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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Military base housing US troops in northeastern Syria hit by barrage of rockets Press TV 17 May 2022 -- A barrage of rockets have reportedly hit a military facility housing US occupation forces in Syria's oil-rich northeastern province of Hasakah, but the casualties and the extent of the damage was still unclear.
• Biden orders redeployment of US troops to Somalia, reversing Trump pullout Press TV 17 May 2022 -- US President Joe Biden has ordered the full-time deployment of US troops to Somalia, claiming to offer help to the African country in its fight against the al-Shabaab takfiri militant group.
• Biden approves redeployment of U.S. troops to Somalia People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has approved a plan to redeploy U.S. troops to the eastern African country of Somalia to counter the extremist group al-Shabab, the White House said on Monday.
• New Somali President Welcomes Return of US Troops VOA 17 May 2022 -- Somalia's newly elected president is welcoming word that U.S. special operation forces will again be based in Somalia to help in the fight against the al-Shabab terror group.
• U.S. Navy in Middle East Seizes $39 Million in Drugs US Navy 17 May 2022 -- A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer seized 640 kilograms of methamphetamine worth $39 million from a fishing vessel while patrolling international waters in the Gulf of Oman, May 15-16.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 17 May 2022
• RF-A 22-1 concludes at Eielson AFB US Air Force 17 May 2022 -- RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 officially concluded May 13 following a successful two-week training blitz.
• DAF leaders testify before Senate Appropriations Committee US Air Force 17 May 2022 -- Department of the Air Force senior leaders testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Air and Space Forces budget at the Dirksen Senate Office Building May 17.
• SECNAV, CNO visit USS George Washington US Navy 17 May 2022 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday traveled to Newport News, Va. today to meet with Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
• Colorado National Guard unit receives APS-2 gear in Estonia for DEFENDER-Europe 22 Army News 17 May 2022 -- Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux provided mission command at an Equipment Configuration and Hand-off Area, or ECHA, at Tapa Barracks, May 8-10, issuing hundreds of Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 vehicles and equipment pieces to a Colorado Army National Guard unit for DEFENDER-Europe 22.
• DAF COVID-19 Statistics - May 17, 2022 US Air Force 17 May 2022
• US Congress Looks at UFOs Through Security Lens VOA 17 May 2022 -- The U.S. government has often ignored the possibility of unidentified flying objects, even after decades of unexplained sightings, including by U.S. military pilots who sometimes filmed the UFOs, some of which moved with lightning speed and incredible agility.
• Finland declares its interest to accede to NATO Finnish Government 17 May 2022 -- On Tuesday 17 May 2022, the President of the Republic of Finland decided, on the proposal of the Government, to notify the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of Finland's interest to engage in talks on accession to NATO and appointed a delegation to Finland's accession talks to be held with NATO and its member countries.
• Geopolitical tension mounts as Sweden, Finland poised to join NATO People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on Monday announced the official decision to start the process of the country's application to become a NATO member, one day after Finland made a like move to apply for membership of the military bloc.
• Sweden Signs NATO Admission Request; Finland Approves Membership Bid RFE/RL 17 May 2022 -- Finland and Sweden have taken another major step toward joining the NATO military alliance in response to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, as Moscow warned it would watch the developments and respond accordingly.
• Erdogan-Allied Turkish Nationalist Party Proposes Keeping Sweden, Finland in NATO 'Waiting Room' Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he couldn't approve Sweden and Finland's bids for membership in NATO, since it would turn the alliance into a "place where there will be many representatives of terrorists". Ankara has long accused the Nordic countries of "harbouring" members of the Kurdish Workers Party.
• Statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Meeting Between President Biden and Prime Minister Andersson of Sweden and President Niinistö of Finland The White House 17 May 2022
• Sweden to apply to join NATO, says PM People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on Monday announced the official decision to start the process of the country's application to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• NATO Deputy Secretary General discusses military support for Ukraine with EU Foreign Affairs Council NATO 17 May 2022 -- On Tuesday (17 May 2022) the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoană, participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in its defence configuration.
• NATO begins vigilance activity Neptune Shield 22 NATO 17 May 2022 -- NATO is conducting vigilance activity NEPTUNE SHIELD 2022 (NESH22), which integrates high-end maritime expeditionary strike capabilities of Sea, Air and Land assets. The activities will take place in the Baltic, Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas, from 17-31 May.
• Russia concerned over Finland, Sweden's decision to join NATO: Kremlin People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- The Kremlin said Monday it is concerned about the decision of Finland and Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and will closely study all implications.
• Finland, Sweden's entry into NATO to make no big difference: Russia Press TV 17 May 2022 -- Russia says Finland and Sweden's potential membership in NATO would probably make no difference as the pair have long participated in the military alliance's drills along with other putative neutral countries in the region.
• US Frees Russia's Hands to Act by Forcing Finland, Sweden to Join NATO - Moscow Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- Finland and Sweden formally announced their NATO bids on 15 May. The two previously neutral countries officially announced their intention to apply for membership in the alliance in the wake of the launch of Russia's special military operation to demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine.
• Putin says Russia would respond to expansion of NATO military infrastructure into Finland, Sweden People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow would respond if the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would deploy military infrastructure on the territories of Finland or Sweden.
• Russia to strengthen border with Finland if NATO deploys striking weapons People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- Russia will strengthen its border with Finland if NATO's striking weapons are deployed in Finland, Viktor Bondarev, chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Federation Council, said Sunday.
• CSTO vows readiness for pragmatic cooperation with NATO, peace in Eurasia People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) reaffirmed its willingness to establish pragmatic cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and build lasting peace in the Eurasian region, in a joint statement issued Monday.
• CSTO leaders meet in Moscow to tackle threats of terrorism and 'color revolution' Global Times 17 May 2022 -- The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) leaders met in Moscow on Monday for the first time since 2019 amid the Ukraine crisis that unnerved the post-Soviet Russia-led security bloc, with Chinese analysts saying that Putin will use the summit to further strengthen the organization to deal with the emerging threats of terrorism and "color revolution" and the Russia-led bloc is also likely to deliver a consistent message to the West which has been sowing discord between Moscow and other CSTO members.
• Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 May 2022 -- Check against delivery!
• Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 May 2022 -- Check against delivery!
• Exercise Southern Jackaroo enhances international combat readiness Australia DOD 17 May 2022 -- Hundreds of Australian soldiers, troops from the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) and US Marines have started a major warfighting exercise at Queensland's Shoalwater Bay training area.
• Tajikistan launches production of Iran's Ababil-2 tactical drone Press TV 17 May 2022 -- To promote and develop joint defense and military cooperation with regional countries, the top Iranian military official inaugurated a manufacturing plant for indigenously-developed Ababil-2 multi-role tactical unmanned aerial vehicles in Tajikistan.
• Iran begins building drones in Tajikistan IRNA 17 May 2022 -- An Iranian factory for building Ababil 2 drones was inaugurated in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Tuesday.
• Enhanced military interactions with Tajikistan, main priority of Iran's Armed Forces: Top commander Press TV 17 May 2022 -- A senior Iranian commander says the expansion of military interactions with Tajikistan is among the main priorities of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces given the two countries' strategic position in the West Asia region.
• Vice President Harris's Meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece The White House 17 May 2022
• The Secretary's Meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias US Dept. of State 17 May 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias before their Meeting US Dept. of State 17 May 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 17 May 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Yemen Foreign Minister Bin Mubarak US Dept. of State 17 May 2022
• Readout from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Saudi Vice Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman The White House 17 May 2022
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Buffalo, NY The White House 17 May 2022
• Department Press Briefing – May 17, 2022 US Dept. of State 17 May 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 17, 2022
• China's latest large helicopter AC313A makes maiden flight Global Times 17 May 2022 -- China's latest, domestically developed multipurpose large helicopter, the AC313A, made its maiden flight on Tuesday, taking a tremendous step toward the expansion of China's arsenal of aviation equipment for emergency rescue.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 17 May 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 May 2022
• UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell's remarks at UN high-level event on conflict, hunger and children with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States UNICEF 17 May 2022
• UNICEF Says Ukraine War Exacerbating Issue Of Severe Child Hunger RFE/RL 17 May 2022 -- The United Nations' children's agency says war in Ukraine, one of the world's largest grain suppliers, is threatening to plunge the world into a "spiraling" food crisis, exacerbating the problem of severe hunger among a growing number of children.
• U.S. Takes Control Of Afghan Embassy, Consulates RFE/RL Gandhara 17 May 2022 -- The United States has taken control of the Afghan Embassy in Washington and Afghan consulates in two U.S. states, the State Department has said.
• Taliban Poised to 'Loosen' Restrictions on al-Qaida VOA 17 May 2022 -- Recent assessments by U.S. military officials are raising questions about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and what they are willing to do to keep the al-Qaida terror group in check.
• Taliban Leader Indicates Reopening Girls' Schools Depends on Dress Codes VOA 17 May 2022 -- A high-profile leader of Afghanistan's ruling Taliban has pledged his country will never again be a terrorist threat to the United States and promised "very good news" soon on the return of Afghan women and girls to secondary schools.
• Pakistan Hopes For 'Temporary Relief' As Senior General Leads Talks With Taliban RFE/RL Gandhara 17 May 2022 -- A senior Pakistani Army general is overseeing negotiations between Islamabad and the banned hard-line Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an official who requested anonymity told RFE/RL.
• Syrian refugees in Iraq, risk losing access to basic food supplies UN News 17 May 2022 -- Syrian families living in refugee camps in Iraq are facing new and alarming levels of food insecurity, according to figures released by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN refugee agency, UNHCR, on Tuesday.
• Syrian refugees in Iraq will lose access to basic foods without urgent funds WFP 17 May 2022 -- Syrian families living in camps in Iraq face alarming levels of food insecurity, according to a new figure from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
• New Libyan Prime Minister Leaves Tripoli after Clashes Between Supporters and Opponents VOA 17 May 2022 -- Militia supporters of Libya's two rival prime ministers fired rockets and automatic weapons at each other early Tuesday, forcing parliament-appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashaga to withdraw from the capital after a failed attempt to take control of government administration buildings.
• UN voices concern over clashes in Libya's Tripoli People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Monday expressed concern about clashes that took place west of Libyan capital Tripoli on Sunday between armed groups.
• Junta troops murder 3 dozen civilians over 4 days in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 17 May 2022 -- Junta forces brutally murdered nearly three dozen civilians — including members of the Buddhist clergy — over the course of four days in Myanmar's embattled Sagaing region, sources said Monday. The military dismissed the allegations as "fabrications."
• China Not Giving Up on 'Unauthorised Occupation' of Indian Territory, Says Congress Party Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have denied claims that the PLA has "encroached" on Indian territory after deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020. Last February, Singh said that the PLA's attempts to transgress into India were "detected and appropriately responded to by our armed forces".
• Tibetans forced to move to make way for Chinese power plant Radio Free Asia 17 May 2022 -- Residents of a Tibetan village in northwestern China's Qinghai province are being forced from their homes to make way for a government-ordered hydropower station, with monks living in a nearby monastery also told to leave, Tibetan sources say.
• Four Dead, Many Injured in Explosion in Nigeria's Kano State VOA 17 May 2022 -- Police in Nigeria's Kano state say four people have died following an explosion near a school Tuesday morning.

News Reports

• Counter ISIS Finance Group Leaders Issue Joint Statement US Treasury 17 May 2022 -- On May 9, 2022, the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS held its sixteenth meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, to discuss global efforts to combat ISIS financing. The United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia hosted this meeting, joined by several dozen member states and observers. The CIFG is one of five active working groups of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
• Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure The White House 17 May 2022
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to questions during a meeting with the New Horizons educational marathon participants, Moscow, May 17, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2022
• Meeting on oil industry development President of Russia 17 May 2022 -- The President held a meeting on oil industry development via videoconference.
• Telephone conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of Russia 17 May 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• Kremlin castigates US over attempts to recruit Russian embassy staff Press TV 17 May 2022 -- Russia has castigated the US government for its attempts to recruit staff in the Russian embassy in Washington to work against their government, calling it "unacceptable".
• Foreign Ministry Statement on the withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the Council of the Baltic Sea States Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2022
• Russia Leaves Baltic Council Amid Standoff With West Over Ukraine War RFE/RL 17 May 2022 -- Russia says it is quitting the Council of the Baltic Sea States, accusing the organization of becoming "an instrument of anti-Russian policy" and "increasingly bogged down in Russophobia and lies."
• Moscow Expels Two Finnish Diplomats In Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 17 May 2022 -- Moscow says it is expelling two Finnish diplomats in retaliation for Helsinki's decision to expel a similar number of Russian diplomats in April.
• President Putin says it's impossible for some EU counties to ditch Russian oil now Press TV 17 May 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says some European counties will not be able to end their reliance on Russian oil imports for the time being, as the European Union (EU) pushes to impose a ban on the country's oil over the war in Ukraine.
• No deal reached for EU on oil embargo against Russia People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- European Union (EU) foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia on Monday, including a controversial oil embargo.
• Moscow Court Postpones Hearing Into Navalny's Appeal For Week RFE/RL 17 May 2022 -- A Moscow court has delayed a hearing into jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's appeal against his latest sentence.
• Justice Department Sues to Compel a U.S. Businessperson to Register Under the Foreign Agents Registration Act US Dept. of Justice 17 May 2022 -- The Department of Justice today filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking to compel Stephen A. Wynn, a U.S. businessperson and hotelier who previously served as the CEO of Wynn Resorts, to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) as the agent of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and a senior official of the PRC's Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 17, 2022 PRC MofA 17 May 2022
• Taiwan thanks allies for proposal about WHA participation CNA 17 May 2022 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday expressed its gratitude to 13 diplomatic allies for lobbying the World Health Organization (WHO) in favor of Taiwan's inclusion in the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA).
• China rejects U.S. bill to help Taiwan regain WHO observer status People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- China rejects and deplores it that the United States should insist on signing the bill, which will help Taiwan regain observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO), into law, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, urging the U.S. to handle Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly.
• US Strongly Advocates for Taiwan to Regain WHO Status VOA 17 May 2022 -- The United States said it strongly advocates for Taiwan to regain its observer status in the World Health Assembly (WHA) the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), leading into its annual meeting May 22-28 in Geneva.
• California church shooter in Taiwan 'peaceful reunification' group linked to Beijing Radio Free Asia 17 May 2022 -- California church killer David Chou has close ties to a Taiwan 'peaceful reunification' group linked to the ruling Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, a body that has been designated a representative of a foreign government by the U.S. government, according to a report on its founding ceremony.
• DPRK Key Industrial Sectors Accelerate Reinforcement of Productive Foundations KCNA 17 May 2022 -- Officials and workers of the key industrial sectors of the DPRK including the metallurgical and chemical ones continue to put spurs to the current production as well as readjusting and reinforcing their own material and technical foundations.
• Construction of Power Station in DPRK KCNA 17 May 2022 -- Kujang County, North Phyongan Province of the DPRK, is now stepping up the construction of Kujang Youth Power Station No. 2 at the final stage, while scrupulously organizing the economic work as required by the maximum emergency epidemic prevention system.
• US Assesses N. Korea May Conduct ICBM Test During Biden Visit to Asia This Week - Reports Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- North Korea may conduct an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in the next four days as US President Joe Biden visits with leaders in South Korea and Japan, CNN reported citing a US official familiar with the matter.
• FM spokesman: No new development in Iran-Saudi talks IRNA 17 May 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that there is no new development in the course of Iran-Saudi Arabia ongoing negotiations, although there are certain issues on both sides' agendas.
• Iran's intelligence ministry arrests two French nationals for stoking social disorder Press TV 17 May 2022 -- Iran's intelligence ministry has arrested two French spies for attempting to stoke chaos and social disorder in the country during protests by teachers.
• Iran won't allow anything to disrupt its strategic ties with Russia: FM Spox Press TV 17 May 2022 -- Iran has emphasized the significance of strong bilateral ties between the Islamic Republic and Russia, saying Tehran will not allow anything to disrupt ties between the all-weather allies.
• Pakistan busts fresh terrorist attack on Chinese convoy, as leaders vow joint counterterrorism efforts Global Times 17 May 2022 -- On the same day that Chinese Primier Li Keqiang emphasized their cooperation against terrorism in a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan's counterterrorism authorities arrested a woman who tried to launch a suicide attack against a Chinese convoy. The woman is a member of the group that carried out the terrorist attack that killed three Chinese teachers outside the University of Karachi in April.
• First Task for France's New Head of Government: Win the Legislatives VOA 17 May 2022 -- France's newly appointed prime minister Elisabeth Borne begins work this week with major challenges on her plate, tasked to rebrand President Emmanuel Macron's second term with greener, more socially friendly policies — and to ensure his party wins next month's legislative vote.
• French president appoints Elisabeth Borne as new PM People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday named Elisabeth Borne as the country's new prime minister.
• Biden Administration Loosens Trump-Era Restrictions on Cuba VOA 17 May 2022 -- The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is relaxing a number of diplomatic and travel restrictions involving Cuba that were imposed by his predecessor, Donald Trump.
• Background Press Call By Senior Administration Officials On New Cuba Policy The White House 17 May 2022
• Biden eases some Trump-era sanctions on Cuba, Havana calls it 'small step' Press TV 17 May 2022 -- US President Joe Biden's administration has announced plans to ease some sanctions imposed on Cuba by the former administration, including family remittances and travel, but the move falls short of ending the maximum pressure campaign against the Caribbean country.
• U.S. eases sanctions on Cuba People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden announced Monday that it is lifting some sanctions on Cuba, making it easier for families separated between the two countries to reunite and creating a more conducive business environment for Cuban entrepreneurs.
• Cuba terms U.S. announcement of de-escalation "limited step" People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that the U.S. announcement of the de-escalation of Trump-era restrictions on the island was "one limited step in the right direction."
• New civilian death toll since coup 'unprecedented' in Myanmar's history Radio Free Asia 17 May 2022 -- More than 5,600 civilians have been killed in Myanmar since the military seized power last year, according to a new estimate by an independent research institute, which called the death toll "unprecedented" in the country's history.
• UN envoy urges Iraqi politicians to 'roll up sleeves' and meet peoples' aspirations UN News 17 May 2022 -- The top United Nations official in Iraq made an urgent appeal on Tuesday for the prompt formation of a new Government that meets the aspirations of that country's people.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Faces Tough Questions in Washington VOA 17 May 2022 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is due to meet Wednesday in Washington with Secretary of State Antony Blinken — the latest step in the process of repairing ties between the two NATO allies. The Turkish diplomat will have tough questions to answer when it comes to Turkey's efforts to veto bids by Finland and Sweden to join the Atlantic alliance.
• Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič following today's announcement by the UK Foreign Secretary European Commission 17 May 2022 -- The European Union wishes to have a positive and stable relationship with the United Kingdom. This relationship must be based on the full respect of the legally binding commitments that the two sides have made to one another, based on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Both parties negotiated, agreed and ratified these agreements.
• European Leaders Warn UK Against Action on Northern Ireland Customs Checks Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- As part of the 2020 post-Brexit trade deal, the EU demanded guarantees that British goods would not be able to cross land border into member-state Ireland without customs checks. The final agreement allowed Brussels to impose customs checks on goods shipped to Northern Ireland from the mainland.
• UK Denies 'Scrapping' Brexit Deal NI Protocol as Proposed Changes Unveiled Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol were necessary to keep the 1999 Good Friday Agreement alive, pointing out that cross-community power-sharing was in jeopardy due to unionist objections to customs checks on goods arriving from the British mainland.
• Northern Ireland Protocol: Foreign Secretary's statement, 17 May 2022 UK FCDO 17 May 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss updated the House of Commons on the government's intention to introduce legislation to make changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
• Lebanon elections: Guterres calls for 'swift formation' of inclusive Government UN News 17 May 2022 -- The UN Secretary-General has called for Lebanon's political leaders to swiftly form an inclusive government in the wake of parliamentary elections on Sunday, that can help the crisis-wracked nation implement reforms to put the country "on the path to recovery".
• Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on the parliamentary elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 May 2022 -- The European Union welcomes the holding of parliamentary elections in Lebanon on 15 May. We commend the Lebanese people, those who voted and those who were involved in preparing and implementing the electoral process, for their civic participation, despite the difficult political, economic and social circumstances surrounding these elections.
• Hezbollah and Allies Lose Lebanese Parliamentary Majority VOA 17 May 2022 -- More than a dozen independents and anti-Hezbollah candidates won parliamentary seats, many for the first time, signaling a deep desire by the Lebanese for change in the moribund political structure. The Lebanese Forces, a mainly Christian party and long-time critic of Hezbollah and Iran's influence in Lebanon, secured 19 seats.
• UN chief welcomes Somalia's peaceful presidential elections People's Daily 17 May 2022 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday welcomed Somalia's peaceful presidential elections on Sunday and congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the country's 10th federal president.
• Somalis in Mogadishu Optimistic about New Leadership VOA 17 May 2022 -- Somalia has elected a new president after a prolonged election impasse that nearly pushed the country into conflict.
• PM Hun Sen threatens Cambodian opposition after shoe-throwing incident in Washington Radio Free Asia 17 May 2022 -- Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen blasted a man who threw a shoe at him last week in Washington, saying that if the U.S. fails to condemn him, then similar attacks against his political opponents in Cambodia would be justified.
• Hundreds Detained In Yerevan Anti-Government Protests RFE/RL 17 May 2022 -- Armenian police have detained more than 400 people in Yerevan as protesters blocked streets during opposition-led demonstrations to force Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian from office.
• Calling for rapid progress on the formation of a stable government in Iraq: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 17 May 2022 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation concerning Iraq
• US Approves Resumption of Operations in Venezuela For US, European Oil Companies Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- On Monday, the Associated Press reported, citing two senior US officials, that Washington is preparing to ease a part of the economic sanctions on Venezuela to allow Chevron Corp. to resume operations in the country.
• New Sri Lanka Prime Minister Warns of 'Difficult' Days Ahead VOA 17 May 2022 -- Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka's newly installed prime minister, has warned the small South Asian nation that the next few months "will be the most difficult of our lives."
• Over 660 People Reportedly Arrested for Participation in Sri Lanka Riots Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- The Sri Lankan authorities have arrested over 660 people for participating in riots on 9 and 10 May, Sri Lankan media outlet News First reported on Tuesday, citing police.
• Haiti: Armed violence reaches 'unimaginable and intolerable levels' UN News 17 May 2022 -- A surge in violence fuelled by heavily armed gangs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, prompted the UN rights chief on Tuesday to express her deep concern over its severe impact on human rights across the Caribbean nation.