Myanmar Crisis

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  Patron of Myanmar's National League for Democracy arrested: police

  File photoYANGON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- U Win Htein, patron of Myanmars National League for Democracy (NLD), was arrested late Thursday, an official from the Myanmar Police Force told Xinhua on Friday.The 80-year-old patron, who is believed to be a trusted confidant of the partys chair Aung San Suu Kyi, was taken to a district police station in Nay Pyi Taw, soon after his arrival in Yangon from Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, Kyi Toe, a member of the partys information committee, wrote on his social media account earlier.Meanwhile, President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were remanded in custody for violating the National Disaster Management Law and Import-Export Law until Feb. 15, according to a senior military official.The president and state counsellor were detained by the military, along with other NLD officials early Monday.The NLD recently posted a statement on its social media page demanding the military release the detained leaders, acknowledge the results of 2020 general elections and stop any disturbances which are hindering the process of convening the third parliamentary session.Myanmar declared a one-year state of emergency and the state power was handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, according to the military statement.

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  Myanmar latest: stock market crashes, currency collapses, rice prices surge

  The front facade of the Yangon Stock Exchange building is seen in Yangon, Myanmar, March 20, 2020. (Photo: CFP)The outlook for Myanmars future still hangs in the balance.Myanmar-listed shares took a pounding on Wednesday in the wake of the military control of the government eliciting a state of emergency for one year.The Myanmar Stock Price Index shed 26.47, or 6 percent, to settle at 417.25 as compared to its previous close last Friday, marking the first time the closely watched index has languished below 420 since April 2020. Subdued market sentiment lingers on. Myanmar investors, as a whole, hold the view that the stock market is likely to further lose ground and even slipped below 400 points. Myanmars currency value fell sharply on Wednesday, leaving the Kyat the worst performer against the U.S. dollar.The countrys central bank on the same day poured $6.8 million into the market to stimy the slippery slope of the Kyat exchange rate, ending the transaction at 1,415 Kyats to $1, while a barrage of people was spotted to sell off Kyats in exchange for other strong currencies.The Myanmar currency opened at 1,414 kyats per dollar and turned up relatively stable performance at midday. A blur of political stability forced the prices of daily necessities like onions and rice upward, while others have been relatively stable with sufficient reserves.China-Myanmar border trade has been back on track on the heels of a short suspension on the morning of February 1.Myanmar exporters expressed concern as to whether the previously stipulated export tax rebate rate of 2 percent can be followed through. The answer is coming soon. Chinese-funded companies in Myanmar are operating normally and remaining intact from the unexpected political upheaval.In addition, allowing for the mixed and self-contradictory messages going across the wire, Myanmars Ministry of Transport and Communications announced that the countrys access to Facebook will be temporarily shut ...

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  Myanmar to suspend Facebook access: telecom operator

  In this file photo taken on August 28, 2019 shows the logo of US online social media and social networking service, Facebook displayed on a tablet in Lille. (Photo: AFP)YANGON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar temporarily suspended the access of social media platform Facebook on Thursday, according to a statement issued by Telenor, one of the four operators running in Myanmar.The statement said all mobile operators, international gateways and internet service providers in the country received a directive from Myanmars Ministry of Transport and Communications to block social media platform Facebook.Telenor Myanmar has decided to comply with the directive on Thursday, it said.The Norway-based operator said it is looking to restore access to Facebook as soon as possible.A directive from the Ministry of Transport and Communications to the operators and service providers was spread on social media early Thursday.The directive asked the operators to block Facebook from Thursday to Feb. 7, under Section 77 of the countrys Telecommunications Law, mentioning that the move is made in the name of public interest and state stability.The official of the ministry refused to comment on the directive.

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  Myanmar's State Administration Council meets ministers, union-level organizations

  File photoYANGON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Myanmars State Administration Council held meetings with union ministers and officials from union-level organizations on Wednesday, state-run media reported on Thursday.Led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, in his capacity of the chair of the State Administration Council, the meeting was attended by members of the council and newly appointed ministers and officials in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.Speaking at the meeting, the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services said that the move of declaration of the State of Emergency on Monday came after the failed request of the military to solve possible voter list fraud in the general elections held in November last year despite the expectation of the military for correct voter lists in accordance with the law.Min Aung Hlaing explained that the recent appointment of union ministers and officials to the union-level organizations was made on the basis of their experiences and qualifications for further implementation of work during the state of emergency.The State Administration Council added five more members late Wednesday. The newly-formed council also announced appointments of new union ministers for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Transport and Communications, Commence and Ethnic Affairs.New ministers were appointed for 11 ministries on Monday while 24 deputy ministers were removed from their posts.Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed that the military would not change policies of the country in the sectors of foreign affairs, administration and economy as well as the ongoing political roadmap during the period of the state of emergency.Myanmar held multi-party general elections on Nov. 8 last year and the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) won the majority of seats in both Houses of the Union Parliament.The electoral processes were carried out in line with the law, according to the Union Election Commission.Myanmar declared a one-year stat...

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  Myanmar president, state counsellor to be remanded in detention until Feb. 15

  Police officers guard one of the entrances to the Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. Myanmar President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will be remanded in detention until Feb. 15, a National League for Democracy official confirmed on Wednesday.

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  Myanmar denies banknotes demonetization rumors

  YANGON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmars State Administration Council announced on Wednesday that the citizens can continue the use of 5,000 and 10,000 kyat notes trustfully.The council said that rumours and fake news were spread in social media about the demonetization of 5,000 and 10,000 kyat notes published by the state officially.Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Myanmar on Wednesday announced that the citizens can continue the use of the notes trustfully and banking services without worries as the directive has been given to the banks to operate banking services as usual. The Central Bank of Myanmar placed emphasis on stabilizing the monetary system regarding the rumours.Myanmar government leaders and other senior officials of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) were detained by the military in early hours of Monday.The Presidents Office later declared the one-year state of emergency and the state power was handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, according to a statement from the military.

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  Myanmar's new State Administration Council holds talks with local business circle for economic recovery

  Photo taken on Feb. 1, 2021 shows military vehicles parking in City Hall in Yangon, Myanmar. (File photo: Xinhua)YANGON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmars newly formed State Administration Council held talks with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and its affiliated associations on Wednesday, according to a release from the Military True News Information Team.Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, also chair of the council, told the meeting that there will be no restriction on running the regular businesses during the period of state of emergency.Min Aung Hlaing stressed the need to strictly boost the preventive and control measures against COVID-19 without affecting the regular businesses and to exert efforts to survive the businesses as the working class is suffering from financial hardships due to the shutdown of some businesses.Only regenerating the businesses can revitalize the revenue streams for employers and employees, he said.Myanmar government leaders and other senior officials of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) were detained by the military in early hours of Monday.The Presidents Office later declared the one-year state of emergency and the state power was handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, according to a statement from the military.

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  UN watching Myanmar situation with concern during health emergency

  UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 3 -- The United Nations is watching the situation in Myanmar "very closely and with concern," a UN spokesman said on Wednesday.The United Nations has more than 2,500 personnel in Myanmar, both international and national, providing crucial development and humanitarian support to

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  Myanmar president, state counsellor to be remanded in detention until Feb. 15

  YANGON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will be remanded in detention until Feb. 15, a National League for Democracy (NLD) official confirmed on Wednesday.Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. (Photo: Agencies)The police sued President U Win Myint under the National Disaster Management Law and State Counsellor Suu Kyi under the Export and Import Law, Kyi Toe, an information committee member of the party, said on his social media account.Police documents which were spread on social media, said President U Win Myint and his family met people on the NLDs campaign trail on Sept. 20 last year ahead of the November general elections, and was charged with breaching COVID-19 related measures under the Natural Disaster Management Law.Suu Kyi was charged under the Export and Import Law as hand-held radios that were illegally imported and used without permission were found in the search of her residence in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.The police requested to a court for detention of the two leaders for 15 days from Feb. 1 to 15, stressing "to question witnesses, request evidence and seek legal counsel" as reasons.The military and police sides have yet to make any official statement so far.The NLD posted a statement on its social media page on Wednesday, demanding the release of the detained leaders including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Suu Kyi, acknowledge the results of 2020 general elections and stop any disturbances which are hindering the process of convening the third parliamentary session.The president and state counsellor were detained by the military, along with other NLD officials early Monday.The Presidents Office later declared a one-year state of emergency and the state power was handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, according to the militarys statement.

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  Myanmar military forms state administration council

  File photoYANGON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services announced formation of a new 11-membered State Administration Council under Section 419 of Constitution late Tuesday.Chaired by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the council is comprised of 10 other members including Vice-Senior General Soe Win as deputy chair.The newly formed State Administration Council announced appointments of new Union Attorney-General, Union Auditor-General, governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, union ministers for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Construction, chairmen of Administration Councils in six self-administered division and zones-- Naga, Danu, PaO, Palaung, Kokang and Wa, chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, chairmen of Administration Councils for 12 regions and states, excluding Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions.The council terminated Deputy Attorney-General from his duties.On the same day, the State Administration Council approved the retirement of Police Lieutenant General Aung Win Oo, Chief of Myanmar Police Force while transferring Major General Soe Tint Naing, former Deputy Minister for Home Affairs to serve as Deputy Minister for the Union Government Office.Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Than Hlaing is appointed to concurrently serve as Deputy Home Affairs Minister and Chief of Myanmar Police Force.The council also formed a six-member Union Election Committee in accordance with the Constitution.The Section 419 of the Constitution stipulates that the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services to whom the sovereign power has been transferred shall have the right to exercise the powers of legislature, executive and judiciary.The Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services may exercise the legislative power either by himself or by a body including him. The executive power and the judicial power may be transferred to and exercised by an appropriate body that has been formed or a suitable person, it ...

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  China calls for international efforts for Myanmar's stability

  Chinas Foreign Ministry Tuesday stressed that all actions by the international community should contribute to Myanmars political and social stability.Photo: fmprc.gov.cnSpokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks when being asked about Chinas expectations from the United Nation Security Council meeting on the situation in Myanmar following a military takeover.British Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward, whose country takes over the rotating Security Council presidency for the month of February, earlier announced that the Security Council will hold a virtual meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar on Tuesday."We want to address the long-term threat to peace and security, of course working closely with Myanmars Asian and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) neighbors," Woodward said on Monday.Addressing a media conference, Wang said China has kept in contact with the parties concerned on related issues ahead of the Security Council meeting. He reiterated Chinas position to the issue saying, "China hopes that all sides in Myanmar can appropriately handle their differences under the constitution and legal framework and safeguard political and social stability."Wang stressed that all actions by the international community should contribute to the peaceful settlement of the Myanmar issue to prevent escalating tensions.U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday threatened to reimpose sanctions on Myanmar, calling Myanmar militarys move a "direct assault on the countrys transition to democracy and rule of law."Myanmars political leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, regional and state ministers and some central executive committee members of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), were detained by the military in the early hours of Monday.The military had demanded the postponement of new parliamentary sessions, claiming that there was massive voting fra...

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  Myanmar's regional, state chief ministers released after detention by military

  Photo: XinhuaYANGON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- A majority of regional and state chief ministers were released on Tuesday after the militarys one-day detention, a senior military official told Xinhua.The military detained government leaders, regional and state chief ministers and central executive members of the ruling National League for Democracy early Monday.The detained chief ministers and members of parliament representatives of the ruling party are allowed to be freed from detention by the military on Tuesday morning, the military source said."There may be a reshuffle among chief ministers by appointing qualified ones," he said.The Presidents Office declared the state of emergency for one year and the state power was handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services after the government leaders were detained on Monday.The military announced a major cabinet reshuffle including the appointment of new ministers for 11 ministries and termination of 24 deputy ministers.

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  Russia hopes for peaceful settlement in Myanmar

  File photo: VCGMOSCOW, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Russia hopes for a peaceful settlement of the political crisis in Myanmar, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday in a statement."We hope for a peaceful settlement of the situation in accordance with the current legislation through the resumption of political dialogue and the preservation of sustainable socio-economic development of the country," the ministry said.Russia will continue to closely monitor the situation, according to the statement.A state of emergency for one year was declared on Monday in Myanmar after the military detained political leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint.The military had demanded the postponement of new parliamentary sessions, alleging there was massive voting fraud in the November 2020 general elections, in which the National League for Democracy won the majority of seats in both houses of parliament.Myanmars Union Election Commission last week dismissed the allegation.

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  UN Security Council to discuss Myanmar situation

  UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 1 -- The Security Council will discuss the Myanmar situation on Tuesday, following the detention of political leaders by the military in the country."We had it on the program of work originally for discussion later this week.

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  Major cabinet reshuffle announced in Myanmar

  YANGON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar military announced a major cabinet reshuffle hours after the country declared the state of emergency on Monday.Photo: CGTNUnder the cabinet reshuffle, new union ministers were appointed for 11 ministries while 24 deputy ministers were removed from their posts, the militarys televised statement said.

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  Myanmar's military reforms peace talks committee after declaration of state of emergency

  YANGON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmars military reformed the Peace Talks Committee on Monday after the declaration of a one-year state of emergency in the Southeast Asian country, for continuing talks with armed ethnic organizations for achieving a lasting peace in Myanmar.A soldier stands guard in City Hall in Yangon on February 1, 2021. (Photo: AFP)In the reform, the committee led by Lt-Gen Yar Pyae took in three more Lieutenant Generals while removing one from the previous four Lieutenant Generals, in order to continue the talks with National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatories ethnic armed organizations for further strengthening the peace process, to discuss with non-signatories and to hold necessary talks to accomplish the goal of restoring eternal peace in Myanmar.The military recently extended the suspension period of its operation nationwide except state defense and administrative measures to Feb. 28 for effectively implementing the peace process.The Peace Talks Committee was established in November last year with five members for facilitating the peace process, according to the statement.Myanmars President Office earlier on Monday declared a state of emergency which will last for one year after the military detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior officials.The state power has been handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing under the Constitution.

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  Thailand closely monitors Myanmar's situation

  BANGKOK, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thai senior officials said Monday that Thailand is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar after the neighboring countrys State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint had been detained by the military while a one-year state of emergency was declared.A man walks past a closed cosmetics booth in a shopping centre in Yangon on February 1, 2021. (Photo: AFP)Thailands authorities in charge of security affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are closely monitoring Myanmars situation, said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.Thailands Third Army commander Lt. Gen. Apichet Suesat confirmed that army units have been put on alert along the Thai-Myanmar border in four northern provinces of Thailand, with more frequent patrols to prevent trespassers cross the border areas via natural paths.Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon considered the situation as "an internal affair" of Myanmar, saying that the Thai government will not make comments on it.

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  Myanmar's NLD: Aung San Suu Kyi calls on public to reject coup

  File photoMyanmars National League for Democracy (NLD) Party said its leader Aung San Suu Kyi called on the public not to accept a coup by the military and urged them to protest, Reuters reported on Monday. "I urge people not to accept this, to respond and wholeheartedly to protest against the coup by the military," the NLD said in a statement carrying Suu Kyis name.

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  Myanmar's military says to hold new elections after end of emergency

  Police gather on a street in the downtown area of Yangon on February 1, 2021. /AFPYANGON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar military said on Monday that it will rerun the multi-party general elections after a one-year state of emergency declared earlier in the day.The Union Election Commission will be reformed and the electoral process in the parliamentary elections held in November last year will be reviewed in accordance with the laws, the military said in a televised statement."After the state of emergency period, free and fair multi-party general elections will be rerun and the state power will be handed over to an elected party which meets the democratic standards," it said.The statement came after the Presidents Office declared a state of emergency which will last for one year in the country.The declaration of emergency signed by First Vice President U Myint Swe, who is serving as the acting president, was announced on the military-owned Myawaddy TV.The state power will be handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing, the TV said in a statement."The President shall declare the transferring of legislative, executive and judicial powers of the Union to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services to enable him to carry out necessary measures to speedily restore its original situation in the Union," the Section 418 (a) of the Constitution said.The legislative functions of all parliaments and leading bodies will be suspended from the day of declaration, it said.Earlier in the day, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior officials were detained by the military.According to reports, the Myanmar military have taken control of multiple governments and parliaments in many parts of Myanmar. Telecommunications in capital city of Nay Pyi Taw and some other regions and states had also been cut off.In Myanmars largest city of Yangon, the city hall building was controlled by the m...

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  UN chief strongly condemns detention of Myanmar leader

  File photoUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the detention of Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other political leaders on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar’s new Parliament. Guterres expressed his grave concern in a statement regarding the declaration of the transfer of all legislative, executive and judicial powers to the military. "These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar," he added. He reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United Nations to the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law.

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  Myanmar's military declares state of emergency for 1 year

  File photo YANGON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior officials have been detained by the military early on Monday, Myo Nyunt, spokesperson of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), told Xinhua."I received internal reports about our state counsellor and president being taken by the military. As far as I was informed, Shan States Planning and Finance Minister U Soe Nyunt Lwin, Kayah states NLD chairman Thaung Htay and some NLD representatives of the Ayeyarwady regions parliament have been detained," the spokesperson said."Two members of Central Executive Committee of the party were taken and I am also waiting to be detained as I was informed by our members that my turn will come shortly," he said.Meanwhile, the Myanmar Presidents Office declared a state of emergency which will last for one year.The declaration signed by First Vice President U Myint Swe, who is serving as the acting president, was announced on the military-owned Myawady TV.The state power will be handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing, the TV said in a statement.The state-run Radio and Television (MRTV) said on its social media that it was no longer working on Monday morning.Telecommunications in capital city of Nay Pyi Taw and some other regions and states have also been cut off.The military said that there was massive voting fraud in the parliamentary elections in November last year, and demanded postponement of new parliamentary sessions. The Union Election Commission last week dismissed the allegations.The first regular session of the new parliament sessions was scheduled to begin with convening the House of Representatives on Monday, the House of Nationalities on Tuesday and the Union Parliamentary session on Feb. 5.The upcoming parliamentary sessions will elect speakers for both houses of the parliament, form parliamentary committees, and elect t...

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  Myanmar gov't leaders detained, military declares state of emergency for 1 year

  File photo: CGTNYANGON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior officials have been detained by the military early on Monday, Myo Nyunt, spokesperson of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), told Xinhua."I received internal reports about our state counsellor and president being taken by the military. As far as I was informed, Shan States Planning and Finance Minister U Soe Nyunt Lwin, Kayah states NLD chairman Thaung Htay and some NLD representatives of the Ayeyarwady regions parliament have been detained," the spokesperson said."Two members of Central Executive Committee of the party were taken and I am also waiting to be detained as I was informed by our members that my turn will come shortly," he said.Meanwhile, the Myanmar Presidents Office declared a state of emergency which will last for one year.The declaration signed by First Vice President U Myint Swe, who is serving as the acting president, was announced on the military-owned Myawady TV.The state power will be handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing, the TV said in a statement.The state-run Radio and Television (MRTV) said on its social media that it was no longer working on Monday morning.Telecommunications in capital city of Nay Pyi Taw and some other regions and states have also been cut off.The military said that there was massive voting fraud in the parliamentary elections in November last year, and demanded postponement of new parliamentary sessions. The Union Election Commission last week dismissed the allegations.The first regular session of the new parliament sessions was scheduled to begin with convening the House of Representatives on Monday, the House of Nationalities on Tuesday and the Union Parliamentary session on Feb. 5.The upcoming parliamentary sessions will elect speakers for both houses of the parliament, form parliamentary committees, and el...