09 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. conduct airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists AFRICOM 09 Dec 2019 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Dec. 9.

Washington Post: Government Study Shows US Officials Misled Public on Afghan War VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The Washington Post newspaper has published a trove of government documents that reveal senior U.S. officials misled the public about the 18-year war in Afghanistan by making overly optimistic pronouncements they knew to be false and hiding evidence that the conflict had become unwinnable.
Taliban Bomber Kills 9 Afghan Soldiers in Helmand VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- A Taliban suicide bomber Monday detonated his explosives-laden vehicle near a military base in southern Afghanistan, killing at least nine soldiers and injuring several others.
Zarif, Ashraf Ghani discuss peace talks in Afghanistan IRNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reviewed peace talks among Afghan groups.
Eight Servicemen Killed in Southern Afghanistan Due to Car Bomb Explosion - Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- According to sources, as cited by the Xinhua news outlet, the bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber.

Defense Policy / Programs

Senate and House Armed Services Committees Complete Conference on FY20 National Defense Authorization Act SASC 09 Dec 2019 -- U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), chairman and ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, today announced details of the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.
Navy Announces Merger of Combat Systems Designators to Streamline Accessions NNS 09 Dec 2019 -- The Navy announced the merger of limited duty officer (LDO) and chief warrant officer (CWO) Surface Ordnance designators into the Surface Electronics (LDO/CWO) designator to form a combined combat systems designator in NAVADMIN 280/19, Dec. 9.
DOD Issues Second Special Notice Seeking Input From Industry on 5G Technology Development DoD 09 Dec 2019 -- The Department of Defense issued a second special notice Monday, Dec. 9, calling for additional industry input on 5G technology development.
Pentagon Seeks Private Partners in Drive to Dominate Global 5G Domain Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The US Department of Defence said in a special notice on Monday that it has issued a follow-up request for private industry proposals to develop 5G technology with military applications.
Indo-Pacom Commander Describes Threats From China DoD News 09 Dec 2019 -- In addition to threatening freedom of navigation in international waters off its coast, China is stealing intellectual property and personally identifiable information from U.S. companies and citizens, as well as from allies and partners, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said.
USS Normandy Visits Rota NNS 09 Dec 2019 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) conducted a scheduled port visit to Rota, Spain Dec. 2-5.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians Host Training in Uganda NNS 09 Dec 2019 -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 are in Magamaga, Uganda Oct. 2019-Sept. 2020 to train members of the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces (UPDF) on proper munition disposal procedures and techniques.
US Air Force's B-1B Bombers Could Be Flying Higher, Slower to Avoid Breaking Down Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- As the US Air Force (USAF) seeks ways to extend the life of its B-1B Lancer fleet, one of the options it's weighing is forcing the plane to stop flying so low and so fast - what the bomber was designed to do.
Pentagon's Concern About Rising Support for Russia Among US Troops 'Runs Deep' - Report Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The trend is not limited to the US - in February polling revealed the average German holds Russia and China in higher regard than the US, with which their government is allied.
Amazon Blames Trump For Loss of Pentagon Contract VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- Amazon accused U.S. President Donald Trump of using "improper pressure" and bias that harmed its chances of winning a lucrative $10 billion contract from the U.S. Department of Defense.

United States and Japan to Hold Session of Extended Deterrence Dialogue US Dept. of State 09 Dec 2019 -- The United States and Japan will hold a bilateral Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) from December 9-11, in Tokyo, Japan. The EDD provides an opportunity for the two allies to hold in-depth discussions on how to maintain and strengthen deterrence as part of their security and defense cooperation.

DOD Official Cites NATO's Contributions to World Peace, Security DoD News 09 Dec 2019 -- The threat from Russia in its own backyard isn't NATO's only focus, a senior Defense Department official said, noting that the alliance also is globally focused.
NATO Secretary General holds first meeting with EU High Representative NATO 09 Dec 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the new EU High Representative Josep Borrell at the headquarters of the European External Action Service in Brussels on Monday (9 December 2019). The meeting took place during Mr. Borrell's first week in office. "This underlines the importance of NATO-EU cooperation," said the Secretary General.

Russia's Northern Fleet to build Arctic air defense 'dome' with S-400 Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Moscow plans to equip all battalions of the Russian Northern Fleet with the S-400 air defense system within several years in a bid to create an air defense "dome" over the Russian Arctic, a naval commander says.
Russian Northern Fleet to Get S-400s to Ensure Air Defence of Arctic Region – Commander Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- All battalions of the Russian Northern Fleet will be equipped with S-400 missile defence systems within next several years to ensure air defence of the Arctic region, Vice Adm. Alexander Moiseyev, commander of the fleet, said.
Amid Trump Impeachment Fury, US and Russia Expected to Talk Arms Control VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov heads to Washington for hastily scheduled meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and, possibly, President Donald Trump, on Tuesday.

Chinese navy trains fighter pilots into aircraft carrier commanders Global Times 09 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is training jet fighter pilots to sail and command warships, a move that aims to create more capable commanding officers for aircraft carriers, according to military experts.
Xi gives instructions on work related to veteran military officers Global Times 09 Dec 2019 -- President Xi Jinping has stressed cherishing the glorious history and preserving political integrity while pooling positive energy for strengthening the country and revitalizing the armed forces in a set of instructions on the work related to veteran military officers.
Chinese navy ship Weifang docked in Kenya People's Daily 09 Dec 2019 -- The missile frigate Weifang from the 33rd escort fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy arrived at the port of Mombasa, Kenya for technical docking Sunday morning.
China's Cutting-Edge PCL191 Multiple Launch Rocket System in Strategic Proximity to Taiwan – Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The new PCL191 system is understood to be capable of destroying multiple strategic targets such as airports, command points, and supply bases. One of the locations it is reportedly stationed at now is Xiamen in Fujian Province, just a stone's throw away from Taiwan.
Naval Resupply Advance Gives China New Edge in Maritime Disputes VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- A Chinese military supply ship has made its first transfer from a civilian vessel, Chinese media say. Routine though that may sound, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported that the mid-November operation near the southeast coast kicks off a bigger program to resupply naval ships without requiring a return to shore.

France Orders Six Patrols Boats Capable of Deploying Heavy Drones and Securing Prisoners Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The procurement order was given to French ship-building company Socarenam. The vessels are part of the Overseas Patroller Programme announced by Defence Minister Florence Parly this November, aimed at strengthening the protection of France's maritime regions and replacing the old generation of patrol ships.

Indian Parliament's Lower House Passes Bill to Amend Arms Act Aimed at Curbing Illegal Manufacturing Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- Thousands of people are arrested annually across India for manufacturing and supplying illegal firearms, particularly those who have set up production centres in the country's Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states, parts of which border Nepal and Bangladesh that have significant markets for such weapons.
Indian Army Fires American Origin Ammunition from M-777s Near Pakistan Border Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The 155 mm satellite-guided artillery rounds for Howitzers were ordered from the US following the February 2019 military standoff between India and Pakistan, which erupted following a suicide attack on an Indian military convoy killing at least 40 soldiers.

Pakistan Army Rejects Reports of Joint Border Patrolling with Iran Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- Pakistan's public broadcaster, Radio Pakistan and the country's leading newspaper Dawn, had reported joint patrolling along its border with Iran. Islamabad has started fencing the common border with Iran to de-escalate tensions that arose in the past, due to attacks on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Turkey Not in Hurry to Buy Fighters From Russia, Hopes to Get Them From US - Turkish Defence Minister Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in November after a meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington that Ankara might purchase US Patriot systems, but it considers the US requests to get rid of Russia's air defence systems S-400 an infringement of its sovereignty.
Turkish-US Fighter Jet Dispute Rekindles Century-Old Animosities VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- Turkey Defense Minister Hulusi Akar warned Washington on Monday that Turkey will seek alternatives if Washington doesn't end its embargo on the sale of the F-35 jet.

Philippines May Sign Deal With India on Deliveries of BrahMos Missiles in 2020 – Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- Manila and New Delhi are likely next year to reach a deal on the deliveries of Russian-Indian BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines, Indian media reported on Monday.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 9, 2019

Other Conflicts

9 December 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 Dec 2019
'World has failed' victims of genocide too often: Guterres UN News 09 Dec 2019 -- Too often, "the world has failed" populations under threat of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing, Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide on Monday.
UN chief urges emergency fund support as one of the 'most effective investments' in humanitarian action UN News 09 Dec 2019 -- The UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is "one of the most effective investments you can make in humanitarian action", Secretary-General, António Guterres told a high-level pledging event at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.

Yemeni army targets Houthi militia SPA 09 Dec 2019 -- Yemeni army artillery, in Behan region, targeted today a combat vehicle belonging to the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia in the Fadha Area east of Al Bayda Governorate, according to the (September 26) website for the Yemeni Ministry of Defense. A Yemeni military source said that the Army artillery of the 26th (Mika Brigade) was able to target a combat vehicle, that was carrying members of the Houthi militia. The vehicle was directly hit, burned, killing everyone on board .

Kurdish-led SDF militants move children of Daesh terrorists to own camp in northern Syria: Report Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Militants from the Kurdish-led and so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reportedly transferred dozens of children born to Daesh Takfiri terrorists from a refugee camp in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah to their own training camp.
Russia warplanes intercept Israeli jets over southern Syria: Report Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Russian fighter jets have intercepted Israeli warplanes that were flying over southern Syria, media reports say.

Missiles hit Iraqi military complex housing US troops, six injured Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Six Iraqi troops have been injured after several rockets hit a military complex that also houses US forces near Baghdad airport, the Iraqi army says.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi Trip to The Hague Draws Mixed Reviews Radio Free Asia 09 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi left for the Netherlands at the weekend to defend her country against charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with loyalists rallying for big sendoffs, while rights activists and ethnic groups question her decision to back an army infamous for atrocities.
Bangladesh Ready to Give 'Technical Support' in ICJ Rohingya Case Radio Free Asia 09 Dec 2019 -- Bangladesh is sending a delegation to The Hague, where Dhaka is prepared to give Gambia "technical support" in its case before the International Court of Justice alleging that Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya Muslims, the Bangladeshi foreign minister said Monday.

Putin, Zelenskiy Meet For First Time In Bid To Bring Peace To Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, are meeting for the first time in Paris for long-awaited talks on resolving the military conflict in eastern Ukraine that has left more than 13,000 people dead since 2014.
Normandy Summit Kicks Off in Paris to Advance Ukraine Peace Settlement Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- Leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany will meet in Paris on Monday for a high-stakes summit that will seek to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine after it claimed more than 13,000 lives.
Leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France, Germany to hold summit on Donbass conflict Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- The presidents of Russia and Ukraine are set to hold their first face-to-face talks in Paris along with leaders of France and Germany as part of renewed four-way efforts to end a deadly conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The importance of UNOCA in preventing and resolving conflict Gov.UK 09 Dec 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council briefing on UNOCA.

Over 9 million need urgent food aid in Sahel, African experts warn Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- African officials and experts have warned that the number of people in need of urgent food aid across the Sahel region has more than doubled this year amid an intensification of violence and insecurity.

News Reports

Democrats, Republicans Lay Out Sharply Divergent Views on Trump Impeachment VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- Democratic and Republican leaders of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee laid out sharply divergent views Monday for and against the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
House Judiciary Committee Hears Evidence as Impeachment Vote Nears VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The push by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Donald Trump resumes Monday as the Judiciary Committee hears testimony from Democratic and Republican lawyers about the case for and against the American leader.
U.S. House panel chair says articles of impeachment "presumably" to be introduced this week People's Daily 09 Dec 2019 -- U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler said Sunday that his panel, which is writing articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, will "presumably" present them this week.
US Democratic leading impeachment probe says Trump violated oath Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- The head of a US congressional committee leading the impeachment probe against President Donald Trump has accused the US leader of putting himself before his country and violating his oath of office.

Statement from Vice President Mike Pence on Horowitz Report The White House 09 Dec 2019
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on the Inspector General's Report of the Review of Four FISA Applications and Other Aspects of the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane Investigation US Dept. of Justice 09 Dec 2019 -- Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:
IG Report: FBI Was Justified in Opening Russia Probe VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. Justice Department's inspector general says in a new report the FBI was justified in opening an investigation in 2016 into suspected ties between U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign and Russia, saying officials had enough evidence to authorize an inquiry.

US Border Apprehensions Drop for Sixth Month VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- U.S. officials reported a sixth consecutive month of decreased apprehensions at the country's border with Mexico, bringing November more in line with the historical average, after a significant increase that started about a year ago.

EU To Start Work On 'Magnitsky' Sanctions Regime RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- European Union foreign ministers have agreed to go ahead with legislation to slap asset freezes and travel bans on human rights violators, a move seen as primarily targeting Russia.
Russia Banned From Competition for 4 Years Over Continuing Doping Scandal VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) unanimously voted Monday to ban Russia from the Olympic Games, the World Cup and other international sporting competitions for the next four years.
WADA Executive Committee unanimously endorses four-year period of non-compliance for the Russian Anti-Doping Agency WADA 09 Dec 2019 -- Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA's) Executive Committee (ExCo) unanimously endorsed the recommendation made by the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) be declared non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) for a period of four years.

Pakistan's Spy Agency Using Honey Trap to Target Indian Army Officers: Minister Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The issue of honey-trapping by foreign intelligence agencies has been gaining credence in India, with the Indian Army issuing an advisory asking its personnel to be cautious and avoid strangers posing as women of foreign origin or spiritual gurus (leader).

Putin Says Berlin Murder Victim Was Among Organizers Of Moscow Metro Blast RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said the ethnic Chechen Georgian national murdered in Berlin this summer had been behind a Moscow metro blast.

Chairman of Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee Issues Statement KCNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Kim Yong Chol, chairman of the Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 9
Vice-Chairman of WPK Central Committee Issues Statement KCNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Ri Su Yong, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following statement on Monday
N. Korea Calls US President 'Heedless and Erratic Old Man' VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- North Korea addressed new insults to U.S. President Donald Trump Monday, calling him a "heedless and erratic old man."
US Forgoes UN Meeting on DPRK Human Rights for 'Comprehensive' Update VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The United States has abandoned plans for a U.N. Security Council meeting focused on the human rights situation in North Korea and has instead called for a more "comprehensive" review of recent developments.
N Korea fires back at Trump, says has 'nothing more to lose' Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Pyongyang has hit back at US President Donald Trump over his "inappropriate" comments following its test at a satellite launch center, saying North Korea will not give in to Washington's pressure since it already has "nothing to lose."
North Korea Has 'Nothing More to Lose', Slams Trump's Warnings Over Missile Tests - Official Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- North Korea is a country that has nothing to lose, a senior official remarked on Monday in a statement published by state media, slamming US President Donald Trump's warning to leader Kim Jong-un not to engage in any hostile activities.
Tokyo Says Monitoring North Korea After Pyongyang's Mentions 'Importamt Tests' – Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The Japanese government on Monday said that is was closely monitoring North Korean actions after Pyongyang's remarks about a "very important" test conducted at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, NHK reported.

Iran downgrades Israeli threat, warns of regretful response to stupid act IRNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Iran on Monday downgraded Israeli threat of air strikes, warning that any stupid act will cause regretful response from Iran.
Iran says its response will make Israel regret any aggression Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Iran has reacted to Israel's recent threats of military action, warning that its response to any such potential effrontery will make the occupying regime regret its acts.
Trigger mechanism is out of the question: Araghchi IRNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that during the recent meeting with 4 +1 Group, activation of trigger mechanism was never discussed and the issue is presently out of the question.
FM Zarif: Iran ready for comprehensive prisoner swap IRNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message referred to the recent release of the Iranian scientist from the US, saying that Iran is ready for a comprehensive prisoner swap.
AEOI spox: Iran can produce stable isotopes without Russian help IRNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Monday that Iran is able to produce stable isotopes without Russian help, adding that Russia will not withdraw from the project despite US refusal to extend waiver.
Zarif deplores level of EU commitment to JCPOA IRNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday deplored level of the EU commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iranian Foreign Minister Says Tehran Ready for Prisoner Swap, 'Ball is in US Court' - Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on 7 December that Iran and the United States were conducting an exchange of US-held Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani and Chinese-American Xiyue Wang detained in Iran.
FM Zarif: Iran 'certainly dissatisfied' with EU commitment to JCPOA Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran is definitely unhappy with the level of the Europeans' commitment to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran deputy FM: Europeans will not activate JCPOA trigger mechanism for now Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs says despite their recent threat to activate the trigger mechanism envisaged in the nuclear accord with Iran, the European signatories to the deal will not do so for the time being.
Iran's chief banker says stability will return to Iran forex market soon Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- The governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) says prices of foreign currencies will return to normal levels in a very near future despite growing speculations that have affected the markets over the past days.
Zarif: Iran ready for comprehensive prisoner exchange, ball in US court Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic is "fully ready" to exchange more prisoners with the US after the latter freed Iranian stem cell scientist Masoud Soleimani, who arrived in Tehran after over one year of imprisonment in the United States.
Iran Says Ready For 'Comprehensive' Prisoner Swap With U.S. RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Tehran is ready for more prisoner exchanges with the United States, days after the two countries exchanged two of their detained nationals.
Iranian Lawmaker Denounces 'Tyranny,' 'Privileges' Of Officials RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- An outspoken Iranian female lawmaker says "tyranny," as well as "parallel" state institutions and centers of power, are destroying the "republican" element of the country's political system.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on December 9, 2019 PRC MofA 09 Dec 2019
Mainland universities tighten admissions for Hong Kong candidates Global Times 09 Dec 2019 -- Some mainland universities have tightened enrollment requirements for Hong Kong students for the next academic year amid the city's ongoing social unrest, with several demanding a review of applicants replacing previous test-free policies and stressing "one country, two systems."
Central govt supports HK, Macao in regional development Global Times 09 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese central government will support the efforts of South China's Guangdong Province in learning and applying the trade rules of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) to its free trade zones.
Nation arrests 6,690 fugitives in anti-graft drive Global Times 09 Dec 2019 -- Since China launched its anti-corruption campaign Skynet Operation in 2015, 6,690 fugitives who fled overseas have been repatriated and some 15.1 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in unlawfully gained assets have been recovered, official data shows.
Experts say lower GDP no problem People's Daily 09 Dec 2019 -- Chinese policymakers will likely be more flexible when setting next year's growth target, showing greater tolerance for slower growth in exchange for policy leeway to carry out longer-term reform objectives that are crucial to the country's high-quality development, analysts said on Sunday.
China Claims All Xinjiang Detainees Have 'Graduated,' Drawing Skepticism From Experts, Exile Groups Radio Free Asia 09 Dec 2019 -- Internment camp detainees in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have "graduated" and future training will take place on a voluntary basis, regional chairman Shohrat Zakir said Monday, although he did not clarify whether those held in the facilities have been released.
China allows no one to back terrorist forces People's Daily 09 Dec 2019 -- On Dec 3rd local time, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019". This bill deliberately smears the human rights condition in Xinjiang, slanders China's efforts in de-radicalization and counter-terrorism and viciously attacks the Chinese government's Xinjiang policy.
Unlawful US bill on Uighurs gross meddling in China affairs: Xinjiang governor Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- The governor of China's western Xinjiang Province has lashed out at the United States for passing legislation over Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority in the volatile region, saying the move constitutes a "violation of international law" and "gross interference" in the country's internal affairs.
Macao to firmly hold onto the great initiative of "one country, two systems" principle People's Daily 09 Dec 2019 -- "One country, two systems" is an important principle in the endeavor of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to lead Chinese people toward the peaceful reunification of China, and represents a great initiative of the country in its pursuit of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
China's New Coal Plants Raise Climate Threat Radio Free Asia 09 Dec 2019 -- Economic and political pressures are pushing China to build more unnecessary coal-fired power plants, putting global climate change targets at risk, energy experts and recent studies suggest.
Rioters descend into Hong Kong streets Global Times 09 Dec 2019 -- Black-clad protesters descended into Hong Kong streets again on Sunday as a rally organized by the opposition groups was permitted by the police. Although it was generally peaceful as the local government claimed, violent and illegal acts still occurred, culminating in rioters setting fires at two courts in the city.

Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Vow Cooperation on Probe Into Naval Base Shooting VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman vowed to cooperate on investigating a shooting at a U.S. Florida Naval base which left three dead on Friday.
Trump spoke with Saudi crown prince about deadly shooting Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has spoken with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia regarding Friday's deadly shooting at a US Navy base in Florida where a Saudi Air Force officer went on a shooting spree.
Trump under fire for attempting to defend Saudi after deadly shooting Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has been under fire for attempting to defend the Saudi government following a deadly shooting on Friday by a Saudi Air Force officer at a naval base in Florida.
HRH the Crown Prince telephones US President SPA 09 Dec 2019 -- His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, today made a phone call to President Donald Trump, the President of the United States of America.

Saudi Arabia projects 2020 budget deficit to grow to $50bn Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Saudi Arabia says its budget deficit for the coming year will increase as the Arab kingdom, the world's top oil exporter, faces falling oil prices and production reductions.
We Will Continue Building, Progress as the Budget for the Year 2020 Enhances Vision 2030 Objectives, says HRH Crown Prince SPA 09 Dec 2019 -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense whos is also Chairman of the Economic and Development Affairs Council, lauded the lofty implications of the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the occasion of the issuance of the State Budget for the Fiscal Year 2020 and his keenness on the implementation of economic reforms.
Royal Decree on State's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2020 SPA 09 Dec 2019 -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree today on the State's General Budget for the Fiscal Year 2020, stating the following:
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Session, Approving State's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2020 SPA 09 Dec 2019 -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held at Al-Yamamah Palace here today, approving the State's General Budget for the fiscal year 2020.
Minister of Finance: The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is moving forward towards promoting and sustaining economic growth SPA 09 Dec 2019 -- Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan confirmed the intention of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to move forward towards promoting economic growth and sustainability while ensuring the achievement of financial sustainability and adopting economic policies targeting the growth of non-oil output, improving the quality of basic services provided to citizens, raising the level of quality of life, supporting housing plans, raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government spending, especially social spending, while continuing to work to enable the role of the private sector in the economy, creating jobs and diversifying investment under the umbrella of the Kingdom's 2030 Vision's goals.

Iraqi commission summons, orders arrest of over 250 current, former officials over corruption Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- The Iraqi Commission of Integrity has summoned or issued arrest warrants against more than 250 former and acting officials on suspicion of corruption, as part of the government's reforms after a wave of protests over unemployment, corruption and lack of public services hit the country.
Iraqi Parliament Agrees Candidacy for Prime Minister Amid Street Protests Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The factions in the Iraqi parliament agreed on Monday on the candidacy of the future prime minister, lawmaker Nahida Diani stated.

India Tables Controversial Citizenship Bill That Critics Slam as Anti-Muslim VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party introduced a controversial bill in parliament Monday seeking to grant citizenship to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from neighboring countries, introducing religion as a criterion for nationality for the first time.

US Investigates Venezuela Providing Passports to Hezbollah Members Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The United States is aware that Venezuela has provided passports to members of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and is closely investigating the matter, a US Treasury Department official said during a briefing on 9 December.

Britain's Spies Probe Russian Election Meddling VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- Britain's cybersecurity agency is investigating whether state-sponsored Russian hackers were behind the leaks of British government documents used by opposition politicians to embarrass Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative Party ahead of Thursday's general election.
Britain Set for Crunch Election, But Brexit Agony Will Likely Continue VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- Britain's political leaders are making a final push for votes ahead of Thursday's general election, which has been dominated by the issue of Britain's exit from the European Union.

Ukraine Seeks Court Trial In London To Defend Against Unpaid $3 Billion Eurobond To Russia RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- Ukraine will ask the British Supreme Court on December 9 to not compel it to pay nearly $4 billion in debt to Russia from a Eurobond that Moscow had refused to have restructured when Kyiv's economy nosedived following the Euromaidan pro-democracy movement nearly six years ago.

Treason Trial of Cambodian Opposition Leader Kem Sokha Set For January Radio Free Asia 09 Dec 2019 -- Cambodia's Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Monday announced that the trial of opposition leader Kem Sokha will begin on Jan. 15, some 16 months after he was arrested on charges of treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.

With Mostar's 'Eternal Mayor' Ailing, Will Change Finally Come To Bosnia's 'Vacuum Of Democracy'? RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- Alarm bells are ringing in the divided Bosnian city of Mostar as the man known as its "eternal mayor" is ailing in a foreign hospital and there's currently no way for him to be replaced.

Ex-Kyrgyz President Atambaev To Face Psychiatric Examination RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- A psychiatric examination has been ordered for arrested former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev, the Interior Ministry says.
Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Prison Terms For Two Former Bishkek Mayors RFE/RL 09 Dec 2019 -- Kyrgyz prosecutors in a high-profile corruption trial have asked a court to sentence two former mayors of Bishkek to lengthy prison terms.

Joint Statement of Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, the United States, and the World Bank US Treasury 09 Dec 2019 -- The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan appreciate the observer role of the United States and the World Bank. They noted the progress achieved in the technical meetings among the Ministers of Water Resources in Addis Ababa and in Cairo.

The Organization of American States' Final Report of the Audit of the Elections in Bolivia US Dept. of State 09 Dec 2019 -- The United States commends the professional work of the Organization of American States (OAS) electoral audit mission in Bolivia.
The United States Takes Action Against Maduro-Aligned Individuals US Dept. of State 09 Dec 2019 -- On December 9, 2019, the United States sanctioned two officials aligned with the former Maduro regime pursuant to Executive Order 13692, as amended, which authorizes the designation of any person determined to be a current or former official of the Government of Venezuela.

Joint Trilateral Statement of the Fourth Annual North American Drug Dialogue US Dept. of State 09 Dec 2019 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada on the occasion of the 2019 North American Drug Dialogue in Washington, D.C.

Treasury Sanctions Corruption and Material Support Networks US Treasury 09 Dec 2019 -- Corruption is a global problem. It undermines the abilities of governments to adequately care for their citizens; erodes the legal, moral, and ethical fabric of society; and facilitates transnational crime. Today, on International Anti-Corruption Day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting corrupt actors and their networks across numerous countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Today's action, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption.

Sudanese PM Calls His Country a 'Success Story in the Making,' Asks World for Help VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- During his recent visit to Washington, Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said one goal looms above all others as he leads the country's transitional government: bringing peace to the war-ravaged nation.

South Sudan Legislative Speaker Forced to Resign VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The speaker of South Sudan's transitional legislative assembly, Anthony Lino Makana, has been forced by his party members to resign.

Nairobi's Governor Faces Corruption Charges VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The flamboyant governor of Kenya's capital city has pleaded not guilty to a list of corruption charges that include embezzlement and money laundering.

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