Photo : The Irawaddy
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #92, 15 September 2023, Friday
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #92, 15 September 2023, Friday
Immaculine Joy Paul C, Melvin George, Dhriti Mukherjee, and Lakshmi Parimala. H
NEPAL
PM Dahal to be accompanied by his daughter and FM Saud, among others, to the 78th UNGA session
On 14 September, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement announcing that PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal will attend the 78th UNGA session, accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Foreign Minister NP Saud, Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal, and other senior officials of the foreign ministry. PM Dahal is scheduled to address the Assembly on 21 September in New York. The theme of the General Debate of the 78th UNGA is “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All.” Following the UNGA address, she is set to fly to Hangzhou to attend the inauguration of the 19th Asian Games. (“Foreign ministry announces PM delegation to UN,” The Kathmandu Post, 14 September 2023)
MYANMAR
Ties with Russia peaks, says junta foreign minister
On 14 September, the Junta regime’s foreign insider Than Swe said in a press conference in Moscow that the relationship between Myanmar and Russia peaked. Than Swe and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov discussed establishing Myanmar Consulates General in St Petersburg and Novosibirsk, and collaborations in twelve sectors. This covers defence, security, tourism and people-to-people connectivity, economy and trade, energy, industry, education, and information. Lavrov said: “We particularly focused on cooperation through financial and banking structures, including our countries’ central banks.” He also said: “We confirmed our appreciation of the balanced, objective position of our Myanmar friends in connection with what is happening in Ukraine.” (“Myanmar Junta Relationship With Russia Reaches New ‘Peak’,” The Irrawaddy, 15 September 2023)
NUG designates Central Bank governor and 43 staffs as terrorist for misuse of public funds
On 15 September, The Irawaddy reported that the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Central Group for Counter Terrorism designated the Central Bank of Myanmar Governor Than Swe and forty-three other officials as terrorists. NUG blamed the misuse of public funds for purchasing weapons, jet fuels, and military equipment to attack civilians. Rather than using monetary policy to control the soaring inflation in the country, the central bank printed more currency to finance the junta, which led to the exchange rate of Kyat to fall rapidly. NUG’s Central Group for Counter-Terrorism said the terrorists will be prosecuted by the anti-terrorism law. (“Central Bank Governor and 43 Staff Designated Terrorist,” The Irrawaddy, 15 September 2023)
THAILAND
Pita steps down as party leader, new leader, and executives on 23 September
On 15 September, as Pita Limjaroenrat resigned as the leader of the Move Forward Party, the party fixed 23 September as the date to conduct a general assembly to vote for a new executive committee and a new leader. Pita resigned after consulting with the executive committee to give way for another leader to take up the opposition leader role. He said that the uncertainty around his MP status should not affect the party’s steps in serving the public. The assembly expects nearly 500 representatives from branches of the party from all over Thailand. (“MFP to elect new leader, executives September 23,” Bangkok Post, 15 September 2023)
IRAN
Britain France and Germany retain sanctions on Iran’s nuclear programme
On 14 September, Britain, France, and Germany, the three European allies known as the E3, issued a joint statement stating that they would retain their sanctions on Iran with respect to the country’s atomic programme. The decision was a “direct response to Iran’s consistent and severe noncompliance.” Iran rejected this decision, describing it as “illegal and proactive.” The sanctions prohibit Iran from developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, as well as buying, selling, or transferring drones and missiles to and from Iran. In a separate decision, on 15 September, the US, the UK, and the EU imposed sanctions on four Iranian officials, marking the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini. (“Britain, France, Germany to uphold ballistic, nuclear sanctions on Iran,” Al Jazeera, 14 September 2023)
PAKISTAN
Torkham border crossing set to reopen
On 14 September, The Express Tribune stated that, as per information from Asmat Ullah Yaqub, the person in charge of Torkham border affairs, the Torkham border crossing will resume regular operations on 15 September. He stated: “At eight o'clock tomorrow, the gate will be open as usual for transit and passengers.” The border was shut down after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of constructing a new structure on its territory, leading to clashes between their security forces. The closure stranded hundreds of trucks and travellers at the border. Afghanistan relies on a transit trade agreement with Pakistan for international trade due to its landlocked status. Pakistan reportedly conditioned the reopening on the withdrawal of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from Chitral district, and reports suggest the TTP has withdrawn from the border areas. The Foreign Office described the closure as temporary, hinting at upcoming developments. (Shahabullah Yousafzai, “Torkam border set to reopen on Friday,” The Express Tribune, 14 September 2023)
Caretaker PM directs fast-tracking of PIA privatisation
On 14 September, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar instructed the caretaker Minister for Privatisation Fawad Hasan Fawad to accelerate the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The move comes as PIA faces financial difficulties, including reports of unpaid employee salaries for August. While the Aviation Division has requested a PKR 23 billion bailout package, the Ministry of Finance has denied plans for financial assistance to PIA. In an interview, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the importance of transparent elections and discussed various political and security challenges facing Pakistan. (“Interim PM Kakar wants privatisation of PIA on fast-track basis,” The News International, 15 September 2023)
US diplomat terms TTP as “biggest threat”
On 12 September, US special representative Tom West termed the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the greatest threat to regional stability. While addressing a seminar at Stimson Center, he stated that Taliban rulers have degraded the significance of Islamic State (IS) faction. He apprised Doha agreement made the US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan as the relevance of the region is no longer appreciated. Referring, Former US diplomat Dave Smith's statement about Pakistan being viewed in a different perspective according to the US in the last two years, He said Pakistan is ‘helping’ the US achieve its goals in Afghanistan. Elucidating the link between the Afghan Taliban and the banned TTP, the US official said, “As they were pushed across the border, the TTP became allies of the Taliban. They were financial supporters, logistical supporters, and operational allies as well. So, I think the ties between them are quite tight.” (Anwar Iqbal,“ US diplomat terms TTP ‘greatest threat’ to regional stability," Dawn, 15 September 2023)