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20 April 2021 Military News

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Leaving Afghanistan Will Make Counterterrorism 'Extremely Difficult', Top General Says VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- The United States will face substantial hurdles if it has to return to Afghanistan — even briefly — to deal with new or growing terror threats once the military completes the planned withdrawal of forces from the country, a top U.S. general told lawmakers.
US Has 'Grave Doubts' About Taliban's Reliability, CENTCOM Chief Says Amid Biden's Troop Pullout Vow Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- President Joe Biden announced plans to begin the "final withdrawal" of US forces from Afghanistan last week, with all troops expected to be pulled out of the war-torn country by the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, which served as the pretext for the 2001 US and NATO invasion of Afghanistan.
U.S. Plans to Keep Threats in Check Even After Afghanistan Withdrawal DoD News 20 Apr 2021 -- By Sept. 11, 2021, all U.S. forces must be out of Afghanistan. But that doesn't mean that the U.S. will be at the mercy of groups like ISIS, al-Qaida or the Taliban if they want to create problems and threaten U.S. interests, the commander of the U.S. Central Command said.
At Least 12 Dead After Taliban Attacks In Northern, Western Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 20 Apr 2021 -- At least 12 members of the Afghan security forces were killed in overnight attacks, officials said on April 20.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S. Marines and Sailors from Marine Rotational Force-Europe Complete Deployment to Northern Norway, Return to Camp Lejeune, N.C. USMC News 20 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Marines have concluded their rotational deployment to Norway for arctic and mountain warfare training and have returned to their home station in the United States.
UK Minister of Armed Forces and Chargé d'Affairs welcomed on USS Iwo Jima US Navy 20 Apr 2021 -- The U.K. Minister of Armed Forces and the U.S. Chargé d'Affairs from London visited the USS Iwo Jima, flagship of the IWO Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the Celtic Sea, April 12, 2021.
In Historic First, Navy's Oldest Floating Dry Dock To Support Dive US Navy 20 Apr 2021 -- The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) floating dry dock Dynamic (AFDL 6) docked a dive support boat for the first time in it's long history. This was the first time Dynamic has every docked a round-bottom vessel.
Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 20 Apr 2021
Oregon National Guard supports COVID vaccinations statewide Army News 20 Apr 2021 -- Oregon National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen have vaccinated almost 300,000 people since Jan. 8, helping the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and regional medical partners distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.
Readout of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 20 Apr 2021
U.S. Facing Increasing Nuclear, Space-Based Threats, Leaders Say DoD News 20 Apr 2021 -- Two Defense Department leaders discussed threats to the U.S. from China and Russia and the DOD's steps at providing a credible deterrent during a Senate Armed Services Committee budget hearing today.
Air Force Chief of Staff lays out way forward for deployed Airmen at 332nd AEW US Air Force 20 Apr 2021 -- The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a virtual dialogue between its Airmen and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
Italian Aircraft Carrier ITS Cavour Departs Norfolk, Completing F-35B Certification US Navy 20 Apr 2021 -- The Italian Navy flagship, the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550), departed Naval Station Norfolk Apr. 16 after Joint Force operations with U.S. military forces in the Atlantic Ocean.

Poland will support NATO's mission in Turkey Poland - Gov.pl 20 Apr 2021 -- "Representing Polish Armed Forces abroad is both an honor and a responsibility. I know that you are well prepared for the tasks awaiting for you. You have repeatedly confirmed your professionalism, excellent training and high efficiency in action" - wrote Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense in a letter to the soldiers of the first rotation of Polish Military Contingent in Turkey.
Poland joins NATO assurance mission for Turkey NATO 20 Apr 2021 -- Poland deployed a contingent of troops to Turkey on Tuesday (20 April 2021), in support of NATO measures to bolster security in the southeast of the Alliance. The long-planned deployment will involve up to 80 personnel, supporting Turkey with maritime patrols over the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea with a Polish M28 "Bryza" aircraft. The mission will also work alongside NATO's naval groups in the region.

Russian fighter intercepts U.S., Norwegian military planes over Barents Sea People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- A Russian MiG-31 fighter intercepted U.S. and Norwegian patrol planes above the Barents Sea on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Danish, German, Finnish Fighters Escorted Russian Missile Carriers Tu-160s Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- Germany, Denmark and Finland scrambled their fighters to escort two Russian missile carriers Tu-160, nicknamed "White Swans," over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews preparedness of Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces amid spike in COVID-19 cases India PIB 20 Apr 2021 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a virtual meeting to review the preparedness of Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces to deal with the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across the country, in New Delhi on April 20, 2021.

China's space-tracking ship departs on new mission in Pacific PLA Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- Space-tracking ship Yuanwang-5 departed from a port in east China's Jiangsu Province on Tuesday for a maritime monitoring mission in the Pacific Ocean.
China Orbiting 400 Satellites, Heading for 1,000 by 2030, US Space Command Chief Says Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- China now has 400 satellites in orbit, second only in number to the United States and it is projected to have at least one thousand of them deployed by the end of this decade, Space Command chief Army General James Dickinson said in congressional testimony on Tuesday.

Taiwan to set up reserve mobilization agency, expand scope CNA 20 Apr 2021 -- Taiwan's military is scheduled to form a new reserve mobilization agency while expanding its existing scope in mobilizing civilian forces as part of its ongoing reforms to beef up the nation's reserve forces amid the increasing threat from China, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday.
U.S. reaffirms commitment to helping Taiwan defend itself CNA 20 Apr 2021 -- The United States remains committed to providing Taiwan with defensive material and helping it strengthen its self-defense capabilities, U.S. Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby said Monday.

Iceland becomes 10th nation to join UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force UK MOD 20 Apr 2021 -- Iceland has formally joined the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the group of 10 northern European nations committed to upholding northern European security.

Department Press Briefing – April 20, 2021 US Dept. of State 20 Apr 2021
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, April 20, 2021 The White House 20 Apr 2021
Secretary Blinken's Call with Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg US Dept. of State 20 Apr 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For April 20, 2021

Other Conflicts

20 April 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Apr 2021

Duterte: Philippines Prepared to Send Navy to Defend South China Sea Resources Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he would dispatch military ships to the South China Sea if Beijing began drilling for oil and minerals in territory that Manila claims in the disputed waterway.

Yemen army hits 'military site' inside SW Saudi airport in new retaliation Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- The Yemeni army has carried out a successful drone attack against a "military site" within the Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia, keeping up the impoverished country's retaliation against a Riyadh-led war.

Russian airstrikes destroy terrorist base in Syria People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces launched airstrikes against a terrorist training base near Syria's Palmyra, killing up to 200 militants, the Russian military said Monday.
Russian jets hit terror base near Syria's Palmyra, kill 200 terrorists Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Russian aircraft target a terrorist stronghold near the western Syrian city of Palmyra, killing up to 200 terrorists and afflicting considerable material damages on them.
OPCW report into February 2018 Syria chemical weapons attack: Foreign Secretary statement UK FCDO 20 Apr 2021 -- The OPCW released its second report on 12 April 2021, investigating and identifying those responsible for chemical weapons use in Syria in February 2018.

UN and partners welcome progress in Libya UN News 20 Apr 2021 -- The UN and international partners have welcomed significant progress towards advancing an inclusive and comprehensive political solution in Libya

Ukraine Calls For 'Painful' Sanctions On Russia In Response To Military Buildup RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for a new round of economic sanctions on Moscow to make it clear that there will be "dire consequences" if it continues its buildup of Russian troops near the border with Ukraine and in Crimea.

UN suspends humanitarian aid after attacks in Nigeria's Borno People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations has temporarily halted humanitarian aid operations in Nigeria's northern Borno State because of violence, a UN spokesman said on Monday.

'No end' to conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, warns UNICEF UN News 20 Apr 2021 -- Disturbing reports have continued to emerge of widespread abuse of civilians in Ethiopia's Tigray region, nearly six months since conflict erupted, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.
Ethiopia's Tigray Conflict Strips Children of Protection, Education, Nutrition, UNICEF Says VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- The U.N. children's fund warns the conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray province is stripping tens of thousands of children of their rights, plunging them into a protection crisis that is causing them unimaginable long-lasting harm.

Thousands flee fresh clashes in Central African Republic: UN agency UN News 20 Apr 2021 -- Recent fighting between government forces and rebels in northern Central African Republic (CAR) has forced more than 2,000 refugees into neighboring Chad over the past week, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday.

News Reports

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on the Biden Administration's Efforts to Protect U.S. Critical Infrastructure The White House 20 Apr 2021

Chad President Killed in Battle with Rebels; Son to Lead Ruling Military Council VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Chad's army says President Idriss Deby has been killed in clashes with rebels, ending his 30-year grip on power in the Central African nation.
On the Death of President Idriss Deby Itno US Dept. of State 20 Apr 2021
Chad President Idriss Deby killed on front lines after 3-decade rule Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Chad's President Idriss Deby has been killed while visiting troops on the front line of a battle against militants, the day after he was declared the winner of a sixth term.
'Technically a Coup': Chad's Military Suspends Constitution as Slain President Deby's Son Takes Over Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- Chad is just one of several African nations on which former colonial powers have kept tight reins through military cooperation, debt diplomacy, and multinational corporate investment in resources extraction. The Sahelian nation plays a key role in sustaining the French military presence in West Africa.
Chad's President Idriss Déby Killed in Clash on Front Line Shortly After Winning 6th Term in Office Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- The 68-year-old political veteran took office as president in 1990 and had recently won a sixth term.

Putin-Biden meeting depends on 'US behavior': Russian diplomat Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- A senior Russian diplomat says the time and venue for a possible meeting between Russia's President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, remains unclear and largely hinges on Washington's behavior.
US ambassador to Russia 'to return to Washington for consultations' amid tensions Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- US ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan has said he would travel to Washington this week for consultations, after the Kremlin suggested that he do so amid a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
U.S. Ambassador To Moscow Returning To Washington 'For Consultations' Amid Rising Tensions RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan says he will be returning to the United States for consultations this week amid rising tensions between Washington and Moscow.
In Urging A 'Final Battle' With The Kremlin, Navalny's Team Bets Against Apathy RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Allies of ailing, imprisoned Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny have not held back in delineating the stakes of their latest standoff with the Russian state. A wave of protests planned for April 21, they say, represents the "final battle between good and neutrality."
Doctors Turned Away From Russian Prison Without Seeing 'Skeleton' Navalny RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- A team of doctors seeking to examine Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has again been turned away from the prison where he is being treated at an infirmary, amid concerns his health is failing badly as he ends the third week of a hunger strike.
Doctors Say They Were Denied Access to Kremlin Critic Navalny VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Doctors associated with jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny say they have been barred from seeing him, despite reports he is seriously ill from an ongoing hunger strike.
Russian Prosecutor Blasted For Calling Navalny Organizations 'Extremist' RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has sharply criticized a "scandalous" request by Russian prosecutors to have the Anti-Corruption Foundation of imprisoned opposition politician Aleksei Navalny banned as an "extremist" organization.
Russia brushes off US threats of repercussions over Navalny health Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Russia has brushed off US threats of "consequences" over the health condition of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, warning the West against making "provocative" calls for street rallies in his support.

Russia expels two Bulgarian diplomats in tit-for-tat move over spying allegations Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Russia has expelled two Bulgarian diplomats in retaliation for Sofia's recent call on two Russian diplomats to leave the country over alleged espionage activities.
Russia Expels Two Bulgarian Diplomats In Spy Dispute RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Russia on April 20 declared two Bulgarian diplomats "personae non gratae" in a tit-for-tat response to Sofia's expulsion of two Russian diplomats last month over suspected espionage.
Czech Media Reveals Third Russian 'Suspect' in Ammo Depot Blast Probe Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- Czech investigators have identified a third man suspected of being involved in the 2014 ammunition depot blasts in Vrbetice, along with Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, the Seznam media outlet reported, citing a source close to the probe.
Czech Republic Urges EU, NATO Allies to Retaliate Against Russia Over 2014 Explosion VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- The Czech Republic is urging European and NATO allies to take joint retaliatory action against Russia following accusations that Russian spies were behind a huge explosion at a Czech arms depot in 2014. They claim the spies were also part of a special unit that tried to assassinate a double agent in Britain.
Prague Asks Allies For 'Solidarity Expulsions' In Diplomatic Dispute With Moscow Over Depot Blast RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- The Czech Republic has called on fellow European Union and NATO members for "solidarity" action to support it amid a diplomatic spat between Prague and Moscow over Czech claims that Russian military agents were behind a deadly 2014 explosion at a Czech arms depot.
Czech PM's Remarks On 2014 Blasts Trigger Outrage, Underscore Split Over Russia Ties RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Revelations that two Russian spies accused of a nerve-agent poisoning in Britain in 2018 may have been behind earlier explosions at a Czech ammunition depot that killed two people sparked outrage and anger in the Czech Republic.

Hospital Researcher Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Steal Trade Secrets and Sell to China US Dept. of Justice 20 Apr 2021 -- An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to 33 months in prison for conspiring to steal exosome-related trade secrets concerning the research, identification and treatment of a range of pediatric medical conditions.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 20, 2021 PRC MofA 20 Apr 2021
Censors Curb Article by Former Premier Wen Jiabao Calling For 'Justice' in China Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Chinese government censors have prevented social media users from sharing an article penned by former premier Wen Jiabao that appeared to take a subtle sideswipe at ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping.
Hong Kong Falls Victim to 'Censorship Virus': Press Freedom Group Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Hong Kong was ranked in 80th place in a global press freedom index on Tuesday, with the Paris-based media watchdog citing "totalitarian control of information" from the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing.

Nine PLA planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 20 Apr 2021 -- Nine aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the sixth consecutive day similar incursions have taken place, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said that day.

China Secretly Sends Food Aid to North Korea by Rail Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- A freight train loaded with Chinese corn has arrived in North Korea, the first international cargo train to cross the Sino-Korean border in more than a year amid warnings of dire shortages in the impoverished North, sources in China told RFA.

Progress Made At Iran Nuclear Talks, But More 'Hard Work' Needed, EU Envoy Says RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Iran and world powers have made progress in talks to save their 2015 nuclear accord, but "much more hard work" is necessary to rescue the deal, a senior European Union official said on April 20.
Araghchi: Things proceeding under uttermost scrutiny IRNA 20 Apr 2021 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said in Vienna on Tuesday that Iran will not permit anybody to turn nuclear talks to lingering, or tiring negotiations, but will not neglect sensitive issues due to too much rush. Everything is proceeding towards goal under close scrutiny, he stressed.
Meeting of the Joint Commission of JCPOA ends IRNA 20 Apr 2021 -- The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which started in Grand Hotel, Vienna, to discuss the results of two workgroups focusing on sanctions and nuclear issues, ended.
Iran nuclear negotiator rejects interim agreement IRNA 20 Apr 2021 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi dismissed false reports released by Western media on interim agreement.
Iran neither accepts erosive dialogue nor accelerated one –Araghchi ISNA 20 Apr 2021 -- Responding to some false reports published in western media, Iran deputy Foreign Minister and the chairman of negotiating committee in Vienna, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stressed, there is no discussion on the issue of 'temporary agreement' or similar issues in the talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the 4+1 group.
Iran rejects sequential lifting of sanctions; says bans must fully be removed: Informed source Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- An informed source has told Press TV that Iran does not accept the sequential lifting of sanctions in the ongoing talks on the revival of 2015 nuclear deal and the bans must be removed altogether.
Iran has fully observed framework set by Leader during Vienna talks: President Rouhani Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iranian negotiators have completely observed the guidelines set by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for talks over the revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Araqchi: Any diversion in Vienna talks will end Iran's participation Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Iran's top negotiator has warned that Tehran will stop participation in talks with the co-signatories to the 2015 nuclear as soon as the discussions underway in the Austrian capital, Vienna, stray from the right path and move toward excessive demands and killing time.
Iran says won't give concessions beyond JCPOA framework Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Iran's administration has rejected the possibility of giving concessions beyond those offered within the framework of the 2015 nuclear deal with major world states, as the diplomatic process continues in Vienna on the revival of the troubled agreement.
Rouhani: Vienna Talks Could See JCPOA Fully Restored Soon If US Acts With 'Honesty' Sputnik 20 Apr 2021 -- Senior diplomats from the US, Iran, Germany, France, Russia, China and the European Union have been holding meetings throughout April in a bid to map out a manner in which the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) can be fully restored. Talks nearly came to an abrupt end last week after an attack damaged Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.
Salehi: Power cables ok in Natanz, enrichment underway IRNA 20 Apr 2021 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi has announced that the power cables have already been connected to the grid in Natanz nuclear site and enrichment activities are underway there.

Myanmar Junta Mixes Violence With Extortion in Onslaught Against Protesters Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Security forces in Myanmar are increasingly robbing and extorting money from civilians during raids to arrest suspected anti-junta protesters and striking workers, victims and witnesses told RFA.
EU imposes fresh sanctions on Myanmar individuals, companies People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- The European Union (EU) on Monday imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and two companies in Myanmar.
ASEAN set to hold summit on Myanmar coup; junta leader to attend Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to hold a summit in Indonesia to discuss a weeks-long crisis in army-ruled Myanmar, with the attendance of the country's junta chief.
At ASEAN Meet, Malaysia to Push Myanmar Junta to Allow in Observers Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Malaysia, during a special ASEAN summit Saturday that the Burmese military leader is expected to attend, will press the junta of member-state Myanmar to allow observers from the regional bloc into that country, the top Malaysian diplomat said Tuesday.
ASEAN Members to Discuss Myanmar at Jakarta Summit VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Southeast Asian nations are set to discuss Myanmar's governance crisis at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday.
UN chief highlights key role of ASEAN in finding peaceful solution to Myanmar crisis People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday for leaders in Asia to bolster efforts towards finding a peaceful solution to the crisis in Myanmar, highlighting the key role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in this regard.
Interview: 'Military Leaders Are Afraid of Letting Their Power Go' Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Major Hein Thaw Oo from the Myanmar military's 99th Light Infantry Division recently went AWOL from his army base in Meiktila, Mandalay region, to join anti-junta protesters in northeast Shan state. He is the highest-ranked known military defector who has rejected the army amid bloody crackdowns on demonstrators and other civilians in the aftermath of the military's coup on Feb. 1 that overthrew the democratic government of country leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Telephone conversation with President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez President of Russia 20 Apr 2021
Diaz-Canel becomes Cuba's Communist Party chief, says will continue to seek Castro's guidance Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Cuba's ruling Communist Party has elected President Miguel Diaz-Canel to replace Raul Castro as its leader -- the most powerful position in the Caribbean island nation, that was held by the Castro brothers for six decades.
Cuba's Communist Party Chooses Diaz-Canel as New Leader VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Cuba's president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, will become the leader of country's communist party, two days after Raul Castro said he was retiring from the position.

Germany's CDU Party Chooses Laschet as Candidate to Succeed Merkel VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Party leaders with Germany's Christan Democratic Union (CDU) party voted late Monday to make North Rhine-Westphalia State Governor Armin Laschet their candidate to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor in elections later this year.

Pakistan Lawmakers To Vote To Expel French Ambassador After Protests RFE/RL Gandhara 20 Apr 2021 -- Pakistan's interior minister says the government will seek a vote in parliament to expel the French ambassador after violent anti-France protests by Islamists.
Pakistan parliament to decide on French envoy expulsion after anti-France protests Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Pakistan's parliament is set to vote on whether to expel the French ambassador over the publication of derogatory cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in France, which sparked large-scale protests in the Asian country.
Pakistan Lawmakers Debate French Envoy's Expulsion VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Pakistan's parliament began debating a resolution Tuesday on whether the French ambassador should be ordered to leave the country over the publication of anti-Islam caricatures in France.

Caretaker PM urges Qatar to help Lebanon avert 'total collapse' amid grave economic crisis Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab has called on Qatar to assist the cash-strapped Arab country to overcome its devastating economic crisis, as people are angry with the surging cost of living and what they view as the government's mishandling of the country's worst financial crisis in decades.

World Food Program to Give Daily Meals for 185,000 Venezuelan Children VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- The U.N. World Food Program says it has reached a deal with the Venezuelan government to provide daily school meals to 185,000 of the country's most vulnerable children by the end of the year.

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