10 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Documents Expose Years-Long Pattern of Lying to US Public About Afghan War VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- A trove of documents made public by The Washington Post has exposed a years-long pattern of deliberate lies in support of what officials knew to be an unwinnable war in Afghanistan. The U.S. Defense Department denied any deliberate effort to mischaracterize the 18-year war effort.
Report: U.S. Misled Public On Afghanistan War RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- The Washington Post has published a report based on a confidential cache of U.S. government documents showing that three White House administrations misled the public about shortcomings and failures in the 18-year Afghanistan war.
Govt. docs show US officials 'constantly lied' about Afghan war Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- A confidential trove of US government documents recently made public by a newspaper has revealed that American officials have "constantly lied to" the US public about what has been going on in the now 18-year war on Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding the National Defense Authorization Act The White House 10 Dec 2019
US Congress Agrees $738 Billion Defence Budget For 2020, Showing 3% Increase From 2019 Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The Armed Services Committees of the US Senate and the House of Representatives reached an agreement on Monday to finance the country's defence spending for the 2020 fiscal year in the amount of $738 billion, a statement published by the committees said.
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment Ellen Lord Press Briefing on Defense Acquisition DoD 10 Dec 2019 -- Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense For Acquisition And Sustainment
US Plans Decision on F-35 Full-Rate Production in Autumn of 2020 - Undersecretary of Defence Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- Defence Department policy calls for all of the F-35's deficiencies to be resolved prior to beginning with full-rate production to avoid expensive retrofits needed to bring existing jets to standard.
US Conducted at Least Three Strikes With Secret Sword Blade Hellfire Missile This Year – Report Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- Various media outlets have fuelled speculation that the US possesses a shadowy version of its Hellfire missile known as AIM-114R9X with the reports suggesting the projectile was allegedly used in an attack on a member of an al-Qaeda* outfit in Yemen this January. According to reports, it has also been repeatedly used in Syria over the last week.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen and Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist DoD 10 Dec 2019
Making a Difference Fuels Retention in Space, Cyber Commands DoD News 10 Dec 2019 -- More than anything, making a difference and staying on mission are the keys to retention in U.S. Space Command and U.S. Cyber Command, the senior enlisted leaders for those two organizations said.
Service Personnel Chiefs Discuss Diversity in the Military DoD News 10 Dec 2019 -- The House Armed Services Committee's military personnel subcommittee heard testimony today from Defense Department personnel chiefs on diversity in recruiting and retention.
DOD Official Says Integration With Partner Nations' Defense Industry Is Important DoD News 10 Dec 2019 -- The assistant secretary of defense for acquisition spoke today on the deepening industrial partnership between the United States and South Korea at a Center for Strategic and International Studies conference in Washington.
Foreign Leaders, Ambassadors Join Top Admiral for Aircraft Carrier Embark in Mediterranean NNS 10 Dec 2019 -- Senior leaders and ambassadors from Bulgaria and North Macedonia joined Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-CNA), aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to observe flight operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 9.
Navy Scientists Brief Top Tech to U.K. Navy Leaders, Reaffirm Collaboration NNS 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. Navy officials briefed U.K. Royal Navy Rear Admiral Hugh Beard and his delegation on current and emerging technological programs during a tour of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Dec. 3.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic Awards Contract for Portal Crane at Puget Sound Shipyard NNS 10 Dec 2019 -- The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic has awarded a $46,014,523 firm-fixed-price contract to provide one 175-ton portal crane at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to Konecranes Nuclear Equipment and Services LLC, of New Berlin, Wisconsin.
Fleet Support Center Bahrain Proves Instrumental in Successful Execution of USS Firebolt's Availability NNS 10 Dec 2019 -- Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) Detachment Bahrain completed the USS Firebolt's (PC 10) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) availability on Oct. 27, matching the 195-day period of performance exactly, and returning the ship to the fleet on time.
Cybersecurity Requirements Likely for Defense Contracts by June 2020 DoD News 10 Dec 2019 -- The Defense Department expects that by June 2020, industry will see cybersecurity requirements included as part of new requests for information, which typically serve as one of the first steps in the awarding of new defense contracts.
US Signs Agreement With Singapore Allowing Island Nation's Air Force Access to Guam Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The defense ministers of Singapore and the United States have penned an agreement to set up a Singaporean Air Force training detachment at the US base on Guam. The move comes amid deepening ties between Singapore and Beijing, including combined military exercises and legal agreements.

Commissioning day for HMS Prince of Wales Royal Navy 10 Dec 2019 -- HMS Prince of Wales has been commissioned into the Fleet today as the largest warship ever built for the nation.

As Experts Analyze North Korean Missile Engine Test, Some Say Kim is Done Talking Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2019 -- A weekend missile engine test in North Korea might be a signal that Kim Jong Un is prepared to withdraw from denuclearization negotiations with the United States, experts told RFA.
All I Want for Christmas is Nukes: Pyongyang May Launch Long-Range Missile This Year - Reports Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- North Korea conducted two tests of a rocket engine for a presumably new type of a missile during a "very important" test on 7 December and may launch another before Christmas, the newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported, citing a senior source in the South Korean government.
Experts: N. Korea Tested an Engine, Possibly for a Long-Range Missile VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Experts say North Korea appeared to have conducted a fuel engine test on the ground, potentially for a long-range missile, in what Pyongyang claimed as "the test of great significance."

US General Sees Hope for Ties with Turkey VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Growing tensions between Turkey and the United States do not have to result in the end of the long-standing alliance despite some major rifts between Ankara and Washington.
Erdogan Says Turkey Won't Dispose of Russian S-400s for US' Patriot Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- Ankara will not abandon the Russian S-400 air defence systems in order to buy American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Navy makes record progress, active deterrence at open seas IRNA 10 Dec 2019 -- Deputy Commander of Iran's Army for coordination Habibollah Sayyari said on Tuesday that Iranian Navy reached self-reliance in maritime industry making record progress and active deterrence at the open seas.
No country in world can challenge strong Iranian security: Navy commander IRNA 10 Dec 2019 -- Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi says that Iran's powerful defense system is indigenously developed and no country in the world can undermine strong Iranian security.
Iran, Pakistan stress on expansion of naval cooperation ISNA 10 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Navy commander Rear Admiral Khanzadi said Iran is waiting for Pakistan's response to join upcoming joint drills with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean, dubbed 'Maritime Security Belt'.
Iran, Pakistan keen to boost naval cooperation: Cmdr. Khanzadi Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- During a visit to Pakistan, Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi has said that the two neighbors – which share both land and sea borders – are seeking to enhance naval cooperation.

Pentagon Halts Operational Training for Saudi Military Students VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- The Pentagon on Tuesday suspended nonclassroom training for all Saudi Arabian students in U.S. military programs in response to the deadly shooting by a Saudi national at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida last week.

Bill asks Pentagon to form US-Taiwan cybersecurity group CNA 10 Dec 2019 -- A conference agreement version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2020 suggests the U.S. government should study the feasibility of forming a U.S.-Taiwan working group to coordinate responses to cybersecurity issues, among other recommendations designed to enhance defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

U.S. Slaps Sanctions On Nine Associates Of Serbian Arms Dealer Tesic RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on nine associates of Serbian businessman Slobodan Tesic, described by the U.S. Treasury Department as being "among the biggest dealers of arms and munitions in the Balkans."

Chilean Air Force Plane With 38 People Has Crashed - Navy Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- According to the Chilean Air Force, the plane was heading to Antarctica to conduct logistical work. A state of alert has been declared, and rescue teams have been activated by the authorities.

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 10 Dec 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 10, 2019
Japan's plan to block DJI drones unfounded: company Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- In response to a report that the Japan Coast Guard plans to remove Chinese drone maker DJI from its procurement list under the guise of information security, DJI said that it regrets any restriction based on unfounded information and will continue to engage in talks with relevant Japanese departments.

Other Conflicts

10 December 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 Dec 2019
UN Chief: Human Rights Violations 'Widespread and Systematic' VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- The U.N. Secretary-General said Tuesday that there is still "an enormous gap" between what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights calls for and the situation in countries around the world.

Yemeni army forces, allies shoot down another Saudi-led reconnaissance drone Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from the Popular Committees, have intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to the Saudi-led military coalition while flying in the skies over Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Najran.

Russia, Turkey, Iran Hold 14th Round Of Talks On Syria War In Kazakhstan RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- The delegations of Turkey, Iran, and Russia have arrived in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, for two days of trilateral talks, Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiyarov has told reporters.
First Day of Astana-14 Talks on Syria Kicks Off With Russia-Iran Meeting Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The first day of the 14th round of Astana-format talks on Syria in the Kazakh capital has started with a bilateral meeting between the Russian and Iranian delegations.
Europe Faces Refugee Crisis Because of Supporting Terrorists in Syria - Assad Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- 'Syrian War Resulted From Government's Excessive Tolerance of Terrorists'

Bogged down near Tripoli, Haftar's militia now seek to take on Turkey, too Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- A commander with Libyan militia groups headed by renegade general Khalifa Haftar says he has "orders" to destroy any Turkish vessel near war-torn Libya, hours after Turkey and the internationally-recognized government of Libya began implementing agreements on maritime boundaries and military cooperation.
Turkey Can Send Troops to Libya If Tripoli Asks for Assistance - Erdogan Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- In late November, Turkey and the Tripoli-based Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) signed a memorandum on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea, prompting an outcry from several countries in the region. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Tobruk-based Libyan parliament, Aguila Saleh Issa, called the document illegal.
Erdogan: Turkey Ready to Send Troops to Libya If Asked VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he is ready to deploy soldiers to Libya following the announcement of a security agreement with the Libyan government. Ankara has been actively seeking to project its influence across the Mediterranean as a scramble intensifies for the region's energy resources.

Greece irate as Turkey, Libya enforce maritime, military accords Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Turkey and Libya have begun implementing agreements on maritime boundaries and military cooperation, drawing an angry reaction from Greece which views the accords as a violation of its sovereign rights.
Libyan Presidential Council Member Says Ankara-Tripoli Deal Spurred by Maritime Border Violations Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The memorandum between Turkey and the Tripoli-based Libyan Government of National Accord is a response to a similar agreement between Greece and Egypt, and violations of Libyan maritime borders by other countries, Amna Umm Tahir, a member of the UN-recognized Presidential Council, said on Tuesday.

Aung San Suu Kyi appears at ICJ as UN rights expert urges greater protection for Myanmar activists UN News 10 Dec 2019 -- Making the appeal is the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, who reports that online hostility against activists has increased since the announcement last month of international legal proceedings over the atrocities.
World Court launches genocide hearings against Myanmar Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has launched genocide hearings against Myanmar, as the first major legal attempt to bring the country to justice over horrific atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims.
Gambia Presents Genocide Case at ICJ Against Myanmar Over Rohingya Expulsion Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2019 -- Gambia on Wednesday began arguing its genocide case against Buddhist-majority Myanmar at the United Nations' top court, asking that the court ensure that atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority not continue.
Hearings Open at UN Court Over Myanmar's Rohingya Crackdown VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- The International Court of Justice opened a historic three-day hearing Tuesday into accusations of genocide brought against Myanmar over the military's brutal 2017 crackdown against the Rohingya Muslims.
Bangladesh: Rohingya Rally, Pray for Justice in ICJ Case against Myanmar Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2019 -- As a landmark genocide case against Myanmar opened in The Hague on Tuesday, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh watched the proceedings on TV while thousands staged a mass rally and prayed in defiance of government restrictions on such demonstrations.

Moscow, Kiev agree on 'comprehensive ceasefire' in Eastern Ukraine Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany have agreed to implement a "full and comprehensive" ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine after top-level negotiations.
Red Lines And Relief: Mixed Feelings In Ukraine After Zelenskiy-Putin Talks RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Much hype preceded the Paris meeting of Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin, the first face-to-face talks between the current leaders of Ukraine and Russia on the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
'Low Hanging Fruit' And The Politics Of Perception: Five Takeaways From The Paris Summit On The War In Ukraine RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Ahead of his first-ever meeting with Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy suggested there was little chance of breakthroughs on the thorniest disputes blocking the path to peace in the Donbas.
'Srebrenica Could Start There' - Putin on Possibility of Border Closure by Ukrainian Military Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The comment comes on the heels of President Putin's meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky as part of the Normandy Four summit in Paris. This marked the first meeting between the two heads of state since Zelensky assumed office earlier this year.
Ukraine, Russia Agree On Full Cease-Fire, 'All For All' Prisoner Swap By End Of 2019 RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on December 9 agreed to "commit to a full and comprehensive implementation" of a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine by the end of 2019, a joint communique says.

EU 'concerned' about restrictions in Indian-controlled Kashmir Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- The European Union (EU)'s special envoy to India says the bloc is "concerned" about the ongoing situation in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, which has been under strict security measures since early August.

Ethiopian PM Receives Nobel Peace Prize, But Peace on the Ground is Questioned VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this year, mainly for the 2018 deal he reached with Eritrea to end a long-running border conflict. In accepting the prize in Oslo on Tuesday, Abiy insisted the prize also belonged to his "partner and comrade in peace, President Isaias Afwerki, whose goodwill trust and commitment were vital in ending the two-decade deadlock between our countries."

Al-Shabab Militants Attack Mogadishu Hotel VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Al-Shabab militants attacked an upscale Mogadishu hotel on Tuesday, causing an unknown number of casualties.

Kosovo President Says 'Future Is Not Built By Denying Crimes,' Urges Serbia To Accept Blame RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Kosovar President Hashim Thaci on December 10 visited the site of a mass killing in 1999 of ethnic Albanians by Serbian forces, calling on Belgrade to apologize for what he says were "crimes against humanity."

News Reports

Transcript of Speaker Pelosi, Committee Chairs Announcing Articles of Impeachment Nancy Pelosi - Speaker of the House 10 Dec 2019 -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary Jerry Nadler, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Adam Schiff, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel, Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee Maxine Waters and Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Carolyn Maloney to announce articles of impeachment of President Trump.
Democrats Charge Trump with Abuse of Office, Obstruction VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Leading House Democrats unveiled two articles of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, accusing him of abusing his office for personal political gain and obstructing the congressional impeachment inquiry.
House Democrats Unveil Formal Impeachment Charges Against Trump RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives have unveiled two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, charging him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Trump Maintains He 'Did Nothing Wrong' After Democrats Announce Two Impeachment Counts VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is declaring he cannot imagine Democrats will vote to impeach him "because we did nothing wrong."
US House Democrats unveil Trump impeachment charges Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- The long-anticipated formal impeachment against US President Donald Trump has been announced by the Democrat-led House of Representatives.
US House Judiciary chief: Trump conduct 'clearly impeachable' Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler has said President Donald Trump's conduct is "clearly impeachable" and described him as a threat to the country's elections and system of government.

British intelligence monitored Trump's family as early as 2007 Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- It is being reported that the former MI6 officer who compiled a dossier on Donald Trump was in fact a personal friend of Trump's daughter, Ivanka.
FBI not motivated by political bias in Trump probe: Watchdog report Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- FBI agents were not motivated by political bias in probing associates of the Trump 2016 campaign, says the US Justice Department inspector general.
Trump Slams FBI Director After Release of Watchdog Report on Russia Probe VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump criticized FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday, one day after the U.S. Justice Department's independent inspector general said it did not uncover any evidence of political partisanship when the FBI started investigating communications between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia in 2016.

WTO Suspending its Role as Arbiter in Global Trade Conflicts VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- In 1995, developed nations around the world came together to create a means of creating rules for international trade and settling disputes between countries without the use of damaging tariffs. The World Trade Organization, which grew out of that effort, created a consensus-based system of regulations, arbitration, and a de facto court system that gave countries a venue for settling claims against each other.

US Illegal Border Crossings Down 70% Since May Crisis - Customs Agency Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The number of illegal immigrants apprehended trying to cross the United States' land border from Mexico was 70 percent lower in November than it had been in May while seizures of prohibited drugs are rising dramatically, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a media release.

Trump, Pompeo Meet with Russia's Lavrov VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are meeting Tuesday in Washington with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with the two nuclear powers discussing the possibility of extending their last remaining major arms control deal.
Trump Warns Russia Of Election Interference, Urges Conflict Resolution In Ukraine RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of any "attempts to interfere" in U.S. elections and "urged Moscow to resolve the conflict with Ukraine," a White House readout said of their meeting on December 10 in Washington.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2019

In Landmark Decision, Russia's Constitutional Court Grants Compensation To Victims Of Repression RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Russia's Constitutional Court has backed a claim by three Russian women who are fighting for the restitution of homes seized from their families during Stalin-era purges, in a landmark ruling highlighting the lingering effects of Soviet-era crimes.
U.S. Lawmakers Include Russian-Pipeline Sanctions Bill In NDAA As Completion Deadline Approaches RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. Senate and House committees have agreed to include a bill sanctioning Russia's new natural-gas pipeline to Europe into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), putting up a potential roadblock to the project's completion.
Former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov Passes Away at 83 Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- Russian politician Yury Luzhkov served as the mayor of Moscow from 1992 to 2010. He was the vice-chairman and one of the founders of the ruling party United Russia.
Yury Luzhkov, Ex-Mayor Who Dominated Moscow For Nearly Two Decades, Is Dead At 83 RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- Yury Luzhkov, the pugnacious former mayor of Moscow who oversaw the transformation of the Russian capital over nearly two decades but whose national political ambitions went unrealized, has died. He was 83.

Experts: Trump Should Take N. Korea's End-of-Year Deadline Seriously VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President DSonald Trump appears to be calling North Korea's bluff on its end-of-year deadline for nuclear negotiations, prompting some analysts to wonder whether the U.S. president should be taking Pyongyang's threats more seriously.
N. Korea Unveils Hot Spring Ski Resort in Next Big Tourism Push VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for North Korea's new mountainous luxury spa.

EU foreign policy chief's human rights claims rely on false, biased information: Iran Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Iran has rejected the latest claims by the newly chosen High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell about recent violent riots in several Iranian cities, saying the allegations have been based on "incorrect and biased information."
Iranian Lawyers Call For Probe Into Deadly Crackdown On Protests RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- A total of 160 Iranian lawyers have called for an investigation into a deadly crackdown against protests that hit some 100 cities and towns last month.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on December 10, 2019 PRC MofA 10 Dec 2019
Xi Focus: Top CPC leadership navigates China through testing year Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- China, the world's largest developing economy, has generally sailed through a challenging year marked by trade tensions and weak demand among others.
HKSAR government, political parties to continue to cooperate: Lam Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said the SAR government is directly responsible for the pro-establishment camp's defeat in the district council elections, and the government would continue to hear opinions from political parties.
Lifting mask ban unhelpful for stopping violence and chaos in HK: solicitor Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong's Court of Appeal lifted a mask ban on Tuesday by refusing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's request to suspend an earlier ruling by the High Court of HKSAR that found it "unconstitutional," in a move which solicitors said is unhelpful to end violence and chaos which has rocked the city for six months.
HKSAR Chief Executive expresses concern over students involved in illegal activities Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday expressed concern over the involvement of students in illegal activities amid social unrest that has lasted for six months.
Hong Kong leader says no to 'unlawful' demands of protesters Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has ruled out conceding to the unlawful demands of protesters in the semi-autonomous Chinese region.
Former Swedish Ambassador to China to Stand Trial Over Hong Kong Bookseller Meeting Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2019 -- Sweden's former ambassador to China will stand trial for diplomatic misconduct after she tried to make a deal with Beijing leading to the release of Hong Kong-based bookseller Gui Minhai, who is currently detained in China.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Calls Sunday Protests 'Relatively Calm and Peaceful' Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has stated that the mass protests held in the city over the weekend went relatively smoothly, and announced her plans to pay a duty visit to Beijing this week to report on the current situation.
Xinjiang determined in counter-terrorism, deradicalization, maintaining development Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- The head of the government of Xinjiang on Monday said the region is determined in counter-terrorism, deradicalization and maintaining development.
U.S. practices to undermine harmony, prosperity of Xinjiang doomed to failure Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- The so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019" passed by the U.S. House of Representatives triggered huge indignation and condemnation from all walks of life in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
HK turmoil 'a warning shot' for Macao: incoming chief executive Global Times 10 Dec 2019 -- The first, current, and incoming chief executives of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Hong Kong SAR's neighbor which also implements the "one country, two systems" principle, consider safeguarding stability as the foundation for the city's development and prosperity, and the lingering social unrest in Hong Kong could serve as a warning shot for Macao.

Recognizing Beijing imperils Taiwan allies' sovereignty: US official CNA 10 Dec 2019 -- A U.S. State Department official warned Monday that allies of Taiwan who switch recognition to Beijing could be imperiling their sovereignty, citing risks such as debt and Chinese influence in domestic policymaking.

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to Terrorists US Dept. of Justice 10 Dec 2019 -- Nihad Rosic, 31, of Utica, New York, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists. Rosic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for April 16, 2020.

Russia 'foiled activities of dozens of terror cells in 2019' Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Russia says it has thwarted the activities of nearly 80 cells of "international terrorist organizations" across the country and taken down tens of thousands of websites containing terrorist content in 2019.
Man Sentenced To Life For St. Petersburg Subway Bombing, 10 Others Receive Prison Terms RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- A military court in St. Petersburg has sentenced a man to life in prison for financing a deadly 2017 subway blast, while 10 other defendants in the case received prison terms of between 19 and 28 years.
Russia Blocks Over 50,000 Websites With Terrorism Propaganda in 2019 - Security Service Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- More than 50,000 websites containing terrorism propaganda were taken down in Russia in 2019, Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov said.

Alarming Increase in Number of Indian Lawmakers with Criminal Background - Poll Watchdog Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- The Association for Democratic Reforms and National Election Watch analysed 4,822 out of 4,896 election affidavits of current members of parliament (MPs) and members of legislative (state) assemblies. It includes 759 MP-related affidavits and 4,063 state lawmaker-related affidavits.

Sturgeon shifts to a more radical position on independence Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- With the general election only a few days away, Nicola Sturgeon has thrown down the gauntlet at the entire British political establishment.

Ukraine Investigators Confirm Treason Probe Of Ex-President Poroshenko RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- Ukrainian investigators are looking into whether former President Petro Poroshenko committed treason when the so-called Minsk agreement in 2015, a 13-point road map for resolving the military conflict in eastern Ukraine, was signed.

Over 70 companies in Lebanon to lay off employees amid financial crisis: Senior official Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Lebanese Caretaker Labor Minister Camille Abousleiman says dozens of companies in the cash-strapped Arab country are set to resort to mass dismissals very soon as they are wrangling with their own debt problems in the wake of the acute financial and economic crisis that Lebanon is going through.

Qatari emir turns down Saudi invitation to join GCC summit in Riyadh Press TV 10 Dec 2019 -- Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has turned down an invitation by Saudi Arabia to attend the annual meeting of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh.
GCC Leaders and Heads of Delegations Start Supreme Council 40th session SPA 10 Dec 2019 -- The Supreme Council of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the Arab States started its 40th session under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in the presence of the leaders and heads of delegations of the GCC states at Diriyah Palace here today.
GCC Leaders Conclude Supreme Council 40th Session and Issue Riyadh Declaration SPA 10 Dec 2019 -- Under chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the Arab States concluded here today at Diriyah Palace works of the 40th session of the GCC Supreme Council.
Foreign Minister and GCC Secretary General Hold Press Conference SPA 10 Dec 2019 -- Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the Arab States discussed here today a number of GCC issues which aim to achieve integration and interdependence among the GCC countries in all fields and to maintain the gains made since the establishment of the council, including the leaders' assertion on the importance of the strength, cohesion and solidity of the Cooperation Council and a consolidation of the GCC joint action. He added that the GCC leaders discussed many regional and international issues.
40th Session of GCC Supreme Council Issues Final Communique SPA 10 Dec 2019 -- The 40th meeting of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which concluded in Riyadh, capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, earlier today, December 10, 2019, issued this evening a final communique of its deliberations as follows:

Former Sudanese President Bashir Questioned Over 1989 Coup - Prosecutor General's Office Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- Former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was removed from power by the military in April of this year, has been interrogated over the 1989 coup that began his three-decade reign, the country's prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday.

Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Roles in Atrocities and Other Abuses US Treasury 10Dec 2019 -- Today, on International Human Rights Day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken action against 18 individuals located in Burma, Pakistan, Libya, Slovakia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan for their roles in serious human rights abuse. Additionally, six entities have been designated for being owned or controlled by one of the aforementioned individuals.
U.S.Hits 'Gross' Human Rights Violators In Russia, Pakistan With Sanctions RFE/RL 10 Dec 2019 -- The United States has sanctioned an official in Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, a Pakistani police officer, and 18 other individuals accused of involvement in "gross violations" of human rights.
Public Designations of Current and Former Foreign Government Officials Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights Under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2019 -- On International Human Rights Day, the United States reiterates its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Combatting and deterring human rights violations and abuses is an important part of this work, as is promoting accountability for the perpetrators.
United States Takes Action Against Corruption and Serious Human Rights Abuse US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2019 -- This week and last, the United States announced 72 sanctions designations under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program. These actions target serious human rights abuse and corruption on a global scale, demonstrating the United States' action to pursue tangible and significant consequences for those who undermine the rule of law, disregard internationally accepted human rights standards, and threaten the stability of international political and economic systems.
Joint Statement of the United States and the European Union on Consultations on Human Rights US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2019

Public Designation, Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption, of Two Former Paraguayan Officials, Oscar Gonzalez Daher and Javier Diaz Veron US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2019 -- The United States reiterates its commitment to combat corruption globally and commends the Government of Paraguay for its efforts to hold elected officials accountable for corruption. The United States calls on the Government of Paraguay to continue these efforts and to continue to take actions to enhance transparency and strengthen the rule of law within its democracy.
Public Designations Due to Significant Corruption of Latvian and Cambodian Officials US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2019 -- Today, the Department of State designates two foreign officials due to involvement in significant corruption.

2 Former Algerian Prime Ministers Handed Heavy Sentences for Corruption VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Two days before Algeria's December 12th presidential election, the country's judicial system has sentenced two former prime ministers to 12 and 15 years in prison, respectively, for corruption. Both were close allies of former President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika. Several other top former government ministers were also given heavy sentences in the high profile case.

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