Page 2 | NATIONAL Why Tajikistan Is Emerging as China’s Gateway to Afghanistan Page 3 | ECONOMY Must Not Become China’s overhauling of Tajikistan’s highway network in its sparsely Kabul Residents: Bills a Launchpad for America’s populated, mountainous, and geographically enormous... Increase as Power Afghan War Service Worsens Page 2 | NATIONAL

Kabul Herat Nangarhar Balkh 34o / 15o 44o / 22o 43o / 25o 36o / 27o

Your Gateway to Afghanistan & the Region Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Issue No. 977 www.heartofasia.af 10 afs Ghani Meets with Leading Politicians to Discuss Peace Process Senior Pakhtunkhwa Presidential Palace (ARG), the Milli Awami Party politicians also agreed a united leader Usman Kakar front was necessary. “It was also emphasized at the passes away meeting that a united front and Usman Khan Kakar, a senior leader of a strong political consensus the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party were necessary to strengthen (PKMAP), has passed away in . peace and stability, strengthen Confirming the death of the leader, Information-Secretary PKMAP Reza the republican system and Mohammad Reza said that Kakar was support the country’s security undergoing treatment at a private forces and make strong use hospital in Karachi. of the strong popular support (PPP) leader for the republican system to and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla said consolidate stability,” ARG said. that the news of Usman Khan Kakar’s demise was received during a meeting Participants at the meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance. also discussed Ghani and his It may be recalled that a few days entourage’s planned visit to the ago, Usman Kakar fell in his house United States, which they called in and was seriously injured. “significant.” Usman Kakar was rushed to... P2 President Ashraf Ghani met with Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman Speaker of the House of On Sunday, the White House the country’s political and jihadi of the High Council for National Representatives; Mohammad announced that Ghani and leaders on Monday morning Reconciliation; Hamid Karzai, Karim Khalili, leader of the Abdullah were scheduled to who stressed that the peace former president; Abdul Rab Islamic Unity Party; Mohammad travel to the US on June 25. US President Joe Biden is process is a priority for the Rasul Sayyaf, former Jihadi Ismail Khan, a member of the scheduled to meet with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan leader; Mohammad Sarwar leadership of the Islamic Jamiat and that “all further steps in this Danesh, Second Vice President; Afghan leaders to discuss of Afghanistan; and a number process, will be taken with the Mohammad Younus Qanuni, continued US-Afghan of other senior politicians Afghan Govt Retake necessary understanding and former vice president; Fazl cooperation, as well as the and officials. According to consensus.” Hadi Muslimyar, Speaker of the withdrawal of US troops from Districts and Taliban a statement issued by the Capture District Present at the meeting were Senate; Mir Rahman Rahmani, the country. Bordering Tajikistan First International I Am Neither Taliban’s Spokesperson Flight Lands in Khost Taliban militants have reportedly captured Imam Sahib district in Province nor Their Lawyer: Qureshi Afghanistan Kunduz province, which Afghanistan’s civil aviation authority Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood borders Panj district of the Tajik announced that the first international Qureshi spoke on the Afghan Peace southwest province of Khatlon. flight took place from eastern newly Process, saying that neither is he “Taliban militants captured Imam built Khost airport. The civil aviation Sahib district a little over an hour ago authority said in a statement that Ariana the Taliban’s spokesperson nor the and they are currently besieging the Airlines made its first international group’s lawyer. city of Kunduz itself,” Ajmal Kakar, a flight from the United Arab Emirates to “I am only Pakistan’s foreign reporter for Afghanistan’s Pajhwok Khost Airport at 8:10 am on Thursday, minister,” FM Qureshi said, news agency, told Asia-Plus at around carrying 90 passengers, which was addressing a news conference in 4:30 pm. warmly welcomed by the people of Islamabad. “The gates at the entrance to the city Khost province. The foreign minister said he had are already in the hands of the Taliban, According to the statement, the airline’s responded as a Pakistani to the the city itself is under siege. Things are international flights will continue every Afghan national security advisor’s heating up in the city,” Mr. Kakar said. week at the airport. He also noted that no losses are Foreign airlines such as Al-Arabiya recent anti-Pakistan response. reported at present. “There may be have also expressed interest in flying “The Afghan NSA’s statement did no casualties as government forces to the airport in separate letters, the not benefit his country,” the foreign are retreating,” Afghan reporter added. statement added. minister said, adding: “Pakistan Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s TOLO has always tried to persuade the Afghanistan. You cannot pass the buck towards News, citing the Afghan Ministry of Taliban to negotiate.” The foreign minister had said Pakistan. Defense, said on June 21 that Bangi Last week, talking to TRT World that Pakistan had been engaged “Pakistan is one regional player. and Khwaja Ghar districts in the during his visit to Antalya, Turkey, constructively for peace and There are other global players northern Takhar province, which the foreign minister had said that stability in Afghanistan and would and there are other interests that also borders Tajikistan’s Khatlon one “cannot pass the buck to continue to do so. are paramount in the region,” the province, were retaken from the... P3 Pakistan” for peace and stability in “But this is a shared responsibility. foreign minister said. June 22, 2021 Heart of Asia NATIONAL TUESDAY 2 [email protected] fb/heart of asia twitter/@heartofasiapost Senior... By: Arwin Rahi a hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Condolences Upon receiving Pakistan Must Not Become a Launchpad for the news of Senator Kakar’s demise, leaders of different political parties in Afghanistan America’s Afghan War and Pakistan started expressing their condolences. Unconfirmed reports about Pakistan Remembering Kakar, Deputy providing the United States with Speaker National Assembly military bases on its soil have been said that the deceased floating around as of late. At such was a patriotic political and social a crucial time, when regional and global stakeholders are trying to leader. find a solution to the Afghan conflict, “Usman Khan Kakar fought such a Pakistani offer will complicate for the rights of the people of things for Islamabad. Pakistan’s Balochistan and always voiced past military engagements with the their concerns,” Suri said. United States should serve as an Speaker National Assembly eye-opener to help it make the right Asad Qaisar also expressed decision this time around. his condolences and said that At the height of the Cold War in Kakar’s contribution towards the 1950s and 1960s, Pakistan had the rights of Balochistan, along a substantial amount of military with his socio-political services, cooperation with the United States, receiving generous military will always be remembered. assistance from the superpower. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar While the United States intended its also sent his military assistance to Pakistan for commiserations to the family use against the communist threat, members of the deceased and Pakistan sought to take advantage of prayed for the departed soul. its partnership to bolster its offensive JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur and defensive capabilities vis-à-vis Rehman also expressed his India. condolences and said that the No wonder in 1965, when the Indo- Pakistan Democratic Movement Pakistani war broke out, the United (PDM) has been deprived of a States imposed an arms embargo on both India and Pakistan. The arms brave leader. Former president embargo remained in place during and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali at the time. The United States then He repeatedly told Americans to the so-called War on Terror, which the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War as well. Zardari, PPP’s Sherry Rehman, imposed more sanctions on Pakistan hit the Pashtun tribes ruthlessly. Musharraf committed Pakistan to, Unlike India, Pakistan was dependent after it conducted its nuclear tests in He had allowed the CIA to operate brought more war and more terror and ANP ’s President Shahi on U.S. arms, equipment, and spare May 1998. drones in Pakistan as early as to Pakistan and the region. Sayed also expressed their grief parts; thus, the embargo impacted The United States, however, was 2004. He even suggested that U.S. Allowing U.S. military bases over Senator Kakar’s demise. Pakistan’s military capability. Since back with a list of demands for drones be painted in Pakistan Air on Pakistani soil raises several the United States and Pakistan were Pakistan after the 9/11 terror attacks. Force colors, which the CIA refused. complications for Islamabad. pursuing different objectives, the General Pervez Musharraf accepted Pakistani diplomatic protests after First, after the Taliban assume India Records... military partnership was bound to all the U.S. demands regarding every drone attack in Pakistan were ascendancy in Afghanistan, any end on a sad note for the one on the the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. orchestrated to placate a domestic strikes on Afghanistan from Pakistani vaccination appointments. receiving end of the assistance. Malaysia’s vaccination program Against all diplomatic protocols, audience, rather than serve as an territory by the United States will Similarly, the U.S.-Pakistan “alliance” Pakistan arrested and handed over actual condemnation of the attacks. further strain Afghanistan-Pakistan to go through February 2022 will in the 1980s, when Pakistan signed be conducted in three phases, Abdus Salam Zaeef, the Taliban After Musharraf stepped down, his bilateral relations and dash any up with the United States to bleed ambassador in Islamabad, to the mantle and his demeanor were both and all hopes of good neighborly with the first phase for frontline the Soviets in Afghanistan, ended workers covering about half a United States. From 2001 until U.S. passed onto Asif Ali Zardari, who, relations for the foreseeable future. on a sad note for Pakistan. After the combat operations in Afghanistan while referring to U.S. drone attacks Afghanistan and Pakistan are at million people, the second phase U.S. objective was achieved and the for high-risk groups and the third ended in late 2014, former Pakistani in the tribal areas, told Americans to a crossroads of history. They can Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, general Asad Durrani says, “Most “kill the seniors, collateral damage either reach a mutual understanding phase for adults aged 18 and the United States imposed sanctions above. of the U.S. military operations in worries you Americans. It does not regarding all their outstanding issues, on Pakistan for its nuclear program. Afghanistan were launched from worry me.” Well, collateral damage preferably within the framework of As of Sunday, some 4.2 million The United States ignored all the people or 12.9 percent of the total Pasni and Dalbandin bases located may not have worried Zardari and a strategic agreement, or continue challenges (millions of Afghan on Baloch territory.” company, but since 2001 it has left with tension in bilateral relations, population have received at least refugees, thousands of armed men one dose of COVID-19 vaccines. General Musharraf used to act more a lasting scar on those impacted in entailing negative consequences and drugs in Pakistan, and civil war hawkish than most American hawks. Afghanistan and Pakistan. In fact, for both countries.Pakistan... P3 in Afghanistan) Pakistan was facing

By: Andrew Korybko Why Tajikistan Is Emerging as China’s Gate- Organisation (CSTO). Rahmon visited Islamabad in early Building upon the observation June, which came a little over a way to Afghanistan that Russian-allied Tajikistan is month after I published my piece facilitating China’s connectivity here at the Express Tribune about China’s overhauling of Tajikistan’s A quick glance at the map reveals Although some structural realists with Afghanistan, one can have “The Prospects Of A Pakistan- highway network in its sparsely that the GBAR is the most logical regard Russia and China as being a better understanding of how Tajikistan Strategic Partnership”. populated, mountainous, and means for China to connect with competitors in Central Asia, or Moscow and Beijing work in It should be read by anyone who’s geographically enormous Gorno- Afghanistan. Although Pakistan at the very least are inevitably tandem to pursue the shared goal interested in the new northern Badakhshan Autonomous can also be relied upon for this poised to become such according of regional stability. Russia has a vector of Pakistani foreign policy. Region (GBAR) speaks to Beijing’s end, China always pioneers to one school of thought, they military base in Tajikistan and is Basically, I argue that Tajikistan desire to increasingly rely on complementary corridors so actually cooperate really closely committed to protecting its ally can serve as Pakistan’s gateway that neighbouring country that it isn’t dependent on any in this region. All of the Central from Afghan-emanating threats to the CARs and that the two for facilitating its planned single one. This helps to relieve Asian Republics (CARs) are such as ISIS-K, which will also serve can also cooperate on stabilising connectivity with Afghanistan after congestion along those routes and in the Shanghai Cooperation China’s security interests insofar Afghanistan after the American the US’ impending withdrawal. also enables the country to flexibly Organisation (SCO) that’s jointly as protecting its Silk Road across withdrawal later this year Eurasianet, a US-based media adapt to changing geopolitical led by those two Great Powers. the GBAR. The People’s Republic is because of the influence that they outlet partially funded by both circumstances in the event that a They share the same political, so economically strong that it can command over certain parts of the National Endowment for sudden security situation makes security, and socio-economic invest much more in the region their mutual neighbour’s society. Democracy and the Open Society one of them temporarily unusable. interests as well. While China’s (which includes Afghanistan in this Casual readers might not be Foundation, reported on this What’s most interesting about economic influence is definitely context) than Russia can, which aware of it, but Tajikistan is mostly though in a predictably negative this is that Tajikistan is regarded on the rise, Russia’s political can help rebuild Afghanistan and populated by a people that are way given the interests of its as being within Russia’s “sphere and security influence remains also improve the living standards very closely related to Iranians. financiers. Nevertheless, their of influence” so this essentially strong as proven by the fact of the impoverished Pamiri people Although bilateral relations remain report served to raise awareness means that Moscow is indirectly that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, in the GBAR. complicated, Iran nevertheless of the important connectivity facilitating Beijing’s access to and Tajikistan are in a mutual It should also be mentioned that also sees Tajikistan as a gateway to work that China’s carrying out in Afghanistan and likely also Iran defence alliance with it through Tajikistan is one of Pakistan’s Tajikistan. too. the Collective Security Treaty top regional partners. President the region. Considering that... P3 June 22, 2021 Heart of Asia ECONOMY TUESDAY 3 [email protected] fb/heart of asia twitter/@heartofasiapost Kabul Residents: Bills Increase Exchange Rates as Power Service Worsens Kabul residents say they have either,” said Sahel, a Kabul resident. to be addressing the issue, as the 79.10 79.20 electricity in their homes only limited “When we sleep, there is no electricity destruction has continued across the hours per day, but their electricity and when we wake up, there is no country in recent months. 93.50 93.60 bills have increased. electricity, either. We do not know Breshna officials say that due to the The residents added that the lack of what electricity is!” said Khalid, blowing-up of two power poles in 107.20 107.30 electricity has made life difficult for another Kabul resident. Salang district in Parwan province them, as the third wave of COVID-19 is The targeting of power pylons since last week, there is a shortage of 494 506 spreading and the weather is getting the beginning of the current solar 200 megawatts of electricity in the hot. year in the north of Kabul has been capital’s power network and the Residents allege that the nation’s one of the reasons for power outages company is currently cutting the 21.30 21.40 electric company, Da Afghanistan in Kabul and other provinces. power of the capital for up to 14 hours Breshna Sherket (DABS), is not “According to the country’s applicable every 24 hours. megawatts are imported, leaving a 1070 1080 capable of providing standard laws, the destruction of power pylons “Breshna has been grappling with deficit of 200 megawatts. electricity for the citizens. and public facilities by individuals the power shortage over the last A number of economic experts who “The power outages are so frequent, and groups is considered a crime,” two months,” said Sangar Niazi, a criticize the irregularities in the supply Contact Numbers the officials should define and said Faiz Mohammad Zadran, an spokesman for Breshna. of energy services in the country are create a proper strategy to address expert in the energy sector. According to information provided calling on the government to review Kabul Police -119 the power outage problem,” said Although the government has by Breshna, Kabul currently requires Breshna’s plans and to find a solution Kanishka, a Kabul resident. repeatedly talked of taking 500 megawatts of electricity, of which for the electricity problems as the “There is no electricity in winter at measures to prevent the targeting 100 megawatts are domestically citizens across the country suffer Kabul Ambulance - 112 all, we don’t have electricity in spring of power pylons, it does not seem produced and another 200 power outages. Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital Why Tajikistan... Pakistan... destabilize Pakistan and pose hated the United States more 0202301360 a serious challenge to the China is pioneering a Silk Road through the GBAR wants to expand commercial than any other country in the Chinese-Pakistan Economic in order to connect more closely with Afghanistan and energy ties with Central world. The cost for Pakistan of Ata Turk Hospital Asian republics through Corridor (CPEC). and likely also its new 25-year strategic partner U.S. military bases on its soil Afghanistan. Since the early Third, Pakistan is also 0202500312 Iran, it’s possible that Iranian-Tajikistani relations simply outweighs any benefits 1990s, Pakistan’s aspirations very likely to experience that might be associated with will eventually improve as a result of Beijing’s complications in its relations to trade with Central Asia have it. “economic diplomacy”. In any case, Tajikistan is with its two other neighbors, Corona call center - 166 been upset by, and remained Lessons for the future quickly becoming the convergence point of some unfulfilled due to, the conflict namely China and Iran, if it At this critical juncture in of Eurasia’s most important countries, all of whom in Afghanistan. Pakistan provides the United States the region’s history, Pakistan have a stake in post-withdrawal Afghanistan. can only be directly linked with military bases on its soil. must learn from its past This observation should inspire them to more with Central Asia if there is As Pakistan observers rightly military partnerships with actively engage with Tajikistan. Some of these stability in Afghanistan, and if believe, China certainly will not be comfortable with U.S. the United States, which will countries like Russia and Iran already have plenty Afghanistan-Pakistan ties are planes and drones flying once again abandon Pakistan experts specialising in its affairs, while China’s and warm. The United States once again bombing Afghanistan around when it is investing as soon as its objectives are Pakistan’s respectfully lag somewhat behind their from military bases in in Pakistan and trying to achieved. Partnerships and peers if only for the simple reason that they hadn’t Pakistan will pour cold water complete the CPEC. Iran will alliances are built on firm paid much attention to Tajikistan until recently. on any prospects of improved also view the U.S. military grounds of mutual interest It’s therefore fitting that China and Pakistan bilateral relations. presence in Pakistan as a and shared values. The long joined forces in 2016 to establish the Quadrilateral Second, if the United States U.S. attempt to encircle it. and troubled history of U.S.- In response, Iran will likely Cooperation & Coordination Mechanism (QCCM) bombs Afghanistan from Pakistani relations suggests support anti-U.S. elements in together with Tajikistan and Afghanistan to enhance Pakistani military bases, that their partnerships were regardless of who will be in Pakistan which in the medium their hitherto bilateral security engagement efforts neither rooted in mutual with both of them. Thus far, neither Russia nor Iran power in Kabul, Afghanistan to long run will also have consequences for Pakistan’s interest nor in shared values. are part of any comparative platform incorporating will most likely respond Sunni-Shia sectarian divide. The partnerships were those two countries. to these provocations by deepening and expanding Fourth, the U.S. military rather temporary affairs and With this in mind, Pakistan should propose an ties with India. The Taliban presence in Pakistan will help broke apart as soon as the economic counterpart to the QCCM as part of its have already declared that the further rise of religious external factor bringing the new multipolar grand strategy prioritising regional “Kashmir is India’s internal extremism, where extremists two countries together was connectivity. Pakistan’s northern-focused economic matter” and called on Pakistan are already in no short supply. removed. The U.S. military presence outreaches overlap with China’s western-focused not to link Afghanistan with Pakistan’s concern, if any, that Kashmir. Once the Taliban will encourage militant and India will step forward and ones in Afghanistan and Tajikistan so it makes terrorist groups such as the are back in Kabul and tensions provide military bases to the sense to either create a complementary institution rise with Islamabad, it is very Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan United States is unfounded or evolve the QCCM’s mission just like the SCO’s likely that the Taliban will (TTP) to step up its attacks and unjustified. India has no evolved. Although Tajikistan is a comparatively tiny develop cordial ties with India, on government facilities borders with Afghanistan. If country, it’s disproportionately strategic given its following in the footsteps of and personnel as legitimate targets for collaborating with India offers the U.S. military location and the influence that it has among its the Afghan Mujahedin. It largely depends on the United States. Religious bases, the latter will still ethnic compatriots in Afghanistan. The proposed Pakistan whether or not the parties will also exploit such require overflight rights from economic mechanism could help Pakistan tap into Taliban strengthen its ties a development to embarrass Pakistan. As a sovereign and its multidimensional potential, forge a new regional with India. So far, the much and weaken the civilian responsible nation, Pakistan government. economic community, and expand its influence in exaggerated Indian presence must say no to any requests in Afghanistan is modest in Fifth and finally, given that the CARs. from the United States for WAYGAL Printing Co. scope and certainly is less the United States lacks overflight rights to bomb significant than Pakistan’s popular support amongst own presence and assets in ordinary Pakistanis, the Afghanistan from India or any Afghanistan. That being said, Pakistani government will other country. Acquiescing there’s a serious potential also have to sacrifice its to such U.S. demands will for further developing and also go against countless Chief Editor : M. Hamid Hamdard popularity and possibly its exploring Indo-Afghan ties. time in office should it decide official statements by both Reporters: Safiullah Nasary, Shafiq Amirzay, Given that India is interested to offer the United States Afghanistan and Pakistan to in Balochistan, should the Jawad Temori & Hameedullah Hamidi military bases. In 2014, after not allow their respective present illusory Indo-Afghan territory to be used against Design By: Haseeb Ur Rahman Sahel collusion materialize, it can the Palestinian territories, Pakistanis disapproved of and each other. Phone: +93-202502100 - +93-777989696

Website: www.heartofasia.af Afghan... “the districts were cleared The statement also mentioned Email: [email protected] Taliban in an operation by of Taliban this morning,” the that Abdal and Qara Parcho government and public ministry said in its statement villages on the outskirts of Address: Behind Rahman Baba High School uprising forces on Monday on Monday. the Taluqan city, capital of the - Opposite to 3rd District, morning. “The Taliban escaped from province, were also cleared of The operation was reportedly the district after suffering the Taliban. Kabul - Afghanistan launched on Sunday night heavy casualties,” the Defense Taliban has not yet Ministry said. commented on the operation. Print: Waygal Printing .Co - +93 - 202512626 with Air Force support and June 22, 2021 WORLD TUESDAY Heart of Asia 4 [email protected] fb/heart of asia twitter/@heartofasiapost Iran’s President-Elect Says He Won’t Meet with Biden Iran’s president-elect said Monday he home to militias supported by Tehran. He would not meet with President Joe Biden looked nervous at the beginning of his nor negotiate over Tehran’s ballistic missile comments but slowly became more at ease program and its support of regional militias, over the hourlong news conference. sticking to a hard-line position following his Asked about Iran’s ballistic missile program landslide victory in last week’s election. and its support of regional militias, Raisi udiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi also described described the issues as “non-negotiable.” himself as a “defender of human rights” when Tehran’s fleet of attack aircraft date largely asked about his involvement in the 1988 mass back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, execution of some 5,000 people. It marked forcing Iran to instead invest in missiles as a the first time he’s been put on the spot on live hedge against its regional Arab neighbors, television over that dark moment in Iranian who have purchased billions of dollars in history at the end of the Iran-Iraq war. American military hardware over the years. “The U.S. is obliged to lift all oppressive Iran also relies on militias like Yemen’s Houthis sanctions against Iran,” Raisi said at the and Lebanon’s Hezbollah to counterbalance news conference. Raisi sat in front of a sea of against enemies like Saudi Arabia and Israel, microphones, most from Iran and countries respectively.

A look at the world EU Extends Sanctions India Records Lowest EU To Blacklist 86 Against Russia Over Daily Cases in 88 Days Belarus Officials and Illegal Annexation of Companies Crimea The European Union will on Monday EU foreign ministers on Monday decided impose travel bans and asset freezes to extend economic sanctions against on 86 Belarusian individuals and Russia over illegal annexation of Crimea companies, but will leave the decision and Sevastopol for another year. on when to impose economic sanctions European companies involved in to leaders, the bloc’s foreign policy telecommunications, transport and chief Josep Borrell said. energy sectors are also not allowed to English Academy India has reported 53,256 new COVID-19 In an attempt to put more pressure export goods and services to local firms cases over the past day -- the lowest daily on President Alexander Lukashenko under the measures. American count in 88 days, the Health Ministry said on over the forced landing of a Ryanair The decision maintains the ban on import Monday. passenger plane in Minsk on May 23, of goods from Crimea and Sevastopol, and With the new figures, the nationwide tally of the individual sanctions will hit 76 targets financial investments and tourism ENGLISH FILE cases has reached nearly 30 million. Belarusians, including the transport The death toll now stands at 388,135 with 1,422 more fatalities in the last 24 hours, which is the lowest in 65 days. A total of 78,190 patients won the battle against the virus over the past day. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), nearly 400 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far. Meanwhile, the government started a de- centralized policy for vaccination from Monday under which states will be given the doses free-of-cost. Earlier, the states in the area as well. had to pay the central government for the The sanctions, which have been in place procurement. and defence ministers, as well as eight since 2014, are renewed until June 23, Malaysia reported another 4,611 new state entities, diplomats said. COVID-19 infections, bringing the national 2022. “Today we will approve the package total to 701,019, the health ministry said on The EU-Russia relations have deteriorated of new sanctions, which is a wider Monday. significantly over the past years. Health Ministry Director-General Noor package, about 86 people and Last week, EU foreign policy chief Josep Hisham Abdullah said in a press statement entities,” Borrell told reporters as he Borrell revealed his proposal for guiding that another 69 more deaths have been arrived for a meeting of EU foreign the bloc’s relations with Russia. reported, bringing the death toll to 4,477. ministers in Luxembourg. He recommended that EU leaders base The official added that there is a disturbing Diplomats said the measures could be their policy on three key principles, namely rise in the number of sporadic cases and in coordination with similar sanctions “push back, constraints and engaging symptomless cases in the Klang Valley area, by other Western countries, such as Russia.” which encompasses the capital city of Kuala Britain and the United States, although EU heads of states and governments Lumpur and part of the adjacent Selangor they did not have details. are expected to adopt their position on state. On Friday, EU states provisionally relations with Russia at their upcoming Sporadic cases refer to cases which are not agreed economic sanctions on summit, starting on Thursday. traced to existing case clusters, he said, The bloc has been applying different warning that those without symptoms are Belarus’s oil, potash and banking Western Street of sanction regimes since 2014, including still infectious. sectors to try to punish Lukashenko Kabul University Close to asset freeze and travel restrictions in Science, Technology and Innovation Minister for the interception last month of the Dehbori Park. response to the violation of Ukraine’s Khairy Jamaluddin announced earlier in Ryanair flight and arrest of dissident territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the day the start of phase 3 of the country’s journalist Roman Protasevich and his Moscow’s reluctance to fully implement national COVID-19 immunization program student girlfriend Sofia Sapega, who +93 (0) 789 98 9696 the Minsk agreement meant to establish covering people 18 years old and above, first were on board. a cease-fire in Eastern Ukraine. to be implemented with Kuala Lumpur and Borrell, who is the EU’s top diplomat, Selangor state. The EU also imposed sanctions on four said the economic sanctions [email protected] Russian high-ranking officials over Khairy, who is also the coordinating minister for Malaysia’s national COVID-19 would not be approved by foreign opposition figure Aleksey Navalny’s immunization program, said the program ministers. “They will be presented arbitrary arrest, prosecution and had been expedited as almost all senior to the European Council at their next Shigal English Academy sentencing under its Global Human Rights citizens in the area had either received meeting,” Borrell said, referring to Sanctions Regime in March. their first dose or had been given... P2 Thursday’s summit in Brussels.