What's Happening Today - Sunday 24 December

China:

China's central bank interest rate increases take effect, with plans to increase the benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 5.81 percent and raise the benchmark deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent. It was the second time in just over two months that the People's Bank of China raised rates. 

Philippines: 

Police on high alert on anniversary of founding of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) 

Bangladesh:

Nationwide strike called by Islamic group Ulama Mashayek Parishad, supported by main opposition party BNP, to protest against secular education policy adopted earlier this month 

Pakistan: 

Indonesian parliamentary delegation visits (-30)

Pakistan: 

Watching developments in wake of yesterday's suicide bomb attack on World Food Programme food distribution centre that left 43 dead

Russia:

Liberal opposition plans rally in central Moscow to speak out against racism at a time of heightened ethnic tensions. 0900 GMT.

Russia:

Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev visits Russia.

Russia

"Moscow for all" rally against xenophobia held following recent spate of violence amid ethnic 

Iran: 

Kurdish student activist Habib Latifi expected to be executed today despite calls by international human rights for Iran to commute death sentence; Latifi was sentenced to death in 2008 for taking part in armed acts in Kordestan; he was found guilty of cooperating with banned Party of Free Life of Kurdistan 

Iran::

Russian Federal Drug Control Service (FDCS) Chief Viktor Ivanov visits (-26) to discuss coordination of two countries' anti-drug trafficking efforts; today, expected to sign joint statement on fight against drugs that will define basic areas of bilateral cooperation

Iraq: 

New cabinet members assume official duties 

Turkey:

One of Freedom Flotilla's ships that was attacked by Israeli commandos returns to Istanbul; nine activists travelling on Mavi Marmara were killed in assault; hundreds of people expected to meet ship

Egypt:

Ruling National Democratic Party holds annual conference (-27), President Husni Mubarak delivered address yesterday; follows 28 November parliamentary election which critics say was rigged to benefit party; postponed from 9-10 November 

Comoros:

Second round of elections for the governors of the semi-autonomous islands and primaries for the presidency of the Union which is due to be held next by Moheli. Under the constitution, the presidency of the Union of Comoros rotates among the three islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli.

Ivory Coast: 

Watching situation as standoff between presidential rivals continues

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