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Defense Policy / Programs

• Arctic Gold 23-2 refines 354th FW ACE operations US Air Force 26 Apr 2023 -- The 354th Fighter Wing conducted Arctic Gold 23-2, an exercise designed to practice the wing's ability to sustain F-35 Lightning II operations from multiple, simulated, deployed locations, April 17-23.
• USS San Juan (SSN 751) Conducts Brief Stop Off Iceland's Coast US Navy 26 Apr 2023 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) conducted a brief stop for supplies and personnel off Iceland's west coast while operating in the High North, April 26, 2023.
• 13th MEU Conducts Sensing Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations USMC News 26 Apr 2023 -- What does the future fight with a peer adversary look like? This question has been long deliberated by warfighting strategists with varying predictions, but one factor remains constant; to be detected, is to be targeted and killed. Sensing Expeditionary Advanced Bases are one of the ways the Marine Corps is addressing this common denominator on the next battlefield.
• Deep Impact: New Diving Suit Could Increase Undersea Range of Navy Divers US Navy 26 Apr 2023 -- The lights above the water's surface cast a ghostly glow on the bottom of the sprawling tank, as a U.S. Navy diver deftly swam through a sunken aircraft fuselage.
• Official Details Space-Based Threats and U.S. Countermeasures DoD News 26 Apr 2023 -- Space plays a critical role in the nation's security and America's prosperity, said John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With Japanese Vice-Minister of Defense Suzuki Atsuo DoD 26 Apr 2023
• DoD Signs New Administrative Arrangement With European Defence Agency DoD 26 Apr 2023 -- Today, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Department of Defense have formalized a framework for cooperation through the signing of an Administrative Arrangement (AA). The EDA-DoD AA provides for stronger transatlantic cooperation in defense in specific areas, including in the exchange of information.
• New Pillar for Cooperation: EDA-U.S. Department of Defense Administrative Arrangement Signed European Defence Agency 26 Apr 2023 -- Today, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Department of Defense of the United States of America (DoD) have formalised a framework for cooperation through the signing of an Administrative Arrangement (AA). The EDA-DoD AA provides for stronger transatlantic cooperation in defence in specific areas, including in the exchange of information.
• NATO Secretary General: we must go further and faster to procure key capabilities and boost stockpiles NATO 26 Apr 2023 -- Opening a two-day Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) session at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (26 April 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Allies to ramp up weapons and ammunition production, and rapidly replenish stockpiles.
• Central and Eastern European countries need to take a united stance in favor of a stronger NATO deterrence and defence posture, says A. Anušauskas Lithuania MND 26 Apr 2023 -- April 26, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas underscored in Warsaw at the Defence Ministers' meeting in the Bucharest Nine (B9) format that the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July had to result in tangible deliverables on the Alliance forward defence -and the Central and Eastern European countries needed to unify to achieve it.
• Wagner Group Leader Accuses Russian 'Decision-Makers' Of Treason For Lack Of Ammunition In Ukraine RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Kremlin-connected businessman who controls the notorious Wagner mercenary group, has accused "decision-makers" in Russia of treason for not providing his troops and military units of Russia's regular armed forces with ammunition needed to fight in Ukraine.
• DOD Officials Detail Efforts to Support Ukraine, Defend NATO DoD News 26 Apr 2023 -- Russia's unprovoked invasion of neighboring Ukraine has provoked the worst security crisis in Europe since World War II, and nations around the globe are rallying to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty, DOD officials told the House Armed Services Committee today.
• Key US Commander 'Very Confident' Ahead of Expected Ukrainian Offensive VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- Ukraine's military forces have all the equipment, weapons and ammunition they need to launch their long-awaited spring offensive, according to a top U.S. military commander.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 26 Apr 2023 -- The Federal Government supports the Ukrainian military in close coordination with its partners and allies. This list provides an overview of lethal and non-lethal German military support for Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, as well as supplies from German industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for so-called security capacity building.
• Chinese warships set out for joint drills with Singapore, promoting openness, understandings in the South China Sea Global Times 26 Apr 2023 -- Warships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy have set out for Singapore to participate in the upcoming bilateral joint military drills and an international defense expo, with analysts saying on Wednesday that the events reflect pragmatic cooperation between the Chinese and Singaporean militaries and promote military openness and understanding in the South China Sea.
• Chinese aircraft carrier returns to South China Sea Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- China's aircraft carrier the Shandong left the Western Pacific and returned to its usual operational area, the South China Sea, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has said.
• China to Hold Live-Fire Drills in East China Sea on Wednesday Sputnik 26 Apr 2023 -- China will hold exercises with the practical use of weapons in one of the areas of the East China Sea on Wednesday, the Maritime Safety Administration of China said.
• 2023 Han Kuang drills to test response to latest PLA threats: MND CNA 26 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's annual war games in 2023 will simulate responses to a potential Chinese invasion based on the latest threats posed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to test its combat readiness, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday.
• U.S., South Korea Unveil Joint Declaration Outlining Steps to Bolster Deterrence DoD News 26 Apr 2023 -- President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol outlined new steps aimed at bolstering the longstanding U.S.-South Korean defense alliance in the face of growing nuclear threats posed by North Korea.
• No South Korean Nuclear Weapons; US Will Increase Deterrence VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- South Korea agreed not to pursue its own nuclear weapons program, in return for a greater decision-making role in U.S. contingency planning in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack and a more muscular U.S. presence in the region.
• Washington Declaration The White House 26 Apr 2023 -- "The ROK has full confidence in U.S. extended deterrence commitments and recognizes the importance, necessity, and benefit of its enduring reliance on the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The United States commits to make every effort to consult with the ROK on any possible nuclear weapons employment on the Korean Peninsula, consistent with the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review's declaratory policy, and the Alliance will maintain robust communication infrastructure to facilitate these consultations. President Yoon reaffirmed the ROK's longstanding commitment to its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nonproliferation regime as well as to the U.S.-ROK Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy."
• US will send nuclear-armed subs to South Korea: Biden Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- In a new agreement with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, US President Joe Biden has pledged to deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea for the first time in four decades to defend its ally from what they claim to be growing nuclear threats from North Korea.
• Washington Briefs China on US-S Korean Plans to Up Military Drills in Region Sputnik 26 Apr 2023 -- China is being briefed about plans between the United States and South Korea to enhance military activity near the Korean Peninsula in light of Pyongyang's advancing nuclear missile capability, a senior US administration official told reporters.
• Iran obtains 'fingerprints' of enemy's warplanes, electronic military equipment: Defense official Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- The chief executive officer of Iran Electronics Industries (IEI) says the country is in possession of the fingerprints of the electronic military equipment used by the enemy.
• Bucharest Nine stand united in efforts to strengthen security Republic of Poland 26 Apr 2023 -- Future measures to strengthen security in the region and build interoperability, the development of military cooperation within the Bucharest Nine format, and new plans to build a system of deterrence and defense for the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance's eastern flank - these were the main topics of the Bucharest Nine defense ministers' meeting held in Warsaw on Wednesday.
• Norway - Defense Articles and Services Related to the MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters DSCA 26 Apr 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Norway - C-130J Sustainment DSCA 26 Apr 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of sustainment and services for C-130J aircraft beyond Block 6 through 2028 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $166 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Leaders' Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea The White House 26 Apr 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea in Joint Press Conference The White House 26 Apr 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 26 Apr 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea at Arrival Ceremony The White House 26 Apr 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 26, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 26 April 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Apr 2023
• U.S. says mastermind behind Kabul airport attack in 2021 killed by Taliban People's Daily 26 Apr 2023 -- The individual believed by the United States to be the mastermind behind the attack at Kabul's international airport on U.S. troops withdrawing from Afghanistan in August 2021 was killed by the Taliban, U.S. media reported Tuesday, citing administration officials.
• Banned From School, Teenage Afghan Girls Turn To Taliban-Run Madrasahs RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- A group of girls wearing black face veils silently enter a madrasah in Afghanistan's central province of Ghor.
• 'Yemen's territorial integrity': Iran FM says supports initiatives on ceasefire, end to Saudi-led siege Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reaffirmed Iran's stance on preserving Yemen'sterritorial integrity and support for a political solution to the Yemeni crisis, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and an end to the Saudi-led war and siege on the impoverished Arab nation.
• Death toll from NW Pakistan explosions rises to 17 People's Daily 26 Apr 2023 -- The death toll from Monday's twin explosions in a police station in Pakistan's Swat district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province rose to 17 on Tuesday, with at least 70 others injured, health and police officials said.
• Russia's Wagner Group Could Fuel Conflict in Sudan, Experts Say VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of a Russian government-backed paramilitary group, has offered weapons to one of the warring parties in Sudan, according to several media reports.
• Former Sudan Officials Leave Prison, Raising Questions about Bashir VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- Amid a shaky cease-fire in Sudan, members of the former regime, including ousted president Omar al-Bashir have left the prison where they were held, raising questions on their whereabouts. Sudan's military accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of attacking the prison, while the RSF accused the military of releasing the former leaders.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with African Union Commission Chairperson Faki About Ending the Fighting in Sudan US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2023
• Finland's Foreign Ministry ends evacuation of Finnish nationals in Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 26 Apr 2023 -- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs completes Finland's relief effort in Sudan on Thursday 27 April.
• Fighting in Sudan rapidly worsening an already dire humanitarian situation for children, warn UNICEF, Save the Children and World Vision UNICEF 26 Apr 2023 -- As violent clashes in Sudan continue, UNICEF and the child-focused NGOs World Vision and Save the Children are highlighting the danger to children if the current ceasefire is not respected by all parties. Millions of vulnerable girls and boys need immediate humanitarian assistance, and all children need to be protected from harm.
• Sudan envoy calls for ceasefire compliance, as concern mounts over West Darfur UN News 26 Apr 2023 -- The UN's Special Representative for Sudan has called on the rival military factions which have plunged the country into chaos during 11 days of fighting to "fully adhere" to the agreed 72-hour ceasefire amid increasing concern at reports of inter-communal violence and attacks in the West Darfur region.
• Details on evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan unveiled, with help of Chinese Embassy Global Times 26 Apr 2023 -- For Chinese nationals living in Sudan the night on April 23 was a sleepless one. Not only because of occasional gunshots, but also because of the anticipation and nervousness brought by the announcement of the Chinese Embassy to evacuate Chinese citizens living in war zones of Khartoum.
• Despite cease-fire, Sudan sees acute shortages of essentials: UN People's Daily 26 Apr 2023 -- Despite a cease-fire, shortages of essentials are becoming acute in Sudan, sending prices soaring while evacuees head for the borders, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• Sudan in chaos: Former regime members escape prison Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have clashed near the capital Khartoum and some other places amid reports of members of the former regime led by Omar al-Bashir fleeing prison.
• In continuation of the Evacuation Efforts Made by Saudi Arabia, 13 Saudis, and 1674 Individuals of Other Nationalities Evacuees from Sudan Arrived in Jeddah Today SPA 26 Apr 2023
• 72-hour truce begins in Sudan amid gunfire in Khartoum People's Daily 26 Apr 2023 -- The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced Tuesday that a 72-hour new truce came into effect, despite persisting gunfire in Khartoum and the two warring sides accused each other of ceasefire violation.
• The United Kingdom condemns military clashes across Sudan: UK Statement on Sudan UK FCDO 26 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Sudan
• Locals find mutilated bodies of 5 fellow villagers in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- Villagers have discovered the mutilated, charred bodies of five locals, who were arrested in Indaw township in Myanmar's northerly Sagaing region a month earlier, according to an official from the Indaw Revolution anti-junta militia.
• Russia Names New Chief Of Nagorno-Karabakh Peacekeepers As Tensions Rise Between Armenia, Azerbaijan RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- Russia has appointed a new head of its peacekeeping force in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region as tensions remain high between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting the mostly Armenian-populated region with Armenia.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 26 Apr 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
• EU's Military Mission Says 'Closely Watching' Security Situation In Bosnia RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- The European Union's military mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina says it has not perceived any danger to the country's security situation despite ongoing tensions sparked by Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik's repeated threats that the Bosnian Serb entity would pursue independence and union with neighboring Serbia.

News Reports

• Security Council veto should be 'very last resort': General Assembly President UN News 26 Apr 2023 -- One year after the General Assembly adopted its so-called "veto initiative", Member States met on Wednesday to discuss how it could contribute to a more efficient and impact-oriented UN.
• U.S. Entertainer Convicted of Engaging in Foreign Influence Campaign US Dept. of Justice 26 Apr 2023 -- A federal jury convicted a U.S. entertainer and businessman today for orchestrating an unregistered, back-channel campaign beginning in or about 2017 to influence the then-administration of the President of the United States and the Department of Justice to drop the investigation of Jho Low and others for embezzlement and other offenses in connection with the international strategic and development company known as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), and to send a Chinese national back to China, as well as conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the 2012 U.S. presidential election.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's news conference following his visit to the United States within the framework of Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council, New York, April 25, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Apr 2023
• Meeting with Rostov Region Governor Vasily Golubev President of Russia 26 Apr 2023 -- The Rostov Region Governor informed the President, via videoconference, about the region's socio-economic performance.
• Telephone conversation with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of Russia 26 Apr 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
• President in Berlin: We must get rid of illusions - Russia poses a long-term threat to peace, security and stability in Europe President of the Republic of Lithuania 26 Apr 2023 -- President Gitanas Nausėda has started his working visit to Berlin. On Wednesday, the President delivered a keynote speech "Global Zeitenwende: The Lithuanian Approach" at the Körber Global Leaders Dialogue.
• Polish Prosecutors Seize Money From Russian Embassy's Accounts Sputnik 26 Apr 2023 -- The Polish Prosecutor's Office has seized money from the accounts of the Russian embassy and the trade mission, Russian ambassador in Warsaw Sergei Andreev told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Moscow Declares 10 Representatives of Norwegian Embassy in Moscow Personae Non Grata Sputnik 26 Apr 2023 -- Earlier in April, Norway has declared 15 employees of the Russian Embassy personae non gratae.
• Russia to Take Measures if Finland Fails to Resolve Issue With Russian Property Sputnik 26 Apr 2023 -- The situation with the property used by the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Finland has yet to be resolved, and the Finnish side has yet to provide any explanations; Moscow will be forced to take response measures if Helsinki fails to resolve the issue, the Russian Foreign Ministry has told Sputnik.
• Trial Begins Of Yevgeny Roizman, One Of The Last Prominent Kremlin Critics Not Behind Bars RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- Yevgeny Roizman, the former mayor of the Urals city of Yekaterinburg and one of the last prominent opposition figures left in Russia who is not behind bars, went on trial on April 26 on a charge of "repetitively discrediting the armed forces" involved in the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.
• Navalny Faces 30 Years In Russian Terrorism Case He Calls 'Absurd' RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- Jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny says a new probe has been launched against him, this time on a charge of terrorism, and that he will be tried on the "absurd" charge by a military court.
• China revises Counter-Espionage Law, defining cyber-attacks against state organs as spy activities Global Times 26 Apr 2023 -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee passed an amendment to the Counter-Espionage Law on Wednesday. The revised law refines the definition of espionage activities, explicitly categorizing "collaborating with spy organizations and their agents" and "conducting cyber-attacks against state organs, confidential-related units, or critical information infrastructure and etc." as espionage activities.
• China lodges stern representation to US law enforcement agencies on indictment of Chinese police Global Times 26 Apr 2023 -- A spokesperson with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said that MPS officials have lodged a stern representation and strong objections to the Beijing representatives of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday, condemning that the US DOJ has maliciously concocted a so-called narrative of transnational repression, pieced together fabricated evidence and blatantly prosecuted 40 Chinese law enforcement officers and other government officials.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on April 26, 2023 PRC MofA 26 Apr 2023
• Xi Jinping Meets with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee, Permanent Member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat and Head of the Organization Commission of the CPV Central Committee Truong Thi Mai PRC MofA 26 Apr 2023 -- On April 26, 2023, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Permanent Member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat and Head of the Organization Commission of the CPV Central Committee Truong Thi Mai.
• China building 24 nuclear power units, ranking No.1 in world: industry report Global Times 26 Apr 2023 -- Construction is in progress on 24 nuclear power units in China, with a total installed capacity of about 26.81 million kilowatts (kW), ranking the first in the world, an industry report showed on Wednesday.
• China's demand for raw materials drives deforestation by mining, report says Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- Mining is one of the top drivers of deforestation globally, with up to one-third of the world's forest ecosystems affected by its indirect impact, a new environmental report said.
• China realizes unified registration of immovable property People's Daily 26 Apr 2023 -- China has fully realized the unified registration of immovable property, Minister of Natural Resources Wang Guanghua said Tuesday.
• Taiwan sharing real-time intelligence with 'Five Eyes': NSB head CNA 26 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's top intelligence chief on Wednesday said the nation has maintained "real-time" intelligence sharing with the "Five Eyes" alliance formed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• French Senate delegation seeks deeper trade, investment ties with Taiwan CNA 26 Apr 2023 -- French Senate Vice President Alain Richard on Wednesday expressed hope of strengthening trade and investment cooperation with Taiwan, during a meeting with Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) in Taipei.
• 4 security teams assigned to protect 2024 presidential candidates: NSB CNA 26 Apr 2023 -- A total of four teams are to be assembled to provide security for candidates in Taiwan's presidential election, slated for Jan. 13, 2024, the country's top intelligence chief said Wednesday.
• China on alert after EU calls for naval patrols in Taiwan Strait Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- Chinese authorities is on high alert and prepared for any action posing a threat to China's sovereignty and territory, Beijing has declared after the EU's top diplomat called for European navy patrols in the Taiwan Strait.
• Taiwan-based publisher under investigation in China: Chinese official CNA 26 Apr 2023 -- The founder of Taiwan-based Gūsa Publishing, Li Yanhe (李延賀), who has reportedly been detained in China since March, is under investigation for "suspected activities endangering national security," a Chinese official confirmed on Wednesday.
• China probes Taiwan-based book publisher for 'endangering state security' Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- China on Wednesday confirmed it is holding a Taiwan-based publisher under investigation for "activities that endangered state security," several days after he disappeared during a visit to Shanghai.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan April 26, 2023 ROC MND 26 Apr 2023
• Biden warns North Korea that a nuclear attack would mean end of the regime Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden warned North Korea on Wednesday that any nuclear attack on the United States or its allies would result in an end to the isolated regime while promising closer cooperation with South Korea on deterring the nuclear threat.
• 'Huge mistake' to miss chance to revive Iran nuclear deal, Russia warns Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- Russia says missing the opportunity to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is a "huge mistake," noting the parties that destroyed the multilateral agreement bear responsibility to bring it back to life.
• Missing chance to revive JCPOA would be big mistake: Russia FM IRNA 26 Apr 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that missing the chance to revive Iran's nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), would be a big mistake.
• Clashes Erupt In Restive Iranian Province After Teen Dies In Accident With Police Car RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023 -- Clashes have erupted between security forces and civilians in the southeastern Iranian city of Fanouj amid protests sparked by the death of a teen when his motorcycle collided with a police car.
• Iran Closing Businesses Not Abiding by Hijab Law VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- Iranian authorities have been shutting down a large number of shops and businesses around the country they say are not observing the mandatory hijab law.
• The Farda Briefing: Iranian Activists Angered By Khamenei's Rejection Of Referendum RFE/RL 26 Apr 2023
• Illegal gold mining up ten-fold in Kachin state since Myanmar coup Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- Illegal gold mining has increased ten-fold in Myanmar's Kachin state since the military seized power in a coup more than two years ago, a new report and sources said, amid a decrease in federal oversight in the region.
• Pakistan in Crisis After Standoff Over Poll Date VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- A standoff between the government and judiciary over a key provincial election has pushed Pakistan into a political and judicial crisis, with experts blaming the quagmire on the military's long-standing interference in political affairs.
• South Africa's President Walks Back Vow to Leave ICC VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa backtracked on remarks he made Tuesday that the country would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
• New EU package of sanctions against Syria targets drug trafficking and the most serious human rights violations Germany Federal Foreign Office 26 Apr 2023 -- Following the joint initiative of France, the Netherlands and Germany, the European Union adopted a new package of sanctions relating to Syria on 24 April. It was decided to place 25 persons and eight companies on the EU sanctions list. Who are they and why?
• Erdogan's Office Denies Turkish President Suffered Heart Attack Sputnik 26 Apr 2023 -- The center against disinformation at the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday denied reports that the president suffered a heart attack.
• Iran sees Lebanon's security as equal to its own, Amir-Abdollahian says upon arrival in Beirut Press TV 26 Apr 2023 -- The Iranian foreign minister said the Islamic Republic regards Lebanon's security as being equal to its own security, after he arrived in Beirut for an official visit to discuss regional and international issues of concern by the two sides.
• Cambodian opposition parties delay registering for election due to intimidation Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- Several opposition Cambodian political parties have not registered to participate in July's general election and will wait until the last minute to take action because intimidation, threats and attacks have made it dangerous to do so, domestic civil society groups said.
• American Samoa criticizes US plan to expand size of Pacific marine sanctuary Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2023 -- President Joe Biden's plan to expand marine sanctuaries around the United States' remote Pacific islands has been greeted with dismay in American Samoa, where officials fear a heavy blow to the U.S. territory's economically crucial tuna industry.
• Designation of Sri Lankan Governor Due to Involvement in a Gross Violation of Human Rights US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2023 -- The United States is designating Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of North Western Province in Sri Lanka, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, due to his involvement in a gross violation of human rights during his tenure as a Naval Commander.
• 'Unprecedented insecurity' in Haiti requires urgent action: new UN envoy UN News 26 Apr 2023 -- The rapidly deteriorating security situation in Haiti demands that the country remains at the centre of international attention and action, newly appointed UN Special Representative Maria Isabel Salvador said on Wednesday in her first briefing to the Security Council.
• At UN, Haitian Foreign Minister Pleads for International Help VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- Haiti's foreign minister intensified his government's appeal to the international community Wednesday to help break the grip of armed gangs that are terrorizing the capital and large areas of the island nation.