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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• DOD Delivers Field Hospital to Turkey DoD News 27 Feb 2023 -- At the request of the government of Turkey, United States Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen worked around the clock to deliver an emergency field hospital from the continental United States to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Feb. 22, as part of the United States' continuing commitment to assist survivors of the catastrophic earthquake.

Defense Policy / Programs

• SECNAV Renames Ticonderoga-class Guided Missile Cruiser USS Chancellorsville after Robert Smalls US Navy Press Release 27 Feb 2023 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced today that the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser formerly named USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) will be renamed USS Robert Smalls (CG 62).
• Readout of Meeting Between Dr. Mara Karlin, Performing the Duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and Ambassador of Iceland to the United States Bergdís Ellertsdóttir DoD 27 Feb 2023
• Carabiniere (F 593) Completes Operations with George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group US Navy 27 Feb 2023 -- The Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Carabiniere (F 593) detached from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Feb. 14, 2023, after operating with the strike group throughout the month.
• Iceberg A-80D Has Calved from Iceberg A-80A in the Weddell Sea US Navy 27 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. National Ice Center (USNIC) has confirmed that iceberg A-80D (figure 1, below) calved from iceberg A-80A in the Weddell Sea. As of February 24, A-80A was centered at 72°02' South and 59°17' West and measured 12 nautical miles on its longest axis and 8 nautical miles on its widest axis. A-80D was centered at 72°11' South and 59°20' West and measured 7 nautical miles on its longest axis and 5 nautical miles on its widest axis.
• U.S., Djibouti, Japan Partner in Trilateral Engagement to Combat Illegal Shipping US Navy 27 Feb 2023 -- Members of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 8, the Djiboutian Navy, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participated in a trilateral training engagement aboard the Japanese destroyer JS Suzutsuki based in the Port of Djibouti, Feb. 25.
• USS Porter (DDG 78) Arrives in U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Area of Operations, Conducts Port Call in Funchal, Portugal US Navy 27 Feb 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Funchal, Portugal for a scheduled port visit, Feb. 23, 2023.
• U.S. Navy, 50 Partners Start International Maritime Exercise 2023 US Navy 27 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) commenced the Middle East region's largest maritime exercise, Feb. 26.
• Memorandum on Presidential Waiver of Statutory Requirements Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, on Department of Defense Supply Chains Resilience The White House 27 Feb 2023
• Finland to join NVO partnership programme within NATO Support and Procurement Agency Finnish MoD 27 Feb 2023 -- Minister of Defence Mikko Savola has authorised the Defence Forces to sign a cooperation agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to join the NVO (Night Vision and Optoelectronics) partnership programme.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Says Ankara Still Unable to Approve Sweden's NATO Application Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Turkiye is still unable to approve Sweden's accession to NATO at this stage as Stockholm has not fully implemented its agreements with Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday.
• Greetings on Special Operations Forces' Day President of Russia 27 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin congratulated the military personnel and veterans of the Special Operations Forces' on their professional holiday.
• Russian Navy to Receive 4 New Warships in First Half of 2023 Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- The Russian navy will receive by July 2023 four new warships, which were initially scheduled for transfer to the fleet in 2022, United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) CEO Alexei Rakhmanov told Sputnik.
• Russia, China, South Africa End Naval Exercises in Indian Ocean Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Warships and support vessels of Russia, China, and South Africa ended joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• AIP System With Lithium-Ion Batteries to Boost Russian Subs' Combat Capabilities Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- An anaerobic (air-independent) power system for non-nuclear submarines developed by Russia's Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering "Rubin" provides for the use of lithium-ion batteries.
• Meeting with Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko President of Russia 27 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference working meeting with Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko during which the Governor briefed the President on the region's development.
• Russia and Algeria Discuss Cooperation Between Security Services Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Algerian security officials have discussed cooperation between the countries' law enforcement and intelligence agencies during an official meeting in Algiers, the Russian Security Council said on Monday.
• Belarus Increases Border Checks Amid Reports Activists Blew Up Russian Plane RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- Border guards in Belarus have increased their checks of people leaving the country after anti-government activists claimed to have launched a drone attack on a Russian surveillance aircraft that was parked at an airfield near Minsk.
• We need modern combat aircraft to protect the entire territory of Ukraine from Russian terror - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 27 Feb 2023
• US Needs to Have Military Communication With China to Avoid Escalation Says White House Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- The United States believes that it is important to maintain military communication channels with China to ensure stability, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.
• Australia - Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles- Extended Range (AARGM-ERs) DSCA 27 Feb 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ERs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $506 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• New vessel on the home stretch Australia DOD 27 Feb 2023 -- After five months in Western Australia preparing for service, the close-nit crew of Australian Defence Vessel Cape Naturaliste has set sail for its home port of Darwin.
• Pacific exercise builds flexible air power Australia DOD 27 Feb 2023 -- Australia, the United States and Japan have wrapped up Exercise Cope North 2023 in the west Pacific.
• France Holds 'Unprecedented' War Games Amid Military Buildup Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- The drills' commander, Nicolas Le Nen, called the war games the return of major military operations to French territory.
• Speech by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the Conference on Disarmament Germany - Federal Government 27 Feb 2023
• Poland and Croatia strengthen security on NATO's eastern flank Republic of Poland 27 Feb 2023 -- On Monday, February 27, Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Defense and Mario Banožić, Minister of Defense of Croatia met with soldiers stationed in Poland as part of the eFP initiative (Enhanced Forward Presence).
• Brazil defies US pressure, allows Iranian warships to dock in Rio IRNA 27 Feb 2023 -- Two Iranian warships have docked in Brazil after the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva granted them permission despite pressure from the United States to bar them.
• Brazil allows Iranian flotilla to dock in Rio de Janeiro despite US pressure to bar them Press TV 27 Feb 2023 -- The government of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has allowed a flotilla comprised of two Iranian warships to dock in Rio de Janeiro, ignoring mounting pressure from the United States to bar them.
• Japan to Purchase of About 400 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles From US Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada confirmed the government's plan to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles "to strengthen self-defense capabilities."
• Armenia: Rights experts commend laws to curb use of mercenaries UN News 27 Feb 2023 -- Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council on Monday welcomed Armenia's commitment to combat the use of mercenaries and private security companies, following an eight-day mission to the country.
• Blinken Urged to Push for Reforms During Central Asia Trip VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- As Antony Blinken makes his first visit to Central Asia as U.S. secretary of state this week, the Biden administration says it is focused on supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the region's five former Soviet republics, which maintain strong political, economic and socio-cultural ties with Russia.
• Blinken Visits Central Asia With Moscow-Loyal Region Roiled By Ukraine Fallout RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making his first visit to a region that is roiled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine but still loyal to Moscow, while bloody crackdowns have overshadowed reform drives initiated in Central Asia's two largest countries -- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
• Department Press Briefing - February 27, 2023 US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 27 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 27, 2023
• U.S. Department of State Concludes $20,000,000 Settlement of Alleged Export Violations by 3D Systems Corporation US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. Department of State has concluded an administrative settlement with 3D Systems Corporation (3D) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, to resolve alleged violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), 22 U.S.C. § 2751 et seq., and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 27 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Feb 2023
• Taliban Forces Kill Top IS Commanders in Afghanistan VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban said Monday their security forces killed two key Islamic State commanders in an overnight counterterrorism raid against their hideout in the capital, Kabul.
• Iran Hands Over Afghan Embassy in Tehran to Taliban VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- Iran has handed the Afghan embassy in Tehran over to the Taliban, becoming the latest country to accept Taliban-appointed diplomats without recognizing their 18-month-old government in Kabul.
• Philippine Coast Guard joins search for missing Taiwanese fishing boat Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2023 -- The Philippines deployed search-and-rescue teams Monday to help look for a missing Taiwan-flagged fishing boat with a crew of one Taiwanese and five Indonesians, the coast guard said.
• UN Secretary-General's remarks at High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen UN Secretary-General 27 Feb 2023
• UN and partners appeal for $4.3 billion for aid operations in Yemen UN News 27 Feb 2023 -- Donors are meeting in Geneva on Monday to raise $4.3 billion to provide support and protection for 17.3 million people in war-torn Yemen, which remains among the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
• UNHCR: Funding gap of US$295m in Yemen jeopardizes life-saving humanitarian aid UNHCR 27 Feb 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for further efforts and resources to address the acute and growing humanitarian needs inside Yemen, nine years since the war began.
• Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Yemen US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023 -- Today, I am announcing our contribution of more than $444 million, exemplifying the continued generosity of the people of the United States for the people of Yemen.
• Pledging Conference on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: Minister for Europe statement UK FCDO 27 Feb 2023 -- The Minister for Europe pledged further support to provide lifesaving health care and nutrition services for severely malnourished children
• Canada announces funding in continuing response to humanitarian crisis in Yemen Canada 27 Feb 2023 -- The protracted conflict in Yemen has had a devastating impact on millions of people in the country. Canada is committed to ensuring that emergency relief quickly reaches those most affected by one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.
• Yemen Conference 2023: Speech by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the High-level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen Germany - Federal Government 27 Feb 2023
• UN raises about $1.2bn out of over $4bn pledged by donors to help millions in Yemen Press TV 27 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations says it has raised around $1.2 billion of a total of $4.3 billion the world body sought from donors at a pledging conference in Geneva to deliver aid to millions of Yemeni people this year.
• Libya: Bathily proposes election support body, as public frustration mounts UN News 27 Feb 2023 -- Twelve years after its revolution, political tensions in Libya remain high, and its leaders face a "major legitimacy crisis" amid widespread public frustration, the UN's senior official in the country told the Security Council on Monday, announcing plans to create a new mechanism in support of crucial elections.
• Libyan power-holders must compromise and agree the conditions for elections: UK Statement in the Security Council UK FCDO 27 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Libya
• Policeman killed in IED blast in India's Chhattisgarh state People's Daily 27 Feb 2023 -- A policeman was killed Sunday after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the Naxal rebels went off in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.
• Naxals kill 3 policemen in India's Chhattisgarh gunfight People's Daily 27 Feb 2023 -- Three policemen were killed and two others wounded Saturday in a fierce gunfight with Naxals in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.
• Israel-Palestine: UN envoy gravely concerned over killings and retaliatory attacks UN News 27 Feb 2023 -- Following the latest wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Monday appealed for both sides to take action towards addressing core issues fuelling their conflict.
• Palestine PM: Israel responsible for settler crimes in Nablus Press TV 27 Feb 2023 -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has held the Israeli regime fully responsible for the crimes committed after deadly violence and arson by Israeli settlers targeting a town and several neighborhoods near the city of Nablus.
• Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: EU Proposal - Agreement on the path to normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Feb 2023 -- The Contracting Parties,
• Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Feb 2023 -- President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia and Prime Minister Albin Kurti of Kosovo have today, under EU Facilitation, agreed that no further discussions are needed on the EU Proposal - "Agreement on the path to normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia".
• Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after High-Level Meeting with President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Feb 2023
• Pakistan Reiterates Resolve to Safeguard its Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2023 -- Today marks the fourth anniversary of Pakistan's befitting response to the airstrikes conducted by India on 26 February 2019 in violation of the international law and the UN Charter.

News Reports

• Release of the 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023 -- "Today, the Department of State issued the 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), which provide a detailed look at the counterterrorism environment in 2021."
• Interview about Russian Disinformation - "The most obvious change are the technological capabilities." Germany - Federal Government 27 Feb 2023 -- How have developments over the past twelve months been shaped by Russian disinformation? How can we deal with the manipulation of information? These are the issues that Jakub Kalenský, an expert on Russian disinformation, talks about in an interview on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• US Cybersecurity Official Calls Out Tech Companies for 'Unsafe' Software VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- A top U.S. cybersecurity official launched a warning shot at major technology companies, accusing them of "normalizing" the release of flawed and unsafe products while allowing the blame for safety issues, security breaches and cyberattacks to fall on their customers.
• Prime Minister's Cyber Security Roundtable Prime Minister of Australia 27 Feb 2023 -- Today the Prime Minister led a Cyber Security Roundtable, focused on the whole-of-nation effort required to protect Australians and our economy, with the aim of making Australia the most cyber secure nation by 2030.
• Opening remarks - Cyber Security Roundtable Prime Minister of Australia 27 Feb 2023
• Bird flu risk to humans in Cambodia remains low: WHO People's Daily 27 Feb 2023 -- The risk to general public from avian influenza A (H5N1) in Cambodia remains low despite two human cases of the virus were detected recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement late Sunday.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Baku, February 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a meeting with heads of the territorial bodies which represent the Foreign Ministry in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, Moscow, February 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2023
• Latvian President: 'The Dream Of A Democratic Russia' Was A Western 'Illusion' RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine one year ago, the three Baltic nations - Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia - have been among the loudest nations worldwide to condemn Moscow's unprovoked aggression and among the first to provide Kyiv with support.
• Honoring Boris Nemtsov US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023 -- Eight years have passed since Boris Nemtsov's assassination in downtown Moscow.
• Actions To Mark Nemtsov's Assassination Held In Russian Cities Amid Increased Police Presence RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- Opposition supporters and ordinary people in several cities across Russia on February 27 marked eight years since opposition leader Boris Nemtsov's assassination, amid an increased police presence.
• Russia halts oil supply to Poland: Polish refiner People's Daily 27 Feb 2023 -- Russia has halted oil supplies to Poland via the Druzhba pipeline, Poland's leading oil and gas conglomerate PKN Orlen said Saturday.
• Political advisors gathering in Beijing with proposals focusing on major concerns of public Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- With the annual two sessions approaching, members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, the country's top political consultative body, have swarmed into Beijing, bringing with them proposals largely focused on improving all walks of people's lives, especially education, the medical system, environmental protection and birth rate.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on February 27, 2023 PRC MofA 27 Feb 2023
• New US House Committee to Focus on Strategic Competition With China VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- U.S. lawmakers this week are launching a two-year effort to address strategic competition between the United States and China, with a prime-time hearing set for Tuesday that will include testimony from human rights activists and members of former President Donald Trump's national security team.
• Exclusive: US ambassador's Wolf Warrior-style 'nonsense' about China causes strong dissatisfaction among business circle, source reveals Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns blatantly criticized China when he addressed the 22nd Annual Appreciation Dinner American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham China), causing dissatisfaction among AmCham China staff and industry representatives there. Some executives from the US-China Business Council said it will reconsider whether to invite Burns to the celebration of the council's 50th anniversary this year, the Global Times has learned from a source.
• US urged to stop spreading disinformation on China's 'military aid' to Russia; public opinion war 'exposes Washington's anxiety' Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday urged the US to stop spreading disinformation on the so-called China's military backing for Russia, saying that China will not accept such coercion or pressure. In the latest round of public opinion offensives against China, the US, from senior officials to unnamed sources, hyped up China's mulling of sending weapons and ammunition to aid Russia, at a time when China has just outlined its peaceful and political settlement position in both its top diplomat's Europe trip and a position paper.
• China says will adopt resolute countermeasures in response to US sanctions Press TV 27 Feb 2023 -- China has strongly condemned Washington's sanctions against Beijing, saying it will take resolute countermeasures in response to the new bans that target Chinese firms for alleged cooperation with Russia in its war against Ukraine.
• Beijing Dismisses as 'Disinformation' US Claims It's Considering Sending Russia Weapons Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Ever since Russia launched its special operation in Ukraine in February 2022, the US has claimed China was preparing to send them weapons and threatened Beijing with the same kind of economic sanctions as the US has put against Russia.
• China will continue to play constructive role to help resolve Zambia's debt woes: Foreign Ministry Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- China will continue to maintain close communication and friendly consultation with Zambia and other parties concerned, in order to continue to play a constructive role in the resolution of the Zambia's debt woes, Mao Ning, a spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
• Global focus turns to China's two sessions for relief amid economic woes Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- As recession warning signs continue to flash for the global economy, particularly in some advanced economies, Chinese and overseas markets and businesses are turning their eyes to one of China's most important political events scheduled to start later this week, searching for positive signals from the world's second-largest economy.
• Empty containers stack up at major Chinese ports after zero-COVID effect lingers Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2023 -- Major Chinese container ports Shenzhen and Shanghai are seeing a massive growth in the number of empty containers, according to two shipping industry sources, social media footage and a global container tracking website, suggesting a huge slump in manufacturing exports.
• Yuan's two-way swing becomes norm, may strengthen to 6.5 against dollar in second half of 2023: analysts Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- The recent appreciation of the US dollar amid broad expectations for more interest rate hikes by US Federal Reserve, has added pressure to Chinese yuan, which depreciated by about 4 percent in February.
• 20th CPC Central Committee starts 2nd plenary session in Beijing People's Daily 27 Feb 2023 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) started its second plenary session in Beijing Sunday afternoon.
• American naval aircraft makes rare Taiwan Strait transit CNA 27 Feb 2023 -- An American naval aircraft on Monday made a rare transit through the Taiwan Strait, a flight the United States Navy said showed Washington's "commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."
• PLA keeps US spy plane's 'trouble-stirring' Taiwan Straits transit under close watch Global Times 27 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) kept a US spy plane under close watch when the latter flew through the Taiwan Straits on Monday, which experts said again showed that the PLA has the full control of the region and the US' move is just another provocation aimed at stirring up troubles.
• US Warns of Massive Chinese Cyberattacks in Taiwan Scenario VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- Any Chinese invasion of Taiwan will likely be accompanied by massive cyberattacks against the West and against the United States, according to a top U.S. cybersecurity official.
• Falling short of targets, North Korean factories start selling sweet potatoes Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2023 -- North Korea's state-run Tokchon Motor company desperately needs money to buy raw materials so it can make enough cars, trucks and auto parts to hit government-set production targets.
• 7th Enlarged Plenary Meeting of 8th Central Committee of WPK Convened KCNA 27 Feb 2023 -- The 7th enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was convened at the office building of the WPK Central Committee on February 26.
• Belarus: EU prolongs restrictive measures for a year EC/CEU 27 Feb 2023 -- The Council decided to prolong for another year the restrictive measures linked to internal repression in Belarus and regime's support for the war against Ukraine.
• Prosecutors In Belarus Seek Lengthy Prison Terms For Opposition Leaders Living Outside County RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- Belarusian prosecutors have demanded lengthy prison terms and hefty fines for Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and four other opposition leaders living outside the country.
• Lukashenko: Belarus is China's Only Ally in Europe Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has described his country as China's only ally in Europe, during his trip to Beijing.
• Latushka Quits Belarus Coordination Council So The Opposition Won't Have 'Two Voices' RFE/RL 26 Feb 2023 -- One of Belarus's leading opposition figures in exile, Paval Latushka, has announced he is quitting the presidium of the Coordination Council to avoid encouraging any change of strategy that could include dialogue with strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime or a softening of sanctions.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on the Windsor Framework The White House 27 Feb 2023
• A new way forward on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework European Commission 27 Feb 2023 -- Today, the European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom reached a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework. This constitutes a comprehensive set of joint solutions aimed at addressing, in a definitive way, the practical challenges faced by citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland, thereby providing them with lasting certainty and predictability.
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Sunak European Commission 27 Feb 2023
• Questions and Answers: political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework, a new way forward for the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland European Commission 27 Feb 2023
• Britain, EU strike Brexit deal for Northern Ireland Press TV 27 Feb 2023 -- Britain and the European Union have reached a new agreement to resolve the Northern Ireland Protocol, a key sticking point in the post-Brexit trading arrangement.
• Windsor Framework unveiled to fix problems of the Northern Ireland Protocol Gov.UK 27 Feb 2023 -- The Windsor Framework, agreed by the Prime Minister and European Commission President, replaces the old Northern Ireland Protocol, providing a new legal and UK constitutional framework.
• PM speech on the Windsor Framework: February 2023 Gov.UK 27 Feb 2023
• Oral statement to Parliament - PM statement to the House of Commons: 27 Feb 2023 Gov.UK 27 Feb 2023
• UN Human Rights Council, February 2023: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 27 Feb 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine and restore human rights, within its own borders and outside.
• France Unveils New Africa Strategy VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver an address Monday unveiling France's new Africa strategy.
• Promoting international law and a rules-based order: Foreign Minister Baerbock in Geneva Germany - Federal Government 27 Feb 2023 -- International human rights protection as well as disarmament and arms control are coming under increasing pressure, not least due to the Russian war of aggression. For this very reason, every inch of progress made in the Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament counts.
• Speech by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council Germany - Federal Government 27 Feb 2023
• Security arrangements made in Delhi after minister's arrest People's Daily 27 Feb 2023 -- Heavy security arrangements have been made at a few places in the Indian capital city on Monday, as Delhi's deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged corruption.
• Myanmar's junta denies ousted leaders access to legal representation Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2023 -- Myanmar's deposed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint have not been allowed to meet with their legal team since their trials ended in December of last year, Radio Free Asia has learned.
• Cash-Strapped WFP: Millions of Syrians May Lose Food Aid VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- The World Food Program said Monday that without an urgent injection of $450 million it will not be able to maintain emergency food assistance this year in Syria, including to people impacted by the recent earthquake.
• New Earthquake in Turkey Kills 1, Injures 110 VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- A 5.6 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Turkey on Monday, killing one person, injuring at least 110, and causing a number of already-damaged buildings to collapse.
• Cambodia's Hun Sen ramps up efforts to bring political opponents to heel Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2023 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is continuing efforts to compel political opposition figures to back his ruling Cambodian People's Party ahead of general elections in July.
• A Gas OPEC? Turkmenistan Being Pushed To Follow Russia's Lead In Gas Games RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- At a time when gas-rich Turkmenistan could be pushing to diversify its export paths, it is instead allowing itself to be pulled back into Moscow's energy orbit, experts say.
• EU Countries Warn Georgia Over Jailed Former President Saakashvili's Health RFE/RL 27 Feb 2023 -- European Union member states have issued a formal diplomatic warning to Georgia's leaders over the deteriorating health of jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili.
• Burkina Faso, Mali Agree to Deepen Federation Project Reflections: Burkinabe Foreign Ministry Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have all been suspended from ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) after military coups over the past few years. Despite the imposed sanctions, the nations stated they would make joint efforts to achieve reinstatement.
• UN Secretary-General's remarks to the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council UN Secretary-General 27 Feb 2023
• 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023 -- Today begins the UN Human Rights Council's 52nd regular session. The United States returned to the body in January 2022 as a full member, fulfilling a pledge made by President Biden and reflecting the centrality of human rights and multilateralism to our nation's foreign policy.
• Protests Against Electoral Overhaul in Mexico US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2023 -- Healthy democracies benefit from strong institutions and a plurality of voices. The United States supports independent, well-resourced electoral institutions that strengthen democratic processes and the rule of law.
• Early Results in Nigeria's Tight Polls Meet Resistance From Political Parties VOA 27 Feb 2023 -- Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission has begun announcing official results from Saturday's presidential election. But just minutes into the national tally Monday, party agents challenged the outcomes. Last weekend's polls were marred by delays and technical problems that saw thousands of voters hit the streets Sunday in protest.