29 May 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

Afghanistan Postpones Two Local Elections RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Afghanistan's election authorities say they have postponed two local elections that were scheduled to be held in September.
Taliban raid kills 18 members of security forces in western Afghanistan Press TV 29 May 2019 -- At least 18 members of Afghan security forces have been killed after Taliban militants stormed several posts providing protection to a historic minaret in western Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Russian and Chinese Nuclear Modernization Trends DIA 229 May 2019 -- Remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, Jr., Director Defense Intelligence Agency, at the Hudson Institute

U.S. 2nd Fleet Declares Initial Operational Capability NNS 29 May 2019 -- U.S. 2nd Fleet declared the command has achieved initial operational capability (IOC) May 29, less than one year after being established by senior military leaders.
Acting US Defense Secretary: China Still Top Priority VOA 29 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan said Wednesday that China remained his top defense priority, but that message could ring hollow during his current trip to Asia as Iranian threats loom over American plans to focus on great-power competitors.
Soldiers prepare for exercise Astral Knight 19 in Slovenia Army News 29 May 2019 -- U.S. Soldiers with the 5th Battalion 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment arrived in waves to Koper, Slovenia May 28 to set up communications equipment and Patriot Missile Defense Systems for the joint exercise Astral Knight 19.
16th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team arrives at the National Training Center Army News 29 May 2019 -- Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard's 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team have mobilized to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, to participate in a large-scale exercise. This deployment is the state's largest since 2015.
En Route Press Gaggle by Acting Secretary Shanahan DoD 29 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan
US laser weapons plan triggers arms race concerns Global Times 29 May 2019 -- The US plan to equip its warships with high-energy laser weapons in 2021 is a typical tactic to seek military technological dominance by using China's reasonable military development as an excuse, and the unilateral actions of the US will likely trigger an arms race, Chinese military analysts said on Wednesday.
CRS 2 Conducts Mark VI Astern Refuel at-Sea Exercise NNS 29 May 2019 -- Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2 conducted an astern refueling training evolution with the Military Sealift Command maritime prepositioning force container, roll-on/roll-off and mobile landing platform USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) in Apra Harbor, May 24.
ESG-3 Wraps Up 5th Annual Gator Week NNS 29 May 2019 -- Sailors and Marines participated in the 5th annual Gator Week hosted by Expeditionary Strike Group THREE (ESG-3) at Admiral Baker Park May 21 - 23.
US Navy to Run First Sea Trials of RAILGUN, Catching Up With China Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The Pentagon's pet project aimed at developing a gun capable of firing projectiles without gunpowder at speeds faster than that of sound hasn't shown much progress lately, as media have reported that the military has been considering closing the $500 million programme.
USAFRICOM hosts APORA 2019 US Air Force 29 May 2019 -- The U.S. Africa Command hosted the 7th Semi-Annual African Partner Outbreak Response Alliance conference May 20-23 in Kigali, Rwanda, to provide African partner nations regional training and exercise planning to prevent, detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Future narrowband satellite capability to transfer to Air Force US Air Force 29 May 2019 -- The Air Force and Navy took the important step to enable the development of an integrated space enterprise architecture.
Trump Will Not Make Decision on Extending New START Treaty Until 2020 - Aide Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump will not decide on whether to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia until 2020, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Biodefence Tim Morrison said.

U.S.: Russia May Be Testing Low-Yield Nukes, In Violation Of Treaty RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- A top U.S. military official has said that U.S. intelligence agencies believe Russia is likely conducting low-yield nuclear testing that may be violation of a major international treaty.
A Response to Claims of Illegal Russian Nuclear Testing Arms Control Association 29 May 2019 -- In prepared remarks delivered Wednesday at a Hudson Institute event, Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, Jr., the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, stated that "The United States believes that Russia probably is not adhering to its nuclear testing moratorium in a manner consistent with the 'zero-yield' standard" outlined in the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
CTBTO Dismisses US Claim of Illegal Russian Nuclear Testing Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) said Wednesday it has not detected any unusual activity that could prove US allegations of illegal nuclear testing by Russia.
US Claim of Illegal Russian Nuke Testing Lacks Proof - Arms Control Association Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The claims by the United States that Russia illegally conducts nuclear testing lack evidence, the Arms Control Association said in a press release.
Russia Slams US Accusations Over Abidance by Nuclear Testing Moratorium Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The United States believes that Russia may not be adhering to the nuclear testing moratorium, Defece Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley said on Wednesday.

President Tsai inspects Han Kuang military drill CNA 29 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) inspected a military drill Wednesday that involved the mobilization of over 200 personnel deployed to sweep out enemy forces airdropped into Taiwan.
No military purchases from Taiwan companies on U.S. blacklist: MND CNA 29 May 2019 -- Taiwan's military has not purchased products from eight Taiwanese companies that have recently been put on a U.S. Department of Commerce blacklist, military officials said Wednesday.
Older mainland fighter jets superior to Taiwan's F-16V: experts Global Times 29 May 2019 -- The island of Taiwan is spending billions of dollars to upgrade fighter jets purchased from the US, yet they are still no match for the Chinese mainland's J-11s, mainland experts said, as the island conducted its first highway takeoff and landing drill with the F-16V at the annual Han Kuang military exercises on Tuesday.

Chinese peacekeepers in UNIFIL complete 17th rotation in Lebanon Global Times 29 May 2019 -- A new batch of Chinese peacekeepers joined the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Monday following the 17th Transfer of Authority (rotation) ceremony in Lebanon's southern village Hinnieh near the port city of Tyre.
Chinese Defense Minister's Singapore visit contributes to peace in South China Sea: experts Global Times 29 May 2019 -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe held substantive talks with Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday, as Chinese military experts said Wei's visit to Singapore will contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Mousavi appointed commander of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base IRNA 29 May 2019 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in separate decrees on Tuesday appointed Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi to the post of commander of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base and Brigadier General Ali Reza Sabahifard to the post of commander of the Army's Air Defense Force
Ayatollah Khamenei appoints new air defense commanders Press TV 29 May 2019 -- Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has, in separate decrees, appointed the commander of the newly established Air Defense Force of the Iranian Army, and the new commander of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base.

US may stop training Turkish pilots to fly F-35 jets over S-400 deal: Sources Press TV 29 May 2019 -- The United States is reportedly considering halting the training of Turkish pilots to fly American F-35 warplanes as Ankara keeps resisting Washington's pressure to ditch a deal to buy Russian S-400 air defense systems.
Turkey Has Not Received US Ultimatum to Abandon S-400 Deal - Defence Minister Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Tensions between Turkey and the United States have reached a fever pitch in recent months over Ankara's decision to go ahead with the purchase of Russia-built air defence systems, which Washington claims will jeopardise its NATO ally's role in the F-35 fighter jet programme and could prompt sanctions.
US Might Suspend Turkish F-35 Pilots Training Over Russia Missile Deal - Reports Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The United States is reportedly considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets, as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington.

Poland to Substitute Soviet-Era Aircraft With US F-35 Fighter Jets Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Earlier this year, a Pentagon official reportedly told the US House of Commons that the United States wanted to expand F-35 sales to several EU countries, including Poland.

Department Press Briefing – May 29, 2019 US Dept. of State 29 May 2019
Statement by the Press Secretary Regarding the Trilateral Meeting of the National Security Advisors from the United States, Israel, and Russia The White House 29 May 2019
Senior State Department Officials Previewing Secretary Pompeo's Travel to Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, And the United Kingdom US Dept. of State 29 May 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 29, 2019

Other Conflicts

29 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 May 2019

Australian Warship 'Closely Followed' by Chinese Military in South China Sea Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Earlier in the week, a Royal Australian Navy helicopter pilot said, as quoted by the Associated Press, that he had been hit by a laser during the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019 in the disputed South China Sea.

Saudi Coalition Strikes at Houthis Positions in Yemeni Capital - Reports Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Saudi-led coalition planes conducted airstrikes at the positions of Houthi movement in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, Al-Arabiya broadcaster reported on Wednesday.

Journalists Accuse Syrian Government Forces of Targeting Reporters VOA 29 May 2019 -- Pro-government forces in Syria have been deliberately targeting journalists covering the war there, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, which notes that a number of reporters have been injured by suspected pro-government forces in recent days.
US Official: Russia Unlikely to Support Full-Scale Offensive on Syria's Idlib VOA 29 May 2019 -- A senior U.S. official said Wednesday that Washington does not believe Russia will allow an all-out military offensive on the Syrian province of Idlib, which has been under Syrian government assault for the past month.
Terrorists in Idlib using civilians as human shields: Syria's UN envoy Press TV 29 May 2019 -- Syria's UN Ambassador Bashar al-Ja'afari says foreign-backed Takfiri militants based in the northwestern Idlib Province are using civilians as "human shields," stressing the government's commitment to protecting its people from the scourge of terrorism.
Russia, Syria Call on UN to Urge US to Withdraw Troops From Syria Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Russia and Syria are calling on the global community and the United Nations to take a principled stand and urge the United States to withdraw its troops from Syria as soon as possible, the joint Russia-Syria coordination centre on refugee repatriation said in a statement on Wednesday.
Syrian Army Repels Another Nusra Front Attack on Kafr Nabudah - Russian Military Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The Syrian government forces on Tuesday repelled another attack by militants from the al-Nusra Front terrorist group in the north of Hama province killing about 10 terrorists, the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation reported.

Iraq hands over 188 Turkish children of Daesh Takfiri terrorists Press TV 29 May 2019 -- Iraq has handed over nearly 200 Turkish children, whose parents are being held over membership in the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and other militant outfits, to Turkey to fly home.
Concern Mounts as Iraq Sentences More French IS Fighters to Death VOA 29 May 2019 -- Rights groups are raising concerns about the lack of due process for hundreds of suspected IS fighters in Iraqi prisons as Baghdad this week condemned six French Islamic State members to death.

Myanmar military accused of 'war crimes' in Rakhine Press TV 29 May 2019 -- Rights group Amnesty International has accused Myanmar's military of committing "war crimes" against an ethnic Buddhist group in Rakhine State, after worldwide condemnation of the army for committing horrific atrocities against local Muslims there.
Amnesty Accuses Myanmar Military of New 'War Crimes' in Rakhine State VOA 29 May 2019 -- Amnesty International is accusing Myanmar's military of committing new atrocities in northwestern Rakhine state, where it conducted a brutal crackdown against Rohingya Muslims less than two years ago.

Rights Group Demands Pakistan Military Vacate Tribal Areas VOA 28 May 2019 -- Activists from a local rights movement are demanding Pakistan's military vacate the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan as calls grow to investigate an incident in which several members of the group died in a skirmish with the military Sunday.

U.S. Envoy Calls Russian Activities In Eastern Ukraine An 'Occupation' RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- The U.S. special envoy on Ukraine has called Russian activity in eastern Ukraine an "occupation" and has called on Moscow to start implementing its obligations under the 2015 Minsk accords -- the international agreement aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed separatists.

Stone throwing time over; today Palestinians respond to missiles with missiles: President Rouhani ISNA 29 May 2019 -- Iran's President called on people to attend the Quds Day ceremony in large numbers and stated, "The Iranian nation will never leave Quds and the oppressed alone".

Fresh clashes leave one dead, 70 injured in Indian-administered Kashmir Press TV 29 May 2019 -- A man has been killed and at least 70 people have been injured during clashes between protesters and New Delhi forces in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Sudan Rebel Leader Returns Home Despite Death Sentence VOA 29 May 2019 -- A Sudanese rebel leader has returned home despite a 2014 death sentence given in abstentia, saying he will stay even though Sudan's military junta has asked him to leave.

News Reports

Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III Makes Statement on Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election US Dept. of Justice 29 May 2019 -- "Two years ago, the Acting Attorney General asked me to serve as Special Counsel, and he created the Special Counsel's Office. The appointment order directed the office to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. This included investigating any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump campaign."
Mueller: Charging Trump With Obstruction 'Was Not an Option' VOA 29 May 2019 -- Special counsel Robert Mueller reiterated Wednesday that charging U.S. President Donald Trump with obstruction of justice was not an option his office could consider under Justice Department guidelines.
Democrats Heighten Calls for Trump's Impeachment VOA 29 May 2019 -- Special counsel Robert Mueller's refusal Wednesday to clear President Donald Trump of allegations that he obstructed justice by trying to thwart the Russia investigation appeared to embolden opposition Democrats in calls for more investigations of the U.S. leader and possibly his impeachment.
Not charging Trump was DOJ policy, Mueller team not 'confident' Trump did not commit crime Press TV 29 May 2019 -- US special counsel Robert Mueller says his team is not "confident" about US President Donald Trump's innocence, noting that not filing federal charges against a sitting president has been the Justice Department's long standing policy.
U.S. Special Counsel Mueller Says Charging Trump With A Crime 'Was Not An Option' RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has said that charging President Donald Trump with a crime "was not an option" as he spoke for the first time since the conclusion of his two-year investigation into Russian election interference.

Bolton Claims Iran Was "Almost Certainly" Behind Latest Attacks on UAE Ships Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Previously, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought the same charges, claiming that Tehran might be behind the incident. The Islamic Republic, however, repeatedly denied the allegations, stressing that the attacks must be investigated in order to preserve stability in the region.
Joint Statement from U.S. National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan The White House 29 May 2019

Norway Sees Progress in Venezuelan Peace Talks VOA 29 May 2019 -- The Norwegian government said Wednesday progress has been made in negotiations between representatives of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Nearly Half Of Russian Families Can Afford Only Food, Clothing RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Nearly half of all Russian families say that they only have enough money for food and clothing and cannot buy items of longer-term use such as furniture and appliances, media reports cite data from the state statistics agency Rosstat as saying.
Deripaska Office Calls OFAC Memorandum on Sanctions Justification Groundless Accusations Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska's representatives slammed the evidentiary memorandum issued by the US OFAC, which justifies the sanctions against him, as a poorly compiled document that is full of false claims and factual inaccuracies guided by considerations of personal revenge, according to a statement by Deripaska's office.

Use of Strength Is Not at All Monopoly of U.S.: Policy Research Director of Institute for American Studies, FM of DPRK KCNA 29 May 2019 -- The Policy Research Director of the Institute for American Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK made public the following press statement on May 29:

Iran rejects Russian reports that Tehran is prepared to negotiate with US IRNA 29 May 2019 -- Deputy Iranian foreign minister reiterated on Wednesday that Tehran has not had any direct or indirect negotiations with the US and that there won't be any talks with Trump government.
Iran, Russia review JCPOA IRNA 29 May 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi discussed issues concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Wednesday.
Certain elements within US administration pushing for war with Iran: deputy FM ISNA 29 May 2019 -- Iran is prepared for the possibility of war with the United States, but hopes instead that tensions between the two nations can be solved with dialogue, Iranian deputy Foreign Minister said.
Iran rejects Bolton's ludicrous claim ISNA 29 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized that the country's patience, vigilance and defensive prowess will defuse mischievous plots made by U.S. National Security Adviser, John Bolton and other warmongers.
Negotiation with US 'total loss': Ayatollah Khamenei Press TV 29 May 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has ruled out the possibility of talks between Tehran and Washington, saying such negotiations will be "fruitless", "harmful", and "a total loss".
Iran dismisses Bolton's 'ridiculous' claims on UAE attacks Press TV 29 May 2019 -- Iran has rejected "ridiculous" claims by US National Security Adviser John Bolton blaming Tehran for the recent mysterious attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Russian, Iranian Diplomats Discuss Nuclear Deal In Tehran RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi have discussed issues related to the 2015 nuclear deal amid increased tension between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. National-Security Adviser Warns Iran Of 'Very Strong Response' Amid Escalating Tensions RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton has warned Iran that any attacks on U.S. interests or allies in the Persian Gulf will draw a "very strong response" from Washington.
US Accuses Iran of Preparing 'Campaign' of Attacks VOA 29 May 2019 -- Leading U.S. defense and security officials warn Iran was getting ready to unleash a wave of attacks across the Middle East targeting the United States and its allies when the decision was made to send more troops to the region.

US Senate Bill Targets Chinese Influence in Cambodia VOA 29 May 2019 -- Three U.S. senators have introduced a bipartisan bill that they say is aimed at restoring democracy in Cambodia in the face of deteriorating human rights and rising Chinese influence.
Pro-China Policies Unlikely in Australia, India After Recent Elections VOA 29 May 2019 -- In recent weeks, Australia and India have re-elected incumbent prime ministers. These Asia-Pacific countries, who have a difficult relationship with China, are unlikely to make the kind of policy changes that Beijing has been seeking for a long time, analysts said.
Rare-earth card may be used Global Times 29 May 2019 -- Industry players in a key rare-earth base responded positively overnight to rarely seen official indication that the strategic asset could be weaponized for the escalating trade war with the US.
China's rare-earth stocks surge; seen as weapon against US Global Times 29 May 2019 -- Shares of China's rare-earth-related companies rallied on Wednesday as brokers and investors scrambled for the sector, after China hinted that it may use the minerals as powerful weapons against the US amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.
Shares of rare earth stocks surge after China indicates it may use them against US Global Times 29 May 2019 -- Shares of China's rare earth-related firms rallied significantly on Wednesday after China indicated that it may use the minerals as powerful weapons against the US amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.
Commentary: U.S. risks losing rare earth supply in trade war People's Daily 29 May 2019 -- Waging a trade war against China, the United States risks losing the supply of materials that are vital to sustaining its technological strength.

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and China's space exploration odyssey People's Daily 29 May 2019 -- Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), China's first and largest comprehensive space mission launch center, as well as the only manned space flight launch center in China, has witnessed many firsts and major achievements in China's space exploration.
China's Chang'e-4 probe resumes work for sixth lunar day People's Daily 29 May 2019 -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have resumed work for the sixth lunar day on the far side of the moon after "sleeping" during the extremely cold night.

Israel to Hold New Elections in September VOA 29 May 2019 -- After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a coalition government before a midnight deadline, Israel's parliament voted early Thursday to dissolve itself and then set a new election date for Sept. 17.

Nazarbaev Presents Nazarbaev Medals To Putin, Lukashenka, Jeenbekov In Nur-Sultan RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has awarded the presidents of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus a medal named after the longtime authoritarian leader during a summit of a grouping of ex-Soviet republics in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, which is also named after him.
Shoo-In Toqaev Skips Kazakh Presidential Campaign Debate RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Kazakhstan's interim President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has skipped a televised debate between candidates in the country's June 9 snap presidential election, representatives said.

DRC's Ebola Battle Fraught With Security Risks VOA 29 May 2019 -- The World Health Organization says success in ending the Ebola epidemic in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo hinges upon improving security in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The region has been engulfed in conflict for many years, and many locals do not trust outsiders, even the ones trying to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

EU reports further deterioration in Turkey's rights, economy Press TV 29 May 2019 -- The European Commission says Turkey's EU membership bid is slipping further away and talks on the issue will remain frozen due to the country's human rights record and its economic policy.

Scotland Publishes Bill 'to Set Rules for Independence Referendum' - Sturgeon Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The Scottish Government on Wednesday published the legal framework for future referendums, including a potential independence vote, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

Open Call: Crowdsourcing Catches On As Ukraine Preps For Another Big Vote RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Candidate Volodymyr Zelenskiy crowdsourced his winning presidential campaign platform and potential cabinet picks on social media.
Citizenship Restored, Saakashvili Returns To Ukraine RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Mikheil Saakashvili returned to Ukraine on May 29, arriving amid a political transition a day after new President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reinstated the former Georgian leader's citizenship in a country he told RFE/RL he considers his homeland.
Saakashvili Hails Ukraine's 'Courageous' New President For Restoring His Citizenship RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian president who served as governor of Ukraine's Odesa region in 2015-16, has welcomed the restoration of his Ukrainian citizenship by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a "courageous step by a courageous and worthy president."

EU Commission Calls For Start Of North Macedonia, Albania Accession Talks RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- The European Commission has recommended the launch of EU accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible, saying the two Balkan countries have "delivered on reforms."

Diplomats Call For Calm As Kosovo-Serbia Dispute Heats Up Over Raids RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- European diplomats are warning that a dispute pitting Serbia and Russia against Kosovo over a series of raids by Kosovar police in the country's Serb-dominated north threatens to ignite the Balkan tinderbox.

Qatar to Attend Gulf Summit in Mecca Amid Blockade Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Qatar will take part in a high-level summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Saudi Arabia for the first time since the introduction of the blockade of the emirate by neighbouring countries almost two years ago, the Qatari Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Wednesday.

Asia-Pacific 'regional parliament' underway to advance equality, empowerment, for more than four billion citizens UN News 29 May 2019 -- The top United Nations body in the Asia-Pacific region opened its annual session this week, calling for greater empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized groups if the region is to achieve the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and fulfill its promise to leave no one behind.

Mozambique cyclones a 'wake-up call' to boost resistance: UN weather agency UN News 29 May 2019 -- The havoc caused by cyclones Idai and Kenneth across Mozambique is "a wake-up call" for vulnerable countries "to build resistance" against further high-impact tropical storms, coastal flooding and intense rainfall linked to climate change, according to the United Nations weather agency chief.

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