Europe
Proposals for lobbyist register in the UK
A group of MPs have called for a legally binding interests register for all organizations that relate to and with Westminster. Currently there is no statute that makes it compulsory for lobbyists to do so. The Government released plans to bring in such a register for only third-party lobbyists, such as public relations firms, which according to this group of MPs would “do nothing to improve transparency”. In addition to this, the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee stated in a report that third party lobbyists make up less than 1% of all communications with ministers.
Asia and Russia
China’s economic growth slows to 7.6%
The Chinese economy has grown at its slowest rate for three years, after figures were released for the second quarter. The cause is believed to be due to a slowing investment rate as well as a fall in demand across European and North American markets. China’s economy makes up approximately one fifth of the worlds economic output.
NGOs in Russia faced with “foreign agent” label
The lower house of parliament in Russia has passed a bill that means all NGO’s in Russia will labeled as “foreign agents”. This bill passed overwhelmingly and is expected to pass the upper house and the Presidency to make it law. The label would only be applicable to those engaged in political activity. As “foreign agents”, NGOs would be required to have financial audits and issue two reports a year on their activities. The official line of the Kremlin argues that the bill is needed to protect Russia from external influences on its politics. However, the bill has faced heavy criticism from NGOs and the international community who argue that it is a means for authorities to crush dissent.
Latin America
Mexican Presidency result is challenged
The leader of the runner up campaign, Lopez Obrador, has made a legal challenge to the result that gave the presidency to Enrique Nieto. The decision from Mr Obrador comes after a recount by the Mexican electoral commission stating there were ‘inconsistencies’ in the results. The recount reaffirmed the result. Mr Obrador has vowed to prove that illicit money was used to buy votes, in order to win.
Middle East and Africa
Syria unrest continues in single most bloodiest event
There have been reports of mass killings in the Syrian village of Tremseh. The United Nations (UN) envoy Kofi Annan has said he is “shocked and appalled” at the reports. The UN has confirmed that the attack included tanks and flight based artillery. The al-Assad regime has owed the attack to “terrorist groups”, adding that 200 had died. It later emerged that many of them were rebel fighters. It this number is to be confirmed, it will be the highest death toll in a single event during the Syrian conflict. Mr Annan added, “I condemn these atrocities in the strongest possible terms”.
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