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Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks and Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby Hold a Press Briefing DoD 22 Sep 2021
• Hicks Outlines Strategy to Thwart Sexual Assault in Military DoD News 22 Sep 2021 -- The Defense Department today announced its strategy as approved by the secretary of defense to act on the recommendations of the 90-day Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Military, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks said.
• Naval Engineers Construct Medical Building in Tabarka, Tunisia US Navy 22 Sep 2021 -- U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 (NMCB11) and U.S. Marine Corps Engineers assigned to the Eight Engineer Support Battalion (8th ESB) are working with Tunisian engineers and health officials to construct a new seven meter by eighteen-meter concrete building at the Tabarka Regional Hospital that will be used as an over-flow ward for COVID-19 or other emergency situations.
• Commencing Department of Defense Actions and Implementation to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Military. Independent Review Commission Recommendation-Implementation Roadmap. DoD 22 Sep 2021 -- Today, the Department of Defense announced the Independent Review Commission Actions and Implementation to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Military.
• DoD Approves $25 Million in Grants Under Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program DoD 22 Sep 2021 -- The Department of Defense today announced the award of five grants totaling approximately $25 million under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation.
• DoD Approves $60 Million in Grants Under Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program DoD 22 Sep 2021 -- The Department of Defense today announced the award of 13 grants totaling approximately $60 million under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation.
• DoD Announces New Senior Advisor for Arctic Security Affairs DoD 22 Sep 2021 -- The Department of Defense announced the following advisor selection today: Randy "Church" Kee, a retired U.S. Air Force major general, assumes duties as Senior Advisor for Arctic Security Affairs to assist with establishing the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, the Department of Defense's sixth and newest regional center.
• Low-Level Commanders Need Authority to Counter Information Operations, Northcom Leader Says DoD News 22 Sep 2021 -- How's the United States doing in its efforts to counter the information and propaganda campaigns waged by adversaries to undermine American democracy? Not so good, the commander of U.S. Northern Command said.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to the Pentagon DoD 22 Sep 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
• Australian Prime Minister, Austin Discuss New Aspect of Trilateral Partnership DoD News 22 Sep 2021 -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III sat down at the Pentagon today to discuss how the enhanced trilateral security partnership with the two nations and the United Kingdom will move forward.
• Special Operations, 82nd Airborne Snipers test new modular precision rifle at Bragg Army News 22 Sep 2021 -- Operational testing of the Army's newest generation sniper system — the MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) — marks the project's final hurdle before fielding.
• 4ID Soldiers test new electronic warfare, spectrum management battlefield software tool Army News 22 Sep 2021 -- Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division tested new software allowing commanders to automate planning, coordination, and synchronization of Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) throughout the Army's operations process.
• Army, Navy Satellite Communication Mission Areas Shift to Space Force DoD News 22 Sep 2021 -- The chief of Space Operations announced the transfer of Army and Navy satellite communications billets, funding and mission responsibility to the U.S. Space Force.
• Biden, Macron to Meet to Ease Rift Over Submarine Sales to Australia VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to meet in person next month in Europe after a Wednesday phone call in which they sought to ease tensions over a high-profile submarine deal.
• Joint Statement on the Phone Call between President Biden and President Macron The White House 22 Sep 2021
• US, European Allies Navigate Australian Submarine Deal's Wake VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- The United States and its European allies are navigating the diplomatic disturbance following an enhanced trilateral security partnership known as AUKUS (Australia, the UK, and the U.S.) that triggered what French officials described as a "crisis of trust" between Paris and Washington.
• EU leaders express dismay at AUKUS deal, demand clarifications People's Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described as "unacceptable" the way France was treated by Australia, Britain and the United States in their newly established security partnership AUKUS.
• Malaysia to Seek China's Views on AUKUS Pact in Minister's Beijing Visit Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- Malaysia's defense chief will seek Beijing's views on a new U.S.-U.K.-Australia security pact and determine what action the Asian superpower plans in response, during an upcoming visit to China, he told parliament Wednesday.
• NATO Secretary General meets with UN Secretary-General in New York NATO 22 Sep 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday (22 September 2021).
• Russia says NATO 'totally shocked' by Australia-UK-US alliance Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- A top Russian diplomat says a newly formed military alliance among the United States, Britain and Australia has totally surprised NATO itself, rather than the opponents.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison DoD 22 Sep 2021
• Small step for satellite, giant leap for capability Australia DOD 22 Sep 2021 -- A controlled separation of Australia's M2 cube satellite in space was a recent success for Australia's space capability – with the satellite capturing a photo of the momentous event.
• U.S., Russian Military Officials Meet As Washington Seeks Central Asian Presence RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- Top U.S. and Russian military officials have held a "constructive" meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest and how to lower the risk of incidents during military exercises.
• PLA joins SCO anti-terrorism exercise in Russia PLA Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- Peace Mission 2021, a large multinational counterterrorism exercise involving member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, opened on Monday at a military training base in Orenburg, southwest Russia.
• MISSION DEPLOYED - INS TABAR India PIB 22 Sep 2021 -- Towards enhancing military cooperation with friendly nations, Indian Naval Ship INS Tabar was mission-deployed in international waters for over three months from 13 June 21.
• 109th Mekong River joint patrol begins PLA Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- Law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces Tuesday for the 109th Mekong River joint patrol.
• Sudanese Authorities Lack Mandate to Sign Naval Base Agreement With Russia, Minister Says Sputnik 22 Sep 2021 -- Sudan does not yet have the full authority to sign an agreement with Russia on a military base, since the country's legislative institutions remain in the making, Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Sharif said on Wednesday.
• Briefing with Senior State Department Officials on U.S. Engagements at the United Nations and on the Margins of High-Level Week US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Trilateral Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Chung US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Senior State Department Official On Security Implications of the Climate Crisis in Advance of Secretary Blinken's Participation in the UN Security Council Open Debate on Climate and Security US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Biden promises "relentless diplomacy" in UN debut amid rift with allies People's Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said in a speech at the United Nations on Tuesday that the United States is opening a new chapter of diplomacy after ending the two-decade Afghan war.
• British PM Johnson Meets With US House Speaker Pelosi VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol as part of his brief stop in Washington. Johnson met earlier in the day with U.S. senators.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister França US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Borrell US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Ibrahim Kalin, Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey The White House 22 Sep 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 22, 2021
• Boeing Selects Australia for Company's First Final Assembly Facility Outside North America Boeing 22 Sep 2021 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA], in partnership with the Queensland Government, has selected Toowoomba as the preferred site for the company's first aircraft assembly facility of its kind outside of North America.

Other Conflicts

• ISIS-K Could Be First Afghan Terror Group to Put US in Its Sights VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- The biggest danger to the United States and the West following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan could well come from the Islamic State terror group's Afghan affiliate, and not from al-Qaida, despite the latter's long-standing relationship with the Taliban.
• Afghanistan's Health System on Verge of Collapse, WHO Warns VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that Afghanistan's health care system is on the verge of collapse and the nation faces a humanitarian catastrophe without urgent action by the international community.
• Russia, China, Pakistan Push Taliban Toward Inclusivity VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- Envoys of Pakistan, Russia, and China pushed for an inclusive government in their meeting with the Taliban acting prime minister in Kabul on Tuesday.
• So Far, Taliban Coming Up Empty on Counterterrorism Commitments VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- Those watching the Taliban establish a government and assert control over Afghanistan are growing ever more wary of pledges by the group's leaders to make sure no terrorist organization can ever again use the country as a base for attacks against the United States.
• At Least Five Killed In Attacks Targeting Taliban In Eastern Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Sep 2021 -- Reports from eastern Afghanistan say attackers struck Taliban vehicles, killing several fighters and civilians in the latest violent incident since the group's takeover of the country last month.
• Taliban Asks To Address World Leaders At UN General Assembly RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Sep 2021 -- The Taliban has asked to address world leaders at this week's UN General Assembly meeting in New York, a UN spokesman said on September 21.
• U.K. To Call On China, Russia To Coordinate In International Engagement On Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Sep 2021 -- Britain's foreign secretary will call on China and Russia to agree on a coordinated international approach to prevent Afghanistan becoming a haven for militants during a meeting on September 22 of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
• UN Frees Emergency Funds To Prevent Afghan Health System 'Collapse' RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Sep 2021 -- The United Nations says it is releasing $45 million to help prevent Afghanistan's battered health-care system, which the World Health Organization (WHO) said was "on the brink of collapse" following the Taliban's takeover in mid-August.
• Afghanistan's healthcare system on brink of collapse, as hunger hits 95 per cent of families UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- Afghanistan's health system is on the brink of collapse, the head of the World Health Organisation, WHO, warned on Wednesday, while on the streets of Kabul, the hunger families are suffering is as acute in urban areas as the drought-stricken rural parts of the country.
• Chinese, Russian & Pakistani special envoys to Afghanistan visited Kabul: Chinese FM Global Times 22 Sep 2021 -- Chinese, Russian, and Pakistani special envoys to Afghanistan visited Kabul on Tue and Wed, meeting Afghan interim govt officials, Chinese FM spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during a routine press conference on Wed.
• Two Taliban among 3 killed in attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Two Taliban members and a civilian bystander were killed in an attack on a security checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, sources say.
• Taliban ask to address UN General Assembly, name new envoy Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- The Taliban have demanded representation at UN General Assembly's high-level meeting of world leaders this week, challenging the credentials of Afghanistan's former UN envoy.
• China, Russia, Pakistan envoys hold talks with top Taliban officials Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Special envoys of China, Russia and Pakistan have met top officials of the interim administration and other senior Afghan leaders to discuss the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
• United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Yemen US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021 -- The United States is providing more than $290 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Yemen.
• Yemen forces just 50 kilometers away from Ma'rib province's capital Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Yemen's joint defense forces have advanced as far as just 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from the hugely-strategic west-central province of Ma'rib's capital.
• Millions in Yemen 'a step away from starvation' UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- The crisis in Yemen, now in its seventh year of war, continues unabated, with thousands of people displaced and millions "a step away from starvation", the UN Humanitarian Relief Coordinator said on Wednesday during a high-level side event on the margins of the 76th General Assembly.
• In Libya, Haftar suspends military role to run for president Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Libya's rebel commander General Khalifa Haftar says he is suspending his military activities so that he could run for the upcoming presidential election.
• Secretary Blinken's Participation in Ministerial on Libya US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021
• Thousands flee fighting in Myanmar town near India Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Thousands of people have fled a Myanmar border town amid an escalation of fighting between the military and militia forces in the region.
• United States Announces Nearly $180 Million in Humanitarian Assistance for the Rakhine State/Rohingya Refugee Crisis US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021 -- On behalf of the United States, Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced nearly $180 million in additional humanitarian assistance for those affected by the Rakhine State/Rohingya refugee crisis in Burma, Bangladesh, and elsewhere in the region.
• Tibet's Exile Leader Sees 'Positive Signals' on Possible Talks With China Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong of Tibet's India-based exile government, said this month that he has seen indications China may be willing to resume talks on Tibet's status under Chinese rule, but cautioned more must be done to move ahead.
• At UN, Moldovan President Reiterates Call For Russian Troop Withdrawal RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- In a speech before the UN General Assembly in New York, President Maia Sandu again called or the departure of Russian troops from Moldova's breakaway Transdniester region.

News Reports

• At UN, Climate and COVID Top Leaders' Concerns VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- Tackling the threat of climate change and COVID-19 were the dominant themes of leaders' speeches Wednesday at the U.N. General Assembly annual debate.
• 'Through the tears, solutions for a better society have sprung up': Estonian President UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- The President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid, lauded the world's embrace of online services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday, in her high-level General Debate speech at the 76th United Nations General Assembly session.
• Support developing countries with climate mitigation: Bosnia and Herzegovina UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- Financial support will be critical if developing countries are to meet global climate goals, the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, said in the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
• Vaccines for all key to building back better after COVID-19: Kenyan President UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- Equitable global access to vaccines must be at the core of efforts to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
• Venezuela demands the end of sanctions and urges leaders to build a 'new world' UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday said his country was the victim of a "fierce campaign" of permanent and systematic aggression through economic and financial sanctions coming from the United States and its allies.
• King of Saudi Arabia says peace is top priority for his country UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- The King of Saudi Arabia, Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, said on Wednesday that promoting peace is his Kingdom's top priority in international affairs.
• 'The adolescence of humanity is coming to an end', declares UK Prime Minister UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- In his speech to the high-level debate at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that it is time for mankind to grow up and take responsibility for the damage we are inflicting on the planet.
• International community must harness momentum created by triple crises and act, says Norway UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- Norway Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, said on Wednesday the world is contending with three crises at the same time: a climate crisis, a health crisis, and an economic crisis.
• Pandemic 'warning bell' exposed inequalities, governance gaps, says Viet Nam President UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten lives and livelihoods globally, the President of Viet Nam told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that his nation is "vigorously" combating the virus, protecting its people, sustaining economic growth and leaving no one behind.
• CISA, FBI, and NSA Release Conti Ransomware Advisory to Help Organizations Reduce Risk of Attack CISA 22 Sep 2021 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Security Agency (NSA) published a cybersecurity advisory today regarding increased Conti ransomware cyberattacks.
• U.S. Farm Cooperative Takes Systems Offline After Ransomware Attack Linked To Russian Hackers RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- A ransomware attack believed to be the work of Russian hackers has forced an association of corn and soy farmers based in the U.S. state of Iowa to take its systems offline.
• Department of State Offers Reward for Information to Bring Mexican Drug Trafficking Cartel Leader to Justice US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021 -- Today, the Department of State is announcing an increase from $5 million to up to $15 million of the reward offered under its Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael Zambada-Garcia.
• Treasury Sanctions Sinaloa Cartel Members Operating in Sonora US Treasury 22 Sep 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Mexican national Sergio Valenzuela Valenzuela ("Valenzuela Valenzuela") as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act).
• EU Summons Georgian Ambassador Over Leaked Files Of Alleged Spying RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- The European Union has summoned Georgia's envoy to Brussels, Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, after leaked files alleged the country's security agency spied on the bloc's diplomats and others.
• Researcher Says Raw Voting Data Points To Massive Fraud In United Russia's Duma Victory RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- A Russian researcher known for detailed analyses of past elections says fraud was a major factor in the State Duma election victory of the ruling United Russia party.
• Group Of Independent Russian Deputies Launches Petition To Invalidate Elections RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- A group of independent municipal and regional deputies has launched a petition demanding all results from September 17-19 elections across Russia be invalidated due to numerous violations and irregularities in the voting.
• Report: Navalny Associate Sobol In Estonia After Fleeing Russia RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- An Estonian newspaper is reporting that Russian opposition politician Lyubov Sobol has settled in Estonia with her young daughter after fleeing her homeland this summer following her conviction and sentencing at a Moscow court on charges widely seen as politically motivated.
• Navalny App Disappearance Shows Russia's Strength In The Battle Against Big Tech RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- When Apple and Google removed an election app created by jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny from their online stores just as the nation's three-day parliamentary vote got under way, his associates were dismayed - and criticized the U.S. tech giants for giving in to the Kremlin's demands.
• Seeing Red: Russia's Communist Party Makes Gains In New Duma, But Does It Matter? RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- Moscow polling station No. 151 was set up on the premises of the state Gulag History Museum, just a short stroll away from blood-curdling testimony of the crimes of Communist Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on September 22, 2021 PRC MofA 22 Sep 2021
• China, US Face Off at United Nations Amid Concerns Over Growing Authoritarianism Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping traded veiled barbs in their speeches to a United Nations general assembly meeting on climate change, with Xi hitting out at "ideological disputes" and Biden warning against authoritarianism and referring to the mass persecution of ethnic minorities in China's Xinjiang region.
• Xi calls for bolstering confidence, jointly addressing global challenges at UNGA PLA Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday proposed a Global Development Initiative, calling for bolstering confidence and jointly addressing global threats and challenges to build a better world for all.
• HK Election Committee elections show new atmosphere, indicating transition from chaos to governance: authorities Global Times 22 Sep 2021 -- According to polling results early Monday morning, 364 people were elected in the 2021 Election Committee's subsector ordinary election in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the first election since the Hong Kong's electoral reform was implemented in March.
• Macao's court of final appeal confirms legislative election results People's Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- The court of final appeal of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday confirmed the results of the Legislative Assembly direct and indirect election that was held on Sept. 12.
• Xi's pledge on stopping coal-fired projects overseas marks Beijing's 'firmest determination, greatest effort' to curb global warming Global Times 22 Sep 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's pledge at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that China will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad is seen by observers as a sign that Beijing is devoted to curbing global warming with the "firmest determination and greatest efforts," in order to achieve its green commitment on schedule and build a better future.
• China to stop building new coal-fired power projects abroad: Xi Global Times 22 Sep 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy, and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad.
• Palau president calls on U.N. to include Taiwan CNA 22 Sep 2021 -- Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. on Tuesday urged the United Nations to allow Taiwan to participate in its system on the first day of the General Debate of the U.N. General Assembly's 76th session in New York.
• Taiwan Applies to Join Trans-Pacific Free Trade Area, Days After China Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- Taiwan on Wednesday applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), days after China put in its bid to join the 11-nation trade pact.
• Taiwan is The Fifth-Best Place in The World For Online Freedom: Freedom House Report Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- The democratic island of Taiwan has ranked fifth globally for online freedom, according to the latest annual report from the Washington-based watchdog Freedom House.
• Proposal to Remove Chiang Kai-shek Statue in Taiwan Stirs Controversy VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- A cabinet-level commission in Taiwan has proposed removing a giant statue of its former president Chiang Kai-shek — the centerpiece of a memorial hall in Taipei dedicated to the military leader, who served as the island's president from 1949 until his death in 1975.
• Iran: Foreign Secretary meets Iranian Foreign Minister, 22 September 2021 UK FCDO 22 Sep 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian today at the UN General Assembly.
• Iran, Germany FMs discuss nuclear deal, bilateral ties, Afghanistan ISNA 22 Sep 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian met with his German counterpart Heiko Maas on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Iran FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss JCPOA, Vienna talks ISNA 22 Sep 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, has met the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borrell on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Iran FM: Boosting ties with neighbors, region priority of new govt. Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says bolstering relations with Iran's neighbors and regional states is top on the agenda of the country's new administration.
• US reviewing waiver on Iranian fuel exports to Afghanistan after Taliban takeover Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden is reportedly reviewing a 2018 sanctions waiver, which allowed Afghanistan to purchase Iranian gasoline and gasoil.
• Foreign minister: Iran will resume JCPOA revival talks in Vienna Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Iran's foreign minister has announced that the new administration will resume talks in Vienna aimed at resuscitating a US-scrapped nuclear agreement between Iran and the remaining parties to the deal.
• Once Bustling Yangon Eerily Silent Amid Military Arrests, Anti-Junta Bombings Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon—once a bustling metropolis—has become a relative ghost town amid a heavy security lockdown and a declaration of war on the ruling military junta by the country's shadow National Unity Government (NUG), according to residents.
• UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar UK FCDO 22 Sep 2021 -- UK International Ambassador for Human Rights Rita French gave a statement reiterating our call on the military to respect the human rights and democratic wishes of the people of Myanmar.
• Myanmar: UN expert says current international efforts failing, urges 'change of course' UN News 22 Sep 2021 -- The UN independent rights expert on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, told the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday that conditions inside the country following the 1 February military coup have worsened, urging a "change of course" to prevent further human rights abuses and deaths.
• Report Highlights Belarus's 'Repressive' Campaign Against Internet Freedom RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- Human rights watchdog Freedom House says global Internet freedom has declined dramatically in Belarus, where last year's disputed presidential election led the authorities to repeatedly restrict access to the Internet, increase social media surveillance, and detain and use "deadly force" against online activists.
• Gunfire Rips Through Car Carrying Aide To Ukraine's President Amid Campaign To Tackle Corruption RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- A hail of bullets ripped through a car transporting Serhiy Shefir, a top aide of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in what senior officials have called an attempt to intimidate the country's leadership as it tries to tackle corruption.
• Zelenskyy's Aide Shefir Says Assassination Attempt on Him Aimed at Intimidating Government Sputnik 22 Sep 2021 -- Ukrainian First Presidential Assistant Serhiy Shefir expressed the belief on Wednesday that the assassination attempt on him was aimed at intimidating top echelons of power, but emphasized that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not be daunted.
• Gunmen Open Fire on Car of Ukrainian President's Assistant VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- Gunmen opened fire Wednesday on a car carrying a senior aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to national police.
• Trudeau wins third consecutive mandate in Canadian election People's Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- Justin Trudeau remains Canada's prime minister after his Liberal Party won its third consecutive term to form a government in Monday's national election.
• Tunisia's Ennahda: Saied's power grab risks 'dismantling state' Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Tunisia's biggest political party, Ennahda, has accused President Kais Saied of staging a power grab which risks "dismantling" the state.
• Leader of Cambodia's Banned Opposition Party Would Offer Amnesty to Hun Sen Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- The exiled leader of Cambodia's banned opposition party would offer a pardon to strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen if he were to step down from power over the country he has ruled with an iron fist since 1985, he told RFA.
• Kosovo Calls On Serbia To Lower Tensions Amid Border Spat RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- The border between Kosovo and Serbia has remained blocked for a third straight day by ethnic Serbs protesting a decision by the Pristina authorities to start removing Serbian license plates from cars entering the country.
• The United States Announces New Assistance to Respond to the Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela and the Region US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2021 -- On behalf of the United States, Senior Advisor for Special Political Affairs, Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, announced $247 million in humanitarian assistance and $89 million in economic and development assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable Venezuelans.