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Defense Policy / Programs

• Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, Holds a Press Briefing DoD 04 May 2023
• New York, New Jersey officer candidates train with Albanian counterparts Army News 04 May 2023 -- New York and New Jersey Army National Guard officer candidates honed their leadership skills with their Albanian Armed Forces Academy counterparts April 10-24.
• 1st Recon Bn., Indonesian Korps Marinir integrate for annual bilateral training exercise USMC News 04 May 2023 -- U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the 2nd Intai Amfibi Battalion, Indonesian Korps Marinir, participated in an annual reconnaissance exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 8-20, 2023.
• ANG wings train at Operation Hoodoo Sea US Air Force 04 May 2023 -- Five Air National Guard wings recently conducted agile combat training during Operation Hoodoo Sea along the southeast U.S. coast.
• Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Deploys US Navy 04 May 2023 -- The capital ship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), departed Naval Station Norfolk for a routine deployment, May 2.
• First of its Kind Submarine Visit Forges Relationship US Navy 04 May 2023 -- Senior leaders from the navies of Japan, South Korea and the United States visited Naval Base Guam to embark a U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine operating off Guam, April 18.
• US Rushes to Restock Javelin Missile Systems - Reports Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- Javelin anti-tank missile systems are portable, shoulder-fired missile launchers capable of taking out armored vehicles and fortified structures. They are guided by infrared technology with a range of up to 4,750 meters and have the ability to lock onto a target before launch, making them extremely accurate.
• The United States will increase navy activities in the Baltic Sea and contribute to air defence enhancement in the eastern flank of NATO Lithuania MND 04 May 2023 -- Wednesday Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall as part of his visit to the United States.
• NATO Secretary General's Special Representative in Kyiv: Ukrainian women inspire the world NATO 04 May 2023 -- Irene Fellin, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, visited Kyiv on Thursday (4 May 2023), delivering remarks at the Ukrainian Women's Congress (UWC), and holding talks with Ukrainian officials.
• Taiwan won't receive financial compensation for U.S. F-16V delays: Minister CNA 04 May 2023 -- Taiwan will not receive financial compensation over a nearly one-year delay to the delivery of F-16V fighter jets purchased from the United States, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said Thursday.
• US delivery of F-16 jets to Taiwan delayed again: Taipei Press TV 04 May 2023 -- Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) says the delivery of dozens of advanced fighter jets from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions.
• Taiwan Mitigating Consequences of Modern F-16V Jets Delivery Delay Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- Last year, Taiwanese officials complained about delays of FIM-92 Stinger AA systems and other military equipment, as manufacturers directed their supplies to Ukraine. The issue has raised concerns among US lawmakers amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.
• Alternative military service members join Taipei civil defense drills CNA 04 May 2023 -- Members of the alternative military service participated Thursday in the Taipei phase of the annual civil defense drill that this year focuses on wartime preparation and the protection of key infrastructure.
• Australia - Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Expeditionary (SURTASS-E) Mission Systems DSCA 04 May 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Expeditionary (SURTASS-E) mission systems for Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $207 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Iran Air Force pushing for enhancement, modernization IRNA 04 May 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) continues to leap forward with the latest reports indicating that it plans to display new achievements in the coming days.
• Israeli Minister Claims Iran Has Enough Enriched Uranium for Five Nukes Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- Tel Aviv successfully lobbied Washington into scrapping the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, since holding joint drills with US forces practicing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran has denied having any ambitions to build a nuclear bomb and blasted the West over its silence on Israel's own widely suspected nuke stockpiles.
• Defence sector delivering on Prime Minister's priorities with major boost to UK economy UK MOD 04 May 2023 -- The second Joint Economic Data Hub report outlines the value of the defence sector to UK jobs, businesses and exports
• European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures to support the defence sector of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia EC/CEU 04 May 2023 -- Today the Council adopted two assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova and the Georgian Defence Forces to enhance national security, stability and resilience in the defence sector of both countries.
• FSC security dialogue outlines key role of wider Black Sea region as integral part of European security OSCE 04 May 2023 -- The future of security in the Black Sea region was the focus of the first Security Dialogue organized by the Bulgarian Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation, held on 3 May.
• Four New US Bases in Philippines Will Not Be Used to Attack Anyone - President Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said on Thursday he assured Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang that the four new US bases to be built in the Philippines will not be used to attack anyone.
• U.S. and Nigerian officials join to celebrate $38 million in Kainji Air Force Base improvements AFRICOM 04 May 2023 -- Senior U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense officials joined Nigerian Air Force Air Vice Marshal IG Lubo, representing Nigeria's Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, and other Nigerian partners to celebrate the completion of $38 million of improvements to the air base April 27.
• Polish Armed Forces will be equipped with the HIMARS system already this year Republic of Poland 04 May 2023 -- On May 4, Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak began a visit to the United States, where he met, among others, with representatives of the Lockheed Martin plant in Camden, Arkansas, where Himars artillery systems are manufactured.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi US Dept. of State 04 May 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, and OMB Director Shalanda Young The White House 04 May 2023
• Online Press Briefing with Ambassador Michael Carpenter, U.S. Permanent Representative to the OSCE US Dept. of State 04 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 4, 2023 US Dept. of State 04 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 4, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 4 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 May 2023
• US, Philippines Issue New South China Sea Defense Guidelines VOA 04 May 2023 -- The United States and the Philippines this week added new guidelines to a 1951 defense treaty that detail how the U.S. will respond to an attack on the Philippines in the South China Sea.
• UK unlocks funding for operation to avert major oil spill from Red Sea tanker UK FCDO 04 May 2023 -- The UK and the Netherlands co-hosted a conference of nations, companies and organisations to raise funds for the UN operation to prevent an oil spill off the Yemen coast.
• Takfiri terrorists gun down 7 teachers in northwestern Pakistan Press TV 04 May 2023 -- Takfiri terrorists have gunned down at least seven teachers at a rural high school in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
• Several Teachers Killed In Outburst Of Sectarian Violence In Northwestern Pakistan RFE/RL 04 May 2023 -- At least seven people, including schoolteachers, have been killed in two separate shooting incidents in northwestern Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan.
• Militant Attacks Kill 6 Pakistani Troops, 7 School Teachers Near Afghanistan's Border VOA 04 May 2023 -- Authorities in Pakistan said Thursday that clashes with militants and a suspected sectarian-based shooting incident in areas abutting Afghanistan had killed at least 13 people, including six soldiers.
• Militants kill six Pakistani soldiers near Afghan border Press TV 04 May 2023 -- Heavily-armed militants have killed at least six Pakistani soldiers in a shootout with the military near the border with Afghanistan.
• Islamist Militants In Pakistan Kill Six Soldiers Near Afghan Border RFE/RL 04 May 2023 -- Islamist militants killed six Pakistani soldiers in an exchange of fire with the military in a northwestern tribal district bordering Afghanistan, the army said on May 4.
• Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan UNICEF 04 May 2023 -- "The situation in Sudan is teetering toward catastrophe, and children are increasingly caught in the crossfire. While we are unable to confirm estimates due to the intensity of the violence, UNICEF has received reports that 190 children have been killed and another 1,700 injured in Sudan since conflict erupted almost three weeks ago. For the sake of Sudan's children, the violence must stop.
• UN and partners launch $445 million plan to ease Sudan crisis UN News 04 May 2023 -- With 860,000 people projected to flee the fighting in Sudan for neighbouring countries, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and partners on Thursday appealed for $445 million to assist the displaced through October.
• UN and partners in South Sudan appeal for US$ 96 million to assist thousands fleeing Sudan UNOCHA 04 May 2023 -- Today, Mr. Peter Van der Auweraert, the Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (a.i.), Ms. MarieHelene Verney, the Country Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mr. John McCue, the Regional Emergency Coordinator of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to support people fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on the Conflict in Sudan The White House 04 May 2023
• Letters to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition The White House 04 May 2023
• Executive Order on Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition The White House 04 May 2023
• Heavy Fighting In, Around Khartoum Despite Cease-Fire VOA 04 May 2023 -- In Sudan, heavy fighting was reported in and around the capital Khartoum early Thursday, despite a weeklong cease-fire agreed to by both sides in the conflict.
• Sudan truce efforts in tatters as fighting enters 20th consecutive day Press TV 04 May 2023 -- Media reports and witness accounts indicate gunfire and explosions gripped Sudan's capital, Khartoum, for a 20th consecutive day, leaving the latest ceasefire efforts in tatters.
• 208 Nationals of Brotherly and Friendly Countries Arrive in Saudi Arabia from Sudan SPA 04 May 2023 -- In continuation of the evacuation efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the directives of the Kingdoms Leadership, several evacuees arrived from the Republic of Sudan to the city of Jeddah today by H M S Taif, which included 208 individuals of the following nationalities: (Norway, Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Turkiye, Eritrea, Egypt, Malta, Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Syria).
• UK Evacuates Almost 2,500 People From Sudan Since April 25 Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- The UK Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the last evacuation flight from conflict-torn Sudan departed on May 3, bringing the total number of rescued people to over 2,450.
• Sudan's Military Agrees to 7-Day Humanitarian Truce Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- The Sudanese armed forces have agreed to a seven-day humanitarian truce, proposed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Eastern Africa, from May 4-11, the military said on Wednesday.
• UK completes largest and longest Western evacuation from Sudan UK FCDO 04 May 2023 -- The UK government has concluded its successful evacuation operation and announced that it will provide £5 million of lifesaving aid to people fleeing Sudan.
• ADF helps foreigners flee Sudan Australia DOD 04 May 2023 -- The ADF has assisted with evacuating 67 Australian and foreign nationals from war-torn Sudan.
• Pakistan evacuates all nationals from crisis-hit Sudan: foreign ministry People's Daily 04 May 2023 -- Pakistan has successfully evacuated all of its stranded nationals from the crisis-hit Sudan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
• Report: Almost 700,000 people in Myanmar have fled their homes since January Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- Intense fighting has caused the number of internally displaced persons in Myanmar to grow by more than 680,000 between January and April 20, according to independent research group ISP-Myanmar.
• Bangladesh delegation with Rohingya to visit Myanmar, see repatriation preparations Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- Bangladesh is moving full steam ahead with a China-backed project to begin repatriating Rohingya to Myanmar, a plan that Human Rights Watch warned would put the lives of the persecuted refugees at "grave risk."
• Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Negotiations US Dept. of State 04 May 2023 -- "This week I hosted Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenia Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for bilateral peace negotiations at the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center."
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Bilateral Peace Negotiation Closing Session with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov US Dept. of State 04 May 2023
• Armenia, Azerbaijan Make Progress On Difficult Issues At U.S.-Hosted Talks, Blinken Says RFE/RL 04 May 2023 -- Azerbaijan and Armenia made significant progress toward addressing difficult issues at "intensive and constructive" U.S.-hosted talks this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 4.
• Azerbaijan: Joint Press Release on the 4th EU-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 May 2023 -- The fourth meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue was held on 3 May 2023 in Brussels.
• Armenia, Azerbaijan Make 'Tangible Progress' in Peace Talks, Blinken Says VOA 04 May 2023 -- Azerbaijan and Armenia made "tangible progress" toward reaching an agreement in Washington-hosted peace talks over the past few days, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday afternoon.
• Meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC): Dialogue in a difficult conflict Government of Norway 04 May 2023 -- 'It is positive that the Israelis and Palestinians have had constructive discussions with the donor countries in Brussels this week, at the meeting chaired by Norway. The situation in Palestine is very difficult. It is therefore essential that we help to maintain the dialogue between the parties, along the lines of the recent talks in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
• OIC Condemns Continued Israeli Aggression on Nablus City SPA 04 May 2023 -- The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the horrific crime committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the city of Nablus, the State of Palestine. Following the recent Israeli military aggression against Gaza Strip, three Palestinian citizens were killed, and dozens were injured.
• Report by the Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo, May 2023: UK response UK FCDO 04 May 2023 -- Acting Ambassador Deirdre Brown thanks the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Davenport, for the Mission's ongoing work to strengthen Kosovo's institutions.
• WFP pauses food distribution in Ethiopia following 'significant diversion' of aid UN News 04 May 2023 -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia has said it's "deeply concerned" over reports that significant amounts of food aid has been diverted away from those in desperate need in the post-conflict region of Tigray.

News Reports

• Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers a Statement Following the Jury Verdict in the Proud Boys Trial US Dept. of Justice 04 May 2023
• Jury Convicts Four Leaders of the Proud Boys of Seditious Conspiracy Related to U.S. Capitol Breach US Dept. of Justice 04 May 2023 -- A jury in the District of Columbia today returned guilty verdicts on multiple felonies against five members of the Proud Boys, finding four of the defendants guilty of seditious conspiracy for their actions before and during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
• 4 Proud Boys Leaders Convicted of Seditious Conspiracy in US Capitol Attack VOA 04 May 2023 -- A federal jury in Washington has convicted the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys and three associates of seditious conspiracy for their role in the violent siege of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
• Counter-terrorism: Joint EU-Egypt press release following the 21st Global Counterterrorism Forum Coordination Committee Meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 May 2023 -- On 4 May 2023, Egypt and the European Union co-chaired the 21st Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) Coordination Committee Meeting, under the auspices of Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, in Cairo.
• Meeting with Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov President of Russia 04 May 2023 -- The President held a working meeting with the Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov. The discussion focused on the current situation in the economy, particularly the dynamics of macroeconomic indicators, instruments for encouraging major investments, and the system of support for small and medium-sized enterprises, including in the new territories.
• Telephone conversation with President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro President of Russia 04 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of China Qin Gang Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 May 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Panaji Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 May 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 May 2023
• Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 4, 2023 PRC MofA 04 May 2023
• Experts: China Finds Threat in Latest Move By US-South Korea Alliance VOA 04 May 2023 -- A declaration of intent by Washington and Seoul, South Korea, to boost nuclear deterrence against North Korea has prompted Beijing to lodge criticism that shows China views a stronger alliance as a threat to its sphere of influence, experts say.
• US suppression of China only strengthens nation's resolve to become self-reliant in science, technology: FM Global Times 04 May 2023 -- US acts of technological bullying are self-serving, unfair and non-compliant with global trade rules, which destabilize global production and supply chains and will backfire, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday, emphasizing that Washington suppression will not contain China's development but only strengthen the nation's resolve to stand on its own feet in science and technology.
• Regional Talks Expected to Highlight China's Interests in Pakistan, Afghanistan VOA 04 May 2023 -- Senior officials from China, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban will hold two days of talks starting Friday in Islamabad, where observers expect to learn more about Beijing's priorities in the region.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang's Visit to Pakistan and the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Dialogue in Pakistan PRC MofA 04 May 2023
• Hong Kong's security law leads to 'boring' news coverage amid climate of fear Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- Hong Kong journalists still working in the city are being reduced to the status of government stenographers, as a climate of fear leads to widespread self-censorship, former reporters from the now-shuttered Apple Daily and Stand News warned in recent interviews with Radio Free Asia.
• Hong Kong rewrites district poll rules, citing 2019 protest vote 'disaster' Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- Hong Kong authorities have rewritten the electoral rules for the District Council, the city's last bastion of political opposition, amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent under a draconian security law, sparking criticism from exiled councilors who fled overseas.
• Western politicians interfering with HKSAR judiciary only brings shame upon themselves: Chinese authorities Global Times 04 May 2023 -- The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) issued a statement on Thursday to warn certain politicians in the West that interfering with the judiciary of the HKSAR will only bring shame upon themselves.
• Government study recommends China build second capital in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- A Chinese government-funded study has recommended a second capital in the country's far-western Xinjiang region to rebalance China's economy, address ethnic tensions and strengthen ties with Eurasian nations.
• China has no interest in interfering in Canada's internal affairs: Chinese FM Global Times 04 May 2023 -- China never has any interest in interfering in Canada's internal affairs, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, after a Canadian lawmaker called on the Canadian government to expel a Chinese diplomat accused of having sought to "intimidate" him and his family in Hong Kong region over the lawmaker's criticisms of China.
• CIA Staged 'Color Revolutions,' Hacker Attacks Around Globe - Chinese Cybersecurity Center Sputnik 04 May 2023 -- The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) masterminded a great number of hacker attacks and "color revolutions" in the post-Soviet space and other regions of the globe, a report by China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center and Chinese internet security company 360 said on Thursday.
• Cross-strait peace important to Japan: Japanese lawmaker CNA 04 May 2023 -- A visiting Japanese lawmaker on Thursday said peace across the Taiwan Strait is important for both Tokyo and Taipei given their geographical proximity, in response to remarks by China's top envoy to Japan that connecting the security of Taiwan and Japan is "absurd and dangerous."
• Taiwan island encirclement drone flights, far sea voyages highlight enhanced PLA capabilities of national defense Global Times 04 May 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out multiple, intensive activities over the past week, highlighting its enhanced capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, even in distant waters, analysts said on Thursday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 4, 2023 ROC MND 04 May 2023
• Puppet Traitor Yoon Suk Yeol's Visit to U.S. Draws Censure, Ridicule and Concern (4) KCNA 04 May 2023 -- The puppet traitor Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to the U.S., which sold the national security, self-esteem and interests totally to outsiders, has provoked great wrath, protest and condemnation from not only media but also political, academic, religious and other social circles in puppet south Korea, and from overseas Koreans.
• Rights Groups, Iranian Activists Create Coalition To Continue Pressure Over Violations RFE/RL 04 May 2023 -- Rights organizations and activists say they have joined forces to form the Keep It On coalition to ensure pressure remains on the authorities to stop ongoing human rights violations in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan Province.
• Iran to scale up yellowcake production by 50%, will run 10 more uranium mines by year end: AEOI chief Press TV 04 May 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the Islamic Republic plans to step up the production of yellowcake, which is a type of uranium concentrate powder, by 50 percent, and will also operate 10 uranium mines by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (which concludes on March 20, 2024).
• Strategic cooperation deal marks new chapter in Tehran-Damascus relations, Raeisi says Press TV 04 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has lauded a comprehensive agreement on long-term strategic cooperation between Tehran and Damascus, saying the deal marks the beginning of a new chapter in "brotherly and friendly ties" between the two Muslim nations.
• Syria's return to Arab League 'very likely' during next summit in Saudi Arabia: Aboul Gheit Press TV 04 May 2023 -- Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit says there is a very high chance for restoration of Syria's membership in the 22-member regional organization as a founding member during the next Arab summit in Saudi Arabia later this month.
• Ex-Wife Of Nazarbaev's Jailed Nephew Gets Seven Years In Prison RFE/RL 04 May 2023 -- A court in the Kazakh capital, Astana, has sentenced the former wife of a jailed nephew of the Central Asian country's former authoritarian president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, to seven years in prison on charges of abduction and actions aiding the commission of a crime.
• Foreign Affairs Council (Development): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 May 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministries on the Launch of the Group of Friends on Qualified Majority Voting in EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Germany Federal Foreign Office 04 May 2023 -- Today (4 May 2023) a number of EU Member States launched an inclusive Group of Friends to foster Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
• Hun Sen under fire from critics for not letting the king open SEA Games Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced that he - and not Cambodia's king - would preside over Friday's opening ceremony of the Southeast Asian Games, provoking criticism from exiled dissidents who say he is disrespecting the monarchy.
• Top opposition official says he's not worried about court's arrest warning Radio Free Asia 04 May 2023 -- The vice president of the opposition Candlelight Party said he's not concerned about being arrested sometime before the July 23 election - a comment that follows a pro-government newspaper's report that warned of a possible arrest if he's found in violation of his court probation.
• Designation of Three Former Colombian Officials Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights US Dept. of State 04 May 2023 -- The United States has proudly supported Colombia's Peace Accord since its signing in 2016. Colombia's Peace Accord addresses conflict-related atrocities and abuses which took place over more than 50 years, through a Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Non-Repetition.
• New Uzbekistan Constitution: Genuine Reform or Authoritarian Makeover? VOA 04 May 2023 -- As of this week, Uzbekistan has a new constitution. The country's Central Election Commission says more than 90% of voters approved the new basic law in an April 30 referendum, with а turnout rate of 84.5%.
• Laos Government Critic Survives Shooting VOA 04 May 2023 -- A critic of the Laos government has been hospitalized after being targeted by a gunman in the capital, Vientiane. Early reports of his death appear to have been erroneous.