21 June 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Trump Warns Iran that US 'Cocked & Loaded' but 'In No Hurry' VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- The United States was "cocked & loaded," ready to strike three sites in Iran in retaliation for the downing of a U.S. drone over the Strait of Hormuz but called off the attacks at the last possible moment to spare Iranian lives.
Trump Confirms He Ordered, Then Halted U.S. Military Strikes On Iran RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he ordered U.S. military strikes against Iran in retaliation for the shooting down of a U.S. Navy drone on June 20.
US strike on Iran would have killed 150 people, Trump says Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- President Donald Trump said a US strike on 3 different Iranian sites would have killed 150 people but he cancelled it 10 minutes before the attack was going to be launched.
Senate Republicans emphasize congressional approval for Iran strike Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Republican lawmakers in the US senate have joined the chorus of Democrats urging the administration of President Donald Trump to hold back on war with Iran, reminding the American head of state that the US Constitution would not allow him to unilaterally declare war against the Islamic Republic.
Trump approves strikes against Iran, then abruptly pulls back: NY Times Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- President Trump approved military strikes against Iran before dawn Friday but pulled back from launching them on Thursday night, the New York Times reports.
Trump Says Stopped US Strike on Iran 10 Minutes Before It Was Set to Be Carried Out Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Already poor relations between Tehran and Washington got worse Thursday morning after Iranian air defence forces shot down a US spy drone they said was operating in Iranian airspace.
Trump Reportedly Approved Military Retaliation after Iran Shootdown of US Drone VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- National security officials in Washington are declining comment on a newspaper report that U.S. President Donald Trump approved military strikes against in Iran Thursday but then pulled back from launching them for unknown reasons.
Trump Approves Strikes Against Iran on Thursday but Abruptly Backtracks on His Decision Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- US President Donald Trump approved military operation against Iran after the downing of a US Global Hawk spy drone, but pulled back from launching it on Thursday night, The New York Times reported.

Afghan Politicians To Meet in Pakistan for Peace Talks VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- Senior political figures from Afghanistan, including several presidential candidates, will attend a rare, unofficial meeting in neighboring Pakistan Saturday where they will hold discussions on how to promote "peace and reconciliation" efforts in their war-ravaged country.
Trump Says Troops in Afghanistan Will 'Soon' Halve to 8,000 as US-Taliban Talks Near Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The United States is "doing fine" in Afghanistan and will soon see its troops in the Islamic republic halved to 8,000 soldiers, President Donald Trump said in an interview with the Time magazine amid nearing US-Taliban talks.
U.S. Watchdog Says Lack Of Oversight Hampers Development Of Afghan Forces RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- A U.S. government watchdog says a lack of coordinated oversight of U.S. spending in Afghanistan has led to a waste of funds and hampered the training and development of Afghan security forces.

Defense Policy / Programs

No End In Sight? US’ Troubled F-35 Program Still Struggles With Myriad Problems Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Known for its ballooning costs and headache-inducing technical setbacks, the US’ F-35 program seems to still be stuck between a rock and a hard place, especially as the Lockheed Martin-developed aircraft continues to struggle with a number of serious issues.
Army approves JLTV Full-Rate Production Army News 21 Jun 2019 -- Dr. Bruce Jette, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, approved the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program's transition into Full-Rate Production yesterday.
US Navy Releases RFP for Guided-missile Frigate Contract NNS 21 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Navy on June 20 released a request for proposals (RFP) for the FFG(X) detail design and construction (DD&C) contract for first 10 guided-missile frigates (one base ship and nine option ships).
US Navy, Royal Thai Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians conduct knowledge exchange during CARAT 2019 NNS 21 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 2019, May 31.
Navy Seabees Take Command and Control from Army During Construction Exercise NNS 21 Jun 2019 -- The Army 372nd Engineers, a reserve brigade (BDE) from Fort Snelling, Minnesota, arrived in Poland in January 2019 with the mission of over-seeing nearly 25 construction projects spread over three task forces and two countries in an exercise known as Resolute Castle (RC) 19.
SECNAV Names Newest Towing Salvage and Rescue Ship Cherokee Nation NNS 21 Jun 2019 -- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced the newest Towing, Salvage, and Rescue ship will be named Cherokee Nation in honor of the service and contributions the Cherokee people have made to the Navy and Marine Corps team.
BALTOPS 2019 Wraps Up in Kiel NNS 21 Jun 2019 -- The 47th annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019 came to a close June 21 as ships and crewmembers from 18 nations returned to Kiel, Germany.
Navy's Top Explosives Exploitation Unit in BALTOPS 2019 NNS 21 Jun 2019 -- The Navy's Expeditionary Exploitation Unit 1 (EXU 1) operated in the Baltic Sea region to support the BALTOPS 2019 Mine Warfare Task Group.

Blaze Engulfs Indian Navy Stealth Ship at Mumbai Dockyard Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Firefighters tried to put out the flames for three hours, and it is now feared the blaze caused crippling damage to the stealth destroyer.
US Urges India Not to Buy Russian S-400 Systems Ahead of Pompeo's Visit Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The US is already engaged in a row over the purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems with a key NATO ally - Turkey.
Indian Navy Deputes Sailors, Officers Onboard Crude Vessels Amid US-Iran Strife: Report Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The Indian Navy earlier announced that it will be deploying warships and aircraft in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to bolster maritime security against the backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
India Kicks off $6.5 Bn Submarine Project With Foreign Help Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- All six submarines under the $6.5 billion project will be built with assistance from abroad. The Indian Navy has retained the option to "manufacture six more submarines under the project."

Deployment of fighter jets in South China Sea 'necessary': expert Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- At least four J-10 fighter jets have been deployed on Yongxing Island in the South China Sea, a satellite image shows, which a Chinese expert said is a necessary move for the country's national defense.

Defense Industry

Contracts for June 21, 2019

Other Conflicts

21 June 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jun 2019

US Media Claim Chinese Fighter Jets Landed on Disputed Island in South China Sea Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The United States Navy has challenged Beijing's claim to most of the South China Sea by sailing its vessels into what China considers its territorial waters. These 'Freedom of Navigation' operations were first launched in 2017 and have gradually become more frequent and met with censure from Beijing.
Why Trump Has Gotten Extra Tough in Monitoring China at Sea VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is getting more aggressive toward Chinese activity in a disputed Asian sea compared to his predecessors, because the U.S. government fears China has expanded too far to overlook, analysts in the region believe.

UN food agency begins 'last resort' partial withdrawal of aid to opposition-held Yemeni capital UN News 21 Jun 2019 -- The World Food Programme (WFP), the UN's emergency food relief agency, confirmed on Friday in a statement that it has started a "partial suspension" of aid to areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi opposition forces, including the capital, Sana'a.
Yemeni forces shoot down Saudi-led reconnaissance drone in Hudaydah Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from the Popular Committees, have intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to the Saudi-led military coalition while flying in the skies over Yemen's strategic western coastal province of Hudaydah.
Yemeni drone attack halts air traffic in Saudi airport Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Saudi Arabian officials have been forced to suspend air traffic at an airport in the southern province of Jizan following yet another major drone attack by Yemeni resistance forces in retaliation for the kingdom's ongoing war against the impoverished country.
Saudi-Led Coalition Targets Houthi Military Positions in Yemen's Hudaydah - Reports Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Al Hudaydah is an important entry point for food and humanitarian aid delivered to Yemen, a nation torn by an ongoing civil war between government forces and the armed Houthi political opposition faction.

Syria: 'Deplorable' violence in Idlib against civilians, humanitarian workers must 'stop immediately', says senior UN envoy UN News 21 Jun 2019 -- Acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure in Idlib are "deplorable", the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis said on Friday, condemning them "in the strongest terms".

Nearly dozen killed, 30 injured in bomb blast targeting Baghdad mosque Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Nearly a dozen people have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when a bomb explosion ripped through a mosque in the eastern flank of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Over 80 per cent of schools in anglophone Cameroon shut down, as conflict worsens UN News 21 Jun 2019 -- More than 80 per cent of schools in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon are closed, as the security situation and living conditions continue to deteriorate due to the three-year conflict between the Government and armed groups, the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, reported on Friday.

UK reaffirms commitment to Western Balkans security on 20th anniversary of NATO Kosovo intervention UK MOD 21 Jun 2019 -- Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster has announced that the UK will continue its contribution to the NATO KFOR mission in Kosovo.

News Reports

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at the Release of the 2018 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Georgian Parliament Speaker Resigns Amid Protests - Ruling Party Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The speaker of the Georgian parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze, has resigned amid protests in the country's capital, the secretary general of the country's ruling Georgian Dream party, Kakha Kaladze, said on Friday.
Georgians clash with police over Russian MP's visit, parliament address Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Clashes have erupted between the police and protesters in the Georgian capital Tbilisi as they tried to storm the parliament building over a Russian lawmaker's speech in the assembly.
Georgian Parliamentary Speaker Resigns After Overnight Clashes RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- Protesters have begun turning out for a second day of demonstrations after violent clashes overnight with police that were touched off by a Russian member of parliament being allowed to sit in the speaker's chair of the Georgian Parliament during a session that was being held in the assembly.
Q&A: Tbilisi Violence Was An 'Accident Waiting To Happen' RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- Events took a violent turn overnight when protesters gathered in front of parliament in downtown Tbilisi on June 20 to express outrage after an interparliamentary grouping on Orthodoxy allowed a Russian lawmaker to occupy the speaker's seat earlier in the day.
Furious Anti-Russia Protesters In Tbilisi Demand Speaker's Resignation, Clash With Police RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- Georgian protesters, furious after a Russian lawmaker occupied the speaker's seat inside parliament in Tbilisi, continued to battle with riot police into the early morning hours on June 21.

Putin Signs Decree on Georgia-Related Security Measures Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a decree on measures to ensure Russia's national security in light of anti-Russian actions in Georgia, the Kremlin press service said.
House Democrat Caucus Proposes Russian Sanctions Compromise RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- A group of Democrats in the House of Representatives has proposed a broad range of sanctions against Russia, including its sovereign debt and wealthiest citizens, to punish the Kremlin for interfering in U.S. elections.

S.Korea ready to sit down for talks with DPRK at any time: unification minister Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul said Friday that his country was ready to sit down for talks with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at any time, according to Newsis news agency.
Xi concludes successful visit to North Korea Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing Friday afternoon after concluding a successful state visit to North Korea.
China to support NK security, development concerns Global Times 21 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.
China ready to join DPRK in turning blueprint of bilateral ties into reality: Xi Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday that Beijing seeks to join Pyongyang in turning the blueprint of the bilateral ties for a new era into reality.
Xi's DPRK visit writes new chapter of friendship, promotes peninsula stability Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a major diplomatic action that comes as the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and the international situation is seeing complex and profound changes, a senior Chinese official said on Friday.
Xi returns to Beijing after DPRK visit Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing Friday afternoon after concluding a two-day state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
China ready to join DPRK for brighter future of ties, regional peace, prosperity: Xi Global Times 21 Jun 2019 -- Beijing is willing to join Pyongyang in opening up a bright future for bilateral ties, and lasting peace and common prosperity in the region, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president.
Xi Jinping Arrives in Pyongyang KCNA 21 Jun 2019 -- At the invitation of 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), Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of the People's Republic of China (PRC), arrived in Pyongyang by his personal plane Thursday to pay a state visit to the DPRK.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and President Xi Jinping Have Photo Session KCNA 21 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, met Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of the People's Republic of China, at the headquarters building of the WPK Central Committee in the afternoon of June 20.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and President Xi Jinping Enjoy Grand Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance KCNA 21 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), together with Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of the People's Republic of China (PRC), enjoyed the grand mass gymnastics and artistic performance "Invincible Socialism" on Thursday evening.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Has Talks with President Xi Jinping KCNA 21 Jun 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, had talks with Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China (PRC), on Thursday afternoon.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Hosts Banquet for President Xi Jinping KCNA 21 Jun 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and his wife Ri Sol Ju hosted a grand banquet on Thursday evening in welcome of the DPRK visit by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China, and his wife Peng Liyuan.
Xi, Kim agree to jointly create bright future of bilateral ties People's Daily 21 Jun 2019 -- The top leaders of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) agreed here Thursday that the two countries should stay true to their original aspirations and join hands to create a bright future of inter-party and inter-state relations at a new starting point in history.
North Korea-China friendship 'invincible': Kim told Xi Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has hailed "immutable and invincible" relations between Beijing and Pyongyang as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a historic visit to the North.
Pyongyang Meeting Seen as Bolstering Xi Ahead of Trump Talks VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to North Korea couldn't have come at a better time for both countries, analysts say. For Pyongyang, it could help pave the way back to negotiations with the United States. For Beijing, they say, it provides Xi Jinping with a way to highlight China's influence on the North Korean nuclear issue.
Text of a Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea The White House 21 Jun 2019
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea The White House 21 Jun 2019

US, Other Nations Agree to Toughen Supervision of Iran's Banks VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- The United States and more than 30 other nations belonging to a group that seeks to protect the global financial system have agreed to toughen their supervision of Iran's financial institutions.
Israel's Prime Minister Says His Country Stands Behind US on Iran VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- As tensions continue between the U.S. and Iran, Israel backs President Donald Trump but worries that Iran could use its proxy, Hezbollah, to attack Israel.
Russia warns US against futile anti-Iran acts IRNA 21 Jun 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov described as dangerous the conditions between Iran and the US and warned the US to review the consequences of futile measures against Iran.
IRGC commander: Drone Attack Message to US, Iran Could Down P8 Aircraft with 35 aboard IRNA 21 Jun 2019 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force said on Friday that his forces could have shot down a US P8 aircraft with 35 passengers on board while it was violating Iran's airspace, but decided to shoot down the drone to only send a message to Washington.
Zarif: Iran to start 2nd phase of JCPOA moratorium on July 7 IRNA 21 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that The first phase of Iran's 60-day nuclear deal deadline began on May 8, and the 2nd phase of JCPOA moratorium will start on July 7.
UN reiterates Iran JCPOA commitments IRNA 21 Jun 2019 -- Secretary-General of the United Nations in his report on implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231, once again stressed Iran compliance with the nuclear deal.
Russia will help Iran with oil, banking if payment channel not launched: Ryabkov Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Russia has signaled its willingness to secure Iran's interests in the oil and banking sectors if Europe's non-dollar mechanism aimed at facilitating trade with the Islamic Republic is not launched.
Iran refrained from hitting manned US plane accompanying downed drone, IRGC says Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- A senior Iranian military commander says Iran has refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying an American spy drone which was shot down in the Persian Gulf after intruding into the Iranian airspace.
Iran, Turkey sign document to enhance strategic cooperation Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Iran and Turkey have signed a document to enhance their mutual strategic partnership as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visited the country.
US deliberately pushing Iran situation to brink of war: Russia Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Russia says the United States is deliberately stoking dangerous tensions around Iran and pushing the situation to the brink of war.
Iran releases first photos of downed US drone's wreckage Press TV 21 Jun 2019 -- Iran has released the first photos of the wreckage of a US spy drone which was shot down early Thursday after intruding into the Iranian airspace.
Remaining Signatories Of Iran Nuclear Deal To Meet In Bid To Save Accord RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- The remaining signatories to the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal plan to meet next week in an effort to save the accord, the European Union says.
US Believes Iran Must Be Prevented From Using Allies to Attack Saudi Arabia - Envoy Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The United States believes it is necessary to resist Iran's alleged intentions to use allies to attack Saudi Arabia, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Friday during his visit to Riyadh.
IRGC Commander Says US Bases and Aircraft Carrier Within Range of Iranian Missiles - Reports Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Tensions between Iran and the US skyrocketed after an Iranian missile shot down a US drone. President Trump confirmed Friday that he planned to "respond" to the shoot-down on Thursday night with a large-scale attack against targets in Iran, but backtracked at the last moment, saying such strikes would not be "proportionate."
Iran Refrained From Attacking US Plane Accompanying Downed Drone, Islamic Republican Guard Claims Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, the Iranian foreign ministry said Tehran had "indisputable" proof that the US shot down by an Iranian SAM after it violated Iranian airspace. Washington has challenged the claim, saying the incident took place over international waters in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Sees US Drone Incident as Attempt to Force Tehran to Start Talks - Defense Minister Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Iran's recent downing of a US drone as well as the United States' reinforced military presence in the region are an attempt by the latter to pressure the Middle Eastern nation into starting negotiations, Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami said on Thursday.
Tehran Confirms Downed US Drone Was in Stealth Mode and Engaged in Spy Activity - Letter to UN Chief Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- The US Navy drone shot down by Iran over the Strait of Hormuz was in a full stealth mode and engaged in a spying operation, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Majid Takht Ravanchi, said in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres obtained by Sputnik.
US Drone Debris Retrieved in Iranian Waters – Tehran FM Zarif Sputnik 21 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday tweeted a map showing the location of the downing of a US Global Hawk spy drone by an Iranian air defence missile.

Hong Kong Police Call Protests 'Illegal and Irrational' VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- Hong Kong police sharply criticized anti-government protesters for besieging their headquarters but refrained from using force to disperse them, in a contrast to the violence that erupted in the city last week.

Kyiv Court Rules Saakashvili Eligible To Run For Parliament RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- A Kyiv court ruled on June 21 that former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is eligible to run in Ukraine's snap parliamentary elections on July 21.

Two Suburban Chicago Men Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 21 Jun 2019 -- Men Conspired to Help Individual They Believed Would Travel to Syria to Fight for ISIS, Provided Cell Phones They Believed Would be Used in Explosive Attacks Overseas

As Cities Run Low on Water, India Searches for Answers VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- As reservoirs in India's sixth largest city, Chennai, almost went dry this week, affluent residents spent more money to buy the precious resource being ferried in by trucks from outside the city, poorer ones waited for hours in the scorching heat for erratic government supplies, some restaurants closed, and many offices curtailed working hours.
India Describes Relationship with US as 'Positive' VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- Ahead of a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to New Delhi next week, the Indian foreign ministry said that the "overall direction of the relationship with the US remains very positive."

Albanian PM Vows To Hold Elections In Face Of Boycott, Protests RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says he will press on local elections planned at the end of the month, setting up a clash with President Ilir Meta, who canceled the vote amid security concerns.

U.S. Removes Uzbekistan From Nations With Worst Religious Tolerance RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- The United States has removed Uzbekistan from a list of countries with the worst religious tolerance for the first time in more than a decade as its new president courts Western nations.
Uzbekistan's Senate Confirms First Chairwoman RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- For the first time in Uzbekistan's history, a woman has become the leader of the upper chamber of parliament - the Senate.

Atambaev Criticizes Kyrgyz President, Lawmakers After Parliament Votes To Strip His Immunity RFE/RL 21 Jun 2019 -- Kyrgyzstan's former president has criticized his successor, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and lawmakers in Bishkek a day after parliament voted to strip him of his immunity from prosecution.

United States and Canada Announce Financial Sanctions to Address the Ongoing Repression in Nicaragua US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2019 -- "Today, the United States further affirms its commitment to use all economic and diplomatic tools to promote accountability for the Ortega regime and to support the Nicaraguan people through the announcement of new targeted sanctions actions against regime figures. Canada's sanctions actions today illustrate the international commitment to Nicaraguans' cause, signaling clearly that President Ortega's insufficient and self-serving measures are not nearly enough to address Nicaraguans' demands for democracy, basic rights, and freedom from repression."
Treasury Sanctions Members of Nicaraguan President Ortega's Inner Circle Who Persecute Pro-Democracy Voices US Treasury 21 Jun 2019 -- "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four Nicaraguan government officials, Gustavo Eduardo Porras Cortes, Orlando Jose Castillo Castillo, Sonia Castro Gonzalez, and Oscar Salvador Mojica Obregon, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13851."

Mauritania Presidential Hopefuls Conclude Campaigns VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- Six presidential hopefuls in Mauritania ended their campaigns on Thursday with hourslong rallies throughout the capital of Nouakchott.

Crackdown on Christians in Eritrea spurs UN expert to press Government 'to live up to its international commitments' UN News 21 Jun 2019 -- Cracking down on Catholic Church activities, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Orthodox and other Christian congregation members in Eritrea, prompted a call from a UN independent rights expert on Friday for the Government to respect citizens' freedom of religion and to "release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs".

Liberia at a Critical Juncture Following Mass Protest VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- "I'm finding life difficult for my children," says Precillia Dehme, 33. The mother-of-three has a dry goods stall near Monrovia's old airfield. She voted for Africa's greatest footballer-turned Liberian president, George Weah, in 2017 but is beginning to regret her choice.

Opposition Walks Out on Malawi President's Address VOA 21 Jun 2019 -- Opposition lawmakers in Malawi walked out of parliament Friday as President Peter Mutharika started delivering the state of the nation address.

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