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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. to Resume Small, Persistent Presence in Somalia DoD News 16 May 2022 -- For 16 months now, American military personnel in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility have provided advise-and-assist support to forces in Somalia on an ad hoc basis — traveling into the country when needed and then leaving afterward. U.S. forces are helping Somali forces in the fight against al-Shabab. But the ad hoc model will soon change to one of persistent presence in the country, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.
• Biden Approves 'Small, Persistent' US Military Presence in Somalia VOA 16 May 2022 -- U.S. forces tasked with countering the al-Shabab terror group will no longer have to "commute" to Somalia from neighboring countries, after officials reversed a decision that officials blame for allowing the al-Qaida affiliate to grow more powerful and more dangerous.
• US Approves Renewed Military Action in Somalia Amid New Terror Concerns Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- The Biden administration is authorizing renewed military operations in Somalia in order to combat the growing threat of the Al-Shabab terror group (affiliated with Al-Qaeda, banned in Russia), a senior administration official said on Monday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 16 May 2022
• Alabama National Guard Soldiers hydrate partner nations Army News 16 May 2022 -- Alabama Army National Guard Soldiers have been purifying and delivering potable water to service members participating in Operation Tradewinds 2022 in Belize in May.
• Air Force conducts successful hypersonic weapon test US Air Force 16 May 2022 -- A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress successfully released an AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, off the Southern California coast, May 14.
• EODMU 3 Train Mobile Bay, HSC-14 Sailors on HVBSS US Navy 16 May 2022 -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 conducted helicopter visit, board, search and seizure (HVBSS) training with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), May 11. The training was centered on strengthening the integration of the three units to leverage an optimal response capability to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found during maritime interdiction operations (MIOs).
• Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group conducts Training Underway with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force US Navy 16 May 2022 -- Ships and aircraft from Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (RRNCSG) concluded a week of at-sea bilateral training with a destroyer from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) May 17.
• 405th AFSB APS-2 float bridge system employed in Poland during DEFENDER-Europe 22 Army News 16 May 2022 -- An entire float ribbon bridge system from the 405th Army Field Support Brigade was employed and used by U.S., Polish, French and Swedish military forces to cross the Vistula River between Ryki and Kozienice, Poland, during DEFENDER-Europe 22, May 13.
• Network Modernization: The Shift in Warfare Paradigm and How Marine Corps Installations are Supporting USMC News 16 May 2022 -- Force Design has re-envisioned the role of the installation from a Force Generation location, meaning a location that Marines train and deploy from, to a Power Projection Warfighting platform, which will simultaneously deploy forces forward but will also command and control those forces.
• LCS Successfully Completes First Land Attack Missile Exercise US Navy 16 May 2022 -- The U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class successfully launched sea-based missiles at a land-based target for the first time during a proof of concept exercise, May 12.
• NAVSUP, mission partners in Greece continue support to Truman Carrier Strike Group US Navy 16 May 2022 -- Logisticians assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUP FLCSI) and their mission partners at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay Greece coordinated the loading of cargo, mail and food provisions to USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) at the Marathi NATO Pier Complex, May 3, 2022.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams BLUE MILCREW Begins Deployment US Navy 16 May 2022 -- The Blue military crew (MILCREW) of the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) and the ship's Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) departed Civitavecchia, Italy, to begin a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, May 14, 2022.
• U.S., Estonia Kick Off Exercise Hedgehog 22 US Navy 16 May 2022 -- Members of Task Force 61 Naval Amphibious Forces Europe/2d Marine Division (TF-61/2), operating under U.S. Sixth Fleet, joined their Estonian counterparts to kick off exercise Siil 22, also known in English as Exercise Hedgehog, in Tallinn, Estonia, May 16.
• Mare Aperto 22-1: U.S. Sixth Fleet trains alongside Italian and Allied navies US Navy 16 May 2022 -- Units and personnel from U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa / U.S. Sixth Fleet joined their Italian counterparts and other Allied navies in the Italian-led exercise Mare Aperto 22-1/Italian Minex 22 in the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, May 15, 2022.
• Wisconsin Guard, civilian partners practice crisis response Army News 16 May 2022 -- Airmen and Soldiers of the Wisconsin Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package practiced crisis response procedures with civilian and military partners May 14.
• Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs relating to the declaration of Finland and Sweden about their intention to join NATO Republic of Poland 16 May 2022 -- Poland welcomes Finnish and Swedish governments' decision to apply for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation membership. This historic step confirms the radical change in the security situation in Europe as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
• The Foreign Ministry's statement on Sweden's NATO membership Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 May 2022
• The Government has decided today that Sweden will apply for NATO membership Sweden - Prime Minister's Office 16 May 2022 -- This decision is based on a security analysis that the Government invited the other Riksdag parties to take part in and its conclusions that were presented in a report on 13 May.
• Putin: Russia will respond if NATO bolsters military infrastructure in Sweden, Finland Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says a bid by Finland and Sweden to join NATO poses no direct threat to his country, but Moscow will respond if the US-led alliance bolsters military infrastructure in the two Nordic states.
• Russia's deputy FM says Moscow will not tolerate NATO's expansion into Nordic states Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Russia has warned the West that it will not put up with the Nordic expansion of NATO, saying the latest push by Sweden and Finland to join the US-led military alliance will only make the matters worse.
• Kremlin: Ukraine Joining NATO Would Lead to Bloc Having Territorial Dispute With Russia Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Kiev solidified its intent to join the alliance in the constitution amendments adopted by the country's parliament several years ago. NATO itself first announced interest in accepting Ukraine into its ranks in 2008, although it repeatedly delayed the start of the process.
• Finland makes official decision to apply to join NATO People's Daily 16 May 2022 -- Finland's president and the government's foreign policy committee on Sunday took the official decision to start the process of the country's application to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Finland and Sweden apply for NATO membership. Élysée - President of France 16 May 2022 -- Finland and Sweden have made the sovereign decision to apply for NATO membership. These decisions are based on democratic processes, following a comprehensive analysis of the changes in their security environment.
• Sweden, Finland; from neutrality to NATO accession IRNA 16 May 2022 -- Ukraine war has changed numerous equations in particular in Europe and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), prompting Sweden and Finland to stop neutrality policy and pursue joining NATO alliance.
• Sweden Joins Finland In NATO Bid As Putin Warns Of 'Response' RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Sweden has joined Finland in deciding to apply to join the NATO military alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine as President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will "certainly" react to the alliance's expected enlargement into the two Nordic countries.
• 'No Offence': Turkey Can't Say 'Yes' to Finland, Sweden Joining NATO, Erdogan Says Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Turkey has accused the two Nordic states of failing to extradite dozens of suspects "terrorists" - a reference to Kurds allegedly linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organisation.
• Sweden to Send Delegation to Ankara to Discuss Accession to NATO Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- A Swedish delegation will soon travel to Turkish capital city of Ankara to discuss Stockholm's membership in NATO, the Turkish newspaper Huriyyet reported on Monday, citing Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde.
• Sweden's Accession to NATO to Raise Tensions in Region, Opposition Party Says Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Sweden's accession to NATO threatens an escalation in the region, the head of the Swedish opposition Left Party, Nooshi Dadgostar, said on Sunday.
• UK welcomes Sweden and Finland's NATO membership plans UK FCDO 16 May 2022 -- The UK has welcomed announcements by Sweden and Finland that they intend to apply for NATO membership.
• NATO expansion with Finland, Sweden's bid tips balance, adds uncertainty to Europe Global Times 16 May 2022 -- NATO expansion continues despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the US-led military alliance could include two more European countries, Finland and Sweden, which previously held a military neutrality stance between NATO and Russia. Chinese analysts said that this could add new uncertainty to the security of Europe, but it does not mean there will be new military conflicts in the continent as they believe Russia can solve its concerns with these two countries in political ways, otherwise they will fall into a US trap to further worsen the security situation of Europe.
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 16 May 2022
• Howitzers Proving Very Effective Against Russians, DOD Official Says DoD News 16 May 2022 -- The 155 mm M777 towed howitzers supplied by the U.S. and other types supplied by ally and partner nations to Ukraine are having a big impact on the battlefield, a senior Defense Department official said at a Pentagon press briefing today.
• The CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas: The CSTO has not discussed sending troops to Ukraine CSTO 16 May 2022 -- The CSTO says it has not discussed sending troops to Ukraine.
• CSTO summit President of Russia 16 May 2022 -- The Kremlin hosted a meeting of the heads of state of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.
• Putin Proposes Granting CIS Observer Status in Collective Security Treaty Organization Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday proposed granting the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) observer status in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
• China's Z-20 chopper sling-loads all-terrain vehicle for 1st time, can transport 'artillery, drones' Global Times 16 May 2022 -- China's domestically developed Z-20 helicopter can transport a wide variety of vehicles including self-propelled mortars, howitzers, multiple rocket launchers and air defense missile platforms as well as land drones, giving aerial assault troops more tactical options and advantages, experts said on Monday, after the chopper recently successfully practiced sling-loading an all-terrain vehicle for the first time.
• Taiwan changes computerized war games to map-based simulation, shows 'lack of confidence, self-deception' Global Times 16 May 2022 -- Taiwan authorities kicked off their annual Han Kuang military exercise on Monday. However, while attempting to attract attention with scenarios drawn from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the first phase of the war games, an "all-out defense" computer simulation, will surprisingly be changed this year into a map-based one, a less accurate and objective format without a final outcome, which experts said reflects a lack of confidence of the Taiwan military and is self-deceiving.
• Exercise Autonomous Warrior testing new technologies to meet emerging maritime security challenges Australia DOD 16 May 2022 -- Commencing today, HMAS Creswell and the waters of Jervis Bay will be the scene of a simulated, next generation naval battlespace - Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2022 (AW22).
• Cost of Living Pressures Concern Voters as Australia Prepares for General Election VOA 16 May 2022 -- Australians vote in a general election Saturday, May 21. The rising cost of living and the economy are key issues among voters.
• CURTAIN RAISER: LAUNCH OF YD 12707(SURAT) & YD 12652 (UDAYGIRI) India PIB 16 May 2022 -- On 17 May 2022, the nation will witness a landmark event in the history of indigenous warship building when two frontline warships of Indian Navy, Surat, a Project 15B Destroyer and Udaygiri, a Project 17A Frigate will be launched concurrently at Mazgaon Docks Limited, Mumbai. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri will be the Chief Guest for both the events.
• Israeli navy holds surprise drill as part of 'Chariots of Fire' exercises Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Israel's navy has launched a surprise drill as part of the month-long "Chariots of Fire" military exercises, despite an earlier warning by Palestinian resistance groups that they will not hesitate to respond to any act of aggression against the Palestinian people.
• £30 million dry dock contract supports 300 Scottish jobs UK MOD 16 May 2022 -- £30 million contract for dry-dock maintenance for the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers has been awarded to Babcock International Group, in Scotland
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Onal US Dept. of State 16 May 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani US Dept. of State 16 May 2022
• Remarks by President BidenAnd Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 16 May 2022
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Trip to United Arab Emirates The White House 16 May 2022
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece The White House 16 May 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, May 16, 2022 The White House 16 May 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 16, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 16 May 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 May 2022
• Fear Grips Afghanistan's Sufi Community Following Deadly Attacks RFE/RL Gandhara 16 May 2022 -- Mansur Sikandari was singing Islamic hymns inside the Khalifa Sahib monastery in the Afghan capital, Kabul, when a powerful explosion ripped through the building.
• Taliban Say No Christians Live in Afghanistan; US Groups Concerned VOA 16 May 2022 -- Husain Andaryas was a religious fighter in the war against the invading Soviet army in Afghanistan in the early 1980s, but almost a year after the Soviets left, he converted to Christianity. For the next nine years, Andaryas wandered in several regional countries, suffered torture, and was finally offered a job at a church in Virginia, enabling him to migrate to the United States.
• China, ASEAN to hold South China Sea code of conduct talks this month Radio Free Asia 16 May 2022 -- China and countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will conduct face-to-face consultations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed South China Sea later this month in Cambodia, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said.
• First Commercial Flight From Yemen Carries Medical Patients to Jordan VOA 16 May 2022 -- The first commercial flight in nearly six years took off from Yemen's Sanaa airport for the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Monday, carrying hospital patients needing treatment abroad. Observers say the airport's reopening is a major step forward in a fragile peace process in the conflict which has been grinding on for the past seven years.
• First commercial flight takes off from Sana'a, raising hopes for lasting Yemen peace Press TV 16 May 2022 -- The first commercial flight in nearly six years has taken off from the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a, raising hopes that a UN-brokered two-month truce that went into effect at the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan could lead to a lasting peace and would improve the lives of people in the crisis-hit Arab nation.
• Welcoming the Resumption of Flights Between Sana'a and Amman US Dept. of State 16 May 2022 -- The United States welcomes today's flight between Sana'a, Yemen, and Amman, Jordan, the first commercial flight from Sana'a since 2016. We hope it will enable Yemenis to travel to see loved ones, seek medical care, and find respite from the conflict.
• Return of commercial flights from Yemeni capital after 6 years, an 'important' step UN News 16 May 2022 -- The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, on Monday welcomed the resumption of commercial flights from the capital city's main airport after six years, as a potential game changer for citizens needing lifesaving medical treatment.
• Myanmar's shadow government holds talks with powerful Arakan Army Radio Free Asia 16 May 2022 -- Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government (NUG) on Monday met for the first time with leaders from the country's formidable Arakan Army (AA) insurgent group, prompting speculation over an alliance that an analyst said could give the opposition the upper hand over an overextended military.
• Colombia's Last Remaining Rebel Group Declares Ceasefire For Election Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Colombia is the world's largest exporter of cocaine, and the South American country has been riddled with violence in a complicated conflict lasting over 60 years involving leftist groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug cartels.

News Reports

• DHS CWMD Securing the Cities Convenes a First-of-Kind Meeting for Senior State and Local Leaders DHS 16 May 2022 -- Last month, the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) hosted a first-of-its-kind meeting of senior state and local officials to share best practices for protecting their citizens from radiological and nuclear (R/N) threats.
• Cyber-attacks: Council extends sanctions regime until 18 May 2025 Council of Europe 16 May 2022 -- The Council today decided to prolong the framework for restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states for a further three years, until 18 May 2025.
• Talks with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov President of Russia 16 May 2022 -- After the CSTO Summit, Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov.
• Conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 16 May 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan after the CSTO Summit.
• Press release on global food security in the context of a statement by the G7 foreign ministers Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 May 2022
• Meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon President of Russia 16 May 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting in the Kremlin with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon who arrived for the CSTO summit in Moscow.
• EU Fails to Clinch Russian Oil Embargo VOA 16 May 2022 -- The European Union again failed to agree to an oil embargo against Russia Monday as part of a sixth package of sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Hungary remains a key holdout, demanding a high price for greenlighting the package.
• Lithuania Says One Country Holding EU 'Hostage' On Russian Oil Embargo RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- The European Union's plans to impose an oil embargo on Russia were being blocked by just one of the bloc's 27 members, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on May 16.
• McDonald's, Renault Latest To Exit Russia Over Ukraine RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Global fast-food giant McDonald's and French carmaker Renault have become the latest major corporations to announce their exit from Russia, joining dozens of others in an exodus over Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Renault Divests Russian Auto Holdings, But Keeps Option To Buy Back AvtoVAZ RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- French car maker Renault says it has reached an agreement to sell its Russian holdings, including its controlling interest in AvtoVAZ, the maker of Lada vehicles, due to Moscow's unprovoked war against Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 16, 2022 PRC MofA 16 May 2022
• China Voices Firm Protest Over G7 Statement Regarding Taiwan and Xinjiang Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- On Sunday, the Group of Seven raised concern over "the situation in and around the East and South China Seas", saying that Beijing should "abstain from threats, coercion, intimidation measures or the use of force". They also urged China to allow access to Xinjiang and Tibet for independent observers.
• Protests at Peking University as China's Xi moves to silence ruling party elders Radio Free Asia 16 May 2022 -- Hundreds of students protested at the weekend on the campus of Peking University (Beida) after a fence was put in place segregating them from the rest of the university, which continues to move around freely.
• Xi sends congratulatory message to new UAE president People's Daily 16 May 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday congratulated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his assuming the presidency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Some Taiwanese Youtubers on CCP payroll: intelligence chief CNA 16 May 2022 -- Taiwan's top intelligence chief on Monday said that some local internet celebrities were being paid by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to conduct "cognitive warfare" campaigns in Taiwan and help Beijing spread propaganda in the country.
• US Senators Introduce Bill to Extend Human Rights Work for North Koreans VOA 16 May 2022 -- A bipartisan duo of U.S. senators, Marco Rubio, a Republican, and Tim Kaine, a Democrat, have introduced the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2022 to the Senate to ensure the U.S. continues to promote basic freedoms of speech, press and religion in North Korea for the next five years.
• Electricity Production Goes Up in DPRK KCNA 16 May 2022 -- Officials and workers of the hydro-power stations in Ryanggang Province of the DPRK have put spurs to the generation of electricity while displaying the spirit of implementing the Party's anti-epidemic policy unconditionally, thoroughly and correctly.
• Guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers US Dept. of State 16 May 2022 -- The U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a joint advisory to alert the international community, the private sector, and the public to attempts by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and remote DPRK information technology (IT) workers to obtain employment while posing as non-DPRK nationals.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the testing of ballistic missiles by North Korea Germany Federal Foreign Office 16 May 2022
• Iran has 7 satellites under construction or ready for launch IRNA 16 May 2022 -- Iranian Space Agency announced on Monday that it will have seven home-made satellites which could be launched by the end of Iranian calendar year on March 20, 2023.
• Iran to Launch Seven Domestically Manufactured Satellites in March 2023, Reports Say Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Iran continues production of seven homegrown satellites, which may be launched in March next year when designers are expected to put final touches on the projects, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Monday, citing the head of the Iranian Space Agency, Hassan Salarieh.
• Iran, Tajikistan stress need to boost cooperation in fighting terrorism, securing borders Press TV 16 May 2022 -- The chairman of the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and the Tajik defense minister have discussed ways to fight terrorism in West Asia, establish security in border areas, hold joint military drills and expand military equipment.
• Iran says awaiting US decision on Tehran's 'special initiatives' for Vienna talks Press TV 16 May 2022 -- The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry says the Islamic Republic has already introduced special initiatives for the advancement of the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, stressing that the United States needs to make a political decision and respond to Tehran's proposals.
• Iran exported $15bn petrochemical products last year: Deputy min. IRNA 16 May 2022 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran exported petrochemical products worth 15 billion dollars in the last Iranian calendar year (March 21, 2021 to March 20, 2022), an official said.
• NIOC: Russians to start developing two Iranian oil fields 'soon' Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Russians will soon start "executive operations" on developing two oil fields in Iran, Managing Director of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Mohsen Khojastehmehr has said.
• Malaysian FM: 'Junta should be more open to ASEAN proposals' Radio Free Asia 16 May 2022 -- The Myanmar junta should do more to help ASEAN deliver humanitarian aid across the turmoil-hit country, Malaysia's top diplomat said after meeting in Washington with the Burmese opposition's foreign minister.
• Lukashenka Performs Balancing Act On Ukraine, Britain's Defense Ministry Says RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka appears careful to avoid direct involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine out of concern about potential further economic reprisals, retaliation from Kyiv, and possibly discontent among his own armed forces, British intelligence said on May 16.
• Elisabeth Borne Appointed New French Prime Minister After Jean Castex Resigns Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Speculation has been rife over the past few weeks about Jean Castex's replacement, with French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly hinting that he wanted the new government to be headed by a woman.
• UK threatening to unilaterally scrap part of Northern Ireland protocol, sparking fears of trade war Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Britain is set to propose plans that would allow ministers to unilaterally scrap part of the Brexit deals, despite warnings from Brussels that such unilateral action would represent a breach of international law.
• Northern Ireland: The way ahead Gov.UK 16 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson writes in the Belfast Telegraph: The conditions for successful power-sharing have been enhanced by the recent election. Government will do its part but the Executive must be restored now to tackle the cost of living crisis.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Scottish First Minister Sturgeon US Dept. of State 16 May 2022
• Assassination Plot Claim Prompts Pakistan to Boost Security for Ex-PM Khan VOA 16 May 2022 -- Pakistan has ordered enhanced personal security for former prime minister Imran Khan, a day after he repeated his claim at a massive rally that there was a plot to assassinate him.
• Biden Administration Expands Support to the Cuban People US Dept. of State 16 May 2022 -- The Administration's policy towards Cuba continues to focus first and foremost on support for the Cuban people, including their human rights and their political and economic well-being.
• Conversation with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Russia 16 May 2022 -- Vladimir Putin spoke with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following the CSTO summit.
• Kazakh Businessman Abilov Returns To Politics, To Form New Party RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Bolat Abilov, a prominent businessman and once an opposition figure in Kazakhstan, has announced a return to politics after he quit the Central Asian country's political scene almost nine years ago, as he looks to establish a new political party.
• Somalia: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the Presidential election and finalisation of the electoral process European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 May 2022 -- The European Union congratulates H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Speakers of both Houses, and the Members of the Federal Parliament on their election and on the timely conclusion of the Presidential election.
• Somalia's Presidential Elections US Dept. of State 16 May 2022 -- The United States congratulates the people of Somalia on the conclusion of their national electoral process. We also congratulate Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the president of the Federal Republic of Somalia and look forward to working closely with him and the new government.
• Somalia elections: Minister for Africa's statement, May 2022 UK FCDO 16 May 2022 -- Minister for Africa Vicky Ford gave a statement following the conclusion of the elections period in Somalia.
• Somalia: UN welcomes end of fairly contested presidential election, calls for unity UN News 16 May 2022 -- The United Nations in Somalia welcomed the conclusion of the country's presidential election held on Sunday, praising the "positive" nature of the electoral process and peaceful transfer of power.
• Foreign Affairs Council: Remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 May 2022
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 May 2022
• Sri Lanka has run out of petrol, only 1 day of fuel stock left, new PM warns Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Sri Lanka's newly-appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that the crisis-hit country has run out of petrol and has stock only for a single day.
• Cash-Strapped Sri Lanka Runs Out of Petrol, New PM Reveals Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Hundreds of people have been queuing outside gas stations on Monday, waiting for more than 7-8 hours for fuel and often returning home empty-handed. Neighbouring India sent 12 shipments totalling over 400,000 metric tonnes of petrol to the island nation on Sunday.
• Vietnamese delegation's loose lips caught on video during US-ASEAN summit Radio Free Asia 16 May 2022 -- A video that captured crass remarks made by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other high-ranking officials prior to their meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken went viral over the weekend and was removed from the U.S. State Department's YouTube account.
• Orban Warns Of Recession, Other Problems For Hungary RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned of an era of insecurity and war in Europe after the National Assembly elected him prime minister following the victory of his Fidesz party in elections last month.
• More Than 90 Detained In Yerevan As Car Protest Snarls Traffic RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Police in Yerevan have detained dozens of drivers who took part in a car rally in the Armenian capital as opposition-led demonstrations continue in an effort to force Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian from office.
• Lebanon's Fragile Political Balance Endangered by Parliamentary Election Results Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- Losses by Hezbollah's allies could potentially shift control in the Lebanese parliament toward a Saudi-backed party with leadership allegedly close to Israel, an incomplete tally of votes in the Sunday elections suggests.
• Mali Military Backed By 'Western State' Attempted Coup Early on May 12 Sputnik 16 May 2022 -- The military, backed by a "Western state," attempted a coup in Mali early on May 12, the country's Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization said in a statement.
• Designation of Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta de Porres for Involvement in Significant Corruption and Consideration of Additional Designations US Dept. of State 16 May 2022 -- The United States is designating Attorney General of Guatemala Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta de Porres ("Porras") due to her involvement in significant corruption.
• Greek Leader Set for Talks With Biden Over Turkey, Energy VOA 16 May 2022 -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis flies to Washington for talks with President Joe Biden on Monday, their first since the U.S. leader entered office. Mitsotakis is expected to discuss Turkey and efforts to ease brewing tensions between the two countries and NATO allies. But as the conflict in Ukraine rages, talks will also focus on efforts to turn Greece into an EU energy gateway, easing reliance on Russian gas and oil.