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Defense Policy / Programs

• White House Releases Updated U.S. Conventional Arms Transfer Policy US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2023 -- Revitalizing America's alliances is a key element of the Biden-Harris Administration's approach to foreign policy.
• Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 23 Feb 2023 -- The Department of Defense announced today the repatriations of Abdul Rabbani and Mohammed Rabbani from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Pakistan.
• 8th U.S.-ROK Deterrence Strategy Committee Table-Top Exercise - Joint Press Release DoD 23 Feb 2023 -- The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) conducted the 8th U.S-ROK Deterrence Strategy Committee Table-Top Exercise (DSC TTX), February 22, 2023 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Following the TTX, the ROK and U.S. delegations visited the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, February 23, 2023.
• US Army Officials Confident in Competition with China VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Not all branches of the U.S. military are equally worried about keeping pace with China's military expansion.
• Minnesota, Norway Partner for 50th Troop Exchange Army News 23 Feb 2023 -- More than 100 Minnesota National Guard Airmen and Soldiers partnered with the Heimevernet, the Norwegian Home Guard, for two weeks of winter warfare training during the 50th U.S./Norway Reciprocal Troop Exchange Feb. 2-16.
• U.S., Bahrain Establish Working Group to Operationalize Unmanned Fleet CENTCOM 23 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) established a working group for operationalizing unmanned systems with the Kingdom of Bahrain, Feb. 23.
• DOD Aims to Boost Small Business Involvement in Nation's Defense DoD News 23 Feb 2023 -- The Defense Department's Office of Small Business Programs has several efforts underway to make it easier for the nation's small business community to become more involved in providing goods, services, technology and research in support of the nation's defense.
• U.S. and Japanese Forces Conduct Exercise Resilient Shield 2023 US Navy 23 Feb 2023 -- U.S. and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) concluded Resilient Shield 2023 onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, and various command centers throughout the region, Feb. 23.
• IMSC Task Force Completes Monthly Naval Exercise in Arabian Gulf US Navy 23 Feb 2023 -- The operational task force for an 11-nation naval coalition called the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) completed a monthly naval exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 22, involving ships and aircraft from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
• Republic of Korea Navy Ship Assists Stranded French Mariners US Navy 23 Feb 2023 -- Sailors from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy assisted civilian mariners from France, Feb. 16, after their vessel spent three days adrift in the Gulf of Aden due to an engine malfunction.
• Marine Corps releases Installations and Logistics 2030 USMC News Release 23 Feb 2023 -- The Marine Corps released Installations and Logistics 2030 on February 23, 2023.
• Putin promises 'modern army', deployment of Sarmat nuclear missile Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin has called Russia's military a guarantor of national stability, promising to boost arms production nearly a year after the start of the Ukraine war.
• President Putin vows to boost Russia's nuclear forces Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia will continue to pay increased attention to boosting its nuclear forces, after he declared his decision to suspend the country's participation in an arms control treaty with the United States.
• Russian Military Decides Against Probe Into Alleged Beating Of Soldiers Mobilized From Tyva RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- Russia's military prosecutors have decided not to launch a probe into claims by a group of Tyvan men mobilized to fight for Russia's armed forces in Ukraine that they were beaten and mistreated.
• Congratulations on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day President of Russia 23 Feb 2023 -- In a video address, Vladimir Putin congratulated veterans, military and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces and all Russian citizens on this holiday.
• Wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier President of Russia 23 Feb 2023 -- On Defender of the Fatherland Day, Vladimir Putin honoured the memory of the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall and laying flowers at the Hero City obelisks and the monument in honour of the Cities of Military Glory.
• US Seeks to Resume Nuclear Inspections With Russia Under New START Treaty: Nuland Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- The United States seeks to return to mutual inspections of nuclear stockpiles with Russia under the New START treaty following suspension of Moscow's participation, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said on Thursday.
• Nuclear Arms Race Fears as Russia Suspends Treaty VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- There are fears of a new global nuclear arms race after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this week he will suspend the country's participation in the New START treaty, which limits the number of warheads deployed by Russia and the United States.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on UN Vote To Support Peace in Ukraine The White House 23 Feb 2023
• Delivery of US Abrams Tanks to Ukraine May Take Up to 1 Year or More - Army Secretary Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- The delivery of US-made Abrams tanks to Ukraine may take up to a year or even more, despite Kiev's ongoing calls to speed up the process, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said Thursday.
• Czechia sends hundreds of heavy military systems worth tens of billions to Ukraine during the first year of Russian invasion Government of the Czech Republic 23 Feb 2023 -- In the first year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Czechia has delivered dozens of tanks, combat and armoured vehicles and other heavy military systems to Ukraine. Roughly one third of the material came from the Czech Army, the rest was supplied by Czech defence companies. /li>
• UK Sets Up Secret Task Force to Purchase Ammunition for Ukraine: Report Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- The UK Ministry of Defense has established a secret task force to purchase ammunition for Ukraine, especially Soviet-made weapons, American media reported on Thursday, citing documents it obtained and people familiar with the matter.
• UK Defense Chief Ready to Send More Tanks to Ukraine to Replace Losses as Army Runs Critically Low Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- Britain has already committed 14 of its 227 Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine in support of the NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.
• Finland's latest defence materiel package to Ukraine includes three Leopard 2 mine clearing tanks Finnish MoD 23 Feb 2023 -- Finland will deliver another package of defence materiel to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 23 February 2023 on the proposal of the Government. This will be the 13th package of defence materiel to Ukraine.
• Greece Not Supplying S-300 Air Defense Systems to Kiev Despite US Requests, Defense Minister Says Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- Athens will not supply S-300 air defense missile systems to Ukraine, despite the United States' relevant requests, as this would weaken Greece's defense, the country's Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos told media.
• China boosts defense cooperation with UAE as US influence wanes in Middle East Global Times 23 Feb 2023 -- After announcing the signing of a contract that will see Chinese L15 supersonic jets exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at an ongoing defense expo in Abu Dhabi, China's aviation industry went further and opened a UAE joint lab focusing on research and development as well as talent cultivation.
• China Concerned Over US Getting Access to 4 More Military Bases in Philippines Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- China is concerned over the fact that the United States got access to four new military bases in the Philippines and views Washington as the biggest destabilizing actor in the region, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei said on Thursday.
• US plans to drastically boost troop deployment to Chinese Taipei: Reports Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- The United States plans to drastically boost the number of American military troops deployed in Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and in defiance of China's warning against such deployments to the self-ruled island, according to reports.
• North Korea Announces Cruise Missile Drill VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- North Korea launched four "strategic cruise missiles" Thursday as part of a drill meant to demonstrate Pyongyang's "deadly nuclear counterattack capability," state media announced.
• North Korea Test-Fired Four Cruise Missiles in Latest Show of 'War Posture' Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) broke a several-year calm period last September when it began a slew of new missile tests it said were in response to provocative war games carried out by Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The latter two have remained in a legal state of war with the DPRK since 1950.
• Defence Secretary & his Sri Lankan counterpart review bilateral ties during 7th Annual Defence Dialogue in New Delhi; Agree to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises India PIB 23 Feb 2023 -- 7th Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka was held in New Delhi on February 23, 2023. It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his Sri Lankan counterpart General Kamal Gunaratne.
• Polish Armed Forces' soldiers train on K9 cannon howitzers Republic of Poland 23 Feb 2023 -- On Thursday, February 23 in Torun, Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Defense, and Lee Jong-Sup, Minister of Defense of South Korea observed a combat training demonstration conducted by the soldiers of the 1st Mazurian Artillery Brigade during which K9 cannon howitzers were used for the very first time.
• President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss Russia's war of aggression and progress of Finland's NATO membership process Finnish Government 23 Feb 2023 -- In their meeting on Thursday 23 February, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe.
• Defence Forces' anti-tank capabilities to be complemented Finnish MoD 23 Feb 2023 -- Minister of Defence Mikko Savola has approved the Defence Forces' proposal to procure NLAW anti-tank missiles. The Ministerial Finance Committee supported the procurement in its session on 9 February 2023.
• Finland to Buy $39Mln Worth of Anti-Tank Missiles From Sweden's Saab Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- Finnish Defense Minister Mikko Savola has authorized the procurement of NLAW anti-tank missile systems from Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab for 37 million euros ($39 million), the Finnish Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• Russian Invasion Changed Europe's Security Environment 'for Decades' VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine one year ago has sparked a long-term transformation across European defenses, a top U.S. general told VOA, as the Pentagon warns that Moscow has "already lost" its fight to control Ukraine.
• Joint Statement on the U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2023 -- The following is a text of the joint statement released by the Governments of the United States of America and Oman on the occasion of the U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue.
• Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue between Slovenia and the United States US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2023 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Slovenia and the United States of America after the third U.S.-Slovenia Strategic Dialogue held in Washington D.C.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Equatoguinean President Obiang US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, February 23, 2023 The White House 23 Feb 2023
• Department Press Briefing - February 23, 2023 US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 23, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 23 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Feb 2023
• New UK plan launched to protect women and girls in conflict UK FCDO 23 Feb 2023 -- The UK government launches the new National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security to reduce the impact of conflict, and other global threats, on women.
• Key Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Crossing Reopens after High-Level Talks VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Taliban authorities in Afghanistan said Thursday they had reopened a busy border crossing with Pakistan after four days of closure that saw thousands of travelers and trade convoys, with many carrying food items, stranded on either side.
• 'I Have No Choice': Cleared From The Streets, Kabul's Poorest Go Door-To-Door In Search Of Alms RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- The Taliban has banned begging and rounded up thousands of impoverished Afghans seeking alms on the streets of the capital, Kabul, in recent months.
• Philippines sounds fresh China alarm over ships in EEZ Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. is "committed and focused" to conducting joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, its navy chief said, as Manila again accused China of keeping coast guard ships in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• Chinese ship threatens and confiscates catch of Vietnamese boat off Paracel Islands Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- A Chinese ship confiscated the catch of a Vietnamese fishing boat anchored in the waters off the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on Feb. 19, the state-sponsored Tuoi Tre Newspaper reported.
• US intentionally prolonging Yemen conflict to earn substantial profits from arms deals: Ansarullah leader Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- The leader of Yemen's popular Ansarullah resistance movement says the United States is deliberately prolonging the world's worst humanitarian disaster in war-torn Yemen in order to reap huge profits from arms deals with Saudi Arabia and its regional allies, which are engaged in the devastating war on the country.
• UK announces new food security support for Yemen UK FCDO 23 Feb 2023 -- The UK announces new UK food security support for Yemen as Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to food and fuel price increases.
• Despite danger, hundreds of displaced in Myanmar's Kachin state return to their homes Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Facing food shortages in overcrowded camps where they've been living for a decade, more than 1,000 people in Myanmar's northern Kachin state have returned to their villages - despite fears that fighting could flare up at any time, they told Radio Free Asia.
• Support for Libyan Elections US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2023 -- "Today, the United States hosted the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, and senior officials from Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Türkiye, the UAE, and the UK, to discuss the Libyan people's demand for presidential and parliamentary elections."
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the Order issued by the ICJ European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Feb 2023 -- The European Union takes note of the binding Order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), indicating that Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.
• UN court orders Azerbaijan to allow free passage in Karabakh Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- The UN's top court has ordered Azerbaijan to allow free passage through the Lachin Corridor, which extends between Armenia and Karabakh.
• Former Russian Businessman Removed From Top Separatist Post Of Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- Billionaire Ruben Vardanian, a former Russian citizen of Armenian descent, has been removed from the post of prime minister in the de facto government of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh less than four months after he was appointed, most of which has been dominated by an Azerbaijani blockade into the area.
• UNHCR Says Attention to Humanitarian Matters in Africa Not Adequate - Special Envoy Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey, UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa told Sputnik that while there is attention paid to Africa's humanitarian issues, it is still not adequate.
• Israeli Airstrikes Hit Gaza After Deadly Raid, Rocket Fire VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Israel's military said Thursday it carried out airstrikes against targets linked to Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip in response to a series of rockets fired hours earlier at Israeli territory.
• Israel launches airstrikes against Gaza after Nablus massacre Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- Israel has carried out airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip, a day after the occupying regime's forces carried out a violent raid on the occupied West Bank city of Nablus.
• Raising alarms over deadly Israel-Palestinian clashes, UN officials call for immediate de-escalation UN News 23 Feb 2023 -- Top UN officials have called for halting escalating cycles of violence following Israeli-Palestinian clashes and airstrikes on Wednesday that left 11 dead and more than 100 injured.
• China, India vow to find solution for issues concerning western section of border Global Times 23 Feb 2023 -- China and India have vowed to come up with a solution for issues concerning the western section of the China-India border based on a previously agreed consensus, officials from both countries said at the 26th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs held in Beijing on Wednesday.
• DR Congo: Senior UN rights official calls on authorities to stop 'appalling' violence UN News 23 Feb 2023 -- A top UN human rights official called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to redouble efforts to promote intercommunal trust amid a spate of deadly attacks targeting civilians.
• South Sudan's Kiir Calls for 2.3 Million Refugees to Return Home VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- South Sudan's president is appealing to the more than 2 million South Sudanese refugees living in neighboring countries to start returning home. Salva Kiir says his government will provide returning refugees with the necessary security.
• Sudan: Over 418,000 people newly displaced in Sudan in 2022 - IOM DTM (Last updated: 21 Feb 2023) UNOCHA 23 Feb 2023 -- Over 418,000 people newly displaced in Sudan in 2022 - IOM DTM The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) has published an overview of internal civilian displacement in Sudan in 2022.

News Reports

• Three High-Ranking MS-13 Leaders Arrested on Terrorism and Racketeering Charges US Dept. of Justice 23 Feb 2023 -- A four-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip, a charging 13 of the highest-ranking MS-13 leaders in the world with directing the transnational criminal organization's criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere, over the past two decades.
• Cambodia Confirms First H5N1 Bird Flu Death Since 2014 VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Health officials in Prey Veng province have confirmed the death of an 11-year-old girl from H5N1, Cambodia's first known human "bird flu" infection since 2014.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 23 Feb 2023
• Russia Prepares to Open New Embassies in African Countries, Deputy FM Says Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- Earlier, a number of African countries were visited by a high-profile Russian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who, in the course of a busy travel schedule, held a series of talks with leaders and heads of government on Russia-Africa relations.
• U.S. Delegation To OSCE Meeting Urges Step Toward Boycott Of Russian Participation RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. delegation to the parliamentary assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has urged the assembly to host its meetings in OSCE states that are prepared to block Russia's participation, vowing not to allow Russia's "reprehensible propaganda to go unchallenged" at the OSCE or in any other international forum.
• Yellen: US Wants to Strengthen Sanctions Against Russia VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday that Washington is seeking to strengthen sanctions against Russia and called for more support for Ukraine as it resists Moscow's invasion.
• Putin Signs Law to Limit Discount on Russian Urals Oil in Relation to Brent Sputnik 23 Feb 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a federal law that limits the discount on Russian Urals oil in relation to the price of Brent for calculating oil taxes, according to the official legal information portal.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 23, 2023 PRC MofA 23 Feb 2023
• China defends growing ties with Russia to counter Western 'bullying' Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has defended expanding relations with Russia against the backdrop of growing Western unilateralism.
• Hong Kong's Democratic Party forced to cancel fundraiser as venue pulls out Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Hong Kong's biggest opposition party has canceled an annual fundraising event after the venue canceled the booking for the third year running, amid an ongoing crackdown on political opposition and peaceful dissent under a draconian national security law.
• Hongkongers call on UK government to cut university fees for those fleeing crackdown Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- A group representing Hongkongers in the United Kingdom has called on the government to slash university tuition fees for holders of the British National Overseas passport and visa scheme, which offers a pathway to citizenship to people fleeing a political crackdown under a draconian security law.
• China rolls out searchable public databases of officially approved religious leaders Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Religious affairs authorities in China have published an online database of Buddhists and Taoists' personal details, apparently in a bid to tighten state control over who is allowed to take part in religious activities.
• NATO urged to quit groundless smears against China on Ukraine issue People's Daily 23 Feb 2023 -- China on Wednesday urged NATO to quit groundless speculation and smears against it on the Ukraine issue, grow out of the Cold War mentality of zero-sum game and bloc confrontation, and actually do something conducive to European and global peace and stability.
• Pakistan threatens to send Uyghur refugee families back to China Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Niyaz Ghopur, a Uyghur refugee in Pakistan, got a scare when police and intelligence officers showed up at his home about two weeks ago to tell him that he and his family would be repatriated to China if they didn't renew their U.N.-issued refugee cards.
• Government confirms chair of U.S. new China committee visited Taiwan CNA 23 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, chair of a new House select committee on China, met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in Taipei last week, a government spokesperson confirmed Thursday.
• Chinese mainland pledges utmost efforts to facilitate cross-Strait exchanges People's Daily 23 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese mainland will make utmost efforts to facilitate exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and reduce the costs of such activities, said a mainland spokesperson on Wednesday.
• DPP slammed for obstructing mainland delegation's Taiwan mourning trip People's Daily 23 Feb 2023 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for deliberately obstructing a Chinese mainland delegation from going to the island to mourn Master Hsing Yun.
• Cross-Strait talks to resume once Taiwan side confirms 1992 Consensus People's Daily 23 Feb 2023 -- The cross-Strait consultation and contact mechanism between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) will be resumed once the SEF, upon due authorization, confirms adherence to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.
• DPRK/North Korea: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile and short-range ballistic missiles EC/CEU 23 Feb 2023 -- "The EU strongly condemns the DPRK's illegal launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 February and the subsequent firing of short range ballistic missiles on 20 February. These were dangerous and reckless actions that blatantly violated UN Security Council resolutions."
• North Korean parents will be punished if their children watch foreign media even once Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- North Korea has threatened to punish parents if their children are caught watching foreign media, suggestive dancing or talking like a South Korean, even if it is their child's first offense, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Hundreds Of Iranian Activists Sign Letter Condemning Prison Sentence For Academic RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- Hundreds of Iranian political and civil activists have published a letter condemning the nine-year prison sentence handed to sociologist Saeed Madani for his writings on various aspects of society, saying it highlighted the lack of independence in Iran's judicial system.
• Iranian Woman Expresses 'Regret' In Video Supporters Say Was Made Under Duress RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- The female engineer whose video protesting the mandatory hijab at the Tehran Engineers Forum went viral on social media last week has expressed her "regret" in a video many of her supporters allege was made under duress.
• Commander recounts feats achieved by IRGC Navy in line with Leader's call Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy of Iran recounts the numerous feats that have been achieved by the force in line with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's call on it to expand its maritime presence.
• IAEA accusations 'politically motivated' to pressure Iran: Nuclear spox Press TV 23 Feb 2023 -- The never-ending reports by the UN nuclear agency making false, baseless accusations against Iran's nuclear program are "politically motivated" to put maximum pressure on Iran, according to the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 23 February 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Feb 2023
• South African Power Utility CEO 'Released' From Job VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- The head of South Africa's embattled state power company, Eskom, is leaving his job earlier than planned, after accusing high level officials of corruption. The CEO's departure came the same day South Africa's finance minister announced a massive bailout for the debt-ridden company amid record power cuts.
• Syria-Türkiye earthquakes: Food, shelter and medicines among latest aid deliveries UN News 23 Feb 2023 -- Aid continues to roll into northwest Syria, with 53 trucks crossing from southern Türkiye on Thursday, the UN reported in its latest update on response to the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries on 6 February.
• United Nations: Address by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell to the UN Security Council on EU-UN cooperation European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Feb 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• United Nations: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell meets Secretary-General António Guterres European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Feb 2023 -- EU High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on 22 February. The meeting took place as the UN General Assembly started its debate on a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, coinciding with the one-year mark since Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine.
• Vietnamese authorities prevent Christian group from meeting with U.S. diplomats Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Local authorities in southern Vietnam on Wednesday blocked U.S. diplomats from entering the homes of Christian leaders to keep them from discussing religious freedom in at least two remote villages, church members and social media posts reported.
• Cambodia opposition figure loses $1 million appeal to Supreme Court Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Cambodia's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the conviction of a senior opposition party leader in a defamation case brought by election officials and the ruling party.
• Fueled by the drug trade, crime is on the rise in Laos Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2023 -- Crime in Laos is growing, fueled largely by wider drug use and trafficking, police say.
• 'Attack On Free Speech': Controversial 'Foreign Agent' Law Debated In Georgia RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- The corridors of Georgia's parliament building were blocked on February 20 as a small group of journalists and civil activists, with signs reading "No to Putin's Law" staged a protest. Inside, Georgian MPs gathered to decide on whether to register a controversial draft "foreign agent" law.
• Desperate Turkmen Forced To 'Donate' Money And Volunteer Their Time To Keep Their Jobs RFE/RL 23 Feb 2023 -- Being a state worker in Turkmenistan comes with many strings attached, with officials often ordering employees to pay for various government-backed charities and projects, to walk in parades, or help clean the streets.
• Electoral Body Says Nigeria Ready for Polls Despite Security Concerns VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Nigeria's electoral commission says the country is ready for Saturday's presidential and parliamentary elections despite scattered violence in the run-up to the polls.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on Nigeria's Upcoming Election The White House 23 Feb 2023
• Reporter's Notebook: Energy Crisis Exposes Deep Grievances in Uzbekistan VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- Uzbekistan, Central Asia's most populous nation, has had the coldest winter and longest energy shortages in memory. In December and January, at the height of the crisis, people around the country told VOA the government was failing at its basic function — delivering gas and electricity "when most needed."