South Asia
On Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, said that Pakistan “categorically rejected baseless speculation regarding possibility of recognition of the State of Israel” despite its allies in the Middle East doing so. The statement reiterated its support for the right to self-determination of the Palentianian people. [Al Jazeera]
Central Asia and the Caucasus
The Azerbaijani army on Wednesday, entered the Kalbajar region, one more territory ceded by Armenian forces in a peace agreement that ended deadly fighting over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The first one, Agdam, was turned over last week. [Al Jazeera]
East and Southeast Asia
China’s H-20 stealth bomber will give the PLA ‘truly intercontinental’ strike capacity. Royal United Services Institute says the ‘subsonic jet’ will allow China to extend its strike range far beyond its own shores to maybe even US territories of Hawaii and Guam. [SCMP]
In the latest bid to tackle soaring youth unemployment and promote integration with mainland China, the Hong Kong government has pledged more than US$64.5 million to create thousands of jobs for young people in the technological and entrepreneurial sectors in the Greater Bay Area. The plan was not met enthusiastically by young citizens who accused leader Carrie Lam of using taxpayers’ money to create jobs across the border, rather than in Hong Kong. [Yahoo News]
Europe
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday unveiled a gender equality plan, titled ‘Gender Action Plan III’, which seeks to bolster women’s, girls’ and LGBT+ rights worldwide by “challenging gender norms and stereotypes.” The proposal was immediately met with resistance from Poland and Hungary, who have taken issue with the term “gender equality”. [POLITICO]
On Tuesday, Scotland became the first country in the world to make tampons and sanitary pads free for all women. Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, called this move an “important policy for women and girls.” [Al Jazeera]
Latin America and the Caribbean
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali met with his Surinamese counterpart Chandrikapersad Santokhi to discuss the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge to increase bilateral trade and tourism. They also talked about the possibility of creating a free trade zone. [Telesur]
Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo is departing for Spain this week, as he prepares to meet with European leaders to discuss the future of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which appears to be on the rocks after a number of European countries expressed misgivings about the commitment of certain South American countries, namely Brazil, to environmental sustainability. Bustillo is also scheduled to appear at the EU foreign ministers virtual summit on November 30. There is also a Mercosur summit next month, and Uruguay is currently the rotating chair of the regional organisation. [Merco Press]
Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
According to the family members of a Saudi women’s rights activist, Loujain al-Hathloul, her trial has now been moved to a terrorism tribunal. Loujain, who first gained popularity for her campaign for the women’s right to drive, has been charged for allegedly conspiring with hostile nations and participating in activities against the Saudi government. [BBC]
North America
US President Donald Trump pardoned his former national security advisor Michael Flynn on Wednesday, who had pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the agency’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. [Al Jazeera]
Oceania
PM Scott Morrison has sought to encourage citizens to take the coronavirus vaccine when it is made available for general use by highlighting that it will significantly reduce the costs and burden of travel, as immunized travellers will no longer be required to quarantine for two weeks. [news.com.au]
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian claims that the reason behind China’s decision to refuse to unload $700 million worth of Australian coal is due to “environmental quality” issues, with Bloomberg estimating that 60 ships have been unable to unload their cargoes at two major Chinese ports for months now. [ABC News]
Sub-Saharan Africa
Amid allegations by opposition parties of “massive fraud” committed by the ruling party, a coalition of parties that support incumbent Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré urged all candidates to “respect the results” of Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections. They said that any ‘irregularities’ that have been reported “are not of a magnitude likely to significantly impact the result of the ballot”. [RFI]
World News Monitor: 26 November, 2020
A quick look at events from around the globe.
November 26, 2020
SOURCE: PANORAMA INSURANCE BROKERS