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News Reports

Current Operations

• Iraqi resistance group stages drone attack on base housing US warplanes Press TV 24 Apr 2021 -- An Iraqi resistance group has staged a drone attack on an airbase housing US forces and warplanes north of the capital Baghdad.
• US, NATO Troops Leaving Afghanistan as Fighting Escalates VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Troops and equipment are leaving Afghanistan, days ahead of the official start of the U.S. withdrawal, the White House said Thursday, marking the beginning of the end of America's longest war.
• Potential Seen for Regional Power Plays as US Departs From Afghanistan VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- The United States' decision to start withdrawing its remaining forces from Afghanistan on Saturday to end Washington's longest-running war has some officials warning of a possible ripple effect that could see the entire region, not just Afghanistan itself, grappling with instability.
• US Will 'Temporarily' Deploy Elements of Army Ranger Task Force to Afghanistan Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- The planned deployment comes in the wake of the Biden administration's announcement earlier this month that the US would begin its final withdrawal from Afghanistan in May, and complete it by the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in September.
• US begins troop withdrawal from Afghanistan: Officials Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- The US military has started withdrawing troops from Afghanistan after about twenty years of war on the impoverished country, according to several American military officials.
• U.S. Defense Secretary, Pakistani Army Chief Discuss Troop Drawdown In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 29 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has discussed with Pakistan's army chief the regional security situation and the planned withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan later this year.
• In Address To Congress, Biden Defends Ending 'Forever War' In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 29 Apr 2021 -- President Joe Biden said it's time to end the "forever war" in Afghanistan as he defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from the country by September.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Official Says Partnerships Vital to Holding Russia Accountable in Eurasia DoD News 29 Apr 2021 -- Russian influence and meddling in nations around the Mediterranean and the Middle East have been characterized as destabilizing and opportunistic and pose concerns for regional security and stability, according to a Defense Department official.
• U.S Coast Guard visits partners in Athens, Greece US Navy 29 Apr 2021 -- The Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) arrived in Athens for a routine logistics visit and key leader engagements, April 29, 2021.
• Iwo Jima ARG and 24th MEU Reach Milestone, 60 days COVID-Free US Navy 29 Apr 2021 -- The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG) and the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) reached the milestone of 60 days underway with no COVID-19 cases, April 20.
• France, Australia, UK, U.S. Conduct Mine Countermeasures Exercise in the Arabian Gulf US Navy 29 Apr 2021 -- The French Marine Nationale, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy, and U.S. Navy participated in multi-lateral mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise Artemis Trident (AT) 21 in the Arabian Gulf, April 18-29.
• NATO Secretary General highlights NATO's contributions to regional security with Kosovo's Albin Kurti NATO 29 Apr 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met Kosovo's Albin Kurti at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday (29 April 2021), for an exchange of views on the latest developments in the Western Balkans.
• Watch: Kalibr Cruise Missile Spirals Out of Control in Test by Russia's Marshal Shaposhnikov Warship Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- While Russian naval strategy has long emphasized long-range missiles as the key to balancing against US aircraft carriers, the 3M-54 Kalibr cruise missile packs an especially nasty surprise to catch enemy ship defenses off-guard: a supersonic terminal phase that triples its speed.
• Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on April 29 PLA Daily 29 Apr 2021
• UPDATE: PLA warns away 'accident-risking' US destroyer stalking Liaoning carrier group Global Times 29 Apr 2021 -- Chinese warships warned away a US warship stalking the Liaoning aircraft carrier task group when the Chinese carrier was holding exercises near the island of Taiwan and in the South China Sea recently. The provocative move by the US could have resulted in misjudgment and accidents, Chinese experts said on Thursday.
• JF-17 fighter jet gets J-20's combat missile: reports Global Times 29 Apr 2021 -- The latest, upgraded version of the JF-17 fighter jet has recently been spotted equipped with China's most advanced air-to-air combat missile that is also used by China's J-20 stealth aircraft, with military observers saying on Thursday that the weapon will give the China-Pakistan jointly developed light fighter the upper hand against its counterparts in dogfights and make it one of the world's best in its class.
• Taiwan coast guard takes delivery of largest patrol vessel CNA 29 Apr 2021 -- The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Thursday took delivery of a 4,000-ton vessel, its largest patrol boat to date, which is expected to significantly enhance its capability to protect Taiwan's waters.
• Cabinet amends punishments for servicemen who leak confidential data CNA 29 Apr 2021 -- The Cabinet approved a draft amendment Thursday to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces that introduces punishments for serving members of the armed forces who divulge confidential information to a newly defined category of people.
• India, France navies conclude bilateral exercise People's Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- India and France concluded their three-day bilateral exercise VARUNA-2021 in the Arabian Sea, confirmed an Indian Navy official on Wednesday.
• Australian PM: Multibillion Dollar Military Spending Not a Warning to China VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says multibillion-dollar investments in military bases in northern Australia are designed to enhance regional peace, rather than as a deliberate response to China's growing assertiveness. In response, officials in Beijing have called Australian politicians the "real troublemakers."
• Australia - CH-47F Chinook Helicopters DSCA 29 Apr 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $259 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Australia - Heavy Armored Combat Systems DSCA 29 Apr 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Heavy Armored Combat Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.685 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Maitland returns home after fishery patrols Australia DOD 29 Apr 2021 -- HMAS Maitland has returned home after taking part in Australia's latest contribution to Operation Solania, supporting the Solomon Islands' efforts in border security and protecting regional fisheries.
• Remarks by President Biden in Address to a Joint Session of Congress The White House 29 Apr 2021
• Biden's First 100 Days See Few Big Moves on Africa VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has focused most of his energy in his first 100 days in office on taming the coronavirus pandemic on home soil. But in this short, frantic period, he has made a few important gestures that have been welcomed in Africa.
• Biden to Xi: US Will Maintain Strong Military Presence in Indo-Pacific Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- Earlier, Biden repeatedly stated that the US is committed to addressing challenges posed by China in the region, while resisting efforts to alter the Indo-Pacific's status quo and pursuing diplomatic options.
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Aboard Air Force One En Route Plains, GA The White House 29 Apr 2021
• Statement by White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki on the Visit of President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea The White House 29 Apr 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Algerian Foreign Minister Boukadoum US Dept. of State 29 Apr 2021
• Department Press Briefing – April 29, 2021 US Dept. of State 29 Apr 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 29, 2021

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Apr 2021
• Duterte: Philippines Grateful for Beijing's Vaccines, But Won't Stop Sea Patrols Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- The Philippine president said Thursday he was grateful that Beijing has supplied his country with coronavirus vaccines amid a global shortage, but he would not withdraw patrols in Manila-claimed waters of the South China Sea because Chinese vessels had not left.
• Vietnam Protests Renewal of China's Fishing Ban in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- The Vietnamese government denounced Thursday China's annual, unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, which begins May 1.
• Positive words on Yemen must be accompanied with actions: Top official Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- A senior Yemeni official has cast doubts on the latest remarks by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he plans to find a political solution to the Yemeni conflict, emphasizing that actions and words should always agree with each other if the Saudi-led coalition is serious about peace.
• Two air bases in Myanmar attacked, reports say Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- Unidentified individuals have attacked two airbases in Myanmar, with explosions reported at one base and rocket raids witnessed at another, reports say.
• Myanmar Air Force Bases Hit by 'Improvised Rocket Attacks' Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- Two Myanmar air force bases in the cities of Meiktila and Magway were hit by rocket attacks Thursday, and several other cities were rocked by explosions, witnesses said, with unconfirmed social media reports saying as many as six government soldiers were killed.
• Six Servicemen Killed in Explosions at Air Force Base in Myanmar's Centre, Reports Say Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- Three consecutive explosions rocked an air force base in Myanmar's central Magway Region, leaving six servicemen killed, local Delta News Agency reported on Thursday.
• No Agreement Reached On Easter Truce In Ukraine RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Negotiators in the conflict in eastern Ukraine have failed to agree a truce ahead of Orthodox Easter later this week amid a surge in fighting since the start of the year.
• UN says fighting displaces up to 100,000 people in Mogadishu People's Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations humanitarian agency said Wednesday that between 60,000 and 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Mogadishu following an outbreak of violence on April 25.
• East African bloc urges assistance for displaced Somalis People's Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Wednesday called on the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons following armed clashes in Mogadishu on April 25.
• UN sees rapidly mounting insecurity across Sahel People's Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- Increased fighting, food insecurity and COVID-19 have touched off a dramatic rise in hunger and homelessness across the Sahel, affecting almost 29 million people, UN humanitarians said on Wednesday.
• Nigerian Capital Alert over Fresh Boko Haram Threats VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Forty-one-year-old Enoch Obemeasor is more alert this week on his daily two-hour commute from his home in Tafa village, Niger state, to the Nigerian capital for his printing business.
• Cameroon Military Says It Pushed Boko Haram Fighters into Nigeria VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Cameroon's military said Wednesday its troops pushed back about 80 terrorists from Fotokol, a town on the border with Nigeria.
• Doctors Without Borders Urges Kenyan Officials to Consult Refugees Before Closing Camps VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is urging the Kenyan government to consult with people living in refugee camps before closing the camps permanently.
• Ethiopia: 'Unpredictable security' in Tigray, hindering aid delivery UN News 29 Apr 2021 -- A "complex and unpredictable security situation" in Tigray continues to impede the delivery of life-saving assistance to Ethiopia's northern region, the Deputy UN Spokesperson told journalists on Thursday.
• India should cherish the hard-won situation: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), rebutted on Thursday the remarks made by Indian Chief of Defense Staff at the 6th Raisina Dialogue that China has tried to change the status quo in eastern "Ladakh" region, and India will stand firm on the northern borders and not succumb to China's coercive actions.
• 8 Venezuelan soldiers killed in clashes with Colombian militia Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- Eight Venezuelan soldiers have been killed in fighting with illegal Colombian armed groups along the border with Colombia, the Venezuelan Defense Ministry says.
• Kyrgyz, Tajik forces exchange fire in worst border flare-up in years Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- At least one civilian has been killed and dozens of people wounded when Tajik and Kyrgyz security forces exchanged fire in their worst fighting along a contested stretch of border.
• At Least Three Dead In Latest Clashes Along Kyrgyz-Tajik Border RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Clashes between local residents along a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border left at least three people dead and scores wounded in the volatile region before a truce was announced by both sides.
• Kazakh President Says Ready to Help Restore Mutual Trust Between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev voiced concern over the conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and expressed his readiness to make efforts to restore confidence between the parties.
• Shootout at Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Kills One Kyrgyz Citizen, Injures 16, Health Ministry Says - Video Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- One citizen of Kyrgyzstan died and 16 more were injured following a shootout at the country's border with Tajikistan on Thursday, the Kyrgyz Health Ministry told Sputnik.
• UN chief pledges to fight for all Cypriots, as impasse remains UN News 29 Apr 2021 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledged on Thursday that he would continue to represent the interests of all Cypriots in future talks on the divided Mediterranean island, as an informal effort to break the impasse ended, without finding common ground.
• Greek and Turkish Cypriots Remain Far Apart on Reunification VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- U.N. efforts to restart talks on reunifying the divided island of Cyprus have hit an impasse as Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders remain apart on the key issues.

News Reports

• Arrests in US Capitol Attack Surpass 430 VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- U.S. federal agents have arrested more than 430 people in connection with the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, a senior Justice Department official told lawmakers Thursday, adding that the number of arrests continues to grow.
• U.S. Detains Alleged Russian Operator Of Bitcoin Money-Laundering Website RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- U.S. officials have arrested the alleged main operator of the cryptocurrency money-laundering website Bitcoin Fog.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 29, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Apr 2021
• Russia's Foreign Ministry to Retaliate Against Bulgaria's Decision to Expel Diplomat Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- This comes after Bulgarian prosecutors claimed that at least six Russians had been involved in explosions at Bulgarian arms depots. Bulgarian prosecutors are currently looking into four alleged explosions at arms depots from 2011 to 2020.
• US-Russia ties worse than during Cold War: Lavrov Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says bilateral relations between Russia and the United States are now even worse than during the Cold War due to a lack of mutual respect.
• Biden 'Not Seeking Escalation' With Russia, But 'Actions Have Consequences' RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has said in an address to Congress that he is not seeking to escalate tensions with Russian President Vladimir Putin after imposing fresh sanctions over cyberattacks, election interference, and other malign actions.
• A Gaunt Navalny Appears in Court After Hunger Strike VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- In his first court appearance since ending a three-week hunger strike, Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "naked, thieving king."
• Navalny Appears In Court, Blasts Russian President, Justice System As His Network Disbanded RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has issued a scathing assessment of President Vladimir Putin and Russia's justice system at a court hearing as his regional network said it will disband amid a push by prosecutors to declare the main pillars of the Kremlin critic's political organization "extremist."
• Western-backed blogger Navalny's network says it is 'disbanding' Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- The political network of Western-backed blogger Alexei Navalny says it is disbanding, as he appeared in court for the first time since ending his hunger strike.
• Extremism As A Blunt Tool: Behind The Russian Law Being Used To Shut Up Navalny RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Four years ago, a court in the Russian Far Eastern city of Blagoveshchensk watched Kill The Cosmonauts -- a satirical music video that proposed murdering space adventurers for "climbing toward heaven"-- and was not amused.
• Populism With A Price: Russians Weigh In On Putin's Gift Of A 10-Day Paid Holiday RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an order making the entire period from May 1 through May 10 a paid nonworking holiday. The extended vacation will encompass the May 3 Labor Day holiday and Victory Day, which is marked on May 10 this year.
• Czech Republic 'Not Interested' in Escalating Relations With Russia, Foreign Minister Claims Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- The Czech Republic is not interested in escalating relations with Russia, which have entered a difficult phase; it believes that relations may improve and become mutually beneficial, but this will certainly require mutual respect, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said.
• Bulgaria To Expel Russian Diplomat Over Arms Depot Blasts RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Bulgaria says it will expel another Russian diplomat after the country's authorities said they suspected six Russian citizens of involvement in a series of blasts that hit four weapons and armament facilities over the past 10 years.
• New Zealand Criticized for 'Five Eyes' Alliance Stance on China VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- New Zealand says it is "uncomfortable" using the 70-year-old "Five Eyes" intelligence grouping, which includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada, to criticize China. Some critics accuse the government in Wellington of selling out to Beijing..
• China successfully launches core module for its space station, kicking off intense construction phase Global Times 29 Apr 2021 -- China has successfully sent the first section of its own space station - the Tianhe core module cabin - into preset orbit via a Long March-5B Y2 carrier rocket from Wenchang spaceport in South China's Hainan Province on Thursday, kicking off an intense construction phase of the project.
• Xi congratulates successful launch of Tianhe core module Global Times 29 Apr 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent warm congratulations and sincere greetings to all participants of the Tianhe core module launch mission on Thursday, saying the success marks China's space station construction entering into the all-round execution phase, laying solid foundation for following missions.
• Xi congratulates success of space station core module launch PLA Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated the successful launch of the core module of China's space station.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 29, 2021 PRC MofA 29 Apr 2021
• China: US imposing own ideals on other countries, increasing military activity under Biden Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- China has cautioned the United States against forcing other countries to accept its ideals, warning that US military activities are increasing under President Joe Biden.
• China Expands Disinformation Campaign to Undermine International Xinjiang Outcry Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is stepping up an international disinformation campaign surrounding the mass detention of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in "re-education camps," as world governments accuse Beijing of genocide.
• Mosque in Xinjiang's Ghulja City Repurposed as Hotel Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- Authorities in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have leased a mosque in Ghulja (in Chinese, Yining) city to a Han Chinese businessman from the capital Beijing, who turned the place of worship into a tourist hotel, according to sources.
• China's population continues to grow in 2020, contrary to FT report Global Times 29 Apr 2021 -- China's population continued to grow in 2020 and the specific data will be released in the bulletin of the seventh national census, the National Bureau of Statistics announced on Thursday.
• PLA will leave no room for Taiwan secessionist activities: spokesperson Global Times 29 Apr 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will leave no room for Taiwan secessionist activities in any form, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, when asked if the recent commissioning of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship is preparing for a "reunification-by-force" operation on the island of Taiwan.
• China fully prepared to deal with external interference and "Taiwan independence" separatist activities: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 29 Apr 2021 -- "If the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces persist in their willful acts and even take the risk of desperation, we will take all necessary measures to resolutely crush their attempt for 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity", said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference in Beijing on April 29.
• North Korea Sends 10-Year Military Vets to Mines and Building Sites Right After Discharge Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- North Korea is mobilizing recently discharged soldiers to toil away in coal mines and construction sites right after they have completed their grueling mandatory 10-year stint in the military, sources in the country told RFA.
• Zarif says sees positive signs in Vienna, region IRNA 29 Apr 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there are positive signs in both directions (Vienna and the region).
• Vaezi: "Very good steps" taken so far in Vienna talks IRNA 29 Apr 2021 -- The Chief of Iranian President's Office Mahmoud Vaezi said Iran is now following a policy of rush in Vienna talks and expressed satisfaction over "very good steps" taken so far.
• Former Iranian nuclear chief announces 2021 run for presidency Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- A former director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Fereydoun Abbasi, has announced that he will run for president in the country's upcoming election, which will be held on June 18.
• Iran Reportedly Imposes Travel Bans On Several People Over Zarif Leak RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Iran has slapped travel bans on 15 people for alleged involvement in a leaked audio recording in which Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif complains about the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Iranian diplomacy, semi-official news agency ISNA reported on April 29.
• Iranians Plead Not Guilty To Danish Terrorism Charge RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Three members of an Iranian Arab opposition group have pleaded not guilty to Danish charges of financing and promoting terrorism in Iran with Saudi Arabia's backing.
• Tehran Welcomes Riyadh's Changed Rhetoric on Bilateral Relations, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- Iran welcomes the change in Saudi Arabia's rhetoric on Iran, recalling its own pioneering of initiatives to relaunch dialogue in the Persian Gulf, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Thursday.
• Social Support Groups Closing in Myanmar Due to Junta Violence, Lack of Funds Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- Groups offering emergency medical services and help with funerals are closing around Myanmar amid a drop in funds and with volunteers targeted by junta forces for assisting anti-coup protesters injured in army and police crackdowns, sources said Thursday.
• The 'Phantom Papers' That No One In The Western Balkans Will Own Up To Writing RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- In recent weeks, there have been two so-called "non-papers" on sensitive political issues that have whipped up part of the Western Balkans into a state of frenzy.
• Madagascar edges toward famine, UN food agency appeals for assistance UN News 29 Apr 2021 -- An unrelenting drought in southern Madagascar, an island State off the East African coast in the Indian Ocean, is forcing hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine at a scale "beyond belief", a senior UN food agency official said on Thursday.
• British 'High-Risk' Designation for Pakistan Seen as Bad Sign for Anti-Corruption Efforts VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- The United Kingdom's decision to add Pakistan to its list of "high-risk countries" for money laundering and terror financing may make it harder for Islamabad to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "gray list" in June, experts warn.
• Delegation of Powers to Thai PM Raises Concern of Authoritarian Turn VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Sweeping powers handed to Thai Prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha this week to control a rebound of the coronavirus is raising concern the country could slide deeper into authoritarianism under the guise of battling the pandemic.
• Third Straight Win Produces a Test for Albania's Socialist Party VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- The United States and the European Union are urging Albania's leaders to set aside their differences and move forward toward establishing a stable democracy after elections Sunday that gave the ruling Socialist Party a third consecutive mandate.
• Zimbabweans Take Stock of Abuses During COVID-19 Lockdowns VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Human rights groups in Zimbabwe say the government has frequently violated people's basic rights since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The groups presented their findings at a partially virtual meeting with officials in the capital Thursday.