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Defense Policy / Programs

• Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of US nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent US Air Force 19 Apr 2023 -- A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Navy aircrew launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one test re-entry vehicle from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System April 19 at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• Official Discusses Steps to Deter, Defeat Missile Threats DoD News 19 Apr 2023 -- A Defense Department leader detailed missile threats from adversaries and addressed DOD countermeasure steps during testimony, yesterday, at the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.
• Kendall explains why success in space requires 'transformational change' US Air Force 19 Apr 2023 -- Emphasizing that space capabilities are "important to our strategy of integrated deterrence" and the reason U.S. Space Force must drive "transformational" change, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall offered a blunt assessment April 19 of the challenges today in space but also optimism that the United States would maintain its dominance in that domain.
• US Space Command Chief: 'Always Good' to Have Deconfliction Talks With Russia, China Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- US Space Command Commander General James Dickinson told Sputnik anytime is a good time to have a conversation about deconfliction with Russia and China, especially given the growing number of objects in space.
• Cyber Direct Commissioning Program enhancement to onboard future cyber officers US Air Force 19 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Air Force is revolutionizing how it recruits and commissions the next generation of cyber professionals. The Air Force is utilizing the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program to address current manning requirements in the cyber workforce. Leveraging this authority allows the Air Force to fulfill critical technical skills desired by various missions throughout the service. This program reduces the training cycle for officers and accelerates the onboarding process to meet urgent and future mission needs.
• Oklahoma Army Guard Headed to Horn of Africa Army News 19 Apr 2023 -- More than 800 Oklahoma Army National Guard members bid farewell to their families before beginning a year-long deployment to the Horn of Africa April 15.
• European rocket artillery summit launches allied initiative Army News 19 Apr 2023 -- Senior leaders from V Corps, partner U.S. formations and allied services launched into the pathbreaking European High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Initiative April 17-19 at the Polish Artillery School.
• Defence Secretary meets US defence and security leaders in Washington, DC UK MOD 19 Apr 2023 -- UK Defence Secretary has concluded a planned visit to Washington, DC.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Joint Press Conference With Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson in Stockholm, Sweden DoD 19 Apr 2023
• DOD Working to Better Understand, Resolve Anomalous Phenomena DoD News 19 Apr 2023 -- In July 2022 the Defense Department set up the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office to, among other things, identify unidentified anomalous phenomena that might pose a threat to national security and the operations of the military and federal agencies.
• Austin: Sweden's Taken Steps Toward Enhancing U.S. Partnership DoD News 19 Apr 2023 -- Following a meeting today at the headquarters of the Swedish navy on Musko Naval Base near Stockholm, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III acknowledged the efforts taken by Sweden in the last year to enhance its already strong alliance with the United States.
• Austin Hopes NATO Partnership for Sweden by Summer DoD News 19 Apr 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has told his Swedish counterpart he hopes that Sweden will get NATO membership before the summer.
• Marine Corps announces ACV Transition Training Unit USMC News 19 Apr 2023 -- A Marine Corps-established Transition Training Unit at the Assault Amphibian School is developing a rigorous and standardized program to ensure that Amphibious Combat Vehicle Marines possess the technical knowledge, skills, and proficiency required to safely operate, maintain, supervise, and employ the ACV.
• U.S. Marine Corps Activates Second F-35C Squadron USMC News 19 Apr 2023 -- Third Marine Aircraft Wing reactivated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, an F-35C Lightning II squadron, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. VMFA-311 is the U.S. Marine Corps' second F-35C squadron. The F-35C is a land and/or carrier-based platform boasting long-range flight and high weapons payload capabilities. Formerly VMA-311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy.
• Unmanned Surface Vessel Transits Strait of Hormuz with U.S. Coast Guard US Navy 19 Apr 2023 -- An unmanned surface vessel from U.S. 5th Fleet transited the Strait of Hormuz with two U.S. Coast Guard cutters, April 19, demonstrating the continued operational integration of unmanned and artificial intelligence systems by U.S. maritime forces in the Middle East.
• U.S. must be ready to 'fight and win' against China over Taiwan: Admiral CNA 19 Apr 2023 -- The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John C. Aquilino, has warned Washington must be ready to "fight and win" if it fails to deter China from taking military action against Taiwan.
• Manila Refuses to Allow Storage of US Weapons Meant for Taiwan Defense at Philippine Bases Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- The Philippine government has said it will not allow the United States to use its bases in the country as staging places for potential operations against China in case of a war over Taiwan.
• Secretary General welcomes President of Czechia to NATO HQ NATO 19 Apr 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the new Czech president, Petr Pavel, to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (19 April 2023).
• Report: Trudeau Told NATO Canada Will Never Meet Bloc's Military Spending Objective Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau allegedly told NATO officials that Ottawa would never meet the military spending goal set by the organization, US media reported on Wednesday.
• Shoigu Inspects Strategic Missile Forces Regiment in Russia's Kaluga Region Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces are responsible for maintaining and operating the country's intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are a major component of its nuclear deterrent strategy.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 19 Apr 2023
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 19 Apr 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced critical new security assistance for Ukraine. This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance with more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS, artillery rounds, and anti-armor capabilities essential to strengthening Ukraine's defenders on the battlefield valued at up to $325 million.
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 19 Apr 2023 -- "Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 36th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $325 million."
• US announces additional $325 million in military aid for Ukraine Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- The United States has announced an additional package of military aid for Ukraine worth $325 million, including artillery rounds and anti-armor weapons, on the same day that Kiev confirms receiving US-made Patriot missile systems.
• US Providing Ukraine With $325 Million in New Military Aid VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- The United States on Wednesday announced $325 million in new military aid for Ukraine in a package that is expected to include more artillery rounds and rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as Ukraine continues to burn through artillery munitions at a high rate.
• U.S. Announces $325 Million In Additional Military Aid For Ukraine RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- The United States is sending Ukraine about $325 million in additional military aid, including an enormous amount of artillery rounds and ammunition, the Pentagon said on April 19.
• Ukraine Receives Patriot Air-Defense Systems As Russia Attacks Odesa With Iranian Drones RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- Ukraine on April 19 said that it has received its first Patriot air-defense systems as Russia launched a fresh wave of drone attacks on the southern port city of Odesa and Ukrainian defenders repelled more attacks in the eastern region of Donetsk, where a protracted battle for the city of Bakhmut has been under way for months.
• Latest in Ukraine: Ukraine Receives Patriot Missile Systems VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- Ukraine's defense minister said Wednesday that Patriot air defense systems had arrived in the country.
• US-made Patriot systems arrive in Kiev as West continues to fan flames of war Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Ukraine's defense minister says his country has received the US-made Patriot surface-to-air guided-missile systems as the West has promised Kiev a raft of new military aid worth billions of dollars despite Russia's warnings.
• Seoul Predicted to Announce Supply of Lethal Weapons to Ukraine Following US Pressure Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- Seoul may exploit Ukrainian fake news regarding the Russian special military operation in order to find a pretext to aid Kiev, argued Director of the South Korean Institute of Eurasian Strategic Studies and former Minister at the Korean Embassy in Moscow Byong Hwan Park.
• Russia warns to arm North Korea if South Korea sends weapons to Ukraine Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow can equip North Korea with advanced weapons if South Korea begins to provide military assistance to Ukraine.
• Chinese, Russian defense ministers hold meeting in Moscow, emphasizing military cooperation, respective core interests Global Times 19 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese and Russian defense ministers held an official meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, in which they highlighted the high level of China-Russia military-to-military relations, agreed to deepen military cooperation, and stressed mutual support in respective core interests.
• Raksha Mantri holds telephonic conversation with Canadian Minister of National Defence; Discusses ways to further develop bilateral defence relations for peace & security of Indo-Pacific India PIB 19 Apr 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with Canadian Minister of National Defence Ms Anita Anand on April 19, 2023. The conversation was warm and cordial. Both Ministers discussed ways to develop bilateral defence relations, which shall be reflective of their democratic ethos and a shared interest in the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific.
• IRGC monitors US drone boat passing through Strait of Hormuz IRNA 19 Apr 2023 -- The US Navy sailed a drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran while the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) forces closely monitored its movement through the strategic waterway, reports said.
• Iran's defense arena reaching its highest peaks of strength: IRGC chief Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has commended the increasingly growing power of Iran's Army, noting that the country's defense arena is reaching its "highest peaks of strength".
• Israel wary as Iran's military might has grown 'hundred-fold': Israeli general Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- A high-ranking former Israeli military commander has acknowledged Tel Aviv's inability to carry out acts of military adventurism against Iran's peaceful nuclear program, saying the Islamic Republic's military might has grown "hundred-fold".
• Iranian Navy's homegrown anti-submarine drones come into operation: Commander Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says his force has employed new unmanned aerial vehicles designed and manufactured domestically to detect and destroy hostile vessels and submarines.
• Parliament Members Warn UK Failing to Adequately Replenish MoD's Stocks Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- The UK's stocks are running low on weapons and ammunition primarily because of the support it has been giving Ukraine during Russia's ongoing special military operation.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 19 Apr 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 19, 2023
• US, Taiwan Defense Firms to Explore Weapons Co-Production VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- Defense contractors from the U.S. and Taiwan will resume in-person conversations next month to discuss possibilities of co-producing weapons, a move likely to ignite protests from China.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 19 April 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Apr 2023
• EP plenary: The crackdown on the right to education and education rights activists in Afghanistan European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 Apr 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• US Reviews Afghan Policy, Scolds 'Draconian' Taliban Edicts VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- After nearly two years of standoff diplomacy with de facto Taliban authorities, Washington is reviewing its Afghan policy in response to what U.S. officials call "draconian" Taliban governance.
• 34 million Afghans mired in poverty amid US freeze on assets: UN Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- The United Nations has warned that around 34 million people in Afghanistan are mired in poverty, as sanctions by the US against the de-facto Taliban government and the freeze on the country's assets have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis there.
• Vietnam speeds land reclamation in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2023 -- Vietnam continues accelerating its land reclamation in the South China Sea but an investigation by Radio Free Asia has found no indication of the militarization of any outpost.
• US State Departments Sets Up Special Task Force for Crisis in Sudan VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. State Department has established a special task force to deal with the crisis in Sudan, a spokesperson confirmed to VOA on Wednesday.
• The violence must stop to give dialogue and peace a chance to succeed. UK FCDO 19 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Kariuki at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Great Lakes region
• UN, African and Arab leaders to hold virtual talks on Sudan crisis UN News 19 Apr 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues efforts towards ensuring an end to the hostilities in Sudan, his Spokesperson said on Wednesday, amid reports of a new ceasefire between warring military factions and refugees fleeing the country across the border into Chad.
• Fighting rages in Sudan; death toll grows despite truce Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Fighting continues between rival military factions in Sudan for a fifth day as a 24-hour ceasefire breaks down and the death toll rises to at least 270.
• Foreign Minister Huitfeldt strongly urges the parties in Sudan to implement the cessation of hostilities Government of Norway 19 Apr 2023
• Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments EC/CEU 19 Apr 2023 -- The European Union (EU) and its Member States strongly condemn the ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which threatens the safety and security of the people of Sudan as well as the unity and stability of the country.
• Fulfilling the promise of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement: 19 April 2023 Gov.UK 19 Apr 2023
• 'Fragile ceasefire' holds in eastern DR Congo, Security Council hears UN News 19 Apr 2023 -- After months of fighting and rising tensions across the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the region is enjoying "a fragile lull", including an improvement in relations between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda, the Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• Cameroon's Large-Scale Boko Haram Attacks Leave Thousands Homeless VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- Officials on Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria say Boko Haram militants in the past week destroyed hundreds of homes in large-scale attacks that killed at least six villagers and two soldiers, and left thousands homeless. Cameroon's government says troops retaliated Wednesday morning and killed at least 12 militants.
• Georgia: Secretary General's report says little progress in human rights and humanitarian situation in conflict areas Council of Europe 19 Apr 2023 -- Serious concerns persist regarding the human rights situation in the areas affected by the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia in August 2008, according to a report by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić presented to the Committee of Ministers on 19 April.

News Reports

• Suspected US Intelligence Leaker Remains Jailed VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- U.S. senators said Wednesday the leak of top-secret military intelligence records by a 21-year-old member of the U.S. Air National Guard should prompt a serious re-evaluation of security procedures in the United States.
• Mexican president accuses U.S. Pentagon of espionage People's Daily 19 Apr 2023 -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday accused the U.S. Pentagon of espionage, saying his government will protect its national defense information.
• UN 'concerned' about American spying on Guterres Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- The United Nations officially expresses concern to the United States about reports of Washington's spying on the world body's Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
• Leaked Documents Show How Russia, China Collaborate on Censorship VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- Leaked documents provided to VOA's sister network RFE/RL confirm reports that Russia and China collaborate on censorship and internet control tactics.
• Alleged Chinese police station operator is a familiar face in Chinatown Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2023 -- When Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited New York in March, a group of residents of the city who favor China's reunification rallied outside the Lotte New York Palace where she was staying, holding up signs calling her a traitor and chanting slogans denigrating the idea of Taiwan's independence.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 19 Apr 2023 -- The President held a videoconference meeting with members of the Government.
• Russian FM urges nations to unite against US-led sanctions 'blackmail' Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called on like-minded countries to join forces against the "blackmail" of Western sanctions during a visit to Venezuela as part of his tour of Latin America.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil following talks, Caracas, April 18, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Apr 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, Caracas, April 18, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Apr 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Rogelio Mayta Mayta Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Apr 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Apr 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Apr 2023
• Second Conspirator in Russia-Ukraine Sanctions Violation Case Arrested US Dept. of Justice 19 Apr 2023 -- Sergey Karpushkin, 46, of Miami and a citizen of Belarus, has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with engaging in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions against oligarch Sergey Kurchenko and two related companies by purchasing over $150 million in steelmaking materials.
• German Defense Chief: EU Falling Behind Russia in Africa Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned on Wednesday that the European Union was losing ground to Russia in Africa's turbulent Sahel region and beyond.
• IIB Says It's Leaving Budapest After U.S. Sanctions Hit Hungarian Officials At Bank RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- The International Investment Bank (IIB) says it will leave its headquarters in Budapest and return to Russia after the Hungarian government withdrew its representatives from the Moscow-led institution after the United States imposed sanctions on three IIB officials.
• Kremlin Slams False Claims About 'Russian Sabotage' at Western Energy Facilities Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- Western countries groundlessly accuse Russia of possible sabotage at energy facilities in Northern Europe instead of paying more attention to the investigation of Nord Stream blasts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
• EP plenary: Repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 Apr 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 19, 2023 PRC MofA 19 Apr 2023
• EU undergoes 'adjustment period' on China policy, seeking balance Global Times 19 Apr 2023 -- While members of the European Parliament (MEPs) participated in a heated debate about how the EU should view and engage with China on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the bloc to carve out its own distinct European approach and show unity, calling "decoupling with China" not viable.
• Why China Is Building Africa's New Parliaments VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- Zimbabwe's new parliament gives an architectural nod to the country's famous ancient ruins; Lesotho's has a design resembling a "mokorotlo," the conical straw hat that's part of national dress; and Malawi's has a dome that looks like a calabash.
• China-Gabon relations lifted to strategic level Global Times 19 Apr 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday, and the two leaders reached an agreement on the elevation of the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."
• China reins in rural 'enforcers' amid outcry over backyard vegetable-growing ban Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2023 -- China's propaganda machine has been scrambling to soothe public anger amid reports that local "agricultural management" officials threatened to uproot backyard fruit and vegetable plots as part of a rural "beautification" campaign.
• China Claims Strong Economic Growth to Start 2023 VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- China's economy responded to the end of widespread COVID-19 lockdowns with a spurt of growth in the first quarter of 2023, surprising analysts with a GDP increase of 4.5% over the same time period in 2022 and raising questions about its direction for the remainder of the year.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Beijing, Moscow, And Leaked Documents RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023
• CPC central leadership reveals five-year plan to refine Party regulations People's Daily 19 Apr 2023 -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has revealed an outline for its plan to issue and revise Party regulations from 2023 to 2027.
• Taiwan will not be 'provocateur' in cross-strait relations: Tsai CNA 19 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's government will not be a "provocateur" in cross-Taiwan Strait relations as it works with "democratic partners" to promote peace and stability in the region, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told the American business community in Taipei on Wednesday.
• Taiwan is U.S. valued friend and important partner: New AIT chair CNA 19 Apr 2023 -- The new chair of the de facto U.S. embassy to Taiwan on Wednesday told President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) that Taiwan is an important friend and partner of America.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan April 19, 2023 ROC MND 19 Apr 2023
• Navy Command issues a press release in response to media reports that "the delivery of Harpoon missiles the United States sold to Taiwan has been delayed" (April 19, 2023) ROC MND 19 Apr 2023
• EU foreign policy chief highlights importance of Taiwan Strait peace CNA 19 Apr 2023 -- European Union (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday underscored the importance to Europe of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, singling out Taiwan's location along one of the world's key shipping routes and its role as a semiconductor manufacturing hub.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects NADA KCNA 19 Apr 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, inspected the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) on April 18.
• N Korea's Kim orders launch of 1st surveillance satellite Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the launch of the country's first military reconnaissance satellite as a deterrence measure against persisting US-led war games near its waters.
• North Korea to Launch Military Satellite to Target Enemies With Nuclear Missiles Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- Kim Dong-yup, an assistant professor at South Korea's University of North Korean Studies, has warned not to underestimate Pyongyang.
• Treasury Sanctions Procurement Network Supporting Iran's UAV and Military Programs US Treasury 19 Apr 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one individual and six entities in a sanctions evasion network that has facilitated Iran's procurement of electronic components for its destabilizing military programs, including those used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Particularly, this action targets the head of U.S.-designated Iran's Pardazan System Namad Arman (PASNA), and the entity's Iran-, Malaysia-, Hong Kong-, and PRC-based front companies and suppliers that have enabled PASNA's procurement of goods and technology. This action also updates the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) entry for PASNA to include an alias and the names of two fictitious companies used by PASNA in its procurement efforts.
• Rattled by Iran's drone prowess, new US sanctions target 1 person, 6 entities Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Rattled by Iran's drone prowess, the United States has imposed fresh sanctions on an Iranian individual as well as several companies over their alleged links to the Islamic Republic's drone and military programs.
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Network Of Suppliers For Iran's Drone Program RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of companies and suppliers - mostly based in China - that the Treasury Department says support Iranian drone manufacturing.
• Negotiations between Iran, IAEA progressing: AEOI chief ISNA 19 Apr 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami stressed that the process of negotiations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is progressing and technical and expert delegations are keeping in close contact.
• Iranian president says U.S. forces compromise regional security People's Daily 19 Apr 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday urged foreign forces, particularly those of the United States, to leave the West Asia region as soon as possible, as they are compromising regional security.
• Iran raps G7 for bullying independent countries, calls for 'realistic approach' Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Iran has hit back at Group of Seven 9G7) countries for leveling an array of allegations against the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and regional activities, urging the US-led grouping to adopt a realistic approach based on mutual respect.
• Iranian Former Crown Prince's 'Historic' Trip To Israel Courts Controversy RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- Iran's former crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has stirred controversy after visiting Israel, Tehran's arch enemy.
• More School Poisonings Reported in Iran VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- Gas and chemical attacks continued in Iran, targeting mostly girls' schools Wednesday in several cities, including Tehran, VOA's Persian service reported. Dozens of students were hospitalized.
• The Farda Briefing: Iranian Women Defy Newest Police Crackdown On Hijab Violators RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023
• Iran raps Western states, media for exploiting Ukrainian plane tragedy Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- A senior Iranian official has slammed certain Western countries and their media for exploiting the January 2020 Ukrainian plane crash tragedy, reaffirming Iran's commitment to delivering justice.
• 'Enemies capitalize on Ukraine plane crash case to harm Iran' IRNA 19 Apr 2023 -- A senior government official has censured certain states for misusing the case of the Ukrainian plane crash that happened in Iran in 2020 to harm the Islamic Republic.
• Myanmar's junta-controlled Supreme Court to hear appeal by Aung San Suu Kyi Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2023 -- Myanmar's Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear an appeal by former State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi against her convictions on corruption charges and the violation of election and state secrets laws brought by the ruling junta, people close to the court said.
• Thailand-Myanmar Ties Mean Myanmar Anti-Coup Activists Risk Arrest VOA 19 Apr 2023 -- returned to their homeland if they cross into Thailand, experts and rights groups say.
• Kazakh Official Warns Of Gas Price Hikes In Attempt To Ward Off Surprise, Unrest RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satqaliev has warned citizens of the oil-rich country of an expected increase of liquefied gas prices in the coming months as the government looks to avoid a repeat of deadly mass protests that took place in January 2022 after an energy price hike.
• PM meeting with Taoiseach Varadkar of Ireland: 19 April 2023 Gov.UK 19 Apr 2023
• Cuba's Miguel Diaz-Canel Wins Second 5-Year Presidential Term Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- Cuban lawmakers have unanimously approved the reelection of incumbent President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who will lead the executive branch of the country from 2023-2028, Cuban media reported on Wednesday.
• Brazil rejects U.S. criticism of its foreign policy People's Daily 19 Apr 2023 -- Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Monday dismissed U.S. criticism of Brazilian foreign policy after U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby accused Brazil of "parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda" about the Ukraine crisis earlier in the day.
• Syria, Tunisia vow to boost cooperation in push to restore ties Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Syria and Tunisia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in different sectors as the two Arab countries move to re-establish relations after more than a decade of estrangement.
• Former Venezuelan National Treasurer and Her Husband Sentenced in Money Laundering and International Bribery Scheme US Dept. of Justice 19 Apr 2023 -- The former National Treasurer of Venezuela and her husband were each sentenced today to 15 years in prison for their roles in a multibillion-dollar bribery and money laundering scheme.
• The President: Lithuania consistently supports Armenia's efforts to protect its sovereignty and pursue democratic reforms President of the Republic of Lithuania 19 Apr 2023 -- On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with President Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia, who arrived on an official visit to Lithuania.
• Sanctioning Three Nicaraguan Judges for Depriving Nicaraguans of Their Basic Right to Citizenship US Dept. of State 19 Apr 2023 -- The United States is taking further action to hold accountable perpetrators of the Nicaraguan regime's repressive actions. The United States is imposing sanctions on the Nicaraguan judges who played a role in stripping over 300 Nicaraguans of their citizenship, leaving many of these individuals stateless.
• Treasury Sanctions Three Nicaraguan Judicial Officials Involved in Human Rights Abuses US Treasury 19 Apr 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three Nicaraguan judicial officials involved in human rights abuses conducted by the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and the broader oppression of Nicaraguan citizens who oppose his government.
• Nicaragua bars EU envoy over 'interventionist' remarks Press TV 19 Apr 2023 -- Nicaragua has barred the European Union's designated ambassador from entering the country over the bloc's meddlesome remarks concerning the Central American nation.
• Australian lawmakers meet with Dalai Lama, government-in-exile in northern India Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2023 -- A four-member delegation from Australia's All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet who met with the Dalai Lama on Tuesday offered support to preserve Tibet's language and culture amid China's efforts to restrict Tibet's linguistic and cultural rights.
• Cambodian court orders arrest of opposition party officials Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2023 -- A provincial court ordered the arrest of two senior Candlelight Party officials on fraud charges, the latest such charges - which critics called politically motivated - that stem from political party registration documents filed last year.
• Azerbaijan Says It Has Detained 20 People For Allegedly Promoting Iranian 'Propaganda' RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- Azerbaijani media say 20 people allegedly affiliated with Iran's Intelligence Ministry were arrested on April 19 as relations between the two countries fray.
• Early Voting In Referendum On New Uzbek Constitution Kicks Off RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- Early voting has started in Uzbekistan in a referendum on a new constitution that would allow 65-year-old President Shavkat Mirziyoev to run again and opens the way for him to retain power until 2040.
• Moldova Expels Russian Embassy Employee Over 'Inappropriate Behavior' At Chisinau Airport RFE/RL 19 Apr 2023 -- Moldova has expelled an employee of the Russian Embassy over "inappropriate behavior" earlier this week at the airport in Chisinau after Moldova barred a Russian delegation from entering the country.
• Statement on Arrests of Political Opponents in Tunisia US Dept. of State 19 Apr 2023 -- The arrests by the Tunisian government of political opponents and critics are fundamentally at odds with the principles Tunisians adopted in a constitution that explicitly guarantees freedom of opinion, thought, and expression.