03 June 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Deadly Bus Blast Rattles Afghan Capital on Eve of Eid VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Officials in Afghanistan say a powerful bomb ripped through a minibus carrying government employees in Kabul Monday, killing at least five people and injuring 10 others.
Deadly blast rips through bus in Afghan capital Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- At least five people have been killed in a bomb attack that targeted a bus carrying Afghan government employees in the capital, Kabul.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan's Meeting with Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea DoD 03 Jun 2019
Alaska Army National Guard aviation prepares for future operations Army News 03 Jun 2019 -- Alaska National Guard Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment conducted their final annual training as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter air assault unit earlier this month ahead of their pending transition to becoming part of a larger general aviation support battalion, expected to finalize this year. At the same time, aircrew and maintainers are training in two new types of helicopter recently added to the unit's inventory.
Army fielding unified expeditionary network equipment to National Guard Army News 03 Jun 2019 -- The Army is fielding expeditionary network communications equipment across all three Army components -- Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve -- to increase operational flexibility, mobility, resiliency and lethality.
Abraham Lincoln Participates in Joint Exercise with U.S. Air Force NNS 03 Jun 2019 -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, part of a Bomber Task Force assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, conducted joint operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 1.
USS Carney Pulls Into Rota for TRAV NNS 03 Jun 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, for a training and maintenance availability (TRAV), June 2, 2019.
US Navy, Royal Thai Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians exchange knowledge during CARAT 2019 NNS 03 Jun 2019 -- Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Center conducted a knowledge exchange classroom seminar as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand, May 31.
Bomber Task Force Participates in Joint Exercise with Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group US Air Force 03 Jun 2019 -- A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the U.S. Central Command Bomber Task Force, and the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group conducted joint operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, June 1.
All in a weekend: JB Charleston's 315th Reserve Airmen deliver humanitarian aid to Dominican Republic US Air Force 03 Jun 2019 -- Citizens of Peurto Plata, Dominican Republic and their fire department received life-saving equipment delivered by a team of Reserve Airmen from Joint Base Charleston's 315th Airlift Wing, in South Carolina, on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, May 31.
Illinois National Guard helps civilian agencies fight flooding Army News 03 Jun 2019 -- With urgent flooding along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, Gov. JB Pritzker activated about 200 Illinois National Guard Soldiers for state active duty to assist with the flood fight.
New York National Guard responds to Lake Ontario flooding Army News 03 Jun 2019 -- Members of the New York Army and Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard have filled 230,730 sandbags and emplaced 78,966 of them since being placed on duty May 4 in response to flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Guard 'ready' as 2019 hurricane season kicks off Army News 03 Jun 2019 -- The National Guard has been busy responding to recent tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest, as well as other areas, but stands ready for this year's "hurricane season" that begins June 1.

Secretary General in North Macedonia: We are ready to welcome you into the NATO family NATO 03 Jun 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised North Macedonia's journey towards European and transatlantic integration during a visit to Skopje on Monday (3 June 2019), saying: "NATO membership will bring greater security and prosperity for all the people of North Macedonia." At a press conference with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Mr. Stoltenberg also highlighted that foreign investment in North Macedonia has increased over threefold in the last year, saying "security is the foundation of prosperity".
NATO 'Ready To Welcome' North Macedonia As 30th Member RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- During a visit to North Macedonia, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the Western military alliance is "ready to welcome" the Balkan country as its 30th member.

Bulgaria - F-16C/D Block 70/72 Aircraft with Support DSCA 03 Jun 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bulgaria of F-16C/D Block 70/72 aircraft with support for an estimated cost of $1.673 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 30, 2019.
US State Dept Approves Possible $1.67Bln Sale of F-16 Jets to Bulgaria - DSCA Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- The US State Department approved a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets and support equipment to Bulgaria in a deal worth more than $1.6 billion, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release on Monday.

Drill requisition of oyster frames shows all-out defense: scholar CNA 03 Jun 2019 -- The requisition of oyster farming frames during the Han Kuang live-fire exercises in May demonstrated Taiwan's all-out national defense, a scholar specializing in strategic affairs said Monday.

Wei's speech demonstrates China's confidence Global Times 03 Jun 2019 -- The Chinese keynote speaker at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday stunned attendees by responding to questions about Taiwan, South China Sea and other sensitive issues, after a speech that showcased the full confidence of China and the Chinese military.

Iranian General Says Iran's Missile Power Non-Negotiable Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Deputy Chief of the Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Sayyari, echoing Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei's recent remarks, stated that Iran's defense and missile capabilities would never be subject to negotiations.

Indian Military Transport Plane Goes Missing Near Chinese Border Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Eight members of the crew and five passengers were on board the aircraft, the Indian Air Force said adding that all available resources have been employed to identify the location of the missing plane.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

Contracts for June 3, 2019

Other Conflicts

3 June 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Jun 2019

Asian Countries Fear Being Forced to Choose between China, US over Disputed Sea VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Asian countries that pride themselves on neutral foreign policies face growing pressure to support either China or the United States in a sticky maritime sovereignty dispute, but they are expected to bid for both and keep the aid coming in.

Yemeni drone targets Saudi-led military parade in Aden Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Yemen's army forces and allied Houthi fighters have launched a drone attack on a military parade of Saudi-led forces in Aden, Al Masirah TV said early Monday.
Houthi Drone Attack Halts Saudi-Led Coalition Parade in Yemeni Capital – Reports Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi militants have stepped up drone and rocket attacks against Saudi Arabia in recent months, with Saudi air defences, both in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, regularly intercepting explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.

Kremlin rebuffs Trump on Syria, says Russia targeting terrorists Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- The Kremlin has rebuffed US President Donald Trump's criticism of Russian and Syrian military action in Syria's Idlib province, saying their military forces are targeting foreign-backed "terrorists" in their last stronghold and that the Takfiri militants are using the northwestern region as a base to launch attacks against civilian and military targets.
HRW Blasts Russia, Syria Over Banned Weapons Attacks RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Syrian-Russian "military alliance" of using a "cocktail of internationally banned and indiscriminate weapons" in attacks on civilians in northwestern Syria.
Militants Attacked Settlements in 2 Syrian Provinces in Past 24 Hours Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Militants attacked residential areas in Syria's northwestern provinces of Latakia and Hama over the past day, thereby violating the ceasefire agreement, the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria said at a daily briefing on Sunday.
Syrian Government Bombs Market, Ignoring Trump Warning VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Government forces in Syria have bombed a market in the country's northwest, killing at least four civilians, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Syria, Russia and Iran stop "bombing the hell out of Idlib province in Syria."
Trump Tweets to Syria and its Allies Stop 'Bombing The Hell Out of Idlib' VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- President Donald Trump is demanding Syria, Russia and Iran stop "bombing the hell out of Idlib province in Syria."

Netanyahu admits to personally ordering Syria strikes Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- In a rare public acknowledgement of Israeli operations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he personally ordered the recent airstrikes against Syrian military positions.
Syria says its T-4 airbase near Homs targeted by Israeli missiles Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Israel has launched missile attacks against the T-4 airbase near the city of Homs in Western Syria , killing an army soldier and wounding two others, Syrian state media says.
Israel Makes Missile Strike on Syrian Airfield, 1 Person Killed - Syrian Source Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Several powerful explosions have occurred and fire started at T-4 military airbase in Syrian province of Homs, source reported earlier. Later, a Syrian military source reported a missile attack by Israel.

Turkish forces 'neutralize' 141 PKK terrorists in Turkey, northern Iraq in May: Turkey Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Turkish military forces have "neutralized" more than a hundred members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group following a string of counter-terrorism operations in the country's southeastern provinces as well as Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in the month of May.

Libyan National Army Says Repelled Attack of GNA Forces on Tripoli Airport Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- The Libyan National Army (LNA) repelled the offensive of the forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA) on Tripoli airport, the LNA General Command press service director Khalifa Obeidi said on Monday.

ICJ lacks jurisdiction over case on Ukraine's pro-Russians, Crimea's ethnic group: Moscow Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Russia says the International Court of Justice (ICJ) lacks jurisdiction over a case filed by neighboring Ukraine against Moscow over its purported funding of pro-Russian separatists in volatile eastern Ukraine and alleged discrimination against an ethnic group in the Crimea Peninsula.
Russia Rejects Ukraine's Case Over Separatist Support In UN Court RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- Russia has argued that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) lacks jurisdiction in Kyiv's case over Moscow's seizure of Ukraine's Crimea region and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Pompeo Voices Skepticism About US Mideast Peace Prospects VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is voicing skepticism about the prospects for the Trump administration's long-delayed Israeli-Palestinian peace plan even before it is disclosed.

Boko Haram launches multiple attacks on military bases in Nigeria, steals arms Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Members of the Takfiri Boko Haram terrorist group have carried out multiple attacks on military bases in northeast Nigeria, seizing three of them and stealing weapons.

Cameroon Government Denies Separatists Blew Up Lone Refinery VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Cameroon has increased troops around its lone oil refinery, after a weekend explosion caused a shutdown of the facility. But the government denies separatist fighters were responsible and says there will be no shortages of petroleum products.

Kosovo Charges Ethnic Serb With War Crimes RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- Kosovar prosecutors have indicted an ethnic Serb accused of committing war crimes against ethnic Albanian civilians during the 1998-99 war in Kosovo.

News Reports

Mexico Warns Trump Tariff Would Hurt Both Nations VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Mexico warned Monday that President Donald Trump's threatened new tariff on its exports to the United States would hurt both countries' economies and cause even more Central American migrants to travel through Mexico to reach the United States.

Russia rejects reports on military experts withdrawal from Venezuela Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Russia has rejected US media reports about the withdrawal of Russian military specialists and advisors from Venezuela.
Russian Ambassador Firmly Rejects Rumour Kremlin Advisers Abandoned Venezuela Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- The remarks come on the heels of a report by the Wall Street Journal that President Nicolas Maduro was embarrassed about Russia allegedly cutting its military advisers in Venezuela from about 1,000 several years ago to "just a few dozen" today.
Trump: Russia Pulled 'Most Of Their People' From Venezuela RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says Russia has told the United States that it has removed "most of their people" from Venezuela.
Russia Pulls Military Personnel Out of Venezuela, Trump Says VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Russia has informed the U.S. that it has pulled most of its military personnel out of Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday.
Trump: Russia Informed US About Removing 'Most of Their People' From Venezuela Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, Russia's ambassador in Caracas refuted claims made by US media over the weekend that Russian defence giant Rostec had made significant cuts to its presence in the Latin American country recently.

Sudan: UN chief deplores excessive force used against pro-democracy protesters, calls on military and civilian leaders to 'stay the course' in negotiations UN News 03 Jun 2019 -- Security forces in Sudan fired on pro-democracy protesters in the capital Khartoum on Monday, leaving a number of dead and many more injured, prompting the United Nations chief's condemnation and an appeal for "peaceful dialogue" to resume.
UN Chief Condemns Killing of Protesters by Sudanese Security Forces VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a Monday attack by Sudanese security forces that broke up a protest site in Khartoum and killed or wounded dozens of people.
UN censures excessive force against Sudan protesters Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the use of excessive force by Sudan's security forces against protesters and urged an independent investigation into killings resulting from the violence.
Khartoum protest turns bloody as Sudanese forces storm sit-in Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- At least 30 people have been killed as Sudanese forces launch a fresh raid on the site of a sit-in protest outside the army headquarters in central Khartoum and use force to break up the gathering there.
Sudanese Troops Begin Dispersing Sit-In Protest Near Khartoum's Army HQ – Report Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- Sudanese servicemen began attempts to disperse the sit-in protest near Khartoum's army headquarters on Monday, the Al Arabiya broadcaster reported.
Sudan Security Stops Freedom of Press Protest VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Sudanese security forces halted a protest by journalists in Khartoum Sunday over authorities' decision to shut down the local office of Al-Jazeera television.

2017 North Korean nuclear test order of magnitude larger than previous tests, new study finds American Geophysical Union 03 JUn 2019 -- North Korea detonated a nuclear device in 2017 equivalent to about 250 kilotons of TNT, a new study estimates, creating an explosion 16 times the size of the bomb the United States detonated over Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. The new assessment of the 2017 explosion’s size is on the high end of previous estimate ranges.
'Purged' N. Korean Leader Reappears in State Media VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol has resurfaced in North Korean state media, raising further doubt about a report he was purged over a failed nuclear summit with the United States.
Top North Korea Official Reportedly Appears In Public, Despite Purge Report RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- North Korean state media say a top aide to leader Kim Jong Un has appeared in public, despite a widely repeated South Korean report that he had been sent to a labor camp after a failed summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
N Korean Official Rumoured Killed After Summit With US Appears With Kim - Report Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has attended a concert accompanied by Kim Yong Chol, the head of United Front Department of the North Korean Workers' Party and Kim's close aide, who was reportedly dismissed after the second US-North Korean summit in Hanoi in February, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
'Repressed' North Korea Ex-Nuclear Envoy Seen with Kim Jong Un Sputnik 03 Jun 2019 -- North Korean senior official and former top nuclear envoy Kim Yong Chol accompanied leader Kim Jong Un to a Sunday art performance, DPRK state media reported, despite the rumours that the former spymaster was repressed after the failure of the negotiations with the US.
Kim Jae Ryong Inspects Several Units KCNA 03 Jun 2019 -- Kim Jae Ryong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, member of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected several units of the national economy including the Taean Heavy Machine Complex and the Woldang Co-op Farm in Sinwon County.
Review of Rodong Sinmun KCNA 03 Jun 2019 -- Following are major news items and articles in Rodong Sinmun on Monday:

China calls for full implementation of JCPOA IRNA 03 Jun 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Monday called for full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
No problem can be solved in West Asia in Iran's absence: Statement IRNA 03 Jun 2019 -- The Iranian Ministry of Defense in a statement issued on Monday said that no problem in West Asia can be resolved without active participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and and formation of the Islamic resistance front, has frightened the occupying Zionist regime and has turned into a security nightmare for them.
Iran complying with JCPOA though its stock of low-enriched uranium growing: IAEA ISNA 03 Jun 2019 -- The U.N. atomic watchdog said Friday that Iran continues to stay within the limitations set by the nuclear deal reached in 2015 with major powers, though its stockpiles of low-enriched uranium and heavy water are growing.
Iran's reaction to Pompeo's call for unconditional talks ISNA 03 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi has reacted to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's Sunday remarks that Washington is prepared for talks with Iran without any preconditions.
Threats against Iran never work: FM Zarif ISNA 03 Jun 2019 -- Iran will not be intimidated by President Trump's "art of the deal pressure" by using economic sanctions to push Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal, the country's top diplomat told ABC News.
War and talks don't go together: Iran's foreign minister Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has lashed out at US "economic terrorism" against the "innocent" Iranian people, saying war and talks will never go together.
Nuclear deal implementation only viable way to ease tensions: China Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- China has once again reaffirmed its full commitment to a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major world powers, stressing that ensuring the complete and effective implementation of the accord is the "only viable way to ease tensions."
Iran warns US of 'consequences' if economic war continues Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has described new US sanctions against Iran as "economic terrorism," warning of "consequences" if the US keeps up its pressure against the Iranian nation.
Qatar rejects anti-Iran statements of Mecca summits Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Qatar says it rejects the anti-Iran statements of the recent Mecca summits as they had been prepared in advance without consulting Doha.
Qatar Rejects Outcome Of Regional Summit On Iran RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- Qatar has rejected the outcome of an emergency summit held in Saudi Arabia on escalating regional tensions with Iran.

US Salutes 'Heroes' of Tiananmen Square Protests Killed by Chinese Soldiers VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. on Monday saluted "the heroes of the Chinese people who bravely stood up" against their government's deadly crackdown on dissent at the Tiananmen Square massacre 30 years ago.
On the 30th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2019 -- "On June 4, we honor the heroic protest movement of the Chinese people that ended on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese Communist Party leadership sent tanks into Tiananmen Square to violently repress peaceful demonstrations calling for democracy, human rights, and an end to rampant corruption."
June 4 immunized China against turmoil Global Times 03 Jun 2019 -- June 4 marks the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have determined the nature of the incident. Chinese society has also made a comprehensive summary of it. Dropping the incident thereafter has been aimed at helping the country leave the shadow behind, avoid disputes, and help all Chinese people face the future.
Uighur Activists Lobby for US Bill on Xinjiang Crackdown VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Uighur rights advocates in the United States are ramping up efforts to persuade the U.S. Congress to pass a bill focusing on China's growing persecution of the predominantly Muslim minority group in the country's Xinjiang province.
Chinese Internment Camp Whistleblower Seeks Asylum in Sweden VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- An ethnic Kazakh Chinese national who exposed the existence of a so-called Muslim reeducation camp in the Xinjiang region will seek asylum in Sweden.
Chinese 'Reeducation Camps' Whistle-Blower Leaves Kazakhstan For Unnamed Country RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- An ethnic Kazakh Chinese national whose court testimony helped expose so-called "reeducation camps" in northwestern China has left Kazakhstan after Kazakh officials denied her asylum.
Pompeo Renews Warning to European Allies to Not Use Huawei for 5G VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- The United States is again calling on European allies to be careful of what it says are security risks posed by Chinese telecommunication company Huawei, as countries build out their 5G networks.
China Warns Students About Study in the US VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- The Chinese Ministry of Education has warned Chinese students about studying in the United States, referencing an increase in delays and further complications regarding visa processing.
China to reward honest residents with more convenient services Global Times 03 Jun 2019 -- Those who keep their word in China might soon enjoy convenience in a variety of life conditions ranging from settling in cities, visiting public museums and art galleries to applying for patents and receiving employment services, as the Chinese government makes big strides in setting up a nationwide personal credit system.
US trying to level the playing field with China: Pompeo Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the United States is seeking to "level the playing field" with China after what he calls decades of unfair trade practices.
China draws bottom line Global Times 03 Jun 2019 -- China on Sunday made clear that it would not give any ground on core issues of principle despite mounting pressure from US bullying on trade and technology and that it will "fight to the end" if forced, as officials issued a key document that harshly criticizes the US for repeatedly backtracking and jeopardising the trade talks.

Tsai hopes for democracy in China on eve of Tiananmen anniversary CNA 03 Jun 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Monday that since China's Tiananmen Square massacre and Taiwan's Formosa Incident, Taiwan has been firmly treading the path of democracy and freedom, and she hoped China would also choose the same path.

Modi Reaches Out to Minorities but Muslims Remain Apprehensive VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Despite the scorching summer heat, the streets outside Delhi's iconic mosque, the Jama Masjid, are bustling as shopkeepers hawk dates and other traditional foods with which Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Kazakh Women Rally To Demand Benefits, Days Before Snap Presidential Poll RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- Dozens of women have rallied in front of the presidential palace in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, demanding increased social benefits and housing less than a week before a snap presidential election.

Hundreds of Turkish judges, prosecutors want cases heard by Europe's rights court Press TV 03 Jun 2019 -- Over 500 jailed Turkish judges and prosecutors have applied to have their cases heard at Europe's top rights court after their alleged involvement in the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which the Ankara government blames on US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Ukraine's New President Due In Brussels For First Trip Abroad RFE/RL 03 Jun 2019 -- Ukraine's newly elected president is set to meet with European Union and NATO leaders during a visit to Brussels this week -- his first foreign trip since his inauguration last month.

Rights Groups Worried About Zimbabwe Crackdown Against Activists VOA 03 Jun 2019 -- Rights organizations in Zimbabwe are concerned about what they say is a crackdown against opposition activists by the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. They cite the recent arrest of seven activists who were detained when they returned home from a conference in the Maldives.

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