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News Reports

Current Operations

• February 2023 Month in Review: The Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria CENTCOM 03 Mar 2023 -- During the month of February 2023, U.S. Central Command, along with coalition and other partners, conducted a total of 48 D-ISIS operations, resulting in 22 ISIS operatives killed and 25 detained. These operations showcase our enduring commitment to the lasting defeat of ISIS and the continued need for targeted military efforts to prevent ISIS members from conducting attacks and regaining a foothold. Without continued counterterrorism pressure, ISIS efforts to recruit and reconstitute would regain momentum, and the group would reconstitute its ability to plot attacks against the region, our allies, and American interests abroad. We remain focused on building local partner forces' capabilities to prevent ISIS resurgence.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Official Holds an Off-Camera, On-Background Press Briefing Ahead of Secretary of Defense Travel to the Middle East Region DoD 03 Mar 2023
• U.S. Leaders Deepen Maritime Cooperation during Yemen Visit CENTCOM 03 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. ambassador to Yemen accompanied the U.S. Navy's top commander in the Middle East during a visit to Yemen, March 2, which included meetings with leaders from the Yemen Coast Guard and local government officials.
• Defense Production Act Title III Presidential Determination for Airbreathing Engines, Advanced Avionics Position Navigation and Guidance Systems, and Constituent Materials for Hypersonic Systems DoD 03 Mar 2023 -- President Joe Biden signed a presidential determination (PD) authorizing the use of Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities to rebuild and expand the nation's domestic hypersonics industrial base. The authority specifically targets air-breathing engines, advanced avionics, guidance systems, as well as constituent materials for hypersonic systems.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Co-Hosts the First Irregular Warfare Medical Resiliency Working Group DoD 03 Mar 2023 -- The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, the Center for Global Health Engagement from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Irregular Warfare Center jointly hosted the Irregular Warfare Medical Resiliency Working Group in Bethesda, Maryland, Feb. 22-24.
• US Army Logistics Chief Says Potential War With China Likely 'Precision Munitions Fight' Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- A potential conflict between the United States and China would largely be fought using precision munitions, US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Douglas Bush said on Friday.
• Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Commences Multi-Week Exercise to Fully Certify as Combat-Deployable U.S. Warship US Navy 03 Mar 2023 -- The Sailors, ships, squadrons and staffs of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) commenced their final deployment certification exercise, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), March 2.
• USS Rafael Peralta Conducts Jeju, Republic of Korea Port Visit US Navy 03 Mar 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) departed Jeju, Republic of Korea following a scheduled port visit March 3.
• Joint Statement of the Quad Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023 -- The following is the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of the Governments of Australia, India, and Japan on the occasion of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
• Quad Countries Express Concern Over Militarization of Disputed Asian Seas VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- In a message aimed squarely at China, foreign ministers of the Quad grouping expressed concern Friday at the militarization of disputed territories in the South and East China Seas.
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 03 Mar 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
• U.S. Sends Ukraine $400 Million in Military Equipment DoD News 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States will transfer military equipment worth up to $400 million to Ukraine to aid its defense against the Russian invasion, Defense Department officials said today.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 03 Mar 2023
• US Announces Additional $400 Million Military Package to Ukraine VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States announced Friday a new package of military aid for Ukraine that totals about $400 million, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
• Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023 -- This week, as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues at great cost, we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of the people of Ukraine as well as the strong support for Ukraine in the international community.
• US announces $400 million in new arms aid to Ukraine including tactical bridges, ammunition Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States on Friday announced $400 million in new military aid, which includes weapons, munitions and tactical bridges to move tanks and armored vehicles, for Ukraine, deepening its involvement in the war in defiance of repeated warnings by Russia.
• German Defense Ministry Confirms Request Sent to Switzerland to Buy Leopard 2 Tanks Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- In late January, Germany promised to send 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks to Kiev, with the US, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Finland, Portugal and other nations announcing similar steps or pledging to chip in.
• Serbian Defense Ministry Says Did Not Supply Ammunition to End Users in Ukraine Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- The Serbian Defense Ministry told Sputnik that it had not supplied ammunition to end users in Ukraine.
• New $400 million US military shipment headed to Ukraine: Officials Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States has announced plans to send another shipment of military equipment to Ukraine comprised mainly of munitions worth about $400 million.
• U.S. to continue deterring China from invading Taiwan: Pentagon official CNA 03 Mar 2023 -- Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said Thursday that Washington would continue to strengthen its ability to deter China from invading Taiwan before the end of the decade.
• China Demands US Stop All Military Contact With Taiwan: Defense Ministry Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- China demands that the United States stops all military contacts with Taiwan and stops arms sales to the island, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei said on Friday.
• New Health Brigade for Army Australia DOD 03 Mar 2023 -- For the first time in its 122 year history, the Australian Army has a dedicated health brigade to ensure Army's deployable health capability is ready to support future operations and training, both at home and overseas.
• A year on for Defence Space Command Australia DOD 03 Mar 2023 -- The increased significance of the space domain was clear at the Australian International Airshow 2023 (AIA23), with the ADF's space capabilities on display for the first time.
• Minister Jana Černochová met with Defence Minister of North Macedonia Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 03 Mar 2023 -- Minister Jana Černochová had an official meeting with Defence Minister of North Macedonia Slavjanka Petrovska. The Ministers discussed the security situation in Europe as well as bilateral defence and defence industrial cooperation.
• FIRST EVER PRIVATELY MANUFACTURED INDIGENISED FUZE OF ASW ROCKET HANDED OVER TO INDIAN NAVY India PIB 03 Mar 2023 -- Indian Navy today received a fully indigenised fuze YDB-60 for underwater Rocket RGB 60 manufactured for the first time by a private Indian industry.
• KEEL LAYING OF THIRD 25T BP TUG, YARD 337 (ASHVA) AT M/S TITAGARH WAGONS PVT LTD, KOLKATA India PIB 03 Mar 2023 -- Keel for third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Yard 337 (Ashva) was laid by Capt VS Bawa, WPS (Kol) on 03 Mar 23 at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata. With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Tug is proud flag bearer of "Make in India" initiative of Ministry of Defence.
• Eurofighter Typhoon programme progresses UK MOD 03 Mar 2023 -- Defence Ministers from participating nations meet in Italy to discuss the pan-Europe Eurofighter Typhoon programme.
• Biden, Scholz Underscore Transatlantic Unity on Ukraine, China VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Maintaining transatlantic unity in supporting Ukraine and handling Beijing's potential arming of Russia were two key agenda items in U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting Friday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, amid still minor but growing anti-war sentiments in Europe that in the long run could threaten a unified front against Moscow.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany The White House 03 Mar 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and Chancellor Scholz of Germany Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 03 Mar 2023
• Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official Previewing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Visit to the White House The White House 03 Mar 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 02 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi At the Raisina Dialogue: Quad Foreign Ministers' Panel US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Geeta Mohan of India Today US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 03 Mar 2023
• Special Online Briefing with Secretary John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 3, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 3 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Mar 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Celebrates 'Great Victory' On Anniversary Of U.S. Deal RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023
• Afghan Women Following Taliban's Rules Still Banned from NGO Work VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Every morning since 2021, 26-year-old Sabira Saidi would wear her black hijab and face mask and go to work accompanied by her father or brother.
• Myanmar's capital hit by 3 days of blasts Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- Myanmar's capital city Naypyidaw - seat of the junta leadership - has been rattled by explosions for three days in a row.
• Myanmar: Tatmadaw army's 'scorched earth' policy in spotlight UN News 03 Mar 2023 -- Two years since a military coup in Myanmar, the UN rights office, OHCHR, warned on Friday that the generals' "scorched earth" policy had left thousands of civilians dead, 80 per cent of townships impacted by fighting and the army "stretched so thin" on the ground, that it resorts to airstrikes.
• Child fighters beheaded as Myanmar killings rise after martial law Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- Two teenagers found beheaded last week were two of the most gruesome victims of an escalating number of violent incidents that the United Nations' special rapporteur says are "consistent with patterns of brutality" among forces affiliated with the military junta.
• Argentina abandons pact with UK over disputed islands, demands resumption of talks over sovereignty Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- The Argentinean government has withdrawn from a cooperation pact with the United Kingdom and has called for new talks with London over the sovereignty of the disputed Malvinas Islands, a move that has drawn intense criticism from the UK government.
• Argentina Urges UK to Move Negotiations on Falkland Islands to UN - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- Argentina has asked the United Kingdom to transfer the issue of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas, to the agenda of the United Nations, the country's foreign ministry said on Thursday.
• Occupation 'eating away' at Israeli, Palestinian societies: Türk UN News 03 Mar 2023 -- The current spate of deadly violence is distancing the prospect of a two-State solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict, as the occupation is "eating away" at both societies, the UN rights chief told the Human Rights Council on Friday.
• Human Rights Council Discusses Situation of Human Rights in Sudan and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem OHCHR 03 Mar 2023 -- The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Sudan with the assistance of the Designated Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, and started an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice.
• Rights Groups Alarmed by Ethiopian Effort to Cut Short Tigray War Crimes Probe VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- A report this week said Ethiopia wants to terminate a U.N.-backed investigation into abuses committed during the two-year Tigray war.

News Reports

• Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks in Lviv, Ukraine US Dept. of Justice 03 Mar 2023
• Readout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland's Trip to Ukraine US Dept. of Justice 03 Mar 2023 -- On Friday, March 3, the Attorney General made an unannounced trip to Lviv, Ukraine, at the invitation of Ukrainian Prosecutor General to join international partners at the "United for Justice Conference."
• US Moves to Shield Drinking Water from Cyberattacks VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States is taking steps to better protect public drinking water and sewer systems from cyberattacks that could cut off service or contaminate supplies.
• Former U.S. Army Soldier Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Attempting for Murder Fellow Service Members in Deadly Ambush US Dept. of Justice 03 Mar 2023 -- A Kentucky man was sentenced today to 45 years in prison for attempting to murder U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and illegally transmitting national defense information.
• Capacity-building programme on countering terrorist financing in Kosovo kicks off with training of trainers OSCE 03 Mar 2023 -- On 2 March 2023, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the support of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, concluded a training of trainers aimed at furthering the skills of beneficiary entities to conduct effective financial investigations in counter-terrorism.
• Countries begin negotiations on global agreement to protect world from future pandemic emergencies WHO 03 Mar 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions during the Raisina Dialogue conference, New Delhi, March 3, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 Mar 2023
• Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov's remarks at the High-Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council's 52nd Session, Geneva, March 2, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 Mar 2023
• Russia Test-Fires Satellite Thruster Powered by Krypton Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- Russian rocket engine makers have tested an innovative type of satellite thruster powered by krypton, a noble gas that is up to 10 times cheaper than the standard xenon, Roscosmos said Friday.
• The Week In Russia: Boris Nemtsov And An 'Unjust War Of Aggression' RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Nine years ago, Boris Nemtsov spoke out against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Then he was killed -- and now, a year after Moscow launched its large-scale invasion, some of his closest allies are being jailed for their criticism of what one called a "criminal, unprovoked, and aggressive war."
• Designating Russian Nationals Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuses against Vladimir Kara-Murza US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023 -- Today, we are designating six individuals in connection with the arbitrary detention of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Russian pro-democracy activist, human rights defender, and critic of the Kremlin who has been imprisoned in Moscow since April 2022 for speaking out against Russia's war against Ukraine.
• Treasury Sanctions People Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse Against Vladimir Kara-Murza US Treasury 03 Mar 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Elena Anatolievna Lenskaya, Andrei Andreevich Zadachin, and Danila Yurievich Mikheev for their involvement in serious human rights abuse against human rights defender, prominent opposition leader, author, and historian Vladimir Kara-Murza (Kara-Murza). These individuals are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.
• U.S. Sanctions Six Russians For Rights Abuses Against Jailed Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States has sanctioned six Russian nationals - including judges and government officials - for what it calls the "arbitrary detention" and "serious human rights abuses" against jailed Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was imprisoned in April 2022 after speaking out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia will no longer rely on West for trading energy as Moscow pivots to China, India: Lavrov Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- The Russian government has said that it will no longer rely on partners in the West for its energy trade and its new energy policy will be oriented toward the East, where it has more reliable customers such as India and China.
• Allegations Prompt Calls for Inquiry on Chinese Influence on Canadian Elections VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- More information is coming out regarding China's attempts to influence the past two Canadian elections. Pressure is building for the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to launch an independent investigation.
• China ushers in two sessions after decisive win in COVID response, heralds 'new development stage' Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- As the curtain of China's annual two sessions, a key event in the country's political calendar, is about to unveil, China is also ushering in a "new and more vibrant" development period for years to come. This year's two sessions, convened after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and China's optimization of COVID response after three years of fight against the pandemic, offer a glimpse of the country's road forward, the policies the central government will unveil to guarantee rapid and healthy social and economic development, how the gist of report of the 20th CPC National Congress will be implemented, and how the country will strengthen itself in order to weather the impact of an international atmosphere that is "more complicated than ever."
• China's Xi to battle rising debt, economic woes and political rivals at congress Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- Ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping will be looking to eliminate high-profile rivals and other influential figures from the political scene, while taking a firmer grip of the country's purse-strings at the forthcoming National People's Congress annual session in Beijing, analysts told Radio Free Asia in recent interviews.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 3, 2023 PRC MofA 03 Mar 2023
• US hypes 'China nuclear threat' as excuse for own expansion, military hegemony: Chinese FM Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- The US has repeatedly hyped "China nuclear threat" as an excuse for its own expansion of nuclear arsenals to maintain military hegemony, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press conference on Friday.
• US blacklists 28 more Chinese firms Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce on Thursday added to its export blacklist 28 Chinese and three Burmese entities, accusing them of supplying security equipment to the militaries of Iran and Myanmar and helping to promote Beijing's "military modernization."
• Chinese FM Qin Gang meets with Indian counterpart Jaishankar; two sides to inject stability, positive energy to world Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday in New Delhi during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The ministers agreed on viewing and improving relations between the two countries from a historical perspective and strategic height, and to inject stability and positive energy into the world, while Qin urged that the important consensus between the two countries' leaders should be implemented.
• Hong Kongers Keep Wearing Masks Despite Lifting of Mandate VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Days after the Hong Kong government lifted its mask mandate, most Hong Kongers continue to wear the protective anti-COVID-19 coverings, a decision that for some people shows a continued concern about health and for others indicates distrust of the government.
• Chinese leaders to take a more active role in the running of Hong Kong: analysts Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- Reports are emerging that the Chinese government department in charge of Hong Kong will likely be placed under the direct control of the ruling Communist Party leadership in Beijing, who will then take a more active role in the day-to-day running of the former British colony.
• Survey: US Companies in China No Longer See It as Primary Investment Destination VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- U.S. companies no longer regard China as the primary investment destination it once was, according to an annual survey of American businesspeople operating there who, for the first time in 25 years, no longer see China as a top-three market.
• Economists predict China to set 2023 GDP growth target of above 5% as two sessions to kick off Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- As China shrugs off the impact brought by the epidemic after the country changed its COVID response in light of the evolving situation, China's official GDP growth target, which is closely watched by the world as an indicator of China's economic confidence, has come under the spotlight at the two sessions.
• Chinese central bank to boost passing of financial stability law, strengthen mechanism to prevent, defuse risks Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- Chinese officials are backing the passage of a financial stability law that will provide supervision mechanisms for all kinds of financial activities so as to protect the interests of retail and smaller investors, and those who are insured, Yi Gang, governor of the People's Bank of China (PBC), said at a press conference on Friday.
• Ai Weiwei's lawyer among dissidents 'disappeared' ahead of parliament session Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- A human rights lawyer who represented Ai Weiwei against the Chinese government has "disappeared" after trying to board a train to the southern province of Guangdong, according to rights activists.
• Interview: Why Did Xi Invite Lukashenka To China? RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Many observers were caught off guard when Belarusian autocrat Alyaksandr Lukashenka was invited to China for a three-day state visit, but the motives for the visit are coming into focus.
• China, Australia should cherish positive momentum of steady growth in ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday local time, during which Qin said the two sides should cherish the positive momentum of stabilizing and improving bilateral relations, and properly handle differences and address each other's legitimate concerns.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 3, 2023 ROC MND 03 Mar 2023
• Signing of U.S.-Taiwan trade pact to be foundation for future full-scale BIA: Source CNA 03 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan and the United States will be signing an agreement under a trade initiative "in the coming weeks" that would pave the way for a full-scale bilateral trade agreement (BIA) should Washington wish to explore that option, said a senior Taiwan government official familiar with trade talks on Thursday.
• U.S. lawmaker urges allies to introduce legislation to protect Taiwan CNA 03 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Republican Senator Dan Sullivan on Thursday called for allies to learn from the United States to introduce bills to deter China as its takeover of Taiwan could result in massive worldwide economic losses.
• US approval of arms sales to Taiwan island slammed for escalating tensions Global Times 03 Mar 2023 -- In the first US arms sale plan to the island of Taiwan in 2023, the administration of President Joe Biden has approved a possible deal for fighter jet missiles worth $619 million. The move was denounced by Chinese authorities on Thursday, with experts saying it will only escalate tensions between China and the US as well as between the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan.
• Showing schools insecure foes' new plot for disappointing Iranians: Raisi IRNA 03 Mar 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raisi has said that enemies seek to show the schools insecure in a bid to disappoint the Iranian nation.
• Officials say poisonings part of enemy's hybrid war on Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- Iran's president and foreign minister say the mysterious poisoning of schoolgirls in several cities is in line with a hybrid war being waged on the country by the enemies.
• Iran's President Blames 'Enemies' for Poisoning of Schoolchildren VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed the nation's "enemies" on Friday for the recent series of incidents in which noxious fumes have sickened hundreds of schoolchildren, particularly girls, across the nation.
• Amid Further Reports Of Mysterious Illness, Iranians Take To Streets Again RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- A wave of illnesses at girls' schools under mysterious circumstances has prompted many Iranians to pour into city streets across the country to call for the government to step down as speculation grows that the crisis was brought about by officials who have been slow to react.
• Recently Released Journalist Samimi Say Iranian Protests Likely To Surge Again RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Iranian journalist Keyvan Samimi, who was recently released from prison, says Iranians are poised to push further in their anti-government protests despite a brutal crackdown after months of unrest over a lack of freedoms and official interference in everyday life.
• Belgian court upholds prisoner exchange deal with Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- Belgium's Constitutional Court turns down a request for the annulment of a treaty with Iran, which authorizes the exchange of prisoners between the countries.
• Iran, UN nuclear chiefs meet in Tehran after IAEA's controversial report Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) have held crucial discussions in the Iranian capital.
• IAEA Chief Starts 2-Day Visit to Iran on Friday Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi will be visiting Iran from March 3-4 to meet with Iranian officials and discuss issues related to the Iranian nuclear program.
• FM Spox rejects UK Navy's anti-Iran claims IRNA 03 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani categorically dismissed the British Navy's claim that a ship carrying Iranian weapons was seized in the Sea of Oman.
• Iran says UK spreading 'fake news' over busting Yemen-bound weapons Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- Iran has dismissed a Thursday claim by the British navy about the seizure of a boat smuggling Iranian weapons, including anti-tank missiles, off the coast of the Gulf of Oman in a joint operation with US forces.
• Iran won't hesitate to respond decisively to any wrongful action by Israel, UN envoy says Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- A senior Iranian diplomat has strongly condemned Israel's threat to use military force against the country's non-military and vital infrastructure as a blatant violation of international principles, emphasizing that Tehran will not hesitate to respond decisively to any threat or wrongful action by the Tel Aviv regime.
• IAEA chief to visit Iran for high-level talks People's Daily 03 Mar 2023 -- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi will travel to Tehran for high-level meetings at the invitation of Iran's government, the agency tweeted on Thursday.
• Iran won't hesitate to respond decisively to respond to any wrongful action by Israel, UN envoy says Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- A senior Iranian diplomat has strongly condemned Israel's threat to use military force against the country's non-military and vital infrastructure as a blatant violation of international principles, emphasizing that Tehran will not hesitate to respond decisively to any threat or wrongful action by the Tel Aviv regime.
• Iran FM: No 'peaceful protesters' arrested during recent riots Press TV 03 Mar 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has dismissed reports that the Islamic Republic arrested "peaceful protesters" during the months-long riots, stressing that only "trouble makers" were arrested over rioting and violence.
• Myanmar opposition expels 4 top officials for allegedly assisting military junta Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2023 -- Myanmar's deposed National League for Democracy on Friday expelled four top officials, including the party's head of Yangon, for supporting the junta's case against Chairwoman Aung San Suu Kyi and the military's planned election for later this year.
• Belarus: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the sentencing of Ales Bialiatski and other Human Rights Defenders European External Action Service (EEAS) 03 Mar 2023 -- Today, a Minsk Court sentenced members of the Viasna Human Rights Centre, including its chairman and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, deputy chairman Valiantsin Stefanovic, Zmitser Salauyou, (tried in absentia) and lawyer Uladzimir Labkovich, to ten, nine, eight, and seven years respectively in prison on fake and politically motivated charges.
• Latest conviction of human rights defenders in Belarus criminalizes their work and is contrary to international standards: OSCE human rights office OSCE 03 Mar 2023 -- Following today's conviction of four Belarusian human rights defenders, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) voices deep concern over the targeting of human rights defenders and the criminalizing of their work.
• Belarusian Nobel Laureate Byalyatski Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Belarusian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Byalyatski has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on smuggling and tax-evasion charges that rights defenders and Western governments have called politically motivated retribution by longtime authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
• Nobel Peace Prize Activist Sentenced to 10 in Prison in Belarus VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison by a Belarus court.
• Newly announced prison terms in Belarus signal 'ongoing repression' UN News 03 Mar 2023 -- A fresh round of prison sentences announced on Friday in Belarus signal "ongoing repression" in the country, where almost 1,500 people are detained on politically motivated charges, the UN human rights agency says.
• Vietnamese Skeptical of Government's Crackdown on Scandals VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Vietnamese residents interviewed by VOA in recent days have expressed doubt that the current crackdown on scandals here will solve the country's problems.
• Cambodian Opposition Leader Sentenced to 27 Years VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- A Cambodian court found top opposition leader Kem Sokha guilty of treason on Friday and sentenced him to 27 years imprisonment.
• Kazakh Opposition Candidates Battle To Compete In Parliamentary Elections RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Nobody can accuse Lukpan Akhmedyarov of being a system candidate.
• India: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell ends visit to India European External Action Service (EEAS) 03 Mar 2023 -- Today, the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell concluded his visit to India, where he participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting and the Raisina Dialogue.
• Cambodia: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the verdict delivered on Kem Sokha European External Action Service (EEAS) 03 Mar 2023 -- The European Union notes with great concern the verdict delivered on 3 March by the Municipal Court in Phnom Penh in the case against the leader of the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party, Kem Sokha. He has been sentenced to 27 years after a 3 year trial, on charges related to his political activity.
• On the Conviction of Kem Sokha US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2023 -- The United States is deeply troubled by the conviction and 27-year sentence of respected Cambodian political leader Kem Sokha.
• The Human Rights Situation in Nicaragua Continues to Erode, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Tells the Human Rights Council OHCHR 03 Mar 2023 -- The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its general segment and then held an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua.
• UN Rights Office Denounces as Illegal Nicaragua's Move to Strip Dissidents of Citizenship VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights has denounced as illegal the Nicaraguan government's move to strip hundreds of political opponents of President Daniel Ortega of their citizenship.
• Vulnerable, Volatile Moldova Could Be The Kremlin's Next Target. It Could Also Be Just Another Distraction. RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- A few people huddled together rip up readily available posters of Moldovan President Maia Sandu, scatter the shreds to the ground, and stomp on them, all to the delight of onlookers in the Moldovan capital on February 28.
• Moldova's Parliament Approves Turbulent First Reading Of Romanian Language Bill RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Moldovan lawmakers have approved the first reading of a bill that will introduce the syntagma "Romanian language" in all official pieces of legislation during a stormy session that led to scuffles between the parliamentary majority and the opposition pro-Russian bloc.
• Tbilisi Protesters Clash With Police As Lawmakers Debate 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 03 Mar 2023 -- Protesters have 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 freedom and push the country toward authoritarianism.
• Nigerian Supreme Court Finds Naira Redesign Policy Invalid, Extends Old Bills Until 2024 Sputnik 03 Mar 2023 -- The naira redesign policy, aimed at bringing benefits to the Nigerian economy and hindering criminal activities, was launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in December last year. It was expected to curb counterfeiting and foster the use of digital assets. However, the implementation was not successful, creating new obstacles for Nigerians.
• Nigerian Supreme Court Orders Extension of Old Currency VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Nigeria's Supreme Court has declared the government's rollout of newly-designed currency to be unconstitutional and ordered that old notes remain in circulation until the end of the year.
• For first time, women represented in all parliaments of the world UN News 03 Mar 2023 -- For the first time ever, there are women MPs in every single country on Earth, the Interparliamentary Union, IPU, said on Friday.
• Sudan: New effort needed to restore civilian rule, transition to democracy UN News 03 Mar 2023 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed his support on Friday for the "restoration of civilian rule and the transition to democracy" in Sudan following the country's military coup in October 2021.
• Haiti: Surge in gun trafficking fuels spike in gang violence UN News 03 Mar 2023 -- Increasingly sophisticated and high-calibre firearms and ammunition are being trafficked into Haiti, fuelling an ongoing surge of gang violence that has plagued residents for months, according to a new UN assessment released on Thursday.
• Lawyers Seek Release of Missing South Sudanese Activist VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- A group of African lawyers is calling for the release of a South Sudanese rights activist allegedly taken by security forces last month from his family's home in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.
• Arrests in Tunisia Alarm US Diplomats VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- U.S. officials say they are alarmed by a wave of arrests of opposition figures in Tunisia, including reports they are being targeted because they were in contact with U.S. diplomats in Tunis.
  
• Malawi's Ex-Information Minister Jailed Amid Concerns of Selective Justice VOA 03 Mar 2023 -- Malawi's high court has sentenced a former information minister and a subordinate to six years in prison for stealing computers and generators meant for a state-owned news agency. The punishments come the same week a presidential adviser and a ruling party spokesman resigned over corruption in the current government.