BANGKOK — The party that nominated a Thai princess to run for prime minister has said it will comply with the king’s wishes after he opposed the move. Thai Raksa Chart is allied to divisive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
On Friday, King Vajiralongkorn denounced his sister princess Ubolratana Mahidol’s unprecedented bid for political power as inappropriate. The candidacy would have broken with the tradition of the Thai royal family publicly staying out of politics. The party said it complied “with the royal command with loyalty to the king and all members of the royal family”. A palace statement had said such an act would “defy the nation’s culture”. Next month’s vote is being closely watched as the first chance for Thailand to return to democracy after five years under military rule.
Trump refuses congress demand for report
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has refused to respond to a request from congress to provide a report determining who killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Senators wrote in October, demanding that the murder be investigated, and that the White House give more information. An official said the president was within his rights to decline to act. Khashoggi was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October last year. He was a strong critic of the Saudi government. His body was reportedly dismembered, and has still not been found. US intelligence officials have reportedly said such an operation would have needed the approval of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. On Saturday, baroness Helena Kennedy told the BBC the murder was planned at the highest level.
Russia detains more Jehovah’s Witnesses
MOSCOW — The Russian security service has detained several Jehovah’s Witnesses in the central region of Mordovia, police said, as pressure intensifies on the US-based religious movement. On Wednesday, a Russian court sentenced Dennis Christensen, a Danish Jehovah’s Witness, to six years in prison for “extremism”. He became the first adherent of the Christian evangelical movement to be sent to prison in Russia. The same day, several Jehovah’s Witnesses were detained in Mordovia, police said. “The large-scale operation” was conducted by the FSB security service together with police and other law- enforcement agencies, police said. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination which originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and preaches non-violence.
EU urges May to seize Labour opening
BRUSSELS — It is a proposal that is not even on the table, and reverses Theresa May’s determined position – but EU officials are still urging her to grasp an offer from the Labour opposition to break an impasse over the terms of Britain’s EU exit. The Conservative prime minister gave no sign during her visit to Brussels on Thursday of softening her rejection of a permanent EU-UK customs union, as Labour proposes, European Union sources said. But for many in Brussels, the possibility of Labour support for an orderly Brexit that avoids the likely chaos of “no-deal” is the only way out of the deadlock, and justifies an attempt to influence Britain’s highly tribal internal politics.
– Nampa-AFP-Reuters-BBC News
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
