Blinken's trip to the region is his 11th since the attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. It comes as Israel intensifies military campaign against Iran-backed militants -- Hamas in Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Security situation in Haiti remains untenable due to violence perpetrated by gangs. Funds include $95 mn for security mission & $15 mn to Haitian Police to counter gang violence.
Blinken said he agreed with Arab foreign minister in Cairo to gather experts in coming days to identify urgent, practical & concrete steps needed to increase flow of assistance.’
Blinken said he would tell Israeli officials that it is imperative they do more to prevent civilian casualties in Gaza and that Palestinian civilians must be allowed to return home.
US Secretary of State has met with the leaders of Turkey and Greece, aiming to calm tensions that have spiked since Israel's war with Hamas began in October.
This is Asim Munir’s first trip to US as Pakistan Army chief and comes ahead of Pakistan general elections, slated for February 2024. Trip coincides with Supreme Court verdict on Article 370.
Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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