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• Biden Meets 5 Central Asia Leaders on UN Sidelines VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- President Joe Biden is turning Washington's gaze to Central Asia — a region the West has long been accused of overlooking — in an effort to strengthen ties with the landlocked region bordered by Russia and China.
• The World's Largest Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Trieste US Navy 19 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), embarked staff from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), arrived in Trieste, Italy for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 17, 2023.
• First Phase of the MAGPIE Weather and Climate Experiment Completed in Barbados US Navy 19 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) completed its contribution to the Moisture and Aerosol Gradients/Physics of Inversion Evolution (MAGPIE) program, the first phase of an 18-month mission in Barbados.
• Pacific Angel 23-3 concludes in Brunei US Air Force 19 Sep 2023 -- Pacific Angel 23-3 Brunei wrapped up at Rimba Air Force Base, Sept.15, after four days of multiple search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response training operations.
• U.S. Africa Command, Côte d'Ivoire Armed Forces host the West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan AFRICOM 19 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Africa Command and the Côte d'Ivoire Armed Forces today convened the West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, bringing together 50 West African and U.S military logistics leaders.
• Readout of PTDO Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Mara Karlin's Meeting With Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska of North Macedonia DoD 19 Sep 2023
• Department of Defense Enters an Agreement to Expand Domestic Manufacturing to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains for Rare Earth Magnets DoD 19 Sep 2023 -- The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, issued an award to E-VAC Magnetics, LLC (E-VAC) to establish a domestic rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing capability. E-VAC is part of VAC Group, a manufacturer of rare earth permanent magnets
• READOUT: Malabar Navies' Leadership Meet in Pearl Harbor US Navy 19 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo hosted the Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Adm. Ryo Sakai, India's Chief of the Naval Staff Adm. R. Hari Kumar, and Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Sept. 17, 2023.
• U.S.-India Relationship Critical to Free, Open Indo-Pacific DoD News 19 Sep 2023 -- A shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific bolsters the U.S.-India relationship as the two countries continue to strengthen defense ties, a senior Pentagon official said today.
• NATO Secretary General joins world leaders at UN General Assembly NATO 19 Sep 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined world leaders at the opening of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday (19 September 2023).
• Turkey's president says parliament not ready to ratify Sweden NATO bid Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Turkish parliament is not prepared to ratify Sweden's NATO accession protocol since Stockholm has not gone far enough to secure its place in the military alliance.
• Russia to Increase Production of Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles Sputnik 19 Sep 2023 -- On September 19, Russia celebrates Gunsmith Day with soaring production of hypersonic missiles, meeting 100% of state defense contracts, Bekhan Ozdoev, the industrial director of Rostec's Armaments, Ammunition, and Special Chemicals Cluster, said.
• Russia's defense minister visits Tehran for talks on boosting defense cooperation Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, at the head of a high-ranking military delegation, has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with senior Iranian officials aimed at further bolstering bilateral relations and counter-terrorism cooperation.
• Russian Defence Minister discusses with Iran's Chief of General Staff topical issues of bilateral military cooperation Russia MoD 19 Sep 2023 -- Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has discussed topical issues of Russian-Iranian military cooperation during talks with Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri on Tuesday.
• Meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission President of Russia 19 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission of the Russian Federation in Izhevsk on Gunsmith Day.
• Russian delegation headed by Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu arrives in Tehran for talks with the military leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran Russia MoD 19 Sep 2023 -- During the visit, the Russian Defence Ministry delegation will hold a number of talks with the military leadership of the Republic.
• Northern Fleet Bastion coastal defence missile systems perform missile launches during exercise Russia MoD 19 Sep 2023 -- As part of the exercise with the expeditionary grouping of forces and troops for the protection of the Arctic island area and the sea coast of the Russian Federation, the Northern Fleet's Bastion defence coastal missile systems practised training and combat missions to destroy surface targets of a mock enemy.
• During Finval exercise, MiG-31 fighter jet crews practise interception of mock enemy cruise missile above Chukotka Russia MoD 19 Sep 2023 -- In the waters of the Chukchi and Bering seas, as well as on the Chukotka peninsula, the Finval-2023 tactical exercise of the Pacific Fleet's forces (troops) to protect connections of the Northern Sea Route continues. The exercise is conducted under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov.
• Russia intercepts U.S. reconnaissance plane over Barents Sea People's Daily 19 Sep 2023 -- A MiG-31 fighter was scrambled on Monday to intercept a U.S. P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft over the Barents Sea, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Ukraine Turns Down 10 German Leopard Tanks Due to Their Condition Sputnik 19 Sep 2023 -- Last week, Ukraine refused to accept 10 Leopard 1A5 tanks from Germany due to their unsatisfactory technical condition, German media reported, citing sources.
• "Khyzhak" (Predator) and RBPP-500: the Ministry of Defence has adopted two tactical machine gun systems Ukraine MOD 19 Sep 2023
• Ramstein-15: planning long-term support for Ukraine is on the agenda Ukraine MOD 19 Sep 2023
• Ukraine, Estonia, and Luxembourg have launched the IT Coalition Ukraine MOD 19 Sep 2023
• More support from the partners, Capabilities Coalition, IT Coalition - results of the 15th Ramstein Meeting Ukraine MOD 19 Sep 2023
• Pentagon chief: US Abrams tanks to arrive in Ukraine 'soon' Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin says the US military's M1 Abrams tanks will arrive in Ukraine "soon" as part of Western aid aimed at helping Kiev defeat Russia.
• US-Made Tanks Poised to Make Debut in Ukraine, Add to 'Steady Progress' VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- Ukraine's efforts to break through Russia's defensive lines could soon benefit from some long-awaited firepower — some 31 U.S.-made M1 Abrams tanks first promised in January.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark A. Milley Hold Press Conference Following Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany DoD 19 Sep 2023
• Air Defense Remains Top Priority at Meeting on Ukraine Defense DoD News 19 Sep 2023 -- During today's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base Germany, continued air defense support to Ukraine was a top priority, said the secretary of defense.
• Austin Says Ukrainian Forces Will Soon Receive US Abrams Tanks VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that M1 Abrams tanks pledged by the Pentagon will soon arrive in Ukraine, and that efforts to train Ukrainian pilots on F16 jets are expanding to include U.S.-based training.
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 15th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 19 Sep 2023
• Defence Secretary pledges tens of thousands of more artillery shells for Ukraine UK MOD 19 Sep 2023 -- The UK has delivered over 300,000 artillery shells to Ukraine and is committed to delivering tens of thousands more artillery shells this year, the Defence Secretary announced today.
• Defence Minister Bill Blair participates in 15th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Canada 19 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 15th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
• How Germany is supporting Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 19 Sep 2023 -- As Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained, Germany's position is very clear: we will continue to support Ukraine "for as long as necessary". Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Germany has sent just under 24 billion euros to Ukraine in humanitarian aid, direct payments, and weapons.
• Norway donates cargo carriers to Ukraine Government of Norway 19 Sep 2023 -- Norway will donate approximately 50 tracked cargo carriers to Ukraine. - These are important to get supplies to areas where there are no roads, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
• Czech Republic, Denmark and the Netherlands sealed an agreement in Ramstein on supplies of weapons to Ukraine Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 19 Sep 2023 -- Dozens of countries which militarily support Ukraine, have once again met at the Ramstein airbase. Led by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the meeting's agenda included current information from the battlefield and the future development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and its capabilities.
• Defence Minister Martin Sklenár in Ramstein: Ukraine continues to need our support Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 19 Sep 2023 -- The 15th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) in the format of ministers of defence and senior military officials took place at Germany's Ramstein Air Base today, with the latest battlefield developments in Ukraine and the most urgent military needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the top of the agenda.
• Defence Minister Martin Sklenár meets new Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov for bilateral talks at Ramstein AB Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 19 Sep 2023 -- Defence Minister Martin Sklenár met Rustem Umerov, the newly appointed Ukrainian Defence Minister, for bilateral talks in the margins of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at Ramstein Air Base today.
• All deputy defense ministers of Ukraine dismissed People's Daily 19 Sep 2023 -- The Ukrainian government dismissed all six deputy defense ministers and the state secretary of the Defense Ministry, said Taras Melnychuk, the cabinet's representative in the parliament, on Monday.
• China's Y-9 hospital aircraft holds first mission abroad Global Times 19 Sep 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's Y-9 medical rescue aircraft for the first time participated in a mission abroad during the ongoing military medical services exercise between China and Cambodia in Phnom Penh, with analysts saying that China has built a multidimensional battlefield medical aid system that can offer international public security goods.
• Boost for maritime patrol and response fleet Australia DOD 19 Sep 2023 -- The ADF will acquire a fourth MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft system and upgrade its fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, the Australian Government has announced.
• Work on new Government's Defence Report to begin Finnish MoD 19 Sep 2023 -- The Ministry of Defence has launched the preparation of a new Government's Defence Report, in accordance with the Government Programme's objectives.
• The President: Unity between the Baltic States and Poland is the path to regional security and stability President of the Republic of Lithuania 19 Sep 2023 -- President Gitanas Nausėda continues his working visit to New York. On Tuesday, the Lithuanian leader met with the Presidents of Latvia, Estonia, and Poland.
• Remarks by President Biden Before the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly | New York, NY The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Biden says 'when we stand together', we can tackle any challenge UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- The territorial integrity and human rights that form the foundation of the UN must be collectively defended, United States President Joseph Biden said on Tuesday.
• Biden Rallies Support for Ukraine at UN While Highlighting Global Challenges VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- In a sign that the United States is listening to the Global South, President Joe Biden addressed a myriad of their concerns even as he rallied support for Ukraine in his address before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
• Secretary Blinken's Participation in the U.S.-KSA-UAE Trilateral Meeting on Peace in Yemen and Other Regional Priorities US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023
• Joint Statement Following the Ministerial Meeting of the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with the C5+1 Leaders at UNGA The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Remarks by President Biden After Central Asia 5 + 1 Meeting The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Biden Meets 5 Central Asia Leaders on UN Sidelines VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- President Joe Biden is turning Washington's gaze to Central Asia — a region the West has long been accused of overlooking — in an effort to strengthen ties with the landlocked region bordered by Russia and China.
• Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials to Preview the President's Engagements at UNGA The White House 19 Sep 2023
• Remarks by President Biden at the United Nations General Assembly Leaders' Reception | New York, NY The White House 19 Sep 2023
• G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in her capacity as Chair of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 19, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• UN Survey: Women's Rights Crucial for Taliban Recognition VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- Hundreds of women in Afghanistan say the United Nations should not recognize the Taliban government until women's access to work and education is restored, according to a new survey.
• Saudi Arabia ditches allies, holds direct peace talks with Yemen: Report Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Saudi officials have reportedly held direct talks with a delegation from Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement over a permanent ceasefire to end the war, leaving its allied parties in the cold.
• Yemen's Ansarullah upbeat about peace talks with Saudi Arabia Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Yemen's popular resistance Ansarullah movement has voiced optimism about the quality of earlier talks in Saudi Arabia on the potential of putting an end to a hugely deadly war that Riyadh and its allies have been waging against Yemen since 2015.
• Kurdish armed groups handed over heavy weapons, will be relocated to camps: Iraq's foreign minister Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Iraq's foreign minister says Kurdish armed groups along the border with Iran have handed over their heavy weaponry as the deadline for their disarmament and relocation approaches based on a security deal between Tehran and Baghdad.
• No: 230, 19 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the Drone Attack on Arbat Airport in Sulaymaniyah Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Sep 2023 -- We closely monitor the terrorist activities of the PKK and its extensions in Iraq, which were intensified especially in the north of the country, as well as the mobility through the terror corridor established between Syria and Iraq.
• Syria: UN chief welcomes reopening of life-saving aid corridor UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- A large UN aid convoy was able to cross into northwest Syria on Tuesday following the reopening of a vital border crossing.
• Junta troops kill 7 villagers after rebel attack on gunboats Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- Junta troops have killed at least seven civilians in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region in what residents and rebel fighters say was retaliation for an attack on their gunboats by members of the armed resistance.
• Myanmar junta kills 4 civilians during Tanintharyi mass arrests Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- Junta troops killed four civilians who were arrested with scores of others in a raid on Tanintharyi region's Palaw township, residents told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023
• Canada calls for cessation of hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region Canada 19 Sep 2023
• Azerbaijan Launches Deadly Attack in Disputed Nagoro-Karabakh VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan took the offensive Tuesday against Armenian positions in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region and opened fire, including in areas inhabited by civilians.
• Azerbaijan Launches Offensive In Breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh, Children Among Casualties RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- After weeks of bloody clashes, Azerbaijan on September 19 said it had launched an "anti-terrorist operation" in Nagorno-Karabakh, a major escalation in hostilities with Armenia as the breakaway region already teeters on the brink of a humanitarian crisis after being blockaded for more than eight months.
• Call for End of Hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023 -- "The United States is deeply concerned by Azerbaijan's military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls on Azerbaijan to cease these actions immediately."
• Azerbaijan launches military operation in Karabakh as tensions escalate Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan says it has launched a military operation in Karabakh almost three years after it went to war with Armenia over the disputed mountainous region.
• Military escalation around the Karabakh region Council of Europe 19 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
• Military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh: PACE President calls on Azerbaijan to cease fire immediately Council of Europe 19 Sep 2023
• Congress President expresses grave concern over the Nagorno-Karabakh situation Council of Europe 19 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the High Representative on the military escalation European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 Sep 2023 -- The European Union condemns the military escalation along the Line of Contact and in other locations in Karabakh. The EU deplores the loss of lives brought by the escalation. We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and for Azerbaijan to stop the current military activities.
• Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the situation in Karabakh Estonia MFA 19 Sep 2023
• Foreign Minister Baerbock on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh Germany Federal Foreign Office 19 Sep 2023
• Iran urges Azerbaijan, Armenia to resolve dispute through dialogue, comply with ceasefire Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Iran has expressed deep concern over the latest flare-up between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, calling on both sides to comply with the terms of a 2020 ceasefire agreement and de-escalate through dialogue.
• Iran calls on Azerbaijan, Armenia to resolve dispute through dialogue IRNA 19 Sep 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has expressed deep concern over the latest dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, and urged both sides to comply with the terms of a 2020 ceasefire agreement and de-escalate through dialogue.
• Baku announces launch of fresh military operation in Karabakh IRNA 19 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan has launched a new military operation in Karabakh which it says is in response to the deaths of two Azerbaijani forces by mines planted by Armenian soldiers in the region, AZERTAC news agency said, citing an announcement by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense.
• Russian Peacekeepers Record Karabakh Ceasefire Violations From Azerbaijani Side Sputnik 19 Sep 2023 -- Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh recorded numerous ceasefire violations from the Azerbaijani side along the entire line of contact on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry said.
• Kremlin Calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to Adhere to Trilateral Agreements on Karabakh Sputnik 19 Sep 2023 -- Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to adhere to trilateral agreements on Nagorno-Karabakh, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday after Baku launched a military operation in the breakaway region.
• No: 229, 19 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the Military Operation Launched by Azerbaijan in Karabakh Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Sep 2023
• Kyrgyz Official Ignites Controversy On Anniversary Of Deadly Clashes On Border With Tajikistan RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- Provocative irredentist statements about Tajikistan by a top Kyrgyz official on the first anniversary of deadly border clashes between the two countries has caused alarm in Dushanbe and soured relations.
• UNHCR, WHO warn of deteriorating health conditions as 1,200 children die of suspected measles, malnutrition in Sudan WHO 19 Sep 2023
• Tens of thousands of Sudanese children on the brink of death before the year ends. UNICEF 19 Sep 2023 -- "On the back of a cruel disregard for civilians and the relentless attacks on health and nutrition services, UNICEF fears many thousands of newborns will die between now and the end of the year.
• Sudan: Children dying amid healthcare system collapse UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- In war-torn Sudan, more than 1,200 children under five have died in camps in the space of four months from a combination of measles and malnutrition, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on expectations from Serbia and Kosovo* EC/CEU 19 Sep 2023 -- Following the High-Level meeting of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue on 14 September in Brussels, the EU expresses its concern over the lack of implementation by the Parties of their commitments under the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex, which both Parties agreed to earlier this year, and which are binding on them and play a role in the European path of the Parties.
• EU 'Concerned' At Unmet Serbian-Kosovar Pledges, As U.S. Official Pushes Kosovo President On 'De-Escalation' RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- The European Union expressed "concern" over unfulfilled pledges from earlier this year by both sides in talks to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo, and urged them to "engage constructively and in good faith," while a special counselor to the U.S. State Department reiterated to Kosovo's president the need for de-escalation in the Balkan hot spot.
• Palestine: High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell met Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh in New York European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 Sep 2023 -- On 19 September, High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell (HR/VP) met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in New York, on the margins of the 78th session of the United Nations' General Assembly.
• 11 Somali Soldiers Killed as AU Forces Start Second Round of Troop Drawdown VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- Eleven Somali government soldiers were killed and three others injured in a roadside explosion Monday in the southwestern Gedo region, officials said, as the African Union peacekeeping force began a second round of troop withdrawals.

News Reports

• Secretary-General's address to the General Assembly UN Secretary-General 19 Sep 2023
• UN's relevance in focus as world leaders gather Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. President Joe Biden used their speeches on the opening morning of the annual U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday to call for reforms of the global body's central institutions amid multiple global crises.
• Unity, solidarity and action needed now: General Assembly President UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- Global unity and solidarity are needed in the face of myriad crises that threaten to reverse decades of development gains and resign millions to poverty, the President of the UN General Assembly said in his address to the opening of its 78th General Debate on Tuesday.
• 'Armed conflicts are an offense to human rationality,' Brazil's Lula da Silva tells UN Assembly UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- Speaking at the annual debate of the UN General Assembly in New York, Brazil's President Lula da Silva lamented growing global inequalities and discussed his country's role spearheading climate change diplomacy within the Global South.
• Cuba calls for 'a new and more just global contract' UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- In the face of rising hunger and poverty, developing countries will continue their decades-long fight for a more just and equitable world, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez told the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
• Nowadays humanity must act in full solidarity to save lives - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech during the General Debate of the UN General Assembly President of Ukraine 19 Sep 2023
• Russia's weaponization of food and energy impacts all countries, Zelenskyy tells UN Assembly UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine told world leaders in the UN General Assembly that alongside its ongoing nuclear threat, Russia is also weaponizing essentials like global food and energy markets, and using them "not only against our country, but all of yours as well."
• Reforms vital to build confidence, Japanese leader tells UN Assembly UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- The Prime Minister of Japan said on Tuesday that he is open to meeting President Kim Jong-Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at any time and without any conditions "to open up a new era together" between the countries.
• We have a duty to leave no one behind, South African President tells world leaders UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, stating that while every human effort should be directed towards realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, "our energies have once again been diverted by the scourge of war."
• 'Peace has no losers', Erdogan says, vowing to step up efforts to end war in Ukraine UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- The President of Türkiye showcased his country as an active partner on both the regional and global levels¸ and called for reform of the international institutions, during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
• Mozambique calls for trust and mutual respect between UN members UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- In his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, the president of Mozambique said that the main reason for lack of progress on the 2030 Agenda is similar lack of trust and solidarity "between those who have a lot and those who have little or almost nothing at all".
• Addicted to war, power and greed, humanity is 'killing itself', warns Colombian President UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday called at the UN General Assembly for peace summits to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and the Palestinians, so the international community could focus instead on addressing climate change, which he said was "the mother of all crises".
• Secretary-General's remarks to the closing of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development UN Secretary-General 19 Sep 2023
• US Urges Indian Cooperation With Canada's Investigation of Sikh Leader's Killing VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- An unprecedented allegation by one leading democracy essentially accusing another of carrying out a political assassination on its soil is causing significant concern among key allies of both nations.
• India Dismisses Canada's Allegations of Links to Sikh Leader's Killing VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- India has rejected allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the Indian government has links to the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader as "absurd and motivated" and expelled a Canadian diplomat amid spiraling tensions between the two countries.
• India expels a senior Canadian Diplomat India MEA 19 Sep 2023 -- The High Commissioner of Canada to India was summoned today and informed about the decision of the Government of India to expel a senior Canadian diplomat based in India.
• India rejects allegations by Canada India MEA 19 Sep 2023 -- "We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated."
• Suspected covert Chinese outpost sparks push for S. Korea 'spy bill' Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- The Han River parks located in the heart of Seoul have been an urban oasis for locals for decades. A Friday night in September was no exception as people kickstarted their weekend jogging and cycling, while families enjoyed a picnic meal watching the sun set.
• Secretary Mayorkas Announces Establishment of Homeland Intelligence Experts Group DHS 19 Sep 2023 -- Today, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Ken Wainstein, and Counterterrorism Coordinator Nicholas Rasmussen announced the establishment of the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group (Experts Group).
• DHS Homeland Security Investigations Announces Strategy to Combat Illicit Opioids DHS 19 Sep 2023 -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) today released the Strategy for Combating Illicit Opioids, an intelligence-driven approach to disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and keeping dangerous substances, like illicit fentanyl driving the overdose epidemic, off America's streets.
• DHS Issues Recommendations to Harmonize Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Entities DHS 19 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlined a series of actionable recommendations on how the federal government can streamline and harmonize the reporting of cyber incidents to better protect the nation's critical infrastructure.
• The United States Hosts Multinational Dialogue on Securing Cyberspace US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary Richard R. Verma and Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick led a discussion on how to better secure cyberspace and support recovery of partners that suffer a significant disruptive cyber attack.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 19, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Sep 2023
• Russia withstands unprecedented sanctions pressure: Putin People's Daily 19 Sep 2023 -- Russia has withstood the unprecedented pressure from Western sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
• Wang Yi, Patrushev hold strategic security talks as two countries to make global governance more just and equitable Global Times 19 Sep 2023 -- Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and Secretary Nikolai Patrushev of the Security Council of the Russian Federation jointly held the 18th round of the China-Russia strategic security consultation in Moscow on Tuesday, during which they exchanged in-depth views on a wide range of topics on deepening bilateral strategic cooperation, strengthening coordination and enhancing mutual trust.
• China and Russia should uphold genuine multilateralism, promote multipolarity amid resurgence of unilateralism, hegemonism and confrontational blocs: Wang Yi Global Times 19 Sep 2023 -- Both China and Russia adhere to independent foreign policies, and China and Russia should uphold genuine multilateralism, promote multipolarity in the world and advance global governance in a more fair and equitable direction in the face of the resurgence of unilateralism, hegemonism and confrontational blocs, China's senior official Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, said while meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on September 18 local time.
• Representatives from 110 countries confirm participation in Belt and Road Forum: Chinese FM Global Times 19 Sep 2023 -- Representatives from more than 110 countries have confirmed that they will attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in October, with preparations for the forum being well underway, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. Experts noted that the wide scope of participation shows that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a popular global public good over the past decade.
• Uyghur event in NY goes ahead despite Beijing's warning Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- The Chinese government is increasingly moving Uyghurs from internment camps to the regular penal system while claiming it is closing the camps, experts and foreign diplomats told a forum on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
• China cuts US Treasury holdings in July to 14-year low amid growing uncertainty of US economy Global Times 19 Sep 2023 -- China, the second-largest holder of US Treasury bonds, cut its holdings for a fourth consecutive month in July to $821.8 billion, a 14-year low, data from the US Treasury Department showed on Monday local time.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 19, 2023 PRC MofA 19 Sep 2023
• China stresses "first red line" in latest efforts to stabilize relations with U.S. People's Daily 19 Sep 2023 -- As part of ongoing efforts to maintain bilateral communication and stabilize relations, senior Chinese and U.S. officials held multiple rounds of meetings in Malta on Saturday and Sunday.
• Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry Meets with the People's Republic of China (PRC) Vice President Han Zheng US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met today with the People's Republic of China (PRC) Vice President Han Zheng on the margins of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York City.
• China warns UN members not to attend panel on human rights: report Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- China has warned fellow United Nations member states not to attend a panel on human rights abuses in Xinjiang sponsored by a think tank and two rights groups on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, the National Review reported.
• Authorities wall off Xinjiang village to control Uyghur movement Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- Authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang region have completely walled off a village of 13,500 people in a bid to control their movement, subjecting them to 24-hour surveillance and restricting their access to a single gate each for residents and vehicles, according to security personnel.
• 55 Chinese warplanes detected in Taiwan's ADIZ over last 24 hours: MND CNA 19 Sep 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday it had activated defensive countermeasures in response to 55 Chinese military aircraft detected in Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over a 24-hour period beginning 6 a.m. Tuesday.
• KMT's Hou outlines '3Ds tactic' to maintain cross-strait peace CNA 19 Sep 2023 -- The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), on Monday, outlined his so-called "3Ds strategy" to promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during a meeting with American scholars at a Washington D.C.-based think tank.
• In US visit, Taiwan presidential candidate stresses 'Three D's' Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- and better military preparation.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 19, 2023 ROC MND 19 Sep 2023
• Taiwan's election commission unveils list of independent presidential hopefuls CNA 19 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan's Central Election Commission (CEC) on Monday unveiled a list of independent hopefuls who registered for the petition to become eligible presidential and vice presidential candidates in Taiwan's January 2024 election.
• North Korea 'mobilizes' students to fight yearly 'corn battle' Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- North Korea is tapping its students to serve as free labor during the corn harvest this fall and searching them after each shift to make sure they aren't stealing from the fields, residents of the country told Radio Free Asia.
• South Korea Presidents clash over North Korea policy Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- Five years ago, when leaders of the two Koreas exchanged a historic handshake in Pyongyang, the Korean people looked on with hope, wishing that this masterpiece of diplomacy may finally put an official end to the seven-decade-long war on the peninsula.
• Fate of Inter-Korean Military Pact Remains Uncertain 5 Years After Signing VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- The future of a milestone agreement between South Korea and North Korea, signed five years ago to reduce military tensions, is now uncertain following what Seoul considers a series of violations and military provocations by Pyongyang.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Passes through Tumangang Railway Station KCNA 19 Sep 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, completed his official goodwill visit to the Russian Federation and passed through the Tumangang Railway Station, the border station, on early Monday morning.
• S.Korea's Yoon approves motion to request parliamentary consent to arrest opposition leader as partisan conflicts worsen Global Times 19 Sep 2023 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday approved a motion requesting parliamentary consent to arrest opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days. The extreme and rare protest has further revealed that the partisan conflict in the country is deepening and polarizing, said experts.
• US announces new sanctions over Iran's drones, military aircraft Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- The US government has announced new sanctions related to Iran's military aviation activity by blacklisting Iranian, Russian, Chinese and Turkish entities for their alleged support for Iran's legitimate program to develop drones and military aircraft.
• Bullying tactics against Iran will go nowhere: President Raeisi Press TV 19 Sep 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the United States' policy of implementing bullying tactics against Iran in the form of imposing sanctions on the country will definitely fail to produce any results.
• Iranian President denounces West's meddling in affairs of Middle East countries UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- Speaking at the annual debate of the UN General Assembly in New York, Iran's President, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi discussed the emergence of non-Western powers, encouraged regional economic and security partnerships, and lamented the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
• Swapped Americans Delight In 'Freedom' On Arrival In U.S. After Deal With Tehran RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- Five Americans who were swapped for $6 billion in unfrozen assets and five detained Iranians have arrived home in the United States, hailing "freedom" and the end of a "nightmare" after their plane landed outside Washington early on September 19.
• United States Imposes Sanctions on a Multinational Network Supporting Iran's UAV Procurement Activities US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2023 -- Today, the United States is designating a network of 11 individuals and entities across four countries supporting Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and military aircraft industry.
• Treasury Sanctions Multinational Network Supporting Iran's UAV and Military Aircraft Production US Treasury 19 Sep 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned seven individuals and four entities based in Iran, the People's Republic of China (PRC), Russia, and Türkiye in connection with Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and military aircraft development. This network has facilitated shipments and financial transactions in support of the U.S.-designated Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company's (HESA's) UAV and military aircraft production, procurement, and maintenance activities.
• E3 representatives meet with Iranian counterpart. UK FCDO 19 Sep 2023 -- A statement on a meeting between senior E3 officials and their Iranian counterpart in New York
• Iranian Misery Index Hits New High As Unemployment, Inflation Rise RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Misery Index, a calculation that combines unemployment and inflation rates, has risen to 60.4 percent, its highest point ever and more than double what it was six years ago.
• Iran open to indirect nuclear talks with U.S. at UN General Assembly: official People's Daily 19 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said Monday that the country is open to indirect nuclear talks with the United States on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through mediators.
• Speech by Foreign Minister Baerbock at the High-Level Event to advance the work on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, a side event of the 78th UN General Assembly Germany Federal Foreign Office 19 Sep 2023
• Australia-Germany Foreign Ministers' Statement Germany Federal Foreign Office 19 Sep 2023 -- Today the Foreign Minister of Australia, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, Annalena Baerbock, met at the margins of the General Assembly in New York to reaffirm the closeness of our bilateral relationship, underpinned by shared values and commitment to the international order based on the rule of law.
• Courage needed to mend today's global rifts, German leader tells UN Assembly UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- Addressing world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that in an increasingly interdependent world, "a policy for peace must not stop on our own doorstep."
• Former Belarusian Security Force Member Confesses In Swiss Court To Kidnapping Opposition Figures RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- Yury Harauski, a former member of Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka's special security forces, has confessed in court to taking part in the kidnapping of three opposition figures who ended up dead.
• Kazakh Prosecutor-General's Office Launches Probe Of Nazarbaev's Nephew RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- The Kazakh Prosecutor-General's Office said on September 19 that it had launched a probe against former President Nursultan Nazarbaev's nephew Samat Abish on a charge of abuse of office while serving as the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of National Security (KNB), the post he was dismissed from in January 2022 after mass anti-government protests turned violent, leaving at least 238 people dead.
• Bilateral Meetings of Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu on the First Day of the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly. Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Sep 2023 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu held a series of bilateral meetings on Monday, September 18, 2023 as part of the delegation of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Western Balkans: High Representative Josep Borrell hosted regional leaders in New York European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 Sep 2023 -- New York, 19 September 2023
• Turkish Citizen Reportedly Abducted In Tajikistan, Brought To Turkey RFE/RL 19 Sep 2023 -- Turkish media reports say a Turkish citizen who had resided in Tajikistan for 28 years was abducted by unknown individuals in Dushanbe on September 16 and forcibly taken to Turkey, where he is wanted for alleged links with the Gulen movement that is banned in Turkey.
• Vietnam orders People's Committees to eliminate controversial church Radio Free Asia 19 Sep 2023 -- Vietnam's government has ordered Peoples' Committees nationwide to root out a church group already outlawed in the country, seeking to eliminate the controversial group which has increasingly been organizing recruitment activities.
• Nigeria, South Africa Leaders Look to Advance Economic Cooperation VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- The leaders of Nigeria and South Africa held talks Monday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, with the goal of increasing cooperation, especially in mining and telecommunications.
• Severe hunger persists in Haiti as violence intensifies in the capital WFP 19 Sep 2023 -- Violence caused by armed groups, economic slowdown and climate-related effects continue to drive high levels of hunger in Haiti, according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report issued last week. Despite a reduction in the number of people facing acute food insecurity across the country, 44 percent of Haitians continue to find themselves in either Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of hunger.