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Defense Policy / Programs

• USAFRICOM leaders visit Côte d'Ivoire, Togo AFRICOM 04 Aug 2023 -- U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader, traveled to Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, July 24-27, to further cooperation between the United States and the two countries. In the past year, General Langley has prioritized travel to Africa to meet with partner nations.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Poland's Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak DoD 04 Aug 2023
• Department of Defense Enters an Agreement to Strengthen the U.S. Supply Chain for Essential Turbine Engine DoD 04 Aug 2023 -- The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy, through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, entered into an agreement with Selmet, Inc., a Consolidated Precision Products company, to support the production of specialty titanium castings used for key components for turbine engines for the F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35 aircraft.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at a Ceremony for the Chief of Staff of the Army's Relinquishment of Responsibility and the Sergeant Major of the Army's Change of Responsibility (As Delivered) DoD 04 Aug 2023
• Austin Praises Outgoing Army Chief of Staff DoD News 04 Aug 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today praised the stewardship of Gen. James C. McConville as he relinquished his duties as Army chief of staff.
• U.S., Australian Air Force Units Emphasize Interoperability DoD News 04 Aug 2023 -- For the U.S. and Australian pilots and ground crews operating out of a secluded base in the far reaches of Australia's Northern Territory, Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 has provided a critical opportunity to train for the future of air warfare.
• Five Korean War 'Firsts' Had Lasting Impacts DoD News 04 Aug 2023 -- The Korean War, which ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953, is sometimes referred to as the "forgotten war" or a "police action" because it was overshadowed by World War II several years earlier, and Congress never declared war on North Korea.
• Naming of the Marine Corps Wargaming and Analysis Center USMC News Release 04 Aug 2023 -- The Marine Corps Wargaming and Analysis Center will be named after Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps and will be called the "General Robert B. Neller Center for Wargaming and Analysis." The short name will be the Neller Center.
• U.S. 4th Fleet Announces Continuing Promise 2023 Deployment US Navy 04 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Navy expeditionary fast transport USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations over the next two months as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet's Continuing Promise 2023 mission.
• U.S. Nuclear-Powered Submarine Visits Western Australia, First Since AUKUS Announcement US Navy 04 Aug 2023 -- USS North Carolina (SSN 777) docked at HMAS Stirling, a naval base in Western Australia, today following participation in Talisman Sabre 2023.
• Space Plays Larger Role in U.S. Southern Command's Mission DoD News 04 Aug 2023 -- An increasing interest in space by partner nations in South America may prove beneficial to the U.S. Southern Command mission there, said its commander.
• Russian military delegation hold working meeting with Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Republic of Union of Myanmar Russia MoD 04 Aug 2023 -- Representatives of the Russian Defence Ministry held a working meeting with Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar General Maung Maung Aye.
• Russian military delegation presented its approaches to combating terrorism to ASEAN participants Russia MoD 04 Aug 2023 -- During the joint command and staff training, a delegation from the Russian Ministry of Defence presented its approaches to combating terrorism to participants from ASEAN member countries and ADMM Plus dialogue partners.
• Ships of Russian Navy and Chinese Navy practise search and destruction of mock enemy submarine Russia MoD 04 Aug 2023 -- The ships' crews have already passed the Sea of Japan, La Pérouse Strait, the Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka Strait. Seamen of the two countries have practised joint tactical manoeuvring, conducted communications training and carried out helicopter landings and take-offs from the decks of each other's ships.
• New Short-Range Missiles for Su-57 Outpace US Developments Sputnik 04 Aug 2023 -- Russia's fifth-generation Su-57 fighter has been equipped with new short-range missiles, the RVV-MD2, which outperform similar American munitions, representatives of the developer company, JSC GosMKB Vympel, said in an article for the "Arsenal Otechestva" (lit. Arsenal of the Fatherland) magazine.
• MFA statement Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Aug 2023 -- On 4 August, the Polish Embassy in Minsk provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus with detailed information that irrefutably confirms the fact that on 1 August 2023 two Belarusian military helicopters violated Polish airspace.
• Analysis: China's Military Influence in Africa Grows as Russia's Diminishes VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- China's People's Liberation Army marked the 96th anniversary of its founding this week with President Xi Jinping overseeing celebrations in China, but the anniversary was also commemorated in many African countries where Beijing has influence and is keen on expanding military cooperation.
• China warns NATO against expansion into Asia Pacific region Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- China's ambassador to Russia has strongly warned the United States-led Western military alliance of NATO against expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.
• INDIAN NAVY HOSTS PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA ONBOARD INS SAHYADRI AND INS KOLKATA AT PORT MORESBY India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata on a deployment to the Eastern IOR had the honour and privilege of receiving Hon'ble Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Mr James Marape during their port call to Port Moresby
• RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- There is no reciprocal agreement in existence or in negotiation to allow the repairs of Indian Ships in American Shipyards
• SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- Government has taken adequate steps to make the country self-reliant by developing indigenous advanced technologies and complex systems
• BORDER ROADS India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- The details of road length constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) during the last three years, State/UT-wise, are as under
• INDUCTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN ARMY India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- The Indian Army is planning to introduce phased induction of a limited number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in 'peace stations' across the country.
• WOMEN IN DEFENCE FORCES India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- The number of women working in various Defence forces across the country at present, service/wing-wise is given below:
• Lok Sabha passes Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill - 2023 India PIB 04 Aug 2023 -- The Lok Sabha has passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill - 2023. The bill seeks to empower Commander-in-Chief and Officer-in Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of the personnel serving in or attached to such organisations.
• Iran FM, Pakistan army chief discuss expansion of bilateral ties IRNA 04 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and exchanged views on the latest developments and bilateral cooperation.
• Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ronald S. Moultrie and Israeli Ministry of Defense Political-Military Director Dror Shalom DoD 04 Aug 2023
• Aotearoa New Zealand's first National Security Strategy launched New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 04 Aug 2023 -- Aotearoa New Zealand's first National Security Strategy has been launched on 4 August 2023.
• Bulgaria will host the joint Bulgarian - U.S. training "Thracian Summer 2023" Bulgaria MOD 04 Aug 2023 -- For yet another year, Bulgaria will host the joint flight training "Thracian Summer 2023" that will take place in the period 5-20 August 2023 at Bezmer Air Base and Cheshnegirovo Airport. For more than 15 years now, the joint training has contributed to the Air Force and the Special Operations Forces gaining extensive experience in real interaction in an international environment.
• Nuclear Weapon States Working-Level Experts Meeting on Strategic Risk Reduction US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023 -- The United States is currently the chair of the dialogue among the five Nuclear Weapon States in an ongoing exchange in the context of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Signing Ceremony with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs Luhut US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 4, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 4 August 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Aug 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Shuts Down Offices Of Prominent Iranian Charity Amid Tensions With Tehran RFE/RL 04 Aug 2023
• UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban's remarks on the situation of children in Sudan, at the Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General UNICEF 04 Aug 2023
• Statement Condemning Atrocities in Darfur, Sudan Government of Norway 04 Aug 2023 -- The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing violence in Darfur, especially reports of killings based on ethnicity and widespread sexual violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias.
• Statement on Atrocities in Darfur, Sudan US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023 -- The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing violence in Darfur, especially reports of killings based on ethnicity and widespread sexual violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias.
• Statement Condemning Atrocities in Darfur UK FCDO 04 Aug 2023 -- Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) statement condemning the atrocities in Darfur, Sudan
• UN carries out cross-border aid deliveries to Sudan's Darfur People's Daily 04 Aug 2023 -- UN humanitarians have facilitated cross-border deliveries of assistance from Chad into Sudan's Darfur region despite the ongoing conflict, said a UN spokesman on Thursday.
• More than 16,500 homes and buildings destroyed by Myanmar junta since coup Radio Free Asia 04 Aug 2023 -- Myanmar's military junta has evicted families and destroyed more than 16,500 homes and other buildings in large cities and towns across the Southeast Asian country, claiming that the structures "encroached on land owned by the state," according to data compiled by Radio Free Asia.
• Hamas, Islamic Jihad condemn Israeli killing of Palestinian teen in West Bank Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- The Palestinian resistance movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad have condemned the recent Israeli killing of an 18-year-old boy in a violent raid in the occupied West Bank.
• Kyrgyzstan Says Border With Tajikistan Can Reopen 'Gradually' After Delimitation Work RFE/RL 04 Aug 2023 -- Authorities in Kyrgyzstan's southern region of Batken say the border with Tajikistan, shut down more than two years ago following a deadly standoff, can "gradually reopen" after delimitation and demarcation work between the two Central Asian nations is fully accomplished.

News Reports

• Trump pleads not guilty of plotting to overturn 2020 election defeat Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- Former US president Donald Trump pleads not guilty to four counts of federal charges, dismissing criminal cases against him as a "witch hunt."
• US navy sailors arrested for allegedly selling secrets to China Radio Free Asia 04 Aug 2023 -- Two U.S. Navy sailors have been arrested for allegedly spying for China, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
• READOUT: U.S. - Mexico Strategic Dialogue on Illicit Finance US Treasury 04 Aug 2023 -- On August 2-3, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Elizabeth Rosenberg and Acting Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Himamauli Das met with counterparts from the Government of Mexico at the Strategic Dialogue on Illicit Finance (SDIF) in Mexico City, co-hosted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Mexico's Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera. These meetings focused on the illicit finance threats facing both countries, such as the trafficking of narcotics, including deadly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and their precursors.
• Four MS-13 Gang Members Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder US Dept. of Justice 04 Aug 2023 -- Four men were sentenced in Maryland for their participation in La Mara Salvatrucha, a violent international gang commonly known as MS-13.
• Foreign Assistance Programs and Events in Niger US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger.
• West African Military Chiefs Draw Up Intervention Plan as Niger Talks Falter VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- West African defense chiefs have drawn up a plan for a possible military intervention in Niger if that country's military coup is not reversed by a Sunday deadline and President Mohamed Bazoum is not released and reinstated.
• US Envoy: Some Americans Leaving Niger, Embassy Remains Open VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- The United States took over the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday for the month of August. The Biden administration has used the opportunity to draw attention to global food insecurity, particularly how conflict is a major driver of hunger.
• Niger Coup Leaders Revoke Military Agreements, Talk Efforts Falter VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- Niger's military junta has revoked military cooperation agreements with France as a deadline to release and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bozoum looms and efforts by a West African delegation to meet with coup leaders faltered.
• The Netherlands suspends direct cooperation with Nigerien government Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Aug 2023 -- Following the coup in Niger, the Dutch government has suspended direct cooperation with the country's central government until further notice. This will affect funding for development cooperation and security programmes that are run through Niger's central government.
• Russia says against foreign interference in Niger Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- Russia says it is against foreign interference of any type in Niger following a military coup in the Sahel state.
• West African bloc plan potential military intervention in Niger Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- The West African defense chiefs have planned out possible military intervention in Niger to reverse the last week's coup there in case its leaders do not stand down.
• Niger junta scraps military pacts with France Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- Niger's military junta has scrapped a series of military cooperation agreements with France in a bid to put an end to the French forces' presence across the country and the subsequent looting of the resources of the impoverished nation.
• Moscow: Intervention in Niger Should Be Avoided Sputnik 04 Aug 2023 -- Intervention in Niger where rebels came to power after having ousted President Mohamed Bazoum should be avoided, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Friday.
• Nigerien President Bazoum in Op-Ed Says He's Been 'Taken Hostage' Sputnik 04 Aug 2023 -- The president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, said in an op-ed for American media that he has been taken hostage by the military coup in the country and called on the US and international community to help restore constitutional order.
• U.S. still sees chance for diplomacy in resolving coup in Niger People's Daily 04 Aug 2023 -- The United States still considers diplomacy a viable tool of first choice in resolving the coup attempt in Niger by a junta, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) said Thursday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's article Colonial Pressure for Izvestia MIC, August 4, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Aug 2023
• US Wants Russia Iced Out Everywhere, Except the Arctic VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- The Biden administration, which has sought to isolate Moscow diplomatically on the world stage, is supporting efforts to re-establish technical cooperation with Russia in one of the world's most challenging geographical regions - the Arctic.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the most recent politically motivated ruling against Alexei Navalny EC/CEU 04 Aug 2023 -- The European Union strongly condemns today's ruling against the Russian opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, by a Moscow Court, sentencing him to an additional 19 years of imprisonment for actions which constitute legitimate political and anti-corruption activities.
• Conviction and Sentencing of Aleksey Navalny on Additional Politically Motivated Charges US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023 -- The United States condemns a Russian court's further sentencing and conviction of opposition politician and anti-corruption campaigner Aleksey Navalny to an additional 19 years in prison on unfounded charges of so-called "extremism." This is an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial.
• As Expected, Navalny Found Guilty On Extremism Charges, Sentenced To 19 Years RFE/RL 04 Aug 2023 -- Jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who is already serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement charges that he and his allies say are politically motivated, has been sentenced to 19 years in Russia's harshest prison regime after being found guilty on charges of extremism related to his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).
• Facing Decades In Prison, Opposition Leader Aleksei Navalny Still Fighting For Russia's Future RFE/RL 04 Aug 2023 -- In most authoritarian systems, one figure stands alone in the political spotlight. But Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he wields all the levers of power, still shares the stage with a nemesis whose name he is unwilling to utter aloud: imprisoned opposition leader Aleksei Navalny.
• Russia: Latest Navalny sentence raises serious concerns, UN rights chief says UN News 04 Aug 2023 -- The new sentence imposed on jailed Russian politician Alexei Navalny on Friday raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalization of the country's court system for political purposes, the UN Human Rights High Commissioner said in a statement.
• Moscow to stop 'unfriendly' investments in major Russia firms Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- The Russian government has planned to stop "unfriendly" countries from investing in its major firms as it broadens its anti-West retaliatory measures.
• Putin Signs Law to Block Assets of Blacklisted Foreigners Sputnik 04 Aug 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law on blocking the finances and property of foreigners who have fallen under Russia's restrictions.
• The Week In Russia: Off-Ramps And Obsessions RFE/RL 04 Aug 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's not against negotiations for peace in Ukraine. Analysts say that, despite setbacks in the more than 17 months since he launched Russia's large-scale invasion, he is still bent on "destroying and subordinating" that country and determined to "redraw the world map."
• Moscow Court Imprisons Man Wanted In Dubai For Alleged Involvement In Murder Of Kadyrov Foe RFE/RL 04 Aug 2023 -- A military court in Moscow has sentenced Zelimkhan Mazayev, who is wanted in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of involvement into 2009 killing in Dubai of Sulim Yamadayev, to eight years in prison on a terrorism charge.
• South Africa President Expecting Report on Russian 'Lady R' Ship VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to receive a much-anticipated report on whether arms were loaded onto the sanctioned Russian cargo vessel, the Lady R, in Cape Town.
• Resolution of barley dispute with China Australia MFA 04 Aug 2023 -- Today the Australian Government was notified that from tomorrow, China will remove the 80.5 per cent anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Australian barley.
• China's decision on Australian barley tariffs 'conducive' to bilateral trade; Canberra urged to be 'pragmatic' Global Times 04 Aug 2023 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday announced to end anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on barley imported from Australia starting from Saturday after the change in China's barley market has made it unnecessary for these duties.
• Experts urge New Zealand to remain clear-headed on China after release of security strategy Global Times 04 Aug 2023 -- New Zealand on Friday released its new defense and national security strategy, which Chinese experts said echoes the US strategy toward China. They remind the New Zealand government to remain clear-headed and vigilant against some domestic hawkish politicians who push for a tougher China stance to divert the current positive China-New Zealand relations onto a more dangerous path.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Media Reports that Italy Is Considering Not Renewing the Belt and Road Cooperation Document PRC MofA 04 Aug 2023
• Hostile forces hyping up China-Italy BRI cooperation goes against history trend: Chinese FM Global Times 04 Aug 2023 -- Some hostile forces continue to maliciously hype up the cooperation between China and Italy under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which goes against the trend of history and will benefit no one, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday in response to media reports on the bilateral relations between China and Italy.
• Engaging in BRI cooperation is right choice made by China, Italy: FM spokesperson People's Daily 04 Aug 2023 -- Engaging in Belt and Road cooperation is a right choice made by China and Italy based on the two countries' historical and cultural bond and practical need for development, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.
• China Infiltrating US 'Red Zone' With Latin American Push VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- China's efforts to build critical infrastructure across South and Central America are setting up Chinese military forces for a potential foothold on the U.S. doorstep.
• Hong Kong police plan to arrest Danish artist, hold trial in mainland China: report Radio Free Asia 04 Aug 2023 -- The Danish sculptor whose "Pillar of Shame" statue commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre was seized by Hong Kong authorities said he is saddened by a report that he faces arrest if he tries to return to the city to retrieve his work.
• Amid a flooding disaster, where's China's leadership? Radio Free Asia 04 Aug 2023 -- The Chinese Communist Party annual summer holidays are underway, despite the worst flooding in more than 140 years in northern China.
• China plan to flood villages to spare Beijing sparks clashes in Hebei province Radio Free Asia 04 Aug 2023 -- Residents of northern China's Hebei province have been taking to the levees protecting their homes to prevent excavation teams from breaching them, amid criticism that official decisions about who gets flooded are highly political.
• China's Mekong River Dams Expected to Worsen Southeast Asian Economies During Drought VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- A severe drought coupled with Chinese dams blocking the Mekong River as Beijing moves to meet power demands means one of the world's mightiest rivers is likely to face severe water shortages this summer.
• Washington warned over Lai's planned 'transit' People's Daily 04 Aug 2023 -- Beijing issued another warning to Washington on Thursday against allowing the planned "transit" by Taiwan's deputy leader Lai Ching-te, vowing to take firm and strong measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Aug.4, 2023 ROC MND 04 Aug 2023
• China opposes any visit by "Taiwan independence" separatists to U.S.: FM spokesperson People's Daily 04 Aug 2023 -- China firmly opposes any visit by "Taiwan independence" separatists to the United States in any name or under whatever pretext, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
• Press Statement by Director General of Department of Chinese Affairs of DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 04 Aug 2023 -- Maeng Yong Rim, director general of the Department of Chinese Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK, issued the following press statement on August 3:
• Session of Permanent Commission of DPRK SPA Standing Committee Held KCNA 04 Aug 2023 -- There took place a session of the Permanent Commission of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• Iran, Pakistan ramp up annual trade to $2.3 billion: Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that the annual trade between Iran and Pakistan has reached 2.3 billion dollars in recent years despite various restrictions and obstacles.
• Iran sees no restriction on expansion of ties with Pakistan, says FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 04 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic observes absolutely no restriction on the expansion of all-out relations and cooperation with neighboring Pakistan in areas of common interest.
• Is China Responsible for Pakistan's Debt Problem? VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- Pakistan and China are marking a decade of economic cooperation with much fanfare these days as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, popularly known as CPEC, completes 10 years. Experts say while the mega-project helped Pakistan develop much-needed infrastructure, the less-than-generous loans from Beijing coupled with Islamabad's mismanagement has kept the project from turning Pakistan's economy around.
• Transactions with Sanctioned Burmese Banks Must Be Wound Down by August 5, 2023 US Dept. of State 04 Aug 2023 -- On June 21, 2023, the United States designated two of Burma's military regime-controlled banks, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB). MFTB and MICB have been instrumental in facilitating the regime's use of foreign currency to procure arms and jet fuel abroad and to access international markets using offshore accounts.
• EU imposes new sanctions on Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 04 Aug 2023 -- The European Union has imposed new sanctions on Belarus in response to the deteriorating internal situation in Belarus and to the country's involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EU Member States approved further sanctions against Belarus on 3 August 2023.
• India's Opposition Leader, Rahul Gandhi, Set to Return to Parliament VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- India's top court has suspended the conviction of Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case, paving the way for the country's main opposition leader to return to Parliament.
• Uganda: UN human rights office to close on Saturday UN News 04 Aug 2023 -- The UN human rights office in Uganda will cease operations on Sunday after the Government decided not to renew the host country agreement, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday, affirming that he "remains committed" to working in the country, in line with his global mandate.