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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Pentagon Expects Trump to Order Afghan, Iraq Troops Halved by January 15 - Reports Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- The United States Department of Defense anticipates that President Donald Trump will issue an order as early as this week to cut the number of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in half by mid-January, CNN reported, citing two US officials.
• West Virginia National Guard helps ramp up COVID-19 testing Army News 16 Nov 2020 -- At the direction of Gov. Jim Justice nearly two weeks ago, the West Virginia National Guard helped increase COVID-19 testing throughout the state.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army set to release new solicitation for OMFV next month Army News 16 Nov 2020 -- The Army plans to publish a new solicitation for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle next month, as it prepares to take the next step in delivering a new, advanced technology armored vehicle to support mechanized infantry operations on the future battlefield.
• New York Guard's 2nd CST conducts disaster response training Army News 16 Nov 2020 -- More than 20 Airmen and Soldiers from the New York National Guard's 2nd Civil Support Team (CST) deployed to an abandoned office building to search for a simulated blister agent lab during training on Nov. 10.
• Out with old, in with the new: Greely barracks get a facelift Army News 16 Nov 2020 -- Improvements to the Fort Greely single soldier barracks, currently under renovation as part of a larger quality-of-life campaign, are scheduled to be completed in early 2021 with the goal of improving morale and quality of life for Greely soldiers.
• Barracks upgrades improve Soldiers quality of life Army News 16 Nov 2020 -- "When we take care of our people and treat each other with dignity and respect, we will have a much stronger, and more committed Army. It's always (been) people first. People are our greatest strength and most important weapons system."
• DOD Completes Fiscal Year 2020 Department-Wide Financial Statement Audit; Continued Value and Progress Despite COVID-19 Constraints DoD 16 Nov 2020 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DOD) completed its fiscal year (FY) 2020 Department-wide financial statement audit. "For the third year in a row, the audit has proven its tremendous value," Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist said. "As we continue reforming the Department for greater affordability, the audit delivers returns that significantly outweigh its cost by improving business operations and enhancing the lethality of our warfighters."
• DOD Awards $6.18 Million Contract to Medline Industries, Inc. to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of Surgical Masks DoD 16 Nov 2020 -- On Nov. 13, 2020, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a $6.18 million contract to Medline Industries, Inc. to increase domestic production capacity of surgical masks.
• Norquist Highlights DOD Efforts to Produce COVID Treatments DoD News 16 Nov 2020 -- Deputy Defense Secretary David L. Norquist thanked blood plasma donors and the workers who collected it for their work in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Spangdahlem F-16 squadron demonstrates deployment capabilities to USCENTCOM CENTCOM 16 Nov 2020 -- U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrived here Nov. 12, to enhance U.S. Air Forces Central's ability to deter aggression and promote security and stability within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
• Small Businesses Key to Nation's Defense DoD News 16 Nov 2020 -- Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and a large part of the defense of the nation, the Defense Department's director for the Office of Small Business said today.
• JB San Antonio-Lackland constructs new training complex US Air Force 16 Nov 2020 -- The Air Force Civil Engineer Center, or AFCEC, is leading a massive $700 million, multi-year construction project to modernize the Air Force for new basic military training recruits.
• Southwest Regional Maintenance Center Completes On-Time Delivery of USS Anchorage US Navy 16 Nov 2020 -- Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) successfully delivered USS Anchorage (LPD 23) from her availability on-time Oct. 16.
• NATO readies for cyber threats NATO 16 Nov 2020 -- NATO's biggest cyber defence exercise, the week-long Cyber Coalition started on Monday (16 November). The exercise aims to train cyber defenders in their ability to defend NATO and national networks and will test decision making processes and procedures.
• Insulated cabins help sustain PLA border troops Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- Since the deployment, about a month ago, of the newly developed, self-powered dismountable insulated cabins along the borders in the high-altitude region in Northwest China amid the prolonged border tensions between China and India, the living conditions and combat capability of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) border defense troops have been greatly enhanced as the region entered winter.
• PLA to hold two simultaneous exercises in South China Sea Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will hold two simultaneous exercises in the South China Sea on Tuesday, and one of them could feature amphibious landing drills, reports said on Monday.
• Phase 2 of Exercise MALABAR 2020 in Western Indian Ocean India PIB 16 Nov 2020 -- The second phase of Exercise Malabar 2020 will be conducted in the Northern Arabian Sea from 17 to 20 November 2020. Taking forward the synergy achieved in the recently concluded Phase 1 of Exercise Malabar 2020, which was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from 03 to 06 November 2020, this phase will involve coordinated operations of increasing complexity between the navies of Australia, India, Japan and the United States.
• Comdr: Iran ready for joint production of helicopter with Iraq IRNA 16 Nov 2020 -- Iranian Army Airborne Commander Brigadier-General Yousef Qorbani said Iran is ready for joint production of helicopters with Iraq.
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• Pompeo Visits France for Economic, Security Talks VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders Monday for economic and security talks.
• Secretary Pompeo's Meeting with French Foreign Minister Le Drian US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2020
• Secretary Pompeo's Meeting with French President Macron US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2020
• Senior State Department Officials Briefing to Traveling Press US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 16, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 16 November 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Nov 2020
• More Syrians Sent Home from al-Hol Displaced Persons Camp VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria is moving ahead with plans to empty the al-Hol displaced persons camp, releasing a second group of families under a plan to ease overcrowding and reduce the stress on security forces in the region.
• Participants of Libyan Political Dialogue Agree to Continue Talks in One Week Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- The participants of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunisia have agreed to resume talks in one week, in an online format, UN Acting Special Envoy and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Williams said.
• FM spokesman refutes any change in Iran's northwestern borderlines IRNA 16 Nov 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday that no changes have occurred in Iran's northwestern borderlines.
• Iran rejects any change in its geographical borders ISNA 16 Nov 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh stressed that geographical borders of Iran and the region have not changed and there will be no change in the future.
• No change in Iran's territorial borders: Foreign Ministry Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- The Foreign Ministry has roundly rejected rumors about any change in Iran's territorial borders under a conflict settlement process between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
• Armenia's foreign minister resigns amid outrage over ceasefire deal Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Armenia's Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan has resigned amid growing discontent across the South Caucasus nation with a recent ceasefire agreement between the Armenian government and Azerbaijan.
• No place for Takfiri terrorists close to Iran borders: Ayatollah Khamenei's advisor Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- A senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says there is no place for Takfiri terrorists close to Iran's northern borders, reacting to reports denoting the transfer of terrorists from Syria to South Caucasus during the latest round of armed conflicts between the Republic of Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia.
• Turkish Presidency Reportedly Submits Motion on Sending Troops to Azerbaijan Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- Last week, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar concluded a memorandum on creating a joint centre to control the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Turkey to send peacekeeping troops to Azerbaijan to monitor Karabakh truce Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked for parliamentary authorization for the deployment of peacekeeping troops to Azerbaijan, in the wake of an agreement with Russia to jointly monitor a ceasefire that has brought weeks of fierce fighting to an end in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• For Displaced Azerbaijanis, Truce Reawakens 'Dream' Of Returning Home RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- In the dusty courtyard of a former sanatorium in Azerbaijan, dozens of school-age children danced and frolicked as grinning mothers, aunts, and grandmothers looked on.
• Armenian Foreign Minister Fired As Government Faces Mounting Pressure Over Peace Deal RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has dismissed his foreign minister in a cabinet reshuffle as he comes under mounting pressure from the president and opposition to resign over a controversial peace deal with Azerbaijan.
• UNRWA warns budget crisis could spell 'disaster' in Gaza, cause insecurity in Lebanon Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that the "worst financial crisis" it has ever experienced could spell "disaster" in the besieged Gaza Strip and cause insecurity in Lebanon.
• EU slams Israeli plans to construct new settler units in occupied Jerusalem al-Quds Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- The European Union has condemned the latest Israeli plans to construct over 1,200 new settler units in occupied Jerusalem al-Quds, saying the Tel Aviv regime's settlement expansion activities prevent resumption of meaningful negotiations between Palestinians and Israel.
• UN decries Israel's settlement expansion in sensitive area Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- The UN's Middle East peace envoy has decried an Israeli plan to expand a settlement in a sensitive area of East Jerusalem al-Quds, calling on Tel Aviv to "reverse this step".
• Israel to Go Ahead With Plans to Build 1,200 Homes in East Jerusalem VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- Israel has announced it will go ahead with plans to build more than 1,200 new homes in east Jerusalem. Palestinians say the move will make a future Palestinian state impossible as it will divide between Bethlehem and east Jerusalem.
• Sudanese Rebel Holdout Reportedly Preparing to Join Peace Talks in Juba Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- Many of the rebel groups that refused to lay down arms after the 2019 overthrow of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir have recently signed peace agreements with the new government, but others with more hardline positions have remained ambivalent about giving up the fight.
• Western Sahara's Independence Movement Declares End of Three-Decade Truce With Morocco Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- The Sahara Press Service, a news agency belonging to Western Sahara's pro-independence Polisario Front, announced last week that the group's attacks on the Royal Moroccan Army had caused a "loss of lives and equipment".
• Witnesses: Ethiopia Bombs Tigray Capital as Fighting Continues VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- Witnesses in Ethiopia report that the country's air force bombed the capital of the northern Tigray region Monday, as the United Nations says the growing conflict has forced more than 25,300 refugees to flee into neighboring Sudan.
• Thousands of Refugees from Ethiopia's Tigray Region Fleeing Violence VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- The border town of Hamdayat, Sudan, is now home to thousands of refugees fleeing violence in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Among the estimated 8,000 who have arrived in recent days are the parents of seven-month-old twins born prematurely, lying on a bed in a makeshift shelter. The family was forced to leave the hospital in Tigray, where they were getting medical care.
• Impact of Ethiopia's Tigray Conflict Felt in Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- The conflict in Ethiopia's rebellious Tigray region is less than two weeks old but is already having a growing regional impact, with effects felt in Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia.
• Analysts: Sudan Could Play Key Role in Tigray Conflict VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- As thousands of Ethiopians flee the Tigray conflict into neighboring Sudan, analysts in Khartoum say Sudan could play a key role in the conflict.
• Ethiopia seizes town in Tigray as conflict spreads to neighboring Eritrea Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- The situation remains volatile in Ethiopia's northernmost region of Tigray, where military forces have liberated a town amid an escalation of violence that has displaced thousands of civilians and sparked fears of an imminent civil war in the East African country.
• Cyprus standoff: Erdogan irks EU by insisting on two-state division of island Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for an equal "two-state" solution in Cyprus and warned against what he described as "diplomacy games" over Turkey's rights to offshore resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Pursuing peace and stability in the Sahel UK FCDO 16 Nov 2020 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe at the Security Council briefing on peace and security in Africa - G5 Sahel
• Many challenges remain for Sahel Joint Force, warns Lacroix, welcoming 'increased coordination' UN News 16 Nov 2020 -- It will take a variety of different actors to confront and deal with the "daunting challenges" in the Sahel region, the head of UN peacekeeping told the Security Council on Monday.

News Reports

• The China Initiative: Year-in-Review (2019-20) US Dept. of Justice 16 Nov 2020 -- On the two-year anniversary of the Attorney General's China Initiative, the Department continues its significant focus on the Initiative's goals and announced substantial progress during the past year in disrupting and deterring the wide range of national security threats posed by the policies and practices of the People's Republic of China (PRC) government.
• US Spied on Scandinavian Countries, Defence Industries, Report Says Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- Ministries and defence companies such as Terma and Saab were targets of US espionage, according to a whistleblower report.
• Why China and a Bloc of Nations Led by Vietnam Just Met but Ignored Asia's Biggest Maritime Dispute VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- China and leaders from 10 Southeast Asian countries who held annual summits this month sidestepped a sticky maritime sovereignty question to focus on trade and COVID-19, signaling a tough year ahead for the rival nations, experts believe.
• China Inks Regional Trade Deal With Asia-Pacific Countries Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2020 -- China has inked a trade agreement with 14 other countries, hailing the move as a "victory for multilateralism and free trade."
• Signing of Blockbuster Asia-Pacific Trade Deal Draws Praise, Warnings Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2020 -- Leaders from 15 Asia-Pacific nations are hailing the signing of the world's biggest trade deal as a step toward regional economic integration, yet economists and labor activists warn it may not bring prosperity to everyone.
• Milestone RCEP to energize Asia-Pacific cooperation, facilitate global post-pandemic recovery People's Daily 16 Nov 2020 -- Eight years after its inception, a mega free trade agreement involving 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region was formally signed on Sunday, a timely and inspiring move that will not only create new momentum for regional cooperation but facilitate global post-pandemic economic recovery.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 16, 2020 PRC MofA 16 Nov 2020
• Trump Set to Take More Harsh Steps Against China Soon, Report Says Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- By doing so, Trump is reportedly trying to make it complicated for the projected Biden administration to change the US' policy on Beijing, which is being justified as an adequate response to what Washington calls "aggressive" policies by China in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Beijing prepared for Trump's final madness, hysteria on China policy Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- China has been prepared for a "final act of the madness" from the Trump administration and its staged hysteria on China-related issues, as it is highly likely that the incumbent US president will take much more extreme measures on issues such as the South China Sea, the island of Taiwan and China's high tech sector, the moves which are also seen as "setting obstacles" for Biden in his foreign policies, experts said.
• China Condemns US Ban of Chinese Military-Linked Stocks, Decries Unfair Competition Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- China is opposed to the pressure exerted by the United States on Chinese companies by cutting US investments under the pretext of national security, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Monday.
• China urges US to stop crackdown on Chinese firms in response to its ban on investment in 31 Chinese companies Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- Disregarding the facts, US considers relevant Chinese enterprises as being military-controlled, which lacks evidence and is against legal principles. China is firmly opposed to the practice: spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Monday
• Chinese FM urges Canada's UN envoy to 'do homework' before making Uygur persecution accusations Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson called on Canada's ambassador to the United Nations (UN) to do his homework before accusing China of persecuting Uygurs in the Xinjiang region to avoid making himself a laughingstock.
• China brings back 7,831 graft fugitives People's Daily 16 Nov 2020 -- China's anti-graft authorities have brought back 7,831 fugitives on suspicion of corruption offenses from overseas from 2014 to June 2020.
• US should abide by one-China principle, not unilateral documents on Taiwan island: FM Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- The one-China principle is the basis of China-US diplomatic relations, and the US should abide by it and the three China-US joint communiqués, cease official and military contact with the island of Taiwan, as well as other words and actions that disrupt the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
• Taiwan faces Asia-Pacific isolation after RCEP exclusion Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- Taiwan-based politicians and pundits believe that failure to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's biggest free trade agreement, will deal a heavy blow to the already sluggish economy of the island of Taiwan, a result experts pointed out will further isolate the pro-secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and help accelerate the reunification process.
• WHO Again Under Scrutiny for China Influence VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- Last week the World Health Organization hosted its annual summit known as the World Health Assembly to outline new policies and priorities, but a controversy involving Taiwan ended up also drawing renewed attention on how Beijing's politics continue to influence the WHO.
• Norwegian Supreme Court rejects appeal in Taiwanese nationality suit CNA 16 Nov 2020 -- The Supreme Court of Norway recently rejected an appeal made by a group of Taiwanese living in the country after losing a lawsuit earlier this year in a lower court that accused the Norwegian government of improperly changing the nationality on their residency permits from "Taiwanese"to "Chinese."
• 20th Enlarged Meeting of Political Bureau of 7th Central Committee of WPK Held KCNA 16 Nov 2020 -- The 20th Enlarged Meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was held at the office building of the Central Committee of the WPK on Sunday at a time when the 80-day campaign of loyalty is vigorously underway toward the new victory by tiding over manifold challenges and difficulties in our advance toward the 8th Congress of the WPK under the leadership of the great Central Committee of the WPK.
• North Korea Gives Extra Food and Cash on Mother's Day to Encourage Births Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2020 -- North Korea's government marked Mother's Day with gifts of cash and extra food to mothers with three or more children, a move aimed at raising birthrates, sources in the impoverished country told RFA.
• Essential Goods' Purchase Drops In Iran Radio Farda 16 Nov 2020 -- The Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Iran's parliamentary body, says the average consumption of essential goods in 2019 has decreased significantly compared with 2018.
• Families of Iran's Slain November 2019 Protesters Say Pursuit of Justice Thwarted by Govt's Broken Promises VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- One year after Iranians began anti -government protests that drew the deadliest crackdown by security forces in decades, families of some slain protesters have lost hope for justice from an Islamist theocracy that has offered them little but broken promises and threats.
• Suspected IS Terrorist Goes on Trial in Paris VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- A suspected Islamic State gunman who opened fire aboard a high-speed train in France in 2015 is going on trial Monday in Paris.
• Elderly in Belarus Demand Justice For Slain Anti-Government Protester RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- Demonstrators have marched in the Belarusian capital to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, a day after hundreds of people were detained by security forces in the latest crackdown on protest against a disputed presidential election.
• Kazakh Tycoon Jailed For 11 Years On Embezzlement Charges RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- A former banker from Kazakhstan has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on embezzlement charges.
• Alleged Election Rigging Adds To Opposition Grievances In Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Nov 2020 -- With a new dispute over a regional election, Pakistan is bracing for more instability amid an opposition movement aimed at toppling Prime Minister Imran Khan's government and limiting the powerful military's political role.
• Pakistan's Capital Under Virtual Lockdown Over Anti-France Protest VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- Security forces in Pakistan sealed off a main highway into the capital, Islamabad, for a second day Monday to contain thousands of Islamists gathered outside the city to protest the reprinting of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in France.
• NASA, SpaceX launch first crew rotation mission to space People's Daily 16 Nov 2020 -- NASA and SpaceX launched Crew Dragon spacecraft's first operational crew mission on Sunday, carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month stay.
• Syria mourns top diplomat & seasoned politician Walid Muallem Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Syria's Foreign Minister and deputy Prime Minister Walid al-Muallem has died at the age of 79.
• Industry groups: 'No-deal' Brexit risks ports and customs checks chaos Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- With hopes fading for a post-Brexit trade deal, an influential industry group has warned that some British ports will find it "impossible" to carry out their fundamental tasks.
• Boris Johnson lowers expectations of Brexit trade negotiations breakthrough Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has significantly lowered expectations that a post-Brexit trade deal can be struck in the final weeks of the transition period.
• Power Struggle at Downing Street Boosts Hopes of Brexit Deal VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- The departure from Downing Street of two of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's key aides, combined with the projected U.S. election outcome, is making it more likely that Britain will conclude a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, some British and EU officials suggest.
• Peruvian president resigns amid widespread protests Global Times 16 Nov 2020 -- Peruvian President Manuel Merino presented his resignation on Sunday amid protests that broke out across the country after he assumed the presidency on Tuesday, following the removal of former President Martin Vizcarra.
• Peru in crisis: Congress fails to appoint successor as interim president resigns Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Peru is now without a president as the South American country's Congress has failed to appoint a new interim president after Manuel Merino announced his resignation amid mass opposition protests.
• Peru's Congress Fails to Appoint New Interim Government In Wake of Merino's Resignation Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- Peru's Congress failed to appoint a new interim president after Manuel Merino announced his resignation on Sunday, following mass anti-government protests.
• Pro-EU Reformer wins Moldovan Presidential Election VOA 16 Nov 2020 -- A pro-European reformer has won the presidency of Moldova — defeating her Moscow-backed opponent in a second-round vote that centered around the economy, corruption, and what course the small, one-time Soviet republic would choose in the tug and pull between Russia and the West.
• Moldova's Pro-EU Election Winner Vows To Balance Ties Between West, Russia RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- The winner of Moldova's presidential election has vowed to balanced ties with the West and Russia, while tackling corruption and drawing investment to one of Europe's poorest countries.
• As Kremlin Critics Toast The Defeat Of Moldova's Pro-Russian President, Others Say Moscow's Influence Will Remain RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- Maia Sandu, the former World Bank economist elected president of Moldova in a resounding victory on November 15, appeared at a briefing after polls closed to thank her supporters and reiterate her political goals.
• Moldova election: Sandu wins runoff; Dodon concedes, calls for calm Press TV 16 Nov 2020 -- Preliminary results from Moldova's presidential runoff election suggest that opposition candidate Maia Sandu has emerged the winner, defeating incumbent President Igor Dodon.
• Russia Hopes to Establish Working Ties With New Moldovan Leader Sandu, Kremlin Says Sputnik 16 Nov 2020 -- Russia hopes to establish working relations with Maia Sandu, the winner of Moldova's presidential runoff, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, stressing that Moscow respects the choice of the Moldovan people.
• Thousands Wait for Railway Compensation in Laos' Oudomxay Province Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2020 -- The Lao-China railway project is now more than 90 percent complete, but around 500 families affected by the construction in Laos' northwestern Oudomxay province still lack adequate shelter and access to clean water, sources in the country told RFA.
• UN Condemns Attacks on Human Rights Defenders in Cambodia Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2020 -- Human rights activists in Cambodia are under increasing attack by authorities, with growing numbers detained and protesters calling for their release also arrested and deprived of their right to peaceful assembly in a troubling "circular pattern," a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday.
• Hungary, Poland Block EU Budget Over Rule-Of-Law Provisions RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- Hungary and Poland have blocked approval of the European Union's long-term budget and 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) coronavirus rescue package, pushing the bloc toward a crisis as it seeks to respond to the pandemic.
• Nationalists Lose Major Cities In Bosnia Vote RFE/RL 16 Nov 2020 -- Bosnian opposition parties have won local elections in the Balkan country's two largest cities, dealing a blow to long-ruling nationalists amid a wave of dissatisfaction with the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.