04 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US, Taliban to Renew Push for Afghan Peace VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- The United States is set to formally restart peace talks with the Taliban insurgency, nearly three months after President Donald Trump abruptly suspended the year-long process aimed at finding a political settlement to the war in Afghanistan.
Hague International Court Hears Afghanistan Probe Appeal RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has started hearing an appeal against an earlier decision to reject a request to open an investigation into possible war crimes and other abuses committed during the conflict in Afghanistan.
Trump lawyer to block ICC efforts to open war crimes probe Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- A personal attorney of President Donald Trump plans to block efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation into US war crimes overseas.

Defense Policy / Programs

Final CALCM missile package retired US Air Force 04 Dec 2019 -- The sun has set on an integral component of the United States' long-range strategic bombing capabilities, as the final Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile package was downloaded and disassembled at Barksdale Air Force Base, Nov. 20.
Readout of U.S.-Ethiopia Bilateral Defense Committee DoD 04 Dec 2019
Secretary Esper In-Flight Interview With Phil Stewart From Reuters DoD 04 Dec 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper; Phil Stewart, Reuters
New Gerald R. Ford-class Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy to Be Christened Dec. 7 NNS 04 Dec 2019 -- The Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), will be christened on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Newport News, Virginia.
Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Mobile NNS 04 Dec 2019 -- The Navy will christen its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Mobile (LCS 26), during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony Saturday, Dec. 7, in Mobile, Alabama.
United States Joins Suit against Navistar Defense LLC Alleging False Claims under Marine Corps Contract US Dept. of Justice 04 Dec 2019 -- The United States has intervened in a whistleblower suit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against Navistar Defense LLC. Navistar Defense manufactured armored vehicles for the United States military and is a subsidiary of Navistar International LLC, headquartered in Melrose Park, Illinois.
Defense Contractor Agrees to Pay $45 Million to Resolve Criminal Obstruction Charges and Civil False Claims Act Allegations US Dept. of Justice 04 Dec 2019 -- Unitrans International Inc. (Unitrans), a privately held Virginia defense contracting company, has agreed to pay $45 million to resolve criminal obstruction charges and civil False Claims Act allegations relating to the illegal transportation of goods across Iran in connection with a contract to provide material and logistical support to U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Air Force Space Command Works to Counter Adversary Exploits DoD News 04 Dec 2019 -- From GPS location services to communications, the United States' dependence on space capabilities is well documented, the vice commander of Air Force Space Command said.
United States Regards Space as Theatre of War - President Putin Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The comment comes as leaders of NATO approved the decision to recognise space as 'potential theatre for operations' at a summit that is currently taking place in London.

Trump Accuses Canada's Trudeau of Being 'Two-Faced' VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "two-faced" after Trudeau and other NATO leaders appeared to have been gossiping about him.
NATO at 70: Surliness and Anxiety VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- For Londoners, the summit marking the 70th anniversary of NATO was nothing to cheer about, adding as it did to the misery of the daily commute with road closures in the center of Britain's gridlocked capital. Misery was further compounded by rail workers deciding to call a strike.
NATO Leaders Present United Front Amid Bitter Differences VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- NATO leaders are gathering at a golf resort outside of London Wednesday to present a united front amid bitter differences over terrorism, Turkey and increased burden sharing with the United States.
Canada Committing Additional Fighter Jets, Frigate to NATO Readiness Initiative - Trudeau Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Canada is committing additional military equipment as part of NATO's Readiness Initiative including fighter jets and a frigate, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at his closing press conference in London on Wednesday.
Trump's Squabbles With Allies, China as 'New Challenge', Hot Mic Video: Highlights From NATO Summit Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- NATO leaders gathered in London to mark the 70th anniversary of the organisation at a time when it appears to be more disunited than ever.
NATO London Summit Day One Highlights: Trump-Macron Row, S-400, Syria, Avoiding Cold War With Russia Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The two-day NATO summit of heads of state and government titled "NATO Engages: Innovating the Alliance", kicked off on Tuesday in London. US President Donald Trump, who has previously slammed European bloc members for not spending enough on weapons for the alliance, arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday night.
Secretary General: as the world changes, NATO will continue to change NATO 04 Dec 2019 -- The NATO leaders' meeting marking the 70th anniversary of the Alliance wrapped up in London on Wednesday (4 December 2019). After the working session, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "Our meeting has once again demonstrated that NATO remains the only place where Europe and North America discuss, decide and act every day together on strategic issues that concern our shared security".
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and/or Government NATO 04 Dec 2019
Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and/or Government NATO 04 Dec 2019
NATO spending plans confirm Russia concerns over alliance's military expansion Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- Russia says reports about NATO's plans to boost its military spending confirm Moscow's concerns over the US-led alliance's eastward expansion, which President Vladimir Putin said was threatening his country.
PM statement at NATO meeting: 4 December 2019 UK MOD 04 Dec 2019 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the NATO summit in Watford.

Kremlin Favours New Arms Deal Involving Many States Amid Trump's Comments on INF Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Speaking at a NATO summit taking place in London this week, President Trump accused Russia of failing to live up to the INF treaty, calling the accord 'unfair' and 'obsolete'.

Pentagon Announces New $250 Million Ukraine Military Aid Package Months Ahead of Expectations Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The Trump administration will seek at least $250 million in military aid for Ukraine next year, a senior Pentagon official said at a Wednesday press briefing. Months ahead of schedule, the announcement comes amid an impeachment inquiry into the president for withholding some of this year's aid to the country.

Iran's Navy ready for expedition at Atlantic: Navy Chief IRNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Navy Chief Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said on Tuesday night that Iran's Navy is ready for expedition at the Atlantic Ocean in case was assigned to.
Three Domestic Chakavak Aircraft Introduced Into Iran Aviation Fleet Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Iran has repeatedly stressed its determination to develop what it describes as defensive military capacity and technology, despite seeing declining military expenditures as a result of sanctions by the United States.

New US Legislation Will Sanction Turkey for S-400 Purchase, Russian Nationals for Syrian Ties Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- US Senate Foreign Relations Committee scheduled for next week deliberations on legislation that would penalize Turkey's government for purchasing Russian-made S-400 air defence systems and sanctions yet to be determined against Russian individuals who are engaged in defence cooperation with Syria, the panel's website said.

Arms firm makes artificial diamonds that could be used in laser weapons Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- After a top Chinese arms firm showcased multiple types of artificial diamonds at a recent jewelry exhibition, military experts on Wednesday said the gemstones could also be used in military equipment, including laser weapons and other precision machines.

Saudi Royal Navy and Chinese Counterpart Conclude "Blue Sword 2019" Drill SPA 04 Dec 2019 -- The Royal Saudi Navy Forces, represented by the Special Forces of the Western Fleet in Jeddah, and the Chinese People's Navy forces concluded their mixed bilateral naval exercise coded "Blue Sword 2019", in the presence of Commander of the Special Naval Security Group Rear Admiral Saleh bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi on behalf of the Commander of the Western Fleet Rear Admiral Faleh bin Abdurrahman Al-Faleh and a number of Chinese military commanders at King Faisal Naval Base here today.

With China in Mind, India Boosts Presence in IOR with Patrol Vessels, Infra 'Gifts' to Maldives Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- In a bid to reclaim its dominant position in the Maldives, the government of India has donated a patrol vessel to the island nation to keep an eye on the movement of ships and pirates in the exclusive economic zones.

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 04 Dec 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Conte of the Italian Republic Before Bilateral Meeting | Hertfordshire, United Kingdom The White House 04 Dec 2019
Remarks by President Trump in a Working Lunch with 2 Percenters The White House 04 Dec 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Chancellor Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 04 Dec 2019
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 4, 2019

Other Conflicts

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

Over dozen ships carrying fuel, food impounded in Saudi port: Yemeni official Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- A Yemeni maritime official says the Saudi-led coalition has impounded more than a dozen ships carrying energy derivatives and food destined for the conflict-plagued and impoverished Arab country, despite the fact the vessels had earlier acquired necessary permits from the United Nations.

Mortar Attack by Militants in Syria's Aleppo Province Kills 8 Children - Russian Military Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- A total of 10 civilians, including eight children, were killed and 13 were wounded in a mortar attack by militants in the city of Tall Rifat, in northern Aleppo province on Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Yuri Borenkov, the head of the Russian Centre for Syrian reconciliation, said.

Iraqi Security Forces Detain Late al-Baghdadi's Deputy Commander Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The commander was detained in the northern Kirkuk province near the Hawija settlement. He was apprehended with a fake passport.

Himalayan Buddhists Reject Beijing's Claim of Control Over Tibet's Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- Representatives of Buddhist communities across the Himalayan region have rejected Chinese claims of control over the succession of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, supporting a resolution passed last week by senior Tibetan religious leaders at a meeting in India.

Clashes Break Out Near Presidential Palace in Libyan Capital - Reports Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Clashes broke out in the vicinity of the presidential building in Libya's capital between forces of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and armed groups, Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya reported Wednesday citing sources.

5 Indian Armed Forces Men Die in 'Fractricide' Incident in Insurgency-hit State Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Despite several steps taken by the Indian government to create a healthy and appropriate environment in a bid to stop servicemen from killing each other, incidents continue to occur.

Russians, Italians Charged With Trying To Evade U.S. Sanctions Related To Crimea RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- U.S. federal prosecutors have charged Russian, Italian, and U.S. companies and several employees for allegedly attempting to evade U.S. sanctions that were imposed after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

Turkey-Greece Tensions Escalate Over Ankara's Mediterranean Ambitions VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met Wednesday in an effort to defuse rising tensions over disputed territorial waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The meeting on the sideline of the London NATO summit comes amid Turkish-Greek tensions over territorial disputes about the Mediterranean.

News Reports

3 US Constitutional Scholars Contend Trump Has Committed Impeachable Offenses VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Three U.S. constitutional scholars told Congress Wednesday that President Donald Trump committed impeachable offenses by pushing Ukraine to open investigations to benefit him politically.
Three U.S. Constitutional Experts Say Trump Committed Impeachable Offenses RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Three U.S. constitutional experts vocally supported Democratic-led efforts to impeach President Donald Trump, testifying that his dealings with Ukraine and other actions were grounds for the president's removal from office.
Congress Panel Holds 1st Hearings on Possible Impeachment of President Trump VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- The Democratic-led U.S. House Judiciary Committee will hold its first hearings Wednesday on the possible impeachment of President Donald Trump, when four legal scholars appear before the panel to discuss the constitutional grounds of impeachment.
U.S. House Democrats release report on findings from Trump impeachment inquiry People's Daily 04 Dec 2019 -- U.S. House Democrats on Tuesday released a draft report summarizing their findings from an ongoing impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump.
US House report accuses Trump of power abuse Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- US Democratic lawmakers at the House Intelligence Committee have accused President Donald Trump of abusing his power in office in his conduct toward Ukraine.
US House Intel Committee Approves Impeachment Inquiry Report Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- With a party-line vote, the US House Intelligence Committee has approved Chairman Adam Schiff's impeachment report, formally moving inquiry proceedings to the next step.

U.S. Senate Hearing Exposes Partisan Differences Over New Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- A hearing in the Senate to discuss U.S. foreign policy towards Russia exposed partisan disagreements over whether to impose new sanctions on a rival power accused of "malign" actions, including interference in foreign elections.

Russia responds to Germany's 'groundless' expulsion of diplomats Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- Moscow says the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Germany over the allegation of killing a Georgian man in Berlin is "groundless" and "unfriendly."
Germany Expels Two Russians From Embassy In Berlin, Moscow Threatens Retaliation RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Germany has expelled two Russian diplomats and its federal prosecutors have taken over the case of the slaying of an ethnic Chechen Georgian national in Berlin amid allegations of Russian involvement.
This is What We Know About the Georgian Murdered in Berlin and His Alleged Assassin Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The killing of Georgian national Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in the centre of Berlin has set off a diplomatic row between Russia and Germany.
Moscow Vows Retaliation After Berlin Expells 2 Embassy Employees Over Murder of Georgian National Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- German media has reported that the national chief public prosecutor suspects Russian intelligence agencies of having ordered the killing of a former Chechen military commander. The Kremlin has described the allegations as baseless.
Russia, US Spar Over Former Marine Detained on Espionage Charges VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has accused a former U.S. Marine currently facing charges of espionage of faking health problems and lying about his poor treatment while in custody – comments the U.S. Embassy in Moscow called "pulp fiction."

Retired military officer and his father indicted on spying charges CNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Retired Army Lt. Col. Cheng Chih-wen (鄭智文) and his father, Cheng Chao-ming (鄭昭明), chairman of the Taiwan Labor Party, were indicted Tuesday for spying and trying to recruit military personnel to work for China in violation of the National Security Act.

North Korean Leader Takes New Horseback Ride to Symbolic Mountain VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- North Korean media published new pictures of leader Kim Jong Un riding a white horse along a symbolic mountain Wednesday, which observers say suggest the regime is preparing to make a major policy announcement.
Kim's visit to sacred mountain to 'unite people, boost morale' Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- Official North Korean media on Wednesday released images of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un riding a white horse visiting revolutionary battle sites on the country's sacred Mount Paektu, the second such trip in less than two months.
N. Korean Leader Visits Mt. Baekdu ahead of Negotiation Deadline for US KBS World Radio 04 Dec 2019 -- In what may be an ominous warning, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the symbolically-important Mount Baekdu. The rare trip, along with a key North Korean political meeting later this month, suggest that Pyongyang may return to more explicit provocations if the U.S. does not adequately change its denuclearization proposal by year's end as demanded by Kim.
Use of Armed Forces Is Not Privilege of U.S. Only: Chief of General Staff of Korean People's Army KCNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Pak Jong Chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, released the following statement on Wednesday:
Using armed forces against N Korea 'horrible' thing for US Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- North Korea considers any act of aggression carried out by the United States to be "horrible" for the White House and will have a corresponding response, the army chief has said, expressing disappointment with a threat by US President Donald Trump about the possibility of using military force against Pyongyang.
Top DPRK leader attends ceremony marking completion of Samjiyon construction People's Daily 04 Dec 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the township of Samjiyon County in the northern part of the country marking the completion of the county's construction, official media reported on Tuesday.
Hope Fading for Diplomatic Breakthrough to Denuclearize N. Korea VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Despite Washington's efforts to maintain a dialog with Pyongyang, chances for a diplomatic breakthrough leading to the denuclearization of North Korea are fading away, said experts, as the two nations remain locked in their position.
North Korea's Disabled Struggle to Survive With No Livelihood, Meager State Support Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- Disabled people in North Korea live in poverty as the government lacks a social welfare system that can provide for them, with even those who were disabled after injuries sustained on the job offered no support from the companies they worked for or the government, sources in the country say.

Supreme Leader urges "Islamic mercy" for fuel price rioters IRNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the country's judicial authorities on Wednesday to act with "Islamic mercy" with those who were involved in the recent riots that followed a sharp rise in petrol prices.
FM Zarif hails 6 European states' joining INSTEX IRNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described as positive recent decision made by six European countries for joining the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).
Pres. Rouhani: US must lift sanctions first before any diplomatic encounter IRNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the US Administration must lift sanctions first of all for any diplomatic encounter.
Iran seriously follows joint projects on oil exploration, extraction: President Rouhani ISNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Iran's President described having common cultural and historical roots as a good opportunity for further development of Tehran-Baku relations, saying, "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have been able to take very good steps in development of relations by relying on wisdom and tactfulness".
Whenever US lifts sanctions, P5+1 can hold talks with Iran immediately: Rouhani ISNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Iran's President stressed that Iran is a country that faces specific risks, and in the past 41 years, the country has been under the pressure of sanctions, especially in the last two years.
Ayatollah Khamenei stresses 'Islamic compassion' in dealing with riot suspects Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called on Iranian officials to treat those suspected of involvement in the recent riots over gasoline price hikes with "Islamic compassion."
Iranians slapped US, enemies in face by foiling violent riots: IRGC chief Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has highlighted the enemy's latest plot to provoke unrest in Iran, saying the nation once again slapped the US and other arrogant powers in the face by nipping foreign-backed riots hitting the country in the bud.
Iran President Calls For Release Of 'Innocent' Unarmed Protesters RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rohani has called for the release of protesters who were arrested in recent demonstrations against a sharp hike in gas prices if they were unarmed and simply voicing their opinion.
Israel's Netanyahu: Iranian Empire 'Tottering' VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describes the Iranian empire as "tottering" and says Israeli is "actively engaged" in countering Iranian aggression.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on December 4, 2019 PRC MofA 04 Dec 2019
Lam: HK must strengthen education on Constitution Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong people, especially civil servants, need to strengthen their national awareness and identity, and education on the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law, Chinese officials and experts said Wednesday at a forum in Hong Kong to commemorate national Constitution Day, and they also said national security legislation in the city is necessary since the foreign forces continually interfere in Hong Kong affairs in the months-long turmoil.
Hong Kong Lawmakers in Impeachment Bid Against City's Leader Carrie Lam Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- Pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong on Wednesday moved to impeach the city's chief executive Carrie Lam for her bid to force through legal changes allowing extradition to mainland China in the face of massive public opposition, sparking the six-month pro-democracy and anti-extradition protest movement.
Macao lauded for its successful practices People's Daily 04 Dec 2019 -- China has enough confidence to ensure that the principle of "one country, two systems" is carried forward in an orderly and steady manner, given its successful implementation in the Macao Special Administrative Region, the country's top legislator said on Tuesday.
China sets no timetable for clinching trade deal with US: FM Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- China has no timetable for reaching a trade deal with the US or not doing so, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, reiterating that trade talks should be based on equality and mutual respect, while a result should be of mutual benefit and accepted by both sides.
China Will Defend its Interests, Won't Set Timeline or Deadline for Trade Deal - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Washington and Beijing have previously agreed to ink a "phase one" trade deal to put an end to the brewing trade conflict. However, the prospects of a breakthrough were dampened after the US introduced a Hong Kong bill which prompted China to sanction US NGOs and restrict the access of US warships and military aircraft to the autonomous territory.
Chinese netizens accuse the West of double standards in application of facial recognition Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- If the US wants to adopt the technology for its citizens' security, why did the Western media say China did so to monitor its people and collect their personal information? Some Chinese people asked a similar question online following the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) recent proposal to scan the faces of all travelers coming in and out of the US.
China urged to take 'stronger countermeasures' against US' Xinjiang bill Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- China will take strong countermeasures against the US, including releasing an "unreliable entity list" that includes relevant US entities, and imposing sanctions on relevant US officials, experts said, after the US House passed an act filled with groundless accusations against China's Xinjiang Tuesday night, local time.
China firmly opposes U.S. House approval of bill on Xinjiang-related issues People's Daily 04 Dec 2019 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Wednesday expressed China's strong indignation over and firm opposition to the passing of a bill on Xinjiang-related issues by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Washington must pay the price for legislation on Uighurs: Beijing Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- In the wake of a move by the US House of Representatives to overwhelmingly pass legislation seeking sanctions against senior Chinese officials over the crackdown on mainly Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang, the government in Beijing has warned that a "price must be paid."
China Summons U.S. Envoy After Congress Approves Uyghur Bill Demanding Sanctions RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Beijing has summoned a U.S. diplomat after lawmakers in Washington approved legislation that calls for sanctions against senior Chinese officials for human rights violations linked to a crackdown on the country's Muslim minority.
US Embassy Official Summoned by China's Foreign Ministry Over Xinjiang Bill Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- US House of Representatives has passed a bill that allows US authorities to punish Bejing over alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
US House Approves Bill Denouncing China's Crackdown of Uighur Muslims VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- China has expressed anger over passage of a bill by the U.S. House of Representatives that calls for official actions against Beijing over its crackdown on millions of ethnic Muslims.

Protests erupt in India's Assam after Cabinet Approves Contentious Citizenship Bill Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet has approved a controversial citizenship amendment bill that will allow Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from neighbouring countries to settle in India.
Indian Cabinet Approves Controversial Citizenship Bill to Embrace Hindus from Neighbouring Countries Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The proposed legislation has also evoked severe criticism for its "evident communal nature", highlighting the exclusion of Muslims. However, Indian home minister Amit Shah has rejected such allegations in parliament.
After 100 Days in Jail over Corruption Charges, India's Ex-Finance Minister Chidambaram Gets Bail Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- One of India's longest-serving Finance Ministers received major relief from country's top court on Wednesday in a money laundering case. A member of the country's main opposition party and a vocal critic of the ruling BJP, the senior Congressman has spent over 100 days in prison.

Iraqi Parliament Gives President Salih 15 Days to Nominate New Prime Minister - Speaker Sputnik 04 Dec 2019 -- The speaker of the Iraqi parliament, Mohamed al-Halbousi, appealed on Wednesday to President Barham Salih to nominate a new prime minister within 15 days.

Ukraine Parliament Votes To Reboot Graft-Fighting Agency Amid Bribe Scandal RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Ukraine's parliament on December 3 passed a law that revamps the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) on the same day that authorities detained a close associate of the corruption-fighting agency's chief for allegedly demanding a $150,000 bribe from a construction company.

Fresh clashes hit Lebanon as politicians voice optimism about govt. formation Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- Fresh clashes have erupted between police and anti-government protesters in the Lebanese capital city of Beirut as officials suggest progress in talks on forming a new cabinet.

IS Struggles to Regain Social Media Footing After Europe Crackdown VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Islamic State media operatives appear to be flailing about in cyberspace, still trying to recover more than a week after tens of thousands of their messaging accounts were targeted by European officials.

Asian Governments 'Adopting China's Authoritarian Tactics': Report Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- China appears to be inspiring other Asian governments to curb civil rights and censor freedom of expression, according to a regional report on civil and political rights published on Wednesday.

Final Report of the Audit of the Elections in Bolivia: Intentional Manipulation and Serious Irregularities Made it Impossible to Validate the Results OAS 04 Dec 2019 -- The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) presented today the final report of the audit conducted on the general elections held on October 20 in Bolivia. The conclusion is that there was "intentional manipulation" and "serious irregularities" that make it impossible to validate the results originally issued by the Bolivian electoral authorities.

Amid Contentious Impeachment Hearing, Lawmakers Express Bilateral Support For Ukraine RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- As the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee began a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill in the Ukraine-centered impeachment probe of President Donald Trump, a bipartisan group of lawmakers gathered in the same building to express clear support for the beleaguered Eastern European country and its new leader.

Kem Sokha's Legal Team Files Appeal Against Cambodia Treason Trial Decision Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- Lawyers for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party's former president Kem Sokha filed an appeal on Wednesday against the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's decision two days earlier to send his treason case to trial.
Cambodia's King Strips Senior Police Officers of 'Okhna' Title Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni has stripped 36 senior police officers of their coveted "Okhna" status, a title of nobility increasingly used by those holding it to enable corruption and claim immunity from prosecution following the commission of crimes, according to reports.

Power Crisis: Severe Energy Shortages Spark Rare Protests In Uzbekistan RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- A severe shortage of natural gas and electricity has caused unprecedented protests in parts of Uzbekistan recently with small crowds blocking roads and demanding that officials end the crisis.

Former Armenian Leader Sarkisian Charged With Corruption RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Armenian authorities have brought corruption charges against Serzh Sarkisian, the former president who was toppled during last year's "Velvet Revolution."

'Because Of My Greed...': Former Turkmen Interior Minister Convicted Of Abuse Of Power, Corruption RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Former Turkmen Interior Minister Isgender Mulikov, fired by President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in October, has been convicted of abuse of power and corruption.

Former Moldovan PM Convicted Of Bribery Released From Prison RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- Former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat was released early from prison on parole to the surprise of the country's leadership on December 4.
Fugitive Moldovan Tycoon Has Second Identity, President Says RFE/RL 04 Dec 2019 -- A fugitive Moldovan tycoon and former leader of Moldova's Democratic Party, who is wanted for alleged money laundering, was issued a second set of identity papers under a different name last year, President Igor Dodon has said.

France Braces for Nationwide Strikes VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- France is preparing for nationwide strikes beginning Thursday that could bring the country to a standstill.

Hugo Rodriguez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, and Patrick Ventrell, Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs' Office for Western Hemisphere Programs on International Anticorruption Day US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2019

The United States To Elevate Diplomatic Representation With Sudan US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2019 -- "The Department of State warmly welcomes Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on his first visit to Washington. Today, we are pleased to announce that the United States and Sudan have decided to initiate the process of exchanging ambassadors after a 23-year gap."
US, Sudan to Exchange Ambassadors for First Time in 23 Years VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- The United States and Sudan will exchange ambassadors for the first time in more than two decades, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

Efforts to End Ethiopia's Ruling Party Draw Criticism from Within VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- A decision by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to dissolve the ruling party months ahead of the 2020 national election has prompted criticism from the upper echelons of his own government.

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