KABUL, 27 January 2022, (TON):  Western diplomats linked humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to an improvement in human rights after meeting a Taliban delegation on a landmark visit to Europe.

On the final day of the Taliban’s first official trip to Europe since returning to power in August, the fundamentalists held talks behind closed doors with several Western diplomats.

The Taliban are seeking international recognition and financial aid.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has rapidly deteriorated since the group returned to power in August 2021, when international aid came to a sudden halt, worsening the plight of millions of people already suffering from hunger after several severe droughts.

Western diplomats laid out what they expected from the Taliban during the talks.

The European Union’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, wrote on Twitter that he had “underlined the need for primary and secondary schools to be accessible for boys and girls throughout the country when the school year starts in March”.

NEW DELHI, 27 January 2022, (TON): Amid the ongoing military buildup at the Russian-Ukrainian border, the Indian embassy in Kyiv has asked its citizens residing in Ukraine to register themselves in a bid to disseminate information in a swift manner.

The embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and asked Indian citizens to continuously follow its website for updates.

The Indian embassy said in a release "with an intent to coordinate with Indian citizens effectively, and disseminate information in a swift manner, Embassy of India, Kyiv requests all Indian citizens, including students presently located in the territory of Ukraine, to fill up the below form. Those students presently pursuing online education from India are directed NOT to fill-up the form.”

It added "embassy of India in Kyiv is closely monitoring the situation. It is advised to continue to follow the Embassy website, Facebook and Twitter pages for further updates, which would be published as and when required.”

Tensions over Ukraine have increased in recent months, with Russia and NATO accusing each other of amassing troops on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

NEW DELHI, 27 January 2022, (TON): Lumbering tanks and the deafening roar of fighter planes echoed through New Delhi as military and police battalions marched down a boulevard past Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the country's Republic Day.

This year, however, the parade was held without the customary foreign dignitary guests of honour, as India battles a resurgence of Covid-19 infections.

The annual January 26 event marks the adoption of India's constitution with missile launchers, jet flyovers, motorcycle stunts and the brass band of the camel-mounted Border Security Force.

Audience numbers along the usually crowded sidelines of the procession were capped at 4,000 people and eminent spectators sat spaced far apart, with authorities announcing overnight that India had surpassed 40 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began.

Wednesday's ceremony also featured mobile parade floats highlighting the country's history and cultural diversity alongside traditional dancers.

India is preparing to commemorate 75 years since the end of British colonial rule and several of the displays dramatised events from the nation's long independence struggle in the first half of the 20th century.

DHAKA, 27 January 2022, (TON):  Bangladesh and Japan have decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries this year through various events in Dhaka and Tokyo to further strengthen bilateral partnership.

A foreign ministry press release said here “Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh ITO Naoki called on Foreign Minister Dr A.K. Abdul Momen, MP, at the State Guest House Padma to discuss about the celebratory events and other issues of common interest.”

The two countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1972

During the meeting, foreign minister recognized Japan as a long-trusted friend of Bangladesh and proven development partner.

He recalled the unwavering Japanese support to the cause of independence of Bangladesh as well as Japanese development cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.

Both the sides recalled the historic official visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973, which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

DHAKA, 27 January 2022, (TON): Bangladesh has urged the United Nations to play an effective role in a durable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

A foreign ministry press release said here “the urge was made at a virtual meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and newly appointed UN’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer.” 

During the meeting, the foreign secretary expressed disappointment that in the fifth year of the crisis, Bangladesh is still grappling with multiple challenges of hosting more than a million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.

He added “the prolonged presence of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh is creating security problems such as human and drug trafficking with ramifications across the region.”

Masud emphasized that the office of the special envoy should work towards creating conducive conditions in Myanmar for the return of the Rohingyas in safety and security.

Commending Bangladesh’s exceptional humanitarian gesture, the special envoy conveyed her sincere thanks and gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for demonstrating the highest level of humanity by hosting more than a million persecuted Myanmar nationals.

DHAKA, 26 January 2022, (TON): A member of the European Parliament has requested the European Union to impose sanctions against Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion on allegations of numerous extrajudicial killings and disappearances.

Member of the European Parliament Ivan Stefanec said in a letter to Josep Borrell, high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy that I ask that you use the power you have to help enforce sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion, RAB for short.”

He also sought the help of the EU high representative for steps against the Bangladesh government and the police.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen meanwhile said “some people, including the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, were active behind steps taken by some international quarters as a part of an anti-state campaign.”

Referring to appointment of lobbyists by BNP, the foreign minister said the key objective of that was to harm the country and its interests.

‘There might be a quarrel between you and me. But it’s very unfortunate if the country’s interests are sacrificed for that,’ United News of Bangladesh quoted Momen as saying.

WASHINGTON DC, 26 January 2022, (TON): A group of US congressmen headed by Gregory Meeks, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, went to Kiev and Brussels to discuss the situation around Ukraine. This was reported o-n Tuesday on the website of the mentioned committee.

In Brussels, the delegation will meet with representatives of NATO, the EU and NATO and EU countries to discuss the security situation in Eastern Europe and the build-up of the Russian military presence along the borders of Ukraine and Belarus.

In Kiev, the delegation will meet with high-ranking Ukrainian officials, to discuss the situation and increase U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

In addition to Meeks, the delegation included seven other Democrats and three Republican lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the United States, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Canada are evacuating some of their diplomats and their families from Ukraine.

RIYADH, 26 January 2022, (TON): Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prayut Chan-o-cha visited the historic Al-Turaif neighborhood, during his official visit to Saudi Arabia.

State-run news agency reported “he was received by Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and the CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority Jerry Inzerillo.”

He toured the neighborhood, accompanied by Minister of Commerce and Acting Minister of Information Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, and was briefed on Salwa Palace, the Diriyah Museum, the Horse Museum, and the historical models contained in the visitor center. He also watched a presentation of the history of the Saudi state.

The historic Al-Turaif neighborhood is the nucleus of the Kingdom’s founding and its landmarks and urban heritage represent the emergence of the first Saudi state.

JAKARTA, 26 January 2022, (TON): Indonesia and Singapore signed a series of agreements covering extradition, defense and airspace management in what is seen as a major step forward in relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

The deals were signed by senior cabinet ministers following a meeting between President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Indonesia’s Bintan island as part of their annual leader’s retreat.

Lee said during a joint press statement “Today, our bilateral relations take a major step forward.”

Both countries agreed to realign the boundary of their respective flight information regions while further strengthening cooperation and fostering closer interaction between their armed forces through a defense cooperation agreement.

Widodo said “going forward, we hope that the cooperation in law enforcement, aviation safety, as well as defense and security of the two countries will continue to be strengthened based on the principle of mutual benefit.”

Fitri Bintang, a researcher at the Center for Strategic International Studies in Jakarta, told Arab News that today’s milestones are “signs of maturing relations” between Indonesia and Singapore.

PARIS, 26 January 2022, (TON): President Emmanuel Macron condemned a military coup in Burkina Faso.

He added that the situation in the West African country had appeared calm in the last few hours.

Macron also told reporters during a trip in central France that he had been informed Burkina Faso’s ousted President Roch Kabore was “in good health” and not being threatened.

Burkina Faso’s army said on Monday that it had ousted President Roch Kabore, suspended the constitution, dissolved the government and the national assembly, and closed the country’s borders.