Africa and Middle East
Syria waits for UN General Assembly vote
The United Nations (UN) is today voting on a resolution that will condemn efforts by the Security Council to fail in finding a solution to the Syria crisis. The vote comes just a day after the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan has stepped down from his post for “finger pointing” and disunity in the Council. Both Russia and China have blocked UN attempts to sanction President al-Assad’s regime. The vote comes as levels of urgency heighten in the region with activists saying 170 people died on Thursday, adding to the 20,000 people in the past 17 months. Unlike the Security Council, the General Assembly’s decision is not legally binding.
Clinton pursues diplomacy in South Sudan
The Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is the highest US official to visit South Sudan since it gained independence last July. The visit comes during her Africa tour, where she is aiming to end differences between South Sudan and Sudan. The United Nations on Thursday passed a resolution that will put a deadline on the two countries to resolve their differences.
Asia
North Korea appeals for food aid
The North Korea government has requested food aid after flooding last month, the United Nations (UN) has said. State media has said that over 100 people have died, with UN observers in the country adding that the need was immediate. The floods have damaged infrastructure and agricultural areas, which have compounded to disrupt the country’s already calamitous food programme. The UN last month said it estimates two-thirds of North Korea live with a chronic shortage of food. NGOS have already begun facilitating aid packages. For example, the Red Cross has announced that it aims to use more than $300, 000 for those in need.
Ex-President of Mongolia Jailed
The leader of Mongolia between 2005-2009 has been jailed on corruption charges. The ruling has sentenced him to seven years in prison, with three years commuted. He was removed from office after a 2009 poll. The 54 year old was arrested earlier this year for the misuse of government property for personal gains. More specifically, the charges include illegally privatizing a hotel and stealing television equipment that was donated to a monastery. He has been sentenced to repay these costs. He says the prosecution is politically motivated and plans to appeal the decision.
Latin America
Columbia challenges judicial ruling
A Columbian official has said it will challenge a decision by The Constitutional Court, which has ordered the country’s military to evacuate a training base built on indigenous land. The land belongs to indigenous tribes of the Guaviare province, who claim to be caught in violence between the military and rebel groups. The decision by The Constitutional Court stems from actions by an indigenous tribe where they clashed with armed forces. They claimed their presence at the base has instigated violence in the region. The government aims to reverse the ruling.
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