12 December 2016 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 12 Dec 2016 [PDF]

Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Dec 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Carter Thanks U.S., Coalition Troops for Counter-ISIL Work in Iraq AFPS 12 Dec 2016 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter presented awards for valor to Iraqi soldiers and thanked U.S. and coalition troops engaged in the campaign to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant during his visit to Qayyarah Airfield West, Iraq, yesterday.
Syrian Democratic Forces Initiate Next Phase of Raqqa Isolation AFPS 12 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces on Dec. 10 announced the start of the next phase of their operation to isolate the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, U.S. Central Command officials reported today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 12 Dec 2016 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh

High-Ranking Taliban Commander Killed in Central Afghanistan Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- According to Afghanistan's interior ministry, the commander was involved in terrorist activities across the Parwan province.

Defense Policy / Programs

CIA torture report to be sent to Obama's archive Press TV 13 Dec 2016 -- US President Barack Obama will send to his presidential archive a comprehensive Senate report on the Central Intelligence Agency's use of torture.

JMRC Integrating NATO Standards Into Training Army News 12 Dec 2016 -- The Joint Multinational Readiness Center's realistic, scenario driven training executed at here, is proven to develop unit confidence, camaraderie, and a unit's cohesion, while building appropriate expectations. JMRC's attention to implementing NATO standards is particularly important for future training and integration of allied military personnel.
Changing military families require more flexible support, Army secretary says Army News 12 Dec 2016 -- Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning believes the Army needs to change how it provides support to Soldiers and their families.
Ready Force study examining future Reserve readiness Army News 12 Dec 2016 -- An Army Reserve G-3/5/7 study of the force called "Ready Force," is taking a hard and comprehensive examination at how well the Reserve is postured to support the Army against quick-striking, near-peer adversaries in full-spectrum operations, said Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey.
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Camp Lemonnier NNS 12 Dec 2016 -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran visited Sailors deployed to the only enduring installation on the continent of Africa, Dec. 11.
Next Year US-Philippine Military Drills Canceled at by President Duterte Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- A joint US-Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) will not be held in 2017 after a call by Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for an end to the maneuvers, according to local media.
Steel Knight: Marines execute largest long-range raid exercise in 14 years USMC News 12 Dec 2016 -- More than 600 Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and 1st Marine Division conducted exercise Seahorse Wind at Marine Corps Bases in Southern California and Arizona, Dec. 4 - 9.
Engineering a strong partnership in Uganda USMC News 12 Dec 2016 -- Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa partnered with Uganda People's Defense Force soldiers during training, Oct. 7- Dec. 11, 2016.
HSC-25 Det 6 Returns from Deployment NNS 12 Dec 2016 -- Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Det. 6 returned to Guam after a seven-month deployment in the western Pacific and South China Sea.
USS Whidbey Island Hosts Portuguese Marines in Lisbon NNS 12 Dec 2016 -- LISBON, Portugal (Dec. 10, 2016) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marines completed a successful port visit to Lisbon, Portugal Dec. 10, 2016.
Bataan renders assistance to civilian fishing boat NNS 12 Dec 2016 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) rendered assistance to a disabled small fishing vessel off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, Dec. 9.

Russia offers most advanced anti-terror tech to world: Putin Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is ready to share its most advanced anti-terrorism technologies with the world.
Moscow Considers Calls for NATO Permanent Task Force in Black Sea as Provocation Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Russia views proposals by Ukraine and Romania to form a NATO permanent naval task force in the Black Sea as a provocative act, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.
Pentagon Deems Russian Nuclear-Capable Drone Sub a 'Major Strategic Threat' Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Late last week, the Pentagon confirmed that a new top-secret Russian unmanned drone-based nuclear delivery system was real, and had been tested late last month, three years earlier than expected.

Israel getting first batch of F-35 stealth jets from US Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The first fleet of Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter jets has been delivered to Israel and is expected to land in the occupied Palestinian lands on Monday afternoon, the Pentagon says.
Ash Carter Visits Israel to Welcome F-35 Jets VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Israel Monday to help celebrate the arrival of the country's first two next-generation F-35 fighter planes built by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
Air Mobility Command enables delivery of Israel's first F-35s AFNS 12 Dec 2016 -- Air Mobility Command Airmen worked around the clock to ensure Israel's first two F-35 aircraft were delivered Dec. 12, making the U.S. ally the only country in the Middle East flying a fifth generation fighter aircraft.
Carter Helps Top Israeli Officials Celebrate Arrival of F-35s AFPS 12 Dec 2016 -- At Israel's Nevatim Air Base this evening, Defense Secretary Ash Carter helped Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and hundreds of observers celebrate the arrival of two F-35A Lightning II jet fighters the United States sent to one of its most important Middle East allies.
Readout of Secretary Carter's Meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman DoD 12 Dec 2016
Carter arrives in Israel over Tel Aviv purchase of F-35s Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is visiting Israel to celebrate delivery of two F-35 fighter planes to the regime.

Britain extends global Defence reach UK MOD 12 Dec 2016 -- Britain will broaden its global Defence footprint with the introduction of three new regional hubs, the Defence Secretary has announced.

India Overtakes Saudi Arabia to Become Fourth-Largest Military Spender Sputnik 13 Dec 2016 -- India has surpassed Saudi Arabia and Russia in defense spending, making the nation of 1.25 billion the fourth-largest defense spender in the world.

Iran Army drills unveils hand-launched drone Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The Iranian Army has unveiled a hand-launched unmanned aerial vehicle during its military drills underway in the country's strategic southeastern areas.
Iran Tests New Toophan Anti-Tank Missiles in Ground Forces Drills Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Iran has tested a new variant of the Toophan anti-tank missile during the ongoing Muhammad Rasulullah drills in the Gulf of Oman, local media reported Monday.

S.Korea Requests More US Surveillance Assets to Tackle N.Korean Threats Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- The South Korean Defense Ministry said in a parliamentary report that it had significantly increased the monitoring of Pyongyang's suspicious activities and asked for US assistance on the issue, according to local media.

Military conscription to stop completely from 2018: defense minister CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) said Monday that military conscription will cease, setting 2017 as the last year in which young men will be required to serve national conscription.
Chinese aircraft approach Taiwan airspace as 'warning': MND CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- The Chinese military was demonstrating its multi-dimensional capability to invade Taiwan when its aircraft flew deliberately close to Taiwan air space recently, Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) said on Monday.
Taiwan to accept Chinese military aircraft in distress: MND CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- If Chinese military aircraft have to land on Taiwan because of a mechanical failure, Taiwan will allow them to do so based on humanitarian grounds, Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) said on Monday.

Serbia Seeks to Buy Russian Weapons to Ensure Nobody Can Threaten Its Integrity Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Belgrade has asked Moscow for deliveries of Russian-made weaponry with the goal to increase Serbia's defense potential, Serbian Foreign Minster Ivica Dacic said Monday.

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

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 12, 2016
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force Move Forward with Ground System Upgrade to Support Contingency GPS III Operations Lockheed Martin 12 Dec 2016 -- The U.S. Air Force approved Lockheed Martin's design to upgrade the current GPS satellite ground control system with new capabilities that will enable it to operate more powerful and accurate GPS III satellites.

Trump Promises Changes to 'Out of Control' F-35 Program Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- After campaigning to reduce wasteful government spending, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he is poised to modify the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, on the same day that Israel was supposed to receive its first two F-35 fighters.
Contractor Lockheed Martin Defends F-35 Fighter Cost Against Trump Criticism Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Lockheed Martin F-35 general manager Jeff Babione said that his company would be happy to discuss the F-35 program's costs with Donald Trump after US President-elect described the cost and scope of the program as "out of control."

US Army Tactical Missile System Passes Second Flight Test - Lockheed Martin Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- As part of the US Army's TACMS Service Life Extension Program inventory refurbishment effort, the modernized missile includes new state-of-the-art guidance electronics and added capability to defeat area targets without leaving behind unexploded ordnance, according to the statement of US defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin's Modernized TACMS Missile Repeats Success in Second Flight Test Lockheed Martin 12 Dec 2016 -- Lockheed Martin successfully tested a second modernized Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile in a flight at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The test follows closely behind the successful first flight of a modernized TACMS in late October. Five more flight tests are planned in coming months for the modernized TACMS program.

Other Conflicts

Japan Lodges Protest Against China's Claims Concerning Air Incident Near Okinawa Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Japan's government lodged a protest on Monday against the Chinese authorities' claims that Japanese fighter jets approached at a close range endangering the safety of the Chinese aircraft near Japan's Okinawa island.
Japan denies its fighter jets endangered Chinese aircraft Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Japan says it has filed a strong protest with China over Beijing's allegation that Japanese warplanes had endangered Chinese military aircraft over the East China Sea.

Saudi warplanes bomb Yemeni capital for hours: Media Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Saudi military aircraft have reportedly pounded the Yemeni province of Sana'a for several hours in an unprecedented wave of bombardments against the country over the past months.
Yemeni children suffering from all-time high malnutrition: UNICEF Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has warned that kids in Yemen are suffering from highest ever recorded rates of malnutrition amid scarcity of food supplies due to Saudi Arabia's devastating military campaign against its southern neighbor.

US concerned about more Turkish attacks on Kurds in fight for Raqqah Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- US military officials are concerned about more attacks by Turkey against Kurdish forces fighting to push Daesh Takfiri terrorists out of their de facto capital, Raqqah, in northern Syria.
Turkish fighter jet crashes near airport in Diyarbakir Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- A Turkish warplane has crashed near an airport in the country's southeastern city of Diyarbakir, security sources say.
Turkish Fighter Jet Crashes in Diyarbakir, Pilot Ejected Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- A Turkish warplane has crashed in Diyarbakir, media reported citing a security source, adding that the pilot ejected himself.

Syrian Army Declares Victory in Aleppo Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian Army has officially liberated Aleppo after ousting rebels from their last bastions in the eastern part of the city.
Remaining Syrian Rebel-held Aleppo Districts Possibly Hours from Falling VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- The fall of rebel-controlled districts of eastern Aleppo to the forces of President Bashar al-Assad is likely to prove a decisive victory in the five-year civil war. The fall has major symbolic significance and leaves the regime and its foreign backers, Russia and Iran, free to focus their military might on remaining rebel strongholds in the rest of western Syria.
Operation to liberate Aleppo 'reaches end, militants leave last holdouts' Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Syrian forces are almost in full control of the northern city of Aleppo, nearly three weeks after Damascus and its allies launched a major offensive to recapture the militant-held part of the city, a pro-opposition monitoring group says.
Syrian forces retake 90 percent of eastern Aleppo: Monitor Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Syrian forces have reclaimed major districts in Aleppo as they push deeper into the last remaining militant-held parts of the northwestern city.
Syrian Democratic Forces Launch Next Phase of Raqqa Operation Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces have started a new phase of the offensive to recapture Raqqa from Daesh.
Fall of Remaining Syrian Rebel-held Aleppo Districts Appears Imminent VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- The fall of rebel-controlled districts of eastern Aleppo to the forces of President Bashar al-Assad is likely to prove a decisive victory in the five-year civil war. The demise has major symbolic significance and leaves the regime and its foreign backers, Russia and Iran, free to focus their military might on remaining rebel strongholds in the rest of western Syria.

Over 103,000 Iraqis displaced since Mosul operation began: Minister Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The Iraqi minister of displacement and migration says more than one hundred thousand civilians have fled their homes ever since Baghdad, supported by volunteer fighters and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, launched an operation to retake Mosul from Daesh terrorists.
Suspicious foreign efforts aim to create rift in Iraq: Iran official Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- A senior Iranian official has underlined the need for consultation and cooperation among Iraqi groups of various faiths and ethnicities, warning of foreign plots in the Arab country to cause rifts among people.
Iraqi forces take nine villages from Daesh west of Mosul Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Iraqi forces have managed to liberate several villages near Mosul from the grip of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group as part of larger operations to fully recapture the northern city.

Savchenko Meets Russia-Backed Separatist Leaders, Stirring Outrage RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- KYIV -- Ukrainian lawmaker Nadia Savchenko has confirmed that she met with the leadership of Russia-backed separatists for consultations on prisoner swaps. The move triggered rebukes from her party for what it called "negotiating with terrorists."

Philippine Abu Sayyaf militants free 2 Indonesian hostages Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Daesh-linked terrorists in the Philippines have released two Indonesian hostages, after the militants came under pressure from the Philippine army.

Kenya President: International Criminal Court Not Impartial VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- Kenya's president on Monday criticized the International Criminal Court as "not impartial," saying his government "will give serious thought" to its membership of the court.

S Korea Slams North for Drills Simulating Attack on Presidential Office in Seoul Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- According to media reports, Seoul has criticized Pyongyang for its military exercises simulating an attack on the official residence of the South Korean president in Seoul.

News Reports

US Congress to Investigate Alleged Russian Attempts to Ensure Trump Victory VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- Intelligence committees in both houses of Congress launched investigations Monday into accusations that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election to boost the chances that President-elect Donald Trump would win.
U.S. Senate To Probe Alleged Pro-Trump Hacking By Russia RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- The top Republican in the U.S. Senate has said Congress will investigate the CIA's conclusions that the Russian government used computer hackers to help President-elect Donald Trump win the election.
White House: Trump benefited from Russia hacking into 2016 election Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The White House says President-elect Donald Trump is the one who benefited from alleged Russian hacking into the 2016 election.
Intelligence reports Russia influenced US election 'ridiculous': Trump Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has turned down "ridiculous" intelligence reports that Russia intervened in the November 8 election to help him win the White House.
Trump: Democrats Accused Us of Conspiracy Theories, Now Promote Them Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- President-elect Donald Trump is continuing his dismissal of claims that Russia hacked the Democratic National Convention on his behalf, asserting that if things were the other way around, and the GOP blamed a loss on shadowy Russian hackers, they would be labeled conspiracy theorists.
Neo-Con's Change of Heart? Bolton Says 'Russia Hack' May Have Been a False Flag Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- The growing scandal surrounding the alleged Russian hacking of the US election is entering strange new territory. On Sunday, leading neoconservative thinker John Bolton told Fox News that he could not rule out that the hacks may have been a false flag operation, possibly by someone in the Obama administration.
Obama admin. may be behind Russia hacking 'false flag': Bolton Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The administration of US President Barack Obama may have carried out a series of deliberate hacking 'false flags' against some American political organizations to make a case against Russia, says former US ambassador to United Nations John Bolton.
Claims of Russia's Involvement in Cyberattacks Groundless - Kremlin Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Accusations that Russia is involved in cyberattacks are unprofessional and groundless, and have nothing in common with reality, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
Trump Fires New Broadside at CIA Conclusion Russia Helped Him Win Election VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump fired a new broadside Monday against the Central Intelligence Agency conclusion that Russia interfered in the presidential election to help him win, questioning why the claim wasn't made before last month's voting.

Obama administration touts benefit of one-China policy CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- President Barak Obama's administration reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy on Monday in the wake of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's telephone call with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Dec. 2 and his latest comments on the policy.
NSC secretary-general visits Washington as exchanges heat up CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) recently visited Washington D.C. amid increased exchanges following a call between President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, a local newspaper reported Monday.
U.S. scholars unsure of Trump Administration stance on Taiwan CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- Two U.S. scholars specializing in Asian affairs expressed very different views on Sunday as to whether Taiwan will be used as a bargaining chip by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump in his dealings with China and whether Washington will change its one China policy.
Taiwan not to become a 'chip' in geopolitical game: officials CNA 12 Dec 2016 -- Taiwan will not become a "bargaining chip" in an international geopolitical game as long as it can keep its democracy and expand its international participation, officials said Monday.
China may end cooperation with US over Trump remarks: Beijing Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The Chinese government says it is "seriously concerned" by US President-elect Donald Trump's recent remarks signaling that he may end Washington's commitment to the so-called One China policy.
China Expresses Concern With Trump's Rejection of One-China Policy on Taiwan Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- China is "seriously concerned" with the statements of US President-elect Donald Trump on One-China policy regarding relations with Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday.
Big Trouble With Big China: Trump's Comments Spark Outrage in Chinese Media Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- On Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump told Fox News that he may not be bound by the One China policy regarding US relations with Taiwan. Chinese state newspaper Global Times issued a fiery response, stressing that Beijing would not accept any attempt to try and bargain over the One China policy.
China: 'Serious Concern' About Trump's Taiwan Comments VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- China said Monday it has "serious concern" about comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump questioning whether the United States should continue its "one China" policy unless the Chinese government offers trade concessions.
White House: 'One-China' Policy Not a Bargaining Chip VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- The Obama administration says the United States should not use its "One China" policy as a "bargaining chip" with China.
Prevent 'immature' Trump being manipulated by conservative forces: analyst Global Times 12 Dec 2016 -- A Chinese analyst urged China to make US president-elect understand the importance and complexity of Sino-US ties and prevent him from being manipulated by some conservative forces after Trump questioned whether the US should continue its "one-China policy" Sunday unless Beijing makes concessions on trade and other issues.

Antonio Guterres sworn in as ninth UN chief Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres has been sworn in as the United Nations' ninth secretary general.
New Secretary-General Guterres Takes Oath, Outlines Vision for United Nations Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- Antonio Guterres took the oath of office at the UN General Assembly.
Taking oath of office, António Guterres pledges to work for peace, development and a reformed United Nations UN News 12 Dec 2016 -- Sworn in today as the ninth and next United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres pledged to reposition development at the centre of the Organization's work and ensure that the UN can change to effectively meet the myriad challenges facing the international community.

Pakistan Names New ISI Head RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- Pakistan has named a new head of its military Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI).

Rouhani hails OPEC role, JCPOA achievements IRNA 12 Dec 2016 -- President Hassan Rouhani on Monday praised Iran's recent achievements especially the implementation of the nuclear deal and the country's influential role in recent OPEC talks.
Minister: IranAir-Boeing agreement emphasized need to protect JCPOA IRNA 12 Dec 2016 -- Iran Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi has said the signing of a contract between IranAir and US Boeing once again emphasizes the importance of protecting the achievements attained in Iran nuclear deal – known as JCPOA.
Iran urges Obama to veto bill asking for renewal of sanctions ISNA 12 Dec 2016 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said renewal of nuclear sanctions against Iran is a clear violation of the nuclear agreement.
Iran Makes Historic $16.6 Billion Deal With Boeing Sputnik 12 Dec 2016 -- As a consequence of the American-led international nuclear deal with Iran, the Middle Eastern country signed a $16.6 billion deal with Boeing to renew its commercial fleet.

Gambia opposition demands Jammeh hand over power Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- The opposition coalition of Gambian president-elect Adama Barrow has called on long-time President Yahya Jammeh to step down immediately.
West African Leaders to Ask Gambia's Jammeh to Step Down VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- West African leaders will travel to Gambia on Tuesday in an effort to convince longtime President Yahya Jammeh to step down after his loss in the December 1 election.

Ex-Parliamentary Chief In Breakaway Moldovan Region Wins Self-Styled Presidency RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- Election results from Moldova's breakaway Transdniester region show the head of the region's self-styled parliament has won the presidency by easily winning more than 50 percent of the first round vote.

Macedonia's Ruling Party Appears To Win Narrow Victory Over Opposition RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- Election results in Macedonia suggest the conservative ruling party beat out the opposition Social Democrats (SDSM) by a slim margin in the first parliamentary elections since a wiretapping scandal plunged the Balkan country into crisis.

Longtime Official Dismissed By Karimov Chosen As Uzbek Prime Minister RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- Uzbekistan's dominant party has nominated Abdulla Aripov to be prime minister, picking a veteran official who was dismissed by late leader Islam Karimov in 2012 but is seen as a loyal backer of President-elect Shavkat Mirziyaev.

US, EU Sanction DRC Officials for Undermining Democracy VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who allegedly used violence and other means to delay the country's elections.

EU, Cuba Sign 'Historic' Cooperation Pact RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- The European Union and Cuba have signed an agreement to normalize ties after decades of frosty relations over human rights concerns.

Ukraine Searches For Culprit After Cyberattacks On Finance Ministry, Treasury RFE/RL 12 Dec 2016 -- Ukrainian authorities are still looking for the culprits nearly a week after troublesome cyberattacks against official financial institutions that appeared to be designed to inflict maximum chaos on end-of-the-year payments.

Security Council underlines need for stronger judicial cooperation to combat terrorism UN News 12 Dec 2016 -- Condemning acts of terrorism and their impact on innocent civilians and on peace and stability, the United Nations Security Council emphasized the need for establishing wilful violation of prohibition on financing of terrorist organizations or individual terrorists as serious criminal offenses in national laws and regulations.

Turkey arrests 235 people, including pro-Kurdish party officials Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Turkish security forces have arrested nearly 240 people, many of them members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), over alleged links to Kurdish militants.

Bahraini appeals court confirms Salman's 9-year sentence Press TV 12 Dec 2016 -- Bahrain's appeals court has ruled to uphold a nine-year jail sentence handed down to senior Shia opposition cleric, Sheikh Ali Salman, despite widespread criticism both at home and abroad against his imprisonment.

Ghana's New President Springs from Founding Fathers VOA 12 Dec 2016 -- Ghana will have a new president next month when Nana Akufo-Addo takes office following his victory in last week's election. The new president has spent a lifetime immersed in the West African country's politics.

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