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• US Military Intercepts Russian Military Aircraft Near Alaska for Second Time in a Week VOA 17 May 2023 -- The U.S. military has confirmed another Russian military aircraft was tracked while operating near the U.S. state of Alaska on Monday, the second such incident in less than a week.
• State Partnership Program Adds 3 New Partner Nations in Africa Army News 17 May 2023 -- The Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership program has added three new partner nations on the African continent, bringing the total number of partnerships in the 30th year of the program to 100.
• Technology Readiness Experimentation 2023 to Showcase Cutting-Edge Military Technologies DoD 17 May 2023 -- The Department of Defense and the Indiana National Guard announced the hosting of the Technology Readiness Experimentation 2023 (TREX23-1) showcase at Camp Atterbury, Ind., on May 16-24, 2023.
• Keel Authenticated for Future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. US Navy 17 May 2023 -- The keel for the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was ceremonially laid at Bath Iron Works, May 16, 2023.
• HIMARS in the High North: U.S. Marines With Task Force 61/2 Conduct Exercise Formidable Shield 2023 US Navy 17 May 2023 -- Hiking close to 2,000 feet above sea level through snow and ice in northern Norway, a team from Task Force 61/2's Commander, Task Group (CTG) 61/2.4 (MRC), loaded down with five days of man-packed mission-essential gear and provisions, took their positions.
• More than a Missile: Formidable Shield 2023, and how missile technology meets maritime operations US Navy 17 May 2023 -- In early May, NATO Allied nations gathered forces around Hebrides, Scotland and Andøya, Norway, to counter a series of subsonic and supersonic targets in a multi-domain environment. The threats, launched from multiple locations and with unique capabilities, should have posed a challenge to the multinational force. In the end, they didn't stand a chance.
• Readout of U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday Meeting with Chief of the French Navy Adm. Pierre Vandier US Navy Press Release 17 May 2023
• Readout of U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday Meeting with Royal Navy First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Sir Ben Key US Navy Press Release 17 May 2023
• Wright-Patterson AFB to host 76th ISR Squadron US Air Force 17 May 2023 -- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is expected to host the 76th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron after an environmental impact analysis, scheduled for completion in summer 2023.
• Washington National Guard 10th Homeland Response Force trains for air mobility Army News 17 May 2023 -- Soldiers and Airmen with the Washington National Guard Region 10 Homeland Response Force (HRF) and CERFP (CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package) trained alongside the 92nd Logistic Readiness Squadron on rapid-deployment air-load operations at Fairchild Air Force Base, May 10-11, 2023.
• NATO Task Group demonstrates flexibility and strength in the Mediterranean Sea US Navy 17 May 2023 -- Over the past few weeks, Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) has engaged in multiple activities throughout the Mediterranean, showcasing its reach and seamless integration with Allied navies.
• NATO Secretary General meets top military commanders NATO 17 May 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg took part in the first Combined Component Commanders Conference on Wednesday (17 May 2023).
• Finland joins NATO Innovation Fund - Tesi invests EUR 35 million in the fund Finnish Government 17 May 2023 -- Finland's accession to NATO opens up new opportunities for Finnish early-stage startups. Finland's application to NATO's Innovation Fund has been approved, and Tesi will make a EUR 35 million investment in the fund. This also provides a new gateway to cooperation and financing opportunities for Finnish startups developing nascent technologies and for venture capital and private equity funds investing in them.
• Baltic states agree to step up support to the NATO Air Policing Mission and deepen cooperation on military training Lithuania MND 17 May 2023 -- Defence Ministers of the Baltic states agreed to increase Host Nation portion of spending in support of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states.
• Representatives of the Russian and South African armed forces hold talks in Moscow Russia MoD 17 May 2023 -- A military delegation of the South African Armed Forces led by Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, Chief of the South African Army, has arrived in Moscow to discuss bilateral military cooperation.
• US says Israeli-made Iron Dome ready to ship out to Ukraine Press TV 17 May 2023 -- The United States says one of the two Israeli-made Iron Dome anti-missile systems is ready for deployment to Ukraine pending a request from Kiev.
• EU urges significant increase in military aid for Ukraine Press TV 17 May 2023 -- The European Union has urged the injection of 3.5 billion euros ($3.85 billion) into the fund that is used by the bloc to provide military aid for Ukraine.
• Poland Not Ready to Supply F-16 to Ukraine Sputnik 17 May 2023 -- Poland has handed over all of its MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, President Andrzej Duda told reporters on Wednesday.
• Allies pledge continued support for Ukraine as UK Defence Secretary visits Berlin UK MOD 17 May 2023 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace met with his counterpart Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin today, days after announcing that the UK will be the first nation to provide Ukraine with long range strike capabilities as part of continuing support to ensure Ukraine can defend themselves against Russia's illegal invasion.
• Chinese, Lao troops exchange weapons in live-fire joint drills, displaying trust Global Times 17 May 2023 -- Chinese and Lao troops exchanged weapons during live-fire shooting practices during the ongoing Friendship Shield-2023 joint exercise, in which the Lao forces for the first time got the first-hand experience using the next-generation service rifle of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)
• Skills tested in multiple domains Australia DOD 17 May 2023 -- Conducting a joint, combined exercise across land, air and maritime domains involves skilled operators and complex technology.
• Readout of the 17th U.S. - India Defense Policy Group DoD 17 May 2023
• Defence Secretary & US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy co-chair 17th India-US Defence Policy Group meeting in Washington DC India PIB 17 May 2023 -- Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Dr Colin Kahl co-chaired the 17th meeting of India-US Defence Policy Group (DPG) in Washington DC on May 17, 2023. The meeting was cordial and productive.
• Iranian Navy's 86th flotilla completes mission, enters territorial waters after round-the-world voyage Press TV 17 May 2023 -- The Iranian Navy's 86th flotilla of warships has entered the country's territorial waters after a round-the-world voyage as part of the Islamic Republic's efforts to expand its naval presence in high seas.
• Kanaani hails Iran Navy for successful global tour by 86th flotilla IRNA 17 May 2023 -- Iranian Army's Navy 86th flotilla has successfully completed its historic circumnavigation of the world for the first time in the country's history, Foreign Minority Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has announced.
• UN rights expert exposes $1 billion 'death trade' in arms for Myanmar military UN News 17 May 2023 -- The Myanmar military has imported at least $1 billion in arms and raw materials to manufacture weapons since generals staged their coup in February 2021, according to a new report released on Wednesday by the UN-appointed independent expert monitoring and investigating human rights abuses in the country.
• UN Rights Expert: $1 Billion in Arms Flowing to Myanmar Military VOA 17 May 2023 -- The U.N. special rapporteur for Myanmar said Wednesday that Myanmar's military has imported at least a $1 billion worth of weapons and weapons materials since overthrowing the democratically elected government in February 2021, with Russia as the junta's top supplier.
• Italian destroyer will strengthen the security of the Polish coast Republic of Poland 17 May 2023 -- "I am greatly pleased with the Italian ministry's decision to have an Italian missile destroyer with powerful anti-aircraft and anti-missile weaponry arrive in Poland soon, which will strengthen the air defense of the Polish coast. In just a few days it will be in Poland" - Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said after the conclusion of talks with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
• On 11-12 May, in Rogalin and Kórnik, Poland hosted this year's meeting of Ministers for European Affairs of the Weimar Triangle with the special participation of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for Integration with the EU and NATO Republic of Poland 17 May 2023
• A look at the Defence news 8 - 14 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 17 May 2023
• Sofia to Host 16th Balkan Countries Chiefs of Defence Conference SPA 17 May 2023 -- On May 18, Sofia is hosting the 16th Conference of the Chiefs of Defence/General Staffs of the Balkan Countries, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) quoted the Defence Ministry as saying in a press release issued on Wednesday.
• Biden cancels Papua New Guinea stopover in setback for Pacific influence Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has shelved his planned visits next week to Papua New Guinea and Australia, an apparent setback for efforts to show a renewed commitment to island states in the Pacific where China has made inroads over several decades.
• Biden skips two legs of trip, erodes US credibility Global Times 17 May 2023 -- The US President Joe Biden decided to curtail his upcoming trip to the Asia-Pacific by canceling a visit to Australia and Papua New Guinea due to the ongoing debt ceiling negotiations in Washington, which, some Chinese experts said reflects that Washington only treats its so-called allies and partners as chess pieces and instrument, and when its domestic issues override its political agenda, it easily turns back on its commitment.
• Biden Cancels PNG, Australia Trips for Talks Over US Debt Ceiling VOA 17 May 2023 -- President Joe Biden canceled his trips to Papua New Guinea and Australia next week to continue debt ceiling talks with congressional leaders that he held Tuesday at the White House.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Levi US Dept. of State 17 May 2023
• USAID Chief to Congress: Foreign Aid Key in Countering Chinese, Russian Influence VOA 17 May 2023 -- A top Republican lawmaker said Wednesday the funding priorities for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) do not go far enough in addressing the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan En Route Anchorage, AK The White House 17 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 17, 2023 US Dept. of State 17 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 17, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 17 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 May 2023
• UN-Blacklisted Taliban Leader Becomes Acting Afghan Prime Minister VOA 17 May 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban confirmed Wednesday they had appointed a caretaker prime minister to oversee daily affairs, saying the incumbent, Mohammad Hasan Akhund, is unwell and needed time to recover.
• 'Life Of Toil': Growing Number Of Starving Afghan Families Send Children To Work RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- Ghulam Ali earns up to $2 per day selling vegetables from a wooden cart he hauls around the Afghan capital, Kabul.
• Australia urges ASEAN to not 'lessen' territorial rights in sea-conduct negotiations Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- Australia's top diplomat urged ASEAN on Wednesday to be vigilant in upholding the territorial rights of member-states that have claims in the South China Sea as the bloc negotiates with China for a maritime code of conduct.
• UK calls for secure, unimpeded humanitarian access and funding in Yemen: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 17 May 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
• UN envoy reports on progress towards Yemen peace agreement UN News 17 May 2023 -- Warring parties continue to make progress in efforts towards ending the nearly decade-long conflict in Yemen, though outstanding issues remain, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• WFP ramps up emergency aid to people fleeing violence in Sudan WFP 17 May 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is rapidly scaling up its emergency operations in Sudan, every day reaching thousands more people whose lives have been upended by the ongoing fighting. WFP is ramping up to assist 4.9 million vulnerable people in Sudan and thousands more who have fled to neighbouring countries.
• Sudan Fighting Prompts $3 Billion UN Aid Appeal VOA 17 May 2023 -- The United Nations appealed Wednesday for $3 billion to help those affected by the conflict that erupted last month in Sudan.
• UN calls for US$3 billion to rush life-saving aid and protection to people impacted by the Sudan crisis UNHCR 17 May 2023 -- With the conflict in Sudan entering its second month, the United Nations and its partners today called for US$3 billion to help millions of people in the country and hundreds of thousands fleeing to neighbouring countries.
• Sudan crisis: UN launches record country appeal for 18 million in need UN News 17 May 2023 -- Amid a massive increase in the number of people in Sudan impacted by more than a month of heavy fighting, the UN on Wednesday said that it needed a record near $3 billion to deliver life-saving aid to them.
• Myanmar's oldest ethnic armed group rejects junta's offer for peace talks Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- The Karen National Union, Myanmar's oldest ethnic armed group that has allied itself with the anti-junta People Defense Forces and the shadow government made up of junta opponents, has rejected peace talks offered by Myanmar's military regime that rules the country.
• Attack on U.S. Convoy in Nigeria US Dept. of State 17 May 2023 -- Unknown assailants yesterday attacked a convoy of two U.S. government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria.
• Nigerian Security Forces Search for Attackers of US Embassy Convoy, Abductees VOA 17 May 2023 -- Nigerian and American authorities are investigating after armed men on Tuesday attacked a U.S. convoy in southeast Anambra state, killing two consulate staff and two policemen. Nigerian police say the attackers also abducted two police officers and a driver.
• Ethnic clashes in central Nigeria kill at least 30 Press TV 17 May 2023 -- More than 30 people have been killed in ethnic clashes between herdsmen and farmers in central Nigeria's Plateau state, local officials stated.
• Cameroon Rebels Surrender on Western Border with Nigeria, Join DDR Centers VOA 17 May 2023 -- Officials in Cameroon say 18 separatists have disarmed and surrendered to authorities in the biggest defection since the conflict broke out in 2017. Authorities say the English-speaking rebels, including two self-proclaimed generals, were hiding across the border in neighboring Nigeria. Leaders of the separatists, who want to break away from French-speaking-majority Cameroon, have vowed to track down and kill the defectors.
• Rebel Group Accuses Ethiopian Government of Attacks Despite Peace Talks VOA 17 May 2023 -- Rebels in Ethiopia's Oromia region have accused federal troops of launching attacks, despite an agreement stemming from Tanzania peace talks to de-escalate the conflict.
• WFP calls for urgent support to ramp up operations in Mali as thousands face food catastrophe WFP 17 May 2023 -- As violence, population displacements and climate shocks continue to exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition in Mali, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) requires urgent funding to ramp up emergency food and nutritional assistance to 3.8 million women, men and children in conflict-affected regions in central, northern, and south-eastern Mali.
• No: 131, 17 May 2023, Press Release Regarding the Anchoring of the US Destroyer USS Arleigh Burke at a Greek Cypriot Port Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2023

News Reports

• Atlantic Council Confirms Herbst Fell Ill Amid Possible Russian-Linked Poisonings RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- The Atlantic Council has confirmed that John Herbst, one of its senior staffers and a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, experienced symptoms consistent with poisoning two years ago.
• IARPA Pursuing Breakthrough Biointelligence and Biosecurity Innovations Director of National Intelligence 17 May 2023 -- The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) — the advanced research and development arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence — recently launched a program to develop new innovations for tackling threats and advances inherent within the rapidly changing biointelligence and biosecurity landscapes.
• Suspected Terrorist Killed In Northern Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- A gunman suspected of terrorism has been killed by police and security forces in Kyrgyzstan's northern Chui Province, the Interior Ministry said on May 17.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 17 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with Government members.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 17, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Tsargrad TV, Moscow, May 17, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2023
• Russia's second largest bank inaugurates representative office in Tehran Press TV 17 May 2023 -- Russia's second-largest and majority state-owned VTB Bank has opened up a representative office in Iran as the two neighboring countries seek to further connect their interbank communication and transfer systems in the face of Western sanctions.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at talks with Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergey Aleinik, Moscow, May 17, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answhers to media questions during a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergey Aleinik following their talks, Moscow, May 17, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 17, 2023 PRC MofA 17 May 2023
• President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan PRC MofA 17 May 2023 -- On 17 May, President Xi Jinping held talks in Xi'an with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan who is in China for the China-Central Asia Summit and a state visit.
• China, C.Asian nations to chart blueprints for ties at summit Global Times 17 May 2023 -- Leaders from five Central Asian countries are arriving in Xi'an successively from Wednesday to attend the China-Central Asia Summit, scheduled from Thursday to Friday. The summit, taking place in the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, will witness a new chapter of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, where all sides aim to expand areas of cooperation and strengthen ties. Experts believe traditional and new energy, commodities and digital commerce are likely to be the focus of trade cooperation during the summit.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Why China's Central Asia Summit Is a Big Deal RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to host all five of his Central Asian counterparts at a high-profile summit on May 18-19 that Chinese officials have said will mark "a new era of cooperation."
• How to deal with China European Commission 17 May 2023 -- Several Outlets - How to handle China is a major political issue for the EU, one that is more complex than dealing with Russia. Certainly, the EU's political and economic systems have profound differences with both Russia and China. Unlike Russia, China is a real systemic actor, approaching 20% of the world economy and growing while Russia represents around two percent and decreasing.
• Beijing police expel prominent rights attorney from city following release Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- Authorities in Beijing have expelled rights attorney Zhou Shifeng from the city after holding him for months under house arrest following his release from prison, a move likely linked to his whistleblowing over now-jailed former security chief Sun Lijun.
• For Uyghurs seeking justice, UN panel confirms loved ones' rights have been violated Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- Uyghurs seeking justice for loved ones imprisoned in China have turned to a little-known United Nations body for help.
• Police probe stand-up comedian who likened Chinese soldiers to feral dogs Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- Beijing police launched an investigation Wednesday into stand-up comedian Li Haoshi - who goes by the stage name House - after he sparked public ire with a joke that some said likened feral dogs to People's Liberation Army soldiers.
• Comedy firm fined $1.9m after stand-up comedian insults soldiers Global Times 17 May 2023 -- A major Chinese culture company and comedy show organizer has been fined more than $1.9 million and ordered to suspend upcoming shows in Beijing after one of its comedians made insulting remarks regarding Chinese soldiers during a stand-up comedy show in the city.
• Netizen detained for posting insulting remarks about Chinese soldiers Global Times 17 May 2023 -- A female netizen was detained on Tuesday evening for posting insulting remarks about Chinese soldiers on a social media platform, said police in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province on Wednesday.
• TPP formally nominates Ko as its presidential candidate CNA 17 May 2023 -- The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) made its nomination of party founder and chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) as its 2024 presidential candidate official Wednesday, setting up a three-way race for the Republic of China (Taiwan) presidency.
• New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih named as KMT presidential nominee CNA 17 May 2023 -- New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) was nominated Wednesday as the opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) presidential candidate, while the other main contender, business tycoon Terry Gou (郭台銘), vowed to support Hou's candidacy and help him win in January 2024.
• KMT presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih vows to return party to power CNA 17 May 2023 -- New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said on Wednesday that he will unite supporters and lead the Kuomintang (KMT) to a return to power in the 2024 presidential election, after the opposition party nominated him as its candidate in the race.
• U.S. not allowed to turn back wheel of history on Taiwan question: Chinese defense spokesperson People's Daily 17 May 2023 -- A Chinese defense spokesperson Tuesday said that attempts of the U.S. side to turn back the wheel of history on the Taiwan question are intolerable.
• Chinese Embassy Slams Truss' Visit to Taiwan as 'Political Show' Sputnik 17 May 2023 -- The Chinese Embassy in London on Tuesday opposed the visit of former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss to Taiwan and called it a "political show."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 17, 2023 ROC MND 17 May 2023
• Trudeau says Canada ready to partner with S Korea against North Press TV 17 May 2023 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged his country's military commitment to South Korea's hostile campaign against North Korea, joining the US-led alliance of surging assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Iran, Russia ink contracts, MoUs on oil and gas projects IRNA 17 May 2023 -- Iranian and Russian companies have signed two conytacts and eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation on oil and gas projects.
• Amir-Abdollahian visits Sistan and Baluchistan province to discuss Iran-Afghanistan water dispute Press TV 17 May 2023 -- The Iranian foreign minister is in Sistan and Baluchistan province in the southeast of the country to follow up on Iran's water rights from the Hirmand River, which has been a source of tension with neighboring Afghanistan.
• Students Group Says Hundreds Summoned Over Hijab Issues On Tehran Campus RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- Hundreds of Iranian students are said to be facing disciplinary committees and possible suspensions at Al-Zahra University in Tehran over issues related to the mandatory wearing of hijabs on campus.
• The Farda Briefing: Iran Intensifies Pressure On Independent Lawyers RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- Dozens of independent Iranian lawyers were imprisoned during the monthslong antiestablishment protests that erupted last September. Most had represented jailed protesters or been critical of the authorities on social media.
• Iran to IAEA: Only JCPOA parties negotiate deal's revival IRNA 17 May 2023 -- Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has reminded the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that only the members of the Iran nuclear deal are responsible for negotiations to revive the agreement, rather than the UN nuclear watchdog.
• Grossi satisfied with cooperation with Iran: AEOI chief ISNA 17 May 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami said that relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are underway.
• IAEA no party to JCPOA revival talks; no disruption in inspections: Iran's nuclear chief Press TV 17 May 2023 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the parties to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and not the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are in charge of the negotiations to revive the agreement.
• IAEA chief calls more interaction with Iran 'important', urges return to negotiating table Press TV 17 May 2023 -- The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it is important to keep interacting with Iran despite slim chances of reviving the US-abandoned nuclear deal between Tehran and major world powers.
• US senator admits failure of sanctions, increase in Iran's oil revenue Press TV 17 May 2023 -- A senior US Republican senator has confirmed the rise in Iran's oil revenues in recent months, confessing to the ineffectiveness of the sanctions that have been unilaterally imposed on the country.
• Iran, Russia sign $1.6bn contract to build Rasht-Astara railway IRNA 17 May 2023 -- Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia have signed an agreement worth $1.6 billion to build the Rasht-Astara railway, a project in northern Iran which will be key to transit of cargo through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Putin, Raisi Sign Agreement on Construction of $1.6Bln Rasht-Astara Railway Sputnik 17 May 2023 -- The launch of the Rasht-Astara railway in Iran will allow diversifying global traffic flows, and such transportation will have competitive advantages, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
• Iran, Russia sign deal on construction of strategic Rasht-Astara railway Press TV 17 May 2023 -- Iran and Russia have signed an agreement on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway, a strategic transport corridor that connects the existing railways of the two countries and Azerbaijan.
• Iran, Russia ink agreement for construction of Rasht-Astara railway ISNA 17 May 2023 -- An agreement for the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia was signed in a video conference with the presence of Ebrahim Raisi and Vladimir Putin.
• Russia invests in construction of Rasht-Astara railway ISNA 17 May 2023 -- An agreement for financing construction of Rasht-Astara railway was signed between Iran and Russia on Wednesday.
• Ceremony for signing an intergovernmental agreement with Iran on cooperation in the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line in Iran to boost transportation via the international North-South transport corridor President of Russia 17 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi took part, via videoconference, in a ceremony for signing an agreement between the Government of Russia and the Government of Iran on cooperation in financing the design, construction and supply of goods and services for the Rasht-Astara railway line in Iran, aimed at boosting transportation via the International North-South Transport Corridor.
• With raft of deals, Iran, Russia pledge to expand ties Press TV 17 May 2023 -- Iran and Russia have signed scores of economic and energy deals as the two countries seek to replicate their successful security and military cooperation in efforts that could offset the impacts of Western sanctions on their economies.
• Death toll seen rising in Myanmar's Rakhine state in aftermath of Cyclone Mocha Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- Cyclone Mocha killed about 460 Rohingya villagers in Myanmar's Rakhine - deaths that humanitarian workers said could have been prevented if so many people hadn't been living in restricted camps near the seashore.
• Cyclone Mocha destroys camp housing 700 in Myanmar's Magway region Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- As news slowly emerges about the extent of damage caused by Sunday's cyclone, residents of a township in Myanmar's Magway region told RFA Wednesday that Mocha destroyed a displaced persons camp housing more than 700 people.
• PM to agree historic UK-Japan Accord ahead of G7 Gov.UK 17 May 2023 -- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will agree a landmark new global strategic partnership, 'The Hiroshima Accord.
• Pakistani Gov Promises 'No Arrests' at Khan's Residence Before 24-Hour Surrender Deadline Sputnik 17 May 2023 -- A spokesperson for the Punjabi state government pushed back on claims made by former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday, telling reporters there would be "no arrests" at Khan's Lahore mansion before Thursday afternoon.
• Economy in focus as Türkiye heads to presidential runoff People's Daily 17 May 2023 -- As Türkiye's presidential elections are heading to a first-ever run-off, key economic challenges lie ahead. Taming inflation while maintaining monetary stability is vital for the country's economy, experts said.
• 100 days after earthquakes hit Türkiye and Syria, millions of children continue to face desperate conditions UNICEF 17 May 2023 -- One hundred days after the deadliest earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria's recent history, millions of children and families are struggling to rebuild their lives, with 2.5 million children in Türkiye and 3.7 million in Syria in need of continued humanitarian assistance.
• Millions of children still facing dire conditions 100 days after Türkiye-Syria quakes: UNICEF UN News 17 May 2023 -- More than six million boys and girls in Türkiye and Syria are still struggling to cope 100 days after the deadly earthquakes that hit both countries, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported on Wednesday.
• Syria's President Assad to attend Arab League summit in Jeddah: FM Press TV 17 May 2023 -- President Bashar al-Assad of Syria will attend the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
• Foreign Minister Meets with Syrian Foreign Minister SPA 17 May 2023 -- Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, met in Jeddah today with Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, on the sidelines of the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting of the Arab League Council at the Summit Level in its 32nd session.
• Syrian FM, Saudi counterpart meet ahead of Arab summit in Jeddah Press TV 17 May 2023 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, have met on the sidelines of preparatory meetings for the Arab League summit in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, discussing the reopening of their countries' embassies among other issues.
• EU sanctions evasion and circumvention at the heart of the Border States' meeting in Helsinki Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 17 May 2023 -- Combatting circumvention of the EU sanctions is a common mission of the EU Member States, especially of those who are at the forefront of sanctions implementation at the border with Russia. In order to facilitate co-operation further, the Border States, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and EFTA member state Norway, met in Helsinki on 15-17 May.
• Ruling Socialist Party wins in Albania's local elections People's Daily 17 May 2023 -- Albania's ruling Socialist Party (SP) led by Prime Minister Edi Rama will lead 53 of the country's 61 municipalities in the next four years following the local elections held on Sunday.
• Vietnam denies UN inquiries about alleged repression of Khmer Krom minority Radio Free Asia 17 May 2023 -- The Vietnamese government has denied allegations from United Nations experts that it represses the Khmer Krom minority living in the Mekong Delta region.
• Allies 'Don't Go To Russia,' EU's Enlargement Commissioner Says After Forum In Sarajevo RFE/RL 17 May 2023 -- The European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi on May 17 warned aspiring member Bosnia-Herzegovina that EU allies do not visit Russia, another show of disappointment in the country after Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik's trip to Moscow last year.
• Ecuadorian President Lasso Dissolves Legislature to Avoid Impeachment Sputnik 17 May 2023 -- The decree to dissolve the country's National Assembly comes one day into its impeachment trial of President Guillermo Lasso.
• Global temperatures set to break records during next 5 years: WMO UN News 17 May 2023 -- Global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years, fuelled by heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Niño weather pattern, according to a new update issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Wednesday.
• Thailand Election Process 'Improved,' Monitoring Group Says VOA 17 May 2023 -- An international election monitoring group says Thailand's general election voting process was "much improved" compared with the last ballot the country held in 2019.
• Somalia Expels Two European Union Workers VOA 17 May 2023 -- The Somali government has expelled two European Union employees accused of illegally taking photos of prisoners at a detention center.