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Defense Policy / Programs

• New US Military COVID Cases Lowest Since June as 1st Vaccine Deadlines Approach VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- New COVID-19 cases among U.S. service members have been on a steady decline over the last month, as more service members have become vaccinated ahead of the Defense Department's fast-approaching vaccination compliance deadlines.
• US Denies Coverup Over Sub Collision in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States is denying China's accusation that it has been covering up a submarine collision that occurred earlier this month in the South China Sea.
• Nuclear Sub Mystery Highlights Risk of China-US Miscalculation VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- A mysterious incident involving an American nuclear submarine in the South China Sea has analysts weighing the risk that a similar mishap — perhaps involving a U.S. treaty partner — could spark an unwanted conflagration between the United States and China.
• Border conference promotes security for neighboring countries in South America Army News 13 Oct 2021 -- The Brazilian Army hosted senior military leaders from U.S. Army South, the armies of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and the Panamanian SENAFRONT at the 2nd Multilateral Border Conference in Manaus, Amazonas state, held Sept. 27-29. The focus of the conference was to improve cooperation between participants, and to develop solutions for regional border problems.
• Eglin AFB test squadron releases GBU-72 for first time US Air Force 13 Oct 2021 -- While cruising over the Eglin Air Force Base range, a 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle released a GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator at 35,000 feet, Oct. 7.
• Senior Leadership Symposium held for Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 US Navy 13 Oct 2021 -- Military leaders from across Europe, Africa, and the United States as well as several regional and international organizations completed a three-day Senior Leadership Symposium (SLS) as a continuation of exercise Phoenix Express (PE21) in Tunis, Tunisia, Sept. 27-29, 2021.
• Australia, India, Japan, and U.S. Kick-off Phase II: MALABAR 2021 US Navy 13 Oct 2021 -- Maritime forces from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States began Phase II of Exercise MALABAR 2021 in the Bay of Bengal, Oct. 11.
• Peru leads multinational force in amphibious landing during UNITAS LXII USMC News 13 Oct 2021 -- Naval forces from eight countries participated in a multinational amphibious landing during the amphibious phase of exercise UNITAS LXII, Oct. 2.
• 'Arms race underway' since US pullout from ABM Treaty two decades ago: Putin Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States triggered an arms race after its unilateral withdrawal from the landmark Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty almost two decades ago.
• Putin Says US Has Triggered Global Arms Race by Withdrawing From ABM Treaty Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia in 2002, prompting Moscow to dust off Soviet-era plans on the creation of hypersonic weapons technology. Russia unveiled several new hypersonic technologies in 2017 and said it expects these weapons to help guarantee global strategic stability.
• Russia-Led CSTO To Hold Military Exercises Near Afghan Border On October 22-23 RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- The Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will hold joint military drills near the Afghan border in Tajikistan between October 22 and 23, the Kremlin said on October 13.
• Will China Surpass the US in Military Air Superiority? VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- For decades, the United States military has benefited from having air superiority over its enemies in all its conflicts around the world. The Pentagon's multibillion-dollar investment in advanced warplanes, weapons systems, satellites and aircraft carriers has made air power a central part of America's global projection of military might.
• Commander of Khatam ul-Anbia Defense Air Base: Defenders of Velayat Skies Joint Expertise Air Defense War Game 1400 ends IRNA 13 Oct 2021 -- Commander of Khatam ul-Anbia (P) Defense Air Base said here on Wednesday that the Defenders of Velayat Skies Joint Expertise Air Defense War Game 1400 ended today after achieving all pre-defined objectives.
• All systems in air defense drills are Iran-made: Commander IRNA 13 Oct 2021 -- Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the aerospace division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), underlined that all air defense systems deployed in maneuvers codenamed 'Modafean Aseman Velayat 1400' (Guardians of 'Velayat Sky' 1400) are domestically-manufactured.
• Majid, Dezful air defense systems destroy targets IRNA 13 Oct 2021 -- The commander of the Air Defense Headquarters said on Wednesday that Majid and Dezful defense systems had successfully destroyed their targets in the recent drill.
• IRGC makes operational Quds domestic radar IRNA 13 Oct 2021 -- Quds domestic radar was put into operation for the first time by IRGC air forces in the joint Modafe'an-e Aseman-e Velayat (Defenders of Skies under Guardianship of Supreme Jurisprudence) military drill.
• Iran successfully test-fires Joshan, Khatam air defense systems IRNA 13 Oct 2021 -- Domestically-manufactured air defense systems of Joshan and Khatam were successfully test-fired during major airpower drill in Iran, an Iranian commander said on Wednesday.
• Iran Armed Forces have acquired cutting-edge defense technology: IRGC Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s chief commander says that the country's Armed Forces have, thanks to completely indigenous efforts, equipped themselves with the world's top-of-the-range defensive technology.
• Iran Shows Off Mystery New Ground-based Vertical Launch Missile System - Video Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Over the past decade-and-a-half, the Islamic Republic has developed a large arsenal of homegrown missile systems tasked with everything from providing air defence to massed strikes against ground installations and warships in the event of enemy aggression.
• Iran's Army, IRGC unveil new domestically-developed air defense systems in joint drill Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Iran's Armed Forces have unveiled new homegrown air defense systems, which operated flawlessly to intercept and destroy cruise missiles fired at them, on the second day of large-scale aerial maneuvers.
• Pentagon affirms commitment to Taiwan's self-defense amid tensions CNA 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States Department of Defense has reaffirmed its pledge to help Taiwan defend itself against Chinese military coercion, after Taiwan's defense chief warned last week that Taiwan Strait tensions are at their "grimmest in more than 40 years."
• France confirms naval presence in Taiwan Strait CNA 13 Oct 2021 -- France's defense minister has warned escalating tensions between Taiwan and China could have dramatic consequences, after revealing one of the country's naval vessels had been present in the Taiwan Strait.
• Germany vs South Korea: Norway Picks Partner for Major Tank Procurement Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Norway's current fleet of 52 Leopard 2A4NLs dates back to the 80s is approaching the end of its service life and has exhausted all potential for upgrade. However, the new tanks will only arrive in 2025 at the earliest.
• Blinken Warns Israel's Lapid of 'Risks to Shared National Security Interests' From Chinese Projects Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- During a Wednesday meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly cautioned him to control Chinese investment in the Israeli economy, something the US has pushed for since the Trump administration, which extensively demonized Chinese tech and construction firms.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Ushpiz US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Lapid US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore The White House 13 Oct 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, October 13, 2021 The White House 13 Oct 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 13, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 13 October 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Oct 2021
• Qatar: No Clear Path for Unfreezing Afghan Funds, Recognizing Taliban VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- The Qatar foreign minister said Wednesday the issue of recognizing the Taliban government in Afghanistan is currently not a priority, but the global community "now is inline" with helping the war-ravaged country deal with growing humanitarian and economic challenges.
• Putin Says U.S. Involvement In Afghanistan Led To Tragedy RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted the United States ignored Afghanistan's history and culture when it invaded, as he lamented what he said was a tragedy in the country.
• Intensifying Violence Between Taliban, IS-K Heralds New War In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- When the last U.S. soldiers left Afghanistan on August 31, the Taliban triumphantly declared an end to the two-decade war in Afghanistan.
• Taliban Warns West Of Fresh Wave Of Refugees If Afghan Sanctions Not Relaxed RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have warned U.S. and European envoys that continuing to use sanctions as a means to put pressure on the militant group would trigger a new wave of economic refugees.
• Flights Of Afghans Resume From U.S. Air Base In Germany After Measles Vaccination Campaign RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- Flights of Afghan refugees from a U.S. air base in Germany have resumed, a spokesperson for the base said on October 12, adding that nine flights have left for the United States since October 9.
• Resistance Leader Masud 'Visited Dushanbe' For Afghan Peace Talks But Taliban Didn't Show Up RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- Anti-Taliban resistance leader Ahmad Masud briefly visited Dushanbe for Afghan peace talks - sponsored by Tajikistan and Pakistan - but Taliban representatives failed to attend, sources close to the Tajik government told RFE/RL.
• Taliban warn US, EU sanctions could trigger wave of Afghan refugees Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have warned Western diplomats that insisting on sanctions as a means to pressure their governance could undermine security and trigger a wave of economic refugees.
• Canada to Host 40,000 Afghan Refugees After Taliban Takeover, Prime Minister Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Canada will accept 40,000 refugees from Afghanistan following the military takeover by the Taliban*, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday.
• Yemeni official: Ma'rib liberation 'a milestone' in battle to expel occupiers, free oil wealth Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- A senior member of the political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says the liberation of the strategic central province of Ma'rib will mark an important "milestone" in the battles to expel the occupiers and retake the country's energy resources seized by the Saudi-led military coalition and its allied militants.
• Syrian Air Defenses Engage Hostile Targets Over Homs Province, State Media Reveals Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- According to social media reports, Syrian anti-aircraft defenses engaged several inbound targets over Homs Governorate shortly before midnight on Wednesday.
• Ukraine Ready for Normandy Format Talks, 'Waiting for Signal' From Russia, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Wednesday he is ready for a Normandy-format meeting and expects that Russia will confirm its participation.
• Algeria thwarts planned armed attacks by Israeli-backed separatists: Report Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Algeria's security forces have thwarted a plot by separatists backed by Israel and a North African country to conduct armed attacks, a report says.
• Western Sahara independence leader vows to continue fight along wall with Morocco Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Western Sahara independence movement leader Brahim Ghali has vowed to continue the fight against Morocco along the desert barrier that separates the areas occupied by Rabat and those liberated by the Polisario Front until the international community delivers on promises of self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
• US Announces Aid Package for War-Torn Tigray VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States said Wednesday it was providing an additional $26 million to address the humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia.
• United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the Northern Ethiopia Crisis US Dept. of State 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States is providing more than $26 million in additional assistance to respond to the humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia. With this funding, the United States has provided nearly $663 million in humanitarian assistance for northern Ethiopia since the crisis began.
• Fighting escalates in northern Ethiopia with new army offensive Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Fighting has escalated between Ethiopia's national army and rebels from Tigray, days after Addis Ababa launched a new major offensive in the restive northern region.
• Tibet's Exile Parliament Names Three Women to Cabinet Posts Radio Free Asia 13 Oct 2021 -- Tibet's exile parliament in an historic move on Monday voted three women into positions in the Kashag, or cabinet, of the Dharamsala, India-based exile government, the Central Tibetan Administration.
• Bosnian Serb Entity's President Reverses International Overseer's Ban On Genocide Denial RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- The president of the Serb-majority entity that makes up part of Bosnia-Herzegovina has implemented a decree to reverse a ban criminalizing the denial of genocide and other serious crimes stemming from the bitter ethnic wars there in the 1990s.
• Kosovar Serbs Clash With Police Amid Crackdown On Smuggling RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- Ethnic Serbian villagers have blocked roads and clashed with police in northern Kosovo as police units conducted sweeps aimed at cracking down on cross-border smuggling.
• Clashes in Kosovo Leave 10 Serbs Hospitalized, One Seriously Injured, Hospital Director Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Up to 10 Serbs sustained injuries, including one in serious condition, after the local population clashed with Kosovo police earlier on Wednesday, with the injured admitted to the Clinical Hospital Center in the city of Mitrovica in northern Kosovo, Zlatan Elek, the acting director of the hospital, told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Myanmar Military Preparing Major Offensive Against Chin State Rebel Group Radio Free Asia 13 Oct 2021 -- Myanmar's military is preparing a major offensive against the Chin National Front (CNF) in Chin state, a representative of the ethnic armed organization (EAO) said Wednesday, prompting a local rights group to warn that such an operation would have a "devastating effect" on the region.
• US to Move on Plans to Reopen Consulate in Jerusalem VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States will move ahead with its plan to reopen the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem as Washington restores ties with the Palestinians and commits to a two-state solution.

News Reports

• Second Letter from Dana A. Remus, Counsel to the President, to David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, dated October 8, 2021 The White House 13 Oct 2021
• Background Press Call on the Virtual Counter-Ransomware Initiative Meeting The White House 13 Oct 2021
• Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton Delivers Remarks at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Fourth Annual National Cybersecurity Summit US Dept. of Justice 13 Oct 2021
• U.S., Allies Seek Ways To Combat Ransomware As Online Attacks Proliferate RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States is rallying dozens of allies and partners at a two-day virtual conference to discuss ways to combat ransomware as online attacks proliferate, hurting businesses and undermining national security.
• US Staging Global Conference to Combat Ransomware Attacks VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- The White House is holding a two-day international conference starting Wednesday to combat ransomware computer attacks on business operations across the globe that cost companies, schools and health services an estimated $74 billion in damages last year.
• China Rejects Attempts to Blemish Its Reputation Using Cybersecurity, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- China will rebuff any attempt to use cybersecurity as a pretext to tarnish its reputation even as it places great importance on ensuring security in cyberspace, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday
• Russian Energy Week International Forum plenary session President of Russia 13 Oct 2021 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week International Forum. The panel discussion topic is Global Energy: Transformation for Development.
• Putin blames Europe's 'systematic flaws' for energy crisis Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has brushed off allegations that Moscow is using energy as a "weapon," saying Europe's gas shortage is largely caused by "systematic flaws" in the continent's energy market.
• Putin Rejects Suggestions Russia Using Gas As Political Tool RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has defended the reliability of Russia's natural-gas exports to Europe, saying Moscow was ready to supply even more gas and rejecting accusations that it was using energy exports as a political tool.
• As The Kremlin Cracks Down, Its Opponents Find Refuge -- And A Wary Welcome -- In Georgia RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- On a recent Sunday, two dozen political activists, lawyers, and investigative journalists gathered beside Lake Bateti, a beautiful expanse of turquoise water in the heart of the mountainous nation of Georgia.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at a joint news conference following talks with Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola Tete Antonio, Moscow, October 13, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Oct 2021
• Reply by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to a media question on the mention of PMC Wagner in the report of the Fact-Finding Mission on Libya Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Oct 2021
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on October 13, 2021 PRC MofA 13 Oct 2021
• Danish Artist Tries to Reclaim Tiananmen Tribute From Hong Kong University Radio Free Asia 13 Oct 2021 -- A Danish artist is trying to reclaim his sculpture commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, as a deadline issued for its removal from the University of Hong Kong campus passed on Wednesday.
• Chinese Billionaire Jack Ma 'in Hong Kong' After Media Investment Ban Radio Free Asia 13 Oct 2021 -- Chinese tech billionaire Jack Ma is currently in Hong Kong, amid reports that he is in the process of divesting from a slew of media companies following calls for a ban on such investments by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Beijing, according to Reuters.
• Chinese officials move to increase coal output amid shortage Global Times 14 Oct 2021 -- China is doing its best to increase coal output and supply amid shortages in some areas across the country, and has speeded up reviews of already-built outdoor coal mines, the nation's top economic planner said on Wednesday.
• China defends recent drills near Taipei Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- China says recent military drills near Chinese Taipei were a "just" move aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty and integrity against Taipei's "collusion" with foreign forces.
• China Says Its Military Drills Near Taiwan Aimed at Preventing Outside Interference Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- China conducts military exercises near the border with Taiwan to guard its national sovereignty and prevent foreign interference in the relations between mainland and the island, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday.
• PLA drills target secessionists, foreign interference amid despicable DPP moves: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 13 Oct 2021 -- Recent military exercises launched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Straits aimed at "Taiwan independence" secessionist moves and interference by foreign forces, and they are necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.
• Xi's speech sets direction for Taiwan-related work: spokesperson People's Daily 13 Oct 2021 -- The speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the meeting marking the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911 on Oct. 9 has set the direction for work related to Taiwan, a spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said Wednesday.
• Taiwan secessionists stage 'doomsday madness' in seeking foreign support Global Times 13 Oct 2021 -- Taiwan secessionist authorities continue to seek support, including military ones, from the US to disrupt the national reunification of China, and this proves that the message of the Chinese mainland of a peaceful solution toward Taiwan compatriots and the serious warning to authorities on the island have been ignored, with experts from both sides of the Taiwan Straits saying this is "the last madness" of the secessionists before their doomsday, and the hope of a peaceful solution to the Taiwan question is declining sharply.
• Only way South Korea can repair image is to return funds: Iran Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says that the only way South Korea can repair its tainted image in Iran is by quickly returning billion of dollars in funds frozen in the country because of US pressure.
• There Should be a Possibility to Negotiate Deal 'Stronger' Than JCPOA, US Special Envoy to Iran Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- According to Robert Malley, Washington believes the best way forward is to get back to Iran nuclear deal and then discuss ways of strengthening it.
• Hopes Dim for Iran's Return to Nuclear Deal VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- Efforts to get Tehran to return to the terms of the Iran nuclear deal are in danger of falling short, forcing the United States and its allies to consider non-diplomatic options to contain the threat, according to top U.S. officials.
• EU Envoy To Visit Iran, Raise 'Urgency' To Resume Nuclear Talks RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- The top European diplomat coordinating international talks to revive the 2015 nuclear with Iran is traveling to Iran to push for a resumption of nuclear talks that have stalled amid a change of government in Iran.
• Iran, Azerbaijan Pledge To Ease Recent Tensions 'Through Dialogue' RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- Azerbaijan and Iran have agreed to resolve their diplomatic crisis through dialogue amid tensions that erupted last month over exercises near their shared border and a dispute over a possible Israeli military presence in Azerbaijan.
• Iran, Azerbaijan stress need to resolve issues through dialogue, cooperation Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Azerbaijani counterpart have in a phone conversation stressed the need for the resolution of recent issues between Baku and Tehran through dialogue and cooperation.
• Indian Arms Maker with US, EU Investors Supplies Myanmar Junta, Rights Group Says VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- An Indian government-controlled arms maker with high-profile U.S. and European shareholders has been supplying Myanmar, even after the country's military toppled a democratically elected government on February 1 and killed hundreds of civilians in a bid to crush any resistance, a local rights group has said.
• Belarus Border Crisis Intensifies As Germany Reports Huge Jump In Migrants, Poland Plans 'Barrier' RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- German authorities have complained of a flood of illegal migrants via the "Belarus route" while Polish officials have announced plans to permanently strengthen the border with Belarus as a long-running border crisis mounts between EU states and the regime in Minsk.
• Polish Government Approves Construction of Border Wall on Frontier With Belarus Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Warsaw and its allies have spent months accusing Minsk of deliberately trying to push illegal immigrants from third world countries into Poland. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has denied the allegations and said that crushing Western sanctions against his country have made it impossible to continue to afford airtight border controls.
• Cuban Government Bans Bid for New Protests VOA 12 Oct 2021 -- Cuba's government on Tuesday rejected a request from the opposition to stage a protest on November 15, claiming the organizers are backed by the United States and want to overthrow the regime.
• Erdogan Says Media Are 'Incomparably Free,' But Turkish Journalists Disagree VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- Turkey's president has brushed aside criticism of the country's press freedom record, telling a U.S. broadcaster the country is "incomparably free."
• US Set to Return to Controversial UN Human Rights Council VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States is poised to return to a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, after the former Trump administration withdrew from the controversial body in 2018.
• Malawi Government Attempts to Justify Fuel Price Increase VOA 13 Oct 2021 -- Consumer rights groups in Malawi are calling on the government to roll back or reduce a recent fuel price increase they say the average Malawian cannot afford. President Lazarus Chakwera said this week he was concerned with the 22 percent increase but stressed that it was the result of rising petroleum prices globally.