New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony

"During his meeting with Mr. Antony, Mr. Abdullah presented his case for removal of the AFSPA from at least four districts, two each in Kashmir and Jammu, official sources said. While Mr. Antony conveyed the reservations of the Army over such a move, Mr. Abdullah emphasised the need to translate the promises made by the National Conference-Congress alliance on the ground and reward the people of the State for maintaining a peaceful year, the sources said. The Chief Minister is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday to present the case of the State government."

'via Blog this'The Hindu : News / National : Omar meets Antony, Army Chief:

Update: Philippines: Growth and Equity in Mindanao (GEM) eased trading activities in some conflict-affected areas in Mindanao

"With its latest completed boat landing project in Zamboanga Sibugay, local traders experience comfortable deals and transportation of their products, Nikki Meru, GEM media liaison officer said in a statement. Meru said the depressed town showed increased economic movement because of the project that was built through a partnership between the Municipal Government and the US Agency for International Development (USAid), through GEM, now hosts over 100 cargo, fishing and passenger boats daily."

'via Blog this'Growth and Equity in Mindanao eased trades in Mindanao-conflicted areas | Sun.Star: USAid has constructed more than 1,300 such projects in Mindanao's conflict-affected areas, 89 of these are located in Zamboanga Sibugay. The GEM Program is funded by the USAid and is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority. (PR)

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on November 14, 2011.

Update: Yemen: UN pushes peace plan - U.N. envoy Jamal Benomar met Saleh Sunday to push for a transfer of power

10 militants killed in Yemen; UN pushes peace plan - Boston.com: "Months of violence have forced more than 100,000 residents of Zinjibar to flee to neighboring provinces, where some have sought refuge in schools.In the Arhab region, north of the capital Sanaa, Yemeni forces shelled positions held by armed anti-government tribesmen, killing two, another security official said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters. Months of international diplomacy has failed to resolve the crisis. Saleh has refused numerous times to follow through on a U.S.-backed proposal crafted by Yemen's powerful Gulf Arab neighbors, under which he would transfer power to his vice president in exchange for immunity from prosecution. In Sanaa, U.N. envoy Jamal Benomar met Saleh Sunday to push for a transfer of power. The U.N. said Benomar's weeklong visit to Yemen was intended to encourage the Gulf-backed proposal, which the Security Council has endorsed."

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