June 15, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
UNESCO and ICC reaffirm commitment to ending impunity for destruction of cultural heritage. Image credit - Alvarez-Riziky / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
China to offer scholarships to war-affected children
The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yi Xianliang, pledged to continue strengthening bilateral relations during a recent visit to Jaffna.
In a meeting with Reginald Cooray, Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. Yi stated that China is interested in assisting the improvement of education in the north, by offering scholarships to children residing in former war-affected regions.
Prime Minister advises against Brexit
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has urged the UK to stay in the EU, stating that it would pose a risk to its economic success, in an opinion article for iNews on 14 June. He further stated that a British exit from the EU could affect economic stability in Asia.
Prime Minister Wickramasinghe emphasised the economic benefits of a common market, noting the trade difficulties faced by Sri Lanka due to the lack of a common market in South Asia.
IMF faults government inaction
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that the Sri Lankan government’s inaction on policy reform and addressing accumulated external debt has placed the economy at risk.
The IMF Executive Board warned that, in spite of recent economic growth and favorable medium-term prospects, the external environment and political transition would continue to pose challenges to the country’s economy.
Iran calls for foreign capital
Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has called on the US to encourage banks to conduct business with Iran, following the partial lifting of US economic sanctions on Iran in January 2016.
Additionally, the EU representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini, citing a 22% increase in Iran-EU trade in the first four months of 2016, noted that the EU has been encouraging banks and enterprises to engage in business with Iran.
NATO increases presence on Russian border
The NATO Defence Ministers have agreed to deploy four multinational battalions to the Baltic states and Poland, in order to strengthen the defence and deterrence capabilities of the alliance.
Russia criticised this deterrence effort and accused NATO of escalating tensions in the region. The battalions will be provided by the UK, the US, Germany, and possibly Canada.
Destruction of cultural heritage to be considered a war crime
Officials from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have met in The Hague to examine ways to expand cooperation on prosecuting individuals accused of deliberately destroying cultural heritage.
In February 2016, the ICC launched its first cultural destruction trial against Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi, a militant leader accused of destroying ancient mausoleums in Timbuktu, Mali.
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
