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Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Coalition Forces meet with Peshmerga and ISF at JCCC CENTCOM 24 Feb 2021 -- Coalition Forces meet with Peshmerga and ISF at JCCC ERBIL, Iraq- A military delegation from the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the 83 member International Coalition to defeat Daesh (ISIS), visited the Joint Coalition Coordination Center between the Kurdistan Region's military and security forces and Iraq in Erbil, February 17, 2021.
• Afghan Taliban Ask Fighters Not to Harbor 'Foreign' Militants as US Reviews Peace Deal VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Afghanistan's Taliban have ordered their members not to harbor "foreign" fighters in their ranks in an attempt to dispel allegations the Islamist insurgency continues to maintain close ties with al-Qaida and other terror groups in breach of a February 2020 peace deal with the United States.
• Taliban Tells Its Members To Avoid Recruiting Foreign Fighters RFE/RL Gandhara 24 Feb 2021 -- The Taliban has told its members to avoid recruiting or harboring foreign fighters amid doubts about the militants' commitment to a deal reached with the United States last year that provided for severing links to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda.
• Is Moscow Creating Roadblocks For The U.S. In Afghanistan? RFE/RL Gandhara 24 Feb 2021 -- Russia ruffled feathers in Afghanistan last week when its envoy to the country suggested forming an "inclusive and transitional coalition government" in Kabul to hasten the peace process and accused the United States of reneging on its agreement with the hard-line Taliban Islamist movement.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Biden Orders Review to Shore Up Supply Chain Resiliency VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Wednesday to formally order a 100-day government review of global supply chains and potential U.S. vulnerabilities in key industries including computer chips, electric vehicle batteries, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals used in electronics.
• Remarks by President Biden at Signing of an Executive Order on Supply Chains The White House 24 Feb 2021
• 7th Fleet Destroyer transits Taiwan Strait US Navy Press Release 24 Feb 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit Feb. 24 (local time) in accordance with international law. The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.
• Minuteman III test launch demonstrates safe, reliable deterrent US Air Force 24 Feb 2021 -- A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:47 p.m. Pacific Time Feb. 24 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
• Allies, Partners Critical to U.S. European Command DoD News 24 Feb 2021 -- U.S. European Command works closely with U.S. allies and partners to address evolving challenges posed by its adversaries to secure peace and to protect U.S. interests abroad, the commander of the U.S. European Command, Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, said today.
• Official Describes DOD Hypersonics Development, Strategy and Opportunities DoD News 24 Feb 2021 -- During Engineers Week, the Defense Department is highlighting its efforts to develop a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce and to increase understanding of and interest in engineering and technology.
• Joint Warfighting is the Future, SEAC Says DoD News 24 Feb 2021 -- Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón "CZ" Colón-López said his leadership philosophy has remained largely unchanged from his time in the Air Force: "collaboration without encroachment."
• Marine Forces Special Operations Command Celebrates 15th Anniversary USMC News 24 Feb 2021 -- Marines with Marine Forces Special Operations Command celebrate the 15th anniversary of the organization, February 22, 2021.
• Dyess AFB Airmen, B-1Bs deploy to Norway US Air Force 24 Feb 2021 -- Approximately 200 Airmen and four B-1B Lancers assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, deployed to Ørland Air Force Station in support of a Bomber Task Force deployment.
• USNS Carson City Arrives in Port Sudan US Navy 24 Feb 2021 -- The Military Sealift Command (MSC) expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (EPF 7) arrived in Port Sudan, Sudan for a port visit, Feb. 24, 2021.
• Coronavirus response: NATO support to the Republic of Moldova NATO 24 Feb 2021 -- On 24 February, the Republic of Moldova received 25,000 disposable suits for biological protection (Tyvek 600+) from NATO's Pandemic Response Trust Fund. The donation was coordinated by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) in response to Moldova's request for international assistance.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General and Allies exchange views with the Finnish Foreign Minister NATO 24 Feb 2021 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană welcomed the Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto to NATO Headquarters today (24 February 2021) to discuss common security issues and opportunities for further cooperation. The Finnish Foreign Minister also took part in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council meeting.
• PLA bombers practice maritime strike amid foreign provocations in S. China Sea Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- At least 10 bombers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command recently held maritime strike exercises in a move that showed China has more than anti-ship ballistic missiles to deter hostile vessels, analysts said on Wednesday. The drills come at a time when countries from outside the region, including the US and France, are making provocations in the South China Sea.
• China, Singapore hold joint naval exercise PLA Daily 24 Feb 2021 -- The 36th Chinese naval escort taskforce held a joint naval exercise with the Singapore navy in waters near Singapore on February 24, according to the PLA Navy Spokesperson Senior Captain Gao Xiucheng.
• China, Singapore to conduct joint naval drill Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- Naval forces of China and Singapore are scheduled to conduct a joint drill in waters near Singapore on Wednesday, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
• 102nd China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand joint patrol on Mekong River kicks off PLA Daily 24 Feb 2021 -- As three law enforcement boats set sail at Jingha Port, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province, at 9 a.m. on February 23, the 102nd China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand joint patrol on Mekong River officially kicked off, according to a news release by the Press Office of Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department.
• CONTRACT SIGNING WITH M/S SECON, VISAKHAPATNAM FOR ACQUISITION OF EIGHT MISSILE CUM AMMUNITION BARGE FOR INDIAN NAVY India PIB 24 Feb 2021 -- A contract for construction of Eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges (MCA) has been concluded with M/s SECON, Visakhapatnam a MSME on 19 February 2021.
• AUGMENTED REALITY HEAD MOUNTED DISPLAY (ARHMD) SYSTEM FOR INDIAN ARMY UNDER AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ABHIYAAN India PIB 24 Feb 2021 -- Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display (ARHMD) System is conceived as a capability enhancement to Land Based Air Defence Weapon Systems such as IGLA shoulder fired Infra Red Homing Air Defence Missile System and ZU 23mm 2B AD Gun System which will provide the operator with radar and Thermal Imaging (TI) sight outputs as overlays.
• Air Force to roll out Iran's first wide-body combat drone Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Iran is in the final stages of manufacturing its first wide-body combat drone that is also the first aircraft in the country's drone squadron to be capable of flying as far as 3,000 kilometers (1864 miles).
• Over 70 Int'l, Domestic Firms Licensed to Work in Saudi Arabia's Military Sector, Reports Say Sputnik 24 Feb 2021 -- Saudi Arabia has issued licenses to over 70 domestic and foreign companies operating in the country's military sector by the end of 2020, state-run news agency SPA reported, citing the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI).
• Defence Secretary opens £70-million British Army facility in Kenya UK MOD 24 Feb 2021 -- The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has delivered a new headquarters and training facility at Laikipia Air Base East in Kenya.
• US Will Seek Seat on UN Human Rights Council VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States will seek to rejoin the U.N. Human Rights Council when elections are held later this year.
• Putting Human Rights at the Center of U.S. Foreign Policy US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2021 -- The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Bruneian Foreign Minister II Erywan US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Omani Foreign Minister Al-Busaidi US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2021
• Department Press Briefing – February 24, 2021 US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council Sameera Fazili, and Senior Director for International Economics and Competitiveness Peter Harrell, February 24, 2021 The White House 24 Feb 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 24, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 24 February 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Feb 2021
• Chinese Aircraft Carry Out Exercises, Pressure Taiwan in South China Sea Region Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- Chinese aircraft have conducted multiple exercises in the South China Sea region over the past few weeks, including maneuvers in Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), which experts see as a sustained pressure campaign against Taipei.
• German Court Convicts Assad Official VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- A German court has convicted a former member of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's secret police of accessory to crimes against humanity for facilitating the torture of prisoners.
• 'Completely Wrong': Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Denies Sending Mercenaries to Libyan Warzone Sputnik 24 Feb 2021 -- Libya collapsed into a series of warring factions in the aftermath of the 2011 NATO-assisted uprising which toppled the Gaddafi government. Last month marked the tenth anniversary of the protests, which culminated in the once prosperous nation turning into a failed state.
• Report: Chinese Development in Tibet Meets State Needs, Fails Tibetans Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- China's development drives in Tibet have pulled the region closer to economic and cultural integration with Beijing but have failed Tibetans themselves, creating a "dual economy" that has seen rural Tibetans moved from traditional grazing lands and into urban areas where the best jobs are held by Han Chinese, according to a report released this week.
• Central African Republic 'very volatile', despite important progress – UN peacekeeping chief UN News 24 Feb 2021 -- Despite a successful presidential election and other noteworthy progress, the Central African Republic (CAR) continues to be plagued by violence and volatility, the UN peacekeeping chief told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• UN Investigator Probes Alleged Forced Return of Eritrean Refugees from Ethiopia VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- A U.N. human rights expert is calling for an urgent investigation into allegations that Eritrean forces have forcibly repatriated Eritrean refugees who were living in northern Ethiopia's Tigray province. His report has been submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council.
• What's Happening in Mozambique's Violent North? It's Complicated VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- The shadowy, violent Islamist insurgency in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado region has confounded authorities, residents, aid groups and observers — and appears to be continuing unabated.
• Bangladesh Urges New US Administration to Appoint Special Envoy on Rohingya Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- Bangladesh's top diplomat asked the United States to appoint a special envoy for the issue of Myanmar's ethnic Rohingya who have fled state-backed discrimination and violence in their homeland, officials in Dhaka said Wednesday.
• 10 Killed in Suspected Boko Haram Attack in Nigeria VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Officials in Nigeria's Borno state say 10 people have died from explosions around the northeast city of Maiduguri. Residents in affected areas have fled their homes. Local officials suspect Islamist militant group Boko Haram was behind the blasts.

News Reports

• CIA Chief Nominee Warns of 'Adversarial, Predatory' China VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- The United States must train its spies and intelligence analysts on the rising threat from China, U.S. President Joe Biden's pick to lead the country's premier spy agency told lawmakers Wednesday, calling competition from Beijing "the biggest geopolitical test that we face."
• Did Intelligence Failure Lead to US Capitol Attack? VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- The first in a series of congressional hearings on the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack has sparked a debate over whether intelligence breakdowns left the building vulnerable to what some officials and lawmakers have termed a "planned and coordinated" insurrection by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
• Technology Executives Say All Evidence Points To Russia In Major Hack Of Computer Networks RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- Executives of U.S. technology companies told lawmakers on February 23 that a recent breach of corporate and government networks was so sophisticated that a nation had to be behind it and said all the evidence points to Russia.
• By Weighing In on Long-running Serbia-Kosovo Dispute, Biden Signals Interest in Europe VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden, while burdened with pressing domestic issues, has weighed in on the long-running dispute between Serbia and Kosovo with letters urging the two countries' leaders to normalize relations based on "mutual recognition."
• In First Post-coup Diplomatic Encounters, Myanmar Envoy Meets Thai, Indonesian Officials Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar must listen to its people, Indonesia's top diplomat told her counterpart from Naypyidaw in Bangkok on Wednesday, as they held the first known face-to-face meetings between a senior junta member and foreign governments since the Feb. 1 Myanmar coup.
• Myanmar Junta's Foreign Minister Visits Bangkok for Talks with Regional Neighbors VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's neighbors are stepping up efforts to resolve the political crisis triggered by the military's overthrow of the country's elected civilian government.
• More protests held in Myanmar amid diplomacy to resolve crisis Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- More protests have been held in Myanmar against the recent coup in the country, amid diplomatic efforts to resolve a deepening crisis triggered by the putsch.
• No Protests in War-torn Half of Myanmar's Rakhine State, Where Some See Upside of Coup Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- In a country convulsed with weeks of protests against military rule, people in the war-torn northern half of Myanmar's Rakhine state are standing down — out of fear, ambivalence, and, in some quarters, support for the ouster of the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, local residents told RFA.
• Myanmar: Stop harassment of workers, UN agency urges military UN News 24 Feb 2021 -- The United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) has called on the military in Myanmar to end the harassment and intimidation of workers by security forces, and ensure that they can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, in a climate free of violence and fear.
• 'Enemy Of My Enemy:' In Ukraine, Mixed Feelings About Kremlin Foe Navalny RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- Few patriots would appreciate an outsider comparing a chunk of their country to finger food.
• Federal Security Service Board meeting President of Russia 24 Feb 2021 -- This year, the meeting of the Federal Security Service Board, which usually meets in an expanded format, is being held in a restricted format. But this does not downplay its importance. Unfortunately, we have to comply with the current epidemiological restrictions.
• Putin warns of Western attempts to 'shackle' Russia Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has warned of attempts by the West to 'shackle' Russia, calling on the Federal Security Services (FSB) to be on guard against Western threats.
• Putin Signs Laws Imposing Fines For Violating 'Foreign Agents' Law, Other Protest-Related Offenses RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law bills that beef up fines for violating a controversial law on "foreign agents" as well as other legislation relating to protests, such as the financing of rallies and disobedience of law enforcement, in the wake of unsanctioned protests in support of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
• Former Head Of Russia's Mari El Republic Gets 13 Years In Prison On Corruption Charges RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- The former head of Russia's Mari El Republic, Leonid Markelov, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison on corruption charges.
• Moscow Vows to Respond to New EU Sanctions Sputnik 24 Feb 2021 -- Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, described the EU's decision to expand sanctions against Russia over the Navalny case as a "circus" and a story scripted in advance.
• Moscow Slams EU Decision to Expand Anti-Russia Sanctions Over Navalny as 'Circus' Sputnik 24 Feb 2021 -- Earlier this week, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that the bloc had agreed to expand sanctions against Moscow over the situation with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 24, 2021 PRC MofA 24 Feb 2021
• US Sec State Blinken Says China 'Will be Held to Account' For Xinjiang Abuses at UN Rights Council Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Washington will hold China to account for "atrocities" committed in its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) during an address to the United Nations rights agency, as other nations piled on Beijing for its treatment of the Uyghur people.
• UK minister remarks on Xinjiang intends to undermine Chinese cooperation with UN Human Rights Council: FM Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is intentionally disrupting Chinese cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council, when China has constant communication with its senior officials, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday after the British minister condemned China over Xinjiang and called for the UN to be given "urgent and unfettered" access to the region.
• Beijing accuses UK of 'spreading false information' to 'discredit China' Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- China's Foreign Ministry has accused the UK government of using the UN Human Rights Council to "spread false information", following Britain's expression of concern over Hong Kong's national security law and alleged violation of the rights of its minority groups.
• China's Crackdown on Muslims Spreads to Tropical Hainan VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Hainan province is China's southernmost territory, a tropical island of white-sand beaches, stately palm trees and, now, a small population of persecuted Muslims.
• Hong Kong Sets Aside US $1 Billion For 'National Security' Fund Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2021 -- Hong Kong's government on Wednesday earmarked more than U.S.$1 billion to pay for "national security" operations, amid an ongoing crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition under a draconian national security law.
• US to Scrutinize Beijing Commitments Under EU-China Investment Deal VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- The United States is looking to scrutinize China's commitments under an investment deal that was signed in late December between the European Union and China, a senior State Department official told VOA Tuesday.
• Jimmy Lai denied bail for risk of continuing to commit acts that endanger national security: HK High Court Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai was denied bail due to risk of continuing to commit acts that endanger national security, a Hong Kong High Court judge announced on Tuesday.
• HK district councilors face disqualification, 5-year election ban, for failing to uphold Basic Law, pledge allegiance to city Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- An amended draft on public officers in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) states that district councilors shall be required to take an oath of upholding the Basic Law and pledging allegiance to the city. Otherwise, they will face disqualification and will be banned from participating in elections in five years.
• Tianwen-1 enters preset Mars parking orbit Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- China's first Mars probe, Tianwen-1, successfully entered the Mars parking orbit at 6:29 am on Wednesday following a third braking maneuver. The probe will operate in the orbit for three months with all payloads onboard the orbiter powered on.
• China's Tianwen-1 Spacecraft Enters Mars 'Parking Orbit' VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- China's state media reported Wednesday the country's Tianwen-1 spacecraft has entered a temporary "parking orbit' around the planet Mars, where it will stay for about three months before attempting to land a rover on the surface.
• Flowery rhetoric dominates Taiwan-China exchange on cross-strait ties CNA 24 Feb 2021 -- The top offices responsible for cross- Taiwan Strait policy on both sides aired their grievances in uncharacteristically vivid and idiomatic terms this week, led by the new head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
• Iran swapping gasoline for Venezuelan jet fuel: Report Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Iran is swapping its gasoline for Venezuelan jet fuel in a deal agreed by the two countries' national oil companies, a report says.
• Iran Reiterates That It's Up To U.S. To Move First On Saving Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- The United States should take the first step toward saving the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, Iran's ambassador in Geneva told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on February 24.
• China has made great efforts and played a key role to bring the JCPOA back on track: FM Global Times 24 Feb 2021 -- China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 24, 2021.
• China says Iran nuclear deal at 'critical point', urges US to lift sanctions to break deadlock Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Amid the United States' refusal to abolish Trump-era sanctions policy, China calls on the new administration in Washington to lift bans on Tehran to break the "deadlock" over the Iranian nuclear issue.
• Closing PMD file, major blow to propaganda with IAEA: President IRNA 24 Feb 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that closing the file of the possible military dimensions (PMD) of nuclear activities in the context of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was the greatest blow to the propaganda of ill-wishers challenging Iran's civilian nuclear program.
• EU Troika criticizes Iran for revocation of voluntary Additional Protocol IRNA 24 Feb 2021 -- The EU Troika -- UK, France and Germany - on Tuesday criticized Iran for revocation of the voluntary Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• Undermining agreement between Iran, IAEA playing in enemy's court: President Rouhani ISNA 24 Feb 2021 -- Iran's President called unity and cohesion, especially among the branches, the greatest and most important task in the current situation, and stressed that it is only through unity, solidarity and people's will that we can defeat the enemy, emphasizing that we must not let people be disappointed.
• FM Zarif urges South Korea to secure Iran's access to assets frozen due to US sanctions Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called on South Korea to redouble efforts to secure Iran's access to its assets frozen in the East Asian country's banks due to US sanctions.
• Iran: US must stop economic terror to pave way for talks within JCPOA format Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has called on the United States to "immediately" end its failed policy of economic terrorism against the Iranian nation, saying such a move is a prerequisite for negotiations within the framework of the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal.
• E3, Russia, IAEA react to Iran's suspension of additional nuclear inspections Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- The three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the E3, have expressed regret over Iran's decision to cease the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement.
• UN expert report on Ukraine flight based on 'manipulated, biased' data: Iran Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry says a UN official's report on last year's mistaken downing of a Ukrainian airliner over Iran's skies lacks credibility as it is based on distorted information.
• Iran: UN rapporteur unauthorized to comment on Ukraine crash incident IRNA 24 Feb 2021 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Wednesday that the UN official is ineligible to comment on the issue of the Ukraine crash incident.
• IRGC company contracted for Chabahar's second phase: Iran Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Iran will use the services of a major construction company affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) for development of its single ocean port on the Sea of Oman.
• US plans to release report incriminating bin Salman for Khashoggi murder Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden plans to release an unclassified intelligence report that will likely incriminate Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the brutal killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
• A Letter on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels The White House 24 Feb 2021
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels The White House 24 Feb 2021
• Turkey slams EU for expression of support for pro-Kurdish party Press TV 24 Feb 2021 -- Turkey has slammed the European Union (EU)'s support for the country's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), saying the bloc should rather be concerned about the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)'s crimes in northern Iraq.
• U.S. Lawmakers Call For Release Of Georgian Opposition Party Leader RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers said a raid on the headquarters of a major opposition party in Georgia and the arrest of the party's leader was "profoundly troubling" and called for his immediate release, along with all other political prisoners.
• Saakashvili Says Political Crisis In Georgia Has Deep Roots RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili says he is not surprised by the current political turmoil engulfing the South Caucasus nation. In an interview with Current Time, he argued that it's the result of an ongoing crackdown on opponents of the government, including himself.
• Kyrgyz President Meets With Putin In First Trip Abroad RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyz counterpart Sadyr Japarov have discussed bilateral ties in Moscow as Kyrgyzstan emerges from a political crisis.
• Bulgarian Taxpayers Paying For Officials' Cheap Vacations RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- Remnants of a communist-era hotel and resort network that once provided subsidized vacations for millions of Bulgarian workers still exist.
• Uzbekistan Dismisses RFE/RL Investigation Into Secretive Presidential Mountain Retreat RFE/RL 24 Feb 2021 -- The state-owned Uzbek company at the center of an RFE/RL investigation into a secret luxury mountain resort allegedly built for President Shavkat Mirziyoev has dismissed the report as "unfounded and untrue."
• Sudan Ratifies UN Conventions Against Torture and Enforced Disappearances VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Sudan's Sovereign Council ratified U.N. conventions against torture and enforced disappearances Tuesday, after months of delay.
• Mohamed Bazoum Declared Winner of Niger's Presidential Run-off VOA 24 Feb 2021 -- Niger ruling PNDS party candidate Mohamed Bazoum is promising to be president to all citizens after being declared winner of Sunday's presidential run-off election.
• Belgium To Try 14 People For Alleged Aid to Extremists in Paris 2015 Terror Acts, Reports Say Sputnik 24 Feb 2021 -- A Belgium court on Wednesday referred 14 people suspected of aiding and abetting extremists behind the 2015 Paris terror attacks to the criminal court, media reported.