What's Happening Today - Sunday 23 January

Thailand: 

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship "Red Shirts" hold next anti-government rally in Bangkok 

Mongolia: 

First day of 19th annual meeting of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (-27); delegates from 28 countries discuss environmental sustainability, terrorism, natural disasters, financial crises, regional collaboration, energy security, climate change

Afghanistan: 

Government expected to announce inauguration of new parliament now set for 26 January following agreement yesterday between President Hamed Karzai and MPs; inauguration originally scheduled for 24th, but was delayed by Karzai 

Pakistan: 

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) calls nationwide rallies to protest against drone attacks, price hikes and proposed amendments to Blasphemy Law

Russia: 

Final day of Defence Ministry commission visit to Iturup and Kunashir - islands disputed with Japan - to inspect machine-gun and artillery division deployed there 

Russia: 

Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo visits Moscow (-25); attends fifth round of China-Russia strategic security talks 

Russia:

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko hold press conference after signing declaration formally awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia. 0800 GMT.

Jordan: 

French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie holds talks with King Abdallah on last day of Middle East tour which included Israel, Palestinian Territories including Hamas-controlled Gaza, Egypt 

Israel: 

Turkel Committee - charged with investigating IDF raid on Turkish ship last May during which nine Turkish activists were killed - due to submit first report; expected to rule that IDF did not breach international law and acted in self-defence when firing at activists 

Israel:

Jewish Agency hosts news conference summarizing the Anti-Semitic incidents which took place around the world during the year 2010. 1330 GMT.

Tunisia: 

Fresh protests expected against interim government; also, final day of three days of mourning for those killed in political turmoil that led to ouster of president

Algeria: 

Watching developments following protests in Algiers yesterday calling for greater freedom 

Egypt: 

Gabonese President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba completes visit which has included bilateral, African, international issues 

Uganda: 

POSTPONED: Kampala was to have hosted meeting of top officials from Nile Basin on 22-23 January; another meeting scheduled to be held in Kenya on 27 January 

Central African Republic: 

Presidential and legislative elections; incumbent strongman Francois Bozize expected to win; if second round required, would be on 20 March

Ivory Coast: 

Pro-Laurent Gbagbo Minister of Youth Charles Ble Goude leads youth rally in support of the country's military at the Champroux Stadium in Abidjan 

Albania: 

Watching developments after arrest warrants issued for six national guardsmen accused of killing three protestors outside prime minister's office during anti-government protests on Friday 

Kosovo: 

Repeat vote being held in municipality of Mitrovica where irregularities were established in majority of polling stations during 12 December general elections 

Belgium: 

Thousands of students expected to demonstrate to call for formation of government more than seven months after elections 

Norway:

Arctic Frontiers holds its fifth annual conference at the University of Tromso in Norway, with the title 'Arctic Tipping Points'. 

Portugal: 

Presidential election; incumbent Anibal Cavaco Silva expected to win

US:

Nasa holds news conference with next three crew to work on international space station

Venezuela: 

Opposition march scheduled to mark 53rd anniversary of ousting of dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez

Posted via email from luay's posterous