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News Reports

Current Operations

• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 22 Dec 2022 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pennsylvania Guard conducts virtual winter storm exercise Army News 22 Dec 2022 -- Pennsylvania National Guard members from around the commonwealth participated in a winter storm tabletop exercise Dec. 20.
• Army National Guard 'Mountain Warriors' complete NATO Mission Army News 22 Dec 2022 -- Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment "Mountain Warriors" returned to their Old Kentucky Home after a nearly 11-month mission overseas to a large crowd at the Blue Grass Airport Nov. 17, 2022.
• DoD Awards $136 Billion TRICARE Managed Care Support Contracts DoD 22 Dec 2022 -- The Defense Health Agency (DHA) today announced the Department of Defense (DoD) awarded the next generation of TRICARE Managed Care Support Contracts. The new T-5 contracts will go into effect in 2024.
• Fielding the Radios of the Future with MARCORSYSCOM USMC News 22 Dec 2022 -- As recent developments in distant battlefields have shown, successful military operations rely on resilient communication architectures capable of closing kill chains in austere environments.
• Youngstown ARS in Ohio selected as next Air Force Reserve location to receive C-130Js US Air Force 22 Dec 2022 -- Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, as the preferred location to replace its eight C-130Hs with eight C-130Js.
• Readout of U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.'s travel to Lithuania US Air Force 22 Dec 2022 -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Lithuania Dec. 20-21 and met with Lithuanian Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys and Air Force Commander Col. Antanas Matutis.
• Readout of U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.'s travel to Latvia US Air Force 22 Dec 2022 -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Latvia Dec. 19-20 and met with Latvia's Minister of Defense Inara Murniece, Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Leonīds Kalniņš, and Air Force Commander Col. Viesturs Masulis.
• Department of Navy Delivers Third-Party Analysis of Alternatives for Closure of Red Hill Tanks, Formally Requests Permanent 'Closure in Place' US Navy 22 Dec 2022 -- The Department of the Navy (DON) today submitted to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) a comprehensive analysis of alternatives for closure of the Red Hill underground storage tanks. Based on that analysis, the DON is formally requesting DOH approve its request for permanent "Closure in Place" as the best path forward to close the Red Hill tanks. Jacobs Government Service Company produced the report under contract to the DON in response to the DOH's direction during the July 14, 2022, Meet and Confer session between DOH and Navy. Additionally, the DON will request approval to pursue beneficial non-fuel reuse of the facility.
• Interchangeability: Andrea Doria Serves with DESRON 26 in the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group US Navy 22 Dec 2022 -- The Italian Navy Orizzonte/Horizon-class guided-missile destroyer ITS Andrea Doria (D 553) detached from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Dec. 21, 2022, after operating with the strike group throughout the month, showcasing the NATO ship's interoperability and interchangeability within the Carrier Strike Group.
• US Military Reportedly Losing Personnel With Advanced Cyber Skills, Training Inadequate Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- The US armed forces are losing too many personnel trained to operate with cyber systems and its programs to prepare the number of experts it needs are inaccurate and patchy, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in a report on Thursday.
• Electric Boat Wins $5.1Bln Order Extension for Nuclear Submarine Missile Tubes: Pentagon Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- Electric Boat, a division of General Dynamics, has received a US Navy order extension worth more than $5.1 billion to make more missile tubes for Columbia-class strategic nuclear submarines, the Defense Department announced in a press release.
• Russia to continue to strengthen armed forces: Putin People's Daily 22 Dec 2022 -- The combat capability of the Russian armed forces is "increasing day by day" and Russia will certainly step up this process, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
• The United States Imposes Sanctions on Russian Naval Entities US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022 -- "We are committed to imposing additional severe consequences on President Putin and his enablers for Russia's unconscionable war against Ukraine."
• Russia says naval drills with China response to 'aggressive' US posturing Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- The Russian army chief says planned joint naval drills between Russia and China have been a response to increasingly aggressive US military posturing in the strategic Asia-Pacific region.
• Russia-China Joint Naval Exercises Response to US Aggressive Capacity Build-Up: Moscow Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- The joint naval exercises, air patrols and other drill of Russia and China are a response to the aggressive build-up of US military potential in the region, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov said on Thursday.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Japan's newly revised security and defence doctrines Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2022
• What The Patriot Missile System Can, And Can't Do For Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- Washington will supply an expensive, highly advanced Patriot missile battery to Ukraine, but experts say the defensive weapon may not be the game changer many are hoping for.
• Biden vows long-term military support for Ukraine during meeting with Zelensky Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- Meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, US President Joe Biden pledges to further step up military support, including a new missile system, for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
• US announces $1.85bn arms package for Ukraine, including Patriot missile Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- The United States on Wednesday announced it will provide Ukraine with the advanced Patriot air defense system as part of a new $1.85 billion military package to the war-ravaged country.
• PLA Navy's carrier Liaoning ramps up aircraft sortie training in West Pacific Global Times 22 Dec 2022 -- The aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy reportedly hosted about 130 aircraft sorties in four days after it entered the West Pacific for far sea drills last week, more than twice as intensive as the exercises held in the same region in May, displaying the carrier's high level of combat readiness, analysts said on Thursday.
• President Tsai to convene high-level national security meetings CNA 22 Dec 2022 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday evening that she would begin holding meetings with high-level officials starting next week to discuss Taiwan's economy and national security.
• Minister Anand announces Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade and Simulator Solution Contracts Award to ensure continued Search and Rescue capabilities Canada 22 Dec 2022 -- Today, Minister of National Defence Anita Anand, on behalf of Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Helena Jaczek, announced the award of two contracts to support the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter fleet and ensure the continued contribution of the fleet to Canada's search and rescue (SAR) operations.
• The CH-149 Cormorant: The Royal Canadian Air Force's Search and Rescue Helicopter Canada 22 Dec 2022 -- Canada has one of the world's largest areas of responsibility for search and rescue (SAR) operations, with a territory covering 18 million square kilometres of land and water, and more than 243,000 kilometres of coastline connecting three oceans. The
• Minister of Defense Receives Phone Call from Minister of the Armed Forces of France SPA 22 Dec 2022 -- Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense received today a phone call from Minister of the French Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.
• South Korea, US considering live-fire drills amid North Korea threats Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- South Korea and the United States are considering staging their first large-scale, joint live-fire drills in six years in 2023 as Seoul and Washington strengthen security coordination against North Korea.
• Achievements Made in Strengthening National Defence Capability This Year KCNA 22 Dec 2022 -- Juche 111 (2022) is a significant year as it witnessed national historic events in the history of the Workers' Party of Korea and the DPRK. In particular, proud successes have been made in further bolstering up the defence capabilities, the dignity and sovereignty of the country and guarantee for protecting its interests.
• UK condemns North Korea for supplying arms to Russian mercenary group fighting in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine UK FCDO 22 Dec 2022 -- The UK supports the US assessment that North Korea has completed an arms delivery to Russia for the use by the Wagner Group in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
• Defence Acquisition Council approves Acceptance of Necessity for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals, worth Rs 84,328 crore, for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard India PIB 22 Dec 2022 -- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, in its meeting held on December 22, 2022, has accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.
• Moldova Interested in Military Cooperation With France: Deputy Prime Minister Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu discussed defense cooperation and modernization of the Moldovan army with representatives of the French Ministry of Defense, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
• Ghana Repairs Rift With Burkina Faso After Wagner Claims VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Ghana sent its national security minister to Burkina Faso Wednesday to repair a diplomatic rift, after Ghana's president accused Ouagadougou of hiring Russian mercenaries to fight militants.
• United States Launches $1 Million UXO Project in Solomon Islands US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022 -- On December 21, 2022, the Department of State provided $1 million to The HALO Trust (HALO) to launch a comprehensive unexploded ordnance (UXO) project in Solomon Islands beginning January 1, 2023.
• Readout of APNSA Jake Sullivan's Calls with National Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan of Armenia and Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev The White House 22 Dec 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022
• Deputy Secretary of State Sherman's Call with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shahriar Alam US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022
• Joint Statement on the Meeting of the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group The White House 22 Dec 2022
• Readout of APNSA Jake Sullivan's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani The White House 22 Dec 2022
• Telephonic Press Briefing with General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 22, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 22 December 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Dec 2022
• Muslim Countries Blast Taliban for University Ban for Afghan Women VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- From Saudi Arabia to Turkey, Muslim countries have unanimously condemned the Afghan Taliban's ban on higher education for women.
• Afghans Protest Taliban's Education Ban for Women VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Defying the Taliban's latest ban on university education for women, dozens of Afghan women's rights activists and girl students Thursday staged a protest in Kabul, Takhar and Nangarhar provinces, demanding that women be allowed access to education and employment.
• US Mulls Isolation of Taliban Over Education Ban Without Hurting Aid for Afghans VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The United States is exploring additional measures to be imposed on Afghanistan's Taliban to further isolate them for their "appallingly bad" decision to suspend girls' education, according to a senior American diplomat.
• Canada Reviews Counterterror Laws to Aid Taliban-Run Afghanistan VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The Canadian government might have a lot of disagreements with the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan but it is reviewing Canada's counterterrorism laws to find ways to help people under Taliban rule.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the investigation of crimes committed by the British military in Afghanistan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2022
• UK statement in response to the Taliban's closure of universities for women in Afghanistan UK FCDO 22 Dec 2022 -- See below the UK's full statement condemning the Taliban's recent decision to ban women from going to university across Afghanistan.
• Foreign Ministry's report on Finland's activities in Afghanistan submitted to Parliament Finnish Government 22 Dec 2022 -- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has submitted a report on Finland's activities in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 to Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.
• Taliban Violently Disperses Women's Protest Against University Ban RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Dec 2022 -- Taliban security forces have used violence and arrested several people as they dispersed a protest by Afghan women against a ruling that bans female students from universities.
• Iran expresses regret over Taliban ban on university education for Afghan women IRNA 22 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday expressed regret over a decision by the Taliban in Afghanistan to suspend access to universities by female students.
• Iran Foreign Ministry calls on Taliban to reverse ban on university education for female Afghans Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has expressed regret about a recent decision by the Taliban-run administration in Afghanistan to close universities to female Afghan students, calling on the de facto government's authorities to reverse the ban.
• China, India agree to work out mutually acceptable resolution of remaining issues in LAC Western Sector Global Times 22 Dec 2022 -- China and India have agreed to work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in the Western Sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the earliest by staying in close contact and maintaining dialogue through military and diplomatic channels.
• 17TH ROUND OF INDIA-CHINA CORPS COMMANDER LEVEL MEETING India PIB 22 Dec 2022 -- The 17th round of India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on 20th December 2022.
• Joint Press Release of the 17th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting PLA Daily 22 Dec 2022 -- The 17th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on 20th December 2022.
• Junta shelling kills 3 locals, forces over 1,000 to flee homes in Kayin State Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2022 -- A 61-year-old man died Thursday when a junta shell landed on a village in Kayin State's Kawkareik township, locals told RFA.
• Blocking Of Key Nagorno-Karabakh Artery Triggers Fresh Tensions Between Armenia And Azerbaijan RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- Tens of thousands of people have been blocked from accessing the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for nearly two weeks, sparking fresh tensions between Baku and Yerevan, concerns of a humanitarian crisis, and worries of renewed conflict between the longtime rivals.
• De Facto Nagorno-Karabakh Leader Has Russian Citizenship Revoked RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has revoked the citizenship of a billionaire of Armenian descent after he eschewed his homeland to move to the breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Armenia Warns That Blockade Of Nagorno-Karabakh Link Is Causing Dire Situation RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has warned that the humanitarian situation in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh has become precarious as groups of protesters continue to block the Lachin Corridor.
• Kosovo Serbs Present Conditions For Removing Roadblocks At Protest In North RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- More than 1,000 ethnic Serbs protested in northern Kosovo on December 22 to demand the release of detained Serbs and other conditions that they say must be met before they will remove several roadblocks erected in the area.
• Somali Troops Return After Training in Eritrea, Media Report Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- Somalia is looking for regional cooperation and support in the Horn of Africa, as the country faces threats of terrorism, separatism, and food insecurity caused by drought.
• Al-Shabab Militants Kill Police Officer, Civilian in Eastern Kenya VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Police in eastern Kenya are blaming al-Shabab militants for the death of an officer and a civilian in an attack in Garissa County, on the border with Somalia.
• Somali Military Takes Al-Shabab's Last Stronghold in Middle Shabelle VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Somalia's military says it has liberated the last town held by al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region, killing more than 150 fighters, including five foreigners.
• Ethiopia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU EC/CEU 22 Dec 2022 -- The European Union (EU) and its Member States congratulate the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) for signing the Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities (CoHA) and for the subsequent Declaration of the Senior Commanders on the Modalities for the Implementation of the CoHA.
• Report: Egypt holds up deal to give Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- The Egyptian government is apparently delaying the implementation of a controversial treaty that transfers two largely uninhabited islands to Saudi Arabia, and paved the way for the Riyadh regime to take steps toward normalizing relations with Israel.
• Honduras: new internal displacement law 'much-needed step' towards restoring hope and dignity UN News 22 Dec 2022 -- The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, applauded on Thursday, Honduras' landmark legislation establishing a legal framework to respond to the complex situation faced by thousands forcibly displaced within the Central American country.

News Reports

• German Intelligence Service Employee Accused Of Passing Information To Russia RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- An employee of Germany's foreign intelligence service has been arrested on suspicion of sharing state secrets that he obtained in the course of his professional activities with Russia, federal prosecutors said on December 22.
• Final Report on Jan. 6 Attack Points Finger at Trump VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The committee formed by the House of Representatives to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol on Thursday released its final report, an 845-page set of documents supporting the committee's claim that the attack was directly caused by former President Donald Trump and represented the final act in a "multipart conspiracy to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 Presidential election."
• Biden White House Navigates January 6 Committee Recommendation to Prosecute Trump VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The House select committee probing the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol is scheduled to release its final report Thursday, referring former president Donald Trump to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation and potential prosecution for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election won by President Joe Biden.
• Narcotrafficker Pleads Guilty to International Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 22 Dec 2022 -- Gerado Gonzalez-Valencia, aka Lalo, 45, pleaded guilty today to international cocaine trafficking.
• Australia Arrests Alleged Drug Lord After Decadelong Manhunt VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Australian police said Thursday the suspected head of a global drug trafficking syndicate has been taken into custody. Tse Chi Lop, a Chinese-born Canadian national, was one of the world's most wanted men.
• Uganda's Ebola Success Forces Revamp of Vaccines Trial VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Uganda on Thursday received two more potential vaccines for a trial against the Sudan strain of the deadly Ebola virus. Uganda has recorded 142 confirmed cases and 55 deaths since the September outbreak but has had no new cases since late November. While having no active cases is welcomed, it also means the trial will have to be revamped to test the vaccines' effectiveness.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 22, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2022
• Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists President of Russia 22 Dec 2022 -- Vladimir Putin answered a range of topical questions from journalists.
• Press release on Russia-UN consultations on global food security Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2022
• Canada condemns arms deal between North Korea and sanctioned Russian entity Canada 23 Dec 2022 -- On December 21, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and officials from related Russian ministries and companies held a regular round of consultations with a UN delegation via video conference.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 22, 2022 PRC MofA 22 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with People's Republic of China (PRC) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2022
• Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with New Zealand's Governor-General Cindy Kiro on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and New Zealand Li Keqiang Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern PRC MofA 22 Dec 2022 -- On December 22, 2022, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with New Zealand's Governor-General Cindy Kiro to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
• Premier Li meets HKSAR chief executive, fully recognizes his work Global Times 22 Dec 2022 -- Premier Li Keqiang met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday in Beijing. Lee traveled to the capital for his annual duty report this week, and the Chinese leader fully recognized Lee's work of leading the HKSAR government in responding to the public's needs, fixing its social woes and helping the city regain its economic vitality.
• Australia's Foreign Minister pushes China to drop sanctions during Beijing visit Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2022 -- The Australian government nominated a prominent China expert to be its ambassador to the United States as Foreign Minister Penny Wong staged an ice-breaking visit to Beijing.
• PLA reconnaissance drone crosses Taiwan Strait median line CNA 22 Dec 2022 -- A Chinese reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait between 6 a.m. Wednesday, and 6 a.m. Thursday, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• China's Army Has Dispatched 39 Aircraft, 3 Ships to Taiwan Strait, Taiwanese Defense Ministry Says Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- Taiwan's defense ministry said on Thursday that the island's armed forces registered 39 aircraft and three ships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) approaching the island in the past 24 hours.
• Iranians Use Yalda Festival To Continue Anti-Government Protests RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- Iranian protesters have staged fresh demonstrations by taking to the streets and the graves of victims of the government crackdown to protest during a night that is traditionally an ancient festival to mark the winter solstice.
• More Than 40 Iranian Lawyers Detained So Far During Protests RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- At least 44 Iranian lawyers have been arrested after representing people detained during three months of nationwide protests sparked by the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly.
• US shedding crocodile tears for Iranians: Foreign Ministry spox IRNA 22 Dec 2022 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Wednesday reacted to the latest comments by the US State Department spokesman, saying the country behind the maximum pressure campaign against the Iranian people is crying crocodile tears.
• Over 10 mln liters of fuel smuggled from Iran per day: Official Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- Head of the Iranian Oil Ministry's fuel department says more than 10 million liters of motor fuel are smuggled from the country every day.
• Iran busts 4 Mossad spy teams, arrests all members: Intelligence Ministry Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry says it has dismantled four operative teams affiliated with the Israeli spy agency Mossad which were planning to carry out terrorist attacks in some parts of the country.
• Iran nabs four Mossad-affiliated groups IRNA 22 Dec 2022 -- Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran has announced that the security forces have detected and arrested four terrorist teams, working for the intelligence agency of the Zionist regime.
• UN expert on Myanmar: Security Council resolution not strong enough on 'systematic gross human rights violations' UN News 22 Dec 2022 -- In response to the adoption of the Security Council's first resolution on Myanmar since the military unleashed a brutal crackdown nearly two years ago, a UN-appointed independent human rights expert warned on Thursday that the carnage would only worsen without "strong, coordinated action" by UN Member States.
• China urges caution as UN Security Council adopts first resolution on Myanmar in 74 years Global Times 22 Dec 2022 -- China's ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Zhang Jun stressed that the UN Security Council must always act with extra caution while making explanatory statement after abstaining from voting on the council's first-ever resolution on Myanmar on Wednesday, which demanded an end to violence and urged the military junta to release all political prisoners, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• In first resolution on Myanmar in decades, UN Security Council urges release of political prisoners Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- The United Nations Security Council has called on Myanmar's military rulers to end violence and release all political prisoners, in its first ever resolution on the country in more than seven decades.
• UN Council Adopts Resolution Urging End to Myanmar Violence VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The United Nations Security Council passed a landmark resolution on Myanmar Wednesday, demanding the military junta immediately end violence in the Southeast Asian nation and free all political prisoners, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
• Myanmar junta jails reporters, activists hit by military vehicle at anti-coup protest Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2022 -- A secret military court in Myanmar's Insein Prison on Wednesday sentenced two journalists and seven anti-coup protesters to a maximum three years in prison each with labor for "incitement," family members and an attorney with knowledge of the situation said.
• Belarus: Statement by the Spokesperson on new law allowing to deprive Belarusians of their citizenship European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 Dec 2022 -- Yesterday on 21 December, the Belarusian National Assembly amended the Law on Citizenship. When signed by Lukashenko, this law will open the possibility for depriving Belarusians living abroad of their citizenship.
• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Government of India has signed 04 (four) cooperative documents specifically to collaborate in space exploration in the last five years India PIB 22 Dec 2022 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Government of India has signed 04 (four) cooperative documents specifically to collaborate in space exploration in the last five years.
• Telephone conversation with leader of Israel's Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu President of Russia 22 Dec 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, which won the parliamentary election in Israel.
• Israel's Netanyahu says he has secured deal to form new cabinet Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has secured a deal to form a new cabinet after weeks of wrangling with his far-right coalition partners.
• Gambia's Government Foils Coup Attempt, Arrests Involved Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- Gambia's incumbent President Adama Barrow was re-elected for a second-term in December 2021. But his rivals criticized the results and went on to challenge those that had given the president a lead.
• Gambia's Attempted Coup Blamed on Lack of Security Reforms VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States have condemned an alleged coup attempt in Gambia. The Gambian government says it arrested four troops planning to overthrow President Adama Barrow. Political analysts say a lack of security reforms is to blame for this latest coup attempt in the small West African nation.
• Chile president says he is planning to open embassy in Palestine Press TV 22 Dec 2022 -- Chilean President Gabriel Boric, whose country has the largest Palestinian population outside of the Middle East, has announced that he will raise the level of state representation in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories to an embassy.
• Cambodia sentences 36 opposition officials to prison terms on conspiracy charges Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2022 -- A court in Cambodia on Thursday sentenced 36 senior officials of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, most of whom have already fled the country, to between five and seven years in prison.
• Preliminary construction underway on Luang Prabang Dam, minus key steps Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2022 -- Construction work - including the paving of access roads and clearing of a building site - has begun on the Luang Prabang hydropower dam on the Mekong River in Laos, despite an acknowledgment by Lao officials that several key steps in the project have yet to be completed, RFA has learned.
• Vietnam, Indonesia wrap up talks on exclusive economic zones Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2022 -- Vietnam and Indonesia have concluded negotiations on the boundaries of both countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZ), a move praised by regional analysts but one likely to irk China.
• In Georgia, A Toxic Debate Over Ex-President Saakashvili's Health RFE/RL 22 Dec 2022 -- Looking thin and unwell, former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili appeared at a Tbilisi court hearing this morning via video link from a hospital bed, his head propped up by a pillow. After several months of appeal following his worsening health, the court hearing was to determine whether Saakashvili would have his sentence suspended due to poor health.
• Nigeria's President Buhari Approves $1.8Bln Extra Budget For Food Security Threatened by Floods Sputnik 22 Dec 2022 -- In 2022, Nigeria was troubled by severe floods as well as declining oil production and ongoing military conflicts.
• More than twenty million children suffering in the Horn of Africa as drought intensifies - UNICEF UNICEF 22 Dec 2022 -- The number of children suffering dire drought conditions across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia has more than doubled in five months, according to UNICEF.
• Horn of Africa faces most severe drought in more than two generations - UNICEF UN News 22 Dec 2022 -- The number of children suffering from dire drought conditions across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia has more than doubled in five months, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday.
• South Sudan: Amidst 'unimaginable suffering', over 260,000 in need slated for humanitarian support UN News 22 Dec 2022 -- UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths released from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) on Thursday, $14 million for direct assistance to 262,521 South Sudanese affected by increased violence and severe flooding.
• South Sudan's underfunded emergency receives US$14 million UNOCHA 22 Dec 2022 -- The United Nations Humanitarian Chief Martin Griffiths released US$14 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the provision of direct humanitarian assistance to 262,521 people in South Sudan who have been affected by increased violence and severe flooding.
• Nigeria's Central Bank Raises Cash Withdrawal Limits After Public Outcry VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- The Central Bank of Nigeria has raised the maximum weekly limit for cash withdrawals after a public uproar over the caps it announced two weeks ago. The new limit is five times higher than the initial cap for individuals and ten times more for companies. The bank announced the limits to rein in excess cash and promote cashless payments, but critics say it could stifle millions of small businesses.
• UN Officials: Insecurity in Haiti at 'Unprecedented Levels' VOA 22 Dec 2022 -- Senior U.N. officials have called for the international community to contribute to a specialized armed force for Haiti to help restore order to the Caribbean nation where, they say, insecurity has reached "unprecedented levels."