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News Reports

Current Operations

• Additional Civilian Assistance to Afghanistan US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2021 -- President Biden was clear that while the United States will withdraw military forces from Afghanistan, our support for the country will continue. As part of our commitment to invest in and support the Afghan people, we are working with Congress to provide nearly $300 million in additional civilian assistance for Afghanistan in 2021 from both the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.
• Biden Administration Seeking $300 Million in Aid to Afghanistan VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that the Biden administration is working with Congress to provide nearly $300 million in additional aid for Afghanistan in 2021.
• US-Proposed Afghan Peace Huddle Postponed VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations said Wednesday a multi-nation conference that the organizers had hoped would "add momentum" to the faltering peace talks between Afghanistan's warring parties has been postponed.
• U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan Could Bring Iran Opportunities, Threats RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- The announced withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan will grant Iran one of its biggest wishes and lead to the departure of all foreign forces, which Tehran has long blamed for insecurity in the region.
• Biden Administration Working To Add Nearly $300 Million In Civilian Aid To Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Apr 2021 -- The U.S. administration says it is working with Congress to provide "nearly $300 million"" in additional civilian assistance for Afghanistan in 2021 to promote economic growth, help fight corruption, and support "women's empowerment," civil society, and independent media, among other initiatives.
• Iran's Rouhani welcomes cooperation with Pakistan on helping Afghan peace process Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani has expressed Iran's readiness to promote cooperation with Pakistan in helping the peace process in Afghanistan.
• Germany plans to pull forces out of Afghanistan in July Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Germany is planning to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in early July.
• Reports: Germany Looks To Move Up Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal To July 4 RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Apr 2021 -- Media reports say Germany is looking at a plan to bring forward the date for withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan to July 4.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Commander Says Africa Is Too Important for Americans to Ignore DoD News 21 Apr 2021 -- Africa is a fascinating continent of tremendous possibilities but also tremendous dangers, and the U.S. ignores the nations of Africa at its own peril, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command said during an interview.
• Official Says Women's Contributions Are Vital to DOD, Allies and Partners DoD News 21 Apr 2021 -- Representatives from ally and partner nations in southeast Europe today spoke at a conference about the important role women play in their armed forces.
• Reaper mods targeted to provide capability for near-peer threats US Air Force 21 Apr 2021 -- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's MQ-9 Program Office is moving forward with several fleet enhancement capabilities aimed at increasing the MQ-9 Reaper's effectiveness against near-peer adversary threats.
• USS San Antonio Arrives At Her Majesty's Naval Base Devonport For Maintenance And Logistics US Navy 21 Apr 2021 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) arrived at Her Majesty's Naval Base Devonport (HMNB Devonport) for a maintenance and logistics stop, April 18, 2021.
• Future USS Mobile (LCS 26) Set for Namesake City Commissioning US Navy Press Release 21 Apr 2021 -- The future USS Mobile (LCS 26), the U.S. Navy's newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), will be commissioned May 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (CT) in Mobile, Alabama.
• Russian defense chief concerned about NATO "provocation" in Black Sea People's Daily 21 Apr 2021 -- The United States and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continue "provocative activities" in the airspace and waters of the Black Sea, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday.
• Russia restricts flights over Black Sea, Crimea, as Ukraine tensions mount Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Russia has restricted civilian flights over the Black Sea and the Crimean Peninsula, amid rising tensions with Ukraine and its Western supporters.
• Russia accuses US, NATO of 'provocative activities' in Black Sea Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Russia has accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activities" in the waters and the airspace of the strategic Black Sea.
• China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Jet To Receive 2D Thrust Vectoring Nozzles Decade After Maiden Flight Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- The advanced stealth fighter, which had its debut flight a decade ago, may receive a critical upgrade likely to be the largest of a number of changes, media reports revealed on Monday.
• Powerful explosion rocks 'sensitive' Israeli missile factory Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- A powerful explosion has rocked a sensitive Israeli missile factory during a test for advanced weapons, according to a report.
• Explosion at Israeli Rocket Factory Part of Deliberate, 'Controlled' Trial, State Contractor Says Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- Tomer is an Israeli state-owned defense firm that produces propulsion systems for missiles and rockets, including the Shavit satellite launcher and the EXTRA artillery rocket. Videos circulated on social media Tuesday morning of a large explosion occurring at the factory with speculation that it was a form of retaliation by Iran.
• S. Korea looks to build light aircraft carrier by 2033 to protect maritime sovereignty and security ARIRANG 21 Apr 2021 -- South Korea is looking to build a light aircraft carrier by the year 2033 to defend its maritime sovereignty and protect national interests.
• 1st reported Taiwan arms sales under Biden admin come early, 'further strain situation' Global Times 20 Apr 2021 -- The Biden administration's first arms sales to the island of Taiwan, featuring some howitzers, are proceeding, Taiwan media reported Monday, which sent a wrong and dangerous signal to Taiwan secessionists and "added fuel" to highly strained China-US and cross-Straits relations, Chinese mainland experts said.
• Royal Navy confirms two new fast patrol boats UK MOD 21 Apr 2021 -- HMS Ships Dagger and Cutlass confirmed as the new fast patrol boats.
• Communication Lost With Indonesian Navy Submarine Near Bali Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- Reuters reported, citing Indonesia's military chief that the country has appealed to Singapore and Australia to help find a missing submarine and its crew.
• Indonesia Searches for Missing Submarine With 53 on Board VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- Indonesia's military said it is seeking assistance from Australia, Singapore and India after a naval submarine with 53 people aboard disappeared north of the resort island of Bali on Wednesday.
• In open military cooperation; Israel, UAE conduct drill in Greece Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Greece is hosting a military exercise jointly conducted by Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), nearly one year into a controversial normalization agreement between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.
• Department Press Briefing – April 21, 2021 US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, April 21, 2021 The White House 21 Apr 2021
• Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada The White House 21 Apr 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 21, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 21 April 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Apr 2021
• Philippines' Duterte threatens China with war, admits may not be able to win Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to deploy military forces to the South China Sea to stop China from claiming natural resources in the contested waters.
• UN fears 105,000 displaced people in Yemen's Marib by September People's Daily 21 Apr 2021 -- Preparing for further escalation of the fighting in Yemen's Marib governorate, the United Nations and humanitarian partners anticipate about 105,000 displaced people by September, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• UN, partners demand withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- A broad grouping of countries and organizations has demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya.
• Czechs Round Up Suspects Allegedly Planning To Join Russia-Backed Fighting In Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- The Czech national unit to combat organized crime has detained at least five Czechs suspected of planning to travel to eastern Ukraine to fight alongside Russia-backed separatists against a backdrop of rising tensions between Prague and Moscow.
• China, India hold candid exchange on promoting settlement of remaining issues in western section of border: Chinese FM Global Times 21 Apr 2021 -- China and India recently had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on promoting the settlement of the remaining issues in the western section of the border on the basis of realizing disengagement in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Brutal Separatist Or War Hero? Serbian Party Riled Over Plans For Memorial To Albanian Guerrilla Commander RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- An ethnic Albanian group says work has begun to build a "memorial complex" in southern Serbia to honor a controversial guerrilla commander who fought Serb troops in three Balkan wars and an insurgency.
• Thousands Flee Renewed Clashes in Central African Republic VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports renewed fighting between government forces and rebel groups in Central African Republic has sent more than 2,000 refugees fleeing for their lives to neighboring Chad this past week.
• Implementing Colombia's historic peace agreement UK FCDO 21 Apr 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen at the Security Council briefing on Colombia

News Reports

• Chad's Interim President Faces Power Struggle VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- In Chad, factionalism is creating uncertainty over the central African nation's leadership following this week's sudden death of longtime President Idriss Deby Itno.
• Former Colonial Power France Feels Loss After Death of Chad's President VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- Few countries are feeling the loss of Chad's President Idriss Deby more keenly than former colonial power France. Paris has long seen Deby as a key ally in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. Now some observers say his death brings uncertainty to this campaign — and France's hopes for an eventual drawdown of its Barkhane force in the region.
• Deby's Son to Lead Chad as Interim President VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- The son of the late President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad has been named interim president of the central African nation by a transitional military council.
• Mahamat Idriss Deby, Son of Chad's Late President Named President of The Republic of Chad Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- Earlier, the late Chadian leader Idriss Deby, 68, was killed while visiting troops on the frontlines in the fight against a rebel group.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the US State Department's report 2021 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Apr 2021 -- On April 15, the US Department of State published the regular report 2021 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments. The report's lack of any conclusive evidence, its dissemination of blatantly false accusations and suppression of Washington's own imperfect compliance with arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament agreements relegate it to the category of information noise.
• Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly President of Russia 21 Apr 2021 -- The President of Russia delivered the Address to the Federal Assembly. The ceremony took place at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall.
• Putin Warns Nations of 'Crossing Red Line' with Russia VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is warning foreign rivals against provocation or testing the nation's strength, insisting Russia's response would be "asymmetric, fast, and tough."
• Putin vows 'harsh' response to anyone crossing Russia's 'red lines' Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has warned Russia's rival powers against threatening his country, vowing a tough response to anyone who crosses Moscow's 'red lines.'
• 'Red Lines' And Rosy Promises: Five Takeaways From Putin's State-Of-The-Nation Speech RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin thundered about Russia's "red lines" in warnings aimed westward, extolled the virtues of parenthood, elaborately hailed the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and called for cash support for citizens struggling with stagnant incomes.
• In Tit-For-Tat Move, Russia Expels 10 U.S. Embassy Workers In Moscow RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- Russia has declared 10 employees at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to be personae non gratae in what it called a "mirror" response to Washington's expulsion earlier this month of 10 Russian diplomats and wide-ranging sanctions as it moved to hold the Kremlin accountable for actions against the United States and its interests.
• 'Red Lines,' Coup Attempts and Zircon Missiles: Highlights of Putin's Address to Federal Assembly Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- The president's annual address, given to members of the two houses of Russia's parliament, plus members of the cabinet, regional governors, and various distinguished guests, outlines his views on the state of the nation, and establishes guidelines for the country's foreign and domestic policy in the year to come.
• Russia Will Find a Way to Protect Its Interests If Other Countries Refuse Dialogue, Putin Says Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- The president's remarks come amid a new round of tensions between Russia and the West, including fresh sanctions against Moscow by Washington, claims about cyberattacks and election meddling, and mutual recriminations over the escalating civil conflict in Ukraine.
• Amid Heightened Tensions With West, Putin Uses Address To Warn Against Foreign 'Provocations' RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin used his 17th annual state-of-the-nation address to a joint session of the Russian parliament to issue threats against what he called foreign provocations, vowing amid several widening rifts with the West that Moscow would respond in a harsh and swift way.
• Press release on summoning US Deputy Head of Mission to Foreign Ministry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Apr 2021 -- On April 21, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Bart Gorman was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was handed a note saying that 10 US Embassy employees in Moscow had been declared persona non grata. These people have been ordered to leave the Russian Federation before the end of the day on May 21.
• UN Experts: Russian Dissident Navalny's Life in 'Serious Danger' VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- United Nations human rights experts said Wednesday that jailed Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's life is in "serious danger" and appealed to Moscow to allow Navalny to seek emergency medical treatment in another country.
• Over 1,000 Navalny Supporters Detained As Protests Roll Across Russia RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- Russian police have detained more than 1,000 people across the country as they took part in protests demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny amid reports his health is failing as he enters the third week of a hunger strike.
• Russia: Rights experts call for immediate medical evacuation of Alexei Navalny UN News 21 Apr 2021 -- Experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council called on Wednesday for the urgent medical evacuation of detained Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, fearing he is in "serious danger" due to deteriorating health and harsh prison conditions.
• U.S. Report Says Russia Among 'Worst Violators' Of Religious Freedom RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- An independent, bipartisan advisory body has reiterated its call for the U.S. State Department to add Russia to its register of the world's "worst violators" of religious freedom, a blacklist that already includes Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and six other countries.
• 'Ultimatums Won't Work': Moscow Brushes Aside Prague's Threat to Expel More Russian Diplomats Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- On Saturday, Czech Foreign Minister Hamacek announced the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats on suspicion of being officers of Russia's special services. They were obliged to leave the country within 48 hours.
• Prague Gives Moscow Ultimatum As Diplomatic Spat Escalates RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- The Czech Republic has warned Moscow that it will expel more Russian diplomats unless Czech Embassy staff ejected from Russia are allowed to return to work by noon on April 22.
• Moscow Court Upholds Lengthy Prison Sentences Of Couple Convicted Over Wedding Photo RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- A court in Russia has upheld lengthy prison sentences handed down to a couple convicted on high treason charges that stemmed from a wedding photo that included an officer of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
• Mathematics Professor and University Researcher Indicted for Grant Fraud US Dept. of Justice 21 Apr 2021 -- Prosecution Brought as Part of Justice Department's China Initiative
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 21, 2021 PRC MofA 21 Apr 2021
• Xi's attendance to Biden's climate summit shows 'goodwill gesture' but also 'a challenge to US-led climate agenda' Global Times 21 Apr 2021 -- The global media spotlight will be fixed Thursday on the leaders' climate summit, hosted by the US government via video link. This will be the first meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden since Biden took office in January.
• Hong Kong Raises Eyebrows With Limits to Access to Public Records Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- The Hong Kong government's recent decision to restrict access to public records marks a huge blow to journalists and others who want to investigate official wrongdoing.
• Japanese Lawmakers Form Alliance in Support of Mongolians in China Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- Japanese lawmakers on Wednesday launched a parliamentary alliance aimed at "protecting Mongolian culture from assimilation policies of the Chinese government," Jiji Press reported.
• Redesignate China Country of Particular Concern For Abusing Religious Freedoms: USCIRF Report Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- The U.S. government should redesignate China as a "country of particular concern" (CPC) for violating the right to worship freely in its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and elsewhere, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said in an annual report Wednesday.
• China launches Blue Sea 2021 campaign for marine environmental protection PLA Daily 21 Apr 2021 -- On April 20, the China Coast Guard (CCG), together with China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Transport, and the State Forestry and Grassland Administration, jointly launched a seven-month-long special maritime law enforcement campaign, coded "Blue Sea 2021", to enhance marine environmental protection.
• Global opposition to China holds danger, opportunity for Taiwan: MAC head CNA 21 Apr 2021 -- The emergence of a global coalition to counter China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region carries both danger and opportunity for Taiwan, but at least for the time being, a little more of the latter, according to the head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
• Taiwan Should 'Keep a Tight Hold,' Defend Its Chip Industry: Morris Chang Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) founder Morris Chang on Wednesday called on the democratic island of Taiwan to defend its semiconductor industry, amid saber-rattling from China and an unprecedented drought.
• Briefing with Senior State Department Official On Recent U.S. Engagement in Vienna Regarding the JCPOA US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2021
• Iran, Pakistan open third border crossing in 'historic achievement' Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Iran and Pakistan have opened their third official border crossing with the aim of facilitating business and trade exchanges and creating new job opportunities for their border residents.
• EU focusing on success of Iran nuclear talks IRNA 21 Apr 2021 -- European Union's foreign policy spokesman Peter Stano said on Wednesday that Europe was focusing on success of the nuclear talks between Iran and the 4+1.
• Rouhani calls on implementation of existing JCPOA deal IRNA 21 Apr 2021 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the solution to Iran's nuclear issue is the implementation of the existing JCPOA, no more and no less.
• Disputes between Iran, IAEA to be resolved amid constructive, unpolitical atmosphere: Araghchi ISNA 21 Apr 2021 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stressed that the disputes between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be resolved amid a constructive and unpolitical atmosphere.
• Iran doesn't want JCPOA+: President Rouhani ISNA 21 Apr 2021 -- Iran's President said that in the negotiations to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), we want the implementation of the same JCPOA, not a word less and not a word more, and we do not want JCPOA+, adding, "Today, everyone knows that the only solution to this problem is the full implementation of the nuclear deal".
• JCPOA Joint Commission holds another plenary meeting in Vienna ISNA 21 Apr 2021 -- The Joint Commission of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), held another plenary meeting on Tuesday afternoon at the Grand Hotel of Vienna, and finally decided to continue the talks next week.
• Iran nuclear negotiator says Vienna talks "progressive" despite difficulties People's Daily 21 Apr 2021 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tuesday that the latest round of the talks in Vienna are "progressive" despite "the existing difficulties."
• Rouhani: Iran wants full implementation of JCPOA, neither more nor less Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says what Tehran is seeking through the ongoing talks in Vienna is the full implementation of the 2015 nuclear accord, neither more nor less.
• Vienna talks: China reiterates call for removal of all relevant sanctions on Iran, third parties Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- China has reiterated its call for the removal of all sanctions imposed on Iran and third parties, as negotiations to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal move ahead in the Austrian capital, Vienna.
• Amnesty: Iran Among 18 Countries Carrying Out Executions During COVID-19 Pandemic RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- Amnesty International says the use of the death penalty in 2020 was the lowest in at least a decade, though the "unprecedented challenges" of the COVID-19 pandemic were not enough to deter Iran and 17 other countries from carrying out executions last year.
• Interview: 'This Revolution is Something That Cannot be Stopped or Postponed' Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- Dr. Tayzar San, a well-known physician, has led some of the anti-junta protests in Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay. On April 19, military regime authorities publicly charged him with defamation of the state under Section 505(a) of Myanmar's Penal Code — a charge brought against scores of protesters across the country.
• Myanmar Protesters Don Blue Shirts to Challenge Junta Amid Widespread Arrests of Youth Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- Demonstrators in Myanmar on Wednesday launched a "blue shirt" campaign, honoring a late veteran dissident who always wore blue prison garb, to press their demand for the release of 3,300 protesters held by the military regime since the Feb. 1 coup deposed the elected government.
• UN Envoy to Meet With ASEAN Leaders on Sidelines of Myanmar Summit Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- The U.N. Special Envoy on Myanmar will be in Jakarta this weekend to talk to Southeast Asian leaders on the sidelines of a special summit on the turmoil in Myanmar, the world body said Wednesday.
• Imposing Sanctions on Two Burmese State-Owned Enterprises US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2021 -- The Burmese military regime continues to ignore the will of the people of Burma to restore the country's path to democracy. Instead of acceding to the clear aspirations of its citizens, the regime has intensified its violent crackdown, killing more than 650 people, including many children, and detaining more than 3,200 others since February 1.
• Treasury Sanctions Key Timber and Pearl Enterprises in Burma US Treasury 21 Apr 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Burmese state-owned enterprises, Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE), which are responsible for timber and pearl exports from Burma.
• US Hits Myanmar Pearl, Timber Companies With Sanctions VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on the Myanmar state-owned Myanma Timber Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise to further pressure the military government, which seized power in a February coup.
• Protesters hold 'blue shirt' rally in Myanmar Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Protesters have taken to the streets in Myanmar in blue shirts to demand the release of those detained during weeks of a military crackdown on protests against the junta rule.
• Bashar al-Assad registers for Syria's presidential elections Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad officially registers for participation in upcoming presidential elections, a crucible for the country's efforts to defeat its adversaries and restore calm and security.
• Assad to Run for President of Syria in 2021 Election, Parliament Speaker Says Sputnik 21 Apr 2021 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad has put forward his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for 26 May, Parliament Speaker Hammouda Sabbagh said on Wednesday.
• German conservatives pick Armin Laschet as candidate to succeed Merkel Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Germany's conservatives have decided to pick Armin Laschet, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as their candidate to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor in the country's upcoming elections.
• Deadly Bomb Blast At Luxury Hotel In Southwestern Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Apr 2021 -- Pakistani officials say a bomb went off in the parking area of a luxury hotel in the southwestern city of Quetta, killing at least three people and wounding nine others.
• Suicide Blast Rips Through Parking Lot of Pakistan Hotel VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- Authorities in southwestern Pakistan said Wednesday that a powerful bomb had ripped through the parking area of a five-star hotel, killing at least four people and wounding about a dozen others.
• VOA Exclusive: Pakistan's President Says His Country Does Not Want to Become Base of US Counterterror VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- Pakistan's President Arif Alvi sat down with VOA's Ayesha Tanzeem this week for an exclusive interview to discuss the impact on the region of the United States withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan, how Pakistan sees its future relationship with its western neighbor, and whether putting forward a resolution in parliament to expel the French ambassador from the country, over French support for publication of caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad, is dangerous.
• EU's Michel Declares Georgia's Political Crisis Resolved, Despite Refusal Of Main Opposition To Join Deal RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- European Council President Charles Michel has declared Georgia's political crisis "over," but the main opposition is refusing to join an EU-mediated deal until its chairman is released from pretrial detention.
• US Sanctions Help Crack Malaysian Crime Ring Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- A series of American sanctions on a Macau underworld kingpin helped Kuala Lumpur pry the lid off a Malaysian connection to criminal groups in China and related police corruption in the Southeast Asian nation, a senior police official told BenarNews.
• Montenegro Rearrests Notorious 'Crime Boss' RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- Montenegrin authorities say they have rearrested the alleged boss of a notorious criminal gang in an operation hailed by officials as a victory for the rule of law in the Balkan country.