Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 22 Jun 2011 [PDF]
• Many US Officials Concerned About War Costs VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Some U.S. officials voicing concern about the burgeoning cost of American involvement in simultaneous wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Libya.
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 21 Jun 2011
• Rasmussen Says NATO Will Not Stop Libya Bombing RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen says the alliance will continue its bombing campaign in Libya.
• NATO set to continue Libya operation - Rasmussen RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- NATO will continue its bombings of Libya, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in a video address on Wednesday.
• Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi The White House 22 Jun 2011
• Army on course to leave Iraq by December Army News 22 Jun 2011 -- General helping to ensure the Dec. 31 deadline is met said that many of the tasks the military now does will fall into the hands of the State Department and Iraqi Security Forces.
• Iranian Officials Unhurt After Baghdad Attack VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a series of shooting and bomb attacks in the capital, Baghdad, has killed one person and wounded about 30 others.
• Iran says visiting delegation in Iraq safe, sound ISNA 22 Jun 2011 -- Iranian ambassador to Iraq Hassan Danaei-Far said on Wednesday the visiting Iranian delegation in Iraq is safe and sound.
• Iran Says Oil Officials Attacked In Iraq RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Iran's Oil Ministry said that a visiting Iranian oil delegation was attacked by "terrorists" in Iraq on June 22 but were unharmed.
• Ban calls for further steps by Iraq to fulfil post-invasion pledges to Kuwait UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban has encouraged the Iraqi Government to act quickly to fulfil its obligations to find Kuwaiti or third country nationals, property and archives lost in Saddam Hussein’s invasion.
• Remarks by the President on the Way Forward in Afghanistan The White House 22 Jun 2011
• Background Conference Call with Senior Administration Officials to Preview the President's Plan for Implementing His Strategy to Draw Down Troops in Afghanistan The White House 22 Jun 2011
• Obama Announces Troop Reductions, Way Forward in Afghanistan AFPS 22 Jun 2011 -- Thanks to the tremendous progress U.S., coalition and Afghan troops have made, the United States will draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan by 10,000 this year and 33,000 by the end of summer 2012, President Barack Obama said here tonight.
• Obama Cuts US 'Surge' Troops in Afghanistan VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- President Barack Obama plans to withdraw one-third of U.S. forces from Afghanistan by late 2012. The president said Wednesday the recent increase in troop strength is meeting its goals.
• Obama to Order Faster Withdrawal of US Troops From Afghanistan VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- President Barack Obama addresses the nation Wednesday to announce his plan for drawing down U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
• US Lawmakers Debate Afghanistan Ahead of Obama Speech VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Lawmakers in Washington passionately debated the costs and benefits of a war that has lasted nearly 10 years.
• Polls Show Americans Weary of Afghan Conflict VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- The beginning of the expected drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan follows a steady decline in American public support for a war that has gone on for nearly 10 years.
• Obama to Announce Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- President Barack Obama addresses the country Wednesday to make the case for a phased withdrawal of American military forces from the war with the Taliban and al-Qaida.
• Force Kills Insurgents, Captures Taliban Leaders AFPS 22 Jun 2011 -- An Afghan-led combined security force killed two armed insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Afghanistan’s Laghman province.
• 12 Afghan Police Killed or Injured in Taliban Attacks VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Afghan officials say at least 12 policemen have been killed or wounded in two separate Taliban attacks on checkpoints.
• Pakistani Army Investigates Four Officers About Extremist Ties RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- The Pakistani army says it is questioning four more officers about suspected links with a banned extremist group.
• 4 die in firing on Shia pilgrims bus in Pakistan IRNA 22 Jun 2011 -- Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bus, carrying Shia Muslim pilgrims, in Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta, and killed four people.
• NY Guard Soldiers deploy for Cuba mission Army News 22 Jun 2011 -- The New York Army National Guard's 107th Military Police Company has a rich, centuries-old heritage of worldwide service defending America, and now they're preparing to do it again -- at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Panetta Approved As New U.S. Defense Chief RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- The United States Senate has unanimously approved the nomination of Leon Panetta to be America's next defense secretary.
• Sharp says alliance ready to counter provocations Army News 22 Jun 2011 -- The top U.S. military commander in Korea said the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance is ready to counter any provocations against South Korea.
• Rodong Sinmun on Japan and VTOL Transport Plane KCNA 22 Jun 2011 -- Japan is about to allow the deployment of U.S. vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) transport plane in the Futenma military base.
• Top Pentagon Doctor Dispenses Leadership Message AFPS 22 Jun 2011 -- The Pentagon’s top doctor and health affairs advisor yesterday delivered leadership advice to military doctors-in-training.
• Watervliet Arsenal welcomes Navy business...again Army News 22 Jun 2011 -- Defense contractor OTO Melara North America, Inc. announced that it will bring U.S. Navy business back to the Army’s Watervliet Arsenal after an absence of many years.
• Airman solves fuel-flow transmitter problem, saves Air Force thousands AFNS 22 Jun 2011 -- An Airman here was recently awarded a check worth $10,000 through the Innovative Development Employee Awareness program.
• Contracting Command Unveils Colors To Cement Move Army News 22 Jun 2011 -- The Army Contracting Command is now an official resident of sweet home Alabama.
• IAAFA continues to expand security cooperation initiatives AFNS 22 Jun 2011 -- The Air Force has implemented education and training institutions such as the Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy.
• USS Columbia Departs for Western Pacific Deployment NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- USS Columbia departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region, June 21.
• HSC-25 Sailors Return Home From Deployment NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- Family members and friends welcomed Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 Det. 6 Sailors home from a six-month deployment.
• George Washington Begins CART II NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- The Afloat Training Group, Commander Task Force 70, and Commander, Naval Air Forces began drills aboard USS George Washington for the ship's annual Command Assessment Readiness and Training II, June 21.
• ONR-funded, Anti-Submarine Warfare Trainer Team Recognized NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- The P-3 Aircrew Tactical Team Trainer , developed with funding from the Office of Naval Research, was honored June 22 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
• U.S., Australian Forces to Conduct Talisman Sabre 2011 NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- More than 22,000 U.S. and Australian personnel will participate in the military training exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 in Australia during the month of July.
• CAPEX tests Kunsan's bomb-building abilities AFNS 22 Jun 2011 -- The Combat Ammunition Production Exercise is underway here June 6 to 10, to test the 8th Fighter Wing Airmen's capabilities to build munitions to support combat sorties.
• Bowditch Completes U.S./Vietnam Oceanographic Survey Mission NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- USNS Bowditch marked the conclusion of a month long, bilateral survey mission in Vietnam by hosting Vietnamese military and government officials in Da Nang, Vietnam, June 21.
• U.S., Chilean Divers Share Knowledge NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Navy divers assigned to Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit 2 Company 23, arrived in Valparaiso, Chile, to exchange knowledge and tactics with divers of the Armada de Chile June 21.
• Project Handclasp, Pacific Partnership Bring Supplies to South Pacific NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- Project Handclasp, a U.S. Navy-sponsored humanitarian aid program, partnered with Pacific Partnership 2011, to provide more than four tons of supplies for Timor-Leste June 22.
• U.S. Charges Kosovar Alleged Gunman With Germany Attack RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- U.S. federal prosecutors in New York City have filed murder charges against a man accused of shooting at Frankfurt airport in Germany.
• Minot Airmen aid community affected by flood AFNS 22 Jun 2011 -- City officials have ordered citizens of Minot, N.D., including more than 950 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and their families, to evacuate downtown homes.
• Guam Agencies, Military Complete Typhoon Readiness Exercise NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- Joint Region Marianas, Andersen Air Force Base, U.S. Naval Base Guam and several Government of Guam agencies conducted Exercise Typhoon Pakyo.
• PCS on Track NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- Navy Personnel Command leaders said permanent change-of-station order writing is efficiently operating, June 22.
• Navy Wins International Robotic Sailboat Competition NNS 22 Jun 2011 -- A team of 12 United States Naval Academy graduates and midshipmen won first place at the 2011 SailBot competition for robotic sailboats, held June 13-16 at the academy in Annapolis, Md.
• Russia ratifies extension of military base deal in Armenia RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- The Russian Federation Council, the upper chamber of the parliament, ratified a protocol extending Russia's use of a military base in Armenia.
• Latvia says could seek NATO support over Mistral threat RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- Latvia will ask NATO for support if Russia deploys French-built Mistral warships in the Baltic Sea.
• South Korea Exercises KCNA 22 Jun 2011 -- The 5th Infantry Division of the army announced on June 20 that it would stage a field tactical drill in the area of Jongok, Ryonchon County, Kyonggi Province.
• Taiwan has set aside funds for arms procurement: president CNA 22 Jun 2011 -- President Ma Ying-jeou: Administration had allocated a budget for the procurement of weapons Taiwan needs to protect its security.
• Supreme Leader: Arms production in Iran seeks defensive purposes IRNA 22 Jun 2011 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei: Arms production in Iran is aimed at defending the country.
• Australia Reviews Military Deployment to Better Protect Oil Assets VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Australia has begun a review of its military capabilities that could lead to a new focus on the country's resource-rich northwestern coast.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, June 22, 2011 US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 22, 2011
• General Dynamics Awarded Air Force Airborne Imagery Task Order General Dynamics 22 Jun 2011 -- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has been awarded a $4.7 million task order to provide airborne advanced geospatial intelligence (AGI) battlespace awareness support to the U.S. Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC).
• BAE Systems Awarded $26.6 Million Contract Modification for Propulsor Program BAE Systems 22 Jun 2011 -- BAE Systems received a $26.6 million contract modification from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to produce two additional units of the Virginia Class Propulsor. This award is an important step in strengthening BAE Systems' Propulsor manufacturing base in Louisville, Ky., following its move from Minneapolis. BAE Systems has already produced and delivered 11 Propulsor units to the U.S. Navy.
• BAE Systems Awarded Contract for Work on MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems BAE Systems 22 Jun 2011 -- BAE Systems has been awarded a $55 million contract for manufacturing Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) mechanical components and assemblies. The Mk 41 VLS provides a missile launching system for CG 47 and DDG 51 class surface combatants, and Aegis Ashore requirements for the Missile Defense Agency's Ground Ballistic Missile Defense Program. The Mk 41 is the primary missile launching system aboard Navy combatants used to store, protect and launch various missiles. BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are teamed to build the overall VLS.
• Boeing Names KC-46 Tanker Suppliers Boeing 22 Jun 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the supplier team that will provide key components for the U.S. Air Force's KC-46 Tanker. The Air Force selected Boeing on Feb. 24 to replace 179 Eisenhower-era KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft.
• Northrop Grumman and SELEX Galileo Execute an MOU to Jointly Pursue the International DIRCM Market Northrop Grumman 22 Jun 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at jointly pursuing the international directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) market. Capitalizing on their unique experience and capability in the development and production of laser-based DIRCM systems, the document further strengthens the existing industry-leading DIRCM strategic alliance and enables the two companies to aggressively target the 'rest-of-the-world' DIRCM marketplace.
• NASAMS Live-Fire Exercise a Success Raytheon 22 Jun 2011 -- The Royal Norwegian Air Force conducted a successful tactical live-fire exercise of its National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), a surface-launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile system, earlier this month at the Andoya Rocket Range in Northern Norway. This annual live-fire exercise, called Silver Arrow, was attended by both Raytheon and KONGSBERG, along with several potential international customers.
• Raytheon Offers New Ground-Based Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Raytheon 22 Jun 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and its international partners will introduce a new ground-based Evolved SeaSparrow Missile at the Paris Air Show. The ground-based ESSM features multi-use capabilities for both naval and land-based applications.
• Raytheon's Combat-Proven AESA Radars Continue to Set the Standard Raytheon 22 Jun 2011 -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) active electronically scanned array radar technology recently achieved more than 250,000 operational flight hours. Used by customers around the world on multiple platforms, more than 300 radar systems have been delivered to domestic and international customers to help ensure their mission success.
• ThalesRaytheonSystems Celebrates 10 Years of Transatlantic Defense Cooperation With Future Roadmap to Address Growing Threats in Missile Defense and Cyber Raytheon 22 Jun 2011 -- ThalesRaytheonSystems, an international leader in air defense command and control systems and ground-based radars, this month marks a decade as the defense industry's first transatlantic joint venture. In 10 years, ThalesRaytheonSystems has partnered with defense organizations around the world to provide protection and security to forces and assets in more than 50 countries.
• Sikorsky Aerospace Services and Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Sign Teaming Agreement for Aftermarket Support in Germany Sikorsky 22 Jun 2011 -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced today the signing of a teaming agreement at the Paris Show with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics to provide long-term training and logistics support to the German armed forces should the Government of Germany select the MH148 CYCLONE™ multi-mission helicopter for its naval rotorcraft needs. SAS is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
• Colombian BLACK HAWK Helicopter Fleet Exceeds 300,000 Flight Hour Milestone Sikorsky 22 Jun 2011 -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today at the Paris Air Show that Colombia's UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopter fleet has surpassed the 300,000 flight hour milestone. Colombia's Army, National Police, and Air Force combine to operate nearly 100 BLACK HAWK helicopters for a variety of missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, anti-drug, and counter-insurgency operations. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
• Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance Study Finds Increase in Government Adoption of Cloud Computing, Despite Security Concerns Lockheed Martin 22 Jun 2011 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and its Cyber Security Alliance partners today released a study revealing security remains the single biggest concern on the minds of government information technology decision-makers when it comes to cloud computing. Despite these security concerns, 50% are now considering cloud applications for their agencies, versus only 12% a year ago.
• Lockheed Martin Completes Antenna Installation on Guam to Support U.S. Air Force Weather Mission Lockheed Martin 22 Jun 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] engineers have completed installation of a XLS-band antenna at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam that will allow military commanders to receive real time weather information for operational use. This is one in a series of six installations around the globe under the U.S. Air Force MARK IVB program with remaining antennas to be installed in Kuwait and Hawaii by October.
• Northrop Grumman's Exclusive Resonator Gyro Achieves 18 Million Operating Hours in Space Northrop Grumman 22 Jun 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) patented hemispherical resonator gyro (HRG) technology, which is used for various space and military applications, recently achieved a major milestone of 18 million hours of continuous operation with 100 percent mission success.
• Sagem delivers first prototype primary mirror segments for the European Extremely Large Telescope Sagem (Safran group) 22 Jun 2011 -- Sagem (Safran group) has delivered to ESO (European Southern Observatory) the first five prototype segments for the primary mirror on the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), a major step forward in proving the feasibility of this exciting new instrument.
• European Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space sign production agreement for Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) Thales 22 Jun 2011 -- The European Space Agency (ESA) and Thales Alenia Space have signed yesterday an agreement for the production of the atmospheric reentry demonstrator IXV (Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle) and its Ground Segment, paving the way for the signature of the contract by end June.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 22 June 2011 United Nations 22 Jun 2011
• General Assembly urges States to always seek peaceful means of conflict resolution UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- The General Assembly exhorted Member States to strictly adhere to their obligations under the United Nations Charter.
• Italy's FM Calls for End to Hostilities in Libya VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Italian PM Berlusconi has been under growing pressure from the Northern League party to decide an end date to withdraw from Libya.
• Italy, Arab League Head Call for End of Hostilities in Libya VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Italy's foreign minister and the outgoing head of the Arab League have each called for a halt to hostilities in Libya.
• Italian FM Calls For Humanitarian Halt To Hostilities In Libya RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Italy's FM Frattini has called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Libya to allow humanitarian aid to reach the population.
• Sheikh asks Saudi king to prevent Yemeni president's return RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- Yemeni opposition tribal chief Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar urged the king of Saudi Arabia to prevent President Ali Abdullah Saleh's return to the country.
• Dozens of Militants Escape Southern Yemen Prison VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Security officials in Yemen say dozens of al-Qaida militants have escaped from a prison after an attack on the facility in the country's south.
• Officials: 40 Al-Qaeda Militants Escape Yemeni Jail RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Local security officials say dozens of al-Qaeda militants have escaped from a jail in southern Yemen.
• Statement from the President on Sudan The White House 22 Jun 2011
• Obama Describes Situation in Sudan's S. Kordofan State as 'Dire' VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has described the situation in Sudan's Southern Kordofan state as "dire" and pressed the north and south to immediately impose a cease-fire.
• Treatment of civilians in Southern Kordofan 'reprehensible,' says UN official UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- The UN humanitarian chief says the way civilians are being treated in the Sudanese state of Southern Kordofan is “reprehensible”.
• SUDAN: Insecurity, land conflicts threaten peace in Upper Nile State IRIN 22 Jun 2011 -- Officials in Upper Nile State are working to boost peace and reconciliation in a state prone to insecurity, conflicts over land and inter-communal animosity.
• Taiwan mulling steps to fortify claim to South China Sea: minister CNA 22 Jun 2011 -- Plans are in the works to better defend Taiwan's sovereignty claim over the South China Sea.
• Press Conference by Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict on Agreement with Chad to End Use of Child Soldiers, 22 June 2011 United Nations 22 Jun 2011
• Demobilized Chadian child soldiers will need help with re-integration - UN UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- Top UN official concerned with children in armed conflict said Chad would need assistance in re-integrating into society child soldiers.
• US Warns Americans Against Joining Gaza Aid Flotilla VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- The United States has warned Americans against participating in an international aid flotilla aimed at breaking Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
• UN welcomes Israel's decision to approve construction projects in Gaza UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- A top United Nations envoy in the Middle East has welcomed Israel’s decision to allow UN-backed construction projects in the Gaza Strip.
• Armenian President Cautiously Upbeat Ahead Of Karabakh Summit RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian has been cautiously optimistic about an upcoming Armenian-Azerbaijani summit in Russia.
• Kazan meeting may help resolve Karabakh conflict says OCSE chief RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- The dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorny Karabakh could move closer to a resolution if a meeting between the presidents of the two countries and regional power Russia is successful.
• Chechen leader demands judges take tough line on 'terrorists' RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov criticized on Wednesday judges in the southern Russian republic for being soft on "terrorists and murderers."
• Russia 'Disappointed' As Transdniester Reunification Talks Fail RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Russia has said a conference aimed at finding an end to the standoff between Moldova and its breakaway Transdniester region has failed.

News Reports

• Readout of the President's Meeting with the National Endowment for Democracy's 2011 Democracy Award Recipients The White House 22 Jun 2011
• Syrian FM Says No Iranian Intervention, Blasts Europe VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Syrian FM Moallem: Syria is not receiving any help from Iran in its continuing crackdown on dissidents.
• EU Agrees to Expand Syria Sanctions VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- European Union diplomats say the 27-nation bloc has agreed to expand sanctions against Syria, adding seven individuals, including three Iranians.
• Syria thanks Russia for stance on resolution RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- Damascus highly values Moscow's position against UNSC's possible adoption of a resolution on Syria similar to one passed against Libya.
• US Criticizes Severity of Bahrain Sentences VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- The US is expressing concern about the severity of life prison terms handed down to Bahraini activists accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
• U.S. 'Concerned' Over Life Sentences For Shi'ite Activists In Bahrain RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- The United States has voiced concern over a Bahrain court's sentencing eight Shi'ite opposition activists to life in prison.
• Bahrain Sentences 8 Shi'ite Activists to Life in Prison VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- A special court in Bahrain has sentenced eight Shi'ite activists to life in prison on charges of plotting to overthrow the government following opposition protests earlier this year.
• Bahrain Sentences Eight Shi'ite Activists To Life RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- A special court in Bahrain has sentenced to life in prison eight Shi'ite activists on charges of plotting a coup during protests earlier this year.
• Will a Rush to Elections in Egypt Undo Its Revolution? VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- After street protests forced Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down after thirty years in power, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces took on the temporary rule of the country.
• Egypt's Brotherhood, 17 Parties Establish Election Platform VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has joined with 17 political parties to establish what they call a pro-democracy platform for parliamentary elections scheduled for September.
• Secretary-General welcomes Morocco's constitutional reform plan UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the constitutional reform proposals which the Moroccan Government will put to the country’s people at a referendum in July.
• Human Rights Group Protests Detention of Former Ivorian President's Supporters VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- International human rights group Amnesty International has expressed outrage over the detention of at least 50 supporters of former president Laurent Gbagbo.
• Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi Asks for US Support for Rights Inquiry VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- The leader of Burma’s opposition movement has urged the U.S. Congress to do what it can to make sure that her government adheres to a UN Human Rights Council resolution on Burma.
• Burmese Opposition Leader to Speak to US Lawmakers Via Video VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Members of a U.S. congressional committee will watch videotaped remarks from Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who will discuss her country's recent national elections.
• China Says Artist Ai Weiwei Freed On Bail RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, detained since April, has been released on bail.
• China Frees Dissident Artist Ai Weiwei VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Chinese state media say internationally known artist and dissident Ai Weiwei has been freed after nearly three months in detention.
• Japanese accident offers lessons on nuclear safety UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- The accident at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power station offers lessons for the whole world on how to improve nuclear safety.
• Japanese Prime Minister Clings to Office VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Japan's governing party pushed through an extension of the current Parliamentary session by 70 days, despite the objections of the opposition.
• Photographer Shot in Northern Ireland Riots VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Two nights of clashes between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland have left three people injured, in violence that is among the most intense in the province in years.
• Three shot during two days of Northern Ireland rioting IRNA 22 Jun 2011 -- A press photographer has become the latest victim in a new wave of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland when he was shot in the leg.
• Haiti: UN mission urges formation of a government without delay UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- The UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti urged the country’s authorities to immediately form a government that will serve the people and fulfil their expectations.
• Cameroon Electoral Chief 'Impressed' With Voter Registration VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- The chairman of the Electoral Board of Elections Cameroon is impressed with the number of voters registered for next October’s general elections.
• Kyrgyz Parliament Leader Charged With More Serious Crimes RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- The Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General's Office says the charges against the leader of the Ata-Jurt (Fatherland) party in parliament have been increased.
• Armenian President Vows Free Elections, Further Dialogue With Opposition RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian has insisted that he is committed to holding democratic elections.
• TIMOR-LESTE: On the way up but still a long way to go IRIN 22 Jun 2011 -- As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a stable political system and improving education infrastructure, Timor-Leste is gradually raising its profile in the region, leaders say.
• Reelected As UN Chief, Ban Promises Results That 'People Can See And Touch' RFE/RL 22 Jun 2011 -- The UN General Assembly has elected Ban Ki-moon for a second term as secretary-general of the United Nations.
• Ban Ki-moon pledges to be 'bridge-builder' in new term RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon pledged to work as a "harmonizer and bridge-builder" among all stakeholders.
• Qatari diplomat elected as President of next session of General Assembly UN News Centre 22 Jun 2011 -- An experienced Qatari diplomat was chosen by the world body’s 192 Member States to be the next President of the General Assembly.