COVID-19 - Daily News

12 November 2020 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Special Prosecutor to Probe Allegations of Australian War Crimes in Afghanistan VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Australia will appoint a special investigator with the power to prosecute allegations of war crimes by its troops in Afghanistan. The move follows a four-year investigation by the government-appointed inspector general of the Australian Defense Force into the conduct of Australian special forces between 2005 and 2016.
Australia Appoints Special Prosecutor To Investigate Possible War Crimes In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 12 Nov 2020 -- Australia will appoint a special prosecutor to investigate alleged war crimes committed by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.
Australia to appoint special investigator to probe Afghanistan war crime claims Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- The Australian government says it will appoint a special investigator to probe allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.
Afghan Forces Kill Leader of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- The Afghan military has killed Aziz Yuldash, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan* in the northwestern Afghan province of Faryab, the country's Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

Statement by Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller on Helicopter Crash in the Sinai Peninsula DoD 12 Nov 2020 -- The Defense Department is deeply saddened by the loss of five U.S. and two partner nation service members in a helicopter crash in the Sinai Peninsula operating with the United Nations Multinational Force and Observers (MFO).
7 Peacekeepers Killed in Egypt Helicopter Crash VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Seven international peacekeepers, including five Americans, were killed Thursday when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine mission in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, according to Israeli and Egyptian officials.

Defense Policy / Programs

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction The White House 12 Nov 2020
Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 12 Nov 2020
Spying for Hire: US Using Civilian Contractor Planes to Monitor Seas Off Chinese Coast- Think Tank Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- Where it was previously known to be flying spy planes near China disguised as civilian aircraft, now the US military has been revealed to be contracting civilian firms to fly spy missions for them in the region. The US has dispatched three such planes to the western Pacific in recent months, according to a new think tank report.
Technology, Expertise Help Determine Vaccine Distribution DoD News 12 Nov 2020 -- Ten military officers assigned to Operation Warp Speed are embedded at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist the allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine.
Navy Publishes Scientific Paper on USS Theodore Roosevelt COVID-19 Outbreak US Navy 12 Nov 2020 -- A multidisciplinary team of U.S. Navy Medicine personnel published a comprehensive analysis of the spring 2020 USS Theodore Roosevelt SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the New England Journal of Medicine Nov. 11.
Navy/Marine Corps COVID-19 Study Findings Published in New England Journal of Medicine US Navy 12 Nov 2020 -- Implementing best practice public health measures on their own among young adults may not be enough to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and additional actions, such as widespread and repeated testing, are recommended to reduce the risk of viral spread, according to research published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
US Army, Marine forces conduct crisis response exercise in North Africa AFRICOM 12 Nov 2020 -- VICENZA, Italy -- Elements of Army, Marines and Air Force conducted a full dress rehearsal of U.S. Africa Command's crisis response capability Nov. 6-9.
Panther Storm II: Advancing rapid global mobility US Air Force 12 Nov 2020 -- Multiple C-130J Super Hercules crews from the 19th Airlift Wing from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas and 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas partnered with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division for a Joint Forcible Entry exercise Nov. 3-6 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.
Sailors, Civilians at New Facility in Poland Crucial to National Security, NATO Allies US Navy 12 Nov 2020 -- A new Navy facility in Poland is key to missile defense and operations with NATO allies, as well as support to Sailors throughout the region.
Success at Sea: 61st UNITAS Exercise Enhances Interoperability Among Forces US Navy 12 Nov 2020 -- UNITAS LXI, the world's longest running multinational maritime exercise concluded with a closing ceremony in Manta, Ecuador, Nov. 11.

Fifth Phoenix aircraft arrives at the AGS Main Operating Base NATO 12 Nov 2020 -- On 12 November 2020 the fifth and last NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) aircraft arrived at the AGS Main Operating Base in Sigonella, Italy. The arrival of the RQ-4D aircraft at its home base in Europe represents a new milestone in the NATO AGS Programme, completing the NATO AGS fleet.

Russia Plans Naval Base On Sudan's Strategic Red Sea RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Russia plans to build a naval base in Sudan, according to a bilateral draft agreement between the two nations.
Putin demands higher survivability of Russian nuke control systems Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered boosting the survivability of the country's nuclear forces control systems.

China's latest unmanned combat systems to enter service, aim to win future wars for PLA: reports Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- Scientists at a Chinese military university have in the past few years been focusing on developing unmanned combat systems intended to win future wars, and their efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Recent reports show multiple types of unmanned equipment, including an amphibious combat platform and a combat vehicle with a new design concept, that are about to enter military service.
China adopts law to strengthen support for veterans People's Daily 12 Nov 2020 -- China's top legislature on Wednesday adopted a new law to strengthen protection over the legitimate rights of veterans.

Mission Sagar - II Handing Over Food AID to Djibouti by INS Airavat India PIB 12 Nov 2020 -- In continuation of the ongoing humanitarian mission 'Sagar-II', Indian Naval Ship Airavat arrived at Port of Djibouti, Djibouti on 10 November 2020. The Government of India is providing assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries to overcome natural calamities and COVID-19 pandemic, and towards the same INS Airavat is carrying food aid for the people of Djibouti.

Israel Takes Delivery of Specialized F-35I 'Adir' Test Plane, First Outside US Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has received a specialized test version of its F-35I "Adir," the first F-35 test plane outside the United States.

Turkey will use S-400 system just like NATO members employ S-300: Defense minister Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar downplays concerns over his country's intention to utilize its highly advanced Russian-built S-400 air defense systems, saying Ankara will use the armament just as other members of the NATO military alliance employ their S-300 defense systems.
Turkey Remains Ready to Discuss Compatibility of Its S-400s With F-35 Jets, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- Ankara's decision in 2017 to purchase the Russian-made air defence system has contributed to a sharp decline in Turkish-US relations. Last month, Washington condemned "in the strongest terms" Turkey's testing of its S-400s. NATO, meanwhile, has warned that the air defence system poses "risks" to allied aircraft.

US Army, Marine forces conduct crisis response exercise in North Africa AFRICOM 12 Nov 2020 -- VICENZA, Italy -- Elements of Army, Marines and Air Force conducted a full dress rehearsal of U.S. Africa Command's crisis response capability Nov. 6-9.
Panther Storm II: Advancing rapid global mobility US Air Force 12 Nov 2020 -- Multiple C-130J Super Hercules crews from the 19th Airlift Wing from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas and 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas partnered with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division for a Joint Forcible Entry exercise Nov. 3-6 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.
Sailors, Civilians at New Facility in Poland Crucial to National Security, NATO Allies US Navy 12 Nov 2020 -- A new Navy facility in Poland is key to missile defense and operations with NATO allies, as well as support to Sailors throughout the region.
Success at Sea: 61st UNITAS Exercise Enhances Interoperability Among Forces US Navy 12 Nov 2020 -- UNITAS LXI, the world's longest running multinational maritime exercise concluded with a closing ceremony in Manta, Ecuador, Nov. 11.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 12, 2020

Other Conflicts

12 November 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Nov 2020
Landmine toll still high amid concerns over COVID-19 impact on clearance efforts UN News 12 Nov 2020 -- Thousands of people continue to be killed and injured every year by landmines and explosive weapons in conflicts around the world, while the COVID-19 pandemic has forced mine-clearance efforts to be scaled back, a UN-backed civil society report on the issue said on Thursday.
Improvised Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War Killing, Maiming More Civilians, Monitoring Group Finds VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- This year's edition of the Landmine Monitor finds civilian casualties are rising because of the new use of improvised landmines by rebel groups in conflict areas and from explosive remnants of war.

Biden Reaffirms Commitment to Back Japanese Claims to Senkaku Islands – Reports Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has held a phone conversation with projected US President-elect Joe Biden, with the latter having reaffirmed the US commitment to support Japan's claims to the disputed islands of Senkaku, Japanese media reported on Thursday.
Biden probes China on Diaoyu Islands, woos allies for Asia-Pacific 'rebalance' Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- US president-elect Joe Biden on Thursday held a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, covering security issues concerning the Diaoyu Islands, over which Japan has had disputes with China.

'Yemenis aren't going hungry, they're starving:' UN issues solemn warning Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- The United Nations (UN) has issued a solemn warning about a looming catastrophe in Yemen that would be affecting millions of Yemeni people, including women and children, as the country grapples with years of a Saudi-led war and blockade.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom SPA 12 Nov 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki
Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom SPA 12 Nov 2020 -- A statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki stated that the "Joint Coalition Forces have intercepted and destroyed in Yemeni airspace this evening (Thursday) a bomb-laden UAV launched systematically and deliberately by the terrorist Houthi militia to target civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom."
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom SPA 12 Nov 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki

Syrian official urges int'l community to facilitate return of refugees Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- Syrian assistant foreign minister Ayman Sousan on Wednesday urged the international community to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their country.
Terrorist groups 'main obstacle' to return of Syrian refugees: Mekdad Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad says terrorist groups are the main obstacle to the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, lambasting the presence of uninvited foreign forces in the Arab country.

UN Libya mission condemns killing of lawyer, urges probe Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- The United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has strongly condemned the killing of a prominent lawyer and women's rights activist in the country's eastern city of Benghazi, calling on relevant authorities to initiate an investigation.
Libyans Reach Deal on Elections, UN Says VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Libyan delegates have agreed on a plan to hold elections for parliament and president within 18 months as part of a process to end a decade of violence and instability in the country.

Indian media's reports on detailed border disengagement plan with China 'inaccurate': sources Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- Indian media's reports that detailed arrangements for a proposed disengagement plan are being discussed and finalized by Chinese and Indian militaries are inaccurate and not helpful for the two sides to reach their established goals, the Global Times has learned from sources.

Top ULFA(I) Leader Dirshti Rajkhowa Surrenders to Indian Army India PIB 12 Nov 2020 -- In a swift and well planned operation executed by the Indian Army Intelligence Agencies at Meghalaya-Assam- Bangladesh Border, dreaded hardcore ULFA(I) leader, SS Col Drishti Rajkhowa along with four accomplices SS Corporal Vedanta, YasinAsom, RopjyotiAsom and MithunAsom, surrendered, with a huge quantity of arms.

Russia to establish truce monitoring posts in Nagorno-Karabakh People's Daily 12 Nov 2020 -- Russian peacekeepers will set up 16 observation posts to monitor the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a senior military official said Wednesday.
Anti-Government Protests Continue In Yerevan Amid Fury Over Karabakh Peace Deal RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Armenian opposition groups are continuing their protests to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian over the terms he agreed to in a Russian-brokered accord with Azerbaijan that ended more than six weeks of fighting over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Palestinian rights groups call for halt to Israeli military incursions into Gaza Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Palestinian human rights groups have called on the Israeli regime to cease its military incursions into the besieged Gaza Strip, demanding compensation for farmers for their agricultural losses.
Israel speeds up settlement construction amid fears about Biden's possible freeze plans Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Israeli authorities are reportedly expediting approval of plans for the construction of more settler units across the occupied territories, amid growing fears that the projected winner of US presidential election Joe Biden would oppose such plans once he enters the White House early next year.

'No way' to get vital humanitarian aid into Ethiopia's Tigray region, UN warns UN News 12 Nov 2020 -- With telephone lines still cut and transport links disrupted, it is impossible for humanitarians to get vital supplies into Ethiopia's Tigray region or assess evolving humanitarian needs, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said.
Amnesty International: Scores Killed in Tigray VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- A new report Thursday from Amnesty International said scores of civilians were killed in the Tigray region of Ethiopia earlier this week.
Ethiopia's Tigray Region Conflict Raises Fears of Civil War VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Ethiopia's military conflict with its independence-minded Tigray region has raised fears of civil war in Africa's second most populous nation. It also raises concerns about regional instability spreading if the conflict continues.

Rwandan Genocide Suspect Pleads Not Guilty at First Court Appearance VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- A Rwandan war crimes suspect charged with helping to orchestrate the country's 1994 genocide and arming militias, was granted not guilty pleas during his first court appearance at the Hague Wednesday.

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burundi The White House 12 Nov 2020
Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 12 Nov 2020

News Reports

Joint Statement from Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council & the Election Infrastructure Sector Coordinating Executive Committees CISA 12 Nov 2020 -- "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history. Right now, across the country, election officials are reviewing and double checking the entire election process prior to finalizing the result."

US President-Elect Joe Biden Talks with More World Leaders VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has held additional congratulatory telephone calls with world leaders as he moves forward with preparations ahead of his inauguration January 20. The calls come as President Donald Trump refuses to concede following the November 3 election and challenges the results.
Phone Calls Play Key Role in Transatlantic Relations VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- The anxieties of Britain's ruling Conservatives about how Anglo-American relations may unfold under a Biden administration were partly calmed midweek when President-elect Joe Biden chose to phone Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of conversations with France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Angela Merkel.
After Trump, Southeast Asia Craves Reliable Ally in Biden VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- A Joe Biden presidency is likely to involve a deeper U.S. engagement with Southeast Asia, some analysts say, offering trade for their pandemic-hit economies and security leverage against regional heavyweight China—but also bringing uncomfortable questions on rights and democracy.

Lavrov Says Moscow To Announce Tit-For-Tat Sanctions Against Top German, French Officials RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is going to be announcing retaliatory measures against top German and French officials in tit-for-tat sanctions sparked by the poisoning of outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny with a nerve agent in August.
Russia to impose sanctions on German, French officials in tit-for-tat move over Navalny: Lavrov Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia will soon impose retaliatory sanctions on German and French officials over the alleged poisoning of the Russian opposition figure, Alexei Navalny.
HRW Denounces New Russian Bill Targeting NGOs As 'Repressive' RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that the Russian government has submitted a bill to parliament this week that the New York-based watchdog said would further restrict the ability of independent groups in Russia to function.
By Hook Or By Crook: For The Opposition In St. Petersburg, Winning An Election Is Only The Beginning Of The Battle RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Sergei Vinichenko, who has served as an independent deputy on a St. Petersburg district council since 2014, was deprived of his mandate in October for purportedly failing to submit a mandatory declaration of his assets.

University Researcher Pleads Guilty to Lying on Grant Applications to Develop Scientific Expertise for China US Dept. of Justice 12 Nov 2020 -- A rheumatology professor and researcher with strong ties to China pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal authorities as part of an immunology research fraud scheme.

UK Slams Beijing Over Ouster of Hong Kong Democratic Lawmakers Radio Free Asia 12 Nov 2020 -- The United Kingdom on Thursday hit out at China's disqualification of four pro-democracy members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo), saying that the country is in breach of a 1984 treaty promising to protect the city's freedoms.
Foreign Secretary declares breach of Sino-British Joint Declaration UK FCDO 12 Nov 2020 -- Following the disqualification of four pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong, the UK Government has declared China in breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
China Has Breached Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, UK's FM Says Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the day before that the removal of four opposition lawmakers from Hong Kong's Legislative Council by the Special Administrative Region government represents a "further assault" on the former British colony's autonomy.
Disqualification of Pan-Democratic Lawmakers in Hong Kong US Dept. of State 12 Nov 2020 -- "Beijing's onslaught against Hong Kong's freedoms and liberties continues. The United States strongly condemns the "patriotism" resolution passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on November 11, which disqualified four members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council for exercising their mandates as lawmakers."
US threatens China with more sanctions over Hong Kong new law Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- The United States has accused China of "flagrantly violating" its international commitments over a new law that disqualified four opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong, threatening Beijing with more sanctions.
Canada to Announce New Measures for Citizens in Hong Kong as National Security Law Enforced Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- The United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada have criticised a move by Beijing to disqualification of four Hong Kong legislators under the powers set out in the new National Security Law.
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Lawmakers Stage Final Act of Defiance Before Mass Resignations VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong staged one final act of defiance in the city's Legislative Council on Thursday before going through with a mass resignation over the dismissal of four of their colleagues.
China says resignation of Hong Kong opposition MPs 'a farce' Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- China says the resignation of some Hong Kong opposition legislators is "a farce" and an "open challenge" to Beijing's authority and the Basic Law, the semi-autonomous city's mini-constitution.
Unqualified, unjustified, unmarketable: FM rebukes Western criticism of disqualification of unpatriotic HK lawmakers Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- A few Western countries have no qualification and no reason for criticizing China's top legislature's latest decision to set a legal structure for disqualifying unpatriotic lawmakers from the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo), the Chinese FM warned on Thursday.
Central authorities slam mass resignation of HK opposition lawmakers as political farce Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR have criticized the move by opposition lawmakers of the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) to "resign en masse" as a "farce" that exposes their stubborn stance against the central government.
No country tolerates lawmakers who don't pledge allegiance to state Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- No country tolerates public servants who do not recognize their national identity or do not sincerely swear allegiance to the state in assuming office and carrying out their duties, Chinese officials and experts said on Thursday, dismissing some Western politicians' accusations over the Chinese top legislature's latest decision on the qualifications of Hong Kong LegCo members.
Hong Kong must be governed by patriots Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- The decision adopted by China's top legislature Wednesday on the qualification of local lawmakers in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has clarified the legal basis for "patriots governing Hong Kong."
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on November 12, 2020 PRC MofA 12 Nov 2020
Statement from National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien The White House 12 Nov 2020 -- "Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to protect American investors from funding Communist Chinese military companies, including those designated by the Department of Defense in June and August of 2020."
Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 12 Nov 2020
Trump Issues Order Barring Americans From Investing in Firms Tied to Chinese Military Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order prohibiting Americans from investing in nearly three dozen firms that do business with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Trump administration unveils move to crack down on US investments in Chinese firms Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- The administration of President Donald Trump has unveiled an executive order banning US investments in Chinese firms that Washington says are owned or controlled by the Chinese military.
Biden Likely to Continue Hardline Policy Toward China on Security Issues VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- U.S.-China relations are at their lowest point in years following conflicts over trade and coronavirus during the administration of President Donald Trump. That is creating intense interest in President-elect Joe Biden's China policy plans.
Xi's participation in upcoming key diplomatic events illustrates China's commitment to multilateralism with practice Global Times 12 Nov 2020 -- China's top leader's participation in a series of major multilateral diplomatic events in the coming weeks shows once again China's resolute support for relevant international organizations and multilateralism through actual practice despite the influence of COVID-19 pandemic, experts said on Thursday.

Chinese aircraft enters Taiwan's ADIZ for 9th time in November CNA 12 Nov 2020 -- A Chinese Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane flew into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) Thursday morning -- the ninth such intrusion this month and the 39th since mid-September, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
90% of Taiwanese oppose Chinese military threats: MAC poll CNA 12 Nov 2020 -- More than 90 percent of Taiwanese oppose China's military threats against the country while nearly 80 percent believe maintaining cross-strait peace is the responsibility of both sides, according to a poll released Thursday by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the nation's top China policymaking body.
PLA actions "stern response" to DPP's attempts to seek "Taiwan independence": spokesperson People's Daily 12 Nov 2020 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday urged pro-independence secessionists in Taiwan not to make provocative attempts that could lead to historic blunders with catastrophic consequences.

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Iran The White House 12 Nov 2020
Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 12 Nov 2020
Pres Rouhani: Maximum pressure at end of its tenure IRNA 12 Nov 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that all signs from Europe to the United States and all over the world show ineffectiveness of the maximum pressure policy.
Iran's Rouhani: Time for US' 'maximum pressure' policy over Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the time for the United States' policy of exerting 'maximum pressure' on other countries, including the Islamic Republic, is over and this policy has failed to produce any results.
Iran urges IAEA to take 'unbiased' stance on Saudi, Israeli nuclear activities Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Iran's UN ambassador has expressed concerns about secretive nuclear activities by Saudi Arabia and Israel, calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, to adopt an "unbiased" approach towards both regimes.
New IAEA report proof of Iran's continued cooperation: Envoy Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Iran says the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report proves the country's continued cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog and the suspension of commitments under a 2015 deal.
Iran Arrests Separatist Leader Accused Of Deadly Attack On Military Parade RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry has confirmed the arrest of a separatist group leader allegedly involved in a deadly attack during a military parade in 2018.
Iran arrests ringleader of militant group behind Ahvaz terrorist attack Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Iran's Intelligence forces have arrested the ringleader of a separatist militant group behind the 2018 deadly terror attack in the Iranian city of Ahvaz.
Saudi King Urges World to Prevent Iran From Obtaining Weapons of Mass Destruction Sputnik 12 Nov 2020 -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has called on the international community to take a strong stance on Iran and prevent it from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.

Austria government approves range of anti-terrorism measures Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Austria's government has approved a wide range of anti-terrorism measures, days after a sympathizer of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group went on a shooting rampage in the heart of the capital, Vienna, killing four people and wounding nearly two dozen others.

U.S. Reiterates Call For Release Of Political Prisoners In Belarus RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- The United States has condemned the continued detention of political prisoners in Belarus, saying that more than 100 are currently being held for participating in peaceful protests.
Noted Belarusian Journalist Gets 15 Days In Jail For Covering Anti-Lukashenka Rally RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Noted Belarusian journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich has been sentenced to 15 days in jail over covering one of the ongoing mass rallies demanding Alyaksandr Lukashenka's resignation.
Political Prisoners in Belarus Should Be Released US Dept. of State 12 Nov 2020 -- The United States condemns the continued detention of political prisoners in Belarus.

Rebels Call For Election in Parts of Myanmar's Rakhine Denied Vote Radio Free Asia 12 Nov 2020 -- The rebel army fighting a two-year war against Myanmar government forces in Rakhine state issued an appeal Thursday to hold "by-elections" in conflict areas where 1.2 million voters were not allowed to vote in weekend general elections, winning a rare nod of approval from the military.

Statement by Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller on the Passing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain DoD 12 Nov 2020 -- "On behalf of the United States Department of Defense, I join the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Royal Family, and the Bahraini people, in mourning the loss of their Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa."
Bahrain's crown prince appointed new prime minister Press TV 12 Nov 2020 -- Bahrain's Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has been appointed as new prime minister of the Persian Gulf kingdom.

ASEAN Must Promote Peace, Avoid Being Caught in Big-Power Rivalry, Leaders Say Radio Free Asia 12 Nov 2020 -- Southeast Asian countries must strive for peace and not be caught in rivalry between "major powers" that are raising tensions and jockeying for influence in the region, leaders said as a virtual summit of the ASEAN bloc opened on Thursday.

Former Opposition Lawmaker Defects to Cambodia's Ruling Party After Clinic Shuttered Radio Free Asia 12 Nov 2020 -- A doctor and former lawmaker with the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) defected to Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Thursday after the government shut down her medical clinic earlier this week over alleged malpractice.

Kyrgyzstan's Latest Anti-Corruption Campaign: Is It Real Or Just For Show? RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Kyrgyzstan has a new leader who has already embarked on his own anti-corruption campaign.
Acting Kyrgyz President Reiterates Plan To Step Down To Be Eligible For January Vote RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- Kyrgyzstan's acting President Sadyr Japarov has reiterated that he plans to step down to be eligible to take part in a presidential election in January and vowed to secure fair and open voting.

Leaked Audio, Testimony Find Journalists At Hungarian State Broadcaster Instructed On News Coverage RFE/RL 12 Nov 2020 -- An investigation by RFE/RL has found journalists at Hungary's public broadcaster faced pressure leading up to European Parliament elections in 2019, including orders to push, among other things, an anti-migrant narrative, a key issue of the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Ivory Coast President, Opposition Leader Say They'll Work Toward Peace VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and rival Henri Konan Bedie Wednesday said they would continue discussions aimed at restoring peace following the Oct. 31 election that triggered clashes and left dozens dead.

Ghana's Former President Jerry Rawlings Dies at 73 VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Shock and sadness swept over Ghana on Thursday, following news that former President Jerry John Rawlings died at age 73.

Protesters Demonstrate Against Peru's New President VOA 12 Nov 2020 -- Police in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday confronted protesters demonstrating against the new president, Manuel Merino, following the impeachment of former President Martin Vizcarra.

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