12 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US House Panel Subpoenas Top US-Afghan Negotiator VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- The Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Representative Eliot Engel, has subpoenaed the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify at an open hearing of the committee Sept. 19.
Taliban Suicide Bombing Leaves Four Afghan Troops Dead RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- At least four members of the Afghan security forces have been killed in a suicide bombing at the front gate of a military base on the outskirts of Kabul, according to the Defense Ministry.
On 9/11 Anniversary, Trump Vows To Hit Taliban 'Harder' Than Ever RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to hit the Taliban "harder" than ever, as the United States marked the 18th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that ushered in the war in Afghanistan.
Trump: US will hit Taliban 'with power never used before' Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened to hit the Taliban harder than ever, following the collapse of peace talks between Washington and the militant group.
Taliban bomb attack kills security forces in Afghan capital after collapse of peace talks Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- At least four members of Afghan security forces have been killed in a Taliban-claimed bomb explosion that rocked a Kabul district after peace talks between the US and the militant group collapsed.

Defense Policy / Programs

Setting a vision for Army housing communities in Europe Army News 12 Sep 2019 -- With 7,355 Army-owned housing units and 4,712 Army-leased housing units, Installation Management Command-Europe manages over 70 percent of the Army's traditional housing inventory.
Coalition live fire closes out Eager Lion 2019 CENTCOM 12 Sep 2019 -- A thunderous riot of artillery and small arms fire pockmarked the desert hills here as the culminating event of Eager Lion 2019, a coalition combined arms live fire exercise, came to a calamitous conclusion Sept. 5, 2019.
Army Secretary Nominee Talks Housing, Readiness at Hearing DoD News 12 Sep 2019 -- The Senate Armed Services Committee quizzed Acting Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy on military housing problems, force readiness, sexual assault and modernization during his confirmation hearing for secretary of the Army.
Air Force Must Expand Technical Edge, Secretary Nominee Says DoD News 12 Sep 2019 -- The Senate Armed Services Committee profoundly understands the threats great-power competition presents to U.S. interests as properly prioritized in the National Defense Strategy, the president's choice to serve as the next Air Force secretary said at a committee hearing considering her nomination.
Handheld digital targeting system provides fire and air support to Marines USMC News 12 Sep 2019 -- The Senate Armed Services Committee profoundly understands the threats great-power competition presents to U.S. interests as properly prioritized in the National Defense Strategy, the president's choice to serve as the next Air Force secretary said at a committee hearing considering her nomination.
East Coast Surface Action Group Deploys NNS 12 Sep 2019 -- Ships and units from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group formed a Surface Action Group (SAG) and are deploying from their East Coast homeports of Norfolk, VA, and Mayport, FL, over the next several days.
EOD Unit Succeeds in Arctic Test of Unmanned Vehicles, Anti-Mine Systems NNS 12 Sep 2019 -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One (EODMU-1) successfully tested its ability to operate unmanned underwater vehicles and conduct expeditionary mine countermeasures in very shallow Arctic water.
Norway Aviators Complete Poseidon Training, Led by US Navy Patrol Squadron NNS 12 Sep 2019 -- Aircrew from the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) graduated from Patrol Squadron (VP) Thirty's Category 2 school Sept. 11, becoming the first crew to transition from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon.
Airborne Early Warning Plane With Aerial Refueling Joins Squadron NNS 12 Sep 2019 -- Aircrew from the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) graduated from Patrol Squadron (VP) Thirty's Category 2 school Sept. 11, becoming the first crew to transition from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon.
Renovated Joint Hazardous Materials Center Opens at Pearl Harbor NNS 12 Sep 2019 -- The central Pacific-based Department of Defense facility for processing hazardous materials for reuse or disposal reopened recently after a $2.4 million renovation to make it safer and reduce its environmental impact.
US, Australian airmen wrap up exercise Sentry Aloha 19-2 US Air Force 12 Sep 2019 -- More than 700 Airmen from across the country and a team from the Royal Australian Air Force wrapped up exercise Sentry Aloha 19-2, a large-scale, combat-aircraft exercise led by the Hawaii Air National Guard, Sept. 4 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Pentagon Compiles List of Companies Linked to China's Military to Secure US Technologies - Reports Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- The Trump administration is devoted to removing vulnerabilities in the supply chain for US technologies by making American companies be more careful with their choice of business partners, as the recent crackdown on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which has been accused of illegal surveillance practices on behalf of Beijing, has shown.

Russia, Unlike US, Has No Intermediate- And Shorter-Range Missiles - Defence Ministry Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Mere weeks after the US formally left the landmark INF Treaty with Russia in early August, the Pentagon claimed success in testing a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of over 500 km, something which would have violated the now-dead agreement, prompting suspicions that Washington was preparing to ditch the deal in advance.
New Russian Drones Track Targets by Cell Phone Signal - Report Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- A new military system of three drones and a mobile command center can tap into cell phone base stations, analyze data flow to geographically locate a specific subscriber and then, if necessary, direct the delivery of a hefty explosive message.

Babcock Team 31 selected as preferred bidder for UK Type 31 frigate programme Babcock 12 Sep 2019 -- Babcock Team 31 has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) as the preferred bidder to deliver its new warships. Led by Babcock, the Aerospace and Defence company, and in partnership with the Thales Group, the T31 general purpose frigate programme will provide the UK Government with a fleet of five ships, at an average production cost of £250 million per ship.
UK Royal Air Force to Use Artificial Intelligence Against Russian A2AD "Missile Bubbles' - Report Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- The British military is reportedly mulling the idea of countering anti-access area-denial capabilities (A2/AD) 'missile bubbles' by applying artificial intelligence (AI), as well as with the use of new weapons and equipment.

Eye in the Sky: Indian Air Force Inducts Early Warning Spy Plane Near Pak Border Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Providing a major boost to surveillance capability along the western border, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally inducted the second Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft into its inventory.

Iran, China to witness profound development of defense, military ties, top general says IRNA 12 Sep 2019 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri underlined that Tehran and Beijing would witness profound development in their defense and military relations aimed at promoting peace and stability as well as security for both countries.
Iran ready to rigidly defend own interests in Persian Gulf, Chief of Staff says IRNA 12 Sep 2019 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri declared Iran's preparedness to firmly defend the country's interests and security, especially in the Persian Gulf region.
Iran prepared to fully protect interests in Persian Gulf: Top cmdr. Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- Iran's top military commander says the country's military stands ready to defend its interests and protect its security in the Persian Gulf.

US Still Mulling Sanctions Against Turkey VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Turkey could still get hit with U.S. sanctions, part of the continuing fallout over its decision to accept delivery of Russia's S-400 air defense system in July.

Trump Administration Releases $250 Million In Military Aid To Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- The Trump administration has released $250 million in U.S. military aid to Ukraine -- funds that it had held up despite criticism that the money was desperately needed to counter Russian aggression and territorial expansion.
US Sending Long-Awaited Funds to Boost Ukraine Military VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- The United States is moving ahead with millions of dollars in aid for Ukraine's military, money that had until now been held up by the White House.
Lawmaker: Congress Would Restore Ukraine Military Aid VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- A senior Republican member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee says that even if President Donald Trump refuses to unfreeze $250 million in military aid for Ukraine, Congress would replace the funding.

Morocco - Additional F-16 Ammunition DSCA 12 Sep 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of additional F-16 ammunition for an estimated cost of $209 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 11, 2019.
Morocco - TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF) DSCA 12 Sep 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of various TOW-2A missiles for an estimated cost of $776 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 11, 2019.

Royal Thai Army first to receive Strykers Army News 12 Sep 2019 -- Senior leaders with U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the Royal Thai Army (RTA) joined together for a Stryker handover ceremony Sept. 12, 2019 at the RTA Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. During the ceremony, the first batch of U.S. Army Strykers were presented to the RTA as part of a foreign military sales purchase agreement.

China To Help Bangladesh Build Submarine Base, Senior Official Says Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- Beijing will help Bangladesh construct its first submarine base, but Chinese subs will not use the facility, a leading member of parliamentary committees on foreign policy and defense told BenarNews on Thursday.

UN Eases Arms Embargo on Central African Republic VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to ease the arms embargo on the Central African Republic, where the government signed a peace deal with 14 armed groups.

Department Press Briefing – September 12, 2019 US Dept. of State 12 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 12 Sep 2019
New US Ambassador to UN Takes Up Post VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Kelly Knight Craft arrived to take up her post at the United Nations on Thursday, offering praise for the institution, the secretary-general, and her boss, U.S. President Donald Trump.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 12, 2019
SAMI and QDM sign MoU to develop Saudi capabilities in testing and evaluating defense products SPA 12 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QinetiQ and Dar Massader (QDM) to collaborate on developing Saudi Arabian capabilities in the technical test and evaluation of industry defense products in the Kingdom. The MoU further stipulates the provision of integrated testing and evaluation training services focused on developing local talent pool through a future roadmap, in line with the directives of the Saudi Vision 2030. The MoU was signed at SAMI's pavilion at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, which is being held at ExCeL in London from 10-13 September 2019.

Other Conflicts

Malaysia, China Agree to Create Panel to Handle South China Sea Disputes Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- Kuala Lumpur and Beijing will establish a bilateral consultative mechanism to resolve differences on the South China Sea, the two nations' top diplomats said Thursday.
Chinese Ships Must Leave Vietnamese Waters, Hanoi Again Demands Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- Vietnam renewed calls on China on Thursday to withdraw from waters claimed by Vietnam, saying that the continued presence of the Chinese oil survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 and escort vessels in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) violates Vietnam's sovereign territory.

Assassin of Houthi leader's brother killed in central Yemen: Interior ministry Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- The Yemeni Interior Ministry says security forces have eliminated the assassin of Ibrahim Badreddin al-Houthi, the brother of the leader of the Houthi Ansarullah movement, during a delicate intelligence operation in the country's central province of Ma'rib.
US senators write to bin Salman, demand Saudi fulfill Yemen aid pledge Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- A group of American Republican and Democratic senators have written to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling on the kingdom to live up to its pledge to contribute to a 2019 United Nations humanitarian appeal for Yemen.
Yemeni Rasd Coalition Condemns the Coordination of Eminent Experts with Militias on Internationally Wanted Lists SPA 12 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni Coalition for Monitoring Human Rights Violations in Yemen "Rasd" said that the human rights situation in Yemen has deteriorated since the coup of Houthi militia and their rebellion against the legitimate authority took place, pointing out that without the continuation of this ominous coup the violations of the Houthi militia of international human rights law and international humanitarian law would have not increased to the current extent.
Yemeni Minister of Defense Appreciates the Kingdom's Efforts to Restore his Country SPA 12 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Maqdashi praised the efforts and positions of Saudi Arabia in helping the Yemeni people to restore their state, security and stability.

At Least 575 Tajik Women And Children Stranded In Syrian Refugee Camps RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- A Tajik government source says Syrian refugee camps currently house at least 575 Tajik women and children whose families had joined the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Turkey Deploys Military Equipment to Idlib to Reinforce Observation Posts - Reports Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Turkey has deployed soldiers, military and construction equipment to the Idlib de-escalation zone to reinforce its observation posts in the area, the Anadolu news agency reported.

Haftar Troops Repulse Attack of GNA Forces South of Tripoli - Libyan National Army Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Troops loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar have repelled an offensive launched by the Government of National Accord (GNA) south of the city of Tripoli, a spokesman for the Libyan National Army's (LNA) 73rd Infantry Brigade, Mundhir Kartoush, has stated.

Netanyahu's annexation plan would violate international law: UN chief Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has censured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election pledge to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, terming it as a gross violation of international law.
There Will Be No Choice But to Topple Hamas - Israeli PM Netanyahu Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Defence Forces reported on Wednesday that they had attacked two Hamas posts in the Gaza Strip in response to the launch of three rockets fired from Gaza. Before that, the IDF stated that they had intercepted two missiles that were fired toward the Israeli port cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod where nearly half a million people reside.
Joint statement on possible annexation of areas in the West Bank UK FCO 12 Sep 2019 -- France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK concerned move would be contrary to international law and damaging to peace efforts.
Annexing Jordan Valley would end 'illusion' of a meaningful two-State solution: UN rights expert UN News 12 Sep 2019 -- Israel's intention to annex the Jordan Valley is illegal and threatens chances for a meaningful two-State solution with the Palestinians, a UN independent human rights expert has said.
UN Secretary-General Guterres Concerned By Netanyahu's West Bank Annexation Threat Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- On 10 September Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to annex the Jordan Valley and northern areas of the Dead Sea, if he is re-elected in the upcoming election on 17 September, calling it the country's "defence wall".

4,000 detained in Indian-controlled Kashmir since region stripped of autonomy: Report Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have detained about 4,000 people since New Delhi scrapped the Muslim-majority Himalayan region's special autonomous status.
Pakistan warns of 'accidental war' with India over Kashmir Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan has warned that the situation in Kashmir could spark an "accidental war" between New Delhi and Islamabad, calling for a UN visit to the disputed region.
Indian Military Waiting for Government Order to Retrieve Pakistan's Part of Kashmir - Army Chief Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- A day ahead of a big rally by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Muzaffarabad - the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir - India has made a strong statement about retrieving Kashmir from Islamabad.

India, China Troops Face-Off in Ladakh, Disengage After Talks Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- India and China claim more than 130 kilometres of area in the newly carved out Himalayan territory of Ladakh that extends between the Indian and Chinese controlled areas.

Rights Group Calls for Action on Fate of Missing Panchen Lama, Other Disappeared Tibetans Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- A Finland-based rights group renewed calls this week for information on the fate of missing Tibetan religious leader the Panchen Lama, urging that he and other Tibetans who have disappeared in Chinese custody remain on the world's agenda.

Myanmar's Hindu Refugees in Bangladesh Want to Go Home, But None Have so Far Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- Hindu Rohingya refugees who fled a military crackdown in western Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago have issued an appeal to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi to let them leave refugee camps in Bangladesh where they are now living and return to Myanmar, according to a mobile phone video obtained by RFA.

22,000 missing in decade-long Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria: Red Cross Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says more than 20,000 people, mostly children, have gone missing as a result of a decade-long militancy by the the Takfiri Boko Haram terrorist group in northeast Nigeria.

Troika Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan US Dept. of State 12 Sep 2019 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
UK-US-Norway statement on the anniversary of the signing of the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan UK FCO 12 Sep 2019 -- Troika Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan

Ethiopian Military Captures Suspected IS Members VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- The Ethiopian military has captured an undisclosed number of suspected Islamic State members operating in the country, officials said Wednesday.

News Reports

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks The White House 12 Sep 2019
Presidential Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks The White House 12 Sep 2019

Venezuelan Minister Calls US Sanctions 'Economic Terrorism' VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- In a speech to the U.N. human rights council, Venezuela's foreign minister has blasted U.S. sanctions imposed on the government of Nicolas Maduro as economic terrorism designed to bring his country to its knees.
Venezuela slams as 'shameful' US invocation of regional defense aid treaty against Caracas Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- The Venezuelan government has lambasted Washington for its "shameful" invocation of a Cold War-era regional defense treaty on behalf of the US-backed opposition in Caracas, a provocative move that paves the way for military intervention in the South American country.
Venezuela to Provide National Militia With Over 500,000 Firearms for Drills – Maduro Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that the national militia would be provided with more than 500,000 firearms for the drills near the border with Colombia.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 12, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Sep 2019
U.S. Treasury Removes Soviet-Born Scientist From Russian Oligarch List RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has taken a Soviet-born scientist with U.S. citizenship off its so-called "Russian Oligarch" list following a 20-month lobbying effort and court fight in Washington.
Mass Police Searches Of Navalny Offices Across Russia RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Russian law enforcement officers have raided the offices of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation in dozens of cities across Russia, according to his associates and human rights activists.
Russian Police Raid Opposition Offices in Post-Election Show of Force VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Russian authorities launched a wave of police raids early Thursday targeting supporters of opposition leader Alexey Navalny in dozens of cities across Russia.

Israel accused of placing spy devices near White House: Report Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- The US government has concluded within the past two years that Israel has been placing surveillance devices near the White House and other sensitive locations around Washington, DC, according to a US media outlet.
Israel Denies Report it Planted Spy Devices Near White House VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is denying a report that Israel set up spying devices near the White House, saying it is a "complete fabrication."

Russia Seeking Interpol's Help On Location Of Alleged CIA Informant RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says that Moscow has asked the international police agency Interpol for help in locating a former Kremlin official who is alleged to have been a CIA informant and who disappeared in 2017.
Paper Reports 'Details' Of Alleged CIA Informer's Disappearance In Montenegro RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- A newspaper in Montenegro has published what it says are details of the 2017 disappearance of a former Kremlin official identified in Russian media as a possible CIA informer who fled to the United States.
Russia Requests More Information On Convicted Russian Spy In Estonia RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- The Russian Embassy in Estonia is seeking additional information from authorities in Tallinn after learning on September 11 that a Russian national was recently sentenced to five years in prison for espionage.
Case Surrounding Alleged US Spy Smolenkov is Speculation Used to Undermine Trust in Russia - Moscow Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- The Kremlin earlier said in a statement that it didn't know if Oleg Smolenkov, described as a US spy in the media, was an informant, noting this is a question for the special services.

China urges US to take steps to ensure North Korea talks resume Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- China has welcomed North Korea's recent "positive signals" on resuming denuclearization talks with the United States, urging Washington to adopt an approach more conducive to dialogue in response to Pyongyang's goodwill.

IRGC Cmdr says Iran bigger than sanctions, limitations IRNA 12 Sep 2019 -- The Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major-General Hossein Salaami said on Thursday that the Iranian nation has already proven that it is stronger than sanctions and problems and will never kneel because of even the harshest conditions and toughest problems.
Russian official says Moscow understands Tehran's JCPOA moves IRNA 12 Sep 2019 -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia understands Iran's third nuclear deal move though it believes the action does not help normalize the situation.
OPEC+ discuss possible easing of Iran sanctions: Saudi minister Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, a grouping known as OPEC+, have discussed in their latest meeting reports that the United States might ease sanctions imposed on Iran's oil sale and what impact they might have on future of the global supplies.
Iran rejects 'baseless' claims of Saudi-led Arab quartet Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- Iran has dismissed the "baseless" and "repetitive" allegations recently leveled by the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee against Tehran's regional role, saying such approach will only increase problems.
Iran Resorts To 'Maximum Repression' In Fighting Perceived Domestic Threats RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Political satirist Kiumars Marzban could spend more than a decade in an Iranian prison just for doing his job.
Trump Mulls $15 billion French Plan to Preserve Iran Nuclear Deal - Report Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Iran recently kicked off the third stage of rolling back its nuclear obligations under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran nuclear deal. Paris reiterated last week its full commitment to returning Iran to a full implementation of the Obama-era accord.

Lawmakers Urge Greater US Scrutiny on China Over Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 11 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Senators have called on the Trump administration to review export controls to prevent China from using Hong Kong to acquire sensitive technology, while other lawmakers are touting legislation that would alter America's special treatment of the former British colony.
US Senate Passes Legislation to Hold China Accountable for Rights Abuses in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. Senate late on Wednesday unanimously passed the first legislation by any nation in response to human rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), which would authorize regular monitoring of the situation by various government bodies.
China Detains Dozens in Xinjiang For Sharing Songs From Kazakhstan Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- Chinese authorities in the northwestern region of Xinjiang have detained dozens of ethnic minority Muslim Kazakhs for sharing the national anthem of neighboring Kazakhstan via social media, RFA has learned.
China, Kazakhstan agree to develop permanent comprehensive strategic partnership People's Daily 12 Sep 2019 -- China and Kazakhstan decided here Wednesday to develop a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

China launches three new satellites Global Times 12 Sep 2019 -- China sent a resource satellite and two small satellites into planned orbits from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province on Thursday.

U.S. concerned at Taiwan's falling number of diplomatic allies CNA 12 Sep 2019 -- A U.S. official on Wednesday expressed concern over reports the Solomon Islands is considering a shift in diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China, saying that maintaining diplomatic partners is one way for Taiwan to ensure it is not isolated from the international community and ensure peace and stability in the region.
Taiwan foreign minister warns allies over China's financial pledges CNA 12 Sep 2019 -- Chinese pledges of financial assistance are often not reliable, resulting in a country that recently cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan since seeking to re-establish relations, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) revealed in a recent interview with CNA.

Cuba facing acute fuel shortage due to US sanctions: President Press TV 12 Sep 2019 -- The Cuban president has warned of a looming fuel shortage in the wake of US-imposed sanctions against the Caribbean island country, saying the government in Havana must implement emergency measures to stave off the energy crisis and avoid blackouts in the coming days.
Cuba Warns Citizens of Looming Energy Crisis VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Cuba's president says the island is facing an energy crisis due to critical shortages of diesel fuel, which he blames on U.S.-imposed economic sanctions.

Putin, Netanyahu Meet In Sochi Ahead Of Israel's Parliamentary Elections RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said at the start of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Kremlin has an interest in who wins Israel's parliamentary election next week.
Israel Won't Put Up With Iran, Netanyahu Says In Russia RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Israel must be given free reign to act against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on September 12 as talks concluded in Sochi where met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss security coordination in Syria.

South Africa's Xenophobic Violence Victims Speak Out VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Violence targeted at foreign nationals and their properties in South Africa has left hundreds of them displaced from their homes. Nearly 200 of them, including children, are housed at the Tsolo community hall, in Katlehong Township in the city of Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg.

Boris Johnson Bangs Drum for Scottish Jobs as He Buys Five Warships for the Royal Navy Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Britain has a proud maritime tradition and the Royal Navy was, until the 1940s, the world's most powerful force at sea. Nowadays it has less ships than the Finnish and Indonesian navies.
Did Boris Johnson Lie to the Queen? VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson flatly denied Thursday that he lied to Britain's monarch when asking Queen Elizabeth to suspend parliament for five weeks in the run-up to a Brexit deadline – a controversial suspension that's being challenged in the country's courts and drawing reluctant judges deep into political waters.

Russia, Ukraine Clash In Human Rights Court On Crimea RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- A one-day public hearing was held on September 11 in Ukraine's case against Russia for its alleged human rights abuses in Crimea.
IMF: Combating Graft Key Element For Any New Ukraine Loan RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Fighting corruption will be a key component of any new lending program Ukraine gets with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gerry Rice, IMF communications director, said in a September 12 briefing in Washington.

Hun Sen Gains Laos' Support in Preventing Sam Rainsy Return to Cambodia Radio Free Asia 12 Sep 2019 -- In a meeting of prime ministers Wednesday, Cambodia's Hun Sen appeared to eliminate neighboring Laos as a potential route by which self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy could return to Cambodia as he has pledged to do in November.

Visegrad Four Leaders Call On EU To Swiftly Add Balkan States RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- During a Balkan-Central European summit overshadowed by the Czech president's call for his country to withdraw its recognition of Kosovo, the prime ministers of the Visegrad Four countries have called for the swift expansion of the European Union to include states in the western Balkans.

Negotiations On European Prosecutor Set To Restart Next Week RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- Negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of Europe on who will become the first European Public Prosecutor will restart next week, most likely on September 17, according to several sources familiar with the topic.

EU: Moldova Moving 'Resolutely' Forward With Key Reforms RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- The European Union says Moldova has "moved resolutely" to implement key reforms to reinforce democracy and the rule of law since a change of government in June.

Retrial Of Two Kyrgyz Opposition Figures Kicks Off In Bishkek RFE/RL 12 Sep 2019 -- A court in Bishkek has started the retrial of two Kyrgyz opposition politicians, Omurbek Tekebaev and Duishonkul Chotonov, who had been transferred to house arrest in late August after their convictions were struck down.

Haiti Senator Says He Was Offered Cash for Yes Vote on Prime Minister VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Haiti's Senate canceled a vote Wednesday on Prime Minister nominee Fritz William Michel and his cabinet after someone poured gasoline on the chamber floor in an attempt to burn it. But the most explosive event of the night was an allegation by opposition Senator Saurel Jacinthe that Senate Leader Carl Murat Cantave and Michel himself had offered several lawmakers thousands of dollars to vote in favor of the nominee.

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