Diary

ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu Agency’s English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

TURKEY

ANKARA - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to visit Oncupinar accommodation facility for Syrian refugees in Turkey’s southeastern province of Kilis.

PAKISTAN

SPECIAL REPORT

Pakistan, India arms race intensifies in 2016

By Aamir Latif and Abdul Ghani

KARACHI, Pakistan/GUWAHATI, India (AA) - India and Pakistan remained locked in an arms race in 2016 amid mounting diplomatic tensions, border clashes and further hikes in already inflated defense budgets.

AFGHANISTAN

Exclusive interview with Russian diplomat Zamir Kabulov

- Vladimir Putin's envoy to Afghanistan speaks about the country's past, present, and future in wide-ranging interview

KABUL (AA) - Anadolu Agency spoke with Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin's special envoy to Afghanistan and director of the Foreign Ministry's Second Asian Department.

INDIA

Experts wary of confederation call to resolve Kashmir

By Zahid Rafiq

SRINAGAR, Indian-held Kashmir (AA) – An Indian author’s call for a confederation of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as a means to resolve the decades-long dispute over the Kashmir valley and end poverty in the region seems impractical, according to experts.

INDONESIA

OPINION

Recent 'blasphemy' protests in Jakarta

By Alwi Alatas

- The writer is a historian and social observer, holds an MA in human science, and has written 26 books on history, religion, society and other topics.

MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian flotilla transporting aid for Rohingya Muslims may be turned back by force if it enters Myanmar waters without official approval, according to authorities. (MOVED)

PHILIPPINES

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Hundreds of people flee homes in majority Muslim south after fighting breaks out between government forces and breakaway rebel group.

SOUTH KOREA

SEOUL – Hundreds of thousands expected to gather on New Year’s Eve for continuing weekend protests demanding that President Park Geun-hye be removed from office (MERITS).