South Asia
According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly virtual meet convened to celebrate the organization’s 75 anniversary, the Organisation of Islamic Corporation’s contact group met informally to discuss the “worsening human rights situation” in “Indian-administered Kashmir.” While addressing the group, Pakistan’s foreign minister said that there was a “tangible threat” to “regional peace and security” caused by India’s “military aggression” in the region. [Anadolu Agency]
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Kashmir a “burning issue” that needed to be resolved through dialogue. Responding to this statement, TS Tirumurti, India’s permanent representative to the UN, urged Turkey to “respect [the] sovereignty of other nations.” [Hindustan Times]
Central Asia and the Caucasus
Leaked bank statements have revealed that nearly $155 million were transferred from an Israeli state-owned aerospace giant to two companies that have been suspected of money laundering for the Azerbaijani government. Reportedly, the transfers began a few months after the two countries struck a $1.6 billion arms deal. [Haaretz]
The UNDP mission in Kyrgyzstan has donated advanced biometric equipment to the country's Central Election Commission to enhance the CEC’s voter identification system and ensure more transparency in the country’s electoral process. [24 KG]
East and Southeast Asia
In his address to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in proposed the establishment of a “Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative for Infectious Disease Control and Public Health”. He said that such a regional mechanism would help defuse military tensions and foster joint responses in areas such as disease prevention, cybersecurity, and disaster management. [Straits Times]
Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the phone on Friday. The talks are aimed at expanding ties between the two nations. [Channel News Asia]
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the UNGA on Tuesday that his country will aim to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, arguing that the world could “no longer afford to ignore the repeated warnings of nature”. China is currently the top emitter of greenhouse gases. [Livemint]
Europe
Pope Francis has agreed to renew a deal between the Vatican and China, which allows both the countries to have a say in the appointment of bishops in China. This move has irked the United States, with US Secretary of State Mark Pompeo saying, “The Vatican endangers its moral authority, should it renew the deal.” [Al Jazeera]
After a four-year hiatus, Athens and Ankara have agreed to resume discussions over their opposing claims in the Eastern Mediterranean following weeks of increased tensions in the region, including a collision of warships. The Greek Foreign Ministry said that the talks will take place in “the near future” in Istanbul. [CyprusMail]
Latin America and the Caribbean
Both Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla took aim at the “hegemony” of the “imperialist” and “neo-fascist” United States, taking umbrage with its “economic, commercial, and financial blockade[s]” that have crippled the economies of the two Latin American nations.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
An explosion occurred at the arms depot of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, just 50 km away from Beirut, where citizens are still reeling from the effects of a previous blast. Hezbollah’s media office has said that the eruption was caused due to a “technical error”. [Al Jazeera]
Sources close to the matter have said that the United Arab Emirates and the United States are set to sign an initial agreement for the sale of F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to Abu Dhabi by December. Washington is reportedly figuring out how to structure the deal without irritating Israel, who has been vocally against it. [Reuters]
North America
The US Commission on Presidential Debates said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will address six topics over 90 minutes during their first debate. These will include the Supreme Court, the coronavirus crisis, voting integrity, “race and violence in our cities”, the economy, and the candidates’ track records. [Reuters]
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that would end racial sensitivity training for the military, government contractors, and federal grantees. The document says it forbids “divisive concepts” like teaching that the US is “fundamentally racist or sexist” or that individuals bear “responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex”. [NPR; Reuters]
Oceania
The Australian state of Tasmania recorded its largest-ever stranding of pilot whales, after roughly 470 of them ran aground on its west coast. [ABC News]
Sub-Saharan Africa
Chief Justice David Maraga recommended Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta dissolve the parliament due to its “failure” and “refusal” to implement the gender parity laws that were stipulated in the 2010 constitution. [The Africa Report]
Cameroonian security forces have arrested over 30 protestors and four journalists during anti-government protests today. Cameroonian opposition leader Maurice Kamto called for nationwide protests on Tuesday to demand the resignation of President Paul Biya and the reform of regional elections in Anglophone areas to give greater representation to the marginalized minority. [Africa Feeds]
World News Monitor: 23 September, 2020
A quick look at events from around the globe.
September 23, 2020
SOURCE: THE NATIONAL