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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Military Confirms Airstrike Against Al-Shabab in Somalia VOA 22 May 2023 -- The United States military has confirmed conducting a new airstrike against al-Shabab militants in the Middle Juba region of southern Somalia.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Massachusetts Guard Delivers Firefighting Equipment to Paraguay Army News 22 May 2023 -- A delegation led by Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, Massachusetts adjutant general, delivered critical firefighting gear to Paraguay, the Massachusetts National Guard's partner in the State Partnership Program, on May 16.
• U.S.-Led Multinational Partnership Launches New Task Force for Maritime Security Training in Middle East CENTCOM 22 May 2023 -- The U.S.-led multinational partnership, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), established a new task force May 22 that will train partner navies and improve operational capabilities to enhance maritime security in the Middle East.
• Alert Contingency MAGTF: 'Our most ready force' USMC News 22 May 2023 -- It is 3:00am on a Sunday morning. III Marine Expeditionary Force receives indications and warnings that a crisis is brewing. The order is given without hesitation, and the Marines and Sailors of the Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force are geared up and ready to deploy with a full combat load within just a couple hours.
• SECNAV awards Marine Security Guards for successful evacuation from Khartoum USMC News Release 22 May 2023 -- Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, visited Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Headquarters at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on May 19 to personally thank the Marines with Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment Khartoum for their exceptional performance during the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan.
• A War at Sea: Formidable Shield 2023 enhances Allies' warfighting proficiency US Navy 22 May 2023 -- Surface Action Group (SAG) Sword, led by Spanish Navy Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate ESPS Blas De Lezo (F 103), steamed in formation from the north, readying their combat systems for the fight. To the south, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and SAG Shield prepared to join them in neutralizing the threat. In the frigid waters off Scotland's Cape Wrath, these Allied SAGs put their experience, weapons systems, and procedures to the test.
• U.S.-Led Multinational Partnership Launches New Task Force for Maritime Security Training in Middle East US Navy 22 May 2023 -- The U.S.-led multinational partnership, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), established a new task force May 22 that will train partner navies and improve operational capabilities to enhance maritime security in the Middle East.
• USS Milius Departs Shimoda After Participating in 84th Annual Black Ship Festival US Navy 22 May 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) departed Shimoda, Japan, on May 22, after a scheduled port visit in celebration of the 84th Black Ship Festival.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Statement on U.S.-Papua New Guinea Defense Cooperation Agreement DoD 22 May 2023 -- This U.S.-Papua New Guinea Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is an important milestone for the relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea (PNG) - and for our collective Indo-Pacific security.
• US, Papua New Guinea Sign Security Agreement VOA 22 May 2023 -- The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a security agreement that includes giving U.S. forces access to the Pacific nation's waters and ports.
• Papua New Guinea, United States deepen relations with defense pact signing Radio Free Asia 22 May 2023 -- The United States signed a defense cooperation agreement on Monday with Papua New Guinea, and announced other security and humanitarian support, in a deepening of its relationship with the most populous Pacific island country.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Secretary Blinken Witnesses the Signing of the U.S.-Palau 2023 Agreement Following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review US Dept. of State 22 May 2023 -- On May 22, Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in the signing ceremony of the U.S.-Palau 2023 Agreement following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review marking the successful conclusion of Compact-related negotiations with the Republic of Palau regarding the extension of economic assistance.
• The United States and Papua New Guinea Sign New Defense Cooperation Agreement and an Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations US Dept. of State 22 May 2023 -- On May 22, 2023, the United States and Papua New Guinea concluded a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and an Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Compact Review Agreement Signing Ceremony with Palau US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Defense Cooperation Agreement and Shiprider Signing Ceremony US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Marape US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO observes Formidable Shield 2023 US Navy 22 May 2023 -- U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), recently observed high-end integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) activity during the ongoing exercise Formidable Shield 2023, May 20.
• Deputy Secretary General addresses NATO Parliamentary Assembly NATO 22 May 2023 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană addressed the Spring Conference of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Luxembourg on Monday (22 May 2023).
• Royal Marines conduct beach raid in Estonia during NATO exercise UK MOD 22 May 2023 -- Around 100 marines from 45 Commando conducted an exercise to stage an amphibious raid at a beach in Estonia, as part of a major NATO exercise.
• Russia: Sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine raises question of NATO's involvement in war Press TV 22 May 2023 -- Russia has once again warned the West against sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, saying such a move would raise the question of NATO's direct involvement in the war.
• NATO Body Recognizes Russia's Crimes Against Ukraine as 'Genocide' VOA 22 May 2023 -- The NATO Parliamentary Assembly on Monday unanimously recognized Russia's crimes against Ukraine as genocide, striking "a diplomatic victory [for Ukraine with] far-reaching political consequences," said Yehor Cherniev, the head of Ukraine's delegation at the assembly in Luxembourg. "This is our diplomatic victory. All of our key wishes regarding the final text of the declaration have been taken into account."
• Every week we add value for Ukraine from the NATO Summit in Vilnius - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 22 May 2023
• U.S., British, French commanders' crossing of Strait of Hormuz "theatrical" move: Iranian official People's Daily 22 May 2023 -- A top Iranian military official on Sunday shrugged off as a "theatrical" move the crossing of the Strait of Hormuz by the U.S., British and French commanders aboard a U.S. destroyer, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
• Live-fire activity to boost strike power Australia DOD 22 May 2023 -- Starting today, RAAF Base Townsville will have an influx of Air Force aircraft and activity for this year's Exercise Black Dagger.
• Israeli Arms Exports Set to Break 2021 Record of $11.4 Bln Sputnik 22 May 2023 -- Israel's arms exports last year are projected to break the record set in 2021 when they reached $11.4 billion after doubling in less than a decade, Director General of the Israeli Defense Ministry Eyal Zamir said on Monday.
• Strategic Command and Italian delegation discuss cyberspace UK MOD 22 May 2023 -- A contingent of senior Italian military officers met with their counterparts from Strategic Command to discuss cyberspace and digital.
• Northern Group defense ministers on strengthening security in the region Republic of Poland 22 May 2023 -- On May 22 in Legionowo, Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Defense, chaired the talks of defense ministers in the format of the so-called Northern Group. The Northern Group is an important forum for exchanging opinions on current issues related to the state of the security environment in Europe and the development of political-military initiatives in NATO and the EU.
• Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): EU strengthens its civilian missions to better respond to crises around the world EC/CEU 22 May 2023 -- Today the Council and its member states have agreed on a new Civilian CSDP Compact, a key deliverable from the Strategic Compass approved in March 2022.
• Moldova: EU launches civilian mission to strengthen the resilience of the security sector in the areas of crisis management and countering hybrid threats EC/CEU 22 May 2023 -- The Council is launching today the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the resilience of the security sector in the country.
• Third shipment of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles JLTV arrived in Lithuania Lithuania MND 22 May 2023 -- The third batch of the JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) with 50 new vehicles for the Lithuanian Armed Forces was delivered to Lithuania last week.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on May 15-21, 2023 Lithuania MND 22 May 2023 -- On May 15-21 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.
• Northern Group partners meet in Warsaw to discuss European security UK MOD 22 May 2023 -- Key threats and challenges to European security was the focus of meeting of ministers from 12 European countries today
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Hipkins US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 22, 2023 US Dept. of State 22 May 2023
• U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea The White House 22 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 22, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 22 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 May 2023
• Assad will not meet Erdogan until Turkish forces withdraw from Syria: FM Press TV 22 May 2023 -- Syria's foreign minister says President Bashar al-Assad will only meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan when Turkey completely withdraws its military forces from the northern part of Syria
• Line in the Sand: Assad Won't Meet Erdogan Until Turkish Troops Exit Syria Sputnik 22 May 2023 -- Russian and Iranian diplomats have worked tirelessly in recent months to facilitate the normalization of relations between Damascus and Ankara - as part of a broader regional realignment which has seen former sworn enemies of the Assad government restore ties with the Syrian Arab Republic.
• 7-Day Cease-Fire Starts in Sudan VOA 22 May 2023 -- The United Nation's top envoy in Sudan on Monday welcomed a U.S.-Saudi brokered cease-fire even as he warned that the Sudan conflict shows no sign of slowing down.
• Ceasefire in Sudan could 'pave the way' to peace talks UN News 22 May 2023 -- A crucial ceasefire poised to enter into force in restive Sudan on Monday evening should "pave the way" for peace talks to end the month-old conflict, the top UN official in the country has said.
• Sudan humanitarian ceasefire comes into effect amid army's airstrikes across capital Khartoum Press TV 22 May 2023 -- A week-long ceasefire agreed by Sudan's warring factions has entered into force hours after the country's army conducted heavy airstrikes across the capital Khartoum against positions of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Ongoing conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on the Sudanese people: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 22 May 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.
• Sudanese army voices commitment to cease-fire deal, humanitarian arrangements Global Times 22 May 2023 -- The Sudanese Army announced on Sunday its commitment to the Agreement on a Short-Term Cease-fire and Humanitarian Arrangements it signed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah late Saturday.
• Yemeni leader reiterates unity amid calls for secession People's Daily 22 May 2023 -- Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday issued a fresh call for national unity ahead of the country's National Day, amid calls to demand the southern region's secession from the republic.
• Hezbollah's precision missiles will rain down on Israel if it commits folly: Official Press TV 22 May 2023 -- A high-ranking official with Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says the group will rain down its precision missiles on the occupied territories if the Israeli regime commits a "foolish act" against Lebanon.
• Foreign Minister's Address to the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir(22 May 2023) Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2023
• Pashinian Says Armenia Is Ready To Recognize Nagorno-Karabakh As Part Of Azerbaijan Under Certain Conditions RFE/RL 22 May 2023 -- Armenia said it is ready to recognize the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of neighboring Azerbaijan under certain conditions, a compromise that could help end a decades-old conflict and revive an impoverished region.
• Horn of Africa: Over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished UN News 22 May 2023 -- Children in the Horn of Africa are living through an unprecedented large-scale crisis of hunger, displacement, water scarcity, and insecurity, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday.

News Reports

• Man Convicted of Torture and Exporting Weapons Parts and Related Services to Iraq US Dept. of Justice 22 May 2023 -- A federal jury convicted a Pennsylvania man on May 19 for numerous crimes, including the torture of an Estonian citizen in 2015 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, in connection with the operation of an illegal weapons manufacturing plant in Kurdistan.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, Moscow,May 22, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2023
• Meeting with Supreme Court President Vyacheslav Lebedev President of Russia 22 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Supreme Court President Vyacheslav Lebedev. The discussion focused on measures aimed at humanising law enforcement practice, as well as on efforts to create courts in the new regions of the Russian Federation.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on threats against the International Criminal Court European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 May 2023 -- The European Union deplores the criminal proceedings initiated by Russian authorities against the Prosecutor and three Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Russia Denies Consular Access to American Journalist for Second Time VOA 22 May 2023 -- The U.S. State Department and media analysts have criticized Russia over its refusal to allow regular consular access to a U.S. journalist who has been detained in Moscow since his arrest in late March.
• Turkiye Reportedly in Talks With West on Eliminating Obstacles to Paying for Russian Products Sputnik 22 May 2023 -- Turkiye, together with the United Nations (UN), is negotiating with the United States and the United Kingdom to remove obstacles to paying for Russian products, the export of which is planned as part of the grain deal, a source familiar with the talks told Sputnik.
• What is Northern Sea Route and How Can It Turn Russia Into Arctic Superpower? Sputnik 22 May 2023 -- Russia plans to increase the tonnage of cargo shipped through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to 80 million tons by 2024, and to ship up to 270 million tons through the artery annually by 2035. What is the economic and geostrategic significance of the NSR? And why has Moscow invested so much political and material capital into it? Sputnik explores.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 22, 2023 PRC MofA 22 May 2023
• Chinese FM decries smear against BRI, urges G7 to take concrete steps to help developing nations Global Times 22 May 2023 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday hit back at criticism hurled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said at the recent G7 summit that loans related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) caused some developing countries to fall into debt crises.
• State Department Clarifies: Not Lifting Sanctions on China's Defense Chief VOA 22 May 2023 -- The United States is not considering lifting current sanctions on China's defense chief, Li Shangfu, the State Department said Monday.
• China says it sees no point in dialogue with US amid sanctions Press TV 22 May 2023 -- China says it sees no reason to keep talking with the United States as long as it pursues a wholly disingenuous policy and continues to step up pressure on the country through sanctions.
• China, Russia maintain frequent high-level interactions, resilient against external discord-sowing Global Times 22 May 2023 -- Senior Chinese and Russian officials met in Moscow to discuss security affairs on Monday, which will be followed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's scheduled visit to China on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• China warns UK to stop slandering Beijing to avoid further damage to ties Press TV 22 May 2023 -- China has censured persisting efforts by London to slander Beijing and warned of deteriorating ties after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referred to China as "the biggest challenge" to global security during the G7 summit in Japan.
• In State Visit, Eritrea and China Signal Deeper Partnership VOA 22 May 2023 -- When Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in China for a four-day state visit, he was greeted with fanfare that included a red carpet, a guard of honor military procession and a 21-gun salute.
• China's youth face dismal job prospects Radio Free Asia 22 May 2023 -- Xu Ke, 21, comes from a long line of university lecturers.
• China boosts naval presence, ability to invade Taiwan: ex-U.S. Navy captain CNA 22 May 2023 -- China continued to beef up its Naval presence in 2022, indicating its increasing ability to execute an invasion of Taiwan, a retired American naval captain warned in an article published earlier this month.
• Taiwan protests exclusion from WHO's annual assembly CNA 22 May 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday said it was "deeply regrettable" that Taiwan would be excluded from the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual assembly in Geneva this week.
• Taiwan health minister vows to continue pushing for WHO inclusion CNA 22 May 2023 -- As the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened its 10-day forum in Switzerland on Sunday, Taiwan's Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) was vowing to continue pushing for the country's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Rejection of Taiwan's observer membership in WHA shows One-China principle cannot be challenged: Chinese FM Global Times 22 May 2023 -- The 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) decided on Monday to reject a proposal by some countries to invite Taiwan to join the WHA as an observer, which is the number of years in a row that the WHA has rejected the so-called Taiwan-related proposals, Mao Ning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said on Monday, noting this fully shows that the one-China principle has international support and represents the prevailing trend that cannot be challenged.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the 76th WHA's Rejecting the Proposal on Taiwan PRC MofA 22 May 2023
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 22, 2023 ROC MND 22 May 2023
• DPP's delusion of Taiwan's WHA participation as observer dashes again as assembly kicks off Global Times 22 May 2023 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' hope of being invited to the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer was squashed again after the assembly started on Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Efforts Paid to Prevent Damage from Disastrous Abnormal Weather KCNA 22 May 2023 -- Great efforts have been paid to coping with drought, fierce heat, flooding and other disastrous abnormal weather in different parts of the country.
• Iran: five individuals and two entities targeted by EU's eighth package of sanctions for human rights violations EC/CEU 22 May 2023 -- The Council decided today to impose restrictive measures on an additional 5 individuals and two entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.
• EU imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian individuals, entities IRNA 22 May 2023 -- The European Union‌ (EU) has imposed new sanctions on Iranian officials and entities as part of a hostile campaign of pressure against the Islamic Republic.
• EU agrees new sanctions on Iranian individuals, entities Press TV 22 May 2023 -- In another hostile act, the European Union has imposed new sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities over alleged human rights violations.
• Ali-Akbar Ahmadian appointed as secretary of Iran's SNSC IRNA 22 May 2023 -- Ali Akbar Ahmadian has been appointed as the new secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
• Who is Iran's new top security official? IRNA 22 May 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raisi appointed Ali-Akbar Ahmadian as the new secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) earlier on Monday to replace Ali Shamkhani. The new SNSC chief has been in charge of key posts in the Islamic Republic over the past four decades.
• Ayatollah Khamenei appoints Shamkhani as his political advisor, Expediency Council member Press TV 22 May 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has appointed Ali Shamkhani as his political advisor and a member of the Expediency Council.
• Raeisi appoints IRGC commander as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Press TV 22 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has appointed Brigadier General Ali Akbar Ahmadian as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
• Iranian President Replaces Chief Of Powerful Security Council RFE/RL 22 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has removed Ali Shamkhani as the head of the powerful Supreme National Security Council and replaced him with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a former chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) who has been under sanctions from the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States for more than a decade.
• Iran Replaces Top Security Official VOA 22 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi appointed a new head of the country's top security body on Monday.
• Iran police vow 'definite' revenge for killing of border guards by terrorists Press TV 22 May 2023 -- Iran's deputy police chief has expressed the force's determination to avenge the killing of five border guards in a terrorist attack in southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province neighboring Pakistan.
• Mahsa Amini's Family Accuses Iran's Security Forces Of Vandalizing Her Grave RFE/RL 22 May 2023 -- The family of Mahsa Amini have blamed Iran's security forces for vandalizing the grave of the young woman whose death while in police custody in September 2022 ignited nationwide protests that have turned into one of the biggest threats to the Islamic republic's leadership since it took power in 1979.
• Dissident Ghadyani Says Iran May Be Ripe For Revolution Amid Executions RFE/RL 22 May 2023 -- Abolfazl Ghadyani, a prominent Islamic revolutionary-turned-dissident, says that Iran may be ripe for a revolution to overthrow the Islamic leadership as anger turns to rage over the execution of protesters, oppressive policies, and poor living standards.
• Iran strongly condemns G7 summit's final statement IRNA 22 May 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned parts of the final statement of a summit of G7 group of advanced economies that was held in Hiroshima, Japan which contained baseless and fabricated allegations against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "We need to finally go ahead with the Belarusian sanctions package" Lithuania MFA 22 May 2023
• Prime Minister's meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand India MEA 22 May 2023
• Prime Minister's meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji India MEA 22 May 2023
• PM meeting with Prime Minister Modi of India: 21 May 2023 Gov.UK 22 May 2023
• India Hosts G20 Tourism Meeting in Kashmir Amid High Security VOA 22 May 2023 -- Some 60 delegates representing most G-20 nations arrived in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday for a tourism meeting that drew criticism from China and Pakistan before it began.
• Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea India MEA 22 May 2023
• Prime Minister's meeting with Governor-General of Papua New Guinea India MEA 22 May 2023
• India Looks to Boost Pacific Ties at Papua New Summit VOA 22 May 2023 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is joining Pacific leaders at a summit in Papua New Guinea Monday as New Delhi seeks to counter China's influence in the region.
• Pakistan PM Sharif Vows to Try Khan Supporters in Military Courts VOA 22 May 2023 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged Monday that supporters of his predecessor, Imran Khan, who allegedly stormed defense installations during recent nationwide anti-government protests, will be prosecuted in military courts.
• Turkey's third-placed presidential candidate endorses Erdogan ahead of runoff Press TV 22 May 2023 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has secured the endorsement of Turkey's third-placed presidential election candidate, Sinan Ogan, ahead of Sunday's runoff vote.
• PM statement to the House of Commons on G7 summit: 22 May 2023 Gov.UK 22 May 2023
• PM remarks at the G7 Press Conference Gov.UK 22 May 2023
• Canada strengthens economic security with Republic of Korea and advances Indo-Pacific Strategy with Philippines Canada 22 May 2023 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today successfully concluded her visits to Seoul, Republic of Korea (Korea), from May 16 to 17, and Manila, Philippines, from May 18 to 21.
• Two Saudi Astronauts Barnawi and AlQarni Arrive at ISS IRNA 22 May 2023 -- The two Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni and mission team crew have arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) today at 16:24 Makkah Time after their spacecraft Dragon 2 successfully docked.
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 May 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 May 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Edgars Rinkēvičs: The EU must send a clear signal to third countries that circumvention of sanctions will not be tolerated Latvia MFA 22 May 2023 -- On 22 May 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels, at which the Member States exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, on the Horn of Africa, as well as Western Balkans.
• Cambodia's Hun Sen publicly warns foreign embassies against 'arrogant' interference Radio Free Asia 22 May 2023 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen publicly lashed out at Western diplomats on Monday, saying they have insulted him in the past by visiting with detained opposition leader Kem Sokha.
• Religious leaders ask US to sanction Vietnamese government officials Radio Free Asia 22 May 2023 -- Religious leaders in Vietnam have asked the U.S. government to punish Vietnamese officials involved in religious persecution activities, calling for use of the Global Magnitsky Act to sanction those involved in human rights violations.
• Georgia's Diplomatic Balancing Act Is Getting Harder To Pull Off RFE/RL 22 May 2023 -- Since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, Georgia's government has tried to walk a thin line: to maintain its strong ties to the West while at the same time avoiding the wrath of a Russia on the warpath.
• Bulgarian Parties Reach Deal On Coalition Government After Five Elections In Two Years RFE/RL 22 May 2023 -- Bulgaria's center-right GERB party, which narrowly won last month's parliamentary elections, has reached a compromise with the second-placed We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria coalition to form a government, top officials from both political organizations said.
• El Salvador: Renewed state of emergency undermines right to fair trial UN News 22 May 2023 -- The decision by El Salvador to extend a state of emergency aimed at cracking down on gangs undermines the right to fair trial, three experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Monday.
• Thailand Opposition Signs Coalition Agreement, Pledges to Restore Democracy VOA 22 May 2023 -- Members of Thailand's eight-party coalition that won a majority of seats in Thailand's general election May 14 have officially agreed to work together, listing their new policies as they look to lead the country's next government.