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17 June 2021 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

US House Votes to End 2002 Iraq War Authorization VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday that would repeal the authorization of use of military force in Iraq that has been in effect since 2002.
US House Repeals 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- When US President Joe Biden ordered an airstrike against a depot in Syria allegedly used by Iraqi militias in February, he claimed the action was ordered in self-defense, not under a War on Terror-era law, as has been used for similar past airstrikes.

U.S. Hails 'Clear Commitment' From Turkey To Secure Kabul Airport RFE/RL Gandhara 17 Jun 2021 -- U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has welcomed Turkey's "clear commitment" to take a lead role in securing Kabul's international airport after the planned U.S.-led withdrawal of allied troops from Afghanistan later this year.
US Defense Chief Warns of al-Qaida, IS Rebound in Afghanistan VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Top U.S. defense officials are sounding a dire warning about the danger Afghanistan's top terror groups will pose to America once the last U.S. and coalition troops leave the country in the coming months.

Coronavirus Breaks Out at US Embassy in Afghanistan VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Dozens of people at the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan have tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting officials to lock down much of the diplomatic mission.
U.S. Locks Down Kabul Embassy Amid COVID Outbreak RFE/RL Gandhara 17 Jun 2021 -- Staff in the U.S. Embassy in Kabul are being required to telework due to a "significant outbreak" of COVID-19 that has killed one local staffer.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Awards $37.6 Million Contract to Showa Best Glove, Inc. to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of Nitrile Gloves DoD 17 Jun 2021 -- On June 17, 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD), on behalf of and in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a $37.6 million contract to Showa Best Glove, Inc. to increase domestic production of nitrile gloves.
AFC chief: 'Preference is deterrence' in regards to new capabilities for joint force Army News 17 Jun 2021 -- Ever should a near-peer adversary attempt to encroach on territories in the Indo-Pacific, the Army will be prepared to act, the head of Army Futures Command told lawmakers Tuesday.
Fiscal 2022 DOD Budget Request Looks to Future Preparedness DoD News 17 Jun 2021 -- Past fiscal defense budgets had to favor current readiness over long-term modernization. The fiscal 2022 president's defense request begins the shift of monies to the future with record research and development spending in cutting edge technologies, defense leaders told the Senate Appropriations Committee today.
111th TEB strengthens partnerships with Jordanian Armed Forces CENTCOM 17 Jun 2021 -- Dating back to 1949, when the United States established diplomatic relations with Jordan, the U.S. – Jordan partnership has been strongly valued by both nations. This is largely in part to the sharing of many strategic goals and security ideals.
5th ANGLICO trains alongside Japanese, French, Australian militaries USMC News 17 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, integrated with Japanese, French and Australian military units in recent training events across the Okinawa littoral and mainland Japan area during the months of April and May of 2021.
Air Force releases Bridge Tanker Sources Sought Announcement US Air Force 17 Jun 2021 -- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued a Sources Sought Announcement for the Bridge Tanker Program to determine the number of qualified, interested companies capable of providing solutions for the planned, non-developmental tanker recapitalization program.
Air, Space Forces leaders discuss, defend budget requests in congressional hearings US Air Force 17 Jun 2021 -- With a couple of notable exceptions, House and Senate lawmakers on a pair of influential committees expressed general agreement June 16 and 17 with the Air and Space Forces' strategic priorities and budget choices as well as the services' plans for confronting modern-day challenges and threats.
ShOC-N: Bringing ABMS future faster US Air Force 17 Jun 2021 -- Effective communication is key to success in any business, but in the business of national defense, it can be the difference between mission success or failure.
Navy Seeks to Unleash the Potential of Unmanned Systems US Navy 17 Jun 2021 -- The Department of the Navy (DoN) is producing an after-action review of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led Unmanned Integrated Battle Problem 21 (IBP21), an exercise held April 19-26 in San Diego, California.
U.S., Dutch Navy Chiefs meet, discuss maritime security, reaffirm continued cooperation US Navy Press Release 17 Jun 2021 -- U.S., Dutch Navy Chiefs meet, discuss maritime security, reaffirm continued cooperation.

NATO Membership For Ukraine Would Be 'Red Line,' Kremlin Says RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Ukraine becoming a member of NATO would be a "red line" for Russia, the Kremlin has said after U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first summit in Geneva.

Putin: Nuclear-armed Russia, US share responsibility for global strategic stability Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Following a meeting with his American counterpart, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the two countries shoulder "a special responsibility" for maintaining strategic stability in the world as nuclear powers, and that Washington and Moscow have agreed to start a round of talks on arms control soon.
Russia Expects to Start Talks With US on Arms Control Within Weeks, Deputy Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Earlier, on 16 June, Biden and Putin signed a joint statement vowing to launch a bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue to lay the foundation for arms control talks and avoid nuclear war.
Putin Announces Cybersecurity, Strategic Stability Talks After Meeting Biden Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Strategic Stability

Raksha Mantri dedicates to the nation 12 roads, built by BRO, in Northern & Eastern border areas India PIB 17 Jun 2021 -- The roads will play an important role in national security & development of North-East region, says Shri Rajnath Singh

Sixty Israeli navy commandos sent home with highly contagious infection Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Dozens of commandos from one of the Israeli regime's special forces units have been sent home from a training base after they showed symptoms of impetigo – a highly infectious bacterial disease.

Revised UN Resolution Waters Down Call for Halting Arms Sales to Myanmar Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- Sponsors of a U.N. resolution on Myanmar appear to have weakened language barring international arms sales to the Southeast Asian country, where hundreds have been killed after a military coup, a revised draft uploaded on the General Assembly's website Thursday shows.

S Africa under fire for arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE amid crimes in Yemen Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- The High Court of South Africa has ordered the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) to provide a list of companies that have supplied Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with weapons found to have been used against civilians in the Yemen war.

Taiwan announces two arms procurement deals with U.S. CNA 17 Jun 2021 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday announced that Taiwan has signed two arms procurement contracts with the United States, buying two weapon systems that boost the nation's defense capabilities.
U.S. congressmen reintroduce Taiwan Defense Act CNA 17 Jun 2021 -- Members of the United States Congress on Wednesday reintroduced a bill known as the Taiwan Defense Act in both the Senate and House of Representatives as part of efforts to prevent what they see as a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
U.S. can 'deter and defeat' Chinese aggression: Pentagon nominee CNA 17 Jun 2021 -- The United States has the ability to "deter and defeat" Chinese aggression, and will continue to ensure that U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation is "commensurate with the threat" posed by China, a senior Pentagon nominee said Wednesday.

White House: Biden, Erdogan Fail to Find Solution on S-400s, Agree to Jointly Secure Kabul Airport Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Earlier in the day, Erdogan said he made it clear to Biden that Ankara's position on its S-400 missile systems remains unchanged.
Erdogan Says He's Made Biden Aware That Turkey's Position on S-400 Missile Systems Remains Unchanged Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- The United States has spent years pressuring its NATO ally not to buy the Russian-made missile system, claiming that it poses a threat to the alliance and is incompatible with NATO equipment. Ankara's intransigence prompted Washington to kick Turkey out of the F-35 fighter programme and to sanction an entity coordinating Turkey's defence sector.
Erdogan says Turkey will not change position on acquiring Russian S-400 defense missiles Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will not change its position on acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems, over which the United States imposed sanctions on Ankara.

International Donors Pledge Emergency Aid for Lebanon's Struggling Army VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- International donors pledged tens of millions of dollars' worth of emergency aid Thursday to help prop up Lebanon's struggling army, a key institution for the country's stability that is lacking basics, including food. From Paris, Lisa Bryant has more for VOA on the meeting, hosted by France and Italy.]]

Indonesia Inks Deal for Eight Italian Frigates as Defense Ministry Mulls $125B Modernization Push Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Two months after losing an aging submarine with all hands, Indonesia is looking to drop serious cash in order to modernize its military, buying up new warships and aircraft. Meanwhile, regional nations are meeting to try and defuse tensions in the South China Sea.

Poland to Deploy Portable Anti-Tank Systems Bought From US in Country's East to 'Deter Aggressor' Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Warsaw signed a contract with the US on the purchase of dozens of FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank systems in mid-2020. The country expects to receive 60 launchers and 180 missiles along with a training and logistics support package by the end of the current year.

Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Lapid US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with German State Secretary Berger US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021
Secretary Blinken's Call with Brazilian Foreign Minister França US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021
On-the-Record Press Call by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the President's Trip to Europe The White House 17 Jun 2021
Secretary Blinken's Call with Libyan Interim Foreign Minister Mangoush US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021
Department Press Briefing – June 17, 2021 US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For June 17, 2021

Other Conflicts

17 June 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Jun 2021

China Coast Guard vessels patrol Diaoyu Islands PLA Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) 2301 fleet conducted a patrol in territorial waters off China's Diaoyu Islands on June 16, according to an online statement by the CCG. This marks the sixth time that Chinese officials announced patrol information in territorial waters off the Diaoyu Islands since 2021.

Ansarullah official: Saudis must expect crushing reaction if they stay in Yemen Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- A senior member of Yemen's Ansarullah movement has warned Saudi Arabia that it will face a crushing response from Yemeni forces if its chooses to keep occupying forces on the Yemeni soil.
Saudi Arabia's Abha airport targeted again in Yemeni retaliatory drone attack Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- The Yemeni army has launched a fresh retaliatory attack against Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Asir, using two domestically-manufactured Qasef-2K (Striker-2K) combat drones.

Israeli regime breaks Gaza ceasefire again Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- The Israeli regime attacks the Gaza Strip for a second time in as many days in outright violation of a fragile ceasefire that it had desperately demanded during its latest war on the Palestinian enclave.

Deadly Diarrheal Outbreak Afflicts Rohingya Residents on Bangladesh Island, Refugees Say Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- At least four Rohingya children and an adult died of diarrhea and thousands more have been afflicted in the last two weeks on a Bangladeshi island, refugees said on Thursday about the first outbreak of any disease at the site, which has been criticized for lacking adequate health facilities.

Tribesmen In Northwestern Pakistan Protest For 18th Day Over Insecurity RFE/RL Gandhara 17 Jun 2021 -- Hundreds of residents of Pakistan's northwestern Bannu district have protested for a 18th consecutive day demanding the government to get rid of militants and restore security in the area.

Nigeria's Boko Haram confirms death of notorious ringleader Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- The Nigeria-based Boko Haram terrorist group has confirmed the death of its notorious ringleader, Abubakar Shekau, who was recently reported to have killed himself following clashes with rival militants similarly allied to Daesh.

Cameroon Deploys Troops to Fight Separatists VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Cameroon this week deployed an additional 300 troops to Bui, a northwestern administrative unit that the military says has become a stronghold for separatists. The troops are conducting house-to-house searches for weapons and destroying improvised explosive devices and rebel camps. But Civilians accuse both sides of abuses and rights violations.

News Reports

Foreign Disinformation Feeds US Domestic Terrorism, Official Warns VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Newly unveiled efforts to combat a growing domestic terrorism threat in the United States will have to find a way to overcome a major obstacle: carefully crafted campaigns by foreign countries and terrorist groups to incite violence.

Takeaways From Biden-Putin 'Cyber Summit' VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Cybersecurity experts have been poring over the transcripts from Wednesday's news conferences in Geneva to determine whether the U.S.-Russia summit will produce real progress in halting a wave of high-profile ransomware attacks. For most, the answer is: It's too soon to tell.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 17, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Jun 2021
Europe Questions Whether Biden-Putin Summit Will Stop Negative Spiral in Relations with Moscow VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, remained tensely civil and cautiously polite before their much-anticipated summit in an eighteenth-century mansion on the shores of Lake Geneva. The press corps less so as American reporters and TV camerapersons were forced to jostle for space with obdurate Russian rivals.
Putin's Performance At Geneva Summit Seen As A Master Class In 'Whataboutism' RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Of all the memorable moments in Russian President Vladimir Putin's press conference after meeting with his US counterpart Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, one in particular stood out.
Russian Duma Gives Final Nod To Bill Compelling IT Giants To Establish Local Branches RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved in the third and final reading a bill that would require foreign information technology (IT) companies to set up local units or face penalties including a possible ban, as Moscow continues to tighten its control over the flow of information on the Internet.
Russia's Navalny Calls Putin 'Liar' Over Remarks After Biden Summit RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin's accusations against him following a June 16 summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, has called the Russian leader "a liar who can't stop lying."
Not-So-Great Expectations: At Putin-Biden Summit, Modest Outcomes RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- After all that, it came down to this: ambassadors and nuclear weapons. U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Geneva on June 16 for their first summit -- five months after Biden took office, and more than 21 years since Putin first did. With bilateral relations spiraling into potentially dangerous territory, both leaders, and their advisers, had telegraphed their goals ahead of time.
Putin lashes out at U.S. after meeting with Biden People's Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday lashed out at the United States on arms control, human rights, cyber-attacks, among other issues, after "constructive" talks with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden.
Despite Low Expectations, Kremlin Calls Outcomes of Putin-Biden Summit 'Rather Positive' Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- On 16 June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden met in Geneva to discuss a number of biletaral issues, including cybersecurity, Ukraine and arms control. The two evaluated the meeting as being "good".

Astronauts Arrive at China's New Permanent Space Station VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- The first manned crew of China's new permanent space station docked with the outpost Thursday evening.
China's space station core module receives first group of residents Global Times 17 Jun 2021 -- As the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-12 manned spacecraft crew successfully moved into the Tianhe space core module at 6:48 pm Thursday, following the epic rendezvous and docking with the orbiting destination in a rapid and automated fashion, Chinese people have entered its own space station for the first time in history.
Shenzhou-12 astronauts enter space station core module PLA Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- The three Chinese astronauts onboard the Shenzhou-12 spaceship entered the country's space station core module Tianhe on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
China launches first crewed mission for space station construction People's Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- Three Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-12 spaceship have entered the country's space station core module Tianhe, dedicating to four major tasks in the in-orbit construction of the station in the following three months.
China launches first crewed mission for space station construction PLA Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- China on Thursday successfully launched the crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-12, sending three astronauts to its space station core module Tianhe for a three-month mission.
China Launches First Crew to New Permanent Space Station VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- China launched the first crew of its new permanent space station into orbit Thursday morning.
China, Russia invite international partners in lunar research station cooperation People's Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- China and Russia's aerospace authorities have jointly released a roadmap and a guide for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), inviting all interested countries, international organizations and partners to cooperate in the project.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 17, 2021 PRC MofA 17 Jun 2021
China Bids for Friends in Southeast Asia as US Influence Grows VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- China is showing new interest in working with Southeast Asian countries in the disputed resource-rich South China Sea as its superpower rival, the United States, gains diplomatic momentum under President Joe Biden, analysts in Asia say.
Poll Says Australians Highly Suspicious of China VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Australians express deep mistrust of China's government but want their own government to build better relations with Beijing, according to a new survey.
Hong Kong Police Raid Apple Daily Newspaper, Arrest Executives Over Calls For Sanctions Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- National security police in Hong Kong on Thursday raided the headquarters of a pro-democracy newspaper, the Apple Daily, arresting five top executives on suspicion of "collusion with foreign powers" under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Update: $2.3 million in Apply Daily assets frozen, editor-in-chief and four directors arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces: HK national security police Global Times 17 Jun 2021 -- The national security police of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region arrested the editor-in-chief and four directors of the Apply Daily newspaper on suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and froze HK$18 million ($2.3 million) in assets during a Thursday morning raid. It is the second time Apply Daily, founded and owned by media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, has been raided since the National Security Law came into force.
Five executives of Apple Daily arrested on national security charges, shutdown of paper 'can't be ruled out' Global Times 17 Jun 2021 -- The latest arrest of the editor-in-chief of the Apple Daily, along with four other senior executives of Next Digital - the parent company of the newspaper - and the freezing of assets worth millions would have a lasting effect, legal experts said, after Hong Kong police searched again the newspaper's office on Thursday, adding that the worst possible scenario for the paper, which has been in disguise as "fighter for freedom of speech," could be a complete shutdown.
Hong Kong police arrest paper's executives over 'suspected collusion with foreign forces' Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Police in Hong Kong have reportedly arrested five executives of a prominent newspaper over suspected collusion with foreign forces and violating the national security law.
Consultants Report Surge in Middle-Class Professionals Leaving Hong Kong For Good Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- Hong Kong's middle class is leaving, amid a city-wide clampdown on political dissent and a patriotic education program being introduced in schools at the behest of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to immigration and property consultants.
Interview: 'We Have to Keep Going, If We Want Better For Hong Kong' Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- The imposition by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of a draconian national security law on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020 prompted several high-profile groups working for greater autonomy to disband, for fear of being pursued for subversion, sedition, or secession under the law.
Hong Kong Police Raid Apple Daily, Arrest 5 Executives for 'Foreign Collusion' Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- The Hong Kong National Security Law was passed in June 2020, enacted by the Chinese Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing. It prohibits "separatism, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference" in Hong Kong.
Uyghur Businessman Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison For Ties to Turkey Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- The Uyghur founder of a grocery store chain with more than 500 food stores and 200 product lines throughout China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) was sentenced in May to more than 17 years in prison for his alleged "suspicious" relations with Turkey, following a three-year investigation, sources outside and inside the region told RFA.

Japan may be willing to help maintain Taiwan Strait peace: experts CNA 17 Jun 2021 -- Japan's decision to mention the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait in its upcoming annual defense report for the first time shows that Tokyo is standing beside the United States and may be willing to help maintain cross-strait peace, scholars said on Wednesday.
U.S., Japan, Taiwan host global discussions on trade secrets protection CNA 17 Jun 2021 -- A virtual global workshop on trade secrets protection and digital piracy prevention got off the ground Thursday, hosted by offices representing the United States, Japan and Taiwan.
Brewing 'Taiwan Peace and Stability Act' an irresponsible political provocation, may worsen cross-Straits ties: experts Global Times 17 Jun 2021 -- While US lawmakers announced a hardline pro-Taiwan bill, Chinese experts view it as an irresponsible political provocation that would put the Biden administration under pressure. And if the bill passes, it would run contrary to its name.

Second-day Sitting of 3rd Plenary Meeting of 8th Central Committee of WPK Held KCNA 17 Jun 2021 -- The second-day sitting of the 3rd Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was held on June 16 amid exceptionally high fighting will of all the participants in the plenary meeting to bring about without fail remarkable development-oriented changes in the overall state work by thoroughly implementing major policy tasks for 2021, the first year for accomplishing the new five-year plan set forth by the Party Congress.

Iranians to vote in 133 countries across world : FM spox IRNA 17 Jun 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Thursday that Iranians living abroad would be able to vote in almost all countries across the world except for Canada, Yemen, and Singapore.
Pres. Rouhani calls for massive public turnout in Friday elections IRNA 17 Jun 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday termed Friday (June 18) as a very important day in Iran and urged the high turnout of the people on Friday election.
Ebrahim Raisi: The Judge Linked To The Mass Execution Of Political Prisoners Is The Favorite To Be Iran's Next President RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Ebrahim Raisi, the front-runner in Iran's presidential election who is linked to serious human rights abuses, was virtually unknown to the majority of Iranians until just a few years ago.
What Iranian Foreign Policy Could Look Like Under President Raisi RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Under Ebrahim Raisi, the front-runner in Iran's June 18 presidential election, Tehran's tone toward the West could harden, though it will likely continue to seek a deal to revive the 2015 landmark nuclear deal, analysts say.
Poll Shows Clear Frontrunner in Iran's Presidential Race Day Before Vote Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Iranians will go to the polls on Friday, with incumbent president Hassan Rouhani ineligible to run again after serving two terms in office. A dozen candidates have registered to run in the current race, with seven approved by Iran's Guardian Council – the 12-member constitutionally mandated body of experts in Islamic law.
Araghchi: Iran closer to a JCPOA agreement than ever before IRNA 17 Jun 2021 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for International Affairs Abbas Araghchi said Iran is now closer to an agreement in the JCPOA talks than ever before.
Top negotiator: Tangible progress made in Vienna talks on revival of Iran nuclear deal Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Iran's top negotiator in Vienna talks aimed at reviving the 2015 landmark nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers says the participating delegations have made tangible progress in negotiations.
'Disagreements Persist' At Iran Nuclear Talks, As IAEA Chief Sees No Chance For Deal Before New Government RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- The French Foreign Ministry says that "significant disagreements persist" in talks between Tehran and world powers aimed at reviving a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.
Tehran: JCPOA Negotiations in Vienna Achieved Excellent Results on Various Issues Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna achieved excellent and tangible results on various issues, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.

Myanmar escalation: Locals say military forces burned down village Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Violence is still plaguing Myanmar months after the country's military overthrew the civilian government by staging a coup. In their latest attempt to suppress public resistance, security forces have reportedly burned down most of a central village.
Anti-Junta Forces in Myanmar Have Killed a Dozen Local Officials Since Coup Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- Anti-junta forces in Myanmar have killed at least a dozen army-appointed low-level officials since the Feb. 1 coup – actions the military regime calls terrorism, but which the country's shadow government says are legitimate acts of war against an illegitimate dicatorship.
Myanmar Junta Blocks Cash For Detained Aung San Suu Kyi Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- Myanmar junta authorities have denied a request by the legal team of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi to relay money to her so she can pay her expenses while she faces trial on several charges, the lead attorney said Thursday.
Interview: 'We Cannot Accept People Dying,' Says Myanmar NUG Health Minister Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- Dr. Zaw Wai Soe is a physician who serves in Myanmar's parallel National Unity Government as minister of health and education, said. He spoke to Aye Aye Mon of RFA's Myanmar Service about the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the military junta's pressure on the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and other opponents of the Feb. 1 military takeover. Following is an excerpt from the interview.

Belarusian, Russian Envoys To Discuss Woman Detained On Diverted Flight RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey starts a two-day visit in Moscow on June 17 focusing on the status of Russian citizen Sofia Sapega, the girlfriend of the detained Belarusian opposition activist Raman Pratasevich.
Watchdog Says Belarus Health Workers Pay 'Heavy Price' For Political Crisis RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Amnesty International says Belarusian health workers who participated in anti-government demonstrations or spoke out against official accounts are facing "brutal reprisals."

French prosecutors seek 6-month jail term for ex-president Sarkozy over illegal campaign funding Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Prosecutors in France have requested a six-month jail term for former president Nicolas Sarkozy over allegations of illicit financing for his failed 2012 re-election bid.

DUP, Sinn Fein agreement on Irish language averts Stormont crisis Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- The Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) politician, Paul Givan, and Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill have taken office as the first and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, after the two parties reached an agreement on Irish language legislation late last night.
DUP Reluctantly Returns to Power-Sharing With Sinn Fein After Irish Language Deal Brokered Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Arlene Foster resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party in April after months of criticism within the party. She has stepped down as Northern Ireland's First Minister and is set to be replaced by Paul Givan.

Secretary Blinken's Call with President Carter US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021

As Lao-China Rail Line Nears Completion, Some Displaced by the Work Still Wait to be Paid Radio Free Asia 17 Jun 2021 -- Lao villagers displaced by construction near Vientiane of the $5.9 billion high-speed rail line linking China with Laos are still waiting for promised compensation though most stations on the line are almost fully built, Lao sources say.

Bulgarian Leaders Look To End History Dispute With North Macedonia, Back EU-Accession Efforts RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Bulgaria's leaders have expressed their strong support for North Macedonia's road to joining the European Union, a departure from Sofia's earlier objections to North Macedonia starting talks to join the bloc.

Pashinian Supporters Pack Central Yerevan Square Ahead Of Snap Poll RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Thousands of supporters of Armenian caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian have gathered in the center of the capital for his last campaign rally ahead of early parliamentary elections this weekend.

Close Ally Of Kyrgyz Ex-President Detained On Suspicion Of 'Illegal Enrichment' RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Former Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov's ex-deputy chief of staff and close ally, Almambet Saliev, has been detained on suspicion of illegal enrichment.

Central African Republic's New PM Appeals for French, EU Support After Paris Cancels Training Deal Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Just days after taking office, the Central African Republic's new Prime Minister, Henri-Marie Dondra, said he wants to rebuild the country's relationship with France. Paris cancelled their defense deal last week after claiming Bangui had done nothing to combat Russian influence with the government, after which the former prime minister resigned.

Designation of Republic of Guatemala Congressperson Boris España Cáceres Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2021 -- "Today, we are announcing the public designation of Guatemalan Congressperson Boris España Cáceres, due to his involvement in significant corruption."

A holistic approach is needed to build sustainable peace in Haiti UK FCDO 17 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on BINUH
Political impasse in Haiti, amid rising humanitarian needs, ahead of crucial elections UN News 17 Jun 2021 -- Amid worsening socioeconomic conditions, rising criminal gang violence and a resurgence of COVID-19, Haiti's leaders must commit to good-faith dialogue aimed at ending a longstanding and damaging political impasse, the UN's senior official in the country told the Security Council today.

Ethiopians Prepare for Elections Amid Ongoing Conflict VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Passersby called the raucous campaigns this week in Addis Ababa "beautiful," with many noting they had never seen political discourse like this before in Ethiopia.

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