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Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation (As Delivered) DoD 25 May 2022
• 62nd AW exemplifies ACE during Swift Response US Air Force 25 May 2022 -- Several 62nd Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III's roar to life as loadmasters, maintainers and pilots alike prepare for the flight ahead. The loadmasters don their gloves and headsets as the pilots and maintainers begin their pre-flight checks before takeoff. A headset crackle and the boisterous humming of the heavy cargo jet is the soundtrack to the forthcoming week or so.
• Fleet Readiness Center East declares capabilities on next round of F-35 components US Navy 25 May 2022 -- Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has expanded its support of next-generation naval aviation by declaring capabilities on a new round of F-35 components. These capabilities build upon the 17 F-35 components the depot previously declared capabilities on in 2020.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup DoD 25 May 2022
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks Meets With U.S. European Command and Africa Command Leaders in Germany DoD 25 May 2022
• NATO Secretary General meets with the Chairman of the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sefik Džaferović NATO 25 May 2022 -- The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that political dialogue and practical cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina "are more important than ever, with Russia's brutal war in Ukraine and its malign influence across the region".
• Sweden Not Sending Money or Any Weapons to Terrorist Organisations, PM Tells Turkey Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- After Sweden and Finland formally handed over their applications for NATO membership on 18 May, Turkey - a member of the bloc - said it would say no to the two countries' bids due to their alleged open support for the Kurdistan Workers' Party and Kurdish YPG militia, which are deemed terrorist organisations by Ankara.
• Turkey demands "written agreement" to allow Finnish, Swedish NATO bids People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday demanded a "written agreement" from Finland and Sweden on steps to end their "support for terrorism" if they want to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Russian Duma Approves Bill Raising Age Limit For Military Personnel To 65 RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved a bill that would raise the upper age limit for military personnel serving in the Russian Army on a contractual basis.
• PLA holds 2nd large-scale drills around Taiwan this month after Biden claims to 'defend' island Global Times 25 May 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday announced a second large-scale military exercise around the island of Taiwan this month in a move analysts said is a powerful response to remarks by US President Joe Biden two days ago, in which he claimed the US would intervene militarily if the Chinese mainland were to reunify with Taiwan by force.
• PLA conducts combat-readiness patrol and training exercises around Taiwan Island PLA Daily 25 May 2022 -- "The Eastern Theater Command (ETC) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has recently organized joint combat-readiness security patrol and real-combat training exercises involving multiple services and arms in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan Island," said Army Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, in a written statement on Wednesday.
• China says conducted military exercise around Taiwan to warn US Press TV 25 May 2022 -- China says its recent military exercise around Chinese Taipei was a "serious warning" to interactions between the United States and the self-ruled island, as tensions continue to grow between Beijing and Washington.
• China Says Philippine Sea Drills Were 'Stern Warning' Against US Support for 'Taiwan Independence' Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted a series of maritime and aerial drills in the seas surrounding Taiwan in recent weeks, including deployment of its largest-ever carrier battle group and a joint bomber patrol with the Russian Air Force.
• Chinese Armed Forces Conduct Military Exercises Off Taiwan Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- The Chinese armed forces have organized military exercises near the island of Taiwan, with these measures taken to "warn the United States," the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China said on Wednesday.
• Japan criticizes 'provocative' China-Russia air patrol during Quad summit Radio Free Asia 25 May 2022 -- Japan has described as "provocative" a joint patrol by Chinese and Russian air forces over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, conducted when Quad leaders met in Tokyo to discuss regional security.
• Russia Rejects Japan's Protests Over Overflights With China Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- Russia has rejected Japan's protest over joint overflights with China as "groundless" and absurd," the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• China-Russia joint air patrol targets no third parties: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 25 May 2022 -- "The Chinese and Russian air forces' recent joint strategic air patrol does not target any third party, and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation," said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of China, on Wednesday.
• Washington 'Taking Lessons' From Ukraine to Turn Taiwan Into Anti-China 'Porcupine': Report Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- The People's Liberation Army conducted large-scale "joint combat readiness patrols" in the sea and air space around Taiwan on Wednesday in the wake of comments by US President Joe Biden on Monday threatening to involve the US militarily if the PRC invades the island, citing a "commitment" to Taipei. Beijing slammed the comments as unacceptable.
• European Defence Fund: €1 billion to boost the EU's defence capabilities and new tools for defence innovation European Commission 25 May 2022 -- Today, the Commission announced the adoption of the second annual work programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The EDF 2022 work programme will allocate up to a total of€924 million in funding.
• S.Korea says DPRK fires 3 ballistic missiles eastward People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired three ballistic missiles eastward, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Wednesday.
• As Biden Leaves Asia, North Korea Launches ICBM, Other Missiles VOA 25 May 2022 -- North Korea test-fired three ballistic missiles Wednesday, including what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile, South Korea said, hours after U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up a visit to Northeast Asia.
• DPRK fires ballistic missiles eastward People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired three ballistic missiles into its eastern waters, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Wednesday.
• Next generation of Top Guns to strike in Top End Storm Australia DOD 25 May 2022 -- The Royal Australian Air Force's Exercise Diamond Storm 22 will be held in the skies above the Northern Territory from May 30 to June 24.
• HMAS Stalwart 'open for business' Australia DOD 25 May 2022 -- The crew of HMAS Stalwart recently achieved a major milestone in the ship's short time in service when they successfully conducted the ship's first replenishment at sea.
• Defence Secretary meets Spanish counterpart in Madrid UK MOD 25 May 2022 -- The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace MP, met his Spanish counterpart today ahead of next month's NATO summit in Madrid.
• Defence Secretary & Chief of Force Development Authority at MoD, UAE discuss ways to enhance defence cooperation India PIB 25 May 2022 -- Chief of the Force Development Authority at Ministry of Defence, United Arab Emirates Major General Staff Hassan Mohamed Sultan Bani Hammad called on Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi on May 25, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The General also briefed the Defence Secretary about the 11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) held on May 24, 2022.
• Indian Navy - Bangladesh Navy Bilateral EX Bongosagar Commences India PIB 25 May 2022 -- The third edition of Indian Navy (IN) - Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise 'Bongosagar' commenced at Port Mongla, Bangladesh on 24 May 22. The Harbour Phase of exercise is scheduled from 24-25 May which will be followed by a Sea Phase in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 26-27 May.
• Amid Rising Russian Threat, Moldova Mulls Scrapping Neutrality RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine has left nearby Moldova feeling vulnerable and threatened.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Somali President Hassan Sheikh US Dept. of State 25 May 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 25 May 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with OIC Secretary General Taha US Dept. of State 25 May 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Pandor US Dept. of State 25 May 2022
• Department Press Briefing – May 25, 2022 US Dept. of State 25 May 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 25, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 25 May 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 May 2022
• 'Grim reality' of war's deadly toll on civilians laid bare in Security Council UN News 25 May 2022 -- Conflict continues to inflict "widespread civilian death and injury" a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday, outlining the "grim reality" for those caught up in the crossfire of war.
• Press statement from the members of Afghan Women Leaders Forum European External Action Service (EEAS) 25 May 2022 -- Almost 60 Afghan Women Leaders reconvened on 19-20 May in Brussels for a second meeting of the Afghan Women Leaders' Forum (AWLF), facilitated by the EU. The Forum met in a hybrid format as a continuation of the structured dialogue that was launched at the first AWLF on 10 March to ensure women participate in the dialogue about the future of Afghanistan and the role of women in Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan: At least 14 killed in multiple explosions in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Over a dozen people have been killed in a series of explosions in Afghanistan's capital Kabul and the country's northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, according to reports.
• Afghan healthcare system collapsing amid US freeze of funds Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Afghan health experts have given stern warning about the dire healthcare situation in the country, exacerbated by a medicine shortage linked to the nation's frozen assets in the United States.
• Sana'a won't extend UN-brokered truce as long as Yemenis suffer from poverty, hunger: Dy PM Press TV 25 May 2022 -- A high-ranking Yemeni official says the Sana'a-based National Salvation Government is not obligated to extend the UN-sponsored nationwide ceasefire that took effect at the start of the month of Ramadan, as long as people suffer from poverty, hunger and poor health.
• Syria rejects Turkey's call for safe zone in northern Syria as 'aggressive, colonial act' Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Damascus has categorically rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyeb Erdogan's call for the establishment of a so-called safe zone in the occupied northern part of the war-ravaged country, describing the proposal as an "aggressive, colonial act."
• Thousands of homes burned by soldiers in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 25 May 2022 -- Nearly 6,300 homes have been burned down in 19 townships in northwestern Myanmar's war-torn Sagaing region during the past two months, forcing residents into tents and other makeshift shelters as the rainy season begins, according to data compiled by RFA.
• UNHCR chief: World must not forget Rohingya refugees amid Ukraine crisis Radio Free Asia 25 May 2022 -- Despite the Ukraine war, the world mustn't forget about the plight of Rohingya and other refugees as well as the burden of their host countries, the head of the U.N.'s refugee agency pleaded Wednesday as he ended a five-day trip to Bangladesh.
• UNHCR's Grandi urges redoubled support for Rohingya refugees, host communities in Bangladesh UNHCR 25 May 2022 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi appealed today for sustained and predictable support for Rohingya refugees and their local host communities in Bangladesh, while emphasizing the need to maintain refugees' hopes for voluntary return to Myanmar once the situation allows.
• UNHCR chief urges support for Bangladesh to save Rohingya lives, 'build hope' UN News 25 May 2022 -- Wrapping up a five-day mission to Bangladesh, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees appealed on Wednesday for sustained and predictable support for Rohingya refugees and their host communities.
• Indian court sentences top Kashmiri pro-freedom leader to life imprisonment Press TV 25 May 2022 -- A court in New Delhi on Wednesday sentenced the leading Kashmiri pro-freedom leader Yasin Malik to life imprisonment after convicting him of funding terrorism, sparking fresh tensions in the Himalayan region.
• Top U.S. diplomat for Tibetan affairs visits refugees in Nepal Radio Free Asia 25 May 2022 -- Uzra Zeya, the U.S. special coordinator for Tibetan issues, met with Tibetan refugees in Nepal as well as government officials during a recent visit to Kathmandu in the highest-level visit by a U.S. official in a decade, sources in the Himalayan country told RFA.
• Israel grabs thousands of acres of Palestinian-owned land in West Bank Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Israeli authorities have seized thousands of acres of Palestinian-owned land in the eastern flank of the West Bank, as Tel Aviv continues to press ahead with its illegal settlement expansion activities and land grab policies across the occupied territories despite the global outcry.

News Reports

• Federal Jury Convicts High-Level ISIS Member of Providing Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, Including Two Counts Resulting in Death US Dept. of Justice 25 May 2022 -- A New York man was found guilty by a federal jury in Brooklyn, following a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), and five substantive counts of providing material support to ISIS.
• Targeting an Oil Smuggling Network Supporting the IRGC-QF and Hizballah US Dept. of State 25 May 2022 -- The United States remains fully committed to imposing costs on the Iranian regime for its support to terrorist proxies that destabilize the Middle East.
• Treasury Targets Oil Smuggling Network Generating Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Qods Force and Hizballah US Treasury 25 May 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating an international oil smuggling and money laundering network led by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) officials that has facilitated the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil for both the IRGC-QF and Hizballah. This oil smuggling network, led by U.S.-designated IRGC-QF official Behnam Shahriyari and former IRGC-QF official Rostam Ghasemi and backed by senior levels of the Russian Federation government and state-run economic organs, has acted as a critical element of Iran's oil revenue generation, as well as its support for proxy militant groups that continue to perpetuate conflict and suffering throughout the region.
• Remarks by Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson at SIFMA's Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Conference US Treasury 25 May 2022
• Sanctions Frustrating Russian Ransomware Actors VOA 25 May 2022 -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine appears to be having an unanticipated impact in cyberspace — a decrease in the number of ransomware attacks.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 25, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 May 2022
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the APEC trade ministers' meeting Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 May 2022
• State Council Presidium meeting on social support President of Russia 25 May 2022 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the State Council Presidium in the Kremlin to discuss social support issues.
• Ukraine: The Commission proposes rules on freezing and confiscating assets of oligarchs violating restrictive measures and of criminals European Commission 25 May 2022 -- Today, the European Commission is proposing to add the violation of EU restrictive measures to the list of EU crimes. The Commission is also proposing new reinforced rules on asset recovery and confiscation, which will also contribute to the implementation of EU restrictive measures.
• Questions and Answers: The Commission proposes rules on freezing and confiscating assets of oligarchs violating restrictive measures and of criminals European Commission 25 May 2022 -- Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the EU has adopted restrictive measures against Russian and Belarussian individuals. Freezing assets controlled by oligarchs and other individuals linked to the Russian aggression is key to disrupt the Russian war machine.
• EU divisions grow as Hungary PM opposes ban on Russian oil Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has ruled out discussing the European Union's proposed oil ban on Russia at next week's summit of the bloc's leaders, in a stance that could derail the EU's bid to win approval for the sanctions package.
• Germany's Former Chancellor Says He Won't Join Board Of Russia's Gazprom RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will not accept a nomination to the board of Russian energy company Gazprom.
• Russia imposes personal sanctions against 154 members of UK House of Lords People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- Russia has imposed personal sanctions against 154 members of the British House of Lords in a retaliatory move, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 25, 2022 PRC MofA 25 May 2022
• Hong Kong unlikely to see Tiananmen vigil, as Taiwan plans major June 4 event instead Radio Free Asia 25 May 2022 -- Hong Kong's once-annual candlelight vigil for Tiananmen massacre victims is likely to be suppressed for a third year running, amid ongoing political crackdown under the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and plans are afoot to move the event to democratic Taiwan.
• UN rights chief Bachelet holds 'valuable' meeting with China's President Xi UN News 25 May 2022 -- On day three of her official mission to China, top UN rights official Michelle Bachelet described having a "valuable opportunity" to highlight rights issues and concerns with President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, the first such visit by a UN rights chief since 2005.
• UN Office Says China Misquoting Human Rights Chief VOA 25 May 2022 -- The office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has clarified remarks Bachelet made during her current visit to China, saying her comments had been misquoted or mischaracterized by Chinese state media.
• President Xi Jinping Meets with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet PRC MofA 25 May 2022 -- President Xi Jinping met via video link with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on 25 May in Beijing.
• UN human rights chief called to see Xinjiang's devt objectively despite US pressure Global Times 25 May 2022 -- While UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet is about to visit Northwest China's Xinjiang region, the US government together with anti-China forces have taken active moves - either by opposing the visit or releasing a so-called leaked document from Xinjiang to abduct Bachelet as their puppet to neglect what she will see in Xinjiang and to make a "genocide" conclusion with their narratives.
• Xi stresses China's human rights progress, warns certain countries not to lecture others, politicize human rights issues in video meeting with Bachelet Global Times 25 May 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet via video link on Wednesday, during which Xi talked about major issues on China's human rights developments and stressed that each country should be allowed to explore suitable paths of human rights development based on national realities and warned against certain countries that lecture others on human rights, politicize the issue and use it as a tool to apply double standards.
• China's commerce ministry responds to U.S.-launched IPEF People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- China believes that the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) should facilitate prosperity, development and economic cooperation rather than undermine and divide existing mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific region, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.
• China pledges greater credit support to stabilize economy People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- Chinese authorities have pledged to increase credit issuance and enhance financial support for key businesses and fields.
• Biden's latest pledge on Taiwan not a policy change: U.S. experts CNA 25 May 2022 -- United States President Joe Biden's recent off-the-cuff vow to defend Taiwan militarily was aimed at deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan and was consistent with U.S. policy on Taiwan, according to some American experts.
• Japan, Czech Republic, 9 allies back Taiwan's WHA inclusion CNA 25 May 2022 -- Japan, the Czech Republic and nine of Taiwan's diplomatic allies on Tuesday voiced their support for Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Assembly (WHA) after it was not invited to the annual conference for a sixth straight year.
• "Taiwan independence" a dead end：Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 25 May 2022 -- "We firmly oppose official exchanges and military ties in any form between the United States and China's Taiwan region. Seeking 'Taiwan independence' leads nowhere but to a dead end, and so does supporting 'Taiwan independence'," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday.
• Biden, Yoon Embrace Policy of North Korea Denuclearization Backed by Deterrence, Not Concessions VOA 25 May 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have effectively ended a conciliatory stance toward North Korea, marking the beginning of firm deterrence and an unyielding goal of denuclearization during their first summit, experts said.
• Secretary Blinken's Calls with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi US Dept. of State 25 May 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Cho and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori US Dept. of State 25 May 2022
• Tensions escalate in Korean Peninsula as QUAD summit shakes Asian stability Global Times 25 May 2022 -- The US and South Korea jointly fired two missiles on Wednesday in response to North Korea's reported launch of three missiles, marking a further escalation of the Korean Peninsula situation as US President Joe Biden concluded his Asia trip to enhance an alliance with South Korea and Japan.
• Warm Benevolence for Pyongyang Citizens KCNA 25 May 2022 -- The respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un recently sent medicine kits to the war veterans, honored disabled soldiers and households in hardship in Pyongyang City.
• Increased Electric Power Production in DPRK KCNA 25 May 2022 -- Officials and workers in the field of electrical power industry boost the production while thoroughly implementing the state emergency anti-epidemic policies.
• Rodong Sinmun Calls for Establishing Revolutionary Work System KCNA 25 May 2022 -- To tide over the current health crisis as soon as possible and successfully attain the struggle goals set at the Party Congress, it is necessary for all the sectors and units to more firmly establish the revolutionary work system and order and strictly observe them as demanded by the maximum emergency epidemic prevention system, says Rodong Sinmun Wednesday in an editorial.
• U.S. Envoy Says Prospects For Reviving Iran Nuclear Deal 'Tenuous' At Best RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- The U.S. special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, says that the prospects of reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal are "tenuous" at best, telling a Senate committee that it is more likely than not that talks will fail.
• Pres. Raeisi reaffirms pledge to neutralize sanctions, says enemy's threats 'no hindrance' Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi says his administration will not tie the country's progress to the removal of sanctions, reiterating that neutralization of the impact of sanctions is being resolutely pursued, separate from efforts to remove them through talks in Vienna.
• Israel Tells US It Eliminated Iranian Officer Allegedly Responsible for Killings Worldwide - Reports Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- Israeli officials have told the United States that Jerusalem eliminated the senior Iranian officer who was allegedly responsible for killings of Israelis and other foreigners around the world, the New York Times reported.
• FM vows exhaustive pursuance of assassinated IRGC member's case Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry says it would exhaust all its relevant capacities towards pursuing the recent assassination of Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, a member of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
• UK's Partygate report finds 'failures of leadership and judgment' at PM's office Press TV 25 May 2022 -- A long-awaited probe into Britain's lockdown-breaching parties says blame for a "culture" of rule-breaking in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office must rest with those at the helm.
• India will continue to allow wheat export for countries which are in serious need, are friendly and have the letter of credit: Shri Goyal India PIB 25 May 2022 -- India will continue to allow wheat export for countries which are in serious need, are friendly and have the letter of credit, said Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs & Food and Public Distribution, Commerce & Industry, and Textiles while speaking at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland.
• US Treasury official sets off for India to push it away from buying Russian oil Press TV 25 May 2022 -- A US administration official has set off for India to convince New Delhi not to purchase Russian oil amid ramped-up Western pressure on Moscow over the military operation in Ukraine.
• India to Continue to Purchase Russian Oil Amid Ongoing Talks on Discount - Report Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- A senior US Treasury official is arriving in India on Thursday to persuade the Narendra Modi government to reduce purchases of Russian oil. New Delhi has so far refused to join Western sanctions on Russia, saying it prioritises its national interests.
• Pakistani Police Clash With Supporters Of Former Prime Minister RFE/RL Gandhara 25 May 2022 -- Pakistani police fired tear gas and clashed with supporters of Imran Khan as they stopped a rally organized by the former prime minister from reaching Islamabad.
• Pakistani Police Resort to Tear Gas as Thousands of Imran Khan Supporters Defy Ban on 'Long March' Sputnik 25 May 2022 -- Imran Khan, who was ousted from power last month, called for a mass sit-in protest in Islamabad, demanding an immediate election in Pakistan. The former prime minister alleged that Washington conspired to have him removed from power for pursuing an independent foreign policy.
• Pakistan Police Fire Tear Gas at Imran Khan's Anti-Government Rally VOA 25 May 2022 -- As former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan led an anti-government rally to Islamabad on Wednesday to press his demand for fresh elections, police used tear gas and batons and detained hundreds of his protesters in a bid to disrupt the march.
• Pakistan's capital blockaded ahead of rally by ex-PM Khan's supporters Press TV 25 May 2022 -- Pakistan's authorities have banned a planned mass protest rally organized by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, closing all roads leading to the capital city of Islamabad.
• Bishkek Court Cancels $3.2 Billion Fine Imposed On Centerra Over Kumtor Mine RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- A court in Kyrgyzstan has canceled a lower court decision to fine Canadian company Centerra Gold 261.7 billion soms ($3.2 billion) for what were described as violations of environmental laws when it ran the Kumtor gold mine.
• Jailed Kyrgyz Ex-President Atambaev Transferred To Hospital In Bishkek RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- Jailed former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has been transferred from a prison to the National Cardiology Center in Bishkek for a medical check-up.
• Russia Warns Moldova Over Ex-President As Supporters Protest Detention RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- Russia has warned Moldova again that it will "closely" follow the case of pro-Russian ex-President Igor Dodon, who was detained on suspicion of treason and corruption, as his supporters took to the streets to demand his release.
• Closer Ties With EU Cannot Replace Full Membership, Moldovan PM Says RFE/RL 25 May 2022 -- Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita has welcomed moves to step up cooperation with the European Union, but says such initiatives cannot replace the actual process of joining the bloc.
• FM Lapid meets with Turkish FM Çavuşoğlu in Jerusalem Israel MFA 25 May 2022 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid met today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Following are excerpts from FM Lapid's statement:
• African leaders and development partners called to combine scaled-up humanitarian response with prevention, as the situation worsens for millions of children facing severe wasting - UNICEF UNICEF 25 May 2022 -- Global food price rises, low harvests, climate change and conflict mean concerted action is needed by African Heads of State meeting this week in Equatorial Guinea to build long-term resilience
• Somalia Prime Minister Suspends Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse VOA 25 May 2022 -- Somalia's prime minister has suspended his foreign affairs minister over allegations that he authorized an illegal shipment of charcoal to Oman. The Somali government banned charcoal exports a decade ago to prevent deforestation and the funding of conflicts. However, analysts say the shipment was not the real reason for the suspension.