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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 21 Apr 2011 [PDF]
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 20 April 2011
• US Deploys Predator Drones in Libya VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- The Pentagon says the United States is now authorized to use armed Predator drones in Libya as yet another means to end the conflict there. Earlier Thursday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her Dutch counterpart, Uri Rosenthal, met at the State Department to discuss other ways to bring the violence to an end.
• Gates: Obama OKs Predator Strikes in Libya AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- President Barack Obama has approved the use of armed predator strikes in the international fight against Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s regime, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
• NATO searches oil tanker Anwaar Libya NATO 21 Apr 2011 -- NATO hailed and boarded the oil tanker Anwaar Libya today and after determining it was empty allowed it to resume its voyage from Tripoli to Tunisia.
• France Pledges Increased Air Strikes As Fighting Rages In Misurata RFE/RL 21 Apr 2011 -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged intensified NATO-led air strikes on Muammar Qaddafi's forces to help Libyan rebels fight off Qaddafi's attack on the western city of Misurata and eventually prevail over the longtime ruler of the north African country.
• Libyan Rebels Claim Taking Control Of Border Post RFE/RL 21 Apr 2011 -- Libyan rebels say they have seized control of a post on the Tunisian border near a former rebel-held town.
• Military invasion to remove Libya's Gaddafi 'not occupying forces' - French general RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- NATO forces operating in Libya may at any time send troops in to arrest Muammar Gaddafi without breaching the UN Security Council's resolution, former UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander Major-General Alain Pellegrini said on Thursday.
• NATO asks Libya's neighbors for assistance in fight against Gaddafi RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- Western powers involved in a military operation in Libya have asked the country's neighbors for help in defending rebels against President Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Algeria's Elkhabar paper reported on Thursday.
• DoD News: DOD Announces Unit for Upcoming Iraq Rotation DoD 21 Apr 2011 -- The Department of Defense announced today the deployment of a unit as part of an upcoming rotation of forces supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
• Kiowa pilots stop IED triggerman on Iraqi highway Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- The actions taken by Kiowa Warrior pilots last month prevented a triggerman for an improvised explosive device from harming Americans and Iraqis.
• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Kneip and Brig. Gen. Mulholland via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 21 Apr 2011 -- Presenter: Commander, Regional Command-North, Major General Markus Kneip, and Deputy Commander, Regional Command-North, Brigadier General Sean Mulholland
• NATO, Afghan Forces Make ‘Huge’ Gains in North AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- Coalition efforts in northern Afghanistan have become more relevant over the past year with the addition of new capabilities from U.S. forces, the top commander for the NATO International Security Assistance Force element in the region said today.
• Analysis: Conflict leads to Afghan displacement, but which side most to blame? IRIN 21 Apr 2011 -- One irony of the current security situation in Afghanistan is that foreign forces, whose ostensible aim is to protect civilians while fighting the Taliban, may be responsible - directly or indirectly - for the bulk of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country, whose number is rising.
• 17 killed, 1 detained during security operation in Kunar Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed 17 insurgents, including foreign fighters, and detained one suspected insurgent while searching for an al-Qaida senior leader during a security operation in Dangam district, Kunar province last night.
• Forces in Afghanistan Detain Numerous Insurgents AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- Combined forces yesterday captured a Taliban leader and numerous other suspected insurgents in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.
• Commander in Eastern Afghanistan Notes Progress AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- Coalition forces eventually will have to say they've done all they can in Afghanistan, but 'we're not there yet,' the commander of Regional Command East said here yesterday.
• FAST defenders keep fliers safe in Afghanistan AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- A C-130 Hercules shuddered as it hit a clay runway in Afghanistan on April 10. A pair of security forces Airmen, weighed down with body armor, weapons and pouches stuffed with ammunition, were the first two to step off the back ramp. Each took a side of the aircraft and watched as passengers and cargo quickly loaded into the still-running plane; propellers sprayed dust and sand. Within a matter of minutes, the pair of security forces Airmen folded back into the plane and it roared down the runway and back into the sky.
• US strikes in Pakistan harm anti-terror war: army chief IRNA 21 Apr 2011 -- Pakistan Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, has told the visiting chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, that the US drone strikes spark public anger against the anti-terror efforts.
• Pakistan Rejects US 'Negative Propaganda' on Militancy VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- The head of Pakistan's army has rejected U.S. suggestions that Islamabad is not doing enough in the war on terrorism.
• SECNAV Says Tomodachi Made US, Japan Alliance Stronger NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) thanked more than a thousand 7th Fleet Sailors and Marines in Yokosuka Apr. 20 who participated in disaster relief operations off the coast of Japan.
• Airmen provide vital link in Japan earthquake and tsunami relief AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- From a windowless vault within the Pacific Air Forces headquarters building, Airmen from the 561st Network Operations Squadron, Det. 1, provided the network support required to allow more than 770 sorties to deliver aid workers and supplies to Japan, starting March 12.
• Satellite supports relief efforts in Japan AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- The Wideband Global SATCOM system's unique dual-band and crossbanding capabilities are proving to be critical in the ongoing earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan, officials said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Secretary Gates and Gen. Cartwright from the Pentagon DoD 21 Apr 2011 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright
• Review to Consider Consequences of Budget Cuts AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the comprehensive defense review he plans to launch soon will ensure any further defense budget cuts are based on a well-thought-out analysis of the consequences of decisions made.
• Mullen: Meeting Reaffirms U.S.-Pakistan Ties AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- Reaffirmation of the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistani militaries was the most important aspect of his meeting last night with his Pakistani counterpart, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
• CNO Visits Russia NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited Russia to meet with members of the Russian Navy and further improve international maritime relationships, April 13-18.
• U.S. and French Submarine Commanders Discuss Cooperation NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Commander Submarines, Allied Naval Forces South, met with the commander of the French navy's submarine forces April 21, on board Naval Support Activity, Naples.
• USS Robert G. Bradley Welcomes AFRICOM Commander NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) welcomed Commander, U.S. Africa Command, Gen. Carter F. Ham aboard, during a port visit in Dakar, Senegal, April 20.
• USS Decatur Returns to San Diego NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) returned to San Diego, Calif., after completing a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR) April 21.
• Warfare Center Strengthens Maritime Strategy with Latest Coast Guard Capability NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona completed installation of two new eLog electronic maintenance systems aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Venturous (WMEC 625) and Resolute (WMEC 620), April 13, providing the ships with the capability to better track maintenance requirements.
• Navy Performance Evaluation Instruction Updated NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- An update to the Navy Performance Evaluation System instruction BUPERSINST 1610.10C was released April 21 by Navy Personnel Command (NPC).
• New Tugboat Provides Upgrade to Port Operations in Yokosuka NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- The U.S. flagged, heavy-lift ship BBC Houston delivered U.S. Navy tugboat Seminole (YT 805) from Tacoma, Wash., to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, April 8.
• UNITAS 52 Sets Sail to Strengthen Security Cooperation NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Three U.S. Navy ships, one U.S. Coast Guard cutter, four Brazilian navy ships and one Mexican navy ship departed Salvador, Brazil for the first sea phase of UNITAS Atlantic 52, April 19 and 20.
• Navy Prepares to Conduct Beta Fitness Test NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- The Navy, working with the University of Memphis Department of Health and Sport Sciences, will conduct tests of several new physical fitness exercises beginning July 11.
• USS Guardian Hosts U.S. Ambassador to Timor Leste NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) welcomed United States Ambassador to Timor Leste, Judith Fergin, aboard April 19.
• Robert G. Bradley Continues APS, Arrives in Dakar, Senegal NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Dakar, Senegal, April 20, for its second multinational exercise during Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.
• Commanders of USS Harpers Ferry and USS Germantown Exchange Command NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Dakar, Senegal, April 20, for its second multinational exercise during Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.
• Senior Naval Officers Seek Improvement in Anti-Submarine Warfare Through Summit NNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa hosted the first Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare Summit on Naval Support Activity, Naples, April 19.
• Third Army showcases its readiness during Lucky Warrior 2011 Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- Third Army conducted a readiness exercise at Camp Arifjan Apr. 16-19. The exercise, titled Lucky Warrior, helped ensure Third Army maintains a full spectrum of responsive capabilities through an effective forward-deployed force structure.
• Soldiers prep to pave new path in war Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- Though the divisive issue of women taking frontline combat roles is currently being volleyed back and forth in Washington, D.C.'s political discourse, the Army has recently begun assembling small teams of female Soldiers for a new strategy not yet attempted during the war in Afghanistan. Schweinfurt Soldiers gearing up for deployment later this year are leading the way with this new initiative.
• Army organization streamlines the COMSEC process to do "more without more" Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- Project Director Communications Security (PD COMSEC) is partnering with platform and system integrators across the U.S. Army to more efficiently secure networked mission command solutions whose future enhancements will require greater protection.
• 4-10th leads way in resiliency Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- How do you know that your resiliency program is dialed in and working? When Soldiers openly talk about having issues and escort others to programs where they can get treatment. You also know it's working when you spend $350,000 less than before.
• Maj Gen Abrams assumes command of 3rd ID from Maj Gen Cucolo Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- With 29 years of service, Maj. Gen. Robert B. Abrams comes to the Marne Division, April 15, after serving as the 17th commanding general of Fort Irwin and the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Ca.
• Army's research command ups ante in nationwide thrust to grow systems engineering Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- At a ceremony here April 18, the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) signed on with the nation's leading systems engineering professors who are collaborating across the nation to meet a Defense Department need to reclaim excellence in a critical skill.
• Motors, manuals and motivation Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- The sound of an air compressor and the smell of grease filled a dimly lit bay while mechanics wearing coveralls concentrated over their work.
• Armed Forces Reserve Center dedicated Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- Fort Sill, Oklahoma Army Reserve and National Guard, and state leaders dedicated the Fort Sill Armed Forces Reserve Center here Friday, consolidating the battle assembly sites of 13 Reserve and Guard units.
• Maintenance mentorship collaboration graduates Afghan vehicle maintainers Army News 21 Apr 2011 -- Four Afghan Soldiers graduated from the inaugural session of the M1114 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle 45-day maintenance mentorship program during a ceremony held here April 13.
• Original Black Sheep impart history to the new herd USMC News 21 Apr 2011 -- Marine Attack Squadron 214 welcomed three of its founding members, along with the son of its legendary commander, to the station April 14, 2011, for a reunion with each other and the squadron they helped create and name.
• Marines conduct Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal training USMC News 21 Apr 2011 -- President Barack Obama signed The Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Dec. 22, 2010, which set the conditions for the repeal of the U.S. military's DADT policy.
• VMU-4 serves as eye in Yuma sky for WTI USMC News 21 Apr 2011 -- The Marines of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4 are participating in their first Weapons and Tactics Instructor course here, spending more than a week in the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in California.
• Wake Island Avengers take on Japan USMC News 21 Apr 2011 -- Marine Aircraft Group 12 welcomed Marine-Attack Squadron 211 into its hangars here April 6 as the squadron nears the end of its Western Pacific deployment.
• Bulk fuel specialists ... pump aircraft up USMC News 21 Apr 2011 -- Most jobs in the military are vital to keeping the Marine Corps operational. One job in the Marine Corps that continually allows the station to run smoothly is bulk fuel specialist.
• Air Force on track with KC-46A program AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Air Force and Boeing Company officials met for the KC-46A program post-award conference recently to discuss program specifics, including a technical overview of the program.
• Elmendorf Airmen deploy to Kadena, test capabilities AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- A group of pilots and maintainers from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, deployed here earlier in 2011, along with their F-22 Raptors, to test their capabilities in a new environment, setting records in the process.
• Air Force leader talks future of air, missile defense at ISAD 2020 AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- The Air Force's senior leader in U.S. Central Command met with other military leaders from around the globe during the International Symposium on Air Defense 2020 from April 17 to 19 at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service Revamps Website AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials are rolling out a redesigned website tonight to give the Defense Department’s workforce easier, quicker access to the information they need.
• Agency Focuses on Efficiency During Relocation AFPS 21 Apr 2011 -- With less than five months left for the Defense Department to comply with a congressionally directed base realignment and closure plan, an agency on the front lines of the department’s cost-savings initiatives is keeping focused on the mission while relocating its headquarters staff.
• DoD News: DOD Announces Winners of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence DoD 21 Apr 2011 -- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced today the winners of the 2011 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.
• DoD News: Value Engineering Achievement Award Winners Announced DoD 21 Apr 2011-- The Department of Defense announces the winners of the fiscal 2010 Department of Defense Value Engineering Achievement Awards.
• DOD officials authorize Armed Forces Service Medal for Haiti relief efforts AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Department of Defense officials approved the Armed Forces Service Medal for personnel assigned to Operation Unified Response who participated in humanitarian relief assistance to the people of Haiti following a 7.0 earthquake Jan. 12, 2010.
• Officials announce officer voluntary separation pay results and updates to reduction-in-force targets AFNS 21 Apr 2011 -- Air Force officials announced updates April 20 to voluntary separation pay approvals and reduction-in-force targets as part of the fiscal 2011 force management program for officers.
• Army chopper with four crew members missing in northeast India IRNA 21 Apr 2011 -- An Indian Army helicopter with two pilots and two soldiers went missing Thursday while flying over north Sikkim, triggering concerns over the fate of the machine and the personnel.
• Indian Air Force to deploy more fighter aircraft along Pak border IRNA 21 Apr 2011 -- Strengthening its presence along Pakistan border, Indian Air Force will deploy two squadrons of its frontline air superiority Su-30MKI fighter in Jodhpur.
• Indonesian Navy successfully tests Russian anti-ship missile RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- The Indonesian Navy has successfully tested a Russian-made anti-ship missile for the first time, the Antara national news agency reported on Thursday.
• April 21, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2011
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney Aboard Air Force One en route Reno, NV The White House 21 Apr 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 21, 2011
• Boeing, US Navy Mark Delivery of 500th Super Hornet/Growler Boeing 21 Apr 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy celebrated a milestone delivery on April 20 in St. Louis: 500 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and derivative EA-18G Growlers have joined the Navy's tactical aircraft fleet.
• General Dynamics Awarded $37 Million for Ammunition Demilitarization General Dynamics 21 Apr 2011 -- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a $37 million contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., for demilitarization of munitions. The total potential value of the contract is $163 million over five years if all options are exercised.
• CACI Awarded Prime Position on $2.5 Billion Multiple-Award Contract to Provide Resource Support Services for U.S. Army CACI 21 Apr 2011 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it has been selected as one of 13 prime contractors to provide mobilization and deployment planning support on the U.S. Army Forces Command's (FORSCOM) Operations, Planning, Training and Resource Support Services II (OPTARSS II) contract.
• Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Integration of MONAX Communications System with Air Force Base Network Lockheed Martin 21 Apr 2011 -- Military commanders may soon have the ability to access the full range of smartphone applications anywhere on their installations with the Lockheed Martin MONAX 3G wireless communications system. Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the ability to successfully integrate MONAX to the legacy voice and data communications deployable infrastructure with the 3rd Combat Communications Group, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.
• U.S. Army Awards Raytheon $173 Million Contract for Excalibur Raytheon 21 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received a $173 million U.S. Army fiscal year 2010 contract for the production of Excalibur precision-guided projectile rounds for in-theater use. This contract marks the beginning of full rate production for Excalibur Ia-2.
• Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems Achieves Highly Acclaimed CMMI-DEV® Level 5 Rating Raytheon 21 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business has achieved a Capability Maturity Model Integration for Development (CMMI®-DEV) Maturity Level 5.

Other Conflicts

• 21 April 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Apr 2011
• Libyan Rebels Seize Border Outpost as Fighting Rages VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- As Libyan government forces continue to shell the besieged western Libyan port city of Misrata, civilian casualties mount and the situation inside the rebel-controlled part of the city becomes increasingly desperate. International humanitarian groups, meanwhile, are evacuating hundreds of people stranded inside the city.
• UN may send humanitarian mission to Libya this weekend RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- The UN may send its humanitarian aid and workers to Libya this weekend, said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos.
• Obama, Cameron discuss stepping up diplomatic pressure on Gaddafi RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- Leaders of U.S. and U.K. discussed ways of stepping up diplomatic pressure on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the White House press service said in a statement.
• Libyan Rebels Take Border Crossing, Pro-Gadhafi Forces Surrender VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses in western Libya say rebels have taken control of a remote border crossing with Tunisia, following fierce clashes with pro-government forces.
• Sri Lanka asks UN not to make public war crime report IRNA 21 Apr 2011 -- Sri Lankan Government on Thursday asked the United Nations not to make public its report on alleged war crimes in the country, saying it could set back its reconciliation efforts.
• Sri Lanka: Releasing UN Report Would Do 'Irrevocable Damage' VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Hours before the release of a U.N. report about suspected war crimes committed by Sri Lanka's government, top officials in Colombo are pleading to keep the report secret, arguing it would derail the country's reconciliation process.
• Ongoing fighting in Côte d'Ivoire threatens efforts to restore peace, UN warns UN News Centre 21 Apr 2011 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire today deplored the ongoing fighting in neighbourhoods of the commercial capital, Abidjan, warning that the clashes could threaten efforts to restore peace and security following the recent post-electoral crisis.
• Ivorian Army Attacks Former Militia Allies VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Residents of Ivory Coast's main city say soldiers loyal to new President Alassane Ouattara have engaged in heavy fighting with a militia that helped to bring Ouattara to power.
• African Union Reinstates Ivory Coast VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- The African Union has reinstated Ivory Coast as a member in good standing, lifting the suspension imposed after former president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat in last November's presidential election. The AU Peace and Security Council also heard a troubling report on political developments in Somalia.
• UN political chief urges 'bold and decisive' steps to revive Middle East peace talks UN News Centre 21 Apr 2011 -- The United Nations political affairs chief today voiced concern over the continuing deadlock in peace talks aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and urged both parities to make bold and decisive steps to end the stalemate and to avoid violence and provocative actions that could undermine political efforts.
• Sudan: Security Council urges parties to peace pact to resolve outstanding issues UN News Centre 21 Apr 2011 -- The Security Council today urged both parties to the agreement that ended the war between northern and southern Sudan to iron out outstanding issues before Southern Sudan becomes a separate country in July, and encouraged then to enter dialogue with the United Nations on the future of its presence there.
• Nigerian President Calls Out More Security Forces VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is calling out more security forces to stop rioting that has followed his election. The president's leading challenger says that vote was rigged.
• Taiwan wants peaceful resolution to South China Sea dispute: MOFA CNA 21 Apr 2011 -- Taiwan hopes to achieve a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea territorial dispute and is not in favor of any actions that could cause an escalation of tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) official said Thursday.

News Reports

• Syria Lifts Emergency Rule as Forces Deploy in Homs VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ratified a law that ends almost 50 years of emergency rule on Thursday, the same day the government deployed security forces in the central city of Homs.
• Japan Declares Exclusion Zone Around Nuclear Plant VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Almost six weeks after a devastating earthquake and tsunami sparked Japan's worst-ever nuclear crisis, the country's government is stepping up restrictions on the movement of people near the Fukushima Daiichi plant. From Friday, police will have the power to detain anyone with a 20-kilometer radius around the plant.
• Indian political party demands stop on all new nuclear projects IRNA 21 Apr 2011 -- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) on Thursday demanded an immediate stop on all new nuclear projects, saying it was 'elementary' for the government to pay heed to public protests against such plants after the Fukushima disaster.
• Belarusian President Defiant As Political, Economic Tensions Mount RFE/RL 21 Apr 2011 -- A stubborn and defiant President Alyaksandr Lukashenka delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address before the Belarusian parliament, in what he described as 'an unusual sociopolitical atmosphere.'
• President Lukashenko says West trying 'to strangle' Belarus RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday Western countries are preparing direct interference in his country's affairs and are trying 'to strangle the country with a slipknot.'
• EASTERN AFRICA: Consumers, traders feel the burn as prices skyrocket IRIN 21 Apr 2011 -- Low- and middle-income earners across eastern and central Africa are reeling from the mounting cost of living brought on by a sharp increase in commodity prices in the past few months.
• Sustained efforts needed to eliminate bird flu in remaining countries – UN UN News Centre 21 Apr 2011 -- While most countries have managed to stamp out bird flu, eliminating the virus from poultry in the six countries where it remains endemic will take at least 10 years, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says in a new report.
• Haiti: UN-constructed temporary Parliament handed over to head of Senate UN News Centre 21 Apr 2011 -- The United Nations envoy for Haiti has handed over to the president of the country’s senate a prefabricated building that will temporarily house the Parliament until the one destroyed by the earthquake in January last year is rebuilt.
• Ban lauds Ukraine's contributions to global peace and security UN News Centre 21 Apr 2011 -- From its vital support in protecting civilians during the Côte d'Ivoire crisis to its role in combating poverty, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today lauded Ukraine's contributions to peace and security, while adding that its experiences offer useful lessons for emerging democracies in the Arab world.
• Russia may launch light Soyuz carrier rocket by 2012 RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2011 -- Russia will be ready to launch a light version of a Soyuz carrier rocket by 2012, commander of the Russian Space Forces Oleg Ostapenko said on Thursday.
• Thales Alenia Space to supply new version of EGNOS system to ESA Thales 21 Apr 2011 -- Thales Alenia Space announced today that it has signed a 54.5 million euro contract with the European Space Agency (ESA), acting on behalf of the European Commission, to supply a new version of EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System), incorporating improvements that are indispensable for enhanced operability. The 28-month contract will upgrade critical subsystems that had become obsolete, and provide significant improvements in the operation and extension of the system.