< style="color: #0069a6;">COUNTRY REPORTS
< style="color: #0069a6;">Afghanistan
< style="color: #163449;">NATO reaffirms support
The NATO summit in Brussels wrapped up its foreign ministers conference with the alliance reaffirming its continued support to Afghanistan on 7 December. ATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the Taliban has failed to reach their objectives in Afghanistan. He said the alliance will continue to train and support Afghan security forces fighting "terrorism" on the ground. Gen John Nicholson, the commander of U.S and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said that while the Taliban were trying to destabilise and destroy the country the insurgent group had faced setbacks on battlefield. Nicholson said that while the government and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces were working to build a safe and prosperous future, they have been continuously tested by the Taliban.
For more information, see: “Taliban intent on destroying Afghanistan: Nicholson”, Tolo News
< style="color: #163449;">Air cargo with India through Pakistan
At the sidelines of the Heart of Asia summit in India, New Delhi and Kabul have confirmed that the two countries are moving ahead with an air cargo service over Pakistan. The move will boost bilateral trade between the two countries, which have suffered due to political differences with Pakistan. The cargo service is also expected to ease Afghanistan’s connectivity problems, allowing the landlocked country to improve its access to key markets abroad.
For more information, see: “India, Pakistan plan air cargo link over Pakistan”, Reuters
< style="color: #163449;">Moscow confirms Taliban ties
On 8 December, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Alexander Mantytskiy, confirmed that the Kremlin had ties with the Taliban, claiming that the said ties were only to protect Russian political offices in the country. Mantytskiy said that Russia had concerns about the expansion of ISIS and other militant groups in the country; adding that ISIS was not only a threat to Afghanistan, but to other countries in Central Asia, Pakistan, China, Iran, India and Russia itself. He also added that the Taliban was a political faction and urged Kabul to use diplomacy to deal with the group.
For more information, see: “Envoy confirms Russia has relations with the Taliban”, Tolo News
< style="color: #0069a6;">Bangladesh
< style="color: #163449;">PM puts off India visit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed visit to India has been postponed. No specific reason has been highlighted. The Prime Minister was likely visit India 18 of December.
For more information see:
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ‘postpones’ India visit”, Bdnews24.com
< style="color: #163449;">No Rohingya influx
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina this week categorically said that her country cannot open door for allowing Rohingyas. She, however, informed that Bangladesh is providing shelter to them who are coming but the country will not accept all the refugees. Meanwhile, European Union urged Bangladesh not to turn back Rohingyas
For more information see: “We can’t allow Rohingya influx: Hasina”, Prothom Alo, 7 December 2016; “Don't turn back Rohingyas, EU urges Bangladesh”, The Financial Express
< style="color: #0069a6;">Bhutan
< style="color: #163449;">BBIN instead of SAARC?
The government is looking at the sub-regional grouping of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) as an alternative to the dysfunctional SAARC for better economic cooperation. Despite setbacks, the government is determined to ratify the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA), which it says will open gates for cooperation in other areas.
For more information, see:
“BBIN for economic cooperation”, Kuensel
< style="color: #163449;">INR replacement, slow
According to a senior government source, Bhutan is waiting for the India to exchange around INR 2.5 bn or INR 250 crores of demonetized INR 500 and INR 1000 notes from Bhutan. However, though Bhutan’s Foreign Ministry and its Embassy in Delhi has sent requests to India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is yet to accept Bhutan’s INR notes.
For more information, see:
“India’s fake currency fears slow INR replacement for Bhutan”, The Bhutanese
< style="color: #163449;">Coronation anniversary fete
To commemorate the 10
th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the Golden Throne, a Nation Wide Cleaning Campaign will be conducted on 9th December 2016.
For more information, see:
“National Cleaning campaign to mark 10th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Golden Reign”, The Bhutanese, 3 December 2016; “Dzongdags and Thrompons to lead nationwide cleaning campaign”, Bhutan Broadcasting Service
< style="color: #0069a6;">India
< style="color: #163449;">TN CM passes away
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu passed away on Monday night in Chennai’s Apollo hospital almost after three months of being admitted. The state declared a seven day mourning period from Tuesday. Schools, colleges, offices were to remain closed for the next three days and has been designated as a public holiday in the state. Prime Minister Modi also arrived in Chennai among several leaders from across the country to pay homage to the body of the AIADMK leader that was kept in Rajaji Hall.
For more information, see: “Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa dies at 68, to be buried at MGR’s memorial site”, Hindustan Times, 6 December, 2016; “India Jayalalitha death: Masses mourn 'iron lady'”, BBC,
< style="color: #163449;">Demonetisation ‘foolish’: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by claiming that demonetisation was a ‘foolish decision’ and has caused nation-wide devastation. More than 100 people have died. Farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners have been hit hard. Opposition leaders observed ‘black day’ in Parliament premises on Thursday to mark one month since the announcement of demonetisation. Leaders from political parties like Congress, TMC, CPI(M), CPI, JD(U), Samajwadi Party joined the protest wearing black band on their arms.
For more information, see: “Rahul Gandhi: Demonetisation a foolish decision, has devastated the country”, First Post
< style="color: #163449;">Amritsar Call to end terror
The two-day Heart of Asia conference concluded with a declaration demanding regional and international cooperation to ensure elimination of terrorism as well as dismantling of safe havens for terrorists in the region. In addition, it also called for disrupting of all financial, tactical support to terrorist networks. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in their inaugural speeches stated that combatting terrorism shall remain the core of discussions. The declaration also demanded strong action against terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Haqqani network, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Daesh (Islamic state), the Taliban etc. that have been responsible for violence in South Asia.
For more information, see: “Heart of Asia conference names Pakistan terror groups, urges states to act”, Indian Express, 4 December, 2016; “Heart of Asia conference demands strong action against Pakistan-based terror groups”, The Times of India
< style="color: #163449;">‘Defence partner’ with US
On Thursday, an agreement for designating India a ‘major defence partner’ of the US was reached between Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter on his visit to New Delhi. A joint statement was issued after the talk that “The designation as a ‘Major Defence Partner’ is a status unique to India and institutionalises the progress made to facilitate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level at par with that of the United States’ closest allies and partners, and ensures enduring cooperation into the future”.
For more information, see: “India, U.S. talk defence partnership”, The Hindu, 9 December, 2016 and “India, US to be ‘major defence partners’ soon”, The Asian Age
< style="color: #0069a6;">Maldives
< style="color: #163449;">Ban Ki-moon for talks, still
In a statement on the International Human Rights Day on Friday, Ban Ki-moon reiterated his call for the Government and the Opposition in Maldives to hold political negotiations, and prioritise ‘national interest and democracy’. This, even as Dhunya Maumoon, former Foreign Minister and estranged senior leader of President Abdulla Yameen’s PPM, called upon all Maldivians to stand up for civil and political liberties in the country.
For more information, see: “Ban Ki-moon renews calls for dialogue in the Maldives”, Maldives Independent, 6 December 2016; “Dhunya: Stand up for political and civil liberties”, SunOnline, 10 December 2016; “HRCM: 964 human rights cases looked into in 2016”, SunOnline, 10 December 2016; “AG Office releases National Human Rights Framework, collection of legislature”, SunOnline, 11 December 2016; “AG: There are those who know what happened to Rilwan, tell us”, SunOnline, 11 December 2016; “Rilwan did not disappear into thin air. There will be people who know what happened: AG Anil”, Miadhu
< style="color: #163449;">Now, PPM slams EC
In a none-too-common incident, the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) faction under President Abdulla Yameen has criticised the nation’s Election Commission for taking up and closing nominations for the local council polls across the country, purportedly going against court orders in the matter. Acting on a PPM petition that the party did not have the detailed membership register after the recent vertical-split headed by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the civil court had stalled the LG polls.
For more information, see: “PPM slams elections commission for closing nominations for council polls”, Maldives Independent, 8 December 2016; “MDP: Niyaz’s arrest will hinder preparation for Council Election”, SunOnline
< style="color: #0069a6;">Myanmar
< style="color: #163449;">IMF lowers growth forecast
Despite reforms by Myanmar authorities, the International Monetary Fund now projects that the country’s gross domestic product will grow by only 6.5 per cent in fiscal year 2016-17 (ending March 31), down from the 8-per-cent growth projected in May.
For more information see:
“IMF lowers Myanmar’s growth forecast”, Eleven
< style="color: #163449;">Govt ‘stalling media’ in Rakhine
Several international human rights groups have spoken out over what they allege is Myanmar government obstruction and harassment of journalists trying to cover the Rakhine crisis, including concern over the dismissal of a journalist working for a leading media outlet.
For more information see:
“Rights groups claim Myanmar govt obstructing reporters from covering Rakhine crisis”, Mizzima
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday announced nearly US$8 billion in aid, loans and investment to promote development and reconciliation in Myanmar after talks with its de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
For more information see:
“Japan announces a nearly $8 billion package for Myanmar”, Myanmar Times
< style="color: #0069a6;">Nepal
< style="color: #163449;">Statute-change blocked
Speaker Gharti on December 8 held separate meetings with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman K P Sharma Oli. Taking exception to the government move of registering the constitution amendment bill, the UML, which has launched protests, has been obstructing parliamentary proceedings, saying it will block the bill at any cost. Speaker Gharti is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on December 9 in a bid to find a way to break the current stalemate.
For more information, see:
“Speaker’s bid to end House deadlock fails”, The Kathmandu Post
< style="color: #163449;">Trade Fair in Pokhara
The National Industrial Trade Fair kicked off at Nayabazaar Exhibition Centre in Pokhara on December 8. The 10-day event organised by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry showcases a wide range of automobiles, outfits, electronic goods, handicrafts and consumer goods, besides holding several entertainment events on the sidelines. Tourism Minister Jeeban Bahadur Shahi stated, “Although Pokhara has been performing well in promoting the country’s tourism industry, long-term vision has become essential for sustainable future.”
For more information, see:
“National Industrial Trade Fair kicks off in Pokhara”, The Kathmandu Post
< style="color: #163449;">Internet link from China
An agreement has been reached for the first time between Nepal Telecom (NT), the state-owned telecommunication service provider and China Telecom Global Limited (CTG) to deliver IP service in Nepal through the terrestrial cable route linking Nepal and China
via Rasuwa-Jilong gateway. Following this, Nepal can now purchase internet bandwidth from Chinese companies. Prior to this, Nepal has only been purchasing internet bandwidth from Indian firms.
For more information, see:
“MoU signed to deliver IP service in Nepal”, Republica
< style="color: #0069a6;">Pakistan
< style="color: #163449;">After Trump, Pence talks Kashmir
Last week, US President-elect Donald Trump in a phone call to Nawaz Sharif, called the Pakistani prime minister a “terrific guy” with a “very good reputation” who was doing “amazing work which is visible in every way”, according to a press release by the Government of Pakistan. A day later, US vice-president elect Mike Pence said that Trump would use his “extraordinary deal-making skills” to reduce tensions around the world and would resolve the Kashmir issue. Pence further said there had “been great tension between India and Pakistan in recent days.
For more information, see: “PR no. 298 PM telephones president-elect USA”, Press Information Bureau Government of Pakistan, 30 November 2016; “Trump’s ‘deal-making skills’ can help resolve Kashmir: US VP-elect Mike Pence”, The Hindustan Times
< style="color: #163449;">Bank cancels $ 100-million loan
The World Bank has cancelled a $100 million loan to Pakistan that would have helped build a natural gas project in the country. The project which was aimed at enhancing the supply of natural gas to areas in Karachi, Sindh and Balochistan, was called off due to lack of any progress in achieving development objectives. The World Bank report said the failure of the project led to its closure and, as a result, the levels of unaccounted-for gas (UFG) remained high while continuing to drain the natural resource.
For more information, see: “World Bank cancels $100-million loan for Pakistan’s natural gas project”, The Hindu
< style="color: #163449;">Revisiting < style="color: #163449;">Iran pipeline deal
Pakistan and Iran are revisiting the terms of the agreement for gas sale and purchase agreement (GSPA) for new pricing. The $1.35 billion gas pipeline project which was signed in 2009 has not been completed due to both Tehran and Islamabad’s desire for extension beyond the project completion date which was December 2014. While Iran has told Pakistan that the pipeline on its side will take over a year and a half to complete, Pakistan has stressed the need for price review given the new and transformed gas market dynamics.
For more information, see: “Iran, Pakistan look to revisit gas pipeline agreement”, Dawn
< style="color: #0069a6;">Sri Lanka
< style="color: #163449;">‘Chaos’ over Statute
In what is possibly a first detailed statement on the subject, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that the Government was introducing constitutional reforms in the country without ending the current chaos, and without reforming the electoral system and abolishing the Executive Presidency, as promised. In an interesting additional twist and separately, he declared that the SLFP headed by Maithiripala Sirisena of which he was a leading member was not divided, though some members may have betrayed the party for ministerial berths.
For more information, see: “Constitutional reforms amidst chaos in country: MR”, Daily Mirror Online, 5 December 2016; “SLFP is not divided: MR”, Daily Mirror Online, 6 December 2016; “MR has the ability to rescue Sri Lanka: Basil”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 December 2016; “MR’s henchmen on course to destroy SLFP: Wijayamuni Soysa”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 December 2016; “President says freedom of religion ensured in SL”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 December 2016; “Ranil apologizes for burning of Jaffna library”, Daily Mirror Online, 6 December 2016; “Bestow national hero title on 19 Kandyan leaders: Wijeyadasa to MS”, Daily Mirror Online, 6 December 2016; “Gammanpila urges Govt. to ban TNA”, Daily Mirror Online, 5 December 2016; “Resign if you can't work for the Tamils: Sumanthiran to Swaminathan”, Daily Mirror Online, 7 December 2016; “U.N. rights watchdog calls on SL to investigate torture”, Daily Mirror Online
< style="color: #163449;">Pence invites President
US vice-presidential elect, Mike Pence, has telephoned President Maithiripala Sirisena, inviting him to visit the country, and help enhance bilateral ties. The telephone conversation assumes significance in the light of Sri Lankan expectations of US President-elect, Donald Trump’s Administration going easy on the America-led UNHRC initiatives on war-crime probes and accountability issues, which did not make much headway, thus far. In the meantime, the envoys of China and Russia at Colombo, in separate statements, respectively expressed opposition to ‘external interference’ in domestic affairs of the host-nation, and recalled Moscow’s role in supporting Sri Lanka at Geneva UNHRC proceedings in the past.
For more information, see: “
Mike Pence invites President Sirisena to visit US”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 December 2016; “China opposes external interference in SL: Jiechi”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 December 2016; “MR: Govt, China should stick to original plan...Hambantota development project”, The Island, 6 December 2016; “Xian Y20 military-cum-civil transport planes”, Daily Mirror Online, 5 December 2016; “Indian Navy is keeping a close eye on Chinese ships in Indian Ocean Region: Admiral Lanba”, The Island, 6 December 2016; “Russia highlights its role in Geneva in support of Sri Lanka”, The Island, 6 December 2016; “Maithri-Putin powwow in Moscow next March”, The Island, 7 December 2016; “Unnecessary fear is created on trade agreements: President”, Daily Mirror Online, 7 December 2016; “US-Sri Lanka discuss trade potential”, The Island
< style="color: #0069a6;">PRIMARY DOCUMENTATION
< style="color: #0069a6;">Bangladesh
< style="color: #163449;">Press Releases
Statement of the Hon’ble Foreign Minister Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, M.P. at the reception hosted by the Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Masato Watanabe on the occasion of Birthday of the Emperor of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 3 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Myanmar
< style="color: #163449;">Press Releases
State Counsellor, Indonesian FM exchange views on recent development in Rakhine State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 7 December 2016
Foreign Affairs Ministry summons Malaysian Ambassador over Najib’s irresponsible remarks, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 7 December 2016
< style="color: #163449;">Bibliography
< style="color: #0069a6;">Afghanistan
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion pieces
Andrew Hammond, “Afghanistan faces a daunting array of challenges”, Gulf News, 8 December 2016
Devirupa Mitra, “Is ISIS setting its sights on India in Afghanistan?”. The Wire, 8 December 2016
Abbas Farasoo, “Afghanistan’s quest for regional cooperation”, Fair Observer, 8 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Bangladesh
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion pieces
Fakhruddin Ahmed,”A brief history of grievances in the CHT”, Dhaka Tribune, 5 December 2016
Shaila Mahmud, “Addressing the gender issue in climate change”, Dhaka Tribune, 8 December 2016
Sarath Kumara, “Indian defence minister visits Bangladesh”, World Socialist, 8 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Bhutan
< style="color: #163449;">Editorials
“Promoting the national language”, The Bhutanese, 3 December 2016
“Need to make agriculture priority sector”, Kuensel, 8 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">India
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion pieces
Jayanthi Natarajan, “Tamil Nadu after Jayalalithaa”, The Hindu, 9 December, 2016
Happymon Jacob, “India-Pak Ceasefire Agreement Is Dead, It’s Time for a New One”, The Quint, 7 December, 2016
Srinath Raghavan, “On demonetisation, will Modi do a Morarji or a Pandit-ji?”, Hindustan Times, 7 December, 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Maldives
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion Pieces
James Dauris, British Ambassador to Maldives, “Why the Commonwealth and Maldives will miss each other”, Maldives Independent, 7 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Myanmar
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion pieces
Aung Zaw, “Malaysia, Don’t Use Burma to Distract from Disquiet at Home”, The Irrawaddy, 5 December 2016
Khin Zaw Win, “Is fighting with the NA-B the beginning of a full-fledged crisis?”, Myanmar Times, 9 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Nepal
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion Pieces
Madhab Regmi, “Some are more equal than others”, The Kathmandu Post, 9 December 2016
Biswas Baral, “The second amendment”, Republica, 8 December 2016
< style="color: #163449;">Editorials
The Kathmandu Post, “Bad first impressions”, The Kathmandu Post, 9 December 2016
Republica, “Young hope”, Republica, 8 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Pakistan
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion Pieces
Uri Friedman, “Lessons from Trumps’s fantastic phone call to Pakistan”, The Atlantic, 2 December 2016
Khalid Saleem, “Indo-Pak CBM blues”, The Express Tribune, 7 December 2016
Elizabeth Roche, “What’s up with Pakistan?”, Live Mint, 9 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Sri Lanka
< style="color: #163449;">Opinion Pieces
Neville Ladduwahetty, “Proposed Centre-Periphery Relations”, The Island, 9 December 2016
Malinda Senaviratne, “Reconciliation is about the management of insecurities”, Daily Mirror Online, 8 December 2016
Gomin Dayasiri, “Who succeeds Mahinda Rajapaksa or the fate of SLPP”, Daily Mirror Online, 8 December 2016
Dr Dayan Jayatilleka, “Constitution-making and the North-South political cycle”, Daily Mirror Online, 7 December 2016
Prof Sirimevan Colombage, “Policy contradictions hold back economic prospects”, The Island, 7 December 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “New Constitution: Who’s to bell the Rajapaksas?”, The Sunday Leader, 4 December 2016
< style="color: #0069a6;">Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Sabah Ishtiaq
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Dr Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury & Sreeparna Banerjee
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