May 20, Monday, 2024

1. Iranian state-run media say President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash. The aircraft reportedly went down on Sunday in Iran’s northern province of East Azerbaijan after encountering thick frog. Iranian state-run media say all people on board the helicopter were killed, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. Raisi and Abdollahian were traveling to inspect a dam project near the border with the country of Azerbaijan.
2. President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te has stressed in his inauguration speech that he will maintain the status quo in Taiwan’s relations with China and pursue peace and prosperity together. Lai took the oath of office in a ceremony at the presidential office in Taipei on Monday morning. He said he will abide by the Constitution, fulfill his duties faithfully, promote people’s welfare and protect Taiwan. Lai, speaking about Taiwan’s relations with China, said his government will “neither yield nor provoke, and maintain the status quo.” 3. Japan’s two opposition parties have jointly submitted draft revisions to impose tougher penalties on lawmakers who violate the political funds control law. The Constitutional Democratic Party and the Democratic Party for the People submitted the proposals to the Lower House of the Diet on Monday. A political funds scandal involving the main governing Liberal Democratic Party has become a major issue.