COVID-19 - Daily News

16 June 2021 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

'You're Making A Big Mistake': Taliban Warns Turkey as Ankara Offers Troops to Guard Kabul Airport Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- Taliban fighters are presently involved in offensives against the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) across the country, and already have a dominating presence in 24 of the 34 provinces. The escalating violence by the Taliban comes as the US-led foreign troops accelerate their withdrawal from the insurgency-ravaged country.
Afghanistan Urged To Probe Killing Of Civilians Amid Continued Impunity RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Jun 2021 -- Amnesty International is urging the Afghan authorities to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of a recent series of deadly attacks against civilians amounting to war crimes.
'The Taliban Will Kill Us': Afghans Who Helped Foreign Forces At Risk Of Reprisals After Withdrawal RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Jun 2021 -- The Taliban has vowed for years that it will kill any Afghans who have worked for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, branding them "traitors."
Afghanistan's media: 100 Taliban militants, 80 Afghan soldiers killed in 24 hours Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Afghanistan's local media report that at least 100 members of the Taliban militant group and about 80 Afghan soldiers have been killed during clashes in a time span of 24 hours across the country.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S.-Russia Presidential Joint Statement on Strategic Stability The White House 16 Jun 2021
Remarks by President Biden in Press Conference The White House 16 Jun 2021
Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure The White House 16 Jun 2021
News conference following Russia-US talks President of Russia 16 Jun 2021
U.S.-Russia Presidential Joint Statement on Strategic Stability The White House 16 Jun 2021
Putin Says Russia, US Bear Special Responsibility for Strategic Stability as Nuclear Powers Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- The Russian and US presidents held a marathon 4.5 hour summit meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday, discussing a broad range of issues.
Russian-US talks President of Russia 16 Jun 2021 -- Talks between Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Joseph Biden took place in Geneva.
Biden, Putin Summit Ends After More Than Three Hours Of Talks RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- The White House says a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has ended after about four hours of talks.
Biden, Putin meet amid US escalation of Russia tensions Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Joe Biden, sat down to have two rounds of meetings in a summit.
Biden Strikes Realistic Tone After Meeting With Putin VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have ended their summit in Geneva, with Biden describing it as "good" and "positive."
Putin Characterizes Summit with Biden as 'Constructive' VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have ended their summit in Geneva, chosen as a location for the talks for its history of political neutrality.
Biden, Putin Conclude Geneva Summit VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have ended their summit in Geneva, chosen as a location for the talks for its history of political neutrality.
Putin, Biden shake hands amid anticipation yet low expectation Global Times 17 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden finally shook hands at an 18th-century Swiss villa perched above Lake Geneva on Wednesday, but as the two sides and most observers worldwide have downplayed expectations ahead of the summit, the meeting is unlikely to mark an end to tensions between the two global powers, with Chinese analysts saying that Biden needs the summit more than Putin.

Official Details DOD Missile Defense Strategy DoD News 16 Jun 2021 -- Missile defense plays a key role in U.S. national security. However, as missile technology matures and proliferates among potential adversaries China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, the threat to the U.S., deployed forces, allies and partners is increasing, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear and missile defense policy said.
Moroccan, U.S. fighters and refuelers showcase combined capabilities AFRICOM 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 31st Fighter Wing and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing flew alongside Moroccan F-16s during African Lion 2021, demonstrating partnership and capability to execute combined operations.
Under Secretary of the Air Force nominee testifies during Senate Armed Services Committee hearing US Air Force 16 Jun 2021 -- Under Secretary of the Air Force nominee Gina Ortiz Jones testified before members of the Senate Armed Services Committee June 16.
AFRL's THOR hammers drones in new video animation US Air Force 16 Jun 2021 -- The Air Force Research Laboratory has created a new video animation that realistically depicts a Tactical High-power Operational Responder, or THOR, destroying swarms of enemy drones in a base defense scenario.
PHIBRON 11, 31st MEU reunite for summer US Navy 16 Jun 2021 -- America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployed June 10 for scheduled routine operations across the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise Global Medic Kicks Off at Fort Hunter Liggett US Navy 16 Jun 2021 -- Exercise Global Medic provides robust opportunities for military medical personnel to improve their proficiencies in realistic training environments, while combining forces with sister service branches and international military participants. The exercise provides an opportunity to test, evaluate, and ultimately validate military medical personnel in an austere environment. This is a vital requirement that is particularly important as Soldiers and Sailors are returning to the field after months of scheduled training activities postponed or limited by the global pandemic.
BALTOPS 50 INTEGRATES NATO AIR POWER US Navy 16 Jun 2021 -- Baltic Operations (BALTOPS), the premier maritime exercise in the Baltic region has grown vastly over the years. The 50th iteration has become a multi-domain operation, incorporating NATO air power into the training event.
U.S., Niger forces conduct joint mortar training event AFRICOM 16 Jun 2021 -- Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Nigerien Soldiers concluded a month-long U.S. mortar system training event at Tondibiah, Niger, June 9.
Pentagon Reportedly Mulling Cold War-Style Permanent Navy Task Force in Pacific 'to Counter China' Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- The Biden administration dramatically ramped up the US's military footprint in the Asia-Pacific region in recent months, deploying carrier strike groups to the South and East China Seas at four times for 'freedom of navigation' missions, and doubling reconnaissance flights over Chinese-claimed waters.
USS Rafael Peralta Operates in Sea of Japan US Navy 16 Jun 2021 -- USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) concludes a 5-day multi-domain maritime presence operation in the Sea of Japan, June 11–15.
U.S. 7th Fleet ECC Visits Partner Nations, FS Tonnerre US Navy 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. 7th Fleet Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC) leadership recently visited with partner nations and embarked the French Navy ship, FS Tonnerre (L9014), part of the Jeanne d'Arc Task Group, in the vicinity of Sasebo, Japan.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Participation in the 8th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus DoD 16 Jun 2021
8th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus held online PLA Daily 16 Jun 2021 -- The 8th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus was held via video link on June 16. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe attended the meeting and made a statement.

Two Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets Perform Planned Flight Over Neutral Waters of Baltic Sea Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- Two Su-35 Russian Aerospace Forces multi-role fighter jets performed a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea on Tuesday; the aircraft did not deviate from their flight path, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

Record PLA exercise 'warns Taiwan secessionists, US carrier activity' Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly dispatched on Tuesday a record-breaking fleet of warplanes to conduct an exercise surrounding the island of Taiwan, with analysts saying on Wednesday that the drill indicated a stronger control over the Taiwan Straits by the PLA, and sent a strong signal to the Taiwan secessionists and their Western supporters following recent provocations, as well as to the activity by a US aircraft carrier near the region.

Hawley, Colleagues Reintroduce Taiwan Defense Act Office of Senator Josh Hawley - Missouri 16 Jun 2021 -- "Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he will reintroduce the Taiwan Defense Act (TDA), following new signs of China's increasing belligerence in the Asia-Pacific and imperial ambitions worldwide. Sen. Hawley's bill ensures the United States is able to defeat any attempted Chinese invasion of Taiwan."
China's growing coercion of Taiwan increases risk of miscalculation: U.S. CNA 16 Jun 2021 -- China's growing military coercion near Taiwan has increased the risk of miscalculation, the U.S. Department of Defense said, after Beijing sent a record-high number of military aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday.

Germany Pulls Military Unit From Lithuania Amid Racism, Harassment Allegations VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Germany on Wednesday withdrew a platoon of its forces from Lithuania amid charges of serious misconduct.

Iran's Interest in Russian Satellite 'Not Particularly Concerning' to US Security, CENTCOM Chief Tells VOA VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Iran's reported desire to purchase a Russian advanced satellite system is not "particularly concerning" to U.S. security in the region, according to the commander who oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East.

£36 million contract for new MOD Police Patrol Craft UK MOD 16 Jun 2021 -- A £36 million contract has been awarded to Marine Specialised Technology to deliver 18 new police patrol craft for the MOD and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) Forces.

Call with Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief Australia DOD 16 Jun 2021 -- The Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston AO RAN, spoke for the second time with the Deputy Commander-in Chief of the Myanmar military, Vice Senior General Soe Win, on 16 June.
Smart support solutions aid the fight Australia DOD 16 Jun 2021 -- Exercise Diamond Walk has been a crucial exercise developing the employment of supporting equipment and using new communication tactics thanks to changes in the enabling units of 7 Combat Brigade.
Ballarat refuelled by United States Navy Australia DOD 16 Jun 2021 -- HMAS Ballarat has been refuelled during a rendezvous with two United States Navy ships during its Regional Presence Deployment.

Indian Defence Minister: Beijing-Led Talks on South China Sea Should Not Undermine Others' Interests Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- A group of Southeast Asian nations and China have been jointly working on a code of conduct for the South China Sea for more than three years to prevent tensions in the region over maritime boundaries. With the first draft of such a regional framework made available in 2018, China had expressed hope that the code will be finished in 2021.

Lithuanian Foreign Ministry Lodges Complaint, Alleges Russia Violated its Airspace Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had invited a representative of the Russian embassy to formally protest an alleged violation of its airspace by Russian military planes.

Briefing with a Senior Administration Official US Dept. of State 16 Jun 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For June 16, 2021
Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio win contract for SICRAL 3 secure satellite communications system and associated ground segment Thales 16 Jun 2021 -- Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and Telespazio, the joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), have signed a contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense, represented by TELEDIFE / Secretariat General of Defense, for the development of the SICRAL 3 secure satellite communications system, including its ground segment.

Other Conflicts

16 June 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Jun 2021

ICC Swears in Top Global Defense Lawyer as Prosecutor VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- The International Criminal Court has sworn in a top international defense lawyer as its new prosecutor.
ICC's new Prosecutor Karim Khan sworn in Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- British barrister Karim Khan has been sworn in as the new chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and pledged to improve the efficiency of the Hague-based tribunal.

US Calls China's Conduct in South China Sea 'Unlawful' Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted what he called China's unlawful behavior in the South China Sea, while his Chinese counterpart said Beijing was determined to safeguard its core interests, at an ASEAN-hosted meeting on Wednesday.

Israel Launches Airstrikes on Gaza VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Tensions between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas flared again after Hamas launched incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip into Israel, a month after a cease-fire. Hamas said the balloons were meant to protest an Israeli march in east Jerusalem.

Ethiopia says Eritrean troops will soon leave Tigray as UN warns of unfolding famine Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Ethiopia's northern Tigray region has for months been embroiled in a conflict that has resulted in massive fatalities, displacement and now acute hunger. The country's UN envoy says Eritrean troops, criticized for their role in the conflict, are set to imminently leave the region, while a top UN official has warned of an unfolding famine catastrophe there.

Car bomb explosion at Colombia military base in Cucuta injures dozens Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- A car bomb explosion has hit a military base in the Colombian border city of Cucuta.

Tibetan Exile MPs Sworn in Amid Political Controversy Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- Newly elected members of Tibet's India-based exile parliament were sworn into office in two separate groups on June 8, with each group now denouncing the other's oaths as invalid, Tibetan sources say.

News Reports

U.S. Justice Department Urges Supreme Court To Reinstate Death Penalty For Boston Marathon Bomber RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate the death sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Ukraine Roots Out Ring Behind Hacks On U.S. Universities, South Korean Firms RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- Police in Ukraine said on June 16 that they exposed a ring of hackers who targeted some of the most prestigious U.S. universities as well as commercial companies in South Korea.

Russian National Convicted of Charges Relating to Kelihos Botnet US Dept. of Justice 16 Jun 2021 -- A federal jury in Connecticut convicted a Russian national on Tuesday for operating a "crypting" service used to conceal "Kelihos" malware from antivirus software, enabling hackers to systematically infect victim computers around the world with malicious software, including ransomware.

Woman Sentenced to 198 Months in Prison for Teaching and Distributing Information About Weapons of Mass Destruction US Dept. of Justice 16 Jun 2021 -- A New York woman was sentenced today to 198 months, about 16 and a half years, in prison for her role in planning a terrorist attack in the United States.

Putin: Jailed Opposition Leader Navalny Got What He Deserved VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny got what he deserved when he was sentenced to prison.
EU Foreign-Policy Chief Says It's Time To 'Push Back' Against Russia RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- European Union foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell says the EU needs to "push back, constrain, and engage" Moscow.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Bill Criminalizing Links To 'Undesirable' Organizations RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved the third and final reading of a bill that would criminalize participation in the activities of foreign or international NGOs declared "undesirable" in Russia.
Journalism Watchdog Warns That Russia Is 'Killing Off' Independent Media RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has warned of the "gradual disappearance" of independent media in Russia, and urged President Vladimir Putin to repeal a "draconian 'foreign agents' law" that has been used to target RFE/RL and other news outlets.

China, Russia jointly release road map on lunar station program, emphasizing openness to intl partners Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- In the latest show of the determination and confidence of China-Russia cooperation in the field of lunar and deeper-space exploration, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and its Russian counterpart jointly released the International Lunar Research Station Roadmap (V1.0) and Guide for Partnership (V1.0), stressing once again their openness to all interested countries, international organizations and partners to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, Global Times learned from the China National Space Agency (CNSA) on Wednesday.

China set to send three astronauts into space ahead of CPC centenary celebration Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- Space, here we come!
China to Send 1st Crewed Mission to New Space Station on Thursday, Space Agency Says Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- China plans to send three astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-12 manned spacecraft to its new orbital station on 17 June, Ji Qiming, an assistant director at the China Manned Space Program, said on Wednesday.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 16, 2021 PRC MofA 16 Jun 2021
US Has Eye on China's Influence at UN VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations reassured Congress Wednesday that she is working to monitor and rein in what she called China's "malign influence" at the world body.
US, EU not qualified to lecture others in their joint statement: Chinese FM Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- The multi-faceted approaches to China mentioned in the EU-US Summit Statement actually infringe on China's interests and China firmly opposes it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press conference on Wednesday.
China says Belgium after destabilizing Xinjiang in case of Uighurs Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- China has decried a resolution in Belgium's parliament warning of "serious risk of genocide" against Uighurs in Xinjiang.
No leak at Taishan Nuclear Power Plant, no increase in environmental radiation limits: Officials Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- Monitoring of the radiation environment around the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant in South China's Guangdong Province shows that the radiation levels around the plant are normal, indicating there is no leakage at the plant, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said on Wednesday, refuting CNN's report on an alleged leak and clarifying the concerned issues.
Issues at China Nuclear Plant Point to Long-Term Concerns: Experts Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- Reports of a potential radioactive leak at a French-built nuclear reactor at Taishan in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong point to longer-term safety concerns, but aren't a cause for immediate alarm, experts told RFA.
China Goes After Online Fan Groups Amid Clampdown Ahead of Centenary Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- China's internet regulator is cracking down on verbal abuse and "rumor-mongering" among fan groups on social media, a move which commentators say will include further suppression of any speech considered politically sensitive by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but also forms part of an ongoing war on celebrity culture.

U.S. nominee for East Asia affairs vows stronger ties with Taiwan CNA 16 Jun 2021 -- Daniel Kritenbrink, the nominee for United States assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said Tuesday he will work to strengthen ties with Taiwan if he is confirmed for the post.
Macao office in Taipei suspends operation following HK office closure CNA 16 Jun 2021 -- Macao's representative office in Taiwan on Wednesday announced the indefinite suspension of its operations starting Saturday, but gave no reason for the decision.
Macao's decision to suspend office in Taipei following HK shows resolution to safeguard national solidarity with legal weapons: experts Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced on Wednesday that it will suspend the operations of the Macao Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, following the ceasing of operations of a similar Hong Kong SAR office in the island in May.
Macau follows Hong Kong in closing office in Chinese Taipei Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- China's semi-autonomous city of Macau says it is closing its representative office in Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), a month after neighboring Hong Kong made the same move to protest Taipei's interference in its affairs.
Macau Shuts Down Representative Office in Democratic Taiwan Amid Souring Ties Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- The formerly Portuguese-run city of Macau, which has been under ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) control since 1999, is shutting down its representative office in democratic Taiwan, the city government said on Wednesday.
Beijing says will respond to foreign 'collusion' over Chinese Taipei Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- China has once again stated its opposition to foreign intervention in the affairs of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), stressing that any such acts of "collusion" will receive a strong response.
Beijing Blasts Foreign Meddling in Taiwan's Affairs, Flies Over Two Dozen Military Jets Near Island Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- The Taiwan issue reemerged as a major sore point in relations between China and the United States as soon as President Biden stepped into office in January, with the decision to invite the island's de-facto ambassador to the president's inauguration slammed by Beijing and resulting in an escalation of tensions.
More Than Two Dozen Chinese Warplanes Enter Taiwan's Airspace VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Taiwan's defense ministry said China flew 28 warplanes within its airspace Tuesday.

North Korea Cracks Down on Illegal Phone Calls to China and South Korea Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- North Korea has recently begun a harsh crackdown on international phone calls to South Korea and China, which hard-pressed residents of areas near the Chinese border rely on as channels for remittances from relatives in exile, sources in the country told RFA.
3rd Plenary Meeting of 8th Central Committee of WPK Opens KCNA 16 Jun 2021 -- The 3rd Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) opened on Tuesday amid unusual concern and expectations of all the Party members and all the people of the country keeping high fighting spirit braving manifold difficulties in their advance along the path indicated by the historic 8th Congress of the Party.
In Frank Admission, Kim Jong-un Says North Korea Facing 'Tense' Food Situation Following Floods Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- North Korea has been a food insecure nation for much of the past 30 years, with the end of Soviet fuel subsidies in 1991 wreaking havoc on its mechanised agriculture. This, compounded with a period of droughts and floods, caused major food shortages in the 1990s, which turned into famines that killed between 240,000 and 600,000 people.

Reformist Candidate, Two Hard-Liners Drop Out Of Iran's Presidential Election RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- A reformist candidate and two hard-liners have dropped out of Iran's presidential election on the last day of the campaign - leaving just four candidates in the June 18 vote.
Jalili becomes 2nd candidate to drop out of Iran election in support of Raeisi Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Principlist presidential candidate Sa'eed Jalili has dropped out of the June 18 presidential election, urging his supporters and those who have faith in the ideals of the 1979 Islamic Revolution to vote for fellow contender Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi.
Presidential candidate Zakani quits Iran's election race in favor of Raeisi Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Principlist candidate Alireza Zakani has resigned from the 2021 presidential election in support of fellow contender Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi, who enjoys the highest support among voters, according to opinion polls.
Reformist Mehr-Alizadeh drops out of Iran's presidential election, likely boosting fellow Hemmati's chances Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh, one of the Reformist candidates in Iran's presidential election, has dropped out of the race, in what will likely boost the chances of fellow Reformist candidate Nasser Hemmati for election.
Vienna talks: IAEA chief says 'political will' from all sides needed to revive Iran nuclear deal Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says "political will" is needed from all parties to the Vienna talks aimed at reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal for the negotiations to come to a conclusion.

Myanmar Elderly Perish as Village Razed in Fire Blamed on Junta Troops Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- Four elderly villagers in central Myanmar were killed when a fire tore through their village, destroying about 250 houses and sending 1,000 people fleeing to safety in nearby mountains, residents said Wednesday.

Pakistan Bans Lawmakers After Parliament Brawl RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Jun 2021 -- Pakistan banned the entry of seven lawmakers into the parliament building in Islamabad following a scuffle in which opposition and ruling party MPs hurled copies of the budget book and shouted abuses at one another.

Boris Johnson intervenes in Northern Ireland political crisis as standoff deepens Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has directly intervened in Northern Ireland's intensifying political crisis by emphasizing the importance of upholding the January 2020 deal that restored power-sharing at Stormont.

Peru leftist Castillo claims presidency as Fujimori challenges rival Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Election-relations tensions continue in Peru. Leftist presidential candidate Pedro Castillo has claimed victory in the election before the announcement of the official results, and despite objections from his right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori, who has pledged to continue to the end.

Vietnam's 'Clean Newspaper' Writers May Face Additional Charges Radio Free Asia 16 Jun 2021 -- Four independent journalists held in southern Vietnam's Can Tho province for "slandering" government leaders in their investigative reports may soon face additional and more serious charges of revealing state secrets, state media said on Wednesday.

The United States Welcomes the Organization of American States Resolution on Nicaragua US Dept. of State 16 Jun 2021 -- "Yesterday, an overwhelming majority of Organization of American States (OAS) member states sent a clear message of support for the Nicaraguan people and their fight for free and fair elections, respect for human rights, and accountability."

Spain's Leaders to Pardon Catalan Separatists, Despite Protests VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- "There is no king in Catalonia!" cried the protesters as they burned pictures of King Felipe VI.

After Clampdown On 'Muslim Brotherhood,' Tajikistan Goes After Alleged Salafiya Members RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- A closed-door trial has begun in Tajikistan of 18 suspected members of the banned Salafiya movement, with almost no information made public about the defendants or the charges they face.

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