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04 February 2010 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 04 Feb 2010 [PDF]

Airpower Summary: February 03 AFNS 04 Feb 2010
Airpower Summary: February 02 AFNS 04 Feb 2010

USACE Gulf Region District builds training facility for Iraqi corrections officers Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- A new training facility for Iraqi corrections officers opened its doors to Feb. 2, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Training Tactical Operations Center built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This new construction project is an integral part of the Camp Cropper internment facility, located on Victory Base Complex near the Baghdad International Airport.
U.S. Forces kill 3 violent extremists, capture 1 Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Task Force Marne, killed three violent extremists and injured another about 22 miles south of Mosul, Jan. 30.

SecAF discusses way ahead in Iraq, Afghanistan AFNS 04 Feb 2010 -- The secretary of the Air Force discussed the importance of Ali Base and the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during his visit Jan. 31, here.

Transcript: Press Roundtable with Gen. McChrystal in Istanbul, Turkey DoD 04 Feb 2010 -- Presenter: Commander, NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal
McChrystal: Afghan Security Deterioration Over, But No Win Yet VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- The commander of coalition and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, says the deterioration of the security situation in the country, which he cited four months ago, has stopped. The general says with the revised strategy President Barack Obama announced in December and more allied troops flowing in, there is an "inevitability" about the Afghan and coalition effort to take the country back from the Taliban.
Georgia National Guardsmen open radio stations to give Afghans their own voice Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- In a perfect world, accurate information would be as close as a radio. For a country at war, accurate information is invaluable.
US, Afghanistan at Odds Over Reconciliation and Reintegration VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- There is widespread talk about reconciliation and reintegration in Afghanistan. But they are very different terms and they are viewed very differently in Washington and Kabul. This report explains how differences in terminology translate into policy differences about the Afghan insurgency.
McChrystal Notes Progress in Afghanistan AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- Although he stopped short of saying the worst is over for troops as they prepare to surge into some of the toughest Taliban-held areas, the top NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan said here today that conditions no longer are deteriorating.
Rehearsal Preps 101st for Afghanistan Mission AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- As his staff wraps up the final mission rehearsal exercise before taking command of Afghanistan’s Regional Command East this summer, the 101st Airborne Division commander is enjoying a new-found luxury: the ability to focus his entire training effort on a single combat theater.
Force Captures Taliban Leader, Seizes Weapons AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- A combined Afghan and international security force captured a Taliban leader and seized multiple weapons in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.
Route-clearance Soldiers Experience Firsts AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- The active-duty Army and National Guard members of a new route-clearance patrol formed here last month would experience many “firsts” in their maiden voyage.
Gates to Ask NATO for More Trainers, Mentors AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates left the Washington, D.C., Beltway yesterday, putting the politics of war spending behind him, only to land squarely in the middle of the same debate among the NATO partners here.
AFGHANISTAN: Dozens of schools reopen in Helmand IRIN 04 Feb 2010 -- Over the past year dozens of schools have reopened in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, in part due to an accommodation with Taliban insurgents, Education Ministry officials say.
Over 30 Taliban fighters killed in Afghan-NATO operation RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Over 30 Taliban militants have been killed in a NATO military operation in southern Afghanistan, Helmand provincial government spokesman Daud Ahmadi said on Thursday.
Women to serve in Afghan army RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Women are to be invited to join the Afghan army, an Afghanistan Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
Situation in Afghanistan creates risks for neighbors - CSTO head RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- The rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan creates security risks for bordering Central Asian states, the head of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) said on Thursday.
Gates in Istanbul for Afghan Talks VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in Istanbul, the first stop on a trip that will combine meetings with allies about Afghanistan and some bilateral talks.

Pakistan Arrests 35 for Bombing of US Troops VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- Pakistani officials say they have arrested 35 people in connection with the suicide car bombing Tuesday that killed three American military trainers and four Pakistanis in northwest Pakistan.

Press Conference on ‘Cash-for-Work’ Programme in Haiti United Nations 04 Feb 2010
Aircrew, maintainers tackle Haiti relief effort AFNS 04 Feb 2010 -- Aircrew and maintenance Airmen representing the Air Reserve component are tackling the Haitian relief effort as part of their Coronet Oak rotational deployment.
Navy Transports Civilian Doctors and Nurses to Support Relief Effort Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 58 (VR-58) transported 25 civilian doctors and nurses from Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla. to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, aboard a Boeing C-40A Clipper military transport Feb. 3 to support Operation Unified Response.
Carl Vinson's Supply Department Overcame Obstacles Getting Aid To Haiti Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- Sailors in the Supply Department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) worked from the ship's initial response to its departure Feb. 1 to increase the amount of water and medical supplies on board destined for Haitians affected by the recent earthquake.
NSWC Dahlgren Analysts Support Haiti Restoration and Recovery Efforts Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- Navy analysts and engineers from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren are providing a constant, real-time analysis of critical infrastructure in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean nations in support of U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) Haiti relief efforts.
USS Bunker Hill Delivers Emergency Aid to Haitian Village Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- Officers and crew from the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief Jan. 25 to a small coastal village on Gonave Island in Port-au-Prince Bay, Haiti, after they received an authentic SOS.

Defense Policy / Programs

Comptroller Lists Priorities for Budget Request AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- Defense Department officials are working to cut extraneous and wasteful programs, despite a requested modest increase for the fiscal 2011 budget, the department's chief financial officer said.
Review Strikes Right Balance for Military, Admiral Says AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- The Pentagon’s military leaders say the new Quadrennial Defense Review strikes the right balance between today’s wars and the need to combat future threats.
Defense review foresees long-term role for National Guard Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- A National Guard that has been vital to national defense for the past eight years will remain an operational force, according to the Department of Defense's 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review released today.
BCT overhaul: Changes coming to Basic Combat Training Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- Basic Combat Training is getting ready for some major changes to reflect the modern battlefield, said Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training.
U.S. gains momentum destroying chemical weapon stockpiles Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- some dating as far back as to the World War I era -- as part of an elaborate, decades-long process slated to be largely completed by 2012, service officials said.
Army senior leaders discuss air-ground operations integration future, challenges Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- A panel of Army senior leaders discussed air-ground integration at Fort Rucker Jan. 28 during the 2010 Army Aviation Senior Leaders Conference.
3 killed in U.S. Army Europe UH-60 helicopter crash Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- Three U.S. Army Europe Soldiers died Feb. 3 when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed northeast of Mannheim, Germany. The crash occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. Central European Time.
SARET takes weapons support to troops Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- A little more than two years ago, following an increase in demand for Anniston Army Depot's Small Arms Readiness Evaluation Teams, SARET split from its long-time home in the Directorate of Production and became part of the Directorate of Mission Plans and Operations. Thanks to continued demand, the group maintains a close working relationship with its DP counterpart.
3rd Sustainment Bde trains for upcoming deployment Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- According to the Army field manual titled, "Training the Force," the Army's number one priority is training. This is why so much work and effort went into the planning and execution of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade's culminating event, Unified Endeavor 10-1, at Evans Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Cobra Gold 2010 Mock Amphibious Assault Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Marines held their position during a mock amphibious assault conducted by the Marine and Naval forces of the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the US, at Hat Yao, Feb. 4.
U.S. Army South treats more than 5,100 patients in El Salvador Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- Members of U.S. Army South and the Army Reserve treated more than 5,100 patients in El Salvador over a nine-day period ending Tuesday.
3/15 Inf prepares for combat Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- Since the beginning of the New Year, the operational tempo has increased for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division as Soldiers prepare for deployment. A recent field exercise has helped the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment transform out of its old armored mindset and move one step closer toward combat readiness.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord makes its debut Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- With the final tug of a canvas case, the unfurling and raising of its new flag, Joint Base Lewis-McChord began its history at 10 a.m. Monday, during a ceremony in front of its new headquarters at Building 1010 on what is now called "JBLM Lewis Main."
Upbeat briefing helps to answer joint base questions Army News 04 Feb 2010 -- The intent of joint basing under the Base Realignment and Closure process was to create efficiencies and broaden the support base for Soldiers, Airmen, family members and civil servants.
Lackland, Randolph become part of Joint Base San Antonio AFNS 04 Feb 2010 -- Randolph Air Force Base and Lackland Air Force Base are now part of Joint Base San Antonio becoming one of the largest single installations within the Department of Defense Feb. 2.
Air Force officials announce officer selections AFNS 04 Feb 2010 -- Air Force officials selected 30 lieutenant colonels, 47 majors, and 3,087 captains for promotion during the 2009C chaplain, judge advocate and Line of the Air Force Central Selection boards.
Secretary visits Southwest Asia, outlines Air Force priorities AFNS 04 Feb 2010 -- The secretary of the Air Force visited servicemembers here Jan. 29 as he toured military installations throughout Southwest Asia.
Sexual Assault Task Force Urges More Oversight AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- The Defense Department office that oversees sexual assault prevention and response in the military needs a higher level of oversight and funding to continue on its path of progress, a task force created to assess the program told Congress members yesterday.
Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Mixon from Thailand DoD 04 Feb 2010 -- Presenter: Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon
New Ombudsman Program Information Online to Assist Commanders Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- The Navy Ombudsman Program now offers online information and support through the Ombudsman Program Command Leadership Toolkit.
Navy Surgeon General Discusses Support Available To Wounded Warriors at Hiring, Support Conference Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- Navy Surgeon General discussed support available to Wounded Warriors Feb. 2 at the first Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference held in the National Capital Region.
New Detailing Business Rules Improving Fleet Manning Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- February marks the fifth month since the Navy implemented new rules for detailing Sailors using Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID), the Web-based program Sailors use to review and apply for permanent change of station orders (PCS).
MCPON Emphasizes Path to Success Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- The master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) stressed the importance of the Brilliant on the Basics program during a visit to Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Jan. 27.
Construction to Begin Soon at ARRA Funded Child Development Center Navy NewsStand 04 Feb 2010 -- Navy, Marine Corps, and contractor personnel held a Hawaiian ground-blessing ceremony Jan. 28 to celebrate the construction of a new Child Development Center (CDC) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe Bay.
Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Campbell and Maj. Gen. Layfield via Teleconference from Ft. Campbell, Ky. DoD 04 Feb 2010 -- Presenter: Commander, 101st Airborne Division Maj. Gen. John Campbell and Commander, Joint Warfighting Center, Joint Forces Command Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield
National Guard to Assist Puerto Rico Police AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- About 1,000 National Guard members will assist Puerto Rico’s police for up to a year while new police recruits are trained.
Experts Provide Insights on Strategic Reports AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- Defense officials who helped to write the Quadrennial Defense Review and the related Ballistic Missile Defense Review offered insights into their analyses in a “DoDLive” bloggers roundtable yesterday.
Exercise Helps Pacific Nations Prepare for Crises AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- A multilateral exercise under way in Thailand is helping the United States and its Pacific-region partners improve their ability to respond to regional crises.
Yuma squadron schools up on Corps' newest mobile ATC gear USMC News 04 Feb 2010 -- Marine Air Control Squadron 1’s newest detachment at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., now also has the newest mobile air traffic control equipment in the Corps.
Cybersecurity Seizes More Attention, Budget Dollars AFPS 04 Feb 2010 -- Cybersecurity is seizing more attention and budget dollars from the Defense Department at a time when China’s alleged cyber attack on Google has underscored the urgency of the threat and the vulnerability of U.S. networks.
Battle Command Training Center-Leavenworth Army News 04 Feb 2010
Corps clears up tattoo policy USMC News 04 Feb 2010 -- The Marine Corps released additional rules to its tattoo policy last month, banning more places on the body where Marines cannot get them and setting tougher rules for officers.

Russian Military Court Sentences Sergeant For Hazing RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- A military court in Russia's Leningrad Oblast sentenced a sergeant today from the Kamenka military base for beating young conscripts, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
Russian Orthodox Church To Increase Role In Army RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill has announced in Moscow that some 400 Orthodox Christian chaplains would be sent to the Russian Army this year, RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service reports.

Indian fighters to be armed with BrahMos misiles RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- India's fleet of Su-30MKI Flanker-H fighters could be armed with BrahMos missiles by 2012, the vice president of the Irkut Corporation said at the Singapore Airshow 2010 on Thursday.

Kazakh parliament ratifies deal on post-Soviet rapid reaction force RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Kazakhstan's parliament ratified an agreement on Thursday on establishing a post-Soviet security group's rapid reaction force.

President Says Romania To Host U.S. Missile Interceptors RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- Romania's President Traian Basescu has said that his country has agreed to host medium-range ballistic-missile interceptors that form part of a new U.S. shield system.
Romania ready to host U.S. interceptor missiles - president RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Romanian President Traian Basescu said on Thursday his country could host U.S. medium-range interceptor missiles as part of revamped missile shield plans, the BBC reported.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2010
Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 2/4/10 The White House 04 Feb 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 04, 2010
Boeing Modernized High Frequency Communications System Achieves Service Milestone Boeing 04 Feb 2010 -- Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], announced today in Singapore that its Modernized High Frequency Communications System (MHFCS) has reached 130 days in service with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The communications system is making its first appearance outside Australia at the Singapore Airshow -- the biggest aerospace and defense exhibition in Asia.
Boeing Connects 1st F-22 Mission Training Center to US Air Force Network Boeing 04 Feb 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] connected the F-22 Mission Training Center (MTC) at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to the U.S. Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) in November, allowing F-22 pilots at the base to train virtually with pilots in other aircraft platforms for the first time. The MTC at Langley is the first of four F-22 training centers that Boeing will link to the network over the next three years.
Eurocopter and Spanish Ministry of the Interior Sign Contract for 12 EC135s to Be Assembled in Albacete EADS 04 Feb 2010 -- Eurocopter and the Spanish Ministry of the Interior have signed a contract for the purchase of twelve EC135 P2i helicopters. Spain's National Police Force will operate six of the new aircraft for law enforcement missions, while the remaining six will join the current fleet of the Spanish Guardia Civil.
Raytheon Awarded $58 Million for Patriot Tactical Missile Upgrades Raytheon 04 Feb 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $58.2 million contract for Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical, or GEM-T, missiles.
CACI Awarded Estimated $190 Million Contract to Provide Logistics Analysis and Training Support to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps CACI 04 Feb 2010 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that it has been awarded a prime contract by the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Detachment Philadelphia, to provide technical services to support the Fleet Assistance and Shipboard Training (FAST) program. The award, which is for one base year with four one-year options, has a current value of $31 million that could increase to $190 million if all options are exercised. CACI will perform the work at various U.S. Navy and Marine Corps facilities stateside, overseas, and on board naval vessels. As the prime incumbent for these services for more than two decades, CACI continues to demonstrate its expertise in logistics analysis and training. Additionally, the company continues to increase its role in Navy and Marine Corps support, which is a key component of its core logistics and material readiness line of work.
Lockheed Martin Receives $243 Million from the U.S. Air Force for Joint Air-To-Surface Standoff Missile Lot 8 Production Lockheed Martin 04 Feb 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a U.S. Air Force contract valued at $243.5 million for an eighth production lot of the JASSM cruise missile. The award brings the total contracted quantities of the cruise missile to over 1200.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Feb 2010

NIGERIA: Timeline of recent unrest in Niger Delta region IRIN 04 Feb 2010 -- Despite abundant oil wealth in the Niger Delta region in southeast Nigeria, residents lack basic services including electricity, piped water, health clinics and schools. The region has seen decades of unrest stemming mostly from local militants’ uprisings over what they call neglect of the moneymaking region.
U.S. Intel Chief Sees Increased Chance Of Karabakh Conflict RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- The top U.S. intelligence official says the likelihood of another Armenian-Azerbaijani war for Nagorno-Karabakh has increased because of the U.S.-backed rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
N. Ireland Protestants Accept Deal to Save Power-Sharing Govt. VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- Northern Ireland's main Protestant party has agreed to a deal with Catholics on police and judiciary powers, saving the power-sharing government from possible collapse.
India Offers to Resume Bilateral Talks With Pakistan VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- India is proposing resuming high-level talks with Pakistan for the first time since peace negotiations between the two nuclear powers were suspended following the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Analysis: Yemen's rebellions fuelled by economic meltdown IRIN 04 Feb 2010 -- From the Shiite rebellion in Saada in the north to the surge of secessionist movement in the south and the dangerous alliance forged between tribes and Al-Qaeda in the east, one factor unites analyses of the forces pulling Yemen apart: the failure of its economy.
Moldovan Separatists Say Romania Not Needed At Talks RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- A Transdniestrian official today rejected any suggestions that Romania might join international talks to resolve the future of the breakaway Moldovan region, RFE/RL's Moldovan Service reports.
Central African Republic receives new UN peacebuilding funds UN News Centre 04 Feb 2010 -- The United Nations today announced a further allocation of $20 million from its Peacebuilding Fund to the Central African Republic (CAR) to support security sector reform, economic revitalization and the rule of law in consolidating peace in the impoverished African country.

News Reports

U.S., Allies Urge Iran To Formally Commit To Uranium Deal RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- The United States and its allies are urging Iran to formally commit to a United Nations-backed deal in which Iranian low-enriched uranium would be traded for nuclear fuel under a deal aimed at easing concerns over the purpose of Iran's nuclear program.
Technical issues delay S-300 deliveries to Iran - ambassador RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- A contract on the delivery of advanced S-300 air defense systems to Iran has been stagnated by technical reasons, the Iranian ambassador to Russia said on Thursday.
Iran strong enough without nuclear weapons - ambassador RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Iran has no plans to develop nuclear weapons because the country is strong enough to protect its interests without them, the Iranian ambassador to Russia said on Thursday.
China calls for continued nuclear dialogue with Iran RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- China said on Thursday that discussions of new sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program could undermine the efforts to resolve the issue using diplomacy.
Iran Says US Defense Missiles Easily Defeated VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- A senior Iranian military official is warning Gulf Arab nations not to buy U.S. missile defense systems, saying they can easily be thwarted.
Iran's Allies China, Russia Part on Sanctions Talk VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- Iran's key allies, China and Russia, are sending divergent messages on whether to pursue further sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program.

Iraq Government says Decision to Reinstate Ba'ath Candidates 'Illegal' VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- The Iraqi government says the decision to allow candidates with ties to the Ba'ath Party to run in March elections is "illegal." Meanwhile, the head of Iraq's electoral commission says he is awaiting a decision on the matter from the country's top court.

Terrorists: Criminals or Enemy Combatants VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- The prospect of trying the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks in US federal court, and the criminal charges filed in Detroit against Christmas Day bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab have triggered a debate in the United States. It focuses on the core question: Is terrorism a criminal act or an act of war?

Tensions Rise in Ukraine Over Call for Election Protests RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has called for a second Orange Revolution if her opponent rigs a weekend presidential runoff that is almost certain to have a lasting impact on the country.
In Ukrainian Election, A Battle For Orange Legacy RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- Fifteen years ago, Yulia Tymoshenko arrived here from her native Dnipropetrovsk region in Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine to take a seat in parliament.
Ukraine's Tymoshenko threatens to replay orange revolution RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is facing a presidential runoff on Sunday against frontrunner Viktor Yanukovych, threatened on Thursday to replay the "orange revolution" over presidential election amendments.
Ukrainian president signs election amendments ahead of Feb. 7 runoff RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Ukraine's president signed on Thursday amendments to election laws just days ahead of the February 7 presidential runoff, the presidential website said.

EU Calls Belarusian Internet Decree 'A Step In Wrong Direction' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- The European Union says a new Internet decree in Belarus is a "step in the wrong direction" at a time when Brussels is scrutinizing Minsk's record on issues like free speech and freedom of the press.

MIDDLE EAST: Experts urge governments to revise water policies IRIN 04 Feb 2010 -- Governments in the Middle East must put aside political differences, rethink water management and revise strategy and policy in using water otherwise the region will face a dire future, scientists have warned at an international conference in Jordan.
Kazakh Parties Demand Probe Into Alleged Corrupt China Deal RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- Leaders from the Kazakh Communist Party and the unregistered Algha (Forward) party are demanding an immediate investigation into accusations of corruption by President Nursultan Nazarbaev's son-in-law, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
Obama Warns U.S. Will Get Tough On Trade With China RFE/RL 04 Feb 2010 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says his administration is putting increased pressure on China to open up its domestic market further to reciprocal trade.
Russia finally ratifies Strasbourg Court reform RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday signed a law on the ratification of Protocol 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, opening the way for European Court of Human Rights reforms.
UNICEF seeks $1.2 billion to aid women and children caught in world’s worst crises UN News Centre 04 Feb 2010 -- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today launched an appeal for $1.2 billion to help provide life-saving emergency support to women and children impacted by the most severe humanitarian crises around the world, including the Haitian earthquake.
Nigerian Minister Calls on Yar'Adua to Transfer Power VOA 04 Feb 2010 -- A split has emerged in the Nigerian Cabinet over whether ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua should hand over power to his deputy.
A Room with a View: Node Tranquility and the Cupola, both supplied by Thales Alenia Space, are ready for launch to complete the ISS assembly Thales 04 Feb 2010 -- NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour is undergoing final preparation for the STS-130 mission that will complete the basic assembly for the “non-Russian segment” of the ISS.

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