May 17, Monday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1. Japan is pushing ahead with up its mass immunization program against the coronavirus. The Self-Defense Forces are setting up large-scale vaccination venues in Tokyo and Osaka. The sites will be up and operating for senior citizens in need of shots starting next week. The newly formed SDF inoculation unit is made up of licensed doctors and nurses. 180 will head to the Tokyo site. 100 will go to Osaka.
2. U.S. President Joe Biden touched on ongoing violence between the Israeli military and the Palestinians in a video on the Muslim Eid holiday. Standing beside the first lady, he said Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live in safety and security.
3. Myanmar’s ambassador to the United Nations has urged the international community to cut off financial flows to the country’s military. He called on the international community to suspend investments and tie-ups with companies linked to the military, in order to stop the crackdowns on people protesting against the February coup.