WORLD NEWS

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Latest news from and about the homeland

Myanmar’s military junta has announced a temporary nationwide ceasefire from 2 to 22 April, in the wake of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country last week. The earthquake has so far claimed at least 2,886 lives, with hundreds still missing and entire communities left devastated. The United Nations estimates over 28 million people across six regions have been affected.…

Don’t see Libya as a model for success in every conflict

Writing in the Times, former commander of British Forces in Afghanistan Colonel Richard Kemp argued that while military intervention in Libyan by NATO is being hailed as a success, it should not form the basis for the same model to be applied in other conflicts.

Examining the Libya campaign and the inital NATO-lead drive in Afghanistan in 2001, Kemp commented that while they were successful, the military option may not always be the best path to follow.

"The best form of intervention in a foreign country is non-intervention. Or, at least, intervention that is so discreet as to be almost invisible to the naked eye — funding of rebel forces, covert supply of weapons, behind-the-scenes “advice” to opposition leaders.

Even this carries risk. But the greatest risk comes from deploying conventional forces in strength. As we saw with such horrific consequences in Iraq and later in Afghanistan, however benign the intention, boots on the ground will inevitably come to be seen as occupying forces and will be attacked from all quarters."

Libya's NTC announce investigation into Gaddafi's death

Libya's interim leader, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, announced on Monday, an investigation has been ordered, into Muammar Gaddafi death.

The National Transitional Council (NTC) has formed a committee in order to conduct the investigation said Abdul-Jalil.

Today's announcement comes amidst rising international pressure to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and reports of Gaddafi loyalists being executed.

Security laws to be repealed in Kashmir

Security laws, that have long protected security forces from prosecution, are to be lifted in some areas of Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Indian controlled Jammu and Kashmir announced on Friday.

In a speech to police officers stationed in the region, Abdullah explained that the laws were no longer warranted given the prevailing peace in the region. The announcement comes amidst wider efforts to decrease the security presence in the region.

Libya declared free

Libya's new leaders - former rebel fighters and now NTC members - declared the country to be free from the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi on Sunday .

Thousands gathered in the city of Benghazi to hear the announcement of liberation.

National Transitional Council officials and spectators chanted "raise your head high, you are a free Libyan!"

Celebrations are said to be continuing well into the night.

UN & US push for Gaddafi investigation

International pressure has mounted on the National Transitional Council of Libya to clarify how former leader Muammar Gaddafi died last week, after both the UN & US called for further investigations.

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said,
“We really do need some clarity.”

SNP officially launches Scotland's independence campaign

The Scottish National Party (SNP) launched the campaign for independence on Sunday, outlining the proposed referendum on independence and urged supporters to brace themselves for the "biggest campaign ever".

The annoucement follows the SNP leader, Alex Salmond's, rallying call to the Scottish nation to unie behind the Scottish identity.

“Bashar al-Assad, how do you feel today?”

After the death of Muammar Gaddafi, Syrian opposition activists have been reinvigorated in their bid to drive Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.  

China investing $30 billion in India

India should be “much more relaxed” in its approach to Chinese investments y and get rid of “needless” restrictions, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said.

“We are imagining demons where there are none,” he added.

Ramesh's comments came in the context of recent reports that India had barred import of telecom equipment from major Chinese firm Huawei, especially in the border areas following security concerns.

Retired Algerian Defence Minister arrested over war crimes

Former Algerian Defense Minister Khaled Nezzar has been arrested in Geneva over allegations of war crimes committed during the Algerian civil war, which started in 1992.

The 73 year-old, who is also a retired Army General, was questioned by Swiss prosecutors, before being released pending further investigations.

New defence secretary reaffirms UK foreign policy

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme for the first time as the UK's defence secretary, Phillip Hammond reiterated Britain's commitment to protect civilians populations from unscrupulous regimes.

Listen here from 02:18:00 for full interview.

Extracts reproduced verbatim below: