UNITED NATIONS — Myanmar has agreed to a visit by the UN Security Council after months of resistance, but it remains unclear whether ambassadors will be allowed to go to Rakhine state, the body’s president said on Monday. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya have been driven out of Rakhine state and are living in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh since a Myanmar army operation in August. After the council proposed a visit in February, Myanmar’s government said it was "not the right time", but it has now given the green light. Peruvian Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, who holds the council’s rotating presidency, said details of the itinerary had yet to be finalised, including whether the government would allow the council to visit Rakhine state. "Obviously, we’re interested in Rakhine state," said Meza-Cuadra. "There’s nothing better than a visit on the ground to see how it is." Britain, Kuwait and Peru are organising the council’s visit, which would … [Read more...] about Myanmar agrees to UN Security Council visit
Security
VN, Mongolia enhance defense-security cooperation
State President Tran Dai Quang (R) receives Secretary of the National Security Council of Mongolia Amarjargal Gansukh, Ha Noi, April 2, 2018 - Photo: VNA The State President made that statement at his reception for Secretary of the National Security Council of Mongolia Amarjargal Gansukh in Ha Noi on April 2. At the meeting, the State President hailed the nations’ cooperation in defense-security cooperation, especially defense industry, logistics and military medicines and acceleration of negotiations on an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons and an agreement on mutual protection and exchange of information. He highlighted the two sides’ maintenance of political consultations at deputy ministerial and department levels of the two foreign ministries and their sharing of information and experience relating to cooperation with other countries. He hoped that Mongolia will … [Read more...] about VN, Mongolia enhance defense-security cooperation
Defense Minister to attend 7th Moscow Conference on International Security
Director of the Foreign Relations Department under the Ministry of Defense Vu Chien Thang said that the Defense Minister’s attendance affirms the active and responsible role of Viet Nam to international and regional issues, manifesting the nation’s viewpoints on security and development issues in the world and region as well as advocates the organization of the event in Russia. The Defense Minister will meet with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the conference, thus consolidating the defense cooperation between the two nations based on outcomes of the Russian Minister of Defense’s visit to Viet Nam in January 2018. It creates an opportunity for the two sides to discuss and exchange contents and measures to boost bilateral defense cooperation, contributing to promoting Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Launched by the Russian Ministry of Defense in 2012, the annual event provides a forum for … [Read more...] about Defense Minister to attend 7th Moscow Conference on International Security
Vietnam to attend international security conference in Russia
Lieutenant General Vu Chien Thang, Director of the Foreign Relations Department under the Ministry of Defence (Source: http://www.qdnd.vn/) Hanoi (VNA) - Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich’s upcoming attendance of the 7th Moscow Conference on International Security in Russia on April 4-5 aims to affirm Vietnam’s responsibility towards global and regional matters, a Vietnamese officer has said. Lieutenant General Vu Chien Thang, Director of the Foreign Relations Department under the Ministry of Defence, made the statement in a recent interview with Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) newspaper. The event will take place in the context that Vietnam and Russia are witnessing the flourishing development of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and bilateral defence relations, Thang noted. Vietnam’s viewpoints on security and development issues will be expressed at the event, he said. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Lich will … [Read more...] about Vietnam to attend international security conference in Russia
Violence erupts in Kashmir after security forces kill militants: police
Indian security forces killed at least three civilians and wounded about 70 in restive Kashmir on Sunday when hundreds of people tried to prevent them from carrying out operations against suspected militants, police and residents said. At least 17 other people, including 13 suspected militants, were killed in gunbattles during the day in southern Kashmir, police officials said, the worst violence in the region this year. When hundreds of people came out on the streets of Kachdoora village in Shopian district to try to halt a gunbattle between militants and security forces, troops used tear gas and pellet guns to disperse the crowd. They later opened fire. Local residents said that after the protests, the security forces called off the operation. Police said five militants and three soldiers were killed in the fighting. Muslim separatists have been waging a violent campaign against Indian rule since the late 1980s in Indian-held Kashmir. Fighting also broke out in two other villages in … [Read more...] about Violence erupts in Kashmir after security forces kill militants: police