20 June 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US to Conclude Afghan Anti-Terror Assurances Draft With Taliban, Troop Withdrawal - Envoy Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The United States may soon finalize a document outlining Taliban commitments to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists as well as address the withdrawal of foreign troops, US political coordinator Rodney Hunter told the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

On The Hunt for Little Green Men? US Senators Briefed on Navy's UFO Sightings Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Three concerned US senators were briefed by the Pentagon Wednesday about the US Navy's numerous encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs), judging them to be "a safety concern."
82nd Airborne snipers jump, testing new Compact Sniper rifle system Army News 20 Jun 2019 -- Operational testing of the Army's newest precision rifle, the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) began recently, marking one of the final hurdles this system will face prior to fielding.
Steppe Eagle 19 opening ceremony demonstrates strength of relationships, militaries CENTCOM 20 Jun 2019 -- As a Kazakhstani brass marching band played the national anthems of each nation in attendance, Soldiers representing six nations kicked off exercise Steppe Eagle 19 during an opening ceremony, June 17, to highlight the exercise's role in promoting stability in the Central and South Asia region.
US 4th Fleet and Partner Nations Will Unite for Exercise UNITAS NNS 20 Jun 2019 -- Chile will host maritime forces from 12 countries to participate in exercise UNITAS LX (60) Pacific from June 24 – July 3.
Navy to Conduct Exercise Citadel Pacific 2019 NNS 20 Jun 2019 -- Navy installations in the Pacific will participate in an annual anti-terrorism force protection exercise June 24-28.
U.S., Republic of Korea Navies Hold Submarine Warfare Talks NNS 20 Jun 2019 -- Commander, Submarine Group 7 conducted bilateral talks with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy submarine force June 18-20 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam.
U.S. 6th Fleet commander Strengthens Bonds with Israeli Navy Partners NNS 20 Jun 2019 -- Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited her Israeli Navy counterparts and U.S. Embassy leadership during a prescheduled trip to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, Israel.
CARAT 2019: Building Security Through Maritime Domain Awareness NNS 20 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted a series of training events focused on maritime domain awareness (MDA), culminating with scenarios conducted by ships and aircraft in the Gulf of Thailand during this year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand.
Multinational JTACs integrate in Red Flag-Alaska US Air Force 20 Jun 2019 -- During exercise Red Flag-Alaska 19-2, U.S. Air Force tactical air control party joint terminal attack controllers assigned to the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron partnered with JTACs from the British Army and the South Korean air force.

Russian Bombers Escorted by Japanese Fighters During Planned Flight in Pacific Ocean - MoD Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the Japanese Defence Ministry claimed as quoted by the NHK broadcaster that a Russian bomber had illegally entered the national airspace of Japan twice on Thursday.

Chinese top unmanned chopper completes night drills, military service eyed Global Times 20 Jun 2019 -- China's top unmanned helicopter, the AV500, has successfully conducted its first night operation under challenging conditions, demonstrating its any-time, all-terrain capabilities, a result which Chinese analysts said on Thursday might increase the possibility for the Chinese military to put it into service and attract overseas buyers.
Stealth-Shmelth: China Says It Can Track F-35s Operating in Stealth Mode With New Radar Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The US military has marketed its new $1.5 trillion fifth-generation fighter's stealth capabilities as one of its main features, along with its advanced avionics and sensor systems.

India Deploys Warships, Jets in Persian Gulf Amid Rising Iran-US Tension Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The Indian Navy named the deployment "Operation Sankalp (resolution)", claiming that it only serves to re-assure Indian flagged vessels travelling through the area following the recent maritime incidents there.
India Begins User Trials of Russian Air-to-Air Missiles to Choose Preferred CCM for Jets Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- In the first indication that Russian missiles are being used by India's primary warplanes, including the Su-30MKI and Mirage 2000, the Indian Air Force has started user trials of next generation air-to-air missiles manufactured by Vympel, a subsidiary of Russia's consolidated JSC Tactical Missiles Corporation.

Japan Plans to Resume F-35A Fighter Flights After April Crash – Reports Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Japan is going to resume flights of F-35A fighter jets that were suspended after the April crash of such a plane, local media reported on Thursday.

US Senate rejects Saudi arms sales in rebuke to Trump Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- The US Senate has supported a resolution that opposes President Donald Trump's plan to complete weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates using a loophole, citing concerns about the two Arab regimes' human rights records.
UK halts new arms licences to Saudi Arabia after court ruling Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- The British government has temporarily suspended granting new permissions for export of arms to Saudi Arabia after a top UK court ruled them unlawful because they are used by Riyadh against civilians in Yemen.
Court rules 'unlawful' UK arms deals with Saudi Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- The UK's extensive arms deals with Saudi Arabia are unlawful because the weapons are being used in the kingdom's deadly war against the people of Yemen, the UK Court of Appeal has ruled.

Canada confirms naval vessels pass through Taiwan Strait CNA 20 Jun 2019 -- The Canadian representative office in Taiwan confirmed Thursday that two of its Naval vessels recently transited through the Taiwan Strait, noting that the passages were in line with its long-term Naval practice and international law.
Taking a Stand? Canada Sails Warship Through Taiwan Strait Amid Tensions With China Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Canada recently became the latest nation to sail a frigate through the Taiwan Strait, a move which government officials have indicated was not intended to be taken as Ottawa making a statement against China.

Erdogan says Russian S-400 'a done deal', warns US of retaliation Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey's purchase of advanced Russian-built S-400 air defense missile systems is "a done deal", warning that Ankara will retaliate if the Washington imposes sanctions over the purchase.
US Considering Sanctions Against Turkey Over Russian S-400 Purchase - State Dept Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Сavusoglu stated last week that Turkey will retaliate if the United States introduces sanctions over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems.
Erdogan on F-35: Turkey Threatens to Appeal to Int'l Court if US Backtracks on 'Done Deal' Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Washington has been pressuring Ankara into withdrawing from its $2.5 billion agreement to purchase Russian anti-air missile systems, but Turkey has refused to bow to US threats that its NATO partner will incur sanctions and be kicked out of the F-35 programme.

Bulgarian President on F-16 Deal: I Hope Taxpayers' Funds Won't Be Wasted On 'Chaos' Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, as reported by the Focus News Agency, expressed hope that government efforts to agree an acceptable price for the F-16s would not come at the expense of the jet fighter's combat capabilities.

Defense Industry

Contracts for June 20, 2019

Other Conflicts

20 June 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Jun 2019
UN Security Council calls for protection of persons with disabilities in conflict zones UN News 20 Jun 2019 -- The Security Council on Thursday adopted its first-ever resolution calling on UN Member States and warring parties to protect persons with disabilities in conflict situations and to ensure they have access to justice, basic services and unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
Fill teacher training gaps to tackle traumatized refugee and migrant students, urges UN on World Refugee Day UN News 20 Jun 2019 -- On World Refugee Day, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is calling for more support to fill the gaps in training for teachers on trauma and psychosocial assistance for migrant and refugee students.
UN Refugee Chief: Rich Countries Must Keep Their Doors Open VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi said Thursday that the forcible displacement of more than 70 million people worldwide was a "collective failure" of the international community and called for more global solidarity to resolve it.

Yemeni forces strike Saudi power plant with cruise missile Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Yemeni forces have targeted a power plant in Jizan province southwest of Saudi Arabia using a cruise missile in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's deadly war on their country.
Yemen Rebels Target Saudi Desalination Plant VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militants launched a projectile into southern Saudi Arabia that landed near a desalination plant but did not cause any damage or casualties.

FM Muallem vows to 'liberate all of Syria' from terrorists Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has stressed the Damascus government's resolve to rid the entire Arab country of foreign-backed terrorists and retake all Syrian territory.

Second Projectile in 24 Hours Targets Iraq's Oil Rich Basra Region - Reports Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- A second rocket in a day has landed in the Iraqi province of Basra where foreign and Iraqi oil companies and fields are located, Iraqi security services said, adding that there is no information on damage or casualties.

Haftar Vows to Create Constitutional Committee If LNA Captures Tripoli - Report Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the eastern Libyan National Army (LNA), said that if his forces capture Tripoli, they will set up of a committee tasked with rewriting the country's constitution, as well as unifying state institutions and disarming all militias.

Daesh Claims Responsibility for Killing 12 Nigerian Soldiers in Borno Attack - Report Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The Daesh terrorist group said in a Wednesday statement cited by Reuters that they carried out an attack on a Nigerian army base in the Borno state, claiming that its militants killed 12 Nigerian soldiers.

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia Over War in Ukraine VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- The European Union has extended economic sanctions against Russia over the turmoil in eastern Ukraine and demands Russian cooperation with the probe into the shootdown of a Malaysian passenger jet.
U.S. Hails MH17 Indictments, Urges Moscow To Ensure Russian Suspects 'Face Justice' RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- The United States has welcomed the indictment of four individuals for their alleged roles in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, calling it an "important milestone in the search for the truth."
EU Extends Sanctions On Russia Over Crimea For Another Year RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- European Union leaders have agreed to extend the bloc's investment ban on the Crimean Peninsula by one more year.

Hamas: Trump's plan cannot deprive Palestine of al-Quds Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- The Hamas resistance movement says US President Donald Trump's upcoming plan meant to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot deprive the Palestinian nation of Tel Aviv-occupied Jerusalem al-Quds.
Persistent threat of war, unilateral actions, continue to erode prospects for Middle East peace, Security Council told UN News 20 Jun 2019 -- Developments in the Middle East cannot be divorced from Israel's military occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement-building, or Hamas' hold over Gaza and its militant activity, a senior United Nations envoy told the Security Council on Thursday, warning that these actions "collectively erode the prospects of a two-State solution".

News Reports

Briefing by Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons John Cotton Richmond US Dept. of State 20 Jun 2019 -- Special Briefing by John Cotton Richmond, Ambassador-at-Large, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report Launch Ceremony US Dept. of State 20 Jun 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

US Navy: Mine in tanker attack bears Iran hallmarks SPA 20 Jun 2019 -- The limpet mines used to attack a Japanese-owned oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz last week bore "a striking resemblance" to similar mines seen in Iran, a U.S. Navy explosives expert said Wednesday.

Hundreds hold anti-junta rallies in Sudan's state capitals Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Hundreds of Sudanese have rallied to denounce a deadly crackdown on protesters outside the military headquarters in Khartoum earlier this month and urge junta rulers to cede power to civilians.

Egypt: Erdogan claim about Morsi's death irresponsible Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Egypt has condemned as "irresponsible" an assertion by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, who was ousted in a coup in 2013 and who recently died in custody, was killed.

The Week In Russia: The 1990s Are Back, For Four Hours, In Putin's 'Direct Line' RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin took aim at a frequent target – the 1990s – in his annual call-in show on state TV. In a Direct Line program in which the line between Putin and the people sometimes looked less than direct, he also repeated calls for a technological "breakthrough" that would bolster the economy and raise living standards.
U.S.: Russia Still Not Doing Enough To Combat Human Trafficking RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- The United States has again placed Russia among a list of countries, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that it says are doing little to stop human trafficking within their borders.
Putin on Reported US Attacks on Russian Power Grid: We Are Forced to React Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, US President Donald Trump blasted the New York Times for running a story alleging that Washington has stepped up its "digital incursions into Russia's power grid" in an effort to send a "warning" to Moscow.
Experts: Kremlin Yielded to Protests for Political Self-Preservation VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Since last week's stunning reversal, when Russian officials abruptly scrapped drug charges against a prominent investigative reporter and then jailed the officers who fabricated them, the multitudes who rallied for his release seemed to revel in a brief victory over an often-repressive state apparatus.

N. Korea's Kim Tells China's Xi He Wants to Be 'Patient' With US VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Chinese President Xi Jinping he "would like to be patient" with the United States over stalled nuclear talks and expressed hope "the relevant party will meet halfway" with Pyongyang, according to Chinese state media.
Experts: Global Coalition Needed to Fully Enforce Sanctions on North Korea VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- To better curtail North Korea's efforts at undermining international sanctions, experts would like to see a global coalition create a coordinated enforcement agency to improve the current efforts to squeeze Pyongyang's economy and thwart its nuclear ambitions.
Xi arrives to great welcome in DPRK for state visit Global Times 20 Jun 2019 -- General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Pyongyang Thursday for a state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
China to support NK security, development concerns Global Times 20 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held talks in Pyongyang Thursday where Xi received an unprecedented welcome. The talks touched on the China-North Korea relationship and the Korean Peninsula issue.
World looks with hope at Xi's North Korea visit Global Times 20 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on a historic visit of North Korea on Thursday. The first visit since 2005 by a top Chinese leader to the country has the international community watching intently.
Newspapers Warmly Welcome Goodwill Envoy of Fraternal Chinese People KCNA 20 Jun 2019 -- Newspapers of the DPRK in their editorials on Thursday say that the Korean people warmly welcome with delight Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China, who is coming to the DPRK with the warm friendship feeling of the fraternal Chinese people.
Xi, Kim hold talks in Pyongyang People's Daily 20 Jun 2019 -- General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping sat down here Thursday for talks with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
China's Xi meets with North Korea's Kim in Pyongyang Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shortly after arriving in North Korea's capital of Pyongyang on an official visit, Chinese state media say.
DPRK makes new strides in economic construction People's Daily 20 Jun 2019 -- Kim Jong-un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), called on all party members to concentrate all the efforts on socialist economic construction at the Third Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the WPK. It indicated that DPRK's socialist construction has entered a new stage.

Explainer: How Serious Is Iran's Nuclear Deal Violation? RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran warned on June 17 that it would further reduce its compliance with the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement it made with world powers -- which has significantly limited Iran's sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
U.S. Central Command Statement: Iranians shoot down U.S. drone NNS 20 Jun 2019 -- "U.S. Central Command can confirm that a U.S. Navy Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (or BAMS-D) ISR aircraft was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile system while operating in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 11:35 p.m. GMT on June 19, 2019.
Trump Appears To Downplay Drone Strike, Says 'Hard To Believe' Was Intentional RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to downplay Iran's shootdown of a U.S. drone, saying it likely was an error by "a general or somebody," as both sides said they had evidence to prove the location of the craft when it was hit by a surface-to-air missile.
Trump Calls Iranian Downing Of U.S. Drone 'A Very Big Mistake' RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- President Donald Trump has called Iran's downing of a U.S. military drone a "very big mistake," fueling fears that simmering tensions between the two countries may boil over into a military conflict.
President Trump: Iran 'Made A Very Big Mistake!' VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- President Donald Trump has fired a warning shot at Iran via social media, hours after U.S. defense officials confirmed Tehran shot down a U.S. drone over international airspace.
Iran Shootdown of US Drone 'New Fly in the Ointment' VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- The United States and Iran edged closer to armed conflict Thursday following the downing of a U.S. Global Hawk surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz, a development U.S. President Donald Trump called a "very bad mistake."
Iran releases details of US spy drone aggression IRNA 20 Jun 2019 -- The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) rejected the US claim that the downed spy drone was in international airspace and released the details of this drone's aggression.
Russia warns US of war against Iran IRNA 20 Jun 2019 -- Should the United States try to use force against Iran, a catastrophe will follow, because the effects of a military solution are very hard to gauge, Russian president said.
Iran warns foreign planes against aggression IRNA 20 Jun 2019 -- A Top Iranian security official on Thursday warned the foreign planes against aggression to its airspace.
FM spox slams US violation of Iran's airspace IRNA 20 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman strongly condemned the US spy drone's violation of Iranian airspace, and warned against violations of Iran's frontage.
US spy drone shot-down, clear message to White House: Commander IRNA 20 Jun 2019 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday that the US spy drone shot-down has a clear message to enemies.
Iran shoots down US spy drone IRNA 20 Jun 2019 -- The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) declared on Thursday that it has shot down a US spy drone.
Trump calls Iran's shooting down US drone 'a new fly in the ointment' Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has played down Iran's downing of an intruding American spy drone, saying it could have been a mistake.
Iran condemns US drone incursion in letter to UN chief Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran has condemned the violation of its airspace by a US spy drone, telling the United in a letter that the international community needs to confront Washington's destabilizing actions.
Video: Iran's Khordad 3 SAM system shoots down US drone Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- The Iranian military has released video that shows the moment an indigenous Khordad 3 air defense system of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Forces fires a surface-to-air missile at an intruding US spy drone.
Iran will take US to UN over drone encroachment: Zarif Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the country will take the case of US drone encroaching on its territory to the United Nations to prove Washington is lying about the aircraft having been shot down over international waters.
Zarif: Iran not changing regional policies under US threats, sanctions Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran will not be redirecting its political course of action in the face of the United States' pressures, says Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Putin: US attack on Iran would be 'catastrophe' Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin warns that a US military attack against Iran would be catastrophic as tensions mount between Washington and Tehran.
Iran sharply condemns 'provocative' US airspace violation, warns aggressors Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran has sharply condemned the United States for violating the country's airspace by a spy drone, warning that the aggressors bear the responsibility for repercussions of such "provocative" moves.
Iran's IRGC force shoots down intruding US spy drone Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has shot down an intruding American spy drone in the country's southern coastal province of Hormozgan.
U.S. Envoy Heads To Persian Gulf Region Amid Tensions With Iran RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- Brian Hook, the U.S. special representative for Iran, will travel to the Persian Gulf region to hold meetings with key allies after telling a House of Representatives panel that "our pressure campaign" against Tehran is working.
Pentagon Releases Video of What It Claims to Be US Drone Downing by Iran Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on 20 June that the Iranian military had shot down a US drone in the southern part of the country after it violated Iranian airspace.
Iran Vows Firm Response to US Aggression Over Drone Downing Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Iran will respond firmly to US aggression should it retaliate, the spokesman for the Supreme National Security Council said after Iranian forces downed a US drone over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Files Complaint With UN Over US Aerial Drone Incident Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Tehran has protested and filed a complaint with the UN in connection with the actions of the US drone that violated the Iranian border, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
US Forces Confirm Iranian Missile Shot Down Navy Drone - CENTCOM Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The United States' military can confirm that an Iranian missile shot down a Navy drone operating over the Strait of Hormuz, spokesman for US Central Command (CENTCOM) Navy Captain Bill Urban said in a statement on Thursday.
Iran's Downing of US Drone 'Clear Message' to Washington − IRGC Commander Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- Iranian paramilitary forces stated on Thursday that a US spy drone had been shot down after entering Iran's airspace; it had flown over Hormuzgan province in the south of the country.
IRGC Claims US Spy Drone Shot Down Over Hormuzgan Province - Report Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- The report comes amid increased tensions between Iran and the US, with Washington announcing a new deployment of additional forces to the Middle East, including a Patriot missile battalion, drones and manned surveillance aircraft.

Families of Uighurs Abroad Increasingly Targeted by China VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- A recent arrest of a Uighur mother and her four children by the Chinese police at the Belgian Embassy in Beijing highlights a growing pattern of persecution by Chinese authorities against members of the Muslim minority who have families living abroad, rights groups charge.
Taiwan denies donating NT$1 billion in support of Hong Kong protest CNA 20 Jun 2019 -- The Presidential Office said Thursday that a rumor circulating on social media about the Taiwan government donating NT$1 billion (US$32 million) to support the recent massive street protests in Hong Kong was "totally fake."
China to improve people's livelihood with intensified efforts People's Daily 20 Jun 2019 -- China will spruce up old residential communities in cities at a faster pace, complete the upgrading of rural power grids ahead of schedule, and make greater progress in ensuring the access to safe drinking water in rural areas, as part of the efforts to meet people's aspirations and ensure and improve their livelihood.
Ex-Interpol chief admits receiving bribes: Chinese media Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Former chief of the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, Chinese national Meng Hongwei, has pleaded guilty to receiving more than two million dollars in bribes, China says, some eight months after he was placed under investigation on suspicion of bribery.

U.S. helping to protect Taiwan against Chinese election meddling CNA 20 Jun 2019 -- In anticipation that China will try to meddle with Taiwan's presidential election next year, the United States has started dialogue with Taiwan to help strengthen its ability to deal with the issue, a U.S. official said Wednesday.

Daesh turning to Indian Ocean region: Report Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- Terrorists from the Daesh group are likely to conduct attacks in India and Sri Lanka, a report says, citing intelligence.
Daesh May Soon Threaten India, Sri Lanka: Intel Reports Sputnik 20 Jun 2019 -- At least 100 people are reported to have joined Daesh* from the Indian state of Kerala in the last few years. A police officer said around 3,000 individuals, most of them from Kerala, are being monitored after deradicalisation at 21 counselling centres.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs: Kingdom rejects all wrongdoing and false allegations contained in the report of the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on the killing of Khashoggi and reserves the right to take legal action to respond to it SPA 20 Jun 2019 -- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Member of the Cabinet Adel Al-Jubeir told Saudi Press Agency, "The death of Jamal Khashoggi, may Allah have mercy on him, was an unfortunate and painful crime that cannot be condoned or tolerated by the perpetrators. The kingdom, as already announced, has begun to take the necessary measures to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice according to the regulations in force in the kingdom after they exceeded all the applicable regulations and powers with their deed."

Americans to NASA: Focus on Asteroids, Not the Moon VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Americans would rather have NASA closely monitor asteroids and comets that could crash into Earth than send an astronaut to the moon or Mars.

151 Life Sentences Handed Down at Turkey Coup Trial VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- A Turkish court sentenced 151 people to life in prison on Thursday in a trial over a 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Among those sentenced were 17 senior military officials.
Turkish court gives aggravated life sentences to 24 over 2016 botched putsch Press TV 20 Jun 2019 -- A court in Turkey has handed down aggravated life sentences to 24 people, including senior military officers, on charges of involvement in the failed July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ukrainian Constitutional Court OKs Parliament's Dissolution, Early Poll RFE/RL 20 Jun 2019 -- Ukraine's Constitutional Court has ruled that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's order to dissolve parliament and call early elections is legal.

Malawi Protesters Call for Electoral Commission's Head to Step Down VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Nearly 15,000 opposition supporters brought business to a standstill in the capital Lilongwe as they marched to the Capitol Hill, the seat of government offices.

OAS Delegation Visits Haiti Amid Demands for President's Ouster VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- A delegation from the Organization of American States met with Haiti's President, Jovenel Moise Wednesday to discuss the political crisis, as well as matters of security. Moise posted a message and a photo on Twitter after the meeting.

Georgian Police Fire Rubber Bullets at Protesters Trying to Storm Parliament VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Riot police in Georgia fired rubber bullets and tear gas Thursday at demonstrators who tried to storm parliament, furious that a Russian-speaking lawmaker from Moscow addressed lawmakers from the speaker’s chair.
Thousands Try to Storm Georgian Parliament VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Thousands of Georgians tried to storm Parliament Thursday, furious that a Russian-speaking lawmaker from Moscow addressed lawmakers from the speaker's chair.

Saudi Arabia, Cuba Among World's Worst in Fighting Human Trafficking, US Says VOA 20 Jun 2019 -- Saudi Arabia and Cuba are now on a list of countries the United States considers derelict in their responsibilities to combat human trafficking, raising the risk of sanctions against those countries.

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