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30 March 2011 Military News

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OIF/OEF Casualty Update 31 Mar 2011 [PDF]

Press briefing on Libya by NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu NATO 31 Mar 2011
NATO Assumes Command of Libya Operations AFPS 31 Mar 2011 -- NATO has taken sole command of international air operations over Libya, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced.
NATO assumes formally command of Libya air operations IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- NATO has formally taken over full command of air strike missions against Libya, the Brussels-based western military pact announced.
Gates Outlines U.S. Role as NATO Takes Libya Mission AFPS 31 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the House Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces will “significantly ramp down” their commitment in the operation.
Mullen Credits International Urgency for Libya Success AFPS 31 Mar 2011 -- Coalition forces raced the clock in Libya this month as Moammar Gadhafi sent his forces marching on Benghazi, “intent on brutalizing the people there.”
Gates Defends Action in Libya VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Several influential congressional leaders have spoken out against the US arming Libyan rebels, warning that too little is known about what they really stand for.
Pentagon: 'no American boots on the ground in Libya RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- The US will not become involved in any operations on the ground in Libya, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said
Libyan coalition members free to complain about command RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Any state taking part in the international operation in Libya is free to lodge their complaints about the operation's command to a contact group.
Coalition forces 'can not see Gaddafi's heavy weapons' RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Coalition patrols have been unable to detect heavy weaponry belonging to Muammar Gaddafi's army, French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet said on Thursday.
U.S. Army Africa supports combat operations for first time Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- Joint Task Force-Odyssey Dawn set out to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
Total Force supports Odyssey Dawn AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Aircraft and Airmen from more than 10 bases across the Air Force have united to form the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing here.
Ellsworth Airmen join Operation Odyssey Dawn AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing were launched early March 27 from their home station here to strike targets in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.
Incirlik AB Airmen fuel Operation Odyssey Dawn AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- When four Qatari Mirage F-1s and a C-17 Globemaster III landed March 25 here, Airmen from the petroleum, oil and lubricants flight sprung into action.
ANG, Reserve Airmen contribute to Operation Odyssey Dawn AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Approximately 50 Air National Guardsmen and Air Forces reservists joined forces with their active duty counterparts and coalition partners to run the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center.
RAF and Navy patrol Libyan skies and seas UK MOD 31 Mar 2011-- RAF Tornados conducted further patrols over Libya, launching missiles against military assets of pro-Gaddafi forces in the Misurata area.
RAF and allies destroy Gaddafi ammunition bunkers UK MOD 31 Mar 2011-- Among the targets in Libya that have been destroyed by the RAF, Royal Navy and coalition forces over the last week are underground bunkers providing ammunition to the Libyan Army.
Bulgaria sends warship to join operation against Gaddafi regime RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- The Bulgarian government has decided to send a frigate to the Libyan coast to enforce the embargo on arms supplies to forces loyal to dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

U.S., Iraqi air force officials discuss T-6's future in Iraq AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Iraq air force officials took a step closer to self-sustainment after hosting their first T-6 Texan trainer aircraft program management review.

Militant Driver Injures Troops in Afghanistan AFPS 31 Mar 2011 -- At least three International National Security Assistance Force troops were injured today when their foot patrol was hit by a car in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Task Force Warrior cuts off Taliban in Tangi Valley Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- Members of B/2-4th Infantry established OP Savannah at the mouth of the Tangi Valley less than a week earlier.
Task Force Shooter completes first mission with Afghan Air Force Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- US military and coalition forces have worked with Afghan National Security Forces to set conditions for transferring responsibility solely to the host nation.
Aussies mentoring enables Afghans ability to fight Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- Afghan National Army soldiers in Tangi Valley, Afghanistan are beginning to reap the rewards of their training with the Australian Army as the start of the spring season begins.
All-female team launches historic mission over Afghanistan AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- A team of female Airmen made history here March 30 when the F-15E Strike Eagles of "Dudette 07" blazed down the runway to provide close air support for coalition and Afghan ground forces.
Warrior Brigade Soldiers uncases colors Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- The 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team uncased its colors March 30, formally signifying the re-establishment of command at Fort Drum following its deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
MIGRATION: Afghan asylum-seekers hit by tighter immigration rules IRIN 31 Mar 2011 -- There were fewer Afghan asylum-seekers in 2010 and this could, in part, be due to tighter immigration controls in destination countries.

Pakistan Islamic leader escapes assassination attempt IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Chief of Pakistan's main Islamic party on Thursday escaped an assassination attempt in a bomb attack in the country’s northwest.
Pakistan Bomb Kills At Least 10 RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Reports from northwestern Pakistan say a roadside bomb struck a convoy carrying a leading Islamist politician, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20 others.
Suicide Bombing Leaves Pakistani Politician Unharmed VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Officials in Pakistan say a suicide bomber struck the convoy of a hardline Pakistan politician, killing at least 12 people.

U.S. Marine Team to Aid Japan Recovery Effort AFPS 30 Mar 2011 -- A team of Marines specifically trained to operate in chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological environments is deploying to Japan.
Tortuga Embarks Expeditionary Units to Perform Rescue, Salvage Operations NNS 31 Mar 2011 -- A mobile salvage unit and naval construction regiment arrived aboard the USS Tortuga on March 29, to conduct port clearing operations along the northeastern coastline of Japan.
NAF Misawa Air Terminal Meets Challenge of Supporting Operation Tomodachi NNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Naval Air Facility Misawa's air terminal has provided unprecedented support according to their department head, March 31.
Marines, Japanese counterparts work to restore Sendai Airport USMC News 31 Mar 2011 -- Marines, sailors and soldiers assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's Logistics Support Element, are working around the clock to repair the destroyed airport.
Marines, JSDF deliver needed supplies USMC News 31 Mar 2011 -- Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 continue to work with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to deliver essential supplies to distribution points in nothern Japan during Operation Tomodachi.
USS Shiloh En Route to Sendai with Aid from Local Navy Families NNS 31 Mar 2011 -- USS Shiloh Sailors and workers from Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East Crane and Rigging Department loaded "tri-wall" boxes on board Shiloh March 17.

Defense Policy / Programs

Air Force officials present budget to appropriations committees AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Air Force leaders discussed the service's fiscal 2012 budget request with members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees.

Statement by the Press Secretary on U.S. contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament The White House 31 Mar 2011
Central America Remains a Hotspot of Instability AFPS 31 Mar 2011 -- Central America remains a hotspot of instability caused by violent criminal organizations that use drug money to undermine legitimate governments.
U.S. will not use ground troops to fight Somali piracy - State Dept. RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- The United States has no plans to use ground forces to protect commercial shipping in pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast.
JTRS Airborne Maritime Fixed to conduct demo Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- The Joint Tactical Radio Systems Airborne Maritime Fixed, or JTRS AMF Program Office is planning to demonstrate the ability of its software-programmable radios.
ANAD, GDLS begin new Stryker reset Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- On March 10, the vehicles rolled onto Anniston Army Depot on rail cars. An additional eight vehicles being reset for the 1-25 SBCT will arrive at a later date.
New equipment gives 187th Soldiers up-to-date training Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- Fort Jackson's Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic School recently received 10 MAXXPRO Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or MRAPS.
Crash and Salvage Crane Returns to IKE NNS 31 Mar 2011 -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's Air Department and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department restored the flight deck crash and salvage crane, or "Tilley", to its home aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, March 22.
Antiterrorism Theme (3Q/FY11) - Understanding the Threat Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- The Army antiterrorism theme for the third quarter, fiscal year 2011 (3Q/FY11) focuses on heightened awareness to understand the terrorist threat, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Air Force to perform first flyover with alternative fuel AFNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft will perform the Air Force's first flyover using "green" biofuel at Citizen's Bank Park for the Phillies Opening Day here April 1.
Foal Eagle 2011 keeps jets fueled USMC News 31 Mar 2011 -- Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, began Exercise Foal Eagle 2011 by preparing the Pohang Airfield to support aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
Northcom Chief Stresses Disaster Preparedness AFPS 31 Mar 2011 -- The US must do more to prepare for natural disasters on the scale of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Update on Sailors Injured in USS John C. Stennis Flight Deck Mishap NNS 31 Mar 2011 -- Eleven people aboard the USS John C. Stennis sustained injuries March 30 when an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 suffered a catastrophic engine failure and subsequently caught fire.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: No Hazard Found in Fort Bragg Follow-Up Pesticide Testing Army News 31 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, commonly known as Army CID, announced results of follow-up pesticide testing showed concentrations do not pose a health hazard.

Russia Strengthens Strategic Forces KCNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Russia has put spurs to the strengthening of strategic forces.

Chinese Military Assessment Seeks 'Better Understanding' VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- China says it hopes the international community will "better understand" its armed forces with the release of a biennial report.
Chinese Helicopter Approaches Japanese Escort Ship KCNA 31 Mar 2011 -- A Chinese helicopter approached close to Isoyuki, an escort ship of the Japan Maritime "Self-Defence Force," on guard duty.

Ugandan Police and Military Unit Accused of Torture VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Human Rights Watch has accused Ugandan police of torture and extrajudicial killings.

UN official inaugurates anti-piracy information centre in Kenya UN News Centre 31 Mar 2011 -- The head of the UN maritime agency today in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa commissioned the first of three planned information-sharing centres.

Vietnamese Defence Minister on Cooperation with KPA KCNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Defence Minister of Vietnam Phung Quang Thanh met and had a friendly talk with the visiting military delegation of the Korean People's Army.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 3/31/2011 The White House 31 Mar 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for March 31, 2011
Missile Defense Agency Awards Raytheon $312 Million for New SM-3 Block IB Raytheon 31 Mar 2011 -- The Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $312 million manufacturing contract for the Standard Missile-3 Block IB program. The contract provides the funding necessary to complete the development phase of the SM-3 Block IB program and deliver the rounds to the MDA.
HMS Lancaster To Get New Lease Of Life BAE Systems 31 Mar 2011 -- The Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate, HMS Lancaster, is undergoing an extensive refit at Portsmouth Naval Base as part of a £17.9 million contract with BAE Systems, reflecting the Company’s continued growth in support services.
General Dynamics Awarded $23 Million Contract to Support the U.S. Air Force General Dynamics 31 Mar 2011 -- Joint Systems sector. "Leveraging our in-depth experience integrating, installing and testing software on U.S. Air Force strategic assets, we will streamline delivery and reduce costs."
Northrop Grumman Completes Spin-Off of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. Northrop Grumman 31 Mar 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced that it has completed the previously announced spin-off of its subsidiary Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII).
Pratt & Whitney Receives Maintenance Contract Extension to Support F100 Engines for Italian Air Force Pratt & Whitney 31 Mar 2011 -- Pratt & Whitney has received a $6.8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to extend its fleet management program for F100-PW-220E engines powering the Italian Air Force’s F-16 fighters.
Pratt & Whitney's F119 Engine Hot Section Demonstrates Full-Life Capability Pratt & Whitney 31 Mar 2011 -- Pratt & Whitney’s F119 engine powering the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, successfully reached its first hot section full-life capability of 4,325 total accumulated cycles (TACs), during a recent mission at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 31 March 2011 United Nations 31 Mar 2011
Press Conference by Organization of Islamic Conference, 31 March 2011 United Nations 31 Mar 2011

NATO has no role in deciding future of Libya - alliance official RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- NATO's role in Libya does not include deciding the future of the country and its people.
US May Use Covert Action Against Gadhafi VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Published reports say President Obama has issued a presidential authorization allowing secret U.S. support for the Libyan rebels.
U.S. president authorizes covert ops in Libya RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- US President Obama has a signed a secret order authorizing covert operations in support of Libyan rebels.
NATO Says Arming Libyan Rebels Not an Option VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- The alliance's chief said the body does not support the idea of arming the rebel forces.
Turkey against arming Libyan rebels: PM IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Turkish PM Erdogan: His government opposed to arming Libyan rebels fighting to oust Muammar Gaddafi from power.
Opposition Hopes to Gain Information from Libyan Defector VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Members of the Transitional Council have begun efforts to gain “strategic” information from defecting Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa.
Second High-Level Defection In Libya In Two Days RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- A second senior Libyan official has resigned his post in Muammar Qaddafi's government in as many days.
Libyan Government Dismisses Latest Key Defection VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- A Libyan government spokesman tried to put the best face on the defection of Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa.
Defection, Reports Of U.S. Secret Support Bring Hope To Libya's Rebels RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Qaddafi's government suffered an unexpected blow with the apparent defection of its foreign minister.
Gaddafi regime crumbling from within, says Hague IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Foreign Secretary, William Hague, proclaimed that the regime of Muammar Gaddafi was crumbling from within.
No deal over Libyan defection: British PM IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- UK Prime Minister David Cameron denied any deal has been made over the defection of the former Libyan foreign minister.
Libya's Foreign Minister Resigns, Arrives in Britain VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa has arrived in Britain and has declared he is leaving Moammar Gadhafi's government.
Libya Downplays Foreign Minister's Defection VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Libya is downplaying the defection of one of its key figures in political leadership.
Libyan foreign minister quits, flees to U.K. RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa arrived in London late on Wednesday and told British authorities he was going to resign from his post.
US Defense Chief Says Political, Economic Pressure Will Oust Gadhafi VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says political and economic pressures will eventually drive Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi from power.
Ghadafi Forces Reported Using Landmines VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- The International Campaign to Ban Landmines has strongly condemned the reported use of landmines in Libya.

NDC Inspection Group Spokesman Re-clarifies Principled Stand of DPRK KCNA 31 Mar 2011 -- A spokesman for the inspection group of the DPRK National Defence Commission issued a statement.

India, Pakistan to find pathways to resolve difficulties IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Whatever be the differences between India and Pakistan, we have to find pathways to resolve them, said India’s Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, at Mohali in Chandigarh.

Taiwan: No plans for cross-strait CBMs CNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Taiwan has no plans to establish cross-Taiwan Strait confidence-building measures as have been called for by China.

New Tensions Along Israel Gaza Border VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Israel's border with Gaza has been the scene of rising tensions.
Israeli Military Releases Map of Alleged Hezbollah Arms Depots VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- The Israeli military says it has collected information on nearly 1,000 bunkers, arms facilities and listening posts built by the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel To Indict Abducted Palestinian RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- A Palestinian man who was allegedly abducted by Israeli agents in Ukraine has appeared for the first time in an Israeli court.

US: Gbagbo Forces in Ivory Coast Begin to Crumble VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- The US State Department’s top African diplomat: Forces loyal to defeated Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo are beginning to crumble.
Tension High in Abidjan as Rebels Advance VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Fighters loyal to Alassane Ouattara took control of the large cocoa-exporting port city of San Pedro early Thursday, less than a day after seizing the administrative capital of Yamoussoukro.

Secretary Clinton Announcing the New Special Envoy for Sudan US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2011
US Names New Sudan Envoy Amid Concern Over Abyei VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- The Obama administration named veteran diplomat Princeton Lyman as its new special envoy for Sudan.

N. Caucasus leader urges militants to 'return to normal life' RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- The head of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria called Thursday on militants to surrender and resume living normal lives.
Chechen warlord's doctor killed in North Caucasus raid RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Police have identified the body of a personal doctor of infamous Chechen warlord Doku Umarov among the militants killed in a recent raid in southern Russia.
Russian official says North Caucasus ski resorts pay off militants RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Owners of North Caucasus ski resorts pay "tributes" to local militants in order to shield businesses and tourists from attacks.

China hits out at Japan's claim to Diaoyutai Islands RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- China strongly objects Japan's attempts to claim sovereignty over the disputed Diaoyutai Islands.

News Reports

Syria's President Announces Reform Measures VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Syria President Bashar al-Assad has announced a series of reform measures in an apparent bid to appease anti-government protesters.
Syria to Examine Lifting Emergency Law VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has established a committee to study the possibility of lifting the country's 50-year-old emergency law.
New Syria Protests Called For April 1 RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Protesters have called for more rallies across Syria on April 1 to demand political reform.
U.S. Says Assad's Speech Short On Reforms RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- The United States has sharply criticized Syria's President Bashar al-Assad for failing to address any of the reforms demanded by antigovernment protesters.

Yemen's Saleh Calls for Supporters to Rally in Sana'a on Friday VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is urging his supporters to rally in Sana'a, where opposition activists have been staging two months of mass protests demanding his ouster.

Bahraini Opposition: More than 300 Detained in Crackdown VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Bahrain's largest Shi'ite opposition party says the Gulf state's minority Sunni rulers are intensifying arrests of opposition activists.
Majlis: Saudi should not play with fire IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission issued its second statement to warn Saudi Arabia not to play with fire in the Persian Gulf and advised Saudis to pull their forces out of Bahrain.

More Iranian Political Activists Summoned To Intelligence Ministry RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Political activist and journalist Reza Alijani has been summoned to Iran's Intelligence Ministry.
Iranian Opposition: Police Arrest 7 at Funeral of Mousavi's Father VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Opposition website says security forces have arrested at least 7 people attending a funeral for the father of Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Kuwait's Cabinet Resigns in Political Dispute VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Kuwait's cabinet has resigned after parliament filed petitions to question three senior ministers who are part of the country's ruling al-Sabah family.

Egypt urged to scrap draft law outlawing protests and strikes IRNA 31 Mar 2011 -- The Egyptian authorities should scrap a draft law aimed at criminalizing strikes and protests, Amnesty International said ahead of demonstrations against the law set for Friday.

Securing Japan's Nuclear Reactors Grows Harder RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Several bits of bad news this week showed job at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant could be more difficult than originally thought.
Radiation Fears Leave 1,000 Bodies Unclaimed Near Japan Plant VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Authorities in Japan say they are unable to collect up to 1,000 dead bodies lying within 20-kilometers of the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Radioactivity 10,000 Times Standard At Japanese Plant RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Officials: Radioactive contamination in groundwater underneath reactor No. 2 has been measured at 10,000 times the gov standard.
No plans to expand Fukushima exclusion zone - authorities RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Japanese officials have no plans to expand the evacuation zone around the troubled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plant.
No options but to close Fukushima nuke plant - Japanese premier RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- Japan's troubled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant will most likely be closed down.
Radioactive iodine level near Fukushima 4,300 times above norm RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2011 -- The concentration of radioactive iodine in seawater near Japan's crippled Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant is currently 4,385 times above the norm.

China Urges Respect for New Burma Government VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- China has praised Burma’s new government for promoting democracy. Beijing denounced other countries for criticizing its close neighbor’s new administration, which was sworn in this week.

Nigeria Electoral Body 'Very Prepared' For Saturday's Vote VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- An official of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the electoral body is set and fully prepared to organize the National Assembly elections throughout the country Saturday.
Nigerian President Deploys Troops Ahead of Senate Election Saturday VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered a countrywide deployment of troops and other security personnel ahead of Senate elections Saturday.

Enhancing rule of law vital for peace and security in Haiti, UN report says UN News Centre 31 Mar 2011 -- Haitians must embrace the rule of law to advance peace and prosperity, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stresses in a new report.

Activists Detained In Baku Ahead Of Opposition Rally RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Several youth and opposition activists have been detained in Azerbaijan ahead of an antigovernment rally planned for April 2.

Leaked Cables Show U.S. Was Wrong On Ukraine's Yanukovych RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Embassy cables from Ukraine leaked recently by the website WikiLeaks prompt two observations.

EU 'To Keep Pressing Belarus' After Opposition Charges Lessened RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- The EU says it will continue to press for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus.

Police Bust Up Anti-Kremlin Rallies In Moscow, St. Petersburg RFE/RL 31 Mar 2011 -- Russian police detained dozens of anti-Kremlin protesters as they tried to demonstrate for the right to assemble.

High food prices keep millions in Asia-Pacific region in poverty - UN UN News Centre 31 Mar 2011 -- High food prices prevented more than 19 million people in the Asia-Pacific region from lifting themselves out of poverty last year.
High Food Prices in Asia-Pacific Keep 19 Million in Poverty VOA 31 Mar 2011 -- Nearly 20 million people in the Asia-Pacific region were kept in poverty last year by rising food prices, according to a U.N. study.

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