Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Joint Statement on the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 11 Jun 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq.
• US allies halve number of troops in Iraq coalition: Report Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Members of the 29-country US-led military coalition in Iraq have cut the number of their troops in half, a report by the New York Times says.
• Afghan Leader Vows Taliban Prisoner Release to be Completed VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced Thursday that his government will soon release remaining Taliban prisoners to help a U.S.-led peace process remain on course.
• Taliban, US Spar Over Al-Qaida Presence in Afghanistan VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- The Taliban on Thursday rejected a top American general's assessment that the al-Qaida leadership is still based in Afghanistan, insisting that no foreign fighters linked to the group are present in the country.
• Afghan President Says Taliban Prisoner Release To Be Completed Soon RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- The Afghan government plans to complete a Taliban prisoner release to pave the way for peace talks with the militant group, President Ashraf Ghani said on June 11.
• USS Preble Interdicts 2,000 Kg of Cocaine NNS 11 Jun 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) team seized 100 bales of suspected cocaine worth over $40 million June 2.
• Cal Guard's Joint Task Force-79 mobilized for civil unrest in Los Angeles Army News 11 Jun 2020 -- The warning order (WARNO) went out May 30 on a Saturday evening to all 17,000 citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of California National Guard.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 11 Jun 2020
• Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 11 Jun 2020
• Trump Sanctions ICC Officials Probing Alleged US Wrongdoing in Afghanistan VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new travel and property sanctions Thursday on International Criminal Court officials, attempting to penalize them for investigating alleged wrongdoing by U.S. military personnel and intelligence operatives fighting against terrorism in Afghanistan over the past 18 years.
• Trump authorizes sanctions against ICC over Afghanistan war crimes probe Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has authorized sanctions and additional visa restrictions against International Criminal Court (ICC) personnel probing whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan.
• Trump Approves Sanctions Over ICC Afghanistan War Crimes Case RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- President Donald Trump has issued an executive order authorizing economic sanctions and travel restrictions against employees of the International Criminal Court (ICC) who are directly involved in investigating U.S. troops and intelligence officials for possible war crimes in Afghanistan.
• Trump Issues Executive Order Authorising Sanctions Against ICC Officials Over Afghanistan Probe Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- In March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorised the commencement of an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by parties to the Afghan conflict, including US personnel.
• Esper: We'll Handle Our Own Alleged War Criminals DoD News 11 Jun 2020 -- The United States has a good track record of investigating and prosecuting the alleged criminal actions of its own service members, and the International Criminal Court should stay out of U.S. business, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
• Top US General Says He Was Wrong to Walk With Trump For Photo Op During Protests Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- Walking with President Donald Trump to St John's Church in Washington DC on 1 June for a photo opportunity after the area was forcefully cleared of protesters was a mistake, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley said on Thursday.
• Top US general regrets joining Trump at church photo op during protests Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- The top US military officer says he made a mistake by joining President Donald Trump as he walked to a church for a photo opportunity, staged after the area was forcefully cleared of protesters marching against racism and police brutality.
• Readout of Secretary Esper Phone Call With Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gantz DoD 11 Jun 2020
• Statement From Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman on the Release of the Women, Peace, and Security Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan DoD 11 Jun 2020 -- Today, the Department of Defense released the Women, Peace, and Security Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan as part of a national effort to promote the meaningful contributions of women in national security around the world.
• DOD Unveils Women, Peace, Security Strategy DoD News 11 Jun 2020 -- Global conflict is evolving, and to illustrate that the United States military needs the expertise and viewpoints of all members of society for success. DOD has published the Women, Peace and Security Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan as part of a national effort to promote the safety, equality and meaningful contributions of women around the world, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said.
• US Navy's Refueler Drone May See 3-Year Delay if Pentagon Drags Feet on Carrier Upgrades Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- A US government watchdog has warned that if the US Navy fails to upgrade two aircraft carriers to operate the new MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone by the time the ships leave drydock, it could delay the Stingray program for three years and throw all budget estimates off base.
• AFRICOM commander meets with Djiboutian leaders AFRICOM 11 Jun 2020 -- U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, met with Ismail Omar Guelleh, president of the Republic of Djibouti, and other senior leaders of the East African nation this week. This was Townsend's first trip abroad since the coronavirus pandemic unfolded.
• USS Montgomery Returns from Deployment NNS 11 Jun 2020 -- Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) returned to its U.S. 3rd Fleet homeport of Naval Station San Diego June 10 following a 12-month rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
• USS Albany Returns from Deployment NNS 11 Jun 2020 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk from a deployment, June 10.
• Blue Ridge Pulls Into Guam for Second Safe Haven Liberty NNS 11 Jun 2020 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff pulled into Guam for a Safe Haven Liberty port visit June 11.
• Milius Named Navy's top Pacific Fleet Sub Hunter NNS 11 Jun 2020 -- Commander, Naval Surface Forces announced that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) was awarded the 2019 Bloodhound Award for the Pacific Fleet March 18.
• Two Russian Bombers, Two Jets Intercepted Off Alaska, U.S. Says RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- U.S. fighter jets intercepted Russian jets and bombers twice on June 10 off the coast of Alaska, the U.S. air defense command said.
• Electromagnetic Catapults Break on US Navy's New Ford-Class Carrier During 'Historic' Trials Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- During a trial voyage earlier this month, the USS Gerald R. Ford's futuristic Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) broke down for five days. The new catapult has come under fire for years for its troubles, and it's just one among many untested high-tech systems incorporated into the new warship.
• Senate Panel Backs Changing Names of Confederate Bases Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved a requirement that the Pentagon change the racist and Confederate names of US military installations, a summary of the new National Defence Appropriations Act (NDAA) proposed legislation said on Thursday.
• DOD's Health Care Chief Discusses Pivot to Counter COVID-19 DoD News 11 Jun 2020 -- The coronavirus has shined a light onto the capabilities of the military health care system, and medics are responding, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs said.
• AFCEC study gives new life to old chemical defense decon kits US Air Force 11 Jun 2020 -- The Air Force Civil Engineer's Readiness Lab recently determined more than 75,000 expired M295 decontamination kits used in chemical defense ensembles are still effective and can be used, saving the Air Force more than $2.3 million over a four-year period.
• Moscow Warns Russia-NATO Ties Will Become More Complicated if US Moves Troops From Germany to Poland Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- Washington has earlier mulled moving its troops, which are reportedly equipped with nuclear weapons, from Germany, where they are currently stationed, to Poland, closer to Russia's borders. The suggestion was triggered by opposition from German parties to continuing the deployment of American forces in the country.
• China's most powerful howitzers join northwestern exercises amid border tensions Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) 75th Group Army recently received delivery of a batch of new weapons including China's most advanced vehicle-mounted howitzer, the PCL-181, as identified by Chinese military enthusiasts in photos showing the commissioning ceremony when its troops were conducting exercises in northwestern China amid border tensions with India.
• PLA speeds up power grid construction for border and coastal defense forces PLA Daily 11 Jun 2020 -- The Logistic Support Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the National Energy Administration jointly took measures to accelerate the second batch of grid construction projects for border and coastal defense forces, and provide electrical support for combat readiness training and border and coastal defense construction.
• Escort taskforce organizes cross-day-and-night helicopter flight training PLA Daily 11 Jun 2020 -- Recently, the 35th escort taskforce of the Chinese PLA Navy organized ship-borne helicopters to conduct the cross-day-and-night flight training over the waters off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.
• France Extends Maritime Space by Nearly 58,000 Square Miles Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, a body of the United Nations, has authorised France to further extend its underwater field by over 150,000 square kilometres (58,000 square miles) off the islands of Reunion, and French Southern and Antarctic Lands, according to a statement published on Thursday.
• Sixteen Kazakh Military Officers, Defense Officials Go On Trial Over Deadly Ammo Blasts RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- Sixteen Kazakh military officers and Defense Ministry officials have gone on trial over a series of explosions at an ammunition warehouse that killed four people in June 2019.
• Defence Secretary praises UK defence industry partnership UK MOD 11 Jun 2020 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has praised the MOD's partnership with Britain's defence industry, which is rising to meet the challenges of maintaining critical output during the coronavirus pandemic.
• DOD Announces $250M to Ukraine DoD 11 Jun 2020 -- The Department of Defense announced today its plans for $250 million in Fiscal Year 2020 Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds for additional training, equipment, and advisory efforts to strengthen Ukraine's capacity to more effectively defend itself against Russian aggression.
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Attorney General William Barr, and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien US Dept. of State 11 Jun 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts for June 11, 2020

Other Conflicts

• Vietnam Objects to China's Undersea Cable Construction in Paracels Radio Free Asia 11 Jun 2020 -- Vietnam objected Thursday to China's recent reported laying of undersea cables in the disputed Paracel Islands, saying it was a violation of Vietnamese sovereignty.
• Yemeni bodies condemn Saudi-led coalition over use of banned cluster bombs in Sana'a Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Yemeni bodies have censured the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition over deploying cluster bombs against a residential neighborhood in the country's capital province of Sana'a, seriously injuring members of a family.
• Syrian president relives prime minister, names his successor: SANA Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has removed the Arab country's prime minister from his post and designated a minister as his successor, state media says.
• Turkish-backed militants burn thousands of acres of farmland in Syria's Hasakah Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Large areas of farmland in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah have been burnt as part of what activists describe as a campaign by Turkish-backed Takfiri militants to destroy vital food crops.
• Assad Appoints Syrian Minister of Water Resources as Acting Prime Minister, Press Service Says Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad appointed Minister of Water Resources Hussein Arnous as acting prime minister, the presidential press service said Thursday.
• Militants Shell Settlements in Syria's Idlib, Russian Military Says Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group has attacked settlements in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, Rear Admiral Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said at a briefing.
• Briefing with Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker On the U.S.-Iraq Dialogue and Developments in Libya US Dept. of State 11 Jun 2020
• Haftar Air Forces Strike GNA Positions in Northwestern Libya, Spokesman Says Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- The air forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an airstrike on troops and military supplies of the Government of National Accord (GNA) based to the south of the northwestern city of Misrata, despite a ceasefire initiative recently announced by Egypt, LNA spokesman Brig. Gen. Khaled Mahjoub has told Sputnik.
• Moscow Not Party to MH17 Crash Proceedings, Russian Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- Moscow is not a party to the criminal process in the case of the MH17 flight crash, which takes place in the Netherlands, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, commenting on this week's hearings on the case.
• Israeli annexation of West Bank serious violation of intl. law: Jordan Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says Israel's controversial plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank constitute a major violation of international law and cannot go unanswered.
• OIC decries Israeli annexation plan in West Bank as 'serious escalation' Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has warned against the Israeli regime's controversial plan to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank, saying such a move will mark a "serious escalation" that threatens the so-called peace process on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Netanyahu Determined to Push for Annexation as Israel's Parliament Remains Divided Over the Bill Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who visited Israel on Wednesday, warned the Jewish state of sanctions and dire repercussions if it chose to go ahead with extending its sovereignty over parts of the West Bank which the EU as well as most of the international community deem as Palestinian territories.
• 'Illegal Act': Beijing Denounces US Flight Over Taiwan as 'Provocative Incident' Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- After Taipei allowed a US Navy cargo plane to fly across Taiwan on Monday, Beijing accused Washington of being "provocative," denouncing the action as "illegal." China regards Taiwan as a rebellious province, and the island's airspace as its own, so US support for Taipei walks a fine line.
• Chinese mainland slams US military aircraft's flight over Taiwan Island Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- Chinese mainland authorities on Thursday slammed the US for sending a military transport aircraft over the island of Taiwan, saying that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
• China slams U.S. military plane flying over Taiwan PLA Daily 11 Jun 2020 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday slammed the flight by a U.S. military aircraft over Taiwan earlier this week, calling it an unlawful act and a serious provocation.
• China denounces 'provocative' flight of US military aircraft over Taiwan Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- China has lambasted the United States for flying one of its military transport jets over the self-ruled island of Taiwan, condemning the contentious move as an "illegal act" and "serious provocation."
• Security Situation Along Chinese Border Not Good, Says Indian Navy Chief Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- Throughout April, India and Pakistan were engaged in relentless cross-border firing, resulting in casualties on both sides of the border. Come May and the border standoff with China has grabbed headlines across the globe.
• Indian Army Soldier Killed, Two Civilians Injured in Cross-Border Firing By Pakistan Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- A heavy exchange of fire has been taking place along the Line of Control between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan since Sunday. The border fire is also being accompanied by widespread and intesified search operations carried out by Indian forces on its side of Kashmir.
• Tibetan Applicants For Police Work Turned Away Over Political Concerns: Report Radio Free Asia 11 Jun 2020 -- Tibetans seeking work as auxiliary police officers in Tibetan areas of China are being barred from employment over a wide range of concerns, with recruiters told to disqualify anyone engaging in "separatist activities" or having family members who have left Tibet to go into exile abroad, a Tibetan advocacy group said on Thursday.
• UN chief urges continued international support for Mali amid growing terrorist threat UN News 11 Jun 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General has stressed the need for continued international commitment to Mali, as the country continues to navigate the path to political stability while confronting numerous obstacles, including terrorism, and now the COVID-19 pandemic.
• US 'Deeply Concerned' About Turkish Drilling in Mediterranean VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- The United States is urging Turkey to stop drilling in contested waters of the Mediterranean Sea out of concern the move will hurt diplomatic relations with Greece. Tension is rising among the NATO neighbors and others in the region trying to control energy-rich zones.
• Kushayb's Surrender Lifts Hopes ICC Could Try Others Wanted for Darfur Crimes VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- The surrender of ex-warlord Ali Kushayb to the International Criminal Court has raised hope that others wanted for crimes in Sudan's Darfur region could be turned over to the ICC, including former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir. Sudanese officials in February said that former officials, including Bashir, would face trial at the ICC.

News Reports

• As Russia Lifts Lockdowns, Expanded Surveillance Network May Remain RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- When Marina Khublarova, a Russian mother of seven, experienced coronavirus symptoms in late April, she called the local health service to report them.
• Denmark Summons Saudi Envoy Over Spying And Terror Plot Radio Farda 11 Jun 2020 -- The Danish Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned the Saudi ambassador after terrorism charges were brought against three leaders of an Iranian Arab separatist group based in Denmark.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on June 11, 2020 PRC MofA 11 Jun 2020
• China a victim not instigator of disinformation: Chinese Mission to EU Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- China, as a victim of disinformation, has always opposed the creation and spread of disinformation by any people or organization, said the Chinese Commission to the EU on Wednesday, in response to the EU's joint communication claiming China has been engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns amid the pandemic.
• Hong Kong to Prosecute Media Mogul Jimmy Lai, Organizers Over Tiananmen Vigil Radio Free Asia 11 Jun 2020 -- Authorities in Hong Kong will prosecute four prominent pro-democracy figures including media mogul Jimmy Lai for their involvement in a public commemoration of the Tiananmen massacre anniversary on June 4.
• US offers boost to HKSAR in financial war with China: analysts Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- Top US officials have threatened to impose sanctions on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) if China implements the National Security Law in the city, but by wading into a new battleground in its trade and economic war with Beijing, Washington might have actually boosted Hong Kong's status as a global financial center, Chinese analysts said on Thursday.
• Six things you need to know about the national security legislation for Hong Kong SAR PLA Daily 11 Jun 2020 -- On May 28, the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) adopted at its Third Session the NPC Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• New teachers in HK to receive training on professional identity, integrity: report Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- Hong Kong education authorities are requiring local new teachers to receive training in professional integrity and values in the first few years of their career, starting next school year.
• Australia should stop pointing finger at China's responsible reminders: FM Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the Australian side to recognize its problem and address it rather than point fingers at the Chinese government, which is being responsible in reminding its citizens to pay attention to safety.
• China forms first satellite network for civil maritime affairs with latest successful launch Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- China successfully sent a newly developed maritime environment monitoring satellite into orbit at 2:31 am on Thursday, forming the country's first satellite network for civil maritime affairs, which the developer said would bring the country to forefront of the world in terms of marine remote sensing capability, and also a step forward toward being a space power.
• China successfully launches new ocean observation satellite PLA Daily 11 Jun 2020 -- China successfully sent an ocean observation satellite into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province Thursday.
• Director General of DPRK Foreign Ministry Warns U.S. against Interference in Inter-Korean Relations KCNA 11 Jun 2020 -- Kwon Jong Gun, director general of the Department of U.S. Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK, gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA on Thursday over the recent obtrusive moves of the U.S. to interfere in the inter-Korean relations:
• Answer of Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of DPRK KCNA 11 Jun 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on June 11 in respect of the nonsensical expression of "regret" by the Secretary-General of the United Nations over the latest development of inter-Korean relations.
• North Korea Eyes Stronger Forces to Counter US Threats as Washington Intent on Worsening Ties Sputnik 11 Jun 2020 -- North Korea on Thursday accused the US of being intent on exacerbating tensions between the two countries, adding that Pyongyang would work toward buildings stronger forces to confront military threats from Washington.
• On Anniversary of Trump-Kim Summit, N. Korea Vows More Weapons Development VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- North Korea vowed to continue strengthening its military and said relations with the United States have fallen into "despair," in a statement issued to mark the two-year anniversary of the Singapore summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Seoul warns of crackdown on anti-North Korea leaflets after North's fury Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- South Korea's presidential office has warned of a "thorough crackdown" against campaigners sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border, after North Korea expressed its fury over the campaigns.
• DPRK accuses U.S. of interference in inter-Korean relations People's Daily 11 Jun 2020 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) warned the United States on Thursday not to interfere in the inter-Korean affairs, denouncing the U.S. double-dealing on such issues as "disgusting."
• North Korea warns US of presidential election 'hair-raiser' if meddling continues Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- North Korea has warned the United States to "hold its tongue" and stay out of inter-Korea affairs or risk seeing its upcoming presidential election go haywire.
• China urges US to return to JCPOA commitments IRNA 11 Jun 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying referred to China's determination to uphold the efficacy of the JCPOA, saying thar Beijing urges Washington to return to its commitments under the nuclear deal.
• Zarif: US has no right to abuse UN, IAEA to vilify Iran IRNA 11 Jun 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message referred to US' attempts to escalate tensions with Iran, saying it has no right to abuse UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to vilify Iran.
• Zarif: US breaches JCPOA, UNSC resolution, has no right to vilify Iran Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Iranian foreign minister says the United States has no right to "abuse" the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to vilify Iran, because Washington has already breached the nuclear deal that Tehran clinched with world powers, including the US, and the United Nations Security Council resolution that endorsed the deal.
• President Rouhani: Sanctions failed to weaken Iranian nation's will Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani says sanctions imposed on Iran by Western countries, especially the United States, have failed to weaken the Iranian nation's will and this has been proven through incessant inauguration of development projects under the toughest sanctions.
• Iran raises possibility of more prisoner exchanges with US Press TV 11 Jun 2020 -- Tehran has raised the possibility of exchanging more prisoners with Washington, reaffirming Iran's readiness for more diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens held hostage in the US.
• Chairman Of Iran-UAE Chamber Denies Reports Of Halt in Trade Radio Farda 11 Jun 2020 -- The Chairman of Iran-UAE Chamber of Commerce on June 10 refuted reports of a standstill in trade between the two Persian Gulf neighbors.
• Report: Iran Will Send Flight Recorders From Ukrainian Jet To Paris RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- Iran has told the United Nations aviation agency that it will send the black boxes from a downed Ukrainian passenger jet to Paris for analysis after it secures agreements with countries involved in the investigation, Reuters reported.
• Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 11 Jun 2020
• Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Belarus The White House 11 Jun 2020
• NASA Awards Contract to Deliver Robot Rover to Moon VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- The U.S. space agency, NASA, has announced it has awarded a $199 million contract to a city of Pittsburgh company to launch its robot lunar rover to the moon in 2023. The agency made the announcement in an online release Thursday.
• New Kosovo PM Sees 'Complementary' Role For EU, U.S. In Deal With Serbia RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- Newly elected Kosovar Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti says the European Union and the United States have complementary roles in helping the country meet its top priority: successful dialogue with Serbia.
• Ex-Lesotho PM Linked to Murder for Hire Plot in Ex-Wife's Killing VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- A just filed police affidavit revealed a murder for hire scheme, where Lesotho's former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane and his wife, Maesaiah, made a down payment of $24,000 to kill his estranged wife Lipolelo three years ago.
• Cambodia's Hun Sen Says Political Ally Can Develop Untouched Island Radio Free Asia 11 Jun 2020 -- Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen has given permission to a powerful senator from Cambodia's ruling party to develop a part of Koh Kong Krau Island, with the announcement coming just days after a group of activists were blocked by authorities from demanding the island be kept in its pristine state.