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• Contract Awarded for Largest Overseas U.S. Military Hospital Army News 20 Jan 2022 -- The contract to build the largest U.S. hospital outside the United States has been signed, marking a significant step forward in progressing the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Medical Center Replacement (ROBMCR) project.
• Air Combat Command names Lead Wings US Air Force 20 Jan 2022 -- The commander of Air Combat Command has designated five units as Lead Wings as part of the combat air force's transition to the service's new force generation model.
• PROTEUS Provides Global Maritime Domain Awareness US Navy 20 Jan 2022 -- PROTEUS is used to identify, query, and filter maritime vessels based on user-defined criteria and provides near-real time global maritime situational awareness.
• Underwater Construction Team 2 Completes the Inaugural Multinational Underwater Repair Exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy Underwater Construction Team US Navy 20 Jan 2022 -- Divers from the U.S. Navy's (USN) Underwater Construction Team TWO (UCT 2 ) Construction Diving Detachment ALFA (CDD/A), Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE (MDSU-1), and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Underwater Construction Team (UCT) completed the first-ever Multinational Underwater Repair Exercise (MUREX) from December 16 - 23, 2021 in Apra Harbor, Guam.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Transatlantic Quad Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell, and Polish Defense Minister Błaszczak US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022
• Finland 'Very Unlikely' to Join NATO for Now, 'Neither US or Russia Can Influence Decision,' PM Says Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- While it enjoyed non-aligned status after the end of WWII, Finland has drifted toward NATO since the end of the Cold War, taking part in alliance drills, participating in the NATO Response Force, and allowing the bloc to use its land, airspace and territorial waters. The Western bloc has been lobbying Helsinki toward formal membership.
• A series of exercises will be held in the areas of responsibility of all fleets of the Russian Navy Russia MoD 20 Jan 2022 -- In accordance with the training plan for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for 2022, a series of exercises will be held in January-February in the areas of responsibility of all fleets of the Russian Navy. Combat training activities will be carried out under the general supervision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Nikolai Evmenov.
• Russia's Top Five Persistent Disinformation Narratives US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022 -- Over many years, Russia has fabricated a set of false narratives that its disinformation and propaganda ecosystem persistently injects into the global information environment. These narratives act like a template, which enables the Kremlin to adjust these narratives, with one consistency - a complete disregard for truth as it shapes the information environment to support its policy goals.
• Macron says EU must start direct talks with Russia Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- The European Union must conduct its own dialogue with Russia rather than supporting diplomatic efforts led by the United States and NATO, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
• Macron's Call for EU Talks With Kremlin Unnerves European Allies VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron's call for the European Union to pursue its own talks with the Kremlin is raising fears of a split developing in the Western response to the threat of a Russian invasion in Ukraine.
• Aircraft carrier Liaoning expands crew members' versatility in far sea drill Global Times 20 Jan 2022 -- In a recent cross-regional exercise by the aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the vessel trained its crew in new skills, enabling them to work on different posts, with analysts saying on Thursday that the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, explored new methods and gained experience for the country's aircraft carrier program.
• Iran, Russia, China To Hold Joint Naval Drill Amid Growing Ties RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- Iran, Russia, and China will hold joint naval exercises in the north of the Indian Ocean on January 21, Iranian media have reported, amid speculation that the three countries are teaming up in the face of growing pressure from the United States and its allies over Ukraine and European security guarantees.
• Iran, Russia, China to hold joint marine security exercise in north of Indian Ocean Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Iran, Russia and China are set to hold a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean as part of a plan to expand military cooperation and boost maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
• China, Russia, Iran complete joint drill amid 'restrictions on sea routes from some major powers' Global Times 20 Jan 2022 -- China, Russia and Iran held a three-day maritime joint exercise in the Gulf of Oman, aiming to deepen pragmatic cooperation among the navies of the three countries, China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Thursday.
• China, Iran and Russia hold 2nd joint naval exercise PLA Daily 20 Jan 2022 -- According to the consensus of the armed forces of China, Iran and Russia, the navies of the three countries held their second joint maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman from January 18 to 20, 2022.
• Taiwan's F-16s back in service after being grounded following crash CNA 20 Jan 2022 -- Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets were back in action on Thursday morning, more than a week after the whole fleet was grounded for safety checks following the crash of a F-16V in waters off the island's west coast on Jan. 11, killing its sole pilot.
• Opening of Regional Maintenance Centre Cairns Australia DOD 20 Jan 2022 -- The Royal Australian Navy's fleet is expanding and will be able to further sustain its edge at sea thanks to the opening of the first of four Regional Maintenance Centres in Cairns this week.
• North Korea Warns 'US Threats' May Force Pyongyang to Resume Nuke and Long-Range Missile Tests Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- North Korea unilaterally suspended testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles in 2018, amid warming relations with Seoul and Washington under Donald Trump, who established a personal rapport with Kim Jong-un. DPRK-US ties began to cool after Pyongyang rejected Trump's unilateral disarmament in 2019, and have soured further under Joe Biden.
• North Korea to resume nuclear and long-range missile tests Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- North Korea says it may consider resuming "all temporarily suspended" nuclear and long-range weapons tests to boost its defenses against Washington's "military threats," amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and renewed US sanctions against Pyongyang.
• BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with enhanced capability, successfully test-fired off Odisha coast India PIB 20 Jan 2022 -- BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with increased indigenous content and improved performance, was successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at 1030 hrs on January 20, 2022
• WATCH: India Successfully Test-Fires BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile with Enhanced Capabilities Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- BrahMos Aerospace — a joint venture of India and Russia - received an order from the Philippines for three batteries of anti-ship BrahMos missile last week, its first foreign buyer. Scientists and engineers are working to enhance the missile's range up to 900 km with hypersonic speed.
• Saudi and Egyptian Armed Forces Conclude "Tabuk-5" Exercise SPA 20 Jan 2022 -- The Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) concluded their Tabuk-5 maneuvers that were conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's northwestern region.
• Security Services of GCC Continue Virtual Operations in Joint Exercise "Arab Gulf Security 3" SPA 20 Jan 2022 -- The security services of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of Arab States have continued the specialized virtual security operations in the joint tactical exercise "Arab Gulf Security 3", at the site of the exercise operations in the Eastern Province.
• Israel orders three new submarines from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Thyssenkrupp AG 20 Jan 2022 -- Ministry of Defence on the framework conditions for the purchase of three Dakar-class submarines. After extensive negotiations, all parties involved agreed to the technical content and contractual provisions on Thursday.
• Israel inks $3.4-billion deal with Germany to purchase three military submarines Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Israel has signed a deal worth 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) with Germany to purchase three advanced submarines from the country's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
• UK defence procurement spend worth almost £2 billion a year to Scotland UK MOD 20 Jan 2022 -- New figures today (January 20, 2022) show Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure with industry and commerce in Scotland in 2020/21 was £1.989 billion.
• U.S.-Japan Joint Statement on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022 -- The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Japan on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Secretary General of Japan's National Security Secretariat Akiba Takeo The White House 20 Jan 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with German Chancellor Scholz US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022
• Background Press Call By Senior Administration Officials On the Summit of the Americas The White House 20 Jan 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, January 20, 2022 The White House 20 Jan 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 20, 2022

Other Conflicts

• 20 January 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Jan 2022
• 7th Fleet Destroyer conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation in South China Sea US Navy 20 Jan 2022 -- On Jan. 20, USS Benfold (DDG 65) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law. At the conclusion of the operation, USS Benfold exited the excessive claim and continued operations in the South China Sea.
• Barbs traded after US warship sails in China-claimed territorial sea Radio Free Asia 20 Jan 2022 -- China and the United States have engaged in a renewed spat over the activity of a U.S. naval ship in the South China Sea, with Washington asserting its right to navigate territorial waters and Beijing warning of "serious consequences."
• PLA expels US warship trespassing Chinese territorial waters in S.China Sea Global Times 20 Jan 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) expelled a US warship that trespassed Chinese territorial waters in the South China Sea on Thursday, a move experts said displays the PLA's capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity amid several other recent US muscle-flexing moves in the region.
• MND spokesperson slams US destroyer's entering Chinese waters PLA Daily 20 Jan 2022 -- The US guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold trespassed into China's territorial waters off the Xisha Islands without Chinese government's permission on January 20. The naval and air forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted tracking and monitoring on the US destroyer and warned it off. The Chinese military expresses strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to the behavior of the US side, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) today.
• US destroyer trespassing in China's territorial waters to stir up trouble in South China Sea PLA Daily 20 Jan 2022 -- "On January 20, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold trespassed into China's territorial waters off Xisha Islands without Chinese government's permission. The naval and air forces of the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command conducted tracking and whole-process monitoring on the US destroyer and warned it off," said Air Force Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command.
• China warns away US warship in South China Sea Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- China's military says it has warned away a US warship that had illegally entered Chinese waters near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington over the strategic waterway.
• US Airstrike in Yemen Reportedly Kills Al-Qaeda Commander Abu Omar al-Hadhrami Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, US President Joe Biden said he was committed to ensuring al-Qaeda* did not regroup itself, despite a takeover of the Central Asian country by their longtime benefactors, the Taliban.**
• Blinken Vows 'Swift and Massive' Response Should Russia Invade Ukraine VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed Thursday that the United States and its allies would inflict "swift and massive" costs on Russia if it invades Ukraine but said Russian President Vladimir Putin can still opt for a diplomatic solution to rising tensions in eastern Europe.
• Any Russian Move Across Ukraine's Border Would Be An 'Invasion,' Biden Cautions RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States has made clear to President Vladimir Putin that any Russian movement into Ukraine would be considered an invasion, President Joe Biden said on January 20.
• Biden: Any Russian movement into Ukraine 'is an invasion' Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- US President Joe Biden has said that any Russian movement into Ukraine "is an invasion," seeking to clear up his remarks from a day earlier when he appeared to distinguish between a Russian invasion of Ukraine and a "minor incursion."
• Moscow: Biden's threats against Russia not to help reduce rising tensions Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Moscow says US President Joe Biden's warnings of devastating consequences for Russia will not help defuse rising tensions over Ukraine and will rather destabilize the situation further.
• US again threatens Russia with 'severe costs' over 'Ukraine invasion' Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States has again threatened Russia with "severe costs" if it launches any military action in neighboring Ukraine, despite Moscow's repeated denials.
• The Stakes of Russian Aggression for Ukraine and Beyond US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with B9 Counterparts The White House 20 Jan 2022
• Fact vs. Fiction: Russian Disinformation on Ukraine US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022 -- The Department of State, working with the U.S. interagency, is aware of several Russian military and intelligence entities that are engaged in information confrontation targeting Ukraine. These activities include the spread of disinformation and propaganda attempting to paint Ukraine and Ukrainian government officials as the aggressor in the Russia-Ukraine relationship. Such measures are intended to influence Western countries into believing Ukraine's behavior could provoke a global conflict and convince Russian citizens of the need for Russian military action in Ukraine. Below are examples of Russian lies about the current crisis and its causes - and the truth.
• Taking Action to Expose and Disrupt Russia's Destabilization Campaign in Ukraine US Dept. of State 20 Jan 2022 -- In advance of a potential further invasion of Ukraine, Russian intelligence services, mainly the Federal Security Service (FSB), a U.S. sanctioned entity, have been recruiting Ukrainian nationals in key positions to gain access to sensitive information. The FSB leverages these officials in an attempt to create instability in Ukraine. In close coordination with the Government of Ukraine, the United States is working to identify, expose, and impose costs on these actors in order to foil these influence operations.
• U.S. Sanctions Four Ukrainians, Including Two Deputies, For Assisting Kremlin Destabilization Efforts RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States has sanctioned four Ukrainian nationals, including two members of parliament, after accusing them of supporting Russian efforts to destabilize the country.
• Treasury Sanctions Russian-Backed Actors Responsible for Destabilization Activities in Ukraine US Treasury 20 Jan 2022 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four individuals engaged in Russian government-directed influence activities to destabilize Ukraine. This is the latest action we have taken to target purveyors of Russian disinformation, including designations in April 2021.
• US Sanctions 4 Ukrainians Accused of Aiding Russia VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- The U.S. government says it is sanctioning four Ukrainians "engaged in Russian government-directed influence activities to destabilize Ukraine."
• US allows three NATO allies to send US-made missiles to Ukraine: Report Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States has given permission to three fellow-NATO member states in the Baltic region to send US-made missiles and other armaments to Ukraine, sources say, amid boiling tensions between Russia and the West over the ex-Soviet country.
• Stoltenberg Says NATO Helping Train Ukraine Forces to Resist Russia Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- NATO is helping train Ukrainian forces to resist a possible Russian invasion of their country, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.
• 'Putin Is Making A Great Mistake' Over Ukraine, Says Polish Ex-Foreign Minister RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- Former Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski says Russian President Vladimir Putin is "making a great mistake," as Russia masses tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine in what Kyiv and its allies fear could be preparations for a new military offensive.
• US Speaks About Russia's Alleged Invasion of Ukraine to Cover Its Provocations, Moscow Says Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- US statements about Russia allegedly preparing an offensive against Ukraine are needed to create a backdrop for its own large-scale military provocations, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
• Ukraine: What We Know VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- Russia's buildup of an estimated 100,000 troops along its border with Ukraine, along with military exercises in Belarus, has raised concern that Russia could be planning an invasion of Ukraine. Russia's positions include troops, tanks and artillery to Ukraine's north, south and east.
• Biden Predicts Russia Will 'Move In' To Ukraine RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- President Joe Biden predicted Russia will make a move on Ukraine but said President Vladimir Putin likely hasn't decided and the country would face severe economic consequences should a military offensive occur.
• Ukrainian president, U.S. secretary of state discuss security situation around Ukraine People's Daily 20 Jan 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met here on Wednesday to discuss the security situation around Ukraine, Zelensky's press service said.
• 'They're Going To Ukraine': Social Media Chatter Sheds Light On Russia's Military Mobilization RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- Russian-language social media posts are helping expose the scale and nature of Moscow's military mobilization amid rising tensions with NATO, and shedding light on concerns voiced by relatives of troops headed westward for apparent deployment near Ukraine, a joint investigation by RFE/RL's Russian Service and the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) shows.
• Hundreds flee to India following clashes in Myanmar's Chin state Radio Free Asia 20 Jan 2022 -- At least 3,000 people have been displaced in recent days by fighting between local defense groups and government forces in Myanmar's southern Chin state, with around 400 crossing for safety into neighboring India, local villagers and aid workers say.
• At Least Two Killed, Over 20 Wounded In Bombing At Pakistan Bazaar RFE/RL Gandhara 20 Jan 2022 -- Pakistani authorities say a bomb blast has ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan's second-largest city of Lahore, killing at least two people and wounding more than 20 others.
• Pakistan Market Bombing Kills 2, Injures at Least 29 VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- Police in Pakistan's second-largest city, Lahore, said Thursday a bomb explosion in a busy central marketplace had killed at least two people and injured at least 29 others.
• Syria reiterates its right to fully take back occupied Golan Heights from Israel Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Syria has reiterated its right to fully take back the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights through all possible means guaranteed by international law, emphasizing that all measures taken by the occupying Tel Aviv regime to change the legal status of the Syrian territory are null and void and have no legal effect under UN resolutions.
• "The conflict is causing untold suffering and must end" - Minister for Africa's statement following visit to Ethiopia UK FCDO 20 Jan 2022 -- Minister Vicky Ford visited Ethiopia for talks on the ongoing conflict in the north of the country, as well as economic development and regional cooperation.
• The Northern Ireland Protocol must be changed to protect the hard-won peace here: article by Liz Truss UK FCDO 20 Jan 2022 -- The Foreign Secretary writes in the Belfast Telegraph about her priorities at the start of technical talks with the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
• Top UN Colombia official calls for greater implementation of historic peace accord UN News 20 Jan 2022 -- Five years after its signing, the Final Peace Agreement in Colombia is setting down ever deeper roots, the Special Representative for the country told the Security Council on Thursday, as he called on the Government, political parties, former combatants and Colombians across the diverse South American nation, to intensify implementation of the landmark 2016 accord ahead of Congressional elections.
• VOA Exclusive: US AFRICOM Commander Says Russian Mercenaries in Mali VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- The U.S. has now confirmed reports that Russian mercenaries known as the Wagner Group have deployed in Mali and are supported by the Russian military.

News Reports

• Trump Held Secret Meetings in Days Leading Up to Capitol Riot, Ex-Press Secretary Tells Jan. 6 Panel Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- Stephanie Grisham, who served as press secretary and communications director for the Trump White House, resigned from the administration following the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. In November 2021, Grisham urged the House Select Committee panel to look into White House call logs, noting that Trump was "paranoid of leaks".
• US Supreme Court Blocks Trump's Attempt to Keep Records From January 6 Congressional Panel Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- The US Supreme Court blocked an attempt by former President Donald Trump to keep White House records related to the January 6 Capitol riot from the US House Select Committee investigating the incident, according to a court order.
• US Capitol Riot Probe Seeks Ivanka Trump's Cooperation VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- The congressional committee investigating the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday asked former President Donald Trump's daughter to voluntarily cooperate with its probe.
• Havana Syndrome Not Result of Deliberate Campaign by Hostile Country, CIA Interim Finding Says Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- The US Central Intelligence Agency says it does not consider Havana syndrome to be the result of a deliberate global campaign by any hostile power, while allowing the possibility of foreign involvement in some cases, according to an interim assessment.
• Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership with Australia: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 20 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has agreed a new Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership with Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 20, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Jan 2022
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on January 20, 2022 PRC MofA 20 Jan 2022
• French Parliament calls Uyghur persecution a genocide Radio Free Asia 20 Jan 2022 -- The French Parliament on Thursday officially labeled China's persecution of its Uyghur minority a genocide, joining other Western governments and legislatures that have issued similar declarations.
• French Lawmakers Denounces China's Uyghur 'Genocide' In Xinjiang RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- France's lower house of parliament has passed a nonbinding resolution that accuses China of "crimes against humanity and genocide" perpetrated against ethnic Uyghurs in China's northwestern province of Xinjiang.
• French Parliament Passes Motion Calling China's Treatment of Uyghurs Genocide VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- Citing "crimes against humanity and genocide" against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province, the French Parliament on Thursday passed a non-binding motion urging French authorities to condemn Beijing.
• Calls grow for real-name link to track, restrict individuals' movements in Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 20 Jan 2022 -- Pro-China lawmakers in Hong Kong have thrown their support behind proposals to use Hong Kong's "Leave Home Safe" COVID-19 tracking app to impose restrictions on the movements of the city's residents, in a manner similar to the app's mainland Chinese equivalent.
• Hong Kong university withdraws recognition, facilities from student union Radio Free Asia 20 Jan 2022 -- Another Hong Kong university has withdrawn recognition for its student union amid an ongoing clampdown on public speech, under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
• Report: China's Worldwide Dragnet Forces Fugitives to Return Home VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- "China's long arm is everywhere in its own society, and it's now coming abroad," said Li Gang, a former real estate developer in China's central city of Wuhan.
• CPC's disciplinary agency renews anti-corruption drive, to fight new challenges of 'capital-power collusion' Global Times 20 Jan 2022 -- The Communist Party of China's (CPC) top disciplinary agency pledged to maintain a strong and persistent crackdown on corruption in a communiqué released Thursday, and the document also said the Party will actively handle "the new challenges and new situations" of the anti-corruption campaign, including strengthening investigations and punishment behind the "disorderly expansion of capital" and monopoly of some online platforms, vowing to cut off the collusion between capital and power.
• At UN: US, Partners Call for North Korea Sanctions Enforcement VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States and several allies on Thursday issued a joint condemnation of North Korea's most recent ballistic missile launches and urged the thorough implementation of U.N. sanctions.
• North Korea Expands China Trade, But Wider Pandemic Approach Unclear VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- North Korea this week resumed railway imports from China for the first time since its lockdown began in 2020, potentially signaling a new phase in its approach to the pandemic.
• 6th Political Bureau Meeting of 8th C.C., WPK Held KCNA 20 Jan 2022 -- The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) convened its 6th Meeting of the 8th Central Committee at the office building of the Party Central Committee on January 19 to discuss and decide immediate work and important policy issues of the Party and the state.
• Amnesty to Be Granted in DPRK KCNA 20 Jan 2022 -- The Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK decided to grant an amnesty to those who had been convicted of the crimes against the country and people, on the occasion of the 110th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung and the 80th birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il.
• Foreign ministers of Iran, Russia reaffirm their countries' determination to bolster ties in all areas Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- The foreign ministers of Iran and Russia have reaffirmed both countries' determination to bolster relations in all areas following Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi's historic visit to Moscow.
• Kamalvandi: Iran, Russia set to boost strategic nuclear cooperation Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- As President Ebrahim Raeisi is visiting Russia, a senior Iranian atomic official says Tehran and Moscow are in talks over the construction of new units at the Bushehr nuclear power plant as part of their efforts to promote bilateral strategic cooperation in the fields of energy and nuclear technology.
• Iran, Russia Tout Closer Ties Amid Tensions With Europe, US VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- Iran's president visited Russia this week on a visit Iranian officials called a "turning point" in their relations, as officials also announced a planned joint naval exercise that includes China for later this week.
• Iran awards petroleum contracts to Russian firms: Report Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Iran has awarded contracts to Russian companies for involvement in development works in its oil and gas fields, says a report by semi-official Tasnim news agency.
• China reports first official oil imports from Iran in a year despite US bans Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Latest data from the General Administration of Chinese Customs show the country's first official oil imports from Iran in a year, despite harsh US sanctions aimed at cutting the Islamic Republic's oil exports to "zero."
• Blinken, European Allies Say 'Time Is Running Out' In Iran Nuclear Talks RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on January 20 that talks to revive the Iran nuclear deal have reached an "urgent" point following "modest progress" in negotiations in Vienna.
• Belarusian Government Officials Charged with Aircraft Piracy for Diverting Ryanair Flight 4978 to Arrest Dissident Journalist in May 2021 US Dept. of Justice 20 Jan 2022 -- A federal grand jury in New York returned an indictment today charging four Belarusian state officials with conspiracy to commit aircraft piracy.
• US Charges 4 Belarusian Officials With Piracy for Diverting Ryanair Flight - Justice Dept. Sputnik 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States has charged four Belarusian government officials with aircraft piracy for diverting a Ryanair flight on May 23, 2021, with a pro-opposition journalist Roman Protasevich onboard, the US Justice Department said in a press release.
• UN Report Says Bomb Threat That Diverted Plane To Belarus Was 'Deliberately False' RFE/RL 21 Jan 2022 -- A bomb threat Belarus used to justify the diversion of a Ryanair flight last year was "deliberately false," according to the UN civil aviation agency's report on the incident.
• Lukashenka Sets February Vote On Amendments Further Consolidating His Power RFE/RL 21 Jan 2022 -- Belarus has set February 27 for a referendum on constitutional amendments initiated by Alyaksandr Lukashenka that will allow him to further strengthen his authoritarian rule and remain in office until 2035.
• Macron presents French EU Council Presidency's priorities to EP People's Daily 20 Jan 2022 -- Addressing the European Parliament's (EP) plenary session in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined the priorities of his country's Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
• United States Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint for Proceeds of Alleged Fraud and Theft from PrivatBank in Ukraine US Dept. of Justice 20 Jan 2022 -- The United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida alleging that more than $6 million in proceeds from the sale of commercial real estate in Dallas, Texas, which property was maintained and improved using the proceeds of embezzlement and fraud from PrivatBank in Ukraine, are subject to forfeiture based on violations of federal money laundering statutes.
• Second Man Charged in Connection with Plot to Kill Haitian President US Dept. of Justice 20 Jan 2022 -- A dual Haitian-Chilean citizen was arrested yesterday based on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in the assassination of the former President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, on July 7, 2021.
• US Charges Haitian in Connection with Moise Assassination VOA 20 Jan 2022 -- Rodolphe Jaar, 49, a Haitian businessman who holds Haiti-Chilean dual nationality, was charged Thursday in U.S. federal court in Miami in connection with the assassination Haitian President Jovenel Moise.
• Thousands of Sudanese demonstrate in Khartoum against killing of anti-coup protesters Press TV 20 Jan 2022 -- Thousands of Sudanese have rallied in the capital to protest against the killings of dozens in a crackdown since the military coup on October 25 last year.
• Moldova Introduces State Of Emergency Amid Russian Gas Crisis RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- Moldova's lawmakers have approved a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector amid the country's difficulties with gas payments to Russia's state-controlled Gazprom.
• Serbia Drops Plans For Controversial Lithium Mine RFE/RL 20 Jan 2022 -- The Serbian government has dropped its plans to build a massive lithium mine following weeks of public protest over the $2 billion project's environmental impact.
• West Africa: Extreme poverty rises nearly 3 per cent due to COVID-19 UN News 20 Jan 2022 -- Extreme poverty in West Africa rose by nearly three per cent in 2020, another fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, a UN-backed report launched on Thursday that looks at the socio-impact of the crisis has revealed.