- The Guardian
- Issue #2053
INDIA: The Indian state of Karnataka held the most crucial state election before parliamentary elections due in 2024. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a huge defeat from the opposition Congress Party which will form the next government in the state of 65 million people. Congress won 135 seats against 66 for the BJP in the 224-member legislature. “The Congress party stood with the poor in Karnataka, we fought on the issues of the poor,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
INDONESIA: The US Army Chief of Staff, James McConvill visited Indonesia and held talks with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabodo Subianto. Earlier McConville visited the Philippines which had hosted the massive joint US-Philippines war drills directed against China. While the US is trying to push Indonesia into closer military cooperation, Indonesia’s position is more cautious. Subianto said that “peace and stability in the region is common concern” but Indonesia would prefer to maintain its neutrality by pursuing relationships with all the world’s nations, “especially all the major powers.” It’s worth noting that last November Subianto promised to restore joint military exercises with China following a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
GREECE: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ruled out the prospect of cooperation with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK – KINAL) to form a coalition government after the general elections. “I don’t believe that at this moment there is a margin for any cooperation with PASOK after the May 21 elections, even if the numbers could lead to a government that would receive the confidence vote from the parliament,” he said. Mitsotakis’ conservative New Democracy (ND) party holds a lead over the main opposition party SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, according to recent opinion polls, with PASOK-KINAL ranking third.
BRITAIN: Thousands of people marched and rallied in solidarity with Palestine last weekend to mark the 75th anniversary of Nakba – when 75,000 Palestinians were driven from their homes when the state of Israel was established. London and Manchester saw numerous campaigning organisations united in solidarity with Palestinian people. Speakers warned about the worsening situation at present when every day brings misery and death to innocent civilians.
CHINA: Rum, coffee, lobsters, cigars, and other products were on display at the “Charming Cuba” promotion week in Shanghai. Both countries are developing trade, and there is a growing interest in Cuban agricultural products, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
