19 September 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

Statement on Accountability and Anti-Corruption in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2019 -- Afghan government institutions and leaders must be transparent and accountable to the Afghan people. We stand against those who exploit their positions of power and influence to deprive the Afghan people of the benefits of foreign assistance and a more prosperous future.
Taliban Attack on Afghanistan Intelligence Agency Compound Destroys Hospital VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- A car bomb attack claimed by the Taliban near a compound used by Afghanistan's intelligence agency in Qalat, the capital of Zabul province in southern Afghanistan, left at least 15 dead and more than 90 wounded Thursday morning.
Aid Cuts Aimed at Increasing Afghan Accountability, US Officials Say VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- A senior U.S. diplomat explained to lawmakers Thursday that the U.S. cut more than $160 million in aid for Afghanistan to motivate the government to be more accountable to its citizens and to the global community.
At Least 50 People Killed In Air Strike, Car Bombing In Afghanistan RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- At least 50 people have been killed in an air strike and a car bombing in Afghanistan, as U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad prepares to brief U.S. lawmakers on his peace talks with the Taliban.
U.S. To Return And Withhold Some $160 Million In Aid To Afghanistan RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- The United States has said it is cutting back $160 million worth of aid to Afghanistan, accusing Kabul of rampant corruption less than 10 days before a crucial presidential election.
U.S. Afghan Special Envoy Agrees To Brief House Committee RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan, will brief a House of Representatives committee on peace negotiations in a compromise after the panel subpoenaed him in frustration over his refusal to meet with its members.
Top US diplomat accuses Afghanistan's government of corruption Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has accused Afghanistan's government of corruption and financial mismanagement, and said it would cut more than $160 million in direct funding to the war-torn country.
Taliban Afghanistan bomb attack leaves 120 casualties Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- At least 20 people have been killed and nearly 100 others wounded after a Taliban bomb attack targeted a building of the intelligence services in southern Afghanistan, officials say.
Taliban Must Be Re-Integrated Into Afghan Society Or They'll Join Daesh - SIGAR Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- A new report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) warns that Islamic extremist groups like Daesh are on the rise in the Central Asian country, and that if former Taliban fighters aren't helped with reintegration into society, they could soon flood the ranks of Daesh.
Airstrike Leaves At Least 30 Civilians Dead in Eastern Afghanistan - Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Earlier in the day, a car bomb explosion in the southern Afghan city of Qalat-e Gilzay left seven people dead, and 85 injured.
Pakistan Disappointed With Collapse of US-Taliban Peace Talks – Prime Minister Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan is disappointed with the failure of the United States and the Taliban Islamist movement to reach a peace agreement during the recent talks in Doha, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Military Vows to Defend US Elections VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. military is joining federal, state and local officials on the frontlines of the battle to protect the country's elections from foreign interference.

U.S. & Indian armies complete Yudh Abhyas 19 Army News 19 Sep 2019 -- Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Division and the Indian army concluded its 15th year iteration of exercise Yudh Abhyas 19 with a closing ceremony at the Soldiers Field House here, Sept.18, 2019.
Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan R. Hoffman and Joint Staff Spokesperson Air Force Col. Patrick S. Ryder Defense Department Press Briefing DoD 19 Sep 2019 -- Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan R. Hoffman; Joint Staff Spokesperson Air Force Col. Patrick S. Ryder
Army lays keel for new watercraft Army News 19 Sep 2019 -- A keel-laying ceremony took place Monday for the first of a new class of Army watercraft, the Maneuver Support Vessel (Light).
Navy Tests Mine Countermeasures on USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams NNS 19 Sep 2019 -- USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams (T-ESB 4) recently completed a three-day voyage in the Chesapeake Bay to test an anti-mine system.
Navy, Marine Corps Achieve First in Arctic Exercise NNS 19 Sep 2019 -- Sailors and Marines from Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 and Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Alaska on Sept. 16 successfully used a critical naval system in the Arctic region for the first time, during the Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise (AECE), taking place throughout September.
NCHB 1 Conducts Training in Saipan NNS 19 Sep 2019 -- Sailors assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Bataillon (NCHB) 1 conduct training operation on the Military Sealift Command's maritime prepositioning force container, roll-on/roll-off and mobile landing platform ship USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) Fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter H. Dahl (T-AKR 312), Sept. 8.
Pentagon Spent at Least $184,000 in Public Funds at Trump's Scottish Resort - Oversight Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- The Pentagon has spent at least $184,000 in public funds since 2017 at President Donald Trump's golf resort in Scotland, according to the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, citing the Department of Defence documents.

NATO Losing Military Advantage Over Russia as Moscow Builds Defence Capabilities - Pentagon Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is losing its military advantage over Russia and the redefining of its new strategy in May was meant to address this issue of concern for the alliance, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford said.

UAE follows Saudi suit, joins anti-Iran naval mission in Persian Gulf Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Following in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates has joined a US-led naval mission purportedly aimed at protecting shipping lanes in Middle Eastern waterways.
UAE Joins US-led Maritime Coalition in Middle East After Drones Hit Saudi Oil Facilities - Reports Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- The decision comes after Riyadh announced on Wednesday that it would participate in patrolling the region and accused Iran of orchestrating the strike against its oil compounds.

US Central Command Welcomes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into IMSC SPA 19 Sep 2019 -- The US Central Command welcomes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), appreciating the Kingdom's decision to join the IMSC and in taking an active role in preserving the freedom of navigation, promoting maritime security and de-escalating regional tensions.

Russian Pacific Fleet Forms Six Crews For New Military Vessels Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Earlier in the month, Russia's Defence Ministry stated that it had decided to reinforce the Russian Pacific Fleet with a new Borei-class attack submarine, the Knyaz Oleg (Prince Oleg), which can carry up to 16 RSM-56 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Britain's second carrier sets sail for sea trials UK MOD 19 Sep 2019 -- Britain's newest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has sailed from Rosyth Dockyard for the first time.

Tokyo's Refitted Aircraft Carriers Will Fly USMC F-35Bs Before Japan Gets Jet Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- When Japan's two Izumo-class ships complete their retrofit and become proper aircraft carriers, they'll fly US Marine Corps F-35Bs before getting Japanese versions of the advanced jet.

Iran Army, IRGC to conduct joint air drills IRNA 19 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) are to hold a joint air maneuver on the occasion of Sacred Defense Week in coming days.
Zarif warns of 'all-out war' in case of military strike on Iran IRNA 19 Sep 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister has raised the specter of "all-out war" in the event of the US or Saudi military strikes and that Saudi Arabia would have to fight "to the last American soldier."
FM Zarif Threatens 'All-Out War' in Case of Strike Against Iran After Saudi Aramco Attacks Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia and the US previously accused Tehran of orchestrating an attack on Saudi oil facilities last week that resulted in oil prices surging. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later claimed that it was "an act of war" by Iran.
Zarif: Military strike on Iran will lead to 'all-out war' in region Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says a possible military strike against his country by the United States or Saudi Arabia will unleash an "all-out" war in the region.

Iraq will not join US-led Persian Gulf patrol force: Foreign Ministry Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Baghdad will not join a US-led mission in the Persian Gulf purportedly seeking to protect maritime navigation, warning that such a military force will "complicate the political and security situation" in the Middle East region.
Iraq Rejects Participation in US-led Maritime Coalition in Middle East - Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the United Arab Emirates stated that it would take part in a US-led maritime coalition that also includes Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.

Squadron 2020 Project Procurement Decision Approved - New Pohjanmaa Class Corvettes to Strengthen Capabilities of the Navy Finland Navy 19 Sep 2019 -- The procurement decision of the strategic Squadron 2020 project, the Pohjanmaa Class multi-role corvettes, was approved in the Government Plenary Session on 19 September.

Germany extends ban on arms sales to Saudi for another 6 months Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- The government of Angela Merkel has extended its ban on all German weapons exports to Saudi Arabia for a further six month-period despite some calls for loosening the restriction.
US Patriots Couldn't Repel Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities Due to Low Efficiency – Russian MoD Source Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Aramco refineries were hit hard in a drone attack, claimed by Yemeni Houthis, crippling Saudi crude output for several days. In the wake of the attack, US military command for the Middle East suggested sending more air defence missile systems to Saudi Arabia after exisiting ones failed to foil the strike.

Belgian F-16 Crashes in Morbihan, France - Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- An incident has taken place during joint military exercise drills between France and Belgium in Morbihan, Ouest-France reported.

Remarks to the Traveling Press US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks by President Trump in a Press Gaggle Aboard Air Force One The White House 19 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 19, 2019

Other Conflicts

19 September 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Sep 2019

Pentagon Officials Discuss Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities DoD News 19 Sep 2019 -- All indications to this point are that Iran is in some way responsible for the Sept. 14 attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, a senior Defense Department official said.
US Secretary of State Pompeo: Saudi oil attack an 'act of war' Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has described the attack on Saudi oil facilities as "an act of war" that knocked out more than half the kingdom's oil production.
Obedient Proxy? Iranian-Huthi Ties In Focus After Saudi Oil Facility Attacks RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- A series of attacks on Saudi oil facilities has escalated tensions in the region and put Iran's ties with Yemen's Huthi rebels in the spotlight.
Yemeni missile strike kills dozens of Saudi mercenaries in kingdom's Asir Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Dozens of Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to Yemen's former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, have been killed and several others sustained injuries when Yemeni army forces and their allies fired a domestically-manufactured ballistic missile at their camp in Saudi Arabia's southern region of Asir.
Yemeni drones beat US, Saudi billion-dollar air defenses Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- American and Saudi military forces and their networks of advanced air defenses never detected the Yemeni drones that were launched on Saturday to strike oil facilities deep inside Saudi Arabia, proving futile the billions of dollars that the Riyadh regime has spent on them to protect its territories.
Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception and destruction of remote-controlled booby-trapped boat launched by Iranian-affiliated Houthi terrorist militia from Hudaydah SPA 19 Sep 2019 -- Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Malki stated that the coalition's naval arm detected on Thursday's morning ( September 19, 2019) an attempt from Iran-affiliated Houthi terrorist militias to carry out an imminent hostile and terrorist act in the south of Red Sea by using a remote-controlled booby-trapped boat. The Houthi terrorist militias launched this boat from Hudaydah governorate.
Pentagon Declines to Comment on Origin of Saudi Oil Attack Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- The US government defers to Riyadh on the origin of the recent strikes on Saudi oil facilities, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters.
Saudi-led Coalition Foiled Attack by Yemeni Houthis in Red Sea - Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- On 14 September, the Yemeni Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities conducted earlier that day.
Iran Demands to See Proof of its Culpability in Attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- The day before, the Saudi Defence Ministry organised a news conference to show journalists what it described as an Iranian cruise missile and Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Paris Doubts That Yemeni Houthis Could Attack Saudi Oil Compounds - Foreign Minister Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- A drone attack that occurred last week has caused a considerable drop in the kingdom's net oil output, subsequently affecting global oil prices. Riyadh and Washington claimed that Iran was behind the strike, while Tehran stated it was performed by Houthi militants.

Security Council: Two draft resolutions, zero consensus on ceasefire in Syria's Idlib UN News 19 Sep 2019 -- The UN Security Council on Thursday failed to reach consensus on either of two competing resolutions on a cessation of hostilities in Idlib, Syria: the last province in the war-torn nation that is still largely held by rebel forces.
Russia, China Block UN Humanitarian Resolution on Syria's Idlib VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- Russia and China joined forces Thursday to block adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at establishing a cease-fire in northwestern Syria and gaining full access for humanitarian workers to the province of Idlib.
Damascus: Some UNSC permanent members politicize humanitarian situation in Syria Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Syria says some permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council continue to abuse the body's mechanisms to politicize the humanitarian situation in the Arab country.
Rival Syrian Cease-Fire Resolutions Defeated At UN, Dashing Idlib Peace Hopes RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- Two rival resolutions for a cease-fire in Syria's Idlib Province were defeated in the United Nations Security Council, as member nations failed to end what one humanitarian official called an "alarming" situation in the war-ravaged region.
Russia, China Block UN Resolution on Ceasefire in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Russia and China have co-sponsored another resolution that stipulates the ceasefire regime should not apply to operations against terrorists from organisations designated by the UN Security Council.

US Military 'Impressed' by Cooperation with Turkey in Syria; Erdogan Issues Warning VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- Senior U.S. military officers claim "impressive" progress in cooperation with NATO ally Turkey in northeast Syria. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is warning of unilateral action against Washington's critical Syrian ally if Turkish security demands aren't met by the end of the month.

Pakistan's Rigidity About Kashmir Won't Influence Modi's Pitch at UNGA Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Unmindful of Pakistan's ambition to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly, India is set to focus on various issues of global importance when both the countries participate in the multilateral meeting in New York, the Indian government said on Thursday.

Watchdog Report Claims Profiteers Have Looted Billions From South Sudan VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- A large array of international players, including corporate giants in the United States and China, have profited from South Sudan's long civil war, according to a report by a Washington-based watchdog group.

News Reports

Trumps Denies Improper 'Promise' to Foreign Leader VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- A complaint by a U.S. intelligence community whistleblower that has become the latest struggle between the executive and legislative branches of government involves President Donald Trump and Ukraine, according to The Washington Post.
US Lawmakers Hold Closed Hearing on Whistleblower Complaint Said to Involve Trump VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. House intelligence committee held a closed-door session Thursday with Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson as lawmakers hoped to learn more details of a secret whistleblower complaint that has sparked a legal battle between lawmakers and the Trump administration.

DOD Spokesman Provides Border Wall Update DoD News 19 Sep 2019 -- The Army Corps of Engineers expects to build 450 miles of wall along the U.S. Southwest border, a Defense Department spokesman said.

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism The White House 19 Sep 2019

Venezuela says it would make sense for US to restore ties Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Venezuela says it would make sense for the United States to restore diplomatic ties with the elected government in Caracas as Washington has failed to install an opposition figure as Venezuela's leader.

More International Cooperation Called Key to Curbing North Korea's Sanction Evasion VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- Increased international cooperation is essential for curtailing the ship-to-ship transfers that Pyongyang continues to use to evade sanctions, said a former United Nations panel expert on North Korean sanctions enforcement.

Pompeo, Saudi Crown Prince Agree Iran Must Be Held Accountable for Oil Attack - State Dept Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a meeting agreed that Iran must be held accountable for the recent attack on Saudi oil facilities, State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.
Pompeo, Saudi Crown Prince Agree Iran Must Be Held Accountable for Oil Attack - State Dept Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said the attacks on two oil refineries in Saudi Arabia were "an Iranian attack" that was an "act of war."
Pompeo: 'Important Information' for Trump After Mideast Talks on Saudi Oil Field Attacks VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he has "important information" for President Donald Trump about how to respond to the recent attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities after meeting with leaders in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia importing oil after attacks on facilities: Report Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- A report in the American newspaper the Wall Street Journal shows that Saudi Arabia has moved to import oil from neighboring Iraq to cover for lost production that came following attacks on crude processing installations east of the country.
Riyadh Asks Iraq for 20Mln Barrels of Crude After Attack on Saudi Aramco Facilities - Reports Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Riyadh asked Iraq's national oil marketing company for 20 million barrels of crude to supply the country's stocks after an attack on Saudi Aramco facilities, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Pompeo: U.S. Wants 'Peaceful Resolution' With Iran After Saudi Oil Attack RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has responded to Iran's threats of "all-out war" by saying the United States "would like a peaceful resolution" to the crisis sparked by a weekend attack on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure.
Russia calls anti-Iran claims 'unsubstantiated' Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Russia has called on all countries of the Persian Gulf region to sit down for talks to ease tensions triggered by recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, calling accusations that Iran was behind the raids "unsubstantiated."
Fresh deal with US unlikely due to confusion in its policy towards Iran: Foreign Ministry Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Iran says working out a new agreement of any sort with the United States is impossible for the time being given the current state of uncertainty and ambiguity in the White House regarding its policy toward Iran.
Zarif: B_Team try to deceive Trump into war IRNA 19 Sep 2019 -- Iranian foreign minister referred to B_Team war-mongering approach, saying they are trying to deceive President Trump into war.
New deal with US impossible at present: Spokesman IRNA 19 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday that the US policy towards Iran experiences a confusion, as new deal with it seems impossible now.
B-Team remnants trying to lure Trump into Iran war: Zarif Press TV 19 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says even though former US national security adviser John Bolton – a proponent of war with Iran – has been fired by US President Donald Trump, like-minded politicians are still attempting to drag the US president into a military confrontation with the country.
JCPOA Foreign Ministers May Meet on Sidelines of UN General Assembly - Tehran Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- The foreign ministers from the signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) may meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Thursday.

China Accuses US Lawmakers of Meddling After Hong Kong Activists Testify in Washington VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry accused U.S. lawmakers Thursday of meddling in the country's affairs after the legislators invited Hong Kong pro-democracy activists to testify on Capitol Hill.
HK irreplaceable in nation's development Global Times 19 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong is irreplaceable in its prominent role in the nation's economic development, given its unique system and strong complementarities with the Chinese mainland, though it faces rising downward pressure due in part to persistent unrest and intensifying competition from some mainland cities, officials and analysts said.
Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Movement Gets Boost From U.S. Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2019 -- In a strong show of support for the three-month-old anti-extradition and pro-democracy movement, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representives, Nancy Pelosi, has pledged to move ahead speedily with the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act that could see sanctions imposed on officials found to have deprived the city's residents of their human rights.

China launches new remote-sensing satellites Global Times 19 Sep 2019 -- Five new remote-sensing satellites were sent into planned orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert Thursday.

67 Taiwanese missing in China since Tsai took office: agency CNA 19 Sep 2019 -- Taiwan's semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) said Wednesday it has received 149 reports of missing Taiwanese since President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office May 20, 2016, of whom the whereabouts of 67 remain unknown.

Bye-Bye, Bibi? Benny Gantz Rejects Broad Coalition With Israeli PM Netanyahu Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- According to preliminary results from the recent elections, Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing party Likud has gained 31 of 120 seats in the parliament, while the opposition Blue and White alliance, led by Benny Gantz will be represented by 33 MPs.
Gantz Says He, Not Netanyahu, Should Lead Israeli Unity Government VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- Israeli political challenger Benny Gantz said Thursday that he, not Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should lead a new unity government after Gantz's centrist Blue and White party won the most seats in parliament in this week's election.

Required Departure of Cuban Diplomats from Cuba's Permanent Mission to the United Nations US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2019 -- The Department of State today notified the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the United States requires the imminent departure of two members of Cuba's Permanent Mission to the United Nations for abusing their privileges of residence. This is due to their attempts to conduct influence operations against the United States.
US Expels 2 Cubans From UN Mission VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- The United States has expelled two members of the Cuban mission to the U.N., accusing them of trying to "conduct influence operations" against the U.S.

Kazakh President Shuffles Leadership, Names New Foreign Minister RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has named a new foreign minister and chief of staff, according to his website.

Myanmar Military MPs Submit Bill to Bar Citizens with Foreign Ties from Top Govt. Posts Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2019 -- A group of military-appointed legislators in Myanmar have submitted a draft bill for a constitutional amendment that would limit the foreign familial connections of those holding high-level government positions, expanding the scope of a measure the army used to keep Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president.

New Jersey Man Indicted for Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah's Islamic Jihad Organization US Dept. of Justice 19 Sep 2019 -- Alexei Saab Allegedly Was Trained by Hizballah's External Terrorist Operations Component in Bomb-Making and Conducted Intelligence-Gathering in New York City and Elsewhere in Support of Hizballah's Attack-Planning Efforts

Envoy Insists Brexit Must Produce No 'Hard Border' With Irish Republic VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- As the Oct. 31 Brexit deadline approaches, Ireland's ambassador to the United States is expressing a degree of optimism that a creative solution may be found, but he insists there has to be a legally binding agreement "that there can never be a hard border on the island of Ireland."

Fresh Russia-Ukraine Talks On New Gas Transit Deal Inconclusive RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- With winter approaching, Russia and Ukraine have held a third round of European Union-mediated talks in Brussels about the transit of Russian natural gas to Europe.
Russia, Ukraine Move Ahead With EU Talks to Avert Supply Cut VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- Representatives of the European Union, Ukraine, and Russia have concluded a first day of talks in Brussels with "constructive" dialogue as they aim to extend Kyiv's gas transit contract with Russia, European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said on Thursday.
Influential Tycoon Kolomoyskiy Is Back In Ukraine. And He's Not Keeping A Low Profile RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- It is usually comic actor-turned-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy who is in the spotlight.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Says Land Market Could Open Up In 2020 RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk says the government could allow the sale of agricultural land from October 2020, after parliament votes to lift the 18-year moratorium.

EU Ambassadors Back Romania's Koevesi For European Prosecutor Job RFE/RL 19 Sep 2019 -- EU ambassadors have decided to back former Romanian anti-corruption official Laura Codruta Koevesi to become the first-ever European anti-fraud prosecutor.

US Urges End to Arrests, Political Restrictions on Cambodia's Opposition Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over the detention of political activists in Cambodia and urged Prime Minister Hun Sen's government to lift restrictions on members of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

Tunisian ex-President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali Dies at 83 - Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2019 -- Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, commonly known as Ben Ali was a long-serving Tunisian president between 1987 and 2011 when he was ousted as a result of a coup.

US Expects Serbia-Kosovo Talks to Restart After October 6 Kosovo Election VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- The new U.S. Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer is calling on Kosovo and Serbia to restart talks after Kosovo's October 6 election.

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