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• USS Arlington (LPD 24) arrives in Stockholm US Navy 08 Aug 2022 -- The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), attached to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), arrived in Stockholm, Sweden for a scheduled port visit, August 5, 2022.
• USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) Decommissioned US Navy 08 Aug 2022 -- With plank owners and former crew members looking on, the crew of USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) decommissioned their ship at a Naval Station Norfolk, ceremony Aug. 4.
• U.S. Navy Recovers F/A-18E from Mediterranean Sea US Navy 08 Aug 2022 -- On Aug. 3, the U.S. Navy successfully recovered the F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW 1), embarked aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) that blew overboard due to unexpected heavy weather in the Mediterranean Sea July 8, 2022.
• The Vital role of Satellite Communication in KFOR Army News 08 Aug 2022 -- As early as 2013, NATO forces have used satellite-based internet technology across the world, including campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, keeping units connected even in the most remote parts of the world.
• Partners improve outdated construction agreement for U.S. installations in Germany Army News 08 Aug 2022 -- An agreement signing Aug. 4 between U.S. forces and the German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building revised an almost 50-year-old agreement improving construction processes for U.S. installations in Germany.
• Wisconsin Guard Civil Support Team Hones Skills, Supports Events Army News 08 Aug 2022 -- Of the more than 445 thousand people who thronged Summerfest this year at Milwaukee's lakefront, a handful were checking out more than the music.
• Pennsylvania Guard Soldiers complete National Training Center rotation Army News 08 Aug 2022 -- Over 4,500 Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers with the 56 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 28th Infantry Division completed their monthlong National Training Center, or NTC, rotation at Fort Irwin, California, June 16 to July 15.
• U.S. Space Command Partners with State Partnership Program to Strengthen Space Cooperation Army News 08 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Army Brigadier General Jesse Morehouse, U.S. Space Command's deputy director for policy, plans and strategy, and members of the National Guard Bureau will visit multiple National Guard locations in the next two months to discuss the importance of partners and allies, security cooperation, and the value the National Guard's State Partnership Program brings to U.S. Space Command.
• United States Hosts Proliferation Security Initiative Exercise Fortune Guard 22 US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States will host Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Exercise Fortune Guard 22 on August 8-12, 2022, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Foreign Ministry statement on the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Aug 2022
• Russia Notifies US of Temporary Withdrawal of Its Facilities From Inspections Under New START Treaty Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry announced that inspections of Russian facilities performed under the New START treaty will be suspended temporarily.
• Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine - August 8, 2022 DOD
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 08 Aug 2022
• $1 Billion in New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022 -- Nearly six months into the unprovoked and brutal assault on Ukraine, Russia continues its destruction of Ukrainian towns and villages. President Biden has been clear that we will continue to support the Ukrainian people as they defend their country from Russian aggression, for as long as it takes. As
• $1 Billion in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 08 Aug 2022 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $1 billion to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration's eighteenth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. It is the largest single drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment utilizing this authority, and this package provides a significant amount of additional ammunition, weapons, and equipment - the types of which the Ukrainian people are using so effectively to defend their country.
• USD (Policy) Dr. Kahl Press Conference DoD 08 Aug 2022 -- Dr. Colin Kahl, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy
• $1 Billion Support Package for Ukraine, Largest Yet DoD News 08 Aug 2022 -- The Defense Department today detailed the contents of the latest security assistance package to Ukraine, which is worth $1 billion. Provided under presidential drawdown authority — the 18th drawdown so far — the package includes additional ammunition for both the high mobility artillery rocket and howitzer systems.
• U.S. Announces Billions In Military, Budgetary Aid To Ukraine RFE/RL 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States has announced another $1 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, pledging what will be the largest delivery yet of rockets, ammunition, and other arms from Defense Department stockpiles to Ukrainian forces.
• Pentagon Announces $1 Billion in Aid for Ukraine VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- The Pentagon has announced $1 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, the single largest package of weapons and equipment from its inventories since Russia's February invasion.
• Finland to provide training to Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of UK-led training programme Finnish MoD 08 Aug 2022 -- Finland will send approximately 20 service personnel to the United Kingdom to take part in a training programme for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Finland to Send About 20 Military Instructors to UK to Train Ukraine's Troops Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- The Finnish military will send up to 20 military instructors to the United Kingdom to train Ukrainian soldiers, the Finnish Defense Ministry said on Monday.
• China Extends Military Drills Around Taiwan VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- China's military extended provocative exercises in the waters and air surrounding Taiwan on Monday, a day after the drills had been scheduled to end.
• China keeps up war games with anti-sub, sea assault practice near Taiwan Radio Free Asia 08 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese military carried out anti-submarine and sea assault drills in waters around Taiwan on Monday, keeping up the pressure after major four-day drills an angry Beijing staged response to the U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit last week, military sources said.
• China changes previously announced timetable, PLA drills continue CNA 08 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continued its drills near Taiwan into Monday, despite previously announced four days of exercises that were to conclude at noon Sunday, according to Taiwan's military.
• PLA extends 'Taiwan encirclement' exercises with anti-submarine warfare, showcases unrivaled area denial capability; 'drills will not stop until reunification' Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday continued military exercises and training activities surrounding the island of Taiwan, marking an extension from the previously announced schedule. Drills like these will not stop and are expected to become routine until reunification, as the Chinese mainland shows its determination to push forward the reunification process after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's provocative visit to the island last week that seriously violated China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, experts said.
• PLA's joint combat exercises continue around Taiwan Island PLA Daily 08 Aug 2022 -- On August 8, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continued to carry out joint combat training exercises in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan Island, mainly focusing on the joint anti-submarine and air-to-sea assault operations.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command continues joint exercises to test precision strike capabilities PLA Daily 08 Aug 2022 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continued its joint combat training exercises as scheduled on Sunday in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan Island.
• China announces new military maneuvers around Taiwan amid heightened tensions with US Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- China's Defense Ministry has announced new military drills in waters and airspace surrounding the self-ruled Chinese Taipei just a day after concluding its largest ever maneuvers to protest US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to Taipei.
• Chinese drills aligned with plans for taking Taiwan by force: Expert CNA 08 Aug 2022 -- China's recent live-fire military exercises around Taiwan were consistent with its plans for using force against Taiwan and part of a broader approach of joint attack operations against large islands, a military commentator said Sunday.
• PLA launches recruitment with priority on students in science, tech majors, with skills for actual combat Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese military's recruitment for the second half of this year is progressing in full swing across the country, with more highly educated students being attracted to the army due to the growing focus of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on the development of intelligence, information and skills.
• China to Continue Naval Drills in Yellow Sea for 1 Month Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- China will continue to conduct military maneuvers in various areas along its coast after large-scale exercises in the Taiwan Strait, closing part of the Bohai Gulf in the northwestern part of the Yellow Sea for one month, the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) said on Monday.
• Ministry of Defence to begin negotiations with Israeli Government on the acquisition of three UAVs Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 08 Aug 2022 -- The Ministry of Defence shall soon open negotiations with the Israeli Government regarding the acquisition of three HERON 1 UAVs with accessories, including ground control stations, data terminals, transport containers and additional materiel.
• Jumping into action Australia DOD 08 Aug 2022 -- Landing forces put their training to the test in a multi-national reconnaissance mission during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.
• Australia to Prioritize 'Strategic Needs' in Acquiring New Submarines After Taiwan Strait Tensions Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- Defense minister Richard Marles has warned that Canberra is facing its "worst strategic environment" in decades because of China's military drills, which were a response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Marles said that the country was working towards upgrading its deterrence so it would present a "difficult target" for China.
• Statement by the Chief of the Defence Staff on the Conclusion of the Arctic Chiefs of Defence Meeting Canada 08 Aug 2022 -- General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff today issued the following statement following the conclusion of the Arctic Chiefs of Defence Meeting in St. John's:
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Canadian Minister of National Defence Anita Anand DoD 08 Aug 2022
• India's pressure on Sri Lanka to defer arrival of Chinese survey ship unreasonable: FM Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- India's pressure on Sri Lanka to defer the arrival of a Chinese research vessel at a Sri Lankan port, citing so-called national security concerns, is unreasonable, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday, urging "relevant parties" to view China's marine scientific research activities rationally and refrain from interfering in normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.
• INDIAN ARMY LAUNCHES "HIM- DRONE-A-THON" India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- The Indian Army in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India has launched the 'Him Drone-a-thon' programme on 08 August 22. This initiative in line with Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing is aimed to catalyse and provide focused opportunities to the Indian drone ecosystem to develop path-breaking drone capabilities for meeting requirements of frontline troops.
• JOINT EXERCISE WITH US SPECIAL FORCES COMMENCES AT BAKLOH, HIMACHAL PRADESH India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise "Ex Vajra Prahar 2022" commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP) today. The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and Special Tactics Squadron (STS) of US Special Forces and the Indian Army contingent is formed by drawing Special Forces personnel under the aegis of SFTS.
• INDIAN ARMY SIGNS A MOU WITH DRONE FEDERATION OF INDIA India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- The Army Design Bureau on behalf of the Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India to collaboratively work towards promoting research, development, testing and manufacturing of drones, counter-drone and associated technologies that can assist the Indian Army in its operations. This MoU also signifies the unwavering commitment of the Indian Army in supporting our industry and the complete eco system to develop indigenous equipment and weapon systems in line with Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing.
• CONFERENCE ON CLASSIFICATION REGULATIONS AND ADVANCED NAVAL TECHNOLOGIES India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- A two day Conference on Classification Regulation and Advanced Technologies for Naval Ships and Auxiliaries was organized by Directorate of Naval Architecture, Integrated Headquarters- Ministry of Defence (Navy) on 04-05 Aug 22 at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, New Delhi with the aim of promoting indigenous warship building. The theme of the conference was Future Naval Ships- Technologically Transformative, Economically Viable and Environmentally Sustainable. The conference was aimed to provide a platform by Indian Navy to achieve synergy between Classification Societies, various branches of Indian Navy and Coast Guard, Indian Shipyards, DRDO Labs, academia etc, in the field of research and development as well as quality assurance and survey/ certification of Naval Ships and Auxiliaries.
• Defence Start-Ups India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia and promote self-reliance. Under iDEX framework so far, seven editions of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) have been launched.
• iDEX Initiative India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia and promote self-reliance. The Government has approved a central sector scheme for iDEX with budgetary support of Rs. 498.78 crore for the next 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial support to nearly 300 Start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and about 20 Partner Incubators through Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
• Restructuring of Defence Forces India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- The modernisation/reforms of defence forces is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges. In order to reduce arms dependency and promote indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment, a comprehensive revamped 'Make and Innovation' procedure has been introduced in DAP-20 to facilitate indigenous design and development of defence equipment by private participation both with Government funding and industry funding.
• Status of Border Roads Completed or Underway India PIB 08 Aug 2022 -- Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructs roads on the basis of strategic requirements of a region on the basis of priority fixed by the Indian Army. Year wise details of border roads completed during the last five years are as under:
• Secretary-General's remarks to the press at Japan National Press Club UN Secretary-General 08 Aug 2022
• As Japan Marks Atomic Bomb Anniversary, Threat from China Breaks Military Taboo VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- Japan is this month marking the anniversaries of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that killed more than 200,000 people and brought an end to World War II. But even as Japan's prime minister pledged to work toward world peace, the government announced plans for a 'drastic' increase in defense spending driven by the threat from China, breaking a decades-long taboo over the build-up of Japan's armed forces following its defeat in 1945.
• FACT SHEET: U.S. STRATEGY TOWARD SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA The White House 08 Aug 2022
• Blinken Gives US-Africa Strategy Address in Pretoria VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave a speech on the key U.S. strategy for sub-Saharan Africa at the University of Pretoria on Monday, on the first leg of his Africa trip.
• Vital Partners, Shared Priorities: The Biden Administration's Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022 -- Speech by Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
• Blinken in South Africa; Compares South African Struggle for Equality to US VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in South Africa on the first leg of an Africa trip. His first stop was a poignant one, as he visited a museum that commemorates a key moment in the anti-apartheid struggle.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Remarks at the Opening of the U.S.-South African Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Thulasizwe Simelane of eNCA US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica The White House 08 Aug 2022
• Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure The White House 08 Aug 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Australian FM Penny Wong US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Australia Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing Tim Ayres US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Australian DFAT Secretary Jan Adams US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Lexington, KY The White House 08 Aug 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 8, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 8 August 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Aug 2022
• Security Council examines capacity building for sustaining peace in Africa UN News 08 Aug 2022 -- Greater investment in State institutions is critical to counter peace and security challenges in Africa, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Monday.
• Pakistani Soldiers Killed In Blast In Tribal District Bordering Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 08 Aug 2022 -- Three Pakistani soldiers have been killed and seven people injured in an explosion in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal district.
• Bomb Kills Extremist Pakistani Taliban Leader in Afghanistan VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- A fugitive central commander of an outlawed extremist organization plotting terrorist attacks in Pakistan has been killed in a roadside bomb blast in neighboring Afghanistan.
• Turkey Will Soon Get Rid of Terrorists in Syrian Regions, Erdogan Says Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- Turkey will soon eliminate terrorists in last areas of neighboring Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
• Israel-Militants Cease-Fire Fragile but Holding VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- A senior U.N. official said Monday that a tenuous cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants is holding, as it enters a second day.
• Welcoming the Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza and Israel US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States welcomes the agreement today to bring an end to hostilities and restore calm in Gaza and Israel.
• Statements by PM Lapid and Defense Minister Gantz Israel - Prime Minister 08 Aug 2022 -- Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued the following statements to the media at the Kirya in Tel Aviv this evening:
• Gaza: Statement by the Spokesperson on the ceasefire agreement European External Action Service (EEAS) 08 Aug 2022 -- The European Union welcomes the announced ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad which should bring an end to the violence in and around Gaza.
• UN Says in Close Contact With Israel, Gaza to Solidify Ceasefire Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- The United Nations maintains close contact with both Israel and Palestinians to strengthen the ceasefire which was struck over the weekend, special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland said on Monday.
• Urging all parties to ensure the ceasefire in Gaza is durable and prevents further violence: UK statement to UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Aug 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on the situation in Gaza
• UNICEF welcomes ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel after three days of violence take heavy toll on children UNICEF 08 Aug 2022 -- "UNICEF welcomes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel after three days of heavy violence.
• PM Lapid Speaks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Israel - Prime Minister 08 Aug 2022 -- rime Minister Yair Lapid on the action of the security forces - ISA, IDF and the Israel National Counter-Terrorism Unit - in Nablus, this morning:
• Israel confirms cease-fire with Gaza after 3 days of deadly strikes People's Daily 08 Aug 2022 -- Israel confirmed on Sunday it has agreed an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip, ending the deadly Israeli airstrikes and the barrage of Palestinian rockets for three days.
• Junta troops burn 500 homes, displace thousands in Sagaing Radio Free Asia 08 Aug 2022 -- Junta forces stepped up their attacks in Myanmar's hard-hit Sagaing region in the first week of August, torching nearly 500 homes in 10 villages and causing at least 5,000 people to flee, local sources said.
• The Chadian Signing of a Peace Agreement in Doha US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022
• Chad: Statement by the Spokesperson on the Doha Agreement European External Action Service (EEAS) 08 Aug 2022 -- The Doha Agreement for peace in Chad signed today is an important step for the transition. The European Union congratulates all signatories and commends the State of Qatar for its continued support to the process. The European Union encourages all the political-military groups that have not yet adhered to the agreement to do so. This would allow the launch of a truly inclusive national dialogue, which should start without further delay.
• Chad's Authorities, Rebel Groups Ink Peace Deal in Qatar Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- The Transitional Military Council of Chad and paramilitary opposition groups on Monday signed a peace agreement in the Qatari capital of Doha, pledging to initiate a national dialogue conference in the African country later in August, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 08 Aug 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the Armenian side's initiative.
• Ally Of Armenian PM Downplays Armenian-Russian 'Differences' Over Peacekeepers RFE/RL 08 Aug 2022 -- An Armenian pro-government lawmaker has denied any major differences between Yerevan and Moscow over the role of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh following deadly clashes in the disputed region last week.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on anniversary of the August events of 2008 in the South Caucasus Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Aug 2022
• Several killed as Nigerian troops attack Ashura procession in Kaduna Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- Nigerian troops have reportedly attacked Shia Muslims, killing several people and injuring many others during a peaceful annual Ashura procession in Zaria, Kaduna state in the northwest.
• Ethiopia Deploys New Troops into Neighboring Somalia VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- Authorities in southwestern Somalia said Ethiopia has deployed hundreds of troops into Somalia's Gedo region to prevent al-Shabab militants from crossing over into Ethiopia

News Reports

• Imposing Sanctions on Virtual Currency Mixer Tornado Cash US Dept. of State 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States is sanctioning virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash for its involvement in laundering a portion of the more than $600 million stolen by Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) hackers in one of the largest known virtual currency heists to date.
• U.S. Treasury Sanctions Notorious Virtual Currency Mixer Tornado Cash US Treasury 08 Aug 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash, which has been used to launder more than $7 billion worth of virtual currency since its creation in 2019. This includes over $455 million stolen by the Lazarus Group, a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) state-sponsored hacking group that was, in the largest known virtual currency heist to date. Tornado Cash was subsequently used to launder more than $96 million of malicious cyber actors' funds derived from the June 24, 2022 Harmony Bridge Heist, and at least $7.8 million from the August 2, 2022 Nomad Heist. Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended, and follows OFAC's May 6, 2022 designation of virtual currency mixer Blender.io (Blender).
• Trump Says Mar-a-Lago Home in Florida Raided by FBI VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump said FBI agents have raided his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
• Trump says Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida raided by FBI agents People's Daily 09 Aug 2022 -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday evening that his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, had been raided by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Summary of the Reengagement of Detainees Formerly Held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Director of National Intelligence 09 Aug 2022 -- The Director of National Intelligence submits this summary consistent with direction in Section 506I of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. § 3105), which states:
• Greek Prime Minister Says He Will Not Resign Over Wiretapping Scandal Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday that he does not intend to resign over the scandal related to the wiretapping of Nikos Androulakis, the leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), but intends to propose a number of changes to the Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP).
• United States Obtains Warrant for Seizure of Airplane of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Andrei Skoch, Worth Over $90 Million US Dept. of Justice 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States of America has been authorized to seize an Airbus A319-100 (the Airbus) owned and controlled by sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrei Skoch, pursuant to a seizure warrant from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which found that the airplane is subject to seizure and forfeiture based on probable cause of violation of the federal anti-money laundering laws.
• U.S. Seeks To Seize $90 Million Jet Belonging To Russian Oligarch RFE/RL 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States has obtained a warrant to seize an Airbus jet owned by Russian oligarch Andrei Skoch, the Justice Department says.
• EU Aims To Cut Gas Use By 15 Percent Under New Plan RFE/RL 08 Aug 2022 -- The European Union has called on member states to cut natural-gas use by 15 percent under a new plan intended to prepare the bloc for a possible halt in Russian supplies.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 8, 2022 PRC MofA 08 Aug 2022
• Defense Ministry Spokesperson Wu Qian's answers to press question on China's cancellation of three China-U.S. military communication activities and U.S. hyping-up PLA Daily 08 Aug 2022
• China upholds halting US talks, vows 'serious consequences' for Washington Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- China's Defense Ministry has upheld its decision to halt military talks with the US to protest a recent provocative visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, vowing "serious consequences" for Washington.
• Countermeasures against Pelosi's Taiwan visit necessary, justified and proper: Chinese defense ministry Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- The strained situation in the Taiwan Straits was made by the US' provocation and it should take all the responsibility and face serious consequence. However, the US is making excuses for its wrong deeds and provocations and trying to shift blame, which China firmly opposed, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense, said in a statement on Monday.
• US urged to take action in correcting mistakes first to resume dialogue channel with China Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- The US has been looking for scapegoats on creating tensions in China-US ties since China announced eight countermeasures in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's highly provocative visit to the island of Taiwan, including cancelling military talks and suspending climate cooperation. Chinese analysts stressed that it's the US that should take full responsibility for the cancelation of bilateral dialogues and cooperation in key areas and whether and how they will be resumed all depends on what commitments and actions the US will make in correcting its mistakes.
• State Council appoints secretary-general of Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR People's Daily 08 Aug 2022 -- The State Council has decided to appoint Sonny Au Chi-kwong as secretary-general of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), replacing Chan Kwok-ki.
• Chinese secret police warned exiled Hong Kong businessman over parliament plan Radio Free Asia 08 Aug 2022 -- China's state security police threatened an overseas Hong Kong businessman who recently announced plans to set up a parliament-in-exile with repercussions for his family members who remain in the city, RFA has learned.
• Marshall Islands voices support for Taiwan after Chinese drills CNA 08 Aug 2022 -- The permanent mission in Geneva of Taiwan's Pacific ally the Marshall Islands reaffirmed its support for Taiwan on Sunday and condemned "recent military actions" that it said had disrupted peace and stability in the region.
• President Tsai thanks visiting SVG PM over visit amid China exercises CNA 08 Aug 2022 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday expressed the nation's sincere gratitude to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves over his ongoing visit to Taiwan amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
• Lithuania to face 'costly price' for shadowing US with risky Taiwan visit following Pelosi's provocation Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's provocative visit to Taiwan and disregard of the international community's harsh criticism of her irresponsible move and China's unprecedented large-scale military drill across the Straits, Lithuania sent a delegation of 11 officials to the island on Sunday. Experts warned that any attempt by the Lithuanian side to trample on the one-China principle could result in severe consequences, including Beijing's severing of diplomatic ties with the country.
• China steps up cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan Radio Free Asia 08 Aug 2022 -- Cyber attacks and a Chinese disinformation campaign targeting the democratic island of Taiwan throw the spotlight on Beijing's use of hybrid warfare in the wake of Pelosi's visit, a Taiwanese military official said on Monday.
• Pentagon Says China Uses Military Exercises to Coerce Taiwan, International Community Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- China is trying to coerce Taiwan and the international community by conducting massive military exercises around the island, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said on Monday.
• Beijing Urges US to Shed Illusions of Controlling China Using Taiwan - Defense Ministry Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- China is calling on Washington to respect Beijing's interests and forget the idea of using Taiwan as a tool of control, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said.
• 'You are wrong', Chinese FM spokesperson posts 8 tweets in a row rebuking US claims of China's 'overreaction' to Pelosi's Taiwan visit Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Sunday posted eight tweets in a row on Twitter in a powerful rejection of US claims of China "overreacting" to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's provocative trip to the island of Taiwan. In the last tweet of the series, Hua pointed out that "the Chinese people will never forget their national shame and will never allow those bandits to bully and plunder China again."
• Political leaders, social organizations from multiple countries blast Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan People's Daily 08 Aug 2022 -- Political leaders and heads of social organizations from many countries have criticized Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan region.
• North Korean soldiers sent to collective farms to relieve manpower crunch Radio Free Asia 08 Aug 2022 -- North Korean authorities are dispatching veterans and soldiers about to demobilize to collective farms to make up for labor shortages, raising fears among the military ranks that they will be stuck doing hard jobs in rural areas for the rest of their lives, sources inside the country said.
• Official Notice on Convening Session of SPA of DPRK Issued KCNA 08 Aug 2022 -- The 7th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK will be convened in Pyongyang on September 7, Juche 111 (2022).
• 21st Plenary Meeting of 14th Standing Committee of SPA of DPRK Held KCNA 08 Aug 2022 -- The 21st Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Sunday.
• Session of SPA of DPRK to Be Convened KCNA 08 Aug 2022 -- The 7th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK will be convened in Pyongyang on September 7, Juche 111 (2022).
• South Korea strives to secure China ties amid US pressure on chips, missile system Global Times 08 Aug 2022 -- With South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin set to kick off a three-day visit to Qingdao in East China's Shandong Province on Monday, the first high-level official to travel to China since South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol took office in May, on the same day, South Korean media cited an unnamed presidential official as saying that the country has decided to attend a preliminary meeting for "Chip 4" - an alliance created by the US that some believe aims to set up a semiconductor barrier against the Chinese mainland.
• Iran Space Agency confirms proper functioning of Khayyam Satellite systems IRNA 09 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Space Agency confirmed the proper functioning of the entire systems of Iran's Khayyam Satellite that was successfully launched into space on August 9, 2022, on a Russian Soyuz from Baikonur Station successfully.
• Iranian satellite launched from Kazakhstan IRNA 09 Aug 2022 -- Iranian satellite "Khayyam" launched from a station in Kazakhstan in cooperation with Russia.
• Iran's 'Khayyam' satellite blasts off from Moscow-operated Baikonur Cosmodrome Press TV 09 Aug 2022 -- Iranian "Khayyam" satellite has been launched into orbit from the Moscow-operated Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking what Iran called the beginning of "strategic" aerospace cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
• Russia Launches Iranian Satellite Into Orbit RFE/RL 09 Aug 2022 -- A Russian rocket successfully launched an Iranian satellite into space on August 9 amid accusations that Moscow might use it to improve its surveillance of military targets in Ukraine.
• Borrell Says New JCPOA Text Finalized, Parties Need to Make Political Decisions Sputnik 08 Aug 2022 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that a new text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had been finalized, and now parties need to make political decisions to conclude the deal.
• EU's Borrell on JCPOA talks: Political decisions must be made in capitals IRNA 08 Aug 2022 -- EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that political decisions should be made in the capitals, as talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal wrapped up in Vienna.
• Iran official rejects report of 'final text' in Vienna talks with Europeans Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- An Iranian foreign ministry official has dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that a text for restoring the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran had been completed and that negotiations in Vienna were finished.
• Vienna talks on draft text accomplished: EU official IRNA 08 Aug 2022 -- A top official of the European Union has declared that the Vienna talks on finalizing a draft text for potential agreement on the revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have come to an end.
• Relative progress achieved in certain issues of Vienna talks: Iranian official IRNA 08 Aug 2022 -- In the talks in Vienna, Austria, the Iranian delegation has shared Iran's stance with other parties and they have reached relative progress in negotiations, an Iranian official said.
• Iran FM: All sides in Vienna talks must be serious about achieving text of final agreement Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says all parties involved in the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal must take serious steps toward reaching the final text of an agreement.
• Senior Foreign Ministry official: Relative progress made on some issues in JCPOA revival talks Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- A senior official in Iran's Foreign Ministry says relative progress has been made during the new round of talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• U.S. Ready To Conclude Iran Nuclear Deal Based On EU's 'Final Draft' RFE/RL 08 Aug 2022 -- The United States is ready to "quickly conclude a deal" to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement on the basis of proposals put forward on August 8 by the European Union, a State Department spokesperson said.
• Iran's FM urges U.S. to act realistically to end nuclear talks People's Daily 09 Aug 2022 -- The Iranian foreign minister said on Monday that if parties to the Vienna talks, especially the United States, act realistically and avoid adopting unconstructive approaches, the road will be paved for an agreement on the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal.
• U.S. keeps sanctioning Iran as "pressure leverage": Iranian lawmaker People's Daily 08 Aug 2022 -- While the ongoing negotiations in Vienna are aimed at the removal of anti-Iran sanctions, the United States keeps sanctioning as leverage to pressure the Islamic republic, an Iranian spokesperson told official IRNA news agency on Sunday.
• Myanmar opposition marks '8888' anniversary with protests, vow to fight on Radio Free Asia 08 Aug 2022 -- Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and activists marked the anniversary of the uprising against former Gen. Ne Win on Monday with protests calling for an end to junta rule and a vow to fight until their goal of a federal democracy is achieved.
• Belarus: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the second anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections EC/CEU 08 Aug 2022 -- This Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the 9 August 2020 fraudulent presidential elections that have stripped Belarusians of the opportunity to freely choose their own future. On this day, we reiterate our steadfast support for their democratic aspirations and efforts to uphold the respect for fundamental human rights. We reiterate that Aleksandr Lukashenko lacks any democratic legitimacy.
• Upheaval In Belarus: How The Opposition Rocked Lukashenka's Regime In 2020 And How The Strongman Struck Back RFE/RL 08 Aug 2022 -- "Yesterday, obviously, there was a bit of a bloody war," a security officer in the Belarusian city of Brest said in a leaked phone conversation with another official shortly after the country's disputed 2020 presidential election set off unprecedented mass protests -- and a crackdown whose brutality was equally unprecedented for Belarus, despite decades of harsh rule. "Brest is f***ed.... Five hundred detainees.... They flayed them all there like cats."
• UK boosts diplomatic ties in Australia and the Pacific as Minister Amanda Milling begins visit to the region UK FCDO 08 Aug 2022 -- Minister Milling announces new diplomatic post of Consul General in Western Australia as part of a regional tour of Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu.
• Fire at Cuba Oil Terminal Spreads to Third Tank VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- A fire at an oil terminal in western Cuba has spread to a third tank as firefighters struggled to put out the blaze, officials said Monday.
• ILO calls for adequate workers conditions during extreme heat in Iraq UN News 08 Aug 2022 -- The UN labour agency, ILO, says it is becoming increasingly concerned about working conditions in Iraq, where temperatures have soared to 50 degrees Celsius in recent weeks.
• Gustavo Petro sworn in as Colombia's first leftist president Press TV 08 Aug 2022 -- Gustavo Petro, a former fighter of the now demobilized M-19 rebel group, has been sworn in as Colombia's first leftist president.
• Sri Lanka: UNFPA appeals for $10.7 million for 'critical' women's healthcare UN News 08 Aug 2022 -- The UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is leading efforts to protect women and girls' rights to give birth safely and live without gender-based violence, according to a statement issued on Monday.
• Kenya Electoral Agency Upgrades Technology to Avoid Voter Fraud VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- Kenyans head to the polls Tuesday, and the country will rely heavily on technology to verify voter identity and transmit presidential vote results. The electoral body is at the center of the public's attention as it tries to clean its image after the Supreme Court's nullification of the 2017 presidential election due to irregularities.
• Malawi Former Anti-Corruption Chief Arrested Over Graft VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- The Anti-Corruption Bureau in Malawi has arrested its former director, Reyneck Matemba, for allegedly taking a bribe for a contract to supply food to the country's police service. John Suzi-Banda, the former director of Malawi's Public Procurement Agency was also arrested. Both are expected to be officially charged with abuse of power and could face up to 12 years in prison if found guilty.