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• Army announces contract award for Javelin Missile System US Army 03 May 2023 -- The U.S. Army today awarded the Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Lockheed Martin of Orlando, Florida, and Raytheon Technologies of Tucson, Arizona, contract for the Javelin Missile System.
• Guard Soldiers provide short-range air defense at Exercise Balikatan Army News 03 May 2023 -- "We are the eyes in the sky," said U.S. Army Spc. Breanna Olivieri, a Mississippi Army National Guard air defense battle management systems operator who participated in Exercise Balikatan 23. "They call us Eagle Eye. We pick up drones, unmanned aerial surveillance, cruise missiles, and any aerial threats."
• Task Force 51/5 Joint Terminal Attack Controllers increase capability with U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy partners CENTCOM 03 May 2023 -- Late last week Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Bridge (TF 51/5) Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) embarked on Bahrain-based U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutters to conduct joint training with both U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft in the Northern Arabian Gulf. The training involved five U.S. Coast Guard vessels and a group of Marine JTACs who sharpened their tactical skills by controlling U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
• DOD Implements New Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance Adjustment Process DoD News 03 May 2023 -- The Defense Department has announced updates to the adjustment process for the overseas cost-of-living allowance, which is aimed at creating financial predictability for service members stationed outside of the continental U.S.
• Emory S. Land Makes Port Call in Saipan US Navy 03 May 2023 -- The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) made a scheduled port visit to Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, May 2.
• Marines Standardize Recruit Depots, Deactivate Historic Battalion USMC News 03 May 2023 -- In a milestone emphasizing the Marine Corps' successful standardization in recruit training, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island will deactivate its Fourth Recruit Training Battalion in a ceremony June 15, 2023, and realign personnel between the service's two recruit training locations.
• Control, Cooperation, Classification Remain Focuses of DOD's Space Policy DoD News 03 May 2023 -- The assistant secretary of defense for space policy told senators yesterday that his office is "laser focused" on three priorities: space control, space cooperation and space classification.
• The United States and the Republic of the Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines DOD 03 May 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Pentagon DoD 03 May 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Meeting With Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. DoD 03 May 2023
• FACT SHEET: U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines DoD 03 May 2023 -- On May 3, 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez established the Bilateral Defense Guidelines to modernize alliance cooperation in service of the United States and the Philippines' shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• U.S.-Philippines Agree to Modernize, Strengthen Alliance DoD News 03 May 2023 -- The United States and the Philippines will continue the fundamental work needed to modernize and strengthen the alliance between the two nations, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today at the Pentagon.
• U.S. Sixth Fleet and STRIKFORNATO to kick off FORMIDABLE SHIELD 2023 US Navy 03 May 2023 -- U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) will kick off exercise Formidable Shield 2023 from the High North and North Atlantic Ocean, May 8, 2023.
• NATO and Georgia strengthen scientific cooperation to tackle new security challenges NATO 03 May 2023 -- NATO and Georgia reaffirmed the importance of their long-standing scientific cooperation at an Information Day in Tbilisi on Wednesday (3 May 2023).
• Allies complete appointment of the NATO Innovation Fund's Board of Directors NATO 03 May 2023 -- The 22 Allies* participating in the NATO Innovation Fund have completed the formation of the Board of Directors. The remaining six Directors were appointed on 27 April 2023.
• Defence: €500 million and new measures to urgently boost EU defence industry capacities in ammunition production European Commission 03 May 2023 -- Today, the Commission has adopted the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) as a response to track 3 of the plan agreed by the Council on 20 March, to urgently deliver ammunition and missiles to Ukraine and to help Member States refill their stocks.
• Questions and Answers on the Act in Support of Ammunition Production European Commission 03 May 2023
• EU mulls ramping up ammunition production to boost Ukraine army Press TV 03 May 2023 -- The European Union has announced fresh plans to ramp up the large-scale production of ammunition to boost Ukrainian armed forces against Russia.
• EU Commission Says Ammunition to Fully Support Kiev 'Lacking' Due to Intensity of Conflict Sputnik 03 May 2023 -- The European Union and and its allies are "lacking" the capability to fully support Ukraine with ammunition due to the high intensity of the conflict, EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton said on Wednesday.
• European Commission to Earmark Over $1.6Bln for Ammo Production for Ukraine Sputnik 03 May 2023 -- The European Commission will set aside another 1.5 billion euros ($1.66 billion) for the production of ammunition for Ukraine, its president Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 03 May 2023
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 03 May 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
• DOD Announces Latest Security Assistance Package for Ukraine DoD News 03 May 2023 -- The Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine today containing more ammunition for U.S.-provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems among other weapons to arm Ukrainian forces against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression.
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 03 May 2023
• US Providing $300 Million in Additional Aid to Ukraine VOA 03 May 2023 -- The United States is providing about $300 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) ahead of an expected Ukrainian offensive, according to defense officials.
• Ukraine implements 18 pct of NATO standards: defense minister People's Daily 03 May 2023 -- Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that his country had implemented 18 percent of the standards of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Tuesday.
• US sending $300 million in new arms aid to Ukraine including air-launched rockets Press TV 03 May 2023 -- The United States is sending a $300 military aid package to Ukraine, including, for the first time, short-range air-launched rockets, deepening its involvement in the war in defiance of repeated warnings by Russia.
• Taiwan to receive 1st batch of F-16Vs almost a year later than expected CNA 03 May 2023 -- Taiwan will receive the first two of 66 F-16V fighters it purchased from the United States almost a year later than originally scheduled, with the U.S. side citing the late delivery as being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday.
• U.S. key to development of new Taiwan-built fighters: Defense contractor CNA 03 May 2023 -- U.S. assistance will be critical if a government-backed program to manufacture next-generation fighter jets locally is to succeed, the head of Taiwan's largest aerospace company said on Wednesday.
• Joint Press Communique on Hon Indian Defence Minister HE Shri Rajnath Singh's visit to Maldives on the Invitation of his Maldivian Counterpart HE Mariya Didi India PIB 03 May 2023
• Blast At Revolutionary Guards Center Leaves Two Dead In Central Iran RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- An explosion at a combat-readiness and support center of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on the outskirts of the city of Damghan in the central Iranian province of Semnan has left two personnel dead and three injured, the IRGC said in a statement.
• UK and Australian visit to British home of next-generation nuclear submarines UK MOD 03 May 2023 -- Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace have today visited the shipyard where the next generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines will be built for the Royal Navy.
• Czech Republic - AH-1Z and UH-1Y Refurbishment/Modernization DSCA 03 May 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Czech Republic of AH-1Z and UH-1Y Refurbishment/Modernization and related equipment for an estimated value of up to $650 million. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• The Federal Armed Forces to continue their participation in the Kosovo peace mission in Kosovo Germany - Federal Government 03 May 2023 -- Germany will continue to deploy military personnel in Kosovo as part of the international Kosovo Force (KFOR) following a decision by the Federal Cabinet to extend the mandate, although the Bundestag still has to ratify the resolution. The most important questions and answers about the extended mandate.
• The Federal Government extends the deployment of the Federal Armed Forces in Mali for the final time Germany - Federal Government 03 May 2023 -- The deployment of Federal Armed Forces personnel under the United Nations "Minusma" peace mission will be extended for the final time. The Federal Cabinet has decided to extend the mandate until 31 May 2024. The Bundestag still has to agree to the resolution. The most important questions and answers about the deployment.
• The President: We have to ensure the security of the Baltic Sea region President of the Republic of Lithuania 03 May 2023 -- On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. The meeting focused on regional security issues, preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius, and Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Norway Pledges to Reach NATO's Spending Target Amid Windfall Revenues Sputnik 03 May 2023 -- Norway has the highest defense spending per capita in the NATO alliance, trailing only the US, yet has fallen behind its designated goal due to unexpected profits that dwarfed the military budget.
• A look at the Defence news 24 - 30 April Netherlands Ministry of Defence 03 May 2023 -- The 125 Dutch military personnel guarding Erbil International Airport in Iraq will be returning home as their task has come to an end. Estonian military personnel will take over the task.
• Joint Statement on the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations US Dept. of State 03 May 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Turkmenistan on the occasion of the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations (ABCs) in Washington.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Youssouf US Dept. of State 03 May 2023
• Under Secretary Nuland's Meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Momen US Dept. of State 03 May 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 03 May 2023
• Online Press Briefing with Gabriel Escobar, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and Special Representative to the Western Balkans US Dept. of State 03 May 2023
• Digital Press Briefing with Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs US Dept. of State 03 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 3, 2023 US Dept. of State 03 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 3, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 3 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 May 2023
• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press conference in Nairobi, Kenya UN Secretary-General 03 May 2023
• Global report on food crises: Number of people facing acute food insecurity rose to 258 million in 58 countries in 2022 WFP 03 May 2023 -- The number of people experiencing acute food insecurity and requiring urgent food, nutrition and livelihood assistance increased for the fourth consecutive year in 2022, with over a quarter of a billion facing acute hunger and people in seven countries on the brink of starvation, according to the latest Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC).
• Around 258 million need emergency food aid: UN-backed report UN News 03 May 2023 -- The number of people who need urgent food, nutrition and livelihood assistance rose for the fourth consecutive year in 2022, due to conflict, climatic change, and COVID-19 impacts, the UN and partners said in a report published on Wednesday.
• Human rights 'best antidote' to advance peace, Security Council hears UN News 03 May 2023 -- Human rights provide the "best antidote" to prevent conflict and instability, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• US warns China against 'intimidation' of Philippines in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- China should stop its "unacceptable" harassment of Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, a senior American official said Wednesday, while pledging Washington will stand with its staunch ally against any intimidation from Beijing in the disputed waterway.
• Syria: Israeli air strikes nothing but failed attempts to change region's status quo Press TV 03 May 2023 -- Syria has condemned the recent Israeli air strikes against the international airport in the country's northern city of Aleppo, saying the raids are part of "desperate attempts" by the occupying regime to change the region's status quo.
• Sudan: 'Secure and immediate access' needed for lifesaving aid, urges Guterres UN News 03 May 2023 -- Fighting in Sudan must stop now before the conflict and the spreading humanitarian catastrophe further ravage the country, and the region, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday.
• UN Chief: Sudan Facing 'Humanitarian Catastrophe' VOA 03 May 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Wednesday for an end to the fighting in Sudan and international support for the Sudanese people, who he said are facing a humanitarian catastrophe.
• UN Aid Chief: Sudan's Rival Military Leaders Must Back Delivery of Humanitarian Relief VOA 03 May 2023 -- A top United Nations official is calling on Sudan's rival military leaders to publicly commit themselves to the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to millions of people struggling to survive amid escalating fighting.
• Kenyan President: Regional Bloc Won't Allow Military Rule in Sudan VOA 03 May 2023 -- Nearly a month since armed conflict began between rival factions of the military government of Sudan, efforts by the international community to broker a truce in the country have failed as both parties repeatedly violated three cease-fire agreements.
• Fighting in Sudan Needs to Stop Now, UN Secretary-General Says VOA 03 May 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters in Kenya the fighting in Sudan needs to stop now, before more people die and the conflict becomes a regional one.
• UN Aid Coordinator Arrives in Sudan VOA 03 May 2023 -- A high-ranking United Nations official arrived Wednesday in violence-torn Sudan as the deadline approaches for the latest shaky cease-fire agreement between the two warring factions.
• 'We failed' to stop Sudan war, UN chief admits Press TV 03 May 2023 -- The UN secretary-general has admitted failure to prevent clashes in Sudan, where fighting between rival generals has undermined efforts to firm up a truce.
• Sudan fighting continues despite theoretical truce agreed by warring generals Press TV 03 May 2023 -- Air strikes and gunfire around the Sudanese capital Khartoum continue despite a fresh, week-long truce between the warring military forces.
• Canada provides humanitarian assistance funding for Sudan and neighbouring countries Canada 03 May 2023 -- Canada is deeply concerned by the conflict in Sudan and its humanitarian impact on the country's population and those living in neighbouring countries already struggling as a result of poverty, violence, food insecurity and climate change.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Thanks Saudi Arabia for Facilitating Safe Evacuation of Pakistani Citizens from Sudan SPA 03 May 2023 -- Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for facilitating operations of the safe evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Sudan.
• South Sudan: Joint high-level humanitarian and ministerial mission visits Renk UNOCHA 03 May 2023 -- The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in South Sudan and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Risk Management led a senior humanitarian country team and ministerial-level delegation to Renk in Upper Nile State on Monday.
• The IDF Struck Terrorist Targets Belonging to the Hamas Terrorist Organization Israel Defense Forces 03 May 2023
• Resistance groups, Israel agree to Gaza ceasefire after rocket fire over Adnan's murder Press TV 03 May 2023 -- The Israeli military and Palestinian resistance groups in the Gaza Strip have agreed to a ceasefire after a night of Israeli air strikes that pounded the besieged coastal enclave.
• China is blocking Tibetan monks and writers from spreading religious content online Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- China has been rigorously barring Tibetan writers, Buddhist monks and other influential people from spreading religious content online without prior approval, sources told Radio Free Asia.
• WFP statement on diversion of food aid in Ethiopia WFP 03 May 2023 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) is deeply concerned by the recent reports of significant diversion of humanitarian food assistance in Ethiopia's Tigray Region. WFP takes this issue extremely seriously and will not tolerate any interference in its distribution of critical food aid to the most vulnerable women, men and children.

News Reports

• U.S. Department of State Announces Reward Offers for Information Leading to the Arrest and/or Conviction of a Russian Cybercriminal and Identification of Key Leaders of a Transnational Organized Crime Group US Dept. of State 03 May 2023 -- Today, the Department of State is announcing a reward offer of up to $10 million for Russian national Denis Gennadievich Kulkov, for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction for transnational organized crime.
• US, Mexico Agree on New Policy on Border Crossings VOA 03 May 2023 -- The United States and Mexico have reached agreement on a new plan to control the flow of illegal border crossings while also allowing migrants to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
• Explainer: Why Biden is Sending Troops to US-Mexico Border VOA 03 May 2023 -- The Biden administration is sending 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border, as it expects an increase in migrant arrivals after May 11 when coronavirus pandemic-era restrictions known as Title 42 ends.
• OSCE, UNODC and OSCE Mission in Kosovo step up efforts to enhance local capabilities to counter terrorist financing OSCE 03 May 2023 -- On 27 April, a three-day course aimed at strengthening the skills of local entities in conducting effective financial investigations in counter-terrorism concluded in Pejë/Peć.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 3, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 May 2023
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the attack on the Russian Consulate in Mariehamn Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 May 2023
• Press release on the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers' Council Meeting Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 May 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Al-Safadi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 May 2023
• Russian Naval Ships Reportedly Seen Near Site Of Nord Stream Pipeline Explosion Days Prior RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- Russian Navy ships were repeatedly in the vicinity of the Nord Stream pipelines off the coasts of Denmark and Sweden, days before a mysterious explosion, according to a new report.
• Two Russian Men Get Prison Sentences In Dugin Daughter's Murder Case RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- TULA, Russia -- A court in Russia's western city of Tula has sentenced two men to 3 1/2 years in prison each for their alleged involvement in a car bombing in August that killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of Kremlin-linked far-right ideologue Aleksandr Dugin.
• Communist Youth League of China membership reaches 73.58 mln People's Daily 03 May 2023 -- The Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) had over 73.58 million members as of the end of December 2022, according to statistics released by the CYLC Central Committee on Wednesday.
• Blinken Hopeful to Visit China This Year VOA 03 May 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he is hopeful that he can reschedule a visit to China this year after postponing a planned trip to Beijing in February because of a Chinese spy balloon downed by the U.S. military.
• Rights group says Xinjiang phone search program targets Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- Police in Xinjiang have relied on a list of 50,000 multimedia files determined to be "violent and terrorist" to flag Uyghur and other Turkic Muslim residents for interrogation, according to a report from Human Rights Watch released on Wednesday.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Can China Broker Peace In Ukraine? RFE/RL 03 May 2023
• Why China Is Investing in Africa's Green Energy Future VOA 03 May 2023 -- A wind farm in Namibia and a floating solar farm on Zimbabwe's massive Kariba Dam are among the new green energy projects Chinese companies are looking at investing in this year after Beijing pledged to help African countries address their energy problems with renewable sources rather than fossil fuels.
• China falls down press freedom index as Asian Communist states dominate bottom ranks Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- China fell four places on a global press freedom index released on Wednesday, joining fellow Asian Communist nations North Korea and Vietnam at the bottom of a Paris-based media freedom watchdog's annual scorecard, published on World Press Freedom Day.
• Swiss lower house passes resolution on parliamentary ties with Taiwan CNA 03 May 2023 -- The National Council, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, has passed a resolution calling for closer ties with Taiwan's Legislative Yuan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 3, 2023 ROC MND 03 May 2023
• Biden's 'end of regime' warning spurs fiery response from North Korea Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- When U.S. President Joe Biden declared last week that any use of nuclear weapons against the United States or its allies will result in the "end" of the North Korean regime, the sister of supreme leader Kim Jong Un dismissed the remarks as the ramblings of an "old man with no future."
• Puppet Traitor Yoon Suk Yeol's Visit to U.S. Draws Censure, Ridicule and Concern (3) KCNA 03 May 2023 -- The traitorous and sycophantic reckless acts and base humiliating behavior of the puppet traitor Yoon Suk Yeol during his visit to the U.S. are provoking great anger, condemnation and ridicule in south Korea.
• Second Merchant Vessel Seized within a Week by Iran CENTCOM 03 May 2023 -- On May 3 at approximately 6:20 a.m. local time, Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
• IRGC seizes foreign oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz IRNA 03 May 2023 -- The naval force of the IRGC has reportedly seized a foreign oil tanker in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran.
• IRGC Navy seizes 'violator' oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz; second such incident in a week Press TV 03 May 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has seized an invading foreign oil tanker in the country's territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz, the second such incident in less than a week.
• Iran's foreign policy stances based on rationality, resistance: Raisi IRNA 03 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says the Islamic Republic's foreign policy stances are based on rationality and standing up for the truth.
• Raeisi's historic Syria visit manifests success of Iran's regional diplomacy: FM Press TV 03 May 2023 -- The Iranian foreign minister says President Ebrahim Raeisi's forthcoming visit to Syria is a clear manifestation of the success of Tehran's policy of initiating regional convergence.
• Iranians React With Skepticism To Proposal To Sell Strategic Islands For Pension Funding RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- A statement by a senior Iranian Labor Ministry official suggesting that Tehran might have to sell some of Iran's strategic Persian Gulf islands to pay pensions has ignited a wave of skepticism and opposition from the Iranian public.
• Iran, Syria proved they were right in pursuing resistance, Raisi tells Assad IRNA 03 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that the victory of Iran and Syria in their joint fight against terrorism and Takfiri militancy proved that the two countries were right in their policy of pursuing resistance.
• Iranian president arrives in Syria for historic visit IRNA 03 May 2023 -- Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in Syria for a historic visit to the Arab country amid deepening relations between the two key members of the regional alliance against the Zionist regime.
• Raisi's Syria visit manifests success of 'regional convergence' policy: Iran FM IRNA 03 May 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says President Ebrahim Raisi's upcoming visit to Syria is a manifestation of his administration's success in implementing a policy of regional convergence.
• Legitimacy of Iran, Syria's position fully proven: President Raisi ISNA 03 May 2023 -- Presidents of Iran and Syria attended the meeting of the high-ranking delegations of the two countries, and emphasized that the relations between Tehran and Damascus, even in difficult periods, despite the severe political and security storms in the Middle East region, have been stable, stressing, "Regional and extra-regional changes have not been able to affect the brotherly relations of the two countries".
• Bashar al-Assad officially welcomes Iranian President ISNA 03 May 2023 -- The official welcoming ceremony of the President of Syria to Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi was held in the Presidential Palace of Syrian, the People's Palace.
• Relations between Iran, Syria completely strategic: President Raisi ISNA 03 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was seen off by First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Hojatoleslam val-Moslemin Mohsen Qomi, the Deputy Director of International Communications of the Office of the Supreme Leader and a group of cabinet members on Wednesday before departing for Damascus.
• President Raeisi: Syria emerges victorious despite sanctions, threats Press TV 03 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says Syria has managed to overcome difficulties and emerge victorious in spite of all the threats and sanctions targeting the Arab country.
• Iran's President arrives in Syria for historic visit Press TV 03 May 2023 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi has arrived in Damascus for a historic visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties as Syria has launched the reconstruction season after more than a decade of war with foreign-backed terrorist groups.
• Myanmar military announces amnesty for more than 2,000 political prisoners Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- Myanmar's junta granted amnesty to 2,153 political prisoners Wednesday, a statement by the military said, as China's foreign minister continued a trip to the country.
• Myanmar court denies appeal filed by religious leader Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- A court has rejected the appeal of one of Myanmar's leading Protestant activists a month after he was sentenced to six years in prison under the country's counterterrorism law.
• China, Myanmar to deepen cooperation in border security, anti-fraud measures Global Times 03 May 2023 -- China sincerely hopes Myanmar will achieve stability and national development, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said during his visit to Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw, during which China and Myanmar agreed to further promote comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries and deepen cooperation in various fields, including border security and anti-fraud measures.
• China supports Myanmar in maintaining stability, promoting development: FM People's Daily 03 May 2023 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said on Tuesday that China has always supported Myanmar in maintaining stability and promoting development.
• Pratasevich, Whose Plane Was Diverted To Minsk, Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- A court in Minsk has sentenced Raman Pratasevich, a journalist who was detained in Belarus in 2021 after the commercial flight he was on was forced to land in Minsk, to eight years in prison on charges linked to his reporting.
• Human rights experts alarmed over 'imminent executions' in Saudi Arabia UN News 03 May 2023 -- On Wednesday, a large group of UN-appointed independent human rights experts e

• Report: Finnish space situational awareness centre would promote safety and security Finnish Government 03 May 2023 -- On 3 May 2023, a steering group appointed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications to examine the possible establishment of a Finnish space situational awareness centre issued a report recommending that the centre be established. It could be started by 2026.
• The Czech Republic Signs the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 03 May 2023 -- Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer R. Littlejohn, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Bijan Sabet welcomed the Czech Republic as the 24th Artemis Accords signatory at a ceremony on May 3 at NASA Headquarters.
• Erdogan says opposition 'dividing Turkey' as main rival vows outright victory on May 14 Press TV 03 May 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hit out at the alliance of the six opposition parties for "drawing support" from terrorist organizations and imperialists, saying they are seeking to "divide the country" and revert its gains.
• Anti-corruption package: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 03 May 2023
• Anti-corruption: Stronger rules to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide European Commission 03 May 2023 -- Today, the Commission is taking decisive action to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide, delivering on the commitment made by President von der Leyen in her 2022 State of the Union address.
• Questions and Answers: Stronger rules to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide European Commission 03 May 2023
• Foreign policy address to the Storting 2023 Government of Norway 03 May 2023 -- 'Foreign policy does not have a long shelf life. When the world changes, so do our options for action', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt in her address to the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget).
• Under Shadow Of Sanctions, Uzbek Leader Looking For 'Understanding' On EU Trips RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- During festivities marking spring equinox in Tashkent last month, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev attended an event run by Uzbekistan's German diaspora to offer a glowing assessment of ties with the country where he would soon make a two-day visit.
• Instead Of Protecting Investigative Journalists, The Bulgarian Authorities Are Going After Them RFE/RL 03 May 2023 -- For Atanas Tchobanov, a leading Bulgarian investigative journalist, uncovering corruption in one of the most graft-ridden countries in the EU rarely brings rewards.
• Zambian Police Surround Former President Lungu's House VOA 03 May 2023 -- Police in Zambia have surrounded the home of former President Edgar Lungu and are demanding they search it as part of a corruption probe.
• Greece Bans Convicted Neo-Nazi and His Party From May 21 Election VOA 03 May 2023 -- Greece's Supreme Court has barred a convicted neo-Nazi from competing in upcoming national elections. But despite that decision, the court has allowed another extreme-right, nationalist party to run, raising fears that it can soak up reactionary votes, and enter parliament.
• Data lacking on Asia's electricity needs, report says Radio Free Asia 03 May 2023 -- Asia urgently needs to improve the transparency of its power sector data, as over half of the region's economies lack information regarding electricity generation, a report said Thursday.