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Defense Policy / Programs

• Countering Unwanted Influence in Department-Funded Research at Institutions of Higher Education DOD 08 Jun 2023, Released 30 Jun 2023
• Department of Defense Strengthening Efforts to Counter Unwanted Foreign Influence on DOD-Funded Research at Institutions of Higher Education DoD 30 Jun 2023 -- The Department of Defense today announced the publication of a list of foreign entities that have been confirmed as engaging in problematic activity as described in Section 1286 of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, as amended.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl's Meeting With Israeli Ministry of Defense Political-Military Bureau Director Dror Shalom DoD 30 Jun 2023
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the 50th Anniversary of America's All-Volunteer Force DoD 30 Jun 2023 -- Fifty years ago, the United States military began to fill its ranks solely with brave Americans who freely choose to defend our republic. Ever since the draft ended on July 1, 1973, Americans have joined our military out of conviction, not compulsion.
• Milley Makes Case for Rules-Based Order, Deterrence in New Era DoD News 30 Jun 2023 -- The international rules-based order and the strategy of deterrence are not esoteric principles, but ideas that undergird peace in our world and are worth defending, Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the National Press Club today.
• Targets! Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Installs Range Targets USMC News 30 Jun 2023 -- Despite Typhoon Mawar's destruction across the island, the ongoing enhancements at the Mason Live Fire Training Range Complex are in full swing. Throughout May to July, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz is installing static and moving targets on two of its four ranges at the Mason range complex.
• In South Korea, Hokanson assesses potential National Guard support Army News 30 Jun 2023 -- Assessing how the National Guard might support U.S. and Republic of Korea forces at a time of deepening defense and security ties between the two nations was top of mind for Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson during his recent visit here.
• Tennessee Military Intelligence Company Completes Validation Army News 30 Jun 2023 -- Tennessee's Military Intelligence Company proved it could effectively gather mission-critical information from the battlefield during a validation event at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
• United States hands over command of NATO maritime task group to United Kingdom US Navy 30 Jun 2023 -- Commodore Paul Stroude of the Royal Navy has assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) in Taranto, Italy on June 30, 2023. Commander of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), Vice Admiral Mike Utley CB OBE, presided over the handover ceremony.
• NATO Struggles to Choose New Leader as Allies Crave Stability Amid Ukraine War VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- NATO is attempting to choose a new leader, as the term of the current secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, is due to end later this year. However, some member countries want Stoltenberg to stay on, to give the Western alliance stability amid Russia's war on Ukraine.
• Statement by Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control Mr.Konstantin Gavrilov at the consultations of the Parties of the Agreement on Maximum Levels For Holdings of Conventional Arms and Equipment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the People's Republic of Bulgaria, the Hungarian Republic, the Republic of Poland, Romania and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic in Connection with the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, June 30, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2023
• Northern Fleet's minesweeper Vladimir Gumanenko enters the Sea of Barents for artillery drills Russia MoD 30 Jun 2023 -- Today, the minesweeper Vladimir Gumanenko of Kola Flotilla of the Northern Fleet entered the Fleet's firing ranges for drills. The minesweeper crew will undergo a number of artillery firing drills to repel aero-naval attacks of a mock enemy.
• Black Fleet's minesweepers undergo drills in the Black Sea waters Russia MoD 30 Jun 2023 -- In accordance to the Fleet's training plan, Black Fleet's minesweepers in a minesweepers detachment underwent drills in the Black Sea waters.
• During Pacific Fleet's drills, destroyer Admiral Tributs staged a duel with a submarine in the Sea of Japan Russia MoD 30 Jun 2023 -- The Pacific Fleet's destroyer Admiral Tributs practised searching and elimination of a mock enemy submarine at a firing range in the Sea of Japan.
• EU Leaders Vow Ukraine Military Support 'For As Long As It Takes' RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- A two-day summit of European Union leaders dominated by talk of the Ukraine war and boosting defenses continued overnight on June 29-30 with a statement reiterating commitments "to provide sustainable military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes."
• EU leaders: We will continue to strongly support Ukraine Finnish Government 30 Jun 2023 -- The EU Member States condemned in the strongest terms Russia's war against Ukraine and reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it will be needed. The meeting of the European Council, which started in Brussels on Thursday 29 June, held a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• Pentagon: US not providing ATACM missiles to Ukraine Press TV 30 Jun 2023 -- The US Defense Department has dismissed American media reports about its decision to provide Ukraine with ATACM long-range missiles.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining "the arms sale of the US government to Taiwan" ROC MND 30 Jun 2023
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - Blanket Order Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA) Foreign Military Sales Order II (FMSO II) DSCA 29 Jun 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of a Blanket Order Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA) Foreign Military Sales Order II (FMSO II) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $108 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - 30 mm Ammunition DSCA 29 Jun 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of 30 mm Ammunition and related equipment for an estimated cost of $332.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• U.S. approves arms sales of US$440 million to Taiwan CNA 30 Jun 2023 -- The United States government said Thursday it had approved a total of US$440 million in arms sales to Taiwan, which would include ammunition and spare parts for military wheeled vehicles and weapons.
• US plans to sell $440mn weapons parts, munitions to Chinese Taipei Press TV 30 Jun 2023 -- The US State Department has announced plans to sell military hardware to Chinese Taipei despite Beijing's strong disproval of Washington's relationship with the island.
• The best of the best back in action Australia DOD 30 Jun 2023 -- Exercise High Sierra is back gracing Townsville airspace once again, following a two-year hiatus, to graduate the latest cadre of F-35A Lightning II pilots.
• Major change to Defence trades training Australia DOD 30 Jun 2023 -- Thousands of sailors, soldiers and aviators will be trained in technical trades under a five-year $300 million contract with Wodonga TAFE.
• Royal Canadian Air Force participates in multinational exercise in Indo-Pacific Region Canada 30 Jun 2023 -- Aircraft and personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will participate in Exercise Mobility Guardian 23, a United States Air Force Air Mobility Command-led multinational exercise held in the Indo-Pacific Region, from July 5 to 21, 2023.
• Need for military capability development in the emerging warfare landscape, says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan India PIB 30 Jun 2023 -- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, has stressed on the need for military capability development in the emerging warfare landscape.
• MoD signs a contract of Rs. 2725 Cr with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for Medium Refit with Life Certification of Submarine INS Shankush India PIB 30 Jun 2023 -- Ministry of Defence has signed a contract on 30th June, 2023 for Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) Class of Submarine "INS Shankush" with M/S Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai at an overall cost of Rs. 2725 Cr.
• LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT TEJAS COMPLETES SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE IN INDIAN AIR FORCE India PIB 30 Jun 2023 -- On 01 July 2023, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will complete seven years of service in the Indian Air Force. Christened Tejas in 2003, the aircraft is a multi- role platform that ranks amongst the best in its class.
• UK and Netherlands confirm future amphibious relationship UK MOD 30 Jun 2023 -- The UK and Netherlands agree to explore opportunities to develop a future littoral strike platform, providing future capability to both nations' Commando Forces
• Joint Expeditionary Force completes landmark deployment from UK to Iceland UK MOD 30 Jun 2023 -- It is the first time the JEF headquarters has deployed from its permanent headquarters in London to a remote location
• Romania - Modernization of TPT F-16s DSCA 30 Jun 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of equipment and services to modernize thirty-two (32) F-16 Mid-Life Update Block 10/15 aircraft to be procured through third-party transfer from Norway. The equipment includes KY-58M and KIV-78 cryptographic devices for an estimated cost of $105 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Poland Wants to Host US Nuclear Weapons - Prime Minister Sputnik 30 Jun 2023 -- Poland wants to host US nuclear weapons in response to deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Friday.
• A milestone for Danish Defence and security Danish Ministry of Defence 30 Jun 2023-- The Government and a broad majority of the Danish Parliament has agreed on a historical defence agreement, where Denmark will reach two pct. of BNP on defence no later than 2030. The agreement entails investments in Danish security and defence amounting to app. DKK 143 billion (more than 20 billion US dollars) during the period 2024-2033.
• Norway to Establish F-35 Support Facility for European Countries Sputnik 30 Jun 2023 -- Despite far-reaching plans to offer maintenance services to F-35 users across Europe, Norway itself has so-far suffered from a severe shortage of mechanics — to the point of needing US hires to plug the personnel gap.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2023
• Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti Barbara Feinstein On the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Communist Party of Vietnam External Relations Commission Chairman Le Hoai Trung The White House 30 Jun 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 30, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 30 June 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Jun 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Violence 'Widespread' In Afghanistan, Despite Conflict Subsiding RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023
• U.S. Welcomes Denmark's Repatriation from Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2023 -- The United States appreciates Denmark's repatriation last week of 1 woman and 2 children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria.
• Myanmar: Military's obstruction of humanitarian aid could be international crime UN News 30 Jun 2023 -- Myanmar's military is killing civilians, destroying food and homes, and keeping the most vulnerable from receiving lifesaving aid, according to a new report from the UN human rights office (OHCHR).
• Sudan: No End in Sight After Nearly 50 Days of Fighting VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- Analysts monitoring Sudan say it might take an internationally supported peacekeeping force to end the ongoing fighting there. That assessment follows multiple failed cease-fire attempts and talks facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
• Joint Statement by the Troika on Sudan and South Sudan UK FCDO 30 Jun 2023 -- Governments of the United States of America, Norway, and the United Kingdom have issued a statement on the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
• UN Security Council terminates Mali peacekeeping mission UN News 30 Jun 2023 -- The Security Council on Friday unanimously approved the complete withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces in Mali, although it will take six months for the final "blue helmets" to depart.
• The UK regrets the decision to withdraw the UN Mission in Mali: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 30 Jun 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Mali.
• Eastern DR Congo: Health system at breaking point warns WHO UN News 30 Jun 2023 -- Increased violence, natural disasters and disease outbreaks have fueled a deteriorating health situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a senior official with the World Health Organization warned on Friday.
• Joint international statement following recent events in Israel and the West Bank Canada 30 Jun 2023
• Joint international statement following recent events in Israel and the West Bank UK FCDO 30 Jun 2023 -- The UK, Australia and Canada have expressed deep concern at the approval of new settlement units in the West Bank and ongoing cycle of violence.
• Chinese authorities monitor Tibetans to prevent communication with outside world Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2023 -- Chinese authorities in Tibet have intensified monitoring of Tibetans, and continue to interrogate them in the regional capital Lhasa to prevent communication with people outside of Tibet, RFA has learned.
• Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik Targets Himself, Others In Criminal Complaint To Challenge Central Authority RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- The combative leader of Bosnia-Herzegovina's Serb-majority entity announced on June 30 that he'd filed a criminal complaint against himself and a handful of other senior officials, including a member of the country's ethnically based presidency, in the secession-minded Serb's latest challenge to central authority in the beleaguered Balkan state.
• U.S. Says Not Consulted Before Kosovo Declared Serbian Groups 'Terrorist' RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- The United States says Kosovo's government did not consult Washtington before its decision this week to declare two Serbian groups "terrorist" organizations amid ongoing tensions with minority Serbs in northern Kosovo and with neighboring Serbia.
• Baku, Yerevan Agree on Additional Articles to Draft Peace Deal - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 30 Jun 2023 -- Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, agreed Thursday on additional articles in the draft peace agreement between the countries, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

News Reports

• Belarus Appears To Be Refurbishing An Abandoned Garrison. For Whom? RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- Nestled along a serpentine river and surrounded by a sea of leafy birch trees about 90 kilometers southeast of Minsk, the Belarusian village of Tsel seems like an idyllic place to hide from the noise and congestion of city life. In recent years, residents of Minsk and the district seat, Asipovichy, have snapped up homes in Tsel to use as weekend getaways. That may soon change.
• All The Kremlin's Men: Russian Officials Drop Out Of Sight, Suggesting Post-Mutiny Purges RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- The guessing game in Moscow these days: Where are they?
• Meeting with Director General of Roscosmos Yury Borisov President of Russia 30 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Director General of the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities Yury Borisov.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi President of Russia 30 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi at the latter's initiative.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's briefing on a wide range of international issues, including humanitarian aspects in the context of developments in Ukraine, Moscow, June 30, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Malian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdoulaye Diop Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the opening of the SCO National Peoples' Diplomacy Centre, Moscow, June 30, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2023
• Most Europeans See Russia as Adversary, Poll Shows VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- Most Europeans see Russia as an adversary following its invasion of Ukraine, according to a survey of over 16,000 people across 11 European Union member states.
• The Week In Russia: Rebellion, Repression, Weakness, And War RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- In the wake of the Wagner mutiny, President Vladimir Putin looks vulnerable, but the consequences of the short-lived revolt are far less clear than its causes. And while the political landscape may have shifted, Russia's war on Ukraine and repression at home continue unabated.
• Norwegian Court Cancels Acquittal Of Son Of Putin Confidant Yakunin RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- The Supreme Court of Norway has canceled the acquittal of Andrei Yakunin, the son of one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's longtime confidants, who was found not guilty in December of violating a Norwegian law that bars Russian citizens from flying drones in the country.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 30, 2023 PRC MofA 30 Jun 2023
• Beijing Slams US for Alleging That Chinese Balloon Had Intelligence Gathering Capabilities Sputnik 30 Jun 2023 -- On Thursday, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder stated that the balloon did not collect intelligence information while flying over the United States, although it had "intelligence collection capabilities."
• European Council conclusions on China, 30 June 2023 EC/CEU 30 Jun 2023
• Expansions to China's Espionage Law Create Anxiety for Foreign Media VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- Amendments to China's counterespionage law that take effect Saturday could create even more challenges for foreign correspondents reporting inside the country, journalists and media analysts say.
• China to reach renewable power goal 5 years early, report says Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2023 -- The boom in renewable power projects in China will likely help the country reach its 2030 target five years early, boosting the effort to limit global carbon emissions far faster than expected, a new study said.
• UN deputy chief praises China's investment in tackling climate change, forging 'new development pathway' UN News 30 Jun 2023 -- The Deputy Secretary-General addressed students at China's Peking University on Friday, describing their diligence and energy as critical to helping tackle the world's challenges through multilateral action.
• Delegation of Chinese former officials, executives hold second dialogue with US counterparts Global Times 30 Jun 2023 -- A delegation of Chinese former government officials and commerce representatives held a dialogue with their US counterparts online on Thursday, including the former Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai and a former deputy managing director of the IMF Zhu Min, in what was seen as important semi-official talks to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.
• Law on Foreign Relations to act as safeguard People's Daily 30 Jun 2023 -- China's first foreign relations law, which was passed by the nation's top legislature on Wednesday, provides the necessary legal guarantees for the country to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests amid increased foreign sanctions and restrictions, a senior Chinese diplomat said.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining that "CCP carried out combat readiness and patrol joint cruises" ROC MND 30 Jun 2023
• Chinese Army Invasion of Taiwan Not a Given, US General Says VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- There is still time to dissuade Beijing not to use force to reunify Taiwan with mainland China, according to America's most senior military official.
• 11 Chinese warplanes cross median line of Taiwan Strait: MND CNA 30 Jun 2023 -- Eleven Chinese military aircraft were detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Friday morning, following an announcement by the United States government the previous day that it had approved the potential sale of US$440 million worth of weapons and spare parts to Taiwan, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Taipei.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 30, 2023 ROC MND 30 Jun 2023
• Defector calls for more sanctions on North Korea over human rights abuses CNA 30 Jun 2023 -- North Korean defector Kim Ji Young is calling on the international community to intervene as a matter of urgency to help tackle the dismal human rights situation in North Korea.
• Iran's SCO membership will generate growing capacity: FM Press TV 30 Jun 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says he is confident Iran's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will provide the SCO with a growing capacity.
• SCO to approve Iran's full membership next week, Russian FM says Press TV 30 Jun 2023 -- Iran will officially join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a full-fledged member at the group's summit next week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced.
• Lavrov Says Iran Will Join Shanghai Cooperation Organization As Full-Fledged Member Next Week RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Iran's full-fledged membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will be decided next week.
• Tehran Looks to Shanghai Alliance to Aid Economy, Reduce Isolation VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- Iran has dialed up its diplomacy this year, hoping to improve its economy and reduce its isolation. Its president and foreign minister have traveled to Latin America, hosted diplomats from its former foe Saudi Arabia, and attended indirect talks with the U.S. involving its nuclear program.
• No Change in Approach to Iran While US Envoy on Leave VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- The U.S. special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, is on leave while his security clearance is under review, but the White House told Voice of America on Friday that there has been no change in the U.S. government's approach to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Details of Iran's lawsuit against Canada at ICJ IRNA 30 Jun 2023 -- Iran's Vice President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehghan has said that violation of the immunity of the Iranian Government, such as confiscating buildings belonging to Iran and confiscating the Iranian students' money that was in the embassy's account in Canada, are among the reasons for Iran's complaint against Canada at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
• America's Iran envoy put on leave over his 'handling of classified materials' Press TV 30 Jun 2023 -- America's point man on Iran has been placed on leave as his security clearance is being reviewed allegedly over his handling of classified materials.
• Junta cracks down on town in southern Myanmar, arresting more than 30 locals Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2023 -- Myanmar's junta has been cracking down on residents of a Tanintharyi region town, raiding homes and arresting more than 30 locals this week, Kawthoung residents told RFA.
• Analysts: Junta meetings with ethnic groups was just for show Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2023 -- Myanmar's military rulers held peace talks with five ethnic armed groups in the capital Naypyidaw this week, but the meetings produced no agreement and several analysts criticized the talks as an attempt by the junta to deceive the international community.
• Myanmar traders at China border worry about junta's new 'pay-by-bank' system Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2023 -- Merchants at Myanmar's border with China say the junta's trade policy is too unstable and that a new pay-by-bank system announced last week will severely restrict their ability to import goods.
• Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan Accuses Powerful Army Of Crackdown, Failures RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticized Pakistan's powerful military for the harsh crackdown on his Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) political party in the aftermath of violent mob attacks on the military following his arrest last month.
• Pakistan Gets IMF Approval for Crucial Short-term $3 Billion Bailout Loan VOA 30 Jun 2023 -- Pakistan has secured initial approval of a $3 billion loan program from the International Monetary Fund to address its short-term acute balance of payments crisis and avoid a potential default.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of France Emmanuel Macron Prime Minister of Canada 30 Jun 2023 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
• Imprisoned Former Wife Of Nazarbaev's Nephew Gets Additional Sentence RFE/RL 30 Jun 2023 -- A court in the southern Kazakh city of Qyzylorda has sentenced the former wife of a convicted nephew of the Central Asian country's former authoritarian president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, to eight years in prison on charges of embezzlement and the illegal appropriation of shares and assets of several enterprises.
• Venezuela and Electoral Decisions US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2023 -- The United States supports the Venezuelan people's constitutional right to elect their leaders via free and fair elections. Today's decision to disqualify Maria Corina Machado from participating in the electoral process deprives the Venezuelan people of basic political rights.
• UN space agency vigilant over threat posed by 'near-Earth objects' UN News 30 Jun 2023 -- With over 18,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs) lurking beyond the stratosphere, 2,000 of which are classified as potentially hazardous, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is using Friday's International Asteroid Day to raise awareness across the planet.
• European Council conclusions on external relations, Eastern Mediterranean and other items, 30 June 2023 EC/CEU 30 Jun 2023
• Has Laos ensnared China in a 'creditor trap?' Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2023 -- In the Western vernacular there's a warning about tails wagging dogs. And the Buddhist adage dictates that when the sage points at the moon, only the fool looks at his finger. The point of both is not to confuse the object for the subject. For years, we've been warned that Laos has been ensnared in a Chinese "debt trap.' What if Laos has equally caught Beijing in a "creditor trap?"