08 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Statement From Jonathan Hoffman, Chief Pentagon Spokesman DoD 08 Oct 2019
Trump Takes Steps to Ensure Safety of U.S. Special Operators in Syria DoD News 08 Oct 2019 -- President Donald J. Trump has ordered the U.S. military to withdraw about 50 special operators from an area in Syria that may be an avenue for a Turkish incursion into the country.

Regional Al-Qaeda Leader Killed In Afghanistan, Say Officials RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- Afghan officials have confirmed that a regional leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization was killed during a joint U.S.-Afghan raid in southern Afghanistan last month.
US Airstrikes in Afghanistan Hit 10-Year High as War's 18-Year Anniversary Passes Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- In the month before the 18-year anniversary of the Afghan war's initiation, US forces carried out more airstrikes against the Taliban and other Islamist militia targets than they had in 10 years.
Al-Qaida South Asia Chief Killed in Afghanistan Raid VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Al-Qaida's South Asia region chief, Asim Omar, was killed in a raid in southern Afghanistan last month, according to a statement released by Afghanistan's intelligence agency.
In One Afghan Province, the Taliban Safe-Guarded the Elections VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- On Saturday, Sept. 28, the morning of Afghanistan's fourth presidential election, Sabir walked toward the polling center from his home in northeastern Afghanistan, almost sure the exercise was futile.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S. Lawmaker Calls White House Plan To Withdraw From Open Skies Treaty 'Reckless' RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- A top U.S. congressional Democratic lawmaker says President Donald Trump's administration is looking at withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty, the latest in a series of major arms-control and disarmament accords that are on the verge of collapse.
Senator Engel Concerned Over Reports of White House Plans to Abandon Open Skies Treaty - Letter Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- The Treaty on Open Skies allows participants to carry out aerial surveillance as part of a program of scheduled observation flights, with the aim of gathering information about military forces.
Guam National Guard helps protect anti-ballistic missile defense system Army News 08 Oct 2019 -- The 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade command team personally welcomed members of Task Force Talon to the team during a visit to Guam, Oct. 6-8.
PRNG and its landing craft support the islands of Vieques and Culebra Army News 08 Oct 2019 -- The Governor of Puerto Rico, honorable Wanda Vazquez Garced, signed Executive Order 2019-054 activating the Puerto Rico National Guard in support of the Maritime Transport Authority (MTA) and the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra.
San Francisco Hosts Annual Civilian, Military Exercise during Fleet Week NNS 08 Oct 2019 -- San Francisco Fleet Week 2019 began as the military worked in collaboration with the city of San Francisco to hold the annual Defense Support of Civil Authority (DSCA) exercise.
DOD Civilians Deploy to Support Warfighters DoD News 08 Oct 2019 -- Putting the right people in the right place at the right time is the Defense Department's talent management goal, the director of DOD's Expeditionary Civilian Program said.
DOD Looks to Future of Logistics DoD News 08 Oct 2019 -- The most junior personnel in logistics today are going to have to come up with creative ideas on how to set and sustain a theater of operations for logistics, resupply and repair in a new world dominated by global power competition, a senior Defense Department official said.
Every ounce matters: Army, Marines collaborate to develop lightweight ammo Army News 08 Oct 2019 -- As the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq intensified in the early 2000s, images of American warfighters carrying impossible loads while moving into operational theaters were all over the media. These images began an intense debate over how much we were asking our warfighters to carry and how materiel developers needed to prioritize lightening the load. The development community across the services took a hard look from the warfighter level at each piece of equipment to reduce ounces or pounds.
Navy Commissions Newest Littoral Combat Ship - USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) NNS 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Navy commissioned the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) during a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5, in Gulfport, Miss.
US announces largest European war games since Cold War Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States military has announced plans to hold what is said to be the largest US-led drills in Europe early next year.
F-16 crashes near Spangdahlem AB, pilot OK US Air Force 08 Oct 2019 -- A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed Oct. 8 at about 3 p.m. CEST, near Zemmer, Germany, during a routine training sortie.
Air Force supports Army's exercise Arctic Anvil 2019 US Air Force 08 Oct 2019 -- Airmen from the 815th and 327th Airlift Squadrons provided airlift and airdrop support for the Army's exercise Arctic Anvil, Oct. 1-6.

Norway Says No to NATO's Missile Defence Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- While boosting its defence expenditure to come closer to NATO's spending target, Oslo decided against joining its missile defence network for the time being.

Russia 'closely watching US work on new weapon systems' Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Russia says it is closely watching the United States' work on developing new weapon systems, months after Washington abandoned an arms control treaty with Moscow.
Russian Armed Forces' New Weapons Share to Grow to 68% by End of 2019 - Defenсe Minister Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- The Russian Armed Forces' share of new weapons and technology will increase to 68 percent by the end of 2019, with the government having allocated 1.5 trillion rubles ($23 billion) for rearmament, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.

Gyroplane can send stealth missions: report Global Times 08 Oct 2019 -- A record-breaking gyroplane which debuted at the National Day parade on October 1 was made by a private company, which industry reports said Monday indicates the success of China's civil-military integration.
J-15s have become navy's 'iron fist' People's Daily 08 Oct 2019 -- Dubbed 'blade dancers', pilots of carrier-borne jets maneuver through honorable parade

France delivers first Rafale fighter jets to India Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- India has received the first batch of three dozen Rafale fighter jets purchased from France in a multi-billion-dollar deal in 2016, amid heightened military tensions with neighboring Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Receives First Rafale From France Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Indo-French Strategic Partnership was a new high in bilateral defence cooperation and it would continue to grow and contribute to global peace, prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Iran Unveils Kit to Turn Artillery Rockets Into Guided Missiles – Report Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- The system was introduced alongside a number of other armaments and was officially delivered to the Iranian armed forces during the presentation.

Taiwan seeking long-term U.S. logistic support: defense official CNA 08 Oct 2019 -- A Taiwanese defense official has appealed to the United States to provide Taiwan long-term logistic support in addition to the sales of arms made to bolster the country's defenses.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 8, 2019

Other Conflicts

8 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Oct 2019

Yemeni forces ready to fight back any act of aggression: Army spox Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says Yemeni Army troops and allied fighters from Popular Committees are fully prepared to counter any threat posed by the Saudi-led coalition of aggression and retaliate against any act of animosity.

UN chief urges 'maximum restraint' following policy shift over northeastern Syria UN News 08 Oct 2019 -- The UN chief on Tuesday expressed "great concern" over recent policy statements made regarding northeastern Syria, following the announcement from the United States at the start of the week, that it would withdraw troops from the area close to the border with Turkey.
Turkish Military Proclaims Itself Ready to Move Against Kurds in Syria VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Turkish military officials say their troops are ready to launch a long-planned incursion into Syria to take out Kurdish forces branded by Ankara as terrorists, but viewed by much of the West as key partners in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
Trump Praises Kurds, Turkey as Confrontation Looms VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Tuesday that he is not abandoning Kurdish forces in Syria, despite his orders to withdraw U.S. special forces from the Syrian-Turkish border region to make way for a Turkish incursion.
Iran opposes any probable military operation in Syria ISNA 08 Oct 2019 -- Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the presence of US forces in Syria as illegitimate, stressing that Washington's decision to end the occupation of Syrian territories and withdraw its troops from the region should have implemented much earlier.
U.S. starts withdrawing from Syria-Turkey borderline amid anticipated Turkish campaign People's Daily 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States on Monday pulled out forces from observation points in northeastern Syria along the borderline with Turkey amid threats by Ankara to launch a military campaign against the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, a war monitor reported.
Russia warns actions that could stall peace process in Syria Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Russia's Security Council has warned against actions that could endanger the peace process in Syria, after Turkey's Defense Ministry said Ankara was ready for a military operation against Kurdish militants from the People's Protection Units (YPG) to push them away from border areas.
Syrian Kurds hint at possible talks with Damascus amid US troops withdrawal Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- A top Kurdish official says the Kurdish forces controlling northern Syria may open talks with Damascus and Russia, after the United States announced it was withdrawing troops from the area in the wake of Ankara's looming military operation against Kurdish militants from the People's Protection Units (YPG).
Trump's withdrawal decision leaves Britain's Syria policy in disarray Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American military forces from the Syria-Turkey border has caught everyone by surprise, including the UK, which counts as one of America's strongest allies.
US president defends decision to allow Turkey to attack Syria Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to let Turkey attack Kurdish militants in Syria by withdrawing American forces from the north of the war-ravaged country.
Pentagon: Trump Consulted With US Defense Secretary Over Turkish Military Action in Syria Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump consulted with both US Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley "over the last several days" regarding the potential Turkish military action in Syria, Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman revealed Tuesday.
Trump Vows to Stand By Kurds, Appeases Turkey Ahead of Ankara's Offensive in Syria Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Trump's praise for Turkey appears to contradict an earlier statement in which he threatened to "obliterate" Turkey's economy if Ankara did anything "off-limits" in regard to its incoming military operation in Syria.
US Has Not Informed Russia On Syria Troop Withdrawal, Russia Not Sure It's Happening - Kremlin Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Earlier on Tuesday, the Turkish Defence Ministry said that all preparations for a military operation in Syria had been completed. Ankara says the establishment of a safe zone is necessary to ensure the peace and stability of the region.
US Senator McConnell Calls on Trump to Prevent Turkey-Kurd Conflict in Northern Syria Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump must work to deter any conflict between Turkey and Kurdish fighters in order to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday.
Turkish Defence Ministry Says Preparations For Military Operation in Syria Complete Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, Syrian media reported that Turkish jets had attacked a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) military base near the city of al-Malikiya in the Hasakah province.
Washington Says No Turkish Military Operation Launched in Syria - US Official Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Syrian media reported earlier on Monday that Turkish jets had pounded an alleged military base of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near the city of al-Malikiya in Syria's Hasakah province. At least two bridges were reportedly destroyed at the Samalka checkpoint.

Turkey Draws Up Special Forces On Syrian Border Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- While Turkey is making the final preparations for the military operation in northeast Syria, the redeployment of armed forces in this region continues to be carried out.
Turkey's Parliament Extends By One Year Permission to Use Troops in Syria, Iraq Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- This comes amid Turkey's announcement that it would launch a military operation on the border with Syria to oust Kurdish militants and establish a "safe zone" to accommodate millions of Syrian refugees in the area.

Some progress made towards security in Mali, but still a long way to go, Security Council hears UN News 08 Oct 2019 -- Some progress has been made towards restoring peace and stability in Mali as outlined in a fragile 2015 peace deal, yet sustainable peace developments are not happening fast enough, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.

Thousands of Congolese Refugees Returning to Conflict-Battered Kasai VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. refugee agency says it expects to assist more than 4,000 refugees in Angola who want to return to their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai province. A first group of several hundred refugees will return this week as part of a voluntary repatriation.

Kremlin Sees Role For U.S. In Helping Resolve Conflict With Ukraine RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- The Kremlin says the United States could play a role in helping resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict given Washington's influence in Kyiv.
Ukraine Spy Agency Says Extracted 'Witness' Of Russian Army Presence In Donbas RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) says it extracted a witness of Russia's military presence in the separatist-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine from the city of Sorokyne (formerly Krasnodon) in the Luhansk region into government-controlled territory.

US Envoy to South Sudan: Implement Peace Deal or Face Sanctions VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. ambassador to South Sudan, Thomas Hushek, said the U.S. stands ready to impose more sanctions if President Salva Kiir's administration does not implement the deal to end South Sudan's civil conflict.

News Reports

Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 08 Oct 2019
Pelosi Statement on Trump Administration Refusal to Comply with House Subpoenas Nancy Pelosi - Speaker of the House 08 Oct 2019 -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement when the White House asserted that the Administration will not comply with House Committee subpoenas as part of the impeachment inquiry, making false claims about the Constitution, House rules and House precedent:
White House Refusing to Participate in Impeachment Inquiry VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The White House says it will not participate in what it calls the unconstitutional impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
Phone Call That Started Impeachment Inquiry VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The whistleblower complaint at the heart of House Democrats impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump focuses on a July phone call he had with Ukraine's president. What is the controversy about?
House Democratic Leaders to Subpoena US Ambassador Sondland VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The Democratic chairmen of three House committees said Tuesday they plan to subpoena U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland after the administration of President Donald Trump ordered him not to appear before them for questioning related to the impeachment inquiry into Trump.
House Democrats Subpoena Pentagon, Prepare to Depose Ambassador in Impeachment Inquiry VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Three U.S. House of Representatives committees are set to question Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, on Tuesday to find out more about the interactions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian officials.
US House panel criticizes State Department for withholding evidence Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States House Intelligence Committee has criticized the State Department for withholding damning information from the Ukraine case against President Donald Trump.
House Democrats subpoena Pentagon as Trump impeachment probe widens Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives have issued subpoenas to the Pentagon, stepping up their efforts to impeach President Donald Trump over his push to smear former Vice President Joe Biden, his chief rival in the 2020 elections.
State Department Blocks Key Diplomat From Appearing In Impeachment Probe RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- A lawyer for the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland says the State Department has ordered him not to appear for a scheduled interview before lawmakers in the House of Representatives as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
Trump-Zelensky Call Was 'Crazy', 'Frightening', Whistleblower Claims Amid Impeachment Probe - Report Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Late last week, it was reported that a second US intelligence official is considering submitting his own whistleblower complaint over US President Donald Trump's phone call with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in July. Earlier, the first whistleblower's complaint over the call triggered an impeachment process against Trump.

Senate Intel Committee Releases Bipartisan Report on Russia's Use of Social Media Senator Mark Warner 08 Oct 2019 -- "Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released a new report titled, "Russia's Use of Social Media." It is the second volume released in the Committee's bipartisan investigation into Russia's attempts to interfere with the 2016 U.S. election."
U.S. Senate Panel Blasts Russian Election Meddling, Efforts To 'Sow Discord' RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- A bipartisan U.S. Senate report on Russia's use of social media has determined that a Kremlin-backed "troll farm" sought to boost the campaign of Donald Trump and hurt rival Hilary Clinton, largely backing up the conclusions of the U.S. intelligence community.
US Senate Panel Report Calls for Plan to Prevent Meddling in 2020 Presidential Election VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee has issued a bipartisan report that calls on the U.S. government and private industry to prevent social media sites from being used to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, as they were in 2016.

US Apprehensions on Southern Border Drop for Fourth Consecutive Month - Commissioner Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Caravans of migrants from Central American countries seeking asylum began to move toward the United States through Mexico last fall. US President Donald Trump called the surge of arrivals a crisis and declared a national emergency in February to secure funds to build a wall on the border with Mexico.
Press Briefing by Acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan The White House 08 Oct 2019

FISA Court Secretly Ruled That FBI Violated Rights of Thousands of Americans - Reports Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- The FBI violated the constitutional rights of tens of thousands of US citizens, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) ruled in 2018 but its finding was kept in secret, US media reported.

Maduro Vows to Keep Venezuelan Army Deployed at Colombian Border After Military Drills Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Large-scale military exercises were held near the Colombian border between 10-28 September. According to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Caracas also deployed air defence systems at its border for the drills, stressing that the country was boosting its forces in the area amid the threat of possible aggression by Colombia.

Sudan Opposition Leader Says Reform a Slow Process VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Months of peaceful protests helped force Sudan's autocratic President Omar al-Bashir out of office in April after 30 years.

'Avalanche Of Lies': Anti-Doping Body's Probe Exposes Bad Blood In Russian Sports RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- Moscow has some explaining to do - and fast - regarding why positive drug-test results were missing from a massive database that is key to an investigation into a doping scandal that has shut Russia out of international sporting competitions.

Experts: Prospects for Future US, North Korea Talks Grow Dim VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- North Korea's insincerity toward denuclearization and its demand for greater U.S. concessions are making the possibility of serious working-level talks with Washington dim, experts say.
UN Diplomats Urge Resumption of US, North Korea Talks VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council met behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss North Korea's Oct. 2 ballistic missile launch.

EU foreign policy chief calls for saving Iran nuclear deal IRNA 08 Oct 2019 -- Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative for Foreign Policy and Vice President-designate of the European Commission urged EU to preserve Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran knows how to resist in difficult times: Oil minister Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh says the country knows how to cope with sanctions that have restricted its direct sale of oil.
Enemies know pressure campaign against Iran has failed: President Rouhani Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the country's enemies have realized, although not admitting it, that their "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian nation has been futile and should be set aside.
Reports: Chinese Energy Giant Was Under US Pressure to Exit Iran Gas Project VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Published reports say a Chinese state energy company that appears to have pulled out of a natural gas project in Iran had been under pressure to do so because of U.S. sanctions against Tehran.

China vows protective measures against new US sanctions Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- China says it will take firm and resolute measures to protect its sovereign security after the United States added 28 Chinese entities to its trade blacklist.
US Blacklists 28 Chinese Entities Citing Rights Abuses in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce has blacklisted 28 governmental or commercial entities from China it said are implicated in rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic Muslim minorities in the country's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
U.S. Blacklists Chinese Organizations Over 'Repression' In Xinjiang RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States has blacklisted 28 Chinese organizations for their alleged involvement in "human rights violations and abuses" against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups in China's far western region of Xinjiang.
US Sanctions 28 Chinese Entities Over Situation in Xinjiang Province Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States added 28 Chinese security agencies and companies involved in a crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang province to a list restricting licenses needed to trade with the United States, the US Commerce Department said on Monday.
U.S. Department of State Imposes Visa Restrictions on Chinese Officials for Repression in Xinjiang US Dept. of State 08 Oct 2019 -- The Chinese government has instituted a highly repressive campaign against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) that includes mass detentions in internment camps; pervasive, high-tech surveillance; draconian controls on expressions of cultural and religious identities; and coercion of individuals to return from abroad to an often perilous fate in China.
US Puts Visa Restrictions on Chinese Officials Over Treatment of Muslims VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States is imposing visa restrictions on the Chinese government and Communist Party officials who are believed to be responsible for the detention or abuse of the Uighurs – Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, China.
Lam Wants Hong Kong to Resolve Protests on Its Own, Won't Rule Out Mainland Help VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said Tuesday she would not rule out getting help from mainland China to deal with pro-democracy protests, but that she feels strongly Hong Kong "should find the solution ourselves."
Anti-mask law needs time to be fully effective: HK chief Global Times 08 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Tuesday that the anti-mask law will need time to be fully effective after spiraling violence engulfed the city again over the weekend, putting more strain on the declining economy.
First violators of anti-mask law charged People's Daily 08 Oct 2019 -- HK govt condemned violence, vandalism taking place over 18 straight weekends
Hong Kong 'will not use emergency powers for more laws' Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong's leader says her government has no plan to use emergency powers to enact new laws beyond a ban on wearing masks during increasingly violent protests.
Hong Kong's Leader 'Doesn't Rule Out' Asking For China to Intervene in Protests Radio Free Asia 08 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that her administration hasn't ruled out asking the ruling Chinese Communist Party for help to deal with mass street protests that have gripped the city since June.
Hong Kong Chief Lam Warns Military Could Step In if Situation 'Becomes Bad' Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam warned on Tuesday that the Chinese military could step in if the ongoing protests in the city continue, adding that four months of protests marked by a sharp escalation in police violence and protester blow-back was no longer "a peaceful movement for democracy", media reported.
Uganda States Support for Beijing on Hong Kong Protests VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- As China continues to face criticism for pressuring Hong Kong on the ongoing democracy protests, Beijing received an odd voice of support from Uganda, where analysts say Kampala is backing Beijing as a gesture to China due to Kampala's growing economic reliance on the Asian giant.
China-Solomon Islands ties get boost Global Times 08 Oct 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry said the visit of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to China will enhance the trust and deepen the relations between the two countries, which experts noted will serve as a model to countries still sharing "diplomatic ties" with the island of Taiwan.

China's isolation of Taiwan hinders regional stability: Tsai CNA 08 Oct 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday condemned China's ongoing efforts to isolate the country internationally, saying that such oppression hinders regional peace.

Work and reforms of the UN 'at risk', Guterres warns Member States, amidst 'record-level' cash crisis UN News 08 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations is facing a severe shortage of cash, and unless more Governments pay their annual dues, "our work and our reforms are at risk", the UN chief António Guterres told Member States on Tuesday.
UN Chief: Budget Shortfalls Impacting Work VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. Secretary-General warned Tuesday that the organization is facing its "deepest deficit of the decade" and might not be able to pay all its staff in November.

Iraq unveils new set of reforms to meet protesters' demands Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- The Iraqi government has submitted a new series of reforms in an effort to respond to protests against corruption, staggering youth unemployment and poor public services, which started in the capital Baghdad last week and then spread to other cities.
Iraq's Salih calls for national dialog, deplores attacks on protesters, security forces Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Iraq's President Barham Salih has condemned as "unacceptable'' the recent acts of violence targeting protesters, journalists and security forces amid a spate of unrest gripping the Arab country, warning against foreign attempts to fish in troubled waters.
Iraqi President Condemns Attacks on Protesters VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih has condemned attacks on anti-government protesters and media after a week of demonstrations and related clashes left more than 100 people dead and 6,000 wounded.

Facing protesters' wrath, Ecuador government relocates out of capital Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Ecuador's president says he has moved his government from the capital, Quito, to the coastal city of Guayaquil, as angry protesters converge on the capital city to rebuke him over rising fuel prices.
Protests over fuel prices escalate in Ecuador, oil facilities seized Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- Hundreds of people in Ecuador have clashed with security forces as they marched toward the country's capital of Quito to protest soaring fuel prices.
Ecuadorian President Moves Capital to Guayaquil Amid Ongoing Protests Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- The rallies erupted on Thursday in response to new austerity measures, including ending decades-long fuel subsidies, that the government wants to implement to become eligible for a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Fitch downgrades Aramco in blow to mammoth Saudi plan Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- International credit rating agency Fitch has downgraded Saudi Aramco in a blow to the kingdom's plans to attract foreign capital and diversify away from oil.

Turkey's New Internet Regulations Spark Fears of New Wave of Censorship VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- In Turkey, new controls regulating internet use have come into force. The government says all broadcasters, who are already restricted, need to abide by the same rules on the internet, but critics claim the new measures are an attempt to silence the last platform for independent journalism.

EU accuses Boris Johnson of wrecking chances for a Brexit deal Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- As the Brexit drama continues its twists and turns, it is looking increasingly unlikely that a new deal can be agreed before Britain's scheduled departure from the European Union (EU) on October 31.

EU Observers Say Kosovo Polls 'Transparent' Despite Examples Of 'Intimidation' RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- European Union observers say Kosovo's parliamentary elections were "well-administered and transparent," but pointed out shortcomings including the "intimidation" of ethnic Serbs by the main party representing the country's Serb minority.

Azerbaijan's Parliament Approves Asadov As PM Hours After Predecessor's Surprise Resignation RFE/RL 08 Oct 2019 -- Azerbaijan's parliament has approved former presidential aide Ali Asadov as the new prime minister just hours after Norvuz Mammadov tendered his resignation.
Ali Asadov Approved as Azerbaijani Prime Minister Following Mamedov's Resignation Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Novruz Mamedov has served as the 8th Prime Minister of Azerbaijan since 21 April 2018. According to the Azerbaijani constitution, the new Prime Minister is appointed by the head of state with the approval of the country's parliament.

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