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News Reports

Current Operations

• Cyber Shield 2020 tests Washington Guard cyber professionals Army News 24 Sep 2020 -- As cyber threats become more sophisticated, there is an increased demand on cyber professionals in the National Guard to help protect critical infrastructure in cyberspace.
• Cyber Shield 2020 features fully virtual training exercise Army News 24 Sep 2020 -- Cyber Shield 2020 is underway on networks across the nation, with more than 800 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from more than 40 states signed in for virtual training to sharpen their skills as network defenders.
• Ghani Urges World To Support Peace In Afghanistan In Speech To UN RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the world to help his country achieve peace amid talks with the Taliban aimed at ending nearly two decades of conflict.
• Afghan Forces Reportedly Kill 65 Taliban Fighters In Fierce Battle RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Afghan government forces claim to have killed 65 Taliban militants during a battle in the nation's eastern provinces as fighting continues to rage between the two sides while they hold peace talks.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Cal Guard's 79th IBCT unites with Puerto Rico-based unit Army News 24 Sep 2020 -- The 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, is a Puerto Rico-based unit that, as of 2018, has been part of the California Army National Guard's 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. But until six months ago, that relationship existed only on paper.
• Army seeks funding to modernize ammo manufacturing capabilities Army News 24 Sep 2020 -- The Army is eyeing a 15-year, $16 billion strategy to automate and improve the military's ammunition manufacturing process, the Army's top acquisition leader said Tuesday.
• Task Force Bayonet Soldiers train in electronic warfare Army News 24 Sep 2020 -- Soldiers with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment from Minnesota, conducted Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems training Aug. 17-20.
• Senior Department of Defense Leaders Host Global Virtual Town Hall DoD 24 Sep 2020
• Top Leaders Discuss Diversity, Inclusion With Military Members, Families DoD News 24 Sep 2020 -- Defense Department leaders addressed the DOD's efforts at improving diversity and inclusion during a virtual global town hall meeting today.
• Prepare to be Boarded: 31st MEU - America ARG conduct VBSS rehearsal in South China Sea USMC News 24 Sep 2020 -- The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group executed a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure mission, here, September 6.
• Air Force awards multiple contracts for airfield construction at NAS Keflavik US Air Force 24 Sep 2020 -- The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center's Detachment 4 successfully led the award of three contracts recently, totaling $38 million to improve airfield infrastructure at Naval Air Station Keflavik.
• 4th Fleet Commander Hosts Maritime Staff Talks With Peruvian Navy US Navy 24 Sep 2020 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, hosted leaders from the Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru) for the annual U.S. - Peru Maritime Staff Talks (MST) Sept. 23.
• U.S. 4th Fleet, Ecuador Navy Prepare for Multinational UNITAS Exercise US Navy 24 Sep 2020 -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet and Ecuadorian Navy maritime planners are conducting a virtual Final Planning Conference (FPC) Sept. 22-25 in support of the upcoming UNITAS LXI exercise, scheduled for Nov. 2-11 in Ecuador.
• Engineers Develop 3D-Printed Gear for MH-60S Seahawk's New Communications System US Navy 24 Sep 2020 -- The Navy's MH-60S Seahawk multi-mission helicopter is ready for a communications upgrade, and engineers with the H-60 Fleet Support Team at Naval Air Systems Command's In-Service Support Center at Fleet Readiness Center East have developed an innovative solution to support that effort.
• 'Spartans' Helo Squadron Works Diligently With USS Ford During Test, Trials US Navy 24 Sep 2020 -- The "Spartans" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, have been working hand-in-hand with the fleet's newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during the month of September, as a part of Independent Steaming Event 12 and the ship's 18-month post-delivery test and trials phase of operations.
• Logistics Support Center Provides Full-Service Support for Mayport-Based Ship Visit US Navy 24 Sep 2020 -- The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Logistics Support Center (LSC) went above and beyond supporting the Mayport-based USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) during a two-week stay at Naval Station Norfolk that ended Sept 14.
• Japan Self-Defense Forces, U.S. military to begin exercise Keen Sword, Oct. 26 US Navy 24 Sep 2020 -- Units from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. military will conduct exercise Keen Sword beginning Oct. 26, 2020.
• NATO Secretary General discusses Eastern Mediterranean with Prime Minister Mitsotakis NATO 24 Sep 2020 -- As part of his regular consultations with Greek and Turkish leaders, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke by telephone with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday (24 September 2020) about the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Russia's Su-27 Scrambled Due to US Air Force Bomber B-52H Flying Over Poland Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- Russian fighter jet Su-27 fighter was scrambled on Thursday due to US Air Force bomber B-52H, which was flying over Poland, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
• Tibet live-fire drills part of annual training: defense ministry Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- China's National Defense Ministry said Thursday the recent combat trainings conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Tibet Military Command were part of the annual regular training program, and not targeted at any particular country.
• Military drills in Tibet are scheduled, not target any country: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- The drills conducted by the Tibet Military Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in recent days are within the annual training plan and not targeted at any specific country, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, new spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
• Two Chinese aircraft carriers complete routine training and sea trials PLA Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- Chinese naval aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong have recently completed routine training and sea trials respectively, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, new spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at the regular press conference on Thursday.
• China's two aircraft carriers wrap up exercises, trials Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- The two aircraft carriers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the Liaoning and the Shandong, have recently completed regular exercises and sea trials respectively, China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Thursday.
• Chinese Soldier Handed 'Early Retirement' for Sharing Army Secrets on Unregistered Cellphone Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese soldier has been kicked out of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) after he shared military secrets with friends and family via an unauthorized cellphone.
• First female army pilots to graduate soon PLA Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- The first 10 female flight students trained by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force are expected to graduate and join operational units in 2021.
• Senator urges U.S. to boost Taiwan's defense against Chinese invasion CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- The United States should help Taiwan boost its own defense capability to prevent China from launching an invasion, Senator Marco Rubio said Wednesday amid rising military coercion from Beijing toward Taipei.
• Another Industry Support Measure by DRDO India PIB 24 Sep 2020 -- As another measure to support industry, requirement of "Performance Security" for the "Development Contracts" by DRDO and ATVP has been waived as per the approval of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. This will apply to development contracts only, as defined in para 12.5 of the DRDO Procurement Manual, PM 2016, as amended. However, Warranty Bond would continue to be obtained from successful development partner to cover the DRDO/ ATVP interest during the warranty period.
• IRGC Commander Threatens US Forces In The Persian Gulf Radio Farda 24 Sep 2020 -- The deputy Chief-Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Commodore Ali Fadavi, has threatened the arrival of United States forces in the Persian Gulf.
• Iran Military Gets New All-Weather Radar - Report Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- The new radar system is said to be capable of tracking airborne targets at low and medium altitudes up to 220 kilometres away.
• United Kingdom - Follow-on Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for C-17 Aircraft DSCA 24 Sep 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of follow-on C-17 aircraft Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $401.3 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• The Netherlands - Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) Missiles DSCA 24 Sep 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $241 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Sweden Accuses Russian, Danish Ships of Violating Its Waters Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- According to Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist, who called the violations "unacceptable", the alleged Russian intrusion happened on 14 September near Gothenburg and lasted 11 minutes. By contrast, no details of the Danish one were provided.
• Finland, Sweden, Norway Sign New Defence Agreement in 'Signal to Russia' Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- The goal of the new agreement, dubbed a "milestone in Nordic defence co-operation" is to increase rapport between the Nordic countries in an era of superpower struggle.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 24 Sep 2020
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany The White House 24 Sep 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 24, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 24 September 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Sep 2020
• Despite 'compromises', peace remains elusive in Yemen, says President, calling for international support to save his countryva> UN News 24 Sep 2020 -- The President of Yemen on Thursday called on the international community to end the suffering of Yemenis through ensuring "decisive and active" pressure on "the Houthis and Tehran," and for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions demanding an end to the violence his country faced.
• Syrian island escapes war, but caught by tough economic situation Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- During the more than nine-year-long war in Syria, actual battles have engulfed the country except for a small island that has escaped unscathed, protected by the surrounding sea.
• The United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the Syrian People US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2020 -- Today, at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting, "A Dialogue with the World's Top Ten Donors on Global Humanitarian Needs," hosted by the United States, we announced more than $720 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria both inside Syria and across the region.
• Libya is a victim of migration, not its reason, says GNA President Serraj UN News 24 Sep 2020 -- Libya, as a country of transit for migrants, cannot surmount the associated challenges without international support, the country's Head of State told world leaders gathered virtually for the UN General Assembly, rejecting "unilateral" reports on the situation of migrants.
• Rakhine Civilians Tell of Beatings During Overnight Detention by Myanmar Army Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- Ten Rakhine civilians were released Thursday after being detained and interrogated overnight by Myanmar troops, with several villagers saying they were kicked and beaten by soldiers in what a local lawmaker called a common occurrence in the war-torn state.
• Myanmar's Rakhine Conflict Creates Food Shortages in Next-Door Chin State Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- Myanmar's conflict with the Arakan Army in Rakhine state has caused severe food shortages in a small corner of adjacent Chin state, where residents of some 200 villages are trapped by roadblocks and mandatory coronavirus lockdowns, a humanitarian worker said Thursday.
• Tibetan Farmers, Herders Given Military-style 'Vocational Training,' Sent to Jobs Far From Home Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- Chinese authorities are removing thousands of Tibetan farmers and herders from their traditional livelihoods and subjecting them to forced military-style "vocational" training before sending them in groups to faraway places to work at new jobs, according to a new report released by the Jamestown Foundation.
• Kosovo Tribunal Says War Crimes Suspect Mustafa Taken Into Custody RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- The Specialized Prosecutor's Office in Kosovo has made its first arrest, detaining the former head of the intelligence service of the Kosovo Security Force, Salih Mustafa, on the basis of an arrest warrant and a confirmed indictment issued by a pretrial judge of the Specialized Chambers of Kosovo.
• The United States Announces Humanitarian Assistance for the Sahel Crisis Response US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2020 -- Today, the United States announced nearly $152 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region countries of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Mali.
• The United States Announces New Humanitarian Assistance for the South Sudan Crisis Response US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2020 -- Today, at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting, "A Dialogue with the World's Top Ten Donors on Global Humanitarian Needs," hosted by the United States, we announced nearly $108 million in humanitarian assistance for the people South Sudan, including South Sudanese in neighboring countries.

News Reports

• International community must unite, or be crushed by chaos, warns UN chief UN News 24 Sep 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General on Thursday made an unequivocal case for strengthening multilateralism and building trust among the countries of the world in the face of the devastating coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed gaps on multiple fronts.
• FinCEN Leak Sheds Light On The Hidden Money Flows Of Putin's Russia RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- In the summer of 2015, the New York branch of British bank Barclays flagged as suspicious a transfer of $1 million to former Moscow Deputy Mayor Iosif Ordzhonikidze for "consulting services."
• Pompeo 'Outs' Chinese Consulate in NYC as Another 'Hotbed for Espionage' Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- In July, the US closed a Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas, declaring the location an espionage hot spot and a centre for attempting to steal medical data related to the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
• Unreliable entity list depends on foreign companies' behavior: MOFCOM Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- Which enterprises will be put on China's unreliable entity list, which has been viewed by some as a measure by Beijing to counter the US crackdown on Chinese companies, depends on the behavior of the enterprises themselves, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday.
• China-Vatican deal could further 'ease ties' Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- The renewal of an agreement between China and the Vatican on the appointment of bishops will contribute to the development of Chinese Catholic churches, and signal to the world that China's Catholic churches could continue healthy development under the agreement, according to religious practitioners and experts.
• Chinese FM slams Pompeo for having anti-China paranoia Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for having anti-China paranoia after he warned US politicians to be vigilant around Chinese diplomats, who he said could be trying to woo them as part of China's espionage campaign.
• Pompeo's quest to redefine human rights draws intl suspicion as US loses moral high ground Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- Many countries remain skeptical about US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's proposal for other countries to join the alternative US view on human rights. Observers said that as a practitioner of the Cold War mentality, Pompeo is politicizing human rights issues of other countries to serve US interests, and his attempts to gain leadership of the discourse system on human rights may not succeed, as the US has fallen from the moral high ground.
• China hopes US will face reality and handle bilateral ties correctly PLA Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- China firmly opposes the US Defense Secretary Mark Esper's false accusations and unfounded speculations about China and the Chinese military, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a regular press conference in Beijing on September 24.
• Entry ban on two Australian scholars is within China's sovereignty: FM Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- Whether a foreign national is allowed to enter China is a matter entirely within China's sovereignty, and China opposes any attempt to smear and attack it under the guise of academic research, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said after China banned the entry of Clive Hamilton and Alexander Joske, two anti-China Australian scholars.
• HK lawyer urges bail denial for Joshua Wong ahead of trial Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- Hong Kong riot leader Joshua Wong Chi-fung, who is out on bail, was detained temporarily on Thursday for attending an illegal gathering on October 5, 2019, and for violating the anti-mask ordinance. Lawyers urged that bail be denied for Wong, as he may have a strong intention to flee Hong Kong as his multiple offenses could add to his sentence if convicted.
• Hong Kong Police Arrest Joshua Wong Over Mask Ban Protest Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- Police in Hong Kong have arrested prominent democracy campaigner Joshua Wong in connection with an "unauthorized assembly" during last year's protest movement.
• 'Don't Fall For the Chinese Communist Party's Divide-And-Rule Tactics' Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- The trial of Ren Zhiqiang marks a major turning point in Chinese politics, and represents a huge crackdown on internal opposition within the ranks of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
• Study Finds 380 Camps in Xinjiang's Still Expanding Internment Program Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- China has built 380 internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region since 2017, and is still constructing facilities, despite claims by Chinese authorities that the "re-education" program is wrapping up and the trainees have "graduated" and returned to society, an Australian think tank has found.
• Uyghurs Under 65 Now Banned From Daily Prayers Required by Their Faith Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- Authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang region are forbidding practice by ethnic Uyghurs of the daily prayers required of observant Muslims, allowing only those 65 years of age and older to fulfill their religious obligations, sources say.
• China Expanding Detention Camp Network In Xinjiang, Researchers Say RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- China's network of detention centers in the northwest Xinjiang region is much more extended than previously thought and has been expanded in recent years, according to research unveiled by an Australian think tank.
• China's Chang'e-4 probe switches to dormant mode following new discoveries Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have been switched to dormant mode for the lunar night after working stably for a 22nd lunar day and according to the latest study, the materials detected by the rover, Yutu-2, come from the nearby Finsen impact crater rather than the basalt erupted from the lunar mantle.
• China's Chang'e-4 probe switches to dormant mode People's Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have been switched to dormant mode for the lunar night after working stably for a 22nd lunar day, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration.
• Diplomatic allies voice support for Taiwan in U.N. debate CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- Leaders of Taiwan's diplomatic allies voiced support for Taiwan's participation in special agencies under the United Nations on Wednesday during the second day of the general debate of the 75th U.N. General Assembly.
• Chinese warplane again intrudes into Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese military Y-8 anti-submarine airplane entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, the seventh intrusion since Sept. 16, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.
• Military flyby rehearsal staged over Taipei CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- A large number of helicopters and fighter jets, including F-16Vs, flew over Taipei as part of a rehearsal for the National Day Parade flyby on Thursday.
• Taiwan not seeking formal ties with U.S. at present: foreign minister CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) told American media on Sunday that the country is not presently seeking formal ties with the U.S., despite a recent significant improvement in relations between the two sides.
• Returning US forces to Taiwan will 'trigger reunification-by-force operation' Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- Amid ongoing large-scale exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Straits targeting foreign interventions and Taiwan secessionists, an article recently published in a US military journal urged the US to consider returning US forces to the island, a move that would break the Three Joint Communiqués between China and the US that stipulated all US forces and military installations withdrawn from the Chinese island.
• PLA aircraft's moves target "Taiwan independence" secessionists: Spokesperson PLA Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the PLA will resolutely defeat the "Taiwan independence" forces attempting to separate Taiwan from China, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a regular press conference in Beijing on September 24.
• President Moon Calls N Korea's 'Shooting' of Missing S Korean Official 'Shocking, Unpardonable' Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- A South Korean official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries disappeared from an inspection boat in waters near the island of Yeonpyeong on Monday, according to Yonhap.
• Kim Jong-un Miraculously Avoided Assassination by Traitorous Soldiers in 2018 – Japanese Admiral Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- Four service members of the North Korean military allegedly involved in conducting a dramatic assassination attempt against the DPRK's Supreme Leader were said to be discovered by South Korean authorities while trying to flee to Japan in a fishing boat.
• U.S. To Announce More Sanctions Against Iran, Envoy Tells Senate Hearing RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- The United States will impose new sanctions on a number of Iranian officials and entities including a judge who sentenced Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari to death, an envoy said.
• Saudi King Uses UN Speech To Call For Comprehensive Solution On Iran RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz has taken aim at Iran during a speech to the UN General Assembly, calling for a comprehensive solution to contain the Islamic republic and stop it from getting weapons of mass destruction.
• Major New Human Rights-Related Listings and Accompanying Sanctions on Iranva> US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2020 -- The Iranian regime must respect the human rights of the Iranian people. Despite its obligations and commitments, the regime continues to subvert its justice system to fuel fear and repression. The United States is committed to holding accountable those who are denying freedom and justice to the people of Iran, and today we are taking major new actions which support the Iranian people.
• U.S., EU Lawmakers Call On Lukashenka To Free Political Prisoners In Belarus RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Hundreds of lawmakers from Europe and North America have written to Alyaksandr Lukashenka to demand he release Belarus's political prisoners - a move underscoring widespread outrage in the West over the violent repression of protests in the country.
• U.S., U.K., Canada May Soon Announce Sanctions On Belarusian Officials: Report RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- The United States, Britain, and Canada could soon impose sanctions on Belarusian officials for their violent crackdown on protesters following a presidential election widely viewed to have been rigged.
• EU's Chief Diplomat Says Bloc Refuses To Recognize Lukashenka As Belarusian President RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- The EU's foreign-policy chief has reiterated the bloc's stance that it refuses to recognize Alyaksandr Lukashenka as president of Belarus following his surprise inauguration, which sparked large demonstrations across the country.
• The West Says It Won't Recognize Lukashenka As The President Of Belarus. Now What? RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Statements by the United States and European Union crossed a Rubicon of sorts on September 23 by explicitly rejecting Alyaksandr Lukashenka's makeshift "inauguration" for a new term as the president of Belarus.
• Belarusian Interior Ministry Slams Wednesday's Aggressive Rallies as Protesters Clashed With Police Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko secured his sixth term as the country's leader as a result of the 9 August presidential elections, which was decisively rejected by opposition and followed by weeks of nationwide protests.
• CAR President calls for better representation of Africa on the Security Council UN News 24 Sep 2020 -- Central African Republic, like nearly every nation on the planet, has not been spared by the COVID-19 pandemic, with indictors predicting a contraction by up to 1.2 of the country's economic growth, President Faustin Archange Touadera said on Thursday, calling on world leaders to unite against the virus.
• Vietnamese Political Prisoners Stage Hunger Strike Radio Free Asia 24 Sep 2020 -- Three detained activists in Vietnam are said to have recently begun a hunger strike to protest conditions in prison, sources in the country told RFA.
• Ecuadorian Court Rules to Arrest Ex-Leader Correa in Corruption Case Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- The National Court of Ecuador has ruled to promptly locate and arrest former President Rafael Correa and 18 other convicts in a corruption case, according to the court's verdict obtained by Sputnik.
• Haiti's President urges 'critical rethink' to ensure development assistance targets national priorities UN News 24 Sep 2020 -- Noting the multidimensional consequences of COVID-19, as well as ongoing political and socio-economic strife in many countries, Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse told the UN General Assembly that today, more than ever, the world needs a multilateral system that performs better through greater solidarity.
• U.S. Accountant in Panama Papers Investigation Sentenced to Prison US Dept. of Justice 24 Sep 2020 -- A U.S. accountant was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 39 months in prison for wire fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and other charges, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt and Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss of the Southern District of New York.