04 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US CENTCOM Confirms Its Military Convoy Came Under Fire in Syria, Patrol Untouched Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- A US military convoy in northeastern Syria has come under fire from local Turkey-backed radicals but was not hit, a representative of the Central Command (CENTCOM) of the United States said on Monday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Army rotational aviation forces transfer authority for Atlantic Resolve Army News 04 Nov 2019 -- After a nine month rotation, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division officially transferred authority to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division on Friday November 1, 2019.
Mission expansion puts Benelux on the map Army News 04 Nov 2019 -- During their recent visit to U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, Tommy Mize, Director of Installation Management Command-Europe and Command Sgt. Maj. Samara Pitre, his senior enlisted advisor, were able to see first-hand how the garrison is evolving in every community.
NCAGS provides critical support to maritime security CENTCOM 04 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. Navy has surged critical support to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command to provide expanded interface between military and merchant shipping as part of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).
Ronald Reagan Strike Group Conducts Bilateral Exercise with Japanese Maritime Forces NNS 04 Nov 2019 -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Escort Division 12 conducted bilateral exercise at sea in support of regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Oct. 24-Nov. 2.
NIWC Atlantic Supports Marine Technology at Island Marauder 2019 NNS 04 Nov 2019 -- In late September, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic engineers and scientists traveled to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to support Marines using state-of-the-art communications systems during Island Marauder 2019.

NATO Commences Exercise Iron Wolf Near Russian Borders Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- During a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that while attempts to create tensions at borders were unwelcome, Russia would remain calm during NATO exercises.

Military Contractor Deaths Raise Questions About Russia's Security Presence in Africa VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- The possible deaths in northern Mozambique of military contractors employed by a Russian firm are raising new questions about Russia's security presence in Africa.

New rocket launcher shows versatility, superiority: report Global Times 04 Nov 2019 -- China's new multiple rocket launcher, which debuted at the National Day parade on October 1, not only fires rockets, but also tactical ballistic and anti-ship missiles, Chinese media reported, with experts saying on Monday the weapon could give the Chinese military an overwhelming advantage over enemies.
Images Emerge of China's New Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Mounted Under Bomber Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Images appeared in a popular Chinese military magazine recently offering the first look at the country's upcoming air-launched ballistic missile, slung under the belly of an H-6N bomber. Observers noted its similarity to China's Dong Feng-15 missile, as well as Russia's Kinzhal.
World's fastest ultra-light aircraft to be produced in China: report Global Times 04 Nov 2019 -- The Shark, the world's fastest ultra-light aircraft from Czech, which is scheduled to begin production in China next year, is expected to be a star at the 2nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) which runs from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai.

Ankara to Study Moscow's Proposal for Russian Fighters Jets Supply Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Washington previously announced its decision to suspend Ankara's participation in the international F-35 programme over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400s, adding that Turkey would be completely removed from the project by late March 2020.
Delivery of Russian S-400 second batch might be delayed: Turkey Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- A senior Turkish official says the delivery of a second batch of Russian S-400 missile defense systems may be postponed beyond a planned 2020 timeline after bilateral talks on technology sharing and joint production.
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 04 Nov 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 4, 2019

Other Conflicts

4 November 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Nov 2019

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accuses Beijing of 'intimidation' in South China Sea Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien has accused Beijing of "intimidation" in the South China Sea during a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
US Accuses China of Intimidating Southeast Asian Nations Over South China Sea Radio Free Asia 04 Nov 2019 -- China should not be able to dictate terms of use in the South China Sea to smaller nations who have their own claims to the strategic waterway, a top U.S. security official told Southeast Asian leaders and officials gathered in Bangkok on Monday for annual talks.
US Denounces China's Military Buildup in S. China SeaUS Denounces China's Military Buildup in S. China Sea VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- U.S. national security adviser Robert O'Brien denounced China's ongoing military buildup in the South China Sea at a meeting of Southeast Asian leaders in Thailand Monday.
Vietnam Gets a US Confidence Boost in China Sea Dispute VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- There is not often good news coming out of the territorial disputes of the South China Sea, but Vietnam, in its tensions with China, could take solace in recent remarks from some of Washington's high level emissaries, who have given a boost to the Southeast Asian nation.

Al-Houthi militia Continues Violating Ceasefire Agreement in 3 Directorates in Hodeidah SPA 04 Nov 2019 -- Yemeni military sources said that the Iranian-backed Al-Houthi terrorist militia mobilized dozens of its militants on the outskirts of Al-Durahimi directorate, south of the western port city of Yemen, while continuing attacks on Yemeni army positions in different parts of the southern towns of the governorate.

UNICEF urges governments to repatriate thousands of foreign children stranded in northeast Syria UN News 04 Nov 2019 -- The head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is appealing for countries to repatriate scores of foreign children who are stranded in northeast Syria in the wake of the Turkish-launched offensive which began last month.

Turkey Reportedly Captures Dead Daesh Leader's Sister, Calls It 'Intelligence Gold Mine' Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- An unnamed Turkish official said the woman is being interrogated along with her husband, but did not provide further details.
Turkey says it will certainly repatriate Daesh prisoners even if citizenships revoked Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Turkey reiterates that it will surely send captured members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group back to their countries of origin even if those countries have stripped them of their citizenship, lambasting the approach adopted by European countries on the issue.

Turkish forces neutralize PKK terrorist listed in Ankara's most wanted Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Turkish forces have killed one of the most wanted members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group during a counter-terrorism operation in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

Egyptian security forces kill 83 militants in North Sinai since late September: Military Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Egyptian security forces have killed 83 suspected Takfiri terrorists and arrested dozens of criminals in the restive North Sinai region during the past month, the army says.

Grenade attack kills one, injures 34 in India-controlled Kashmir Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- A grenade attack has reportedly left one dead and at least 34 people injured in Indian-administered Kashmir's main city of Srinagar.
At Least One Dead, 18 Wounded in Grenade Attack in Jammu and Kashmir Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- It's been three months since India stripped the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, thereby escalating tensions with Pakistan.
Kartapur Corridor: Indian Intel Reportedly Issues Alert on Alleged Terror Training in Pakistan Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Local media reports suggests that Indian security agencies are discussing border issues in Punjab amid growing concerns over the existence of alleged terrorist training camps in Pakistan.

Hamas says downed drone as Israel threatens new war Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Hamas says it has shot down an Israeli drone over the Gaza Strip where tensions have heightened amid an Israeli threat to launch a ground war on the besieged enclave.
Hamas Reportedly Claims It Downed Israeli Drone Amid Escalating Gaza Tension Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- A dangerous escalation of tensions near the Gaza Strip border comes against the backdrop of Tel Aviv's threat to launch a ground war on the Palestinian enclave, as Israeli fighter jets struck targets in Gaza in retaliation for recent rockets launched from near the border.

US Helps Senegal Defend Against Sahel Extremists VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- The West African country of Senegal is known for its stable democracy and peaceful culture. But as terrorist activity expands across the Sahel, the threat of extremism has grown in the country – so much so that the United States government is ramping up efforts to help Senegal secure its borders.

Amid Mourning, Malians Press for Action Against Terrorists VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- As Mali began three days of mourning Monday for 54 people killed in a militant attack last week, locals expressed fear about a surge in violence and some analysts called for stepped-up military intelligence and collaboration.

News Reports

COMMITTEES RELEASE TESTIMONY OF YOVANOVITCH AND McKINLEY AS PART OF NEW PUBLIC PHASE OF IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY HPSCI 04 Nov 2019 -- Today, Rep. Adam B. Schiff, the Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the Acting Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, released the transcripts of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie "Masha" Yovanovitch and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State Ambassador P. Michael McKinley.
Former U.S. Ambassador To Ukraine Tells Lawmakers She Felt 'Threatened' By Trump RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- Marie Yovanovitch, who was abruptly recalled as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine earlier this year, told congressional investigators that she felt unsupported by the State Department prior to her departure, and threatened by President Donald Trump afterward.
Trump: Written Answers from Whistleblower Unacceptable VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, faced with a mounting impeachment inquiry, said Monday that written answers are not good enough from the whistleblower who first disclosed that he had pressed Ukraine to pursue investigations of one of his chief 2020 Democratic political rivals, former Vice President Joe Biden.
Whistleblower offers to take written questions in Trump impeachment inquiry People's Daily 04 Nov 2019 -- The anonymous whistleblower whose complaint triggered an impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to answer written questions from Republican lawmakers, an attorney said on Sunday, as the process is dividing Washington further.
White House officials scheduled for House inquiry depositions won't testify Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- All four White House officials who are scheduled to appear before Democratic-led committees on Monday to give depositions as part of an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump will not show up, a report says.
U.S. Lawmakers Release Transcript Of Interview With Former Ukraine Ambassador RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- Marie Yovanovitch, who was abruptly recalled as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine earlier this year, told congressional investigators that she felt unsupported by the State Department prior to her departure, and threatened by President Donald Trump after.

US Notifies UN It Will Withdraw From Paris Climate Deal VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- The United States announced Monday that it has notified the United Nations that it will begin its withdrawal from the 2015 Paris climate agreement to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
US Formally Notifies United Nations of Withdrawal From Paris Climate Accord - State Department Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- According to Article 28 of the Paris Climate Agreement, a country can exit the deal as early as 4 November 2020, provided that its government sends a withdrawal notification to the United Nations one year prior to that date.

Several Southeast Asian leaders snub meeting with US officials in Bangkok Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Most Southeast Asian leaders have skipped a session with US officials after President Donald Trump decided to avoid an ongoing regional annual summit in Thailand's capital of Bangkok.

Venezuela's Maduro slams Salvadoran pres. as 'traitor' amid diplomatic row Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has called his El Salvadoran counterpart, Nayib Bukele, a "traitor" after the latter expelled diplomats representing the Caracas government from the Central American state.
Maduro Accuses El Salvador's President of 'Cowering' Before US 'Imperialists' Amid Diplomatic Row Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Caracas moved to expel El Salvador's diplomats on Sunday after the Central American country gave Venezuela's diplomats 48 hours to leave San Salvador.

Bulgarian Accused Of Spying Receives An Award From Putin RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- A former Bulgarian lawmaker who has been accused of spying on behalf of Russia traveled to Moscow after being given special court permission and received an award personally from President Vladimir Putin.

South Korean Intelligence Believes Trump-Kim Summit May Take Place in December - Reports Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) said on Monday during the parliamentary audit that the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un may take place in December, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported.
Report: Sanctions on N. Korea Not Working; Harming Civilian Population VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- A new report finds sanctions imposed on North Korea are failing to advance denuclearization prospects on the Korean Peninsula, while causing immense suffering to the civilian population. An international, multi-disciplinary panel of independent experts compiled the report. The report is the first comprehensive assessment of the human impact of sanctions against North Korea.

Treasury Designates Supreme Leader of Iran's Inner Circle Responsible for Advancing Regime's Domestic and Foreign Oppression US Treasury 04 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today against Iran's Armed Forces General Staff and nine individuals who are appointees of, or have acted for or on behalf of, Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime's unelected Supreme Leader whose office is responsible for advancing Iran's radical agenda.
Americans understand well that sanctions won't lead them to victory: President Rouhani ISNA 04 Nov 2019 -- Speaking at cabinet session on Sunday evening, Iran's President expressed congratulations over Aban 13 (November 4), anniversary of the takeover of the Den of Spies, and said, "Aban 13 is the reminiscent of students' devotion in sear for the right and independence of the Iranian nation".
U.S. Sanctions Nine Iranians Linked To Khamenei, Tehran Announces New Violations Of Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- The United States has slapped sanctions on nine people connected to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among them his chief of staff, one of his sons, and the head of Iran's judiciary.
Iran Foreign Ministry Slams US Sanctions Against General Staff as Useless Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- The United States on Monday sanctioned the general staff of the Iranian armed forces and nine people, including the son of the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US Imposes Sanctions Against Iranian Leader's Son, Armed Forces General Staff - Treasury Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- The new sanctions were announced on Monday, 4 November, on the 40th anniversary of the seizure of US Embassy in Tehran which marked the beginning of the 444-day Iran hostage crisis.
Iran Announces New Violations Of Nuclear Deal On U.S. Embassy Crisis Anniversary RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran says it has further scaled back its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, saying it is now operating twice as many advanced centrifuges banned by the agreement.
Iran to unveil 4th step of scaling down JCPOA within 2 days:Gov't spox IRNA 04 Nov 2019 -- Government spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Monday that as per schedule Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will announce the 4th step of reducing JCPOA commitments within two days.
Iran starts injecting gas into IR6 centrifuges in Natanz IRNA 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran starts injecting gas into IR6 centrifuges in Natanz in presence of the Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi on Monday.
Iran starts injecting gas into advanced IR-6 centrifuges Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran has officially started injecting gas into advanced IR-6 centrifuges through a ceremony at Natanz Nuclear Facility, which was attended by Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi.
US Warns Iran on Use of More Advanced Centrifuges VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran is marking the 40th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran with an announcement that it is speeding up uranium processing.
Iran Announces Use of More Advanced Centrifuges VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran's nuclear chief announced Monday the country is operating dozens of advanced centrifuges in a move that further goes against the 2015 agreement the country signed with a group of world powers.
Iran launches chain of 30 IR-6 centrifuges in Natanz facility ISNA 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran unveiled and launched a chain of 30 IR-6 centrifuges in Natanz nuclear facility on Monday in the presence of the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi.
Iran Working on Centrifuge Prototype 50 Times Faster Than Allowed by Nuclear Deal, Official Says Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- As part of the nuclear deal, Iran was limited to using only 5,060 first-generation IR-1 centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
40 Years After Hostage Crisis, Iran Remains Hotbed of Terrorism DoD News 04 Nov 2019 -- Forty years ago today, a crowd of college students broke into the housing complex at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, and took 66 Americans hostage, including 26 service members.
US issues fresh sanctions on nine Iranian individuals, one entity Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and one entity, "who are appointees of, or have acted for or on behalf" of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Iran making oil compressors, turbines on its own: Minister Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Iran's oil minister says key equipment used in oil and gas fields is currently manufactured inside the country without any direct support of the industrial giants of the world.
Iranian Military Warns States Hosting US Bases: You Will Be Targeted in Event of American Aggression Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- The US and Iran have repeatedly threatened one another with deadly consequences in the event of hostilities, with the US move to send a carrier strike group to the Middle East and to set up a maritime security coalition to protect shipping in the Persian Gulf leading tensions to spike to dangerous new levels.

Glorifying violence will only kill Hong Kong: police Global Times 04 Nov 2019 -- A Hong Kong police spokesman on Monday slammed violence against common residents over the weekend in the city as "inhuman" and said rationalizing and glorifying violence will only kill Hong Kong.
Three critically injured in Hong Kong's weekend of violence amid calls in China for 'tougher' stance Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Officials in Hong Kong say three people have been left critically injured during yet another weekend of violent clashes between protesters and police, which prompted calls in mainland China for a "tougher" stance to end months of chaos in the Asian financial hub.
China's Xi Affirms Confidence in Hong Kong Leader VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping told Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday that he had confidence in her as protests in the semiautonomous city continue.
Li urges China, ASEAN to uphold multilateralism, free trade People's Daily 04 Nov 2019 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday called on China and ASEAN to uphold multilateralism and free trade, resist risks and realize common development at the 22nd China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting in Bangkok.
Rumors Swirl in China After Death of Top Chongqing Party Official Radio Free Asia 04 Nov 2019 -- A high-ranking ruling Chinese Communist Party leader in the southwestern megacity of Chongqing has died in murky circumstances, RFA has learned.

China's '26 measures' seek to influence elections: Taiwan government CNA 04 Nov 2019 -- The "26 measures" announced by China Monday, which claim to treat Taiwanese the same as their Chinese counterparts, is nothing but a ploy to divide Taiwanese people and an attempt to influence the outcome of the January 2020 presidential and legislative elections, the Presidential Office said.
Chinese mainland gives equal treatment to Taiwan people, companies Global Times 04 Nov 2019 -- The Chinese mainland government announced on Monday a series of measures giving equal treatment to businesses and individuals from the island of Taiwan, aimed at improving cross-Straits economic and people-to-people exchanges, as such interactions have been severely obstructed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in recent years, observers said.
U.S. to continue strengthening ties with Taiwan: report CNA 04 Nov 2019 -- The United States reaffirmed its support for Taiwan developing an effective deterrence and national defense capability as well as its commitment to strengthening and deepening its bilateral relationship with the country, in a report detailing the U.S.'s Indo-Pacific strategy released by the Department of State in Bangkok Monday.

Iraq's PM urges end to street protests, says unrest hurting economy Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has called for an end to street protests, saying that they are paralyzing the country and costing the economy "billions of dollars."
Security Forces Shoot At Baghdad Protesters, Several Killed In Karbala RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- Security forces opened fire on an anti-government protest in Baghdad on November 4, hours after four demonstrators were shot dead outside the Iranian Consulate in the holy city of Karbala.
5 Protesters Shot Dead in Baghdad VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- At least five people were killed when Iraqi security forces used live ammunition against protesters in Baghdad, police and hospital officials said Monday.
Demonstrations Are Gaining Momentum in Iraq, Offices and Roads Blocked Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Protests in Iraq started last month when people took to the streets calling for the resignation of the government, the implementation of economic reforms and the elimination of corruption. They soon turned violent, leaving dozens dead and hundreds more injured.

HRW highlights 'deepening repression' under Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Human Rights Watch says Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power two years ago has been accompanied by "deepening repression and abusive practices" across the kingdom.
Kushner gave Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman permission to arrest Khashoggi: report Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner gave permission to his friend, Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to arrest the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi before he was brutally murdered last year, a whistleblower alleges.
Saudi Aramco May Only Be Worth $1.5 Trillion, Say Potential Investors Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Saudi Aramco is one of the largest oil companies in the world and is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's national petroleum and natural gas company. The Kingdom relies heavily on the valuation of oil and the revenue which it brings into the country.

Pakistani Opposition Leader Maryam Nawaz Granted Bail RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- A Pakistani court has granted bail to opposition leader Maryam Nawaz, who is facing money-laundering charges.

First-ever U.S.-Taiwan cyber exercises open in Taipei CNA 04 Nov 2019 -- The first-ever international cyber exercises co-hosted by the United States and Taiwan that opened Monday hope to combat the growing number of global cyberattacks, especially those from North Korea and China.

Ebola emergency chief decries new attacks on frontline staff, after DR Congo worker death UN News 04 Nov 2019 -- Security measures for staff helping to fight health emergencies need to be stepped up urgently, a UN health agency top official said on Monday, after a frontline Ebola epidemic community worker was reportedly stabbed to death at his home in northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Britain's MI5 Lowers Terrorist Threat Level VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Britain's intelligence agency, the MI5, downgraded the country's terrorist threat level from "severe" to a "substantial" on Monday.

Vietnam Experts Dispute Degree of Flooding in Country's South by 2050 Radio Free Asia 04 Nov 2019 -- Recent predictions of an increased vulnerability to coastal flooding in southern Vietnam due to rising sea levels are overstated, with populations in the country's Mekong Delta unlikely to be forced to relocate by 2050, some scholars say.

U.S. Envoy: EU Snub Of North Macedonia, Albania 'Historic Mistake' RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- The new U.S. special envoy to the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer, has criticized the European Union for delaying the start of membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania, calling it a "historic mistake" that sends "a bad message" to the region.

Romania's New Center-Right Government Wins Confidence Vote RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- Romania's new center-right government was sworn in by President Klaus Iohannis after winning a confidence vote in parliament on November 4 following the collapse last month of the leftist Social Democrat (PSD) government.

Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Promises 'Decent Salaries' For Cambodian Soldiers Who Back His Return Radio Free Asia 04 Nov 2019 -- The acting president of Cambodia's opposition party, Sam Rainsy, on Monday promised members of the armed forces "decent salaries and benefits" if they offer him protection when he returns home from exile later this week to lead a "restoration of democracy" in the country, amid threats of arrest.

Serbia Hopes Dialogue on Kosovo to Resume in 2-3 Months - President Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Serbia hopes that negotiations with Kosovo authorities will resume in two or three months and Belgrade is ready for compromise solutions, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday after a meeting with US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer.

Abu Dhabi Announces New Oil, Gas Reserves, Says Murban Oil to Be Put on Stock Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Abu Dhabi's Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) announced major increases in oil and gas reserves and added that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's (ADNOC) Murban crude oil to be listed on future exchanges, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said on Monday.

Unity, regional cooperation and international support needed for Horn of Africa to develop sustainably UN News 04 Nov 2019 -- The road ahead "will not be easy" for the Horn of Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Monday, briefing the Security Council on her Joint Solidarity Mission with the African Union (AU) at the end of October.

Thousands Attend Competing Rallies in Lebanon VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Protesters in Lebanon rallied Sunday to call for President Michel Aoun's ouster as part of a push for sweeping changes that have already brought the resignation of the country's prime minister.
Observers See Lebanon's Aoun as Out of Touch With Popular Demands VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Observers say moves by Lebanese President Michel Aoun to entrench his position will only escalate political and economic tensions amid popular demands to rid the ruling elite and tackle corruption and the lack of public services characterizing the tiny Mediterranean country, once called the "Switzerland of the Middle East." Protesters have blocked some roads in Beirut and other parts of the country as they press for badly needed reforms, stepping up the pressure at a time of acute economic crisis.

UN Security Council Issues Call for Stability, Elections in Guinea Bissau VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council on Monday joined regional voices calling for restraint and dialogue to end the latest political crisis in the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau.

Mnuchin to Host Nile Dam Meeting in Washington VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is expected to host the foreign ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as the president of the World Bank Group, David Malpass, in Washington on Wednesday for a discussion about a giant hydropower dam project on the Nile River.

Pakistan, Afghanistan Accuse Each Other of Harassing Diplomats VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Afghanistan and Pakistan have traded charges of harassment of their diplomats serving in each other's capitals, prompting Islamabad to halt its consular operations in Kabul until further notice.

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