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10 December 2021 Military News

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176th Cyber Protection Team completes mobilization Army News 10 Dec 2021 -- Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers from Detachment 1, 176th Cyber Protection Team, have ended a yearlong mobilization to Fort Meade for cyberspace operations.
U.S. Navy Establishes Submarine Squadron Two at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard US Navy 10 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. Navy established Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 2 in an official ceremony on Friday, Dec. 10, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
US Army rotational forces transition creates waves at the port of Alexandroupoli, Greece Army News 10 Dec 2021 -- As waves crash against the port of Alexandroupoli, the mist of the Aegean Sea gently coats the staged UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
Wisconsin National Guard unit midway through Atlantic Resolve NATO deployment Army News 10 Dec 2021 -- Approximately 150 Soldiers from the 107th Maintenance Company are representing the Wisconsin Army National Guard proudly at the midway point of their mobilization to Eastern Europe.
US Army and Air Force fire support specialists form a 'COLT' at Combined Resolve XVI Army News 10 Dec 2021 -- A two-person team of Airmen is dropped off by a Bradley Fighting Vehicle at the forward line of troops. They move down the line of cavalry scouts until they meet another small team, this one made up of U.S. Army artillerymen, who are dismounted from their own Bradley and are outfitting their rucksacks for an extended patrol. They are preparing to scout enemy positions, checking their radios and packing binoculars for a long patrol behind enemy lines.
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 10 Dec 2021
Press Secretary Discusses U.S.-U.K. Talks, Ukraine Situation, Boosters DoD News 10 Dec 2021 -- The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom continues with Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks virtually hosting the fifth round of the U.S.-U.K Defense Dialogue, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said today.
DOD Official Outlines 2022 National Defense Strategy in CNAS Forum DoD News 10 Dec 2021 -- The Defense Department's new National Defense Strategy, due in early 2022, will be a plan to deal with an increasingly complicated and complex security landscape, Mara E. Karlin, performing the duties of deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, said.
Bilateral Exercise CARAT Bangladesh 2021 Concludes, Reinforces Shared Commitment to Regional Security US Navy 10 Dec 2021 -- As part of the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, CARAT Bangladesh 2021 concluded Dec. 9, following nine days of virtual, in-person and at-sea engagements that enhanced collaboration between the Bangladesh Navy and U.S. Navy and focused on shared maritime security challenges of the region.
USS Porter Completes 10th Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe Patrol US Navy 10 Dec 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) returned to Rota, Spain, after completing its 10th Forward-Deployed Naval Forces Europe (FDNF-E) patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) area of operations, Dec. 10.
Pentagon Orders Thinktank Study to 'Identify Critical Questions' on Future of US Nuclear Programme Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- The American Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is being developed as a replacement for the ageing LGM-30G Minuteman series of ICBMs, which have been in service since 1962. The Pentagon has been eyeing 2023 for conducting the first test flights of the GBSD at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz NATO 10 Dec 2021
NATO Secretary General praises France's contributions to Euro-Atlantic security NATO 10 Dec 2021 -- During his visit to Paris today (10 December 2021), the Secretary General met with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and with the Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, to address developments in the Euro-Atlantic area and continuing to adapt NATO for the future.
Russia warns NATO over violation of Montreux Convention Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- The Russian government says it has witnessed some violations of the Montreux Convention by NATO members, amid soaring tensions between Moscow and the West, and emphasizes that such a situation is "unacceptable."

Foreign Ministry statement on dialogue with the United States and other Western countries regarding security guarantees Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Dec 2021
Russian fighter jet escorts US spy plane away over Black Sea Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- Russia has scrambled a fighter jet to escort away a US spy aircraft flying over the Black Sea, amid growing concerns over the risk of a major military confrontation with the Western forces near the Russian border.

China Tests Hypersonic Flight Engine Using Design Developed in US But Rejected Over Costs - Report Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- A team of scientists has built and successfully tested a prototype based on a novel idea created more than two decades ago by an American space agency expert of Chinese descent.
Chinese, Vietnamese troops conduct joint training before Peace Rescue-2021 exercise PLA Daily 10 Dec 2021 -- The Chinese and Vietnamese troops participating in the bilateral medical exercise "Peace Rescue-2021" started joint training for the first time in Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province of Vietnam on December 8, 2021.
Chinese peacekeepers to Mali carry out ammunition depot construction for Egyptian military police PLA Daily 10 Dec 2021 -- Recently, at the request of the Egyptian military police of the Super Camp of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Gao, the 9th Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent to Mali started the construction of a new ammunition depot under the complex security situation and the harsh natural environment in local area.
China Coast Guard attends 17th Meeting of the Asian Coast Guard Agencies Heads PLA Daily 10 Dec 2021 -- Delegates of the China Coast Guard (CCG) participated in the 17th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM-17) via video link on December 8, 2021.

Strengthening Army's helicopter capability Australia DoD 10 Dec 2021 -- The Morrison Government has taken steps to strengthen the Australian Army's helicopter capability by formally requesting advice from the United States Government on the acquisition of up to 40 UH-60 Black Hawk to potentially replace the MRH90 Taipan helicopter.
Australia to Replace European Military Helicopters With US Black Hawks Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- Australia will replace European MRH-90 Taipan military helicopters with multi-role American Black Hawks, Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday.

SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR India PIB 10 Dec 2021 -- The total amount disbursed between 2018-2021 under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme, Company-wise and State-wise is as follows:
EXPORT OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT India PIB 10 Dec 2021 -- Since 2016-17 to 2018-19, the Defence Exports increased by almost seven times
ARMY REGIMENTS India PIB 10 Dec 2021 -- There are 27 Infantry Regiments in the Indian Army

How China Could Cyberattack Taiwan VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- China has the means to launch a disabling cyberattack against political rival Taiwan ahead of any military invasion, experts say, as the technology is already targeting the island's political leadership.
US defense bill could open way to Taiwan joining RIMPAC naval exercise Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2021 -- Taiwanese naval ships could join next year's Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) for the first time under a defense policy bill for fiscal year 2022 passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks's Virtual Meeting With U.K. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence David Williams DoD 10 Dec 2021
Defence Secretary affirms UK's commitment to High North on visit to Denmark and Sweden UK MOD 10 Dec 2021 -- Ben Wallace met Danish and Swedish counterparts, underlining strength of UK's bilateral relationships.

Greece - Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (Hellenic Future Frigate (HF2)) DSCA 10 Dec 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships and related equipment for an estimated cost of $6.9 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Greece - MEKO Class Frigate Modernization DSCA 10 Dec 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of MEKO Class Frigate Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Cambodia's Hun Sen orders destruction of country's US weapons Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2021 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday ordered his military to collect and destroy any U.S.-made arms found in Cambodia, lashing out at an arms embargo imposed by Washington as an American diplomat visited Phnom Penh for talks on bilateral and regional issues.

Finland Selects F-35 Lightning II as Its Next Fighter Lockheed Martin 10 Dec 2021 -- The Finnish Government has announced Lockheed Martin's 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II is the aircraft selected from its HX Fighter Program. By selecting the F-35, Finland gains a significant capability to ensure stability in the region.
Lockheed Martin Signs Contract for 64 F-35 Fighters With Finland Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- Finland has concluded the largest defense contract in its history with Lockheed Martin for the delivery of 64 F-35 fighters, the Finnish Cabinet announced on Friday.

On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions over Xinjiang, Myanmar abuses Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2021 -- The United States marked International Human Rights Day Friday with the announcement of sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to rights abuses in China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh, while blacklisting a Chinese artificial intelligence company.
The United States Promotes Accountability for Human Rights Violations and Abuses US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2021 -- We are determined to put human rights at the center of our foreign policy, and we reaffirm this commitment by using appropriate tools and authorities to draw attention to and promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses, no matter where they occur.
Treasury Sanctions Perpetrators of Serious Human Rights Abuse on International Human Rights Day US Treasury 10 Dec 2021 -- Today, on International Human Rights Day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating 15 individuals and 10 entities for their connection to human rights abuse and repression in several countries around the globe, pursuant to multiple sanctions authorities.
As Democracy Summit Wraps, US Restricts Exports of Cyber Tools Used for Repression VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- As the two-day virtual Summit for Democracy hosted by President Joe Biden wrapped up on Friday, the U.S., Australia, Denmark and Norway announced an export control program to monitor and restrict the spread of technologies used to violate human rights.
US Announces New Sanctions on Human Rights Day VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- As part of the Biden administration's efforts to infuse human rights into its foreign policy, the U.S. State Department on Friday designated 12 government officials from Uganda, China, Belarus, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Mexico for "gross violations of human rights," according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Joint Statement on the Export Controls and Human Rights Initiative The White House 10 Dec 2021
Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on Day One of the Summit for Democracy The White House 10 Dec 2021
Remarks by President Biden at the Summit for Democracy Closing Session The White House 10 Dec 2021

Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2021
Readout of President Biden's Call with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany The White House 10 Dec 2021
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, December 10, 2021 The White House 10 Dec 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 10, 2021

Other Conflicts

10 December 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 Dec 2021

Taliban Closure of Domestic Abuse Shelters Leaves Thousands at Risk, Experts Say VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- Farmers in Afghanistan say that they will continue to grow poppy amid uncertainty over the Taliban's poppy eradication policy.

Iraqi groups vow resistance after US announces end to combat mission Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- Iraq's anti-terror Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba movement has dismissed the announcement that US forces have ended their combat mission in the Arab country, stressing that Washington cannot be trusted an inch and that resistance groups will continue their struggle until all American occupation forces leave.

Putin says war on ethnic Russians in Ukraine's east 'certainly looks like genocide' Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced the oppression against ethnic Russians in Ukraine's east as "certainly looking like genocide."
Europe Pushes For Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Warnings To Russia RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- The European Union has warned Russia it would face consequences if it invaded Ukraine, as Germany and France called for talks to ease tensions amid growing concerns over Russia's troop buildup near the border with its southwestern neighbor.
Has Biden Thrown Ukraine Under The Bus, Or Averted War -- Or Both? Or Neither? RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- As White House phone calls go, the one that Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy had this week may end up being among the most consequential of his presidency.
Biden Assures Zelenskiy Of U.S. Support, Pledges Continued Consultation With NATO Allies In Eastern Europe RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden told Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on December 9 that the United States fully supports Ukrainian sovereignty in the face of a buildup of Russian troops near its border, the White House said.

France to Unseal Secret Records on Algerian War of Independence VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- France announced Friday that it would soon declassify some of the most secret sections of its national archives concerning the Algerian war of independence, opening the door for citizens to explore some of bloodiest parts of the country's history.

Scarce Resources in Cameroon Trigger Deadly Clashes, Mass Displacement VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- The U.N. refugee agency says intercommunal fighting over scarce resources in Cameroon has triggered the mass exodus of more than 30,000 refugees to neighboring Chad.

Tensions Build Along Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Amid Renewed Deadly Clashes RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- Armenian and Azerbaijani have exchanged fire across their shared border for a third consecutive day, with both sides accusing each other of violating a cease-fire deal that ended their six-week war last year over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenian Defence Ministry Says Repelled Azerbaijan's Attack at Border Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- The Armenian army has repelled an assault by Azerbaijani troops on its military bases at their common border, the Armenian Defenсe Ministry said on Friday.

Bosnian Serb Parliament Votes To Advance Secessionist Bid RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- The Bosnian Serb parliament has adopted a set of steps that would strengthen a secessionist bid to withdraw from state-level institutions despite warnings from the West.

News Reports

Leading ISIS Media Figure and Foreign Fighter Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorist Organization Resulting in Death US Dept. of Justice 10 Dec 2021 -- A Saudi-born Canadian citizen pleaded guilty today to conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), resulting in death.

U.S. Sentences Russian For Malware 'Crypting' Services RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- Russian national Oleg Koshkin has been sentenced to four years in prison for operating a "crypting" service that helped hackers infect computers around the world with malware, the U.S. Justice Department announced on December 9.

CIA overhauling its network of spies with focus on China and Russia: Report Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is overhauling how it trains and manages its network of spies to focus more closely on adversaries like China and Russia, according to a report.

UK's top court rules Assange can be extradited to US Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- The British High Court has overturned a ruling that blocked the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Juian Assange to the United Sates, deciding that he can be sent to America, where he faces a possible life in prison sentence.

The Week In Russia: Trying Talks RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- As tensions persisted over Russia's military buildup on its western flank and its designs on Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden held talks with Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and the leaders of nine NATO nations as he sought "de-escalation of the current crisis through deterrence, defense, and dialogue."

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 10, 2021 PRC MofA 10 Dec 2021
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Nicaragua PRC MofA 10 Dec 2021 -- On 10 December 2021, China and Nicaragua signed the Joint Communiqué on the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Nicaragua. The two Governments have decided to recognize each other and resume diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, effective from the date of signature of this communiqué.
China, Nicaragua resume diplomatic relations PLA Daily 10 Dec 2021 -- China and Nicaragua signed Friday in Tianjin the joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Nicaragua.
HK justice secretary bashes collusion between US forces and rioters, calling for wide participation in Legco election Global Times 10 Dec 2021 -- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah called out blatant US collusion with anti-Hong Kong rioters to damage the Chinese central government and the SAR government, and called on the public to vote to ensure candidates who put the interests of Hong Kong residents first get elected.
U.S. Hits Xinjiang Leaders With Sanctions Over 'Gross' Rights Abuses RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- The United States has imposed financial sanctions and other restrictions on a Chinese company that developed facial-recognition software and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders of Xinjiang, accusing them of participation in "gross" human rights abuses in China's northwestern region.
Unofficial British Tribunal Says China Committed Genocide Against Uyghurs VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- An independent, unofficial panel of British lawyers, academics and businesspeople has concluded that China's government committed genocide against Uyghurs, a ruling denounced by China as a "farce."
China places lawyers, activists under house arrest on Human Rights Day Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2021 -- Authorities in China targeted dissidents, rights lawyers and activists and their families with house arrest, round-the-clock surveillance and restrictions on their children's school attendance on Human Rights Day, RFA has learned.

13 Chinese military planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 10 Dec 2021 -- Thirteen Chinese military aircraft flew into the southwestern and southeastern parts of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Friday, following the severing of diplomatic ties between Nicaragua and Taiwan.
Taiwan denies offering loan in run-up to Nicaragua election CNA 10 Dec 2021 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has denied that loans were pledged to Nicaragua in the lead up to the Central American nation's Nov. 7 election, following the country's diplomatic switch to Beijing Friday.
Taipei blames Beijing for Nicaragua's diplomatic switch CNA 10 Dec 2021 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Friday blamed Beijing for former ally Nicaragua's decision to switch diplomatic recognition to China earlier in the day.
U.S. politicians condemn Nicaragua for severing ties with Taiwan CNA 10 Dec 2021 -- Ned Price, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State, condemned Nicaragua's breaking of diplomatic relations with Taiwan on Thursday, while encouraging all democratic countries to expand engagement with Taiwan.
Analysts See China Behind Timing of Nicaragua's Break with Taiwan VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- Analysts say that Nicaragua and China timed their announcements of Managua's diplomatic break with Taiwan to be "a great gift" from Beijing to Washington on the first day of the U.S. Summit for Democracy.
Nicaragua breaks off diplomatic ties with Taiwan, switching recognition to Beijing Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2021 -- The government of Taiwan hit out at Beijing on Friday after former diplomatic partner Nicaragua announced it would sever ties in favor of Beijing.
China, Nicaragua resume ties amid compelling trend, a 'heavy blow' to Taiwan secessionists and their US patrons Global Times 10 Dec 2021 -- China and Nicaragua announced the resumption of diplomatic relations on Friday, 3.5 hours after the Central American country announced severing "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan island, and experts said the resumption with lightning speed not only pricked the bubble made by the US and secessionists on the island, which involved them pretending that the island was enjoying wider international recognition, but also showed the world that Nicaragua's choice aligns with the global trend.
'Right choice' to cut ties with Taiwan island: Chinese FM appreciates Nicaragua's decision Global Times 10 Dec 2021 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said "it is the right choice" that Nicaragua now recognizes and commits to abiding by the one-China principle, severing so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. It is in line with the global trend, and China highly appreciates it.
Nicaragua resumes ties with China in new blow to US, Taipei Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- Nicaragua has re-established diplomatic relations with China after severing ties with US-backed island territory of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), boosting Chinese presence in a region Washington has long claimed as the US backyard.
Taiwan Regrets Nicaragua's Decision to Cut Off Ties With Island, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- Taiwan deeply regrets Nicaragua's decision to cut off ties with the island and disregard the long-standing friendship between the countries in favour of establishing relations with mainland China, the Taiwan Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Taiwan ends diplomatic links with Nicaragua CNA 10 Dec 2021 -- Taiwan on Friday terminated its diplomatic relations with Nicaragua after the Central American country announced its severance of official links with Taipei.
Taiwan loses Nicaragua to Beijing as diplomatic ally CNA 10 Dec 2021 -- Taiwan said Friday that it has severed diplomatic ties with Nicaragua shortly after the Central American nation switched recognition to China, leaving Taipei with 14 countries that have official relations with it.
Nicaragua declares to break 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan Global Times 10 Dec 2021 -- The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua declares to break "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan. It recognizes that in the world there is only one single China. The People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.
China and Nicaragua resume diplomatic relations, dealing 'heavy blow' to those in Taiwan seeking secession with US support Global Times 10 Dec 2021 -- China and Nicaragua announced the resumption of diplomatic relations on Friday, after their government delegations held talks in North China's Tianjin. The Central American country previously announced severing "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan island.

'Dishonest reports' won't weaken Iran's will to secure nation's rights: Chief negotiator in Vienna talks Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- Iran's chief negotiator in Vienna talks has once again reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's determination to reach a deal with the P4+1 group of countries on the removal of sanctions during the ongoing negotiations in the Austrian capital, saying "dishonest reports" from outside the negotiating room will fail to have any impact on Tehran's will.
We are all in Vienna to reach good deal on sanctions removal, says Iran's foreign minister Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- Iran's foreign minister has underlined Iran's resolve to reach a "good agreement" through the ongoing talks in Vienna, which aim to remove US sanctions, saying the Western sides have talked the talk in recent years but it is high time they walk the walk as well to secure a serious, good deal.
Pentagon Declines to Say If US, Israel Mull Training for Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites Sputnik 10 Dec 2021 -- Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Friday declined to say whether the United States and Israel are mulling drills to prepare for possible strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Human Rights Day 'Silent Strike' to protest junta abuses brings Myanmar to a halt Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2021 -- Citizens across Myanmar marked International Human Rights Day by joining a "Silent Strike" on Friday as a public boycott of junta rule, leaving towns and cities throughout the country eerily quiet.
Rights abuses in Myanmar 'deepening on an unprecedented scale' UN News 10 Dec 2021 -- More than 10 months since Myanmar's military seized power, the country's human rights situation is deepening on an unprecedented scale, the UN rights office, OHCHR, has warned.

New UK sanctions target human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar and Pakistan UK FCDO 10 Dec 2021 -- The UK announced new sanctions against the Myanmar military for their continued suppression of the civilian population and for serious human rights violations.

U.S. Blacklists Two Belarusian Prison Officials Over 'Torture, Cruel Treatment' Of Detainees RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- The United States has slapped visa bans on the heads of Minsk's notorious Akrestsina detention center for their involvement in "gross violations" of human rights following last year's "fraudulent" presidential election that handed authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka a sixth consecutive term in office.

UN raises alarm over 'continuing' expulsions of asylum seekers from Libya UN News 10 Dec 2021 -- Asylum-seekers and other migrants continue to be forcefully expelled from Libya, raising concerns at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions On Former Ukrainian Government Official RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on former Ukrainian government official Andriy Portnov, accusing him of buying influence in Ukraine's judiciary.

Bulgarian Parties Reach Coalition Deal, Ending Months Of Deadlock RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- Bulgaria's new anti-corruption We Continue the Change party (PP) has reached a coalition deal with three smaller parties, giving the country a new government after eight months of political deadlock.

Hungary's Constitutional Court Strikes Down Bid By Orban To Challenge EU Ruling RFE/RL 10 Dec 2021 -- Hungary's Constitutional Court has struck down a bid by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government to challenge a ruling by the EU's top court against Budapest's asylum policy.

Sudan: Mistrust deepens following military takeover UN News 10 Dec 2021 -- In the wake of the 25 October military takeover in Sudan, discussions on the way forward are underway but restoring trust will be a challenge, the top UN official in the country, Volker Perthes, told the Security Council on Friday.
UN: Sudan's Political Crisis Not Over VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- The U.N.'s top diplomat in Sudan said Friday that the country's political crisis is not over, despite a November 21 power-sharing agreement between the military and the civilian prime minister that released him from detention and returned him to office.

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