What's Happening Today - Sunday 19 December

South Korea:

Seoul is planning to hold one-day live-fire exercise on Yeonpyeong Island between 18-21 December, scene of shelling by North which killed four people last month; North Korea threatened response "more serious in terms of strength and scope" than 23 November attack

North Korea:

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson continues private visit; US State Department said he would not be carrying "any particular message" (-20)

Thailand:

"Red Shirt" supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra rally in Bangkok

Malaysia:

Opposition holds a national level meeting to chart the way forward ahead of possible snap general elections that could come as early as April next year at a time when they are losing momentum following infighting and recent by-election losses.

Pakistan:

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses joint session of parliament

Russia:

Latvian President Valdis Zatlers on first-ever official visit; agenda includes ethnic Russians' rights in Latvia 

Iran:

Majlis Security Commission discusses downgrading ties with UK because of "repeated interference" in Iran's affairs by top British officials

Iran:

Watching as, over the next few days, the price of gasoline will rise four-fold in Iran with future increases expected to be announced, state television announced. (NB the most politically sensitive part of President Ahmadinejad's subsidy cuts plan takes effect. The price hike will increase to 4,000 rials, with the 60-liter or higher ration rising to 7,000 rials. Iranians can buy 50 liters of fuel at the 1,000 rial price in January before having to pay the higher price)

Turkey:

Looking for reaction after Turkey's main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu laid out his party’s manifesto for next year’s general elections

Israel:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene weekly meeting of his cabinet.

Israel:

Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius visits to meet counterpart Binyamin Netanyahu; Economy Minister Dainius Kreivys also travels; likely to sign bilateral accords on cooperation in industrial research

Egypt:

Upper and lower chambers of Egypt's parliament hold joint session; first time since 28 November elections; President Husni Mubarak expected to deliver address 

Libya:

Jeffrey D. Feltman, the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs in Libya, on visit.

Belarus:

Presidential election.

Venezuela:

Hugo Chavez's weekly TV and radio program "Hello, President" expected to be even longer than normal

Posted via email from luay's posterous