MORNING NEWS BRIEF [May 17, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. UNGA is set to consider a non-binding draft resolution calling for immediate suspension of the direct and indirect transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar. Source: CNA
2. UN Secretary General pleaded for an immediate end to deadly Israeli-Palestinian violence, warning that the fighting could lead the region to an uncontainable crisis. Source: CNA
3. The international scheme to provide equal access to COVID-19 vaccines faced 140 million doses short as the SII suspended their supplies due to the coronavirus crisis in India. Source: BBC

WORLD

1. Saudi Arabia denounced Israel for flagrant violations in Gaza and urgently called on the international community to carry out its responsibility to end the escalation. Source: Al Jazeera
2. Israel carried out air attacks in Gaza with no sign of any imminent end to the hostility with Hamas despite continuous calls for ceasefires by the international community. Source: Reuters
3. Belarus and Russia held joint military drills as both counterparts stressed their commitment to strengthen military ties in defending their countries from external threats. Source: TASS

REGIONS

1. South Korea, Japan and the U.S. are in the arrangement to hold a summit on the sidelines of the G7 summit to expand trilateral ties and discuss North Korea policy. Source: KBS World Radio
2. Myanmar’s anti-coup militia fighters have retreated from the hill town of Mindat after calls from the U.S. and the UK to avoid damage to the city and civilian casualties. Source: Reuters
3. China successfully completed its historic Mars spacecraft landing last weekend, making the country the second spacefaring nation after the U.S. to land on the Red Planet. Source: CNBC

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia and India held talks to discuss the progress of the establishment of bilateral free trade agreement as both sides are seeking to strengthen their mutual relations. Source: Khmer Times
2. Cambodia and Singapore convened a virtual meeting and vowed to retain good relations and cooperation as the Kingdom asked for more Sigaporean investment to the country. Source: AKP
3. Cambodia has received 500,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine from China which adds up the total shipment of vaccines ordered by the government to 3 million doses. Source: Khmer Times