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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 21 Sep 2010 [PDF]
• Army's Big Move: R2TF Critical Link in Iraq Drawdown Management Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- Anyone who has ever moved knows how household items can disappear in the whirlwind of packing and unpacking boxes. Not to mention the chaos that can cause packed things to be misplaced, only to be rediscovered months later. Comparing the hassle of a personal move to the drawdown of equipment from Iraq highlights the size of the task facing the Army. Of course, the drawdown involves walk-in metal containers and tanks instead of cardboard boxes and the family car.
• RPAT responsibly moving equipment out of Iraq AFNS 21 Sep 2010 -- Airmen assigned to Redistribution Property Assistance Team here have been working alongside Soldiers, contractors and Department of the Army civilians to ensure equipment leaving Iraq gets to its proper location, and in a usable condition as U.S. forces continue to draw down forces in Iraq.
• DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Fritz and Col. Mulholland via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 21 Sep 2010 -- Presenter: Commanding General, Regional Command-North, German Maj. Gen. Hans-Werner Fritz and Deputy Commander, Regional Command-North, Col. Sean Mulholland (USA)
• 1st MLG Marines leave to join fight in Afghanistan USMC News 21 Sep 2010 -- A group of service members with 1st Marine Logistics Group said goodbye to their families before leaving Camp Pendleton to join the fight in Afghanistan, Sept. 17.
• Stophel relinquishes command of Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Afghan battle streamer awarded USMC News 21 Sep 2010 -- Major William C. Stophel relinquished command of Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, to Lt. Col. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr. during the change of command and battle streamer ceremony here, Sept. 17.
• Coalition forces beat attack on Afghan checkpoint Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- Soldiers of Task Force Bulldog held off insurgents for more than three hours Sept. 18 at the Shege East Afghan National Police Checkpoint.
• A Marine's a Marine; Combat engineer improves remote bases in Afghanistan USMC News 21 Sep 2010 -- Female Marines represent just six percent of the entire Marine Corps, and for one combat engineer from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) that small ratio is a large reality.
• Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan Kills 9 AFPS 21 Sep 2010 -- Nine International Security Assistance Force servicemembers were killed when an ISAF helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan today, military officials reported.
• More Troops Provide ‘Game-Changer’ in Afghanistan AFPS 21 Sep 2010 -- The addition of U.S. forces in northern Afghanistan has changed the face of the NATO mission there, the top U.S. commander for the NATO International Security Assistance Force element in the region said today.
• Taliban Fighters Seek Reintegration, Officers Say AFPS 21 Sep 2010 -- Taliban fighters in northern Afghanistan are tired of fighting U.S. and international forces and are looking to reintegrate back into society, the top military commanders of the NATO International Security Assistance Force element in the region said today.
• NATO Helicopter Crash Kills 9 in Afghanistan VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- NATO says a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan has killed nine coalition service members, making 2010 the deadliest year for international forces since the war began.
• Election Complaints Overwhelm Afghan Voter Commission VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission says it has received nearly 3,000 formal complaints about Saturday's parliamentary elections.
• Afghanistan’s electoral bodies must be allowed to complete their duties – UN envoy UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- The United Nations envoy to Afghanistan today commended the country’s electoral authorities on conducting the recent parliamentary polls amid immense security and logistical challenges, and stressed that they must be given the space to complete their responsibilities.

Defense Policy / Programs

• New net armor proves its worth Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- When 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry began using new mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles, they also made the switch from bar cage armor to net armor.
• Mercury pilot shipments to Hawthorne Army Depot completed safely Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- Teamwork, planning and the careful adherence to state requirements resulted in safe delivery of pilot shipments of elemental mercury here, four years after the depot was selected as its storage site.
• MEDFLAG 10 concludes with first responders exercise Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- Congolese and American medical specialists participating in MEDFLAG 10 conducted a mass casualty exercise Sept. 16 as the culminating training event of the 10-day exercise.
• Fort Lee Quartermasters hone tactical skills during field exercise Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- About two-hundred and eighteen Soldiers from the 49th Quartermaster Group and 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion here participated in a multi-faceted Tactical Operations Center Exercise September 12-17 at Fort A.P. Hill in northeastern Virginia.
• Army Guard participates in African air show Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- The U.S. Army is set to participate in the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exposition 2010 held in Cape Town, South Africa, Sept. 21-25.
• A virtual trade off, 689th Engineer Company sharpens skills while testing Route Clearance Simulator upgrades Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- Rolling out on mounted patrols, engaging enemy insurgents, and interrogating roadside bombs from a semi-trailer in Daytona Beach?
• New York National Guard members participate in South African air show AFNS 21 Sep 2010 -- More than 70 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard are participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 from Sept. 21 through 25 in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Machine Gunners Course preps 2nd MLG Marines for combat USMC News 21 Sep 2010 -- During any kind of mission in Afghanistan, Marines can find themselves subject to an enemy ambush, where split-second decision making and muscle memory can be the determining factor for one’s survival and mission accomplishment.
• USS Decatur to Deploy Navy NewsStand 21 Sep 2010 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) will depart San Diego for an independent deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Sept. 21.
• Destroyer Squadron 24 Departs for Exercise Joint Warrior Navy NewsStand 21 Sep 2010 -- Four ships led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 24 departed Norfolk, Va. Sep. 21, to participate in Joint Warrior, a coalition exercise designed and led by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) in the United Kingdom and staged off the coast of Scotland.
• Pre-Deployment Conference Teaches Tools for Deployment Navy NewsStand 21 Sep 2010 -- Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Charlotte hosted a Pre-deployment Family Readiness Conference (PDFRC) for Sailors and family members at the Marriott Charlotte City Center Sept. 18.
• NAVFAC Pacific Awards Contract for Naval Hospital in Guam Navy NewsStand 21 Sep 2010 -- Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded a $158 million firm-fixed price contract Sept. 16 to Watts Webcor Obayashi A JV, a large business company from Honolulu, Hawaii, for the construction of a new replacement naval hospital in Guam.
• Amos: Marines ‘Ready to Respond to Any Crisis’ AFPS 21 Sep 2010 -- Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos today vowed to make winning in Afghanistan his top priority if he is confirmed as the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps.
• President Presents Posthumous Medal of Honor to Hero’s Sons AFPS 21 Sep 2010 -- President Barack Obama today presented the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry to the family of an Air Force chief master sergeant killed in action 42 years ago in Laos.
• DoD News: Senior Executive Service Appointments and Reassignments DoD 21 Sep 2010-- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service appointments and reassignments
• U.S., Bangladesh airmen team up for Cope South 2010 AFNS 21 Sep 2010 -- More than 40 Yokota Air Base Airmen and two C-130 Hercules deployed to participate in Exercise Cope South 2010 with the Bangladeshi airmen at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh.
• New computer chip cuts costs, adds efficiency to space systems AFNS 21 Sep 2010 -- Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate officials partnered with Xilinx, Inc. five years ago to design new field programmable gate arrays that would reduce costs, increase effectiveness of their satellite circuitry and withstand the damaging effects of radiation in the cosmos.
• ‘Virtual Installation’ Becomes Reality AFPS 21 Sep 2010 -- The nation’s third Army Strong Community Center, serving servicemembers and their families who live in the Pittsburgh area, opened here Sept. 18 during a ceremony attended by about 300 soldiers, family members and civic and business leaders.
• China Working to Counter US Naval Power in the Pacific VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- China's growing military capabilities are raising concerns in the United States and among its neighbors.
• Iraqi Air Force increases T-6A inventory Army News 21 Sep 2010 -- Iraqi Air Force pilots took possession of three T-6A aircraft in Amman, Jordan, and flew them to Tikrit Sept. 21, bringing their total T-6A inventory to 11.
• Iran’s military equipment makes sanctions 'ineffective' : commander IRNA 21 Sep 2010 -- Vice-Commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) General Hossein Salami said Iran's military equipment and production make west's sanctions 'ineffective'.
• Army ground force prepared, threats not affecting Iran: Commander IRNA 21 Sep 2010 -- The Ground Force of the Iranian Army is fully prepared and no threats would affect the country, Commander of the Army's Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan said Saturday.
• Iranian army receives new short-range missiles RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2010 -- The first batch of modified short-range missiles have entered service in Iran's Revolutionary Guard, the defense minister said on Tuesday.
• Pentagon concerned over Russia's plans to sell Yakhont missiles to Syria RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2010 -- The U.S. Department of Defense is highly concerned over Russia's intention to supply Yakhont missiles to Syria, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell has said.
• September 21, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2010
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 9/21/2010 The White House 21 Sep 2010

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 21, 2010
• BAE Systems Welcomes 1 Million Flying Hours in T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainer BAE Systems 21 Sep 2010 -- BAE Systems welcomes the news that the US Navy has celebrated the major milestone of completing over 1 million flying hours in the T-45 Goshawk, part of the BAE Systems' Hawk family. The T-45 plays a unique role as it is the only jet trainer in the world designed to operate from an aircraft carrier, another great demonstration of the flexibility of the Hawk aircraft.
• Savi Technology Rolls Out New Generation Tracking Device Linking Sky- and Land-Based Wireless Systems to Monitor Supplies Anywhere, Anytime Lockheed Martin 21 Sep 2010 -- Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] Savi Technology today announced the first-of-its-kind technology device that can switch from satellite or terrestrial wireless systems to continuously monitor the location and condition of shipments anywhere and at anytime. Called the Portable In-Transit Tracking Unit (PITU), the new-generation device about the size of a digital video recorder connects communications among Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices, GPS location and SatCom systems, global cellular networks and sensors that detect environmental and security changes.
• Thales awarded antenna contract for Canadian Navy Thales 21 Sep 2010 -- Thales Canada has been awarded a contract to supply the Canadian Navy with dedicated UHF satellite communication (SATCOM) omni-directional antennas for four of the Halifax-class frigates that are being converted to command ships.
• Fortress of the Sea returns to the waves BAE Systems 21 Sep 2010 -- HMS Edinburgh has emerged sleeker and faster as she embarks on sea trials following an extensive £17.5 million overhaul by BAE Systems, demonstrating the company's capability in naval support and services.
• CACI Awarded $27 Million Contract to Support Operations and Training for Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization CACI 21 Sep 2010 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that it has been awarded a $27 million task order contract to support the Operations and Training Division of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). The award was made under the $494 million multiple-award JIEDDO Comprehensive Support Services contract that CACI announced it had won in August 2009. The award includes both new and continuing business in CACI's integrated security and intelligence core competency, and leverages CACI's position as one of the premier counter-IED companies providing direct support to the warfighter.
• Lockheed Martin Receives $10 Million to Migrate MH-60 Helicopters to the Joint Mission Planning System Lockheed Martin 21 Sep 2010 -- The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $10 million contract to develop software that will enable MH-60R and MH-60S multi-mission helicopter aircrews the latest technology to pre-plan their missions for maximum success.
• First Production C-5M Super Galaxy Takes Flight Lockheed Martin 21 Sep 2010 -- Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] first production C-5M Super Galaxy made its first flight here Sept. 19 sporting the new “Super Galaxy” tail flash and nose art. It is set to be delivered Sept. 30 and will arrive for duty at Dover Air Force Base, Del., in November.
• Northrop Grumman Hosts Marine Corps Reps as Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Enters Final Stages of Development Northrop Grumman 21 Sep 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently hosted key representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps, as the AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR (Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar) multi role radar enters its final stages of development. When deployed, G/ATOR will replace five legacy Marine Corps ground-based radars with advanced operational capabilities and enhanced mobility and reliability, while also providing large reductions in operating and maintenance costs.
• L-3 Acquires 3Di Technologies, LLC, Expands Secure Satellite Communications Capability L-3 Communications 21 Sep 2010 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that it acquired 3Di Technologies, LLC (3Di) on September 17, 2010. 3Di provides highly specialized end-to-end secure satellite communications utilized by forward-deployed United States special operations and in-theater personnel.
• Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Completes Latest Round of Tests on J-2X Gas Generator Pratt & Whitney 21 Sep 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne successfully completed the latest round of tests on the workhorse gas generator for NASA’s J-2X rocket engine. With the first NASA J-2X engine far along in development, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is on track to begin testing in 2011 at Stennis Space Center. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
• Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Powers Launch of U.S. Government Payload Pratt & Whitney 21 Sep 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne yesterday helped boost into orbit a U.S. Government payload. The payload was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine and a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 upper-stage engine. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). RD AMROSS LLC is a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NPO Energomash.
• Boeing Space Based Space Surveillance Satellite Ready for Launch Boeing 21 Sep 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and its teammate Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. today announced that the Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite and ground system have completed final testing. The satellite is scheduled to be launched Sept. 25 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif.
• Lockheed Martin Delivers 1,000th PAC-3 Missile to the U.S. Army Lockheed Martin 21 Sep 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered the 1,000th Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile to the U.S. Army last week during a ceremony at its state-of-the-art PAC-3 Missile production facility in Camden, AR. PAC-3 Missiles are combat-proven and deployed globally.
• BAE Systems to Provide Cyber Security to FBI in $40 Million Order BAE Systems 21 Sep 2010 -- BAE Systems was selected to provide critical information security safeguards, including certification and accreditation, to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of FBI computer networks in the United States and around the world.

Other Conflicts

• 21 September 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Sep 2010
• With events large and small, UN observes Day of Peace worldwide UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- From cultural displays and a parade of peacekeepers to a children’s immunization campaign and the handing over of responsibilities to local police, United Nations field offices and missions around the world marked International Day of Peace today with a series of events in honour of its key themes.
• UN and partners calls on Israel to extend moratorium on settlements UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the search for a Middle East peace today urged Israel to continue its settlement moratorium in the occupied Palestinian territory in the interests of resumed negotiations between the sides and called on Arab States to support the talks.
• Israeli and Palestinian probes into Gaza conflict not sufficient, say UN experts UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- A United Nations monitoring committee said today that Israeli and Palestinian investigations into the deadly conflict in the Gaza Strip that ended early last year have so far been inadequate.
• Mideast Quartet to Discuss Boosting Israeli-Palestinian Talks VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- The international Quartet of Mideast peace mediators meets in New York Tuesday to discuss ways of encouraging recently-launched Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
• Serbia and Kosovo must engage in dialogue over dispute, Ban says UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the importance of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo over the latter’s unilateral declaration of independence in 2008.
• KFOR Commander Says Political Solution Needed In Northern Kosovo RFE/RL 21 Sep 2010 -- The head of NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo has said the situation in northern Kosovo requires a political solution, RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports.
• Somali leaders must learn to work together, UN envoy says after premier resigns UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Noting the decision by Somali’s Prime Minister to step down, a top United Nations official today urged that the country’s leaders learn to work together to advance peace and stability in the strife-torn nation that has not had a functioning government in over two decades.
• Somalia's Prime Minister Resigns VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has resigned, ending a long-running political feud with President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
• Southern African bloc and UN agree to boost cooperation on peace and security issues UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- The United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) signed an agreement today to work together on issues vital to peace and security: conflict prevention, mediation and elections.
• Secretary-General reaffirms support for Cyprus reunification talks UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today met with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and reaffirmed his support for the complex efforts by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders in United Nations-backed talks aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island.
• UN unveils members of panel to monitor Sudanese referenda UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today that he has appointed the three members of a United Nations panel tasked with monitoring the upcoming referenda on the self-determination of Southern Sudan and the Abyei Area.
• UN envoy reiterates call for dialogue to resolve differences among Lebanese UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Voicing his concerns about the recent rise in tensions and rhetoric in Lebanon, the United Nations envoy there stressed that any differences must be resolved through dialogue.
• Central African Republic can rely on UN to help consolidate peace, Ban pledges UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- The United Nations will continue to help the Central African Republic (CAR) to consolidate peace after years of ethnic conflict and political unrest by enhancing political dialogue and the reintegration of former fighters into national society.
• Honduras: Ban renews support for reconciliation moves after last year’s coup UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today assured Honduran President Porfirio Lobo of United Nations support for his efforts to promote the rule of law, protect human rights and fight impunity in the Central American country, which was shaken by the ouster of his predecessor last year.
• UN and DR Congo distribute identity cards to refugees to improve their rights UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- The United Nations refugee agency and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have launched a vast distribution of identity cards to the estimated 173,000 refugees in the country aimed at strengthening the rights of this vulnerable group.
• PHILIPPINES: Government pledges recovery support for conflict areas IRIN 21 Sep 2010 -- The Philippine government has promised full rehabilitation for conflict-affected communities in the troubled south in the next three years as it prepares to sit down again with Muslim rebels.
• YEMEN: IDP/refugee camps - facts and figures IRIN 21 Sep 2010 -- IRIN takes a look at the camps for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yemen, their locations, capacity, needs and gaps. There are 10 IDP camps (six in Saada, three in Hajjah and one in Amran Governorate) and one refugee camp.
• Umarov Dismisses Renegade Commanders RFE/RL 21 Sep 2010 -- In a new 12-minute video clip posted yesterday on kavkazcenter.com and hunafa.com, North Caucasus insurgency head Doku Umarov announces the dismissal of the four Chechnya-based field commanders who withdrew their formal pledge of loyalty to him last month. He did not, however, name anyone to replace them.

News Reports

• Conference of WPK to Be Held Sep. 28 KCNA 21 Sep 2010 -- The Preparatory Committee for the Conference of the Workers' Party of Korea made public as follows as regards the party conference:
• North Korea Announces Leadership Summit Amid Succession Speculation RFE/RL 21 Sep 2010 -- North Korea says it will hold its biggest political meeting in a generation, amid speculation that leader Kim Jong Il is about to name his younger son as successor – a move that would take the Kim dynasty into a third generation.
• North Korea Sets Date for Rare Leadership Conference VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- North Korea has set the date for a major political conference where Kim Jong Il is expected to name an heir to the world's only Communist dynasty. Kim Jong Il is said to have suffered a stroke in recent years, raising questions about the health of the "Dear Leader" and the country's stability.
• Bomb at Iranian Parade Kills at Least 12 VOA 22 Sep 2010 -- Iranian authorities say a bomb exploded at a military parade in the northwest and has killed at least 12 people, wounding 70 others.
• Ahmadinejad: No mediation needed for Iran-US talks IRNA 21 Sep 2010 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran and the US need no mediating party for negotiations and the West has no choice but to talk with Iran.
• IAEA report on Iran, beyond domain of its legal tasks: FM spokesman IRNA 21 Sep 2010 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast said here on Tuesday that the recent IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program was beyond the domain of its legal duties.
• US: Iran Must Address Wider Issues in Nuclear Talks VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- U.S. and Iranian officials expressed an interest Tuesday in re-starting talks related to Tehran's nuclear program.
• UN envoy urges quick resolution to electoral impasse in Guinea UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Political divisions among electoral authorities in Guinea must come together to resolve the dispute over when to hold the delayed run-off round of much anticipated presidential elections, the top United Nations official in West Africa said today.
• Rights Group Seeks Polish Probe of CIA Detainee's Treatment VOA 21 Sep 2010 -- A human rights group is demanding that Polish prosecutors investigate the treatment of a Saudi man held at a one-time secret CIA prison in Poland.
• Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria United Nations 21 Sep 2010
• Press Conference by President of Bolivia United Nations 21 Sep 2010
• PAKISTAN: Securing aid delivery IRIN 21 Sep 2010 -- A resurgence in political violence in Pakistan, after the floods had brought a lull, is causing the authorities concern over the well-being of aid workers, but the international aid community is worried that security restrictions will make it harder for them to operate in flood-affected areas.
• More people being displaced by floods in Pakistan, UN reports UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Floods continue to force thousands more people from their homes in southern Pakistan, seven weeks since the country was first hit by the one of the worst natural disasters in recent history, the United Nations reported today, saying there were survivors still stranded in submerged villages.
• Ukraine's prosecutors probe Yushchenko poisoning case materials RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2010 -- The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office is checking the materials from the case surrounding the poisoning of ex-president Viktor Yushchenko in 2004, the Unian news agency reported Tuesday.
• Orion Spacecraft on the Path to Future Flight Lockheed Martin 21 Sep 2010 -- Preparations for Orion’s first mission in 2013 are well under way as a Lockheed Martin-led crew begins lean assembly pathfinding operations for the spacecraft. The crew is conducting simulated manufacturing and assembly operations with a full-scale Orion mockup to verify the tools, processes and spacecraft integration procedures work as expected.
• Ban welcomes pledge by authorities in Niger to return to constitutional order UN News Centre 21 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed a commitment by transitional authorities in Niger, which suffered a coup d’état in February, to move swiftly back to constitutional order.
• Soyuz spacecraft upgrade ups payload by 70 kg RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2010 -- New onboard digital command and control systems have helped increase the payload of Russia's manned Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft by 70 kg, the head of the Energia space corporation said on Tuesday.