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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Britain Intercepts Iranian Arms in Gulf of Oman VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- Western powers say they have intercepted another illicit shipment of Iranian weapons, the seventh such seizure in the past three months.
• Royal Navy ship seizes weapons transiting in the Gulf UK MOD 02 Mar 2023 -- UK and US worked together to detect and intercept smuggling vessel
• CENTCOM Commander Lauds Maritime Interdiction of Iranian Missiles CENTCOM 02 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Central Command supported a maritime interdiction on Feb. 23, that resulted in the seizure by partner naval forces of weapons that originated in Iran and were bound for Yemen.
• U.S. Forces Assist UK Seizure of Missiles Shipped from Iran US Navy 02 Mar 2023 -- U.S. forces provided airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for an interdiction in the Gulf of Oman conducted by the United Kingdom Royal Navy, Feb. 23, that resulted in the discovery of an illegal weapons shipment from Iran.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Digital Press Briefing with U.S. Marine Corps Commander, General Michael Langley on AFRICOM and Regional Security Challenges in Africa US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• US Launches Aggressive National Cybersecurity Strategy VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- The Biden administration is pushing for more comprehensive federal regulations to keep the online realm safer against hackers, including by shifting cybersecurity responsibilities away from consumers to industry and treating ransomware attacks as national security threats.
• Announcing the Release of the Administration's National Cybersecurity Strategy US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023 -- The White House released its National Cybersecurity Strategy today to establish an affirmative vision for a secure cyberspace that creates opportunities to achieve our collective aspirations.
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials Previewing the Biden-⁠Harris Administration's National Cyber Strategy The White House 02 Mar 2023
• FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces National Cybersecurity Strategy The White House 02 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary Graves Statement on the Release of the National Cybersecurity Strategy US Dept. of Commerce 02 Mar 2023 -- Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Cybersecurity Strategy to position the United States and its allies and partners to build a digital ecosystem that is defensible, resilient, and aligned with our values.
• Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on President Biden's National Cybersecurity Strategy DHS 02 Mar 2023 -- "Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on President Biden's National Cybersecurity Strategy:"
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Message to the Force DoD 02 Mar 2023 -- "Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, published a Message to the Force to reaffirm his three priorities: defending the Nation, taking care of our people, and succeeding through teamwork."
• Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, Holds a Press Briefing DoD 02 Mar 2023
• III Corps, Fort Hood leaders stress readiness, partnership with NATO allies Army News 02 Mar 2023 -- Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, and other Fort Hood leaders spoke to multiple media outlets in a roundtable discussion, Feb. 23, at the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood headquarters.
• DOD Officials See Real Progress in Indo-Pacific DoD News 02 Mar 2023 -- While China remains America's "pacing challenge," there is cause for optimism in this competition, DOD officials said at the Hudson Institute today.
• U.S. Uses Holistic Approach in Africa Relations, General Says DoD News 02 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. is using a whole-of-government approach in its relationship with nations in Africa, said the commander of U.S. Africa Command.
• All-Volunteer Force Proves Successful for U.S. Military DoD News 02 Mar 2023 -- At the end of January 1973, then-Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced the U.S. military would, going forward, fill its ranks exclusively with volunteers rather than with draftees. A half-century later, the decision has been proven sound, said the deputy defense secretary.
• Marine Corps begins process to move Foxtrot Range at Pu'uloa in-land USMC News 02 Mar 2023 -- Marine Corps Base Hawaii intends to pursue the relocation of four short-distance firing ranges located at the Pu'uloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach, specifically those threatened by current and potential future coastal erosion.
• Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO (ACB2) Holds Decommissioning Ceremony After Nearly 80 Years Service to the Navy and Marine Corps US Navy 02 Mar 2023 -- On March 2, Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO (ACB2) held a decommissioning ceremony at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek (JEBLC) chapel after nearly 80 years of service to the Navy and Marine Corps team and our nation.
• International Maritime Exercise 2023 Kicks Off Operational Phase US Navy 02 Mar 2023 -- The Middle East region's largest maritime exercise, International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2023, kicked off its operational phase March 2 during an opening ceremony at U.S. 5th Fleet's headquarters in Bahrain.
• Finland forges ahead to join NATO after parliament approves its accession Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Finland has edged closer to joining NATO after its parliament overwhelmingly passed legislation necessary for allowing the country to be a member of the transatlantic military alliance and Hungary's ruling party said it would support the bid.
• Finnish Parliament approves accession to NATO People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- The Finnish parliament on Wednesday approved legislation allowing the country to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 184 members of parliament voted in favor, with seven against and one abstention.
• Blinken urges Russia to return to New START nuclear treaty Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Russia to reverse its decision and participate in the New START nuclear treaty.
• Russian diplomat says no 'strategic stability dialog' with US in near term Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov says Moscow will not engage in strategic stability negotiations with Washington in the foreseeable future, since the US is openly taking "hostile steps" against the country.
• Russia Developing New Type of Military Operations for Defense Against US, Reports Say Sputnik 02 Mar 2023 -- Russia is developing a new type of military operations with the use of nuclear weapons to defend itself against possible US aggression, according to Russian military magazine, published by the Defense Ministry.
• PLA Navy holds 1st amphibious assault ship far sea drills in West Pacific Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- The Hainan, the first Type 075 amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, recently joined a flotilla and conducted a far sea exercise in the West Pacific, marking the first time that China has held an expeditionary voyage with a warship of this type.
• Taiwan thanks U.S. for approval of US$619 million arms package CNA 02 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's government on Thursday expressed thanks to the United States for approving the sale of up to US$619 million in munitions and related equipment for F-16 fighter jets, amid the growing military threat posed by China.
• US approves more arms sales to Taiwan, including missiles for F-16 jets Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- The United States has approved more arms sales to Taiwan, including hundreds of missiles for F-16 fighter jets, in yet another move that would likely infuriate Beijing.
• Pentagon: US Advances Possible $619Mln Sale of F-16 Munitions to Taiwan Amid China Tensions Sputnik 02 Mar 2023 -- The US State Department has granted preliminary approval for a $619 million sale of F-16 munitions and related equipment to Taiwan, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Wednesday.
• The future is now for sustainment model Australia DOD 02 Mar 2023 -- Plan Galileo, Defence's national approach to sustaining the Navy fleet to ensure its ships can be deployed where and when they are needed, has a new leader at the helm.
• Boosting Papua New Guinea's aviation capability Australia DOD 02 Mar 2023 -- The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) have taken another step forward in their strong aviation partnership.
• K2 tanks will be serviced, repaired and manufactured at WZM Poznan Republic of Poland 02 Mar 2023 -- On March 2, the head of the Ministry of Defense met with executives and employees of the Military Automotive Works in Poznań.
• UK and Saudi Arabia sign new agreement during defence minister's visit UK MOD 02 Mar 2023 -- During the visit, the Defence Secretary met his Saudi counterpart HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman
• Protests greet Macron on Africa tour, Burkina Faso scraps military pact Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has launched a tour of Africa with a message that France is not after meddling, but the visit revived old colonial wounds, sparking protests.
• Joint Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Africa Focus Group US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Governments of Italy, Morocco, and Niger on the occasion of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Africa Focus Group meeting.
• Blinken's Central Asia Visit Raises Questions on US Role, Assistance VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken observed that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has fostered deep fear in a region that remains wary of Moscow's intentions.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Hoekstra US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Doniyor Tukhsinov of Kun.uz US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023
• Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Visit of President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission The White House 02 Mar 2023
• Readout of White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk's Call with Prime Minister Najla Bouden of Tunisia The White House 02 Mar 2023
• Department Press Briefing - March 2, 2023 US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 2, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 2 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Mar 2023
• Myanmar Diaspora in US Calling for No-Fly Zone Over Myanmar VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- Burmese ethnic groups in the United States urged the Biden government to establish a no-fly zone over Myanmar and to impose jet fuel sanctions on the country's military junta.
• Rohingya refugees censure UN for 'devastating' cuts to food aid Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Rohingya refugees have decried as "devastating" cuts the United Nations has made to their food aid due to a massive funding gap, saying they are desperately struggling to survive after the reductions.
• Food rationing for Rohingya refugees a 'matter of life and death': rights expert UN News 02 Mar 2023 -- As food rationing begins for Myanmar's Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, a top UN-appointed independent rights expert on Thursday urged the international community to step in and reverse the policy as "a matter of life and death".
• Ice wall climbing competition in India-Chinese border area has defense implications Radio Free Asia 02 Mar 2023 -- More than 100 people, including teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, participated in the first-ever ice wall climbing competition in northern India, to demonstrate athletic skills in brutal climatic conditions in the Himalayan Mountain region and to boost high-altitude sports and tourism in the area.
• Continued disruptions to the Lachin Corridor: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 02 Mar 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Bush expresses concern regarding disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and takes note of the judgement by the International Court of Justice.
• Niger joins crucial UN transboundary water-sharing accord UN News 02 Mar 2023 -- Niger announced on Thursday that it is to join a key UN water-sharing agreement with its Lake Chad neighbours in the increasingly drought-prone Sahel region.
• Somalia's Neighbors to Send Additional Troops to Fight Al-Shabab VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- The three neighboring countries of Somalia are to send new troops to support Somali forces against al-Shabab in the next phase of military operations, the national security adviser for the Somali president said.

News Reports

• Treasury Sanctions CJNG-Run Timeshare Fraud Network 02 Mar 2023 -- "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight Mexican companies linked to timeshare fraud on behalf of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). CJNG is a violent Mexico-based organization that traffics a significant proportion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs that enter the United States."
• New case of H5N6 bird flu reported in S.China's Guangdong Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- South China's Guangdong Province registered a new case of H5N6 bird flu, according to health authorities in Hong Kong. Experts believed the emergence of the case was random and the risk of transmission of the virus is low, but once infected, humans could face high probability of death.
• Press release on the Istanbul food and fertiliser agreements Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a plenary meeting of the G20 Ministerial Council on multilateralism, global economy and development, New Delhi, March 2, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Statement by Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the High Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, 2 March 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to questions following the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting, New Delhi, March 2, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Statement by Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the High Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, 2 March 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a plenary meeting of the G20 Ministerial Council on multilateralism, global economy and development, New Delhi, March 2, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Russia, China blast Western 'blackmail, threats' as sparring plagues G20 summit Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Russia and China have denounced the West for employing "blackmail and threats" against other countries following a G20 summit which was overshadowed by sparring over the Ukraine war.
• Blinken, Lavrov Meet Briefly As Ukraine War Overshadows G20 Meeting RFE/RL 02 Mar 2023 -- The top diplomats from the United States and Russia met briefly for the first time in more than a year, as officials from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies held meetings dominated by Russia's year-old invasion of Ukraine.
• Departments of Justice, Commerce and Treasury Issue Joint Compliance Note on Russia-Related Sanctions Evasion and Export Controls US Dept. of Justice 02 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), and the Department of Justice today issued a joint compliance note on the use of third-party intermediaries or transshipment points to evade Russian- and Belarussian-related sanctions and export controls.
• Two U.S. Citizens Arrested for Illegally Exporting Technology to Russia US Dept. of Justice 02 Mar 2023 -- Two Kansas men were arrested today on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent U.S. export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia.
• US Attorney General Says He Would Not Object to Designating Wagner a Foreign Terrorist Organization VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland says he would not "object" to designating Russia's Wagner mercenary group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, calling its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a "war criminal."
• 'An Interesting Partner To Do Business With': How Germany Got Vladimir Putin So Wrong RFE/RL 02 Mar 2023 -- A seasoned diplomat, Wolfgang Ischinger served in a number of positions in Germany's foreign service since the mid-1970s, including as deputy foreign minister and ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom. From 2008 to 2022, he served as the chairman of the Munich Security Conference, which has gathered together high-ranking leaders, diplomats, and international-relations experts in the Bavarian city since 1963.
• Detailed arrangements for two sessions unveiled Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- China's annual two sessions in 2023 carries special significance as they will witness the specific implementation of the calls made during the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), outline a new growth blueprint after the country successfully overcame COVID-19 waves, and brief the world on China's propositions on major international issues, as the country faces a more complicated external environment, experts said as China prepares to open the two sessions in a matter of days.
• Xi's focus sheds light on top agenda at two sessions Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- As China prepares to kick off its annual two sessions on Saturday, what can be expected from one of China's most important political and economic events of the year? President Xi Jinping's remarks made at various top meetings over the past three months or so offer the clearest picture of what will top the agenda.
• Senior CPC officials submit work reports to CPC Central Committee, Xi People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- Senior officials of the Communist Party of China (CPC) have recently submitted reports on their work to the CPC Central Committee and Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 2, 2023 PRC MofA 02 Mar 2023
• China calls for true multilateralism at G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- At a time when the Ukraine crisis overshadows the world's multilateral cooperation platforms, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang called on G20 member countries on Thursday to uphold the UN-centered international system and reject power politics and bloc confrontation, underscoring China's role in safeguarding multilateralism.
• Chinese FM makes key proposals at G20 FMM Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- China supports the African Union to join the Group of 20 (G20), and urges multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors to actively engage in the debt disposal for developing countries.
• General Cites 'Broader' Pattern of Chinese Harassment DoD News 02 Mar 2023 -- Chinese aircraft have buzzed the aircraft of many nations, in one instance flying within 20 feet of a U.S. military plane flying in international airspace, U.S. officials said.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister of China Qin Gang on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting, New Delhi, March 2, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Exclusive: EU has no right to interpret one-China principle without China's recognition: Chinese envoy to EU Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- Editor's Note: On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine crisis and more European leaders planning to visit China in the coming weeks and months, Global Times reporters Chen Qingqing and Bai Yunyi (GT) conducted an exclusive interview with Fu Cong, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, who talked about China-EU relations, the impact of the Ukraine crisis on Europe, the position of European countries on the Taiwan question and the latest balloon row that has severely damaged the mutual trust between China and the US.
• China to further reduce investment restrictions, ensure 'national treatment' for overseas investors: MOFCOM Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- China will study and promote the reasonable reduction of the "negative list" for foreign investment, further relax restrictions, while ensuring the "national treatment" for foreign investors amid the nation's pledge to pursue a higher level opening-up, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said in Beijing on Thursday.
• China's homegrown 'Guohe One' third-generation nuclear technology to be broadly deployed before 2034 Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- China's third-generation nuclear power technology "Guohe One" has made new breakthroughs in its domestic building efforts, and the "Guohe One" will be using completely home-grown parts in 2023, the Shanghai Securities News reported on Wednesday, citing an executive from the State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC).
• Foreign journalists in China face official obstruction, expulsions and visa delays Radio Free Asia 02 Mar 2023 -- Foreign journalists working in China continue to face government interference when trying to do their jobs, amid "battered morale" linked to repeated journalist expulsions and visa woes, according to a new report.
• Communique of the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- The following is the full text of the communique of the second plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China:
• China's commerce ministry slams U.S. report as "consistent bullying" People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- China firmly opposes the 2022 Report to Congress on China's WTO Compliance released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative as it fully exposes the unilateral thinking and consistent bullying of the U.S. side, an official from the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.
• Chinese anti-graft chief urges implementing principles of Party plenum People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- China's anti-graft chief on Wednesday underlined the importance for discipline inspection commissions and supervision agencies at all levels to thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the second plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.
• Xi holds talks with Belarusian president People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Wednesday.
• Shenzhou-15 taikonauts complete second spacewalk; significant progress made in last 3 months on China's space station Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- The Shenzhou-15 taikonauts onboard the orbiting Chinese Tiangong space station recently completed their second spacewalk, according to the China Manned Space Agency on Thursday.
• China to build constellation of very-low Earth orbit satellites Global Times 02 Mar 2023 -- China is planning on building up a constellation of very-low Earth orbit satellites, and the first launch will be this September, the Global Times learned from China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC) on Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 2, 2023 ROC MND 02 Mar 2023
• Proposed missile sale highlights U.S.' growing trust in Taiwan: Analyst CNA 02 Mar 2023 -- Washington's trust in Taipei has been underlined by its announcement on Wednesday of a sales package to Taiwan including one of the most advanced missiles in active service on U.S. warplanes, a military expert said on Thursday.
• U.S. House committee passes bills that include support for Taiwan at ICAO CNA 02 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday passed three bills, of which one contained a provision that supports Taiwan's inclusion in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Mining Industrial Sector Fulfills National Economic Plan for February KCNA 02 Mar 2023 -- Officials and workers in the mining industry of the DPRK are boosting the production to implement the resolution of the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
• Demonstration of Exemplary Agitation Squads Held in Pyongyang KCNA 02 Mar 2023 -- Exemplary agitation squads gave a demonstration in Pyongyang, which is seething with struggle for implementation of the decisions of the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, to further stir up the revolutionary ardor and fighting spirit of officials, Party members and other working people.
• Press Release of 7th Plenary Meeting of 8th C.C., WPK KCNA 02 Mar 2023 -- Members and alternate members of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee by-elected at the 7th Plenary Meeting of the 8th WPK Central Committee are as follows:
• 14th Politburo Meeting of 8th C.C., WPK Held KCNA 02 Mar 2023 -- The 14th Political Bureau Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) took place at the office building of the WPK Central Committee on March 1.
• Report on 7th Enlarged Plenary Meeting of 8th WPK Central Committee KCNA 02 Mar 2023 -- The great Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) is leading the revolutionary struggle to a new victory while overcoming the harsh situation, invariably holding aloft the banner of independence in politics, self-sustenance in the economy and self-reliance in national defence. This struggle is the greatest cause of making a fresh change and development in the course of certainly building Korean-style socialism, in which all the people live with nothing to envy.
• UNICEF Offers Help to Iran in Noxious Fume Incidents Affecting Schoolchildren VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- UNICEF offered Thursday to help Iran solve a series of incidents in which noxious fumes have sickened schoolchildren, particularly girls, in what some officials suspect is an attack on women's education.
• UNICEF Offers Help As Mysterious Wave Of Illness Sweeps Through Iranian Schools RFE/RL 02 Mar 2023 -- UNICEF says it is prepared to provide support and assistance to Iran to help solve a growing crisis over a mysterious wave of illness that has put scores of schoolchildren in hospital and sparked speculation of a plot to force the closure of girls' schools amid a wave of unrest following the death of a young woman while in police custody for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly.
• President Raisi orders probe into cases of schoolgirls' poisoning IRNA 02 Mar 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raisi ordered an immediate investigation into the cases of schoolgirls' poisoning in several cities, including Tehran and Qom.
• Iran FM: Some EU states miscalculated about recent riots Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says a number of European governments made grave miscalculations about recent violent riots in the Islamic Republic under the influence of erroneous and misleading reports complied by the anti-Iran and terrorist group Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO).
• President Raisi opens South Pars Field Phase 14 IRNA 02 Mar 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raisi who is visiting Bushehr Province opened Phase 14 of the South Pars Gas Field.
• New US sanctions target 'firms, ships cooperating with Iran's oil, petchem industry' Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- The United States has imposed a fresh raft of sanctions against, what it calls, firms and vessels that have either transported or sold Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products.
• President Raeisi opens $2.7bn gas project, says enemies can't stop Iran's progress Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the enemies cannot put the brakes on the country's economic progress and production, as he officially inaugurated Phase 14 of the giant South Pars gas field.
• Iran FM: Window for JCPOA revival won't remain open forever; US must stop deceptive conduct Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has cautioned the United States that the window of opportunity for an agreement on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal will not remain open forever, urging Washington to adopt a constructive approach to salvage the accord.
• Designating Iran Sanctions Evaders US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2023 -- The United States is committed to significantly reducing Iranian energy exports and will sanction those facilitating Iran's petroleum and petrochemical trade. Today, the Department of the State is designating six entities that have engaged in the transport or sale of Iranian petroleum products or petrochemical products, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, and is identifying 20 vessels as property or interests in property of these entities.
• 3.7 million children in earthquake-affected Syria face catastrophic combination of threats, warns UNICEF Executive Director, following two-day visit UNICEF 02 Mar 2023 -- The 3.7 million children in affected areas of Syria who survived the powerful earthquakes that hit southern Türkiye and northern Syria on 6 February are facing several growing and potentially catastrophic threats, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned today, at the end of a two-day visit to Syria.
• Iraq: Repatriations from notorious Syria camp 'an example for the world' UN News 02 Mar 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday praised Iraq for repatriating its citizens from camps in northeast Syria holding people suspected of having ties to ISIL extremists, urging other governments "to take responsibility and to act".
• Anwar slams ASEAN on Myanmar: Non-interference not license for indifference Radio Free Asia 02 Mar 2023 -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim slammed ASEAN on Thursday for its inaction on Myanmar, saying the regional bloc's principle of non-interference in member-states' affairs must not descend into indifference.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 02 March 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2023
• Pakistan's Economic Turmoil Worsens Amid IMF Bailout Delay VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- Pakistan's currency fell 7% against the U.S. dollar Thursday as the government struggles to persuade the International Monetary Fund to resume lending to the cash-strapped country to help avert a default on its foreign debt.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the State Visit of Prime Minister of Italy to India (March 02, 2023) India MEA 02 Mar 2023
• Transcript of Media Briefing by Presidency after the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting (March 02, 2023) India MEA 02 Mar 2023
• Indian PM calls for G20 unity to resolve geopolitical tensions People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed for unity to resolve prevailing geopolitical tensions at G20 foreign ministers' meeting being held in the Indian capital of New Delhi.
• 'Complicit in piracy': Cuba slams US for granting asylum to pilot of stolen plane Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- Cuban authorities have accused the US government of being "complicit in piracy" for granting political asylum to a pilot who fled to the United States on a stolen plane last October.
• Secretary-General's remarks to press outside Jeddah Rehabilitation Centre in Iraq UN Secretary-General 02 Mar 2023
• Vo Van Thuong elected as Vietnam's new president People's Daily 02 Mar 2023 -- Vo Van Thuong, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), was elected as Vietnam's new president on Thursday, Vietnam News Agency reported.
• Peter Obi challenges winner of Nigeria presidential election Bola Tinubu Press TV 02 Mar 2023 -- The Nigerian candidate that finished third in the presidential election, Peter Obi, has challenged first-place Bola Tinubu, claiming he won the election despite officials saying otherwise.
• Verdict for Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha expected on Friday Radio Free Asia 02 Mar 2023 -- After a five-year wait, Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha is expected to learn his legal fate on Friday when the Phnom Penh Municipal Court announces its verdict in his treason case.
• Tbilisi Protesters Clash With Police As Lawmakers Debate 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 02 Mar 2023 -- Protesters clashed with police in and outside of Georgia's parliament, as lawmakers took up a controversial "foreign agents" law that critics say will harm press freedoms and push the country toward authoritarianism.
• Rights Watchdogs Urge Georgia To Consider Releasing Saakashvili 'On Medical Grounds' RFE/RL 02 Mar 2023 -- Georgia's government should take urgent steps to protect the life of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, including releasing him on health grounds, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) said in a joint statement on March 2.
• Nicaragua: Crimes against humanity being committed against civilians for political reasons, investigation says UN Human Rights Council 02 Mar 2023 -- Widespread human rights violations that amount to crimes against humanity are being committed against civilians by Nicaragua's Government for political reasons, the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua said in a new report that calls for the international community to impose sanctions on institutions or individuals involved.
• Crimes against humanity likely committed in Nicaragua, says independent rights probe UN News 02 Mar 2023 -- Crimes against humanity in Nicaragua that have held the population there "hostage", have likely been committed by pro-Government groups and sanctioned at the highest level since 2018, UN-appointed independent rights investigators said on Thursday.
• Former Ghana Leader Mahama Launches 2024 Campaign VOA 02 Mar 2023 -- Former Ghanaian president John Mahama launched his campaign Thursday to recapture the post he held from 2012 to 2017. Mahama has run for Ghana's highest office three times, losing in the last two elections to current President Nana Akufo-Addo. Mahama's campaign begins as Ghana's struggling economy is the country's top concern.