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16 February 2022 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs

NPS Conducts Comprehensive Study Bridging Cyber and Electronic Warfare US Navy 16 Feb 2022 -- In a way that only the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) can, researchers have just completed a major foundational study exploring the convergence of Electronic and Cyber Warfare.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Ambassador Leonard Join Nigerian Air Force for Groundbreaking Ceremony for A-29 Super Tucano Support Facilities Army News 16 Feb 2022 -- On February 15, U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Brig. Gen. Thomas Tickner visited Kainji Air Force Base to break ground on the final phase of the $38 million construction project for the A-29 Super Tucanos' support facilities. They were joined by the Deputy Director for the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate Ronald Taylor and senior Nigerian Air Force officials.
DOD Report: Consolidation of Defense Industrial Base Poses Risks to National Security DoD News 16 Feb 2022 -- A report just released by the Defense Department reveals consolidation in the defense industrial base, which poses risks to national security. The report lays out a series of proposed efforts by the department — including keeping a closer watch on mergers among defense contractors — to help mitigate that risk.
MSC Chartered Ship MV Ocean Giant Arrives at McMurdo Station Antarctica In Support of Operation Deep Freeze 2022 US Navy 16 Feb 2022 -- Military Sealift Command chartered ship MV Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station, Antarctica in preparation for the offload of its nearly 7 million pound of cargo in support of the Operation Deep Freeze 2022 resupply mission.
U.S. Naval Forces Africa Divers Deepen Relationships with Cabo Verdean Coast Guard US Navy 16 Feb 2022 -- Two engineer divers from Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) conducted a week-long engagement with the Cabo Verde Coast Guard (CVCG) in Mindelo to assist with the planning of future maritime engagements and maritime capability developments in Cabo Verde, Jan. 31, 2022.

Remarks Before Start of NATO Defense Ministerial DoD 16 Feb 2022
Russia Forces 'A New Normal' on Europe, Stoltenberg Says DoD News 16 Feb 2022 -- Russia has imposed "a new normal" on Europe, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the conclusion of alliance talks in Brussels, and the defense organization must respond.
NATO Leader Says Alliance Is Hoping for Best, Preparing for Worst DoD News 16 Feb 2022 -- NATO is hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today as he opened meetings of the alliance's defense ministers in Brussels.
NATO Defense Ministers Meet as Russia Still Threatens Ukraine DoD News 16 Feb 2022 -- NATO defense ministers are meeting as the alliance faces the biggest challenge in Europe since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Stoltenberg: NATO's Decision to Reinforce Eastern Flank Not Final Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- NATO is still deliberating whether to further boost military presence in Eastern Europe, but has not come up with the final decision yet, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the first day of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence NATO 16 Feb 2022
Romania joins NATO's most successful munition cooperation framework NATO 16 Feb 2022 -- On 16 February 2022, NATO's Air Battle Decisive Munitions (ABDM) High Visibility Project welcomed Romania as its fifteenth participant.
Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels NATO 16 Feb 2022
NATO Defence Ministers meeting - Secretary General welcomed US Secretary of Defense NATO 16 Feb 2022 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to NATO Headquarters on 16 February 2022, ahead of meetings of Allied Defence Ministers.
Source: NATO Frigates Tried to Conduct Electronic Reconnaissance of Russian Ships in Mediterranean Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Moscow has repeatedly raised concerns over NATO intensifying its activity near Russian borders, as the West has continued its accusations about Russia allegedly planning to "invade" nearby Ukraine.

Russian Security Council: US Formed Major Group of Troops in Europe That Threatens Moscow Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- The United States has formed a significant grouping of armed forces in Europe that poses a threat to Russia, Mikhail Popov, the deputy secretary of the Security Council of Russia, said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Belarus Pledges to Boost Military Cooperation With Russia Due to 'Irrational' NATO Policies Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Earlier this month, Russian and Belarusian forces held military drills called Union Resolve 2022 on Belarusian territory. After the exercises concluded, Russian forces redeployed to their bases, an official statement stressed.

Russia: If NATO Refuses to Publicly Reject Ukraine as Member, Kiev Should Declare Itself Non-Aligned Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Ukraine earlier cemented its plan to join NATO in its Constitution. The alliance itself refused to honour Moscow's demands on security to deny Kiev membership. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned that deploying NATO forces in Ukraine will be viewed as a security threat by Russia.

Mainland aircraft spotted near Taiwan-occupied island 'exposes weak air defense' Global Times 16 Feb 2022 -- The defense authority on the island of Taiwan on Tuesday confirmed that a Chinese mainland civilian aircraft recently approached Dongyin Island, a Taiwan-occupied island not far from the Chinese mainland, and Taiwan side speculated that the Chinese mainland was testing Taiwan's response measures.
China facilitates development of AG600 large amphibious aircraft PLA Daily 16 Feb 2022 -- China is facilitating the development of the homegrown AG600 large amphibious aircraft, a key member of the country's "large aircraft family," according to the developer Wednesday.

Advancing maritime interoperability Australia DOD 16 Feb 2022 -- Flying at low level, a No. 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon hunts a silent simulated target beneath the waters of Guam as part of Exercise Sea Dragon 2022.
Working together to support Tonga Australia DOD 16 Feb 2022 -- Australian Defence Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel are working side-by-side on Atata Island in Tonga to clear tsunami debris, remediate eroded beaches and make community buildings safe.

Russia's defense chief discusses military cooperation, counterterrorism with Assad Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited Syria for talks with President Bashar al-Assad about military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Damascus as well as counterterrorism measures against foreign-sponsored Takfiri militant groups.

Thai plan to acquire F-35 fighter jets poses dilemma for Washington Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2022 -- A pair of U.S. F-35 fighter jets are on display at an airshow in Singapore this week, vying for potential customers in a volatile region. But Washington won't sell its most-advanced warplanes to just anyone.

Finland Says It Won't Send Weapons to Ukraine, Yet Raises Internal Security Level Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto rejected the notion that Helsinki was shying away from military help for Ukraine over fears of Russian reprisal and emphasised the country's rule of not exporting arms to conflict zones. Instead underscoring Finland's financial help to Ukraine, adding that another package is under consideration.

Secretary Blinken's Call with Canadian Foreign Minister Joly US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022
Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al-Thani US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022
Joint Statement on U.S.-Estonia Relations US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022 -- The following is the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Minister of the Government of Estonia.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Estonian Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Danish Acting Permanent Secretary Moller Sorensen US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Secretary General of Japan's National Security Secretariat Akiba Takeo The White House 16 Feb 2022
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 16, 2022 The White House 16 Feb 2022
Background Press Call Previewing the Vice President's Trip to Munich, Germany The White House 16 Feb 2022
Department Press Briefing – February 16, 2022 US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022

Defense Industry

Contracts For Feb. 16, 2022

Other Conflicts

16 February 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Feb 2022
Counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, top priorities for UN cooperation with Eurasian security body UN News 16 Feb 2022 -- Counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, top priorities for UN cooperation with Eurasian security bodyConflict prevention, counter-terrorism and support to Afghanistan, top the list of issues on which the UN and the Collective Security Treaty Organization - a Eurasian regional grouping comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan - should bolster their cooperation, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Taliban Says New Troops Near Central Asian Borders Will Bring Stability. The Neighbors Are Not So Sure RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Feb 2022 -- Afghanistan's Taliban-led Defense Ministry has established several new military units in three border provinces in the country's north, northeast, and west, deploying an estimated 4,400 additional troops in the region.
Trial Begins In The Hague For Afghan Man Accused Of War Crimes While Overseeing Kabul Prison RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Feb 2022 -- A 76-year-old Afghan man went on trial in the Netherlands on February 16 for allegedly committing war crimes against political prisoners while overseeing a notorious prison in Kabul.

UN Says Agreement Reached on Yemen Tanker Oil VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- The United Nations says there is an agreement in principle for a U.N. plan to transfer crude oil from a tanker moored off the coast of Yemen that has raised concerns of a massive spill due to a lack of maintenance.
Yemenis face 'death sentence' amid raging Saudi bombardments, UN official warns Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Millions of people in Yemen could face a "death sentence" if the gaps in the UN's funding for humanitarian aid are not filled, a UN official has warned.
UN: Agreement reached on transfer of oil from abandoned tanker off Yemen Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- The United Nations says it has reached an "agreement in principle" to transfer the toxic cargo from a deserted decaying oil tanker moored in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, as a looming leakage could result in a potential environmental disaster.
Yemen releases footage of drone attacks on targets deep inside Saudi Arabia, UAE Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have released new footage depicting their retaliatory drone attacks on targets deep inside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
De-escalation is key to finding a solution to peace efforts in Yemen UK FCDO 16 Feb 2022 -- Statement delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East

UN envoy contemplating framework for peace in Yemen People's Daily 16 Feb 2022 -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said Tuesday that he is developing a framework that will set out his plan to move toward an inclusive political settlement, including the establishment of a multi-track process.

Presence of US, Turkish forces in Syria violates international law: FM Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad has stressed that the presence of US and Turkish forces in the Arab country constitutes a violation of international law.
Israel Strikes Syria With Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Army Command Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Syrian anti-air missiles have overshot their targets several times in recent years, winding up over Israeli-controlled territory due to the close-in nature of its engagements with Israeli aircraft launching missiles at targets in Syria.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with defenders in Mariupol: The war has been going on for eight years, and Ukraine has become just as many times stronger Ukraine MOD 16 Feb 2022 -- In Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen and law enforcement officers who defend Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President held a meeting on the security situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Ukraine MOD 16 Feb 2022 -- During a working trip to the Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on the security situation and the readiness of the security and defense forces to repel the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.
Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 17.00 February 16, 2022 Ukraine MOD 16 Feb 2022
Updated situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 11.00 February 16, 2022 Ukraine MOD 16 Feb 2022
Address by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov on the Day of Unity Ukraine MOD 16 Feb 2022
Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 07.00 February 16, 2022 Ukraine MOD 16 Feb 2022
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With the Euro Quad: France, Germany, and the United Kingdom DoD 16 Feb 2022
US, NATO: Russia Boosting, Not Reducing Military Presence at Ukraine Border VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- Russia is boosting its military buildup and encircling much of Ukraine despite Moscow's claims that it is withdrawing some troops, the United States and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.
West Skeptical of Russian Troop Withdrawal as Ukraine Diplomacy Continues VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- Russia reiterated claims Wednesday that it has begun withdrawing some troops from close to the Ukrainian border. Many Western nations, however, say there is little evidence of a pullback and fear an invasion of Ukraine is still imminent.
Statement by NATO Defence Ministers on the situation in and around Ukraine NATO 16 Feb 2022 -- "We are gravely concerned by the very large scale, unprovoked and unjustified Russian military build-up in and around Ukraine and in Belarus. We urge Russia, in the strongest possible terms, to choose the path of diplomacy, and to immediately reverse its build-up and withdraw its forces from Ukraine in accordance with its international obligations and commitments. We remain committed to our dual-track approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defence, combined with openness to dialogue."
Kremlin: NATO Has Issues With Assessing Situation as Bloc Doubts Russian Troop Withdrawal Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg refused to call Russia's withdrawal of troops from its southern border a de-escalation, claiming that Moscow is constantly moving troops around and that the alliance hasn't seen a real pullout of forces.
West Skeptical Of Russia Pullout Claims, Says Moscow Still Adding Troops To Ukraine Buildup RFE/RL 16 Feb 2022 -- Western countries and Kyiv have challenged Russia's claims that it has started pulling back troops from the border with Ukraine, saying Moscow continues its massive military buildup that triggered fears of an imminent invasion.
Russia ends military drills in Crimea, will return some troops to bases as West remains skeptic Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Russia says it has ended its military drills in Crimea and will return an unspecified number of its troops to their bases, a move that could be regarded as an attempt to settle the growing security tensions between Moscow and the US-led NATO over Ukraine.
Blinken Claims Zelensky Takes Threat to Ukraine Seriously, But Does Not Want People to Panic Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is taking the threat of invasion of his country seriously, but he does not want the people to panic, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.
Russia Opens Criminal Case After Discovery of Mass Graves of Civilians in Donbass Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- The Russian Investigative Committee said on Wednesday it had opened a criminal case after the discovery of mass graves of civilians in Donbass.
Russia blasts Western 'paranoia', China says US 'hyping up' Ukraine tension Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Russia's deputy envoy to the United Nations (UN) has advised Western leaders to see a doctor for their "paranoia" that Russia might stage an invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
China Hopes US Stops Spreading Disinformation on Ukraine Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- China believes that US efforts to fuel a Russian threat have severely damaged Ukraine's economy and social stability, and expresses the hope that the spread of misinformation will stop, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday.
Ukraine Appeals to UN Security Council to Discuss Russian Bill on Recognition of Donbass Republics Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Russian federal lawmakers on Tuesday approved a draft resolution calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize the two self-declared republics in the Donbass as independent states.
Moscow's Talk Of Recognizing Separatist-Claimed Parts Of Ukraine Seen As A 'Pressure Tactic' RFE/RL 16 Feb 2022 -- In a dramatic spectacle on February 15, the Russian State Duma adopted a nonbinding resolution urging President Vladimir Putin to recognize the separatist-claimed parts of eastern Ukraine as independent states. Coming amid international alarm bells about the major concentration of Russian military forces along the border with Ukraine and in the occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea, the specter of recognition threw another log onto the fire of tensions in the area.
Blinken Warns Russia Not to Recognize Two Russian-Backed Breakaway Regions in Ukraine VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced Wednesday a move by Russian legislators to recognize two Russian-supported breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.
Blinken warns Russia of 'swift response' over vote on Donbas recognition Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday decried the vote by Russia's parliament that urged President Vladimir Putin to recognize two pro-Russia regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.
Russian Duma Resolution on Eastern Ukraine US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022 -- "The Russian Duma has stated that it plans to send to President Putin an appeal to recognize the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics as "independent.""
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With German Federal Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht DoD 16 Feb 2022
Readout of President Biden's Call with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany The White House 16 Feb 2022
Biden urges diplomacy, threatens sanctions against Russia in remarks on Ukraine situation People's Daily 16 Feb 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the United States is still pursuing a diplomatic solution to the current standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine, meanwhile warning Russia of severe sanctions should it choose to invade its neighbor.
Putin, Scholz agree on need to avert war amid Ukraine tensions People's Daily 16 Feb 2022 -- Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday underlined the need to avoid a war over Ukraine and to settle the crisis via diplomatic efforts.

Libya's Parliament Prepares for Vote of Confidence in New Government Next Week VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- As Libya's parliament, which meets in the eastern city of Tobruk, prepares to approve a new national unity government next week, the country's High Council of State says that the parliament should have consulted it before removing outgoing Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. Dbeibeh is refusing to step down and it is not clear how the situation will evolve.

More than 4,500 homes razed by military since Myanmar coup Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2022 -- Junta troops have razed at least 4,571 civilian homes since Myanmar's military seized power in a coup just over a year ago, more than half of which were in the country's embattled Sagaing region, according to a group that monitors the effect of political and armed conflicts in the Southeast Asian nation.

Al-Shabab terrorists attack police stations in Somalia's capital, killing at least 5 people Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Somalia's Takfiri al-Shabab terrorists have launched simultaneous attacks on police stations around the capital, Mogadishu, killing five people, including two kids.
Al-Shabab Attacks on Mogadishu Police Stations Leave at Least 5 Dead VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- At least five people were killed when al-Shabab militants attacked several police stations and security checkpoints early Wednesday in and around Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, officials and the militants said.

Africa's Sahel region facing 'horrendous food crisis' UN News 16 Feb 2022 -- As the Sahel region "stares down a horrendous food crisis", the UN emergency food relief chief warned on Wednesday that the number of people on the brink of starvation has "increased almost tenfold" over the past three years and "displacement by nearly 400 per cent".

Chinese surveillance unit operating inside Tibetan Buddhist monastery Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2022 -- A Chinese police surveillance unit is operating, apparently for the first time, inside a Buddhist monastery as part of a renewed crackdown on Tibetan Buddhist religious institutions, a Tibetan with knowledge of the situation said.

South Sudan: 'violence against aid workers must stop', humanitarian coordinator urges UN News 16 Feb 2022 -- The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan on Wednesday strongly condemned the continued violence across the country, which is affecting the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers, constraining humanitarian access, and disrupting the delivery of aid and services to thousands of vulnerable people.

Amnesty Accuses Tigray Forces of Atrocities in Ethiopia's Amhara VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- Rights groups Amnesty International says Tigrayan fighters have committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity as they were withdrawing from Ethiopia's Amhara region.

Cameroon's Rival Separatist Groups Clash, Kill Fighters VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- Rival anglophone separatist groups in Cameroon have clashed this month, causing an undetermined number of casualties. The fighting was triggered by power struggles within the separatist movement.

News Reports

New Cybersecurity Advisory on Protecting Cleared Defense Contractor Networks Against Years-Long Activity by Russian State-Sponsored Actors CISA 16 Feb 2022 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency (NSA) issued a joint Cybersecurity Advisory titled, "Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Target Cleared Defense Contractor Networks to Obtain Sensitive U.S. Defense Information and Technology."

Individual Pleads Guilty to Acting Within the United States on Behalf of Russian Government US Dept. of Justice 16 Feb 2022 -- A Mexican national, who was residing in Singapore, pleaded guilty yesterday to acting within the United States on behalf of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 16, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Feb 2022
US Calls New Charges Against Kremlin Critic Navalny 'Dubious' VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday he is "troubled by dubious new charges" against Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who went on trial Tuesday in a penal colony outside of Moscow.
Press statements following Russian-Brazilian talks President of Russia 16 Feb 2022 -- Following Russian-Brazilian talks, Vladimir Putin and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro made statements for the press.
Putin Hosts Brazilian President Amid Crisis Over Russian Military Buildup Near Ukraine RFE/RL 16 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed ties between Russia and Brazil on February 16 as he hosted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for talks at the Kremlin.
Press release on Russia-Brazil talks between the foreign and defence ministers in the 2+2 format Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Feb 2022
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of Brazil Carlos Franca following talks in the 2 + 2 format, Moscow, February 16, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Feb 2022

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 16, 2022 PRC MofA 16 Feb 2022
Beijing Urges West to Stop Instigating Tensions Around China's Rapprochement With Russia Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- China calls on the West to cease escalating tensions around the rapprochement between Russia and China, given that Moscow and Beijing develop relations without intending to harm other countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday.

Ex-legislative aide gets 10-month jail term in national security case CNA 16 Feb 2022 -- The Taiwan Supreme Court has upheld a decision by a lower court sentencing former legislative aide Chen Wei-jen (陳惟仁) to 10 months imprisonment for national security offenses by developing a spy network for China, according to court documents released Wednesday.

E3 using time limit as leverage to put pressure on Iran IRNA 16 Feb 2022 -- The talks in Vienna, Austria, to remove anti-Iran sanctions entered a critical point, while three European powers (Britain, France and Germany) continue to waste time with the aim of using the strategy as a leverage to put pressure on the Islamic Republic.
No talks beyond JCPOA with US, EU: Shamkhani IRNA 16 Feb 2022 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said that Iran would have no negotiations beyond the JCPOA with the US and Europe.
Iran not to enter any talks beyond JCPOA with US, Europe ISNA 16 Feb 2022 -- Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani stressed that Iran will not enter any negotiation beyond the JCPOA with the US and the Europeans who failed to fulfill their commitments.
Iran calls for US 'political statement' on commitment to nuclear deal ISNA 16 Feb 2022 -- Iran has proposed that the US Congress makes a "political statement" of its commitment to a nuclear accord with Tehran as talks in Vienna to revive the deal reach a critical juncture.
Iran: Time for negotiating partners to take 'serious decisions' Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Iran's top negotiator to the talks between Tehran and the remaining signatories of a 2015 deal says the ball is in the other side's court to make the negotiations come to a conclusion by taking "serious decisions."
Iranian Foreign Minister Urges West to Reaffirm JCPOA Guarantees in Political Statement Sputnik 16 Feb 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Wednesday that Tehran wants the West, including the United States, to reaffirm, at least in form of a political statement, their commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme.
Iran, S. Korea discuss releasing frozen funds, resuming oil trade IRNA 16 Feb 2022 -- South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that they have had a meeting with the Iranian delegation in Seoul to explore ways to release Iran's funds frozen in the country due to sanctions.
S. Korea, Iran hold working group talks on frozen funds ISNA 16 Feb 2022 -- South Korea and Iran have held working-level consultations to discuss ways to resolve years long disputes over Tehran's assets frozen here under US sanctions, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Iran, South Korea discuss detailed payment options on frozen funds: Report Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Senior officials from South Korea and Iran have held talks on how Seoul can repatriate around $7.8 billion worth of Iranian funds frozen in the country under the American pressure, shows a report.

Iraqi federal court orders Kurdish government to ship all oil to Baghdad Press TV 16 Feb 2022 -- Iraq's federal court has ordered the Iraqi Kurdistan government to deliver all of the oil it produces to Baghdad, dismissing an oil and gas law regulating the oil industry in the autonomous region as unconstitutional.

Cambodia's Hun Sen gives up on Myanmar Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2022 -- Hun Sen officially threw in the towel on solving Myanmar's political crisis Wednesday, as top diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepare for a retreat at which the junta's failure to honor its commitments will likely loom large.

Kazakhstan Seeks Lessons From Its Bloody January VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- Weeks after the conclusion of bloody protests across Kazakhstan, attention in the Central Asian nation has turned to whether the government is capable of impartially investigating their origins — and of moving toward greater democracy.

Experts float idea: pay China to release Mekong water for neighbors Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2022 -- Chinese dams along the Mekong River hold a massive amount of water in their reservoirs, but the government in Beijing might need to be paid to release water for downstream communities afflicted by droughts, a panel of experts said Tuesday.

EU's Top Court Rejects Appeal By Hungary, Poland, Over Bloc's Rule-Of-Law Tool RFE/RL 16 Feb 2022 -- The European Union's top court has dismissed legal challenges by Poland and Hungary to the bloc's new instrument that enables it to cut or withhold funding to member nations if they are found to be failing to uphold the rule of law.
Court: EU Can Withhold Funds From Hungary, Poland for Violating Democratic Values VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- The top European Union court ruled on Wednesday that the EU can withhold funding from member states that fail to uphold its rule of law principles, giving the bloc a powerful tool to enforce its democratic values.

Readout of the High-Level Coordination Meeting on Venezuela US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2022

Haiti at 'crossroads' entering post-earthquake reconstruction UN News 16 Feb 2022 -- Haiti is once more at a 'crossroads', six months after a devastating earthquake hit the south-west of the country, according to the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.

Lebanon's Central Bank Chief Vanishes as Corruption Probe Mounts VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- The whereabouts of Lebanon's Central Bank head Riad Salameh is not known, and observers say he appears to be on the run after police raided his office and two homes. A Lebanese judge had issued a subpoena earlier this month for Salameh to appear for questioning after he failed to attend three hearings. Salameh has come under intense scrutiny since the collapse of Lebanon's banking sector in 2019.

Honduran Police Arrest Former President at US Request VOA 16 Feb 2022 -- Honduran police arrested former President Juan Orlando Hernandez on Tuesday at the request of the United States, which is seeking his extradition to stand trial for his alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking.

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