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Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 17 Mar 2022
• DoD Announces Release of JADC2 Implementation Plan DoD 17 Mar 2022 -- Deputy Secretary of Defense (DSD) Dr. Kathleen Hicks signed the Department of Defense Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) Implementation Plan on March 15, 2022.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Slovakia Minister of Defense Jaroslav Nad' Hold A Press Conference, Bratislava, Slovakia, March 17, 2022 DoD 17 Mar 2022 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Slovakia Minister of Defense Jaroslav Nad' Hold A Press Conference, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Slovakian Defense Minister Says Military Spending at 2% Should Be Base, Not Target DoD News 17 Mar 2022 -- Among NATO partners, an expenditure of 2% of gross domestic product may no longer be enough for military spending, said Slovakian Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad' during a press briefing today in Slovakia's capital, Bratislava.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Canadian Minister of National Defence Anita Anand DoD 17 Mar 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Danish Minister of Defence Morten Bødskov DoD 17 Mar 2022
• Commander Details How U.S. Africa Command Furthers Defense Goals DoD News 17 Mar 2022 -- Africa is a continent of tremendous potential and tremendous danger. It is U.S. Africa Command's mission to help African nations capitalize on the potential and lessen the dangers, said Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of Africom.
• Africom Working to Help Nations Develop Professional NCOs DoD News 17 Mar 2022 -- Professional military organizations serve their people, not the elites of nations, and the hallmark of these military organizations are effective NCO Corps, said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Africa Command.
• SETAF-AF, 173rd Paratroopers strengthen interoperability with Tunisian partners Army News 17 Mar 2022 -- Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa joined Tunisia Armed Forces in an airborne exercise near Bizerte, Tunisia, March 3-4.
• Empowered Airmen from 109th AW modernize LC-130 for future fight US Air Force 17 Mar 2022 -- LC-130 Hercules aircraft will have a smoother takeoff from Antarctica and Greenland thanks to the 109th Maintenance Squadron.
• U.S. Navy Concludes ICEX 2022 US Navy 17 Mar 2022 -- The U.S. Navy is concluding its Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022 this week, wrapping up nearly three weeks of research and training on, above and below Arctic Ocean ice.
• Navy Supports Scientific Research at ICEX 2022 US Navy 17 Mar 2022 -- The ice chunks drifting on Arctic waters are inhospitable and, for most people, inaccessible. As a result, gathering accurate information about the environment in this harsh - but important - region of the world is challenging for researchers.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams Arrives in Dakar, Senegal for OE22 Closing Ceremony US Navy 17 Mar 2022 -- The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Dakar, Senegal following their participation in Exercise Obangame Express 2022 (OE22), Mar. 17.
• Elements of Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU Deploy US Navy 17 Mar 2022 -- Elements of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Naval Station Norfolk and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for a regularly scheduled deployment, March 16.
• U.S., Japan, Australia Conduct Trilateral Naval Training in South China Sea US Navy 17 Mar 2022 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the South China Sea for multinational training which concluded March 15.
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Releases Workplace Guidance for Reentry of Department of Defense Civilian Personnel to DoD Workplaces DoD 17 Mar 2022 -- Today Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks issued guidance on the reentry of Department of Defense employees to their normal workplaces as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wanes.
• Justified Accord hones peacekeeping operations for over 20 countries AFRICOM 17 Mar 2022 -- The exercise, with participation from more than 800 personnel from the U.S. joint force, interagencies, African Union and NATO, focused on a multinational field training exercise, a command post exercise, and medical training to enhance peacekeeping operations in the region.
• NATO Secretary General, German Chancellor discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine NATO 17 Mar 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked German chancellor Olaf Scholz for his strong personal commitment to NATO and Germany's leading role in the Alliance during a visit to Berlin on Thursday (17 March 2022).
• NATO, US Hold Key to Resolving Ukrainian Crisis, Chinese Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 17 Mar 2022 -- NATO's eastward expansion is directly linked to the current Ukrainian crisis, and the key to resolving it is in the hands of the alliance and especially Washington, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.
• NATO to 'reset military posture' in response to Russia-Ukraine war Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- NATO defense ministers have agreed to task military commanders to come up with measures to bolster the alliance in Europe at an emergency meeting due to the "new reality" ushered in by the Russia-Ukraine war.
• US sending $180 million in military aid to Baltic states, as part of military buildup on Russia's doorstep Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- The United States has approved $180 million in military assistance to the former Soviet republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as part of NATO's military buildup on Russia's doorstep.
• Kosovar President Reportedly Writes To Biden Seeking Boost For NATO Bid RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani has written U.S. President Joe Biden to ask for his support in the Balkan nation's bid to join the NATO security alliance, according to media reports.
• Lithuanian Foreign Minister Says NATO Must Be 'Very, Very Serious' About Its Defense RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says NATO cannot underestimate the danger posed by Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and must be fully prepared as Europe teeters on the brink of "huge political change."
• Federal Chancellor receives NATO Secretary General - Ensuring the safety of all allies Germany - Federal Government 17 Mar 2022 -- The talks between Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday focused on the war in Ukraine and the consequences the war will have for NATO. "The Alliance must brace itself to ensure the security of all allies," said Scholz.
• Biden admin. will provide Ukraine with killer drones: US Rep. Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- The United States will send Ukraine 100 killer drones as part of the Biden administration's massive military aid package, Texas Rep. Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told POLITICO.
• General Says China Is Seeking a Naval Base in West Africa DoD News 17 Mar 2022 -- The Chinese are activity seeking a military naval base in Africa on the Atlantic coast, which would threaten U.S. national security, Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command said.
• J-20s' alleged close contact with F-35s over E.China Sea 'countermeasures against US activities' Global Times 17 Mar 2022 -- A top US Air Force general said that US F-35 stealth fighter jets recently had a close contact with China's J-20 stealth fighter jets over the East China Sea, and the US forces are "impressed" by them.
• China Likely to Soon Commission Third Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship as Anhui - Reports Sputnik 17 Mar 2022 -- China's third Type 075 amphibious assault ship, a type of aircraft carrier that can disembark amphibious landing craft and marines, is rumored to be close to being commissioned.
• Chinese Navy Expands Presence in Asia VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- A Chinese navy ship stayed in the Sulu Sea southwest of the Philippines for three days, upsetting Manila. Experts say it is a part of Beijing's effort to look after its interests in an ever-wider swath of the world's waterways.
• PLA Navy's 2nd Sovremenny-class destroyer returns after upgrades Global Times 17 Mar 2022 -- The Fuzhou, the second Sovremenny-class destroyer and one of the last imported vessels of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, has recently returned to active service and joined exercises after undergoing a refit and modernization, with experts saying on Wednesday that the warship is now even more powerful and adapted to the PLA Navy's combat system.
• North Korean military told to check supplies in case of war with South Korea Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2022 -- North Korea is performing supply checks to ensure the military is ready to fight a war with South Korea, an order one source said is an attempt to distract the country from ongoing economic turmoil.
• North Korea Quiet on Missile Failure that Rained Debris Near Pyongyang VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- North Korea is remaining silent about a failed missile launch that resulted in a mid-air explosion that reportedly scattered debris near Pyongyang.
• Defence Secretary commissions Offshore Patrol Vessels ICGS Saksham at Goa India PIB 17 Mar 2022 -- Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham, the fifth in the series of 105-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) class, at Goa on March 16, 2022 in the presence of Director General Coast Guard Shri V S Pathania and other senior dignitaries of Central and State governments. 'Saksham', meaning 'capable', is manifestation of ICG will and commit ment of 'Yatra, Tatra, Sarvatra' adage towards the maritime interest of the Nation.
• Trilateral training boosts regional security Australia DOD 17 Mar 2022 -- The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft recently joined US Navy destroyer USS Momsen and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Yudachi for training in the South China Sea.
• CENTCOM Chief Says Iran Has 3,000 Missiles on Hair-Trigger Alert, Some Able to Strike Israel Sputnik 17 Mar 2022 -- Tensions between the Islamic Republic and the Jewish State hit a new low last week after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired off a dozen ballistic missiles at a suspected 'Mossad base' in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iran has created a potent domestic ballistic and cruise missile capability from scratch and rejected all Western calls to dismantle it.
• United Kingdom - Ballistic Missile Defense Radar (BMDR) and Command and Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) DSCA 17 Mar 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of Ballistic Missile Defense Radar (BMDR) and Command and Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $700 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• U.S.-Croatia Joint Statement US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2022 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the United States of America and the Republic of Croatia on the occasion of the U.S. Croatia Strategic Dialogue.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al-Thani US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, March 17, 2022 The White House 17 Mar 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 17, 2022
• Contractors Indicted for Rigging Bids on Subcontract Work and Defrauding U.S. Military Bases in South Korea US Dept. of Justice 17 Mar 2022 -- A federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas returned an indictment charging two South Korean nationals for their roles in a conspiracy to restrain trade and a scheme to defraud the United States in connection with operation and maintenance work for U.S. military installations in South Korea.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 17 March 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Mar 2022
• Taliban Impose More Restrictions on Afghan Media VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- A media group running several popular TV and radio channels in Afghanistan announced Thursday that it had been instructed by Taliban authorities to stop showing drama series on television.
• UN Extends Mission in Afghanistan With Long 'To-Do' List VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- The United Nations Security Council voted Thursday to extend and enhance the role of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year, as the country faces severe humanitarian challenges.
• UN High Commissioner for Refugees appeals for global engagement to address Afghanistan's needs UNHCR 17 Mar 2022 -- Declaring that the world must deliver sustained support to the people of Afghanistan, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, appealed for robust assistance to address the country's humanitarian needs and those of Afghan refugees abroad.
• Security Council votes to bolster UN priorities in Afghanistan UN News 17 Mar 2022 -- Seven months after Afghanistan's fall to the Taliban, the Security Council on Thursday renewed the mandate of the UN special political mission in the country, charging it with a robust set of priorities, ranging from coordinating humanitarian aid delivery to human rights monitoring and facilitating dialogue.
• World must deliver support to Afghans: UN refugee chief UN News 17 Mar 2022 -- UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi called on Thursday for sustained international support for Afghanistan's people, where the country's humanitarian crisis is worsening.
• UN establishes formal ties with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has voted to secure a formal presence in Taliban-governed Afghanistan, which has yet to win international recognition.
• China Coast Guard vessels patrol Diaoyu Islands PLA Daily 17 Mar 2022 -- The 2302 Fleet of the China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted a patrol in territorial waters off the Diaoyu Islands on March 16, according to an online statement by the CCG.
  
• Conflict in Senegal Displaces Thousands VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- Senegal's army has launched a new offensive aimed at dismantling a separatist rebel group in the country's southern region, causing more than 2,000 people to flee. The military operation comes less than two months after rebels killed four Senegalese soldiers and captured seven others.
• Roadside Bombing Injures 4 in Mogadishu VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- Police in Mogadishu said four people were injured Thursday when a roadside bomb detonated as their vehicle traveled through the Taleh neighborhood.
• World Food Program: South Sudan Witnessing Worst Food Crisis Ever VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- South Sudan is witnessing "the worst hunger crisis to date." That's the assessment of U.N. World Food Program's Marwa Awad, who sees it firsthand.

News Reports

• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 17, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Mar 2022
• Enforcing sanctions against listed Russian and Belarussian oligarchs: Commission's "Freeze and Seize" Task Force steps up work with international partners European Commission 17 Mar 2022 -- The European Commission's 'Freeze and Seize' Task Force, set up to ensure EU-level coordination to implement sanctions against listed Russian and Belarussian oligarchs, has now stepped up its action at international level. It will work alongside the newly established 'Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO)' Task Force, under which the EU operates together with the G7 countries Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Australia.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement following talks with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Moscow, March 17, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Mar 2022
• Russia denounces as 'unacceptable and unforgivable' Biden's 'war criminal' comment Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- Russia has slammed US President Joe Biden for calling Russian leader Vladimir Putin a "war criminal" over the Russian military offensive in Ukraine, denouncing the comment as "unacceptable and unforgivable."
• Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs Task Force Ministerial Joint Statement US Dept. of Justice 17 Mar 2022 -- Following the launch meeting of the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force, the members from participating countries released the following joint statement:
• Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs Task Force Ministerial Joint Statement US Treasury 17 Mar 2022 -- Following the launch meeting of the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force, the members from participating countries released the following joint statement
• US House backs removal of 'most-favored' trade status for Russia, Belarus Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- The US House of Representatives has backed legislation to remove "most favored nation" trade status for Russia and Belarus over Moscow's military operation in Ukraine.
• Special Operation Z: Moscow's Pro-War Symbol Conquers Russia -- And Sets Alarm Bells Ringing RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- At a session of the municipal legislature in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk on March 16, independent lawmaker Khelga Pirogova appeared wearing Ukrainian folk motifs and a garland of sunflowers. She stood out among about two dozen ruling United Russia party deputies who wore black masks with the image of a bear and the Latin letter Z.
• New Russian Law On 'False Information' About Army Being Used Against Activists RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Russia has started putting into use a recently adopted law that calls for sentences of up to 15 years in prison for people who distribute "deliberately false information" about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Spain Impounds Yacht Believed To Belong To Sanctioned Head Of Russia's Rosneft RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Spanish authorities have impounded a yacht that is believed to belong to Igor Sechin, the chief executive of Russian oil giant Rosneft.
• Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 17 Mar 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Turkey's Opposition to Russian Sanctions Stokes Suspicions of Sanctions-Busting VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- While the United States and European Union are enforcing powerful financial and trade sanctions on Moscow and closing their airspace to Russian airplanes, Turkey strongly opposes such measures, arguing they are counterproductive.
• Chinese FM refutes US accusations about spying Global Times 17 Mar 2022 -- China has never asked its citizens abroad to engage in illegal activities, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday when asked for comments about the US Department of Justice's charges against five individuals for stalking and spying on US residents on behalf of the Chinese government.
• China urges US to stop crackdown on Chinese telecom firms, vows 'necessary' measures Global Times 17 Mar 2022 -- Chinese officials on Thursday called on the US to immediately stop unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises and vowed to take "necessary" measures to protect Chinese businesses, in response to the US' latest crackdown against Chinese telecommunications firms.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on March 17, 2022 PRC MofA 17 Mar 2022
• Biden, Xi To Speak As U.S. Cautions China Against Possible Military Aid For Russia RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden will speak by phone on March 18 with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the White House announced, as the United States pressures Beijing not to provide support to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
• Harassment of Uyghur student in US is latest in string of bullying by Chinese Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2022 -- The harassment by Chinese students of a New Zealand Uyghur Fulbright scholar who spoke about her brother's detention in China during an event at Cornell University is the latest in a series of alleged incidents involving efforts to intimidate critics of Chinese policies on American campuses.
• From Nickel to Cobalt, Chinese Mining Interests in Africa Face Challenges VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- It is a metal found in products used by people worldwide, unthinkingly every day. Whether it's scrolling on a mobile phone or commuting to work in an electric car, nickel is a key part of these high-tech devices. Now nickel — a prime component in batteries — has the markets in turmoil and one Chinese company facing billions of dollars in losses.
• China successfully launches Yaogan-34 02 remote sensing satellite PLA Daily 17 Mar 2022 -- China successfully sent a new remote sensing satellite of the Yaogan-34 series into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 3:09 p.m. on Thursday (Beijing Time).
• Taiwan Affairs Office says it listens, studies proposal on natl reunification law to deter Taiwan secessionists Global Times 17 Mar 2022 -- In light of developments and changes in the situation, China will strengthen the use of the rule of law to combat Taiwan secessionist forces and advance the process of national reunification, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday, in response to a question regarding the proposal submitted by a political advisor during the just concluded two sessions that suggests the country formulate a law on national reunification to deter Taiwan secessionists.
• Mainland denounces DPP authority exploiting Ukraine situation People's Daily 17 Mar 2022 -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority for taking advantage of the Ukraine situation to deliberately raise the rhetoric of cross-Strait confrontation and "Taiwan independence."
• Iran launches last refinery in South Pars gas field Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- Iran has finally brought on line a major refinery project that runs on natural gas extracted from South Pars, the world's largest gas field located in the Persian Gulf, which is shared between Iran and Qatar.
• Iran's Revolutionary Guards Called For Travel Ban On Ex-Oil Officials To Prevent Disclosure Of Sanctions-Evading Tactics RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) last year urged the judiciary to issue travel bans against several oil officials for fear they could expose the "secret" tactics Tehran has used to evade U.S. sanctions and sell its oil, according to a leaked confidential document.
• UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran UK FCDO 17 Mar 2022 -- The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered the statement outlining that the Government of Iran has continued to violate human rights, including the rights of human rights defenders, persons from marginalised minorities, lawyers, dual and foreign nationals, activists and journalists.
• Spokesman: Iran's debt received with dignity from UK, had nothing to do with other issues Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says Iran collected its overdue debt from the UK in a dignified manner, and the repayment of the debt was not in any way related to other issues between the two countries.
• Iran: UK's debt payment has nothing to do with release of dual citizens Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- Iran has rejected any link between London's payment of its overdue debt to Tehran and the release of two British-Iranian nationals jailed for involvement in espionage activities against the Islamic Republic.
• Amid British-Iranian Prisoners' Homecoming, West Grapples With Tehran's 'Hostage Diplomacy' VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- Two British-Iranian nationals who had been jailed in Iran arrived Thursday in Britain to emotional homecomings.
• FM: Iran ready for JCPOA revival deal if all red lines met IRNA 17 Mar 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that his country is ready for a final agreement over the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal provided that all red lines of the Islamic Republic are met.
• FM: Iran ready for final agreement if all of its red lines observed Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- Iran's foreign minister tells his British counterpart that the country is prepared for conclusion of a final agreement in Vienna if all of its red lines are observed.
• Iran Releases Two British-Iranians VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- British-Iranian nationals Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashouri returned to the United Kingdom early Thursday after being released from years of imprisonment in Iran.
• Iran's IRGC says will strike Israeli bases again if Iraqi Kurdistan officials fail to get rid of them Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- The spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the elite military force will not hesitate to strike other Israeli bases in Iraqi Kurdistan region if its officials do not dismantle them.
• Hundreds left homeless as junta razes Myanmar's slums Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2022 -- Hundreds of people are homeless in Myanmar as the ruling junta razes city slums in a campaign it says is designed to strengthen the "rule of law" but an analyst said is likely a pretext to root out members of the armed resistance or secure lucrative land development deals for military officers.
• Prison guards shoot 7 inmates dead in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2022 -- Authorities in Myanmar's Sagaing region killed seven inmates and injured a dozen others after using live ammunition to quell a "riot" at Kalay Prison on Tuesday, according to the junta. But sources say the deaths were likely the result of a violent crackdown on a protest over ill-treatment at the facility.
• Reports of fake banknotes on the rise amid economic turmoil in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2022 -- Reports of counterfeit banknotes circulating in Myanmar have skyrocketed in recent weeks amid the junta's mismanagement of the economy, but experts say the military regime is ill-equipped to address the problem because officials "only know how to give orders" but not implement them.
• Canada imposes additional sanctions on Belarusian leadership Canada 17 Mar 2022-- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations in response to the Lukashenko regime's involvement in Vladimir Putin's illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
• UN Rights Council Slams Belarus For Abuses, Aiding Russia's Ukraine Invasion RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- UN diplomats have slammed Belarus for its human rights abuses and for helping Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, accusing Minsk of "widespread and systematic" rights violations since a disputed 2020 presidential election handed authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka victory despite opposition claims the balloting was rigged.
• UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on Belarus UK FCDO 17 Mar 2022 -- Simon Manley, UK Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered the UK statement, reiterating the need for continued OHCHR monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Belarus.
• Committee of Ministers suspends all relations with the Belarusian authorities Council of Europe 17 Mar 2022 -- The Committee of Ministers has decided to suspend all relations with Belarus as a result of the country's active participation in the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. In its decision, the Committee of Ministers suspends the rights of Belarus to participate in all meetings and activities of the Organisation.
• Brazilian President Asked Putin for Assisting in Developing Nuclear Submarine - Reports Sputnik 17 Mar 2022 -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro asked during his visit to Moscow in mid-February Russian President Vladimir Putin for assisting in developing a nuclear submarine, media reported.
• Amid Ukraine War Diplomacy, Macron Launches Reelection Bid VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- Less than a month before France's first round of presidential elections, incumbent Emmanuel Macron finally laid out his campaign platform for reelection at a lengthy news conference Thursday outside Paris. The war in Ukraine has lifted Macron's popularity, and his rivals are scrambling to make an impact. If he wins, Macron would be the first French president reelected in two decades.
• Kazakh Tycoon Related To Former President's Family Placed In Pretrial Detention RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Kazakh tycoon Qairat Boranbaev, whose daughter was the wife of a late grandson of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, has been placed in pretrial detention on embezzlement charges.
• Report: Saudi Arabia has executed 100 people since start of current year Press TV 17 Mar 2022 -- Saudi Arabia has executed 100 people since January, a report said after the execution of four more people in the wake of the widely-condemned mass execution of more than 80 people earlier this month.
• Cambodia convicts 20 members of the political opposition of conspiracy, incitement Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2022 -- A Phnom Penh court on Thursday convicted 20 members of the banned-opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) of incitement and conspiracy after a mass trial that rights organizations said was politically motivated.
• Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Detained In EU Corruption Investigations RFE/RL 17 Mar 2022 -- Bulgaria's former prime minister, Boyko Borisov, was detained late on March 17 as part of a police operation linked to probes by the EU prosecutor's office, the Interior Ministry said.
• Ex-Prime Minister of Bulgaria Borissov Detained During Police Operation Sputnik 17 Mar 2022 -- Earlier, ex-Prime Minister and leader of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) Boyko Borissov and other members of the former ruling party were investigated for misuse of European funds.
• Peru's Constitutional Court Orders Ex-President Alberto Fujimori Freed From Prison Sputnik 17 Mar 2022 -- Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has faced a powerful right-wing resistance to his administration since even before taking office in July 2021, having narrowly averted defeat by rival Keiko Fujimori.
• The United States Imposes Sanctions for Illicit Gold Trade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2022 -- The United States today imposed sanctions on gold refiner Alain Goetz and his network for the illicit movement of gold in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Our actions underscore the U.S. commitment to disrupt the illegal minerals trade in the DRC, which threatens the peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region.
• Treasury Sanctions Alain Goetz and a Network of Companies Involved in the Illicit Gold Trade US Treasury 17 Mar 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), sanctioned Alain Goetz, the African Gold Refinery in Uganda, and a network of companies involved in the illicit movement of gold valued at hundreds of millions of dollars per year from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Mali Says It Will Suspend French Broadcast VOA 17 Mar 2022 -- The Malian government says it will suspend broadcasts of Radio France Internationale and France 24 television in the country. The announcement followed reports by French media and a rights group that the Malian army has committed human rights abuses in recent months.