Month: February 2022

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Sheikh Abdullah, UK minster for MENA region discuss ties

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received James Cleverly, British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa…reports Asian Lite News

During the meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah and Cleverly discussed strategic partnership ties between the two friendly peoples and a number of issues of mutual interest as well as the latest developments in the region so as to enhance its security and stability pillars.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of the British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa and emphasised the solid historic and strategic relations between the UAE and the United Kingdom, which are based on a long history of fruitful work, joint coordination, and keenness to promote security and stability pillars in the region to meet the aspirations of its peoples for prosperity and development.

In turn, Cleverly expressed his strong condemnation of the Houthi militia’s terrorist attacks on civil areas and facilities in the UAE. He also stressed the significance of work to boost security and stability of the region.

He also lauded the distinguished strategic relations between the two countries and continuous keenness on enhancing them in all spheres.

Earlier, Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to UAE President, had met with Minister James Cleverly and discussed the bilateral ties between the UAE and the UK, and ways of enhancing the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

They also discussed recent regional and international developments, most notably those related to the region’s stability and development, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for peace and regional dialogue.

ALSO READ: Abdullah bin Zayed meets Prime Minister of Andorra at Expo 2020

Dr. Gargash highlighted the UAE’s appreciation for the UK’s stance on the Houthi terrorist attacks against civilian facilities in the UAE and noted that the country will take appropriate measures to ensure its safety, security and national sovereignty.

He also stressed that the international community needs to take strict action against the terrorist attacks by the Houthis, who threaten regional peace and stability, in addition to their terrorist practices against the Yemeni people.

Cleverly affirmed the UK’s denunciation of all forms of terrorism committed by the Houthis, highlighting the historic relations between the UAE and the UK.

Categories
-Top News UAE News World

UAE to roll out its first-ever corporate tax

With a standard statutory tax rate of 9 percent and a 0 percent tax rate for taxable profits up to AED375,000 to support small businesses and startups, the UAE corporate tax regime will be amongst the most competitive in the world, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The Ministry of Finance has announced that the UAE will introduce a federal corporate tax on business profits that will be effective for financial years starting on or after 1st June 2023. Businesses will become subject to UAE corporate tax from the beginning of their first financial year that starts on or after 1st June 2023.

The UAE corporate tax regime has been designed to incorporate best practices globally and minimise the compliance burden on businesses. Corporate tax will be payable on the profits of UAE businesses as reported in their financial statements prepared in accordance with internationally acceptable accounting standards, with minimal exceptions and adjustments. The corporate tax will apply to all businesses and commercial activities alike, except for the extraction of natural resources which will remain subject to Emirate level corporate taxation.

With a standard statutory tax rate of 9 percent and a 0 percent tax rate for taxable profits up to AED375,000 to support small businesses and startups, the UAE corporate tax regime will be amongst the most competitive in the world.

No corporate tax will apply on personal income from employment, real estate and other investments, or on any other income earned by individuals that does not arise from a business or other form of commercial activity licensed or otherwise permitted to be undertaken in the UAE.

“As a leading jurisdiction for innovation and investment, the UAE plays a pivotal role in helping businesses grow, locally and globally. The certainty of a competitive and best in class corporate tax regime, together with the UAE’s extensive double tax treaty network, will cement the UAE’s position as a world-leading hub for business and investment”, said Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance.

Younis Haji Al Khoori further adds that “with the introduction of corporate tax, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to meeting international standards for tax transparency and preventing harmful tax practices. The regime will pave the way for the UAE to address the challenges arising from the digitalisation of the global economy and the other remaining BEPS [Base Erosion and Profit Shifting] concerns, and execute its support for the introduction of a global minimum tax rate by applying a different corporate tax rate to large multinationals that meet specific criteria set with reference to the above initiative.”

Recognising the contribution of free zones to the UAE’s economy and competitiveness, the UAE corporate tax regime will continue to honour the corporate tax incentives currently being offered to free zone businesses that comply with all regulatory requirements and that do not conduct business with mainland UAE.

Given the position of the UAE as a global financial centre and an international business hub, the UAE will not impose withholding taxes on domestic and cross border payments, or subject foreign investors who do not carry on business in the UAE to corporate tax.

As an international headquarter location, a UAE business will be exempt from paying tax on capital gains and dividends received from its qualifying shareholdings, and foreign taxes will be allowed to be credited against UAE corporate tax payable.

ALSO READ: Israel, UAE okay new hi-tech R&D fund

The UAE corporate tax regime will have generous loss utilisation rules and will allow UAE groups to be taxed as a single entity or to apply group relief in respect of losses and intragroup transactions and restructurings.

The UAE corporate tax regime will ensure the compliance burden is kept to a minimum for businesses that prepare and maintain adequate financial statements. Businesses will only need to file one corporate tax return each financial year and will not be required to make advance tax payments or prepare provisional tax returns. Transfer pricing and documentation requirements will apply to UAE businesses with reference to the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines.

“The introduction of a corporate tax regime will help the UAE achieve its strategic ambitions and incentivise businesses to establish and expand their activities in the UAE,” said Younis Haji Al Khoori.

UAE businesses will be given ample time to prepare for the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE. The UAE Ministry of Finance plans to issue further information on the UAE corporate tax regime toward the middle of the year to help businesses get ready and be fully compliant.

Categories
-Top News USA

US blocks Pak nominee for envoy

Khan was to replace the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan in Washington Asad Majeed Khan…reports Asian Lite News

The US State Department has been taking unusually long to process the appointment of Pakistans Ambassador-designate to Washington, Masood Khan and the delay has triggered an impression of a pause in the process, Dawn reported.

Khan, who served as President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) till last August, was nominated as Ambassador to the US in November.

He had previously served as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and New York and as Ambassador to China.

Khan was to replace the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan in Washington Asad Majeed Khan.

The request for agrement for Masood Khan had been sent to the State Department in the second week of November, a Pakistani diplomat said.

The agrement is the approval of a designated diplomat by the receiving state.

Normally, the State Department took four to six weeks to issue agrement for Pakistani ambassadors in the past, a former foreign secretary said.

“This time they are taking unusually long,” Dawn news quoted another diplomat as saying.

The delay has occurred at a time when ties between the two allies have turned increasingly frosty due to the geo-political environment.

The US interest in Pakistan has waned after it pulled out of Afghanistan. Moreover, Washington looks at ties with Pakistan from the prism of its strategic competition with China, although Islamabad has repeatedly said that it was not part of any camp politics.

“While I’m encouraged that the State Department has reportedly placed a pause on approving Masood Khan as the new ambassador from Pakistan, a pause is not enough. I urge you to reject any diplomatic credentials presented to you by Masood Khan and reject any effort by the government of Pakistan to install this jihadist as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US,” Scott Perry, a Congressman, wrote to President Joe Biden.

People in the Foreign Office believe that the delay was because of Masood Khan’s last position as the president of PoK.

ALSO READ: Taliban appoints new Attorney General

Categories
Economy India News

Budget 2022: Sitharaman hails India’s strong resilience

The Finance Minister said that India’s economic growth in the current year is estimated to be 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies….reports Asian Lite News

Presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that overall sharp rebound and recovery of the economy is reflective of India’s strong resilience.

“Overall sharp rebound and recovery of the economy are reflective of India’s strong resilience,” Sitharaman said while addressing the Parliament today.

FM Sitharaman began her presentation of Budget 2022 by expressing empathy with those who were affected by the adverse health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Finance Minister said that India’s economic growth in the current year is estimated to be 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies.

“During Amrit Kaal, our government aims to achieve the vision for India@100 set out by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day Address,” she said.

Sitharaman on Tuesday began the presentation of the Union Budget 2022-23 by expressing empathy to those who died due to COVID-19.

“I want to take a moment to express my empathy for those who had to bear adverse health and economic effects of the pandemic,” the Union Minister said while presenting her fourth Budget in the Parliament.

Before the presentation, a Union Cabinet meeting was held which approved the Budget 2022-23.

Earlier today, Sitharaman met President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of the Budget presentation. She was accompanied by Ministers of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Bhagwat Karad and other officials from the Ministry.

In an attempt to go green, the Union Budget for 2022-2023 was presented in a paperless format. Sitharaman read out the Budget at the Parliament through a tab, instead of the traditional ‘bahi khata’.

On Monday, she tabled this year’s Economic Survey, centred around the theme of “Agile approach”, which forecasted India’s economy to grow by 9.2 per cent during Financial Year 2021-22 and by 8-8.5 per cent in fiscal 2023 beginning 1 April.

The budget session of Parliament began on Monday with the address by President Ram Nath Kovind to both Houses in the Central Hall.

The first part of the Union Budget Session of Parliament will be held from January 31 to February 11 and the second part of the Budget Session will take place from March 14 to April 8. (ANI)

Categories
-Top News India News PAKISTAN

MEDIA SCAN: Indian economy to remain fastest-growing and US blocks Pakistan diplomat over terror link

The World Bank has said India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world during 2021-24, while the US has blocked the appointment of the next Pakistan ambassador over possible terror links…writes Joyeeta Basu.

News in brief from South Asia

India

India to remain fastest-growing major economy to 2024, says World Bank: India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world during 2021-24, as per the projections of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund, reports DNA News.

Nirmala Sitharaman tables Union Budget in Parliament: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Union Budget in Parliament amid expectations that measures would be for boosting growth in the country, reports NDTV.

COVID-19: India today recorded 1,67,059 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours, 20 per cent lower than yesterday’s 2.09 lakh figure. About 1,192 fresh fatalities were also reported in the same time period, reports NDTV.

(Photo Anupam Gautam_IANS)

Ukraine-Russia tensions: India calls for constructive dialogue: India has called for immediate de-escalation on the Ukraine issue in the security interests of all countries after it abstained from a procedural vote in UN Security Council on whether a discussion on the issue was required, reports the Times of India.

Financial news

Current account deficit likely to further widen in second half:  Elevated global commodity prices, higher domestic demand, and growing uncertainty surrounding capital inflows may widen India’s current account deficit further, according to the Economic Survey 2021-22, reports IANS.

Eco Survey: 4.75 crore additional persons joined the workforce in two years: Between 2018 and 2020, about 4.75 crore additional persons joined the workforce in India, which is about three times more than the employment created, according to the Economic Survey reports IANS.

Pakistan

US blocks Pakistan ambassador Masood Khan’s appointment over ‘possible terror links’: The United States has blocked the appointment of the next Pakistan ambassador, Masood Khan, over possible terror links. US Congressman Scott Perry wrote to US President Joe Biden, to reject him as the next ambassador, reports India Today.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh cops get death penalty ex-military officer murder: Bangladesh has sentenced two police officers to death for the murder of a former military major that cast a spotlight on extrajudicial killings by the nation’s security forces, reports Al Zajeera.

Afghanistan

Joe Biden demands Taliban to free last US hostage in Afghanistan: US President Joe Biden has called on the Taliban to “immediately release” the man believed to be its last American hostage, withholding any hope of recognizing the militants’ rule in Afghanistan until he is free, reports NDTV.

Sri Lanka

Nepal vultures get a boost at their own restaurant: Entrepreneur Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary established the country’s first vulture restaurant on the outskirts of Chitwan National Park, with the help of NGO Bird Conservation Nepal to bring back their dwindling population, reports News Click.

On a lighter note…

Karan Johar releases poster of Madhuri Dixit’s new web series: The filmmaker announced Madhuri Dixit’s upcoming web series called The Fame Game. The series will release on February 25.

Sara Ali Khan enjoys snowfall in Kashmir: The actress, along with her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan and her friend is vacationing in Kashmir.  Watch the video below:

Twinkle Khanna gives a glimpse of her ‘maal’ Akshay Kumar: Author Twinkle Khanna is in awe of her husband Akshay Kumar’s looks. She took to Instagram and shared a picture of him from one of their holidays and wrote: Apna maal (our item) Ageing like whiskey in a charred wood barrel. Do you agree?,” reports Mid-day.

ALSO READ: MEDIA SCAN: Pegasus report row explodes at Budget session and Pakistan readies to borrow billions from China

Categories
Business India News

Covid curbs hit housing sector: Economic Survey

The Survey said that amidst initial Covid-19 restrictions, not only did construction of new houses slow down, but launch of new housing projects also got delayed and with the loss of income…reports Asian Lite News

Demand and supply of the residential housing sector was affected by Covid-19-induced restrictions, the Economic Survey 2021-22, tabled in the Parliament on Monday, said.

It revealed that the number of unsold residential units have also witnessed significant drops during the second wave of the pandemic.

According to the Survey, the decline in housing transactions have also been much less during the second wave of Covid than during the first wave.

“During first Covid-19 wave, housing transactions declined in almost all selected cities. However, during the second wave of Covid-19, the housing transactions in many cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru increased relative to the pre-pandemic levels. In cities such as Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Ranchi, Delhi and Kolkata, the housing transactions declined during the second Covid-19 wave over the pre-pandemic levels. However, this decline has been much less than the decline during the first Covid-19 wave,” it said.

The Survey said that amidst initial Covid-19 restrictions, not only did construction of new houses slow down, but launch of new housing projects also got delayed and with the loss of income, uncertainty about future income, and stay at home orders, home buyers delayed their housing purchases.

“After the initial Covid-19 induced restrictions were removed, transactions in housing properties increased significantly, possibly because of pent-up demand and improvement in affordability in response to measures taken by government during the pandemic, such as lower interest rates, reduction in circle rates, and cut in stamp duties, that made houses affordable to buyers,” it said.

It noted that several major banks, mortgage companies, and housing finance companies have significantly reduced their interest rates on home loans, that fueled the revival in housing demand.

“During second Covid-19 wave (April-June, 2021), transactions of housing properties were once again impacted adversely, but not as much as it was seen during the first Covid-19 wave (April-June, 2020),” it said.

The response of housing transactions to Covid-19 shock is much higher than the response of housing prices, it said, noting that this implies that shocks to housing sector adjust more through changes in transactions than prices.

As price response remains relatively lower than the response of transactions, therefore, transactions are better indicator to gauge sentiments in the housing market, the Survey said.

While house transactions mostly declined during the Covid-19 shocks, their prices did not fall in most of the selected cities, and some even increased.

The Survey also reveals that unlike the decline in quarterly housing transactions during first and second Covid-19 waves, the impact of the Covid-19 shock on the prices of residential properties was not uniform across the cities.

During the first wave, prices increased in cities such as Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Thane, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Bengaluru over the pre-pandemic level, but decreased in Delhi, Noida and Ranchi.

Similar trends were also visible during the second Covid-19 wave over the pre-pandemic level.

The housing prices in cities such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar and Ranchi continued to increase despite the Covid-19 shocks.

“Between two Covid-19 waves, from June 2020 to April 2021, housing transactions recovered swiftly, as quarterly purchases crossed even the pre-pandemic levels for all the selected cities. This boost in housing demand is possibly because of pent up demand and measures taken by the government to increase affordability. The number of unsold residential units have also witnessed significant drops during the second wave of the pandemic,” it said.

ALSO READ: ECONOMIC SURVEY: India revises RE targets, witnesses fastest growth

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India News Lite Blogs London News

Sanskruti Darshayaami – Captivating Republic Day celebrations in London

Vote of Thanks by Sushil Rapatwar and Ragasudha Vinjamuri

Padma Shri awardee Bob Blackman MP and Baroness Verma, Chair for UN Women UK were Guests of Honour, reports Asian Lite News

The Republic Day of India celebrations were organised recently by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence in association with the Nehru Centre (ICCR, London), High Commission of India, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Named Sanskruti Darshayaami, the event was held at The Bhavan with a stage tableau representing dance forms of different regions of India and music presentations.

Hosted by Ravi Sharma of Lyca Media and Chinmayee, the program consisted of some of the rarely seen folk art forms of India. After rendering of the national anthem by all, followed by a brief roundup of celebrations in Delhi, video messages by H.E. High Commissioner of India Mrs. Gaitri Issar Kumar, President of ICCR Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and Minister (Culture) and Director of the Nehru Centre Amish Tripathi were played.

Nyishi dance, Arunachal Pradesh

Tributes to the freedom fighters were paid through a presentation on Andaman and Cellular Jail by Sushil Rapatwar. Video message by Ranjit Savarkar, grandnephew of Veer Savarkar was played as a prelude. Best wishes by honorable Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Shri Pema Khandu were printed in the booklet “Gamanam” released on the occasion and disseminated to all.

Padma Shri awardee Bob Blackman MP and Baroness Verma, Chair for UN Women UK were Guests of Honour. While Bob spoke on trade & economy and hailed the diaspora for the contributions to public service and private industry as the living bridge between the UK and India, Baroness Verma reiterated how important it is to remember the sacrifices made by the ancestors for attaining Independence. She hailed Sanskruti Centre and other organisations engaged in teaching cultural aspects and concluded with “We don’t know where we are going to if we don’t know where we came from”.

Dance of Rabhas, Assam

In his speech, Dr. Nandakumara ardently remembered Kanhaiyalal M Munshiji, founder of The Bhavan and an important person in the making of the Constitution of India and expressed his happiness for the Republic Day of India celebrations taking place at The Bhavan fittingly. He emphasised the importance of Vidya and Kala.

The fully packed hall of audiences enjoyed the rich cultural tapestry showcased on the stage. They included dances from Assam (Rabha), Arunachal Pradesh (Nyishi), Chhattisgarh (Gabar), Karnataka (Kamsale and Kolata), Kerala (Thiruvathira), Ladakh (Shondol), Odisha (Odissi), Rajasthan (Kalbelia), Telangana (Mathuri), Uttar Pradesh (Kajari) and West Bengal (Rabindra Nritya). Bhojpuri song was presented by Sangeeta Prasad from Birmingham. Shiva- The Indian Youth Choir of England, artistically led by Rakesh Joshi from Manchester and accompanied by Tabla by Rakesh Jugal, fittingly concluded the cultural program with shlokas and songs. Singers in this amazing choir were the young & talented Saanvi Akula, Tanvi Sharma, Jyothi Pallavaram, Prerna Thakkar, Ved Vyas, Ambika Sharma, Shruthi Ranjani Murli, Aadhyasree Praveen, Veer Thakkar, Mithra Pallavaram.

Gabar dance, Chhattisgarh

Rabha dance was presented by Shouri Kokkonda & Sravanthi Tadakamalla, Nyishi dance was presented by Pinky Talegaonkar, Jahnavi Chitte and Harshada Bandreddi, Gabar dance was presented by Vishakha Tokikar and Mona Jethwa Patel, Kamsale/Kolata was presented by Harsha Srinivas, Hamsa Rajashekar, Akshata Bhat, Vyshali Gowda, Ramaa Rao, Sujatha Byrappa, Sriranjani Simha, Pratima Gowda, Sindhu Harsha, Rekha Kandikere, Rashmi Hegde and Neeti Prasad, Shondol dance was presented by Santhi Aripirala, Suvarchala Madireddy, & Swarnalata Pasupuleti, Thiruvatira was presented by Manju Sunil, Deepa S Nair, Maya Joseph, Ancy Joe, Lakshmi Aveen and Lakshmi Vineeth, Odissi was presented Pritha Dasmahapatra, Kalbelia was presented by Dr Piyali Basu, Prerita Basu, Siya Malik, Reva Mehta and Varshita Vanka, Mathuri dance was presented by Vanamala Accha, Ananya & Anuja Tirumalasetti, Kajari was presented by Priya Amit Kumar’s Vishwam Dance Academy, by Vaishali Srivastava Nagpal, Karishma Dalal, Tanisha Atri, Rakshika Chaudhary, Sharda Chaudhri, Akanksha Sinha, & Neetu Singh, and Rabindra Nritya is presented by Ankita Pal, Sanchita Bhattacharya, Sreyashi Deb Roy and Radhika Ghosh.

Vote of Thanks was presented by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, who has also conceptualised the program.

Baroness Verma speaking at Sanskruti Darshayaami
Presentation on Andaman
Bob Blackman MP speaking at Sanskruti Darshayaami
Host Ravi Sharma at Sanskruti Darshayaami
Shondol dance, Ladakh
Kamsale and Kolata dances, Karnataka
Tiruvathira dance, Kerala
Dr Nandakumara speaking at Sanskruti Darshayaami
Kalbelia dance, Rajasthan
Mathuri dance, Telangana
Shiva, Indian Youth Choir of England
Bhojpuri song, Bihar
Odissi dance, Odisha
Chinmayee TK at Sanskruti Darshayaami
Kajari dance, Uttar Pradesh
Rabindra Nritya presenters

ALSO READ: Sanskruti Centre organises captivating webinar on Koodiyattam

Categories
-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Afghan Retirees condemn pension delays

Abdul Hameed, a military veteran, said that he provided service to the country for a long period. Hameed said that he is living a poor life amid the cold winter….reports Asian Lite News

As Afghanistan witnesses a severe financial crisis, retired government employees and military veterans have complained that the Taliban is yet to pay their pensions, local media reported.

These retired employees and military veterans of the former Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani, who rely on their retirement pensions, said that they are struggling with economic difficulties, Tolo News reported.

Abdul Hameed, a military veteran, said that he provided service to the country for a long period. Hameed said that he is living a poor life amid the cold winter.

“I haven’t received any pension yet. No one paid me my retirement pension. I was promoted to major, but they did not consider it in my retirement pension,” Tolo News quoted Hameed as saying.

He is one of dozens of military veterans and former government employees who have not been paid their retirement salaries since the Taliban swept into power in mid-August last year.

“Every retired individual is the breadwinner of their families and is responsible for their families. We are old, we can’t labor or go work as vendors,” Tolo News quoted Mohammad Sabir, a retired man as saying.

They called on the Taliban to take immediate steps to pay the retired individuals.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated drastically since the Taliban took control of Kabul last year.

A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban, have plunged the country, already suffering from high poverty levels, into a full-blown economic crisis. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Taliban appoints new Attorney General

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USA

US flood damage cost likely to go up by 25%: Experts

According to the report, losses include destruction projected to hit homes and businesses. Researchers warned that even more people are expected to move into areas at growing risk of inundation….reports Asian Lite News

The annual cost of US flood damage is expected to go up by more than 25 percent by 2050 due to climate change,a new research study has revealed, warning that disadvantaged communities will likely bear the brunt of the financial burden, media reported.

The study published in the journal Nature Climate Change used new flood models to map out the present and future impact of sea level rise, tropical cyclones and changing weather patterns, according to an AFP report.

According to the report, losses include destruction projected to hit homes and businesses. Researchers warned that even more people are expected to move into areas at growing risk of inundation.

“Climate change combined with shifting populations present a double whammy of flood risk danger and the financial implications are staggering,” said lead author Oliver Wing, of the University of Bath’s Cabot Institute for the Environment.

Wing said the findings should be a “call to action” for both a reduction in emissions and efforts to adapt to accelerating climate risks “to reduce the devastating financial impact flooding wreaks on people’s lives,” it was reported.

ALSO READ: US Pentagon chief, Amir of Qatar hold talks on Afghanistan

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USA

Washington urges Pyongyang to join talks after missile test

The launch was aimed to “selectively evaluate the missile being produced and deployed and to verify the overall accuracy of the weapon system”…reports Asian Lite News

Washington has made a direct appeal to North Korea to join direct talks with no preconditions about its nuclear and missile programs, after the latter launched a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile, according to reports.

A senior official with the Biden administration told reported “we believe it is completely appropriate and completely correct to start having some serious discussions.”

North Korea on Monday announced that it test-fired a Hwasong-12 “intermediate and long-range” ballistic missile a day earlier and the accuracy of the weapons system “being produced and deployed” has been confirmed, according to Pyongyang’s state media.

“The evaluation test-fire of Hwasong 12-type ground-to-ground intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile was conducted Sunday under a plan of the Academy of Defense Science, the Second Economy Commission and other institutions concerned,” the North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a report.

The launch was aimed to “selectively evaluate the missile being produced and deployed and to verify the overall accuracy of the weapon system”, Yonhap News Agency cited the KCNA report as saying.

“It confirmed the accuracy, security and effectiveness of the operation of the Hwasong 12-type weapon system under production.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un did not attend the firing.

The “highest-angle launch system” was used in consideration of the security of neighbouring nations, the KCNA reported, without providing other flight details.

The Hwasong-12 is classified as an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of 3,000-5,500 km. The North previously shot it in September 2017.

South Korea’s military said the latest missile, fired from the Jagang province bordering China, flew about 800 km at a top altitude of 2,000 km before landing in the East Sea.

Sunday’s launch marked the North’s seventh show of force this year and its longest-range missile test since the test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in November 2017.

The latest launch came just three days after the North fired two “surface-to-surface tactical guided missiles” toward the East Sea, which followed Pyongyang’s test-firing of two apparent cruise missiles two days earlier.

It conducted four other launches earlier this month, including those of what it claimed to be hypersonic missiles.

It marks the most projectiles the North has fired in a single month since Kim took power in late 2011.

The North carried out six projectile launches in both March and July 2014.

Earlier this month, Pyongyang made a veiled threat to lift the years-long moratorium, as Washington has stepped up sanctions pressure on its regime amid a protracted deadlock in their nuclear talks.

ALSO READ: US Pentagon chief, Amir of Qatar hold talks on Afghanistan