THAILAND More than three years after seizing power in a coup, the head of Thailand’s military government yesterday promised elections in November next year. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters that his government will give the exact election day in mid-2018. Thailand’s military seized power in 2014 and has postponed several deadlines for elections, citing national security concerns and the need to pass new election laws.
CAMBODIA The European Union and rights groups say the Cambodian government’s move to dissolve the main opposition party would be a serious blow to democracy and undermine the credibility of elections next year.
PHILIPPINES-AUSTRALIA Two Australian navy vessels arrived in the Philippines yesterday for a goodwill visit as Australia seeks an increased security presence and greater influence in the region. The ships are part of the Australian defense force joint task group Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2017.
INDIA Four rebels and an army soldier were killed in three gunbattles in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said yesterday. Police said that three rebels were killed overnight as fighting broke out after government forces cordoned off the forested village of Kellar in southern Kashmir.
IRAN The head of Iran’s nuclear agency warned the United States yesterday against undermining the 2015 nuclear deal, saying international nonproliferation efforts as well as Washington’s international standing would suffer as a result.
TURKEY-IRAQ Iraq’s Oil Ministry has ordered the restoration of an oil pipeline from the city of Kirkuk to Turkey that would bypass the country’s northern Kurdish region in the wake of the area’s pro-independence referendum.
FRANCE While yesterday’s demonstration in Paris over public sector job cuts and salary freezes was largely peaceful, a small group of protesters skirmished with police at the end of a march to the Place de la Nation in eastern Paris. Police were using tear gas and batons to push back protesters throwing projectiles.
COLOMBIA The United Nations has denounced Colombia’s anti-narcotics police for firing on a humanitarian mission it led to investigate the murder of several coca growers during clashes with security forces.
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