BEIJING, Feb. 24
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that history and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development.
Xi made the remarks when talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone.
BEIJING, Feb. 24
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that history and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development.
Xi made the remarks when talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone.
He also said that China-Russia ties enjoy strong internal driving force and unique strategic value, adding that the relationship does not target any third party nor would it be influenced by any third party.
Source: https://english.news.cn/20250224/6a8ed9ceede443199d3ad9aedfd7508e/c.html
BEIJING, Feb. 24
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that history and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development.
Xi made the remarks when talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone.
He also said that China-Russia ties enjoy strong internal driving force and unique strategic value, adding that the relationship does not target any third party nor would it be influenced by any third party.
Source: https://english.news.cn/20250224/6a8ed9ceede443199d3ad9aedfd7508e/c.html
DOHA, Feb. 23
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met here on Sunday with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in Syria, according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the two countries and addressing current developments in Syria, as well as other topics of mutual interest.
DOHA, Feb. 23
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met here on Sunday with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in Syria, according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the two countries and addressing current developments in Syria, as well as other topics of mutual interest.
Al Thani reiterated Qatar's steadfast support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence, and affirmed the country's commitment to the aspirations of the Syrian people for a dignified life and the establishment of a state governed by institutions and the rule of law.
He also affirmed Qatar's support for efforts aimed at reconstruction, development, and stability in Syria.
Source- https://english.news.cn/20250224/31c827eebb694d3cb019753e921b7a54/c.html
DOHA, Feb. 23
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met here on Sunday with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in Syria, according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the two countries and addressing current developments in Syria, as well as other topics of mutual interest.
Al Thani reiterated Qatar's steadfast support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence, and affirmed the country's commitment to the aspirations of the Syrian people for a dignified life and the establishment of a state governed by institutions and the rule of law.
He also affirmed Qatar's support for efforts aimed at reconstruction, development, and stability in Syria.
Source- https://english.news.cn/20250224/31c827eebb694d3cb019753e921b7a54/c.html
24 Feb, 2025
The UK is preparing to introduce its “largest ever” sanctions package against Russia ahead of the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced.
24 Feb, 2025
The UK is preparing to introduce its “largest ever” sanctions package against Russia ahead of the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced.
“This is also the time to turn the screws on Putin’s Russia,” Lammy said in a statement on Sunday. “Tomorrow, I plan to announce the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war – eroding their military machine and reducing revenues fueling the fires of destruction in Ukraine.”
Lammy said that the new restrictions would be unveiled in a “critical moment” for Ukraine. “We remain committed to providing £3 billion ($3.78 billion) of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible,” he said. Lammy added that, if necessary, he is “ready and willing” to contribute troops as part of peacekeeping forces.
Since the start of the conflict in 2022, the UK has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia, targeting 1,900 individuals and organizations, as well as key industries and energy exports.
Source: RT
24 Feb, 2025
The UK is preparing to introduce its “largest ever” sanctions package against Russia ahead of the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced.
“This is also the time to turn the screws on Putin’s Russia,” Lammy said in a statement on Sunday. “Tomorrow, I plan to announce the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war – eroding their military machine and reducing revenues fueling the fires of destruction in Ukraine.”
Lammy said that the new restrictions would be unveiled in a “critical moment” for Ukraine. “We remain committed to providing £3 billion ($3.78 billion) of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible,” he said. Lammy added that, if necessary, he is “ready and willing” to contribute troops as part of peacekeeping forces.
Since the start of the conflict in 2022, the UK has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia, targeting 1,900 individuals and organizations, as well as key industries and energy exports.
Source: RT
Berlin February 23
German voters went to polls Sunday to decide the composition of the next Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.
The election was scheduled for September this year, but a snap election was triggered by the collapse of the current ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party last year.
The latest polls show that the sister parties of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) are taking the lead.
Berlin February 23
German voters went to polls Sunday to decide the composition of the next Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.
The election was scheduled for September this year, but a snap election was triggered by the collapse of the current ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party last year.
The latest polls show that the sister parties of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) are taking the lead.
According to Friday's survey conducted by the Forsa Institute, support for CDU and CSU stood at 29 percent, compared with 21 percent for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and 15 percent for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD.
It takes a majority of the 630 seats in the Bundestag to form a stable federal government.
The Forsa survey also showed that 22 percent of respondents were still unsure of their choice shortly before the election.
Polling stations closes at 18:00 local time (1700 GMT) on Sunday when the counting of votes begins. A total of 4,506 candidates stand for the election in 299 constituencies, with at least 59.2 million people eligible to vote, official figures show. Xinhua
Source: Yadanarbon Newspaper
Berlin February 23
German voters went to polls Sunday to decide the composition of the next Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.
The election was scheduled for September this year, but a snap election was triggered by the collapse of the current ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party last year.
The latest polls show that the sister parties of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) are taking the lead.
According to Friday's survey conducted by the Forsa Institute, support for CDU and CSU stood at 29 percent, compared with 21 percent for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and 15 percent for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD.
It takes a majority of the 630 seats in the Bundestag to form a stable federal government.
The Forsa survey also showed that 22 percent of respondents were still unsure of their choice shortly before the election.
Polling stations closes at 18:00 local time (1700 GMT) on Sunday when the counting of votes begins. A total of 4,506 candidates stand for the election in 299 constituencies, with at least 59.2 million people eligible to vote, official figures show. Xinhua
Source: Yadanarbon Newspaper
WASHINGTON February 22
Ukraine will face “a lot of problems” if it doesn’t agree to sign over the rights to a large chunk of its natural resources to the US, President Donald Trump has warned.
WASHINGTON February 22
Ukraine will face “a lot of problems” if it doesn’t agree to sign over the rights to a large chunk of its natural resources to the US, President Donald Trump has warned.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky first floated the idea of granting Washington access to his country’s rare-earth minerals back in October. Earlier this month, Trump said he would pursue a deal and demanded the “equivalent of US$-500 billion” worth of natural resources, as compensation for aid provided to Ukraine throughout its conflict with Russia.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump stated that “we’re going to either sign a deal or there’s gonna be a lot of problems with [Ukraine].” The US President added that an agreement would “hopefully [take place] in the next fairly short period of time,” with Washington receiving “four or five hundred billion dollars back.”
Trump criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, over US aid to Ukraine, saying he “just gave them money. We’re spending our treasure on a country that’s very, very far away.” In contrast, Trump claimed European countries would be reimbursed for their aid to Kiev as it is “in the form of a loan.” According to The Economist, citing anonymous sources, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bes sent gave Zelensky just one hour to agree to a proposal during a visit to Kiev last week. The Ukrainian leader declined to sign the agreement.
At the Munich Security Conference last weekend, Zelensky told journalists he was seeking a “connection between some kind of security guarantees and some kind of investment.”
The Associated Press quoted an unnamed official as describing the agreement in its current form as “colonial.”
On Monday, White House National Security Council spokes man Brian Hughes accused Zelensky of being “short-sighted about the excellent opportunity the Trump administration has presented to Ukraine.”
Amid the back-and-forth, a senior Ukrainian lawmaker claimed on Thursday that the US had halted weapons sales to Kiev.
On Saturday, Reuters cited anonymous sources as alleging that the US has also threatened to block the Ukrainian military’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink internet terminals if it continues to dig its heels in on a minerals deal.
According to the 2024 World Economic Forum report, Ukraine “holds immense potential as a major global supplier of critical raw materials” that could be “essential” for defense, the technology sector, and green energy. Much of those resources are, however, located in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, which joined Russia in 2022.
Source: RT
Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper
WASHINGTON February 22
Ukraine will face “a lot of problems” if it doesn’t agree to sign over the rights to a large chunk of its natural resources to the US, President Donald Trump has warned.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky first floated the idea of granting Washington access to his country’s rare-earth minerals back in October. Earlier this month, Trump said he would pursue a deal and demanded the “equivalent of US$-500 billion” worth of natural resources, as compensation for aid provided to Ukraine throughout its conflict with Russia.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump stated that “we’re going to either sign a deal or there’s gonna be a lot of problems with [Ukraine].” The US President added that an agreement would “hopefully [take place] in the next fairly short period of time,” with Washington receiving “four or five hundred billion dollars back.”
Trump criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, over US aid to Ukraine, saying he “just gave them money. We’re spending our treasure on a country that’s very, very far away.” In contrast, Trump claimed European countries would be reimbursed for their aid to Kiev as it is “in the form of a loan.” According to The Economist, citing anonymous sources, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bes sent gave Zelensky just one hour to agree to a proposal during a visit to Kiev last week. The Ukrainian leader declined to sign the agreement.
At the Munich Security Conference last weekend, Zelensky told journalists he was seeking a “connection between some kind of security guarantees and some kind of investment.”
The Associated Press quoted an unnamed official as describing the agreement in its current form as “colonial.”
On Monday, White House National Security Council spokes man Brian Hughes accused Zelensky of being “short-sighted about the excellent opportunity the Trump administration has presented to Ukraine.”
Amid the back-and-forth, a senior Ukrainian lawmaker claimed on Thursday that the US had halted weapons sales to Kiev.
On Saturday, Reuters cited anonymous sources as alleging that the US has also threatened to block the Ukrainian military’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink internet terminals if it continues to dig its heels in on a minerals deal.
According to the 2024 World Economic Forum report, Ukraine “holds immense potential as a major global supplier of critical raw materials” that could be “essential” for defense, the technology sector, and green energy. Much of those resources are, however, located in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, which joined Russia in 2022.
Source: RT
Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper
(20 February 2025)
Esteemed Chin ethnic national brethren,
On this special occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day which falls on 20 February 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and auspiciousness to all Chin ethnic groups and all national peoples of the Union. May everyone be blessed with good fortune and well-being.
(20 February 2025)
Esteemed Chin ethnic national brethren,
On this special occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day which falls on 20 February 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and auspiciousness to all Chin ethnic groups and all national peoples of the Union. May everyone be blessed with good fortune and well-being.
On 20 February 1948, a public assembly in Falam abolished the system of local governance and chose the regional democratic governance system. This date was designated as "Chin National Day," and it has been celebrated annually with great honour for 77 years. In the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, including the Chin ethnic group, all indigenous peoples of the Union have lived together for centuries on the same land, sharing the same water, and uniting with family values.
As a result, they have been able to stand proudly and with dignity in the world.
Even during the time when Myanmar lost its independence and sovereignty, the Union spirit of all ethnic groups helped to regain it.
The struggle for the nation's independence and the process throughout history, as well as the time when the nation was built after gaining independence, saw the Chin ethnic group standing side by side with the Union's other ethnic groups, united in spirit and action. During the period of British colonial rule, Chin ethnic leaders such as Bo Khai Kam, Bo Con Bik, Bo Lall Lwe, and Bo Thaung Linh, along with the Chin people, bravely fought in resistance with other ethnic groups.
Even during the struggle for independence, leaders like U Thong Za Khup, Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) award winner U Kio Mang, Wunna Kyaw Htin U Hlur Hmong, Thiri Pyanchi U Thaung Cin Thang, and Independence Mawgun award winner (First Class) Thadoe Maha Sithu U Vammathumong were found to have fought courageously in battles.
Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) award winner Thiri Pyanchi U That Ling who participated in drafting three Constitutions of the State in 1947, 1974 and 2008, Lt-Col Hrang Thio, Lt-Col Lyan Ciin Zamg, Captain Thura Aung San Thuria Taik Chun, Colonel Zeya Kyaw Thin Van Kul, and Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) award winner Maj-Gen Thaung Za Khai, who fought against internal insurgency in the post-independence era, each served their respective duties with dedication for the benefit of the State.
For the durability of the nation and the Union, and for perpetuation of sovereignty, many Chin ethnic heroes, sacrificed their lives, blood, and sweat for the State and the Tatmadaw. These heroes, who played significant roles in the history, are worthy of great honour and respect for the Chin State and the Chin ethnic people.
Currently, there is a significant threat to the nation due to violent conflicts, violations of the law, and destructive actions within the country, including in certain areas of Chin State.
These threats pose a severe danger to the nation.
It is essential to pay special attention to preventing the spread of hatred among the people, which is being fueled by internal and external destructive groups, and to protect the long-standing bonds of unity and fraternity that have existed for thousands of years among national brethren of the Union. Everybody needs to prevent instigation against people and the implementation of narrow-minded racism.
The terror acts currently being faced stem from the outcome of the 2020 general election, where election fraud was exposed and annulled. Instead of objectively assessing the situation, these acts began due to a desire to seize power through immoral means, starting with violent protests. Some ethnic armed organizations, with misguided attitudes towards the State and its people, also took advantage of the ensuing instability to launch terror attacks and destroy peaceful regions. As a result of these events, innocent civilians' lives, homes, and belongings, as well as public infrastructure in areas including Chin State, have been severely damaged and destroyed, leaving people in poverty and suffering, which is well known to all.
The local ethnic people are the ones who are directly experiencing the negative consequences of armed terrorism.
The losses incurred are primarily the nation’s resources and infrastructure. In a situation where progress and development are underway, the damage and destruction caused by such reckless actions reduce the country’s strength and require considerable time and resources to restore the original state.
The government is also providing financial support to employees and citizens who have been displaced due to these terror acts.
Therefore, we urge all ethnic people, including the Chin, to cooperate and participate in efforts to end these violent conflicts and achieve peace and stability for both the country and the people.
The State Administration Council has set two political visions: to strengthen a genuine disciplined multi-party democratic system and to build a union based on democracy and a federal system.
It has also set two national visions: ensuring prosperity of the nation and food security.
To achieve these objectives, the Council has defined five-point Roadmap and nine objectives, which are being actively implemented.
The Council is committed to promoting the national interest and the welfare of the people by bringing an end to armed conflicts, ensuring a stable and peaceful environment, and advancing economic and social progress.
In order to improve the socioeconomic life of the people, priority will be given to economic development. If the economy improves, other sectors such as politics, society, and health will also see progress and improvement.
As a result, agricultural produce will be able to increase production more effectively according to regional needs, and priority should be given to developing livestock farming businesses that align with the region.
The agricultural and livestock products produced locally should be further enhanced and developed into high-quality MSME products. Efforts should also be made to ensure food security in the region, meet domestic needs, and increase exports.
The government is providing necessary technology, capital, and production capacity for operating MSME businesses with continuous aid plans.
As the country needs to initiate the plans to build a Union based on democracy and federalism and implement socio-economic life of individuals, the government is striving to ensure the development of all sectors, including education.
All children of school age should have the opportunity to attend school, receive a school education, and improve their transition between grades.
In addition to vocational education, they should be able to complete higher levels of education.
By doing so, we aim to cultivate educated young people who will contribute to the nation's future.
Only then can we ensure the prosperous future of the nation, led by capable and knowledgeable youth.
The State Administration Council is actively working to successfully hold free and fair multi-party democratic general elections, which is its ultimate goal.
Only after resolving armed conflicts in respective areas can elections be conducted in a fully free and fair manner. The State Administration Council is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreements under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in the ongoing armed conflicts.
Therefore, discussions have been held with ethnic armed groups, and the Council continues to offer opportunities for open dialogue, welcoming ongoing discussions and fostering a durable peace.
The State Administration Council is committed to ensuring for all voters to be free from threats, oppression, unlawful coercion, and group dominance, and to conducting a fair, dignified, and accurate election.
For free and fair elections to be held, it is essential that the entire country remains stable and peaceful.
Therefore, we urge all Chin ethnic people to unite with love for their region, nation, and the union, and to work together to ensure peace and stability in their regions and the success of the upcoming election.
The stability and peace of the nation, along with the rule of law, are crucial for the country's development and nation-building.
Therefore, I kindly urge all ethnic peoples, including the Chin nationals, to work together with the government in achieving a ceasefire in armed conflicts.
I sand this message of goodwill that may the Chin people, based on the spirit of union and patriotism, contribute to the benefit of Chin State and the Union in honouring the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day.
Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu
Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing
Prime Minister
Chairman, State Administration Council
(20 February 2025)
Esteemed Chin ethnic national brethren,
On this special occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day which falls on 20 February 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and auspiciousness to all Chin ethnic groups and all national peoples of the Union. May everyone be blessed with good fortune and well-being.
On 20 February 1948, a public assembly in Falam abolished the system of local governance and chose the regional democratic governance system. This date was designated as "Chin National Day," and it has been celebrated annually with great honour for 77 years. In the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, including the Chin ethnic group, all indigenous peoples of the Union have lived together for centuries on the same land, sharing the same water, and uniting with family values.
As a result, they have been able to stand proudly and with dignity in the world.
Even during the time when Myanmar lost its independence and sovereignty, the Union spirit of all ethnic groups helped to regain it.
The struggle for the nation's independence and the process throughout history, as well as the time when the nation was built after gaining independence, saw the Chin ethnic group standing side by side with the Union's other ethnic groups, united in spirit and action. During the period of British colonial rule, Chin ethnic leaders such as Bo Khai Kam, Bo Con Bik, Bo Lall Lwe, and Bo Thaung Linh, along with the Chin people, bravely fought in resistance with other ethnic groups.
Even during the struggle for independence, leaders like U Thong Za Khup, Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) award winner U Kio Mang, Wunna Kyaw Htin U Hlur Hmong, Thiri Pyanchi U Thaung Cin Thang, and Independence Mawgun award winner (First Class) Thadoe Maha Sithu U Vammathumong were found to have fought courageously in battles.
Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) award winner Thiri Pyanchi U That Ling who participated in drafting three Constitutions of the State in 1947, 1974 and 2008, Lt-Col Hrang Thio, Lt-Col Lyan Ciin Zamg, Captain Thura Aung San Thuria Taik Chun, Colonel Zeya Kyaw Thin Van Kul, and Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) award winner Maj-Gen Thaung Za Khai, who fought against internal insurgency in the post-independence era, each served their respective duties with dedication for the benefit of the State.
For the durability of the nation and the Union, and for perpetuation of sovereignty, many Chin ethnic heroes, sacrificed their lives, blood, and sweat for the State and the Tatmadaw. These heroes, who played significant roles in the history, are worthy of great honour and respect for the Chin State and the Chin ethnic people.
Currently, there is a significant threat to the nation due to violent conflicts, violations of the law, and destructive actions within the country, including in certain areas of Chin State.
These threats pose a severe danger to the nation.
It is essential to pay special attention to preventing the spread of hatred among the people, which is being fueled by internal and external destructive groups, and to protect the long-standing bonds of unity and fraternity that have existed for thousands of years among national brethren of the Union. Everybody needs to prevent instigation against people and the implementation of narrow-minded racism.
The terror acts currently being faced stem from the outcome of the 2020 general election, where election fraud was exposed and annulled. Instead of objectively assessing the situation, these acts began due to a desire to seize power through immoral means, starting with violent protests. Some ethnic armed organizations, with misguided attitudes towards the State and its people, also took advantage of the ensuing instability to launch terror attacks and destroy peaceful regions. As a result of these events, innocent civilians' lives, homes, and belongings, as well as public infrastructure in areas including Chin State, have been severely damaged and destroyed, leaving people in poverty and suffering, which is well known to all.
The local ethnic people are the ones who are directly experiencing the negative consequences of armed terrorism.
The losses incurred are primarily the nation’s resources and infrastructure. In a situation where progress and development are underway, the damage and destruction caused by such reckless actions reduce the country’s strength and require considerable time and resources to restore the original state.
The government is also providing financial support to employees and citizens who have been displaced due to these terror acts.
Therefore, we urge all ethnic people, including the Chin, to cooperate and participate in efforts to end these violent conflicts and achieve peace and stability for both the country and the people.
The State Administration Council has set two political visions: to strengthen a genuine disciplined multi-party democratic system and to build a union based on democracy and a federal system.
It has also set two national visions: ensuring prosperity of the nation and food security.
To achieve these objectives, the Council has defined five-point Roadmap and nine objectives, which are being actively implemented.
The Council is committed to promoting the national interest and the welfare of the people by bringing an end to armed conflicts, ensuring a stable and peaceful environment, and advancing economic and social progress.
In order to improve the socioeconomic life of the people, priority will be given to economic development. If the economy improves, other sectors such as politics, society, and health will also see progress and improvement.
As a result, agricultural produce will be able to increase production more effectively according to regional needs, and priority should be given to developing livestock farming businesses that align with the region.
The agricultural and livestock products produced locally should be further enhanced and developed into high-quality MSME products. Efforts should also be made to ensure food security in the region, meet domestic needs, and increase exports.
The government is providing necessary technology, capital, and production capacity for operating MSME businesses with continuous aid plans.
As the country needs to initiate the plans to build a Union based on democracy and federalism and implement socio-economic life of individuals, the government is striving to ensure the development of all sectors, including education.
All children of school age should have the opportunity to attend school, receive a school education, and improve their transition between grades.
In addition to vocational education, they should be able to complete higher levels of education.
By doing so, we aim to cultivate educated young people who will contribute to the nation's future.
Only then can we ensure the prosperous future of the nation, led by capable and knowledgeable youth.
The State Administration Council is actively working to successfully hold free and fair multi-party democratic general elections, which is its ultimate goal.
Only after resolving armed conflicts in respective areas can elections be conducted in a fully free and fair manner. The State Administration Council is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreements under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in the ongoing armed conflicts.
Therefore, discussions have been held with ethnic armed groups, and the Council continues to offer opportunities for open dialogue, welcoming ongoing discussions and fostering a durable peace.
The State Administration Council is committed to ensuring for all voters to be free from threats, oppression, unlawful coercion, and group dominance, and to conducting a fair, dignified, and accurate election.
For free and fair elections to be held, it is essential that the entire country remains stable and peaceful.
Therefore, we urge all Chin ethnic people to unite with love for their region, nation, and the union, and to work together to ensure peace and stability in their regions and the success of the upcoming election.
The stability and peace of the nation, along with the rule of law, are crucial for the country's development and nation-building.
Therefore, I kindly urge all ethnic peoples, including the Chin nationals, to work together with the government in achieving a ceasefire in armed conflicts.
I sand this message of goodwill that may the Chin people, based on the spirit of union and patriotism, contribute to the benefit of Chin State and the Union in honouring the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day.
Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu
Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing
Prime Minister
Chairman, State Administration Council
18 Feb 2025
China has asked Thailand to maintain its cuts on electricity, fuel, and internet services, which were imposed on five locations in Myanmar since February 5.
This request comes after the Burmese government and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) agreed to transfer 1,219 people of 12 nationalities, mostly Chinese (1,041), to Thailand.
18 Feb 2025
China has asked Thailand to maintain its cuts on electricity, fuel, and internet services, which were imposed on five locations in Myanmar since February 5.
This request comes after the Burmese government and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) agreed to transfer 1,219 people of 12 nationalities, mostly Chinese (1,041), to Thailand.
Thai Defence Ministry's spokesperson Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, said today that Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security Liu Zhongyi made a four-point proposal to Thailand on how to deal with scam call centers in Myanmar.
One of the proposals is for Thailand to maintain its bans on electricity, fuel, and internet in Myanmar, as they have proven successful in tackling scam call centers in Myanmar's townships.
Another proposal calls for tighter border controls to prevent scammers in Myanmar from fleeing the country and to facilitate the transit and processing of Chinese nationals for repatriation.
Thanathip said China will send officials to Thailand to assist in screening information and organizing the repatriation of Chinese nationals.
Another of Liu’s proposals is to enhance trilateral cooperation between China, Thailand, and Myanmar while respecting sovereignty, as well as international and domestic laws.
Thanathip said more countries may be invited to cooperate, with Thailand making arrangements for meetings related to such cooperation and China providing support.
Liu will meet Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on February 19 to discuss the proposals and other areas of cooperation in tackling call centers, the spokesperson said.
Source: world.thaipbs.or.th
18 Feb 2025
China has asked Thailand to maintain its cuts on electricity, fuel, and internet services, which were imposed on five locations in Myanmar since February 5.
This request comes after the Burmese government and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) agreed to transfer 1,219 people of 12 nationalities, mostly Chinese (1,041), to Thailand.
Thai Defence Ministry's spokesperson Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, said today that Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security Liu Zhongyi made a four-point proposal to Thailand on how to deal with scam call centers in Myanmar.
One of the proposals is for Thailand to maintain its bans on electricity, fuel, and internet in Myanmar, as they have proven successful in tackling scam call centers in Myanmar's townships.
Another proposal calls for tighter border controls to prevent scammers in Myanmar from fleeing the country and to facilitate the transit and processing of Chinese nationals for repatriation.
Thanathip said China will send officials to Thailand to assist in screening information and organizing the repatriation of Chinese nationals.
Another of Liu’s proposals is to enhance trilateral cooperation between China, Thailand, and Myanmar while respecting sovereignty, as well as international and domestic laws.
Thanathip said more countries may be invited to cooperate, with Thailand making arrangements for meetings related to such cooperation and China providing support.
Liu will meet Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on February 19 to discuss the proposals and other areas of cooperation in tackling call centers, the spokesperson said.
Source: world.thaipbs.or.th
18 Feb 2025
Israel and Hamas have reached an agrement under which six living Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday, and the bodies of eight others will be handed over this week and next.
The agreement reached in Cairo on Tuesday was confirmed by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
18 Feb 2025
Israel and Hamas have reached an agrement under which six living Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday, and the bodies of eight others will be handed over this week and next.
The agreement reached in Cairo on Tuesday was confirmed by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Originally three Israelis were scheduled to be freed on Saturday but Hamas said all six hostages still alive would be released. Four bodies of deceased hostages will be handed over this Thursday followed by four more on Thursday next week, Netanyahu’s statement said.
The bodies will include members from the Bibas family, Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, said in a televised speech on Tuesday.
Hamas militants captured Yarden and Shiri Bibas and their two children: Ariel, who was 4 and baby Kfir who was 9 months old. Yarden was released on Feb 1 and was holding out hope that his wife and children were still alive. Hamas had said they were dead but Israel said it was unable to confirm the claim.
The fragile Gaza truce took effect on Jan 19 after more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Palestinian militant group’s attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.
Thirty-three Israeli hostages were due to be released under the first phase, with 19 freed so far in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. Of the remaining 14, Israel says eight are dead.
Five Thai nationals held in Gaza since the 2023 attack have also been released outside the scope of the truce deal.
A Palestinian source close to the negotiations said mediators had presented the request for the new releases, adding they aimed “for this step to create a positive atmosphere, insisting on the continuation of the ceasefire”.
The first phase of the truce is due to expire on March 1, and negotiations on the next stages, including a permanent end to the war, have not yet begun.
The truce deal has so far held despite both sides trading accusations of violations, and despite the strain placed on it by US President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan to take control of Gaza and relocate its population.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Friday to present their own plan for Gaza’s reconstruction while ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land.
Source: Bangkokpost.com
Photo: ABC News
18 Feb 2025
Israel and Hamas have reached an agrement under which six living Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday, and the bodies of eight others will be handed over this week and next.
The agreement reached in Cairo on Tuesday was confirmed by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Originally three Israelis were scheduled to be freed on Saturday but Hamas said all six hostages still alive would be released. Four bodies of deceased hostages will be handed over this Thursday followed by four more on Thursday next week, Netanyahu’s statement said.
The bodies will include members from the Bibas family, Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, said in a televised speech on Tuesday.
Hamas militants captured Yarden and Shiri Bibas and their two children: Ariel, who was 4 and baby Kfir who was 9 months old. Yarden was released on Feb 1 and was holding out hope that his wife and children were still alive. Hamas had said they were dead but Israel said it was unable to confirm the claim.
The fragile Gaza truce took effect on Jan 19 after more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Palestinian militant group’s attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.
Thirty-three Israeli hostages were due to be released under the first phase, with 19 freed so far in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. Of the remaining 14, Israel says eight are dead.
Five Thai nationals held in Gaza since the 2023 attack have also been released outside the scope of the truce deal.
A Palestinian source close to the negotiations said mediators had presented the request for the new releases, adding they aimed “for this step to create a positive atmosphere, insisting on the continuation of the ceasefire”.
The first phase of the truce is due to expire on March 1, and negotiations on the next stages, including a permanent end to the war, have not yet begun.
The truce deal has so far held despite both sides trading accusations of violations, and despite the strain placed on it by US President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan to take control of Gaza and relocate its population.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Friday to present their own plan for Gaza’s reconstruction while ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land.
Source: Bangkokpost.com
Photo: ABC News
Bulldozers with Egyptian and Qatari flags wait to enter Gaza at the Rafah border crossing on February 13, 2025 [Mohamed Arafat/AP Photo]
Bulldozers with Egyptian and Qatari flags wait to enter Gaza at the Rafah border crossing on February 13, 2025 [Mohamed Arafat/AP Photo]
The Egyptian government is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing the Palestinian enclave’s population, as it attempts to provide a viable alternative to United States President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to “take over” the territory and displace its population.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty said Cairo is “actively developing a comprehensive, multi-phase plan for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction”, the state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported on Monday.
Source: ALJAZEERA
Bulldozers with Egyptian and Qatari flags wait to enter Gaza at the Rafah border crossing on February 13, 2025 [Mohamed Arafat/AP Photo]
The Egyptian government is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing the Palestinian enclave’s population, as it attempts to provide a viable alternative to United States President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to “take over” the territory and displace its population.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty said Cairo is “actively developing a comprehensive, multi-phase plan for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction”, the state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported on Monday.
Source: ALJAZEERA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025
Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bold bureaucratic reform plan that will slash up to a fifth of government bodies, as the country tries to cut costs and improve administrative efficiency.
The number of government ministries will be reduced to 14 from the current 18, to be up and running from March 1, the assembly said in a statement.
More than 97% of the lawmakers present approved the plan.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025
Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bold bureaucratic reform plan that will slash up to a fifth of government bodies, as the country tries to cut costs and improve administrative efficiency.
The number of government ministries will be reduced to 14 from the current 18, to be up and running from March 1, the assembly said in a statement.
More than 97% of the lawmakers present approved the plan.
The assembly earlier on Tuesday passed an amendment to a law on organising government, paving the way for approval of the planned cull of 15% to 20% of the state apparatus, which will also include four agencies and five state television channels, among other cuts.
The move would "not only save money for the state budget but more importantly, boost the efficiency of the system", General Secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, To Lam, told parliament last week.
Investors, diplomats and officials have broadly welcomed the plan but expect some administrative delays in the short term in Vietnam, a regional industrial hub that relies heavily on foreign investment.
The government has said the overhaul would not impact project approvals.
The Planning and Investment Ministry, which approves foreign investment projects, will join the Finance Ministry, while the Transport Ministry and the Construction Ministry will be merged.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry will also be merged.
Lawmakers on Tuesday ratified the appointment of two new deputy premiers, including the incumbent investment minister. That will increase the number of deputy prime ministers from five to seven.
The plan coincides with similar post-pandemic government cost-cutting measures being implemented or pledged across the world, including by Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei and US President Donald Trump.
Vietnam's state media reported last month that the restructuring would affect 100,000 state officials. It did not elaborate.
"Poor-performing employees must be removed from the system," it quoted Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, as saying.
"State agencies must not be safe shelters for incompetent officials."
ကိုးကား-Reuters
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025
Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bold bureaucratic reform plan that will slash up to a fifth of government bodies, as the country tries to cut costs and improve administrative efficiency.
The number of government ministries will be reduced to 14 from the current 18, to be up and running from March 1, the assembly said in a statement.
More than 97% of the lawmakers present approved the plan.
The assembly earlier on Tuesday passed an amendment to a law on organising government, paving the way for approval of the planned cull of 15% to 20% of the state apparatus, which will also include four agencies and five state television channels, among other cuts.
The move would "not only save money for the state budget but more importantly, boost the efficiency of the system", General Secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, To Lam, told parliament last week.
Investors, diplomats and officials have broadly welcomed the plan but expect some administrative delays in the short term in Vietnam, a regional industrial hub that relies heavily on foreign investment.
The government has said the overhaul would not impact project approvals.
The Planning and Investment Ministry, which approves foreign investment projects, will join the Finance Ministry, while the Transport Ministry and the Construction Ministry will be merged.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry will also be merged.
Lawmakers on Tuesday ratified the appointment of two new deputy premiers, including the incumbent investment minister. That will increase the number of deputy prime ministers from five to seven.
The plan coincides with similar post-pandemic government cost-cutting measures being implemented or pledged across the world, including by Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei and US President Donald Trump.
Vietnam's state media reported last month that the restructuring would affect 100,000 state officials. It did not elaborate.
"Poor-performing employees must be removed from the system," it quoted Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, as saying.
"State agencies must not be safe shelters for incompetent officials."
ကိုးကား-Reuters