08 December 2016 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 08 Dec 2016 [PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 08 Dec 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman
Raqqa, Mosul Liberations Progress as ISIL Loses Resources to Fight AFPS 08 Dec 2016 -- The U.S.-led coalition and local ground forces continue to progress against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's self-proclaimed capitals of Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve told Pentagon reporters today.
Official: 50,000 Islamic State Fighters Killed in Syria, Iraq VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- The U.S.-led coalition has killed an estimated 50,000 Islamic State fighters since President Barack Obama first ordered military action against the group in August 2014, according to a senior military official.

Department of the Army announces 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division deploy US Army 08 Dec 2016 -- The Department of the Army announced today the deployment of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, with approximately 3,800 soldiers, to Kuwait this winter in support of combatant commander mission requirements.

Department of the Army announces 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division deployment US Army 08 Dec 2016 -- The Department of the Army announced today the deployment of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas, with approximately 1,500 soldiers to Afghanistan this winter. This deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Department of the Army announces 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division deployment US Army 08 Dec 2016 -- The Department of the Army announced today the deployment of
16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, stationed in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, with approximately 800 soldiers to Afghanistan this winter. This deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Survey: Afghans Pay $3 Billion in Bribes Annually VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- An anti-corruption watchdog says Afghans paid an estimated $3 billion in bribes in the past year, registering an almost 50 percent increase compared to 2014.
Taliban Seeks Recognition for Qatar Office, Direct Talks With US VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- Afghanistan's Taliban has demanded official recognition for its political office in Qatar, direct talks with the United States and removal of senior members from a U.N. blacklist, describing these as preliminary steps to peacefully ending its insurgency.

Defense Policy / Programs

VMM-161 ramps up training in preparation for deployment USMC News 08 Dec 2016 -- Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 arrived at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1.
USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) Arrives in San Diego NNS 08 Dec 2016 -- The Navy's most technologically advanced surface combatant, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), completed her journey to San Diego Thursday, Dec. 8.
JTACs enable aerial reaction force mission AFNS 08 Dec 2016 -- Joint terminal air controllers from the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron out of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, recently began a partnership with Task Force Fighting Eagle's aerial reaction force to provide JTAC capabilities to their missions.
Luke creates first F-35 undergraduate pilot curriculum AFNS 08 Dec 2016 -- The first class of undergraduate pilots began training through the newly written F-35 Lightning II curriculum Dec. 5 in the F-35 Academic Training Center at Luke Air Force Base.
USS Oklahoma City Returns to Guam NNS 08 Dec 2016 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) returned to its homeport of Apra Harbor, Guam, Dec. 8, following an eight-month engineering overhaul in San Diego.
ROK, US Navies Discuss Methods to Strengthen Partnership during 9th Strategic Dialogue NNS 08 Dec 2016 -- Senior leaders from the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies met at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea to discuss ways to increase the combined naval partnership.
Louisville Visits Changwon during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 08 Dec 2016 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) arrived at U.S. Fleet Activities Chinhae for a routine port visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Dec. 8.
US Navy, Queensland Government Partner with Industry at Biofutures Conference NNS 08 Dec 2016 -- A two-day Biofutures Industry Forum hosted by the Queensland government and U.S. Navy at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre commenced today in Brisbane, Australia.
MKI ARG, 11th MEU Conduct Amphibious Drills in the Gulf of Aden during Exercise Alligator Dagger NNS 08 Dec 2016 -- U.S. Marines and Sailors of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG)/11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are rehearsing amphibious operations and conducting combat sustainment training in the vicinity of Djibouti throughout December during Exercise Alligator Dagger.
Soaring Costs, Design Issues Press US Navy to Simplify Littoral Warship Program Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Concerns in the US Congress over cost overruns, production delays and ad hoc changes to correct faulty designs in a Navy effort to build a fleet of high-speed coastal frigates raises the prospect of further cutbacks in the program, the General Accountability Office (GAO) said in a report on Thursday.
U.S. Congress Passes Massive Defense Bill, Including Global Magnitsky Rights Measure RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- The U.S. Congress has backed legislation giving the president new, broader authority to impose sanctions on human rights abusers worldwide, building on an earlier law that has infuriated the Kremlin.

Joint India-United States Statement on the Visit of Secretary of Defense Carter to India DoD 08 Dec 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter made an official visit to India at the invitation of Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar today, marking the seventh interaction between the two leaders. Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter reviewed the tremendous progress made in bilateral defense ties and discussed the immense promise for the future of India-U.S. security cooperation.
Remarks by Secretary Carter and Defense Minister Parrikar in New Delhi, India DoD 08 Dec 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; Indian Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar
Remarks by Secretary Carter and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, India DoD 08 Dec 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Indian Missile BVRAAM Fails Trials Yet Again Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Indian plans to produce a beyond-visual-range missile that matches French, Russian and Israeli air-to-air missiles have suffered a setback. Despite a reshuffle in DRDO and inking of the MTCR, the Astra failed yet another test.
US Says Major Defense Partner Status for India 'Very Close to Finishing Line' Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter hopes that Barack Obama will grant India the status of a major defense partner (MDP) soon. On his seventh visit to India, the MDP and LSA will be Carter's achievements in furthering Indo-US defense ties.
Indian Army Searching For New Sniper Rifle Supplier Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The Indian Army is eyeing the purchase of sniper rifles that would have a higher range than the Russian Dragunov sniper rifle currently in use in the country, Indian media report.

Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of the Republic of Estonia, Ms. Kersti Kaljulaid NATO 08 Dec 2016
Stoltenberg Cites 'Russian Buildup' as Cause of NATO Presence in Baltics, Poland Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claimed that the alliance is taking into account Russia's "military buildup" in its military planning.

Turkey's Post-Coup Purge Weakening NATO Military Alliance Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- There has been an almost 50 percent reduction in the number of Turkish military officers in NATO, a US General has admitted. The scale back is as a result of the ongoing crackdown against Turkish military officers, ordered by president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following a failed coup bid on July 15th.

Russian Defense Ministry Concludes Contracts Worth $3.6Bln in 2016 Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has concluded some 1,400 contracts worth 230 billion rubles ($3.6 billion at the current exchange rates) during the first 11 months of 2016, the head of the ministry's department responsible for state procurement said on Thursday.

Qatar - Spare C-17 Engines and Equipment DSCA 08 Dec 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar for spare C-17 engines, equipment, and support. The estimated cost is $81 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016.
Qatar - Continuation of Logistics Support Services and Equipment DSCA 08 Dec 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar for continuation of logistics support services and equipment. The estimated cost is $700 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016.

United Arab Emirates - Apache AH-64E Helicopters and Services DSCA 08 Dec 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for Apache AH-64E Helicopters and services, as well as related equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $3.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016.

Government of Morocco - TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF) and Support DSCA 08 Dec 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Morocco for TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF), and related support. The estimated cost is $108 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016.

£287M for two more Royal Navy ships as work begins on the next UK MOD 08 Dec 2016 -- Work starts on new Royal Navy ship as MOD signs £287M contract to build two more Offshore Patrol Vehicles in the UK.

Pakistan Denies Existence of Nuclear Arms Agreement With Saudi Arabia - Ministry Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Pakistan does not have any agreements on nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Pakistani Deputy Foreign Minister Tasneem Aslam told Sputnik.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - CH-47F Chinook Cargo Helicopters DSCA 08 Dec 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for CH-47F Chinook Cargo Helicopters and related equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $3.51 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016.

US to Help With Training Up to Four Ukrainian Battalions in 2017 Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The United States will advise on training up to four battalions in Ukraine throughout 2017, 7th Army Training Command spokesperson Lacey Justinger told Sputnik.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 12/8/16 The White House 08 Dec 2016
December 8, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 08, 2016
Ukraine's Antonov Offers Trump Its Plane as Presidential Jet Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Ukraine's aircraft maker Antonov has offered one of its planes to US President-elect Donald Trump for use as Air Force One instead of Boeing.

Other Conflicts

8 December 2016- Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Dec 2016
Civil conflict and unpredictable weather cast 'long shadow' on food security' in 2016 - UN UN News 08 Dec 2016 -- This year, the world suffered many weather-related shocks and civil conflicts which pressured food security for many countries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said today in a new report, which said that while the global agricultural situation is posited to improve in 2017, some 39 countries currently need food assistance.
Millions of 'children on the move' without protection is unacceptable - UN refugee agency chief UN News 08 Dec 2016 -- Highlighting the challenges confronting the protection of millions of children, many of whom are separated from their families as they flee wars and persecution, the top United Nations refugee official today called for prompt action to stave off the risk of losing an entire generation.

Taiwan to mark 70th anniversary of recovery of Taiping Island CNA 08 Dec 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) will attend the opening on Friday of an exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the recovery of the Republic of China's control over Taiping Island in the South China Sea, during which she will also videoconference with the commander on the island.

Vietnam Starts Active Work on Disputed South China Sea Reef Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Recent satellite imagery shows Vietnam initiating dredging activity on Ladd Reef, a disputed territory in the South China Sea. This is Hanoi's latest attempt at validating their claims in the region, and the move may antagonize China, who continues to claim most of the waterway.
China urges efforts for fair, reasonable maritime order People's Daily 08 Dec 2016 -- China on Wednesday called for efforts to promote the rule of law on the oceans and seas and maintain a fair and reasonable maritime order.
Chinese navy marks 70th anniversary of recovering Xisha, Nansha Islands People's Daily 08 Dec 2016 -- The People's Liberation Army(PLA) Navy on Thursday commemorated the 70th anniversary of the recovery of the Xisha and Nansha Islands.
Philippines 'will likely not allow US to launch South China Sea patrols from its territory' Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- The Philippines says it is highly unlikely that it will continue to allow the US military to use the Southeast Asian country as a springboard for its so-called freedom of navigation patrols in the disputed South China Sea.

Turkey Liberated 694 Square Miles in Northern Syria From Daesh Since Start of Op Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Turkey has liberated 1,800 square kilometers (694 square miles) from Daesh in Syria since the beginning of the Euphrates Shield operation, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Thursday.

Syria army forces liberate 85 percent of eastern Aleppo from militants Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian army troops and their allied forces are now in control of about 85 percent of militant-held eastern part of Aleppo as they press ahead with an all-out offensive to fully dislodge foreign-backed terrorists from the northwestern city.
Russia says 'close to understanding' with US on Aleppo Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- A senior Russian official says Moscow and the US are close to reaching an understanding on the situation in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo.
UN Adviser Says U.S., Russia 'Poles Apart' On Aleppo RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- The United States and Russia are "poles apart" in trying to agree on terms for evacuations from rebel-held areas of Aleppo, UN humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland says.
U.K. Spy Chief: Russia, Assad 'Seek To Make A Desert And Call It Peace RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- Britain's foreign intelligence chief says that Russia and the Syrian government are blocking efforts to end the war in Syria and defeat the extremist group Islamic State (IS) by treating all opponents of President Bashar al-Assad as terrorists.
Syria, Russia Reject Cease-Fire Calls, Vow To Retake Aleppo RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- Syrian and Russian leaders on December 7 rejected pleas from rebel forces and Western powers for a cease-fire and pressed their campaign to retake Aleppo, aiming for a victory they said would "change the course" of the six-year war.
Russia Says Syrian Army Has Suspended Operations In Eastern Aleppo RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Syrian army has suspended combat operations in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, Russian media reported.
Pentagon Announces Creation of New Armed Rebel Group to Fight for Raqqa Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- A new group called the Syrian Elite Forces has appeared in northern Syria in the fight against Daesh terror group, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman John Dorrian announced in a press briefing on Thursday.
Syrian Army Suspends Combat Operations in Aleppo - Lavrov Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian army suspended combat operations in Aleppo on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Sides 'poles apart' on agreeing access to civilians trapped in Aleppo, UN Senior Adviser reports UN News 08 Dec 2016 -- Discussions on how to assist civilians caught in the crossfire inside war-ravaged Aleppo continue to be difficult "because the Member States that are supposed to help us get access [are] poles apart on what is happening in Syria," United Nations Senior Adviser Jan Egeland said today in Geneva.
Kerry 'Hopeful' About Aleppo Ceasefire Agreement with Russia VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday said the Syrian government has stopped all active military operations in Aleppo and a meeting has been scheduled Saturday between U.S. and Russian military experts to discuss the situation moving forward.

Iraqi airstrikes kill dozens of Daesh terrorists near Syria border Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- Dozens of Daesh terrorists have been killed after Iraqi aircraft pounded the positions of the Tafkiri militants near the border with Syria, the Iraqi army says.
Iraqi parl. speaker demands investigation into fatal airstrikes Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- Iraq's Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri has called for a thorough investigation into airstrikes purported Daesh positions in a western border town which left dozen of civilians dead.
Iraq Parliament Urges Gov't to Investigate Deadly Airstrikes in Qaim Town Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim Jabouri urged the government on Thursday to carry out a thorough investigation into deadly airstrikes in Qaim town near the western border with Syria, controlled by the Daesh militants.

Libya: Security Council reaffirms full support for political agreement signed a year ago UN News 08 Dec 2016 -- Expressing deep concern over the serious political polarization resulting in a deterioration of the security, economic and humanitarian situation in Libya, the Security Council today reiterated its support for the United Nations envoy for Libya, who leads efforts in facilitating implementation of the political agreement signed about a year ago.

Myanmar must strengthen effort to diffuse tension in Myanmar - UN Special Adviser UN News 08 Dec 2016 -- The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, said today that the UN is "seriously concerned" by the developing situation in Northern Rakhine state and has called on the security forces to act in accordance with the "rule of law and accepted international norms," and to exercise caution in avoiding disproportionate responses that could cause violence to civilians.

Conflict in Ukraine continues to take civilian toll - UN human rights report UN News 08 Dec 2016 -- A new United Nations report out today has confirmed that Ukrainians living close to the "contact line" – the area between Government-controlled and armed group-controlled territory in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions – not only suffer due to fighting near their homes but also face the threat of landmines and unexploded ordinance as well as have to contend with severe restrictions on movement.

UN brands Israeli bill to legalize settler units as 'unequivocally illegal' Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations has condemned as "unequivocally illegal" a recent Israeli bill to legalize some 4,000 settler units in the occupied West Bank, saying the move would be in contravention of international law.

UN agency slams violence at Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- A UN agency has strongly denounced armed violence in the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon.

Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh May Escalate at Any Moment Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- Current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is dangerous and the conflict may escalate at any moment, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said on Thursday.

Washington Panel Discusses Options in Preventing South Sudan Violence VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- Earlier this month, a U.N. human rights monitor warned that "ethnic cleansing" is under way in parts of South Sudan, and warned the country is on the brink of a genocide.

News Reports

US Not Ruling Out Future Release of Probe Details of Alleged Russia Hacking Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The United States may disclose additional information concerning the investigation into alleged cyberattacks carried out by Russian hackers during 2016 US presidential election, White House spokesman Josh Easnest said in a press briefing on Thursday.
Demands Intensify for Answers on Russian Meddling in US Election VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- U.S. lawmakers of both political parties said the American people are owed a thorough accounting of Russia's meddling in last month's presidential election, with one prominent Republican urging sanctions on Russian hackers.

Russia fueling 'unprecedented' terror threat against UK: MI6 chief Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- The head of UK's MI6 spy agency Alex Younger says that Russia is the main contributor to an "unprecedented" terrorism threat Britain currently faces.
British Spy Chief Accuses Russia of Seeking to Undermine Western Security, Politics VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- Britain and Western nations are facing grave threats to their security and political systems from the hostile propaganda output and cyber attacks by rival states, the head of Britain's espionage service MI6 warned Thursday. Alex Younger, in his first major public speech as "C," the designation given the head of the Secret Intelligence Service, singled out Russia for its high-tech subversion.

Nowhere to Hide: US, UK Spy on Flight Phone Calls Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- US and British spy agencies have been spying on air passengers using their mobile phones, according to a new report, which cites leaked documents from whistleblower Edward Snowden.

German Spy Chief: Russia Trying To 'Destabilize' Germany Ahead Of Elections RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- German intelligence says Russia is trying to destabilize German society with an intensifying campaign of propaganda, disinformation, and cyberattacks ahead of federal elections next year.

President Xi calls for strengthened ideological work in colleges People's Daily 08 Dec 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has said ideological work in colleges should be integrated into the entire education process, underlining the need of firm Party leadership in higher education.

Taiwan will continue to cooperate with new U.S. administration CNA 08 Dec 2016 -- Premier Lin Chuan (林全) said on Thursday that the government will continue to cooperate with United States President-elect Donald Trump's administration in the areas of trade, economics, security and others, based on existing bilateral relations, according to a press release issued by the Cabinet.
President confirmed to have met ex-U.S. White House aide in Taipei CNA 08 Dec 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has met Stephen Yates, a former U.S. White House official who is on a visit to Taiwan, and the two have had a deep conversation, Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs said Thursday.

Over 1,700 Takfiri European terrorists back home: Report Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- An EU report warns that a third of the estimated 5,000 European nationals who traveled to Iraq and Syria to join Takfiri terrorists have returned home, probably with a mission to launch attacks.

British Gov't Distances Itself From Boris Johnson's Saudi, Iran 'Proxy War' Comments RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- The British government has distanced itself from comments made by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who accused Iran, Britain's ally Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern states of engaging in "proxy wars."

GCC must stop interfering in Iran affairs: Foreign Ministry Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- Iran says the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) must stop leveling groundless allegations against Tehran, saying such claims would not change the reality about the Islamic Republic's sovereignty over its three islands in the Persian Gulf.
Iran says in US interest to respect nuclear deal Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says it is in the interest of the US to remain committed to last year's landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries.
Iran to switch currency from rial to toman Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- Iran is gearing to switch its national currency back to the toman – a move that would end the rein of the rial after around 90 years and also could boost the value of the country's national currency against the US dollar.

Cuba negotiating 12 more US deals before Trump Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- The government of Cuba is seeking to secure at least 12 more pacts with the United States through the administration of lame duck President Barack Obama before Donald Trump takes control of the White House.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry Rules Out Possibility of Daesh Seizure of Country Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- According to the Pakistani deputy foreign minister, Pakistan does not consider possible seizure of the country's territory by Daesh.

South Korea opposition introduces motion to impeach Pres. Park Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- South Korean opposition parties have introduced a motion in the parliament to impeach embattled President Park Geun-hye over an influence-peddling scandal.
South Korean Parliament Introduces Bill to Impeach President Park Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- The South Korean parliament introduced a bill to impeach President Park Geun-hye amid a political and corruption scandal and officially set up the date for the vote, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

Putin Signs New Information Security Doctrine VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a new "information security doctrine," replacing the one he issued in 2000, during the first year of his rule. While experts in Moscow saw no surprises in the new document, they also said it reflects the Kremlin's increasingly repressive policy toward the media and civil society more generally.
West using 'Russia threat' as pretext to destabilize Europe: Lavrov Press TV 08 Dec 2016 -- Russia's foreign minister has denounced Western powers for destabilizing Europe under the "myth of a Russian threat."

American Space Icon, US Senator John Glenn Dies Sputnik 08 Dec 2016 -- John Glenn has died at the age of 95. He was a US astronaut and US senator that served the state of Ohio.
John Glenn, First US Astronaut to Orbit the Earth, Dies at 95 VOA 08 Dec 2016 -- John Glenn, the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the earth, has died at age 95, officials said.

Remarks at the Opening Session of the OSCE Ministerial US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, Secretary of State
Kerry Warns Against Rising 'Authoritarianism' In OSCE Region RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has warned of the "danger of authoritarian populism" and the risk of a retreat on the protection of basic human rights in a region stretching from the ex-Soviet Union across Europe to the United States.

EU States, Parliament Remove Key Obstacle To Visa-Free Travel For Ukraine, Georgia RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- European Union member states and the European Parliament have struck a deal to end a dispute that had been holding up a decision to allow Ukrainians and Georgians visit the bloc without needing a visa.

What's In Kyrgyzstan's Constitutional Referendum? RFE/RL 08 Dec 2016 -- The people of Kyrgyzstan go to the polls on December 11 to vote on amendments to the country's constitution. They are familiar with constitutional referendums; this is the seventh in 25 years of Kyrgyz independence. Another, in 1994, was on the presidency.

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