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The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #61, 10 August 2023, Thursday
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #61, 10 August 2023, Thursday
Immaculine Joy Paul C, Melvin George, Dhriti Mukherjee and Lakshmi Parimala. H
NEPAL
India to import tomatoes from Nepal
On 10 August, Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitaraman announced that India will be importing from Nepal. The decision comes amidst soaring prices of tomatoes in India, due to a fall in supply as a result of poor rainfall, higher temperatures and a virus outbreak, as stated by the farmers. As a result, tomato prices have increased more than 1400 per cent, which has further led to high inflation. The price of vegetables, constituting 6 per cent of the overall CPI, hit a seven-month high in June. (“India to import tomatoes from Nepal amid surge in price, says Nirmala Sitharaman,” The Economic Times, 10 August 2023)
BHUTAN
Despite achieving 100 per cent electricity access, Bhutan relies on thermal energy
On 10 August, Kuensel reported that Bhutan relies heavily on thermal sources like biomass, coal, and petroleum, despite achieving 100 per cent electricity access by 2019. In 2022, 62.4 per cent of its energy came from thermal sources, while 37.6 per cent was from electricity. Biomass accounted for 25.2 per cent, coal 19.6 per cent, petroleum 17.6 per cent and alternative renewables less than one per cent. Compared to 2015, the energy mix shifted, with increased electricity consumption. The building sector's energy use dropped by over half, and biomass consumption decreased significantly. Petroleum's share slightly decreased, while coal and derivatives saw a notable increase in both percentage and actual consumption by 2022. (Yangyel Lhaden, “Electricity-rich Bhutan still relies heavily on thermal energy,” Kuensel, 10 August 2023)
SRI LANKA
Sajith Premadasa questions inventions to implement 13th amendment
On 09 Aug, Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the government’s intention behind the efforts to bring in the 13th amendment to the constitution. He cleared that the opposition was willing to consider the proposals of the President regarding the implementation of the 13th amendment and render support to the same only after the merits are weighed. He called for the conduct of local council polls and obtain a mandate before going for the amendment. (“Sajith: For whose benefit does govt. want to implement the 13th Amendment fully?,” The Island, 10 Aug 2023)
MYANMAR
Rohingya boat breaks up: Seventeen found dead, eight alive, and others missing
On 10 August, the rescuers from Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation said that they found seventeen dead bodies of Rohingyas who were drowned while fleeing from Rakhine state in Myanmar. On 06 August night, a boat with more than fifty people faced troubling seas and broke up while heading towards Malaysia. Byar La, a rescuer from the foundation said: “We found eight men alive. Police have taken them for questioning.” He said that the exact number of people on the boat is still uncertain and the foundation is still trying to find the rest of the unaccounted. (“At Least 17 Dead After Rohingya Boat Breaks Up off Myanmar,” The Irrawaddy, 10 August 2023)
Singapore’s United Overseas Bank would cuts ties with Myanmar junta
On 09 August, Nikkei Asia reported that Singapore’s United Overseas Bank would restrict all transactions to and from Myanmar account holders from 01 September onwards. The report also said that the bank would stop all Visa and Mastercard transactions by Myanmar account holders. The nostro accounts of the banks of Myanmar UOB’s Hong Kong branch will be closed. These accounts were held by overseas personnel to facilitate the trade of Myanmar. In April, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet and senior sanctions coordination officials had visits with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and important Singaporean banks. This mounted pressure on the bank to take such an action. In July, the bank announced the airline accounts of Myanmar Airways International (MAI) will be closed in the middle of August. (“Myanmar Generals’ Favorite Overseas Bank to Cut Ties Next Month: Report,” The Irrawaddy, 10 August 2023)
THAILAND
New government formation aims to end political polarization: says Phumtham
On 09 August, the Pheu Thai (PT) Party leader Phumtham Wechayachai proposed that the new government formation aims to end political polarization and resolve the crisis in Thailand. Phumtham rejected the criticism that the party betrayed the Move Forward coalition and is now at the verge of forming an alliance with the United Thai Party (UTN) and Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) against their election promises. The PT has the support of 238 House seats now but needs to reach 376 seats out of 500 seats in order to gain the simple majority. The involvement of UTN and PPRP in the 2014 military coup and government formation have invited public opposition. Phumtham said: “I've made it clear that we're ready to talk with every party. There is no camp, no uncles. We want cooperation. The best way is to set up a government to tackle the problems and materialize the people's will.” (Aekarach Sattaburuth, Mongkol Bangprapa and Nattaya Chetchotiros, “Pheu Thai is taking 'no sides',” Bangkok Post, 10 August 2023)
PT attempts to gather support for Srettha from MFP ends ‘inconclusive’
On 09 August, the Pheu Thai (PT) initiated talks with Move Forward Party (MFP) in the MFP headquarters to gather support for their premiership candidate Srettha Thavisin were inconclusive. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai Party Family and other leaders discussed for nearly 90 minutes. According to the Bangkok Post, the PT’s move to talk with MFP after the disposal of the Move Forward coalition can be due to the uncertainty of support from the senators. PT said that if MFP assures its support to rettha, then they would not need the votes from the senators. MFP leader, Pita Limjaroenrat said that the meeting was inconclusive but the parties would remain on friendly terms in parliament. (Aekarach Sattburuth and Nattaya Chetchotiros, “Talks with Move Forward on Srettha 'inconclusive',” Bangkok Post, 10 August 2023)
Charttaipattana Party joins PT alliance
On 10 August, Chartthaipattana Party joined the alliance with the Pheu Thai (PT) Party adding ten more House seats making 238 seats out of the 376 simple majority. Both parties asked the public to age faith in their alliance to address the constitutional crisis, economic problems and social conflicts of Thailand. (“Chartthaipattana joins Pheu Thai-led coalition,” Bangkok Post, 10 August 2023)
THE MALDIVES
President stresses the need for political stability for development
On 10 Aug, President Ibrahim Solih, while speaking at a campaign rally, stated that frequent government change would hinder the country’s development. He also highlighted the transition toward a modern democracy while emphasizing key democratic values like freedom of expression and assembly. He warned that political turmoil and frequent changes in leadership every five years can disrupt progress. He further discussed his manifesto’s policies, including improving social services through decentralization and enhancing collaboration among different age groups.(“Political instability will hinder development: Pres Solih,” Avas.mv, 10 Aug 2023)
IRAN
Tehran claims to have attained the technology to build supersonic missiles
On 09 August, Al Jazeera reported that Iran claims to have obtained technology to build a supersonic cruise missile. Declaring the same, the state-linked Tasnim news stated that the missiles are undergoing tests and “will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the defense power of our country.” Iran previously unveiled its first hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah. A supersonic missile moves at a speed between Mach 1 and Mach 5. The claims come amidst growing tension between Iran and the US, as the US is expanding its presence in the region citing Iran’s attempts to capture vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. (Maziar Motamedi, “Iran says it has technology to build supersonic missiles amid US tensions,” Al Jazeera, 9 August 2023)
British envoy summoned over his remarks on the arrest of journalists
On 09 August, the Iranian foreign ministry summoned Britain’s envoy to Tehran, to convey objection over his comments on platform X (formerly known as Twitter), regarding arrests of journalists. The British Ambassador, Simon Shercliff, posted on 8 August, on account of Journalists Day in Iran, that “we reiterate our call for Iran to release all arbitrarily detained individuals, including all journalists.”There was no immediate reply from the UK Embassy. Iran detained atleast 95 journalists during the protests following Mahsa Amini’s death and was ranked the world’s worst jailer of journalists in 2022. (“Iran summons British envoy over his social media post calling for release of detained journalists,” AP News, 9 August 2023)
Canada slams new sanctions on seven individuals
On 08 August, Canada slammed new sanctions on Iran, accusing it of destabilizing the region and backing Russia in the Ukraine war. In the 13th package of sanctions since October 2022, Ottawa imposed sanctions on seven individuals from Iran, citing their involvement in acts that “gravely threaten international peace and security or that constitute gross and systemic violations of human rights in Iran.” The seven included a former commander of the IRGC Navy and Strategic Centre and other senior Iranian officials. As a result, the dealings with the individuals are prohibited, their assets in tomatoes Canada will be suspended and they will be rendered inadmissible to Canada. The spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, denying the allegations of exporting drones to Russia, stated that “Resorting to sanctions is illegal, is a violation of the legal rights of the Iranian nation, and is a violation of human rights.” So far Iran has imposed sanctions on 170 individuals and 192 entities. (“Canada slaps fresh sanctions on Iran,” Tehran Times, 9 August 2023)
AFGHANISTAN
Iran Ambassador blames US for Afghan’s instability
On 09 Aug, Afghanistan Times reported on Iran’s Ambassador to Kabul, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, who made claims that the US aims to maintain instability in Afghanistan to counter rivals like China, which is making the region a conflict-ridden melting pot. Qomi also highlighted the porous borders being exploited for crimes like drug trafficking and terrorism. He accused the US of hindering Afghanistan’s global engagement and intentionally generating tensions by blacklisting officials and using frozen funds for pressure. Qomi asserts that the US fears a stable Afghanistan attracting investments, particularly from China. Further, he urged for regional cooperation and mentioned Iran and Pakistan’s potential to assist Afghanistan, and encouraged international engagement like the Doha International Summit. (“US prefers Afghanistan instability to counter China: Iran envoy,” Afghanistan Times, 9 Aug 2023)
PAKISTAN
PDM’s legacy as “mixed” says an editorial by The News International
On 10 August, The News International in an editorial provided an analysis of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s term of rule under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, outlining the activities that it would be remembered for. The best way to sum it up is “a mix of some good, some bad, a lot confused.” Its major achievements include securing the IMF deal, strengthening external relations through Bilawal Bhutto, progressing on CPEC, and tackling large floods. However, these are balanced out by a considerable number of failures, including concerns over excessive media censorship paired with controversial cyber laws, “economic mismanagement” brought on by internal disagreements, and “bulldozed legislation in parliament,” which showcased how politics was still conducted traditionally. In all, the PDM had a “mixed” impact on the country. (“PDM legacy,” The News International, 10 August 2023)
IHC queries reasons behind Imran Khan's jail transfer
On 09 August, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) instructed authorities to clarify why former Prime Minister Imran Khan was sent to Attock Jail instead of Adiala Jail, as directed by the sessions court. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked the assistant advocate general to identify the authority responsible for prisoner transfers and submit a report by 11 August. As per the PTI’s chief counsel, Khan was sent to Attock because it did not have any A-class facilities, and that he was being held in a “cell” in “solitary confinement.” After hearing the case in court, Justice Farooq stated that only after listening to the Election Commissions' points would another hearing on the case be held. (Asif Yousafzai & Ag App, “Who ordered sending Imran to Attock jail, asks IHC CJ,” The News International, 10 August 2023)
Pakistan approves UAE's control of seaport terminals amidst initial concerns
On 09 August, Pakistan approved a commercial agreement that entrusts the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the management of two seaport terminals over 25 years. The cabinet which initially rejected the terms, vying for better prices, changed its mind two days later despite receiving no update. After multiple negotiations by the Price Negotiation Committee (PNC), Pakistan is set to receive significant revenue, with the country projected to gain 15 per cent of the gross revenues and around 40 per cent of the net revenues from terminal earnings. The UAE will pay an upfront amount of USD 25 million as goodwill, another USD 25 million upfront (adjustable against revenue sharing), and additional annual payments for the duration of the agreement. (Shahbaz Rana, “Pakistan greenlights ‘below par’ UAE seaport deal,” The Express Tribune, 10 August 2023)