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Defense Policy / Programs

• Zutendaal bomb exercise aims to improve emergency response Army News 13 Apr 2022 -- Members of U.S. Army Garrison Benelux's emergency response team gathered with Belgian emergency responders to conduct an installation protection exercise at Zutendaal Army Depot March 30.
• DoD to Build Project Pele Mobile Microreactor and Perform Demonstration at Idaho National Laboratory DoD 13 Apr 2022 -- The Department of Defense's Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) released a Record of Decision (ROD) for Project Pele, a program intended to design, build, and demonstrate a mobile microreactor.
• Exercise Agile Tiger: Integrated deterrence in the heartland of America US Air Force 13 Apr 2022 -- Whiteman Air Force Base concluded the first iteration of Exercise Agile Tiger, designed to improve joint warfighter lethality through high fidelity mission planning, execution and debrief.
• Forrest Sherman Returns to Norfolk US Navy 13 Apr 2022 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) returned home to Naval Station Norfolk following a surge deployment, April 13.
• Laser Trailblazer: Navy Conducts Historic Test of New Laser Weapon System US Navy 13 Apr 2022 -- The ground-based laser system homed in on the red drone flying by, shooting a high-energy beam invisible to the naked eye. Suddenly, a fiery orange glow flared on the drone, smoke poured from its engine and a parachute opened as the craft tumbled downward, disabled by the laser beam.
• NMCB-11 Integrates with U.S. Marine Corps Engineers for Winter Pioneer 22 US Navy 13 Apr 2022 -- U.S. Navy Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 participated in "Winter Pioneer 22" aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
• NAVSUP in Europe supports USS Donald Cook, USS The Sullivans during Copenhagen port visit US Navy 13 Apr 2022 -- A team of logisticians assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella and their mission partners supported the scheduled port visit of the USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), conducted March 21, 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• US and Japan Conducting Exercises With Nuclear Aircraft Carrier in Sea of Japan, Reports Say Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln is conducting joint exercises with the Japan self-defence forces in the Sea of Japan with a view to contain North Korea, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Wednesday.
• Government report discusses changes in Finland's security environment Finnish Government 13 Apr 2022 -- On Wednesday 13 April, the Government adopted a report on changes in the security environment and submitted it to Parliament for consideration. The report assesses fundamental changes in Finland's foreign and security policy environment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The report does not include any conclusions or present new security policy guidelines.
• Prime Minister Marin meets with Swedish Prime Minister in Stockholm Finnish Government 13 Apr 2022 -- Prime Minister Sanna Marin met with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in Stockholm on Wednesday 13 April. The prime ministers discussed how to strengthen the security of Finland and Sweden in the changed security environment. The security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally following Russia's attack on Ukraine.
• With Eye on Russia, Finland, Sweden Move Toward NATO Membership RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- Finland's prime minister says Helsinki is moving toward a decision on applying to join NATO "within weeks" against the backdrop of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing, April 13, 2022 DoD 13 Apr 2022
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 13 Apr 2022
• Statement by President Joe Biden on Call with President Zelenskyy and Additional Security Assistance to Ukraine The White House 13 Apr 2022
• Readout of Roundtable Meeting With Prime Contractor CEOs on Ukraine Security Assistance DoD 13 Apr 2022
• $800 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 13 Apr 2022 -- This afternoon, April 13, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to an additional $800 million tailored to meet urgent Ukrainian needs for today's fight as Russian forces shift the focus of their ruthless aggression to eastern Ukraine. This authorization is the seventh drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• US to Send $800 Million in New Military Aid to Ukraine VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- The White House on Wednesday reinforced President Joe Biden's surprise statement Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be committing genocide in Ukraine.
• $800 Million in Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022 -- Against tremendous odds, with extraordinary courage, and in the face of Russia's relentless brutality against civilians, Ukraine's forces are regaining ground, as Russian forces retreat from Kyiv and the surrounding region. Still, Russia's premeditated, unprovoked, unjustified, and brutal war against Ukraine is far from over. Russia is repositioning its forces for renewed attacks in eastern and southern Ukraine. The United States, its Allies and partners must take action now to surge additional military assistance as Ukraine prepares for the next phase in the fight for its freedom and its very future.
• Biden announces additional $800m in military aid to Ukraine Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- US President Joe Biden has authorized $800 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, which includes artillery, helicopters and armored personnel carriers.
• New Package Of U.S. Military Aid For Ukraine Announced As Russia Claims Capture Of Ukrainian Marines RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has approved $800 million in new military assistance for Ukraine to help the country in its fight against Russia's invasion, including helicopters, artillery, ammunition, and other weapons.
• Howitzers, Helicopters, Humvees Headed to Ukraine DoD News 13 Apr 2022 -- An additional $800 million drawdown package of security assistance is on its way to Ukraine. Efforts to get the newly authorized equipment and supplies to the Ukrainian military will begin immediately, said Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby.
• US to announce $750 million in new military aid for Ukraine Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden is expected to authorize the transfer of $750 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, which is under Russian military strikes.
• US Readying More Military Aid as Ukraine Appeals for Support VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- The United States is expected to soon announce up to $750 million in additional security assistance to Ukraine as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeals for more help to beat back Russian forces.
• MoD: Russian Forces Will Hit 'Decision-Making Centres' in Ukraine if Attacks Against Russia Continue Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Earlier, the governor of the Kursk region in Russia reported several attacks at border crossings perpetrated on the Ukrainian side of the crossing. The attacks with mortars and small firearms have not yet caused any casualties, the governor said.
• US, NATO weapons transport in Ukraine 'legitimate' targets, Russia warns Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- Russia says it views the transport of weapons by the United States and NATO in Ukraine as 'legitimate' military targets, warning of harsh response in case of any attempts by the West to threaten Russia's military.
• Pentagon's 'China, Russia threat in space' hype aims at hegemony, developing own military: FM Global Times 13 Apr 2022 -- By disregarding facts and repeatedly hyping the "space threat from China and Russia," the US is creating excuses to develop its own military and seek hegemony in space, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, after the Pentagon's intelligence agency claimed on Tuesday that China and Russia are developing and deploying weapons that can stop US satellites while also increasing its own fleet of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) space vehicles.
• US Officials Warn of 'Dramatic' Increases in Space Competition with Russia, China VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- Defense Intelligence Agency officials are warning of "dramatic" increases in the pace and scope of space operations by competitors, with China and Russia growing their in-orbit space assets by 70% since 2019.
• US to Upgrade Nuclear Arsenal Storage in UK, Possibly for Its Newest Bombs Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- In 2008, the US removed its B61 nuclear bombs from Lakenheath air base, ending more than a half-century of keeping a nuclear arsenal in the country. The gravity bombs were largely regarded as militarily obsolete at the time of the pullout, and prospects for further nuclear weapons disarmament were high.
• Britain's military facilities being enhanced to host new US nukes: Report Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- British underground military facilities are being upgraded for use in storing US nuclear weapons as part of an extensive nuclear arms modernization program pursued by Washington, US military budget documents show.
• UK Offers Sweden Increased Military Presence Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- According to security policy expert Robert Dalsjö of the Swedish Defence Research Agency, a permanent presence on a rotary basis would strengthen Swedish security, but would be difficult to sell politically to the NATO-sceptical public.
• J-20 fighter jet starts routine training patrols in East, South China Seas Global Times 13 Apr 2022 -- The J-20, China's most powerful, domestically developed stealth fighter jet, has started to patrol the East China Sea and the South China Sea in routine training sessions, and experts said on Wednesday that the move will enable the advanced warplane to better safeguard China's airspace security and maritime interests.
• China Masses Four Type 055 Cruisers as First US Carrier Group Enters Sea of Japan in Five Years Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Beijing has brought together four of its largest and most advanced warships not far from where the US and Japan are engaged in drills.
• Australia, US Ask Solomon Islands to Reconsider Security Pact with China Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- The security pact between China and the Solomon Islands which is to be signed soon, has caused severe concerns in Washington and among its allies, resulting in a plethora of visits to Honiara by American and Australian officials this month.
• China says Australia must stay away from confrontation over Solomon Islands Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- China has called on Australia to refrain from confrontation in the Pacific region in the wake of a trip by an Australian minister to the Solomon Islands aimed at discouraging officials there from signing a security pact with Beijing.
• Australia minister arrives in Solomon Islands to lobby against security pact with China Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- An Australian government minister has arrived in the Solomon Islands to pressure officials in the sovereign country not to sign a security pact with China.
• Taiwan military to send non-commissioned officers to U.S.: source CNA 13 Apr 2022 -- Taiwan's military will send non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to the United States to observe the training of their American counterparts later this year, with the aim of boosting the joint operations capability of the nation's armed forces, a military source told CNA Wednesday.
• Taiwan issues 'survival handbook' to prep for possible Chinese invasion Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2022 -- Taiwan has issued for the first time a "survival handbook" to guide its citizens in the preparation for a possible Chinese invasion in the future.
• US arms sale to Taiwan tantamount to tying a bomb to every Taiwan compatriot: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 13 Apr 2022 -- Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council on Wednesday denounced the collusion of Taiwan secessionists Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority and the US, urging them to stop provocation against the one-China principle. The comments came following the recent US arms sale, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's possible Taiwan tour as well as DPP's hostile move against mainland enterprises.
• Serbia confirms procurement of Chinese FK-3 air defense missile system: media Global Times 13 Apr 2022 -- Serbia has procured the Chinese FK-3 air defense missile system, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reportedly confirmed on Wednesday, after reports emerged on Saturday that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force was delivering the air defense equipment via Y-20 large transport aircraft.
• 14TH INDIAN NAVY - ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY (IN - RAN) NAVY TO NAVY STAFF TALKS, 11-13 APR 22 India PIB 13 Apr 2022 -- 14th IN - RAN Navy to Navy Staff Talks were held from 11-13 Apr 22 at New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by RAdm Christopher Smith, Deputy Chief of Navy, RAN and RAdm J Singh, ACNS (FCI), IN.
• Indian Air Force signs MOU with IIT Madras to accelerate indigenisation efforts for ATMA Nirbhar Bharat India PIB 13 Apr 2022 -- Indian Air Force and IIT Madras signed a MoU on 13 April 22 for various developmental projects to support the requirements of the IAF. The MoU was signed by Air Commodore S Bahuja, Command Engineering Officer (Systems), Headquarters Maintenance Command, IAF and Professor H S N Murthy, Head of Department Aerospace Engineering IIT Madras, at Air Force Station, Tughlakabad, Delhi.
• Japan Denies Report About Invitation to Join AUKUS to Develop Hypersonic Weapons Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Last Tuesday, the US, UK, and Australia, which formed a trilateral security alliance in September 2021, announced new cooperation on hypersonic weapons as well as other means of electronic warfare. The three countries are enhancing their defence cooperation which is believed to be designed to deter China in the Indo-Pacific.
• Drone That Crashed Last Month In Zagreb Was Carrying Explosives, Investigators Say RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- A drone that crashed in Zagreb on March 10 after flying for more than an hour and passing through the airspace of Romania and Hungary was carrying explosives, preliminary results of an investigation show.
• U.S. Rights Report Warns Of Global 'Backsliding,' As Blinken Slams Russia Over Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has decried an "alarming recession of democracy" and respect for human rights in many parts of the world over the past year, with governments growing "more brazen" in reaching across borders to threaten and attack critics.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with New Zealand MFAT Secretary Seed US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022
• Joint Statement by Secretary Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022 --The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Uruguay:
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Delattre US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, April 13, 2022 The White House 13 Apr 2022
• Department Press Briefing – April 13, 2022 US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 13, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• Justice critical to fighting sexual violence in conflict UN News 13 Apr 2022 -- Women's rights are human rights, and universal in times of war and peace, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday, urging ambassadors to ensure accountability for conflict-related sexual violence.
• Up to 500 Ex-Afghan Soldiers and Officials Killed, Kidnapped by Taliban Since August, Reports Say Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- After seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban* has murdered or kidnapped about 500 former Afghan officials, military personnel, and those believed to have collaborated with the United States, according to an investigation by The New York Times.
• UK sanctions 178 Russian separatists in breakaway regions UK FCDO 13 Apr 2022 -- Foreign Secretary announces 178 new sanctions, coordinated with the EU, targeting those who prop up Russian-backed illegal breakaway regions of Ukraine.
• Bangladesh home minister: Rohingya have babies to get more food aid Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2022 -- The way food aid is distributed to Rohingya needs to be adjusted because it is driving population growth in the country's sprawling refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, a senior Bangladesh government official said.
• UN envoy hails peace dividends in Colombia, warns against violence People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- The top UN envoy for Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, on Tuesday hailed peace dividends in Colombia and warned against violence as a major threat to the peace process in the country.
• South Africa to Quadruple Mozambique Deployment as SADC Converts to Peacekeeping Force Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Due to neoliberal reforms triggered by International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan terms, Mozambique lacks the budget to support an armed force capable of pacifying the Islamist rebels in the north, forcing it to contract unreliable mercenaries and appeal to other nations for help, including Portugal, against which it fought a long independence war.
• Eastern Africa: Millions displaced, amid growing hunger, 'unprecedented needs' UN News 13 Apr 2022 -- Millions of displaced families across eastern Africa will fall deeper into hunger as food rations dwindle due to humanitarian resources being stretched to the limit as the world grapples with a toxic cocktail of conflict, climate shocks, and COVID-19, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday.
• 'Middle Way' approach for Tibet not just about politics: Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2022 -- A Middle Way approach to the question of Tibet's status under Beijing's rule does not concern politics alone and will benefit both the Tibetan and the Chinese people, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said in a rare political statement in India this month.
• Tajik Soldier Wounded In Latest Violence Along Kyrgyz Border Dies RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- A Tajik soldier wounded in the latest shootout at a disputed segment of the border with Kyrgyzstan has died at a hospital.
• Chief UN Envoy In Bosnia Asserts Power In Suspending Serb Entity's Property Law RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- The top international official in Bosnia-Herzegovina has suspended a law seen as an attempt by Republika Srpska to transfer state property from Bosnia to the Serb entity.
• Special US Envoy to Horn of Africa Reportedly Stepping Down VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- The special U.S. envoy to the Horn of Africa is reportedly stepping away from the post with the region engulfed in political and humanitarian crises.

News Reports

• Suspect in NYC Subway Attack Arrested, Charged With Terrorism VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- The suspect in a mass shooting Tuesday on a New York City subway was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with a federal terrorism offense, Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, told reporters.
• UN agencies warn of famine in Somalia People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- UN agencies are warning that millions of Somalis are at risk of sliding into famine as a result of a prolonged drought, a UN spokesman said Tuesday.
• Russian Scientist At German University Convicted Of Spying, Handed Suspended Sentence RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- A German court has handed a Russian scientist a one-year suspended sentence for spying after he admitted to supplying publicly available information on a European rocket program to an employee of the Russian Consulate General in Munich.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 13, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Apr 2022
• Meeting on Arctic zone development President of Russia 13 Apr 2022 -- Vladimir Putin chaired a videoconference meeting on the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.
• Putin looking into alternatives for Russia's EU energy market Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- President Vladimir Putin says he will be looking into alternative markets for Russia's energy exports as the West keeps threatening to ban imports of Russian oil and gas over the conflict in Ukraine.
• US says countries flouting Russia sanctions to face consequences Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- In a terse warning to countries that have rebuffed Washington's calls to condemn Russia's military operation in Ukraine, a senior US government official on Wednesday said they will face the consequences.
• Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation The White House 13 Apr 2022
• Notice on the Continuation Of The National Emergency With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities Of The Government Of The Russian Federation The White House 13 Apr 2022
• Russia Sanctions 398 Members Of U.S. Congress, 87 Canadian Senators In Tit-For-Tat Moves RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- Russia has introduced sanctions against 398 members of the U.S. Congress in retaliation against punitive measures announced by Washington over Ukraine.
• Britain Broadens Sanctions, Targets Scores Of People Including Russia-Backed Separatists In Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- Britain has announced new sanctions against scores of Russians, including family members of Russian oligarchs and the wife of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. They also target the leaders of two separatist regions in Ukraine.
• Iran rejects Guardian allegation of helping Russia acquire weapons through Iraq Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- The Iranian embassy in London has dismissed as "baseless storytelling" a Guardian article alleging that Iran is involved in smuggling weapons to Russia to be used against Ukraine.
• Number Of Russian Citizens Applying For Permanent Residence In Kazakhstan Rising RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- The number of Russians seeking permanent residence in Kazakhstan is rising as Moscow's war against Ukraine continues.
• Roscosmos Chief on ESA Suspension of Joint Work on Moon: 'Good Riddance' Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Rogozin said that in response to the suspension of participation in the Russian lunar program by the European Space Agency (ESA), European devices would be removed from Russian spacecraft.
• Russia, Belarus to deepen integration amid Western sanctions: Putin People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday at a joint press conference that it was important to deepen integration between Russia and Belarus in the face of all-out Western sanctions.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on April 13, 2022 PRC MofA 13 Apr 2022
• How China Built An 'Inadvertent Empire' In Central Asia RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- The release of Sinostan, a new book about China's growing influence in Central Asia, will mark the end of a sprawling journey that has taken its authors more than a decade to complete.
• John Lee secures 786 nominations, far exceeding Chief Executive applicant threshold, formally submits application Global Times 13 Apr 2022 -- Former Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee Ka-chiu, formally submitted his nomination form to the Electoral Affairs Commission, and said he had secured 786 nominations as of Wednesday, which far exceeds the nomination threshold for the upcoming Chief Executive election to be held on May 8.
• Commissioner's office of Chinese foreign ministry in HKSAR urges outsiders to write off political shows People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday strongly disapproved the misleading comments made by a U.S. State Department spokesperson as well as a few other politicians and groups about the law enforcement activities of the HKSAR police towards the persons suspected of conspiring to publish seditious materials.
• Commissioner's office of Chinese foreign ministry in HKSAR urges outsiders to write off political shows People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday strongly disapproved the misleading comments made by a U.S. State Department spokesperson as well as a few other politicians and groups about the law enforcement activities of the HKSAR police towards the persons suspected of conspiring to publish seditious materials.
• China's anti-graft chief urges solid work ahead of 20th CPC national congress People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- China's anti-graft chief has urged solid work on improving Party conduct, enforcing Party discipline and fighting corruption ahead of the 20th national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) later this year.
• Spokesperson slams DPP attempts to "internationalize" Taiwan question People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority for its attempts to take advantage of the Ukraine situation and masquerade the Taiwan question as an international issue.
• Swedish lawmakers say Taiwan trip sends 'strong message' to China CNA 13 Apr 2022 -- A Swedish parliamentary delegation said Wednesday that their current visit to Taipei sends a strong message to China that Europe will support Taiwan's efforts to defend its freedom and democracy.
• To prevent escapes, North Korea confiscates passports of officials sent abroad Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2022 -- North Korea is now confiscating the passports of both managers and workers stationed abroad to prevent them from escaping, sources in China and Russia told RFA.
• Iran should not wait at all for nuclear issue: Supreme Leader ISNA 13 Apr 2022 -- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution in meeting with the government officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran stressed, "Despite US and its cohorts' policies and desire to push the Palestinian cause into oblivion and make the people of the world forget there was a land called Palestine, the Palestinian cause is becoming increasingly emphasized every day".
• Saudi Arabia repeats claims about disputed Persian Gulf gas field Press TV 13 Apr 2022 -- Saudi Arabia has repeated its claims about a gas field located in the Persian Gulf that Iran considers a shared reserve.
• Myanmar's largest cities empty amid call to boycott Thingyan festivities Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2022 -- Yangon and Mandalay were eerily quiet on Wednesday despite the start of the three-day Thingyan holiday in Myanmar, as residents chose to boycott junta-led festivities and heed warnings by armed opposition forces that the cities could become the target of attacks.
• 'I Don't Regret It at All': Marine Le Pen Stands by Her Recognition of Crimea as Part of Russia Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- The Black Sea peninsula became a Russian region in March 2014 following a referendum after a coup took place in Ukraine a month prior. More than 95% of the voters both in Crimea and in the city of Sevastopol supported reunification with Russia. Ukraine refused to recognize the results of the vote, saying that Crimea was "temporarily occupied."
• Marine Le Pen Vows to Pull France Out of NATO's Integrated Military Command if Elected President Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Le Pen will face Emmanuel Macron in the second round of presidential elections, due to take place on 24 April.
• 'Frexit'? Macron Suspects Le Pen of Plotting Scenario to Take France Out of EU Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Emmanuel Macron's right-wing challenger in the presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has frequently criticised the European Union and called for more independence from the bloc.
• Pakistan's Shahbaz Sharif Steps Out Of Brother's Shadow To Take Premiership RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Apr 2022 -- Shahbaz Sharif spent decades in the shadow of his elder brother and three-time premier, Nawaz Sharif. Now, the younger Sharif has entered the limelight as Pakistan's new prime minister after parliament ousted Imran Khan in a no-confidence vote.
• Pakistan's new gov't attaches great importance to developing Pak-China relations: PM People's Daily 13 Apr 2022 -- Pakistan's new government attaches great importance to strengthening relations between Pakistan and China, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said here Tuesday.
• Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister to Give Big 'Surprise' in Public Address Sputnik 13 Apr 2022 -- Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister and leader of the Tehreek-e-Insaf party Imran Khan will give a "surprise" during a public rally in the city of Lahore next week to prove that a puppet government is unacceptable, party spokesman Farrukh Habib said.
• Election of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2022
• Pakistani new-elected PM Shehbaz vows to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with China Global Times 13 Apr 2022 -- Pakistani new-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Charge d 'affaires Pang Chunxue of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan at the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday. Shehbaz noted that the new Pakistani government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, science and technology, education and poverty alleviation.
• Court Rejects Custody Appeal By Kazakh Opposition Figure Zhanbolat Mamai RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- Leading Kazakh opposition figure Zhanbolat Mamai has has lost an appeal and been remanded in custody by a court in the Central Asian nation's largest city, Almaty, on charges of insulting law enforcement officers and distributing "false information," accusations he and his supporters call politically motivated.
• Kazakhstan Cancels Victory Day Military Parade Again RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- Kazakhstan will not hold a traditional Victory Day military parade marking the anniversary of the Nazi defeat in World War II next month.
• African States May Be Pushing to Revive Non-Aligned Movement, Analysts Say VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- Some African nations' repeated abstentions on U.S.-led resolutions condemning Russia could be a subtle signal for the revival of the Non-Aligned Movement at the United Nations, analysts say.
• Sri Lanka Prime Minister Offers to Meet Protesters Encamped Outside Government Offices VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says he is willing to meet with protesters camped outside the presidential offices in the capital, Colombo, that are demanding his resignation and that of his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, over the country's economic crisis.
• As Lao dam plans progress, farmers worry about compensation for lost land Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2022 -- Chinese developers are preparing to begin work on two major hydropower dams to be built on the Mekong River in Laos, projects government officials hope will bring the impoverished country closer to its goal of become the battery of Southeast Asia.
• Lucrative Tashkent Land Plot Sold To Relative Close To Uzbek President RFE/RL 13 Apr 2022 -- A lucrative plot of Tashkent land belonging to a major Uzbek steel plant has been sold to a company close to President Shavkat Mirziyoev's son-in-law, at a fraction of its market value, documents showed.
• UN agencies call for scaled-up response to address increasing hunger and malnutrition in South Sudan UNICEF 13 Apr 2022 -- Food insecurity is likely to rise by seven per cent across South Sudan in the coming months, compared to last year, according to a new United Nations report on food security. UN organizations are renewing the call for more humanitarian and livelihoods assistance to stave off looming hunger and enhance resilience.
• South Sudan Facing its Worst Food Crisis on Record VOA 13 Apr 2022 -- The United Nations warns a record 7.74 million people, or two-thirds of South Sudan's population, are likely to face hunger during this year's lean season between May and July. This is the dangerous period between planting and harvesting when food stocks are at their lowest.