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• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 13 Dec 2022
• Wisconsin, Papua New Guinea Sign State Partnership agreement Army News 13 Dec 2022 -- Leaders of the Wisconsin National Guard and Papua New Guinea signed a State Partnership Program agreement Dec. 2.
• Military planners design African Lion 23 command and control exercise Army News 13 Dec 2022 -- U.S. military and interagency planners finished designing the scenario for Exercise African Lion 23 at the Joint Staff Suffolk Complex Dec. 5-16.
• SECNAV Names Future America-class Amphibious Assault Ship Fallujah US Navy Press Release 13 Dec 2022 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced today that a future America-class amphibious assault ship will be named USS Fallujah (LHA 9).
• USNS Comfort Arrives in Haiti US Navy 13 Dec 2022 -- Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet's Continuing Promise 2022 (CP22) mission, Dec. 11.
• SNMG2 Transfers Flagship in Rota US Navy 13 Dec 2022 -- Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) transferred its flagship as scheduled from U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) to U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) at Naval Station Rota on Tuesday.
• U.S. Navy Retrieves Artemis I Orion Spacecraft US Navy 13 Dec 2022 -- Amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) retrieved the Artemis I Orion spacecraft in coordination with multiple organizations including NASA, U.S. Space Command, fellow U.S. Navy ship Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 23), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 1, Dec. 11.
• Future USS Carl Levin Successfully Completes Acceptance Trials US Navy 13 Dec 2022 -- The future USS Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) successfully completed acceptance trials on December 9th, returning to General Dynamics Corp's Bath Iron Works (BIW) Bath shipyard after spending two days at sea.
• U.S. 7th Fleet Hosts III MEF and JSDF for Naval Integration Staff Talks US Navy 13 Dec 2022 -- U.S. 7th Fleet hosted leadership and staff from III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for naval integration staff talks, Dec. 6-9.
• US succeeds in hypersonic missile test launch, technology China has long mastered Global Times 13 Dec 2022 -- After a series of failures, the US Air Force on Monday announced that it has finally succeeded in the test launch of its air-launched hypersonic missile, a technology China has long mastered and even put on public display at a recent air show.
• Dstl specialists support USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier visit UK MOD 13 Dec 2022 -- Radiation science experts from Dstl's Nuclear Emergency Monitoring Team provided critical safety cover for the visit of the nuclear-powered carrier.
• NATO Membership to Cost Finland $75-106Mln Annually, Foreign Minister Reveals Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- Finland is committed to maintaining its defense expenditure at 2% of its GDP when it becomes a member of NATO, while it will have to spend an additional 70-100 million euros ($75-106 million) for its administrative unit in the alliance per year, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Tuesday.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Participates in Call With Ukrainian Leaders DoD 13 Dec 2022
• US Officials: US Preparing to Send Patriot Defense System to Ukraine VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- The United States is preparing to send the Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine to shoot down incoming Russian missiles, a decision that could be announced as soon as this week, a U.S. defense official and a second U.S. official told VOA on Tuesday.
• Pentagon: No Credible Information About Any US Weapons for Ukraine Being Diverted Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- The United States has no credible information to indicate that any of the US weapons provided to Ukraine have been diverted, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said on Tuesday.
• NATO Faces 'Very Real' Arms Shortages Due to Ukraine Conflict, Aims to Fill Gap, US Envoy Says Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- Members of NATO face "very" real" arms shortages due to the conflict in Ukraine, and the alliance is working with the military-industrial complex on filling these gaps, US Permanent Representative to NATO Julianne Smith said on Tuesday.
• G7, EU vow more weapons supply to Ukraine as fighting rages Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- The world's largest economies have vowed to deliver more military aid to Ukraine to boost its military capabilities with a focus on air defense as fighting rages on in the country tenth months into the war.
• UK 'Open-Minded' on Sending Long-Range Strike Systems to Ukraine to 'Punish' Russia Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom has delivered over £3.2 billion ($4 billion US) in military support to Ukraine this year, and pledged £2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) more in 2023. Meanwhile, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, ordinary Britons have recently suffered the worst fall in living standards since record-keeping began in 1948.
• Chinese defense minister delivers keynote speech at fifth defense forum between China, LAC countries PLA Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- Under the theme of "Peace and Cooperation", the Fifth Defense Forum China-Latin American and the Caribbean States was held via video link on December 13, 2022, in which leaders from the defense (security) departments and militaries of 24 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries participated. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe also attended the forum and delivered a keynote speech.
• Senior Chinese official stresses national defense, military modernization PLA Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- A senior Chinese military official has stressed resolving major issues in theory and in reality and opening a new page in the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.
• Ex-US Marine Pilot Detained by Australia Charged With Conspiracy to Aid China's Military Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- Former US Marine Corps military pilot and flight instructor Daniel Duggan was arrested by Australian police in October, and faces extradition to his home country, the US - whose citizenship he renounced, over allegations that he helped train Chinese military pilots. Duggan has denied any wrongdoing.
• Australia Moves to Boost Regional Security VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- COVID, climate change and China will be the main subjects of discussion this week when a senior Australian delegation visits Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.
• Combat Readiness Inspection In Belarus To Be Monitored By Ukraine, Border Service Says RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- The Belarusian Defense Ministry says it is carrying out an inspection of its armed forces' combat readiness, a move that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said it is monitoring as it continues observing cooperation between Russia and Belarus.
• Belarus Starts Snap Inspection of Combat Readiness of Troops: Defense Ministry Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- A snap inspection of combat readiness of the Belarusian armed forces has begun in Belarus at the instruction of President Alexander Lukashenko, the defense ministry said on Tuesday.
• Iran possesses types of missiles inconceivable for Americans: IRGC commander Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says Iran is in possession of missiles that the United States cannot even imagine.
• UK signs Plan for Defence Cooperation with Saudi Arabia UK MOD 13 Dec 2022 -- Defence Secretary meets Saudi Arabian counterpart to discuss defence cooperation.
• Ukrainian, U.S. presidents discuss defense, financial aid for Kiev People's Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Joe Biden discussed defense and financial assistance provided by the U.S. to Kiev, Zelensky's press service reported Monday.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit Meeting With the President of Angola DoD 13 Dec 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit Meeting With Djibouti, Niger, and Somalia DoD 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with DRC President Tshisekedi US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken and Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Senegalese President Sall US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken and Senegalese President and AU Chairperson Macky Sall Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken And Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken At an MOU Signing with Democratic Republic of the Congo Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula and Zambian Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken at the Peace, Security, and Governance Forum US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Angolan President João Lourenço before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin's Meeting with Angolan President Lourenço US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Joint Meeting with Secretary Austin and President Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti, President Bazoum of the Republic of Niger, and President Hassan Sheikh from the Federal Republic of Somalia US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Before Meeting With Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Department Press Briefing - December 13, 2022 US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 13 Dec 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 13, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 13 December 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Dec 2022
• IS Video Shows Kabul Hotel Attackers' Allegiance VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- The Islamic State Khorasan Province group has released a video of two men it claims conducted Monday's attack on a hotel in Kabul where Chinese nationals, among other guests, were staying.
• China Says Kabul Hotel Attack Injured 5 Chinese Nationals VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- China confirmed Tuesday that five of its nationals were wounded in a deadly bombing-and-shooting attack targeting a hotel in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, the previous day.
• 'UN only talks about Yemeni children, takes no action': Yemeni official Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- A Yemeni official has denounced the United Nations' inaction on Saudi Arabia's crimes in Yemen, saying the world body only talks about statistics and does not take any steps to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the impoverished country.
• China, Iran underline need for respecting IRI territorial integrity IRNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Deputy Prime Minister of China Hu Chunhua and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Mokhber have emphasized the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• China deputy premier to Raeisi: Beijing always respects Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has met with the visiting Chinese deputy prime minister in the capital Tehran, with the latter stressing that Beijing has invariably recognized and respected Iran's territorial integrity and interests.
• China says it supports Iran's territorial integrity ISNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Iran's First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber and Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China reviewed the latest status of the implementation of the 25-year comprehensive cooperation program between the two countries, stressing the need to accelerate the implementation process of the document.
• Indian and Chinese Troops Clash Last Week Along Border VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- India says its troops foiled an attempt by Chinese soldiers to encroach into Indian territory last week resulting in a clash along their disputed border in the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Stick-wielding Chinese and Indian soldiers beat each other in minor border skirmish Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- Chinese and Indian soldiers bashed each other with sticks, jostling and hollering, at a disputed mountainous border near Chinese-controlled Tibet, the latest flare of violence between the two Asian giants.
• India accuses China of trying to 'change status quo' amid new border flare-up Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- India has accused China of trying to "unilaterally change the status quo" on their disputed Himalayan border following a fresh stand-off last week.
• TRANSLATION OF RAKSHA MANTRI'S STATEMENT IN PARLIAMENT India PIB 13 Dec 2022 -- Following is the translation of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh's statement in both Houses of Parliament on December 13, 2022:
• China urges India to restrain frontline troops, work together to maintain border peace Global Times 13 Dec 2022 -- Chinese border troops were on a routine patrol on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on an eastern section of the China-India border on Friday when Indian troops illegally crossed the line and blocked the Chinese forces, the spokesperson of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command announced on Tuesday.
• PLA spokesperson makes remarks on Chinese border troops' routine patrol in Dongzhang area PLA Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- Senior Colonel Long Shaohua, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), made remarks on Chinese border troops' routine patrol in Dongzhang area on Tuesday.
• Situation on Chinese-Indian Border Remains Stable Following Friday Clashes: Beijing Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- The situation on the Chinese-Indian border is stable after clashes between troops in the border area last week, with the sides being in touch through both military and diplomatic channels, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday.
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the developments around the Lachin corridor European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Dec 2022 -- The European Union has been following with serious concern the various developments around the Lachin corridor since the beginning of December.
• Sole Road Connecting Nagorno-Karabakh To Armenia Blocked By Protesters From Azerbaijan RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- The sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia remained closed for a second day on December 13, leaving hundreds of cars stranded and ratcheting up tensions with Azerbaijan.
• U.S. Envoy In Pristina Urges Establishment Of Association Of Serbian Municipalities RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, who is in the region as part of a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions, stressed in an interview with RFE/RL the importance of creating an association of municipalities with majority Serb residents as a necessary step forward for the region.
• Iranian President Expresses Concern Over China's Position on Persian Gulf Islands Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday expressed concern over the position of Chinese President Xi Jinping on the territorial ownership of three Persian Gulf islands: Abu Musa, the Greater and the Lesser Tunb.
• Ugandan Army Reports Killing 11 ADF Rebels Who Entered Country from Congo VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- The Ugandan army says its troops have killed eleven members of the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, when they tried to enter Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The army says another eight ADF fighters were captured along with their weapons.

News Reports

• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the letter from Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov President of Russia 13 Dec 2022 -- The Foreign Ministry is receiving requests from the Russian media to comment on the letter sent by Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding our country's obligations to implement the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.
• Russian Military and Intelligence Agencies Procurement Network Indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2022 -- Publicly filed court documents, including a 16-count indictment unsealed today in Brooklyn, charge five Russian nationals - including a suspected Federal Security Service (FSB) officer - and two U.S. nationals with conspiracy and other charges related to a global procurement and money laundering scheme on behalf of the Russian government in which the defendants allegedly conspired to obtain military-grade and dual-use technologies from U.S. companies for Russia's defense sector, and to smuggle sniper rifle ammunition, in violation of new U.S. sanctions imposed earlier this year.
• US Prosecutors Charge 7 With Running Procurement Network for Russian Military VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- U.S. prosecutors announced criminal charges on Tuesday against five Russians and two American nationals suspected of operating a network to obtain sensitive U.S. technologies and ammunition for Russia's military.
• Russia terms launching Khayyam satellite as prelude to further space cooperation with Iran IRNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Russian Space Agency chief Yury Borisov said on Tuesday that the successful launching of the Iranian Khayyam satellite with joint cooperation of Iran and Russia was a prelude to further expansion of space cooperation between the two countries.
• Russia, Iran Looking to Build Civil Aircraft, Report Says Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- Moscow and Tehran are considering setting up joint ventures in Iran that would allow them to design and build airliners with 100 seats and fewer, Iranian Deputy Industry Minister Manouchehr Manteghi reportedly said Tuesday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 13, 2022 PRC MofA 13 Dec 2022
• U.S.-China chip war opens up on new fronts Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- Beijing has opened a case at the World Trade Organization against new U.S. export curbs meant to limit China's ability to make high-end semiconductor chips often used for military purposes, creating a new front in a simmering battle for control of the crucial industry.
• Washington reportedly ropes in allies to corner Beijing's semiconductor industry, while China fights back with WTO lawsuit Global Times 13 Dec 2022 -- As the US mounts efforts to intensify its crackdown on China's chip industry, China strongly fought back by filing a lawsuit with the WTO over the US' discriminatory measures, a move experts said is a smart action to solve a bilateral dispute under a multilateral mechanism and pave the way for further counterattacks.
• China Rejects Africa 'Debt Trap' Allegations, Calls for Dropping 'Geopolitical Games' on Continent Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- The US-Africa Summit, held in Washington, DC on December 13-15, involves 49 delegations from African countries as well as one from the African Union. The White House earlier announced that the goals of the forum are to strengthen ties between the US and African states in order to advance common priorities.
• Hong Kong Publisher's Security Trial Further Delayed VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- A Hong Kong court on Tuesday again postponed the national security trial of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai as Beijing has yet to decide whether a foreign lawyer can represent him.
• Chinese vice FM holds talks with visiting U.S. officials People's Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng held talks with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, and Laura Rosenberger, senior director for China affairs of the White House National Security Council, in the city of Langfang near Beijing from Dec. 11 to 12, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
• Chinese, US officials conclude candid talks, agree to properly handle Taiwan question Global Times 13 Dec 2022 -- Senior Chinese and US officials met in North China's Hebei from Sunday to Monday, with both sides saying that the latest meeting was candid, in-depth and constructive, and agreeing to maintain communication, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Chinese experts believed that the continuing communication and cooperation between the world's two largest economies, which clearly benefits the world, should be based on taking each other's core interests into account, while warning of duplicity in Washington's China policy.
• China sues US in WTO over chip export control measures Global Times 13 Dec 2022 -- China took legal action against the US in the WTO over chip export control measures on Monday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement posted on its website. Filing a lawsuit with the WTO is a way of seeking to address Chinese concerns through legal means, and a necessary way to defend China's legitimate interests, the ministry said.
• Author: Negative View of China Increases as Beijing's Media Try to Boost Image Overseas VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- Over the past decade, China has invested billions of dollars in state media, hiring foreign journalists and partnering with local newsrooms to try to boost its image overseas.
• China launches two space experiment satellites People's Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- China on Monday launched a Long March-4C rocket, placing a pair of satellites in space.
• German minister to visit Taiwan in first such trip in 26 years CNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger is scheduled to visit Taiwan next year, which would be the first time in 26 years that Taiwan will receive a visiting German ministerial-level official.
• Taiwan's top envoy to U.S. looks to early results from trade deal talks CNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Taiwan's top envoy to the United States said Monday that she looked forward to more results from a second meeting with the U.S. expected in next year under a new trade initiative between the two countries, which Taipei hopes will result in the two sides signing a trade agreement.
• Japanese lawmaker reiterates support for Taiwan's CPTPP bid CNA 13 Dec 2022 -- The chair of a Japanese parliamentary group promoting Taiwan-Japan ties reiterated his support for Taipei's bid to join a Tokyo-led trade bloc during a meeting with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) in Tokyo on Monday night, while calling for closer Taiwan-Japan exchanges on all fronts.
• Last Signature of Chairman Kim Jong Il KCNA 13 Dec 2022 -- December is a month in the DPRK when everyone is filled with ardent yearning for Chairman Kim Jong Il who devoted his entire life to the people.
• Sacred Journey Made by Chairman Kim Jong Il for People in 2011 KCNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Regarding it as his lifetime motto to believe in the people as in Heaven, Chairman Kim Jong Il made ceaseless journey of devotion and loving care for them. He gave field guidance to many units to improve the people's standard of living in Juche 100 (2011), the last year of his revolutionary life, and made tireless efforts day and night.
• All options on table against North Korea: US, allies Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- The United States, South Korea, and Japan have promised to consider all available options to counter what they deem as a threat by North Korea.
• US, South Korea, Japan consolidate efforts against DPRK nuclear tests Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- Envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan agreed Tuesday to consolidate efforts to ensure that North Korea does not dodge U.N. and other international sanctions as it pursues a nuclear and missile program, the officials said.
• U.S. Special Representative for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim's Meeting with Republic of Korea Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Funakoshi US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
• Raisi voices Iranians' criticism over recent stances of Chinese president IRNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday that some stances raised during the recent visit of the Chinese President to the region had caused dissatisfaction among the Iranian nation and the government, and Iran seriously demands compensation for these positions.
• Iran VP meet, China vice premier in Tehran IRNA 13 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua have held talks on the implementation of the Iran-China 25-year cooperation program.
• Chinese President's positions cause complain: President Raisi ISNA 13 Dec 2022 -- The Deputy Prime Minister of China, who is in Iran to develop the relations between the two countries at the head of a trade and economic delegation, went to Pasteur Street to meet with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran in continuation of his meetings and travel plans.
• Minister: Iran, China finalize MoUs to implement 25-year deal Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- Iran and China finalize 16 MoUs between the two countries to implement their 25-year roadmap for strategic partnership, Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Ehsan Khandozi says.
• EU imposes new sanctions on Iran IRNA 13 Dec 2022 -- The European Union has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran over alleged human rights violations and drone deliveries to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.
• Iranian Female Prisoners Call Out Government's 'Cycle Of Murder' Over Death Sentences RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- Female political prisoners incarcerated in Iran's notorious Evin prison have published a letter expressing concern about the issuance and execution of death sentences for those arrested during the recent anti-government protests.
• Iran Protest Crackdown Targets Lawyers VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- As Iran's anti-government protests continue, lawyers who have pledged to provide legal aid to protesters have come under increasing pressure from the country's judiciary and security forces. Since the beginning of nationwide protests in Iran in September, activists say at least 16 human rights lawyers have been arrested across the country, including four recently in the country's East Azerbaijan province.
• Iran slams U.S. claims of supporting Iranian women People's Daily 13 Dec 2022 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday slammed the U.S. claims of supporting Iranian women, saying they have been equally impacted by Washington's long-term unilateral sanctions on Tehran.
• Rights groups slam Malaysia court decision to deport Myanmar refugees Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- Rights groups have slammed a decision by a court in Malaysia to deport refugees who have fled violence in Myanmar back to that country.
• Myanmar junta bars overnight visitors from Yangon monasteries Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- Myanmar's junta has prohibited Buddhist monasteries in the Yangon region from accepting overnight visitors as part of what it says is a bid to reduce crime.
• Malaysian court lifts stay on deporting 114 Myanmar nationals Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- A Malaysian court on Tuesday lifted a stay on the deportation of 114 Myanmar nationals, their lawyer said, as human rights groups expressed concern that they would be forced to return to their conflict-ridden country.
• Two people injured in bomb blast at Yangon immigration office Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- A man and a woman were injured in the northeast of Yangon when a bomb exploded in a junta immigration office in Myanmar's largest city.
• European Parliament vice president removed over Qatar graft scandal Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- The European Parliament (EP) has removed Eva Kaili as vice president of the assembly after she was accused by authorities of accepting bribes from Qatar.
• Visit By UN Rights Expert Brings No Letup In Tajikistan's 'Parade Of Horrors' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- From a dark prison cell, a voice calls out: "I want to speak to my lawyer."
• EU Reportedly Agrees On Candidate Status For Bosnia RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- European Union countries have agreed to offer Bosnia-Herzegovina candidate status to join the 27-member bloc, RFE/RL has learned, a move that would put the Balkan country on track to eventually gain membership.
• Hun Sen threatens retaliation against people planning to protest his Brussels visit Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a threat to people planning to protest his visit to Brussels, urging supporters to take photos of the demonstrators and post them at Phnom Penh International Airport so authorities back home could visit their families.
• Our commitment to the South Sudanese people's quest for peace, prosperity and democracy: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 13 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on South Sudan
• The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains extremely serious: assistance must be sustained and improved to continue to prevent famine UNICEF 13 Dec 2022 -- The efforts of national and local Authorities and the scale up of humanitarian assistance to respond to the impact of the longest and most severe drought in Somalia's recent history has prevented famine thresholds from being surpassed, for the time being.
• Somalia: Famine narrowly averted - so far, warn UN humanitarians UN News 13 Dec 2022 -- In Somalia, a full-blown famine has been narrowly averted for now, but the hunger emergency has not gone away, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• Famine in Somalia Averted, for Now, UN Report Says VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- A United Nations acute food insecurity report on Somalia issued Tuesday finds famine in that country has been narrowly averted due to the response of humanitarian organizations and local communities to the crisis.
• Zimbabwe Reacts After US Adds President's Son to Sanctions List VOA 13 Dec 2022 -- Zimbabwe's government has reacted following the addition of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's son on a U.S. sanctions list for corruption and human rights abuses.