global fame as a model of alternative development, but its new Prime Minister believes the doctrine has distracted from tackling the country’s problems.

Tshering Tobgay, the new ’lyonchhen’ of Bhutan as prime ministers are known in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, won elections last month and settled into his new office in the capital on Monday.

Tobgay, 47, backs the principles and the notion that "economic growth is not the be all and end all of development", but he confesses to finding the complexities of modern-day GNH hard to grasp.

"I’m sceptical on how it has been overused by some people and how they have been distracted from the real business at hand," he told AFP in an interview over the phone from the capital Thimphu.

In a speech last year, the charismatic former civil servant, Tobgay called it "complicating stuff for me" and "very difficult".

< class="text11verdana">Source: AFP, August 2, 2013

India

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Telangana will be 29th State

For Andhra Pradesh, an era came to an end on Tuesday. Moments after the UPA Coordination Committee agreed to the division of the State, the Congress Working Committee pronounced in an unanimous resolution that Telangana will soon be a reality in four to five months.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, however, did not wait for the announcement. After making a last ditch effort-as did other Central Ministers, Congress MPs and leaders from Seemandhra-to persuade the Congress leadership not to go through with the separation, he dashed back to Hyderabad to deal with the political fallout.

The decision to carve out a separate Telangana state triggered unrest in Rayalseema and coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. The two regions, comprising 13 of the state’s total 23 districts, observed a shutdown in response to a call given by the United Andhra Joint Action Committee (JAC) to protest against the division.

Meanwhile, demand for separate statehood intensified from many parts of the country. UPA ally NCP revived the old demand for Vidharbha by seeking a second State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) to look into pending claims of statehoods. The BSP, an outside supporter of the UPA, made a pitch for carving out four states out of Uttar Pradesh.

Demand for a separate statehood of Gorkhaland from West Bengal also raised its head.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Hindu, July 31-August 1, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">United against disqualification

Political parties that rarely see eye to eye united on Thursday to urge theGgovernment to fight back against the recent Supreme Court judgements barring legislators behind bars from contesting polls and disqualifying them the same day they are convicted by a court of law.

Expressing concern over the "erosion" of Parliament’s "supremacy", opposition leaders asked the government to make amendments in existing laws to reverse the impact of back-to-back verdicts. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath is leant to have assured them that the government will come out with a response soon.

< class="text11verdana">Source: Hindustan Times, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">SC bars Govt from probes

In an order that could trigger another confrontation between the judiciary and the government, the Supreme Court on Thursday said that the CBI did not require sanction of the government to pursue a court-monitored investigation such as the 2G case.

"Why a sanction is required to investigate? It is a court-monitored investigation, you can go ahead and probe," said a bench of Justices G S Singhvi and K S Radhakrishnan, referring to the 2G case.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Indian Express, August 2, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Composite dialogue with Pak

The stalled Indo-Pak composite dialogue process is all set to restart in August with Islamabad proposing dates for water secretary level talks" meant to address the Wullar Barrage issue" and New Delhi "actively considering it". Pakistan, in fact, has also proposed a meeting between the two foreign secretaries but, as diplomatic sources confirmed, only after talks over water and Sir Creek issues are held.

The dialogue process with Pakistan was thrown off the track by the January ceasefire violations which led to killings of both Indian and Pakistani soldiers. The water talks that were to be held in late January were the first casualty of the impasse that followed. India decided to postpone the talks saying that its water resources secretary was retiring and instead proposed that the dialogue be held in March.

The postponement came days after then Pakistani Commerce Minister Makhdoom Fahim called off his visit to India. "There are some proposals from Pakistan for the resumption of dialogue and dates are being worked out through diplomatic channels," said an Indian government source.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said on Monday that the Government has to carefully weigh Pakistan’s offer to resume talks and take a suitable decision in the light of events of the recent past. Asked about India’s response to the new Pakistan Government’s purported offer for talks, Khurshid said no opening had been refused in the past. However, the latest one would have to be taken up carefully after addressing people’s hurt over soldiers being beheaded by Pakistan’s Army earlier this year. Simultaneously, the Government would also have to consider that the events happened before the present Pakistan government came in.

< class="text11Verdana">Source: The Times of India, July 28, 2013, The Hindu, July 30, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Tri-Services team for China

As a follow up to the visit by Defence Minister A K Antony to China, the Ministry of Defence has okayed a five day visit by a joint tri-Services delegation to that nation.

The delegation will have 27 officers drawn from the Indian Air Force, Navy and Army. It will largely include junior-level officers and the attempt is to build trust among the men who actually face action and will possibly go on to become future military leaders. The delegation will be in China between August 9 and 23.

< class="text11Verdana">Source: The Tribune, July 30, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Trade network with Saudi Arabia

India plans to launch a business network to promote commerce and trade, investment, business-to-business interactions and exchanges with Saudi Arabia. The proposed Saudi-India Business Network (SIBN), which will function in Riyadh and Dammam, would comprise of both Indian and Saudi businessmen, entrepreneurs, industrialists and members of business chambers.

The first meeting of the SIBN (Riyadh) is scheduled to take place on September 2, a statement released by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said.

Those Indian and Saudi companies recruiting Indians have also been invited to join the network.

India-Saudi Arabia trade relations have witnessed steady and remarkable growth in the last few years. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner and the bilateral trade stood at USD 43.19 billion in 2012-13.

< class="text11verdana">Source: www.business-standard.com, July 29, 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Key policy rates unchanged

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today left key policy rates unchanged but left a window of hope open with remarks that rate cuts could happen in future.

RBI Governor D Subbarao, whose tenure ends in September, in his last quarterly policy left the repo or the rate at which banks borrow overnight money from the RBI, remained unchanged at 7.25 per cent. Similarly, the reverse repo rate or the rate at which banks park their surplus money with the central bank too remains at 6.25 per cent.

< class="text11verdana">Source: The Tribune, July 31, 2013

Maldives

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Nasheed asks India to relax visa rules

Former President Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday urged neighbours India to relax the process of granting visa for Maldivians traveling to India for medical treatment.

During his ongoing visit to India, Nasheed had met India’s external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and highlighted the difficulties faced by Maldivians in obtaining Indian medical visa. He had also requested for more scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students from India.

The Opposition presidential candidate had also met Indian finance minister P. Chidhambaram on Thursday and discussed ways of obtaining financial assistance as budget support to revive Maldives’ flailing economy. He also noted the obstacles to development caused by the difficulties faced in obtaining construction gravel from India. After the meetings, Nasheed was hopeful that the Indian government will heed his requests.

< class="text11Verdana">Source: Haveeru Online, 3 August 2013

< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Police to probe SAARC audit findings

Police have been asked to investigate the possible embezzlement of state funds in the organisation of the SAARC summit held in the southern atoll of Addu in 2011, President Mohamed Waheed Hassan said Wednesday. Speaking during a campaign rally, president Waheed pointed out that his predecessor Mohamed Nasheed had violated laws and regulations "in the rush" to expend state funds to hold the summit.

An official audit had revealed that the then Government had spent an additional MVR 400 million to hold the SAARC summit. According to the Auditor-General, more than MVR 853 million has been spent on the SAARC Summit where additional funds were used against the constitution as article 96(c) clearly states that the Government can’t exceed the budget approved by Parliament.

The report also noted that Southern Utilities Limited (SUL), the state-owned utilities company in the southern region, took money for several projects carried out by the police and army. The audit revealed that funds were dispersed on directives issued by the president’s office after the finance ministry refused to do so.

In response to the audit report, Nasheed had admitted that State funds might have been expended in violation of the Public Finance Act in his attempt to push officials into expediting development projects. Nasheed, however, had insisted that even if the law had not been followed down to the letter, none of the transactions had involved corruption.

President Waheed in his speech said the prematurely downfall of Nasheed in February last year was due to him "being in such a rush".

< class="text11Verdana">Source: Haveeru Online, 2 August 2013

< class="brown12verdana">Contributors:
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale;
Nepal: Akanshya Shah;
Pakistan: Aniqa Mortuza;
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N Sathiya Moorthy;
Afghanistan: Aryaman Bhatnagar;
India:Dr.Satish Misra;
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee

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