Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu Agency’s English Desk plans to cover Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

TURKEY

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency Editor’s Desk hosts EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Vokan Bozkir. Interview takes place as EU-Turkey relations have entered new phase.

EUROPE

SWITZERLAND:

BIEL- Yemen peace talks to establish a permanent cease-fire and political transition between Yemeni government and Houthis resume.

UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON - UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon will answer questions from Human Rights Select Committee. He is expected to answer questions over targeted killing of two British men in a UK drone strike.

LONDON - Syria Solidarity in UK will hold session in the Parliament regarding women perspectives on the Syrian conflict.

GERMANY

BERLIN - Chancellor Merkel addresses parliament on refugee crisis ahead of upcoming EU summit on Thursday.

GREECE

ATHENS - Greek parliament votes bailout reforms.

AMERICAS

UNITED STATES

NEW YORK - In end-of-the-year press conference, UN chief Ban Ki-moon will touch upon various issues that made headlines in 2015.

WASHINGTON - US Federal Reserve to announce interest rate decision at 9 p.m. local time, [1900GMT]

SPECIAL REPORT

Ahead of the Fed: Interest rate hike expected on Wednesday

by Andrew Jay Rosenbaum

ANKARA (AA) - Although all of the targets set by the Federal Reserve for an interest rate hike have not been met, the central bank is expected to raise interest rates by 0.25 percent on Wednesday.

MIDDLE EAST

EGYPT

SPECIAL REPORT

Rifts widen within Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood

By Rabia al-Sokkary

CAIRO (AA) - Once considered one of Egypt’s largest and best organized political movements, the Brotherhood has recently been plagued by a growing division between older and younger members.

AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

JOHANNESBURG - Thousands of angry South Africans are expected to protest across country calling for President Jacob Zuma to resign.

SPECIAL REPORTS:

Zambia's new constitution provoke rivalry

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) – The approved Constitutional Bill in Zambia has provoked mixed reactions among different stakeholders. Those who are opposed have accused the government of using an inbuilt majority in parliament to remove critical clauses which were recommended in the draft constitution at the national convention.

Liberian palm plantation plans expansion on $30 million investment

By Evelyn T. Kpadeh

MONROVIA (AA) - Liberia’s palm plantation, Golden Veroleum plans expansion thanks to a $30 million investment in modern facilities.

Turkey: Trade minister says Turkey to focus on poor and less-developed countries

by Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI (AA) - In an interview with Anadolu Agency at the World Trade Organization's 10th ministerial meeting on Tuesday, the Turkish trade minister said that Turkey will focus on finding solutions for the problems affecting poor and less developed countries in multilateral trading systems as emphasized by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the G20 summit in Antalya.

CENTRAL ASIA

TAJIKISTAN

DUSHANBE - Asian Development Bank cuts support for Afghan railway.

SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC

THAILAND

BANGKOK – Thai single mother sentenced to seven years for lese-majeste as recent cases involving the charge come under rights group criticism.

MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR – Groups opposed to Trans-Pacific Partnership hold press conference, launch online bipartisan debate page to debate pact before parliament vote.

CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian opposition ends two-month boycott of parliament.