COUNTRY REVIEWS

South Asia

Afghanistan

• EAM Krishna: India has “no plan to scale down” its activities in Afghanistan; US Ambassador Roemer: India’s role in Afghanistan “very critical”; US officials: Interrogation of Mullah Baradar yielding useful intelligence; NATO to hand over security responsibilities to Afghan government soon; ‘Peace jirga’ to be delayed until after Karzai’s visit to US in May; Deputy Mayor of Kandahar gunned down while offering prayers; Seven killed in earthquake in Central Afghanistan

Pakistan

• 27 people killed in suicide attack in Peshawar; Taliban again becoming active in Swat; Government initiates action on basis of UN report on assassination of Benazir Bhutto; Kerry: Cut in US international affairs budget by $4 billion could adversely affect counter-terror operation in Af-Pak region; US urges Pakistan not to block negotiations at the CD on ban on fissile materials

East Asia

Southeast Asia

• Thai government rejects UDD compromise offer; UDD leaders allege that Abhisit has ordered army to use force in crack down against protesters; Series of explosions in Silcom district kill 3 protestors; ASEAN-China maritime cooperation agreement finalised; Malaysia’s Strategic Trade Bill 2010 includes provisions to ensure nuclear security; Malaysia and Japan agree to strengthen cooperation on issues related to environment and energy; Malaysia agrees to offer medical assistance teams to Afghanistan; Singapore dismisses the concluding document of the Tehran Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation as ‘misleading’

West Asia

Iran

• US: Military action not off the table: Iran agrees to allow IAEA officials greater access to Natanz site

Iraq

• 58 killed and over 100 injured in Baghdad blasts; Seven dead in blasts in Anbar province