03 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Pakistan, Taliban urge resumption of Afghan peace talks Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban militant group have called for the "earliest resumption" of peace talks to end the United States' 18-year war in Afghanistan.
Senior Taliban Delegation In Talks With Officials In Pakistan RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- A senior Taliban delegation has met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad in an effort to revive Afghan peace negotiations that have included trips to Russia, China, and Iran.
Pakistan, Taliban Call for Resumption of Afghan Peace Process with US 'as Soon as Possible' Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan has urged US President Donald Trump to resume the Afghan peace dialogue after Washington called off the talks on 10 September. On Thursday, Pakistan hosted a high-level Afghan Taliban delegation and discussed "the regional situation, the Afghan peace process and other issues of mutual interest".
Pakistan Says Visiting US, Taliban Negotiators to Hold Direct Talks VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan says that visiting U.S. and Taliban delegates will hold a direct bilateral meeting to discuss resumption of peace talks aimed at ending to the nearly two decades of conflict in neighboring Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

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 03 Oct 2019 -- Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan R. Hoffman; Colonel Patrick Ryder, Spokesperson, Joint Staff
Gen. Tod Wolters, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander, U.S. European Command, Press Briefing on USEUCOM Priorities DoD 03 Oct 2019 -- General Tod Wolters, Commander, U.S. European Command, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar DoD 03 Oct 2019
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting with Iraqi National Security Advisor Falih Al-Fayyad DoD 03 Oct 2019
USS Key West Participates in Exercise Pacific Griffin with the Republic of Singapore Navy NNS 03 Oct 2019 -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) participated in the bilateral exercise Pacific Griffin with the Republic of Singapore Navy, Sept. 24 to Oct. 10 in waters off the coast of Guam.
IKE's MTT Conquers TSTA/FEP NNS 03 Oct 2019 -- At any moment, a situation could arise either on the ship or out in town that might prove fatal if proper and effective medical care is not administered immediately. Therefore, the Medical Training Team (MTT) teaches lifesaving skills to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) to ensure they are equipped and ready to be first responders.
Navy F/A-18C Hornet Makes Final Active-Duty Flight NNS 03 Oct 2019 -- The last Navy F/A-18C Hornet, aircraft number 300, made its official final active-duty flight at Naval Air Station Oceana, Oct. 2.
US tests ICBM after North Korea missile launch Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- The United States military has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) shortly after North Korea unveiled a strategic missile.

Georgia Hosts NATO's North Atlantic Council In Batumi RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- NATO's top decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, has traveled to Georgia for a two-day visit including a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission with Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
NATO-Georgia Commission meets in the Georgian city of Batumi NATO 03 Oct 2019 -- Visiting the Black Sea city of Batumi on Thursday (3 October 2019) the NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller met with the Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and thanked him for welcoming the North Atlantic Council.

Norwegian Firm Rolls Out Modular 'Plug-and-Pay' Vessel That May 'Rock the Market' Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- A Norwegian defense company has drawn up plans for a new breed of ship that can be easily modified to fit a variety of roles both military and civilian. At half the price of warships, its designers predict it will "rock the market."

Aid to Ukraine Successful, DOD Spokesman Says DoD News 03 Oct 2019 -- Earlier this year, the Defense Department made plans to provide some $250 million in aid to Ukraine, with the goal of transitioning that aid before the end of the fiscal year. The department was largely successful in that goal, a Pentagon spokesman said.
Ukraine - Javelin Missiles and Command Launch Units DSCA 03 Oct 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for one hundred fifty (150) Javelin missiles and related equipment and support for an estimated cost not to exceed $39.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
US State Dept Approves Javelin Missile Sales to Ukraine - Pentagon Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- The US Department of State has approved a proposed sale of 150 Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in a deal valued at nearly $40 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release on Thursday.
U.S. State Department Approves Sale Of Second Batch Of Javelin Missiles To Ukraine RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. State Department has approved $39.2 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, including a second batch of the world's deadliest anti-tank missiles to help Kyiv defend itself against Russia-backed separatists.

US, Japan Criticize 'Provocative' North Korea Missile Launch VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. and Japan are calling the recent North Korean missile launch "unnecessarily provocative" just days ahead of working-level nuclear talks with the United States.
DPRK confirms success in test-firing new submarine-launched ballistic missile People's Daily 03 Oct 2019 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) succeeded in test-firing a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on Wednesday morning, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday.
N Korea confirms successful test of new submarine-launched ballistic missile Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- North Korea says it has successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from sea ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States.
DPRK Academy of Defence Science Succeeds in Test-firing of New-type SLBM KCNA 03 Oct 2019 -- The Academy of Defence Science of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea succeeded in test-firing the new-type SLBM Pukguksong-3 in the waters off Wonsan Bay of the East Sea of Korea on Wednesday morning.
North Korea Confirms Successful Test of Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Pyongyang's most recent missile launch was confirmed by North Korean state media to have been a test of the DPRK's latest submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

US Reportedly Warns Allies of Sanctions as India Defends Its 'Sovereign Right' to Buy Russian S-400s Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said this week he was "reasonably convinced" that the United States would understand New Delhi's decision to purchase advanced defence equipment, including the S-400 missile defence system, from Russia.

Enemy "not brave enough" to shoot even "one blank" toward Iran: IRGC Cmdr IRNA 03 Oct 2019 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Major-General Hossein Salaami said on Thursday that the enemies of Iran are not brave enough to shoot even one blank cartridge toward Iranian borders.
Revolutionary Guard Commander Warns 'Enemy' Does Not Dare Shoot 'Even One Blank' at Iran Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, amid the ongoing, months-long standoff between Iran and the United States in the Persian Gulf region, Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said that any foreign navy that dares to breach Iran's sea border would face a "bitter fate."
Iran unveils armored vehicle, smart robot IRNA 03 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Army unveiled five new domestically-developed achievements on Thursday, including Ruintan bullet-proof armored light vehicle and Heydar 1 smart robot.
Iran's Army unveils new tactical armored vehicles, smart robots Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Army's Ground Forces has unveiled their newly-build military hardware, including bullet-proof tactical vehicles and smart robots.
Iran Rolls Out Sophisticated Armoured Vehicle, Smart Robot as Regional Tensions Persist Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- In late August, Iran showed off its new Bavar 373 air defence system and other advanced weapons amid an escalation of tensions in the region that followed the US move to send a carrier strike group to the Middle East in May.

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 03 Oct 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 3, 2019

Other Conflicts

3 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Oct 2019

Vietnam Reasserts South China Sea Claims Amid Chinese Ship Onslaught Radio Free Asia 03 Oct 2019 -- Amid renewed tensions with China in the South China Sea, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry asserted the country's claim to the disputed Vanguard Bank Thursday, saying there should be no dispute at all over the westernmost reef in the resource-rich Spratly Islands.

Yemeni Defense Minister Lauds Role of Coalition in Supporting Yemeni Legitimacy SPA 03 Oct 2019 -- Yemeni Defense Minister Major General Mohammad Al-Maqdashi has hailed stances of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen.
Yemen's Houthis Say Preparing New Strikes on Saudi Arabia Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- The Houthi rebel movement, controlling the north of Yemen, said on Thursday it was preparing for new strikes on Saudi Arabia which will be carried out if Riyadh does not respond to its calls for ceasing hostilities.
Efforts Ramping Up to Resolve Yemen Conflict Following Saudi Attacks VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Efforts to resolve the nearly five-year conflict in Yemen are increasing following drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities last month.

Muallem vows to 'liberate every inch' of Syria from terrorists Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem says Syria is resolved to rid the entire Arab country of foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants.
US continues to support SDF with delivery of new truckloads of weapons Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- The United States' support for Kurdish-led militants from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Arab country continues with the latest delivery of dozens of truckloads of weapons and military equipment.
Israel's arbitrary airstrikes on Syrian territory lead to escalation in tensions: Russia FM Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lashed out at the Israeli regime for launching occasional airstrikes on the Syrian territory, noting that such strikes only lead to further escalation of tensions in the region.
US Urges 'Plan B' for Islamic State Fighters, Families in Syria VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- The United States and other countries hoping to deal the Islamic State terror group an enduring defeat risk failure by ignoring the tens of thousands of fighters, women and children stuck in prisons or camps across northeastern Syria, key U.S. officials warn.

FM Cavusoglu casts doubt on joint plan with US in Syria Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Turkey says it has doubts whether joints efforts with the United States to form a so-called safe zone in northeast Syria will ever produce the expected results.

US-Led Coalition Says No Facilities Struck by Blasts in Baghdad's Green Zone Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- The US-led international coalition fighting against the Daesh* terror group said none of its facilities had been hit by blasts that rocked the Green Zone in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

Libya's Oil Corporation Warns of Possible Fall in Oil Output Amid Disagreements With Gov't Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Libya's National Oil Corporation warns of a possible decrease in oil production over the coming nine months amid the government's policy to withhold budgets approved for the company.
Libyan National Army Says Liquidated Over 20 Militants Who Fled US Airstrikes in Southwest Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- The Air Force of the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, liquidated at least 26 militants near the southwestern city of Murzuq as the militants attempted to flee the area in the wake of the US airstrikes, Ahmed Mismari, the LNA spokesman, said on Thursday.

Myanmar Rejects Rohingya Refugee Visit to Rakhine State to Inspect Conditions For Repatriation Radio Free Asia 03 Oct 2019 -- Myanmar has rejected an offer by China to facilitate a visit by a group of Rohingya refugees to its Rakhine state to investigate the situation there ahead of a possible repatriation from temporary camps across the border in Bangladesh, a senior Myanmar foreign ministry official confirmed Thursday.

Steinmeier Deal Sparks Protests in Ukraine, Praise in Moscow VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- The Ukrainian president's support for a deal with pro-Russian rebels that would introduce a special status for Ukraine's breakaway regions drew both outrage and praise across the nation Wednesday.
U.S. Welcomes 'Progress Toward Peace' In Eastern Ukraine, Calls On Russia To Show 'Political Will' RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has welcomed "progress towards peace" in eastern Ukraine, two days after Kyiv, Moscow, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) agreed to move forward with talks to find lasting peace in the Donbas.
Ukraine President Likely to Face Tough Challenge Selling Peace Deal VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will face an uphill battle selling a peace deal he approved midweek with Russia and pro-Moscow separatists in Donbas, which would see two breakaway republics become self-governing, although still part of Ukraine, say analysts.

Addressing the root causes of conflict in the Great Lakes Region UK FCO 03 Oct 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the Great Lakes Region
Security Council must seize 'golden opportunity' for stability in Great Lakes region: UN envoy UN News 03 Oct 2019 -- The international community must step up efforts to end instability around Africa's Great Lakes so that millions there can benefit from its riches, the UN Special Envoy for the region told the Security Council on Thursday.

New electoral law for Somalia 'a crucial next step' says top UN envoy, addressing Partnership Forum UN News 03 Oct 2019 -- The Somalia Partnership Forum concluded on Wednesday in the capital Mogadishu, with attendees - including the UN Special Representative for the country - taking stock of progress made, while also noting remaining challenges and agreeing on a set of priorities moving forward.

Hundreds Return to Burundi as Mass Repatriation Effort Begins VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- More than 500 Burundians were returned to their home country from three Tanzanian refugee camps Thursday, marking the first wave in a massive effort to repatriate people fleeing violence and unrest over the last few years.

National Day Arrests, Forced Singing of China's Praises Rankle Tibetans Radio Free Asia 03 Oct 2019 -- China arrested Tibetans for sending money and forced elderly Tibetans to sing patriotic "red" songs praising the country in the run up to Oct. 1 National Day celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, a Tibetan-American recent visitor to the region told RFA on Thursday.

News Reports

Trump Calls for Ukraine, China to Investigate Biden VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Donald Trump is openly urging foreign governments to investigate his political foes – doubling down on an action that is already the subject of an impeachment inquiry.
Former US Envoy to Ukraine Testifying in Impeachment Inquiry VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Staff from three U.S. House of Representatives committees at the center of an impeachment inquiry involving President Donald Trump and Ukraine are holding a closed-door deposition Thursday with Kurt Volker, the recently resigned U.S. envoy for Ukraine.
Former U.S. Ukraine Envoy On Capitol Hill As First Witness In Whistle-Blower Probe RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- Kurt Volker, the former special U.S. envoy to Ukraine, appeared before lawmakers at Capitol Hill in Washington on October 3 to testify in a Democratic-led impeachment probe of President Donald Trump.
Trump accused of breaching oath after asking China for dirt on Bidens Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has come under fire for openly asking China and Ukraine to help dig up dirt on a possible 2020 Democratic rival, Former Vice President Joe Biden, over his son's business dealings, with top Democrat Representative Adam Schiff saying the move is tantamount to breaching the oath of office.
Trump's Request to China to Probe Biden Breaches His Oath of Office - House Intel Chair Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's request to China to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden is a fundamental breach of his oath of office, US House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Thursday.
Ukraine, China Should Investigate Bidens - Trump Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Ukraine and China should launch investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.

Legislative committee clears bill to allow life sentence for espionage CNA 03 Oct 2019 -- An amendment bill that would increase the maximum penalty for espionage to a life sentence cleared the committee stage in the Legislature on Wednesday.

U.S. And UK Sign Landmark Cross-Border Data Access Agreement to Combat Criminals and Terrorists Online US Dept. of Justice 03 Oct 2019 -- The United States and the United Kingdom entered into the world's first ever CLOUD Act Agreement that will allow American and British law enforcement agencies, with appropriate authorization, to demand electronic data regarding serious crime, including terrorism, child sexual abuse, and cybercrime, directly from tech companies based in the other country, without legal barriers.
US, UK Sign Electronic Data-Sharing Pact Under Controversial Law VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- The United States and the U.K. on Thursday signed an agreement, under a controversial new U.S. law, that will allow law enforcement agencies in the two countries to demand electronic data from tech companies for use in criminal and counterterrorism investigations.

Attorney General Barr Signs Letter to Facebook From US, UK, and Australian Leaders Regarding Use of End-To-End Encryption US Dept. of Justice 03 Oct 2019 -- The Department of Justice today published an open letter to Facebook from international law enforcement partners from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in response to the company's publicly announced plans to implement end-to-end-encryption across its messaging services.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 3, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 Oct 2019

Regulations for EDZ Revised in DPRK KCNA 03 Oct 2019 -- The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea revised some parts of the regulations for the economic development zones (EDZ).
Statement by Head of DPRK Delegation at General Debate of 74th Session of UNGA KCNA 03 Oct 2019 -- The head of the delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made a speech at the general debate of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 30.
China welcomes DPRK and U.S. resuming dialogue: spokesperson People's Daily 03 Oct 2019 -- China on Wednesday said it welcomes the statements of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States to resume dialogue and hopes the two sides will grasp the opportunity to strive for positive outcomes.

Iran seizes group planning to assassinate General Soleimai: IRGC IRNA 03 Oct 2019 -- Head of the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday that the force has arrested a group of terrorist intending to assassinate Major-General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of IRGC Quds Force.
IRGC's intelligence unit thwarts Arab-Israeli plot to assassinate Gen. Soleimani Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- The intelligence unit of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has thwarted an Arab-Israeli plot to assassinate Major General Qassem Soleimani, a globally famous defense strategist who played a key role in the counter-terrorism operations that led to the collapse of the Daesh terror group in Iraq and Syria.
Iran Says It Foiled 'Plot' To Kill Elite Force Commander RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- Iran says it has foiled a plot by Israeli and Arab agencies to assassinate Major-General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
IRGC Intelligence Says Assassination Attempt on Quds Force Commander Soleimani Has Been Foiled - Reports Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- According to Iranian media, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian commander who worked to assist Iraqi and Syrian forces in their battle against Daesh (ISIS)* terrorists and other extremists between 2014 and 2017, was not harmed.

Xi's article on Party building published People's Daily 03 Oct 2019 -- An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Party building, was published Tuesday in the 19th issue of the Qiushi Journal this year.
HK lawmakers urge Lam to pass anti-mask law Global Times 03 Oct 2019 -- A major political group, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), renewed their call for the passing of the anti-mask law amid widespread rampage across the city.
Hong Kong protesters go on rampage, vandalizing city Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Protesters in Hong Kong have gone on a rampage in the Chinese city, clashing with police and risking an escalation as their acts take increasingly violent forms.
Hong Kong Shooting Victim Charged With Rioting Amid Ongoing Protests Radio Free Asia 03 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in Hong Kong on Thursday charged a high school student shot in the chest by police with rioting and assaulting a police officer, as ongoing pro-democracy protests once more prompted the closure of train services.
Reports: Hong Kong to Consider Banning Protesters from Wearing Face Masks VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong is considering an emergency measure that would include a ban on face masks in an attempt to quell the violent anti-Beijing protests that have rocked the financial hub since June.
China Detains Activists Over Criticism of The Ruling Communist Party Radio Free Asia 03 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in China have detained more than 10 people who criticized the ruling Chinese Communist Party around its 70th anniversary and National Day celebrations on Oct. 1.

Iraq declares curfew in Baghdad to protect residents Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has declared a curfew in the capital, Baghdad, until further notice as protests continue against alleged economic problems.
Death Toll Rises To 28 As Protests Spread Across Southern Iraq RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- The death toll from mass protests in Iraq against corruption and unemployment has risen to 28 as turmoil spreads to the south of the country.
Eleven People Killed in Iraq Protests - Reports Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi announced a curfew across the capital of Baghdad on Thursday amid large-scale anti-government protests.
Iraqi Prime Minister Declares Curfew in Baghdad Amid Protests - Reports Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced a curfew across the capital of Baghdad beginning at 05:00 a.m. (02:00 GMT) on Thursday amid large anti-government protests that have rocked the city, local media reported.
Iraq's Violent Protests Raise Fears About Country's Future VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- At least 27 people have been killed and hundreds injured following anti-government protests this week in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, and other cities.
Security Forces Shoot at Iraqi Protesters on Third Day of Demonstrations VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi security forces appeared to shoot at demonstrators Thursday during a third day of protests against corruption and unemployment. Demonstrators appeared to flout a curfew imposed by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to try and keep crowds from congregating near Baghdad's "Green Zone," where many government officials reside.
Death Toll Rises, Hundreds Hurt in Iraq Anti-Government Protests VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- Six people were killed during anti-government protests in Iraq Thursday, raising the death toll to at least 27, authorities said.

Russia's Medvedev In Cuba, Signals Accords, Trade Deals Will Be Signed RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has arrived in the Cuban capital for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with President Miguel Diaz-Canel, tour an energy project on the outskirts of Havana, and see how the city is overhauling its capitol building, whose golden dome came as a gift from Moscow.

Putin: Russia Ready To Prolong Gas Deal With Ukraine If Needed RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he is ready to offer Ukraine a temporary contract for the transit of natural gas if talks fail before the current one with Moscow expires on January 1.

How Russia's Interference In Ukraine Has Altered U.S. Policy Toward Belarus RFE/RL 03 Oct 2019 -- While U.S. relations with Russia remain out in the cold five years after Moscow's seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, ties with Belarus appear to be quickly thawing.

British PM waiting for EU leaders' verdict on his final Brexit plan People's Daily 03 Oct 2019 -- A nail-biting waiting game started Wednesday after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a letter to Brussels which outlined his final deal to break the three-year impasse over Brexit.
UK slipping into recession as service sector shrinks unexpectedly Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- The British economy may have slipped into recession after the dominant services sector took an unexpectedly sharp downturn last month, as firms brace for the risk of a disruptive Brexit, according to a new survey.

Saudi Citizen Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Concealing Attendance at Al Qaeda Training Camp and Visa Fraud US Dept. of Justice 03 Oct 2019 -- Naif Abdulaziz M. Alfallaj, 35, a citizen of Saudi Arabia and a former resident of Weatherford, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 151 months' imprisonment for making a false statement to the FBI about his attendance at an al Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan in late 2000, as well as for visa fraud.

Russia's Rosatom Offers Philippines to Build Small-Capacity Floating Nuclear Power Plants Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Russia is offering to the Philippines to build floating nuclear power plants (NPP) for the island nation in western Pacific, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Alexei Likhachev said Thursday following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.

Peruvian Lawmakers to Appeal Parliament's Dissolution in Constitutional Tribunal Sputnik 03 Oct 2019 -- Peruvian lawmakers will appeal to the Constitutional Tribunal over the president's decision to dissolve the country's opposition-dominated Congress, the legislative body said on Wednesday.

South African, Nigerian Presidents Vow Cooperation After Xenophobic Violence VOA 03 Oct 2019 -- The leaders of Nigeria and South Africa have pledged to take "concrete measures" to stem future outbreaks of xenophobic violence, during a state visit to South Africa by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

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