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18 March 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 18 Mar 2011 [PDF]

Army tells Congress Iraq on track to transition by year's end Army News 18 Mar 2011 -- It's up to Iraq now to be successful in their own future, said Secretary of the Army John McHugh.
Airmen prepare Iraq bases for transition AFNS 18 Mar 2011 -- On Sept. 1, 2010, Operation New Dawn signaled more than a name change for the U.S. military mission. It ended combat operations and started a focused effort on an evolving relationship with the government of Iraq and its people.
More Iraqi Deputies Criticize Kurdish Peshmerga Deployment RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- Arab and Turkoman politicians in Iraq: Deployment of Kurdish Peshmerga forces to disputed Kirkuk aggravating tensions.

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents yesterday in the Reg-e Khan district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Afghan engineers take lead, Aussies mentor Army News 18 Mar 2011 -- Afghan National Security Forces are beginning to take the lead in all aspects of their country, while coalition members take a backseat mentoring role.
Afghan community shows interest in new patrol base Army News 18 Mar 2011 -- In many regions of Uruzgan province, villagers have never seen any presence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, let alone coalition forces.
Afghan Institutions Making Strides, Petraeus Says AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- Afghanistan’s government and other societal institutions will determine the country’s long-term stability.
Conflicting Signals Surface on US Support for Afghan War VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Congress demonstrated bipartisan support for the war in Afghanistan this week.
U.S. Ambassador Visits Tajik-Afghan Border RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan has said the United States is working with Russia and the European Union to strengthen control over Tajikistan's southern border with Afghanistan.
Russia's anti-drug watchdog calls for more UN action in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- The head of Russia's Federal Drug Control Service proposed on Friday expanding the UN anti-drug mission in Afghanistan.
Iran ready to host next Afghan peace meeting: Envoy IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- Permanent envoy of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the UN Khazaei: Iran is ready to host the upcoming meeting of Afghanistan Peace Council.

Pakistan army chief condemns US drone strike IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- Pakistan's Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, strongly condemned the US predator strike in North Waziristan Agency.
Pakistan Demanding U.S. Apology For Deadly Drone Strike RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- Pakistan's government is demanding an apology and explanation from the US after at least 35 people were killed by a missile attack.
Pakistan Summons US Ambassador on Drone Attack VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Pakistan has summoned the U.S. ambassador in Islamabad to protest a U.S. drone strike that killed 38 people in the northwest tribal region.
Pakistanis Protest Drone Strike, CIA Contractor's Release RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- Thousands of people have taken to the streets across Pakistan to protest the release of a CIA contractor.

Essex ARG, 31st MEU Arrive Off Coast of Japan NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) ships arrived off the west coast of mainland Japan in preparation to provide humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) support to the nation, March 18.
Navy 7th Fleet Offers Salvage Support to Tsunami-Battered Japanese City NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- U.S. 7th Fleet's salvage officer visited Japanese coast guard members and port authority officials in Hachinohe, Japan, March 18.
Navy Receives Oahu Drinking Water Chromium VI Sampling Results NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- The Navy released results March 10, from chromium and chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) tests conducted on four of its Oahu, Hawaii, water distribution systems.
US Navy Provides Pumps to Assist in Reactor Cooling Effort NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Navy provided five high-capacity pumping systems to Japan's Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Group Nuclear Asset Management Department to assist in the efforts to cool the core of the damaged No. 3 reactor at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant March 17.
Aircraft Arrive at NAF Misawa in Support of Operation Tomodachi NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Naval Air Facility Misawa welcomed more than a dozen aircraft from Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Kadena Air Base March 18, in support of Operation Tomodachi.
US Troops Ready to Enter Japan's Nuclear Danger Zone VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The commander of U.S. military forces in the Pacific says he is sending his troops into the danger zone near the Japan's crippled nuclear power plants as needed.
31st MEU arrives off the coast of Japan USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11, with a combined total of more than 4,000 Marines and Sailors, arrived off of the west coast of mainland Japan March 18.
MCAS Futenma proves critical during III MEF HA/DR effort USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has proven to be a critical asset in III Marine Expeditionary Force's support to the humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts on mainland Japan.
51st LRS Airmen support Operation Tomodachi during ORE AFNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Airmen from the 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron processed 18,000 pounds of cargo here March 14 in support of Operation Tomodachi.
Japan-based Military Families Remain Top Concern AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- Defense Department officials are taking “proactive, deliberate” steps to stay ahead of the changing conditions in Japan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Gates, Russian Counterparts to Discuss Defense Reform AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- During Robert M. Gates’ final trip to Russia as U.S. defense secretary, he’ll meet with Russian officials to discuss defense reforms.

Army Released February Suicide Data DoD 18 Mar 2011
Air Force officials present budget to Senate AFNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed the Air Force fiscal-2012 budget request and recent developments in Japan and Libya.
Air Force officials take space budget, acquisition strategy to Capitol Hill AFNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Air Force senior leaders testified about the service's fiscal 2012 budget and space capabilities investments.
Senate confirms Dempsey as Army chief of staff Army News 18 Mar 2011 -- Gen. Martin E. Dempsey was confirmed by the Senate March 16, for assignment as the next chief of staff of the Army.
TBI rehab gets dose of persistence on Capitol Hill Army News 18 Mar 2011 -- Researchers, educators, family advocates and survivors of traumatic brain injury testified March 16 before the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, during what was dubbed "Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill."
Machinist creates universal MRAP key Army News 18 Mar 2011 -- Innovations in military equipment and tools are often the result of many hours of research and development, along with the expenditure of significant amounts of taxpayer dollars.
Navy Names Littoral Combat Ships Milwaukee and Detroit DoD 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today that the next two Freedom-class littoral combat ships (LCS) to be built in Wisconsin will be named the USS Milwaukee and the USS Detroit.
HQBN Marines learn to think like insurgents USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- Generations of Marines have been taught the philosophy "know your enemy" from Sun Tzu's book, "The Art of War."
Bataan Amphibious Ready Group To Deploy NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) will deploy March 23 as part of U.S. maritime forces supporting U.S. and international contingency planning associated with the crisis in Libya.
Mission Complete As Louisiana Returns To Bangor NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Following an 85-day strategic deterrent patrol, Trident ballistic-missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (Gold Crew) returned home to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash., Feb. 25.
Bush Holds Change of Command NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) held a change of command ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, March 17.
USS Cleveland Departs on Final Deployment for 2011 Pacific Partnership NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) departed San Diego March 21 for its final deployment in support of Pacific Partnership 2011.
NECC Participates in NAVEXFOR 2011 NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Deputy commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), presented remarks during the second day of the Naval Expeditionary Forces (NAVEXFOR) Symposium and Expo 2011 held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center March 15-16.
PCU Arlington Will Never Forget NNS 18 Mar 2011 -- The commanding officer of pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Arlington (LPD 24), the Navy's newest San Antonio-class landing platform, dock ship, spoke to Defense Media Activity Navy March 16 about the ship's namesake and upcoming christening.
T-38 completes 50 years of service AFNS 18 Mar 2011 -- Officials commemorated the T-38 Talon supersonic jet trainer's 50th service anniversary in a ceremony here March 17.
1st ANGLICO completes Raven UAV training USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- Marines, with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, recently learned to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Combatant divers test new dive masks USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- Combatant divers from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion received hands-on training on recently issued Combat Divers Full Facemask at the dive locker here March 9.
Heavy, medium lift aircraft unique to readiness USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- The CH-46E Sea Knight and the CH-53E Sea Stallion fulfill the Marine Corps' assault support mission, and can also be used as transport helicopters.
Romeo Battery joins III MEF team USMC News 18 Mar 2011 -- More than 130 Marines with Romeo Battery, 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment arrived on Okinawa to augment 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment.
Clinical Trials Seek to Improve Warriors' Burn Care AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and its partners at leading medical research centers launch three promising clinical trials.

Defence Chief told to prepare to enforce UN resolution on Libya UK MOD 18 Mar 2011 -- Prime Minister David Cameron has said that he and Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox have now instructed the Chief of the Defence Staff to work urgently with our allies to put in place the appropriate military measures to enforce UN Resolution 1973 - including a no-fly zone over Libya.

NATO Command Looks to Expand Partnerships AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- Commander of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation is preparing to expand his collaboration to a broader range of U.S. military organizations.

Russian military to buy 36 ICBMs, 2 missile subs in 2011 RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Russia will buy 36 strategic ballistic missiles, two strategic missile submarines and 20 strategic cruise missiles this year.

Kyrgyz Defense Ministry To Extend Reserve Military Service RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- The Kyrgyz Defense Ministry will continue the Reserve Military Service (PMR) scheme launched in 2008.

UN seeks $498 million for annual mine clearance activities UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- The UB appealed to the world community to make up a huge shortfall in this year’s nearly half-billion-dollar programme to clean up mines and other remnants of war.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for March 03, 2011
CASSIDIAN's ram-air cargo parachute system ParaLander receives operational certification EADS 18 Mar 2011 -- The ParaLander ram-air cargo parachute system, developed and produced by Cassidian, has been approved for operational deployment by the Bundeswehr Technical Centre (WTD) 61 in cooperation with Cassidian in Manching.
General Dynamics to Deliver Prototype Equipment to Enhance Battlefield Situational Awareness for Soldiers and Marines General Dynamics 18 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army has awarded General Dynamics C4 Systems a $2.3 million contract to provide a prototype, handheld battle command capability that will enable unprecedented network connectivity and increased command, control and situational awareness for dismounted soldiers and Marines. Two companies received contracts as part of the U.S. Army's Joint Battle Command – Platform (JBC-P) Handheld program. General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
U.S. Navy Awards Lockheed Martin $376 Million to Construct Nation’s Next Littoral Combat Ship Lockheed Martin 18 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led industry team $376 million to construct the nation’s seventh Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
Lockheed Martin Support Enables High-Tempo F-22 Deployments Worldwide Lockheed Martin 18 Mar 2011 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-22 Raptor is logging a deployment-intensive pace in early 2011 following a busy 2010, and the company continues to provide key support to the fleet as the Raptor projects power globally.

Other Conflicts

18 March 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Mar 2011

Remarks by the President on the Situation in Libya The White House 18 Mar 2011
Clinton Cautious on Libyan Cease-Fire VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary of State Clinton says the US wants to see tangible action by the Libyan government to back up its stated intention to have a cease-fire with rebels
Obama Warns Gadhafi of Possible Military Action VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama warned Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi Friday that he must stop attacking civilians or face a no-fly zone enforced with U.S. help.
Ceasefire in Libya must be implemented immediately RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama: Ceasefire in Libya must be implemented immediately otherwise there will be "consequences" for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Obama: U.S., Allies to Stop Killing in Libya AFPS 18 Mar 2011 -- The US will not deploy ground troops to enforce a U.N. Security Council resolution on Libya, but the military will work with NATO and Arab League allies to stop Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi from killing his own people.
Libya Cease-Fire Draws Skepticism as Emergency Summit Planned in France VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The leaders of Britain and France and the chiefs of the United Nations and Arab League will join other world leaders for an emergency summit on Libya.
World Powers Mull Moves After Libya Declares Cease-Fire VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Libya has declared an immediate cease-fire and says it is ready to open channels of dialogue with the rebel opposition.
International community to continue to press Gaddafi to leave RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: International community will continue to press Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to leave.
Foreign Secretary comments on UN vote on Libya no fly zone UK Mission to the UN 18 Mar 2011
Britain to provide fighters for strikes on Libya RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- The Royal Air Force will provide Tornado and Typhoon aircraft for possible air strikes against Libyan forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
UK MPs to vote on Libya no-fly zone on Monday IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- MPs will vote on a substantive motion in parliament on Britain's participation in imposing a no-fly zone over Libya, Prime Minister David Cameron announced.
Libya 'halts all military action' RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Libya declared an immediate ceasefire in response to a UN Security Council resolution authorizing a no-fly zone over the war-torn country.
Libya Declares Cease-Fire After UN Resolution RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- The regime of Muammar Qaddafi has announced a unilateral cease-fire in its war with rebels, just hours after a UN resolution authorizing world powers to stop the killing of civilians in Libya.
Gaddafi to send forces to surround rebellious Benghazi RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- The Libyan Army plans to surround Benghazi, the rebels' stronghold in the east, but will abstain from any attacks on the city.
Libya not afraid of foreign airstrikes - Gaddafi son RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Libya is not afraid of possible airstrikes by the foreign military against Col. Muammar Gaddafi forces, the Libyan leader's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi.
Libya Closes Airspace After UN Approves No-Fly Zone VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The Libyan government has closed its airspace to all traffic Friday, as Western nations discuss U.N.-approved military intervention to enforce a no-fly zone over the country.
NATO nearly ready to implement UN resolution on Libya RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- NATO is finalizing its plans for "appropriate action" in support of the UN Security Council resolution on Libya.
NATO may carry out airstrikes against Libya in next few hours - source RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- NATO is ready to carry out precision airstrikes against Libya, and the military operation may begin in the next few hours, a NATO source said on Friday.
U.K., France may strike Libya early on Friday RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- France, the United Kingdom, Qatar and the U.A.E. may carry out airstrikes on forces of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi early on Friday.
Libya could be hit with UN-sanctioned airstrikes as early as Friday RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama called the British and French leaders and agreed that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi must immediately end hostilities toward the Libyan people.
Russia will not take part in military operation against Libya RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Russian forces will not take part in a possible military operation against Libya, First Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin said.
Germany still sceptical on military action in Libya after UN vote IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Friday reiterated his country was 'still extremely sceptical' on a western military intervention in Libya only hours after the UN Security Council passed a resolution which authorized the use of force.
Questions Remain Concerning No-Fly Zone Over Libya VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The UNSC has approved a no-fly zone over Libya by a vote of 10 to nothing with five abstentions (Russia, China, Germany, Brazil and India).
China calls for peaceful dialogue with Libya as UN approves no-fly zone RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- China is against a forceful resolution to the Libyan crisis and warns against the escalation of the conflict.
India abstains on resolution authorising use of force in Libya IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- India, along with four other members of the UN Security Council, abstained from the voting on a resolution that approves a no-fly zone over Libya.
Libyan Opposition Welcomes UN No-Fly Zone Resolution VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The Libyan opposition has welcomed with jubilation the U.N. Security Council decision to authorize a no-fly zone over Libya.
NATO says backs action against Gaddafi RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- NATO backs a UN resolution authorizing military action against forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi
Libya: Ban welcomes Security Council authorization of measures to protect civilians UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Banhas welcomed the Security Council’s “historic” decision to authorize the use “all necessary measures” to protect civilians in Libya.
UN Security Council adopts resolution on Libya RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution on Libya.
Iran condemns brutal acts against Libyans ISNA 18 Mar 2011-- Iran's National Human Rights Committee condemned brutal acts gainst Libyan protestors.

Israeli prime minister warns Fatah against Hamas reconciliation RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Israeli Pm Netanyahu has criticized the latest attempts at reconciliation between rival Palestinian movements Hamas and Fatah.
Palestinian, Israeli leaders to visit Moscow next week RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will visit Russia between March 22 and 24, the Kremlin said.

UN warns deadly shelling of Ivorian market may be crime against humanity UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- UN officials intensified their condemnation of an attack by forces allied to Côte d’Ivoire’s defeated president on a market.
Ivory Coast Incumbent President: Nigeria Arming Rebels VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Incumbent government spokesman Ahoua Don Mello says Nigeria is giving military assistance to rebels who support Alassane Ouattara.
UN: Ivory Coast Needs More Humanitarian Aid VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The UN says it needs more money to help civilians displaced by Ivory Coast's political crisis as government troops fired mortars into a city market, killing at least 25 people.

SUDAN: Timeline since the referendum IRIN 18 Mar 2011 -- Deteriorating relations between Khartoum and Juba, coupled with spiralling insecurity in the South and the disputed region of Abyei, are raising grave concerns internationally.

Rebels Say Ethiopia Blocks Aid in Drought-Hit Region VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- A rebel group in Ethiopia's arid Somali region has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance, accusing the government of blocking aid deliveries.

Indian army fears impact of Afghan turbulence in Kashmir IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- Noting that turbulence in Afghanistan and Pakistan will have an impact on the situation in Kashmir, Indian Army said 700 militants were waiting at various launch pads to infiltrate into the strife torn state.
Indian forces remove more bunkers from Kashmir capital IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- The government removed twelve more paramilitary bunkers from the summer capital, most of them in congested old Srinagar.

Cypriot leaders meet again in UN-sponsored talks on reunification UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- The Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders met and continued their discussion on the issue of citizenship.

News Reports

Iran warns on foreign troops' presence in Bahrain ISNA 18 Mar 2011-- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said foreign forces' presence in Bahrain makes regional situation more complex.
Bahrain: Ban deeply concerned about treatment of civilians UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban added his voice to the chorus of UN concern over the latest developments in Bahrain.
Bahrainis Set to Bury Activist Killed in Crackdown VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Hundreds of Bahrainis gathered Friday to bury a protester killed in a violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
Capitalism-State terrorism-al-Qaeda support triangle suppressed Bahrainis' uprising IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- Informed and diplomatic sources in Persian Gulf say the triangle of al-Qaeda supporters, state-terrorism and capitalism has led to suppression of the Bahraini people.

Secretary Clinton Statement on Violence in Yemen US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2011
Secretary-General deplores killing of Yemeni protesters by security forces UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban strongly condemned reported killing by Yemeni security forces of more than 30 people.
Yemen's President Declares Emergency Following Protest Killings VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh declared a nationwide state of emergency Friday, after dozens of people were killed at an anti-government protest in the capital, Sana'a.
At Least 30 Killed in Yemen Protests VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Medical officials and witnesses say at least 30 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in Yemen, after security forces and government loyalists opened fire.
State of Emergency Declared In Yemen, At Least 30 Killed RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- President Ali Abdullah Saleh has declared a state of emergency in Yemen, as government forces opened fire on antigovernment protesters in the capital.

Killing of Syrian protesters sparks concern from UN chief UN News Centre 18 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban voiced concern about reported killing of unarmed demonstrators in a Syrian town.
At Least 3 Dead as Protests Erupt in Syria VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Protests have erupted in several cities in Syria, leaving at least three people dead.
Syrian Forces Kill Three Protesters In Southern City RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- Reports say Syrian security forces have killed three protesters in the southern city of Deraa.

Saudi King Promises Reform, Offers Residents Cash VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Saudi Arabia's king, seeking to keep unrest sweeping the Arab world at bay, promised reforms on Friday and cash incentives to residents.

UK differentiates approach to protests in Bahrain, Libya IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- The British government is insisting that the situation in Libya and Bahrain are different in an attempt to justify why it is supporting taking military action in one and not the other.
Under No-Fly Zone Pressure, Libya Sets Cease-Fire VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Libya has declared an immediate cease-fire across the country and said it was ready to open channels of dialogue with the opposition.
Ayat. Jannati: US behind all crimes in the region IRNA 18 Mar 2011 -- Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said on Friday that the US is involved in all crimes in the region.

Frantic Cooling Efforts Continue at Japan's Crippled Nuclear Plant VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Japan is continuing its attempts to cool damaged reactors and exposed fuel rods.
Japan Marks One Week Since Twin Disasters As Nuclear Threat Level Raised RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- Japan's Nuclear Safety Agency has raised the severity level of the Fukushima nuclear accident from a 4 to a 5.
Japan raises nuclear alert level at crippled plant RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- A moment of silence was also observed for the victims of the twin disasters, which have made half a million people homeless.
Russia, U.S. agree to share data on Japan RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Russia and the United States agreed on Friday to share information on developments at Japan's troubled Fukushima nuclear plant.
Taiwan, U.S. exchange information about radiation leakage in Japan CNA 18 Mar 2011 -- The US has offered Taiwan first-hand information about the problems at a Japanese nuclear power plant crippled by a horrific earthquake and tsunami.
Japan pledges more information on nuclear crisis RIA Novosti 18 Mar 2011 -- Japan's prime minister, Naoto Kan, vowed to give more detailed information to the international community on the unfolding crisis at a quake-crippled nuclear plant in the country's northeast.

Bakiev Trial Adjourned After Walkout By Lawyers RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- A high-profile trial of former Kyrgyz officials has been adjourned after a walkout by lawyers for relatives of the victims of last year's antigovernment uprising.

Despite Dalai Lama's rebuff, Tibetan deputies urge him to stay on CNA 18 Mar 2011 -- The Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies approved a resolution by a 33-1 margin to advise the Dalai Lama to continue to serve as the political and spiritual leader of the government-in-exile.

Dispute Flares Over Kenya Election Date VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Some members of Kenya's national assembly oppose a recent announcement that general elections will be held in August of next year, as stipulated in the country's new constitution.

Haiti to Hold Second Round of Elections Sunday VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- After a grueling campaign, Haiti's two second round presidential candidates are making their final push toward Sunday's vote with concerts in Port-Au-Prince.
Aristide Says His Return is Fulfillment of Haitians' Dreams for Democracy VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to his homeland after seven years in exile.
Aristide Arrives in Haiti VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has arrived Haiti after leaving South Africa late Thursday. Aristide said ending seven years exile in the southern African country was a “great day”.

US Envoy Stresses Cooperation with China in South Asia VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- The US and China are playing up areas of common interest in South Asia, rather than focusing on more contentious issues.

India's Prime Minister Denies Allegations of Vote-Buying VOA 18 Mar 2011 -- Indian PM Singh told parliament that his government was not involved in paying bribes to lawmakers.

Ramzan On A Roll RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's February 28 decision to propose Ramzan Kadyrov to serve a second term as Chechen Republic president came as no surprise.

EU Gears Up To Widen Belarus Sanctions RFE/RL 18 Mar 2011 -- The European Union is likely to add another 19 names to its list of Belarusian officials who are subjected to visa bans and asset freezes.

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