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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Lawmakers One Step Closer to Formally Ending US Wars in Iraq VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- U.S. lawmakers will take an important step towards repealing a decades-old authorization of presidential war powers this week, as an effort to reassert Congress' authority appears to have growing support.
• U.S. Department of Defense Completes 'Turn-key' Hospital US Navy 06 Mar 2023 -- United States Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen constructed and organized a 100-bed emergency hospital in less than one week, as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's continuous commitment to assist survivors of the catastrophic earthquakes in Türkiye.

Defense Policy / Programs

• SLTE 2-23 lays the foundation for future force development with addition of "Mad Max" exercise USMC News 06 Mar 2023 -- Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command began the MAGTF Distributed Maneuver Exercise Feb. 13, 2023, with the 7th Marine Regiment leading the exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
• Marine Corps releases Talent Management Update USMC News Release 06 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Marine Corps released the Talent Management Update which details the progress made since the release of Talent Management 2030. The release of TM2030 marked the Marine Corps' initial step to transition from an industrial-era model of personnel management to a 21st century talent management system that better harnesses each Marine's unique talents to improve our readiness and extend our advantage over competitors.
• CIWT Hosts NAVIFOR Conference to Standardize Non-mobile DSO JDTA US Navy 06 Mar 2023 -- The Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) hosted a conference on Corry Station, for Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) to standardize the Job Duty Task Analysis (JDTA) for all non-mobile Distributed SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) Operations (DSO) work roles.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Media Availability With Reporters During Travel in Middle East DoD 06 Mar 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan DoD 06 Mar 2023
• On Middle East Tour, Austin Talks Partnerships With Jordanian King DoD News 06 Mar 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met Sunday with King Abdullah II of Jordan as part of a multiday tour of partner nations in the Middle East, emphasizing the continuing U.S. commitment to Middle Eastern partner nations as well as discussing ways to enhance existing relationships and strengthen security cooperation efforts.
• USS John Finn joins Task Force 71 in Japan US Navy 06 Mar 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) arrived in its new forward-deployed location of Yokosuka, Japan, March 4, joining Commander, Task Force (CTF 71)/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister Warns Europe Against Competing With US in Arms Supplies to Kiev Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- Some European politicians see supplying weapons to Ukraine as a field in which to compete against the United States, but they forget that it is Europe that is mainly affected by the conflict, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday.
• EU Plans to Involve Third States in Joint Munition Purchases for Ukraine, Media Reports Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- Brussels plans to involve states outside the European Union in joint purchases of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine in the latest effort to boost military support for the country, Spanish newspaper reported on Monday, citing the EU plan-paper.
• NATO Secretary General to parliamentarians: support Ukraine for as long as it takes NATO 06 Mar 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined the need to support Ukraine for as long as it takes in an address to Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social Union and European People's Party Group parliamentarians on Monday (6 March 2023).
• China's limited defense spending aims to safeguard sovereignty, security and devt interests: spokesperson Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- China's limited national defense spending is completely set to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, a military delegation spokesperson said at the ongoing two sessions on Monday, after the country announced its plan to raise the defense budget by 7.2 percent in 2023.
• PLA Air Force captain proposes to train more strategic transport aircraft pilots Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- China should enhance pilot training for strategic transport aircraft, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) urged in a motion at the ongoing two sessions, at a time when such aircraft are being commissioned to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force in large numbers, observers said on Monday.
• China hikes defense spending as tensions over Taiwan rise Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2023 -- Beijing plans to expand its military spending this year by 7.2% - the highest rate since 2019 - amid rising tensions with the United States in the Indo-Pacific and over Taiwan.
• China's PLA Reportedly Preparing for Big R&D Push as Beijing Hikes Defense Budget Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- After spending several years rapidly expanding its forces with more modern weaponry, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is reportedly preparing to spend more money on research and development (R&D), according to experts. Over the weekend, the Chinese legislature announced the biggest proposed defense budget hike in four years.
• Taiwan military plane taking meat to frontline troops amid supply shortage CNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said Monday that a military transport aircraft was being dispatched to deliver meat for frontline Taiwanese troops on the isle of Xiju, after a shortage there for almost a month.
• Australian Pilots Offered Counseling After Missions Over South China Sea VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- Australian Air Force chiefs have revealed that pilots are being offered counseling after they encounter Chinese military jets over the South China Sea.
• Realism prepares Ukrainian recruits for the battlefield Australia DOD 06 Mar 2023 -- Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits, under the guidance of Australian Army instructors deployed on Operation Kudu in the United Kingdom, completed trench training under realistic conditions.
• Defence Artificial intelligence research network contracts signed Australia DOD 06 Mar 2023 -- Defence has signed contracts with the University of South Australia and Deakin University for two research projects which will use artificial intelligence to process noisy and dynamic data into information that will give military decision makers an edge.
• Raksha Mantri reviews operational capabilities of Indian Navy during Naval Commanders' Conference aboard INS Vikrant India PIB 06 Mar 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy during the Naval Commanders' Conference held aboard India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant on March 06, 2023. He interacted with the Naval Commanders and witnessed the operational demonstrations at sea, highlighting the Navy's capability to undertake multi-dimensional missions towards safeguarding the maritime interests of the country.
• INDO-FRANCE JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE FRINJEX-2023 TO COMMENCE AT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM India PIB 06 Mar 2023 -- The maiden Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23 between Indian Army and French Army will be conducted at Pangode Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 07th and 08th March 2023. It is for the first time armies of both the nations are engaging in this format with each contingent comprising of a Company Group each from the Thiruvananthapuram based Indian Army troops and French 6th Light Armoured Brigade.
• Indian Navy Says Successfully Test-Fires BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile in Arabian Sea Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- India has successfully test-launched the BrahMos medium-range supersonic cruise missile in the Arabian Sea, equipped with indigenous seeker and booster, which was designed with the country's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said on Sunday.
• Israel exports weapons to Azerbaijan in return for access to Iran, oil: Israeli media Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- A new investigation by the Israeli daily Haaretz has revealed that the Israeli regime is exporting weapons worth billions of dollars to Azerbaijan in return for the former Soviet republic supplying Tel Aviv with oil and providing access to Iran.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Dermer and National Security Advisor Hanegbi US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2023
• Joint Statement on the Meeting of the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group The White House 06 Mar 2023
• Israeli air force reservists boycott training drills in protest at Netanyahu's so-called judicial reforms Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Dozens of Israeli air force reserve pilots have joined protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's so-called judicial reforms, saying they will not turn up for a training day.
• Iran producing ballistic missiles capable of hitting moving marine targets: Top general Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Iran's top general says the country is now capable of producing ballistic missiles capable of destroying moving marine targets.
• Ministry of Defence to spend €1.7m to upgrade defence infrastructure in Michalovce MOD - Slovak Republic 06 Mar 2023 -- Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď visited Michalovce-based members of 21 Self-propelled Artillery Battalion and 22 Mechanised Battalion and their barracks where he was keen to witness first-hand the latest improvements in Service conditions.
• RAF to fly joint missions with German Air Force as UK prepares to lead NATO air policing in Estonia UK MOD 06 Mar 2023 -- The joint missions are the first of their kind, with the aim of full NATO integrated air policing missions in future
• Turkiye Has Many Allies in NATO, Not Reliant Only on US, Ankara Says Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- Turkiye has multiple allies within NATO and does not rely solely on the United States, Cagri Erhan, a member of the Turkish Presidency's Security and Foreign Policies Council, told Sputnik in an interview.
• Ankara Likely to Drop Bid for US F-16s Over Price, Better Options, Turkish Presidency Official Says Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- Ankara is likely to reverse its decision to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the United States due to the price as well as other more modern options being available, Cagri Erhan, a member of the Turkish Presidency's Security and Foreign Policies Council, told Sputnik in an interview.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the U.S.-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific The White House 06 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 06 Mar 2023
• Department Press Briefing - March 6, 2023 US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 6, 2023
• Russia's Kalashnikov Plans to Roll Out Advanced Fire Control System for Small Arms Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- If created, the new system is expected to be of help to snipers, who currently have to work in tandem with fire controllers when on a combat mission.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Mar 2023
• Asia Fact Check Lab: Does China have sovereign rights to patrol around Ayungin Shoal? Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2023 -- were islands, rocks or low tide elevations. Each of these terms is defined as a different type of maritime feature by UNCLOS, and each grants different territorial rights to the controlling sovereign state. These territories are broadly divided into territorial waters which are fully under the controlling state's jurisdiction, exclusive economic zones (EEZ) where the controlling state enjoys special rights on resource extraction in the water.
• UN: Taliban Pursuing Policy of Gender Apartheid VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- A report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council Monday accuses Afghanistan's de facto Taliban rulers of pursuing a policy "tantamount to gender apartheid."
• Amnesty International Demands UN Council's Attention On 'Relentless' Taliban Abuses In Afghanistan RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- Amnesty International has urged the UN Human Rights Council to address "relentless abuses" by the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
• HRC52: Statement on Afghanistan UK FCDO 06 Mar 2023 -- The UK's Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, delivered this statement on Afghanistan at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council.
• Designation of Syrian Military Official US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2023 -- "As the United States and the world comes to the aid of the Syrian people in the aftermath of last month's earthquakes, we are reminded that their humanitarian suffering long predates this natural disaster."
• Five years on from a Russian chemical attack in the UK, Russia continues to protect the Syrian Regime: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 06 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the Security Council briefing on Syria
• Ankara Summons US Ambassador Over Milley's Visit to Syria Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- US Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Flake was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry in connection with the visit of US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley to Syria, a diplomatic source in Ankara told Sputnik.
• 9 killed, 10 injured in SW Pakistan's suicide attack People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- Nine security personnel were killed and 10 others injured when a suicide bomber hit their vehicle in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Monday, officials said.
• At least 10 policemen killed in suicide blast in southwestern Pakistan Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- A motorcycle-borne suicide bomber has rammed into a police truck in southwestern Pakistan's restive Baluchistan province, killing at least 10 policemen, in one of the deadliest attacks on security forces this year.
• Suicide Bomber Kills 9 Pakistan Security Forces VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- Authorities in southwestern Pakistan said Monday a suicide bombing of a truck transporting police personnel had killed at least nine and wounded 13 others.
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the deadly incident on the Karabakh Line of Contact European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 Mar 2023 -- The EU deplores the outbreak of violence yesterday on the Karabakh Line of Contact, which led to at least five deaths.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in connection with the escalation of tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Mar 2023
• Over 200 Killed in Fighting in Disputed Somaliland Town VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- The director of a hospital in Las Anod, a disputed border town in Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland, says about 200 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in weeks of intense fighting.
• 4 Jihadists Escape from Mauritania Prison in a Shootout VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- Four jihadist prisoners have escaped from a prison in Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital.
• DR Congo: Guterres urges M23 rebels to respect Tuesday ceasefire agreement UN News 06 Mar 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General has urged leaders of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to respect a ceasefire agreement due to come into effect on Tuesday.
• Prosecutor Files Case Against Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik For Genocide Denial RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- Bosnia-Herzegovina's Prosecutor's Office has filed a case against Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik for denial of genocide in the massacre of 8,000 men and boys at Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia in 1995.
• Human Rights Council Hears that the People of Myanmar Continue to Suffer Profound Human Rights Harms and that Serious and Systematic Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Nicaragua are Crimes against Humanity OHCHR 06 Mar 2023
• 4 of every 5 townships in Myanmar impacted by conflict since coup: UN agency Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2023 -- Nearly four out of every five townships in Myanmar has been impacted by conflict in the two years since the military coup, according to the United Nations, prompting calls by civil society for "immediate action" to end the junta's crimes against its own citizens.
• Statement by UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Sheldon Yett on fire in the Rohingya refugee camps UNICEF 06 Mar 2023 -- "Our deepest sympathies go out to the 12,000 Rohingya refugees - half of them children - who lost their shelter homes in the fire that broke out in the Cox's Bazar refugee camps yesterday. We commend the brave work of front-line responders who have brought the fire under control.
• Japan to uphold key postwar apology: PM People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday that his government will uphold a key postwar apology, previously issued by Japan following South Korea provided a solution to a protracted wartime labor row.

News Reports

• Four Gangster Disciples Leaders Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder US Dept. of Justice 06 Mar 2023 -- A federal jury convicted four leaders of the Gangster Disciples today for their participation in a years-long interstate racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, witness tampering, and multiple murders.
• MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder US Dept. of Justice 06 Mar 2023 -- A Maryland man was sentenced today to life in prison for racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiring to destroy evidence connected to his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
• Disinformation Wars: China, Russia Cooperating On Propaganda More Than Ever, Says Report RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- After a year of war in Ukraine, China and Russia have grown closer together in the information space, often parroting each other's talking points across state-owned media as part of a wider strategy to undermine the West, a new report finds.
• Canadian Police Investigating Media Reports on Alleged Chinese Election Meddling Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Monday said it began an investigation into violations of the Security of Information Act (SOIA) regarding recent media reports on the alleged Chinese interference in the country's elections.
• Meeting with Kurgan Region Governor Vadim Shumkov President of Russia 06 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Governor of the Kurgan Region Vadim Shumkov, via videoconference. The governor reported to the President on the region's socio-economic development.
• US Warns About Increasing Use of Intermediaries to Evade Russia Sanctions VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered an unprecedented wave of U.S. sanctions on Russia.
• State Department and European Commission Engage Diamond Industry to Discuss Next Steps on Russian Diamonds US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2023
• West's sanctions on Russia backfire, hurting Europeans instead, says Hungary Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto says sanctions slapped by Western countries on Russia over the Ukraine war are not working and are instead hurting the European countries.
• Russia says foiled murder plot against Russian tycoon, blames Ukraine Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Russia says it has thwarted an assassination plot against Konstantin Malofeev, a nationalist Russian tycoon, alleging that a Ukraine-backed far-right group was behind the foiled attempt.
• Detention Of Russian Opposition Politician Kara-Murza Extended Despite Serious Illness RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- The Moscow City Court has extended the pretrial detention of opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza despite a physician's request to release him immediately due to an illness described as polyneuropathy, a disease affecting peripheral nerves.
• Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Russia 06 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
• Relatives 'Held Hostage': Ethnic Kazakhs Fear Chinese Persecution After Settling Abroad RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- A naturalized Kazakh citizen, Raqyzhan Zeinolla made what he thought would be a brief visit in 2004 to see relatives in his native Xinjiang region in northwestern China.
• China amends Legislation Law to improve legislative system Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Sunday started to deliberate a draft amendment to the Legislation Law, eight years after the law was first amended in 2015. The new changes highlight the implementation and oversight of the Constitution as well as promoting whole-process people's democracy to better protect human rights and social fairness and justice.
• China Zhi Gong Party vows to unswervingly follow Chinese path to modernization People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- The China Zhi Gong Party will unswervingly follow the Chinese path to modernization and contribute its best to enhancing unity among Chinese people across the world, Jiang Zuojun, chairman of the party's central committee, said Sunday.
• Jiusan Society contributes to China's innovation-driven development People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- Performing its duties in participating in state affairs and facilitating the central tasks of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the country, the Jiusan Society over the past five years has focused on innovation-driven development and the pursuit of scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2023 PRC MofA 06 Mar 2023
• US 'spying' port cranes allegation is groundless, misleading: ministry Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- Some US officials' claims that China-made cranes operating at US ports possibly play a role as "spying tools", as reported by some foreign media, are totally "groundless", Chinese officials and experts said on Monday.
• US tech suppression will only strengthen China's detemination to be self-reliant: FM Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- The US restriction and suppression cannot stop China's development and only serves to strengthen its determination and ability to be more self-reliant and technologically innovative, Mao Ning, the spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday, in responding to the US increasing attempts to "decouple" with China over technology and supply chains.
• Chinese police target U.S.-based woman who signed a critical Change.org petition Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2023 -- Chinese state security police recently targeted a U.S.-based Chinese national after she signed a petition critical of Communist Party leader Xi Jinping on Change.org, raising questions over how they managed to get hold of her personal details, Radio Free Asia has learned.
• Motions, proposals at two sessions focus on high-quality development of vital manufacturing sector Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- Shares of companies involved in 6G, solar energy, shipyards, and instruments and gauges rose on Monday on Chinese stock markets, in response to the Government Work Report which put an emphasis on pooling resources to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in manufacturing amid national efforts toward high-quality development.
• Government Work Report shows China's confidence in a year of 'stability and development' despite world to face more uncertainties in 2023 Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- The Government Work Report delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday has drawn attention worldwide after foreign media noticed the report mentioned "stability" dozens of times and focused on realizing feasible economic development targets amid increasing uncertainties and crises around the globe.
• Foreign media's slander against China's GDP target ignores nation's high-quality devt Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- Chinese officials said on Monday the country's goal to achieve a GDP growth target of around 5 percent in 2023 conforms to the long-term trend of economic development and the focus on tackling risks and improving quality and efficiency, underscoring China's focus on high-quality development.
• China proposes amendment to improve legislative system People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, on Sunday morning started to deliberate a draft amendment to the Legislation Law.
• Chinese leaders attend deliberations at annual legislative session People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- Senior Chinese leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Han Zheng, and Li Xi on Sunday attended deliberations at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature.
• Xi stresses high-quality development in China's modernization endeavor People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed on Sunday that high-quality development is the first and foremost task in building a modern socialist country in all respects.
• NPC deputies encouraged by Xi's responses to ideas People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- China's top political advisory body kicked off its annual session on Saturday, marking the start of the "two sessions" in a crucial year as China gathers steam for building a great modern socialist country.
• 60+ launches lined up; new-gen manned launch vehicle & super heavy-lift carrier rocket to debut in 2027, 2030: deputies, political advisors Global Times 06 Mar 2023 -- In another ambitious step toward becoming a strong space power in the world, China will fully kick off the research and development of its Phase-4 lunar research project and planetary exploration project, as well as the development of the Chang'e-7 and Tianwen-2 probes, deputies of the national legislature political advisors from the space sector told the Global Times on Sunday during the ongoing two sessions.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 6, 2023 ROC MND 06 Mar 2023
• Visiting Eswatini PM affirms ties with Taiwan, denounces 'bullying' CNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini said in Taipei on Monday that his country remains committed to its 55-year diplomatic relations with Taiwan and is opposed to "any sort of bullying or aggression" against Taiwan.
• Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League pledges to strengthen popular will for national reunification People's Daily 06 Mar 2023 -- The Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSL), one of the eight non-communist parties in China, will work to strengthen the popular will to support and strive for national reunification, said Su Hui, chairperson of the party's central committee, on Sunday.
• Bring your own gas masks to biochemical weapons drills, North Korea tells citizens Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2023 -- North Korea last week conducted nationwide civil defense drills, forcing residents to march long distances to drill sites, and requiring that they prepare personal emergency kits, including gas masks, to protect themselves against potential U.S.-launched biochemical weapons attacks, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Development of Satellites Propelled in DPRK KCNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Pak Kyong Su, vice-director of the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA), was interviewed by KCNA on Sunday on occasion of the 14th anniversary of the DPRK's accession to the international outer space treaty.
• Leader says poisoning of students 'unforgivable' crime, calls for 'maximum punishment' Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called the suspected poisoning of students in Iran's schools an "unforgivable and big" crime, calling on authorities to seriously pursue the issue.
• Khamenei Says Wave Of Illness Hitting Iranian Students 'Unforgivable' RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called a wave of illness that has hit hundreds of schoolgirls all across the country over the past four months "an unforgivable crime" and vowed that it should be "severely punished."
• Recently Released Iranian Activists Say Continue To Face Pressure RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- Several Iranian civil and political activists who were recently released from prison under an amnesty decree signed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been summoned again.
• Iranian Supreme Leader Calls Suspected Poisonings 'Unforgiveable Crime' VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- Iran's Supreme Leader on Monday described a series of suspected poisonings at girls' schools as an "unforgiveable crime."
• Supreme Leader urges 'serious probe' into school poisonings IRNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has urged officials in the country to investigate the alleged poisonings of school girls with utmost seriousness.
• Intelligence-health task force formed to investigate recent events in some schools ISNA 06 Mar 2023 -- According to the order of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, a task force was formed to investigate the recent issues related to students' health.
• Telephone conversation with President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi President of Russia 06 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi.
• Iran, Russia presidents discuss economic cooperation IRNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, in a phone conversation on Monday, explored ways for further enhancement of economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
• Iran's Raisi, Russia's Putin review economic infrastructure initiatives ISNA 06 Mar 2023 -- The deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs to Iran's President, Mohammad Jamshidi explained details of a phone conversation between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
• Iranian, Russian presidents discuss bolstering economic cooperation, infrastructure projects Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have discussed possible ways to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in the field of international transit, as well as joint infrastructure projects.
• Over 80,000 prisoners pardoned in Iran on Supreme Leader's order IRNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i says the number of prisoners who have been pardoned based on a recent order by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has reached over 80,000.
• Iran sentences 6 to death over terror attacks in Khouzestan IRNA 06 Mar 2023 -- The Revolutionary Court in the southern Iranian city of Ahvaz has sentenced six people to death over involvement in terrorist attacks in the province of Khouzestan in recent years.
• IAEA chief attends press conference in Vienna, goes back on previous remarks on Iran agreement Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has apparently gone back on his previous remarks about reaching a good agreement with Iran on the settlement of outstanding issues following his recent visit to Tehran.
• Iran committed to diplomacy, multilateral nuclear talks: Spox IRNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has underscored that the Islamic Republic abides by diplomacy and its contribution to negotiations for resolving the nuclear issue happened in line with believing in multiple negotiations and diplomacy.
• IAEA technical delegation to visit Tehran: Kanaani ISNA 06 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani stressed, following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi's recent visit to Tehran, a new chapter was opened in bilateral cooperation between Iran and the Agency.
• Iran says committed to diplomacy to resolve differences with IAEA Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry says Tehran is committed to diplomacy and will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in order to resolve the remaining issues over Tehran's civilian nuclear activities.
• Foreign minister: Iran determined to play active role in Shanghai Cooperation Organization Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- Iran has affirmed its "serious determination" to play an active role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is in the process of accepting the Islamic Republic's full membership.
• Junta arrests 22 civilians after mine blast in Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2023 -- Junta troops have been rounding up civilians in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region in the hunt for supporters of anti-regime militias after a mine blast that killed two People's Defense Force Members.
• 'Hope is rare now in Myanmar', UN Human Rights Council hears UN News 06 Mar 2023 -- The Myanmar military has continuously used arbitrary lethal violence against its own people amid an expanding humanitarian emergency, and a worsening economic crisis, the UN rights chief told the Human Rights Council on Monday.
• Prosecutor Seeks 10-Year Prison Terms For Belarusian Activists Considered Political Prisoners RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- The prosecutor at the trial of two activists in Belarus -- Valeryya Kastsyuhova and Tatsyana Kuzina -- has asked a court in Minsk to convict the two women and sentence them to 10 years in prison each as part of an ongoing crackdown on dissent under authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
• Belarus Hands Lengthy Prison Terms To Tsikhanouskaya And Four Other Opposition Figures RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023 -- A court in Minsk has sentenced exiled opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and four other leading opposition figures in absentia to lengthy prison terms on charges that are widely considered to be politically motivated.
• India's Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Rename Historical Places VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- India's Supreme Court has dismissed a Hindu nationalist leader's petition to rename all cities and historical places of the country, which he said had been named after those he called "barbaric foreign invaders" several centuries ago.
• Pakistan Bans Airing of Ex-PM Khan's Speeches, Media Talks VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- Pakistan has imposed a complete ban on the broadcasting of speeches and news conferences by populist former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and swiftly suspended a mainstream satellite television channel for defying the order.
• Estonia's prime minister in first place in parliamentary election Press TV 06 Mar 2023 -- The Reform party of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has secured first place in Sunday's parliamentary election by winning nearly 32 percent of the votes.
• Foreign Secretary call with French Foreign Minister (6 March 2023) UK FCDO 06 Mar 2023 -- A joint statement following the Foreign Secretary's call with Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
• Saudi Arabia Makes $5 Billion Deposit at Central Bank of Turkey Through the Saudi Fund for Development SPA 06 Mar 2023 -- In an implementation of the directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Board of Directors, Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb, signed an agreement with the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, Şahap Kavcıoğlu, to make a significant $5 billion deposit into the Central Bank of Turkey.
• Kilicdaroglu Declared Turkish Opposition's Single Candidate in May 14 Presidential Election Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- The leader of the Republican People's Party, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has been declared the single candidate of the opposition People's Alliance in the general elections in Turkiye.
• Wider Europe Briefing: Will Serbia And Kosovo Finally Seal The Deal? Plus, How The EU Sanctions On Yanukovych Fell Apart RFE/RL 06 Mar 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Commission on the Status of Women UN Secretary-General 06 Mar 2023
• Estonia's Reform Party Wins in General Election Sputnik 06 Mar 2023 -- The center-right Reform Party of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has come ahead in the parliamentary election with over 31% of the votes, the National Electoral Committee informed.
• The Government of South Sudan must stop violence and deliver basic services to their people: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 06 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on South Sudan
• South Sudan faces 'make or break' year on road to lasting peace UN News 06 Mar 2023 -- South Sudan sits at a critical crossroad, with swift action needed to quell chronic intercommunal clashes, ramp up assistance to ever more communities in need, and advance progress towards a durable peace, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Monday.
• Human Rights Council Hears that the Human Rights Situation in Eritrea Remains Dire and Shows No Sign of Improvement, and that the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan Continues to Deteriorate OHCHR 06 Mar 2023
• Eritrea: human rights situation remains dire amid complete impunity UN News 06 Mar 2023 -- The human rights situation in Eritrea remains dire against of backdrop of "complete" impunity for State security and defence forces, the UN's deputy human rights chief said on Monday.
• Rights experts concerned over intimidation around mega tourism project in Indonesia UN News 06 Mar 2023 -- Experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council have expressed concern over reports of increased militarization and intimidation surrounding a multi-billion-dollar urban development and tourism project in Indonesia.
• As Parts of Egyptian Economy Face Crisis, Others Appear More Resilient VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- As the Egyptian economy struggles against negative headwinds from many directions, some sectors appear to be performing well.
• Nigeria's Opposition People's Democratic Party Protests Election Outcome VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- Hundreds of supporters of Nigeria's opposition People's Democratic Party chanted as they marched to the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, on Monday to protest the official results of the recent presidential election.
• US Ambassador to Nigeria Urges Patience with Election Challenges VOA 06 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria acknowledged in a statement Sunday that following the African nation's recent election, "there are many angry and frustrated Nigerians as well as many who are celebrating victories."