July 14, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
EU to create a common asylum system. Image credit - 59118 / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Korea signs loan framework agreement
The Republic of Korea has signed a framework agreement with the Sri Lankan government to facilitate the disbursement of soft loans amounting to USD 300 million until 2018.
The two governments are expected to work closely in developing projects relating to transport, education, and water treatment, which are designated as priority sectors in the Country Partnership Strategy between Sri Lanka and Korea.
Tamil National Alliance meets visiting US officials
The Tamil National Alliance has met with visiting US representatives, Tom Malinowski and Nisha Biswal, for discussions on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 on Sri Lanka, adopted in 2015.
The meetings were led by Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, and focused on the detention of prisoners under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the release of lands occupied by military forces in the Northern Province.
Norway to engage in knowledge transfer on fish exports
The Norwegian government has invited Sri Lanka to participate in a discussion on fish exports, at an international fisheries exhibition in Trondheim, Norway.
The invitation for the event, which is scheduled to be held in August, was made by the Norwegian Ambassador, Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther, following a meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Mahinda Amaraweera.
EU to create common asylum system
The European Commission has presented a proposal to complete the reform of the EU’s Common European Asylum System. The proposal will standardise asylum procedures, harmonise protection standards, and establish a common European policy on refugee resettlement.
The proposal must be approved by the home affairs ministers of EU countries and by the European Parliament, before it takes effect.
ASEM meeting held in Mongolia
The 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), will be held in Mongolia 15-16 July. The event will be attended by Presidents and Prime Ministers from 34 countries. Sri Lanka is not a member of the ASEM forum.
In addition to the main meeting, Mongolia has hosted nine side events including the 8th Asia-Europe Foundation Editors Roundtable, the ASEM Consultative Meeting on Food Security, and the 12th ASEM Finance Ministers meeting.
Foreigners evacuated from South Sudan
Several countries, including the UK, Germany, India, and Uganda, have begun evacuating their nationals from South Sudan in the aftermath of fighting in the capital, Juba.
Foreign missions have also begun evacuating all non-essential staff, and the US has sent 47 military personnel to protect the US embassy in the country.
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