Monday Briefing | November 13
Text under photo: Aung San Suu Kyi before a speech in Yangon, Dec. 2013. The Southeast Asian country has become a U.S. trade beneficiary again, an event which is considered a thrust to its democratization process. (AP/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
Stories to Follow
A new phase on the Colombian peace talks
President Juan Manuel Santos announced on TV a revised peace accord with the FARC, six weeks after the narrow victory of the “No Vote”, in which the original peace deal with the guerrilla forces was rejected by a national referendum. According to Bogotá, the new document improves on the prior one, which took 5 years to negotiate, by establishing a reparation-for-victims clause (funded by the FARC) and revising the decision to concede automatic seats in the Congress for the future political version of the guerrilla group.
Myanmar makes it into the GSP
The revolutionary process of Myanmar’s transition to democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, receives today yet another stroke in the back. Myanmar is now officially restored as a Least Developed Beneficiary Developing Country (LDBDC) in the U.S. trade Generalized System of Preference. The achievement, a landmark in Myanmar’s path to freedom, has been called a ephemeral victory, given the uncertainty of the new American administration stance will have on the ‘Pivot to Asia’.
Amidst African withdrawals, the ICC turns to Lybia
Three weeks ago, Burundi, Gambia and South Africa decided to leave the International Criminal Court, accusing the international body of a bias against Africa. Nine of ten of the current cases under investigation came from that continent. On Wednesday, the ICC prosecutor, Burundi’s own Fatou Bensouda declared that in 2017 Lybia will be the “top priority” and urged the UN Security Council to support the Office’s investigations, obstacle by the violence prevailing on the North-African country. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late dictator, is accused of human right violations, as well as the regime’s intelligence chief.
Happening This Week
The World Chess Championship at the New Fulton Market
November 11-30 | Fulton Market Building, South Street Seaport
The defender of the title, World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen (1°), from Norway, encounters a Russian challenger: Sergey Karjakin (9°). Hurry up and be sure to witness a nerve-breaking epic moment at the South Street Seaport! The best-of-12 match started with two draws and the score is even.
Be Canstructive!
November 3-16 | Street and Lobby Levels of 230 Vesey Street at Brookfield Place
You’ve got until Wednesday 16th to attend the Canstructuve exhibit, where architects, engineers, and contractors compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. At the close of the competition all of the food will be donated!
Documentary film festival at Chelsea
November 10-17 | IFC Center & Cinepolis Chelsea
Be prepared to indulge yourself with a cinematic bonanza at the week-long DOC NYC in Chelsea and the West Village. There are some awesome treats ranging all emotions and themes. With a friend or on your own, DOC NYC is an established venue no to be missed. It ends on Thurday 17th and you can check the schedule for their 3 projections sites here.
Take a look at our neighbours!
Competition with Columbia surely ensures some good fun, but if you are seriously committed to broaden your horizons, check the calendar for what’s going on this week at Morningside Heights: China, Russia, extremism and climate challenges are on the menu!
In your Free Time
If you’re an international student, do not let Thanksgiving slip away! Participating into the traditional celebrations is an important part of your integration. Retreat a little bit from your books and make some time for making plans, travel, or organizing a good turkey meal (or alternatives if you’re not a meat-eater) and meeting with friends. Here you can find some tips over what to do and where to go. And here’s a bonus.
This week’s Monday Briefing is brought to you by Matias Rioja.
