Philippines: government troops kill 13 insurgents
The Philippines’ troops said on December 15 at least 13 Abu Sayyaf insurgents were killed while the government army had two lost and ten injured in a fighting in Basilan province, South Philippines.
United Nations formally kicks off race for next secretary-general
The United Nations formally kicked off the race for the next secretary-general on December 15 and the world body's 193 members were encouraged to consider putting forward a woman for the top job that has been held by a man for the past 70 years.
Japan joins Thailand, Myanmar in Dawei SEZ
Japan has showed its strong determination to join Thailand and Myanmar in developing a special economic zone (SEZ) in Dawei in Myanmar’s southern province of Tanintharyi.
Myanmar: Draft political dialogue framework gets approval
Myanmar’s Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) on December 15 approved the draft framework for holding political dialogue between the Government and ethnic armed groups.
Saudi Arabia announces 34-state Islamic military alliance against terrorism
A new Saudi-led Islamic alliance to fight terrorism will share information and train, equip and provide forces if necessary for the fight against Islamic State militants, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on December 15.
Obama names new senior adviser on international economics
President Barack Obama said on December 15 he had tapped Adewale Adeyamo to be his deputy national security adviser for international economics, a position that involves coordinating US participation in the annual G7 and G20 summits.
UN watchdog decides to close nuclear weapons probe of Iran
The UN nuclear watchdog's 35-nation board decided on December 15 to close its investigation into whether Iran once had a secret nuclear weapons programme, opting to support Tehran's deal with world powers rather than dwell on its past actions.
Russia, US clear way for Syria meeting after Kerry Moscow talks
Russia and the United States see enough common ground on Syria for world powers to meet on the troubled country's peace process in New York on December 18, but views on the future of President Bashar-al Assad still diverge.
Former Khmer Rouge official charged with genocide
Meas Muth, a former Khmer Rouge official, was charged with genocide and crimes against humanity by judges of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on December 14.
Cambodia: CNRP party halts boycott against National
Cambodia’s opposite party CNRP has announced its participation in the National Assembly (NA)’s upcoming session that falls on December 16.