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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Statement Attributable to Michael T. Lawhorn, CENTCOM spokesperson CENTCOM 15 Sep 2023 -- "In November 2021, U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) completed its investigation into the August 26, 2021 terrorist attack at Abbey Gate. The tragic bombing claimed the lives of 13 American heroes and more than 170 innocent Afghan civilians. The ARCENT-led investigation reviewed thousands of pages of documents and obtained information from more than 130 witnesses. Since the completion of that investigation, some service members have publicly testified about their experiences at Abbey Gate and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 The White House 15 Sep 2023
• Memorandum on Presidential Determination and Certification with Respect to the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 The White House 15 Sep 2023
• U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Danish Defense Forces Train on SM-6 Missile Launcher Together US Navy 15 Sep 2023 -- In a demonstration of ongoing commitment to transatlantic security and defense interoperability, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, in conjunction with the Danish Defense Forces, will be conducting advanced convoy protection drills using the state-of-the-art, modular SM-6 missile launcher beginning the week of Sept. 18 in Bornholm, Denmark.
• Pacific Partnership 2023 Concludes Third Stop in Malaysia US Navy 15 Sep 2023 -- Pacific Partnership 2023 has concluded its mission stop in Kuantan during a closing ceremony hosted aboard the Harpers-Ferry class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor, Sept. 15.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) arrives in Lomé, Togo US Navy 15 Sep 2023 -- The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base ship USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), embarked with Sailors and Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), arrived in Lomé, Togo for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 15, 2023.
• Navy to Commission Future Littoral Combat Ship Marinette US Navy Press Release 15 Sep 2023 -- The Navy will commission the future USS Marinette (LCS 25) as the newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during a 10:00 a.m. CST ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 16, in Menominee, Michigan.
• Task Force Marne elements support Saber Junction 23 Army News 15 Sep 2023 -- Elements of Task Force Marne supported Saber Junction 23 Aug. 22 - Sept. 22, an annual U.S. Army Europe and Africa-directed exercise conducted by 2nd Cavalry Regiment and NATO allies and partners designed to increase lethality, capabilities and readiness to deter aggression in support of NATO collective defense and deterrence initiatives.
• US to Produce 100,000 155mm Artillery Shells Each Month by 2025 Sputnik 15 Sep 2023 -- The United States is on track to produce 100,000 155mm artillery shells each month by 2025, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante stated on Friday.
• Joint statement Prime Minister of Australia 15 Sep 2023 -- "Today, we, the leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States mark the second anniversary of the announcement of AUKUS."
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of AUKUS DoD 15 Sep 2023 -- Two years ago, the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia established a once-in-a-generation partnership through AUKUS.
• AUKUS Partners update the IAEA Board on naval nuclear propulsion UK FCDO 15 Sep 2023 -- The United Kingdom, Australia and the United States updated the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on AUKUS naval nuclear propulsion.
• Statement by AUKUS partners to the IAEA Board of Governors UK FCDO 15 Sep 2023 -- UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Corinne Kitsell, gave a statement on behalf of Australia, the UK and the US on AUKUS.
• Joint Press Release: Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group DoD 15 Sep 2023 -- Building on the May 2022 summit statement by President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Joseph R. Biden to reactivate the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), the foreign affairs and defense agencies of the two countries held the 4th annual high-level EDSCG meeting at the Vice Minister/Under Secretary level on September 15, 2023, in Seoul, the first EDSCG meeting held in the Republic of Korea. ROK First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Chang Hojin and ROK Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beomchul led the ROK delegation.
• US warned over provocative drills as enhanced military ties with Seoul during Incheon Landing anniv poses threats to peace Global Times 15 Sep 2023 -- From joint military drills and arms sales to defense dialogues, the US and South Korea are increasingly enhancing their military alliance, as the two countries commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Incheon Landing operation in the Korean War (1950-53), shrugging off opposition from North Korea.
• Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea:
• Russian pilot tried to down UK spy aircraft over Black Sea: Report Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- A report has claimed that a Russian pilot had tried to shoot down a British spy plane over the Black Sea last year, firing missiles at the Royal Air Force aircraft in an incident previously confirmed by Moscow to be caused by a "technical malfunction."
• A New Mobilization? It's The Last Thing The Kremlin Wants Ahead Of Next Year's Presidential Election RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- The Russian woman, who identified herself as Yelena, called into the live teleconference hosted by the governor of the Leningrad region earlier this month, complaining about the conditions her husband was fighting under in Ukraine and pleading for help for her exhausted spouse.
• Russian Minister of Defence General of the Army Sergei Shoigu holds a working meeting with Russian Navy's top brass Russia MoD 15 Sep 2023 -- The head of the Defence Ministry is on a working visit to the Primorsky Krai. He has checked the fulfilment of the state defence order at the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Bolshoi Kamen and at the Progress helicopter plant in Arsenyev.
• Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspects implementation of state defence order at Progress helicopter plant in Arsenyev, Primorsky Krai, which produces Ka-52 helicopters Russia MoD 15 Sep 2023 -- 'The modernised Ka-52M helicopter received new radar and sighting systems, as well as armament with significantly increased characteristics. In the final assembly shop we are working not only on the production of new machines, but also on the modification of helicopters that perform tasks in the special military operation zone. The work is carried out within the framework of the life cycle contract,' told Director of the enterprise Sergei Shamshura to the Minister.
• Sergei Shoigu inspects fulfilment of state defence order at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Primorsky region Russia MoD 15 Sep 2023 -- Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has inspected the construction of a floating dock and the progress of repair and modernisation of nuclear submarines under the state defence order at the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Bolshoi Kamen.
• Shoigu Inspects Modernization of Nuclear Subs in Russia's Far East Sputnik 15 Sep 2023 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has inspected the fulfillment of the defense contracts at the Zvezda plant in the Primorsky territory in Russia's Far East, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
• US aims to redirect military assistance from Egypt to Taiwan Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden has notified Congress that it aims to divert money it promised to Egypt to Taiwan instead, sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
• Canada - MQ-9B Integrated Systems DSCA 15 Sep 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of munitions and other systems to be integrated into MQ-9Bs for an estimated cost of $313.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• The Nordic countries and Baltic States discuss the importance of effective arms control and non-proliferation for international security Latvia MFA 15 Sep 2023 -- On 15 September 2023, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the first meeting of the Nordic and Baltic (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8) Directors for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.
• US to Sell F-35A Fighter Jets to Czech Republic At Discount Sputnik 15 Sep 2023 -- If the Czech Republic buys 24 fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the United States, their price will be lower than expected, media reported, citing Defense Ministry senior official Gen. Jaroslav Mika.
• National Defence Minister met with Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Gen Bryan Fenton visiting Lithuania Lithuania MND 15 Sep 2023 -- Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Gen Bryan P. Fenton and an accompanying delegation were conducting a visit in Lithuania this week.
• Opening remarks: Launch of Norway's 5th National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security Government of Norway 15 Sep 2023
• Norway to intensify national and international efforts relating to women, peace and security Government of Norway 15 Sep 2023 -- Norway's new national action plan sets out how we will intensify efforts at national and international level to include women in peace and security work.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with President Irfaan Ali of Guyana The White House 15 Sep 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 15 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2023
• United States Welcomes Germany's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2023 -- Germany became the 29th nation to sign the Artemis Accords.
• Readout: Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Rosenberg's Travel to Baghdad, Iraq US Treasury 15 Sep 2023 -- On September 12 and 13, Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Elizabeth Rosenberg met in Baghdad, Iraq with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad S. al-Sudani and leaders at the Central Bank of Iraq, Trade Bank of Iraq, the Iraqi Financial Intelligence Unit, as well as representatives from the Iraqi private banking sector.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 15, 2023
• US arms maker cancels deal with Saudi firm over alleged ties to Russia, China: Report Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- Major US weapons maker Raytheon has reportedly terminated a multi-billion-dollar deal with a Saudi Arabian weapons firm over claims that the kingdom was engaged in dealings with sanctioned Russian and Chinese entities.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 15 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Sep 2023
• Conflict-Driven School Closures Threaten Education of Millions of African Children VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, as well as UNICEF and the Norwegian Refugee Council, said this week that more than 13,200 schools in eight African nations have had to close because of insecurity, affecting the education of at least 2.5 million children. According to the agencies' data on school closures over the last four years, the number of schools closed in the Sahel region has grown more than fivefold, from 1,700 to 9,000, with Burkina Faso accounting for two-third of the closures.
• The Azadi Briefing: Shrinking Food Assistance Hits Afghans Hard RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023
• Afghan Taliban Detain 18, Including American, on Charges of Preaching Christianity VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban have detained 18 staffers, including an American, from a nonprofit group for allegedly preaching Christianity.
• 'They Deserve Some Peace': U.S. Envoy Rejects Support For Anti-Taliban Factions In Afghanistan RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- A top U.S. diplomat to Afghanistan has categorically ruled out Washington's support for a new war in the nation, saying Afghans "deserve some peace" after more than four decades of international conflict ended two years ago when American and international troops left as Taliban militants seized power.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Welcoming The First Official Senior Houthi Delegation to Saudi Arabia The White House 15 Sep 2023
• Welcoming Talks in Saudi Arabia Advancing Yemen's Peace Process US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2023 -- The United States welcomes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosting discussions with the Houthi-led delegation in Riyadh. This important step towards peace expands on a series of engagements between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
• Ethiopian Migrants Stuck in Yemen as Repatriation Pauses VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- Hundreds of Ethiopian migrants are stranded in conflict-torn Yemen, unable to work for better wages and without the means to get back to their home.
• We must deliver justice for survivors of Daesh's atrocities: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 15 Sep 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on UNITAD.
• Key Afghan-Pakistan Border Crossing Reopens Week After Gunbattle RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- Customs officials reopened a key border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan to trucks and pedestrians early on September 15, nine days after the Torkham checkpoint was closed when a gunbattle reportedly erupted between Taliban troops and Pakistani border guards.
• Time is running out Government of Norway 15 Sep 2023 -- "This week, I am visiting Israel and Palestine, 30 years since the first Oslo Accords were signed. As I see it, while the situation may seem bleak, the two-state solution is still the most viable path towards peace between Israelis and Palestinians."
• U.S. 'Disappointed' At Serbia-Kosovo Talks, Echoes EU Warning That 'Time Is Running Out' RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- The United States has expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in the latest round of EU-facilitated talks between Balkan neighbors Serbia and Kosovo aimed at normalizing relations.
• The UK calls on South Sudan's leaders to deliver the free and fair elections the South Sudanese people deserve: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.
• Regional State President Survives Suicide Bombing in Central Somalia VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- The president of Somalia's Galmudug regional state was unhurt but two federal lawmakers were wounded when a bomb-laden car exploded in a central Somali village Friday, according to witnesses and officials.
• Conflict in Northern Mali Resumes Amid UN Withdrawal VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- As the U.N. mission to Mali withdraws from the northern part of the country, hostilities between the Malian army and Tuareg rebels have reignited and Islamist attacks have increased amid the chaos.

News Reports

• Memorandum on Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2024 The White House 15 Sep 2023
• Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the Extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez from Mexico to the United States US Dept. of Justice 15 Sep 2023 -- The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka "El Chapo," from Mexico to the United States:
• Statement from Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall on U.S. Law Enforcement Taking Custody of Major Narcotics Defendant The White House 15 Sep 2023
• COVID-19: Commission authorises second adapted vaccine for Member States' autumn vaccination campaigns European Commission 15 Sep 2023 -- The Commission has authorised the Spikevax XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna. This is another important step in the fight against the disease. It is the third adaptation of this vaccine to respond to new COVID-19 variants.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the G77 and China Summit UN Secretary-General 15 Sep 2023
• Guterres urges G77 and China to champion multilateralism 'rooted in equality' UN News 15 Sep 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to leaders from the Group of 77 developing countries (G77) and China to "fight for a world that works for all", in his address to their summit in Havana, Cuba, on Friday.
• Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko President of Russia 15 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the Bocharov Ruchei residence.
• Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko answered media questions President of Russia 15 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the Bocharov Ruchei residence.
• Putin, Lukashenka Discuss Bilateral Ties, Meeting With North Korean Leader RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- Authoritarian Belarusian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on September 15 in the resort city of Sochi for talks on bilateral ties and integration within the so-called union state amid their international isolation over the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Kremlin Says 'No Agreements' Signed As Russia, North Korea Warned Off Arms Deals RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- The Kremlin on September 15 said that "no agreements" were signed during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ongoing visit to Russia.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the opening ceremony of an exhibition of archival photographs dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the military coup in the Republic of Chile, Moscow, September 15, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Sep 2023
• US imposes sanctions on Russian automakers Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- The US Treasury Department has targeted Russia with new sanctions over the war in Ukraine, adding 20 people and over 100 entities to its updated blacklist.
• Russia expels 2 senior U.S. diplomats People's Daily 15 Sep 2023 -- Russia has decided to expel two senior U.S. diplomats, who are accused of carrying out activities "incompatible with their diplomatic status," the foreign ministry said Thursday.
• Restrictions on import of vehicles registered in Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 15 Sep 2023 -- Finland will implement the European Commission's guidance (FAQ) on prohibiting the import of vehicles registered in Russia.
• Gazprom Sent LNG of Own Production Along Northern Sea Route for 1st Time Sputnik 15 Sep 2023 -- Russian energy giant Gazprom said on Friday that it had sent liquefied natural gas (LNG) of its own production along the Northern Sea Route for the first time, adding that the cargo arrived in China.
• Accelerometer Malfunction Prompted Luna-25 Module to Crash Into Moon - Roscosmos Sputnik 15 Sep 2023 -- Russia's Luna-25 automatic landing module crashed due to a malfunction of the accelerometer that failed to transmit the information needed for the engine to turn off, Yuri Borisov, the head of Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, said on Friday.
• China 'investigating' missing Defense Minister Li Shangfu: reports Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2023 -- Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu is reportedly being investigated by the ruling Chinese Communist Party after being out of the public eye since Aug. 29, according to several Western media reports.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 15, 2023 PRC MofA 15 Sep 2023
• China's week-long diplomatic agenda witnesses fruitful results Global Times 15 Sep 2023 -- The week saw a packed new round of diplomatic activities for China, with fresh outcomes achieved on Friday as China and Zambia announced they were lifting their ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership during Zambian president's ongoing China visit. Meanwhile, China and Cambodia consolidated their ironclad friendship with a visit by Cambodia's new Prime Minister to China.
• Remarks by Assistant Secretary for International Finance Brent Neiman at the Program on International Financial Systems' U.S.-China Symposium in Hong Kong US Treasury 15 Sep 2023
• US House leaders decry Huawei's new phone Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2023 -- Ten U.S. lawmakers including four House committee chairs have asked the Biden administration to explain how two Chinese telecoms giants developed advanced microchips in spite of U.S. export controls.
• At China's Belt and Road Summit, Participants Welcome US-India's Rival Plan VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- A plan unveiled by the U.S. and India last week to build what is seen as an alternative to China's modern-day Silk Road could mean better deals for the nations along the route, according to participants at a conference in Hong Kong this week marking the 10th anniversary of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI.
• Kim-Putin military cooperation may pose potential setback for China Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian leader Vladimir Putin inspected a fighter jet production facility in Russia's Far East on Friday while the United States allies prepare joint countermeasures in response to safeguarding the security in both Asia and Europe.
• U.S. Senate committee approves bill on avoidance of double tax with Taiwan CNA 15 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday unanimously adopted a bill aimed at alleviating the burden of double taxation on American and Taiwanese businesses and individuals operating in each other's country.
• Dual-national ban sees Gou's VP pick Lai race to renounce U.S. citizenship CNA 15 Sep 2023 -- Independent presidential contender Terry Gou's (郭台銘) running mate Tammy Lai (賴佩霞) has begun the process of renouncing her U.S. citizenship to comply with Taiwan's ban on dual-national candidates, a spokesperson said Friday.
• KMT's Hou arrives in New York for 8-day U.S. 'journey of dialogue' CNA 15 Sep 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) landed in New York Thursday (local time), for what his campaign office described as an eight-day "journey of dialogue and deepening friendship."
• Mainland's Taiwan affairs official meets former KMT chairperson People's Daily 15 Sep 2023 -- Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, on Friday met with Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, in the city of Hangzhou.
• China sanctions Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman over arms sales to Taiwan island Global Times 15 Sep 2023 -- As Lockheed Martin of the US directly participated as the main contractor in US arms sales to the island of Taiwan on August 24, and Northrop Grumman has participated in US arms sales to the island on many occasions, the Chinese side decided to impose sanctions on the above two US military enterprises, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Friday.
• Beijing slaps sanctions on 2 US defense weapons manufacturer over arms sales to Chinese Taipei Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- China has announced sanctions against two major US arms manufacturers, namely, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, for supplying weapons to Chinese Taipei.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 15, 2023 ROC MND 15 Sep 2023
• Commander: Iran's Armed Forces are prepared to defend its stability Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Army stands firmly in the face of enemy plots and will not allow adversaries to make even the "slightest" move against the Islamic Republic, a senior Iranian commander says.
• US imposes new sanctions on 29 Iranian individuals, Press TV on riots anniversary Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian individuals and entities, including the English-language Press TV news network, over groundless accusations of "human rights abuses" on the eve of the anniversary of Western-backed riots in the country.
• Jailed Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi Says Amini's Death Symbolizes 'Weakness' Of Regime RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- Prominent jailed Iranian rights activist Narges Mohammadi says the death of Mahsa Amini a year ago has become a day that symbolizes "the oppression of the theocratic authoritarian regime against Iranian women."
• Statement from President Joe Biden on the Anniversary of Mahsa Amini's Death and Iran's Brutal Crackdown The White House 15 Sep 2023
• United States Imposes Sanctions on the Anniversary of Mahsa "Zhina" Amini's Death US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2023 -- On the eve of the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa "Zhina" Amini at the hands of Iranian security forces, the United States is designating 25 Iranian individuals, three Iranian state-backed media outlets, and one Iranian internet research firm in connection with the Iranian regime's violent suppression of nationwide protests following her death.
• Treasury Sanctions Iranian Officials and Companies Connected to Repression in Advance of the Anniversary of Mahsa "Zhina" Amini's Death US Treasury 15 Sep 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating 29 individuals and entities in connection with the Iranian regime's violent suppression of nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa "Zhina" Amini in custody of its 'Morality Police,' and the regime's continued efforts to detain dissenting voices and restrict access to a free and open internet.
• 'I commend their bravery': Foreign Secretary recognises bravery of Iranian people on anniversary of Mahsa Amini death UK FCDO 15 Sep 2023 -- The Foreign Secretary has commended the bravery of Iranian women a year on from Mahsa Amini's death and announced coordinated sanctions on the regime.
• Iran: Council lists four more individuals and six entities over serious human rights violations EC/CEU 15 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Council imposed a tenth package of restrictive measures on four individuals and six entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.
• Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union EC/CEU 15 Sep 2023 -- One year ago, the 22 year old woman Mahsa Amini was killed while in custody of the Iranian morality police. Her death sparked a nationwide movement of women and men calling for the respect, protection and fulfilment of their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• On first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, Canada announces additional sanctions against Iranian regime Canada 15 Sep 2023 -- A year has passed since Mahsa Amini died due to the actions of Iran's so-called Morality Police. Since then, Canada has led international efforts to respond to the Iranian regime's actions by imposing sanctions on 31 entities and 129 individuals for gross and systematic violations of human rights and grave threats to international peace and security.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the anniversary of the death of Jina Mahsa Amini Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Sep 2023
• Iran on fresh sanctions: West has no right to shed crocodile tears for Iranians Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- Iran has strongly condemned the US and its allies for imposing a slew of fresh sanctions against the Islamic Republic over the country's defense of its security and nation in the face of Western-backed riots that spread throughout the country last year.
• Tehran will respond to EU actions: Iran FM IRNA 15 Sep 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has termed Europe's non-compliance with its obligations after Trump's withdrawal from the JCPOA as a "game with time", adding that Tehran will respond to EU's new sanctions.
• US Expects American Dual Nationals Held in Iran to Leave in Coming Days VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. hopes that with the transfer of blocked Iranian funds from banks in South Korea to Qatar completed, the five Iranian Americans held in the Islamic Republic will be home "in the coming days."
• Iran says will never cross red line in sanctions-removal efforts Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Iran will never cross its red line and will always pursue restoration of the nation's absolute rights in the talks aimed at the removal of sanctions.
• Iran seizes 2 tankers with over 1,500 million liters of smuggled fuel IRNA 15 Sep 2023 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy forces have captured two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf that were carrying over 1,500 million liters of smuggled fuel.
• Iran seizes two foreign tankers smuggling fuel in Persian Gulf Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has seized two foreign oil tankers smuggling fuel in the Persian Gulf waters.
• Myanmar vendors told to sell military beer - or face consequences Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2023 -- Vendors in Myanmar who boycott military-produced booze and cigarettes beware - you may be getting a summons from junta authorities.
• US Lawmakers Stress Need for Pressure on Myanmar to End Rights Crisis VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- U.S. lawmakers from both major parties have voiced their resolve to rally international pressure for an end to the suffering of the people of Myanmar at the hands of the military junta that cut off democratic rule in the country in February 2021.
• Kazakh Tycoon Related To Former President's Family Gets Six Years In Prison RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- A court in Astana sentenced Kazakh tycoon Qairat Boranbaev, whose daughter is a widow of a grandson of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, to six years in prison after a retrial procedure.
• Morocco and Libya: UN scales up support for disaster relief UN News 15 Sep 2023 -- Two very different catastrophes in Morocco and in Libya united by the "unimaginable trauma" of bereaved families, continue to mobilize the UN's relief efforts, the Organisation's top aid official Martin Griffiths said on Friday.
• Agencies Issue Guidance as Libyan Residents Fear Flooding Health Risks VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- As rescue efforts continue in Libya, international health agencies issued a statement Friday on the rush to bury bodies because of fears of a health crisis in the aftermath of Sunday's catastrophic flooding.
• Analysts: Effect of Libya's Killer Storm Made Worse by Decade of Conflict VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- Just hours after epic storm Daniel dumped torrential rains on Libya's coast, breaching dams and killing thousands, some called it perhaps the deadliest and costliest Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone ever recorded.
• Macron accuses Niger of taking French ambassador hostage Press TV 15 Sep 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Niger leaders of taking the European country's ambassador hostage after he refused to comply with an order to leave.
• Tharman Shanmugaratnam sworn in as Singapore's president People's Daily 15 Sep 2023 -- Tharman Shanmugaratnam took the oath as Singapore's ninth president at Istana, the country's presidential palace, Thursday evening.
• Central Asian Leaders Address Water Challenges, Security At Summit In Tajikistan RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- Calls to share scarce water resources and cooperate on security issues featured heavily in a two-day summit of the five Central Asian leaders that wrapped up in Dushanbe on September 15.
• EU Hails End Of Monitoring Mechanism for Romania, Bulgaria RFE/RL 15 Sep 2023 -- The European Commission formally closed the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for Bulgaria and Romania, introduced in 2007 to monitor the two EU members states' progress on judicial reforms and fighting corruption.
• South Sudan: Key electoral questions 'remain unanswered' UN News 15 Sep 2023 -- As South Sudan prepares to hold its first-ever elections in December, resolving critical outstanding issues requires political will for compromise, the UN envoy to the country said on Friday.
• Imprisonment of Top Rights Activists in Bangladesh Triggers Global Outrage VOA 15 Sep 2023 -- The sentencing of two prominent human rights activists to prison terms in Bangladesh has triggered shock and outrage among global rights campaigners who called their court trial "politically motivated" and said that the two activists were paying the price for exposing serious human rights violations by government forces.