Asia News

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JAPAN:
During President Obama’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Monday, Noda said that “There is a great possibility they will conduct a nuclear test.”
Such possibilities reaffirmed the two leaders continued commitment to their alliance in the Pacific region. President Obama added “We continue our close consultations on the provocative actions of North Korea, which are a sign of weakness and not strength and only serve to deepen Pyongyang’s isolation.” The two leaders also hailed their agreement to relocate half of the U.S. Marines out of Okinawa.
North Korea has indicated it will want to proceed with a nuclear test following its recent failed launch of a missile which was a high profile embarrassment for the rogue regime.

INDIA:
An Indian Ferry boat sank Monday night in the northeastern city of Assam in the Brahmaputra River. The boat broke in two during a severe thunderstorm. The ferry carried upwards of 350 passengers and about 150 have been rescued. Over 100 individuals are feared drowned. Rescue efforts were greatly hampered by the rain, windy conditions, the darkness and the swift river currents. The boat broke apart as it was about to dock.

MYANMAR:
On Monday Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, met with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon. This 3 day visit was his first visit to Myanmar since military rule ended last year and his first meeting with Suu Kyi. He was not allowed to see her on a visit in 32009.
The purpose of his trip is to show U.N. support for the recent moves the country is making towards more democratic freedoms. He also is holding meetings with Myanmar President Thein Sein and gave an address to the Myanmar Parliament. He is expected to encourage more progress towards democracy.

SRI LANKA:
Last Friday thousands of Buddhist monks and supporters in the central Sri Lankan town of Dambulla forced their way into a mosque that they asserted was illegally built in a Buddhist sacred zone. Sri Lankan officials announced that they will demolish the mosque and have it relocated outside the sacred zone. Muslim officials decried the move and state that the mosque was properly registered.
Buddhism is the state religion of Sri Lanka and Buddhist monks have great influence in political affairs. The Muslim leadership would like the Buddhist leadership to intervene on their behalf to allow a more peaceful coexistence of the 2 religious communities.