WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Photograph: Screenshot/ BLA video A fresh wave of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances has been documented across Balochistan this month, as Baloch rights groups recorded the recovery of several bodies of men who had earlier been forcibly taken, and appealed once more to international institutions that have largely ignored the province. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)…

Rohingya's mosques bulldozed by Burmese authorities

Burmese authorities have embarked on a 'secret programme of ethnic cleansing', by bulldozing the Rohingya Muslims mosques and communities, reports The Times.

With tens of thousands of Rohingya muslims having fled from home fearing further persecution by Buddhist Rakhinis, authorities are demolishing muslim homes, shops and mosques, many of which have considerable historic significance.

World Bank warns of fiscal crisis in Palestine

The World Bank warned of a worsening of the fiscal crisis in the Palestinian economy on Wednesday, unless Israel eases restrictions on the West Bank, and foreign funding increases.

In a statement, Mariam Sherman, the World Bank's country director for the Palestinian terrorities said, "Donors do need to act urgently in the face of a serious fiscal crisis facing the PA (Palestinian Authority) in the short term."

"sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without the removal of the barriers preventing private sector development, particularly in Area C".

Whilst the Palestinian Authorities had made "credible efforts" towards addressing the crisis she said, the Israeli restrictions "remain the major impediment", such as the difficulty foreign investors faced in obtaining Israeli entry permits into even the West Bank, and the ban on importing "dual use" items - ie. anything that Israel fears could be used in weaponry.

Zimbabwe searching for Rwandan genocide suspect

Zimbabwean police officials have began searching for a wanted Rwandan genocide fugitive, after having previously denied his presence in the country.

The fugitive, Protais Mpiranya, was a Major in the ex-Rwandan armed forces and was commander of the Presidential Guard accused of murdering top politicians during the genocide including the country’s then prime minister and 10 Belgian peacekeepers.

UN investigators expand on secret list of war criminals

United Nations human rights investigators revealed they have added names to a secret list of Syrians that they believe should face criminal prosecution one day due to gathered evidence that suggested they were responsible for war crimes.

Sudan, South Sudan close to border deal

Sudan and South Sudan have come close to striking a deal over disputed borders, allowing the possibility of oil production to resume in the region.

While talks are still underway, reuters reported of progress between the two nations at the African Union brokered talks in Ethiopia, according to diplomatic sources.

One diplomat told Reuters,

"We've come a long way. There are still issues that need to be solved but it's doable. The atmosphere at the talks is positive,"

Colombia jails Farc journalist

The editor of the Anncol website, allegedly linked to the Farc, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by a Colombian court for conspiracy.

Perez Becerra, who was arrested last year in Venezuela and handed over to Colombian authorities, denies any association withthe Farc.

Nato scales back joint patrols in Afghanistan

Nato has decided to curb joint patrols with Afghan security forces after a spate of attacks by Afghan soldiers and policemen.

51 ISAF soldiers have died so far this year in so called “green-on-blue” attacks, most of which the Taliban claimed to have committed.

The Secretary General of the alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen,said in Brussels that this was a “temporary measure”.

EU plans to further ease sanctions on Burma

The EU commission, has outlined proposals that would see the opening up of European markets to Burmese goods.

The proposals look to remove tariffs and quotas instigated by the EU and reinstate Burma’s GSP status, which was revoked in 1997 due to concerns of forced labour.

The plans come as a response to perceived improvements in Burmese working conditions, however a ban on arms sales will remain.

‘New’ Egypt welcomes Bashir, despite ICC arrest warrants

Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir met on Sunday with Egypt’s newly elected President, Mohammed Morsi, to discuss the boosting of trade and investment.

Prior to the trip, London-based Amnesty International urged Cairo to withdraw the Sudanese leader’s invitation or arrest him upon arrival.

Myanmar reforms continue as Suu Kyi visits US

Myanmar has continued to implement reforms in the country, as opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was due in the United States to meet with US President Barack Obama.

A spokesperson for Myanmar's opposition National League for Democracy party told Reuters that with the release of 514 detainees on Monday, it was hoped that all remaining political prisoners in the country had now been freed.