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07 December 2021 Military News

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Letter to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Regarding the War Powers Report The White House 07 Dec 2021

DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Dec. 7, 2021 US Air Force 07 Dec 2021
Long-Range Discrimination Radar Reshapes Adversaries Calculus for Attacks Against US Homeland DoD News 07 Dec 2021 -- The Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Northern Command and the Space Force marked the completion of construction on the long-range discrimination radar site at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska, during a ceremony on Monday.
U.S. Military Installs Long-Range Missile-Defense System In Alaska RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. military has completed construction on a long-range radar for an Alaska-based missile-defense system that can track intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Pentagon says.
US Completes Construction of Long-Range Radar Against Missile Threats in Alaska Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has finished setting up the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) in Alaska, which was designed to potect the US from potential missile threats.
US, Ukrainian Army medics train together during Combined Resolve XVI Army News 07 Dec 2021 -- Medical procedures may vary throughout the world, but the need to help others is universal.
Al Dhafra SFS Defends Against Potential UAS Threat CENTCOM 07 Dec 2021 -- Specialists with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron not only provide base defense at Al Dhafra Air Base from traditional ground-based threats, but are also on alert for threats posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Navy to Commission Guided-Missile Destroyer Daniel Inouye DoD 07 Dec 2021 -- The Navy will commission the future USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, during a 10:00 a.m. (HST) ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham, Dec. 8.
Austin Discusses China, Russia, American Public Survey on Military at Defense One Forum DoD News 07 Dec 2021 -- As the United States' pacing challenge, China is moving rapidly to modernize its military, navy, ground forces and space, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said he remains focused on all of their capabilities.
Army, Marine Corps Leaders Discuss Deterring China's Military Menace DoD News 07 Dec 2021 -- Leaders of the Army and Marine Corps discussed the pacing military challenge from China and ways to counter the threat.
Deterrence Ensures Great Power Competition Doesn't Become War, Milley Says DoD News 07 Dec 2021 -- The United States military is the strongest and most effective fighting force in the world today, but the Chinese Communist Party's Peoples' Liberation Army has made tremendous strides and has publicly stated it wants to equal or surpass the U.S. force by 2040, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today in Washington.
3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade begin annual command post exercise Yama Sakura 81 in Japan USMC News 07 Dec 2021 -- The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade are taking part in Yama Sakura 81, an annual command post exercise, Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 at Camp Courtney, Okinawa and Camp Ainoura, Nagasaki, Japan.
AMC approves 4th KC-46A Pegasus ICR milestone US Air Force 07 Dec 2021 -- Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, approved a fourth Interim Capability Release (ICR) mission set for the KC-46A Pegasus, Dec. 6.
U.S. Sixth Fleet Hosts FS Auvergne, Porter Visits Marseille, France US Navy 07 Dec 2021 -- U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) hosted French FREMM Frigate FS Auvergne's (D 654) leadership at its headquarters in Naples, Italy, while France welcomed the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) to Marseille, France this past week.
Timor-Leste, U.S. Begin Bilateral Exercise CARAT Timor-Leste US Navy 07 Dec 2021 -- Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) and U.S. military are partnering in the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) maritime exercise, virtually, on land, and in the territorial waters surrounding Port Hera, Dec. 6.
Terror Threat to U.S. Has Decreased, DOD Official Says DoD News 07 Dec 2021 -- The terrorist threat to the U.S. homeland has been significantly degraded over the last 20 years due to sustained pressure on those groups worldwide, Milancy D. Harris, the Defense Department's deputy assistant secretary of defense for special operations and combating terrorism, said.
US military hackers target groups behind ransomware attacks Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Hackers from the US military have targeted the groups that have allegedly conducted ransomware attacks on American companies, according to a report.
Town Hall at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam with CNO, SECNAV, and Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet US Navy 07 Dec 2021
CNO, SECNAV, and Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet Speak During Press Conference in Hawaii US Navy 07 Dec 2021
CNO Gilday Speaks at Reagan National Defense Forum: Defense in the Digital Age, U.S. Cyber Capabilities and the Future of Warfare Panel US Navy 07 Dec 2021

Opening remarks by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives Annual Conference (NCGP) NATO 07 Dec 2021

PLA's first amphibious assault ship passes multidimensional landing combat assessment Global Times 07 Dec 2021 -- The first Type 075 amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently passed an assessment focusing on multidimensional landing combat that features the integration of sea, land and air units, with experts saying on Tuesday that the vessel is rapidly reaching operational capability shortly after its commissioning a few months earlier, at a time when deterrence is needed against "Taiwan independence" forces.
Chinese peacekeepers participate in UNIFIL Exercise Tiger 2021 PLA Daily 07 Dec 2021 -- Recently, the 20th batch of Chinese peacekeeping contingent to Lebanon participated in Exercise Tiger 2021, an exercise series organized by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and successfully completed the emergency evacuation of UN employees and their families in a contingency scenario.
Chinese troops participating in "Peace Rescue 2021" arrive in Vietnam PLA Daily 07 Dec 2021 -- Eighty- four Chinese service members who will participate in the China-Vietnam "Peace Rescue 2021" joint medical exercise arrived at an exercise ground in Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province of Vietnam, on the morning of December 6.
China Hides Secret Missile Systems in Cargo Containers for 'Surprise' Attack Anywhere - Report Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- Placing missile systems in containers is not a novel military concept, as a number of countries have been engaging in the practice for years now. Such systems allow for prompt and covert delivery, as they can be installed on a ship or coastal location. This enables a country to rapidly increase its military build-up wherever necessary.

Niger receives second U.S. C-130 to support enduring Sahel operations AFRICOM 07 Dec 2021 -- Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.

Saab Shares Plunge as Finland Reported to Pick F-35 in Fighter Fleet Upgrade Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- In picking the F-35, Finland will follow its Nordic peers Denmark and Norway, which settled for 27 and 52 jets respectively in deals dubbed the biggest in their military history.

Successful Flight Test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile India PIB 07 Dec 2021 -- Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile was successfully flight tested today by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha
CURTAIN RAISER PANEX-21 India PIB 07 Dec 2021 -- A Curtain Raiser Event for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise, PANEX-21, for the member nations of BIMSTEC countries, was held at Kothari Auditorium DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on 07 Dec 2021
Russia begins deliveries of S-400 defense system to India despite US sanctions threat Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Russia and India have signed a mass of trade and arms deals on the margins of a summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia, India eye finalizing S-400 deal as Putin visits Modi Global Times 07 Dec 2021 -- India is expected to move forward with the delivery of a Russian S-400 missile defense system despite possible US sanctions as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Monday in New Delhi. According to Chinese observers, this reflects India's growing uncertainty and confusion over its pro-US policy while highlighting the unbridgeable gap between India and the US, as the latter wishfully attempts to force India to completely cut off its tradition of non-alignment on national security and turn it into a vassal of its China policy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sea legs of infantry fighting vehicles tested Australia DOD 07 Dec 2021 -- The two vehicles under consideration for Australia's multi-billion dollar infantry fighting vehicle project have undergone sea transportability trials on Sydney Harbour.

US vows military buildup in eastern Europe ahead of Biden-Putin talks Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The United States has warned that it would bolster its military presence on NATO's "eastern flank" and inflict "severe economic harm" on Moscow, "should Russia invade Ukraine."

Saudi Arabia pleads for US help as missile arsenal runs low: WSJ Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Saudi Arabia has fallen drastically short in the face of Yemen's determined retaliation campaign against the war that the kingdom and its allies have been waging on the impoverished country, beseeching the US for help, a report says.
Bilateral ACE Exercise Maneuvers between Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces and U.S. Air Force, Kick off SPA 07 Dec 2021 -- The live-fire ACE exercise between the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces and the U.S. Air Force was launched today at King Faisal Air Base in the Northern Sector and King Fahd Air Base in the Western Sector.

Chief of the Defence Staff Speech to the Royal United Services Institute UK MOD 07 Dec 2021 -- Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC, Chief of the Defence Staff Speech to the Royal United Services Institute

Meeting with US President Joseph Biden President of Russia 07 Dec 2021 -- Vladimir Putin had a lengthy conversation with President of the United States of America Joseph Biden.
Putin-Biden Call: Key Points Discussed by US, Russian Presidents During Video Meeting Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- Tuesday's "secure" video call constitutes the second meeting between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden since their June tete-a-tete in Geneva. The summer summit was a starting point for the two countries to begin talks in the fields of strategic stability, cybersecurity and other key issues.
Readout of President Biden's Video Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia The White House 07 Dec 2021
Kremlin expects 'no breakthroughs' in Putin-Biden summit Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The Kremlin says no "breakthroughs" are expected in the upcoming virtual meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Joe Biden, during which the two leaders are set to discuss rising tensions around Ukraine.

Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the Summit for Democracy The White House 07 Dec 2021
Only 3 ASEAN states at US Democracy Summit? Not bad, say analysts Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2021 -- Even as the United States makes Southeast Asia a diplomatic priority, it has invited just three ASEAN members to this week's democracy summit, but analysts in the region said Tuesday that Washington's strategy in doing so was largely sound.
Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya On the Upcoming Summit for Democracy US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2021 -- Special Briefing by Uzra Zeya, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
Targeting Repression and Supporting Democracy US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2021 -- Consistent with the goals of this week's Summit for Democracy, the United States is committed to using its full range of tools to counter serious human rights abuse and repressive acts across the world.
Treasury Targets Repression and the Undermining of Democracy US Treasury 07 Dec 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating 15 actors across three countries in connection with serious human rights abuse and repressive acts targeting innocent civilians, political opponents, and peaceful protestors.

Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UK Minister for Europe and the Americas Morton US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2021
Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Macron of France, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Draghi of Italy, Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom The White House 07 Dec 2021
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, December 7, 2021 The White House 07 Dec 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 7, 2021

Other Conflicts

7 December 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Dec 2021
UNICEF launches record emergency appeal as escalating conflicts push millions to the brink UN News 07 Dec 2021 -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday launched an appeal for a record $9.4 billion as attacks against children continue to rise. Close to 24,000 grave violations against youngsters were confirmed last year, or 72 violations a day, according to the agency, in its largest ever appeal for funding.
The devastating convergence of conflict, climate and COVID for refugees and displaced people UK FCDO 07 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
At Seoul meeting, Guterres urges greater support for peacekeeping amid mounting threats UN News 07 Dec 2021 -- With the world now facing the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945, Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday urged countries to step up support for UN peacekeeping operations across the globe, and the thousands who serve within them.
Navigating complex peace and security challenges together: Grandi UN News 07 Dec 2021 -- Conflict, climate change and COVID-19, have created a perfect storm of challenges facing refugees, displaced people and their hosts, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, told the Security Council on Tuesday.
UN Launches Historic $2 Billion Humanitarian Appeal to Save Afghan Children VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched its largest ever single-country appeal Tuesday to urgently respond to the humanitarian needs of "over 24 million people in Afghanistan, half of whom are children."

Former Foreign Secretary Challenges Whistle-Blower's Claims U.K. Abandoned Afghan Allies RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Dec 2021 -- A former British foreign secretary has defended his oversight of the evacuation of troops and civilians from Afghanistan following a damning whistle-blower's report alleging that the operation was "dysfunctional" and "chaotic" and left U.K. allies abandoned.
UK's handling of Afghanistan evacuations was 'dysfunctional', 'chaotic': Whistleblower Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The UK government's handling of evacuations from Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover in August was "dysfunctional" and "chaotic", according to a devastating account by a whistleblower.

China conducts live-fire bombing drills in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2021 -- The Chinese military has deployed some of its most advanced strategic bombers in a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea as an apparent message of deterrence to Taiwan and its allies.

The Ministry of Defense: The Royal Saudi Air Defense Intercepts and Destroys A Ballistic Missile Launched by the Houthi Militia Towards Riyadh SPA 07 Dec 2021 -- Statement by the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki "The Royal Saudi Air Defense has intercepted and destroyed this evening a ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia towards Riyadh. The interception resulted in scattered debris over some residential areas, with no damages recorded.
Yemeni army targets Saudi Aramco, defense ministry in retaliatory operation Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces has revealed details of a large-scale operation in retaliation for the Saudi bombing campaign on Yemen, saying it attacked Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry and Aramco facilities among other targets.
Saudi Arabia ups the ante in Yemen war, launches fresh raids against Yemeni capital Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Saudi Arabia has carried out a fresh round of airstrikes against Yemen, after a military spokesman said Yemeni armed forces and their allies had conducted an operation in retaliation for the ongoing Saudi war and crippling siege against their homeland.
The Ministry of Defense: The Royal Saudi Air Defense Intercepts and Destroys A Ballistic Missile Launched by the Houthi Militia Towards Riyadh SPA 07 Dec 2021 -- Statement by the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki "The Royal Saudi Air Defense has intercepted and destroyed this evening a ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia towards Riyadh. The interception resulted in scattered debris over some residential areas, with no damages recorded.
Yemen's Houthi Rebels Announce Massive Attack on Saudi Military, Oil Facilities Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The Houthi movement rebels governing northern Yemen have launched a massive missile and drone attack on military and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sare'e said on Tuesday.

Israeli airstrikes target Syria's lifeline port Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The Israeli regime has targeted Syria's principal port city of Latakia with airstrikes, prompting the Arab country to launch defensive action.
Videos: Israel Hits Latakia Port Area in Syria, State Media Reports Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- Israel has carried out an airstrike on the Latakia port area in Syria, Syrian state television has reported.

Biden Warns Of Sanctions If Russia Invades Ukraine; Putin Calls For 'Guarantees' Against NATO Expansion RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia would be hit with "strong economic and other measures" as punishment should Moscow launch an offensive against Ukraine, the White House said.
Biden Warns Putin of Economic Sanctions and Other Measures in Event of Ukraine Military Escalation Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said Washington supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and called for de-escalation.
Biden Warns Putin Against Possible Ukraine Invasion VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- In a virtual summit Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden laid out to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, the steps the U.S. will take should Moscow decide to invade Ukraine.
Pentagon Confirms Presence of US Forces in Ukraine, Declines to Disclose Number Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- An undisclosed number of US forces are present in Ukraine as part of a training mission and routine special operations forces exercises, Defense Department spokesperson Anton Semelroth said on Tuesday.
US Sen. Menendez Preparing 'Mother of All Sanctions' on Russia in Case of Ukraine Invasion Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Robert Menendez said on Tuesday that he is preparing the most severe sanctions ever imposed on Russia if the latter invades Ukraine.
US Allegedly Mulls Limiting Russia's Ability to Convert Currency to Deter It From 'Invading' Ukraine Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- Media reports earlier claimed that US President Joe Biden will use the upcoming video conference with Vladimir Putin to lay out a "pretty damn aggressive package" of sanctions that would be implemented should Russia decide to attack Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected claims that it harbours such plans.
CIA director: We don't know what Putin has decided on Ukraine Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns has said that American intelligence agencies have yet to conclude decisively that Russia will invade Ukraine, adding that they do not know what Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided.
Amid Fears Of New War In Ukraine, Putin And Biden To Hold Tense Talks RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are set to hold a tense round of talks amid rising tensions over Russia's troop buildup on the Ukrainian border, NATO's future in the region, and Russia's security demands.

TPLF On Retreat in Amhara After Ethiopian Army's Capture of Strategic Cities Dessie, Kombolcha Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The Ethiopian government said on Monday its forces had recaptured two strategic cities in eastern Amhara state that had been captured two months earlier by the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) during its southern drive on the capital. The victories pushed the TPLF back another 80 miles from their positions last week.

Myanmar troops massacre, burn 11 villagers in Sagaing Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2021 -- Myanmar junta troops massacred 11 civilians in northwestern Sagaing region on Tuesday, reportedly burning them alive in apparent retaliation for militia attacks, local residents and militia said.

UN's top court rules Armenia, Azerbaijan must avoid escalating long-time feud Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have issued an order for Armenia and Azerbaijan to prevent racial hatred and avoid aggravating their dispute, more than one year after they fought a war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
UN Court Tells Armenia, Azerbaijan To Curb Feud, Prevent Racial Hatred RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- The United Nations' top court has ordered both Armenia and Azerbaijan to work to prevent racial hatred and discrimination and ease their feud following last year's war between the South Caucasus neighbors over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Bosnia Arrests Five More War Crimes Suspects As Sweep Continues RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- The Investigation and Protection Agency of Bosnia-Herzegovina (SIPA) says five former soldiers have been arrested in Sarajevo for committing crimes against Serb civilians who were prisoners of war between 1992 and 1994 during the Bosnian War.

Indian Government Denies Reports From China of Infiltration Attempts Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The cases of infiltrating Indian territory through neighbouring nations are dealt with by the Border Guarding Forces, which work closely with other government agencies - as well as state governments - to curb these attempts. India shares a border with seven other countries - Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

34 Years after First Palestinian Intifada, Peace with Israelis Remains Elusive VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- This week marks the anniversary of the start of the First Intifada, a 1987 uprising in which Palestinians for the first time worked in unison - albeit in vain - against Israel's occupation of lands captured in the 1967 Six Day War. The wave of violence starting in 1987 lasted six years and marked a turning point in the larger Israeli Palestinian conflict.

News Reports

Canadian Man Charged With Scheme to Commit Cyberattacks US Dept. of Justice 07 Dec 2021 -- According to court documents, Matthew Philbert, 31, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, conspired to and did damage a computer belonging to the State of Alaska in April 2018.

Life Sentence Sought For Russian Accused Of 'State-Ordered' Killing Of Georgian In Berlin RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- German federal prosecutors have demanded life in prison without parole for a Russian man accused of murdering a former Chechen commander in Berlin more than two years ago - allegedly on the orders of Moscow.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Chad Mahamat Zene Cherif, Moscow, December 7, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Dec 2021

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on December 7, 2021 PRC MofA 07 Dec 2021
Beijing fears diplomatic isolation as US allies mull Olympics options: analysts Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2021 -- U.S. allies said they were considering their positions on Tuesday following yesterday's announcement that the Biden administration will boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, citing human rights "atrocities."
China: US Diplomatic Boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Violates Spirit of the Games VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- China is denouncing U.S. President Joe Biden's administration's decision to impose a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a violation of the Olympic spirit.
China lodges protest over US 'diplomatic boycott' of Beijing Winter Games, vows countermeasures Global Times 07 Dec 2021 -- China has lodged solemn representations with the US and will take resolute countermeasures after the White House announced a "diplomatic boycott'' of the Beijing Winter Olympics on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Tuesday.
Competition Between US, China Continues in Africa VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- Tyson Nuthu works in the outdoors industry in Nairobi and sees the presence of China everywhere.
Exclusive: HK chief shares insight on getting through city's worst turmoil, extends confidence for elections Global Times 07 Dec 2021
Democracy harming people's lives is like putting the cart before the horse: Carrie Lam Global Times 07 Dec 2021 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that the purpose of any democratic political system is to improve people's lives, and if democracy harms people's lives, it is putting the cart before the horse, just like some Western countries which have difficulties in responding to the epidemic.
Improved electoral system in Hong Kong aims at plurality People's Daily 07 Dec 2021 -- The principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" is the foundation of the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems," Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council, said on Monday.

United States Prevails in Actions to Seize and Forfeit Iranian Terror Group's Missiles and Petroleum US Dept. of Justice 07 Dec 2021 -- The Justice Department today announced the successful forfeiture of two large caches of Iranian arms, including 171 surface-to-air missiles and eight anti-tank missiles, as well as approximately 1.1 million barrels of Iranian petroleum products.
US imposes new sanctions on dozen of Iranian officials, organizations Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on a number of Iranian officials and entities accusing them of committing human rights abuses, as Iran and the five other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal are set to start a new round of negotiations on the removal of American sanctions on Thursday.
U.S. Hits Iranian Officials, Entities With Sanctions Over 'Serious' Rights Abuses RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- The United States has slapped sanctions on about a dozen Iranian officials and entities accused of committing "serious" human rights abuses.
US Slaps Commander of Iran's IRGC Basij Forces With Sanctions Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The move comes as talks continue in Vienna between Iran and the US on lifting sanctions from the Islamic Republic in return for the latter's compliance with the provisions of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. However, so far the negotiations remain stalled due to the sides failing to find a tangible compromise.
Report: International Nuclear Talks With Iran To Resume On December 9 RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- Talks between world powers and Iran regarding Tehran's controversial nuclear program will resume on December 9 in Vienna, according to the country's semiofficial Tasnim news agency.
Iran, Russia discuss Vienna nuclear negotiations in Moscow IRNA 07 Dec 2021 -- Senior Foreign Ministry officials from Iran and Russia, in a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, reviewed the latest developments of nuclear talks between Iran and the G4+1 in the Austrian capital.
Any deal must be comprehensive so that people feel its results: Iran FM ISNA 07 Dec 2021 -- Iran will follow the path of diplomacy and talks in Vienna within the framework of the logic of negotiation and understanding, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said.
Iran Foreign Ministry: Doubling down on sanctions won't create leverage for US in Vienna talks Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has lambasted fresh US sanctions against a number of the Iranian officials and entities over rights allegations, saying the intensification of anti-Iran measures will fail to create leverage and also runs counter to the anticipated seriousness and goodwill at a time that Iran and the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal are in the midst of a new round of talks on the removal of American sanctions.
Iran, P4+1 set to resume sanctions removal talks in Vienna Thursday Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Iran and the five other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal are set to start a new round of negotiations on Thursday, December 9, in the Austrian capital of Vienna, aimed at securing a removal of the sanctions imposed by the US on Iran after its withdrawal from the accord and reviving the embattled international document.
In Moscow, senior Iranian, Russian diplomats discuss ties, sanctions removal talks Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Senior Iranian and Russian diplomats have discussed the latest developments regarding mutual relations and the recent round of talks held between Tehran and the P4+1 group of countries in the Austrian capital of Vienna aimed at removing US sanctions against Iran.
No way for US to rejoin Iran deal without sanctions removal, says Iranian foreign minister Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- Iran's foreign minister says there is no way for the United States to return to the 2015 nuclear agreement without the removal of sanctions imposed on the Iranian nation after Washington's withdrawal from the multilateral agreement.

Cambodian PM Hun Sen's planned trip to Myanmar raises ASEAN concerns Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2021 -- Cambodian PM Hun Sen's planned trip to Myanmar raises ASEAN concernsCambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the incoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair, unveiled a visit to army-run Myanmar early in 2022 after meeting with the junta's foreign minister Tuesday, as observers warned that failure to hold the military regime to account for its repressive rule could undermine the bloc's authority.
Myanmar junta FM meets Cambodian PM Hun Sen ahead of ASEAN chairmanship Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2021 -- The foreign minister representing Myanmar's junta met with soon-to-be Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair and prime minister of Cambodia Hun Sen on Tuesday, as observers warned that failure to hold the military regime to account for its repressive rule could undermine the bloc's authority.

Belarus Retaliates To Western Sanctions With EU, U.S. Food Import Ban RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- The regime of authoritarian Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka says it will ban a wide range of food imports from European Union members states, the United States, and other countries starting next year in retaliation for sanctions imposed against Minsk.
Minsk Introduces Embargo on Some Goods in Response to Western Sanctions Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- Belarus is introducing embargo on a wide range of goods from countries applying sanctions against official Minsk from January 1, 2022, the Belarusian government said on Tuesday.
Lithuanian Lawmakers Extend State Of Emergency At Belarusian Border RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- Lithuanian lawmakers have extended the state of emergency at the Baltic nation's border with Belarus and at camps hosting migrants who arrived from there as it tries to stem the flow of people into the European Union through the bloc's eastern flank.

Washington Hopeful of Close Relations With Germany's Scholz VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- U.S. officials are hopeful of developing a good working relationship with Germany's incoming chancellor, Olaf Scholz, whose new coalition government featuring the Social Democrats, the Greens and the neoliberal Free Democrats, has already indicated it will observe a longstanding nuclear sharing arrangement allowing the U.S. to continue to deploy 20 atomic bombs at an airbase in western Germany.

Khashoggi murder suspect arrested in France Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- One of the suspects involved in the Saudi state-sponsored killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 has been detained at an airport near Paris, media reports say.
French Police Arrest Suspect in Connection With Journalist Jamal Khashoggi's Murder, Media Claims Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The journalist of Saudi Arabian origin was killed in 2018 after he entered the premises of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later revealed that his killing was carried out by a group of rogue state agents and promised to punish those responsible.

Kyrgyz Election Officials Announce Preliminary Results After Hand Count RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- Kyrgyzstan's election commission has announced the final preliminary results of last month's parliamentary elections following the manual count of all ballots, with six parties set to enter the new legislature.

U.S. Senators Urge Administration To Press Uzbekistan On Human Rights RFE/RL 07 Dec 2021 -- Senator Bob Menendez (Democrat-New Jersey), the chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, and five other Senate Democrats called on the U.S. administration to press Uzbekistan's leaders on human rights issues during an upcoming dialogue session.

Presidential Election in The Gambia US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2021 -- The United States applauds the Gambian people for ensuring their voices were heard in their presidential election on December 4.

New Zealand Deploys Naval Ship as Malaita Province Leader Seeks Independence from Solomon Islands Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- Surviving a no-confidence motion by a 32 votes to 15 on Monday, the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, vowed to complete his fourth term. He added that he would not give in to "calls to resign by Taiwan's agents", blaming the Malaita provincial government for unrest in his capital Honiara.

Communism Down and Out in the Czech Republic VOA 07 Dec 2021 -- The communist party in the Czech Republic lost all of its 15 seats in the country's 200-member Chamber of Deputies following elections earlier this year, marking a new political low for the party that once ruled the former Soviet satellite state.

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