Off the wire
• China, Japan agreed to continue discussion on early start of air, marine contact mechanism  • At least 20 killed, 120 injured in Somalia clashes: UN  • Parliamentary exchange "an important component of China-Italy relations"  • Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, Dec. 8  • U.S. stocks open lower as oil keeps sliding  • 1st Ld-Writethru: Xinhua Insight: Tibet marks 20th anniversary of Panchen Lama enthronement  • EFSD's 2 bln USD loan for Belarus pending  • ESM approves 2.71 bln euros for recapitalization of Greece National Bank  • Experts call for global action to cut antibiotic use in agriculture  • President of Red Cross Society of China warns of unprecedented challenges for humanitarian work  
You are here: 　 Home

Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1630 GMT, Dec. 8

Xinhua, December 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here on Tuesday to represent her country at the ministerial conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process to be held on Wednesday.

This is the first visit of an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in three years.

The Indian minister said on her arrival that India wanted to improve relations with Pakistan. (Pakistan-India-Visit)

- - - -

MANILA -- Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday underscored the importance of passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the wake of threats from terrorists.

Aquino met with congressmen at the presidential palace to get their support on the passage of the pending measure.

"He (Aquino) said passing the BBL now has become more imperative in view of the increased threats posed by global terrorism and radicalization," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters. (Philippines-Basic Law)

- - - -

YANGON -- Myanmar's Union Parliament on Tuesday approved the Nationwide Cesaefire Accord (NCA) signed between the government and eight ethnic armed groups in mid-October, parliament sources said.

Under the Oct. 15 deal, the two sides agreed on some post-ceasefire steps for adherence by both sides and on the unfinished peace process which calls for inclusion of seven other non-ceasefire-signatory groups in the truce.

The two sides were also set to draw up a political framework within 60 days after the formal NCA signing and start a political dialogue within 90 days. (Myanmar-Ceasefire Deal)

- - - -

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir -- Two militants were killed, while two paramilitary troopers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two civilians were wounded Tuesday in a gunfight in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight triggered at Pampore town, about 24 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. (India-Kashmir-Gunfight) Endit