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• Remarks of President Joe Biden - State of the Union Address as Prepared for Delivery The White House 07 Feb 2023
• Biden Strikes Optimistic, Determined Tone in State of the Union VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden struck an optimistic, determined tone in his second State of the Union address Tuesday night, lauding his legislative and policy achievements, reiterating his stances on contesting China and supporting Ukraine, and proclaiming that "though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken."
• Biden: 'We seek competition, not conflict' with China Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- President Joe Biden warned Beijing against violating U.S. sovereignty in a speech on Tuesday that called for unity between Democrats and Republicans in what he termed America's "competition, not conflict" with China.
• CENTCOM Commander visits Baghdad CENTCOM 07 Feb 2023 -- From Feb. 7 to 8, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Baghdad as part of a multi-country visit to the Middle East. Kurilla met with Prime Minister al-Sudani and the commander of Joint Operations Command for Iraq, Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi AI-Abbasi. The leaders discussed the current security situation in Iraq and the progress of the Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against ISIS.
• 366th Fighter Wing approaches lead wing IOC with Raging Gunfighter 23-1 US Air Force 07 Feb 2023 -- Air Combat Command selected five units to serve as test beds for the Air Force's new deployment model in January 2022 and these units, designated as "lead wings," were tasked to figure out how to rapidly generate combat power as a deployed force anytime, anywhere.
• Second Air Force moves technical training into the 21st century US Air Force 07 Feb 2023 -- Second Air Force is looking to the future and moving toward a sixth-generation learning environment across its five technical training wings.
• U.S. Navy Senior Shipbuilding Admiral Visits Republic of Korea US Navy 07 Feb 2023 -- Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Ships traveled to the Republic of Korea (ROK) to meet with Ministry of National Defense Acquisition Leaders and tour private shipyards.
• Naval Support Activity Panama City to Participate in Annual Navy Force Protection Exercise US Navy 07 Feb 2023 -- Naval Support Activity Panama City will participate in an annual force protection exercise, Feb. 6-17, 2023.
• U.S. & Malawi Army Instructors Discuss NCO Development Army News 07 Feb 2023 -- U.S. and Malawi army instructors met in Salima, Malawi, Nov. 28 - Dec. 1 to discuss upcoming course offerings at the Malawi Armed Forces College.
• AFRICOM leaders visit Gabon Army News 07 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander, U.S, Africa Command, visited Gabon, Jan. 17-18. The trip included several stops to meet with host nation civilian and military leaders, U.S. Embassy leadership.
• African Lion 23 Moves Ahead Army News 07 Feb 2023 -- The next step in the year-long process to plan and conduct African Lion 23 concluded last week, here with the completion of the Pre Deployment Site Survey and Mid Planning Event, Jan. 17.
• Battalion prepares, ships Bradleys from APS-2 site to help train Ukrainian forces Army News 07 Feb 2023 -- Since fielding an entire armored brigade combat team's worth of Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 equipment last year, Army Field Support Battalion-Mannheim hasn't taken its foot off the gas and work at the Coleman APS-2 worksite in Mannheim hasn't slowed down.
• West Virginia Guard CST Responds to Ohio Train Derailment Army News 07 Feb 2023 -- The West Virginia National Guard's 35th Civil Support Team deployed to East Palestine, Ohio, to help first responders respond to the Feb. 3 derailment of a train containing hazardous materials.
• NATO starts work on Artificial Intelligence certification standard NATO 07 Feb 2023 -- NATO's Data and Artificial Intelligence Review Board (DARB) met on Tuesday (7 February 2023) to start the development of a user-friendly and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) certification standard to help industries and institutions across the Alliance make sure that new AI and data projects are in line with international law, as well as NATO's norms and values.
• Deputy Secretary General reaffirms deepening of NATO's partnership with Moldova NATO 07 Feb 2023 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (7 February 2023), underscoring NATO's commitment to deepening its partnership with the Republic of Moldova, with full respect for its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
• Russia to help Mali improve military capabilities: Lavrov Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has paid a visit to Mali, where he reassured the country's rulers that Moscow would continue to help the South African nation improve its military capabilities.
• Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Visits Mali VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday vowed that Russia will continue helping Mali improve its military capabilities in a joint press conference aired live on state television.
• Starting a new Leopard Initiative Germany - Federal Ministry of Defence 07 Feb 2023 -- "We reaffirm our continued determination to support Ukraine in their endeavour to withstand Russian aggression. Together, in a joint initiative, we will significantly enhance Ukraine's military potential for the restoration of their violated territorial integrity."
• Biden: US Will Support Ukraine 'As Long as It Takes' VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday the United States is united in support for Ukraine as it opposes a Russian invasion, and that the U.S. will stand with Ukraine "as long as it takes."
• Ukraine To Receive 100 Leopard 1 Battle Tanks, German Defense Minister Says In Kyiv RFE/RL 07 Feb 2023 -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has made a surprise visit to Kyiv, where he announced that Ukraine is to receive more than 100 battle tanks of the older Leopard 1 type from several European countries.
• Germany OKs delivery of 178 Leopard 1 tanks for Ukraine: Report Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Germany has approved sending 178 of its Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, a report says, almost two weeks after Berlin agreed to send several of its state-of-the-art Leopard 2 tanks to the ex-Soviet republic following intense pressure from allies.
• Germany, Denmark, Netherlands to Send Older, Refurbished Tanks to Ukraine VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands said Tuesday they are planning to send at least 100 older, refurbished Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine to bolster its defenses as Russia's invasion nears the one-year mark.
• Bern Mulls Allowing NATO to Re-export Swiss-made Weapons to Ukraine Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- The mountainous, landlocked country of 8.7 million hasn't invaded anyone since 1815, hasn't fought a major battle since 1499, and has been effectively neutral since 1515. Now, the European security crisis sparked by the NATO-Russia proxy conflict in Ukraine has prompted lawmakers in Bern to rethink the country's defense exports policy.
• 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforce officially starts escort mission PLA Daily 07 Feb 2023 -- The 42nd and 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforces held a rotation ceremony in the Gulf of Aden on February 5. This marks that the 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforce officially took over the escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia from the 42nd taskforce.
• Taiwan military research unit, private sector developing UAV fleet CNA 07 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan's top military research unit is working closely with the private sector to develop unmanned aviation vehicles (UAVs) for military use in the hope of building a "UAV fleet" next year, it said Tuesday.
• Taiwan Test-Fires Cruise Missile Capable of Striking Deep Inside China, Reports Say Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese breakaway province of Taiwan has continued to develop its offensive strike abilities, including cruise missiles and other surface strike weapons that can reach far from the island's shores. The weapons are intended as a deterrent against an attack by the Chinese government.
• Taiwan to Speed Up Military Drone Production Amid Tensions With Beijing: Science Institute Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan will accelerate the development and production of military drones with the help of civilian companies amid increased tensions with mainland China, Chi Li-ping, expert at the island's state-owned Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, said on Tuesday.
• Local councilors call for turning Kinmen into demilitarized zone CNA 07 Feb 2023 -- A bipartisan collective of Kinmen County councilors has launched an initiative to turn the frontline islands into a demilitarized zone (DMZ), amid escalating tensions between Taiwan and China.
• Enlarged Meeting of WPK Central Military Commission KCNA 07 Feb 2023 -- The Fourth Enlarged Meeting of the Eighth Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) took place at the office building of the Central Committee of the WPK on February 6 amid the soaring militant spirit and fighting enthusiasm of the Korean People's Army (KPA) to firmly guarantee the dynamic advance of the Korean-style socialist cause with matchless military muscle.
• North Korea pledges to expand military drills, scale up war readiness posture Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Hosting a weighty military meeting, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has vowed to ramp up the scope of the county's military drills and enhance its preparedness for war.
• Iran Army unveils underground air base IRNA 07 Feb 2023 -- The air force of the Iranian Army unveiled an underground facility called "Oqab 44" (Eagle 44) on Tuesday.
• Iran unveils underground tactical air base ISNA 07 Feb 2023 -- Iran unveiled an underground tactical air base named "Eagle 44" on Tuesday, with several high-ranking military officials including the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri in attendance.
• Iranian Army unveils underground 'Eagle 44' Air Force base Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- The Iranian Army has unveiled its first underground Air Force base, called "Oqab 44" (Eagle 44), which is capable of storing and operating various types of fighter jets, bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Many countries in line to buy Iran's defense products: General Bagheri Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has highlighted the country's self-reliance in manufacturing defense products, saying the homegrown Iranian military products have found many clients in the world.
• UK must halt defense cuts in order to keep arming Ukraine, says shadow defense secretary Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- UK shadow defense secretary is set to urge the conservative government to halt further cuts to the army, in a bid to keep supplying Ukraine with lethal arms and produce weapons and ammunition to restore the country's already depleted military stockpiles.
• UK and Greece seek strengthened Defence partnership UK MOD 07 Feb 2023 -- Greece and the United Kingdom have today signed a new defence and security agreement, targeting closer collaboration to benefit each country's military.
• Poland - High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) DSCA 07 Feb 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $10 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Chief of the Defence Staff hosts sixth Dragon Group meeting in London UK MOD 07 Feb 2023 -- The Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, hosted the sixth Dragon Group meeting this week at the Honourable Artillery Company in London.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 7, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 7 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Feb 2023
• Hope for better jobs eclipses religious ideology as main driver of recruitment to violent extremist groups in Sub-Saharan Africa UNDP 07 Feb 2023 -- Hope of finding work is the leading factor driving people to join fast-growing violent extremist groups in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a new report launched today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Lack of jobs, the main driver of violent extremism in sub-Saharan Africa: UNDP UN News 07 Feb 2023 -- A lack of job opportunities is the leading factor driving people to join fast-growing violent extremist groups in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a new report released by the UN Development Programme on Tuesday.
• UNDP: Work, Not Religion, Main Recruiting Tool of Violent Extremist Groups VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- A new report by the U.N. Development Program, UNDP, warns violent extremism is growing in sub-Saharan Africa and threatening to reverse hard-won development gains for generations to come.
• China Coast Guard 'harassed' Philippine counterpart, security expert says Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese coast guard was again on Tuesday accused of "tailing and harassing" Philippine law enforcement ships in the South China Sea, possibly due to Manila's recently announced security agreements with Washington, a maritime security expert said.
• 'Reasonable grounds' to believe Syrian Government was behind deadly chlorine gas attack on Douma: OPCW report UN News 07 Feb 2023 -- A new report released by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) finds "reasonable grounds" exist to believe the Syrian Government was responsible for a chemical weapons attack that killed 43 civilians in the suburban town of Douma in 2018, the organization's senior official told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2023
• Assad has been actively rebuilding chemical weapons in Syria UK FCDO 07 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Syria
• Iran questions credibility of chemical watchdog's Syria report Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Iran's UN mission questions the credibility of a report issued by the world chemical watchdog that accuses Syria of an alleged 2018 chemical attack against the Arab country's own people.
• Japan Seeking to Reach Peace Treaty With Russia on South Kurils: Prime Minister Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- The Japanese government regards the situation with Moscow and Tokyo not signing the peace agreement on the South Kuril Islands as regrettable, and Japan is committed to the resolution of territorial issues and concluding a peace treaty, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday.
• UN chief 'deeply regrets' Mali's decision to expel senior rights official UN News 07 Feb 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday he deeply regrets Mali's recent decision to declare the top UN human rights representative as persona non grata.
• Dozens Killed in Eastern Somaliland Clashes VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- At least 38 people were killed, and more than 130 others injured following two days of fighting in Las Anod town, in eastern Somaliland.
• Somali President Calls for Cease-Fire After Deadly Fighting VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Somalia's president has called for a cease-fire after clashes in a disputed town in the breakaway region of Somaliland left at least 13 people dead.
• UN High Commissioner Visits Displaced in Ethiopia VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi traveled to Ethiopia's Tigray region this week to meet with families displaced by conflict.
• Nigerian Authorities in Talks With Burkina Faso to Probe Pilgrims' Killing VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Nigerian authorities have vowed to provide justice after armed men in Burkina Faso attacked a group of Nigerian pilgrims on their way to Senegal, killing at least 16. Burkina Faso's military government launched an investigation of Monday's attack in an area known for Islamist militants.
• Central African Republic: US$465 million required to address ever-growing humanitarian needs in 2023 UNOCHA 07 Feb 2023 -- The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) continues to be exacerbated by violence against civilians and insecurity in locations outside urban centers, forcing more than one in five Central Africans to move in and out of the country.

News Reports

• Disinformation: Opening speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EEAS Conference on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Feb 2023
• Türkiye, Syria quake latest: full scale of disaster still unfolding, UN humanitarians warn UN News 07 Feb 2023 -- The full scale of the multiple earthquake disaster in Türkiye and Syria is still unfolding, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday, as they stressed the critical need to step up search and rescue efforts for victims and ensure that lifesaving aid reaches all those who need it.
• Crews Race to Find Survivors as Turkey-Syria Quake Toll Climbs VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Rescue crews in Turkey and Syria raced against the cold early Wednesday to find survivors buried in the rubble of buildings toppled by powerful earthquakes that struck the region Monday and left more than 7,700 people dead.
• NATO Allies and partners come to Türkiye's aid following devastating earthquakes NATO 07 Feb 2023 -- More than 1,400 emergency response personnel from more than twenty NATO Allies and partners - including invitees Finland and Sweden - are deploying to Türkiye, helping to respond to the devastating earthquakes which struck the country on 6 February.
• President of Ukraine had a phone call with the President of Türkiye President of Ukraine 07 Feb 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions during a joint news conference with Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop, Bamako, February 7, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Feb 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's comment for the media on the results of his meeting with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta, Bamako, February 7, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Feb 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop, Bamako, February 7, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Feb 2023
• Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Visits Mali VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday vowed that Russia will continue helping Mali improve its military capabilities in a joint press conference aired live on state television.
• Moscow Hands Note to US Embassy Demanding to Stop Interfering in Russia's Affairs, Source Says Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- The US Embassy was handed a note on Tuesday demanding to stop interfering in Russia's internal affairs, a source close to the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.
• Associate of Sanctioned Oligarch Indicted for Sanctions Evasion and Money Laundering US Dept. of Justice 07 Feb 2023 -- A federal court in New York unsealed an indictment today charging a citizen of the Russian Federation and legal permanent resident of the United States with participating in a scheme to make over $4 million in U.S. dollar payments to maintain four real properties in the United States that were owned by Viktor Vekselberg, a sanctioned oligarch, as well as to attempt to sell two of those properties.
• US Indicts Another Associate of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Vekselberg VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- The Justice Department is putting associates of Russian oligarchs on notice.
• Russian Government Rejects Bloomberg Report About Alleged Pressure on Central Bank Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- A Bloomberg article about alleged pressure from the Russian government on the Bank of Russia to lower the key rate is not true, Boris Belyakov, the prime minister's press secretary, detailed on Tuesday.
• Xi stresses grasping, advancing Chinese modernization Global Times 07 Feb 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed the importance of correctly understanding and vigorously advancing Chinese modernization.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2023 PRC MofA 07 Feb 2023
• US House Panels Hold Hearings on PRC Economic, Military Threats Following Balloon Incident Sputnik 07 Feb 2023 -- The US House Financial Services and Armed Services committees held hearings on Tuesday to discuss the economic and military threats posed by the People's Republic of China (PRC), following the transit of a Chinese balloon across the US last week.
• West should immediately stop interfering in political manipulation of HK's judicial proceedings: Chinese FM commissioner Global Times 07 Feb 2023 -- The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) expressed strongly disapproval and firm rejection on Tuesday to the irresponsible remarks made by some groups and members of the US Congress concerning HKSAR courts' trial of the Hong Kong 47 case. They slandered the situation of human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and interfered in its judicial proceedings.
• Landmark Trial Opens for Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Hong Kong's largest national security trial since the sweeping National Security Law was imposed by Beijing is underway with a cross-section of pro-democracy figures standing accused of "conspiracy to commit subversion" for holding pre-election primaries in July 2020 that Beijing had not condoned.
• Minister Ng speaks with Taiwan's Minister Deng Canada 07 Feb 2023 -- Creating investment opportunities across borders is key to ensuring Canada's long-term growth, future prosperity, and a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
• DPRK Premier Inspects Various Units in South Hamgyong Province and Nampho City KCNA 07 Feb 2023 -- Kim Tok Hun, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected various units in South Hamgyong Province and Nampho City.
• On National Day of Space, Iran puts on display homegrown Nahid-2 telecommunication, Tolou-3 remote sensing satellites Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran has unveiled two indigenous telecommunication and imaging satellites designed and manufactured by the country's specialists during an event attended by a number of high-ranking Iranian officials.
• Iran-Russia relations deep, fundamental: Shamkhani ISNA 07 Feb 2023 -- Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani stressed that relations between Iran and Russia are developing more fundamentally than before in various dimensions.
• Iran to start drilling at second largest gas field Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- Iran is preparing to start drilling works on its second largest gas field amid efforts by the country to further boost its natural gas output to meet a growing domestic demand for energy.
• US renews Iran sanctions waivers for civilian nuclear activities Press TV 07 Feb 2023 -- The United States has renewed a series of sanctions waivers that will allow Iran and Russia to cooperate on civilian nuclear work at Iranian uranium enrichment sites, amid stalled talks to bring the Washington back into full compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement.
• Rights Watchdog Calls Iranian Government's Anniversary Celebrations 'Shameful,' Banners Burned RFE/RL 07 Feb 2023 -- Protesters in several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, have set fire to government banners commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution as rights group Amnesty International chided the country's leaders for "decades of mass killings and cover-ups."
• Iran says "diplomatic dynamism" exists in talks to revive nuclear deal People's Daily 07 Feb 2023 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday that "diplomatic dynamism" exists through different channels in the talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and remove anti-Iran sanctions.
• INTERVIEW: 'There is light at the end of the tunnel' Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- Radio Free Asia talked with Malaysia's former Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, who was often a strong advocate for ASEAN to take stronger action on the crisis in Myanmar.
• Junta raids Sagaing region villages forcing 2,000 locals to flee Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- More than 2,000 villagers in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region fled ahead of two days of junta raids, the Kyunhla-Kanbalu Activists Group told RFA on Tuesday
• Funeral Held in Pakistan for Pervez Musharraf VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Final prayers were offered Tuesday in Karachi for Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's late president and military ruler.
• South Africa's President Admits Power Crisis Is Hurting Mining VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the county's electricity crisis has severely damaged its mining industry, a key pillar of the economy. Ramaphosa made the comment while addressing Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world's largest mining investment conference.
• Australia Holds Breakthrough Trade Talks with China VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell has been invited to China, boosting hopes that sanctions and tariffs on Australian exports are a step closer to being removed. Diplomatic tensions have hindered bilateral ties for several years, but the Canberra government has said it wants to "stabilize the relationship."
• Inflation tops 40% in Laos, squeezing state employees Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- Inflation in Laos hit 40.3% in January, according to the country's National Statistics Bureau, and even normally well-off state employees are feeling the squeeze.
• Former president's speech vanishes from Vietnam news sites Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- Vietnam's state-controlled news sites have been removing comments by the former president, denying that his family were involved in a 'bribes for contracts' COVID scandal.
• Solomon Islands politician critical of China relations ousted as Malaita premier Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2023 -- A Solomon Islands politician who was critical of the government's embrace of China was ousted as premier of Malaita province on Tuesday.
• Ukraine 'Disappointed' With Georgian Court's Rejection Of Saakashvili's Release Request RFE/RL 07 Feb 2023 -- Ukraine has expressed concerns over a court decision in Tbilisi rejecting an appeal to release former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who holds Ukrainian citizenship, from prison on health grounds.
• Another Group Of Karakalpak Activists Goes On Trial In Uzbekistan Over 2022 Protests RFE/RL 07 Feb 2023 -- A court in Uzbekistan's southwestern city of Bukhara has started the trial of another 39 Karakalpak activists accused of taking part in unsanctioned anti-government protests in the Central Asian nation's Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan last year.
• Nigerians Vote Soon to Choose Next President, Lawmakers VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- Nigerians will vote on February 25 to choose their next president along with lawmakers in the House and Senate chambers. With 18 candidates vying for the job, experts at a panel discussion on Tuesday weighed in on the electoral dynamics and their implications for security, the economy and Nigeria's foreign policy.