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Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Military Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 12 Dec 2022
• Air Force conducts first ARRW operational prototype missile test US Air Force 12 Dec 2022 -- A B-52H Stratofortress successfully released the first All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon off the Southern California coast, Dec. 9.
• US Air Force Successfully Tests Hypersonic Missile Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- The Pentagon has tasked defense contractors with the creation of half-dozen different hypersonic weapons systems for the Army, Navy and Air Force, but none are operational yet. The first US hypersonic weapon - the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), is set to be fielded by the Army in late 2023.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ghanaian military train on base camp design AFRICOM 12 Dec 2022 -- Efficiently and logically developing base camps for deployed forces is key to any mission's success, and that is why experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were recently in Ghana teaching courses in base camp design to Ghana Armed Forces combat engineers and planners in the Ghanaian capital of Accra.
• Department Names Vendors to Provide Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability DoD News 12 Dec 2022 -- The Defense Department awarded contracts to four technology companies to provide services in support of its Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability. The four companies include Amazon Web Services Inc., Google Support Services LLC, Microsoft Corporation and Oracle.
• U.S. and Moroccan Divers Re-Ignite Interoperability in Bilateral Dive Engagement US Navy 12 Dec 2022 -- U.S. Navy Seabee divers, assigned to Commander Task Force (CTF) 68, conducted an advanced bilateral dive engagement with Royal Moroccan Navy divers at the Moroccan Naval diving school at Ksar Sghir, Oct. 31 to Nov. 19, 2022.
• The Hands On Approach to Littoral Combat Ship Support in the 5th Fleet AOR US Navy 12 Dec 2022 -- Littoral combat ship, USS Sioux City (LCS 11) deployed to 5th Fleet marking the first deployment of this ship class in the Area of Responsibility (AOR).
• U.S., Iraq, Kuwait Conduct 2nd Joint Patrol in Arabian Gulf US Navy 12 Dec 2022 -- Maritime forces from Iraq, Kuwait and the United States completed a joint patrol in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 11, representing the second time in four months the three nations sailed together to promote regional maritime security.
• Department of the Army updates Total Army COVID-19 vaccination statistics US Army 12 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. Army updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests for the Total Army as of December 8, 2022.
• Council approves conclusions calling for a renewed impetus towards the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, including the emergence or escalation of conflicts around the European Union and Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, the rise of revisionist actions and the persistence of instability and transnational threats, the Council highlights the significant contribution of the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to international peace and stability.
• UK claims on Tehran-Moscow military coop. unacceptable: Russia IRNA 12 Dec 2022 -- Russian embassy in London has ruled out claims made by the UK on delivery of Iran-made weapons to Russia, describing London's policy as in line with the United States agenda.
• Russia categorically rejects UK foreign secretary's claim of military deal with Iran Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- The Russian embassy in London has roundly dismissed the "inappropriate statements" of British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who spuriously claimed Iran was sending armament and munitions to Russia for its military campaign in neighboring Ukraine.
• Warplanes of PLA Air Force, Navy share airfield in joint exercise Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently organized a joint exercise in which warplanes of the Air Force and the Navy used the same airfield and received ground maintenance, a method analysts said on Monday reflects the PLA's high level of cross-service support in joint operations and will provide tactical advantages in combat.
• Chinese peacekeeping multi-role engineer contingent to Lebanon completes Angel Rescue exercise PLA Daily 12 Dec 2022 -- The 21st Chinese peacekeeping multi-role engineer contingent to Lebanon successfully completed the Angel Rescue exercise organized by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on December 8 local time.
• China Coast Guard holds talks with maritime law enforcement agencies from Indonesia, Philippines and Cambodia PLA Daily 12 Dec 2022 -- Director of the China Coast Guard (CCG) Major General Yu Zhong held talks with Commander of the Indonesian Coast Guard Vice Admiral Aan Kurnia, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Coast Guard Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, and Deputy Secretary General of the National Committee for Maritime Security of Cambodia Vice Admiral Kruoch Kimthon respectively during the "Vietnam Coast Guard and Friends" exchange activity held in Hanoi on December 9.
• Navy set to launch third domestically made corvette by year-end CNA 12 Dec 2022 -- The construction of the nation's third domestically built Tuo Chiang-class corvette has been on schedule with the Navy expected to hold a launch ceremony for the new warship before the end of this year, a military source told CNA Monday.
• Taiwan Announces Plans for Five 'Carrier-Killer' Corvettes Loaded With Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- The Taipei government's military has announced plans to upgrade the last five of the scheduled Tuo Chiang-class corvettes to carry more powerful anti-ship missiles capable of threatening China's prized aircraft carriers.
• Vanuatu signs security agreement with Australia, says no talks with China Radio Free Asia 12 Dec 2022 -- Vanuatu signed a broad security agreement with Australia on Tuesday and said it hasn't discussed a similar arrangement or any security issues with China.
• DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS IN THE COUNTRY India PIB 12 Dec 2022 -- To achieve Aatmanirbharta and realise the goal of 'Make in India', Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu. 06 (six) nodes viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow have been identified for developing Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).
• MAKE-IN-INDIA IN DEFENCE SECTOR India PIB 12 Dec 2022 -- The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, there by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country.
• Tokyo Wants to Get Tomahawk Cruise Missiles in First Offensive Weapons Buy Since WWII Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government is pushing ahead with a reported plan to buy hundreds of BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (T-LAM), a long-range strike weapon that constitutionally-neutral Tokyo has eschewed since the end of the Second World War.
• South Korea to Spend Over $20 Million on New Counter-Artillery Radar: DAPA Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) says it has signed a contract worth $23 million with the LIG Nex1 company to develop an advanced counter-artillery radar system by 2026.
• Niger: EU establishes a military partnership mission to support the country in its fight against terrorism EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- The Council today adopted a decision establishing a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission to support Niger in its fight against terrorist armed groups.
• How Committed Is US to Africa? $55B Worth, White House Says VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- The United States will demonstrate its commitment to the African continent with $55 billion in pledges, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday on the eve of a three-day summit of 50 high-level African delegations in Washington.
• Cameroon Lawmakers Have High Hopes for US-Africa Leaders Summit VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Cameroon lawmakers say they have high expectations from the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that begins Tuesday in Washington.
• G7 Leaders' Statement The White House 12 Dec 2022
• EU, G7 Pledge More Military Aid To Ukraine As Russia Pounds Infrastructure RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022 -- The world's leading economies have pledged to send more military aid to Ukraine to bolster Kyiv's military capabilities after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed to a meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) for modern tanks, artillery, and long-range weapons.
• G7 Pledges to Rebuild Ukraine VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- The leaders of the Group of Seven nations reaffirmed their unwavering support and solidarity with Ukraine on Monday, pledging to meet Ukraine's urgent requirements for military and defense equipment against Russia's aggression.
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Serious Human Rights Abuse and Corruption The White House 12 Dec 2022
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Serious Human Rights Abuse and Corruption The White House 12 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken And Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Uzbekistani Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2022
• Special Presidential Advisor Christopher J. Dodd's Meeting with Mexican President López Obrador US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 12 Dec 2022
• Department Press Briefing - December 12, 2022 US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 12, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 12 December 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Dec 2022
• Attack on Kabul Hotel Housing Chinese Nationals Leaves 3 Assailants Dead VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- A bomb-and-gun attack targeting a hotel in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, Monday, killed at least three assailants and wounded 21 other people, including two foreigners.
• Hotel in Kabul attacked, 3 gunmen shot, no foreigners killed Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- At least three gunmen have been shot by security forces in Afghanistan following a terror attack on a hotel in the capital Kabul, Taliban officials say.
• Press release on war crimes by Australian military in Afghanistan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Dec 2022
• More than 11,000 children killed or injured in Yemen UNICEF 12 Dec 2022 -- More than 11,000 children have now been killed or maimed as a result of the conflict in Yemen, according to UNICEF - an average of four a day since the escalation of the conflict in 2015. As these are only the UN-verified incidents, the true toll of this conflict is likely to be far higher.
• Yemen: Council approves conclusions EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- Today, the Council approved the following conclusions on Yemen restating the EU's extreme concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the country, where over 70% of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, and over half of the population is facing acute food insecurity.
• Saudi-led war killed, maimed more than 11,000 children in Yemen: UNICEF Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- More than 11,000 Yemeni children have been killed or maimed since the Saudi-led aggression against the impoverished country began in 2015, according to the executive director of UNICEF.
• Fuel Shortages in Syria Exacerbate Economic Crisis VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Arab media outlets are reporting that Syria is undergoing a major crisis due to widespread fuel shortages across the country. The Syrian government no longer controls oil fields in the east of the country and U.S. economic sanctions continue to bite hard on the government's ability to import petroleum products from abroad via its Mediterranean coastline.
• Operation ATALANTA, EUTM Somalia and EUCAP Somalia: mandates extended for two years EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- The Council today prolonged the mandates of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operation in the Horn of Africa and Somalia. The mandate of EUCAP Somalia, the EU's civilian capacity-building mission, EUTM Somalia, the EU's military training mission, and EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA, one of the EU's executive military maritime operations, will now run until 31 December 2024.
• Southern islands inseparable parts of Iran: Spox IRNA 12 Dec 2022 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced here on Monday that the Persian Gulf islands in south of Iran are inseparable parts of the country.
• Multiple Indian, Chinese Troops Reportedly Injured in Flare-up of Fighting in Disputed Zone Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- India and China dispute the demarcation along much of their nearly 3,500 km shared border, and even fought a brief but deadly border war in late 1962.
• Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 12 Dec 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 12 Dec 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a media question about the escalation in Kosovo Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Dec 2022
• EU Urges De-Escalation In Kosovo, U.S. Sends Envoys To Pristina After Latest Clashes RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022 -- The European Union has urged Kosovo and Serbia to de-escalate the tense situation in the region as a U.S. envoy arrived in Pristina after Serbian protesters in northern Kosovo blocked main roads in the area for a third day.
• Serbian president threatens intervention as ethnic tensions flare in northern Kosovo Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- Tensions have heightened in northern Kosovo after ethnic Serbs on Sunday blocked roads in protest against the arrest of a former ethnic Serb police officer, with the Serbian president warning that his troops are ready to intervene if peace doesn't prevail.
• EU in Close Contact With Kosovar, Serbian Leaders, Calls for Deescalation: Borrell Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that he and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak are in close contact with Kosovar and Serbian leaders, urging them to deescalate tensions.
• Serbs to Set Up Crisis Headquarters in Northern Kosovo Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- A crisis headquarters will be created by Kosovo Serbs who have set up barricades because of the actions of Pristina, Goran Rakic, leader of the Serbian List party, said.
• Attacks on Election Facilities Raise Concerns Ahead of Nigeria's February Polls VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Police officials in southeast Nigeria say operatives killed three armed men on Monday when a gang attacked the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC — one of several attacks on the commission's offices ahead of Nigeria's polls in February. INEC officials have said attacks on facilities will not deter the commission from conducting the elections, but political observers say the attacks are already having an impact on the process.

News Reports

• Pan Am Flight 103 Terrorist Suspect in Custody for 1988 Bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland US Dept. of Justice 12 Dec 2022 -- Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi (Mas'ud), 71, of Tunisia and Libya, made his initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on federal charges, unsealed today, stemming from the Dec. 21, 1988, civilian aircraft bombing that killed 270 people. The victims included 190 Americans, 43 citizens of the United Kingdom, including 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland, and citizens from the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Trinidad and Tobago.
• DoJ: Suspect in 1988 Lockerbie Bombing Appears in US Court, Faces Life in Prison Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- A man suspected of involvement in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 made an initial appearance in a US court, facing life in prison if convicted, the Justice Department said in a Monday release.
• Alleged Pan Am Flight 103 Bombmaker in U.S. Custody US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2022 -- "Today is an important day for justice. Following an intensive diplomatic effort, Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir al-Marimi is in U.S. custody to face trial for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103."
• FBI: More Than 7,000 Hate Crime Incidents Reported in 2021 VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- The FBI said Monday it received more than 7,000 reports of hate crimes last year, even though thousands of police departments around the country failed to contribute any data to the bureau's new crime reporting system.
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade The White House 12 Dec 2022
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade The White House 12 Dec 2022
• Ketamine bust prompts calls for greater enforcement oversight in Cambodia Radio Free Asia 12 Dec 2022 -- Cambodian authorities in the resort town of Sihanoukville seized nearly 1 ton of ketamine over the weekend in the latest high-profile drug bust in this country, prompting calls from civil society groups for more transparency and stricter enforcement of measures used to target drug crimes.
• Russia Will Continue Cooperation With UN for 'Concrete' Results on Grain Deal: Foreign Ministry Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- Russia will continue to cooperate with the United Nations within the grain deal to achieve concrete results and to establish food security in low-income countries, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said on Monday.
• Moscow in Contact With African Nations Over Free-of-Charge Fertilizer Supplies, Deputy FM Says Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- Fertilizer supplies to African countries were part of the terms agreed on in the Istanbul grain deal signed in July. However, Russia has repeatedly expressed frustration about how this part of the deal has been implemented, as Russian fertilizers have been blocked in European ports for several months.
• India to Use Rupees in Trade Payments With Russia Starting Next Week: Export Federation Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- India will begin using rupees in its trade settlements with Russia for some shipments starting December 19, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Ajay Sahai said.
• Putin Cancels Annual Year-End News Conference VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold his traditional televised end-of-year news conference for the first time in a decade.
• VOA Interview: How US Enforces Russia Sanctions VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Veteran federal prosecutor Andrew Adams is the director of the Justice Department's Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency initiative launched in March to enforce sweeping sanctions that the United States and its allies imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Putin, Erdogan discuss energy cooperation, grain export deal over phone People's Daily 12 Dec 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed cooperating in the energy sector and the Black Sea grain export deal during a phone conversation on Sunday.
• Ashes of Jiang Zemin scattered into the sea People's Daily 12 Dec 2022 -- The ashes of beloved Comrade Jiang Zemin were scattered into the sea at the estuary of the Yangtze River on Sunday, in accordance with the wishes of Jiang himself and his family.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 12, 2022 PRC MofA 12 Dec 2022
• GCC countries, Iran all China's friends; neither China-GCC nor China-Iran ties target any third party: FM Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- The GCC countries and Iran are all China's friends, and neither China-GCC relations nor China-Iran relations are targeted at any third party. China supports the GCC countries in improving relations with Iran based on the principle of good-neighborly friendship, conducting win-win cooperation with Iran and jointly promoting the development and stability in the Persian Gulf. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Monday's press briefing.
• China's relations with GCC, Iran never target any third party: Foreign Ministry spox Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- China has reaffirmed its traditional friendly relations with Iran, saying Beijing's ties with Tehran and its relations with the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) do not target any third party.
• Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai's sentence casts chill over relaunch, analysts say Radio Free Asia 12 Dec 2022 -- The sentencing of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai to five years and nine months in jail for fraud over the weekend is a further blow to attempts to restore the city's reputation as a financial and business hub, analysts told Radio Free Asia.
• Hong Kong youth 'key targets' for national security education Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- In his first policy address delivered in October, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted the importance of advancing national security education in Hong Kong. Recently, the National Security Education Centre of the International Probono Legal Services Association (IPLSA), a non-profit organization registered in Hong Kong, launched a national security education instructor training program, and more than 100 people have obtained the qualifications to become instructors who will teach national security knowledge in Hong Kong's primary and middle schools as well as in other institutions.
• China pulls off new record in grain output, expected to remain cornerstone of global food security Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- China pulled off a new record in grain output in 2022, official data showed on Monday, defying the uncooperative weather at home and the ripples of the Ukraine crisis.
• China's 2022 grain production new record high, exceeding 650b kg mark for eight consecutive years Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- China's grain output in 2022 hit a new record high, the country's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday, with a slight increase of 0.5 percent over 2021's figures.
• China-Arab ties open a new chapter; influence profound Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday concluded his Saudi Arabia trip, his first to the Middle East region after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which was also an unprecedented diplomatic event with the Arab world. The trip has not only yielded fruitful results in economic and trade sense, but also demonstrated that in addition to continuing to play the role of a contributor to regional development, China will also increasingly contribute to peace in the strategically important Middle East, experts noted.
• Xi's trip to Middle East significant to promoting peace, cooperation People's Daily 12 Dec 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to China on Saturday after attending the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and wrapping up a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
• Cities unveil policies to stimulate economic recovery People's Daily 12 Dec 2022 -- Several Chinese cities are introducing concrete steps to stimulate consumption and maintain stable economic growth amid optimization of the country's COVID-19 rules in recent weeks.
• Taiwan considers extending TikTok ban to private sector Radio Free Asia 12 Dec 2022 -- Taiwan may extend the ban on Chinese video-sharing service TikTok to the private sector after banning the app from being installed and used in government offices and on public devices over security concerns.
• China denounces senior Japanese official's Taiwan visit; 'irrational move to undermine stability in Straits' Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- China on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the visit of a senior official of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to Taiwan island and his irresponsible remarks on China during the visit, which came amid Japan's recent actions to expand its military, citing the so-called China threat as an excuse.
• Launch of Satellite Kwangmyongsong-3-2 in 2012, Demonstration of DPRK's Overall Power KCNA 12 Dec 2022 -- It is 10 years since the launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3-2, a complex of the power of the DPRK.
• DPRK/North Korea: EU imposes additional restrictive measures on eight persons and four entities responsible for or involved in the development of ballistic missiles EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- In light of the continued development of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), the Council decided today to add eight individuals and four entities to the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures.
• Immortal Exploits in History of Development of Juche-based Defence Industry KCNA 12 Dec 2022 -- December 12, Juche 37 (1948) was a significant day in the history of development of the DPRK's Juche-based defence industry.
• Iran: EU adopts Council conclusions and additional restrictive measures EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- The Council approved today new conclusions on Iran, focusing in particular on: the unacceptable repression of the ongoing protests and the human rights situation, Iran's military cooperation with Russia, including delivery of drones deployed by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), as well as regional security.
• Iran: Council approves conclusions EC/CEU 12 Dec 2022 -- Recalling the November 2016 and February 2019 Council conclusions, the European Union reconfirms its resolute commitment to human rights in its policy towards Iran.
• Iran Foreign Ministry statement on imposing sanctions on some EU individuals, entities IRNA 12 Dec 2022 -- Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Monday imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and five institutions in Europe.
• Iran designates UK individuals, entities IRNA 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement blacklisted four UK entities and 13 individuals.
• EU agrees new Iran sanctions over alleged rights violation, Russia drone delivery Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- The European Union's foreign ministers have agreed to impose new sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities over alleged crackdown on recent protests and drone deliveries to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.
• Iran sanctions dozens of EU, UK officials, entities over instigating riots Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran has imposed a round of sanctions on dozens of European Union (EU) and British officials and entities over their support and instigation of recent deadly riots in the country over their meddlesome statements about the Islamic Republic's internal developments and support for terror in Iran.
• Iran Adds RFE/RL's Radio Farda, British Spy Chief, Others To Sanctions List RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran has placed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities, including RFE/RL's Persian-language service, Radio Farda, ahead of an expected European Union decision to slap a new round of sanctions on Tehran.
• Iranian Official Close To Leader Issues Rare Warning Over Crackdown RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022 -- A senior Iranian official close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has harshly criticized the policies of the Islamic republic's leadership in a video interview.
• Iran Hangs Man In Public In Second Execution Linked To Protests RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran has hanged a man in public who had been convicted of killing two members of security forces, the second execution linked to anti-government protests in less than a week.
• Iran Executes Second Man Linked to Protests VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran on Monday said it carried out its second execution of a prisoner linked to the nationwide protests that began in September after the death of a young woman detained by the country's morality police for failing to properly cover her hair with a hijab.
• Sunni Cleric Who Reported Alleged Rape Of Girl By Police Commander Summoned To Iranian Court RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022 -- A senior Sunni cleric in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan, who disclosed the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl by a local police commander, has been summoned to a special court for clerics.
• Iran won't compromise on territorial integrity: Spokesman ISNA 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran is committed to regional cooperation based on principles, mutual interest and neighborhood policy, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani stressed.
• Gas swap with Russia can earn Iran at least $6bn a year: IRENEX Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- Iran can make at least $6 billion per year from a potential gas swap deal with Russia which would allow the country to consume gas imported from Russia in its north and deliver the same amount to other customer countries, according to figures by Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX).
• Iran thwarts hackers' attack on Imam Khomeini Airport City Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- Iranian cybersecurity experts have foiled a hacking attack on Imam Khomeini Airport City in the south of the capital Tehran, preventing any major interruption in the airport's operations.
• Iran hails China ties, blasts meddlesome GCC statement Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani has hailed developing China-Iran relations and censured a joint statement that the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued recently in the presence of a Chinese official, stressing that interference in Iranian internal affairs is rejected.
• Junta court sentences Sithu Aung Myint to another 7 years in prison Radio Free Asia 12 Dec 2022 -- A special court in Yangon's Insein Prison has sentenced journalist Sithu Aung Myint to seven years in prison. He had already received two sentences totaling five years for allegedly inciting sedition in the army, meaning he will have to spend 12 years in prison.
• Myanmar's UN Ambassador Reportedly Renewed for Another Year Despite Junta's Opposition VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun is the permanent representative of Myanmar to the United Nations; however, the diplomat does not represent the country's ruling military junta.
• Pakistan 'Most Exposed' to Chinese Influence, New Research Shows VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- A new study on China's global influence puts Pakistan at the top of the list.
• South Africa's Ruling ANC in Crisis of Leadership and Support VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress is kicking off its party conference this week amid a leadership crisis and dwindling public support. The divided party will have to decide whether to keep the current president in power — a decision that could drastically change the political landscape in the country.
• British foreign policy and diplomacy: Foreign Secretary's speech, 12 December 2022 UK FCDO 12 Dec 2022 -- Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, gave a speech at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office setting out his vision for UK foreign policy.
• PM meeting with G7 leaders: 12 December 2022 Gov.UK 12 Dec 2022
• Alleged Qatar Corruption Scandal Rocks EU VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- European Union member states expressed alarm Monday over allegations that Qatar bribed some European Parliament members to influence their decision making. One of the body's vice presidents has been arrested and charged in connection with the scandal.
• Credibility of European Parliament damaged by Qatar bribe allegations: EU ministers Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- The credibility of the European Parliament is at stake over Qatar's graft probe, the EU ministers say, in light of allegations the Persian Gulf peninsular country, currently hosting the FIFA World Cup, lavished cash and gifts on the parliament's officials to influence decision-making.
• Four Charged in Brussels With 'Organized Crime and Corruption' in EU Parliament Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- The European Parliament's vice-president, Greek politician Eva Kaili, was detained on Friday along with five other individuals as part of an inquiry into possible bribery after Belgian authorities carried out several arrests and searches in Brussels on 9 December.
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European Commission 12 Dec 2022
• Last EU Foreign Affairs Council of the year: Focus on the Eastern Partnership, Ukraine and Iran Germany Federal Foreign Office 12 Dec 2022 -- The Eastern Partnership meeting, the ninth package of sanctions against Russia, Iran, Moldova and the Southern Neighbourhood are just some of the issues on the agenda of today's meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. Read here about what decisions are pending and what else is on the agenda.
• Wider Europe Briefing: What Exactly Is The EU Sanctioning In Russia? And What's The Future Of The Eastern Partnership? RFE/RL 12 Dec 2022
• Peru's New President Calls for Early Elections VOA 12 Dec 2022 -- Dina Boluarte, Peru's new president, says she will send a proposal to Congress Monday to move general elections up two years to April 2024, instead of 2026.
• Peru's former president calls successor "usurper," as seven people die in violent countrywide protests Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- Peru's former president, who was ousted in an impeachment trial last week and arrested by the security forces, has called his successor and former vice president, Dina Boluarte, a usurper.
• Number of People Injured in Protests in Peru's Apurimac Exceeds 30: Governor Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- The number of those injured in clashes between the police and protesters in Peru's southern region of Apurimac now exceeds 30 people, regional governor Baltazar Lantaron Nunez said.
• New President of Peru Announces Early Elections in Country in April 2024 Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- Peru that has plunged in protests since the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo will hold early elections in April 2024, new President Dina Boluarte has announced.
• Treasury Takes Additional Actions in Zimbabwe US Treasury 12 Dec 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four Zimbabwean individuals and two Zimbabwean entities, and removed seventeen Zimbabweans from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).