COVID-19 - Daily News

12 June 2020 Military News

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Current Operations

Baghdad, Washington affirm commitment to US troop withdrawal, Iraqi premier says Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi says Baghdad and Washington have affirmed their commitment to the withdrawal of US troops from the Arab country, months after Iraqi lawmakers passed a resolution calling on the government to end all foreign troop presence.
US, Iraq Affirm Their Commitment to US Troop Withdrawal VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- The United States and Iraq have affirmed their commitment to the reduction of the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, without giving a timeline.
US Confirms Plans to Further Reduce Number of Troops in Iraq Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- The United States has confirmed its plans to further decrease the number of servicemen deployed to Iraq, the joint statement of the governments of the United States and Iraq said.

Afghan President Agrees to Resume Talks With Taliban in Doha, Qatar's Special Envoy Says Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has agreed to hold a new round of negotiations with the Taliban* in the Qatari capital of Doha, Qatari Foreign Ministry Special Envoy Mutlaq Al-Qahtani said.
Kabul Mosque Explosion Leaves at Least Four Killed, 'Many Injured' Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- An explosion occurred on Friday at the Sher Shah Suri Mosque in the Kart-e-Char area in Kabul, according to TOLOnews.
At Least Four Killed, Many Injured In Kabul Mosque Blast RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- An explosion in a Kabul mosque during Friday Prayers killed at least four people and wounded many more, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said on June 12.
Bomb attack kills 4 at mosque in Afghan capital Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- A bomb blast has ripped through a mosque in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, killing at least four people, including the prayer leader.
Kabul Mosque Attack Kills 4 VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- An attack on a mosque in Kabul during Friday prayers killed the imam and three worshipers and wounded several others.

Defense Policy / Programs

EU diplomacy chief voices "serious concern" at US ICC sanctions Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- The EU's foreign policy chief has expressed "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's order to impose sanctions on any International Criminal Court (ICC) officials investigating US troops, as it conducts a probe into wartime atrocities into Afghanistan.
France Urges US to Reconsider Its ICC Sanctions, Calls Step Attack on States Party to Rome Statute Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order authorising economic sanctions and travel restrictions against those International Criminal Court (ICC) workers involved in probing American troops and intelligence officials for possible war crimes in Afghanistan.

Fort Indiantown Gap scaling up operations Army News 12 Jun 2020 -- Now that Pennsylvania has begun a phased reopening from the COVID-19 crisis, Fort Indiantown Gap has begun gradually increasing operations.
White House Eyes Redefining Arms Control Deal to Permit Sale of US Drones Abroad Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- According to a report by Reuters, the US is seeking to reinterpret the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a 1987 arms control agreement, so as to permit the sale of US drones to more countries where makers such as Israel and China, which are not governed by the treaty, dominate the market.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With the Philippines Secretary of Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana DoD 12 Jun 2020
U.S., U.K., France Strengthen Partnership during Virtual Trilateral Maritime Talks NNS 12 Jun 2020 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday, First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin, and Chief of Naval Staff, Adm. Christophe Prazuck, French Navy, conducted a trilateral maritime discussion, June 12.
USS Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Depart Guam NNS 12 Jun 2020 -- Remaining USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors ashore will begin to fly back to the United States via military flights, June 12.
USNS Supply Plays Critical Role in Exercise with 19 NATO Allies NNS 12 Jun 2020 -- Military Sealift Command's fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) is supporting the 49th iteration of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 2020) exercise in the Baltic Region, June 7-16, with 19 NATO allies and partner nations.
US Deploys Quarter of Its Carrier Strike Force Fleet to Indo-Pacific as China Tensions Soar Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Already strained relations between Beijing and Washington over the coronavirus pandemic, Hong Kong and military deployments in the South China Sea were exacerbated this week after Taipei allowed a US military cargo plane to fly across the length of the island of Taiwan, a move which China characterised as "illegal" and "seriously provocative".
Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 12 Jun 2020
Guard helps safeguard primary election against cyber threats Army News 12 Jun 2020 -- Members of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) Defense Cyber Operations – Element (Cyber Team) helped safeguard the state's June 9 primary elections and will provide critical support through the November general election cycle.
Alabama, Romania strengthen ties through COVID-19 response Army News 12 Jun 2020 -- The Alabama National Guard hosted a delegation of civilian and military personnel from its partner nation, Romania, from the end of May through early June.
W.Va. Guard, Peruvian military share best COVID-19 practices Army News 12 Jun 2020 -- Leadership of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) held a video conference call with their State Partnership Program (SPP) counterparts in Perú to discuss COVID-19 military response efforts and best practices June 11.
Navy Sets Rules for Lifting COVID-19 Travel Restrictions NNS 12 Jun 2020 -- The Navy announced a phased plan for resuming official travel and transfers as well as allowing local commanders greater leeway in granting personal leave and liberty.
US Says Will Engage Up to 1,000 Troops for Drills in Germany This Summer Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- The United States plans to engage up to 1,000 troops in the second phase of the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise in Germany this summer, a US Army spokesperson said on Friday.

Russia welcomes US plans to pull back thousands of troops from Germany Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- Russia has welcomed US plans to pull out thousands of its troops from Germany, saying the move could help easing military and political tensions in Europe.

NATO launches Counter-Terrorism Reference Curriculum NATO 12 Jun 2020 -- NATO today (12 June 2020) launches its first ever Counter-Terrorism Reference Curriculum (CTRC). It supports interested Allies and partner countries in enhancing their capacities to develop national skills and improve counter-terrorism strategies.
Coronavirus response: Turkey delivers critical medical aid to Afghanistan in response to global pandemic NATO 12 Jun 2020 -- NATO today (12 June 2020) launches its first ever Counter-Terrorism Reference Curriculum (CTRC). It supports interested Allies and partner countries in enhancing their capacities to develop national skills and improve counter-terrorism strategies.
Emerging and Disruptive Technology: workshop on Technology, Security and Finance NATO 12 Jun 2020 -- In the context of its ongoing work on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, NATO's Emerging Security Challenges Division organized a workshop on 11 June 2020 on technology, security and finance. The workshop brought together Allied officials and external experts to discuss key issues Allies face when looking to finance defence and security related innovative technologies.

NATO recognises Ukraine as Enhanced Opportunities Partner NATO 12 Jun 2020 -- On Friday (12 June 2020), the North Atlantic Council recognised Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. This status is part of NATO's Partnership Interoperability Initiative, which aims to maintain and deepen cooperation between Allies and partners that have made significant contributions to NATO-led operations and missions.
NATO Grants Ukraine 'Enhanced Opportunities Partner' Status RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- NATO has entered a closer partnership with Ukraine, recognizing the former Soviet republic as an enhanced opportunities partner (EOP) after Kyiv demonstrated its "commitment to Euro-Atlantic security."
Ukraine Becomes NATO Partner With Enhanced Opportunities Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Ukraine has acquired the status of a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Friday.
U.S. Resumes Military Aid To Ukraine With Release Of $250 Million In Assistance RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- The U.S. Defense Department has announced a resumption of millions of dollars in military assistance to Ukraine after it was frozen last year, putting it at the heart of the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Russian Navy Receives First Improved Borei-A Class Missile Sub on Russia Day Holiday Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Floating beneath the depths of the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean, the stealthy new sub is expected to help preserve global strategic stability in the face of US moves to pull out of major arms control agreements and deploy advanced dual-use missile defense systems near Russia's borders.

China not to join so-called China-U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations: FM spokesperson People's Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- China on Thursday reiterated that it has no intention to join the so-called China-U.S.-Russia trilateral arms control negotiations, and this position is "clear and consistent."
PLA special mission aircraft approaches Taiwan after the island's missile test Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- A Y-8 aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), possibly a variant of intelligence gathering, on Friday approached the island of Taiwan, a day after the island conducted missile tests, and three days after a group of PLA fighter jets approached the island.
Chinese peacekeeping force resumes UNIFIL humanitarian demining operations PLA Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- The 18th Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineer contingent to Lebanon went to the area near the "Blue Line" between Lebanon and Israel to carry out humanitarian demining missions recently. This marks the official resumption of humanitarian mine clearance operations by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that had been interrupted for 10 years.
Mission completed Chinese naval escort task group returns home PLA Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- The 34th Chinese naval escort task group returned to a naval port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, on the morning of June 10, after successfully completing its mission.

U.S. senator introduces new Taiwan defense bill CNA 12 Jun 2020 -- U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a bill named the Taiwan Defense Act (TDA), which is aimed at ensuring that American armed forces can maintain their ability to fend off any invasion of Taiwan by China.
France Successfully Test-Fires Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Across Atlantic Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- The French Ministry of Defense announced on Friday it had fired a ballistic missile across the Atlantic Ocean. The M51 submarine-launched missile (SLBM) was monitored by French and US forces, and the test was hailed as a "success" and "essential to French nuclear deterrence" and sovereignty.
French Nuclear Submarine Catches Fire in Mediterranean Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- A Rubis-class French nuclear submarine named Perle has caught fire while anchored on a naval base in the port-city of Toulon on the country's Mediterranean coast, the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the Mediterranean said on Friday, adding that the incident poses no threat of radioactive pollution.

MND finds flawed COVID-19 prevention measures on Navy ship CNA 12 Jun 2020 -- Several health procedures on board a Navy ship that was plagued by COVID-19 cases after it returned to Taiwan from a goodwill mission to Palau in April were flawed, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Calls for Early Transfer of US Base in Okinawa Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday stressed the need to relocate the US Futenma Air Base in the Okinawa prefecture as soon as possible and pledged to make every effort for that.

RAF completes COVID support task at Kinloss UK MOD 12 Jun 2020 -- 3 RAF Puma helicopters deployed to Kinloss Barracks to support the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) in the coronavirus fight head back to their Oxfordshire base.
UK extends commitment to fight violent extremism in the Sahel UK MOD 12 Jun 2020 -- Three RAF Chinooks and 100 personnel will remain in Mali as UK extends its commitment to supporting French counter-terrorism operation

Early Hanukkah Present: Israel to Deliver First Iron Dome Air Defence System to US in December Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- The Israeli-made air defence system first went online in 2011, reporting the successful interception of hundreds of primitive rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah and Hamas, but has yet to be tested against major state actors armed with advanced missiles or fourth and fifth-generation delivery systems.

Anti-US Philippine President Pivots Back Toward Washington to Resist China VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's agreement to give a U.S. military pact its second chance despite distaste for Washington shows his relations with China are chafing after four years, analysts believe.

Briefing with Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Kelley Currie On the Women, Peace, and Security Implementation Plan US Dept. of State 12 Jun 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For June 12, 2020

Other Conflicts

12 June 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Jun 2020
Amidst COVID-19 challenges, UN 'remains operational' across Central Africa UN News 12 Jun 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic has compounded increasing economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing States and regional institutions across Central Africa, the regional UN envoy told the Security Council on Friday.

China Rams Vietnamese Fishing Vessel Near Paracel Islands Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- A Chinese ship rammed a Vietnamese fishing boat operating in the Paracel Islands, Vietnamese state media reported Friday, in what may be the first case of China enforcing its unilateral fishing ban in parts of the South China Sea against vessels of another nation.

Funding shortfall affecting critical water, sanitation services in Yemen UN News 12 Jun 2020 -- Children in the heart of the world's worst humanitarian disaster need help more than ever, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday, in an appeal for more support to provide basic services in Yemen.

US ramps up Syrian oil plunder, dispatches 50 tankers to Hashakah Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- The United States has reportedly deployed dozens of tankers to Syria's energy-rich northeastern province of Hasakah as Washington is fiercely vying with some of its regional allies to seize oil reserves in the war-battered country and plunder natural resources.

Turkey Planning to Establish 2 Permanent Military Bases in Libya – Reports Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Turkey is planning to establish two permanent military bases in Libya as part of its continued support for the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak reported on Friday, citing military sources.

Chinese military Y-8 transporter expelled from Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 12 Jun 2020 -- A Chinese military Y-8 transport aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) while flying over waters southwest of the country on Friday, but was chased away shortly by Taiwanese fighter jets, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.
Chinese mainland warns Taiwan's separatists to 'step back from the brink' or face punishment Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday warned Taiwan's separatists to "step back from the brink" as some rebel groups on the island plan for "constitutional amendment" and "rectification of name" with clearly-defined separatism goals.

Exclusive: China, India border troops conduct multi-level meetings amid tensions Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- A source told the Global Times on Friday that Chinese and Indian border troops are conducting multi-level meetings on the ground to promote the implementation of a high-level consensus and to bring divergences under control at the frontline.
Indian Defense Minister Convenes Military Officials to Talk China Border Tensions - Source Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has called a meeting with Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat and several other military officials to discuss the recent escalation of tensions along the so-called Line of Actual Control (LAC), a source in the Indian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

Thai Admiral: Navy Patrols Fail to Find Rohingya Boat Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- Thailand's navy insisted Friday that its ships have not located a boat carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees after Malaysia's coast guard chief claimed it was in Thai waters and had been blocked from entering Malaysian territory many times.
Political Pundits Warn of More Violence to Come in Towns in Myanmar's Volatile Rakhine State Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- The intensified conflict between the Myanmar military and the ethnic Arakan Army (AA) in war-ravaged Rakhine state could now spread to towns and cities amid an atmosphere of growing lawlessness following a knife attack on a government army officer and the abduction of another soldier in an urban area, political analysts said Friday.

Indian Woman Killed as Pakistan Violates Ceasefire near Border in Kashmir; Army Retaliates Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- On Thursday, an Indian Army soldier was killed and two civilians were injured after a ceasefire violation along the border by Pakistan in Rajouri, a district of India's Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid COVID-19 and climate change, UNHCR appeals for $186 million for Sahel refugee and displacement crisis UN News 12 Jun 2020 -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has issued an urgent appeal for $186 million to provide lifesaving protection and assistance in the Sahel amidst fears that the conflict in the vast African region – exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic – will spread.
UNHCR Launches $186 Million Appeal for Sahel Displacement Crisis VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- The U.N. refugee agency is appealing for $186 million to protect and assist hundreds of thousands of civilians who have been forced to flee from escalating, increasingly brutal attacks from multiple armed groups in the volatile central Sahel region.

Risk of Conflict Rising Between 2 Ethiopia Regional Powers, Report Finds VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Tension between Amhara and Tigray, two of Ethiopia's most powerful regions, is increasing as the country approaches elections next year, says a new International Crisis Group report. The northern Tigray region, which ruled the country for nearly three decades, has been ostracized by the federal government in Addis Ababa, raising the risk of military conflict in the north. The two regions also share a contested border and are at odds over when federal elections should be held.

News Reports

Burundi's Court Says President-Elect Should Be Sworn in Following Nkurunziza's Death Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- Burundi's Constitutional Court has ruled that the country's newly elected president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, should be immediately sworn in following the sudden death of President Pierre Nkurunziza, the government said on Friday.
Burundi Court Orders New President Sworn In Soon as Possible VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Burundi's Constitutional Court has ruled that President-elect Evariste Ndayishimiye must be sworn in as soon as possible, following the death of Pierre Nkurunziza.

The Week In Russia: Minneapolis, Minsk, Moscow, And The Future Of Putin's Rule RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- Within a few weeks, barring the truly unexpected, Vladimir Putin will have the option of seeking two more six-year stretches as Russian president after his current term expires in 2024, meaning he could remain in the Kremlin until May 2036.
Opposition Report Labels Russia's FSB A 'Second Government' RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- Russia's powerful Federal Security Service (FSB) has been transformed into a semicriminal structure that is functioning essentially as a "second government," according to a new report by the Dossier (Dosye) Center, which is funded by a former oligarch and staunch critic of President Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

US Charges Chinese Researcher Identified as PLA Officer With Visa Fraud Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- A Chinese researcher and officer in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday after US agents discovered that the individual "intentionally made false statements about his military service in his visa application."

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on June 12, 2020 PRC MofA 12 Jun 2020
China denounces UK, US 'interference' in Hong Kong's internal affairs Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- China has once again lambasted the United Kingdom and the United States for their "interference" in the domestic affairs of Hong Kong, China's global financial hub city, stressing that Beijing will resolutely push forward with a decision to impose a recently-passed national security law over the territory.
US Lawmakers Call For Answers on Zoom Shut-down of Dissident Accounts Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- More than a dozen U.S. lawmakers took Zoom to task and demanded detailed explanation Friday after the California-based teleconferencing company admitted to suspending the accounts of three Chinese activists at Beijing's request.
Xinjiang Authorities Institute Mandarin-Only Instruction at Prominent Uyghur High School Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- Authorities have upended the curriculum at one of the most respected Uyghur high schools in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), replacing Uyghur language instruction with that of Mandarin Chinese, as part of what the Uyghur diaspora says is a campaign to eradicate their culture in the region.
China Promises Measures to Improve Energy Security Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- After years of downplaying the country's dependence on energy imports, China's government has pledged to take steps that "will ensure energy security" this year.
US Weighing Whether to Revoke Chinese Telecom Licenses VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Officials in Washington are nearing a decision on whether to bar four Chinese state-backed telecommunication companies from operating in the United States.
Thousands Mark Protest Anniversary in Hong Kong's Streets, Schools and Malls Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- Police in Hong Kong detained and searched dozens of people, including students in school uniform, after thousands turned out in shopping malls and streets across the city to mark the first anniversary of mass public protests on June 12, 2019.
Organizers of Hong Kong's Tiananmen Vigil, Including Media Tycoon, Face Police Charges VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Hong Kong police have told 13 prominent pro-democracy activists in the past two days that they face charges for "inciting" people to participate in last week's rally to commemorate the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen crackdown, in what is seen as another move to suppress dissent as Beijing tightens its control of the embattled city.
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Face Charges for 'Inciting' Rally-goers VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Hong Kong police on Friday told nine more pro-democracy activists that they would face charges for "inciting" people to participate in last week's rally to commemorate the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen crackdown.
Hong Kong Protests China's Plans to Impose a New Security Law VOA 12 Jun 2020 -- Protesters gathered at a shopping center in Hong Kong Friday to demonstrate against China's plans to impose a new national security law on the territory, passed two weeks ago in the National People's Congress.
More external forces interfere in HK's internal affairs as China becomes more determined to legislate national security laws for city: Chinese FM Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- China has expressed its strong dissatisfaction to the UK concerning its six-monthly report on Hong Kong, China's Foreign Ministry said, as more external forces involve themselves in Hong Kong's internal affairs, China's determination to legislate national security law for Hong Kong becomes stronger.
FM says US move will 'draw fire against itself' if it restricts US capital through HK Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- If the US makes any move to damage the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s interests, it will draw fire against itself, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Friday, in response to possible US restrictions on capital flows through the city.
HK govt firmly rejects the UK's six-monthly report on HK, calling it inaccurate and biased Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- Hong Kong's government on Friday expressed their opposition to a six-monthly report on the city issued by the UK, saying the report was both inaccurate and biased, and suggesting that foreign governments, legislatures, and politicians should refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
National anthem law takes effect in Hong Kong Global Times 12 Jun 2020 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Friday that the National Anthem Ordinance has been published in the Gazette and came into effect Friday.
HKSAR chief executive signs National Anthem Ordinance People's Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam Thursday signed the National Anthem Ordinance passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) in accordance with Article 48(3) of the Basic Law of the HKSAR.
Liaison office supports Hong Kong establishing, improving education system in line with "one country, two systems" People's Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Friday expressed firm support for the HKSAR government to establish and improve an education system in line with the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong.
National security legislation "a step in the right direction": senior HKSAR gov't official People's Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- The national security legislation is a step in the right direction, and will add momentum for Hong Kong's long-term development, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Matthew Cheung has said.
Hong Kong blasts UK's criticism of China, new security bill as 'biased' Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- The government of Hong Kong has struck back at a British report slamming China over the passing of a national security bill by the city's legislative council last month, dismissing the report as "inaccurate and biased."
Thousands Mark Protest Anniversary in Hong Kong's Streets, Schools and Malls Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- Police in Hong Kong detained and searched dozens of people, including students in school uniform, after thousands turned out in shopping malls and streets across the city to mark the first anniversary of mass public protests on June 12, 2019.

North Korea Arrests Citizens for Thought Crimes After Anti-Exile Protests Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- North Korea's State Security Department is hunting down and arresting residents who spoke positively of defectors and refugees who have escaped to South Korea after those arrested were forced to participate in recent protest rallies against the escapees, sources inside the DPRK told RFA.
Our Message to U.S. is Clear: Ri Son Gwon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of DPRK KCNA 12 Jun 2020 -- Ri Son Gwon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of DPRK, made public the following press statement on Friday which reads:
S. Korean Authorities Will Be Forced to Pay Dearest Price for Their Behavior: Minju Joson KCNA 12 Jun 2020 -- The south Korean authorities offered the frontline areas to the human scum "defectors from the north" as a theatre of scattering anti-DPRK leaflets. This clearly proves that they have no interest in national reconciliation and unity but are determined to destroy the inter-Korean relations, says Minju Joson Friday in a commentary.
DPRK FM lashes out at U.S. policy towards Pyongyang People's Daily 12 Jun 2020 -- Ri Son Gwon, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), criticized the U.S. policy towards Pyongyang on Friday, saying his country will build up more reliable force to cope with the long-term military threats from Washington.
North Korea vows to bolster military might in face of US threats Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- North Korea has vowed to bolster its military might to counter US threats, saying relations between Washington and Pyongyang have descended into a "dark nightmare".
N Korea says US policies prove it remains long-term threat to Pyongyang Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- US policies prove it remains a long-term threat to North Korea and its people, the country's foreign minister says.

Iran questions validity of UN chief's report IRNA 12 Jun 2020 -- Permanent Mission of Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, New York, rejected the UN secretary general's report on the implementation of the Security Council resolution 2231 as flawed and inaccurate.
Iran strongly rejects UN secretariat's claims IRNA 12 Jun 2020 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the allegations of the UN Secretariat, which is clearly under political pressure from the US and Saudi regimes, and expresses its deep concern over the abuse of the UN Secretariat for political purposes, Iran's foreign ministry in a statement said.
Iran dismisses UN report on missiles 'of Iranian origin,' says body under US, Saudi pressure Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- Iran has dismissed a recent claim by the United Nations that missiles used to attack Saudi Arabia have been "of Iranian origin," saying the organization has spoken out under political pressure from the US and the Saudi regime.
UN Chief Reportedly Links Iran To Saudi Oil Attacks, But Russia Still Wants To Lift Arms Embargo RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told the Security Council in a report quoted by Reuters that cruise missiles used in attacks on Saudi oil facilities last year were of Iranian origin.
China voices opposition to extension of arms embargo on Iran IRNA 12 Jun 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says his country will not agree with the US move to make the UN approve extension of arms embargo against Iran.
US 'will soon kneel' in front of Iranians as economic terrorism failed: FM spokesman Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has denounced US economic terrorism and pressure on the Iranian people, saying the restrictive measures have failed and that the administration in Washington "will soon kneel in front of Iranian Nation."
Iran Official Tells US 'You Will Soon Kneel In Front Of Iranian Nation' Radio Farda 12 Jun 2020 -- The spokesman of Iran's foreign ministry, Abbas Mousavi tells the United States, "You will soon kneel in front of Iranian Nation", in a tweet responding to U.S. officials.
Khomeini's Grandson Possible Presidential Candidate? Radio Farda 12 Jun 2020 -- Iranian media have recently been speculating about the possible nomination of Seyed Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Khomeini, in Iran's presidential election next spring.
German Foreign Minister Calls IRGC Commander's Anti-Israeli Remarks 'Unacceptable' Radio Farda 12 Jun 2020 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has criticized IRGC Commander Hossein Salami for his "anti-Jewish comments" in his Thursday June 11 message to Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhaleh.

Lebanon's government in crisis talks amid currency plunge Press TV 12 Jun 2020 -- Lebanon's cabinet has held an emergency meeting in the wake of angry protests spurred by a considerable plunge of the national currency, which has made the worst recession in decades.

NGOs Urge Cambodia to End Arrests of Opposition Activists, Warn of 'Societal Split' Radio Free Asia 12 Jun 2020 -- A group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on Friday urged Cambodia's government to stop arresting those critical of its policies, including opposition activists, saying the campaign is a violation of their rights and will lead to a "societal split" that will be ruinous for the nation.

Armenia Rejects Russian Funding For Nuclear Plant Upgrade RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- The Armenian government has announced it has decided to use only 60 percent of a $270 million Russian loan designed to finance the ongoing modernization of its Soviet-era nuclear power plant at Metsamor.

After Nazarbaev: A Review Of Kazakh President Toqaev's Tumultuous First Year RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- Three days after winning some 71 percent of the vote in a snap presidential election in which "significant irregularities" were noted by a leading international election monitor, Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev was sworn in as Kazakhstan's second president on June 12, 2019.

Turkmenistan Further Tightens Food Rationing Amid Price Hikes, Shortages RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- Turkmenistan has further tightened the rationing of basic foodstuffs at subsidized prices, introducing special registration books to track purchases at state stores.

Tajik Opposition Activist Extradited From Austria Jailed 20 Years For Extremism RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- Tajik opposition activist Hizbullo Shovalizoda, who was extradited from Austria in March, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison on extremism charges.

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