COVID-19 - Daily News

24 May 2021 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Afghan Army, Taliban Clash Close To Kabul RFE/RL Gandhara 24 May 2021 -- Afghan government forces clashed with Taliban militants in a provincial capital about 120 kilometers from Kabul, officials and witnesses said on May 24.
Amnesty International Warns Against Unraveling Of Afghan Women's Rights RFE/RL Gandhara 24 May 2021 -- Amnesty International has warned that 20 years of "hard-won" progress by Afghanistan's women and girls are under threat as intra-Afghan peace talks are at an impasse and international troops prepare to withdraw from the war-torn country later this year.
Afghan forces foil Taliban attacks on 6 districts in Badakhshan, 23 including 3 soldiers killed People's Daily 24 May 2021 -- Afghan forces have foiled Taliban militants' attacks on six districts in the northern Badakhshan province on Monday and the militants fled away after suffering casualties, an army spokesman in the northern region Abdul Razaq said.
50 Taliban members killed in operation in Afghanistan's Laghman Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says 50 militants have been killed in a government operation to push back a major Taliban offensive in the eastern province of Laghman bordering Kabul.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Departure of the National Guard From the Capitol Complex DoD 24 May 2021
Ending Mission on Capitol Hill, Guard Personnel Prepare to Go Home DoD News 24 May 2021 -- For the nearly 1,000 National Guardsmen who have remained in Washington, D.C., and who have been providing security assistance to the Capitol Police for the last five months, it's now time for the mission to end and to return home.
National Guard Ends US Capitol Protection VOA 24 May 2021 -- National Guard troops are leaving Washington on Monday after protecting the U.S. Capitol for nearly five months following the deadly January 6 attack.

Defense Policy / Programs

National Guard unit first to receive new Paladin Howitzer system Army News 24 May 2021 -- The 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment (1-113th FA), 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) conducted an artillery live-fire exercise with the newly fielded M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer System at Fort Bragg May 20-21.
Pentagon Press Secretary Conducts On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 24 May 2021
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With Colombian Minister of National Defense Diego Molano DoD 24 May 2021
DOD & HHS Announce DPA Title III Agreement With Retractable Technologies, Inc. to Expand Domestic Production Capacity for Low Dead-Space Safety Syringes and Needles DoD 24 May 2021 -- As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), signed an agreement with Retractable Technologies, Inc. (RTI) to expand the production of the low dead-space (LDS) safety syringes and needles. Government funding allocated was $27.3 million.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa DoD 24 May 2021
Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Delivers Keynote Remarks at the Department of Energy's ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit DoD 24 May 2021
Climate Change Resiliency a High DOD Priority, Deputy Defense Secretary Says DoD News 24 May 2021 -- Becoming more energy innovative and resilient is a priority of the Defense Department, particularly in light of climate change and its negative impacts for national security, the deputy defense secretary said.
AMC tankers test communications systems, strategic deterrence capabilities during Mobility Guardian 21 US Air Force 24 May 2021 -- Airmen and tankers from across Air Mobility Command participated in exercise Mobility Guardian 2021 to test cutting-edge tactics and concepts at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, May 15-27.
USS Russell Returns from Deployment US Navy 24 May 2021 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returned to San Diego after a deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations, May 21.
U.S. Coast Guard and Partner Nations Exchange Best Practices During Phoenix Express 2021 US Navy 24 May 2021 -- The U.S. Coast Guard conducted a subject matter expert exchange on the topics of restraint devices, tactical approach, and detainee contact for the in-port portion of exercise Phoenix Express 2021 in Bizerte, Tunisia, on May 18, 2021.
US and Dominican Republic Conduct Bi-lateral Interdiction Exercise in Caribbean US Navy 24 May 2021 -- The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) and the Dominican Republic Navy conducted a bi-lateral interdiction exercise in the Caribbean Sea, May 23.
French, Japanese and U.S. Navies Build Logistics Network, Strengthen Relationships US Navy 24 May 2021 -- Combined logistics planning by the French Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and the U.S. Navy culminated in ships from each country exercising its ability to sustain each other at sea.
The 50th BALTOPS Kicks Off in June US Navy 24 May 2021 -- The 50th Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, takes place in the Baltic Sea from June 6-18.
Space-Based Capabilities Critical to U.S. National Security, DOD Officials Say DoD News 24 May 2021 -- Space-based capabilities are vital to U.S. national security in today's era of de-stabilizing challenges from Russia and undeniable strategic competition with China, the Defense Department's principal director for space policy told a House Armed Services Committee panel today.

Russian Foreign Ministry Releases Data on Russian, US Weapons Under New START Deal Sputnik 24 May 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry released on Monday information about the total number of strategic offensive weapons under the New START deal owned by Russia and the United States.
Russia accuses US of surpassing New START arms limits Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Russia has raised concerns over the US implementation of the New START nuclear arms control treaty, accusing Washington of exceeding the agreed limit on the number of American launchers and bombers.

PLA warplanes rain down thousands of munitions in S. China Sea shooting exercise Global Times 24 May 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on Monday that it recently conducted a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea, in which warplanes rained down thousands of munitions at maritime targets as the pilots enhanced their sea assault and precision strike capabilities.
US turns a blind eye to China's signal for defense ministers talk, disregards diplomatic protocol: source Global Times 24 May 2021 -- China sent a friendly signal for talks between Chinese and US defense ministers when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin took up his post on January 22, but this was never met with a response, and Austin later requested to meet with another leader in the Central Military Commission, which is an unprofessional and unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol and international common practice, a Chinese source said on Monday, in response to a recent media report claiming China rebuffed Austin's requests for high-level military talks.

Taiwan to scale down annual live-fire drills in July: sources CNA 24 May 2021 -- The live-fire component of this year's annual Han Kuang exercises in Taiwan will be conducted with a minimum number of soldiers, due to the recent spike in domestic COVID-19 cases in the country, military sources told CNA on Monday.

Turkey Signs First Agreement on Delivery of Drones to NATO Country, Poland Sputnik 24 May 2021 -- Turkey signed its first-ever agreement on the supply of its drones to a NATO country, Poland, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda, who is now in Ankara on an official visit.

HMAS Anzac returns home Australia DOD 24 May 2021 -- Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Anzac has returned home, marking the end of an extended deployment that culminated in the ship re-tasked to support a critical search and rescue effort.

Spain - Follow-on Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for MQ-9A Blk 5 Aircraft DSCA 24 May 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Spain of Follow-on Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for MQ-9A Blk 5 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf of Pakistan The White House 24 May 2021
Secretary Blinken's Call with German Foreign Minister Maas US Dept. of State 24 May 2021
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Foreign Minister Simon Coveney of Ireland The White House 24 May 2021
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt The White House 24 May 2021
Secretary Blinken's Call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh bin Zayed US Dept. of State 24 May 2021
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister Coveney US Dept. of State 24 May 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For May 24, 2021

Other Conflicts

24 May 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 May 2021
One blue helmet lost is 'one too many': UN peacekeeping chief reports spike in 2021 fatalities UN News 24 May 2021 -- UN blue helmets face an increasing number of attacks throughout the complex environments in which they work, the head of the Organization's peacekeeping operations told the Security Council on Monday.
Enabling UN peacekeepers to perform safely and to the best of their abilities UK FCDO 24 May 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the safety and security of UN peacekeepers

Lack of clean water far deadlier than violence in war-torn countries, says UNICEF report UN News 24 May 2021 -- Attacks on water and sanitation facilities in conflict zones around the world are putting the lives of millions of children around the world in danger, and are a much greater threat than violence itself, warns the UN Children's agency, UNICEF, in a report released on Tuesday.

WFP scales up support in Yemen but fears response could be hampered UN News 24 May 2021 -- Although the World Food Programme (WFP) is ramping up support to people in Yemen's worst hunger hotspots, in efforts to prevent famine, sustaining response through the rest of the year is uncertain, the UN agency warned on Monday.

Briefing with Senior State Department Official on the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Cairo, and Amman US Dept. of State 24 May 2021
Blinken Heads to Middle East to Build on Israel-Hamas Cease-fire VOA 24 May 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken departed Monday for the Middle East following a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that went into effect early Friday.
In Europe, Middle East Conflict Creates Tensions, Divisions VOA 24 May 2021 -- Pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued across Europe this past weekend despite a fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The protests are one result of the Middle East violence that has divided European Union member states and left some fearful of unrest at home.
Israel admits Gaza rockets inflicted $368mn in economic loss to its businesses Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Israel's Manufacturers' Association has released a report admitting to the huge economic damage sustained by the regime as a result of the barrage of missiles coming from the besieged Gaza Strip during the Palestinian resistance's Operation al-Quds Sword against the Zionist entity.
Statement by President Joe Biden on Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Visit to the Middle East The White House 24 May 2021

Ethiopia Accuses US of 'Meddling' Following Visa Restrictions VOA 24 May 2021 -- Ethiopia has accused the United States of "meddling" in its internal affairs after the U.S. imposed visa restrictions on Ethiopian officials whom the U.S. accuses of fueling the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region.
Ethiopia denounces as 'unacceptable' US meddling in its internal affairs Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Ethiopia has hit out at the United States for meddling in its affairs after Washington slapped sanctions on Addis Ababa over alleged human rights violations during the conflict in Tigray region, warning that the "unacceptable" behavior could harm relations with the US.
US slaps restrictions on Ethiopia, Eritrea over Tigray atrocities Press TV 24 May 2021 -- The United States has announced sweeping new restrictions on economic and security assistance to Ethiopia over the conflict in Tigray, which has plunged the northern region into a political and humanitarian crisis.

ICC Opens Hearing on Militia Leader Accused of Darfur War Crimes VOA 24 May 2021 -- The International Criminal Court has begun hearing evidence against Sudanese para-military commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, the alleged leader of a notorious militia blamed for atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region.

News Reports

Russia Gives Google One Day To Delete Banned Content RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has given Google 24 hours to delete what it said was prohibited content as it faces the possibility of a punitive slowdown measure on it.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic Nikos Dendias, Sochi, May 23, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2021
Joint Statement on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev The White House 24 May 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin TV programme, Moscow, May 23, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2021

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 24, 2021 PRC MofA 24 May 2021
Kazakhstan Denies Citizenship To Three Ethnic Kazakhs Who Fled Xinjiang RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Kazakhstan has officially refused to grant citizenship to three ethnic Kazakhs who fled China's northwestern region of Xinjiang for illegally entering the country as they fled persecution.

Taiwan Criticizes WHO 'Indifference' After Summit Snub VOA 24 May 2021 -- Taiwan has criticized what it calls the "indifference" of the World Health Organization to the health rights of the island's people, according to Reuters.
Taiwan voices 'deep displeasure' after being shunned by WHA CNA 24 May 2021 -- Taiwan has expressed its "deep displeasure" at not getting invited to this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) and being excluded from the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a fifth consecutive year.
Taiwan's participation left off WHA agenda CNA 24 May 2021 -- A proposal to invite Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer was left off the agenda of this year's session after a debate during the plenary meeting.
WHA rejects Taiwan island for 5 straight years, dooms secessionism Global Times 24 May 2021 -- The island of Taiwan has been ruled out of the World Health Assembly (WHA) for five consecutive years, as the 74th assembly opened on Monday. Experts and the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Taiwan "seeking secessionism through the epidemic" won't succeed, dismissing the opposition and displeasure from the ruling party on the island.
Taiwan authorities' WHA attempt a fiasco: Global Times editorial Global Times 24 May 2021 -- The 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) kicked off on Monday and has decided not to invite the island of Taiwan as an observer to attend the assembly, which has been proposed by some countries. For the fifth year in a row, the WHA objected the Taiwan-related proposal. Thirteen countries that maintain the so-called diplomatic relations with the island submitted abovementioned proposal. It concluded that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have lost their shirts like previous years, maybe even worse.
More than 80 countries send letters to the WHO in support of the one-China principle, FM says on opposition to Taiwan's participation in the WHA Global Times 24 May 2021 -- Rejecting a proposal from several countries to invite the island of Taiwan as an observer to the meeting fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is the general trend in the international community and cannot be challenged, the spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday, shortly after the World Health Assembly (WHA) rejected the participation of the island.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Issues Relating to Taiwan at the 74th Session of WHA PRC MofA 24 May 2021 -- The General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) have respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHAas an observer" submitted by certain countries. This demonstrates the shared international commitment to the one-China principle, an overriding trend that cannot be challenged.
'Don't Play With Fire': China Warns US Not to Meddle in Taiwan Issue Sputnik 24 May 2021 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson insisted that Taiwan is an internal matter of China and warned against "interference by external forces."

Iran Nuclear Inspection Deal With UN Watchdog Extended By One Month RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Iran and the UN's nuclear watchdog say they have agreed to extend by one month an agreement to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities, a move that will give more time for ongoing diplomatic efforts to salvage the country's tattered nuclear deal with world powers.
UN, Iran Agree to Extend Nuclear Monitoring VOA 24 May 2021 -- Iran and the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog have agreed to extend an agreement for monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities for one month.
IAEA managing director announces month-long extension of Iran agreement IRNA 24 May 2021 -- Managing Director of the UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA, Rafael Grossi said in a press conference in Vienna on Monday that Iran-IAEA three-month agreement on continuation of IAEA cameras' functioning and verification has been extended for another month, till July 24.
Iranian envoy informs IAEA about Tehran's one-month extension of agreement IRNA 24 May 2021 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Vienna-based International Organizations Kazem Gharibabadi on Sunday carried a decision by Iran to the IAEA about the extension of a late February agreement.
Iran extends agreement with IAEA for one more month IRNA 24 May 2021 -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement on Monday announcing the extension of a three-month agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran's decision on continuation of data-recording for utmost one more month informed to IAEA ISNA 24 May 2021 -- Ambassador and permanent representative of Iran to the International Organizations in Vienna, Kazem Gharibabadi announced on Monday that Iran's decision on the continuation of the data-recording for utmost one more month was informed today to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran, IAEA agree to extend inspection agreement by one month as Vienna talks on JCPOA continue Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to extend by one month the agreement they had clinched for the UN nuclear agency to continue inspection of the country's nuclear sites while the ongoing talks in Vienna on the revival of a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers continue.
Iran: Vienna deal within reach but US has to make a decision Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry says an agreement is within reach on the removal sanctions on Tehran, but what remains is for the US to make a "political decision" and change course on the "failed legacy" of the former Trump regime.
Salehi: 60, 20 and %5 enrichments still going on IRNA 24 May 2021 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said here on Monday that the %60, 20% and 5% enrichments still continue.
AEOI chief: Iran continues 60% uranium enrichment in line with parliament's law Press TV 24 May 2021 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country continues to enrich uranium to 60 percent purity level as talks between the country and the remaining signatories to a landmark nuclear deal clinched in 2015 continue in the Austrian capital.
Rouhani: Americans obliged to terminate anti-JCPOA sanctions IRNA 24 May 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani said in a coordinating meeting of the heads of the three branches of power here on Monday that the fact that Americans have admitted the failure of their maximum pressure policy is a great victory for the Iranian nation.
Zarif terms lifting sanctions as legal & moral obligation IRNA 24 May 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message reiterated the fact that lifting sanctions by the US is a legal and moral obligation not negotiating leverage.
Iran to continue nuke talks until final agreement: president People's Daily 24 May 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that Iran will continue nuclear talks in Vienna until a final agreement is reached, official IRNA news agency reported.
Report: Jahangiri, Larijani disqualified from running in June 18 election Press TV 24 May 2021 -- A report by the Iranian Fars news agency says Iran's Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri and former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani have been disqualified by the country's Constitutional Council from running in the June 18 presidential election.
Rostam Qassemi becomes second prominent candidate to withdraw, endorse Raeisi Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Former Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qassemi has become the second prominent presidential hopeful to drop out of the June 18 election and endorse the Principlist camp's best presumptive bet Ebrahim Raeisi.
Hossein Dehqan, 1st general to register in Iran's presidential race, drops out in favor of Ebrahim Raeisi Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Former Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan has dropped his bid to run for president in Iran's June 18 election in favor of Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi, the chief of the Judiciary.
All eyes on Constitutional Council as candidate vetting deadline nears Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Iran's Constitutional Council is shortly expected to release a final list of the candidates qualified to contest the upcoming presidential election, ending more than a week of intense guesswork about which hopefuls can secure the vetting body's green light to run for president.

Statement by President Joe Biden on Diversion of Ryanair Flight and Arrest of Journalist in Belarus The White House 24 May 2021
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Democratic Opposition Leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya of Belarus The White House 24 May 2021
Remarks by President Charles Michel before the Special meeting of the European Council EC/CEU 24 May 2021
European Council conclusions on Belarus, 24 May 2021 EC/CEU 24 May 2021 -- The European Council strongly condemns the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk, Belarus, on 23 May 2021 endangering aviation safety, and the detention by Belarusian authorities of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofia Sapega.
Belarus: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the forced diversion of Ryanair flight FR4978 to Minsk on 23 May 2021 EC/CEU 24 May 2021 -- On 23 May, the Belarusian authorities, in an inadmissible step, forced a civilian plane to perform an emergency landing in Minsk. The plane, owned by an EU company, flying between two EU capitals and carrying more than 100 passengers, was forced to land by a Belarusian military aircraft.
Guterres deeply concerned over 'forced landing' and arrest of Belarus opposition journalist, as condemnation grows UN News 24 May 2021 -- The UN Secretary-General said on Monday he was "deeply concerned" over the apparent forced landing of a commercial passenger jet over Belarus, and the subsequent detention of a prominent dissident and journalist by authorities there.
EU Sanctions Belarus Over Plane Diversion, Arrest of Journalist VOA 24 May 2021 -- The European Union is urging member nations to close their airspace and airports to all Belarusian airlines after Belarus forced a commercial jetliner to make an emergency landing Sunday in Minsk and arrested an opposition blogger critical of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.
U.S. Representative Chris Smith: Belarus Sanctions So Far 'Just Not Enough' RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- U.S. Representative Chris Smith, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives and a leading congressional critic of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has told RFE/RL that "it is time to be thinking about a tribunal" to bring the long-ruling Belarusian strongman and his associates to account.
Analysis: What Now for Brussels and Belarus After Forced Landing Of EU Flight? RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- It is fair to say that, until the forced landing of a Ryanair passenger jet in Minsk this past weekend, the European Union had appeared to suffer a severe form of "Belarus fatigue" this year.
Lukashenka Signs Amendments Further Restricting Belarus Protests, Media Freedoms RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Belarus's authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka has signed into law legal amendments severely restricting civil rights and the free flow of information amid a crackdown on the country's pro-democracy movement.
Who Is Raman Pratasevich, And Why Is Belarus Targeting Him? RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Upon learning last year that a warrant in Belarus had been issued for his arrest for allegedly organizing mass anti-government protests through a popular Telegram channel he helped administer, independent Belarusian journalist Raman Pratasevich appeared unsurprised about the lengths the authorities would go to stifle dissenting views.
The Pratasevich Arrest: What's In It For Russia? RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- After a passenger jet travelling between two European Union capitals was forced to land in Minsk and a Belarusian journalist was arrested on the tarmac, observers are wondering whether Moscow approved what one Western official called a "act of state terrorism" -- or even made it happen.
Is The Pratasevich Case A Game Changer For Belarus? RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has been the authoritarian leader of Belarus for decades, is no stranger to international censure.
Latvia's AirBaltic Says Changes Routes To Avoid Belarus Airspace RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- Latvia's airBaltic says that it has changed its flight routes to avoid Belarusian airspace after the forced diversion and landing of a Ryanair plane to Minsk that was carrying a prominent opposition journalist on an internal EU flight.
EU Leaders 'Strongly Condemn' Belarus For Diverting Civilian Plane, Agree On More Sanctions RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- The European Union has agreed at a summit in Brussels on a set of sanctions against Belarus and strongly condemned the use of a MiG-29 fighter jet to divert a civilian plane on a flight between two EU member states.
EU Leaders Call For Sanctions Against Belarus Over Ryanair 'Hijacking' To Detain Journalist RFE/RL 24 May 2021 -- A chorus of EU leaders called for swift sanctions after Belarus's authoritarian ruler forced a Ryanair plane to land in Minsk and detained a prominent opposition journalist, in what was widely condemned as a state-sponsored hijacking of a commercial flight.
UK government advises against flying over Belarusian airspace UK FCDO 24 May 2021 -- The UK has issued a notice to airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace after a Ryanair flight was diverted to Minsk yesterday by the Belarusian authorities.
Russia hails 'reasonable' approach by Belarus to divert Lithuania-bound flight over reported bomb threat Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has defended Belarusian authorities' decision to divert a Lithuania-bound passenger flight over the country's airspace following a reported bomb threat, saying Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach."
UK tells airlines to avoid Belarus as bilateral relations collapse Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Relations between the UK and Belarus have nosedived after Belarusian authorities diverted a passenger plane flying over their territory to arrest a dissident blogger wanted on extremism charges.
West threatens reprisals after Belarus diverts plane over bomb scare, detains dissident figure Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Belarusian authorities have diverted a Lithuania-bound passenger flight over the country's airspace following a reported bomb threat and then detained a dissident figure on board the plane, drawing fierce rebukes from US and European officials.
EU Fury Mounts After Belarus Forces Landing of Plane Carrying Opposition Blogger VOA 24 May 2021 -- European leaders are vowing to punish Belarus for illegally diverting to Minsk Sunday a Lithuanian-bound Ryanair flight carrying a fugitive critic of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.
EU leaders condemn Ryanair flight's diversion to Belarus People's Daily 24 May 2021 -- European Union (EU) leaders on Sunday condemned the diversion of an Athens-Vilnius Ryanair flight to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and warned possible sanctions against Belarus in the EU summit scheduled on Monday.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi Appears in Court for the First Time Since Coup Radio Free Asia 24 May 2021 -- Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi Monday appeared in court for the first time since the military took control of the country Feb. 1, saying she had been cut off from contact from the outside world and didn't know what happened in the past nearly four months, her lawyers told RFA.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi Makes First Personal Court Appearance Since Coup VOA 24 May 2021 -- Aung San Suu Kyi made her first in-person court appearance Monday since she was deposed as Myanmar's de facto leader in the February 1 military takeover.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi appears in court for first time since February coup Press TV 24 May 2021 -- Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi has for the first time appeared in person at a court hearing on a myriad of charges brought against her by the military junta, which overthrew her government in a February coup.
Rights Groups: A Month After Consensus, ASEAN 'Doing Nothing' on Myanmar Radio Free Asia 24 May 2021 -- ASEAN's failure to take any follow-up action on Myanmar, a full month after the regional bloc unveiled a diplomatic roadmap to address the military coup there, is eating up precious time and costing lives, rights groups and analysts said.

Mali's Interim Leadership Reportedly Arrested VOA 24 May 2021 -- Military officials in Mali arrested the country's president and prime minister Monday, just months into their tenure, according to multiple news reports.
Mali's Military Arrests Interim President, Top Ministers After New Cabinet Unveiled, Source Says Sputnik 24 May 2021 -- A Sputnik correspondent has learned that members of Mali's military have transferred Malian Prime Minister Moctar Ouane and Acting President Bah Ndaw to the military base at Kati, about 15 kilometers outside the capital of Bamako.

Charges Unsealed Against Former Chadian Diplomats to the U.S. Charged in Connection with International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme US Dept. of Justice 24 May 2021 -- Founder of Canadian Company Pleaded Guilty to Conspiring to Violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

UN chief appeals for dialogue in Samoa amid prime ministerial stand-off UN News 24 May 2021 -- The UN has called for dialogue in Samoa, where the first woman elected as Prime Minister was locked out of Parliament on Monday amid a bitter power struggle with the country's long-standing leader.
Samoa Prime Minister-elect Barred From Parliament, Unable to Officially Take Office VOA 24 May 2021 -- The small Pacific island nation of Samoa was thrown into a constitutional crisis Monday after Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi refused to leave office despite his party losing last month's parliamentary election.

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