23 May 2019 Military News

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UN Confirms Recent Airstrikes Killed 14 Afghan Civilians VOA 23 May 2019 -- The United Nations warned Thursday the civilian casualty toll from airstrikes by pro-government forces in Afghanistan continues to rise.
US airstrikes kill at least 14 civilians in Afghanistan Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Two airstrikes carried out by US forces in Afghanistan's southern Helmand and eastern Kunar provinces have killed at least 14 civilians, mostly children and women.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pentagon Denies Media Reports Detailing Mideast Troop Increase VOA 23 May 2019 -- Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has denied reports that between 5,000 and 10,000 U.S. troops could be sent to the Middle East to defend against a potential threat by Iran.
Pentagon confirms it is weighing deployment of additional troops to Middle East Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has confirmed that the Pentagon is considering deploying additional American troops to the Middle East region, amid escalating tensions with Iran.
US may send up to 10k troops to Middle East: Officials Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The Pentagon is unveiling a plan Thursday that could see up to 10,000 more troops in the Middle East, US officials claim.
Pentagon Pondering Request To Send 5,000 More Troops To Mideast: Reuters RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- The Pentagon is analyzing a U.S. military request to send 5,000 more troops to the Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran, Reuters is reporting, quoting two U.S. officials.
Pentagon Mulls Sending More Troops to Middle East to 'Enhance Force Protection' Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The United States may consider sending thousands more American troops to the Middle East as tensions rise with Iran, CNN reported, citing three US officials familiar with the matter.

Large Bipartisan Majorities Favor Prohibiting President from Using Nuclear Weapons First Without Congressional Approval Program for PUblic Consultation 23 May 2019 -- A new in-depth survey on U.S. nuclear weapons policy finds that 68% of voters (including 59% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats), support Congressional legislation prohibiting the President from using nuclear weapons first without Congressional approval and a declaration of war. An overwhelming 8 in 10, of Republicans as well as Democrats do not support a policy shift in the Trump administration’s Nuclear Posture Review that explicitly declares the U.S. would consider using nuclear weapons first and specifies examples of non-nuclear attacks that would prompt such consideration.
U.S.-China Asia Pacific Security Dialogue DoD 23 May 2019 -- Defense officials from the United States and China met in Washington D.C., for the third Asia Pacific Security Dialogue on May 21.
Readout of Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan's Meeting With Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh DoD 23 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan met with Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the Pentagon today to reaffirm the comprehensive partnership between the United States and Vietnam.
Remarks by Acting Secretary Shanahan in a Media Availability Prior to an Honor Cordon Ceremony Welcoming the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh DoD 23 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan
South Korean exercises being revised amid peace talks Army News 23 May 2019 -- As diplomacy efforts work to denuclearize North Korea, military exercises in the south are continuing on a smaller scale to maintain readiness.
Remarks by Acting Secretary Shanahan at an Enhanced Honor Cordon in Honor of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham DoD 23 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan
Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Deactivates NNS 23 May 2019 -- The last F-35C belonging to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 "Grim Reapers" left its home base at Eglin, AFB in Fla. for Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL) as the squadron deactivated after more than seven years of training F-35C pilots and Sailors and Marines.
US, allies start naval drills in Western Pacific Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia have commenced their "first-of-its-kind" combined naval drills in the vicinity of Guam, a US island territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific region, amid tensions with China and South Korea.
US Navy Ships to Deploy Lasers as Anti-Missile Defense in 2021 Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- In an attempt to outflank Russian and Chinese naval tactics, the US Navy is rushing to put a laser defense system on its destroyers - first, for the purpose of improving targeting, but eventually scaling the lasers up to being weapons in themselves.
US Defence Spending Bill Requires List of Academic Institutions in China, Russia Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The latest version of the US defence spending bill for the fiscal year 2020 requires compiling a list of academic institutions in China and Russia that are engaged in military research in an effort to protect US national security according to a summary of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).
Washington Kicks Off Joint Naval Exercise with Allies in Pacific Ocean - US Navy Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The US naval forces together with servicemen from Australia, Japan and South Korea have approached Guam, a US island territory in the western Pacific, to launch the inaugural joint maritime drills, dubbed Pacific Vanguard, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement on Thursday.
New US Policy in Arctic Aimed at Turning Region Into Battlefield - Moscow Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed earlier this month that the United States would boost its military presence in the Arctic region and create a new senior military post for Arctic affairs to counter "Russia's activities in the Northern Sea".
US Air Force Mulls Teaming F-35, F-15EX Jets With Drone Wingmen Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Under the so-called Skyborg prototype programme, drones are expected to be connected to manned fighters to assist pilots during missions. When the American fighter pilots get their own Star Wars' R2-D2s, it could "open up the door for an entirely different way to do aerial combat", the US Air Force has revealed.
Okies support exercise Northern Edge US Air Force 23 May 2019 -- Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 507th Air Refueling Wing joined approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel participating in exercise Northern Edge 2019, a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces on and above the central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska May 13-24.

U.S. vessels pass through Taiwan Strait for fifth time this year: MND CNA 23 May 2019 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Thursday that two U.S. naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait Wednesday, the fifth of such transits this year.
'Two US Navy warships sail through Taiwan Strait' Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The US military says it has sent two Navy ships through the strategic Taiwan Strait, in yet another move certain to irritate Beijing, which claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan.
Two US Military Ships Transit Taiwan Strait on Wednesday - Report Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The US military said it sent two Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, Reuters reported citing a US military spokesman.
China slams US maritime provocations Global Times 23 May 2019 -- Provocations from the US around China's territorial waters have grown, and Chinese experts warned on Thursday that such actions will only increase the risk of military conflict and do nothing for regional stability and peace.

Taiwan Holds Live-Fire Drills Off Coast Amid Tensions With China Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Taiwan held one of its largest live-fire maritime drills in several years on Wednesday. The early morning drill off the island's east coast was reportedly divided into five operations, which included air defense, submarine and sea command operations.

Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Cyber Defence Pledge Conference, London NATO 23 May 2019
UK to warn NATO allies of Russian cyber attack campaign Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Britain is providing information to 16 allies in the NATO military alliance about Russia's cyber activities in their territories over the last 18 months, Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt will announce later on Thursday, a statement that is expected to further muddy the waters between London and Moscow.
Hunt: Britain Has Helped 16 NATO Allies Tackle Russia Hacking Attempts RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Britain has shared information on Russian cyberactivities with 16 NATO allies, helping them counter malicious threats against their countries over the past year and a half, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt will announce on May 23, AFP and other media outlets reported.
NATO Cyber Defence Pledge conference: Foreign Secretary's speech UK FCO 23 May 2019 -- Speaking at the National Cyber Security Centre, the Foreign Secretary said NATO must work together to deter Russia's malicious global cyber campaign.

Russia to Retaliate if US Deploys Radar Facility in Norway's Vardo - FM Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The town of Vardo in the Norwegian Arctic near the Russian border is home to a US surveillance radar station dubbed Globus II.

RAF Typhoon jets trial miniature missile decoy device UK MOD 23 May 2019 -- The RAF has commenced trials of a new cutting-edge missile decoy device on its Typhoon fighter jets.

China's meter wave anti-stealth radar capable of guiding missiles to destroy stealth aircraft: senior designer Global Times 23 May 2019 -- China's meter wave anti-stealth radar not only detects advanced stealth aircraft, but also guides missiles to destroy them, a senior Chinese radar designer said at a recent interview.

Iran in full control of Persian Gulf: IRGC deputy commander Press TV 23 May 2019 -- A senior Iranian commander has downplayed Washington's stepped-up belligerent rhetoric against the Islamic Republic, saying US warships deployed to the Persian Gulf get permission for movements there from Iranian forces, who are in full control of the strategic waters.
'If US Doesn't Dare' Attack Iran, It's Due 'Spirit of Resistance' - Commander Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Iran's ties with the US have long been strained, especially after Washington intensified its sanctions pressure on the Islamic Republic and its business partners, as well as deployed additional troops and equipment to enhance its positions in the Middle East, with the latter sparking concerns of a possibly looming military confrontation.
Iran's Army Commander-in-Chief Says US Strategy in Middle East is to Exploit Regional States Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The statement comes amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran, as Washington mulls dispatching an additional 10.000 troops to the region, in addition to the already deployed carrier strike group and bomber task force, and with Tehran vowing to continue the policy of resistance in respect to US activities.

Pakistan conducted successful training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II. ISPR 23 May 2019 -- Pakistan conducted successful training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II.
Pakistan successfully test-fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile IRNA 23 May 2019 -- Pakistan has conducted a successful test launch of the Shaheen-II surface-to-surface nuclear-capable ballistic missile, according to a military statement.
Pakistan Test-Launches Nuke Capable Missile Amid Tensions With India Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The test of the nuke capable supersonic missile has been conducted a day after Pakistan's foreign minister held informal interactions with his Indian counterpart, claiming that he proposed a dialogue to resolve all the issues to bring peace to the region.
Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile VOA 23 May 2019 -- Pakistan says it has successfully conducted a "training launch" of a ballistic missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads up to 1,500 kilometers.

US Gave Turkey No Official Ultimatum to Ditch S-400 Deal - Turkish Deputy FM Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yavuz Selim Kiran has refuted media reports claiming that the United States has given Ankara a two-week ultimatum to terminate its contract on the acquisition of Russian S-400 air defence systems or otherwise face penalties.
'Very Negative' Consequences For Turkey If S-400 Deal Takes Place - State Dept Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Turkey will face very tangible and damaging consequences if Ankara finalizes the purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile defence systems, US Department of State spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Canada to Spend $11.7Bln on New Coast Guard Ships - Statement Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Canada plans to overhaul its Coast Guard fleet and build up to 18 new large ships at an estimated cost of $11.7 billion (15.7 billion Canadian dollars), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday.

Off-Camera, On-The-Record Gaggle US Dept. of State 23 May 2019 -- Special Briefing by Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 23, 2019

Other Conflicts

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

'Great cause of concern' UN chief tells Security Council, surveying 'bleak' state of civilian protection UN News 23 May 2019 -- Marking 20 years since the UN Security Council added the protection of civilians to its agenda, Secretary-General António Guterres told the chamber on Thursday that while safeguards were stronger, "compliance has deteriorated".

Yemeni drone hits Patriot missile system at Saudi airport in Najran: Report Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have reportedly launched an airstrike against an MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system stationed at an airport in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Najran.
Coalition's Joint Forces Command "Coalition for Support of Legitimacy in Yemen": RSADF Intercept and Destroy Explosive-Laden Drone Launched by Al-Houthi Militia Towards Najran Airport SPA 23 May 2019 -- Official Spokesman for the coalition forces "coalition to support the legitimacy in Yemen" Colonel Turki Al-Malki said that at 01:46 o'clock this afternoon, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) successfully managed to intercept a drone carrying explosives launched by Al-Houthi terrorist militia in an attempt to target Najran Regional Airport, being used daily by thousands of Saudi and expatriates without any regard for international humanitarian law and its customary rules, which gives special protection to civilian objects.
Saudis Thwart Explosive-Laden Drone Targeting Patriot Missile Battery in Najran Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Yemen's SABA news agency previously reported that the Houthis planned to attack about 300 targets, including military and strategic facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Russian air defense thwarts missile attack on Syria's Hmeimim airbase Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says its surface-to-air missile systems have managed to foil an attack by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants on its main airbase in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
Syrian army shoots down bomb-laden drone near Hama Airport Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The Syrian army has shot down a drone operated by terrorists and loaded with bombs near Hama's airport, Syrian state TV reported late on Wednesday.
Militants Fired 4 Rockets Toward Hmeymim Base, All Destroyed - Russian MoD Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Syrian government forces with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces continue to repel attacks by militants from the Jabhat al-Nusra* group on Hmeymim Air Base and in the southern regions of the Idlib de-escalation zone, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.
Russian MoD: Militants Shell Syrian Settlements in 3 Provinces in Past 24 Hours Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Militants have violated the ceasefire in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia over the past 24 hours, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Maj. Gen. Viktor Kupchishin, said on Wednesday.
Syrian Army Conducting Fierce Fighting With Militants in Hama Province - Reports Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The Syrian Armed Forces are engaged in heavy fighting against militants near Kafr Nabudah in the country's province of Hama, Syria's state television reported on Wednesday.

Explosion targeting Hashd al-Sha'abi forces kills 2 in Iraq's Anbar Press TV 23 May 2019 -- At least two people have been killed and two more wounded in a terrorist explosion targeting Iraq's pro-government Popular Mobilization Units in the western province of Anbar.

UNRWA rejects US call for dismantling UN agency for Palestinian refugees Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has rejected a US call to dismantle the agency, saying it cannot be blamed for the stalemate in the so-called peace efforts.

Pakistan's Khan Says Ready To Work With India's Modi For 'Peace, Prosperity' RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Pakistan's prime minister has congratulated his Indian counterpart for his landslide general election victory, and said he looked forward to working with him for "peace, progress, and prosperity in South Asia."

News Reports

Putin out-prepared Trump in their first meeting: Tillerson Press TV 23 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump was put his team at a disadvantage by showing up less prepared to his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, former American Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told Congress.

Migrant Surge Accelerates at US-Mexico Border VOA 23 May 2019 -- The Trump administration on Thursday said a surge of migrant arrivals at the southern U.S. border continues to accelerate, with more than 300,000 mostly Central American undocumented immigrants apprehended or requesting asylum so far in the current fiscal year, which began last October.

Venezuela's Maduro Orders Military to Prepare to Repel US Invasion Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The president of Venezuela has also ordered the military to comb its ranks in search of "traitors" over the looming threat of a US military invasion.
UNHCR: People Fleeing Venezuela Need Protection, Must Not Be Deported VOA 23 May 2019 -- The U.N. refugee agency says the majority of Venezuelans fleeing worsening conditions in their country are in need of international protection and must not be forcibly returned home.

Blocked Arrest of Ex-Sudanese Official Stirs Concern VOA 23 May 2019 -- Sudan's public prosecutors have called for the dismissal of the director of the National Intelligence and Security Service after agents prevented police from arresting former security chief Salah Abdallah, known as Salah Gosh.
Sudan military wants to hand over power quickly: General Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Sudan's military says it wants to cede power to a democratically-elected government as soon as possible.

WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Charged in 18-Count Superseding Indictment US Dept. of Justice 23 May 2019 -- Charges Related to Illegally Obtaining, Receiving and Disclosing Classified Information
US Charges WikiLeaks Founder With Violating Espionage Act VOA 23 May 2019 -- U.S. prosecutors Thursday announced new criminal charges under the Espionage Act against jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange over his alleged role in what they termed "one of the largest compromises of classified information" in U.S. history.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 23, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2019

Pakistan calls for full JCPOA implementation IRNA 23 May 2019 -- Pakistan has called upon all states to fully implement Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran military chief says watching out US military moves IRNA 23 May 2019 -- Iranian military chief of staff Major-General Mohammad Baqeri said on Thursday the Iranian armed forces are watching out the US military moves in the Persian Gulf.
Iran to defeat US, Israel, regional reactionaries: President Rouhani Press TV 23 May 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic will not surrender and stop defending its independence even if it is bombed and its men are killed, wounded, and captured.
European countries will continue efforts to preserve JCPOA: German diplomat Press TV 23 May 2019 -- A senior German diplomat says European countries will continue efforts to preserve a 2015 landmark multilateral nuclear accord between Iran and the world powers.
Iran, US faceoff 'clash of wills': Top commander Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has noted that the current confrontation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the US is an arena for "clash of wills."
There will be no talks with US as long as it keeps mistreating Iran: Senior official Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Iran's top security body says the Islamic Republic will not hold any talks with the US as long as Washington sticks to its hostile approach in dealing with the Iranian nation.
US grants sanctions waiver for Iraq to import energy from Iran: Official Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The US envoy to Baghdad says Washington has exempted Baghdad from some of its unilateral anti-Iran sanctions, allowing Iraq to continue importing energy from Iran.
Rohani: Iran Won't Surrender, Even If It's Bombed RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has said that his country will not surrender to U.S. pressure even if it is bombed, amid growing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Khamenei Slams Handling of JCPOA Implementation - Statement Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed discontent over the way the implementation of the embattled Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal was handled.
Iranian FM Visits Pakistan Amid Tehran's Rising Tensions With US VOA 23 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in neighboring Pakistan late Thursday for bilateral consultations amid Tehran's escalating tensions with the United States.

Pompeo Accuses Huawei of Lying About Ties to Chinese Government VOA 23 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused the head of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies of lying about his company's relationship with the government in Beijing.
China slams US government for 'bullying' private firm Huawei Press TV 23 May 2019 -- China has denounced the United States for using state power against Chinese telecom giant Huawei.
US Bill Targets Beijing Firms, Persons Pressing Claims in China Seas - Senators Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Fifteen senators are cosponsoring new legislation to impose sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals involved in the assertion of Beijing's legal claims to the South and East China Seas, US Senator Marco Rubio said in a press release.
Xi: Another Long March begins Global Times 23 May 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said that "we are on a new Long March now" during his inspection tour of Jiangxi Province this week and encouraged people to gain strength from the spirit of the Long March to overcome difficulties and obstacles, China's state media outlets reported on Thursday.
CPC issues detailed regulations for Party members Global Times 23 May 2019 -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee recently released "comprehensive and detailed" regulations over the education and management of all Party members, including digital administration, management of Party membership, and management and education of mobile Party members.
Xi requires new advances in rise of central China People's Daily 23 May 2019 -- President Xi Jinping has required efforts to enhance the comprehensive strength and competitiveness of the country's central region and to make new advances in the rise of the central region.

BDS-3 new signals achieve ideal accuracy: official Global Times 23 May 2019 -- Monitoring outcomes show that new signals, codenamed B1C, from the China- developed satellite navigation system, BeiDou-3 or BDS-3, has "ideal" accuracy, according to system operating authorities on Thursday.
BeiDou-powered frontier defense system to cover China border Global Times 23 May 2019 -- China arms industry giant China North Industries Group Corp Ltd (NORINCO) on Thursday said it is building a new frontier and coastline defensive system across the country with the home-developed BeiDou Satellite Navigation System, or BDS, at its core.

U.S. passes bill to support Taiwan as WHO observer CNA 23 May 2019 -- The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to support Taiwan's efforts to regain observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO).
Legislature moves to limit activities of former officers in China CNA 23 May 2019 -- An amendment bill to limit the activities of retired high-ranking Taiwanese military officers and other categories of former officials during visits to China cleared the committee stage in the Legislature on Thursday.

Indian PM Modi wins landslide victory, vows 'inclusive' India Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to build a strong and inclusive nation after his ruling Hindu nationalist party headed for a landslide win in the South Asian country's marathon general elections.
Modi Wins Resounding Victory in India VOA 23 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to build a "strong and inclusive" country as the charismatic but polarizing leader swept back to power in the world's largest democracy with an even bigger mandate than he won five years ago.

Lukashenka Proposes Kazakhstan Ship Oil To Belarus RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has proposed opening talks with Kazakhstan on possible oil shipments to Belarus, the state-run Belta news agency reported on May 23.

Al-Qaeda Linked Terrorist Zakir Musa Killed in Kashmir Gunfight -Report Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The gunfight broke out when Zakir Musa – a local terrorist popular in the Kashmir valley – opened fire after the security forces approached the house where he was hiding. Since the Pulwama attack, around 90 terrorists have been killed in gun-battles with Indian security forces in Kashmir.

DR Congo: 'No time to lose' says newly appointed UN Ebola response coordinator UN News 23 May 2019 -- With the Democratic Republic of the Congo's worst ever Ebola outbreak now in its tenth month, the United Nations on Thursday announced measures to strengthen its response, with the Organization's newly appointed Emergency Coordinator (EERC) declaring there is "no time to lose".

May in deep trouble as House of Commons leader resigns over Brexit Press TV 23 May 2019 -- UK House of Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, a prominent supporter of the country's exit from the European Union (EU), has stepped down over Prime Minister Theresa May's handling of Brexit.
Britain's May Urged to Quit VOA 23 May 2019 -- Even by the highly colorful standards of Britain's great big Brexit mess, what looks like Prime Minister Theresa May's final days in office are turning into a psychodrama without much precedence in modern British political history.

Zelenskiy's Decree On Disbanding Ukrainian Parliament Enters Into Force RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- A decree issued by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy on disbanding parliament and holding snap elections in July has taken effect.
Saakashvili Asks Zelenskiy To Reinstate His Ukrainian Citizenship RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian president who served as governor of Ukraine's Odesa region, has asked Ukraine's new president to reinstate his Ukrainian citizenship.

Of Mosque And State In Central Asia RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Rulers and leading Islamic clerics in Central Asia have lived in complicated symbiosis for more than 1,000 years. Both sides have often sought to increase their influence by using the other.

Armenian Prosecutors Appeal Ruling Releasing Ex-President Kocharian From Detention RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Armenian prosecutors have lodged appeals against court decisions to suspend the trial of former President Robert Kocharian and release him from pretrial detention.

Observers Note Problems in Malawi Elections VOA 23 May 2019 -- Foreign observers of Malawi's presidential, parliamentary and local elections issued a preliminary assessment Thursday, saying that although the process was peaceful, it lacked a level playing field.

Dispute Over Oil Deposits Raises Somalia-Kenya Tension VOA 23 May 2019 -- The Somali government says it's not ready to take any action that could threaten its relationship with its neighbor Kenya. The announcement comes amidst simmering tensions over potential offshore oil deposits and an incident where Somali government officials and diplomats were denied entry to Kenya this week.

Post-Election Clashes Calm in Indonesia VOA 23 May 2019 -- Calm returned to the streets of Jakarta on Thursday after clashes between police and supporters of the losing candidate in Indonesia's presidential election.

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