BANGKOK -- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Sunday said that Thai forces have taken control of nearly all target areas and are now compelling Cambodian forces to withdraw, with the areas being closely monitored to prevent any renewed clashes.
Anutin said in an interview with Thai media in Surin province that he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify Thailand's position at the ASEAN foreign ministers' special meeting on Monday, stressing that Thailand is neither in breach of any agreements nor the aggressor, and that all actions taken are intended to safeguard national sovereignty and security. (Thailand-Cambodia-Military)
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PHNOM PENH -- The civilian death toll in Cambodia has increased to 19, as the renewed border conflict with Thailand has entered its 15th day, according to Cambodia's defense ministry.
The 19 deaths include an infant, and 79 civilians were injured as of 6 p.m. local time on Dec. 20, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata told a press briefing. (Cambodia-Thailand)
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SYDNEY -- Thousands of people gathered at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday evening to mark one week since a fatal mass shooting claimed the lives of 15 innocent people there.
A minute's silence was held at 6.47 p.m. local time, marking the time that the first gunshots rang out, Australia's 9News network reported. (Australia-Shooting)
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TOKYO -- Senior figures from several Japanese opposition parties on Sunday criticized a plan by the ruling coalition to significantly relax restrictions on exports of weapons, warning the move would put Japan on a dangerous path.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, agreed at a meeting on Monday to revise the implementation guidelines of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and lift restrictions that limit defense equipment transfers to five noncombat purposes. And they planned to submit the proposal to the cabinet in February next year. (Japan-Arms Export) ■
