20 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Taliban: Intra-Afghan Talks Only After Troop Withdrawal Deal Signed With US VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- The Taliban Friday ruled out participation in intra-Afghan negotiations until the United States signs an agreement with the insurgent group on the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Department of Defense Establishes U.S. Space Force DoD 20 Dec 2019 -- Today the President signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and with it, directed the establishment of the U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.
Space Force Briefing DoD 20 Dec 2019 -- Hon. Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force; General John "Jay" Raymond, Commander, U.S. Space Command, and Commander, Air Force Space Command, and Commander, Joint Force Space Component; Stephen Kitay, Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Defense for Space Policy
Memo: Establishment of the United States Space Force DoD 20 Dec 2019
Memo: United States Space Force DoD 20 Dec 2019
Trump Signs Law Establishing U.S. Space Force DoD News 20 Dec 2019 -- President Donald J. Trump signed into law legislation creating the first new armed service since 1947 – the U.S. Space Force.
With the stroke of a pen, U.S. Space Force becomes a reality US Air Force 20 Dec 2019 -- President Trump signed into law Dec. 20 the sprawling, $738 billion defense bill, making history by creating the Space Force as a stand-alone, sixth branch of the U.S. military and guaranteeing for the first time 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers.
Barrett, Air Force leaders applaud Space Force's formal creation US Air Force 20 Dec 2019 -- Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett praised the formal creation of the U.S. Space Force Dec. 20, identifying it as a critical capability in defending the nation and pledging that the first new branch of the military since 1947 would be established with speed and clarity of purpose.

Remarks by President Trump at Signing Ceremony for S.1790, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 The White House 20 Dec 2019
Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 20 Dec 2019
Statement by the President The White House 20 Dec 2019
Statement by the President The White House 20 Dec 2019
Bill Announcement The White House 20 Dec 2019
Statement by the President The White House 20 Dec 2019

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Esper and General Milley in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 20 Dec 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper; Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark A. Milley
DOD Releases 2020 CONUS COLA Rates DoD 20 Dec 2019 -- The Defense Department released today the 2020 Continental United States (CONUS) Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rates, which take effect Jan. 1, 2020. In 2020, the total number of service members receiving CONUS COLA will decline by 2,600.
DOD Leaders Look to Future, Reflect on End-of-Year Results DoD News 20 Dec 2019 -- Congress' passage of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act yesterday will enable the Defense Department to adapt to the challenges posed by great power competitors, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
U.S.-Flagged Merchant Vessel Rescues Distressed Iranian Mariners NNS 20 Dec 2019 -- The U.S.-flagged merchant vessel Maersk Kinloss rescued three Iranian mariners Dec. 18.
Future USS St. Louis (LCS 19) Completes Acceptance Trial NNS 20 Dec 2019 -- The future USS St. Louis (LCS 19) successfully concluded its acceptance trial Dec. 13 after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations on the Great Lakes for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.
Construction Starts on Future USNS Harvey Milk NNS 20 Dec 2019 -- Construction on the Navy's future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) was marked by a ceremony held at the General Dynamics-National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (GD-NASSCO) shipyard, Dec. 13.
USS Ross Departs Romania NNS 20 Dec 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departed Constanta, Romania Dec. 20 after completing a scheduled port visit as part of their continued Black Sea presence and support to our NATO allies and regional partners.
Pentagon Awards $1 Billion Contract to Make F-16's Radar Systems More Like Those of the F-35 Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- The F-16 serves as the workhorse fighter jet of the United States and its NATO, Israeli, and Pakistani allies; it has been around for over four decades and has received multiple upgrades since the early 90s. The US Air Force has used the plane in its military operations in Iraq, the former Yugoslavia and Libya.

President Xi urges PLA garrison in Macao to better perform duties Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday urged the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in Macao to comprehensively raise its ability to perform duties and contribute more to the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao.
Garrison guarantees city's security and goodwill People's Daily 20 Dec 2019 -- PLA soldiers are celebrating two decades of serving local people. Zhao Lei reports from Macao.
Fighter Jet Fleet of China's First Domestically-Built Carrier to Fall Short of Expectations Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Military observers are reporting that China's newly-commissioned aircraft carrier may not have enough People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) pilots to reach the vessel's intended fighter jet capacity.
US Media Explains Why China's New Aircraft Carrier is Superior to its Russian Analogue Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned its new carrier, known as the Shandong, earlier this week.

France is Arming its Drones to Target Islamist Terrorists in Sahel Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- France is fighting terrorists in the African Sahel region where Islamist violence has been on the rise this year. France has already lost 38 service members in Mali, the country hit most by violence, since 2013 – and a third of those soldiers died in a helicopter accident during an anti-terror raid last month.

India Conducts Third Test of Missile System Meant for Limited War with Pakistan in 24 Hours Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- The Pinaka rocket system can destroy 900 square metres at a 20-80 km range by firing a salvo of 12 rockets within 48 seconds. India has been conducting a series of tests of its missile system since November. The tests hold significance as the country's army chief recently warned of an escalation on the border with Pakistan.

US to resume military training program for Pakistan Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States will resume Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program over a year after it was suspended, according to the State Department.

Ankara Slams Washington for Anti-Turkish Language in New Budget Bill – Foreign Ministry Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Anti-Turkish language included in next year's US defence budget will only harm bilateral relations between Ankara and Washington after the US published plans to stop deliveries of F-35 fighter jets in response to Ankara's purchase of Russian-made S-400 missile systems, a spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 20, 2019

Other Conflicts

20 December 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Dec 2019

UN reiterates that it can't verify US allegations against Iran in Aramco attacks Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo has reiterated earlier remarks by the UN General Secretary that the body cannot verify US claims blaming Iran for attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil facilities.

Passage of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2019 -- "Today, the President signed into law the "Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019" (the Caesar Act), an important step in promoting accountability for the large-scale atrocities Bashar al Assad and his regime have carried out in Syria."
Bosnians Suspected Of Supporting Islamic State Deported From Syria RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- Twenty-five Bosnian citizens have been sent home from camps in Syria, including women, children, and suspected fighters of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, Bosnia-Herzegovina's authorities say.
Syria: Lack of consensus following face-to-face talks, underscores need for broader process UN News 20 Dec 2019 -- The second session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, aiming to create a new post-war political road map for the country, failed to get off the ground due to lack of consensus over the agenda, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Friday.

Moscow Worried Over Turkey's Military Cooperation With Libya's GNA - Source Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Moscow is largely concerned over Turkey's possible deployment of troops to Libya and over Ankara's military cooperation agreement with Libya's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Turkish Troops, Snipers Fighting in Libya's GNA Ranks in Tripoli - LNA Military Source Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Turkish snipers and storm groups are fighting in the ranks of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) in the capital of Tripoli, a military source in the rival Libyan National Army (LNA) said.
Tripoli-Based Unity Government Calls for Turkish Intervention in Libya, as Haftar's Forces Bomb Opposition VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- The Libyan national unity government based in Tripoli is asking Turkey, the U.S. and several European countries to defend the government, as forces loyal to eastern military commander General Khalifa Haftar called on militias fighting in Tripoli and Misratat to lay down their arms.
Libyan National Army Warns of Strikes if GNA Militias Don't Evacuate Tripoli, Sirte in 72 Hours Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Tripoli has faced months of intense fighting between the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA), with the two competing factions emerging in the aftermath of a NATO-led bombing campaign which helped to topple Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
UN: Libya in Total Disarray as Violence, Terror and Abuse Grow VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- The United Nations human rights office warns conditions in Libya have seriously deteriorated over the past year as civilian war casualties multiply and rampant, gross violations of human rights escalate, pervading every aspect of Libyan society.

NGO Report: Malaysia Now a Destination for Sex-Trafficking of Rohingya Girls Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Malaysia has become a destination for sex trafficking of Rohingya girls, with traffickers luring teens at Bangladesh refugee camps with false promises of a better life in the Southeast Asian nation, a Kuala Lumpur-based NGO said in a report Friday.
Rohingya people, kids stand trial for 'illegal travel' while fleeing persecution Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar authorities have taken to court a group of Rohinyga Muslims, including children, on charges of illegally travelling without proper documents after they tried to flee persecution.
Rohingyas Face Third Hearing on Illegal Travel Charges in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Region Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- A group of 93 Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine state with the help of human traffickers in mid-November faced their third hearing Friday on charges of traveling without official permission, a lawyer for the refugees said.
Myanmar-Rohingya Talks Yield No Progress on Repatriation, Refugees Say VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- Two days of meetings between a team of Myanmar government representatives and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh camps have not yielded progress on repatriation, several participants say.

China urges US to halt legislation on Tibet issues People's Daily 20 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the US to stop exploiting the Tibet question as a tool to interfere in the country's internal affairs after media reported that the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee had passed a Tibet-related bill.
China Sets New Restrictions on Tibetan Religious Festival in Lhasa Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese authorities in Tibet have tightened restrictions on a major annual festival in the regional capital Lhasa this year, banning participation by students and government employees, local sources say.
China urges US to halt legislation on Tibet issues Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the US to stop exploiting the Tibet question as a tool to interfere in the country's internal affairs after media reported that the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee had passed a Tibet-related bill.

ICC to investigate Israel's war crimes in Palestinian territories Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) says it will launch a full investigation into war crimes in the Palestinian territories, a move welcomed by the Palestinian government.
Dozens of Gazans injured by Israeli forces Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Dozens of Palestinians have been wounded by Israeli forces during protests against the Tel Aviv regime near the fence separating the besieged Gaza Strip from the occupied territories.
The International Criminal Court Unfairly Targets Israel US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2019 -- "Today, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, announced that she has concluded her preliminary examination into the so-called "situation in Palestine" and asked the ICC judges to confirm that the Court may exercise jurisdiction over the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. By taking this action, the Prosecutor expressly recognized that there are serious legal questions about the Court's authority to proceed with an investigation."
Top Criminal Court to conduct official probe into alleged war crimes in Palestine UN News 20 Dec 2019 -- Following a "thorough, independent and objective assessment", the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Friday that she plans to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestine, but asked the Court for a further ruling over territorial jurisdiction.
IDF Says Attacked Hamas 'Underground Infrastructure, Naval Target, Military Compound' in Gaza Strip Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tweeted that "for the second time today, a rocket was fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians", adding that warning sirens had sounded in southern Israel before the attack.

United States Sanctions Five Malian Individuals US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2019 -- "Today, the United States sanctioned five Malian individuals pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13882 and in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2484 (2019). This action targets individuals threatening the peace, security, and stability in Mali, as well as an individual obstructing humanitarian assistance."
Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Prolonging Violence and Threatening Humanitarian Assistance in Mali US Treasury 20 Dec 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five Malian individuals pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13882. This action, the first pursuant to this E.O., targets individuals threatening the peace, security, or stability of Mali, as well as an individual obstructing humanitarian assistance.

Cameroon Candidates Resign Amid Separatist Threats, Attacks VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- Several dozen English-speaking candidates in Cameroon's Feb. 9, 2020 local council and parliamentary elections have resigned amid separatist threats and attacks on them and their property. Houses belonging to some of the candidates have been razed and the whereabouts of others are unknown.

News Reports

Pelosi confirms she will withhold impeachment articles to seek fair trial in Senate People's Daily 20 Dec 2019 -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed on Thursday that she'll delay the delivery of impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Republican-led Senate in a bid to ensure a fair trial.

Senior Administration Official On State Department Counterterrorism Successes in 2019 US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2019 -- Special Briefing

Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams and U.S. Charge d'Affaires for Venezuela James B. Story US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2019 -- Special Briefing by Elliott Abrams, U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela
US Urges Free Elections in Venezuela Ahead of Jan 5 Poll VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- As Venezuelans head to the polls next month, top U.S. officials are pressing for free elections for the National Assembly and the presidency, saying the vote is crucial to the country emerging from its deep political crisis.

The Week In Russia: Back In The U.S.S.R. And Putin's Peculiar Way With Words RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- His penchant for sometimes crude jokes and would-be zingers delivered with a smirk notwithstanding, Russian President Vladimir Putin hardly has the reputation of a wordsmith. The pen may be mightier than the sword, but most of Putin's power plays involve the use of force or threat of it: Think military actions in Ukraine and Syria, and clampdowns of protesters across his own country.
Russia Names Suspect Behind Moscow Shooting, Says Death Toll Now Two RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- Russian investigators have identified a man who opened fire on the Moscow headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB) as Yevgeny Minyurov, a 39-year-old former security guard.
U.S. Concerned Russia-Backed UN Resolution Will Hurt Online Freedom RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States said a cybercrime resolution sponsored by Russia is an attempt to push state cyber controls and fears it will pass the United Nations General Assembly later this month.
Former U.S. Ambassadors Say Nord Stream 2 Sanctions Bill Pits U.S. Against Germany RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- Two former U.S. ambassadors criticized legislation that seeks to impose sanctions on companies building Russia's $11-billion gas pipeline to Germany, saying it could harm relations between the two NATO countries.

Canadian Supreme Court Rules Russian Intel Officers' Son Entitled to Citizenship - Filing Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- The Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Thursday that Alexander Vavilov, the son of Russian parents deported from the United States for espionage, can keep his previously revoked Canadian citizenship, according to a court document.

Phones of Pakistani officials hacked by Israeli spyware: Guardian Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- An Israeli spyware company has reportedly targeted smart phones of at least two dozen senior Pakistani officials earlier this year, amid speculations that Tel Aviv has been playing a role in an escalation of conflict between nuclear-armed rivals, India and Pakistan.

Indian Intelligence Agencies Busted Major Espionage Racket Targeting Indian Navy Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Earlier this month, India's Junior Minister for Defence Shripad Naik revealed that Pakistan is using its intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to honey-trap officials in the Indian Armed forces.

Countries in Region Say Few North Koreans Remain as UN Deadline Nears Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Officials in Southeast and South Asian nations say they have few North Koreans living within their boundaries, as a deadline by the U.N. Security Council for member-states to repatriate workers from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is set to expire on Sunday.
Pentagon Hopeful for Diplomatic Reboot With North Korea VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States is ready for a fight with North Korea over the country's nuclear program, though top officials at the Pentagon say they are hopeful such a confrontation can be avoided.
US watching North Korea closely for possible 'Christmas surprise' missile launch: Report Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States is reportedly watching North Korea closely for indications of a possible "Christmas surprise" missile test, which it has promised if Washington does not come to the negotiating table.

Spox terms US' intervention in Iran affairs as vain IRNA 20 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi described the US intervention in Iran's internal affairs as vain.
Implementing JCPOA 'only correct, effective' way to solve Iran nuclear issue: China envoy Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- China's permanent representative to the United Nations says the implementation of a nuclear deal signed between Iran and major world powers in 2015 is the "only correct and effective" way to handle the current circumstances.
PM Abe: Japan starts holding talks with E3 on JCPOA IRNA 20 Dec 2019 -- Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on Friday said that Japan has started holding talks with the three European countries (E3) on Iran's nuclear deal known as the JCPOA.
Iran president in Tokyo, urges Japan to help rein in US Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has paid a landmark visit to Japan, calling on the country to help confront the United States' bid to wreck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.
Rouhani: US sanctions tantamount to lose-lose outcome IRNA 20 Dec 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday said that the US sanctions imposed on Iran benefit neither side and is tantamount to lose-lose game.
Iran's President In Japan, Asks For Help To Salvage Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani, on a visit to Japan, has asked for Tokyo's help to salvage a 2015 landmark nuclear deal.
US sanctions against Iran aimed at collectively punishing ordinary people: UN ambassador Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has severely censured the United States' sanctions against ordinary people as well as different sectors of the Iranian economy, including oil and banking, arguing that the measures are negatively affecting the daily lives of millions of Iranians.
UN independent experts 'deeply disturbed' by alleged mistreatment of detained Iranian protesters UN News 20 Dec 2019 -- Sixteen independent UN human rights experts called on Friday for the release of arbitrarily detained protesters in Iran who have allegedly been abused while in custody.
US Not Fully Renewing Iran Nuclear Waivers May Have Security Implications - EU Envoy to UN Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States' decision to not to fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects in Iran can result in serious negative consequences with respect to security, the head of the European Union delegation to the United Nations Olof Skoog said.
Russia, Germany, UK, France underline preserving JCPOA IRNA 20 Dec 2019 -- Representatives of JCPOA member states, including Russia, France, Germany and Britain, discussed JCPOA in Moscow, stressing the need for saving the international deal.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on December 20, 2019 PRC MofA 20 Dec 2019
In call with Trump, Xi says US interfering in Chinese internal affairs Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- In a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping has accused the United States of interfering in its internal affairs.
China Lauds Macau's Lack of Political Opposition on 20th Anniversary of Handover Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday gave a glimpse of his vision for Hong Kong's future as he visited Macau, a former colonial city that has proved more amenable to Beijing's world view than its neighbor.
Uyghur Developer Confirmed Jailed For Life, Dozens of Relatives and Employees Sentenced Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- One of the wealthiest Uyghurs in Hotan (in Chinese, Hetian) prefecture, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), has been confirmed jailed for life after his whereabouts were unknown for more than three years, according to sources, who said dozens of his relatives and employees have also been sentenced to prison.
Xi expresses serious concerns over US interference in China's internal affairs Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- China expresses serious concerns over the US side's recent negative words and actions on issues related to China's Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday.
China won't tolerate foreign forces meddling in internal affairs: President Xi Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has once again warned "foreign forces" against meddling in the country's internal affairs, as he swore in a new government for the Chinese territory of Macau.
China allows no external forces to interfere with HK, Macao affairs People's Daily 20 Dec 2019 -- President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at a gathering celebrating the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday.
Xi Tells Trump 'US Interference' Harming Chinese Interests Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has said that he had a "very good talk" with Xi Jinping, in which the two discussed a bilateral trade deal, North Korea and Hong Kong. The phone call came after the two countries reached 'phase one' of their reported trade deal last week, following a 17-month tariff war.
US Senators Urge UN Gen-Sec to Raise China's Abuses in Xinjiang With Member States, Key Councils Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- A group of U.S. Senators have sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling on him to raise Chinese rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) with member states and at the U.N. Human Rights and Security Councils.
FM refutes EU Parliament's accusation on Xinjiang Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese people, especially those living in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region are more qualified than those who live in Europe and have never been to Xinjiang to speak about what is really happening in the region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a press conference on Friday, in response to the European Parliament's accusation on China's Xinjiang policies.
No external forces should point fingers at HK, Macao affairs: Xi Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- After Hong Kong and Macao returned to China, handling affairs of these two special administrative regions (SAR) is absolutely China's internal affairs, thus any external forces should not point the finger at them, and we won't tolerate any external forces to interfere in Hong Kong and Macao affairs, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday while delivering a speech at the ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Macao SAR.
Central govn't fully supports Macao chief executive's work: Xi Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that the central government will "fully support" the work of the fifth-term chief executive of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the new SAR government.
SAR exemplifies 'one country, two systems' principle: President Xi Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- After Hong Kong and Macao returned to China, handling the affairs of these two special administrative regions (SAR) was absolutely China's internal affairs, and external forces should not point the finger at them, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday at the ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China and the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Macao SAR.
Central bank supports yuan remittances in SAR Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- Officials and business representatives in Macao say they are confident that the special administrative region is able to build up its financial industry with its own characteristics for future development, with the central government providing firm support.
Hong Kong, Macau Affairs Are Totally China's Internal Affair - Xi Jinping Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong is going through a period of protests that started in March over a controversial extradition bill. Violent conflict has ensued between police and demonstrators, although the bill was withdrawn in October.
Xi extols Macao's progress Global Times 20 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged Macao to give play to its advantages in carrying out "one country, two systems," adopt a firm stance on matters of principle and actively take part in the national development plan.

Support For Taiwan's Opposition KMT Plummets in Wake of Hong Kong Protests Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Support for the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), a party that fled to Taiwan in 1949 and still wants it to be part of a "unified" China some day, is at a new low on the democratic island ahead of presidential elections in 2020.

Boeing Update on Starliner Orbital Flight Test Boeing 20 Dec 2019 -- The CST-100 Starliner is in a safe, stable orbit after an anomaly this morning following launch and spacecraft separation from the Atlas V. The anomaly appears to have been the result of a mission elapsed timer (MET) using an unexpected timeline, which delayed orbital insertion thruster firings, putting Starliner in an unplanned orbit.
NASA Statement on Boeing Orbital Flight Test NASA 20 Dec 2019 -- NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine released the following statement regarding the Boeing Orbital Flight test:
Mishap That Thwarted Boeing's Starliner Space Mission Revealed by NASA Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- As NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine explained during a press conference, had the Starliner been manned, the astronauts would've been able to override the automated system which caused the error.

Russia's Roscosmos Approves Preliminary Design of Super Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle- Rogozin Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos has approved a preliminary design of a super heavy-lift launch vehicle and also appointed the head of the project, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday.

Ethiopia Launches First Satellite VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- Ethiopia has launched its first satellite.

Indian Intelligence Reveals Pakistan's Terror Groups Can Target Prime Minister Modi Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- The intelligence agencies have also noted that the recent passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (12 December), the Ayodhya verdict (9 November) the abrogation of Kashmir's special status (5 August), and the February air strikes inside Pakistan have added fresh dimensions to the threat scenario.
5 Killed as Protests Rage in India Against Citizenship Law VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- Protests in India against a new citizenship law claimed five lives on Friday as thousands of people defied bans on public gatherings and clashed with police even as authorities blocked the internet in several towns and detained hundreds of people.

Pakistani Government Slams Judge Who Wants Musharraf's Body Hanged In Public Square RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- The Pakistani government says it will seek to remove the judge who demanded, while sentencing former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to death, that his body be publicly hanged for three days if he should die before being apprehended.

Ayatollah Sistani demands early elections to end crisis in Iraq Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Iraq's prominent Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called for early elections in order to put an end to a months-long political paralysis in the country, saying that a new government should be formed soon.

Kazakh President Suggests Reforming Rules On Protests, Political Parties RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has suggested watering down the country's legislation regulating public gatherings and political parties.

Italian Police Arrest Over 330 People Tied to Notorious 'Ndrangheta Mafia Group Sputnik 20 Dec 2019 -- More than 330 people, including politicians, lawyers, accountants and a local police chief, were arrested by Italian police Thursday in a bust of Italy's most notorious mafia group, which is known as 'Ndrangheta.

Russia, Ukraine Reach Gas-Transit Deal RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- Moscow and Kyiv have reached a preliminary deal on the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine but ahead of the looming New Year's deadline.

Lebanon's prime minister-designate vows to form technocrat govt. Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab says he plans to form a government of independent technocrats capable of undertaking serious reforms and restoring people's confidence.

Lebanon's prime minister-designate vows to form technocrat govt. Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab says he plans to form a government of independent technocrats capable of undertaking serious reforms and restoring people's confidence.

Husband Of Kyrgyz Anti-Corruption Campaigner Detained Amid Graft Scandal RFE/RL 20 Dec 2019 -- The husband of well-known Kyrgyz anti-corruption campaigner Shirin Aitmatova has been detained amid an ongoing scandal over alleged corruption in the customs service.

Public Designation, Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption, of Honduran Congressman Oscar Ramon Najera US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2019 -- "Today, I am designating Honduran Congressman Oscar Ramon Najera due to his involvement in significant corruption. In his official capacity, Mr. Najera engaged in and benefitted from public corruption related to the Honduran drug trafficking organization Los Cachiros. In May 2013, the United States identified Los Cachiros as a significant foreign narcotics trafficking group pursuant to the Kingpin Act."

Lesotho: Tens of thousands 'one step away from famine' as drought impacts harvests and UN launches flash appeal UN News 20 Dec 2019 -- Devastating drought in the southern African nation of Lesotho has left more than half a million people facing severe food shortages and tens of thousands "one step away from famine", UN humanitarians said on Friday, in an appeal for funds.
Hundreds of Thousands Go Hungry as Food Shortages Grip Drought-Stricken Lesotho VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- The United Nations is urgently appealing for $34 million to provide life-saving support over the next four months for more than one-quarter of a million people in Lesotho who are suffering from severe food shortages.

Cambodia's King Signs Controversial Treaty Defining Border With Vietnam Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has put into effect a treaty that would complete the demarcation line between Cambodia and neighboring Vietnam, drawing criticism from opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen who say the move violates the country's sovereignty.

Rights Group Calls New Law in Ethiopia a Threat to Freedom of Expression VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- A new law being considered in Ethiopia is being called a threat to free speech and online expression.

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