New Ukrainian President Calls on US to Be 'Tougher' on Russia; Libya on the Brink of Civil War
(Baonghean.vn) - Libya on the brink of civil war with the risk of permanent division of the country; Violent protests in Jakarta; New Ukrainian President calls on the US to be "tougher" on Russia; Malaysia returns garbage to developed countries... are the world's outstanding news in the past 24 hours.
Libya on the brink of civil war with the risk of permanent division of the country
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Libya is on the brink of civil war with clashes continuing to erupt south of the capital Tripoli. Photo: New York Times |
Libya is on the brink of civil war with clashes continuing to break out south of the capital Tripoli between forces supporting the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in the capital and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar. Witnesses said that from the city center, they could hear heavy artillery in the suburbs. A series of modern weapons are being used by both sides to gain an advantage in the battle for control in Libya.
There are allegations that foreign powers are supplying weapons to Libyan parties in order to gain competitive advantage in the oil-rich North African country. According to UN officials, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt provide military equipment to the Libyan National Army, which they see as an important force in the fight against Islamist extremist groups in North Africa. Meanwhile, Türkiye and Qatar also support the Libyan National Unity Government. With the risk of weapons continuing to flow to Libyan parties, there are growing concerns about a protracted proxy war that could push Libya into permanent dismemberment.
Violent protests in Jakarta leave more than 200 dead and injured
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Police arrest radical protesters. Source: Kompas.com |
The protests in Jakarta took place after the Indonesian Election Commission announced the results of the vote count with the victory belonging to the incumbent President Joko Widodo. Accordingly, on May 22, thousands of people from the provinces poured into the capital Jakarta to participate in protests against the results of the 2019 general election. Some protest groups took extreme actions causing damage to people and property.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said that as of 9am on May 22, 200 victims had been taken to the hospital for emergency treatment and 6 people had died during the protest in Jakarta today. Police have organized an investigation and autopsies to determine the cause of death of these people. Victims being treated at the hospital will receive support from the city government.
New Ukrainian President calls on US to be "stronger" with Russia
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New Ukrainian President calls on US to be "tougher" on Russia. Photo: president.gov.ua |
After taking office, new Ukrainian President Zelenskiy asked US officials to increase sanctions against "neighbor" Russia. "I want the US to continue to increase sanctions against Russia," said new President Zelenskiy during a meeting with US lawmakers and officials in the Trump administration, including Energy Secretary Rick Perry. During the meeting, the Ukrainian President emphasized that Washington is "a strong and very important partner in dealing with Russia's brutality."
In addition, leader Zelenskiy also expressed his hope that the European Union (EU) will continue to impose sanctions on Russia in discussions with European Commissioner for Energy Maros Sefcovic.
China says US banning Huawei is "economic bullying"
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photo:Reuters. |
China's foreign minister said that the US's actions against Huawei are "economic bullying" that hinders the country's development. "The US's use of force to suppress private Chinese enterprises, such as Huawei, is a typical act of economic bullying," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on May 22 in a statement posted on the website of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Trump administration on May 15 banned US companies from using telecommunications equipment deemed a national security risk, a move that appeared to target Huawei. The Chinese telecoms group was also banned from buying US components without approval from Washington. The US suspects Huawei's equipment could be used for spying for the Chinese government and has repeatedly urged allies not to use Huawei products in 5G networks.
Malaysia returns trash to developed countries
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Plastic waste piled up outside an illegal recycling factory in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, Malaysia in October 2018. Photo:Reuters. |
Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's Minister of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment, announced that non-recyclable plastic scrap would be returned to developed countries. "Developed countries must take responsibility for what they send," she said. Minister Yeo said that many types of plastic scrap sent to Malaysia violated the Basel Convention, a United Nations treaty on trade and disposal of plastic waste.
The Southeast Asian nation last year became a top alternative destination for plastic waste after China banned imports, disrupting the flow of more than 7 million tons of scrap plastic each year. Dozens of recycling plants have sprung up in Malaysia, many without operating licenses, causing environmental damage. Much of the plastic scrap shipped to Malaysia is contaminated, and low-quality plastic from developed countries cannot be recycled.
