VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: 15th January, 2019

PAKISTAN

Pakistani, Indian diplomatic staff claim harassment: Dawn

January 15, 2019

Less than a year after Islamabad and New Delhi recommitted to their bilateral ‘Code of Conduct’ on diplomatic and consular staff, the two countries are back at accusing each other of harassing their diplomats and officials. Indians are claiming that a protest was lodged with the Foreign Office on Jan 10 about Pakistani security personnel’s alleged aggressive behaviour with High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and Deputy High Commis­sioner J.P. Singh. Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal was asked about the Indian claim, but he did not reply. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

IEC Announces Kabul Election Results Amid Growing Pressure: Tolo News

January 15, 2019

The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) on Monday announced the preliminary results for Kabul parliamentary elections three months after they were held in the country. There are 24 male and 9 female candidates among the front runners who have secured their seats in the parliament. Addressing a press conference in Kabul on Monday, IEC chief Abdul Badi Sayyad said that the election management body has learnt much from the October 20 elections and now the commission is working on systematic reforms to avoid shortcomings in future elections. He said IEC is also working on comprehensive plans which include technical reforms and reforming the voter lists. Click here to read... [3]

CHINA

China opposes foreign participation in Taiwan submarine production: People's Daily

January 15, 2019

China on Monday expressed stern opposition to participation by the United States and other countries in Taiwan's submarine production project. Click here to read... [4]

Li calls to optimize economic regulation: China Daily

January 15, 2019

Macroeconomic regulation should be applied, instead of massive stimulus, to withstand the downward pressure and make the Chinese economy run in a reasonable range, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday at a plenary meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet. Click here to read... [5]