22 August 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Crucial Round of US-Taliban Peace Talks Under Way VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- The United States and the Afghan Taliban have resumed peace talks in Qatar to try to conclude an agreement that would bring an end to the longest U.S. overseas military intervention.
U.S., Taliban Kick Off Ninth Round Of Afghan Peace Talks In Qatar RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- U.S. and Taliban negotiators have resumed talks in Qatar to firm up a peace deal to end the nearly 18-year conflict in Afghanistan, reports say.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pentagon Kills Multi-Billion-Dollar Boeing Missile Defense Contract Over Design Issues Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The US Department of Defense revealed this week that its multi-billion-dollar Boeing contract to develop a new ballistic missile interceptor was dead in the water as a result of the project being riddled with design issues.
Pentagon Chief on Missile Test: US Wanted to Make Sure It Can 'Deter China's Bad Behaviour' Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Warns of New Arms Race
US, Russia Bicker Over Collapse of INF Treaty at UN VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- The United States and Russia traded accusations Thursday at the U.N. Security Council over the recent collapse of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
Army overhauls small arms training with tougher standards, combat-like rigor Army News 22 Aug 2019 -- The U.S. Army has drawn up a sweeping overhaul of how it will train Soldiers in using small arms -- rifles, pistols and automatic rifles -- a revamp that adds tougher standards and combat-like rigor to training and testing marksmanship.
Combined Resolve XII: Friend or Foe Army News 22 Aug 2019 -- Ever since our nation's earliest military endeavors, the outcome of some of history's most important battles have been determined by our ability to effectively communicate and determine friend or foe on the battlefield. For the past week some 5,000 service members from 21 nations have been tasked with this challenge during Combined Resolve XII, a semiannual multinational exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany.
'Flying Tigers' bound into Eager Lion CENTCOM 22 Aug 2019 -- By seeking every training opportunity available while supporting U.S. Army Central's Task Force Spartan, TF Javelin troops have distinguished themselves since arriving to the Middle East in April.
Indonesian, U.S. Marines enhance strong military relationship USMC News 22 Aug 2019 -- U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment are conducting a month-long military exchange program with Marines from the Indonesian Korps Marinir in Eastern Java, Indonesia, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, August 6-29, 2019.
New Naval Operations Chief Commits to Alliances, Readiness DoD News 22 Aug 2019 -- Navy Adm. Michael Gilday said that as the new chief of naval operations, he will continue to emphasize the Navy's commitment to partnerships and alliances worldwide, as well as to the Defense Department's modernization and readiness efforts.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Dedicates Renovated Building in Continued Push of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan NNS 22 Aug 2019 -- Continuing its aggressive push in the realization of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP), Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) cut the ribbon on its renovated Building M-32 August 22.
US to Create Hypersonic Weapon Within 'Couple of Years' - Defence Secretary Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The United States may create its hypersonic weapons within two years, Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said in an interview.
39th Airlift Squadron hits west coast skies, drops 200 Marines US Air Force 22 Aug 2019 -- Members of the 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, trained in airspace over Nevada and California, August 8–16.

Security, stability and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty UK FCO 22 Aug 2019 -- Statement by Stephen Hickey, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security

US missiles in Asia-Pacific will threaten intl. security: Russia Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Russia has warned that a possible US deployment of ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific region will pose a threat to global security.
Russia to act to counter threat from new US missile: Putin Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow will take action to counter the threat from a ground-based cruise missile recently tested by the United States.
State Dept. Claims Russia May Have Conducted Nuclear Weapons-Related Tests - Report Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The United States claims Russia conducted nuclear weapons-related tests from 1995-2018 that may have violated the 1976 Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT), the Department of State said on Thursday in an arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament compliance report.

China launches world-leading unmanned warship Global Times 22 Aug 2019 -- China on Wednesday launched a world-leading unmanned warship, with its developer claiming the vessel is combat-ready.
Chinese, Thai air forces conduct joint training People's Daily 22 Aug 2019 -- Several aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army air force have arrived at an air base in Thailand for a joint training with the Thai air force, a PLA air force source said Wednesday.
China Working on Sanctions List After US Ignored Warning Over Taiwan F-16 Deliveries Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Earlier, Beijing noted that the US would "have to bear all the consequences" if it moved forward with the controversial sale of its fourth generation fighter plane to Taiwan, and urged Washington to "fully recognise the highly sensitive and harmful nature" of these plans.
China's Homegrown Type 001A Aircraft Carrier to Join Service by End of Year - Report Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Type 001A, will most likely be in service by the end of this year, according to reports.

India, France May Start Discussion on Purchase of 36 More Rafale Fighter Jet Deal Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Prior to departing for a three-nation state visit on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and France have "excellent" bilateral ties and said he hoped the visit would "further promote our long-standing and valued friendship".

Iran unveils Bavar-373 missile defense system IRNA 22 Aug 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at a ceremony on Thursday unveiled the indigenous Bavar-373 missile defense system.
Iran unveils new domestically-built missile system on Defense Industry Day Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Iran has unveiled a state-of-the-art missile defense system designed and manufactured by experts at home as the Islamic Republic marks National Defense Industry Day.
Iran Unveils Locally Developed Missile-Defense System RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Iran has debuted a new, locally built long-range missile system as it continues its defiant stance against the United States amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
Iran Unveils New Locally Built S-300 Analogue' Defence System – Reports Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The Bavar-373, Iranian version of Russia's S-300 surface-to-air missile system, is a long-range mobile air defence system with a reported maximum range of 200 km, the ability to launch a variety of missile types, and a flight ceiling of up to 27 km.
Only regional countries can maintain Persian Gulf security: IRGC chief commander Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says array of countries other than the Persian Gulf's own littoral states can provide the region's security.
Defense minister vows to support Iran's foreign policy decisively IRNA 22 Aug 2019 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Thursday that armed forces will decisively support Iran's foreign policy under the current tense situation by boosting their defense preparedness.

S. Korea to quit military intel-sharing pact with Japan ARIRANG 22 Aug 2019 -- South Korean government says it will leave the military intelligence sharing pact with Japan. This announcement likely to have a big impact on the badly strained relations between Seoul and Tokyo over what started out as a trade row.
South Korea set to terminate intelligence-sharing pact with Japan Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- South Korea has announced that it would scrap a key intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, a decision that could escalate a dispute over trade and undercut security cooperation on North Korea.
Pentagon Alarmed as South Korea Scraps Military Intel Deal with Japan Amid Rising Tensions Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Earlier on Thursday, Japan's Foreign Ministry summoned South Korean ambassador to Japan Nam Gwan-pyo to protest Seoul's decision to terminate the military intelligence agreement.
South Korea to Scrap Military Intel Sharing Deal with Japan VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- In an escalation of its bitter dispute with Japan, South Korea decided Thursday to scrap a military intelligence sharing agreement with Tokyo, opening a new divide in trilateral security cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
S.Korea to end intelligence pact with Japan NHK 22 Aug 2019 -- The South Korean government says it is not going to renew an agreement on the sharing of military intelligence. Bilateral relations have been souring over various issues including trade and wartime labor.
Tokyo Summons S. Korean Ambassador Over Seoul's Decision to Scrap Intelligence Agreement Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have been under strain after a South Korean court ruled in June that Japanese companies must provide compensation to victims of forced labour during the Japanese occupation from 1910-1945.

White House Abandons Fight Over Foreign Aid VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- The White House on Thursday abandoned its fight with Congress over whether to fund $4 billion in foreign aid and will allow the money to be spent.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Aug. 22, 2019

Other Conflicts

22 August 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Aug 2019
Gender-Based Violence to be Focus of Arms Trade Conference VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- Efforts to regulate the international export of weapons to lessen gender-based violence will be a focus next week of the U.N. Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty. More than 500 delegates from over 100 countries are expected to attend the meeting in Geneva.

Hanoi Confirms Return of Chinese Survey Ship to Vietnamese Waters, Demands Withdrawal Radio Free Asia 22 Aug 2019 -- A Chinese survey ship has returned to Vietnam's territorial waters in the South China Sea after temporarily leaving the disputed Spratly Islands, Hanoi confirmed Thursday, calling the move a "serious violation" of Vietnamese sovereignty and demanding that the vessel withdraw from the area.
US Questions China's 'Interference' in Vietnam's Exclusive Economic Zone Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- On July 30, four Democratic senators urged US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to frame a new strategy to block China's alleged aggression in the region. The majority of islands in the South China Sea are controlled by Beijing, however, the territory is also claimed by several other countries, including Vietnam.

Philippine Leader Looking to Push for Resource-Sharing Deal with China Radio Free Asia 22 Aug 2019 -- President Rodrigo Duterte expressed hope that a joint oil and gas exploration deal in the South China Sea could help ease tensions with Beijing, which in recent weeks deployed warships in or near Manila's territorial waters.

Forces of Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen intercept and shoot down two drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia from Amran province towards the kingdom SPA 22 Aug 2019 -- Colonel Turki Al-Maliki, the spokesman of the Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen, said that on Thursday morning, the coalition forces managed to intercept and shoot down two drones launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia from Amran province towards Khamis Mushait.
Several Saudi soldiers killed, injured in new Yemeni attacks in Jizan, Asir Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Yemeni army troops, backed by their allies from Popular Committees, have attacked Saudi soldiers in the kingdom's southwestern provinces of Jizan and Asir in retaliation for a brutal aerial campaign.
Yemeni drones pound airbase in southwest Saudi Arabia Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- The Yemeni military has carried out retaliatory attacks on an airbase in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Asir, using a squadron of domestically-manufactured combat drones.
US military confirms lost drone to Houthi fire over Yemen Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- The US military has lost an advanced drone over Yemen, American officials say, confirming earlier reports that the Houthi Ansarullah movement had downed a US-made MQ-9 Reaper attack drone.

Syrian army opens humanitarian corridor in northwest Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Syrian government forces have opened a humanitarian corridor in the northwestern province of Idlib and the neighboring province of Hama for the safe exit of civilians fleeing violence by foreign-backed militants.
Syrian troops take full control of strategic town near Idlib Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- The Syrian Army has taken full control of Khan Shaykhun, a strategic town in northwestern Syria and one of the last strongholds of foreign-backed terrorists, for the first time since 2014, a war monitor confirmed.
Syrian Army Mopping Up, Engaged in Demining Ops After Liberating Khan Sheikhoun – Source Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Earlier this week, the Syrian Army liberated a section of the Damascus-Aleppo highway and the strategic town of Khan Sheikhoun from terrorist militants, ending over five years of occupation by an al-Qaeda-affiliated militia group.
Syria Opens Humanitarian Corridor to Enable Civilians' Exit From Idlib - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Syria has opened in the village of Suran, located in Hama province, a humanitarian corridor for civilians who want to leave the terrorist-controlled areas in Idlib, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Monitor Calls Syrian Regime's 'Humanitarian Corridor' Nonexistent VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- The Syrian government has not opened an actual "humanitarian corridor" for civilians in Syria's Idlib province, the last stronghold of the rebel groups, a U.K.-based organization told VOA Thursday.

Turkey to host next summit on Syrian peace next month Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for the next Nur-Sultan summit on Syrian peace process in September, the presidential spokesman says.
Turkey, US agree to launch 1st phase of so-called safe zone plan in northern Syria Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Turkey and the United States have reached an agreement to immediately launch the first phase of a so-called safe zone plan in northern Syria, irrespective of the Damascus government's strong opposition that the scheme amounts to "blatant aggression" against Syria's territorial integrity.
Turkey to Retain Control Over Morek Observation Post Amid Syrian Army's Offensive-Diplomat Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Turkey will maintain its presence at the ninth observation post in the Syrian town of Morek despite the Syrian army regaining control over the city of Khan Sheikhoun, located in the country's northwestern Idlib province, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
'They Can No Longer Win': US, Turkey Uninterested in Ending Syrian 'Three-Way Mexican Standoff' Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- As Syrian forces mount a major offensive against Turkish-backed al-Qaeda militias near Idlib, Ankara finds itself in its stickiest political situation in years. Neither Turkey nor the US can win the war any longer, but neither seems willing to surrender control of their occupied territories to Damascus.
Turkey, US Discussing Joint Patrolling of Safe Zone in Northern Syria Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Turkey and the United States are discussing the joint patrolling of the safe zone in northern Syria, which is expected to start in the upcoming weeks, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Wednesday.

Iraq's Hashd al-Sha'abi forces shoot down spy drone over Baghdad Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Iraq's pro-government Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known by the Arabic word Hashd al-Sha'abi, says it has shot down an unidentified spy drone over capital Baghdad.
Senior cleric demands govt. action against Iraq sovereignty violation Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Senior Iraqi cleric Ammar al-Hakim has called on Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to adopt effective measures aimed at defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the wake of strong indications that the United States and the Israeli regime were involved in recent attacks on positions of pro-government Popular Mobilization Units (PMU).

France's Macron Urges Modi To Respect Rights In Kashmir, Avoid 'Escalation' RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Facing criticism from Republicans and Democrats, U.S. President Donald Trump has backed off a plan to slash some $4 billion in foreign aid already approved by lawmakers.
Kashmir communications shutdown a 'collective punishment' that must be reversed, say UN experts UN News 22 Aug 2019 -- End the crackdown on freedom of expression, was the strong call to the Government by India from five United Nations independent rights expert on Thursday.
Pakistan to Continue Corridor Project to Link Sikh Shrines, Despite Tension with India Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The move to facilitate visa free travel is going ahead despite heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over New Delhi's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status.

Rohingya 'would rather drink poison ' than return to Myanmar Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh, who have fled ethnic cleansing in neighboring Myanmar, say they fear torture and violence back home and would rather die than be repatriated.
Myanmar military committed 'routine, systematic' sexual violence against ethnic minorities, UN experts find UN News 22 Aug 2019 -- Myanmar's military must stop using sexual and gender-based violence to terrorize and punish ethnic minorities, according to a new report released on Thursday by the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission.
UN: Myanmar Military Intended to Perpetrate Genocide Against Rohingya Muslims VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- A U.N. fact-finding mission has concluded that the Myanmar military intended to perpetrate genocide on ethnic Rohingya Muslims when it drove hundreds of thousands of them from the country in 2017.

Israeli right-wing alliance proposes construction of 113,000 settler units in West Bank Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- An Israeli right-wing alliance has unveiled a plan on the construction of more than 100,000 new settler units in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, irrespective of international outcry against the Tel Aviv regime's land expropriation and settlement expansion policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israeli warplanes launch fresh airstrikes on Gaza Strip Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- The Israeli army's warplanes have conducted fresh airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip, targeting a naval site during the attack.
Israeli Forces Attack Hamas Naval Facility With Rockets Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired a number of rockets toward the northern Gaza Strip early on Thursday and reportedly struck multiple military targets in a naval facility belonging to Hamas.

Three Russians Held In Ukraine Preparing For Swap, Lawyer Says RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Three Russian citizens held in Ukraine are getting ready for a prisoner swap, their lawyer said amid reports that Russia plans to hand over to Kyiv dozens of jailed Ukrainians.

U.S. Calls On 'Russian-Backed' Authorities To Stop Building Fence In S. Ossetia RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- The United States reiterated its concern over reports that Russian-backed authorities in the Georgian-breakaway region of South Ossetia are again erecting a fence near the administrative boundary line.

Are DRC, Mozambique Insurgencies a Real IS Threat? VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- Experts are warning that a focus on alleged Islamist militant ties is hindering efforts to respond to insurgencies in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Somalia Regional Lawmakers Re-elect Incumbent as Leader Amid Tensions VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- Lawmakers in Somalia's regional state of Jubbaland have re-elected incumbent Ahmed Mohamed Islam as the leader in a controversial election held in the southern port town of Kismayo, the region's largest.

News Reports

Pompeo Praises Denmark After Trump Cancels State Visit VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed his appreciation to Denmark as a U.S. ally, after President Donald Trump canceled a state visit to the country.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova on the sidelines of the Mashuk North Caucasus Youth Forum, Pyatigorsk, August 22, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Aug 2019
Lost In Translation: Kremlin Corrects Macron's Statement About Elections After Criticism RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- The Kremlin's website has corrected translations of some statements by French President Emmanuel Macron after the meanings of statements he made on elections while at a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin were reversed.

Talks Held between Vice Foreign Ministers of DPRK and Venezuela KCNA 22 Aug 2019 -- Talks were held in Pyongyang on Thursday between Pak Myong Guk, DPRK vice foreign minister, and Ruben Dario Molina, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.
Ri Yong Ho Meets Venezuelan Vice FM KCNA 22 Aug 2019 -- DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho Thursday met and had a talk with Ruben Dario Molina, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, and his party who paid a courtesy call on him. -0-
Japan Warned Not to Connect Missing Persons with DPRK KCNA 22 Aug 2019 -- The Japanese police recently announced that a man who had been missing was found at home. Police used to assert that they "could not rule out the possibility of his abduction by north Korea."
DPRK Foreign Ministry Denounces S. Korean Authorities KCNA 22 Aug 2019 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued the following press statement on Thursday:
DPRK warns S. Korea of new cold war People's Daily 22 Aug 2019 -- PYONGYANG, Aug. 22 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) warned Thursday that "dangerous and unusual military moves" by South Korea and the United States would trigger a new cold war on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea dismisses dialog with US under threat Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- North Korea says it has "no interest" in resuming negotiations with the United States unless Washington stops "escalating hostile military moves" in the region, as the White House intends to revive stalled nuclear talks with Pyongyang.
North Korean Uranium Plant May Be Leaking Radioactive Waste Into River Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Analysts are raising alarm about a uranium enrichment facility in North Korea that appears to be leaking waste into a nearby river.
Pyongyang Says North Korea Repudiates Dialogue Accompanied by Military Threats Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- North Korea's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it was committed to resolving disagreements through dialogue, noting, however, that Pyongyang was not interested in negotiations accompanied by military threats.

Rouhani: US exit of JCPOA, breach of int'l laws IRNA 22 Aug 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani described on Thursday the US unilateral withdrawal from the July 2015 nuclear deal as the economic terrorism, saying that Washington breached the international laws by doing so.
US cannot create insecurity in Persian Gulf: Iran's FM Zarif Press TV 22 Aug 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has emphasized during his tour of Northern European countries that Iran invests all its efforts in ensuring security of the Persian Gulf, asserting that the United States cannot cause insecurity in this strategic region.
France's Macron To Meet Iran Officials Before G7 To Mitigate Crisis RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Iranian officials before this weekend's summit of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies to offer proposals on reducing tension between Washington and Tehran, Reuters reported.
Iran Will Not Start War in Persian Gulf but Will Defend Itself - Foreign Minister Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The comment comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has arrived in Norway for an official visit amid the escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

Deng Xiaoping's insights on Hong Kong hailed on his 115th birthday Global Times 22 Aug 2019 -- In commemoration of late statesman Deng Xiaoping's 115th anniversary of his birthday, Chinese people on Thursday flooded social media with comments hailing Deng's insights on Hong Kong as protests in the city entered their 11th week.
HK lawmakers call for legislation banning masks during protests Global Times 22 Aug 2019 -- Hong Kong lawmakers and experts called for legislation banning masks at protests due to escalating violence over the last two months, a move they believed would curb rampant illegal actions by extreme protesters and protect the public security of the city.
Chinese State Media Hire Digital Firms to Boost Followers on Facebook, Twitter Radio Free Asia 22 Aug 2019 -- A top news organization run by the ruling Chinese Communist Party has hired two specialist social media and data management firms to boost their Facebook fans and followers on Twitter.
Hong Kong's Political Crisis Reverberates Through Its Big-Name Brands Radio Free Asia 22 Aug 2019 -- Major banks in Hong Kong placed large advertisements in local newspapers on Thursday sending a clear signal of loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official line on anti-extradition protests that have rocked the city since early June.
Protesters See Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's 'Dialogue' Call as 'Trap' Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Following a massive showing by anti-extradition bill protesters over the weekend, the Hong Kong government is now saying they want to open communications, but between the government's shifty record and explicit pushback against the demands of demonstrators, it's unclear whether the call will be answered.

South Africa Court: Apartheid-Era Flag Is Hate Speech VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- South Africa's Equality Court this week ruled it illegal to "gratuitously" display the apartheid-era flag, in a move that supporters say may soothe South Africa's continuing racial divides 25 years after the end of apartheid.

Russia Launches Humanoid Robot Fedor Into Space for 1st Time Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Russia's humanoid robot Fedor was successfully launched into space inside the Soyuz MS-14 vehicle atop the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Thursday, the webcast on the Roscosmos website showed.

Ukraine Places Former Energy Regulator Chief On Wanted List RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- The former head of Ukraine's energy regulator, Dmytro Vovk, is being placed on an international wanted list for alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar electricity price-fixing scheme.

Kosovo Lawmakers Vote To Disband Parliament To Allow Snap Autumn Elections RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Lawmakers in Kosovo have voted to disband parliament, clearing the way for President Hashim Thaci to call early general elections following the resignation of Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj.

Doubts Come a Day After Uganda, Rwanda Sign Pact VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- A day after the presidents of Uganda and Rwanda signed an agreement to lower tensions that led to a six-month border closure, political and economic analysts are casting doubt on what will follow. Observers say underlying trade issues have not been addressed.

Former Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General Under House Arrest On Corruption Charge RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Former Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General Indira Joldubaeva has been placed under house arrest on a corruption charge.

USAID Ends Haiti Food Insecurity Program VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- Kore Lavi, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) food program for malnourished Haitians, ended in August amid a worsening of Haiti's food insecurity crisis.
Haiti's President Survives Impeachment Vote VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- Haiti's President Jovenel Moise has survived an impeachment vote in parliament, ending a weekslong push by opposition parties to unseat him over corruption and other criminal allegations.

Exclusive: Belarus's Lukashenka, Weary Of Russia Union, Seeks To Buy U.S. Crude RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Belarus is seeking to buy U.S. oil for its refineries for the first time as it strives to diversify supplies away from its more powerful, energy-rich neighbor Russia, RFE/RL has learned.

Salvini Rivals Explore Options to Avoid Snap Italian Election VOA 22 Aug 2019 -- Italy's center-left Democratic Party and the country's quirky anti-establishment Five Star Movement are exploring whether they can form a new government to spare Italians an election this year.

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