02 April 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan Forces Reclaim Key District From Taliban VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- Authorities in Afghanistan say a military-led counteroffensive has evicted the Taliban from a strategically important district in northeastern Badakhshan province, inflicting heavy casualties on retreating insurgents.
U.S. Special Envoy Holds Talks In Kabul Amid Continued Taliban Violence RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. envoy seeking a peace deal with the Taliban has held consultations in Kabul with Afghan government representatives.
Interview: U.S. Envoy Plays Down Tensions With Kabul, Hopes For Peace This Year RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. envoy seeking a peace deal with the Taliban has played down recent tensions with the Western-backed Kabul government, telling RFE/RL that he hopes 2019 will be the "year of peace."
Afghan Official Says Taliban Killed Eight Soldiers In Northern Attack RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- An Afghan official says the Taliban killed at least eight members of the country's security forces after attacking a checkpoint in the northern Balkh Province.

Defense Policy / Programs

United States, Lithuania Sign Defense Cooperation Plan DoD 02 Apr 2019 -- Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Kathryn Wheelbarger met with Lithuanian Policy Director Robertas Šapronas today at the Pentagon to sign the U.S.-Lithuania Defense Cooperation Strategic Roadmap.
U.S., Lithuania Detail Roadmap for Cooperation Through 2024 DoD News 02 Apr 2019 -- U.S. and Lithuanian defense leaders today signed a document detailing cooperation between the two countries through 2024.
DOD Hosts Dialogue With the Czech Republic DoD News 02 Apr 2019 -- The Czech Republic is committed to NATO, and that is reflected in the strategic impact the nation has in Europe and elsewhere, a senior Pentagon official said today.
NETT Marines bridging the gap between the past and future of amphibious combat USMC News 02 Apr 2019 -- At its core, any Marine Corps New Equipment Training Team is responsible for–as the name suggests–arming Marines with the knowledge and skills they need to operate and maintain new equipment to ensure Marines' future success on the battlefield. When new equipment is fielded, the NETT provide the initial training to experienced legacy system operators and maintainers to help get them acquainted with the new system in the shortest time possible.
Pacific Partnership 2019 Joins Malaysian Community for Health Engagement NNS 02 Apr 2019 -- Malaysian Armed Forces and local medical staff joined Pacific Partnership 2019 (PP19) personnel deployed with the Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) in providing medical services to Kuching residents during a community health engagement at SK Tanah Puteh, March 31.
U. S. 2nd Fleet to Lead BALTOPS 2019 NNS 02 Apr 2019 -- U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) will lead the 47th annual exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region that takes place in the Baltic Sea mid-June 2019 marking the fleet's first time operating in the European theater since reestablishment in 2018.
Ike Completes Sea Trials NNS 02 Apr 2019 -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) successfully completed its Sea Trials April 1.
Pentagon Working on Secondary Supply Sources for Turkish-Made F-35 Parts Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The US Defence Department is searching for new sources to replace Turkish-made F-35 aircraft parts after Washington suspended activities associated with Turkey's F-35 operational capability, Pentagon spokesperson Charles Summers said in a statement.
Wilson, Goldfein outline Air Force progress, need for larger force US Air Force 02 Apr 2019 -- Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein told the House Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the Air Force must get bigger and funding must be predictable to meet – and defeat – security threats at home, globally and in space in an era of great power competition.
Air Force releases 2018 Acquisition Report US Air Force 02 Apr 2019 -- The Air Force released the Fiscal Year 2018 Air Force Acquisition Annual Report April 2, emphasizing the need to field tomorrow's Air Force faster and smarter.

A Short History of NATO DoD News 02 Apr 2019 -- On May 8, 1945, the guns in Europe fell silent. Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the victorious allies – the United Kingdom, France, the United States and the Soviet Union.
NATO Secretary General thanks President Trump for his strong leadership NATO 02 Apr 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the White House on Tuesday (2 April 2019) for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Secretary General thanked President Trump for his strong leadership and commitment to NATO.
NATO To Discuss Black Sea Presence This Week, Russia's 'Aggressive' Actions RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the alliance will discuss this week its "next steps" in response to Russia's continued violation of a key Cold War-era nuclear arms-control agreement, as well as its presence in the Black Sea region in the face of Russian "aggressive behavior."
NATO Ministers In Washington For Two-Day Meeting Dedicated To The Bloc's 70th Anniversary RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- Foreign ministers from NATO's 29 member countries are scheduled to open a two-day meeting in Washington on April 3 to honor the alliance's 70th anniversary and discuss security threats, including Russia and Afghanistan.
NATO Chief Meets Trump As U.S. President Calls For Increased Defense Spending RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his "strong commitment" to the military alliance, while the president pressed his demands that the allies do more to pay for their own defense.
Briefing on Upcoming NATO Ministerial US Dept. of State 02 Apr 2019 -- Special Briefing by Senior State Department Official
Trump Takes Credit for Turning Around NATO VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is warming toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), praising the alliance and its leader Tuesday during meetings with its secretary-general.
Remarks by President Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Expanded Bilateral Meeting The White House 02 Apr 2019
Remarks by President Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 02 Apr 2019

Saint Petersburg military academy explosion injures 3 Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Saint Petersburg's Alexander Mozhaisky military academy was the site of a non-life-threatening explosion Tuesday, with three people injured, Russia's Defense Ministry said.
Three Injured In Blast At Russian Military Academy: Defense Ministry RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- Three people have been injured in an explosion at a military academy in St. Petersburg, Russian media cited the Defense Ministry as saying.

Japan Becomes First Indo-Pacific F-35 Buyer to Meet IOC Status Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The Japan Air Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) announced on March 29 that its first F-35A shipment, which makes up part of the service's 302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) status, allowing the fighter jets to take part in simple missions.

India - MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters DSCA 02 Apr 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Rafale Jet Deal Features in Election Manifesto of India's Main Opposition Party Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- India's main opposition Congress party has promised an inquiry into the alleged irregularities of the Indo-French Rafale fighter jet deal in its election manifesto, which was released by party president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday.
NASA Says India's Anti-Satellite Missile Test 'Unacceptable' Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The United States has criticized India for last week's anti-satellite missile test calling it unacceptable and incompatible with the future of human space flight, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said on Monday.

Lockheed Martin receives $2.5bn deal to forward US THAAD deal with Saudi Arabia Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- The US Department of Defense has awarded arms manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin Corp a $2.5 billion contract to produce Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile systems for Saudi Arabia, as part of President Donald Trump's extensive arms deals with the oil-rich kingdom.
Pentagon Awards $2.4Bn to Build THAAD Anti-Missile Interceptors for Saudi Arabia Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Lockheed Martin has received a more than $2.4 billion contract from the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) to provide Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors to Saudi Arabia, the US Department of Defence said in a press release.

Acting US Defence Chief Expects Turkey to Purchase Patriot Instead of S-400s Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The United States expects that Turkey will opt to purchase Patriot missile systems instead of S-400s, in a move that would resolve its dispute with the country over F-35 deliveries, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday.
US State Dept Threatens Turkey With Sanctions Amid Halt on F-35 Program Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The US government warned Ankara that it could face even more consequences including sanctions for purchasing Russian S-400 defence systems, a State Department official told Sputnik on Monday after the United States reportedly halted shipments of F-35-related equipment to Turkey.

Lockheed Martin receives $2.5bn deal to forward US THAAD deal with Saudi Arabia Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- The US Department of Defense has awarded arms manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin Corp a $2.5 billion contract to produce Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile systems for Saudi Arabia, as part of President Donald Trump's extensive arms deals with the oil-rich kingdom.
Pentagon Awards $2.4Bn to Build THAAD Anti-Missile Interceptors for Saudi Arabia Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Lockheed Martin has received a more than $2.4 billion contract from the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) to provide Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors to Saudi Arabia, the US Department of Defence said in a press release.

Japan Intercepts Chinese Military Aircraft Flying Over East China Sea Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- On April 1, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF) deployed two Xian H-6G maritime bombers and one Shaanxi Y-9JB electronic warfare and surveillance aircraft into airspace between the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyako in the East China Sea, prompting Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) jets to intercept the planes.

Washington, Manila Considering US Rocket System to Counter China - Report Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Officials from the US and the Philippines are reportedly in talks to discuss the possible deployment of the American high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) in a bid to counter China's continued militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea.

Prospect of a nuclear war 'higher than it has been in generations', warns UN UN News 02 Apr 2019 -- In a world defined by "competition over cooperation, and the acquisition of arms, prioritized over the pursuit of diplomacy", the threat of a nuclear weapon being used is "higher than it has been in generations," the Security Council heard on Tuesday.

Department Press Briefing - April 2, 2019 US Dept. of State 02 Apr 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for April 2, 2019

Oddly shaped Chinese combat-ready helicopter drone popular in international market Global Times 02 Apr 2019 -- Capable of delivering precision bombardment, the weirdly shaped Chinese helicopter drone Blowfish A2 sparked interest from many countries' militaries following its flight demonstration at the 15th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia, the drone's manufacturer said.

Other Conflicts

2 April 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Apr 2019

Philippines protests China's presence in disputed waters Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- The Philippines says it has filed a diplomatic protest over the presence of more than 270 Chinese vessels near a Philippine-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea.

Yemeni FM urges UN to let ships carrying food dock in ports IRNA 02 Apr 2019 -- Yemeni foreign minister said that the United Nations has stopped giving permission to the ships for entering Yemen's ports.

Islamic State Still Showing Signs of Life in Syria's Baghuz VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- More than a week after declaring victory over Islamic State's self-declared caliphate, U.S.-backed forces are still trying to clear the terror group's last stronghold of its fighters.

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Says US Support Needed for Lasting Defeat of IS VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- In an exclusive interview with the Voice of America's Kurdish Service, Mohammed al-Halbousi, Iraq's speaker of the Council of Representatives, said support of the U.S.-led coalition to ensure a lasting defeat of Islamic State (IS) is crucial as Iraq continues its efforts against the group's insurgency activities.

HRW Blasts Russia Over 'Escalating Pressure' On Crimean Tatars RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the recent arrests of 23 Crimean Tatars by Russian authorities, calling it an "unprecedented move to intensify pressure on a group largely critical" of Moscow's seizure of Ukraine's Crimea region.

3 Pakistani Soldiers Killed as Heavy Firing Continues Between India and Pakistan Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The two nuclear-armed nations have been embroiled in sporadic fighting since mid-February, when a Pakistan-based terror group attacked an army convoy and killed at least 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

News Reports

Algerian Political, Military Leaders Haggle Over Bouteflika's Succession VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- The political situation in Algeria gets murky as Algeria's state news agency reports President Abdelaziz Bouteflika told a constitutional body Tuesday he is resigning. Feuding political and military factions appear to be waging a behind-the-scenes tug-of-war to determine the future of the government.
Algeria's ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigns Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Algeria's ailing president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has announced his resignation with immediate effect, following months of protests against his rule.
Algeria's Bouteflika Promises Smooth Transition of Power After Resignation Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said in a message to the head of the country's Constitutional Council on Tuesday that he had taken all measures to ensure continuity of power after his resignation.
Algeria's President Bouteflika Resigns - Reports Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has submitted his resignation, the country's state news agency APS reported on Tuesday.

Trump Offers Mixed Signals on Possible Closing of Border with Mexico VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump offered mixed signals Tuesday on whether he plans to close the U.S. southern border with Mexico to thwart the surge of undocumented migrants trying to seek asylum in the United States.

Top Venezuela court urges revocation of Guaido's immunity Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Venezuela's Supreme Court has urged the National Constituent Assembly to strip opposition figure Juan Guaido of his parliamentary immunity from prosecution.
Maduro Announces Establishment of Power Supply Headquarters After Blackouts Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced the creation of headquarters on electrical power supplies, which will be headed by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, in the wake of the recent blackouts in the country.
Venezuelan Supreme Court Urges Lawmakers to Strip Guaido's Immunity Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice on Monday called on the Constituent Assembly to strip opposition leader Juan Guaido of parliamentary immunity.
Remarks by Vice President Pence in Meeting with the Family Members of Citgo Executives Currently Detained by the Maduro Regime in Venezuela The White House 02 Apr 2019

US House Panel Subpoenas Former White House Security Clearance Chief VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- A Democratic-controlled congressional panel on Tuesday subpoenaed a former White House security clearance chief to answer questions about a whistleblower's claims that senior Trump administration officials granted national security badges to at least 25 people that government reviewers had rejected for an array of concerns.
Up to 25 security clearance denials reportedly reversed by Trump Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Longtime White House security adviser Tricia Newbold has claimed that the Donald Trump administration has reversed 25 security clearance denials related to unqualified officials.

Russian Man Sentenced In Treason Case Linked To FSB Cyberscandal RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- A Russian Internet businessman has been sentenced to seven years in prison for state treason, in a case linked to a major scandal at Russia's main security agency.

Chinese Woman With Malware, Tech Devices Bluffs Her Way into Trump's Mar-a-Lago Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- A Chinese woman carrying a thumb drive with malware, as well as multiple passports and electronic devices, was arrested at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Saturday while US President Donald Trump was there. She bluffed her way past security multiple times before being caught, according to court documents.

Norwegian Tried in Russia for Collecting Data On Nuclear Submarines - Prosecutor Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Norwegian national Frode Berg, who is on trial in a Moscow court, has been charged with espionage for collecting data on Russian nuclear submarines, a state prosecutor said Tuesday.

Facebook Removes More Than 100 Military-Linked Accounts In Pakistan RFE/RL 01 Apr 2019 -- Facebook has removed 103 pages, groups, and accounts that it said were part of a network linked to the Pakistani military's public relations wing.
Facebook deletes accounts in India, Pakistan Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Facebook has deleted hundreds of accounts and pages allegedly tied to India's opposition and ruling parties as well as Pakistan's military, citing "inauthentic behavior."

Moon Stays Positive on Denuclearization Talks Following N. Korean Embassy Raid VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- North Korea has called a daylight raid on its Madrid embassy in February a "grave terrorist attack" and called for a full investigation into the incident that took place the week preceding the second summit between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zarif describes US sanctions as economic terrorism IRNA 02 Apr 2019 -- Iranian foreign minister referred to US sanctions against Iranians as economic terrorism.
US planning new sanctions against Iran: Trump administration official Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is planning to impose additional sanctions on Iran that would target areas of its economy that have not been struck before, according to a senior administration official.
U.S. Considering Additional Iran Sanctions, Official Says RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- Washington is considering additional sanctions against Iran, a senior U.S. administration official has said.
US Considers Introducing Additional Sanctions on Iran in May - Reports Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The US government is considering additional sanctions against Iran that would target areas of its economy that have not been hit by two packages of sanctions introduced last year.

China to build largest LNG carrier Global Times 02 Apr 2019 -- China is building the world's largest liquefied natural gas carrier with a capacity of 270,000 cubic meters to cope with the rising demand for the clean fuel in the nation, a top shipbuilder said on Tuesday.
Xinjiang promotes policy awareness for religions Global Times 02 Apr 2019 -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region held a meeting with religious groups to promote the learning of religious policies and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

Chinese military provocations won't win Taiwanese hearts: Bolton CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- Chinese provocations won't win Taiwanese hearts but will only bring people around the world that cherish democracy closer, John Bolton, national security adviser to United States President Donald Trump, said in a tweet Monday.
Taiwan Assurance Act filed in U.S. House of Representatives CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- A group of U.S. congressmen on Monday introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to foster security in Taiwan and support its inclusion in international organizations to mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
EU calls for cross-strait dialogue after Chinese jet incursion CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- The European Union called on China and Taiwan Tuesday to restart bilateral dialogue and avoid actions and words that may increase tension across the Taiwan Strait after China sent fighter jets across the median line of the strait Sunday in what Taiwan called a "reckless and provocative" move.
U.S. congressmen introduce resolution reaffirming commitment to Taiwan CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- A group of U.S. congressmen introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives Monday reaffirming the United States' commitment to Taiwan and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), signed 40 years ago.

May: Britain to Seek Further Brexit Delay VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May says she will seek a further delay to the country's exit from the European Union to allow more time for parliament to pass a deal on the terms of its withdrawal.
UK PM says she will seek another short delay to Brexit Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that she will ask the European Union for another short extension to the deadline imposed on her country for leaving the bloc as efforts for passing a divorce deal in the parliament have hit a snag.
Brexit: Some Are Fed Up With Delay and Want No Deal – British PM May Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that the European Union cannot be held hostage to the political crisis in the United Kingdom for a long time.
Macron Says EU Cannot Be Held Hostage to Brexit Crisis in UK Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The European Union cannot be held hostage to the political crisis in the United Kingdom for a long time, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday during his joint press conference with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
More Than Ever Today UK Should Indicate Way Forward - Barnier Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Earlier, UK lawmakers rejected all four alternative Brexit options in the second round of the indicative votes; the most popular scenario was to withdraw from the European Union but to retain membership in the customs union.
UK economy nearing zero growth amid Brexit standoff Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- A major political standoff over Britain's withdrawal from the European Union has caused the economy to stagnate as business groups and industries report almost zero growth for the first three months of this year.
European Union's chief negotiator warns no-deal Brexit more likely Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Britain is becoming more likely to crash out of the European Union (EU) without a proper withdrawal agreement, the bloc's chief Brexit negotiator.
British parliament rejects all Brexit alternatives Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- British lawmakers have rejected four motions presenting different Brexit alternatives, further complicating the country's bid to leave the European Union.
UK Parliament Rejects All Brexit Options in 2nd Round of Indicative Votes Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- British MPs were holding an indicative vote on Brexit's new direction in the House of Commons in London on Monday.
British lawmakers reject all four Brexit options in second round of unbinding vote People's Daily 02 Apr 2019 -- British lawmakers on Monday voted to turn down all the four proposed Brexit options on the table, the second time since Friday that none of MPs' proposed Brexit options wins clear backing in the House of Commons.

'Khashoggi children receive luxury homes, monthly payments from Riyadh' Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- Six months into the state-sponsored murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a new report reveals that his four children have received multi-million dollar homes and are being paid thousands of dollars a month by the kingdom in an apparent attempt to hush up the gruesome assassination.

New York Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 20 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 02 Apr 2019 -- Adam Raishani, aka "Saddam Mohamed Raishani," Attempted to Travel to Syria to Join ISIS and Facilitated Another Man's Travel to Join ISIS

Insecurity, Community Mistrust Stymie Efforts to Control DRC Ebola Epidemic VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- The World Health Organization says insecurity and community mistrust in the Democratic Republic of Congo's conflict-ridden North Kivu Province are major impediments to international health efforts to bring the deadly Ebola outbreak under control. Latest official figures put the number of Ebola cases in the Eastern DRC at 1,089, including 679 deaths.

Ruling AKP asks Turkey election board to settle row over Istanbul vote results Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- The outcome of mayoral elections in Turkey's second-largest city of Istanbul remains in doubt as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party is challenging the initial results, which gave the main opposition party a slight lead in one of the economic hub's tightest election races in decades.
Erdogan's Party Appeals Election Results in Istanbul, Ankara VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party on Tuesday appealed election results in Istanbul and Ankara, claiming irregularities in the voting cost them mayorships in both cities.
Turkish Ruling AKP Appeals Results of Mayoral Election in Istanbul Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Turkish ruling Justice and Development Party appealed the preliminary results of the election of the mayor of Istanbul, where an opposition candidate is leading, with the Central Election Commission (CEC), head of the Istanbul division of the party said Tuesday.

Tymoshenko Claims Election 'Falsified' But Won't Challenge Result RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who failed to qualify for a presidential runoff election after official results put her in third place in the first round, has said that she believes the vote was "rigged" but will not contest the results in court.
Command Performance? On Ukraine's Front Lines, Troops Aren't Necessarily Sold On Poroshenko RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- The rockets came in fast and hot and without notice, unleashing a hellish fury over the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk as residents went about their afternoon business. When the attack ended minutes later, at least a dozen people were dead and dozens more were wounded.

Greek PM In Skopje To Boost Defense, Economic Ties -- And For A Selfie RFE/RL 02 Apr 2019 -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has received a warm welcome in North Macedonia, just months after the two neighbors settled a decades-long dispute over the former Yugoslav republic's name.

Acute food insecurity 'far too high' UN agency warns, as 113 million go hungry UN News 02 Apr 2019 -- Approximately 113 million people in 53 countries experienced high levels of food insecurity last year, according to a new joint UN and European Union (EU) report released on Tuesday, which warns that these crises are primarily driven by conflict and climate-related disasters.

Massive cholera vaccine campaign planned for cyclone-ravaged Mozambique, as UN calls for 'urgent' step-up in support UN News 02 Apr 2019 -- Around 900,000 doses of cholera vaccine arrived in Mozambique on Tuesday to help stave off a possible epidemic, after the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai, amid reports that the disease has already infected more than 1,000 people in affected areas.

Implementation of Phases Two and Three of Brunei's Sharia Penal Code US Dept. of State 02 Apr 2019 -- "Brunei's decision to implement Phases Two and Three of the Sharia Penal Code and associated penalties runs counter to its international human rights obligations, including with respect to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

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