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News Reports

Current Operations

• Cost of US War on Terror Will Soon Exceed $6 Trillion - Report Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The cost of the United States' war on terrorism in the Middle East and South Asia since September 11, 2001, will soon exceed $6 trillion, the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University said in a new report.
• Deployed security forces Airmen ensure safety of DoD assets at Bagram AFNS 14 Nov 2018 -- In a deployed environment, security forces Airmen perform a unique mission that differs from their traditional roles at home station. From patrolling the flightline in armored tactical vehicles to providing security for all personnel and Department of Defense assets going to austere locations in Afghanistan, the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron maintains a vigilant presence at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
• UN Warns Escalating Afghan Fighting Sparking Humanitarian Crisis VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- The United Nations warned Wednesday that days of heavy fighting in parts of central-eastern Afghanistan has worsened humanitarian conditions, and urged warring parties to ensure safe passage for civilians attempting to leave the affected districts.
• Senior Afghan Diplomat: US Must Withdraw Troops from Afghanistan Responsibly Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- Last week, Moscow hosted talks between Afghan government officials and Taliban representatives. The talks on Afghanistan were held behind closed doors last Friday. The head of the Afghan government delegation, Rasool Eslamee, in an exclusive interview with Sputnik, spoke about the significance of these talks for the peace process.
• Mattis Visits US Southern Border VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen visited the U.S. southern border Wednesday, where thousands of American troops have been deployed to support border patrol agents.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Military Could Lose Potential Conflict Against Russia, China - Report Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The United States has lost its military advantage to such a degree that it could potentially lose a future war with Russia or China, a new report to the US Congress warned on Wednesday.
• 'Eroded' U.S. Military Could Lose War Against Russia Or China, Report Finds RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- The United States military has "lost its edge" and could potentially lose a war against Russia or China, a report by a bipartisan panel established by Congress says.
• Ronald Reagan, John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups Operate in Philippine Sea NNS 14 Nov 2018 -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (RRNSG) and John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) are conducting high-end dual carrier operations in the Philippine Sea.
• One killed, one injured in T-38 crash AFNS 14 Nov 2018 -- One pilot is dead and one was transferred to Val Verde Regional Medical Center when a T-38C Talon assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, crashed on base at approximately 7:40 p.m. Nov. 13.
• AFMC unleashes $4.6M in FY18 Squadron Innovation Funds AFNS 14 Nov 2018 -- When Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein asked leaders to "unleash the brilliance in our Airmen," Air Force Materiel Command answered the call, executing more than $4.6 million in Squadron Innovation Funds in fiscal year 2018.
• F-35 maintainers at Hill AFB shaping future with BOLT AFNS 14 Nov 2018 -- After several months, an innovative program in the 388th Fighter Wing is proving it has the potential to deliver combat power more efficiently and may shape how the Air Force determines future requirements to sustain F-35A Lightning II operations.
• Remarks by Secretary Mattis in an enhanced honor cordon and meeting welcoming Poland Minister of National Defense Blaszczak to the Pentagon DoD 14 Nov 2018 -- Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis; Poland Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak
• En Route Southwest Border Press Gaggle by Secretary Mattis DoD 14 Nov 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis
• 7,000 miles away, 31st MEU Marines, Sailors complete DSCA mission on Tinian as Corps turns 243 USMC News 14 Nov 2018
• Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Sioux City NNS 14 Nov 2018 -- The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Sioux City (LCS 11), during a 9 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
• USNS Comfort Reaches Mid-Deployment in Panama NNS 14 Nov 2018 -- Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T- AH 20) transited the Panama Canal, Nov. 11, following a two-day port visit in Panama City.
• USS Abraham Lincoln Undergoes Supply Management Assessment NNS 14 Nov 2018 -- Type Commander (TYCOM) representatives came onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Nov. 6, and began Supply Management Assessment (SMA) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Supply Department's service and readiness divisions.
• Truman Departs Lisbon, Portugal NNS 14 Nov 2018 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is back at sea, Nov. 14, following a scheduled port visit to Lisbon, Portugal.
• Pentagon Wants More Money for Lasers to Shoot Down Drones, Missiles Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The US military wants more money to develop more powerful lasers, microwave beams and other directed-energy weapons so it can shoot down drones and missiles, the Pentagon's top weapons engineer said Tuesday.
• Three South Korean Companies Agree to Plead Guilty and to Enter Into Civil Settlements for Rigging Bids on United States Department of Defense Fuel Supply Contracts US Dept. of Justice 14 Nov 2018 -- South Korea-based companies SK Energy Co. Ltd., GS Caltex Corporation, and Hanjin Transportation Co. Ltd. have agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges and pay a total of approximately $82 million in criminal fines for their involvement in a decade-long bid-rigging conspiracy that targeted contracts to supply fuel to United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force bases in South Korea, the Department of Justice announced.
• Joint Statement on U.S.-UK Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2018
• Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Khalid Al-Attiyah US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2018
• Pompeo, Qatari Deputy Prime Minister Discuss US Plan to Create 'Arab NATO' Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah met in Washington to discuss the Trump administration's proposal to create an Arab security alliance, the State Department said in a press release on Wednesday.
• Germany's Chancellor Merkel calls for 'real, true' European army Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a "real and true" European Union military force, echoing earlier remarks by French leader Emmanuel Macron which US President Donald Trump described as "very insulting."
• Merkel Echoes France's Call For Europe To Create Its Own Army RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is calling for the eventual creation of a European army, echoing a suggestion by French President Emmanuel Macron that recently angered the U.S. president.
• US State Dept Backs NATO Amid Macron's Proposal to Create EU Army Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The United States does not want to see the weakening of the NATO amid European calls for an independent military, US Department of State spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters in a press briefing.
• Hypersonic Target Missile for Advanced Weapons Testing Being Created in Russia Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- A hypersonic target missile designed for testing of advanced weapons is being developed in Russia, director general of Russian scientific and production enterprise NPO Molniya, Olga Sokolova, told Sputnik.
• Russian Military Approves Technical Specifications for Il-276 Transport Plane Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has approved the tactical and technical requirements for the Il-276 prospective medium-lift military transport plane, aircraft manufacturer Ilyushin Aviation Complex told Sputnik.
• Russian Armed Forces Take Measures of Protection Against Cyberattacks Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The Russian Armed Forces are making efforts to secure a maximum protection of communications as a number of countries have increased their capabilities to commit cyberattacks, Head of Russian Service for Protection of State Secret Gen. Lt. Yury Kuznetsov said.
• No signs of a possible U.S. drill in South China Sea: MND CNA 14 Nov 2018 -- Taiwan's defense chief on Wednesday said the military has not seen any signs that the United States will stage a drill in the South China Sea in the near future, as has been previously suggested by CNN.
• Cash for Drones: China Fighting Foreign Underwater Spying With Rewards Program Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- Earlier, the People's Liberation Army's official newspaper reported that China was working on the creation of an arsenal of advanced drones and a network of sensors to wage an underwater campaign against the United States "before a crisis evolves into war."
• We have never posed any threat to Europe: China Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- China says it has never threatened Europe; the statement comes against the backdrop of a suggestion by French President Emmanuel Macron for building a military force to defend Europe against the United States, China and Russia.
• Beijing on Macron's EU Army Proposal: China Has Never Been Threat to Europe Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- China has never posed a threat to Europe, but notes that the continent has the right to make its own choices on particular issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stated.
• Israel Allegedly Trained to Take Out S-300 During Drills With Greece Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The war games between the Israeli and Hellenic Air Force lasted twelve days and specifically saw the participation of Israel's s fourth-generation F-16I "Sufa" fighter jet squadrons, which "drilled various scenarios."
• US May Still Slap Turkey With Sanctions Over S-400 'Threat' to F-35 - Reports Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- Turkish officials have repeatedly insisted that Ankara's purchase of the advanced Russian air defense system poses no threat whatsoever to the NATO alliance. Last month, the Turkish defense ministry announced that delivery of S-400s to Turkey would begin in October 2019.
• British Army Shortfall Opens Door for Commonwealth Citizens VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- Britain is to allow citizens from all Commonwealth countries to join its armed forces – even if they have never lived in Britain. The new rules are aimed at tackling a recruitment crisis. But campaigners want clarity over the citizenship rights of the new recruits after they leave the services.
• EU arms fuelling Yemen conflict, tougher checks needed: EP IRNA 14 Nov 2018 -- Tougher checks on European Union arms exports are needed and sanctions should be imposed on those countries that flout the bloc's rules, the European Parliament (EP) said on Wednesday.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 14, 2018

Other Conflicts

• 14 November 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Nov 2018
• US to Push for Binding Code of Conduct on S China Sea at ASEAN Summit - Official Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The United States will press leaders at the upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) to adopt a binding code of conduct on the South China Sea, a senior administration official said in a press briefing.
• Yemen downs S. Arabia drones IRNA 14 Nov 2018 -- Yemen Army's air defense and popular committees shot down two Saudi-led coalition's drones in Jizan, south of the country.
• Saudi-backed militants pause Hudaydah attack Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to Yemen's former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi have halted their offensive aimed at taking the strategic port city of Hudaydah from the Houthi Ansarullah fighters.
• US drone strikes killing more civilians in Yemen: Report Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Civilian casualties from the years-long US drone strikes in Yemen are on the rise, a new report has warned, pointing to yet another major threat facing the Yemeni people amid a devastating war by Saudi Arabia.
• US-led Coalition Used Cluster Bombs in Syria, Causing Casualties - Reports Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The strikes were the second reported instance of US-coalition forces carrying out deadly attacks in the town of al-Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor this week, with Syrian media earlier reporting that over 60 civilians had been killed or injured in deadly coalition airstrikes in the town on Monday.
• Briefing on Syria US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2018 -- Special Briefing by James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement
• Russia, Japan agree to intensify peace treaty talks Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have agreed to intensify talks aimed at reaching a peace treaty that would end a long-running territorial dispute.
• 'Bangladesh deploys armed forces to force out Rohingya' Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Bangladesh is reportedly using heavy-handed tactics in an attempt to force Rohingya Muslim refugees – who have taken shelter in the country after fleeing state violence in neighboring Myanmar – back across the border.
• Rights Group Calls for Halt to Rohingya Repatriation VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- Amnesty International is calling on Myanmar and Bangladesh to end their plans to send Rohingya Muslims back to Rakhine state, where the United Nations says they are subject to extrajudicial killings and other atrocities carried out by Myanmar's military.
• Lieberman resigns as Israel's minister of military affairs in opposition to Gaza deal Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Israeli minister of military affairs Avigdor Lieberman has resigned from his post less than a day after Hamas and other resistance factions agreed to an Egypt-brokered ceasefire with Israel in Gaza Strip as the recent wave of Israeli aggression against the enclave had threatened to descend into full-blown war.
• Israeli Defense Minister Resigns to Protest Cease-Fire with Hamas in Gaza VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- Israel's defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, resigned Wednesday to protest Israel's acceptance of a cease-fire with Hamas movement in Gaza. The move leaves Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with only a one-seat majority in parliament, and early elections seem likely.
• Fighting between Cameroon army, separatists 'kills 15' Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Fighting between army troops and armed separatists in Cameroon has purportedly claimed at least 15 lives in an Anglophone region in the French-speaking West African country.
• Cameroon's Renewed Anglophone Fighting Displaces Hundreds of Civilians VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- Cameroon's restive English-speaking regions are emptying out after renewed military raids on separatist strongholds left at least 30 people dead in two days. The renewed fighting comes barely a week after President Paul Biya, during his inauguration ceremony, warned rebels to drop their guns or be killed. Thousands of fleeing civilians are arriving in Yaounde.
• Everyone's 'buy-in' needed to restore peace in Kosovo, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 14 Nov 2018 -- The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo have confirmed their "mutual intention" to continue working towards a negotiated settlement but the situation on the ground remains marred by "frequent adversarial actions," with real consequences for people on the ground, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• Sudan Diplomat: Talks to Remove Sudan From US Terror List to Begin VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- The process of removing Sudan from the U.S. list of states sponsoring terrorism will start soon, Sudan's top diplomat told VOA in an exclusive interview.

News Reports

• US Vice President Presses Asian Leaders on Rohingya, Maritime Dispute VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- While leaders from 10 Southeast Asian countries largely discussed trade in Singapore Wednesday, participating U.S. Vice President Mike Pence focused on keeping Asian seas open internationally despite Chinese expansion. He also sought help in checking North Korean nuclear ambitions and pressed Myanmar on its treatment of Rohingya refugees.
• EU Official Names Russia As Main Disrupter Of Elections In Europe RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- A top EU official has named Russia as the main source behind activities interfering with elections in Europe but noted that others are also learning from Moscow.
• U.S. Energy Secretary Warns Czechs Against Cooperating With Russia RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry has warned the Czech government not to choose Russia as a partner for a lucrative nuclear-energy plan.
• France is US' ally, not its vassal state, Macron tells Trump Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has hit back at his US counterpart Donald Trump's recent Twitter attacks, saying France is an ally of the US, not its vassal state.
• Macron: Being US Ally Does Not Mean Being Vassal State Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron deepened his stand against US foreign policy in Europe Wednesday, saying that being America's ally "does not mean being a vassal state."
• Any unilateral US sanctions illegitimate, could complicate bilateral ties, says Russia Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- The Kremlin has warned the US against imposing any new sanctions on Russia, saying such a move will "further complicate" bilateral ties.
• Russia Says U.S. 'Unpredictability' Causing 'Global Concern' RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- The Kremlin has lashed out over what Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says is the recent "unpredictability" of the United States, saying it was causing "deep global concern."
• State Dept Considers Second Round of Sanctions Against Russia Over Skripal Case Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The United States is actively considering a second, more draconian round of sanctions against Russia over the Skripal case, US Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Christopher Ford said on Wednesday.
• May wins support among ministers for her Brexit deal Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has won support among British ministers for her Brexit deal with the European Union.
• UK Labour to 'vote against' Brexit deal if it fails to meet tests: Corbyn Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Britain's main opposition party has denounced as "shambolic" the Prime Minister Theresa May's handling of Brexit negotiations, saying it will vote against any agreement regarding the country's separation from the European Union (EU) unless the deal meets the party's standards and criteria.
• UK Prime Minister May Secures Cabinet Support for Brexit Deal Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May has secured a cabinet support for her Brexit deal and the agreement would be submitted to the parliament for review.
• British Cabinet Backs Brexit Deal After Marathon Meeting VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May scrambled Wednesday to sell to her Cabinet a draft Brexit divorce agreement British negotiators concluded after months of wrangling with their European Union counterparts. After a five-hour Cabinet meeting, Britain's beleaguered leader got the backing of her ministers.
• Pres. Rouhani: Iran makes US understand it can sell oil IRNA 14 Nov 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the Americans found that Iran is selling its oil and Tehran has many ways to sell the oil that sanctions are ineffective.
• Oppressive US sanctions target Iranians, won't affect oil sales: Rouhani Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the "oppressive" US sanctions will only harm the Iranian people, giving assurances that the country will prevail over the restrictive measures and will continue to sell its oil.
• Iraq rejects US deadline to halt Iran gas imports Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Iraq has rejected a US deadline to stop importing Iranian gas, warning that any halt to the supplies would create a real power crisis which sparked several days of unrest in Basra and elsewhere this summer.
• Iraq Seeking To Trade Food For Iranian Energy Supplies, Officials Say RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- Baghdad has agreed with Tehran to exchange Iraqi food items for Iranian energy supplies and has requested permission from the United States to extend its sanctions waiver to allow the deal to proceed, Iraqi officials have been quoted as saying.
• So Much for Sanctions: Iraq Rejects US Deadline on Trade With Iran - Reports Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- This week, the Trump administration promised to "squeeze" Iran "until the pips squeak" with new measures following the introduction of tough new unilateral sanctions against Tehran earlier this month targeting the country's energy, banking and shipping sectors.
• Iranian Businesses Look To Iraq To Expand Amid U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- With U.S. sanctions cutting into Iran's oil exports and global trade, Iranian businesses have been looking to expand their presence in a traditional market -- Iraq.
• Iran hangs 'sultan of coins', accomplice for corruption Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Two men sentenced to death for corrupt economic practices were hanged in Tehran early Wednesday morning, the Judiciary's Mizan news agency reported.
• Iran Hangs 'Sultans Of Coins,' Second Currency Trader RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- Iran has executed two men convicted of illegal currency trading as Tehran steps up its crackdown on alleged financial crimes in the face of economic hardships heightened by U.S. financial sanctions.
• Concerns Raised Over 'Secret Executions' Of Arabs In Iran RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- Amnesty International has urged authorities in Iran to immediately provide information about hundreds of members of the Arab ethnic minority who have reportedly being held incommunicado following a deadly attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz in September.
• Iran's Inflation Rate Will Soar To Over 40 Percent By Year-End, IMF Says RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- Iran's inflation rate will jump to over 40 percent by the end of the year even as its economy sinks into a deep recession, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting.
• Xi calls for confidence, resolve in reform, opening-up People's Daily 14 Nov 2018 -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for efforts to boost Chinese people's confidence and determination to follow the Party along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the path of reform and opening-up.
• US Congress Wants to Cut Off Aid to Saudis Over Khashoggi, Yemen War - Reports Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- Earlier, Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton said that the recently released audio recording allegedly depicting the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in no way implicated the top leadership in Riyadh in the crime.
• Bolton: Khashoggi's Killing Audio Recording Doesn't Implicate Saudi Crown Prince Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- National Security Advisor John Bolton said the audio recording of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing does not have any evidence implicating Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• US Sanctions 26 Cuban Sub-Entities to Block Them From American Funds - DoS Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The United States has added 26 sub-entities, including 16 hotels, to its Cuba Restricted List that aims to prevent money from reaching the Cuban military, intelligence and security services, the US Department of State said in a press release.
• State Department Updates the Cuba Restricted List US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2018 -- As part of the Trump Administration's efforts to prevent U.S. funds from reaching the Cuban military, intelligence, and security services, the State Department is adding 26 subentities to the Cuba Restricted List, including 16 hotels owned by the Cuban military.
• New York Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 14 Nov 2018 -- Adam Raishani, aka "Saddam Mohamed Raishani," 32, of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• U.K. indicates support for Taiwan Interpol bid CNA 14 Nov 2018 -- The United Kingdom government has informed a pro-Taiwan Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) it is discussing with partner nations Taiwan's bid to attend the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) General Assembly as an observer.
• Turkey Demands Extradition of Over 450 Gulen-Linked Suspects - Minister Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- Turkey is demanding extradition of 452 people from 83 countries over their alleged links to the movement of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.
• Bahraini courts issued death sentences for 32 anti-regime activists since 2011 Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) has condemned the kingdom's persistence on passing death sentences against anti-regime activists, calling the practice an "inhuman punishment" as the ruling Al Khalifah regime presses ahead with its heavy clampdown on political dissidents and pro-democracy activists in the kingdom.
• UN Security Council Lifts Sanctions Imposed on Eritrea Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on November 14 that lifts the long-standing sanctions that have been previously imposed on Eritrea.
• UNSC expected to lift Eritrea sanctions in Wednesday vote Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is expected to remove its sanctions on Eritrea following a landmark peace deal between the African country and its neighbor Ethiopia and a thaw between Asmara and Djibouti.
• Eritrea sanctions lifted amid growing rapprochement with Ethiopia: Security Council UN News 14 Nov 2018 -- A range of international sanctions imposed against Eritrea nearly a decade ago, were unanimously lifted by the Security Council on Wednesday, four months after the signing of an historic peace agreement with Ethiopia in July.
• UN Security Council Lifts Sanctions Against Eritrea VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to lift sanctions against Eritrea after nearly a decade.
• New Sri Lankan PM Ousted in Parliamentary No-Confidence Vote VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- Sri Lanka's political crisis deepened Wednesday after lawmakers approved a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, creating a power vacuum.
• Sri Lanka parliament votes out new government Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Sri Lanka's parliament has passed a no-confidence motion against the controversially-appointed government of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
• European Parliament Slams Moldova As A 'State Captured By Oligarchic Interests' RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- The European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a resolution highly critical of Moldova, saying it has become a "state captured by oligarchic interests" that exert their influence over most part of Moldova's society.
• Hungary Confirms Ex-Macedonia Leader Seeking Asylum As Skopje Demands Extradition RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- The Hungarian government has confirmed that it has received a request for political asylum from former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.
• Romania Dismisses EU Charge It's Backsliding On Democratic Reform RFE/RL 14 Nov 2018 -- Romania's prime minister has dismissed European Union criticism that the country is backsliding on democratic reforms and insisted that Bucharest is ready to take over the EU's rotating presidency next year.