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Defense Policy / Programs

• USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) Conducts Port Visit to Diego Garcia US Navy 14 Feb 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) conducted a port visit at U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, Feb. 11.
• USTRANSCOM command team witnesses AASAB mobility efforts in action CENTCOM 14 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, and U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, command senior enlisted leader for USTRANSCOM, made a stop at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 10, 2023, to see the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing actively support the USTRANSCOM mission of conducting globally integrated mobility operations.
• Readout of the New Round of U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Maritime Security DoD 14 Feb 2023
• US to send most troops in a decade to join Cobra Gold 2023 Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- The United States will deploy its largest contingent in 10 years to the Cobra Gold Exercise 2023 in Thailand as the two long-standing allies celebrate the 190th anniversary of diplomatic ties, officials from both countries said Tuesday.
• Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent US Air Force 14 Feb 2023 -- A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle on Feb. 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• Poland is the leader of the coalition of countries aiding Ukraine Republic of Poland 14 Feb 2023 -- Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak attends a meeting of NATO defense ministers held at the North Atlantic Alliance Headquarters in Brussels on February 14-15.
• NATO launches new 'surveillance' network as war rages on in Ukraine Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- The chief of the NATO military alliance has announced a plan to launch a new "virtual network" comprising national and commercial satellites as the war in Ukraine approaches one year.
• Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels NATO 14 Feb 2023
• Secretary General welcomes US Secretary of Defense to meeting of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 14 Feb 2023
• 105 Ukrainian soldiers undergo Leopard 2 tank training in Poland People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- A total of 105 Ukrainian soldiers undergo training in Poland to learn how to use the Leopard 2 tanks, the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported Monday, citing Polish military official.
• Stoltenberg Explains Why Support to Ukraine Still Matters DoD News 14 Feb 2023 -- A year on, support to Ukraine from nations around the world matters more than ever, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels today.
• NATO Ministers Pledge More Military Equipment For Ukraine As Russian Attacks Intensify RFE/RL 14 Feb 2023 -- Russian forces bombarded Ukrainian towns along the front lines in the eastern Donetsk region on February 14 as Ukraine's Western allies met at NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss sending more arms to Ukraine.
• NATO defence ministers to discuss accelerated support to Ukraine ahead of anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion UK MOD 14 Feb 2023 -- The first meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in 2023 will focus on how to sustain and accelerate military support for Ukraine
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hold a Press Conference Following the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Brussels, Belgium DoD 14 Feb 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Delivers Opening Remarks at the 9th Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Brussels, Belgium DoD 14 Feb 2023
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Ninth Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 14 Feb 2023
• Austin: Contact Group Continues Stand With Ukrainian People DoD News 14 Feb 2023 -- After almost a year, the free world still stands with Ukraine as it defends its liberty and sovereignty, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said at the conclusion of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels today.
• NATO chief: Ukraine consuming enormous amount of munitions, depleting allied stockpiles Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- The secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) says Ukraine's Western allies are having a hard time keeping up with Kiev's ever-increasing demand for ammunition to be used in its war with Russia.
• Ukraine Defence Contact Group: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell before the meeting at NATO HQ European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Feb 2023
• Norway with comprehensive tanks-package to Ukraine Government of Norway 14 Feb 2023 -- Norway will donate 8 tanks and up to 4 special purpose tanks to Ukraine. We are also earmarking funds to ammunition and spare parts, says Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
• Denmark, Netherlands Will Reportedly Not Supply Leopard 2 Tanks to Ukraine Sputnik 14 Feb 2023 -- Denmark and the Netherlands will not take part in the delivery of more modern versions of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, German media has reported.
• Sights on a lethal game changer Australia DOD 14 Feb 2023 -- For the first time in its history, the Army will have the ability to accurately hit surface targets hundreds of kilometres away with guided missiles.
• Defence Strategic Review handed to Government Prime Minister of Australia 14 Feb 2023 -- Today, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister received the final Defence Strategic Review (DSR) report.
• Indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines need of the hour for aerospace sector to achieve complete self-reliance; MoD working on the details, says Raksha Mantri during DRDO seminar at Aero India 2023 India PIB 14 Feb 2023 -- Ministry of Defence is working on the details of indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines to provide a new fillip to the aerospace sector and achieve complete self-reliance.
• Japan mulls pushing up purchase of US Tomahawk cruise missiles Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Japan is looking to accelerate a plan to purchase long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States amid growing tensions with China and North Korea.
• Japan Reportedly Plans to Buy US' Tomahawk Missiles Sputnik 14 Feb 2023 -- Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has announced plans to sign a contract with the United States to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles, a Japanese news agency reported.
• Kuwait - Medical Information System for Kuwait Military Medical Command (KMMC) DSCA 14 Feb 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of planning, integration, implementation, and maintenance of a Medical Information System for its Kuwait Military Medical Command (KMMC) for an estimated cost of $250 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• A Cold War on Two Fronts? No Thanks, Says Biden VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- Despite intense pressure from his Republican opposition, President Joe Biden appears intent on maintaining a measured response to the Chinese spy balloon that crossed the continental United States early this month.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with UN Secretary-General Guterres US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with "National Unity Government" (NUG) Representative Zin Mar Aung US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Republic of Korea First Vice Minister Cho US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Japanese Vice Minister Mori US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Pandor US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, 2/14/2023 The White House 14 Feb 2023
• Department Press Briefing - February 14, 2023 US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 14, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 14 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Feb 2023
• Taliban Raid IS Hideout in Kabul Amid Terror Threat to Diplomatic Missions VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- Taliban security forces in Afghanistan have raided an Islamic State "hideout" in the capital, Kabul, and killed several members of the militant group, according to officials.
• Washington backs Manila as Philippines lodges laser protest with China Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. has expressed support for the Philippines over the laser incident in the South China Sea, condemning China's "provocative and unsafe" conduct.
• PH Protests CN Coast Guard Use of Military-Grade Laser, Dangerous Maneuvers Against PCG Near Ayungin Philippines DFA 14 Feb 2023 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs protested the latest aggressive activities of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against Philippine official vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, including dangerous maneuvers and the use of a military-grade laser on members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
• US' coercion will not shake China's strong will to safeguard sovereignty and legitimate rights in South China Sea: FM Global Times 14 Feb 2023 -- The US will not shake China's resolve and strong will to safeguard its sovereignty and legitimate rights, no matter how it seeks to use the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the US to coerce and smear China on South China Sea affairs, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the Israeli Settlement Announcement US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023 -- Following is the text of a Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States:
• Statement on the Government of Israel's announcement concerning settlements Canada 14 Feb 2023
• Minister of Foreign Affairs: Condemns decision on Israeli settlements Government of Norway 14 Feb 2023
• Pakistan condemns Israel's decision to legalize settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory of West Bank Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Feb 2023 -- 34/2023
• Survey Paints Bleak Picture of Ethiopia's State of Mind After Two Years of War VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- As Ethiopians emerge from two years of conflict, a new Gallup survey paints a bleak picture of people suffering economically and emotionally.
• Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 14 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

News Reports

• New Al-Qaida Leader Commanding from Iran VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- More than six months after the United States killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in an airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan, leadership of the terror group appears to have quietly passed to his heir apparent in Iran.
• In drug bust, Lao police seize half a ton of crystal meth in Golden Triangle Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- Lao police are searching for the kingpin of an illegal drug smuggling operation in the Golden Triangle area, where authorities seized 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrested four smugglers in one of the largest hauls of the narcotic in the notorious crime zone, Lao officials said Monday.
• WHO supports Equatorial Guinea in combatting country's first-ever deadly Marburg virus outbreak UN News 14 Feb 2023 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) deployed experts to Equatorial Guinea this week following confirmation of the first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the country.
• Serbia, Montenegro Request Clarification After Moldova Warns Of Possible Russian Provocation RFE/RL 14 Feb 2023 -- Serbia and Montenegro have asked Moldova for a clarification of statements made by Moldovan President Maia Sandu about information she said she received from Ukraine regarding Russian plans to carry out destabilizing actions with the participation of citizens of Serbia and Montenegro.
• Kremlin-Linked Leader Of Wagner Mercenary Group Acknowledges Ownership Of 'Troll Factory' RFE/RL 14 Feb 2023 -- The leader and co-founder of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is known to have close ties to President Vladimir Putin, has acknowledged for the first time that he owns the Internet Research Agency -- a so-called "troll factory" in St. Petersburg specialized in creating fake social-media accounts and spreading disinformation and propaganda.
• Meeting of judges of general jurisdiction, military and arbitration courts President of Russia 14 Feb 2023 -- The President took part, via videoconference, in the annual meeting of judges of Russia's general jurisdiction, military and arbitration courts to review the performance of the Russian judicial system in 2022 and priorities for the current year.
• Meeting with leader of A Just Russia - For the Truth party Sergei Mironov President of Russia 14 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with head of the A Just Russia - For the Truth political party faction in the State Duma Sergei Mironov.
• Putin Using Special Train, Secret Railway Network, Investigative Reports Say RFE/RL 14 Feb 2023 -- Investigative reports say Russian President Vladimir Putin has been using a specially built armored train for his official travel, while a secret railway network has been built near his residences.
• US: No Initial Evidence 3 Downed Objects Linked to China or Other Foreign Spying VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. government said Tuesday that so far it has no evidence that the three airborne objects it shot down last weekend over North America were linked to China or any other foreign spy program.
• No evidence downed aerial objects linked to China: White House Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- The White House says there is no evidence that the unidentified aerial objects shot down recently by the US were connected to China or any foreign country's spying program.
• 3 Downed Objects Still Unrecovered, Says US Military VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- The United States said Monday it does not know the origin of the three high-altitude objects it shot down over the past few days as they drifted in the winds over North America.
• Ministry says US balloons have often flown over China People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- China said on Monday that high-altitude balloons from the United States had flown over its airspace more than 10 times since the beginning of last year without permission from Chinese authorities.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 14, 2023 PRC MofA 14 Feb 2023
• China launches visa scheme to lure professionals to Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- China has unveiled a new visa scheme that could draw a large influx of highly qualified people to live and work in Hong Kong, which has seen a mass exodus of people since the ruling Chinese Communist Party launched a crackdown on dissent in the wake of 2019 protests.
• Xinjiang governor cancels Europe trip after outcry from politicians and activists Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- The chairman of China's far-western Xinjiang region, Erkin Tuniyaz, has canceled a trip to the United Kingdom and the European Union after an outcry from politicians and Uyghur activists who said welcoming him would tacitly condone China's human rights abuses of Uyghurs.
• Slump at Chinese factories will lead to greater labor unrest: report Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- A slump at Chinese manufacturers making everything from electronics to clothing is sparking a wave of strikes and labor disputes that will likely intensify in the coming year, a Hong Kong-based labor rights group said in a recent report.
• Bolstering Iran-China ties to help world security: President Raisi IRNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday that Iran and China are friends of tough times, adding that further enhancement of relations between the two countries could help world security.
• Pres. Raisi: Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership symbol of will to develop ties IRNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a meeting with China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Tuesday described Iran-China's comprehensive strategic partnership as a symbol of the will of the two countries to develop relations.
• Pres. Raisi: Iran, China friends of tough times IRNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday described Iran and China as friends of tough times.
• Chinese President: China to unswervingly maintain its friendship with Iran IRNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping in a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday said that no matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly maintain its friendship and cooperation with Iran and advance China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.
• Iran, China ink 20 cooperation documents IRNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian and Chinese high-ranking officials inked 20 cooperation documents during Iran's President's visit to Beijing.
• Iran, China friends in difficult times: President Raisi ISNA 14 Feb 2023 -- In the meeting with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the President described Iran and China as friends in difficult times and appreciated the constructive support of the Chinese National People's Congress in order to develop cooperation between the two countries.
• Background of cooperation between 2 great civilizations of Iran, China historical, valuable: Raisi ISNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian President described the comprehensive strategic partnership document between Iran and China as a symbol of the will of the two countries to develop relations, emphasizing the necessity of the efforts of the two countries to fully implement it.
• Iran, China resolved to fully implement comprehensive strategic partnership agreement ISNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed, "Wherever the interests of the Iranian people entail, we will be there based on mutual interests".
• Iranian President officially welcomed by Chinese counterpart ISNA 14 Feb 2023 -- China's President Xi Jinping has officially welcomed his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi at National People's Congress on Tuesday.
• Raeisi: Consolidation of Iran-China ties 'effective' in promoting regional, global security Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran and China are "friends in hard times," stressing that further strengthening of relations between the two countries will contribute to the security of the region and the world.
• Xi lauds China-Iran close ties, says Beijing will 'unswervingly' develop friendly cooperation with Tehran Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded the close relationship between Iran and China, stressing that Beijing will "unswervingly" develop friendly cooperation with Tehran irrespective of international and regional changes.
• Raeisi's visit to Beijing: Iran, China sign 20 cooperation documents Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Iran and China have signed 20 documents and memoranda of understanding to further expand cooperation in various fields.
• Xi meets Raisi, injecting new momentum to China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership Global Times 14 Feb 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday in Beijing where the two leaders agreed on deepening China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides are expected to increase coordination under multilateral platforms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and inject positive energy to regional and global peace.
• China looks forward to advancing ties with Iran: spokesperson People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- China looks forward to working with Iran to take the upcoming China visit by the Iranian president as an opportunity to promote greater development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Monday.
• Iran reports major surge in petchem, oil products exports Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Iran has reported major increases in exports of certain petrochemicals and oil products in the calendar year that started in late March 2022.
• 'Hands Are Stained With Blood': Iranians Outraged After Shah-Era Secret-Police Official Attends U.S. Rally RFE/RL 14 Feb 2023 -- Tens of thousands of Iranian-Americans, including supporters of the exiled former crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, held a rally in Los Angeles recently to show their support for the ongoing anti-regime protests in the Islamic republic.
• Australia Says It Foiled Iranian Surveillance Plot VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- Australian security agencies say they have shut down a foreign interference plot by Iran. The conspiracy allegedly included individuals conducting surveillance of the home of an Iranian-Australian, who was linked to Australian protests about the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran last year.
• Paraguay leader says Taiwan trip to renew commitments before presidency ends CNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Visiting Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez said that his trip is intended to review bilateral cooperation and renew commitments, after his arrival in Taiwan on Tuesday, as both states mark the 66th anniversary of their official bilateral relations later this year.
• President Tsai meets with SVG foreign minister, Belize first lady CNA 14 Feb 2023 -- St. Vincent and the Grenadines Foreign Minister Keisal Peters and Belize first lady Rossana Briceno met separately with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday in Taipei, ahead of their participation in a forum on women's empowerment.
• Detected Chinese balloons all weather balloons: Taiwan's military CNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan's military on Tuesday said all Chinese balloons detected in Taiwan's airspace to date were weather balloons and did not pose a security threat that justified shooting them down.
• No spy balloons over Taiwan, defense ministry says Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has dismissed concerns about China flying spy balloons over the island while the U.S. said it has recovered "significant debris" from the balloon that was taken down off the coast of South Carolina.
• Greetings to DPRK Minister of National Defense from His Chinese Counterpart KCNA 14 Feb 2023 -- Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defense of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from Wei Fenghe, state councilor and minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China (PRC), on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA).
• Activists in Aiding Army Have Good Time in Pyongyang KCNA 14 Feb 2023 -- The activists in the traits of assisting the army, who were invited to the celebrations of the 75th birthday of the Korean People's Army (KPA) as special delegates, have enjoyed themselves at the bases for cultural and leisure activities in the capital city of Pyongyang, getting special treatment under the special care and benevolence of the Party that is putting forward them as the most patriotic people.
• In bid to boost childbearing, North Korea offers sporadic extra food Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- As North Korea's birth rate declines amid chronic food shortages, authorities are offering families with three or more children extra food twice a year, on the birthdays of the country's former leaders.
• UN efforts in Myanmar fail in implementation: Shadow government, aid groups Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- Myanmar's shadow government and aid groups have welcomed the United Nations' efforts to assist millions amid widespread armed conflict in the country, but say they must be better implemented if they are to be effective.
• Illegal gold mining expanding unchecked under junta in Myanmar's Kachin state Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- A rapid expansion in illegal gold mining since the military coup is poisoning the water supply in Myanmar's Kachin state and destroying the livelihoods of residents who say the ethnic Kachin group that administers the region has failed to police the sector.
• Myanmar's opposition opens foreign ministry office in US Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- Myanmar's opposition National Unity Government officially opened a shadow embassy in Washington on Monday, with a U.S. State Department official at the event using a speech to reject the legitimacy of elections planned by the military junta later this year.
• Prime Minister holds telephone conversation with the President of the U.S.A. India MEA 14 Feb 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Modi of India The White House 14 Feb 2023
• Prime Minister participates in a video call with President of France on the Launch of the new Air India-Airbus Partnership India MEA 14 Feb 2023
• Indian Tax Authorities Search BBC Offices in Delhi, Mumbai VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- Tax officials in India searched the British Broadcasting Corporation's offices Tuesday in New Delhi and Mumbai, weeks after the Indian government called a BBC documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi "propaganda."
• Guterres calls on countries to fully fund $397 million quake appeal for Syria UN News 14 Feb 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday announced a $397 million humanitarian appeal to aid the people of earthquake-ravaged Syria, to help secure "desperately needed" relief for nearly five million people.
• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press encounter on the Humanitarian Appeal for Syria UN Secretary-General 14 Feb 2023
• UN chief welcomes Syria's decision to open two crossing points for aid delivery People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday hailed Syria's decision to open two crossing points, which he said would allow more and quick aid delivery.
• At UN, China calls for sanctions on quake-hit Syria to be lifted Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- China has called for the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria in the wake of a devastating earthquake in the Arab country.
• Syria slams US sanctions, unilateral actions for hampering humanitarian aid delivery Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says emergency humanitarian aid must be brought into all quake-hit areas in northwest Syria, including those not under the Damascus government's control.
• Syrian president urges quick aid delivery across quake-hit Syria People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday urged immediate delivery of relief aid to all areas in Syria struck by earthquakes on Feb. 6, the state news agency SANA reported.
• Nearly 9 million people in Syria affected by Türkiye earthquake, UN launches $400 million funding appeal UNOCHA 14 Feb 2023 -- Close to 9 million people in Syria have been affected by last week's devastating earthquakes, the United Nations said today. Humanitarian agencies will need $397.6 million to respond to the most pressing humanitarian needs over the next three months.
• Facts about Türkiye, Syria quake: Death toll tops 35,000, int'l aid continues People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- The following are the latest facts about quake-hit Trkiye and Syria.
• UN chief: Syrian president agrees to open two more border crossings to help quake-hit people Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations' secretary-general says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to open two more border crossings to facilitate relief aid delivery to the northern part of the quake-hit country, which is held by militants.
• Death toll tops 31,000 one week after Türkiye's quakes People's Daily 14 Feb 2023 -- Rescue teams in Trkiye slowed down search efforts for quake victims on Monday, one week after the devastating earthquake that has so far killed at least 31,643 people in the country.
• US Arrests Four in Haiti President Assassination Plot VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- U.S. federal agents arrested four Florida men on Tuesday in connection with the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, bringing to 11 the number of defendants in the United States facing charges over the plot.
• Four Florida Men Arrested in Plot to Kill Haitian President, Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against 11 US Dept. of Justice 14 Feb 2023 -- This morning, U.S. federal law enforcement arrested two U.S. citizens and a legal permanent resident living in South Florida and one U.S. citizen living in Tampa pursuant to criminal complaints on charges relating to their participation in the events leading to the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti.
• Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen Delivers Remarks on Haitian President Assassination Prosecution US Dept. of Justice 14 Feb 2023
• Iran's SADRA set to seal oil tankers for Venezuela deal Press TV 14 Feb 2023 -- Venezuela plans to contract the construction of two more oil tankers by an Iranian shipyard which has already built and delivered two Aframax vessels to the South American country, a report says.
• Former Kyrgyz President Atambaev Released From Prison To Receive Medical Treatment Abroad RFE/RL 14 Feb 2023 -- Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev, who was serving an 11-year sentence for his role in the release from prison of notorious crime boss Aziz Batukaev, has been released from prison and allowed to receive medical treatment abroad.
• Fiji's leader promises overhaul of draconian media law Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2023 -- Fiji's recently elected prime minister said his government will replace the Pacific island country's oppressive media law - which allows fines and prison sentences for news reports that authorities deem against the national interest - with legislation that reflects democratic values.
• Steps to prevent the worst consequences of climate change impacting future peace and security: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 14 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council open debate on sea-level rise
• Tunisia: UN rights chief concerned over crackdown on opposition UN News 14 Feb 2023 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has voiced concern over the deepening crackdown in Tunisia targeting perceived political opponents of President Kais Saied as well as civil society, his Office, OHCHR, reported on Tuesday.
• Report: Africa Relations with China, Russia Do Not Imply Support for New World Order VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- The annual report of the Munich Security Conference has found that global attitudes toward Russia and China have shifted since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, including in Africa. The report says African countries' discontent with the West has not translated into a desire for Beijing or Moscow to wield greater influence over the international order.
• Ugandan Lawmakers Get Bail After 17 Months With No Trial VOA 14 Feb 2023 -- Opposition leaders welcomed the release on bail Monday night of two legislators allied with the National Unity Platform, led by Bobi Wine.