Living with the enemy: Tropical paradise Bali becomes refuge for thousands of Ukrainians, Russians - CNA

BALI: Russia and Ukraine may be at war, but thousands of their citizens are living alongside each other in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

Many have made the island their home, after leaving their countries following the invasion of Ukraine that is approaching the one-year mark on Feb 24.

With no end in sight to the conflict, Indonesia’s top tourist destination has become a temporary refuge for citizens and businesses seeking an escape.

According to government data, more than 7,000 Ukrainians arrived in Bali last year, but last month alone, there were more than 2,500 arrivals.

Last year also saw more than 58,000 Russians arriving on the island. In January this year, there were more than 22,500 arrivals, making Russia the country with the second-largest foreign arrivals that month.

BUILDING A COMMUNITY IN BALI

Mr Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, head of the Bali Tourism Agency, said: “Last year, they hit a peak. The trend has increased since Bali began (opening its doors) without quarantine on March 7.

“Why Bali? Maybe even though they are at war, (the travellers) have increased significantly because, indeed, Bali is a place for peace. It is very peaceful, and instead (of being in their respective countries), they are living in Bali.”

The head of the Ukrainian community in Bali, who only gave his name as Dmytro, found himself on an extended stay, after the invasion happened while he was on holiday on the island.

Now, he is building a community in Bali for other Ukrainians.

“The last eight months, I've focused only on this,” he said. “Our goal is still the same – to help Ukraine, to find ways we can help, to build strong connections with the local people, with the local government, police…”

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2023-02-20 07:23:00Z
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North Korea fires ballistic missiles, warns on turning Pacific into 'firing range' - CNA

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles flew 390km and 340km and strongly condemned the launches as a "grave provocation" that should be ceased immediately.

"We will maintain solid readiness posture based on security cooperation with the United States and Japan and our ability to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations by North Korea," it said in a statement.

Seoul's foreign ministry announced sanctions on four individuals and five entities linked to Pyongyang's weapons programmes on Monday, including one South African national and two Singaporean shipping firms.

The US Indo-Pacific Command said the latest launch does not pose an immediate threat but highlight the "destabilising impact" of the isolated country's unlawful weapons programmes.

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric urged Pyongyang to "immediately desist from taking any further provocative actions" banned under Security Council resolutions, and resume denuclearisation dialogue.

TENSIONS RISING

North Korean leader Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned against increased presence of US strategic assets following the joint air drills with its Asian allies over the weekend.

"The frequency of using the Pacific as our firing range depends upon the US forces' action character," she said in a statement carried by KCNA.

Analysts say tensions are likely to flare as South Korea and the US are set to hold simulated nuclear tabletop exercises aimed at improving operations of American nuclear assets this week and annual springtime Freedom Shield field training in March.

"Tension on the peninsula is likely to reach its peak in coming months as North Korea is accelerating its military actions with higher frequency, and her statement indicates that it would continue impromptu missile tests using the Pacific as its shooting range," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said Monday's missile launch and statement are in line with the North Korean foreign ministry's recent threat to take "unprecedentedly persistent, strong" responses to the allies' joint military drills.

"North Korea seems to be trying to reinforce its nuclear capability by raising issue over the drills, and the statement by Kim Yo Jong signals there would be additional provocations," Park said.

Monday's missile launch is the North's third known weapons test this year after it fired an unprecedented number of missiles last year, including ICBMs capable of striking anywhere in the US.

Kim Yo Jong also criticised some South Korean experts' assessment of its missile capabilities that it took over nine hours for the "sudden" missile launch to take place following an order from leader Kim, and said South Korea didn't even fly reconnaissance planes at the time of its launch.

"We have possessed satisfactory technology and capability and, now will focus on increasing the quantity of their force," she said. "We affirm once again that there is no change in our will to make the worst maniacs escalating the tensions pay the price for their action."

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2023-02-20 01:55:23Z
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Christian Atsu found dead in the rubble of devastating Turkey earthquake, agent confirms - Goal Singapore

Former Chelsea and Newcastle footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead following the devastating earthquake in Turkey, his agent has confirmed.

The body of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been pulled from the rubble of the devastating earthquake in Turkey following a 12-day search, his agent has confirmed.

Atsu, 31, had been missing since the building he lived in in Hatay, southern Turkey, collapsed when the earthquake struck the region on February 6.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle winger's representative, Murat Uzunmehmet, confirmed his body had been found in a statement on Saturday morning, February 18.

"Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found," he told reporters in Hatay, where Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor.

On Friday, it emerged that Atsu had planned to leave the country to visit family but cancelled his flight after scoring a last-minute winner for his side against Kasimpasa the day before the earthquake.

The death toll across Turkey and Syria has reached 45,000 and is expected to rise further in the coming weeks with many still missing.

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2023-02-18 08:02:21Z
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Ghana footballer Atsu found dead in Türkiye quake rubble - CNA

"TALENTED PLAYER"

Chelsea issued a statement declaring: "It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria."

Newcastle also paid hommage to "a talented player and a special person".

The club added: "He will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.

"Initially joining on loan, he played a key role in the Magpies squad that secured the Championship title in 2017 before making a permanent move to help us establish our place back in the Premier League."

On the international stage Atsu earned the first of his 65 senior caps with Ghana in 2012.

At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Guinea in the quarter-finals. The Black Stars reached the final, losing on penalties to the Ivory Coast with Atsu picking up both the Player and the Goal of the tournament awards.

He was also part of the Ghana squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Search and rescue workers found Atsu's body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence, a block of high-rise luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.

Turkish police arrested the building's contractor at Istanbul airport last week as he appeared to be heading to Montenegro, according to state news agency Anadolu.

African football rulers CAF said they mourned "the tragic passing of Christian Atsu" while Ghana's Football Federation noted "the sad news" had come "after almost two weeks of emotional torture".

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo said "football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace".

Born on Jan 10, 1992, in the coastal town of Ada Foah Atsu is survived by his wife and three children.
 

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2023-02-18 07:35:00Z
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A hero's welcome for SCDF rescuers returning from quake-hit Türkiye - CNA

Mr Shanmugam commended the SCDF, saying: "You deployed your search canines, life detection equipment, and you contributed supplies - trauma equipment, medicines, food, thermal wear, tents - to the Turkish rescue teams.

"I, and all Singaporeans, are proud of you for your spirits and contributions, despite the very difficult conditions," he said, noting the freezing temperatures and risk of further collapse of buildings.

Mr Shanmugam said that SCDF was approached for earthquake assistance on Feb 6 and agreed immediately. SCDF is classified as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team recognised by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group. 

Contingent leader Colonel Chew Keng Tok told the media that this means that it has the capability to operate on two rescue sites continuously, for 24 hours, over a period of 10 days.

Asked if SCDF could return to the disaster area in Türkiye, COL Chew said that Operation Lionheart would remain on standby for any disaster around the world, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

Operation Lionheart comprises 79 members and is on standby round-the-clock. It was formed in 1990 and has been deployed on 20 search and rescue or humanitarian relief assistance missions.

This was its first deployment to Europe. COL Chew said that the main terrain challenge in Türkiye was the weather, which was in single digits during the day and could go down to -3 degrees Celsius at night.

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2023-02-17 23:14:00Z
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Former Malaysian PM Muhyiddin questioned by anti-graft agency on government contract awarded to relative - CNA

KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has reportedly been questioned by the country’s anti-graft agency over allegations that a government contract was awarded to a relative when he was Malaysia’s prime minister. 

The Star, citing a source, reported that Mr Muhyiddin was called in by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Thursday (Feb 16) over the contract which was said to be worth over a billion ringgit. 

Last Thursday, Mr Muhyiddin denied claims that he had awarded the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) to IRIS Corp Bhd that was purportedly linked to his son-in-law.

Local media reports had previously named Mr Muhyiddin’s son-in-law, Adlan Berhan, as a possible key player in the contract for the NIISe - an immigration system that seeks to use biometric technology to enable the adoption of e-Gates at Malaysia’s immigration checkpoints. 

In a Facebook post on Feb 9 refuting the allegations against him, Mr Muhyiddin said: “I vehemently deny this accusation. It is an evil slander deliberately designed to defame me and my family.

“I, as the prime minister at the time, was not at all involved in the process of awarding NIISe contract to IRIS Corporation Berhad which was conducted through open tender.” 

Mr Muhyiddin was Malaysia’s 8th prime minister from March 2020 to August 2021. 

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2023-02-17 08:11:32Z
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Death of Thai boy rescued from cave: Mum appeals for help to bring body home from UK - CNA

FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN DORM ROOM 

Kiatisuk told the press conference that Duangpetch was found unconscious in his dorm room last Sunday by a teacher and was taken to Kettering General Hospital.

Two days later, the hospital reported that Duangpetch’s breathing became weaker and that he was not responsive.

“I feel that he was gone very quickly. The hospital informed the Thai embassy and the embassy coordinated with Dom’s father and mother all the time … I never thought anything like this would happen,” Kiatisuk said, adding he is still shocked by the news.

“I am still thinking about his dream. He wanted to be in the national team. He wanted to be a professional footballer. His voice is still ringing in my ears,” said Kiatisuk.

In response to CNA's query, Leicestershire Police said they were called to a boarding school shortly before 1pm last Sunday.

The call concerned the welfare of a pupil, police added without naming the student.

"The pupil - a 17-year-old boy - was taken to hospital. He has since died."

The police said that the boy's death is not being treated as suspicious.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner", who will also identify the deceased boy, they added.

The coroner's office told CNA that the death of Duangpetch "has been reported to the coroner in our jurisdiction" and that an investigation has commenced.

In a letter from Brooke House College's principal Ian Smith, he said members of staff from the college were with Duangpetch in his final hours in the hospital.

"Brooke House is a family institution and as a family we have lost one of our own. We are all united in the sympathies that we have for Dom's friends and family, as well as the wider school community, who are all deeply saddened by this tragic news," wrote Mr Smith.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with those closest to him. In the days ahead I am sure we will all reflect on Dom's life which saw significant moments of challenge and adversity as well as moments of great personal and sporting accomplishment."

He added that the college is in "constant liaison" with the Thai embassy.

“13 OF US WILL ALWAYS HAVE EACH OTHER”

Duangpetch, also known as Dom, was one of the 12 schoolboys rescued from the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in the northern province of Chiang Rai in 2018. The boys, who were members of the Wild Boar Academy, went to explore the cave with their football coach before it was flooded, blocking their way out.

The search and rescue operation involved thousands of volunteers, officials, cave divers and experts from around the world. It ended successfully with all 13 brought to safety.

Heartfelt condolences have been pouring on social media from Duangpetch’s former team-mates and the football coach who were stuck in the flooded cave with him.

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2023-02-16 11:01:00Z
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