VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: February 28, 2022

Afghanistan
Statement concerning crisis in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Islamic Emirate calls for restraint by both parties. All sides need to desist from taking positions that could intensify violence. Click here to read…

IEA is concerned for the safety of Afghan citizens and students in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The IEA is utilizing all available facilities and communication channels to safeguard its citizens and evacuate them to safety. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with several regional governments and international organizations in this regard. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate’s Mujahid Comments on House-to-House Searches- Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate called the recent house-to-house searches “constructive,” saying that many weapons and ammunition were captured. According to Mujahid, women were among the Islamic Emirate forces searching homes, and only “suspected areas” were searched. Click here to read…

Former Mayor Zarifa Ghafari Returns to Afghanistan- Tolo News

Zarifa Ghafari, the former mayor of Maidan Shahr in Maidan Wardak province, has returned to the country. Ghafari told TOLOnews that considering the deteriorating humanitarian situation of Afghanistan, she could not stop herself from coming back. Click here to read…

Public Works Employees Hold Protest Over Unpaid Salaries- Tolo News

Dozens of employees of the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) held a demonstration in Kabul on Sunday to protest unpaid salaries, saying that they have not received their salaries for the past six months. Click here to read…

White House: Recent License Intended to Improve Afghan Economy- Tolo News

The United States is seeking to help the Afghan economy to function through the resumption of regular commercial activities inside Afghanistan and with the injection of liquidity into the Afghan economy, senior US officials said. Click here to read…

ICRC to donors: Shore up Afghanistan’s economy- Pajhwok

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) director-general on Sunday urged donors to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of Afghanistan’s economy and its public sector. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Statement of Bangladesh on the situation in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh

Bangladesh therefore urges for restraint by all parties and to immediately resume diplomatic efforts and dialogue in order to settle all disputes by peaceful means, and refrain from taking any action that may endanger international peace and security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh: Dhaka calls on missions to help Bangladeshis stranded in Ukraine Bangladesh order to keep ready mission for help people stuck in India- Irshadgul

The government instructed the Bangladesh missions in the three countries to be ready for their cooperation. The missions in Poland, Romania and Austria have been instructed. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi ship with 29 sailors stranded in Ukraine seaport- The Business Standard

A Bangladesh Shipping Corporation ship – Banglar Samriddhi – with 29 sailors on board has been stranded in the Olvia port of Ukraine since Russia invaded the Eastern European country. Click here to read…

Romania will host Bangladeshis stranded in Ukraine: Shahriar- Daily Star

The Romanian government has declared that it will host the Bangladeshis now stranded in Ukraine for two days. Click here to read…

Standard 4G internet speed still elusive- Daily Star

Customers don’t get what they pay for, says consumer rights body. Click here to read…

‘Facilitate youths in learning about national heroes’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday emphasized on informing youths about the struggles and sacrifices behind the achievements of the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan
No Bhutanese in Ukraine: Foreign Minister- Bhutan Broadcasting Service

The Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji, said the ministry is studying and assessing the impacts the war will have on Bhutan. The minister said there are no Bhutanese in Ukraine. Click here to read…

SOEs struggle financially, fufill social mandate- Bhutan Broadcasting Service

A majority of the State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are struggling financially amid the Covid-19 pandemic hurting the government and shareholders, but have fulfilled their social mandates. Click here to read…

Vaccination for children aged 5-11 to begin from the first week of March- Kuensel

Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged five to 11 will start by the first week of March, according to Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. Click here to read…

BHSEC examination 2021 finally kicks off- Bhutan Times

After months of prolonged wait and deferment, the practical tests for Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) examination 2021 finally kicked-off yesterday. However, the main exams are scheduled to take place only on 28 February. Click here to read…

India
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a dedicated Twitter- New Indian Express

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a dedicated Twitter handle to assist the evacuation of Indians from Ukraine: @opgangaClick here to read…

India’s EAM Dr. S Jaishankar called up Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto- ANI

India’s EAM Dr. S Jaishankar called up Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto and Moldavian FM Nicu Popescu to discuss evacuation of Indian students. Click here to read…

India abstained from on the vote on the resolution to refer the matter to an emergency session of UN General Assembly- Amb T S Tirumurti, Ambassador of India to United Nations

In the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on 27th February, India abstained from on the vote on the resolution to refer the matter to an emergency session of UN General Assembly. Click here to read…

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine: MEA

On 26th February, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students stranded in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation- MEA

On 24th February, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. PM Modi reiterated to resolve that Russia and NATO group should resolve their differences through honest and sincere dialogue. Click here to read…

Maldives
Tourism Minister: Russia-Ukraine war will significantly impact Maldivian tourism

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that war between Russia and Ukraine will significantly impact the Maldivian tourism sector. Click here to read…

12 Maldivians remain stranded in Ukraine

Foreign Ministry states there are currently 12 Maldivians stranded in Ukraine due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and it is unclear when they can be evacuated. Click here to read…

Nasheed warns against dismissals ahead of MDP internal elections- SUN

Parliament Speaker and leader of MDP, former President Mohamed Nasheed has warned against dismissal of the party’s members serving political posts in connection to the upcoming MDP internal elections. Click here to read…

Aneel appointed Minister of State for Islamic Affairs- SUN

Mohamed Aneel has been appointed to the post of State Minister at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. He was presented with his letter of appointment on Sunday. Click here to read…

Ministry of Health publicizes “Maldives health statistics 2020”- Raajje

Ministry of Health has publicized “Maldives Health Statistics 2020”. The book was released at a special function held at the Health Ministry this Sunday. Special Advisor on Social Policy, Dr. Mustafa Luthfy was the chief guest of the function. Click here to read…

BML opens housing grant to support vulnerable families- Avas

National Bank, the Bank of Maldives (BML) has opened a Housing Grant as part of the series of 12 high-impact monthly community initiatives to celebrate the Bank’s 40th anniversary in November. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Views of the Russian invasion of Ukraine mirror divide in strife-torn Myanmar: RFA

The military junta supports key arms supplier Moscow, while the shadow government decries authoritarian bullying. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s junta says Russia good for ‘world peace,’ supports Ukraine invasion: The Star

Myanmar’s military rulers have thrown their support behind Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it was important for Russia “to consolidate its sovereignty.” Click here to read…

The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar condemns the unprovoked acts of war: Burma Library

Myanmar calls on to respect the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Military Council Supports Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: VOA

Myanmar’s military junta expressed Thursday its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, placing itself at odds with most of the world community. Click here to read…

Cases lower as Myanmar reports 2,402 new Covid-19 infections on Saturday night: The Star

Myanmar reported 2,402 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 584,239, according to a release from the Ministry of Health. Click here to read…

Myanmar agent requests ICJ to adjudge and declare that The Gambia’s application is inadmissible: Eleven Myanmar

U Ko Ko Hlaing, the agent of Myanmar and Union Minister for International Cooperation, requested the court to adjudge and declare that The Gambia’s application is inadmissible. Click here to read…

Nepal
Statement on the Recent Developments in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal

Recognition of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities goes contrary to the provisions of the UN Charter. Nepal opposes any use of force against a sovereign country in any circumstance and believes in peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. Click here to read…

Nepalis in Ukraine fear for their lives after Russian invasion- Kathmandu Post

Around 200 Nepali nationals are said to be in the eastern European country which is facing the biggest attack since World War II. Click here to read…

Nepal urges Russia to ‘stop further bloodshed’ in Ukraine- Wion

Ruling Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on Saturday called on Russia to hold peaceful and diplomatic means and stop further bloodshed and loss of lives in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Nepali nationals in Ukraine being evacuated with the help of NRNA- Republica

The government in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has started evacuating Nepali nationals stranded in Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian invasion. Click here to read…

House ratifies $500-million MCC compact- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today ratified the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with interpretative declaration. Click here to read…

Need for effective justice delivery stressed- Himalayan Times

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has stressed that all the bodies concerned should ensure effective delivery of justice by assimilating the basic principles of justice. Click here to read…

Five commodities hit by Ukraine war- Kathmandu Post

The economic consequences of a war that threatens the lives and livelihoods of many Ukrainians. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Can Nepal elections change its male-stream politics?- Nepali Times

This May, vote for women leaders and minority groups and make our local governments more inclusive and less tokenistic. Click here to read…

Nepal opposes Russian invasion of Ukraine- Kathmandu Post

Principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected: Foreign Ministry. Click here to read…

Activists in Nepal call on Russia not to invade Ukraine, demonstrate in front of Russian embassy- The Print

Activists from Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) Nepal on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of Russian Embassy urging Russia to give up the plan to invade Ukraine. Click here to read…

Nepal embassy in Berlin issues travel advisory to Nepali nationals in Ukraine- Embassy of Nepal in Berlin

The Embassy of Nepal in Germany has issued a travel advisory for all Nepali nationals residing in Ukraine after civilian flights were temporarily restricted over Ukraine’s airspace following the escalating situation between Ukraine and Russia. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Pakistan rules out joining camp politics; urges diplomatic solution of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Associated Press of Pakistan

Pakistan on Friday categorically ruled out to be part of any camp politics and urged the international community to make joint efforts for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means. Click here to read…

Hundreds of Pakistani students stuck in Ukraine since the attack: ABC News

The families of hundreds of Pakistani students stuck in Ukraine following the Russian invasion are urging their government to help bring them homeClick here to read…

Pakistan urges de-escalation in Russia-Ukraine conflict: The Express Tribune

It was also the first high-level contact between Pakistan and Ukraine since Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow that had raised many eyebrows on the timing of his trip. Click here to read…

CORONAVIRUS TEST POSITIVITY RATIO IN PAKISTAN DROPS TO 2.5 PCT: ARY News

Pakistan has reported a drop in the national test positivity ratio of Covid-19 to 2.25 percent in the last 24 hours, ARY News reported on Saturday. Click here to read…

Amid lack of business-friendly policies, Pak-Afghan trade volume shrinks to USD 1 billion: ANI

Amid lack of business-friendly policies, Pak-Afghan trade volume shrinks to USD 1 billionClick here to read…

Sri Lanka
Statement on Developments in Ukraine: Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka

The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka detects 977 new cases of Covid-19: News First

The Health Ministry says that another 977 persons have tested positive for Covid-19 within today (27). Click here to read…

Eight fishermen held by Sri Lankan Navy near Katchatheevu: The Hindu

Eight fishermen from Thangachimadam near Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy near Katchatheevu island in the early hours of Sunday. Click here to read…

UN Human Rights Chief flags ‘setback’ to post-war accountability in Sri Lanka: The Hindu

The latest report on Sri Lanka comes ahead of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva beginning on Monday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka ‘won’t take sides’ on Russia and Ukraine, as conflict intensifies: Tamil Guardian

Sri Lanka’s foreign secretary declared his government would not “take sides” on Russia’s military action in Ukraine and instead claimed that “each can have their own reasons”. Click here to read…

All parties must exercise maximum restraint: Sri Lanka on Russia-Ukraine crisis: The Hindu

The Government of Sri Lanka said it is “deeply concerned” about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Advisory to Sri Lankan Nationals in Ukraine: Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka

the Foreign Ministry has instructed the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, which is concurrently accredited to Kyiv, to take appropriate measures to coordinate the safe passage of the remaining Sri Lankan nationals in Ukraine. Click here to read…