China: US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo A. Valenzuela gives a news conference to discuss US and Chinese policy goals and common interests in Latin America. South Korea: South Korea's anti-North Korea civic groups send anti-North Korea leaflets by balloons toward North Korea. Taiwan: Taiwan's parliament passed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), a free trade pact with China, by a vote of 68-0 after opposition lawmakers declined to participate. The opposition claimed the agreement sacrifices Taiwan's sovereignty in exchange for economic gain.
Philippines: The trial of the main suspect in the massacre of 57 people in the southern Philippines opens at a local court, with state prosecutors calling in their witnesses. The prosecution has said possible witnesses have been targeted by the powerful Ampatuan clan who are implicated in the murders.
Thailand: Thai army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said the new Southern Border Province Administrative Centre in the Muslim south of the country will bring peace and stability. The centre “is authorized to rehabilitate people affected by the conduct of government officials”, according to The Nation newspaper.
Russia: The Eurasian Economic Council Agro Industrial Policy Council has recommenced negotiations on the creation of a common grain market by September or October. (EurAsEC comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.)
Russia: Sochi hosts summit attended by President Dmitriy Medvedev, Afghanistan's Hamed Karzai, Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon; focus on Afghan security, fight against drug-trafficking; Zardari's trip curtailed to several hours over Pakistan floods, Rahmon continues visit until 20th
India: Maoist rebel leader Kishenji has suggested a three-month cease-fire for both the Maoists and Indian forces to facilitate negotiations for a peace process,
Afghanistan: Following up after the Pentagon has called Afghan President Hamid Karzai's four-month timeline to end private security contractors' presence there "very aggressive"
Afghanistan: The Independent Election Commission holds a press conference in Kabul at 10G and is expected to provide more information on polling centres and election preparations. Voting lists should also be published today.
Iran: An increasing number of foreign gasoline suppliers are offering to work with Iran, despite Western sanctions on Tehran's energy sector, Fars News Agency reported. Iran has imported 1.37 million tons of gasoline from seven countries in the last four months. The United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Oman and Saudi Arabia have been the primary gasoline suppliers in recent months.
Iran: Tehran plans to inaugurate the production line of the Karrar anti-aircraft defence system shortly, Press TV reported. The long-range defense system will counter any likely air attack on the country, Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi stated, adding that a high-speed Seraj blade runner and the new generation of Zolfaghar missile launcher blade runner are produced domestically and will be launched during Iran's "Government Week" held Aug. 24-31.
Iraq: Al-Iraqiya List leader Iyad Allawi and members of the Sadr movement announced that the two parties will intensify talks in order to break the political stalemate in Baghdad and reach an "important, mutual stance" on forming a new Iraqi government, Reuters reported.
Qatar: Huthi rebel representatives and government officials are in Doha for Qatar-mediated talks over ways to implement the agreement
Lebanon: Following up after Lebanon’s parliament passed a law allowing oil and gas exploration off its coast. An aide to Nabih Berri, the speaker of Lebanon's parliament, said a consensus for the law emerged due to the size of Lebanon’s debt and concerns about “Israeli greed.” (NB Lebanon still must divide its areas for exploration into blocs in order to sign production sharing agreements with companies.)
Lebanon: Following up after Lebanon lifted restrictions that had previously kept the 400,000 Palestinian refugees in the country from working in the same professions as other foreigners, though refugees are still subject to the same regulations that apply to other foreign workers.
Gaza: Following up after Israel carried out four air strikes on Gaza near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Zeitoun and the Deir al-Balah refugee camp
Morocco: Activists begin week-long blockade of goods passing from Morocco to the Spanish enclave in an escalation of tension between the two countries.
South Africa: At least half a million teachers and health workers are due to strike in South Africa after rejecting the government's offer of a 7% pay increase.
Mali: Umar Sid'Ahmed Ould Hamma, a Malian man convicted of kidnapping three Spanish citizens in Mauritania and giving them to al-Qaeda in 2009, will be sent back to Mali today. Hamma was sentenced in Mauritania to 12 years in prison with hard labour in July 2010.
Ukraine: The world's sixth largest wheat exporter, is expected to decide whether to limit its grain shipments abroad. Rainstorms and extreme heat have damaged this year's wheat crop in Ukraine. Cabinet considers introducing 2.5m-tonne grain export quota until end of 2010
Spain: Arrival of three more released Cuban political prisoners, Journalist Juan Carlos Herrera, Fabio Prieto and Juan Fernández.
Brazil: Candidates launch political campaigns in run-up to presidential election in October.
Nepal: Fifth attempt by parliament to elect prime minister; contenders Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", Nepali Congress Vice-President Ram Chandra Poudel failed to secure majority in fourth round on 6 August
US: Missile Defence Agency feeds video of the past weekend's test featuring an airborne laser engaging a short-range ballistic missile.
Paraguay: Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani meets with Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo and will look to advance an agreement in which Qatar would finance a regional natural gas pipeline connecting Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Colombia: Colombia's Constitutional Court suspended a deal giving U.S. troops more access to Colombian bases until Congress approves it as an international treaty.
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