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03 June 2021 Military News

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Current Operations

UN Report Warns of Impending Taliban Power Play VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- The Taliban appear poised to take by force what they do not get through negotiations once U.S. and coalition troops complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to a new assessment based on intelligence from United Nations member states.
At Least Eight Killed In Attacks Targeting Minibuses In Kabul RFE/RL Gandhara 03 Jun 2021 -- Afghan officials say that at least eight people have been killed in two bomb blasts targeting minibuses in the capital.
U.S. Military Says Its Operations Unintentionally Killed 20 Civilians In Afghanistan Last Year RFE/RL Gandhara 03 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. military says air and ground operations it conducted in Afghanistan last year unintentionally killed 20 civilians.
China helps Afghan peace with trilateral mechanism Global Times 03 Jun 2021 -- Together with Pakistan, China has shown responsibility and determination in helping Afghanistan's security and rebuilding after the irresponsible withdrawal of the US, Chinese experts said, as China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to host the fourth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Dialogue via video link on Thursday.
Eight killed as twin blasts hit buses in Kabul's Shia Hazara neighborhoods Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Two separate bomb blasts have ripped through minibuses near a Shia Hazara neighborhood in the Afghan capital Kabul, killing at least eight people and injuring nine others, police sources say.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Releases List of Chinese Military Companies in Accordance With Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 DoD 03 Jun 2021 -- Today, the Department of Defense released the names of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States in accordance with the statutory requirement of Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate on Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Certain Companies of the People's Republic of China The White House 03 Jun 2021
Executive Order on Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Certain Companies of the People's Republic of China The White House 03 Jun 2021
FACT SHEET: Executive Order Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Certain Companies of the People's Republic of China The White House 03 Jun 2021
Biden Expands List of Sanctioned Chinese Firms VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order Thursday expanding a Trump-era list of Chinese companies blacklisted for their alleged ties to the country's military.
Biden Admin. Says Bans 59 Chinese Military, Surveillance Firms From Getting US Investments Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- US President Joe Biden has banned 59 Chinese military and surveillance firms from acquiring US investors or investments, expanding an original list of 44 Chinese companies targeted in a November executive order, the White House announced on Thursday.

Ebbing ANGB selected to host F-35 training center for FMS participants, RSAF F-16 training US Air Force 03 Jun 2021 -- The Department of the Air Force selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas, as the preferred location to establish an F-35 Lightning II training center for Foreign Military Sales participants and the new location for the 425th Fighter Squadron, a Republic of Singapore air force F-16 Fighting Falcon training unit currently based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Hanscom team awards contract for up to six aircraft US Air Force 03 Jun 2021 -- A Hanscom Air Force Base team awarded a $464.8 million contract to Learjet, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of the Specialized Aircraft Division of Bombardier Inc., on June 1 in support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program.
USS Mount Whitney Visits Oslo, Norway US Navy 03 Jun 2021 -- The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) made a scheduled logistics stop to Oslo, Norway, June 1, 2021.
3d MLG, NMCB-4 Rehearse Naval integration, EABO Concepts During Poseidon's Watchtower '21 US Navy 03 Jun 2021 -- Marines with 3d Marine Logistics Group (MLG) and Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 are conducting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) training on islands around Okinawa during Exercise Poseidon's Watchtower from June 2-17, 2021.
Navy Accepts Delivery of Ship to Shore Connector, Landing Craft, Air Cushion 102 US Navy Press Release 03 Jun 2021 -- The Navy accepted delivery of the next generation landing craft, Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 102, June 3.
U.S., U.K., French Navies Reaffirm Commitment to Increased Cooperation US Navy Press Release 03 Jun 2021 -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday joined First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin and Chief of the French Navy Adm. Pierre Vandier in Toulon, France, for a trilateral maritime discussion, June 3.
Mobile chemical laboratory test plays key role in Army modernization Army News 03 Jun 2021 -- A team of Department of the Army Civilian scientists contributed to the Army's modernization efforts by completing operational testing for an expeditionary analytical laboratory here.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah DoD 03 Jun 2021
DOD Officials Testify on Defense Environmental Restoration Program DoD News 03 Jun 2021 -- The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience, Richard Kidd, provided testimony on May 26 at a virtual House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the defense environmental restoration program, also known as DERP.

Secretary General welcomes Prime Minister of Lithuania to NATO Headquarters NATO 03 Jun 2021 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė of Lithuania to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (3 June 2021) to discuss the preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit.

Sudan Hasn't Made Decision on Naval Base Yet, Russian Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- Sudan has not yet made a decision to revise an agreement on a Russian naval base in the Red Sea, and the sides still have to negotiate, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Sputnik on Thursday.

China's most advanced lightweight tank Type 15 enters PLA Navy Marine Corps service Global Times 03 Jun 2021 -- China's independently developed, most advanced lightweight tank, the Type 15, has been commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Marine Corps, latest reports show.

Israel Has Right to Defend Itself, US Reaffirms VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- Israeli Defense Minster Benny Gantz met with Biden administration officials Thursday and came away with a U.S. affirmation of Israel's right to defend itself and a commitment to restock its Iron Dome missile defense system.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin Gantz DoD 03 Jun 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin Gantz Opening Remarks at Bilateral Meeting DoD 03 Jun 2021
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Israeli Alternate Prime Minister/Defense Minister Benjamin "Benny" Gantz Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2021
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gantz US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2021
Readout from NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin Gantz The White House 03 Jun 2021

Pakistan, Tajikistan Sign Accords To Improve Bilateral Relations, Defense Ties RFE/RL Gandhara 03 Jun 2021 -- Pakistan and Tajikistan have signed several accords to boost ties between the two nations, including defense and armaments.

MoD signs contract to procure 11 Airport Surveillance Radars for Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guard India PIB 03 Jun 2021 -- Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems Ltd., Mumbai for procurement of 11 Airport Surveillance Radars with Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard on June 03, 2021.
INS Sandhayak to be Decommissioned on 04 Jun 21 India PIB 03 Jun 2021 -- INS Sandhayak, the first of its class indigenously designed and built Hydrographic Survey Ship of Indian Navy, will be decommissioned on Friday, 04 Jun 21 after serving the nation for 40 years.

Saudi Arabia still biggest buyer of French arms despite Paris reduction of weapons export in 2020 Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Saudi Arabia imported more than $850 billion worth of weapons from France last year, making it the biggest buyer of French arms even as the European country reduced its weapons exports, the French defense ministry says.

Australia - AH-64E Apache Helicopters DSCA 03 Jun 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of AH-64E Apache Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Indonesia ends salvage of sunken submarine PLA Daily 03 Jun 2021 -- Indonesia has ended its efforts to lift the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine that sank in Bali waters, a navy officer said on Wednesday.

Paris Suspends Military Cooperation With Mali Until Getting 'Guarantees' on Civilian Power Transfer Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- France's eight-year war against rebellious tribes in northern Mali has grown increasingly unpopular in both countries, with protests against the French military presence continuing through the interim government period.

Biden Aims to Restore Alliances During Visit to Europe VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden visits Europe later this month on what will be his first trip abroad since taking office, the White House announced Thursday.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Bilateral Meeting with French National Security Advisor Emmanuel Bonne The White House 03 Jun 2021
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's and Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh's Meetings with German Counterparts The White House 02 Jun 2021
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, June 3, 2021 The White House 03 Jun 2021
Department Press Briefing – June 3, 2021 US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For June 3, 2021

Other Conflicts

3 June 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Jun 2021

Yemen: Health, environment and economy remain under threat from stricken oil tanker UN News 03 Jun 2021 -- There has been no further investigation into the state of the FSO Safer, a stricken tanker anchored just 4.8 nautical miles off the Yemen coast, meaning the risk of a massive oil leak continues to grow with each passing day, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday.
UN: Risk of Massive Oil Spill in Red Sea Grows Daily VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- The U.N. environment chief warned Thursday that the risk of a massive oil spill in the Red Sea is growing daily, as Yemeni rebels prevent international experts from accessing an old, neglected tanker carrying more than 1 million barrels of crude oil.

Syria's liberation, close ties with allies high on Assad's agenda in new term: Aide Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- A senior aide to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the liberation of the country from occupation and the reinforcement of relations with allies are among the priorities of the head of state during his new term in office.
We continue to insist on Syria's full cooperation with OPCW UK FCDO 03 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria Chemical Weapons
Accountability crucial to 'truly relegate' Syria chemical weapons to history UN News 03 Jun 2021 -- Until those responsible for any and all chemical weapons use in Syria are held responsible, the global community will continue sending a message of impunity, the senior UN disarmament official warned the Security Council on Thursday.

UNRWA chief calls for 'clear and unequivocal guarantees' on staff safety in Hamas-controlled Gaza UN News 03 Jun 2021 -- The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has called for "clear and unequivocal guarantees" over the safety and security of staff working to restore critical services in Gaza, following last month's conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas, which controls the occupied enclave.

News Reports

White House Urges US Companies to Protect Against Ransomware VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- The White House on Thursday urged American businesses to take new precautions to combat disruptive ransomware attacks that have increasingly hobbled companies throughout Western economies.
White House sounds the alarm over high-profile cyberattacks Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- The White House has sounded the alarm over recent high-profile attacks against American projects like Colonial Pipeline and SolarWinds and sent out recommendations to the private sector over how to protect themselves from cyber intrusions.
White House Urges Companies to Take Ransomware Threats Seriously After High-Profile Hacks Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- The White House is calling on the firms to undertake measures to safeguard against ransomware attacks after a series of high-profile attacks on large entities, a letter by Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, Anne Neuberger, said on Thursday.
Biden says "looking closely" at retaliation over ransomware attack People's Daily 03 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that his administration was "looking closely" at whether to retaliate against Russia for a recent ransomware attack.

FBI Blames Russian-Linked Hacker Group For Cyberattack On Meat Processing Company RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- U.S. authorities have attributed the attack on Brazil-based meat processor JBS to hackers believed to be tied to Russia and said U.S. investigators are working "diligently" to bring the group to justice.
Meat Producer JBS USA Says Its Global Facilities 'Fully Operational' After Cyberattack Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- Meat-producing giant JBS USA said in a press release that all of its global facilities are fully operational after a cyberattack that occurred earlier this week.

New York transit company breached as cyberattacks surge in US Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Hackers have infiltrated the computer systems of the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), one of the largest public transportation networks in the US.
Group With Alleged Ties to China Hacked NYC Public Transport Company in April, Reports Suggest Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- The computer systems of New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a public benefit corporation overseeing public transportation in the NYC metropolitan area, was compromised in April by a hacker group with alleged ties to China, The New York Times reported, citing a document that described the breach.

Joint Statement of the U.S.-India Counternarcotics Working Group US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of India.

Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the Fight Against Corruption The White House 03 Jun 2021
Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on the National Security Study Memorandum on the Fight Against Corruption The White House 03 Jun 2021
Memorandum on Establishing the Fight Against Corruption as a Core United States National Security Interest The White House 03 Jun 2021
UN hails new anti-corruption network, as 'important step' to build trust, promote justice UN News 03 Jun 2021 -- With factors contributing to transnational corruption becoming increasingly complex, the UN launched an initiative on Thursday to "empower all countries" to find practical solutions and better tools to track, investigate and prosecute the scourge.
Fighting Corruption Is Core National Security Interest, Biden Says VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is formally establishing the fight against corruption as a core national security interest.

Russian National Wealth Fund to Decrease Share of Dollar to Zero, Finance Minister Says Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- The Russian Ministry of Finance will introduce changes to the structure of the National Wealth Fund within a month, as the share of the US dollar will decrease to zero and the share of yuan will grow to 30 percent.
Interview: Senators Tell RFE/RL Putin Must Be Confronted About Efforts To 'Undermine American Democracy' RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- A group of U.S. senators says President Joe Biden should warn his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at a summit this month that he will be held accountable for his actions against the United States.
Russian Opposition Politician Gudkov Released From Custody RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- Russian opposition politician and former lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov was released from custody on June 3 without being formally charged.
Russian Spokeswoman Defends 'Foreign Agent' Law As 'An Eye-For-An-Eye' Reaction RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has defended her country's controversial labeling of some foreign-funded media as "foreign agents" by saying Moscow was "forced" to adopt the measure in response to actions taken by the United States.

The US' spying all over the world is unacceptable: China's Foreign Ministry Global Times 03 Jun 2021 -- It is unacceptable that the US spies on its allies, and it's even worse that it spies on others around the world, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday, in response to questions about China's comment on the US being criticized for spying on leaders of its allies.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 3, 2021 PRC MofA 03 Jun 2021
China, US Resume Normal Contacts on Trade, Chinese Government Says Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- China and the United States have resumed normal contacts on trade and economy with a view to resolving differences, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday.
On the 32nd Anniversary of Tiananmen Square US Dept. of State 03 Jun 2021 -- Tomorrow marks the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Named after the nearby Gate of Heavenly Peace, the square is instead synonymous with the brutal actions by the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1989 to silence tens of thousands of individuals advocating to have a say in their government and exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
China's Young People 'Know Little' of 1989 Tiananmen Massacre Radio Free Asia 03 Jun 2021 -- As the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) clamps down on dissidents ahead of Friday's anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre, younger people living in mainland China are largely unaware of the momentous events of the spring of 1989.
'Go to Victoria Park And Light a Candle': Alliance Leader Chow Hang-tung Radio Free Asia 03 Jun 2021 -- Barrister Chow Hang-tung was thrust into the limelight at the head of the the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China after several of its veteran leaders were jailed for taking part in the 2019 protest movement.
Is Hong Kong's Last Pro-Democracy Newspaper Doomed? VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- Hong Kong is a city going through change, and Beijing wants no one to complain.
'Uyghur Tribunal' a latest farce by anti-China professionals, 'blasphemy against law' Global Times 03 Jun 2021 -- The so-called "Uyghur Tribunal" is just another anti-China farce, and the fake tribunal has nothing to do with law and is aimed at political and public opinion manipulation in the name of court, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a Thursday press conference, calling the move a "blasphemy" against law.
Objective, rational voices globally debunking Xinjiang-related lies: FM spokesperson People's Daily 03 Jun 2021 -- More and more objective and rational voices around the world are debunking lies and rumors related to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.
Two Siblings of Norway-based Uyghur Activist Sentenced to Jail in China's Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 03 Jun 2021 -- Chinese authorities have sentenced the brother and sister of a prominent exiled Uyghur scholar and linguist to several years in jail in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), government and police officials in the region told RFA last month.

North Korea Restricts Local Markets, Pushing Sales in State-Owned Stores Radio Free Asia 03 Jun 2021 -- North Korean authorities are drastically cutting the size of local markets around the country, limiting their business to the sale of farm and livestock products and allowing the sale of other commodities only in state-owned stores, sources in the reclusive country say.

Iran's top JCPOA negotiator says next round of talks could be final IRNA 03 Jun 2021 -- The head of Iran's nuclear negotiating team Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that the next round of talks in Vienna could the final one, as the participants in the nuclear deal and the US must take their difficult decisions.
China raps US' maximum pressure, wants revocation of all unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- China has lambasted the so-called maximum pressure campaign by the United States against Iran as the root cause of disputes over Tehran's peaceful nuclear program, calling on Washington to remove the entire unilateral sanctions on the Islamic Republic as talks on the revival of a 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are vigorously pursued in the Austrian capital of Vienna.
Iran after Vienna talks: US, P4+1 must take tough decisions on remaining issues Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Iran's top nuclear negotiator says certain important issues still remain to be hammered out by Tehran and its partners in the 2015 nuclear deal before they can reach an agreement on a potential revival of the accord, stressing that the onus is now on the US and the other co-signatories to make "difficult decisions" for that to happen.
Iran Nuclear Talks Make Progress, But Difficult Decisions Lie Ahead, Negotiators Say RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- Negotiations to revive the Iran nuclear deal are heading into their most delicate phase, European diplomats said after the latest round of talks ended in Vienna.
Guterres: Iran loses UN voting rights for failure to pay dues Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- The United Nations secretary general says Iran will lose its voting rights in the 193-member General Assembly due to the failure to pay its dues to the UN operating body.

Hundreds of people protest in Myanmar as ICRC chief meets junta leader Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Hundreds of people have protested in Myanmar's largest city of Yangon against the military rule as the International Red Cross chief met the junta leader to discuss humanitarian access to conflict areas in the Southeast Asian country.
Myanmar teachers, students defy junta order to reopen schools Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Only a quarter of Myanmar's more than 12 million students have enrolled for the new school year amid a protest boycott against military rule and following a series of bombings, an official of a teachers' group said.
Three Soldiers Killed, Two Militiamen Injured in Clashes in Myanmar's Magway and Sagaing Regions Radio Free Asia 03 Jun 2021 -- At least three soldiers were killed, and two militia members injured during clashes in western Myanmar's Magway and Sagaing regions Thursday, as fighting between the junta and civilian forces showed no sign of abating some four months after the military toppled the country's democratically elected government.

Belarus To Cut U.S. Embassy Staff As Part Of Retaliatory Sanctions RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- Belarus says it is reducing the permitted number of diplomats and other staff at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk and tightening visa procedures for American citizens, in response to U.S. sanctions imposed on the Eastern European country over a sweeping crackdown on the opposition.

Netanyahu Opponents Seek Quick End to Israeli PM's Time in Office VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- Opponents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked Thursday to arrange a quick parliamentary vote to end his 12-year term in office.
Netanyahu Urges 'Right-Wing Knesset Members to Oppose Dangerous Left-Wing Gov't' Announced by Lapid Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- This is the first announcement by Israel's long-serving prime minister, since the opposition announced a new Israeli coalition government. Last month, Netanyahu failed to form a new government following the fourth vote in just two years.
Lapid announces forming unprecedented coalition to boot Netanyahu Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Israeli opposition politician Yair Lapid announces forming an unprecedented coalition gathering a whole host of allies aimed at dealing death to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political longevity.
Israeli PM's opponents say deal reached to form new gov't People's Daily 03 Jun 2021 -- Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Wednesday that a deal was reached to form a coalition government that would end the 12-year rule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jordan to try 2 suspects in coup plot, both close to Saudi Arabia: Media Press TV 03 Jun 2021 -- Jordan is set to try two suspects over an alleged plot to destabilize the Arab country, the state media reported.

After Kosovo, Top U.S., EU Envoys Visit Serbia To Press For Renewed Dialogue RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer and the EU envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, are visiting Serbia to press its leaders to resume talks on the normalization of ties with Kosovo.

Hungary Loses Case In EU Court Over Vote To Investigate Backsliding On Democracy RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- The EU Court of Justice has dismissed Hungary's challenge to a decision by the European Parliament to investigate whether Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken moves that undermine European legal standards and democratic values.

U.S. Places Sanctions On Bulgarian Power Broker, Gambling Tycoon, Citing Influence Peddling RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- The United States has slapped economic sanctions on three Bulgarian individuals, including a power broker and a gambling tycoon, as well as dozens of companies they allegedly own or control for their "extensive roles" in corruption in Bulgaria.

Kyrgyz Ex-PM Sent To Pretrial Detention In Corruption Case RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- A court in Bishkek has ordered former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov be held in pretrial detention for two months.

EU Officials Unnerved by Strength of Italy's Radical Right VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- Britain's Brexit advocates drool at the idea of another European Union member opting to quit the bloc. And they hedge their bets whether it will be France, Italy or one of the so-called "awkward squad" of Central European countries so often at loggerheads with Brussels.

As Algeria Prepares for Legislative Elections, Authorities Crack Down on Dissent VOA 03 Jun 2021 -- Protests banned and political activists and journalists detained. Lawyers and judges reprimanded or otherwise targeted, ostensibly for their ties to a grassroots protest movement demanding profound political change.

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