Protests erupted in Sukhumi, capital of Georgia’s Russian-backed Abkhazia region, as demonstrators stormed parliament against an investment deal with Moscow. Using a truck to breach gates, protesters occupied the building and demanded President Aslan Bzhania’s resignation. Opposition leaders argue that the deal could inflate property prices, disadvantaging local residents. Eight injuries were reported. In the aftermath, the presidential administration of Abkhazia announced plans to withdraw the controversial agreement with Russia. Abkhazia, recognized by Russia but largely seen as part of Georgia, has faced unrest over governance issues, echoing similar events in 2014 and 2020.
HEZBOLLAH WEIGHS US-ISRAELI CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL
Diplomatic talks in Lebanon have escalated as Hezbollah considers a US-Israeli ceasefire proposal, relayed by US Ambassador Lisa Johnson. The proposal seeks a 60-day cessation of hostilities under UN Resolution 1701, which limits armed groups south of the Litani River to Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers. Amid intensified Israeli strikes across Lebanon killing at least 43 people on Thursday, the plan includes Israel retreating from southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials expect Hezbollah’s response by Monday, as concerns remain over enforcing the militant group’s retreat and empowering Lebanese forces in the area. Source: CNN
PAKISTAN MILITARY HAS NO PLANS TO NEGOTIATE WITH IMRAN KHAN
Pakistan’s military has no intention of negotiating with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to senior military sources. This comes after Khan expressed willingness to engage with the army leadership from his prison cell. Currently serving his sentence in Adiala Jail, Khan has been banned from meeting journalists. Despite his past accusations against the military of orchestrating his arrest and downfall, Khan stated that any potential deal would be based on principles, not personal gain. However, the military has firmly rejected any discussions, emphasizing that Khan must face the legal cases against him.
INDIA – AUSTRALIA HOLD JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE ‘AUSTRAHIND’
India and Australia are currently conducting the third edition of their joint military exercise, AustraHind 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. The two-week exercise, running from November 8 to 21, focuses on enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations. In the first phase, troops are engaged in physical fitness, martial arts, joint tactical planning, and special arms skills. They are also practicing combat scenarios such as raiding hostile targets and providing first aid. As part of cultural exchanges, the Australian contingent visited the National Defence Academy. The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour validation exercise from November 19-20.
BLASTS OUTSIDE BRAZIL’S SUPREME COURT LINKED TO FAR-RIGHT ATTACKS
Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has linked explosions outside the court to a growing trend of far-right attacks and hate speech targeting the country’s institutions. Speaking in Brasilia, Moraes condemned the use of freedom of speech as a cover for criminal activities, such as threatening and coercing individuals. The explosions, which occurred on November 13, 2024, killed a man who had attempted to break into the Supreme Court. The incident has been classified as a terrorist attack by local authorities. The suspect, identified as Francisco Wanderley Luiz, a member of the Liberal Party, died after detonating several explosives. Investigations into the attack are ongoing.
