May 2, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
US Supreme Court ruling challenged by Iran. Image credit - slickspics /depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
PM announces plan to repeal anti-terror Act
The Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has stated that a British style anti-terrorism law will be introduced, replacing the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
He has stated that the PTA will be confined to matters of security alone, and that there will be no government misuse of the current legislation.
Sri Lanka announces panel to investigate Panama Papers
The Finance Minister, Ravi Karunanayake, has stated that any Sri Lankan whose name might appear in the Panama Papers would be investigated under a newly-announced special panel.
It is believed that approximately 46 Sri Lankan names have appeared in a 2013 probe by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), informally known as the Offshore Leaks.
Sri Lanka boosts ties with the US
A Sri Lankan delegation, led by Minister Malik Samarawickrama, attended the 12th US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting in Washington.
The countries adopted a Joint Action Plan that focuses on strengthening bilateral trade and investment regimes. The US also pledged its commitment toward Sri Lanka’s economic growth, while encouraging the government’s progress toward democracy, accountability, and human rights.
Israel, Egypt and Hamas form alliance
Israel, Egypt, and Hamas have formed an alliance against an Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Sinai, Egypt, following an increase in IS activities in the region.
The move has been described by officials as the ‘greatest cooperation between the militaries of Egypt and Israel’ since their peace deal in 1979.
Iran requests UN mediation over US court ruling
Iran has requested the support of UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, to assist in resolving a dispute between Tehran and Washington. This follows a ruling of the US Supreme Court that USD 2 billion in frozen Iranian assets should be paid to American victims of attacks that the US alleges were carried out by Tehran.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has requested the Secretary General’s assistance in securing the release of the frozen assets, and in dissuading Washington from interfering in Iran’s international financial transactions.
China and Japan improve ties
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, have held a reception for the Japanese Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida. The two nations reiterated the importance of Sino-Japanese relations and agreed to strive towards further improving their ties.
The diplomatic push for greater cooperation comes as China prepares to host the Group of 20 leaders, including the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, this September.
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