UNSC pressure on Myanmar
It is a small victory. It does not mean the security council will agree to list the Myanmar question on its agenda or that it is likely to any time soon. Even the move for a briefing, proposed by the U.S., ran into opposition because there is no immediate threat to international or regional peace and security.
China, among others, agreed to a compromise to help form a consensus among the 15 council members.
But it is a breakthrough that will increase the pressure on Myanmar's rulers to enter into dialogue with opposition leaders.
It comes just after the military government informed Suu Kyi she will remain under house arrest for at least a further six months and as her National League for Democracy and other political parties are excluded from a national convention drawing up guidelines for a new constitution under a so-called road map to democracy. -- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong
Malaysia's 'Non-Aligned' propaganda
Malaysia's plan to establish an alternative international news agency for the Non-Aligned Movement is intriguing.
What remains unclear is the philosophy of NNN, which still needs to be worked out in detail. It would be a challenge to have a credible international news organization with such large members and a diverse range of agendas.
It won't be easy. It is difficult enough for the Non-Aligned Movement to maintain its relevance in the aftermath of the Cold War. To be viable, NNN must prove that it can serve the group and at the same time become a credible news source of information for NAM member states and the rest of the world.
If it turns out to be just another propaganda machine for the grouping then it will be a big waste of money and a good opportunity lost. The world has already too many of these duplicate news organizations. -- The Nation, Bangkok
Fair play in Manila
Like previous editions of the 10-day biennial sporting event, the 23rd Sea Games in the Philippines has not been without controversy. A minor storm is brewing over doubts that have been expressed over the fairness of the refereeing in Manila.
These are commonplace complaints and fit a familiar pattern, no matter which country is the host. Neither are judging controversies peculiar only to the Sea Games.
The responsibility lies with the Sea Games Federation and the international sports governing bodies to address perceived injustices and tighten procedures for selecting judges to ensure their impartiality.
The Sea Games is all about healthy competition, and the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play should prevail at all times.
The hugs in the pool and the handshakes in the field as well as the hearty contests and stirring performances suggest, however, that many of the athletes competing in Manila have not forsaken camaraderie and the finest ideals of the regional games. -- New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur