September 15, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
US sanctions on Myanmar partially lifted. Image credit - Arungowild / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
* A Daily Brief will not be published on Friday 16th September, due to the local public holiday.
Sri Lanka condemns North Korean nuclear test
The government has released a statement on 14 September, condemning the nuclear test carried out by North Korea on 9 September.
The statement expressed concern over this being the second instance of a nuclear test by North Korea this year, and it stated that, ‘Sri Lanka calls upon [North Korea] to abide by its international obligations and refrain from any action which would compromise peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula’.
Government briefs diplomats on progress of reconciliation
The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) has met with the diplomatic community on 14 September, to discuss the reconciliation initiatives planned by the government.
The meeting was led by the Chairperson of the ONUR, former president Chandrika
Kumaratunga, and attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esala Weerakoon.
International Right to Information Day to be commemorated
The Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media will hold an international conference from 28-29 September, in celebration of the International Right to Information Day.
The conference will host an estimated 20 national and international delegates. The participants will exchange knowledge on how to successfully implement Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Act, as well as discuss media reforms needed to establish a democratic political culture.
US partially lifts sanctions against Myanmar
The US has agreed to reinstate Myanmar into the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which gives tariff concessions to exports from developing countries. Myanmar was removed from the GSP in 1989, and will be reinstated on 13 November.
However, the Obama administration is yet to rescind an executive order designating Myanmar a National Emergency, which bolsters remaining sanctions.
Ukrainian, German, and French Foreign Ministers discuss disengagement of forces
The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Germany, and France have met to discuss trust-building measures for the conflict-affected Donbass region in eastern Ukraine.
The discussion focused on joint action to withdraw armed units, along the line of contact, in Donbass. The ministers also discussed the role of the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and accelerating implementation of the Minsk accords.
Syrian truce to be extended amidst aid obstruction
The US, Syria, and Russia have agreed to extend the truce in Syria by 48 hours. If the truce holds, the Russian and US governments will discuss further possible extensions, and eventually an indefinite extension.
No humanitarian aid has entered Syria during the truce, due to lack of agreement on a route for delivering aid. The Syrian government has refused to allow aid to enter the rebel controlled areas of Aleppo without coordination between themselves and the UN, and has also refused to allow Turkish convoys to enter Syria.
Tags: Syria, Sri Lanka, North Korea, US, Germany, France, Myanmar, Ukraine
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