23 January 2019 Military News

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Current Operations

Afghanistan's Abdullah Meets Davos Business Leaders To Lure Investors To War-Torn Country RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- The chief executive of Afghanistan's government, Abdullah Abdullah, is at one of the world's leading economic forums in Davos, Switzerland, attempting to persuade foreign investors to pour money into his war-torn country.
Afghan intelligence agency kills mastermind of recent deadly raid Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Afghanistan's intelligence agency says it has killed a Taliban commander who masterminded a recent deadly terror attack on a military base in the central province of Maidan Wardak, which reportedly killed some 126 security forces.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOE AND NNSA Celebrate W76-1 Life Extension Program DOE 23 Jan 2019 -- Two decades of enterprise-wide collaboration leads to successfully extending the life of the W76 warhead for the U.S. Navy under budget and ahead of schedule
Soldier Center partners with industry experts to advance exoskeleton technologies Army News 23 Jan 2019 -- David Audet, chief of the Mission Equipment and Systems Branch in the Soldier Performance Optimization Directorate, at the Research, Development and Engineering Command's Soldier Center, is gearing up his team for the next User Touch Point activities to explore exoskeleton options later this month.
Navy to Commission Destroyer Michael Monsoor DoD 23 Jan 2019 -- The Navy will commission its newest destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), Saturday, Jan. 26, during a 10 a.m. PST ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, where the ship will be homeported.
Alameda-based Coast Guard cutter and crew depart for Western Pacific patrol NNS 23 Jan 2019 -- On a gray and foggy morning, tears intermingled with rain as family members braved the elements to say goodbye to the 170 crewmembers of Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL-750), a 418-foot national security cutter, which departed Alameda, Jan. 20, for a patrol in the Western Pacific Ocean.
NAVSEA Sprints into Future with Cold Spray NNS 23 Jan 2019 -- Metal powder blasts from the end of the nozzle in a hurricane of nitrogen gas, colliding with the target at supersonic velocities. The powerful impact flattens the particles, welding them to the object and creating an essentially brand-new part with a lifespan measured in years instead of months or days.
USS Mobile Bay Participates In Intrepid Sentinel NNS 23 Jan 2019 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, joined with maritime forces from France, United Kingdom, and Australia to complete exercise Intrepid Sentinel in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 17.
Exercise Sea Dragon Concludes NNS 23 Jan 2019 -- Three U.S. and one Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidons from three squadrons along with one Los Angeles-class attack submarine completed operations from 2019 Exercise Sea Dragon Jan. 22.
NSWC Carderock Division and NUWC Division, Keyport Meet to Collaborate on Technological Capabilities NNS 23 Jan 2019 -- More than 30 leaders from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport spent two days developing and discussing collaboration projects in support of the NAVSEA One Team mission January 15-16.
That $13 Billion US Carrier Finally Has One Weapons Elevator Working Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- When US President Donald Trump presided over the commissioning of the USS Ford in July 2017, the carrier could not lift munitions up to its flight deck.
US Audit Faults Army Plans to Install Untested Technology in New Weapons Systems Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- A five-year effort by the US Army to modernize is being undermined by an Army practice of moving new technologies to new weapons before the technology has been tested in a realistic environment, the General Accountability Office (GAO) said in a new report on Wednesday.

Pompeo Says It's 'Struggle' To Reduce Risk Of Confrontation With Russia RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that Washington and Moscow are not "doomed to a Cold War rivalry," but "it has been a struggle" to reduce the risk of confrontation with Russia.

US Wants Seoul to Pay Over $1Bln in 2019 for Deployment of Its Troops - Reports Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Washington has insisted that Seoul boost its spending related to maintaining the 28,500-strong US Forces Korea (USFK) to 1.35 trillion won ($1.2 billion) this year, a 41 percent increase from 2018 and more than South Korea is willing to consider contributing, South Korean media reported on Wednesday, citing a diplomatic source.

U.S. House Votes Overwhelmingly To Prohibit Exit From NATO RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a bill affirming congressional support for NATO, amid renewed concerns over President Donald Trump's commitment to the 29-member alliance.
Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of Romania, Viorica Dăncilă NATO 23 Jan 2019
Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Georgia, Salomé Zourabichvili NATO 23 Jan 2019

Russia's new missile keeps INF dispute with US hot Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has refuted the US claim that its new missile is violating the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), releasing the specifications of the missile for the first time since Washington threatened to withdraw from the Cold War-era nuclear arms control treaty.
Russia Presses Claim In Cold War Missile-Pact Dispute RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has held an elaborate presentation to amplify its claim that a new missile at the center of a dispute with the United States and NATO does not violate a key Cold War-era arms pact, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
Russia Suspects US Tests Short-, Medium-Range Missile Tech Under Guise of Drills Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- The US will suspend adherence to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) with Russia on 2 February, triggering a six-month notice of a complete withdrawal. Washington stated that Moscow would have six months to "prove compliance" with the treaty, if it wishes to preserve the accord. Russia, in turn, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Defense Min.: Iran to launch 2nd satellite soon IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- Iran is planning to launch its 2nd satellite to space on the occasion of the 40th victory anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said.
Iran to launch another satellite soon, says defense minister Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the Islamic Republic will launch a second satellite into orbit within days.
Iran Plans to Carry Out New Satellite Launch Soon - Reports Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Tehran is planning to carry out a new satellite launch in the near future, IRNA reported on Wednesday, citing Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami, just one week after the country failed to launch its Payam satellite into orbit.

China to solicit public opinions on draft law of veterans' welfare Global Times 23 Jan 2019 -- A draft law on veterans' welfare has been sent to relevant departments at the central and provincial governments and the military for opinions and will be open to the public for comments in due time, said China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs Wednesday.
China helps military veterans find jobs Global Times 23 Jan 2019 -- China has rolled out a host of measures to help military veterans find jobs and protect their legitimate rights and interests.
China Slashes Army's Manpower as Part of Strategic Shift into Modernized Force Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Personnel assigned to China's navy, air force, rocket force and strategic support force now combine to make up more than 50 percent of China's total force, overtaking the size of the army for the first time in history, according to reports.

Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashes IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- An aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed on Wednesday near Mastung area in southwestern Balochistan province, said a PAF statement.

Defense Industry

Contracts for January 23, 2019

Other Conflicts

23 January 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Jan 2019

'Terms of Yemen prisoner exchange to be thrashed out in coming days' Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Delegates from Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement and representatives loyal to former Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi are expected to agree on the terms of a prisoner exchange within the next 10 days.

Crucial medical supplies airlifted to north-east Syria to meet 'desperate need' UN News 23 Jan 2019 -- In response to the growing health needs of people in north-east Syria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has airlifted urgent medical supplies to the region, for the second time this month.
US-coalition attack kills civilians in eastern Syria IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- The US-led coalition air attack on Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria has claimed the lives of some civilians and injured a number of others who were escaping from ISIS enclaves.
Syrian army kills Ajnad al-Kavkaz ringleader IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- Ringleader of the terrorist group 'Ajnad al-Kavkaz' (Soldiers of the Caucasus) was killed by the Syrian armed forces, Russian media reported.
US-led airstrikes kill several Syrian civilians in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Several civilians have lost their lives and sustained injuries when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out a number of aerial attacks in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Continuous Terrorist Provocations Threaten Russian Air Base in Idlib - Moscow Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the Russian Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Centre for Syria reported that militants of the Al-Nusra Front terror organisation had attacked Syrian army positions in the Idlib de-escalation zone, near the settlements of Abu-Duhur and Abu-Sharjah.

Meeting In Moscow, Putin, Erdogan Vow Closer Cooperation On Syria RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- Following talks with his Turkish counterpart in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the two leaders discussed how they planned to stabilize the situation in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib.
Turkish Forces Strike Kurdish YPG Positions in Tell Rifaat - Reports Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Almost a week ago, Turkey's Defence Ministry reported another shelling of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in response to the latter's fire from the city of Tell Rifaat.
Turkey's Erdogan Lays Out Plans for Syria Security Zone VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in his latest effort to build support for a Turkish-controlled military security zone in Syria.

Israel must stop 'spontaneous' Syria strikes: Russia Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has urged Israel to stop its "spontaneous" airstrikes on Syria, days after the Israeli military carried out fresh strikes against targets near the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Syria warns of attack on Tel Aviv airport if UN fails to halt Israeli aggression Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Syria has warned that it could use its right to respond in self defense to recent Israeli air raids against a civilian airport near Damascus by striking Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport if the UN Security Council fails to shoulder its responsibilities and act against the regime's aggression.
Russia Says 'Arbitrary' Israeli Air Strikes On Syria Should Stop RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has called on Israel to stop carrying out "arbitrary' air strikes on Syrian territory, days after the Israeli Air Force targeted what Israel said were Iranian forces in the war-torn country.

Saudi Arabia confirms its categorical rejection of all Israeli policies, practices and plans against the Palestinian people SPA 23 Jan 2019 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unequivocally rejected all Israeli illegal policies, practices and plans as well as Israel's attempts to perpetuate racial discrimination against the Palestinian people, to obliterate their national identity and to undermine their legitimate rights.
Israeli jetfighters attack Hamas base in Gaza IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- The warplanes of the Zionist regime of Israel have conducted attack on positions of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas organization in Beit Lahia.
In letter, Palestinian Authority asks US to drop all remaining aid Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- The Palestinian Authority (PA) says it will refuse American aid in its entirety after Washington cut humanitarian funds to Palestinians, adding that accepting such help could carry unwelcome legal consequences for the Ramallah-based administration.
Israeli jets strike northern Gaza Strip in new act of aggression Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Israeli military aircraft have carried out a series of airstrikes against targets in the northern part of the Gaza Strip as the Tel Aviv regime continues with its acts of aggression against the besieged Palestinian coastal sliver.
IDF Says Israeli Jets Struck Hamas Targets in Northern Gaza After Border Unrest Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that their fighter jets carried out strikes in the northern Gaza Strip targeting a Hamas camp in response to "terrorist" fire on the Israel-Gaza border.

Lebanon arrests Mossad agent over car bomb attack against Hamas official Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Lebanon's army says it had arrested a suspected agent of Israel's spy agency Mossad over a car bomb explosion in the country's southern city of Sidon, which slightly wounded a member of the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, Hamas, last year.

S. Korea: Japanese Warplane Made Threatening Pass over Naval Vessel VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- South Korea says a Japanese military aircraft made a threatening low-altitude flight over one of its naval vessels Wednesday, describing it as a "provocative act."
Japanese Patrol Plane Flies Close to S Korean Warship in Korea Strait - Reports Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- A Japanese maritime patrol aircraft flew close to a South Korean warship in the Korea Strait on 23 January, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing an unnamed South Korean official.

Security Council should 'nurture' Colombian consensus against return to violence, top UN official urges UN News 23 Jan 2019 -- Two years after the signing of the historic peace agreement in Colombia and following a recent escalation of violence, the newly-appointed representative of the United Nations in the country, told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that its people have established a "broad consensus" against further conflict, before highlighting key steps to stabilize the nation.

Central African Republic militia leader and football executive, transferred to ICC UN News 23 Jan 2019 -- Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, the coordinator of a mainly Christian militia faction in the Central African Republic and a senior African football executive, has been transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face accusations of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Thousands of Nigerian Refugees Flee to Chad for Safety VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- The U.N. refugee agency says thousands of Nigerian refugees are fleeing to Chad to escape a surge of violence in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state.

Voters Are Deciding Extent of Muslim Autonomy in Philippines VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- More than 50 years of Muslim rebel violence, which has killed 121,000 and attracted the terrorist group Islamic State, came down to the ballot box this week. Voters in two cities and three other regions of the southern island Mindanao combined on Monday to ratify a law that creates the country's strongest ever semi-autonomous Muslim region.

News Reports

New Strategy Encourages Innovation, Better Intel Sharing DoD News 23 Jan 2019 -- The latest iteration of the National Intelligence Strategy aims at encouraging innovation and sharing information and intelligence among like-minded nations, the director of national intelligence said.
U.S. Intelligence Strategy Sees 'Diverse' Threats From Russia, China, and North Korea RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- A major U.S. intelligence report released in Washington on January 22 says Russia's efforts to expand its influence and the modernization of China's military are among the "ever more diverse" threats facing the United States.
Russia, China, Cyber Domain Among Key Threats Named in US Intelligence Strategy Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- The newly-released 2019 US National Intelligence Strategy identified Russia, China, and cyber activities among some of the major emerging threats to the United States while addressing ways to enhance the effectiveness of the Intelligence Community (IC) to combat these challenges.

Continuing U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Venezuela US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2019 -- The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country.
Recognition of Juan Guaido as Venezuela's Interim President US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2019 -- "The United States recognizes Juan Guaido as the new interim President of Venezuela, and strongly supports his courageous decision to assume that role pursuant to Article 233 of Venezuela's constitution and supported by the National Assembly, in restoring democracy to Venezuela."
Statement from President Donald J. Trump Recognizing Venezuelan National Assembly President Juan Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela The White House 23 Jan 2019
Venezuela's Maduro Breaks Off Diplomatic Ties With US VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is breaking off diplomatic relations with the United States and is giving embassy personnel 72 hours to get out of the country. But the top U.S. diplomat says Maduro no longer has the authority to do so.
Trump Backs Venezuela Opposition Leader, Angering Russian Lawmakers RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said he recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president, leading the South American country break diplomatic relations with bitter rival Washington.
Venezuela's US-backed Guaido declares self acting president Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- The president of Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly, Juan Guaido, has declared himself interim president of the country and was immediately recognized by the United States, which is accused by Caracas of plotting to topple President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela 'to fully revise US ties, announce measures soon' Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Venezuela has announced a decision to fully revise its diplomatic relations with the United States, claiming that Washington has given "orders" for a coup in the socialist Latin American country.
Skirmishes Across Venezuela as US, Allies Endorse Presumptive President Guaido Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Following news that Venezuela's opposition leader, Juan Guaido, had declared himself interim president Wednesday, the US rushed to endorse him as the legitimate leader, and others mulled following suit. Violence has broken out across Venezuela as anti-government protesters skirmish with police and crowds in favor of President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela Breaks Diplomatic Ties With United States, Orders Diplomats to Leave Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Wednesday that the United States had attempted to stage a coup in the country.
Trump Recognises Venezuela's Opp Leader Juan Guaido as Acting President Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Earlier this week, Venezuela's National Assembly adopted a statement declaring Maduro usurped power and all the decisions made by him and the executive bodies were void. Maduro replied he would hold the National Assembly accountable for ridiculing the country's constitution.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 23, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jan 2019
'Your Turn To Lie': Former Russian State TV Cameraman Describes 'The Business Of Misinforming Viewers' RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- Strict control of broadcast television has been a key element of Russian President Vladimir Putin's nearly two decades in power. The vast majority of Russians continue to get most of their information from TV, giving the Kremlin a powerful tool for shaping public perceptions.
WADA Chief Defends Decision Not To Penalize Russian Anti-Doping Agency RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- The director-general of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has defended his organization's decision not to impose new penalties against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) for delaying access to data from the Moscow drug-testing laboratory at the center of alleged state-sponsored doping.
A Chechen Court Ruled To Forgive $100 Million Of Citizens' Gas Debts. Gazprom Isn't Happy RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- A district court's ruling that Chechnya's $135 million gas debt should be written off because collecting it could lead to social unrest has left other Russian regions wondering why they shouldn't get the same deal, and has prompted the local Gazprom affiliate to fight back.

30 tons yellow cake to transfer to Isfahan ISNA 23 Jan 2019 -- The head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi announced that 30 tons yellow cake will be transferred from Ardakan to Isfahan January 30 or 31.
US in reverse gear on anti-Iran summit as international boycott widens: Report Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- The Unites States may call off a controversial anti-Iran summit in Poland scheduled for next month as Washington is facing a setback due to a widening international boycott of the gathering, a report says.
France says it expects Iran-EU trade mechanism to be established in 'coming says' Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says a European-backed trade mechanism, known as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), aimed at facilitating non-dollar business with Iran in the face of US sanctions should be established in the coming days.
Oil-rich Iran cannot be barred from global energy market: Rouhani Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iran, as a country rich in oil and gas resources, cannot be excluded from the global energy market despite US attempts to cut the country's oil exports.
Iran finds 'very light and sweet' oil in Abadan for first time Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Iran has discovered a new oilfield containing unspecified reserves of "very light and sweet" crude in the southwestern Khuzestan province, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said on Wednesday.
Iran firms defy sanctions by signing $1 billion in oil deals Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Iranian companies have signed $1 billion in contracts for enhanced recovery at nine aging oilfields of the country which is now left to its own devices in the face of the most restrictive US sanctions ever.
Russia snubs US 'counterproductive' anti-Iran summit in Poland Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has opposed an anti-Iran summit due to be organized by the United States in Poland as "unacceptable" and "counterproductive," saying Moscow will not attend the so-called Middle East security forum, which is merely meant to "shift the international focus" from the real crises gripping the region.

Commentary: Xi's speech demonstrates CPC's readiness to confront potential challenges People's Daily 23 Jan 2019 -- As an old Chinese saying goes: "One thrives and survives under hardship and suffering and withers amid ease and pleasure."

U.S. bill on Taiwan WHO observer status passes first hurdle CNA 23 Jan 2019 -- The United States House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday that directs the U.S. secretary of state to help Taiwan regain observer status at the World Health Organization (WHO).
MAC head proposes three tenets for stable cross-strait relations CNA 23 Jan 2019 -- Chen Ming-tong (陳明通), head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), on Tuesday put forth three proposals for maintaining peaceful and stable relations across the Taiwan Strait, which he said is the responsibility of both sides.

U.S. Concern Over Sudanese Government Response to Protests US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2019
Sudan's Bashir Visits Qatar While US Expresses Concern Over Arrests VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was in Qatar Wednesday to discuss aid for his embattled nation as the United States expressed concern over death, injuries and arrests of Sudanese citizens over four weeks of protests challenging Bashir's government.
In meeting with Bashir, Qatari Emir says supports unity in Sudan Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has visited Qatar, where Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani offered support for the restive African country, which is grappling with anti-government protests.
Sudan: Amidst deaths, injuries, imprisonments, UNICEF stresses children's protection 'at all times' UN News 23 Jan 2019 -- Children are likely among the dead during a month of nationwide protests in Sudan with "scores" of others injured and detained, according to a top UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) official, who spelled out that "children should never be targeted nor used or exploited".

Thai General Elections Set for March VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- Thailand's Election Commission has set March 24 as the date for the country's first general elections since the 2014 military coup that toppled the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Thailand set to hold general elections on March 24 Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Thailand's Election Commission has set March 24 as the date for the country's first general elections since the 2014 military coup that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Any delay in Lebanese govt. formation amounts to national crime, Berri says Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has described any further delay in the formation of a new national unity government in the Arab country as "a national crime."

U.S. Response to Constitutional Court Decision in the Democratic Republic of the Congo US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2019
Eager for Peace, Some Congolese Voters Accept Election Results VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- Congolese voters hungry for peace are ready to welcome President-elect Felix Tshisekedi to power, even if alleged election rigging may have led to his victory.

Greek Lawmakers Open Debate On Macedonia Name Deal Ahead Of Vote RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- A heated debate on a historic agreement aimed at normalizing relations with Macedonia is under way in the Greek parliament, which is scheduled to vote on the deal on January 24.
Greek Parliament to Begin Heated Discussions of Name Change Deal With Macedonia Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- The Greek parliament is starting discussions on the Prespa Agreement at the plenary session on Wednesday morning that should put an end to the longstanding dispute over the constitutional name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and open the way for the Balkan country to join NATO and the European Union.

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