13 June 2019 Military News

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U.S. CENTCOM Statement on June 13 Limpet Mine Attack in the Gulf of Oman NNS 13 Jun 2019 -- U.S. Naval Forces in the region received two separate distress calls at 6:12 a.m. local time from the motor tanker (M/T) Altair and a second one at 7a.m. local time from the M/T Kokuka Courageous.
CENTCOM statement on recent events in the Gulf of Oman CENTCOM 13 Jun 2019 -- "U.S. Naval Forces in the region received two separate distress calls at 6:12 a.m. local time and a second one at 7:00 a.m.
Statement Regarding Shipping Vessels in Gulf of Oman NNS 13 Jun 2019 -- We are aware of the reported attack on shipping vessels in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Naval Forces in the region received two separate distress calls at 6:12 a.m. local (Bahrain) time and a second one at 7:00 a.m. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) rendered assistance.

Bomber hits police vehicle in east Afghanistan, 9 killed Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- A bomber on foot has targeted a police vehicle in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar, killing at least nine people and injuring more than a dozen others, local officials say.
Top U.S. General Says IS Still 'Worrisome' In Afghanistan, But Unlikely To Mount U.S. Attacks RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- A senior U.S. general says the Islamic State (IS) extremist group remains a "very worrisome" presence in Afghanistan, but it is unlikely to mount an attack on the U.S. homeland because it is under strong military pressure.

Defense Policy / Programs

Air Force conducts successful hypersonic weapon flight test US Air Force 13 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Air Force successfully conducted the first flight test of its AGM-183A Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, on a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft on June 12 at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
US Conducts Successful Hypersonic Weapon Flight Test - Air Force Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- The US military has successfully completed its first test of the hypersonic AGM-183A weapon in an air base in the state of California, the Air Force said in a press release on Thursday.
Junior Navy Scientists, Engineers Develop Integration Capability for Electric Weapons NNS 13 Jun 2019 -- It has all the trappings of a bestselling Navy technological thriller - six junior scientists and engineers overcame the odds to develop a new capability that enables the integration of electric weapons aboard Navy ships. The recent college graduates - Navy civilian employees selected for a special workforce development program known as Sly Fox - verified the veracity of their research and demonstrated that their Power and Energy Generation Analysis SimUlation System (PEGASUS) is not fiction.
NSWC Philadelphia Division Dry Docks Scanning Supports Newest Generation of Aircraft Carriers NNS 13 Jun 2019 -- During a recent visit to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), Steven Lagana, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) PMS 555, Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP) Program Manager, toured the Command's test sites and labs critical to supporting the construction of the Ford-class aircraft carriers.
USS Stout Arrives for Nassau, Bahamas Port Call NNS 13 Jun 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) arrived in Nassau, Bahamas, for a scheduled port visit, June 12.
Moscow Says Concerned by US Move to Deploy Reconnaissance Drones Squadron in Poland Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Moscow is concerned by the Washington-Warsaw decision that the United States will establish a reconnaissance squadron of its MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles in Poland, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday.
US to Deploy Reconnaissance Squadron of MQ-9 Reaper Drones in Poland - Joint Declaration Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- The United States will establish a reconnaissance squadron of MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles in Poland, a joint declaration on bilateral defence cooperation read.
Pentagon Doesn't Intend to Fix F-35B,C Models' Supersonic Tail 'Blistering' Problem Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- A number of serious problems have emerged in the US Navy and Marine Corps versions of the F-35 when flying at high speeds and altitudes, which limit its stealth capabilities and could even threaten structural damage. While the chance of occurence is low, some aviators are upset at the limitations the problems create.

NATO tests smart energy technologies at exercise in Poland NATO 13 Jun 2019 -- NATO tested new energy-saving technologies in Poland during Exercise Capable Logistician 2019 (3-13 June 2019), including to make Allied militaries more energy efficient, reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in the field, and enhance interoperability between national armed forces. Combined with linked national activities, the exercise included around 3,450 troops from 30 nations, and tested some 1,000 pieces of equipment.
NATO Secretary General visits Iceland NATO 13 Jun 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Iceland's important contributions to international security during a visit to Reykjavik on Monday (11 June 2019). After meeting with Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Secretary General recalled that Iceland is a founding member of NATO, stressing that its "strategic location in the Atlantic helps to bind Europe and North America together."

Russia, China on the Prowl; How US Navy is Responding VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- A major military exercise involving maritime forces from 18 countries is underway in the Baltic Sea, but at its helm is not a fleet permanently based in Europe, but one based half a world away in the U.S. state of Virginia.

US Senate Halts Efforts to Prevent Arms Sales to Bahrain, Qatar VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday turned back resolutions aimed at disapproving multi-billion-dollar arms sales to Bahrain and Qatar, amid continued intensive congressional scrutiny of weapons sales to U.S. allies in the Middle East.

China's next-generation off-road tactical vehicle soon to enter military service: report Global Times 13 Jun 2019 -- The Chinese military is currently putting its next-generation off-road tactical armored vehicle through a series of tests, as the vehicle is expected to be commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) soon, China's state broadcaster revealed.

Turkey will not back down on plans to obtain Russian S-400 missile systems: FM Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country will not back down from its decision to buy advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, rejecting any ultimatums on the issue despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program.
Erdogan: Contract on Russian S-400 'a done deal' Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Turkey's contract with Russia over the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile systems is a "done deal," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says, once again rejecting US warnings not to go ahead with the purchase.
Turkey Slams Pentagon's Ultimatum on S-400s, Refuses to Reverse Decision Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, the Pentagon grounded Turkish pilots training aboard the F-35 and threatened to block deliveries of the advanced fighter jet to Turkey, while Congress proposed slapping sanctions on Ankara over its purchase of a Russian-made air defence system.
Turkey Slams US for Leaking Pentagon Letter on S-400 Deal - Presidential Spokesman Sputnik 14 Jun 2019 -- Turkey condemns the leaking by Washington of a letter by US Acting Secretary of Defence sent to Turkish Defence Minister that contains threats to remove Turkey from the F-35 pilot training program over Ankara's plans to buy the Russian S-400 missile systems, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday.

US Warns India's Purchase of Russian S-400 Could Impact Future Joint Defence Deals Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- India inked a $5.43 billion deal to purchase Russia's S-400 air defence missile systems last October, and recently promised to move forward with the deal despite the threat of US sanctions.
India Seeks Russian Missiles, Launchers Worth $1.3 bn in Wake of Dogfight With Pakistan Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) had asked for the immediate purchase of air-to-air missiles and guided missiles. The nation's stockpile dipped due to an increased number of combat air patrol missions along the border with Pakistan, involving its mainstream fighters such as the Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000.
Pompeo Praises US-India Defence Cooperation, 'Common Vision in Indo-Pacific' Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Washington has moved to withdraw its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats, after earlier barring Washington-based Pakistani diplomats from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without prior approval.
Black Box of Crashed An-32 Indian Military Aircraft Recovered Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- The black box, which stores flight data and the cockpit voice recorder, will likely provide crucial details as investigators continue to look for answers.
No Survivors in Indian An-32 Plane Crash - IAF Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 with 13 people on board went missing last week after it departed from Jorhat. The wreckage, however, was found on Tuesday in a remote area in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

'Stay as far away as you can!' Iranian cmdr. warns enemies Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force has warned enemies against approaching Iran's borders.
Iran's Air Defence Chief: 'We Are Warning the Enemy…Move as Far Away As You Can From Our Border' Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Strained relations between Washington and Tehran got worse last month after the US parked a carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea and built up its presence in the Middle East while accusing Iran of involvement in the sabotage of four tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Japanese Warships Heading to Australia for Landmark Visit VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- For the first time, a Japanese navy ship will take part in joint military exercises in Australian waters. Analysts say it is a sign of growing defense ties between the Asia-Pacific partners. Last week the Australian government was criticized for not giving advance notice of a visit by Chinese warships to Sydney.

Trump created 'phony' Iran emergency to sell arms to Saudi Arabia Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has been accused of creating a "phony" emergency to bypass Congress to approve an $8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia.

Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle | Billings, MT The White House 13 Jun 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for June 13, 2019

Other Conflicts

13 June 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Jun 2019
UN cooperation with League of Arab States 'pivotal', UN chief tells Security Council UN News 13 Jun 2019 -- Global problems require global solutions that rely on "essential" partnerships, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday, stating that "our cooperation with the League of Arab States is pivotal".

UN confirms Yemen's Ansarullah fully abiding by peace deal Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- A UN mission monitoring a peace deal between warring parties in Yemen's Hudaydah says the Houthi Ansarullah movement has fully withdrawn its forces from three key ports in the region based on the truce agreement.
Tehran Refutes Arab Countries' Accusations of Supplying Missiles to Yemen's Houthis Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Iran rejects the Arab League's accusations that Tehran was supplying the Yemeni Houthi movement with ballistic missiles as "false," Ali-Asghar Khaji, a senior assistant for special political affairs to the Iranian foreign minister, told Sputnik.

Turkey disputes Russia on Idlib truce after post attacked Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Turkey has denied Russian assertions that a ceasefire had been put in place in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib and demanded Russia restore calm in the last major bastion of foreign-backed terrorists.
Russia, Turkey broker ceasefire in Syria's embattled Idlib Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Russia and Turkey have brokered a full ceasefire agreement in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib aimed at halting clashes between government forces and militants in the area, the last major bastion of foreign-backed terrorists in the Arab country.

Russia Launches Airstrikes on Idlib Militants After Attack on Turkish Observation Post - MoD Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Three Turkish soldiers manning an observation post in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib were injured in a mortar attack on 13 June, the Turkish Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Israel conducts new airstrike on besieged Gaza Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Israel says its warplanes have launched a new airstrike against a position of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in the besieged Gaza Strip, after the regime allegedly intercepted a rocket fired from the enclave into the Israeli-occupied territories.
Lebanon Will Pay 'Heavy Price' in New Hezbollah-Israel War, IDF Warns Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Israel and Hezbollah have not engaged in an outright military confrontation since the 34-day devastating war in the summer of 2006, but a fresh conflict is possible, with regional tensions running high.
Israel Planning Another Gaza Campaign, Minister Says VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- An Israeli security cabinet minister said Thursday that there would be another military campaign in Gaza, following the latest exchange of rocket fire between Israel and Hamas militants.

No peace talks before seizing Libyan capital: Haftar allies Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- The speaker of east Libya's parliament, which is aligned with troops trying to seize capital Tripoli from the UN-backed government, says there could be no peace negotiations until they captured the city.

More Than 500 Torture Cases Documented By UN In Ukraine Conflict RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has documented more than 500 cases of ill-treatment, incommunicado detention, and torture by both Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed separatists since the conflict erupted in April 2014, the mission's head said in Kyiv on June 13.

Turkey's President Turns up Heat on Cyprus, Stoking Fears of Clash VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ratcheted up tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, declaring he will do whatever is necessary to protect Turkey's interests over energy exploration rights in Cypriot waters.

News Reports

Democrats Slam Trump for Openness to Election Info from Foreign Powers VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, saying his stated willingness to accept information about electoral opponents from foreign powers should appall everyone in the United States.
Trump: I would accept damaging info from foreign governments on 2020 presidential opponent Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says he would be willing to accept damaging information from a foreign government on his opponent in the 2020 presidential election, after years of denying allegations that Russia helped him get elected in 2016.
Trump Says He'd 'Want To Hear' Damaging Information From Foreign States About His 2020 Rival RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he would be willing to accept information from a foreign country about his political opponent in the 2020 election if it was offered, arguing that such behavior would not be condoning foreign interference in the electoral process.

Iran categorically rejects US 'unfounded claim' on tanker attacks Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Iran has rejected as "unfounded" US claims that it is responsible for the recent attacks on two oil tankers in the Sea of Oman, warning of "another Iranophobic campaign" being waged by Washington and its allies.
Pompeo blames Iran for tanker attacks in Sea of Oman Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump blames Iran for attacks on two oil tankers in the Sea of Oman without providing evidence as Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called the incident "suspicious" which occurred during a landmark visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Islamic Republic.
Saudi Energy Minister Condemns the Attacks on Two Tankers in the Gulf of Oman, which Targeted the Freedom of Navigation and the Security of Supplies for Consumers All over the World SPA 13 Jun 2019 -- H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is monitoring with great concern reports about the terrorist attacks that targeted two tankers in the Gulf of Oman. His Excellency added that the Kingdom condemns such terrorist acts, especially in view of the attacks on Saudi vessels off the coast of UAE a month ago. He noted that one of the tankers was carrying methanol from Jubail.
US Confirms that Iran has Carried out Attacks on Two Oil Tankers in Gulf of Oman, US Secretary of State reports SPA 13 Jun 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said today that "the United States is absolutely confident that only Iran is capable of carrying out attacks similar to those that took place today against two oil tankers in the Gulf and that the US assessment of available military and intelligence information confirm this".
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 13 Jun 2019 -- "It is the assessment of the United States Government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman today. This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping, and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication."
US Blames Iran for Attacks on 2 Oil Tankers in Gulf of Oman VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is blaming Iran for Thursday's attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, off the Iranian coast.
Iran navy investigating dimensions of accident in Oman Sea IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- The Iranian navy announced that the causes and dimensions of the recent accidents for tankers in the Sea of Oman is under investigation.
FM spox: Japanese tanker accident suspicious IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman described as suspicious the attack on two Japanese oil tankers in Sea of Oman and its coincidence with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Zarif says suspicious not to describe what happened to Japan tankers IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister said in a message that the mishaps for oil tankers carrying crude for Japan is suspicious as there has been no explanation on what happened to them.
Gov't spokesman voices concern over tragic incident for blast of 2 oil tankers in Oman Sea IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei voiced his concern and sorrow over the explosion of two oil tankers carrying oil for Japan in the Sea of Oman and warned all countries of the region to be careful not to be trapped by those, who benefit from instability in the region.
Two tankers hit in Gulf of Oman ISNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Two oil tankers were hit in a suspected attack on Thursday June 13 in the Gulf of Oman.
World reacts as two tankers 'attacked' in Sea of Oman Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Hours after two tankers were reportedly attacked in the Sea of Oman, a flurry of international reactions poured in from various countries, companies, and political figures as well as financial markets, the gist of which follows.
Tankers attack suspicious, regional dialogue imperative: Zarif Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the attack on two tankers in the Sea of Oman amid a landmark visit by the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Iran is suspicions, calling for the promotion of dialogue among regional countries.
Iran rescues all crew members of tankers hit in Sea of Oman Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Iran has rushed to the assistance of two oil tankers hit by yet unspecified accidents in the Sea of Oman, transferring all of their 44 crew members to its southern shores.
Oil prices jump following suspected attacks on two oil tankers in Sea of Oman Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Crude oil futures have jumped following reports of explosions targeting two oil tankers in the Sea of Oman.
Two Oil Tankers Hit By Explosions In Gulf Of Oman; U.S. Blames Iran RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- Two commercial oil tankers were hit by explosions and caught fire in the Gulf of Oman, prompting the evacuation and rescue of dozens of crew members. The United States blamed Iran, accusing it of trying to disrupt oil supplies through the strategic waterway.
Explosions hit two large tankers in Sea of Oman: Reports Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Media reports say two large tankers have been hit by explosions in the Sea of Oman.
Iran Responsible for Tanker Attacks in Gulf of Oman - Pompeo Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- The United States believes that Iran is behind Thursday's attacks on two tanker vessels in the Gulf of Oman, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a press briefing.
Iran Calls Reported Oil Tanker Attack in Gulf of Oman 'Suspicious' Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- On Thursday morning, reports emerged that two tankers were damaged near the Strait of Hormuz. It comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and just a month after four vessels were affected in a similar incident off the Emirati coast.
Iran Rescues 44 Sailors From Two Oil Tankers After Suspected Attack in Gulf of Oman − Reports Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Reports about the incident emerged a month after an attack on four vessels off the Emirati coast, which UAE investigators blamed on an unspecified "state actor".

US, Guatemala Close to Deal to Block Central American Asylum-Seekers VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- The Trump administration hopes within days to conclude a deal with Guatemala that would block Central Americans from seeking asylum in the U.S.

Sudan military rulers admit dispersing Khartoum sit-in Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Sudan's ruling military council has admitted for the first time admitted it had ordered the June 3 dispersal of a Khartoum protest sit-in that left dozens of people dead and hundreds more injured.
Sudan: top UN official demands cessation of violence and rape against civilians by security forces UN News 13 Jun 2019 -- Following recent reports of attacks and rape by security forces and paramilitaries against the pro-democracy protesters in Sudan who have been holding a sit-in outside army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed "grave concern" on Thursday and called for an "immediate and complete" end to the violence.

Putin Arrives In Bishkek Ahead Of SCO Summit RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in the Kyrgyz capital to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional grouping led by Moscow and Beijing.
Chechen Leader Threatens To 'Break Fingers And Tear Out Tongues' RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, the coarse-mouthed leader of Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Chechnya, is at it again.

UK government signs order to enable Assange extradition to US Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid has signed an order enabling the country's legal system to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States where he could face decades in prison for exposing confidential documents.
UK Home Secretary Signs Request for Assange's Extradition to the US Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- The whistleblower and WikiLeaks founder is currently serving a 50-week sentence in a London jail for violating his bail conditions in 2012, when he took refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden on sexual assault charges which have been dropped and reopened repeatedly.

DPRK Will Win Victory Only under Banner of Independence: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 13 Jun 2019 -- The DPRK will win victory only under the banner of independence, says Rodong Sinmun in an article Thursday.
Vietnam Donates Food to DPRK KCNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Food donated by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea arrived in Nampho Port on Thursday.
Korean Peninsula issue still within framework of political solution: spokesperson People's Daily 13 Jun 2019 -- China called on related countries to continue making efforts to realize denuclearization and sustained peace on the Korean Peninsula through negotiations, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Wednesday.

Russia Warns Against Using Oil Tanker Incident to Lay Blame on Iran, Escalate Tensions Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Moscow warns against hasty conclusions and attempts to blame Iran for the incident in the Gulf of Oman, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
E3 underlines delivering 1st INSTEX transaction IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Ambassadors of the UK, Germany and France in a statement stressed delivering the first transaction of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).
Japan to keep contact with US, Iran to lower tensions: Official IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Japan is willing to make further efforts in favor of peace and stability in the region and the world through follow-up communications with Tehran and Washington, press secretary of Japan's Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Leader: Iran not considering Trump worth to exchange message with IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei declared on Thursday that Iran will not hold talks with the United States because President Donald Trump is not worth it.
New plot by Trump's government to undermine INSTEX IRNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Washington targeted Iranian-European channel of finance and trade known as INSTEX, and by undermining it as ineffective is willing to force the Islamic Republic of Iran towards its favored direction namely negotiation for the new nuclear deal.
President in a joint press conference with Japanese PM: Iran won't begin any war in region, even with US; but will respond strongly to any threat ISNA 13 Jun 2019 -- Iran's President stressed, "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the Japanese government and Prime Minister's will to develop bilateral relations and regional and international cooperation".
Security of Persian Gulf, world of special importance to us: Rouhani Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says security of the entire world, especially the Persian Gulf region, is of high significance to Iran.
Leader to Japan PM: Trump not worthy of exchanging messages with Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei dismisses US President Donald Trump as a person not worthy of a response or a message, stressing that negotiations with Washington cannot help solve any problem.
Supreme Leader Tells Japan's PM Iran Won't Negotiate With U.S. Again RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Iran will not repeat what he called a "bitter experience" of negotiating with the United States amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Critics: Hong Kong Protests Show Low Popular Opinion of China's Legal System VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- Beijing is working feverishly to lay claim to the moral high ground as a debate over a law in Hong Kong that would allow extradition to China has triggered massive protests and violent clashes between police and protesters.
Unrest continues in Hong Kong over extradition bill Press TV 13 Jun 2019 -- Scuffles have broken out between police and protesters in Hong Kong for yet another day, as unrest continues over a proposed extradition bill.
Beijing Protests EU's Statements on Hong Kong Extradition Bill Sputnik 13 Jun 2019 -- Beijing has expressed its discontent with the European Union over its statements regarding controversial amendments to the extradition law in Hong Kong, which sparked mass protests across the semi-autonomous territory earlier in the week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Thursday.
Hong Kong Calm After Protests Over Sending Suspects to China for Trial VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- A semblance of normalcy returned to Hong Kong Thursday after clashes between police and protesters who oppose a controversial extradition bill that would allow criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.
Tsai urges Hong Kong government to hold dialogue with protesters CNA 13 Jun 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) urged the Hong Kong government Thursday to start a dialogue with its people and listen to their concerns, after its handling of large protests against a controversial extradition bill the previous day attracted global media attention.

Saakashvili, Party Colleagues To Run In Ukraine's Parliamentary Elections RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- The party of Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian president who served as governor of Ukraine's Odesa region in 2015-16, has presented its list of top 10 candidates for Ukraine's July 21 parliamentary elections.

India Plans to Set Up Space Station VOA 13 Jun 2019 -- India has announced plans to launch its own space station. The chairman of the Indian space agency, K. Sivan, told reporters Thursday that India is targeting 2030 as the date to launch a 20 ton space station.

Ohio Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trying to Join ISIS US Dept. of Justice 13 Jun 2019 -- A Dayton, Ohio man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 180 months in prison and 25 years of supervised release for attempting, and conspiring, to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Todd A. Wickerham of the FBI's Cincinnati Division made the announcement.

Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Belarus The White House 13 Jun 2019
Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Belarus The White House 13 Jun 2019

UN Criticizes Kazakhstan's Crackdown On Protesters RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- The United Nations Human Rights Office has called on Kazakh authorities "to respect freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression and right to political participation" following the detention of hundreds of protesters during rallies since Kazakhstan's June 9 presidential election.

Second Ebola death confirmed in Uganda as UN health agency mulls global emergency call UN News 13 Jun 2019 -- Together with Uganda, UN humanitarian agencies are racing to contain deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD) there, after the announcement that it has claimed a second victim.

Putin Supports Moldova's President Amid Political Crisis RFE/RL 13 Jun 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will not give up support for Moldova's pro-Russian president, Igor Dodon, amid a complicated political dispute in which two rival governments in Chisinau are declaring legitimacy.

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