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News Reports

Current Operations

• New Report to Congress Warns Against Syria Pullout VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- A panel of former national security officials and other experts is calling for the White House and lawmakers to "halt the U.S. military withdrawal" from Syria or face potentially dire consequences.
• Coast Guard Cutter Valiant interdicts self-propelled semi-submersible in the Eastern Pacific US Coast Guard 24 Sep 2019 -- The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crew intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in the Eastern Pacific.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Naval Aviation Achieves SECDEF Readiness Target, Shifts Focus to Readiness Sustainment NNS 24 Sep 2019 -- Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) announced Sept. 24 that Naval Aviation has achieved its Secretary of Defense-mandated readiness target of an 80 percent mission-capable (MC) rate for both its operational F/A-18 E/F "Super Hornet" and EA-18G "Growler" fleets.
• Assume Networks Are Compromised, DOD Official Urges DoD News 24 Sep 2019 -- No matter how secure a computer network or the environment it's used in may seem to be, users should just assume it's compromised, the deputy undersecretary of defense for research and engineering said.
• MRF-D Marines conduct trans-Pacific flight in MV-22 Ospreys USMC News 24 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin completed a trans-Pacific flight in MV-22 Ospreys for the fourth time, transiting from Darwin, Australia to their home station on Marine Corps Base Hawaii on September 19.
• Chief of Naval Operations Visits Japan, Engages with Sailors and Leadership NNS 24 Sep 2019 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Japan, Sept. 23-24, to engage with U.S. Seventh Fleet Sailors as well senior leaders from Japan's Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Force.
• NATO Nations Hone Anti-Sub Skills in Cutlass Fury NNS 24 Sep 2019 -- NATO nations in the Royal Canadian Navy-led exercise Cutlass Fury 2019 recently executed advanced training in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the waters off Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
• USS James E. Williams Launches Missiles During SWATT NNS 24 Sep 2019 -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) launched two Standard Missiles (SM) 2 at the first series of aerial targets launched from Wallops Flight Facility during a Missile Exercise (MSLEX) as part of Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), Sept. 10-12.
• Trump expanding US military presence in Poland Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump is expanding the country's military presence in Poland despite warnings by Russia.
• NATO Secretary General joins world leaders for UN General Assembly NATO 24 Sep 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined world leaders in New York on Monday (23 September 2019) to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
• New START Agreement Must Be Extended in Near Term to Advance Global Peace - UN Chief Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) must be extended in the near term as part of a global disarmament agenda to advance peace, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech before the General Assembly on Tuesday.
• Russia Develops First Ever Standard for Satellite Navigation in Arctic - Manufacturer Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The Russian Space Systems company, together with the Polar Initiative scientific and information centre, have developed requirements for receivers of satellite navigation systems for use in the Arctic, the company, which is a part of State Space Corporation Roscosmos, said.
• Russian Defence Ministry Denies Estonia's Claim of Border Violation by its Aircraft Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Earlier, the press service of the General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces stated that a Russian Su-34 fighter violated the air border of the Baltic Republic.
• Strong military ensures country's dignity: Luo Yuan Global Times 24 Sep 2019 -- Major General Luo Yuan was born one year after the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded on October 1, 1949.
• DF-41 ICBM to debut at parade? You won't be disappointed: PLA Global Times 24 Sep 2019 -- Senior officials of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday hinted that DF-41, China's most advanced latest generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) might make its debut on the National Day military parade in Beijing on October 1, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
• Iran successfully produced advanced military hardware IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Iran has made great achievements to produce advanced military hardware to beef up its deterrent power, Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces Brigadier General Ahmad Hatami said on Tuesday.
• Iran feels no fear from quantity of enemy's military hardware IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Deputy commander of Iran's Army for coordination hailed the country's military capabilities, saying that Iranian Armed Forces feel no fear from enemies' high volume of military hardware.
• Iran has no enmity towards neighbors: Top commander Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Iran's top military commander has reaffirmed that the country has no enmity towards neighboring states, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation to ensure security in the region.
• Hunt Says London Will Pay $500Mln Tanks Debt to Iran After Court Rules on Final Amount Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Former UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that the UK would pay its 400 billion pound (nearly $500 million) debt to Iran after formal court proceedings on the amount owed were completed, but the repayment could not be considered a bargaining chip in talks on the release of a UK-Iranian national currently detained by Tehran.
• Japanese Officials Alarmed After Defense Systems Unable to Detect Recent North Korea Tests Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Tokyo's inability to track Pyongyang's new, short-range missiles, some of which could reach Japan, during their recent tests has government officials concerned that North Korea's new weaponry may be too advanced for current defense systems - leaving Japan vulnerable.
• Trump, South Korea's Moon discuss North Korea, sharing military costs Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has met his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly to discuss resuming denuclearization talks with North Korea.
• Seoul, Washington Start 2-Day Talks on Defence Cost-Sharing Deal in S Korea on Tuesday Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The United States and South Korea will start on Tuesday in Seoul the first two-day round of negotiations on sharing the costs of stationing US Forces Korea, as part of the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) that was concluded in February for the duration of one year.
• Taiwan unveils prototype of indigenous advanced jet trainer CNA 24 Sep 2019 -- A prototype of Taiwan's new indigenous advanced jet trainer (AJT), named "Yung Yin (勇鷹)" or Brave Eagle, was unveiled on Tuesday, as part of the country's effort to become more self-reliant regarding its defense.
• Taiwan Debuts Domestically Produced 'Brave Eagle' Jet Trainer Prototype Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Taiwan debuted its "Brave Eagle" jet trainer prototype on Tuesday in the city of Taichung as part of its strategy to boost its defense program amid tensions with mainland China.
• New trainer jets also viable in wartime: scholar CNA 24 Sep 2019 -- New locally developed trainer jets primarily intended to replace Taiwan's aging AT-3 and F-5 trainer aircraft will also be capable of contributing to the country's defense in wartime, a local scholar said Tuesday.
• Thailand - AH-6i Helicopters DSCA 24 Sep 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of eight (8) AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Qatar - Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System for Head-of-State Aircraft DSCA 24 Sep 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar of two AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $86 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Turkey May Buy Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jets on Favourable Terms - Turkish National Assembly Speaker Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Earlier this month, Russia said it believed that Turkey might be interested in buying Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets after the US kicked it off its F-35 programme.
• Remarks by President Trump to the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly The White House 24 Sep 2019
• US President Trump says countries have 'absolute right' to protect their borders UN News 24 Sep 2019 -- The path to peace and a better world "begins at home," United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, urging countries to look after their own interests on issues like trade, people smuggling and illegal immigration, and denouncing "open border activists who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of social justice."
• Trump: US Doesn't Seek Conflict But Will Defend Its Interests VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that while the United States does not seek conflict with any other nation, he will not hesitate to defend America's interests.
• Remarks by President Trump at a Luncheon Hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations | New York, NY The White House 24 Sep 2019
• Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 24 Sep 2019
• Remarks by President Trump and President Salih of Iraq Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 24 Sep 2019
• Remarks by President Trump and President Salih of Iraq Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 24 Sep 2019
• Remarks by President Trump Upon Arriving at the U.N. General Assembly | New York, NY The White House 24 Sep 2019
• Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi of India Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 24 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 24, 2019
• Lockheed Martin Wins NASA Contract For Orion Spacecraft Crucial For Moon Mission - NASA Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the production of the Orion crew capsule, which is expected to carry the first woman to the Moon as part of the Artemis program, NASA announced.

Other Conflicts

• Yemeni forces won't stand idly by against continued Saudi-led attacks: Ansarullah Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement says Yemeni army forces and allied fighters from Popular Committees will not sit idly in the face of continued crimes and acts of aggression by the Saudi-led military coalition against Yemeni people, despite the former's cessation of missile and drone strikes at the kingdom.
• Saudi airstrikes hit Yemen's southwest, kill 16 Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Latest Saudi airstrikes have killed at least 16 people, 11 of them women and children, in southwestern Yemen.
• Two ballistic missiles fell this evening inside Amran governorate and Sa'ada governorate inside Yemen after being launched from Sanaa governorate, JFC announces SPA 24 Sep 2019 -- Pursuant to the statement issued on September 24, 2019 by the spokesman of the Joint Forces Command (JFC) of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen reporting that the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia fired a ballistic missile from a civilian platform in Harf Sufyan Directorate, Amran Governorate, Yemen, but fell afterwards in Saada Governorate, inside the Yemeni territory, the Spokesman of the Joint Forces Command (JFC) of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Malki stated that the Houthi militia fired two ballistic missiles this evening, Tuesday, corresponding to September 24, 2019, from a civilian platform in Sanaa Governorate, Yemen, but fell afterwards in Amran Governorate and Saada Governorate, inside the Yemeni territory.
• Ballistic missile landed this afternoon inside Sa'ada governorate inside Yemen, JFC announces SPA 24 Sep 2019 -- The spokesman of the Joint Forces Command (JFC) of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Malki said that the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia fired a ballistic missile from a civilian platform in Harf Sufyan Directorate, Amran Governorate, Yemen, today afternoon corresponding to September 24, 2019, but fell afterwards in Saada Governorate, inside the Yemeni territory.
• Rouhani Says Houthis Were Able to Hit Saudi Oil Facilities Due to US Missile Defence Weakness, 'Humiliated' Washington Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Last week, media reports said that the US had redeployed the USS Nitze destroyer to the northeast coast of Saudi Arabia in a bid to "plug the gap" in Saudi Arabia's air defences that was allegedly used in the 14 September attack on its oil facilities.
• Rouhani rejects E3 statement on Saudi Aramco strikes as 'baseless accusations' Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has roundly dismissed the "unsubstantiated accusations" made by Britain, France and Germany about Tehran's involvement in the highly disruptive drone attacks on Saudi Aramco petroleum and gas processing plants at Abqaiq and Khurais in the kingdom's Eastern Province.
• UN Secretary General Warns of Potential War in Gulf in Wake of Attacks on Saudi Aramco Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- US officials almost immediately blamed Iran for the September 14 attacks on two major Saudi oil facilities, with Tehran categorically rejecting the claims and accusing Washington of engaging in a policy of "maximum deceit." Yemen's Houthi militia claimed responsibility, and warned of further attacks unless Riyadh stopped the ongoing war in Yemen.
• Iran rejects E3's 'provocative' claims about raids on Saudi oil sites Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Tehran has strongly condemned the "destructive" and "provocative" claims made by Britain, France and Germany about Iranian involvement in Yemen's retaliatory drone raids on Saudi oil installations, warning that the trio will be responsible for the consequences of such "irresponsible" statements.
• Rouhani slams E3's blame game over attacks on Saudi oil facilities Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has criticized the E3 -- France, Germany, and the UK -- for their Monday statement in which Iran was blamed for the recent attack on Saudi oil facilities claimed by Yemen's Ansarullah movement.
• Tehran Condemns Accusations Against Iran by UK, France and Germany for Saudi Aramco Attack as Baseless Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The three European governments had issued a joint statement late Monday expressing their "full solidarity" with Saudi Arabia, and alleging that it was "clear" that "Iran is responsible" for the September 14 attacks. Tehran has vocally rejected the allegations. Yemen's Houthi militia have claimed responsibility.
• Assad: US, allies lost hope in achieving goals in Syria Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the United States and its Western allies have lost hope in achieving the goals they had once planned to achieve in the Arab country.
• Syrians stage protest rally against US-backed SDF militants in Hasakah Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Dozens of people have staged a rally in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah to protest the presence of the Kurdish-led militants from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the area, and the criminal and abusive practices of the terrorists against ordinary citizens.
• Indian Army to Open World's Highest Battlefield to Public in Attempt to Complete Kashmir Integration Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Stepping up its efforts to complete the integration of Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to allow civilians to visit the world's highest battlefield where troops from India and Pakistan guard their border.
• Pakistan Warns India of 'Consequences' as New Delhi Hints at Potential Cross-Border 'Anti-Terror Op' Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The Indian Army on 23 September indicated the likelihood of a new cross-border anti-terror operation. Pakistan said the statement was "irresponsible" and warned of "serious consequences" to any such action.
• Pakistan Brushes Off Indian Army's Claim That Balakot 'Terror Camp' Has Been Reactivated Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat claimed on Monday that seven months after the Indian Air Force bombed a supposed terror camp in Balakot, it has been reactivated and close to 500 militants are waiting to infiltrate into India.
• Pakistan Slams India's Army Chief For 'Irresponsible' Remarks VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan denounced Tuesday as "completely" baseless rival India's latest allegations that hundreds of militants were waiting to "infiltrate" into Kashmir from the Pakistani side of the disputed Himalayan region.
• Myanmar, Bangladesh, China Call for 'Working Group' to Make Progress on Rohingya Issue Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2019 -- Representatives from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China called this week for enhanced cooperation in repatriating Rohingya refugees now living in camps in Bangladesh back to their homes in Myanmar, saying political will is needed now to move the issue forward, media reports said.
• Fighting Erupts in Both Rakhine And Shan States After Myanmar Cease-fire Expires Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2019 -- The Arakan Army claimed Tuesday that its soldiers seized a Myanmar military artillery battery during a battle in Rakhine state's Myebon township during which 10 government soldiers were killed, in the latest clash between the two sides since a cease-fire expired on the weekend.
• Cameroon's Separatists Intensify Attacks to Protest Dialogue VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- New violence has flared in Cameroon as preparations intensify for a national dialogue called by President Paul Biya to end the conflict that has killed at least 2,000 people in the country's English-speaking regions. Scores of people have been killed in recent days and electricity has been cut, mostly in English-speaking towns, when attackers set fire to power distribution equipment. The military has been deployed to replace teachers who are, once again, escaped to safer places.
• Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs Discuss Nagorno-Karabakh In New York RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan have held talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

News Reports

• Pelosi Remarks Announcing Impeachment Inquiry Nancy Pelosi - Speaker of the House 24 Sep 2019 -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks announcing the House of Representatives is moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry. Below are the Speaker's remarks as delivered:
• House Speaker Pelosi Opens Trump Impeachment Inquiry VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced a formal impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump and allegations that he sought a foreign government's help with his 2020 re-election bid.
• Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 24 Sep 2019
• US House launches Trump impeachment inquiry over Ukraine call Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has announced the launch of a formal inquiry into whether President Donald Trump should be impeached over a controversial Ukraine call.
• Trump's Call to Ukraine Leader Fuels Democrats' Push for Impeachment VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- Democratic lawmakers are considering formally launching an impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump Tuesday, following news reports that he froze Congressionally-approved funding for Ukraine while pushing the country to investigate one of his political rivals.
• Trump Confirms He Ordered Freeze of Ukraine Aid Ahead of Call Under Democratic Scrutiny VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday he had told his staff to withhold about $400 million in aid to Ukraine days before a phone call with the country's leader that is at the center of a debate between Congress and the White House over a whistleblower complaint.
• Why Was Ukraine's Top Prosecutor Fired? The Issue At The Heart Of The Dispute Gripping Washington RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- When Viktor Shokin was fired as Ukraine's prosecutor-general in March 2016, after less than 14 months in the post, it was seen as a crucial development in a country under pressure to curb corruption and get serious about reforms. Now Shokin's dismissal, and Ukraine itself, are at the center of a political whirlwind in Washington that is buffeting Donald Trump's presidency and playing into the 2020 White House race.
• Trump Confirms He Withheld Ukraine Aid, Did It To Pressure Europe RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he told staff to freeze almost $400 million in aid to Ukraine just ahead of a phone call to Kyiv where he allegedly pressed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate a political rival.
• Ukraine Fears Being Drawn Into Domestic US Politics VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- Ukrainian officials are looking ahead anxiously to a meeting Wednesday between their new president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and U.S. President Donald Trump, fearing their country is being dragged into the middle of an American political battle that could undermine its bilateral U.S. support.
• Supreme Court rules prorogation illegal Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court has just ruled that the British government acted unlawfully in proroguing parliament for five weeks.
• UK Supreme Court rules Johnson's parliament suspension unlawful; Corbyn urges him to resign Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- The UK Supreme Court has ruled "unlawful" Prime Minister Boris Johnson's move in advising Queen Elizabeth to suspend parliament in the weeks preceding the country's pending exit from the European Union.
• Johnson Says He Will Respect the Supreme Court Ruling That His Parliament Prorogation Was Illegal Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- The UK Supreme Court ruled Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament as unlawful on Tuesday, seeing speaker John Bercow instruct Parliament to reconvene on Wednesday.
• UK Supreme Court Judges Rule Boris Johnson's Suspension of Parliament Was Unlawful Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Britain's Parliament was suspended two weeks ago by the Prime Minister in a special prorogation order, signed by the Queen as head of state. Opponents of a no-deal Brexit say it was unlawful.
• Britain's Supreme Court Rules Suspension of Parliament Unlawful VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- Britain's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament for five weeks was unlawful and is "void and of no effect."
• As part of deal, pro-government MPs in Venezuela return to opposition-held legislature Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro says pro-government lawmakers will return to the opposition-controlled congress as part of a deal with the opposition, as more signs of reconciliation emerge in the Latin American country.
• Venezuela's Maduro To Meet Putin In Moscow RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Moscow with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on September 25, the Kremlin has said.
• United States Takes Action Against Entities and Vessels Operating in Venezuela's Oil Sector US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2019 -- On September 24, the United States designated four companies that operate in Venezuela's oil sector as sanctioned, and identified as blocked property four vessels associated with this activity.
• Treasury Further Targets Entities and Vessels Moving Venezuelan Oil to Cuba US Treasury 24 Sep 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four entities that operate in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13850. Additionally, OFAC identified four vessels that transport oil and other petroleum products from Venezuela to Cuba as blocked property owned or controlled by the four designated entities.
• Former Intelligence Officer Convicted of Attempted Espionage Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison US Dept. of Justice 24 Sep 2019 -- A former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) officer, who pleaded guilty in March to attempting to communicate, deliver, or transmit information involving the national defense of the United States to the People's Republic of China, will serve 10 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson imposed the sentence Tuesday afternoon in Salt Lake City.
• Despite UN Sanctions, North Koreans at Work in Senegal VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- North Korea has quietly reopened a construction firm in Senegal in an apparent violation of United Nations sanctions targeting Pyongyang's nuclear programs, VOA Korean has confirmed.
• Republic of Korea President proposes DMZ as future 'peace and cooperation district' on Peninsula UN News 24 Sep 2019 -- The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas could be transformed into an "international peace zone" and even included on a UN list of global cultural heritage, world leaders in the UN General Assembly heard on Tuesday.
• Seoul to Boost Humanitarian Aid to North Korea Based on Progress of Denuclearisation- Reports Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said during a meeting with Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly that Seoul was willing to increase humanitarian aid to North Korea, depending on the possible progress in the denuclearisation of the peninsula, Korean Broadcasting System outlet reported.
• North Korean Officials Angry that Pyongyang Refused Seoul's Help with Swine Fever Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2019 -- Officials in North Korea are blaming their government for ignoring requests from South Korea to cooperate to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) on the Korean peninsula, local sources say.
• Iranian Citizen Sentenced for Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to Iran US Dept. of Justice 24 Sep 2019 -- Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers and United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced the sentencing of Negar Ghodskani, 40, to 27 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to facilitate the illegal export of controlled technology from the United States to Iran. Ghodskani, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, 2019, was sentenced this morning before United States District Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• Pakistani PM Mediating to Ease US Tensions With Iran VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed Tuesday he is trying and mediating to help de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran.
• "Hormuz Peace Initiative", a blueprint based on Iranian diplomatic goals IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- "Hormuz Peace Initiative" to be presented by President Hassan Rouhani as Iran's Initiative to the Seventy-Fourth UN General Assembly is based on Iranian diplomacy goals namely multilateralism, reconciliation, constructive and effective interaction with the world.
• CBI governor: US sanctions ineffective tools IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnasser Hemmati said on Tuesday that many central bank governors taking part in International Banking Conference in Kuwait were unanimous that the US sanctions are ineffective tools.
• Majlis Speaker critical of inaction of EU states parties to JCPOA IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on Tuesday criticized the inaction of the EU states parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
• Iran, EU discuss ways to save JCPOA IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini reviewed ways to keep the nuclear deal -- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
• Zarif raps E3 for paralysis to honor JCPOA commitments IRNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message rebuked the European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the paralysis to honor their commitment.
• Zarif's reaction to joint statement by France, Britain, Germany ISNA 24 Sep 2019 -- In a reaction to a joint statement by France, UK and Germany, Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed that no new deal will be negotiated until the current one is fully honored.
• Iran's Rouhani: Macron's efforts can be fruitful only if US bans lifted Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says efforts by his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron to de-escalate Washington-Tehran tensions and save a 2015 nuclear deal will bear fruit only if the sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran are lifted.
• Trump threatens to tighten US sanctions against Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened to tighten sanctions against Iran during his third address to the United Nations, accusing the Islamic Republic of "menacing behavior" in the Middle East.
• Iran open to 'permanent for permanent' formula with US: Zarif Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran is open to the idea of a permanent for permanent machanism with the United States, which means Iran will agree to permanent inspections of its nuclear facilities if the US also agrees to permanently lift its sanctions against Iran -- measures that the two sides were supposed to take in 2023 under a multilateral nuclear deal prior to Washington's withdrawal.
• Iranian, French presidents discuss de-escalation of Mideast tensions in New York Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani of Iran and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have held talks in New York on ways to ease regional tensions and save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
• Trump Blasts 'Repressive' Iran At UN, Calls For Action Against Country's 'Bloodlust' RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his policy on Iran before the UN General Assembly and called on all nations to act against Tehran and not "subsidize Iran's bloodlust."
• US Calls on UN to Demand Unfettered Access to Xinjiang to Investigate Reports of Rights Abuses Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations should demand unfettered access to northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) to investigate reports of the mass incarceration and other rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs, a top U.S. diplomat said Tuesday.
• Trump: US Carefully Monitoring' Situation in Hong Kong VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- President Donald Trump says the United States is "carefully monitoring" the situation in Hong Kong, where tensions are high ahead of Beijing's planned ceremonies marking 70 years of Communist Party rule next week.
• Pompeo's remarks about Xinjiang both ridiculous and irresponsible People's Daily 24 Sep 2019 -- It is ridiculous for US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to claim what China has done in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has nothing to do with terrorism and suggest it is an "attempt to erase its own citizens".
• Hong Kong leader once again stresses dialog Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's leader hopes peaceful and rational dialog between the government and protesters will help find a way out of almost four months of unrest in the Chinese territory.
• Rights Groups, Journalists Hit Out at 'Outrageous' Violence by Hong Kong Police Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's police force was at the center of a growing storm of criticism on Tuesday after a senior officer dismissed footage of officers surrounding and kicking a protester in a yellow shirt, saying police were kicking a "yellow object" and saying the video could well have been doctored.
• HK urged to ban face masks during protests Global Times 24 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu on Monday urged the Hong Kong government to enact a law banning face masks during protests after black-clad rioters attacked police officers and residents over the weekend.
• Taiwan's absence from ICAO creates gap in aviation network: CAA CNA 24 Sep 2019 -- A top Taiwanese aviation official has warned that Taiwan's exclusion from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has created a major gap in the global aviation network as the ICAO Assembly prepares to meet starting on Sept. 24.
• Scholarships to Kiribati, Solomon Islands good until end semester CNA 24 Sep 2019 -- Despite the severance of diplomatic ties with Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, Taiwan will continue to provide scholarships to students from these countries until the end of this semester, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.
• UN chief warns of bipolar world Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned global leaders of the risk of the world becoming split between two rival sides, an apparent reference to the United States and China.
• UN Chief Warns Against Creation Of 'Two Competing Worlds' By U.S. And China RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the world risks splitting in two, with the United States and China "creating two separate and competing worlds."
• In 'world of disquiet', UN must deliver for the people, Guterres tells General Assembly UN News 24 Sep 2019 -- We are living in "a world of disquiet", the United Nations chief told the High-level session of the General Assembly on Tuesday, urging the Heads of States present to advance "common good" while upholding "shared humanity and values".
• Guterres Warns World Leaders They Are Losing Battle Against Climate Change VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the annual meeting of the General Assembly the world is losing the battle against climate change but that there is still time to reverse the effects of the global phenomenon.
• UK's Johnson warns of dystopian digital future, calls on UN to set global standards for emerging technologies UN News 24 Sep 2019 -- United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday evening focused his address at the UN mainly on the looming threat of artificial intelligence run amok, but also made a brief reference to Brexit – comparing the process of the UK's delayed departure from the European Union to classical Greek mythology.
• Nuclear power should either be allowed for everyone or banned completely: Turkey's Erdogan Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized double standards regarding atomic activities of the United Nations members, saying nuclear power should either be free for all states or banned completely.
• Israel Prepares for Bipartisan Leadership VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- After a week of political gridlock, and one politically-charged year, Israel appears to have avoided its third election now that President Reuvin Rivlin has announced both sides have taken significant steps toward forming a unity government.
• Brazilian President speaks out against 'media lies' surrounding Amazon fires UN News 24 Sep 2019 -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro spoke out against what he characterized as "media lies" about the Amazon and alleged manipulation of the indigenous people who live there.
• Report confirms delay to Saudi Aramco listing after attacks Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- A report shows Saudi authorities have effectively delayed plans for floating state-run Aramco oil company on the stock market after attacks on oil installations east of the kingdom earlier this month.
• Saudi Arabia Rejects Interference in its Internal Policies, Says Saudi ambassador to the UN in Geneva before Human Rights Council Session SPA 24 Sep 2019 -- Saudi ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is pursuing well-established reform policies that conform to its basic principles and Islamic pillars, particularly with regard to women's rights and enhancing their role in the public life.
• Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 24 Sep 2019 -- A Columbia, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to his role in making preparations to launch a terrorist attack with persons he believed were members of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), but who were actually undercover law enforcement employees.
• Tanzania urged to provide more information on suspected Ebola case UN News 24 Sep 2019 -- Authorities in Tanzania have been urged by the UN to supply further information about the death of an individual from suspected Ebola Virus Disease earlier this month in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
• WHO Urges Tanzania to Share Information About Suspected Ebola Cases VOA 24 Sep 2019 -- The World Health Organization is expressing concern about Tanzanian authorities' reluctance to share detailed information about suspected cases of Ebola, and is calling for full transparency.
• Egypt police kill 6 Brotherhood members in shootout Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Police in Egypt have killed six members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood movement during a shootout on the outskirts of the capital, Cairo, the Egyptian Interior Ministry says.
• Death toll from violence in Indonesia's New Papua hits 26 Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- The death toll from violence in Indonesia's restless Papua region has reached 26, officials say, as thousands of local residents fled to shelters after another day of violent protests fueled by outrage over racism.
• European Parliament Reiterates Support For Kosovo Visa Liberalization RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- The European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties has backed visa liberalization for citizens of Kosovo, amid continued opposition from several EU member states.
• Romania's Koevesi One Step Closer To EU Prosecutor'sJob RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- Negotiators from the European Parliament and the European Council have agreed to back former Romanian anti-corruption official Laura Codruta Koevesi to become the first-ever European anti-fraud prosecutor.
• Former Armenian Police Chief Found Dead From Gunshot Wound At Home RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- Former Armenian police chief Hayk Harutiunian has been found dead in his house in Yerevan with a gunshot wound to his head.
• Former NATO Ambassador Volker Says Georgia Risks Backsliding On Democracy RFE/RL 24 Sep 2019 -- A former U.S. diplomat says he has never seen Georgia so politically divided and warns that the country could retreat from the democratic progress it has made.
• Joint Statement on the Fourth C5+1 Ministerial US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2019 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on the occasion of the Fourth C5+1 Ministerial.