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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Commander Accuses Russia of 'Buffoonery in the Air' in Syria VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- A top U.S. military commander accused the Russian air force of encouraging its pilots to engage in "buffoonery in the air," raising the risk of accidents or even conflict in Syria.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Transits Taiwan Strait U.S. 7th Fleet 21 Jun 2023 -- The legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on June 20 (local time) through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law. The ship transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal State. Stratton's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows.
• Hokanson: Bilateral Defense Relations with Serbia on Positive Trajectory Army News 21 Jun 2023 -- In the wake of Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Serbia instituted a pause on military drills with other nations.
• In Albania, Hokanson Sees Committed Partner, Steadfast NATO Ally Army News 21 Jun 2023 -- In a country that spent nearly 450 years under Ottoman Empire rule, suffered fascist occupation during World War II, and endured a dictatorship for much of the 20th century, democracy emerged and NATO accession ensued.
• Roadmap for U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation DOD 21 Jun 2023
• Fact Sheet: India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) DOD 21 Jun 2023
• Launch of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) DoD 21 Jun 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defense launched the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) today at a catalyst event hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council.
• Bomber Task Force participates in Exercise African Lion AFRICOM 21 Jun 2023 -- Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from 7th Bomb Wing, conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in support of Exercise African Lion 2023 (AL23) June 16, 2023. The bomber task force mission included a low-approach fly over in addition to close air support training with the Moroccan military at and around the TanTan Training Complex.
• 405th AFSB's CLSE helps deliver strategic level sustainment to V Corps, forces in Europe Army News 21 Jun 2023 -- With deployed forces in support of Europe during Russia's unprovoked and unjust war in Ukraine, the 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Corps Logistics Support Element is busy experimenting with new ways of delivering strategic level sustainment to America's V Corps.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting in Washington With the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud DoD 21 Jun 2023
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Visits Indo-Pacific Region DoD 21 Jun 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough's Virtual Meeting With Military and Veterans Service Organizations DoD 21 Jun 2023
• Somali President, Austin Discuss Future, Partnership During Pentagon Meeting DoD News 21 Jun 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the Pentagon today praising the Somali leader for real progress at a very dangerous time.
• US Ready to Bring Forces to Middle East as Needed to 'Deter Any Aggression' - US General Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- The United States is ready to bring additional military forces to the Middle East in order to maintain stability and to deter any possible aggression in the region, Combined Forces Air Component Commander for US Central Command Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said on Wednesday.
• MQ-9 Reaper completes first mission using dirt landing zone US Air Force 21 Jun 2023 -- Just south of Fort Stockton is one of the largest private armed forces training centers in the country, the Nine Mile Training Center — an expansive terrain offering privacy from prying eyes and the perfect opportunity to unleash the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.
• Powering Up the Shipyard: Generator Maintenance Team Brings New Capabilities to Ensure America's Shipyard Stays Mission-Ready US Navy 21 Jun 2023 -- Norfolk Naval Shipyard works daily to support the mission of repairing, modernizing, and inactivating our Navy's warships and training platforms on time, every time, to protect America.
• USS Nimitz Records 350,000th Arrested Landing US Navy 21 Jun 2023 -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the oldest-serving U.S commissioned aircraft carrier in the world, successfully completed its 350,000th arrested aircraft landing recently while sailing in the South China Sea, a milestone nearly 48 years in the making.
• USS Carl Vinson Completes Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem US Navy 21 Jun 2023 -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) completed Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) while out to sea in the 3rd Fleet area of operations, April 4.
• Navy Delivers First Pilot Trainer to Deployed Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron US Navy 21 Jun 2023 -- The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office recently delivered the first Aircrew Procedures Trainer (APT) device to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan.
• Commander of Multinational Counter-Piracy Task Force Visits Japanese Units in Djibouti US Navy 21 Jun 2023 -- The commander for Combined Maritime Forces' counter-piracy task force visited Japanese self-defense force units during a two-day trip to Djibouti, June 14-15.
• George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Completes Historic Deployment US Navy 21 Jun 2023 -- The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG)—comprised of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the Information Warfare Commander—returned April 23 to Norfolk, Virginia.
• Climate and Security: joint press release following the meeting between the EU, US and NATO European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Jun 2023 -- On 21 June, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, met in Brussels to discuss the impacts of climate change on peace and security.
• UK Defense Secretary Claims He's Out of NATO Chief Race as US Wants Stoltenberg to Stay Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday that he is not going to run for NATO's leading position as the US wants incumbent Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to keep the post.
• Lithuanian, German and NATO Senior officials to observe joint Lithuanian-German military exercise in Pabradė Latvia MOD 21 Jun 2023 -- As part of the bilateral agreement between Lithuania and Germany on the assignment of the German Brigade to Lithuania, a bilateral Lithuanian-German military Exercise Griffin Storm will take place in Lithuania from 21 June to 7 July.
• NATO Secretary General: our armed forces must be both green and strong NATO 21 Jun 2023 -- Speaking on a high-level transatlantic panel on climate and security on Wednesday (21 June 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the importance for our security of tackling climate change and securing a green energy transition.
• Press Statement on Climate and Security NATO 21 Jun 2023 -- On 21 June, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, met in Brussels to discuss the impacts of climate change on peace and security.
• Russia's Nuclear Triad Ensures Global Balance of Power - Putin Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- Earlier this month, the US Department of State said it immediately stops notifying Russia about the status or location of missiles and launchers as required under the New START arms control treaty, stops facilitating New START treaty inspections on its territory by revoking visas issued to Russian inspectors.
• Meeting with top graduates of higher military schools President of Russia 21 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with top graduates of military universities and academies of the Defence Ministry, the Emergencies Ministry, the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Federal Guard Service (FSO), the Federal Service of National Guard Troops, the Interior Ministry, the Investigative Committee and the Federal Penitentiary Service in the Grand Kremlin Palace's St George Hall.
• Pacific Fleet corvettes Gromkiy and Sovershenniy continue drills in Asia-Pacific region Russia MoD 21 Jun 2023 -- The corvettes Gromkiy and Sovershenniy, medium-sized marine tanker Pechenga continue to perform tasks in Asia-Pacific region.
• Russian Navy to Be Reinforced by 44 Ships in 2023 Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- The Russian navy will take delivery of 44 warships and support vessels in 2023, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, said on Wednesday.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 21 Jun 2023 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining "the trends and developments of the Shandong aircraft carrier vessel formations" ROC MND 21 Jun 2023
• Army reaches new milestone Australia DOD 21 Jun 2023 -- Soldiers from 7th Brigade units took part in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN-D) training, including an equipment decontamination medium (EDM) serial, at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, in May.
• Royal Navy ship deploys for hurricane season as Defence Minister reaffirms commitment to British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean UK MOD 21 Jun 2023 -- Minister for the Armed Forces meets leaders in the Cayman Islands to discuss hurricane relief and regional security concerns.
• Common Statement by the Ministers of Defence of NORDEFCO Finnish MoD 21 Jun 2023
• A look at the Defence news 12 - 18 June Netherlands Ministry of Defence 21 Jun 2023
• Sweden to Procure Up to 3,000 NATO-Compatible Military Trucks From Italy Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- Having abandoned non-alignment and applied to join NATO, Sweden is on its way to raising its military expenditure and is in the process of re-establishing formerly decommissioned bases and units.
• Indonesia moves ASEAN military drills to uncontested waters in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Indonesia is moving the first planned military exercise with other Southeast Asian nations away from disputed South China Sea waters, where Beijing has increasingly been asserting its sweeping territorial claims.
• India's Modi, Biden Emphasize Nations' People-to-People Ties VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched his official state visit to the White House by acknowledging the one thing that, more than anything, ties the two nations together: their people.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 21, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 21 June 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jun 2023
• UN: Taliban Give No Assurances on Lifting Restrictions on Afghan Women VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- The United Nation's top official in Afghanistan said Wednesday there have been no assurances from the Taliban that they will lift their "punishing restrictions" on the country's female population, placing a "question mark" over U.N. activities in the country.
• Taliban Publicly Execute Afghan Man Convicted of Murder VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban carried out Tuesday what is believed to be the second public execution of a person convicted of murder since they returned to power in August 2021.
• Afghanistan mission chief to Taliban: Bans on women and girls cost you legitimacy at home and abroad UN News 21 Jun 2023 -- The multiple restrictions placed on women and girls by Afghanistan's de facto rulers are costing the Taliban "both domestic and international legitimacy" and are highly unpopular across the country, said the top UN official based there on Wednesday.
• While the Taliban continue on this path, international recognition will not be on the table: UK statement at UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Jun 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan.
• China Patrolling Disputed Islands Northeast of Taiwan Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- China has conducted a maritime patrol near disputed islands in the East China Sea known as the Diaoyu Islands in China and the Senkaku Islands in Japan, the China Coast Guard said on Wednesday.
• Joint Statement by the Representatives of Iran, Russia and Türkiye on the 20th International Meeting on Syria in the Astana Format, Astana, 20-21 June 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2023
• Astana talks: Parties underline commitment to Syria's sovereignty, slam Israeli aggression Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- Participants at the 20th international meeting on Syria in the Astana format have underlined their strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while voicing their firm opposition to Israel's acts of aggression and airstrikes against the Arab country.
• No: 152, 21 June 2023, Press Release Regarding the High-Level Meeting on Syria held in Astana on 20-21 June 2023 Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2023 -- The twentieth High-Level Meeting on Syria in Astana format was held on 20-21 June 2023 in Astana. Türkiye was represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Ambassador Burak Akçapar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Kazakh Foreign Ministry Proposes Ending Meetings on Syria in Astana Format Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- The Kazakh capital is hosting the 20th round of the Astana talks at the level of deputy foreign ministers on June 20-21. This is the second event in such a format, the previous one took place in early May in Moscow.
• Myanmar's civilian death toll climbs amid soldier massacres, bloody clashes Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- The civilian death toll in Myanmar's civil war continues to rise.
• Myanmar Authorities Must Ensure Full Legal Recognition of the Right to Citizenship of All Rohingya People, Deputy High Commissioner tells Human Rights Council - Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on his Annual Report UNOHCHR 21 Jun 2023 -- The Human Rights Council this morning held a panel discussion on human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, hearing the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights say that the Myanmar authorities must ensure full legal recognition of the right to citizenship of all Rohingya people and issuance to them of appropriate civil documentation.
• Myanmar Military Has No Plan to End Conflict, Experts Say VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- Myanmar's military lacks a strategic plan to end the conflict in the country and move the nation forward regionally and globally on a diplomatic level. That's what experts are saying after Myanmar's military leadership, officially the State Administrative Council, met Monday with senior Thai officials in Thailand.
• Fighting Resumes in Khartoum as Cease-Fire Expires VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- Heavy clashes resumed Wednesday morning between Sudan's military and the Rapid Support Forces in and around Sudanese capital, Khartoum, after a 72-hour cease-fire expired.
• Sudan Conflict—A Regional Powder Keg VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- Nearly two-and-a-half months after deadly fighting between rival factions erupted in Sudan, ending tenuous moves toward democracy and shattering the hopes of millions for a brighter future, Sudan has descended into violence and chaos that threaten to engulf the entire region.
• Legislation alone will not deliver sustainable peace in South Sudan: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 21 Jun 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.
• WFP resilience programmes in Sahel act as buffer against instability, build peace and social cohesion - study finds WFP 21 Jun 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)'s efforts to build resilience to climate-related and human-made shocks and stressors have been shown to boost food security, while also strengthening social cohesion and improving the prospects for peace in Burkina Faso and Niger - a new study reveals.
• Israel military kills 3 Palestinians in occupied West Bank drone strike Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- The Israeli military has killed three Palestinians in a drone strike targeting their vehicle in a village located in the north-central part of the occupied West Bank.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on terror attack near Eli settlement European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Jun 2023
• Israel military kills 3 Palestinians in occupied West Bank drone strike Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- The Israeli military has killed three Palestinians in a drone strike targeting their vehicle in a village located in the north-central part of the occupied West Bank.
• Israel approves 1,000 more settler units in stolen Palestinian lands Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- Israeli authorities have endorsed a new plan for the construction of at least a thousand new settler units in flagrant defiance of the international outcry against the regime's illegal settlement expansion activities and land grab policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
• Rampage by Israeli settlers injure scores of Palestinians in occupied West Bank Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- Hundreds of Israeli settlers, protected by the regime's forces, have rampaged through several Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank, attacking native residents and vandalizing their property.
• Tibetan political leader calls for 'true autonomy' within China in Australian address Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Tibetans would willingly accept Chinese rule if granted true autonomy by Beijing, the leader of Tibet's government-in-exile said Wednesday.
• Azerbaijan reports fresh shelling by American forces on Sadarak border region Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry says Armenian military forces have launched a fresh round of shelling against the positions of the Azerbaijani army in the border area of the Sadarak district, amid a bout of renewed border clashes between the Caucasus arch-foes.
• Republika Srpska Assembly Votes To No Longer Publish Decisions Of Bosnia High Representative RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023 -- The National Assembly of the Republika Srpska has adopted changes in the law which imply that decisions by the high representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina will no longer be recognized.

News Reports

• Former FBI Analyst Sentenced for Retaining Classified Documents US Dept. of Justice 21 Jun 2023 -- A former analyst with the Kansas City Division of the FBI was sentenced in federal court today for illegally retaining documents related to the national defense at her residence.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 21 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with Government members.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 21, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2023
• EU Approves 11th Sanctions Package Against Russia Over Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023 -- European Union governments have agreed to an 11th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine aimed largely at stopping other countries and companies from circumventing previously imposed sanctions.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 21, 2023 PRC MofA 21 Jun 2023
• US Not Backing Down on Biden's Xi Dictator Comment VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- The White House is not backing down on comments made by President Joe Biden likening Chinese President Xi Jinping to a dictator.
• Biden 'dictator' comment sparks Beijing backlash Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- China has called U.S. President Joe Biden's use of the word "dictator" to describe Chinese leader Xi Jinping "extremely absurd and irresponsible."
• Chinese Foreign Ministry Expresses Protest Over Biden's Remarks About Xi Jinping Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- Earlier, US President Joe Biden has said that Chinese leader Xi Jinping did not have all the information about the balloon incident.
• Biden rants against Chinese President Xi, calls him a 'dictator' Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- US President Joe Biden has called Chinese President Xi Jinping a "dictator," a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Xi on a trip to the country that was aimed at easing tensions between the two powers.
• US slanders China's pursual of fugitives and stolen goods: Chinese FM Global Times 21 Jun 2023 -- China firmly opposes the US approach of slandering, and even resorting to judicial means to obstruct, China's pursual of fugitives and stolen goods, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Chinese FM clarifies position on US-claimed 'rules-based intl order' Global Times 21 Jun 2023 -- China never rejects communication, but the key is how to communicate and whether it can achieve desired results, Yang Tao, director-general of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told the Global Times on Monday, as he briefed Chinese and foreign media about US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China from Sunday to Monday.
• North Korea slams Blinken's recent China visit as 'begging trip' Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- North Korea has ridiculed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to China as a "disgraceful begging trip," further slamming it as a failure of policy aimed at exerting pressure on Beijing.
• Stability of global supply chain is in the interests of China, Germany: FM Global Times 21 Jun 2023 -- China and Germany have agreed that maintaining the stability of the global supply chain is in the interests of both countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, while briefing the outcomes of the seventh inter-governmental consultation.
• Chinese premier calls for more cooperation between China, Germany People's Daily 21 Jun 2023 -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday said China and Germany should work more closely, make more contributions to world peace and development, play the role of stabilizer in the midst of changes, and speed up the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
• Don't display slogans, wear provocative T-shirts in Hong Kong, Taiwan tells citizens Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Taiwanese authorities have warned their nationals planning to travel to Hong Kong to avoid carrying electronic tealights, wearing T-shirts referencing the 1989 Tiananmen massacre or possessing news materials relating to the city's 2019 mass protest movement.
• Hong Kong station deletes thousands of shows in ongoing erasure of public dissent Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Hong Kong's government broadcaster has removed thousands of episodes of old shows from its podcast platform in recent months, amid an ongoing purge of dissent in the city under a draconian national security law.
• Is China a developing country? What does international law say about its status? Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and a Senate committee in the first half of this year seeks to change China's label of developing country used in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Chinese officials have responded by reaffirming that China is still a developing country under international law.
• Fiji reverses Taiwan office name change decision due to Chinese pressure CNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Taiwan on Wednesday called it "regrettable" that Fiji had recently decided to reverse its previous decision to allow the Taiwanese representative office in the country to revert to its former name, which includes "Republic of China," (ROC) because of Chinese pressure.
• President highlights troop pay raise at military graduation ceremony CNA 21 Jun 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) highlighted her government's military reforms and a 4 percent raise for Taiwan's military personnel to start in 2024 during a speech at a joint graduation ceremony of six military academies on Wednesday.
• Chinese aircraft carrier sails through Taiwan Strait: Defense ministry CNA 21 Jun 2023 -- A fleet led by a Chinese aircraft carrier and consisting of an unspecified number of ships transited through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 21, 2023 ROC MND 21 Jun 2023
• Taiwan Spots 19 Chinese Military Aircraft Near Island on Wednesday - Defense Ministry Sputnik 21 Jun 2023 -- The latest escalation around Taiwan took place in April after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Beijing responded by launching massive three-day military drills near the island in what it called a "warning" to Taiwanese separatists and foreign powers.
• Iran has no problem with negotiations: President Raisi IRNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that Tehran has never left the negotiating table as it does not have any problems with talks in the international arena.
• Iran plans to raise nuclear electricity output to 20 GW IRNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Iran's First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber has directed the country's energy minister and nuclear chief to devise a comprehensive and phased plan for the production of 20 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear electricity.
• Iran denies claims about new cameras in Isfahan nuclear facility IRNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Iran's nuclear chief has dismissed claims about the installation of 100 new cameras in the nuclear research center in the central city of Isfahan.
• Iran denies installation of nuclear surveillance cameras, says abides by anti-sanctions law Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has dismissed claims about the installation of surveillance cameras at a nuclear plant in the city of Isfahan, stressing commitment to the 2020 anti-sanctions law.
• Spokesman elaborates on objectives of Iranian FM's regional tour IRNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian's regional tour that has so far taken him to Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait was undertaken to follow up on cooperation agreements Tehran has previously signed with the Persian Gulf countries.
• Iran rejects latest UN rights report, calls it 'imbalanced, biased' IRNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, has criticized the latest UN report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic, calling it imbalanced and biased.
• Iran says 'intrinsically terrorist' MKO poses constant threat to its hosts Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has pointed to the terrorist nature of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) and its latest clashes with Albanian police forces, insisting that the anti-Iran terror group will always pose a threat to the security of its host countries.
• U.S. Voices Support For Albanian Raid On Camp For Iranian Dissidents RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023 -- The United States has expressed support for a raid by Albanian authorities on a camp near the capital, Tirana, that houses thousands of members of a group of exiled opponents of the Iranian government.
• Iran calls on Albania to correct its mistake in hosting MKO terrorists IRNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has called on the Albanian government to correct its mistake in hosting the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MKO) terrorist organization over the past years.
• Iran calls Albania to make up for its mistake in hosting MKO terrorist group ISNA 21 Jun 2023 -- Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran took to twitter to respond to criminal and terrorist acts by Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) in Albania.
• Iran inked 'very good' oil deals with Latin American states: Minister Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- Iran's Petroleum Minister Javad Owji has expressed satisfaction over Tehran's recent signing of "very good" agreements in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil industry with the three Latin American nations of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
• Iranian Hackers Release Documents Reportedly Showing Raisi Approved Funds To Suppress Unrest RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023 -- A group of hackers has reportedly leaked government documents suggesting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi approved the use of at least 100 trillion Iranian rials ($200 million) to put down protests during the recent nationwide unrest sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September while she was in police custody for an alleged head-scarf offense.
• Kurdish Prisoner Reportedly Executed In Iran RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023 -- Human rights groups say Hayman Mostafaei, a Kurdish prisoner, was executed in the early hours of June 21 at the Sanandaj Central Prison in western Iran.
• The Farda Briefing: Cases Of Fatal Alcohol Poisoning Rise In Iran RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023
• Six MKO terrorists charged over clashes with Albania police Press TV 21 Jun 2023 -- Albanian prosecutors have charged six members of the anti-Iran Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) following clashes between police and the terrorists in their camp near the town of Manze.
• US sanctions Myanmar's defense ministry over Russian arms Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Myanmar's Ministry of Defense and two banks that provide currency exchange services to the country's military junta have been added to a sanctions blacklist, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
• Sanctioning Two State-Owned Banks and the Ministry of Defense for the Burma Military Regime's Atrocities US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2023 -- Today, the United States is designating Burma's Ministry of Defense (MoD) and two of Burma's largest regime-controlled banks, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB).
• Treasury Sanctions Burma's Ministry of Defense and Regime-Controlled Financial Institutions US Treasury 21 Jun 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Burma's Ministry of Defense and two regime-controlled financial institutions that facilitate much of the foreign currency exchange within Burma and enable transactions between the military regime and foreign markets, including for the purchase and import of arms and related materiel.
• UN HRC53: UK Statement for Panel Discussion on Myanmar UK FCDO 21 Jun 2023 -- Statement for Panel Discussion on human rights violations against Rohingya & other minorities in Myanmar. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.
• UN Expert Calls For New Approach to Myanmar Crisis VOA 21 Jun 2023 -- The United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar said Wednesday the international community needs to take a different approach to resolve the crisis in the country.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2023
• "New parliament will be the founder and architect of the Century of Türkiye" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 21 Jun 2023 -- Addressing AK Party's parliamentary group meeting, President Erdoğan said: "It is not possible for the Century of Türkiye to rise on a constitution that is the product of a coup. The 28th term Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, which consists of 15 political parties of different political traditions, has the representation capability to achieve this. In this sense, our new parliament will be the founder, architect and guide of the Century of Türkiye."
• Hun Sen likes proposal to build parks honoring his 'win-win' policy to end civil war Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen said he will establish a park in every province to honor a policy that he says brought the remaining Khmer Rouge holdouts under government control in the 1990s, ending Cambodia's decades-long civil war.
• Samoa's plan for Chinese visitors stumbles on minister's ties to tour company Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2023 -- Samoa has severed ties with a Hong Kong tour company contracted to market the Pacific island country in China after criticism of a cabinet minister's links to the business - the latest transparency scandal for the government of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.
• Montenegro Exits Deal That Hedged Mammoth Chinese Highway Loan RFE/RL 21 Jun 2023 -- In a show of confidence in its finances, Montenegro will end a deal with Western banks that protected it from increased debt on a controversial Chinese loan for nearly $1 billion used to build a highway.
• Thailand: Statement by the Spokesperson on the confirmation of the election results European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Jun 2023
• Lebanon to continue austerity policy at diplomatic missions amid financial crisis People's Daily 21 Jun 2023 -- Lebanon will continue an austerity policy at its overseas diplomatic missions for at least two more years amid the current financial crisis, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said on Tuesday.
• Engagement is needed at all levels to tackle insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 21 Jun 2023 -- Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the Security Council meeting on Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Top UN official for Africa calls for added action to stop piracy's spread UN News 21 Jun 2023 -- 21 June 2023 - International cooperation is making waves in combatting piracy in West Africa, but addressing its root causes and ensuring sustainable funding must fully eliminate threat, which is spreading to other regions, a top UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday.