Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte believes he has no case to answer at the International Criminal Court, his daughter said on Sunday (Mar 23), and is confident he has a strong legal argument.
Sara Duterte, vice-president of the Philippines, told reporters her father was now in better health after appearing fatigued and dazed at his first hearing at the ICC.
Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte believes he has no case to answer at the International Criminal Court, his daughter said on Sunday (Mar 23), and is confident he has a strong legal argument.
Sara Duterte, vice-president of the Philippines, told reporters her father was now in better health after appearing fatigued and dazed at his first hearing at the ICC.
"He's very confident about the legal arguments. He's very confident ... that what they did was wrong and there is no case to begin with," Duterte told reporters.
The 79-year-old former president faces a charge of crimes against humanity tied to his "war on drugs" in which thousands were killed.
He is currently in a detention centre in The Hague, awaiting a confirmation of charges hearing on Sep 23, where he will have the opportunity to contest the accusations against him.
Duterte was bundled into a plane in Manila and brought to the Hague via Dubai, appearing barely awake at his initial hearing two days later.
But his daughter, who said she saw him on Saturday, said: "He feels better now and thankfully the doctors and the nurses are taking good care of him."
She had previously revealed that her father's main complaint was the Dutch food served in the centre.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/duterte-no-case-answer-icc-daughter-sara-5019311
Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte believes he has no case to answer at the International Criminal Court, his daughter said on Sunday (Mar 23), and is confident he has a strong legal argument.
Sara Duterte, vice-president of the Philippines, told reporters her father was now in better health after appearing fatigued and dazed at his first hearing at the ICC.
"He's very confident about the legal arguments. He's very confident ... that what they did was wrong and there is no case to begin with," Duterte told reporters.
The 79-year-old former president faces a charge of crimes against humanity tied to his "war on drugs" in which thousands were killed.
He is currently in a detention centre in The Hague, awaiting a confirmation of charges hearing on Sep 23, where he will have the opportunity to contest the accusations against him.
Duterte was bundled into a plane in Manila and brought to the Hague via Dubai, appearing barely awake at his initial hearing two days later.
But his daughter, who said she saw him on Saturday, said: "He feels better now and thankfully the doctors and the nurses are taking good care of him."
She had previously revealed that her father's main complaint was the Dutch food served in the centre.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/duterte-no-case-answer-icc-daughter-sara-5019311
BRAZIL’S president starts a four-day state visit to Japan on Monday, accompanied by a 100-strong business delegation as US tariffs push the countries to nurture trade ties elsewhere.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are also expected to discuss the joint development of biofuels ahead of November’s COP30 UN climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon.
In talks on Wednesday, the leaders will reportedly restate their commitment to free trade following US President Donald Trump’s levies on steel and other imports.
BRAZIL’S president starts a four-day state visit to Japan on Monday, accompanied by a 100-strong business delegation as US tariffs push the countries to nurture trade ties elsewhere.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are also expected to discuss the joint development of biofuels ahead of November’s COP30 UN climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon.
In talks on Wednesday, the leaders will reportedly restate their commitment to free trade following US President Donald Trump’s levies on steel and other imports.
“Everyone who was talking about free trade is now practising protectionism,” Lula, 79, said ahead of his departure. “I think this protectionism is absurd,” he told Japanese media.
Brazil is the second-largest exporter of steel to the United States after Canada, shipping four million tonnes of the metal in 2024.
Lula and Ishiba will likely agree to regular leaders’ visits and to establishing strategic dialogue on security and other matters, Japanese media reported.
The pair may also affirm the importance of the rules-based international order, a phrase often used to make a veiled dig at Chinese foreign policy. — AFP
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
BRAZIL’S president starts a four-day state visit to Japan on Monday, accompanied by a 100-strong business delegation as US tariffs push the countries to nurture trade ties elsewhere.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are also expected to discuss the joint development of biofuels ahead of November’s COP30 UN climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon.
In talks on Wednesday, the leaders will reportedly restate their commitment to free trade following US President Donald Trump’s levies on steel and other imports.
“Everyone who was talking about free trade is now practising protectionism,” Lula, 79, said ahead of his departure. “I think this protectionism is absurd,” he told Japanese media.
Brazil is the second-largest exporter of steel to the United States after Canada, shipping four million tonnes of the metal in 2024.
Lula and Ishiba will likely agree to regular leaders’ visits and to establishing strategic dialogue on security and other matters, Japanese media reported.
The pair may also affirm the importance of the rules-based international order, a phrase often used to make a veiled dig at Chinese foreign policy. — AFP
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
GERMANY has reopened its embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure, Syrian media reported on Thursday, coinciding with a visit by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Baerbock’s trip, her second to Syria since the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, saw the reopening of the diplomatic mission. German media, citing Baerbock, reported that a small number of diplomats, fewer than 10, will be stationed at the reopened embassy.
GERMANY has reopened its embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure, Syrian media reported on Thursday, coinciding with a visit by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Baerbock’s trip, her second to Syria since the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, saw the reopening of the diplomatic mission. German media, citing Baerbock, reported that a small number of diplomats, fewer than 10, will be stationed at the reopened embassy.
During her visit, Baerbock held high-level meetings with Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, foreign affairs chief Asaad Al-Shaibani, and representatives of Syrian civil society. Baerbock also toured the heavily damaged Jobar neighbourhood in Damascus, a district that bore the brunt of the country’s civil war. Germany closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 when the country’s brutal civil war began. — Xinhua
ကိုးကား : The Global New Light of Myanmar
Photo: DW
GERMANY has reopened its embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure, Syrian media reported on Thursday, coinciding with a visit by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Baerbock’s trip, her second to Syria since the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, saw the reopening of the diplomatic mission. German media, citing Baerbock, reported that a small number of diplomats, fewer than 10, will be stationed at the reopened embassy.
During her visit, Baerbock held high-level meetings with Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, foreign affairs chief Asaad Al-Shaibani, and representatives of Syrian civil society. Baerbock also toured the heavily damaged Jobar neighbourhood in Damascus, a district that bore the brunt of the country’s civil war. Germany closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 when the country’s brutal civil war began. — Xinhua
ကိုးကား : The Global New Light of Myanmar
Photo: DW
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, despite the partial ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
"How the US will handle this deranged terrorist scum going forward, and how they will manage to corral them back into some kind of stall and direction—this is a big question," Zakharova told Russian media.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, despite the partial ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
"How the US will handle this deranged terrorist scum going forward, and how they will manage to corral them back into some kind of stall and direction—this is a big question," Zakharova told Russian media.
Just hours after the Putin–Trump conversation, the Ukrainian regime reportedly launched a drone attack on oil facilities in Kavkazskaya village, in Russia’s Krasnodar Region, during the night of March 19. Debris from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) damaged a pipeline between fuel storage tanks, igniting a fire that continues to burn.
Source: Suptnik
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, despite the partial ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
"How the US will handle this deranged terrorist scum going forward, and how they will manage to corral them back into some kind of stall and direction—this is a big question," Zakharova told Russian media.
Just hours after the Putin–Trump conversation, the Ukrainian regime reportedly launched a drone attack on oil facilities in Kavkazskaya village, in Russia’s Krasnodar Region, during the night of March 19. Debris from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) damaged a pipeline between fuel storage tanks, igniting a fire that continues to burn.
Source: Suptnik
WASHINGTON, March 17
A federal judge on Monday gave the Trump administration a Tuesday deadline to provide details about plane loads of Venezuelans it deported despite orders not to, in a brewing showdown over presidential power.
WASHINGTON, March 17
A federal judge on Monday gave the Trump administration a Tuesday deadline to provide details about plane loads of Venezuelans it deported despite orders not to, in a brewing showdown over presidential power.
President Donald Trump claims the deported Venezuelans are members of the prison gang Tren de Aragua, which he designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The White House on Saturday published a Trump proclamation that invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to declare the gang was conducting irregular warfare against the U.S.
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, March 17
A federal judge on Monday gave the Trump administration a Tuesday deadline to provide details about plane loads of Venezuelans it deported despite orders not to, in a brewing showdown over presidential power.
President Donald Trump claims the deported Venezuelans are members of the prison gang Tren de Aragua, which he designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The White House on Saturday published a Trump proclamation that invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to declare the gang was conducting irregular warfare against the U.S.
Source: Reuters
A HIGH-STAKES meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations started in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The talks in the Saudi port city of Jeddah came about two weeks after a US-Ukraine minerals deal was called off. US military assistance to Ukraine was also suspended after US President Donald Trump and then visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelen-
sky were embroiled in a rare shouting match at the White House.
A HIGH-STAKES meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations started in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The talks in the Saudi port city of Jeddah came about two weeks after a US-Ukraine minerals deal was called off. US military assistance to Ukraine was also suspended after US President Donald Trump and then visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelen-
sky were embroiled in a rare shouting match at the White House.
Attending the meeting are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The Ukrainian delegation includes Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Zelensky’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Pavlo Palisa.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and National Security Advisor Musaed Al Aiban are attending the meeting.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday and left earlier on Tuesday after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. — Xinhua
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
A HIGH-STAKES meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations started in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The talks in the Saudi port city of Jeddah came about two weeks after a US-Ukraine minerals deal was called off. US military assistance to Ukraine was also suspended after US President Donald Trump and then visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelen-
sky were embroiled in a rare shouting match at the White House.
Attending the meeting are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The Ukrainian delegation includes Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Zelensky’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Pavlo Palisa.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and National Security Advisor Musaed Al Aiban are attending the meeting.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday and left earlier on Tuesday after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. — Xinhua
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
Hamas on Sunday reiterated the need to start the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and allow relief supplies to enter Gaza.
Hamas on Sunday reiterated the need to start the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and allow relief supplies to enter Gaza.
A delegation from the Hamas leadership met with the Egyptian side in Cairo, where issues were discussed “in a positive and responsible spirit,” especially the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners in various stages, Hamas said in a statement.
The delegation stressed the need to adhere to the terms of the agreement and called for an immediate start of the second phase of negotiations, the reopening of border crossings, and the unrestricted entry of aid into Gaza, the statement said.
A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on Jan. 19. However, negotiations for the second phase remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1.
Source: Xinhua
Hamas on Sunday reiterated the need to start the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and allow relief supplies to enter Gaza.
A delegation from the Hamas leadership met with the Egyptian side in Cairo, where issues were discussed “in a positive and responsible spirit,” especially the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners in various stages, Hamas said in a statement.
The delegation stressed the need to adhere to the terms of the agreement and called for an immediate start of the second phase of negotiations, the reopening of border crossings, and the unrestricted entry of aid into Gaza, the statement said.
A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on Jan. 19. However, negotiations for the second phase remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1.
Source: Xinhua
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says senior Ukrainian and US officials will meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.
Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post on Saturday that Ukraine's delegation will include the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The US has not provided the specific date, but National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says senior Ukrainian and US officials will meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.
Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post on Saturday that Ukraine's delegation will include the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The US has not provided the specific date, but National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate.
The meeting comes after Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump got into a heated exchange when they met at the White House in late February.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fully committed to constructive dialogue." He also said his country has been seeking peace from the moment the fighting began between Ukraine and Russia.
The Ukrainian leader added, "Realistic proposals are on the table."
Source: NHK World
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says senior Ukrainian and US officials will meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.
Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post on Saturday that Ukraine's delegation will include the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The US has not provided the specific date, but National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate.
The meeting comes after Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump got into a heated exchange when they met at the White House in late February.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fully committed to constructive dialogue." He also said his country has been seeking peace from the moment the fighting began between Ukraine and Russia.
The Ukrainian leader added, "Realistic proposals are on the table."
Source: NHK World
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived in Novosibirsk of the Russian Federation received Andrey Alexandrovich Travnikov, the Governor of Novosibirsk, at Grand Autograph Hotel in Novosibirsk yesterday morning.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived in Novosibirsk of the Russian Federation received Andrey Alexandrovich Travnikov, the Governor of Novosibirsk, at Grand Autograph Hotel in Novosibirsk yesterday morning.
They exchanged views on promotion of cooperation between Myanmar and Novosibirsk Region, operation of bilateral tourism and trade services, potential for further enhancement of friendly relations between the two countries through bilateral cooperation, learning of Myanmar officer trainees at universities in Novosibirsk, running of direct flights between Novosibirsk and Myanmar and Mandalay, bilateral export of products, opening of the Myanmar Consulate-General to promote relations and cooperation Myanmar and Novosibirsk, and potential for development of health, education, health, transport, tourism, industry, and economic and commercial sectors if Mandalay and Novosibirsk establish sister cities.
After the meeting, they exchanged commemorative gifts. Also present at the meeting were Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council member General Nyo Saw, Union ministers, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Linn Ohn, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and officials. The Governor of Novosibirsk was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar and officials of the Government of Novosibirsk Region. — MNA/TTA
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived in Novosibirsk of the Russian Federation received Andrey Alexandrovich Travnikov, the Governor of Novosibirsk, at Grand Autograph Hotel in Novosibirsk yesterday morning.
They exchanged views on promotion of cooperation between Myanmar and Novosibirsk Region, operation of bilateral tourism and trade services, potential for further enhancement of friendly relations between the two countries through bilateral cooperation, learning of Myanmar officer trainees at universities in Novosibirsk, running of direct flights between Novosibirsk and Myanmar and Mandalay, bilateral export of products, opening of the Myanmar Consulate-General to promote relations and cooperation Myanmar and Novosibirsk, and potential for development of health, education, health, transport, tourism, industry, and economic and commercial sectors if Mandalay and Novosibirsk establish sister cities.
After the meeting, they exchanged commemorative gifts. Also present at the meeting were Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council member General Nyo Saw, Union ministers, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Linn Ohn, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and officials. The Governor of Novosibirsk was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar and officials of the Government of Novosibirsk Region. — MNA/TTA
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
The Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Minsk of the Republic of Belarus yesterday afternoon, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and President of the Republic of Belarus Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
The Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Minsk of the Republic of Belarus yesterday afternoon, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and President of the Republic of Belarus Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
Also present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to Belarus, deputy ministers and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief. The Belarusian President was accompanied by senior officers of the Belarusian Government.
Both sides cordially discussed despite their locations at a far distance, enhancement of diplomatic and defence relations between the two countries as good friendliness countries, plans to sign the memoranda of understanding between the two countries during the visit of the Senior General, holding coordination meetings between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of two countries, potentials for cooperation in dairy product production and cultivation of industrial raw crops, promotion of cooperation in bilateral trade and economy, investment measures, and cooperation in various sectors including manufacturing of agricultural machinery.
Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe and the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs exchanged notes on memoranda of cooperation signed by the Myanmar and Belarusian governments and memoranda of understanding on cooperation in sports, tourism, legal affairs, agriculture and food safety.
The Senior General and the Belarusian President released the joint declaration of the two countries to the media. (The reciprocal joint declaration and speeches delivered by the SAC Chairman Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Belarus will be reported separately.)
The Senior General conferred the Agga Maha Thray Sithu Title on Belarusian President Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
After the Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting, State Administration Council Information Team Leader Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, who accompanied the Senior General, responded to queries raised by the media. — MNA/TTA
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
The Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Minsk of the Republic of Belarus yesterday afternoon, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and President of the Republic of Belarus Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
Also present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to Belarus, deputy ministers and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief. The Belarusian President was accompanied by senior officers of the Belarusian Government.
Both sides cordially discussed despite their locations at a far distance, enhancement of diplomatic and defence relations between the two countries as good friendliness countries, plans to sign the memoranda of understanding between the two countries during the visit of the Senior General, holding coordination meetings between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of two countries, potentials for cooperation in dairy product production and cultivation of industrial raw crops, promotion of cooperation in bilateral trade and economy, investment measures, and cooperation in various sectors including manufacturing of agricultural machinery.
Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe and the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs exchanged notes on memoranda of cooperation signed by the Myanmar and Belarusian governments and memoranda of understanding on cooperation in sports, tourism, legal affairs, agriculture and food safety.
The Senior General and the Belarusian President released the joint declaration of the two countries to the media. (The reciprocal joint declaration and speeches delivered by the SAC Chairman Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Belarus will be reported separately.)
The Senior General conferred the Agga Maha Thray Sithu Title on Belarusian President Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
After the Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting, State Administration Council Information Team Leader Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, who accompanied the Senior General, responded to queries raised by the media. — MNA/TTA
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar