WORLD PANORAMA : Nov 30, 2019
1. TRUMP'S AFGHANISTAN VISIT
• US President Donald Trump confirms resumption of US talks with Taliban and claimed that militant group wants to make a deal and reaffirms commitment to reducing American troops in Afghanistan to 8,600 down from nearly 13,000 present now.
• He made the announcement during the surprise visit to one of the US military bases in Afghanistan to celebrate thanksgiving with US troops.
• He also said that he believed that Taliban insurgents should agree to a ceasefire in Americans longest war.
• It was trump's firsr visit to the war torn country since becoming president.
• Taliban also confirmed that it has been holding meetings with senior US officials in Doha. Adding it could soon resume peace talks.
• Trump has long wanted to end US involvement in AFG since his campaign days. As well as in other conflict zones around the world where US forces are engaged.
• He also wants to force Allies to pay more of the cost that he says falls disproportionately on the American taxpayers.
• There are around 13,000 US troops in AFG as well as scores of NATO troops. In a country where both Al-Qaeda and IS fighters would pose threat even after any peace talks with Taliban.
2. PAKISTANI ARMY CHIEF EXTENTION CASE
• Pakistan army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa got a 6 months conditional extension from Supreme Court of Pakistan.
• Court passed the judgment after getting assurance from the govt. that the legislation be passed on the provisions of extension or re-appointment of Army chief and defining terms and condition of service of office.
• The govt. extended the term of Gen. Bajwa through a notification in august. But the apex court suspended it.
• Court provided 6 months time to the govt. to justify why it granted a controversial extension.
• The Pakistani Cabinet approved 3 years extension for Gen Bajwa sighting a worsening National security environment over its rivalry with India.
• Army chief In Pakistan usually serves 3 year term.
2 • Gen. Bajwa joined Army as an officer in 1980. Under his tenure the military is accused of interfering in Elections and suppressing civil liberty.
3. SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT'S INDIA VISIT.
• India and Srilanka has decided to work together to address the security related concerns of both the countries.
• Both nations will also work together to resolve the perennial issue of fishing in deep sea.
• SL president is on a 3 day visit to deepen the mutual ties and also create an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect.
• It was his first visit outside Srilanka after becoming president. He held summit talks with PM in New Delhi.
• He argued that Security in the region and cooperation on terrorism should be priority for both the nations.
• PM Modi also announced 5 crore USD assistance to the Island nation to create counter terrorism Mechanism.
• Both leaders pledged support on resolving issues related to devolution of power in Tamil dominated areas and expediting reconciliation with Tamil and Sinhala population.
• SL president also announced release of India fisherman arrested by SL navy.
• PM Modi also announced 40 crore USD line of credit for SL development.