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News Reports

Current Operations

• US warplanes intercept six Russian jets near Alaska Press TV 15 May 2023 -- US warplanes last week intercepted six Russian fighter jets in international airspace near Alaska, the state where US troops held military drills, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Briefs the News Media at the Pentagon DoD 15 May 2023
• Joint Statement on the U.S. Proposal to Identify the Use of 5G Mobile Services in the 3300-3400 MHz Band DoD 15 May 2023 -- The U.S. Department of State, on behalf of the U.S. Government, is submitting a proposal to the May 2023 Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL) held in Mexico City, Mexico, which calls for opening the 3300-3400 MHz band for 5G mobile services within the Americas Region.
• AVIATION LOGISTICS SUPPORT IN THE INDO-PACIFIC USMC News 15 May 2023 -- The SS Curtiss, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 forward embarked, is deployed in support of Immortal Warrior 23, an exercise which activates the Maritime Administration-operated ship to provide expeditionary intermediate-level aircraft maintenance and supply for U.S. and potentially Allied and Partner forces.
• Italian Air Force Breaks Barrier at Exercise Formidable Shield 2023 US Navy 15 May 2023 -- Italian Air Force F-2000 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft conducted the first air-to-air live-fire engagement during the Formidable Shield exercise series while flying on the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Hebrides Range operated by QinetiQ, in Scotland, United Kingdom, May 12, 2023.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on May 8-14, 2023 Lithuania MND 15 May 2023 -- On May 8-14 fighter aircraft conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states were scrambled twice to identify and escort aircraft of the Russian Federation flying in violation of flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.
• Russian Su-27 intercepts two NATO aircraft over Baltic Sea Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Russia scrambled a fighter jet on Monday to intercept and escort two NATO aircraft over the Baltic Sea when they attempted to "violate" its airspace.
• NATO Deputy Chief Cautions China Against Arming Russia VOA 15 May 2023 -- As the world waits for Ukraine to begin its anticipated spring counteroffensive against Russia, NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoană is cautioning China not to provide military support to Moscow as Russia continues its brutal and illegal invasion.
• Zelenskiy Returns From European Tour With Weapons Pledges, Hope For Fighter Jet Coalition RFE/RL 15 May 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has returned to Ukraine from a European tour with more pledges for military backing from allies in Rome, Berlin, Paris, and London.
• PM meeting with President Zelenskyy: Monday 15 May Gov.UK 15 May 2023
• PM welcomes President Zelenskyy to the UK ahead of anticipated Ukrainian military surge Gov.UK 15 May 2023 -- "Today the Prime Minister will confirm the further UK provision of hundreds of air defence missiles and further unmanned aerial systems including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200km. These will all be delivered over the coming months as Ukraine prepares to intensify its resistance to the ongoing Russian invasion."
• UK urges Russia to stop threatening to leave the Black Sea Grain Initiative and to instead agree to a sustained and stable deal: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 15 May 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
• Britain to send 'hundreds' of long-range attack drones, missiles to Ukraine Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Britain has announced plans to provide Ukraine's Western-backed military with "hundreds" of long-range attack drones, coinciding with a high profile visit to London by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to ask for more weapons.
• UK Pledges 'Hundreds of Long-Range Attack Drones' to Ukraine Sputnik 15 May 2023 -- The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with air defense missiles and unmanned aerial systems in the coming months, the UK government said on Monday.
• Latest in Ukraine: Britain Sending Hundreds More Missiles, Long-range Drones to Ukraine VOA 15 May 2023 -- Britain said Monday it is sending Ukraine hundreds more missiles and attack drones in hopes of boosting Kyiv's fight against Russia's 14-month invasion.
• France says will supply Ukraine with dozens of armored vehicles, light tanks Press TV 15 May 2023 -- France has pledged to send dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks to Ukraine in line with the West's unbridled support for Kiev in its war with Moscow.
• Ukrainian Tank Crews, Maintainers to Begin Training on U.S. M1 Abrams in Germany Soon DoD News 15 May 2023 -- The Defense Department has announced the arrival of 31 M1 Abrams training tanks to Grafenwoehr, Germany, in preparation for U.S.-led training of Ukrainian tank crews and maintainers before the tanks are sent to the front lines to arm Ukrainian forces against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression.
• PLA simulation training boosted by latest technologies, speeds up capability forming Global Times 15 May 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is deploying the latest intelligent simulation technologies in its daily training, a move experts said on Monday will greatly speed up the forming of combat capabilities.
• US, China Had Secret Submarine Showdown Near Hong Kong Around Jan. 6 Events - Report Sputnik 15 May 2023 -- The cat-and-mouse game between US and Chinese forces off the Chinese coast reached a dangerous point on January 5, 2021, when US aircraft began harassing Chinese submarines, prompting a Chinese show of force. The showdown happened amid a backdrop of high anxieties about the prospect of then-US President Donald Trump starting a war.
• Taiwan domestic 600-ton frigate project 50 percent complete: OAC CNA 15 May 2023 -- A Coast Guard Administration (CGA) project to build 600-ton frigates domestically for the Coast Guard fleet has achieved 50 percent of its goal as of Monday, Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) head Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said.
• Taiwan-made landing platform dock to enter service in June: Source CNA 15 May 2023 -- The Taiwan-made Yushan landing platform dock (LPD), a type of naval warship used to transport landing crafts such as amphibious vehicles is scheduled to enter into service in June after recently completing all required tests, a military source told CNA on Monday.
• Joint Declaration by Ukraine and the French Republic President of Ukraine 15 May 2023 -- "The military support provided by France since the beginning of the war in order to allow Ukraine to defend itself continues, as new packages are being prepared, constantly taking into account the most urgent and immediate needs of Ukraine to strengthen its defence capabilities. France is aiming at providing full capacities in all areas. In the coming weeks, France will train and equip several battalions with tens of armored vehicles and light tanks including AMX-10RC."
• Latest in Ukraine: France Sending Tanks, Armored Vehicles VOA 15 May 2023 -- France announced it will provide tanks, armored vehicles and training for Ukrainian soldiers in a new wave of military aid as Ukraine prepares for an expected counteroffensive in its fight against a Russian invasion.
• Planning key to success of Talisman Sabre Australia DOD 15 May 2023 -- This year's Exercise Talisman Sabre will be the biggest yet in terms of geographic spread and the number of partner nations joining Australia and the United States.
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS VISIT SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA India PIB 15 May 2023 -- Indian Naval ships Delhi and Satpura, under the command of Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, departed Sihanoukville, Cambodia on 14 May 23. The three-day port call demonstrated India's cordial ties and rapidly growing cooperation with the Kingdom of Cambodia.
• iDEX-DIO signs 250th contract, first under Mission DefSpace & 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi India PIB 15 May 2023 -- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 250th contract - first under Mission DefSpace - and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi on May 15, 2023.
• Headway in advanced technology must for India to deal with emerging threats related to cyber & space: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to research institutes during 12th convocation of DIAT, Pune India PIB 15 May 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has exhorted research institutes to speed up activities in advanced technology and achieve progress to make India fully capable of dealing with emerging threats related to cyber and space.
• Iran's Navy cmdr. urges promotion of maritime cooperation with China, Russia in face of enemies' plots Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has warned of enemies' plots to disrupt maritime cooperation between Iran, China and Russia, saying the three allied countries need to take more steps to strengthen their cooperation.
• US considering measures to respond to Iran-Russia defense cooperation: Kirby IRNA 15 May 2023 -- A top White House official has said that the United States is considering ways, including sanctions, to respond to what he called an "unprecedented defense partnership" between Iran and Russia.
• The first Himars are already in Poland. They will go to the 16th Mechanized Division Republic of Poland 15 May 2023 -- On May 15, during a conference at the 1st Transport Aviation Base in Warsaw, Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced that the first Himars had been delivered to Poland to the Polish Armed Forces. The delivery of the first M142 HIMARS launchers is the result of an agreement in February 2019 to procure the first divisional fire module of HIMARS multi-launcher rocket launchers in the "American configuration."
• Poland receives 1st US-made HIMARS rocket launchers amid Ukraine war Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Poland has received the first shipment of the US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers to deploy in the region bordering Russia.
• Needing US Hires, Norway Dubs Lack of F-35 Mechanics 'Declaration of Bankruptcy' Sputnik 15 May 2023 -- According to Norway's own air professionals, this personnel shortage is a persistent headache that won't be remedied by million-dollar grants alone.
• UK Frigate Patrolling for CTF 150 Seizes $6 Million Drug Shipment US Navy 15 May 2023 -- A frigate from the United Kingdom Royal Navy seized $6 million worth of hashish from a fishing vessel transiting the Arabian Sea, May 8.
• Guterres: Eliminate 'weapons of terror' to avert future chemical warfare UN News 15 May 2023 -- The world must make every effort to eliminate chemical weapons, the UN chief said on Monday, raising grave concerns about their continued use.
• Readout of APNSA Jake Sullivan's Call with President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba The White House 15 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Brazilian Secretary General da Rocha US Dept. of State 15 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 15, 2023 US Dept. of State 15 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 15, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 15 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 May 2023
• WFP in Egypt provides critical assistance to people fleeing violence in Sudan WFP 15 May 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), launched today an emergency cash assistance programme to support vulnerable people fleeing the conflict in Sudan. WFP's pre-established cash delivery platform will also be made available to sister UN agencies to enable them to quickly extend their assistance to vulnerable people arriving in Egypt from Sudan.
• UN Recognition of Palestinian Displacement Angers Israel VOA 15 May 2023 -- The decision by the United Nations to commemorate the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from what is now the state of Israel on Monday — the day after the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding — angered Israeli officials and the Jewish state's supporters.
• UN marks 75 years since displacement of 700,000 Palestinians UN News 15 May 2023 -- The UN on Monday commemorated for the first time in its history, the mass displacement of Palestinians from land that was to become Israel, 75 years ago, that turned 700,000 Palestinians into refugees, almost overnight.
• Guterres Calls on Israel, Gaza to Observe Recent Ceasefire Sputnik 15 May 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel and Gaza to respect the Egypt-mediated ceasefire and avoid violence, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
• India's Manipur violence death toll rises to 71 People's Daily 15 May 2023 -- The death toll in the recent violence that shook India's northeastern state of Manipur has risen to 71, officials said Saturday.
• The Release of the UN Report on Moura, Mali US Dept. of State 15 May 2023 -- The United States is appalled by the disregard for human life exhibited by elements of the Malian Armed Forces in cooperation with the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group - a transnational criminal organization - during the operation in Moura, Mali in March of last year.
• IOM Helps Nigeria's Displaced People Prepare for Extreme Weather VOA 15 May 2023 -- Nigerian authorities are warning citizens of intense flooding ahead of this year's rainy season.

News Reports

• China, Myanmar criticized for attacks on religious freedom in annual U.S. report Radio Free Asia 15 May 2023 -- China came under harsh criticism for new restrictions on religious freedom in the U.S. State Department's annual global report on religious freedom, released Monday.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken On the 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom US Dept. of State 15 May 2023
• Senior State Department Official on the 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom US Dept. of State 15 May 2023
• Massachusetts Man Indicted for Acting as an Illegal Agent of the People's Republic of China US Dept. of Justice 15 May 2023 -- A Massachusetts man was arrested on May 9 for allegedly acting as an agent of the People's Republic of China (PRC) without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General.
• Tajikistan Extradites Ossetian Wife Of Islamic State Recruiter To Russia RFE/RL 15 May 2023 -- Tajikistan has extradited Madina Bandarenko, the Ossetian wife of a notorious recruiter for the Islamic State extremist group in Tajikistan, to Russia along with her four children.
• Apparent Cyberattack Disrupts Philadelphia Inquirer Operations Ahead of Mayoral Primary VOA 15 May 2023 -- The Philadelphia Inquirer is experiencing the largest disruption to its operations in 27 years due to what the daily newspaper called a cyberattack that was first detected Saturday morning.
• Discovery of Europe's Biggest Cocaine Factory in Spain Marks New Trend VOA 15 May 2023 -- The packets of cocaine were marked with the Superman shield, but this was no accident.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 15, 2023 PRC MofA 15 May 2023
• China jails American citizen formerly lauded as 'overseas patriot' for spying Radio Free Asia 15 May 2023 -- A Chinese court on Monday handed down a life sentence to a 78-year-old American citizen who headed a Beijing-backed overseas Chinese group, after finding him guilty of "espionage."
• Chinese court jails man for life on espionage charge People's Daily 15 May 2023 -- A Chinese court on Monday sentenced a man to life in prison on charges of espionage.
• Hong Kong resident convicted of espionage, sentenced to life imprisonment Global Times 15 May 2023 -- John Shing-Wan Leung, a Hong Kong resident, was convicted of espionage and sentenced to life imprisonment, deprivation of political rights for life, and confiscation of personal property of 500,000 yuan ($71,700), the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court in Jiangsu Province announced on Monday.
• Chinese court sentences US citizen to life in prison for espionage Press TV 15 May 2023 -- A court in China has sentenced a 78-year-old US citizen to life in prison for spying.
• Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki PRC MofA 15 May 2023 -- On the afternoon of May 15, 2023, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki who was in China for a state visit.
• Sound China-Eritrea ties key to regional peace, international fairness: Xi Global Times 15 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President Isaias Afwerki of the State of Eritrea in Beijing on Monday, with Chinese analysts saying that China-Africa relations are crucial as the world experiences turbulence, and further promoting ties with Eritrea, which is under sanctions from the US and which also holds a geopolitically important location in the continent, is a signal to the world that China will firmly stand with the developing countries in Africa as well as the rest of the world despite pressure and disruption from the hegemonic power.
• China's central bank adds liquidity, boosting support for real economy Global Times 15 May 2023 -- The People's Bank of China (PBC), the country's central bank, on Monday added liquidity to the banking system through its medium-term lending facility (MLF) and reverse repos, while keeping the interest rate unchanged as was widely expected.
• 4 first-tier cities in China record temporary population declines Global Times 15 May 2023 -- China's latest census data show that all four first-tier cities in the mainland - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen - recorded population declines last year, the first time in decades.
• Chinese officials' Europe trips help lead EU's policy to 'objective direction' Global Times 15 May 2023 -- High-level Chinese officials have concluded their Europe trips in recent days, which came at a key juncture as the continent is striving to reach a unified China policy. Experts believe that candid conversations about bilateral ties during the trips will help lead Europe's China policy to a more objective and positive direction.
• Swedish parliamentarians arrive in Taiwan to meet with President Tsai CNA 15 May 2023 -- A Swedish parliamentary delegation has arrived in Taiwan for a six-day visit during which they will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and other senior officials.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 15, 2023 ROC MND 15 May 2023
• Kim Jong Un gains a new title among youth: 'Respected Father' Radio Free Asia 15 May 2023 -- North Korean young people are now required to refer to the country's 38-year-old supreme leader Kim Jong Un as "Respected Father" - generating resentment among youth who consider him to be similar in age and undeserving of such an honorific, residents in the country say.
• Japan's Military Collusion with NATO under Fire KCNA 15 May 2023 -- Kim Sol Hwa, researcher of the Institute for Japan Studies of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, issued the following article titled "What is final aim of Japan's Military Collusion with NATO" on May 14:
• Iran rejects 'baseless' US allegations over security of navigation in Persian Gulf IRNA 15 May 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has dismissed "unfounded" allegations by top White House Official John Kirby against the Islamic Republic regarding the security of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
• Foreign Ministry: US accuses Iran of endangering navigation to justify its meddlesome presence in Persian Gulf Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has strongly condemned Washington's latest accusations against Tehran, saying the United States is just trying to justify its own meddlesome presence in the region.
• Iran Arrests Eight For Leading Strike Over Wages At Key Gas Site RFE/RL 15 May 2023 -- Iranian authorities have arrested eight people for allegedly leading a workers' strike over wages at a key gas site in the south of the country, local media reported on May 14.
• Cyclone Mocha inflicts heavy damage on Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 15 May 2023 -- Cyclone Mocha may have been less deadly than predicted, but it inflicted heavy damage on Myanmar's Rakhine state, including the capital of Sittwe.
• Cyclone Mocha leaves 'trail of devastation' in Myanmar UN News 15 May 2023 -- Cyclone Mocha was one of the strongest cyclones to ever hit Myanmar, the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) in the country reported on Monday, leaving a "trail of devastation" as it moved overland from the Bay of Bengal, particularly in the city of Sittwe, capital of Rakhine State.
• Belarusian Opposition Says Be 'Prepared' Amid Rumors That Lukashenka Is Ill RFE/RL 15 May 2023 -- Self-exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called on the Belarusian public and international community to "be prepared for every scenario" as Minsk and state media have avoided coverage of rumors that Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka is ill.
• Five More Belarusian Activists Face Trials Amid Crackdown On Dissent RFE/RL 15 May 2023 -- Four more activists have gone on trial in Minsk on charges of inciting hatred as authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime continues its crackdown on dissent.
• Turkish Presidential Election Heads for Runoff VOA 15 May 2023 -- Turkey heads to a presidential runoff election after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led the first round of voting, beating expectations but falling short of the 50% threshold needed to win outright.
• Turkish presidential race heads to a runoff vote amid accusations of external interference Global Times 15 May 2023 -- Turkey's presidential race is heading to a runoff vote after the incumbent president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the strongman who has led the country for two decades, led over his opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Monday but failed to achieve a 50 percent threshold to avoid a second round.
• Turkey heads for historic election run-off with Erdogan leading Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Turkey's High Election Board says incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has garnered 49.4% of votes in the Sunday presidential election, falling short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff.
• Turkey's Erdogan faces second round in fiercely fought race for presidency Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Turkey's presidential election is heading for a runoff as neither incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, nor his opposition rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, managed to secure a majority vote and outright victory in the first round.
• Erdogan Gets 49.40% of Vote After 99% of Ballots Processed, Kilicdaroglu Has 44.96% - Report Sputnik 15 May 2023 -- Turkiye held the presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday, May 14. If none of the candidates in the presidential race secures over 50% of the votes, the election will head into a runoff, scheduled for May 28.
• "Türkiye has successfully completed yet another festival of democracy with May 14 elections" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 15 May 2023 -- Delivering remarks on the elections, President Erdoğan said: "Our country has successfully completed yet another festival of democracy with May 14 elections."
• Türkiye's presidential election goes to likely runoff with 93 pct of votes counted People's Daily 15 May 2023 -- Türkiye was heading toward a likely runoff presidential election as Sunday vote count showed neither of the candidates above the 50-percent threshold of the votes to win outright, according to preliminary results delivered by the semi-official Anadolu Agency early Monday.
• 'Goosebumps': Thais Barely Believe Scale of Reform Party Win VOA 15 May 2023 -- "I am Pita Limjaroenrat, the next prime minister of Thailand," the Move Forward Party leader boomed from a campaign truck wedged tight between supporters carrying orange flags, camera phones and a sense of disbelief that the country could be set to exit army control after nearly a decade.
• Pro-Democracy Party's Election Win 'Turning Point' for Thailand VOA 15 May 2023 -- The surprise win of Thailand's Move Forward Party in national elections Sunday and its radical pro-democracy agenda marks a watershed moment in the country's politics and a strong rebuke of nine years of military or military-backed rule, analysts say.
• Victory by Move Forward in Thailand Could Move ASEAN VOA 15 May 2023 -- A victory by liberal, youth leaning political parties in Sunday's Thai national elections could have wider ramifications for Southeast Asia on issues ranging from human rights to the crisis in Myanmar.
• Thailand's opposition leader claims victory, voices readiness to become PM Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Thailand's opposition leader Pita Limjaroenrat has claimed victory in general elections, insisting on his readiness to become Thailand's next prime minister.
• Thailand's top opposition parties agree to join forces after big electoral win Radio Free Asia 15 May 2023 -- Thailand's two largest opposition parties agreed Monday to enter a coalition after inflicting a resounding election defeat on the pro-military establishment, though analysts say it is far from certain they will be able to take power.
• Opposition leads in Thailand's general election: electoral body People's Daily 15 May 2023 -- The opposition parties are expected to win the majority of seats in the lower house of parliament following the general election of Thailand on Sunday, according to unofficial results released by the electoral body.
• India's main opposition party wins Karnataka Assembly elections People's Daily 15 May 2023 -- India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), on Saturday won the recently-held Assembly elections in the southern state of Karnataka, unseating the current ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• Pakistan's Ruling Coalition Stages Rare Anti-Supreme Court Rally VOA 15 May 2023 -- Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's coalition government Monday gathered outside the country's Supreme Court demanding the chief justice resign for releasing former prime minister and leading opposition politician Imran Khan.
• Syria takes part in Arab League meeting - 1st time in over a decade Press TV 15 May 2023 -- Syria has attended a meeting of the Arab League for the first time in 12 years.
• Press release on international humanitarian assistance to Syrian Arab Republic Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 May 2023
• Cambodia's top opposition party officially blocked from July elections Radio Free Asia 15 May 2023 -- Cambodia's main opposition Candlelight Party was officially rejected by the National Election Committee on Monday and won't be allowed to compete in the July 23 parliamentary elections.
• Cambodia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the disqualification of opposition Candlelight Party European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 May 2023 -- The refusal of the Cambodian National Election Committee to register the opposition Candlelight Party is another worrying sign of shrinking space for political parties to compete in the upcoming general election.
• Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor Refuses To Resign, Denounces 'Trash' In Parliament RFE/RL 15 May 2023 -- Bulgarian chief prosecutor Ivan Geshev has refused to step down, tearing up his resignation letter on national television and attacking unnamed rivals in parliament as "political trash."
• Tunisian court sentences leader of opposition Ennahda Party to one year in prison Press TV 15 May 2023 -- A Tunisian court has sentenced the leader of the country's Ennahda opposition party and a fierce critic of President Kais Saied to one year in prison on terrorism-related charges.
• Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process During Nigeria's 2023 Elections Cycle US Dept. of State 15 May 2023 -- The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.