19 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Two-Thirds Of Afghan Children Affected By Conflict, Says Charity RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Almost two-thirds of Afghan children have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in the war-wracked country, the British-based Save the Children charity says.
Celebrating the Release of American and Australian Hostages US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2019 -- Today, the United States welcomes the release of Professors Kevin King and Timothy Weeks. Both men were successfully recovered this morning, are in the care of the U.S. military, and will soon be reunited with their loved ones.
Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding the Release of Two Hostages from the Taliban The White House 19 Nov 2019
Secretary Pompeo's Call with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2019
Taliban Releases 2 Western Hostages in Prisoner Exchange VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- The Taliban freed two Western hostages Tuesday after the Afghan government released three important Taliban prisoners, who were flown to Qatar where the Taliban has a political team.

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate The White House 19 Nov 2019

Defense Policy / Programs

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Transits Strait of Hormuz NNS 19 Nov 2019 -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) completed a scheduled transit through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Arabian Gulf Nov. 19.
Washington Committed to Mutual Treaty with Manila, US Defense Chief Says Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- The United States reiterated its commitment Tuesday to a nearly 70-year-old military pact with the Philippines, as the defense chiefs of both countries met in Manila and pledged to boost the treaty amid Beijing's expansionism in the South China Sea.
Philippines, U.S. Joint Defense Statement DoD 19 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana met in Manila, Philippines on November 19, 2019, to discuss a broad range of shared security interests and priorities.

Pompeo Heads to NATO Ministerial Meeting with Counterterrorism Topping Agenda VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- The United States and NATO are pledging unity in tackling challenges, including fighting terrorism, cyber threats and boosting energy security, seven decades after the establishment of the transatlantic partnership.
NATO Foreign Ministers to address preparations for London meeting NATO 19 Nov 2019 -- NATO Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels on Wednesday (20 November 2019) to finalise preparations for the meeting of NATO leaders in London. Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that despite differences among Allies, NATO has grown stronger over the last seventy years and continues to provide security for almost 1 billion people.
NATO Chief Calls For Unity Among Allies Amid 'Differences' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has called on the security alliance's allies to maintain and strengthen their "unity," saying the organization is "the only guarantor of European and transatlantic security."

START Treaty Non-Renewal Becoming More Realistic Prospect - Russian Envoy in Vienna Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The possibility of the United States and Russia not extending the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) has become a more realistic development, Russian Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said.

Chinese peacekeepers leave for South Sudan on one-year mission People's Daily 19 Nov 2019 -- A contingent of 240 Chinese peacekeepers left Zhangjiakou, a city in northern China's Hebei Province, for South Sudan Tuesday on a one-year mission.

India, China to Hold Joint Military Anti-Terror Exercise Next Month Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The armies of China and India will hold a joint military drill in December in India to improve their capabilities in fighting terrorism and to promote mutual understanding.

Iran Military Power Report Statement DoD 19 Nov 2019 -- Today, the Defense Intelligence Agency presents Iran Military Power, a report that examines the core capabilities of Iran's military. This publication is part of DIA's series of unclassified military reports that provide details on foreign military intent, strategy and capabilities. This report examines Iran's military strategy and goals, the organization's structure and capability of the military that supports those goals, as well as the enabling infrastructure and industrial base.
Senior Defense Intelligence Official Holds a Background Briefing on Iran Military Power Report DoD 19 Nov 2019 -- Senior Defense Intelligence Official
DOD Official: Iran's Military Strength Relies Partly on Nonstate Actors DoD News 19 Nov 2019 -- Iran relies in part on terrorist organizations, proxy groups and militant partners to protect its interests and to further its agenda of expanding influence in the Middle East, a defense official said.
U.S. Says Iran Has Region's 'Largest Missile Force' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Iran's "extensive" missile development program has allowed the country to build the "largest missile force in the Middle East," according to a new report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Iran exercises full security control in western borders IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Iranian armed forces have exercised full security control in the western borders, commander of Army's operation zone in west of the country said on Tuesday.
Zolfaqar Velayat military drills kick off in NW Iran IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- The Iranian Army started 'Zolfaqar Velayat' military drills in northwestern Iran on Tuesday.
Iran's Army launches "Zolfaghar-e-Velayat" military drills ISNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Army has started large-scale military drills codenamed "Zolfaghar-e-Velayat" on Tuesday in the northwestern parts of the country.
Iranian Army gives crushing response to enemies' aggression IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran's Army in a statement issued on Tuesday voiced its full readiness and vigilance to defend the country's territorial integrity.
Iran welcomes Mideast free from nuclear weapons IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Iran says it welcomes a Middle East free from nuclear wepons, urging the world to hold the US and Israel accountable for their nuclear obligations.

US-South Korea military cost-sharing talks collapse Press TV 19 Nov 2019 -- The latest round of military cost-sharing talks between South Korea and the United States has collapsed, in a rare public disagreement in the 66-year-old alliance between the two countries.
Seoul, Washington Cease Talks on Hosting US Military Over Trump's $5 Billion Demand Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The second day of defense talks between the US and South Korea came to a screeching halt on Tuesday after officials were unable to see eye-to-eye on Washington's financial demands concerning Seoul's hosting of tens of thousands of US troops.
Two-day talks come to abrupt close amid wide differences between S. Korea, U.S. ARIRANG 19 Nov 2019 -- Negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. on sharing the cost of stationing American troops on the Korean Peninsula came to an abrupt close with the two sides far apart on the issue.
S. Korea, US Negotiators Fail to Agree on Alliance Cost Sharing KBS World Radio 19 Nov 2019 -- Defense-cost negotiations between South Korea and the United States collapsed on Tuesday less than two hours after they began. Afterwards, the two sides held separate news conferences, acknowledging a sizable disagreement on how much Seoul should pay to maintain American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
S.Korea, U.S. end defense cost-sharing talks for USFK without progress People's Daily 19 Nov 2019 -- South Korea and the United States on Tuesday ended their negotiations in Seoul on how to share upkeep costs for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) without progress, according to South Korean foreign ministry.

Taiwan conducts 'routine' air defense exercise CNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Taiwan's military conducted a combined air defense training exercise Tuesday, two days after China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that day.

Erdogan Says If US Stance on F-35s Doesn't Change, Turkey Will Have to Look for Defence Alternatives Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Earlier, Donald Trump announced that bilateral national security teams would start working on a solution to Ankara's purchase of S-400 systems from Russia and the impact that the Russian air defence systems could have on the US-made F-35 jets.

Malaysia Reportedly Shortlists Indian Light Combat Aircraft Tejas for Likely Purchase Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Malaysia has shown an interest in the Tejas in the past too, but now its air force is likely to issue a request for proposal, soliciting competing bids for a new contract next year.

Remarks by President Trump in a Cabinet Meeting The White House 19 Nov 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 19, 2019

Other Conflicts

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

US, China Trade Criticism Over South China Sea Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- The Chinese defense chief warned the United States on Monday against provoking military tensions by "flexing muscles" in the contested South China Sea, while his American counterpart urged claimant nations to use their sovereign spaces "or risk losing them."

S Korean Foreign Ministry Official Says Vessels Seized by Houthis Include 2 S Korean Ships - Report Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Yemen's armed Houthi political opposition movement earlier captured three vessels in the Red Sea that were reportedly towing a drilling rig belonging to a South Korean company.
Yemen's Houthis Seize Three Vessels in Red Sea – Report Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Earlier on Monday, Yemen's armed Houthi opposition political faction confirmed that its "Coast Guard" had seized a vessel said to be towing a Korean drilling rig in the Red Sea three miles from the Yemeni island of Uqban.

Syrian Foreign Ministry Slams EU's 'Blind Obedience' to US Policy Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Susan on Tuesday discussed with a delegation of German lawmakers counterterrorism efforts in Syria and slammed the European Union's tendency to blindly follow the United States' policies, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.
Syria's Air Defenсe System Shoots Down Alleged Israeli Missiles in Southern Syria Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Syria's air defence system detected and shot down several missiles that were launched by Israeli war aircraft toward military positions in southern Syria, a security source said on Tuesday.

US Warns That Turkey's Syria Offensive Giving IS 'Time and Space' VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- U.S. defense intelligence officials are offering a sobering assessment of the impact Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria – and corresponding moves by the U.S. and other powers – will have on efforts to destroy the Islamic State terror group.
Ankara Warns Will Resume North Syria Offensive If Deals on Kurds' Pullout Not Fulfilled Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that his country was ready to resume its offensive in northeastern Syria if the United States and Russia do not implement their share of agreements on the withdrawal of Kurdish militia, whom Ankara designates as terrorists, from the safe zone.

Russia Deploys Additional Military Police to Northern Syria Amid Turkish Threat to Resume Offensive Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned that Ankara could resume its Syrian operation if the United States and Russia did not implement their commitments on the withdrawal of Kurdish militia forces from the so-called safe zone near the Turkish border.

Baghdadi Death Unlikely to Impact Daesh Ability to Rebuild - Pentagon Inspector General Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will have little impact on the Daesh* terrorist group's ability to rebuild, a Pentagon watchdog agency revealed on Tuesday.

S Korean Foreign Ministry Official Says Vessels Seized by Houthis Include 2 S Korean Ships - Report Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Yemen's armed Houthi political opposition movement earlier captured three vessels in the Red Sea that were reportedly towing a drilling rig belonging to a South Korean company.

Palestinians censure US policy shift on Israeli settlements Press TV 19 Nov 2019 -- Palestinian officials have lashed out at the administration of US President Donald Trump for breaking with decades of American policy against Israeli settlements build on occupied Palestinian land, describing it as yet another blow to international law.
IDF Says Iron Dome Intercepted Four Projectiles Allegedly Launched From Syria Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Twitter that air-raid sirens went off in the northern part of Israel, in the area of the Golan Heights, without providing further details.

Germany's Maas Cancels Trip To Donbas Front Line Ahead Of Peace Summit RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has canceled a trip to the front line of the Donbas conflict in eastern Ukraine due to adverse weather conditions, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported.

'Three-country crisis' across central Sahel puts whole generation at risk, warns UN food agency UN News 19 Nov 2019 -- Violent attacks by extremists "almost every day" in the Sahel nations of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have displaced nearly one million people and caused emergency levels of malnutrition, UN humanitarians have said.
At Least 24 Malian Servicemen Killed, 29 Injured in Militant Attack – Military Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- At least 24 servicemen were killed and almost 30 were wounded during a special operation launched by Mali and Niger in the border area, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have announced.

Colombia Closes All Land Borders Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Bogota is bracing for massive protests later this week over the government's unpopular social policies and a scandal which began earlier this month over the news that a government forces attack on a guerilla camp accidentally caused the deaths of eight children.

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burundi The White House 19 Nov 2019
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burundi The White House 19 Nov 2019

News Reports

Statement from Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence The White House 19 Nov 2019
US National Security Aides Troubled by Trump Call for Ukraine Investigations VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- It was a long and exhausting day in Washington Tuesday, where testimony in the House of Representatives impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump lasted more than 11 hours.
House Interviewing 9 Witnesses in Trump Impeachment Inquiry VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives holds its second week of public hearings on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump with testimony by nine aides and officials, including the top diplomat to the European Union, Tuesday through Thursday.
Senior White House Aide Says Trump Call With Zelenskiy 'Improper' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Vindman, a U.S. Army officer at the National Security Council, has testified that he believes a July 25 call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's new president was "improper" and that he reported his misgivings to the chain of command because he felt it "would undermine our national security."
'Great Lunch, Wonderful Meeting': Gordon Sondland's July Day In Kyiv RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- On a warm afternoon in July, Gordon Sondland arrived at Kyiv's swanky Hyatt Regency Hotel, its 21st-century glass facade reflecting the 1,000-year-old St. Sophia's Cathedral. About a half-hour late for his interview, he was led to a makeshift hotel-room studio set up by state-run Ukrainian broadcaster UATV. Facing him was Kari Odermann, a news anchor for the channel. She led with what at the time was a throwaway question to warm up her guest.
U.S. National Security Official Tells Impeachment Hearing Ukraine Offered Him Defense Minister Position RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- WASHINGTON -- The U.S. National Security Council's expert for Ukraine has told a Democratic-led House impeachment hearing he was offered the position of Ukraine's defense minister three times, a revelation that Republicans could seize on to cast doubt about his testimony.
Pompeo Champions Trump's Ukraine Actions Ahead Of This Week's Impeachment Hearings RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- As the U.S. House of Representatives' impeachment inquiry begins its second week of public hearings to determine whether President Donald Trump abused the power of his office by withholding military aid to Ukraine, the top U.S. diplomat defended his policy.

Swedish Prosecutor Dropping Assange Rape Probe RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- A Swedish prosecutor says she will not proceed with a preliminary investigation into an allegation of rape against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Sweden Drops Rape Probe Against WikiLeaks Founder Assange VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- Swedish prosecutors have dropped a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Norway Probes Convicted Spy's Recruitment as Locals Ask Intelligence to 'Stay Away' Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Frode Berg, who claims to have fallen prey to intelligence intrigues, was convicted of gathering data on Russia's North Fleet and its nuclear submarines.

Kim Jae Ryong Inspects Various Units KCNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Kim Jae Ryong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, member of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected various units.
Hostility and Confrontation Will Bring Ruin and Disaster: KCNA Commentary KCNA 19 Nov 2019 -- The Japan Air "Self-Defense Force" recently staged at a park in Aichi Prefecture a drill for deploying a Patriot interceptor missile system before the eyes of the press.
DPRK Foreign Ministry Roving Ambassador Gives Answers to Questions Put by KCNA KCNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Kim Myong Gil, roving ambassador of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday gave the following answers to the questions put by KCNA as regards the DPRK-U.S. dialogue:
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits August 25 Fishery Station of KPA and Newly-Built Thongchon Fish-processing Station KCNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, gave field guidance to the August 25 Fishery Station of the Korean People's Army (KPA) and the newly-built Thongchon Fish-processing Station.
N Korea Says US Should Completely Halt Joint Drills With Seoul Instead of Suspending Them Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The US should completely stop joint military exercises with South Korea instead of postponing them, Chairman of the North Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee Kim Yong Chol said, following Washington and Seoul's decision to delay the upcoming military drills known as the Combined Flying Training Event, scheduled for November.

Almost a fifth of Iran's gasoline output smuggled abroad: Report Press TV 19 Nov 2019 -- A new report citing data from the Iranian government shows that almost a fifth of the daily production of gasoline in the country falls into the hands of smugglers who ship the fuel to the neighboring countries.
Rouhani denounces US sanctions against Iran as big mistake, illegal act Press TV 19 Nov 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has slammed the US's move to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic as a "big political and economic mistake," which flies in the face of international regulations and UN resolutions.
US to end sanctions waiver for Iran's Fordow nuclear plant: Pompeo Press TV 19 Nov 2019 -- The US Secretary of State says Washington will end the sanctions wavier related to Iran's Fordow nuclear facility in the middle of next month.
Iran protests: Live ammunition reportedly used, says UN human rights office UN News 19 Nov 2019 -- Reports indicating that dozens of people have been killed in continuing protests across Iran – some by live ammunition - are of deep concern, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said on Tuesday.
Rights Group: 106 Killed in Iran's Crackdown on Anti-Government Protests VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- Amnesty International says Iranian security forces have killed at least 106 people in nationwide anti-government protests since Friday, four times the death toll of Iran's last mass protests two years ago.
Citing 'Credible Reports,' Amnesty International Says At Least 106 Killed In Iran Protests RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- At least 106 protesters are believed to have been killed in 21 cities in Iran during protests over fuel price hikes, Amnesty International said on November 19, citing "credible reports."
Envoy For Iran Says U.S. Working To Help Iranians Bypass Internet Shutdown RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Brian Hook, Washington's special envoy for Iran, says the United States is working to help Iranians bypass a near-total Internet shutdown imposed by the clerical establishment amid violent protests over a sharp hike in gasoline prices.
FM terms US support for rioters in Iran 'shameful' IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif slammed the US' intervention in Iranian internal affairs, saying that such government with coercive economic actions can't claim that it's supporting Iranian nation.
Araghchi: Reducing JCPOA commitments will go on IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok that Iranian Government will go on reducing commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action until its interests are met.
Europe should be ready to pay price if it wants JCPOA: Araqchi ISNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Iranian deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said, "If Europe wants to preserve Iran nuclear deal, it should be ready to pay its price".
Iranian President Rouhani Slams US' Sanctions on Iran as Violation of International Norms Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Washington's sanctions against Iran are a mistake and a violation of international norms, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday after the United States announced its plans to terminate the sanction waiver for the Fordow nuclear facility.
IAEA confirms Iran surpassing heavy water stockpile capacity IRNA 19 Nov 2019 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Monday that Iran has surpassed 130 tons of heavy water stockpile.

US Senate Approves Hong Kong Human Rights And Democracy Act Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a bill which requires an annual review of Hong Kong's human rights situation and sanctions against officials linked to rights abuses in the city, moving the legislation one step closer to possible signature by President Donald Trump.
Hong Kong Lawyers Say China's Criticism of High Court Decision 'Legally Incorrect' Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- Lawyers in Hong Kong on Tuesday hit out at a statement from China's National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee questioning a decision in the city's High Court that overturned a ban on the wearing of masks as unconstitutional.
Xinjiang 'Pair Up' Campaign Highlights Power Imbalance Between Chinese 'Relatives,' Uyghur Hosts Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- The official "Pair Up and Become Family" campaign in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) highlights a deep power imbalance based on the personal information shared between Uyghur families and the Han Chinese "relatives" assigned to monitor their homes, according to sources.
Hong Kong leader urges peaceful resolution of univ. standoff Press TV 19 Nov 2019 -- Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has hoped for a peaceful resolution of a standoff between police and protesters at a major university in the city, urging the "full cooperation" of the demonstrators.
Hong Kong Protesters Increasingly Desperate as Campus Standoff Continues VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- Waves of student protesters attempted daring escapes past police lines Tuesday, while fewer than 200 others remain barricaded and surrounded by riot police inside a Hong Kong university.
HK's new police chief could be 'more decisive' in stopping riots Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- China's State Council on Tuesday appointed Tang Ping-keung as Commissioner of Police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), replacing Lo Wai-chung, as experts and retired senior police officers noted that Tang will likely be more decisive and tougher in helping stop the violence and chaos that has engulfed the city.
China State Council Appoints New Police Chief in Hong Kong - Report Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The appointment comes amid fierce clashes between protesters and police, which saw demonstrators hurling petrol bombs, bamboo poles and bricks, and shooting arrows at officers.
PolyU campus rioters surrender leaving chaos in their wake Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- As rioters inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have begun surrendering to police, an expert noted that the law enforcement operation to deal with the campus occupation has been a successful campaign of stopping violence and chaos for the city.
China urges US to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- China on Tuesday urged the United States to earnestly respect China's sovereignty and stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and interfering in China's internal affairs.
HK chief urges peaceful end to PolyU stand-off Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- Around 600 rioters and suspects involved in illegal activities have walked out of the besieged Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) campus, 200 of whom were under the age of 18 and allowed to return home, after rioters occupied the PolyU and engaged in fierce clashes with police over the last few days, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday.
Carrie Lam: Peacefully solving the unrest is a priority Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Carrie Lam, emphasized that peacefully solving the unrest is the priority. The remarks were made on Tuesday at a press conference in Hong Kong.
Central govt final arbiter of Basic Law issues Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- China's top legislature and the State Council, China's cabinet, voiced strong opposition to the latest ruling by the High Court of Hong Kong on the anti-mask law, indicating that the ruling blatantly defies the authority of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and of the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, thus circumventing the Basic Law.
China never allows anyone to challenge "one country, two systems" bottom line People's Daily 19 Nov 2019 -- China never allows any act that challenges the bottom line of "one country, two systems", Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated in an important speech on the current situation of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) he delivered on Nov.14 when attending the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia, capital of Brazil.
Hong Kong Hospitals Flooded With Injured As University Siege Continues Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- Dozens of people remained trapped inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Poly U) on Tuesday as police said anyone left inside would be arrested and hospitals were flooded with hundreds of people injured during the standoff.
Total of 800 Hong Kong Protesters Already Left PolyU Campus - Police Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- A total of 800 protesters who had holed up for over a week at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) left the campus in a peaceful manner, police said in a statement on Tuesday.
HK high court usurped its authority Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- A spokesperson of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday said that the ruling by the High Court of Hong Kong - claiming the anti-mask law "unconstitutional" - is inconsistent with the Basic Law. He stressed that only the NPC Standing Committee can judge and decide whether laws are unconstitutional. The statement plays a significant role in clearing up the confusion and setting things right.
Institutions crucial to growth, Party stresses People's Daily 19 Nov 2019 -- Experts: Recent session calls for China to leverage strength of system
Pompeo's anti-China remarks cannot fool the world People's Daily 19 Nov 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is really addicted to provoking and smearing China with his vicious lies.

Defense minister: No independence move by island will be tolerated People's Daily 19 Nov 2019 -- Defense Minister Wei Fenghe told his United States counterpart Mark Esper on Monday in Bangkok that China will never tolerate any move by separatists to actualize "Taiwan independence".
Tsai pledges to build stronger, safer Taiwan if re-elected CNA 19 Nov 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) promised to make Taiwan a stronger, safer country if she is elected for a second term in January 2020, as she and her running mate formally entered the presidential race on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket Tuesday.

Successful satellite tests to allow 'Hongyun speed' by 2020 Global Times 19 Nov 2019 -- The demonstration system for China's Hongyun Project, a low-orbit broadband communication satellite system, will become operational at the beginning of 2020, making substantial progress toward the eventual goal of providing internet connectivity to users around the world, developers told the Global Times on Tuesday.

India's Space Agency to Launch Three Satellites to Boost Border Security Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- A third-generation Earth-imaging satellite Cartosat-3 and 13 commercial nanosatellites from the US will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Andhra Pradesh.

Ex-Prime Minister Sharif Leaves Pakistan For Medical Treatment RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan's ailing former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left the eastern city of Lahore to receive medical treatment in London.
Pakistan's Convicted Ex-PM Flown to London for Medical Treatment VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan's former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term for corruption and money laundering, left for London Tuesday to receive medical treatment there.

Chicago Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 19 Nov 2019 -- A Chicago, Illinois, man has been arrested on a federal complaint charging him with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The complaint and arrest were announced by John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice John R. Lausch Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI.

Bosnian Leaders Break 13-Month Deadlock With Nomination Of Prime Minister RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- Some 13 months after a general election, Bosnia-Herzegovina's tripartite presidency has broken a deadlock with the nomination of economist Zoran Tegeltija as the prime minister-designate.

Lebanon Tensions High as Protesters Prevent Legislative Session VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- Lebanese soldiers lined the razor wire barricades surrounding central downtown Beirut on Tuesday afternoon, quietly watching as protesters sang, chanted and shouted "All of them means all of them!"

Cambodia Opposition Leader Kem Sokha's Lawyers File Request to Drop Charge of Treason Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha's legal team on Tuesday called on the court overseeing his case to drop treason charges against him in the interest of fostering dialogue and national reconciliation amid political tensions in the country.

US Sanctions Freeze Billions in Venezuelan Assets, Violate International Law - Minister Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Venezuela has lost access to foreign assets worth billions due to unilateral US sanctions, including hydrocarbon holdings, Tourism and Foreign Trade Minister Felix Plasencia told Sputnik.

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