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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Pentagon 'No Longer Confident' Syria Drone Strike Killed Al-Qaeda Leader Instead of Farmer Sputnik 19 May 2023 -- Although it has claimed to be fighting Daesh* and other terrorist groups in Syria since 2014, the US military has never received permission from the Syrian government to operate there. In addition, US forces continue to help occupy the eastern third of the country under the guise of supporting allied Kurdish forces.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US and NATO troops execute combined exercise to expand Battle Group in Poland Army News 19 May 2023 -- U.S. Army Europe and Africa's V Corps and NATO's Multinational Corps Northeast, along with allies and partners, will conduct exercise Griffin Shock May 8 - 26, 2023, at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, in Northeastern Poland.
• US Army's exercise CBR 18 Forges Family-like Bond Army News 19 May 2023 -- At the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, the only U.S. Army Combat Training Center outside the continental U.S., Soldiers and cultures from 15 countries have unified daily in support of Combined Resolve 18.
• Next generation family of Army medium-size vehicles tested at Ft. Bliss Army News 19 May 2023 -- Under the heat of the desert sun, a convoy of military vehicles roll down a dirt trail, kicking up dust and sand as they reach speeds of 45 miles per hour.
• LANPAC 2023: Army faces most 'disruptive' period since World War II Army News 19 May 2023 -- As the world's militaries modernize and upgrade their capabilities in multiple domains, Army Future Command's top leader said that U.S. forces must continually adapt to keep pace with constant change.
• US Army North wraps up annual homeland defense Vibrant Response exercise Army News 19 May 2023 -- U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command's Joint Force Land Component Command, oversaw approximately 2,500 military and civilian personnel assigned to numerous military organizations across the country during its annual disaster response training exercise, Vibrant Response, April 24 - May 12, 2023.
• LANPAC: Army commander leads USSPACECOM against space domain threats Army News 19 May 2023 -- Adversaries have continually found ways to threaten the Army and U.S. forces, not only from the land air, and sea but through space.
• Future USS Jack H. Lucas Successfully Completes Acceptance Trials US Navy 19 May 2023 -- The future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) successfully completed acceptance trials, returning to Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division May 18. DDG 125 is the first Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer built in the Flight III configuration.
• Nimitz Carrier Strike Group arrives in Sasebo, Japan US Navy 19 May 2023 -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and units from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 arrived in Sasebo, Japan, for a scheduled port visit, May 19.
• Fifth Fleet Admiral Transits Strait of Hormuz on Warship with UK, French Commanders US Navy 19 May 2023 -- The U.S. 5th Fleet commander transited the Strait of Hormuz aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) with naval counterparts from France and the United Kingdom, May 19.
• In Hiroshima, G7 Leaders Grapple With Nuclear Threat VOA 19 May 2023 -- As leaders of the Group of Seven richest democracies kick off their summit Friday in Hiroshima, Japan, with a visit to the city's Peace Memorial - a massive outdoor monument that captures the devastation caused by the atomic bomb - they pledged their commitment to "achieving a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all."
• UK troops test rapid reinforcement of NATO battlegroup in Estonia NATO 19 May 2023 -- Dozens of British Royal Marines landed on a beach north of Tallinn on Friday night (19 May 2023) testing the Allies ability to rapidly deploy reinforcements to NATO forces in Estonia. The Royal Marines contingent is part of a 900-strong British force deployed to Estonia especially for exercise "Spring Storm 2023".
• Biden Reportedly Unveils Plan To Train Ukrainian Pilots On F-16 Jets As G7 Slaps New Sanctions On Russia RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden told leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized countries that Washington was prepared to work with its allies to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, according to White House sources, even as G7 nations announced fresh sanctions against Russia for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
• Centre for Advanced Defence Research and Enterprise Opens Australia DOD 19 May 2023 -- The Australian Defence Force's ability to operate safely in hazardous environments is being enhanced with a new national research and innovation centre dedicated to solving Operating in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Environments (OCE) problems.
• Spartan proven ready for more Australia DOD 19 May 2023 -- It was Friday afternoon when the call was made for RAAF Base Amberley-based 35 Squadron to mobilise and move to RAAF Base Townsville, testing the squadron's tactical readiness to plan, deploy and fly missions at short notice, for Exercise Ready Spartan Prove.
• German Defense Minister Wants Special Military Fund Spent Soon to Avoid Inflation Risks Sputnik 19 May 2023 -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Friday that he intends to spend the Bundeswehr's special fund of 100 billion euros ($108 billion) as soon as possible so that its purchasing power is not reduced by inflation.
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS VISIT DA NANG, VIETNAM India PIB 19 May 2023 -- As part of Indian Navy's deployment to ASEAN countries, Indian Naval ships Delhi and Satpura, under the command of Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, arrived at Da Nang, Vietnam on 19 May 23. The ships were accorded a warm welcome by the Vietnam People's Navy.
• Defence production crosses Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time ever India PIB 19 May 2023 -- As a result of the consistent efforts of Ministry of Defence, the value of defence production in Financial Year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time ever.
• FIRST SEA SORTIE OF SIXTH SCORPENE SUBMARINE 'VAGHSHEER' India PIB 19 May 2023 -- The sixth submarine of Project 75, Yard 11880, Indian Navy's Kalvari class commenced her sea trials on 18 May 23. The submarine was launched in 20 Apr 22 from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Vaghsheer is scheduled for Delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after completion of these trial.
• £320 million for OPVs supports more than 100 jobs UK MOD 19 May 2023 -- Two new support contracts have been secured for the Royal Navy's versatile Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
• In Hiroshima, G7 Leaders Grapple With Nuclear Threat VOA 19 May 2023 -- As leaders of the Group of Seven richest democracies kick off their summit Friday in Hiroshima, Japan, with a visit to the city's Peace Memorial - a massive outdoor monument that captures the devastation caused by the atomic bomb - they pledged their commitment to "achieving a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all."
• Statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden's Meeting with Quad Leaders The White House 19 May 2023
• Background Press Call Previewing Day Two of the G7 Summit The White House 19 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Mexican Secretary of Economy Buenrostro US Dept. of State 19 May 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi US Dept. of State 19 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 19, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 19 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 May 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Who Is The Taliban's New Prime Minister? RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- The Taliban appointed a new prime ministeron May 17, saying the incumbent, Hassan Akhund, was suffering from ill health.
• Philippines test-fires new missile decoys in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- The Philippine Navy showcased its warfare capability on Friday by test-firing a newly acquired anti-missile decoy from one of its most advanced warships in the South China Sea.
• More than a million people displaced by Sudan crisis: UNHCR Press TV 19 May 2023 -- More than a million people have been displaced by fighting in Sudan so far, including a quarter of a million refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson says.
• Sudan emergency: One million now displaced in ongoing conflict UN News 19 May 2023 -- As heavy fighting continues in Sudan, UN humanitarians warned on Friday that more than one million people have now been forced to flee for their lives.
• Humanitarian organizations in Chad urgently need more funding to respond to refugees and returnees from Sudan UNOCHA 19 May 2023 -- As a result of renewed fighting in West Darfur approximately 30,000 refugees and returnees have crossed the border into Chad during the last week.
• Palestinian President: Israel Disregards Signed Agreements and UN Resolutions, Adheres to Zionist Colonial Project SPA 19 May 2023 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Arab leaders to support the implementation of the recent General Assembly resolution and submit their countries' written arguments before the International Court of Justice for the issuance of its advisory opinion on the legality, form, and competence of the regime established by Israel on the territory of Palestine.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's comment on the talks with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Moscow, May 19, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Moscow, May 19, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Moscow, May 19, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, Moscow, May 19, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2023
• Somali President: Somalia is Able to Be Free of Elements of Al-Shabaab Terrorist Movement by 2024 SPA 19 May 2023 -- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed that the Somali army was able to free more than 80 cities and has made remarkable progress in stopping assassinations. He pointed out that by 2024, Somalia will be able to declare that its cities are free of the elements of the Al-Shabaab terrorist movement.
• Nigerian Police Arrest 7 Suspects in Deadly Village Attacks VOA 19 May 2023 -- Nigerian police said Friday that officers had arrested seven suspects in connection with the massacre of dozens of villagers in central Plateau state.
• US Embassy in Nigeria: 2 US Employees Safe After Convoy Attack VOA 19 May 2023 -- Two U.S. mission employees missing since a Tuesday attack on a U.S. convoy in Nigeria's southeastern Anambra state, have been recovered alive and are under the protection of Nigerian authorities, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria reported Friday.

News Reports

• NASA Selects Blue Origin as Second Artemis Lunar Lander Provider NASA 19 May 2023 -- To develop a human landing system for the agency's Artemis V mission to the Moon, NASA has selected Blue Origin of Kent, Washington. Through Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before, uncovering more scientific discoveries, and preparing for future astronaut missions to Mars.
• NASA Awards Second Moon Lander Contract to Blue Origin VOA 19 May 2023 -- The U.S. space agency NASA announced Friday it has awarded the Jeff Bezos-owned aerospace company Blue Origin a contract to build a second lunar lander for the Artemis V moon mission, aiming to land a crew on the moon by 2029.
• Meeting of the Council for Interethnic Relations President of Russia 19 May 2023 -- The President held, via videoconference, a meeting of the Council for Interethnic Relations, which focused on the advantages of Russia's current system of state national policy, the integration of the new regions into the Russian socio-cultural environment, and the adjustment of the State National Policy Strategy in the context of external threats and challenges.
• Putin: West is trying to break Russia up into dozens of different states Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the US-led West is trying to drive a wedge between different ethnic and national groups in Russia and break the country up into dozens of different states.
• Russia puts ICC prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Russia has issued an arrest warrant for the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan after the Hague-based court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin in March.
• Response speech by Head of the Russian delegation and Permanent Delegate of the Russian Federation to UNESCO Rinat Alyautdinov at a plenary meeting of the 216th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, Paris, May 16, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview for "The Path to the Islamic World" documentary, May 19, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2023
• With Over 300 Sanctions, U.S. Targets Russia's Circumvention and Evasion, Military-Industrial Supply Chains, and Future Energy Revenues US Treasury 19 May 2023 -- Today, the United States, in coordination with the G7 and other international partners, is strengthening the unprecedented global sanctions and other restrictive economic measures to further degrade the Russian Federation's capacity to wage war against Ukraine. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is implementing new commitments made at the G7 Leaders' Summit to hold Russia accountable for its war.
• United States Imposes Additional Sanctions and Export Controls on Russia in Coordination with International Partners US Dept. of State 19 May 2023 -- In coordination with the G7, Australia, and other partners, the United States is imposing new sanctions today on Russia for its illegal war in Ukraine.
• United States Imposes Additional Sanctions and Export Controls on Russia in Coordination with International Partners US Dept. of State 19 May 2023 -- The United States will continue to take actions against Russia until it ends its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine.
• US issues new sanctions, targeting 'logistics network' between Iran and Russia Press TV 19 May 2023 -- The United States has issued new sanctions targeting what it calls the "logistics network" between Iran and Russia as the two countries move to enhance their relations.
• UK sanctions target Russia's theft of Ukrainian grain, advanced military technology, and remaining revenue sources UK FCDO 19 May 2023 -- UK government sanctions 86 individuals and entities, targeting Russia's theft of Ukrainian grain, advanced military technology, and remaining revenue sources.
• Britain Slaps Fresh Sanctions On Russia That Include Diamond Ban RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Britain has announced new sanctions against Russia aimed at advanced military technologies and imports of diamonds to cut Moscow's "sources of income."
• Is Wagner Chief Prigozhin 'A Special Operation Inside A Special Operation'? RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- For years the Kremlin-connected businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin operated largely in the shadows, amassing a fortune on government catering and other contracts while also quietly running a notorious "troll factory" in St. Petersburg that spearheaded Moscow's efforts to influence foreign elections.
• The Week In Russia: At Daggers Drawn RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Russia tries hypersonic missile attacks in Ukraine and treason accusations at home. And in the battle for Bakhmut, the "culture of mutual suspicion, cannibalistic competition, and opportunistic self-interest" President Vladimir Putin has created to maintain power is backfiring, an analyst says.
• Greenpeace Environmental Group To Shut Russia Operation After Kremlin Declares It 'Undesirable Organization' RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- The Greenpeace environmental group said it is shutting down its Russia operation after the Kremlin declared it an "undesirable" organization amid the government's ongoing crackdown on civil society and independent organizations.
• Kremlin Critic Roizman Fined For 'Discrediting' Russian Armed Forces RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- A court in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg has ordered the city's former mayor and outspoken Kremlin critic, Yevgeny Roizman, to pay a fine of 260,000 rubles ($3,230) for "repetitively discrediting the armed forces" involved in the invasion of Ukraine.
• First Russian Flight Lands In Tbilisi After Kremlin Lifts Ban RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- A Russian passenger plane has landed in Tbilisi, the first since Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted a 2019 flight ban last week.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 19, 2023 PRC MofA 19 May 2023
• Full text of Xi Jinping's keynote speech at China-Central Asia Summit People's Daily 19 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday delivered a keynote speech at the China-Central Asia Summit held in the city of Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
• President Xi Jinping Chairs the Inaugural China-Central Asia Summit and Delivers a Keynote Speech PRC MofA 19 May 2023 -- He emphasized the need to work together for a China-Central Asia community with a shared future featuring mutual assistance, common development, universal security and everlasting friendship.
• President Xi Jinping and the Presidents of the Five Central Asian Countries Jointly Meet the Press PRC MofA 19 May 2023 -- On 19 May, the China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held at the Xi'an International Convention Center. President Xi Jinping together with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistanjointly met the press.
• Xi charts course for China-Central Asia cooperation People's Daily 19 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday charted the course for China-Central Asia cooperation in the new era at a milestone summit with leaders of five Central Asian countries.
• At Central Asia Summit, Beijing seals trade and investment deals with 5 nations Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- China wrapped up its first summit with leaders from five Central Asia nations on Friday with several agreements to boost trade, investment and security ties.
• Chinese, Central Asian Leaders Pledge Mutual Support As Beijing Pushes Closer Ties RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinpin and leaders of the five Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have signed a declaration outlining their support for each other as Beijing looks to strengthen ties with its neighbors from the former Soviet Union.
• Chiding US Impact, China Pledges More Investment in Central Asia VOA 19 May 2023 -- During a two-day summit this week in its Silk Road city of Xian, China promised more investment, enhanced security and development assistance to Central Asian states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which thanked Beijing for building infrastructure networks in the region, boosting trade and understanding their challenges.
• US Lawmakers Issue Dire Warnings on China Competition VOA 19 May 2023 -- In the space of 24 hours this week, a pair of U.S. House committees held hearings exploring the impact of China's aggressive use of economic power against the U.S. and its allies, and considered measures the U.S. might take to counter Beijing's efforts.
• President von der Leyen on our policies towards China at Session III of the G7, Foreign and Security Policy European Commission 19 May 2023
• British government under fire for backing away from tough China stance Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- The British government is coming under fire from critics who say it is backing away from the strong stance on China signaled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during his race for leadership amid calls for curbs on the network of Communist Party-backed Confucius Institutes on university campuses.
• HK court rejects Jimmy Lai's legal challenges about hiring foreign lawyer to defend his national security trial Global Times 19 May 2023 -- Hong Kong's High Court dismissed on Friday the judicial review filed by anti-government media tycoon Jimmy Lai concerning hiring an oversea lawyer to defend him in the national security trial. Some legal experts believe that Lai's bid to challenge the decision of the city's committee for safeguarding national security is nothing more than trying to gain public attention and serving as "deathbed struggle," as local courts do not have jurisdiction over the city's national security committee's work.
• Hong Kong police call for surveillance cameras in classrooms Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- Hong Kong police are calling for surveillance cameras to be installed in school and university classrooms and public spaces, prompting fears among teachers and students.
• Hong Kong Libraries Ax Books Amid National Security Fears VOA 19 May 2023 -- Hundreds of political books have been pulled from Hong Kong libraries in a move that analysts say is part of an ideological drive to purge "harmful" influences from the city that was once the bastion of freedom in Asia.
• China to resolutely curb major fluctuations in yuan's exchange rate: CFXC Global Times 19 May 2023 -- Offshore yuan strengthened more than 100 points to 7.017 against the US dollar on Friday after the China Foreign Exchange Committee (CFXC) vowed to resolutely curb major fluctuations in the exchange rate and stressed that the yuan can be kept basically stable at a reasonable equilibrium level.
• Xi expounds on how to build China-Central Asia community with shared future People's Daily 19 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday expounded on how to build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, when he delivered a keynote address at the China-Central Asia Summit held in the northwestern city of Xi'an.
• Xi hosts Central Asian leaders in historic Silk Road city for milestone summit People's Daily 19 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome banquet on Thursday evening for guests who gathered in Xi'an, the historical starting point of the ancient Silk Road, to attend the milestone China-Central Asia Summit.
• Macao updates national security law Global Times 19 May 2023 -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Thursday deliberated on and passed an amendment to the Law on Safeguarding National Security, which is believed to prevent and curb foreign interference in order to safeguard Chinese national security and ensure the continuous prosperity of the SAR.
• Liaison office of central gov't in Macao SAR supports passage of amendments to national security law People's Daily 19 May 2023 -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Thursday voiced support for the passage of a bill containing amendments to the Law on Safeguarding National Security.
• Taiwan condemns China, 4 Central Asian nations over sovereignty claim CNA 19 May 2023 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Friday strongly protested and condemned four joint statements recently issued by China and four Central Asian countries supporting China's territorial claim over Taiwan.
• Taiwan Strait peace 'indispensable' to global security: U.K.-Japan pact CNA 19 May 2023 -- The United Kingdom and Japan agreed to an enhanced global strategic partnership Thursday in which they characterized peace across the Taiwan Strait as "indispensable" to a safe and prosperous world and urged China to act responsibly on the world stage.
• President Tsai reiterates interest in trade, investment pact with U.K. CNA 19 May 2023 -- A trade and investment agreement between Taiwan and the United Kingdom would further deepen bilateral relations, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told visiting former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss on Friday.
• Taiwan, China reach impasse on cross-strait group travel CNA 19 May 2023 -- Taiwan will not lift its restriction on cross-strait travel for the time being despite China's announcement that it has ended its ban on tour groups from Taiwan, according to the Tourism Bureau on Friday.
• China firmly opposes US' 'trade initiative' with Taiwan island: FM Global Times 19 May 2023 -- China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US' move of reaching a so-called agreement on the first part of "21st century trade initiative" with Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Friday's press briefing.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 19, 2023 ROC MND 19 May 2023
• North Korea warns will not overlook 'dangerous war drills' by US, South Press TV 19 May 2023 -- North Korea has lashed out at intensified military exercises between the US and South Korea, characterizing them as "warmongers' madness" and pledging to bolster its nuclear deterrence.
• North Korea prepares to launch new spy satellite, state media reports Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- North Korea is preparing to launch a spy satellite that it claims will bolster its defensive capabilities, state media reported, boasting that its launch would be " a clear stride forward" in military science and technological development.
• U.S.-led Hostile Forces' Ceaseless War Provocations under Fire KCNA 19 May 2023 -- The situation on the Korean Peninsula is closing in on the brink of explosion.
• Iran rejects Afghan statement on Helmand water right IRNA 19 May 2023 -- The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the contradictory and incorrect statement issued by Afghanistan's governing body regarding Helmand water right saying that the Iran-Afghanistan treaty clearly and without any ambiguity has determined Iran's water right.
• Afghanistan refused Iranian expert visits to Helmand dams: FM IRNA 19 May 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that Afghanistan has refused to allow visits by Iranian experts to dams built on Helmand River.
• Iran says 'reserves right' to act against Afghan declaration to protect Hirmand water rights Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Iran says it reserves the right to act against Afghanistan's "unacceptable" non-adherence to a treaty on Iran's water rights of the border river of Hirmand.
• Iran calls on Afghanistan to allow experts to visit dam built on Hirmand River Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Iran once again calls on Afghanistan's Taliban government to allow expert visits to a dam built on the border river of Hirmand, also known as Helmand, instead of issuing political statements.
• UN secretary general lauds restoration of Iran-Saudi ties as 'turning point' in region Press TV 19 May 2023 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has praised the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia on restoration of diplomatic ties after seven years of estrangement, terming it as "a turning point" that marks the beginning of a new era of constructive interactions in the Middle East.
• Iran: Statement by the Spokesperson on executions of sentenced protests participants European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 May 2023 -- Today, Majid Kazemi, Saeed Yaghoubi and Saleh Mirhashemi were executed after being arrested and sentenced to death in connection with the recent protests in Iran. The European Union condemns these executions in the strongest possible terms and calls once again on the Iranian authorities to immediately end the strongly condemnable practice of imposing and carrying out death sentences against protesters.
• Three men convicted of killing policeman, Basij members in Isfahan executed Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Three men, convicted of launching a deadly terrorist attack against security forces in the central Iranian city of Isfahan during foreign-backed riots last year, have been executed in the country.
• Iran Executes Three More Protesters Despite Outcry Over 'Illegal' Trials, Forced 'Confessions' RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Iran has executed three men detained during anti-government protests despite a public outcry over their convictions and objections by rights groups and several governments who say authorities held rushed trials, forced "confessions," and denied the accused due process.
• Iranians Commemorate Death Of Protester Mokhtari, Shout Anti-Government Slogans RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Iranian protesters have gathered to show their anger at the government as they commemorate the anniversary of the death of Jamshid Mokhtari, one of the protesters killed in unrest last spring sparked by deteriorating living standards and rising food prices.
• Statement by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran on the execution of protesters UN Human Rights Council 19 May 2023 -- The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply alarmed at the continuing executions of protesters pending investigations of alleged human rights violations.
• UN rights experts 'deeply alarmed' at continuing executions of Iran protesters UN News 19 May 2023 -- The UN Human Rights Council-appointed panel of independent experts examining the Iranian Government's response to protests that erupted there last November, has said that it's "deeply alarmed" at continuing executions of demonstrators, ahead of pending reviews.
• Iran Executes Three People Involved in Government Protests VOA 19 May 2023 -- Iran's judiciary announced Friday it executed three men convicted of killing security force members during protests last year triggered by Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, drawing condemnation from rights groups, and cries of protest in the capital, Tehran.
• Greetings on the opening of the Arab League summit President of Russia 19 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants in the 32nd Arab League summit.
• Jeddah Declaration: Arab Leaders Affirm the Importance of Promoting Joint Arab Action Based on Common Foundations, Values, Interests and One Destiny SPA 19 May 2023 -- The leaders of the Arab countries stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab action based on common foundations, values, interests, and one destiny.
• Arab League welcomes back Syria into Arab fold, hails Iran-Saudi détente Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Arab leaders have welcomed Syria back to the Arab League and praised the recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• Assad: Arab League summit 'historic opportunity' to address regional issues 'without foreign interference' Press TV 19 May 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has made his first address to the Arab League summit in 12 years, returning to the Arab League despite the vociferous opposition of the United States.
• Syrian President: Summit is Historic Opportunity to Rearrange Arab Affairs SPA 19 May 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said that the Arab Summit is a historic opportunity to rearrange Arab affairs, which requires repositioning within the multipolar world, emphasizing the importance of building on the positive atmosphere that resulted from the reconciliation efforts ahead of the summit.
• Myanmar's junta threatens media that don't report official cyclone death numbers Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- Myanmar's junta says that 100 Rohingya died from last weekend's Cyclone Mocha - and that news outlets that say it's higher will be sued.
• EU-Kazakhstan strategic partnership becomes operational European Commission 19 May 2023 -- Today, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, on behalf of the European Commission, and Alikhan Smailov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, announced a set of concrete actions that will implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the EU and Kazakhstan on a strategic partnership in the field of raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen.
• VOA Exclusive: Former Pakistani PM Khan Denies Having Problem with Army Chief VOA 19 May 2023 -- Despite accusing Pakistan's powerful army chief of being involved his political troubles, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan now says he has no problem with the army chief but alleges that the head of the military has a problem with him.
• Doorstop interview - Hiroshima Prime Minister of Australia 19 May 2023
• Syrians in Turkey Watch Its Presidential Runoff Closely VOA 19 May 2023 -- Amid Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's efforts to normalize relations with Damascus and his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu's vow to return Syrian refugees to their war-torn country, Syrians in Turkey are watching Turkey's presidential election runoff closely.
• Young Laotians eye Thai election's potential for stability, higher migrant wages Radio Free Asia 19 May 2023 -- Last weekend's Thai election has been a source of chatter - online and offline - in neighboring Laos, where many merchants rely on a stable Thai baht, and people took note of the reform-minded policies that won a majority of votes.
• Ethnic Serb Leaders Slam Swearing-In Of Mayor Elected During Boycotted Vote RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Ethnic Serb leaders in Kosovo have protested the swearing-in of a mayor from the ruling party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, calling it the beginning of an "invasion of the north."
• Despite Challenges, Negotiators Optimistic About Next Steps Of Western Balkan Countries Toward EU RFE/RL 19 May 2023 -- Top U.S. negotiators who have been working to de-escalate tensions and implement reforms in the Western Balkans told a U.S. Senate committee on May 18 that they remain optimistic about progress in the region toward EU membership despite "considerable" obstacles.
• Malawi: Over 500,000 children at risk of malnutrition, UNICEF warns UN News 19 May 2023 -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is seeking nearly $88 million to assist 6.5 million people in Malawi, including at least 573,000 boys and girls who are at risk of malnutrition.