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Current Operations

• New U.S. rotation welcomed at Pabradė: Allied presence in Lithuania is the bedrock of our security Lithuania MND 21 Sep 2023 -- The latest rotation of American troops, the Hounds Battalion (3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment (3-67) and the Battle Kings Battalion (1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (1-9), began service in Lithuania Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 21 Sep 2023
• Statement by Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth on the Swearing-In of General George as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army US Army 21 Sep 2023 -- Today I was delighted to be able to swear in General Randy George as the U.S. Army's 41st Chief of Staff following his confirmation by the Senate. General George is a battle-tested soldier and seasoned leader who has been a critically important champion for the Army as Vice Chief of Staff and as Acting Chief. Having first entered the force as an enlisted soldier 42 years ago, he understands the importance of service and leadership at every echelon. I deeply value the partnership we have already built and look forward to working with him to strengthen and transform the Army's warfighting capabilities and sustain our all-volunteer force.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Confirmation of Gen. Randy A. George as the Next Chief of Staff of the Army and Gen. Eric M. Smith as the Next Commandant of the Marine Corps DoD 21 Sep 2023
• Senate Confirms 3 Defense Leaders DoD News 21 Sep 2023 -- The Senate has confirmed the appointment of three military leaders to positions within the Defense Department.
• U.S. Senate confirms top military officer after months of delay People's Daily 21 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to confirm Air Force General Charles Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the country's top military officer.
• DOD Harnessing Emerging Tech to Maintain Enduring Advantage DoD News 21 Sep 2023 -- The Defense Department remains committed to strengthening its technical advantage in a strategic environment that is increasingly being shaped by high-tech competition, a senior Pentagon policy official said yesterday.
• Acting U.S. ambassador to Netherlands gets first-hand look at Eygelshoven APS-2 site Army News 21 Sep 2023 -- The Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 work sites in Europe have garnered increased global attention following Russia's invasion of Ukraine about a year and a half ago. On a weekly basis distinguished visitors, high ranking government officials and senior military leaders conduct site visits to these APS-2 sites and receive capabilities briefings from the 405th Army Field Support Brigade.
• US Deploys Drone Ships for First Time Near China Sputnik 21 Sep 2023 -- Remotely-operated vessels were sent to Japan for war games designed to increase US readiness in the region as China's rise creates tensions in the West.
• Air Force accepts first T-7 Red Hawk, more testing US Air Force 21 Sep 2023 -- The Air Force accepted the first of five T-7A Red Hawk aircraft from the Boeing Co. Sept. 14.
• DLA Energy Continues to Expand Utilities Support to U.S. Navy US Navy 21 Sep 2023 -- Defense Logistics Agency Energy continues to expand its utilities partnership with the U.S. Navy, increasing the service's energy reliability, security and resilience.
• NAVSTA Rota Prepares for Exercise Reliant Rumble US Navy 21 Sep 2023 -- Earthquakes can hit anytime, anywhere. It may be a common occurrence in some locations; irregular to non-existent in other locations. The recent earthquake and aftershocks in Morocco is a testament to the fact that even though it's not "normal" in an area, it can still happen.
• Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One Makes Its First Port Visit in Yokosuka, Japan US Navy 21 Sep 2023 -- The unmanned surface vessels (USVs) Ranger and Mariner from Unmanned Surface Vessel Division ONE (USVDIV-1) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka on September 18 as part of a scheduled port visit during Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General meets Colombian Defence Minister NATO 21 Sep 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Thursday (21 September 2023). In his conversation with former US Representative Jane Harman, Mr Stoltenberg highlighted that his main message at the UN General Assembly was the importance of maintaining strong support for Ukraine.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General at CEVRO Institute: if President Putin wins, we all lose NATO 21 Sep 2023 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană sent a strong message of support to Ukraine for as long as it takes, adding that a win for President Putin in Ukraine would send the wrong message to other authoritarian leaders and undermine the rules-based international order.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General: democracies should stand united to defend the multilateral global order NATO 21 Sep 2023 -- Speaking at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies' (FEPS) Annual Autumn Academy on Wednesday (20 September 2023), Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană emphasised the importance of defending democratic values against challenges to the rules-based international order.
• Partnership for Peace: Switzerland and NATO set cooperation targets for 2023 and 2024 Federal Council - Swiss Government 21 Sep 2023 -- Switzerland and NATO have defined the objectives of their cooperation for 2023 and 2024 in a non-legally binding Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP). The ITPP was concluded under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and affirms the Federal Council's intention to strengthen international cooperation in the area of security policy.
• Finval 2023 exercise: Pacific Fleet masters searching for submarines in Bering Sea Russia MoD 21 Sep 2023 -- In the waters of the Chukchi and Bering seas, as well as on the Chukotka Peninsula, the Pacific Fleet's forces continue the Finval 2023 exercise under the leadership of Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, to protect the Northern Sea Route.
• Zelenskyy to US Lawmakers: Ukraine Will Lose War Without US Aid VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swept through Washington in a diplomatic blitz Thursday, winning a pledge of continued support from the U.S. president and delivering a bold message: Without another tranche of U.S. funding to combat Russian aggression, Ukraine will lose the war.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) and Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 21 Sep 2023
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 21 Sep 2023 -- As President Biden just announced, the Department of Defense is sending an additional security assistance package to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy DoD 21 Sep 2023
• Biden Meets With Ukraine President, as U.S. Sends $325M Arms Package DoD News 21 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. today announced it will send an additional security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $325 million as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded his second visit to Washington since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion.
• Austin Assures Zelenskyy of American Support for Ukraine DoD News 21 Sep 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the United States will work with allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defeat Russian aggression, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a news conference today.
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023 -- Ukraine's resilience, courage, and determination have inspired the world and galvanized U.S. and global efforts to help it defend itself and secure its future.
• Biden Announces $128 Million Ukraine Security Package Including Hawk Air Defense Battery Sputnik 21 Sep 2023 -- US President Joe Biden announced a new security package for Ukraine that will include the second Hawk air defense battery and monthly deliveries of additional weapons systems over the course of the winter.
• Biden Assures Zelenskiy Of Global Support: Abrams Tanks Coming, But ATACMS Will Have To Wait RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with President Joe Biden at the White House in the midst of his crucial diplomatic push, thanking the U.S. leader for helping Kyiv to fight "Russian terror," while Biden told his counterpart that he will "ensure that the world stands" with Ukraine and that the first of the sophisticated U.S. Abrams tanks are on the way.
• Memoranda of cooperation in the defense industry were signed in the presence of the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 21 Sep 2023
• President of Ukraine had a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon President of Ukraine 21 Sep 2023
• Poland Says No New Weapons for Ukraine, as US Plays Down Dispute VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Washington said Thursday that Poland remained a close ally of Ukraine, after Warsaw said it would no longer provide Kyiv with weapons amid an escalating dispute over food imports.
• Polish PM says no longer arms Ukraine, as Warsaw summons Ukrainian envoy over Zelensky's remarks Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says his country will no longer supply Ukraine with weapons, as Warsaw has summoned the Ukrainian ambassador over comments by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations.
• Air defence, artillery systems, long-range weapons: Rustem Umerov is visiting USA as part of Ukrainian delegation Ukraine MOD 21 Sep 2023
• The Ministry of Defence won an international arbitration against a foreign supplier for more than € 3 million Ukraine MOD 21 Sep 2023
• PLA Army's newly unveiled armed recon drone likely joined drills around Taiwan island: analysts Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- The newly unveiled KVD002 armed reconnaissance drone of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army has likely participated in patrols and exercises around the island of Taiwan since 2022, identified then as the CH-4, analysts said on Thursday.
• Cabinet passes draft to tighten security at military facilities CNA 21 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan's Cabinet approved a draft bill Thursday to beef up battalion security in a bid to patch up loopholes in current related acts.
• Guarding the skies together Australia DOD 21 Sep 2023 -- Australian and Japanese aviators forged strong partnerships and lifelong lessons during the two-week Exercise Bushido Guardian in Japan.
• Iranian, Omani top military officials meet in Tehran IRNA 21 Sep 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has held talks with the Commander of the Royal Army of Oman Major General Matar bin Salim al Balushi.
• Warning 'foreign forces', Yemen's Ansarullah parades missiles, drones Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Yemen's popular resistance Ansarullah movement has displayed ballistic missiles and armed drones during a massive military parade in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.
• Minister Sklenár at ITAPA DEFENCE: Slovakia is not at the crossroads of the East and the West Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 21 Sep 2023 -- The main theme for this year's ITAPA DEFENCE Conference, which is being held at the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) Museum in Banská Bystrica today, is 'Defence Industry's Innovations and Benefits of Security Technologies'.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Advancing the Sustainability and Adaptability of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Event US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the U.S. Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Investor Forum US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Kenyan President William Ruto Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Kenyan President Ruto US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist, Andrea Mitchell, Katty Kay, and Mike Barnicle of Morning Joe on MSNBC US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023
• Readout of Senior Administration Officials Meeting with President Gustavo Petro of Colombia The White House 21 Sep 2023
• C5+1 Leaders' Joint Statement The White House 21 Sep 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 21 Sep 2023
• Statement from National Security Council Spokesperson on Meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of Iraq The White House 21 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 21, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• Yemen's leader says peace is possible, but flow of arms and resources to Houthi militias must stop UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- Yemen has made compromises and worked hard to rebuild its country and regain the trust of its people, but the head of the Presidential Leadership Council on Thursday cautioned the international community that "dealing with Houthi militias as de facto authorities" would likely reverse hard-won gains and could turn Yemen into a hotspot to export terrorism worldwide.
• Houthi: Yemeni nation won't ever surrender, army hit faraway enemy targets Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- The leader of Yemen's popular Ansarullah resistance movement has reiterated that the Yemeni nation will never surrender in the face of the devastating war and siege against the country.
• Yemen: Unsung heroes unite for lasting peace UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- Communities in Yemen ravaged by nearly nine years of a relentless war are still grappling with one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
• No: 231, 21 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the Developments in Peace Process in Yemen Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Sudan's brutal conflict could spill over into wider region, warns Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- Warning that the months-long conflict in Sudan could spill over in the region, Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan on Thursday called on the international community to consider designating the militias ravaging his country as terrorist groups "to protect the Sudanese people, the region and the world."
• UN relief chief warns Sudan conflict could engulf region People's Daily 21 Sep 2023 -- The UN relief chief warned on Wednesday that allowing the conflict in Sudan to descend into a full-blown civil war could be a human tragedy.
• United States Announces $116 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to People in Burma, Bangladesh, and the Region US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023 -- The United States will provide more than $116 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Burma, Bangladesh, and the region, including more than $74 million to support Rohingya refugees and their host communities.
• Top Russian Officer Among Troops Killed During Azerbaijan's Attack On Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- A top official from Russia's armed forces was killed during Azerbaijan's shelling of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh just two months after he was appointed to be the second in command of a Russian peacekeeping force in the region.
• Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh Sides To Meet Again Soon After Inconclusive 'Integration' Talks RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- The first session of the closely watched "reintegration" talks in the western Azerbaijani city of Yevlax between representatives of Azerbaijan and the ethnic Armenian leadership of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh ended without any sign of a breakthrough, as the two sides exchanged accusations and denials over reports of gunfire and apparent cease-fire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh's de facto capital, but with word of further meetings to come.
• Azerbaijan, Ethnic Armenians Negotiate After Nagorno-Karabakh Cease-fire VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Representatives for ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh met Thursday with the Azerbaijan government to discuss the future of the breakaway region.
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the High Representative on developments in Nagorno-Karabakh European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Sep 2023 -- The European Union condemns the military operation by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and deplores the casualties and loss of life caused by this escalation.
• An overview of recent developments in Karabakh IRNA 21 Sep 2023 -- In the wake of a truck explosion in a mined area of Karabakh resulting in the tragic deaths of four officers from the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani forces launched an assault on Khankandi, the regional center of Karabakh.
• Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 21 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, at Azerbaijan's initiative.
• Azerbaijan, Karabakh separatists hold 1st direct peace talks Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan and separatists from Karabakh have held their first direct peace talks as Baku claims full control of the breakaway region following a lightning military operation.
• Iran welcomes ceasefire agreement between Azerbaijan, Armenia-backed separatists Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- The Foreign Ministry has welcomed recent agreement by Azerbaijan and Armenian-backed separatists to a Russia-proposed ceasefire towards prevention of fresh hostilities in the Karabakh region.
• Kremlin on Dead Soldiers in Karabakh: Probe is Underway Sputnik 21 Sep 2023 -- Moscow has seen reports that there are detainees in Azerbaijan due to the death of Russian peacekeepers, all details are unknown, but an investigation is underway, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
• Aliyev Apologizes to Putin, Expresses Condolences Over Death of Russian Military - Kremlin Sputnik 21 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev apologized to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of Russian military personnel in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 20, the Kremlin said on Thursday.
• The UK urges all parties to respect the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh: UK at the Security Council UK FCDO 21 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations at the United Nations Security Council
• Armenia-Azerbaijan: UN calls for 'credible and durable' end to fighting in flashpoint region UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- A senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday that the wellbeing of civilians caught up in the long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be the "overriding priority" following renewed fighting.
• Funding woes continue to plague UN Palestine refugee agency UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- The head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees across the Middle East, UNRWA, on Thursday appealed for consistent and sustainable financing to keep its operations running and avert chronic shortfalls.
• This 'hideous occupation' will not last, Abbas tells UN Assembly UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly on Thursday, stating that those who think peace can prevail in the Middle East without the Palestinian people enjoying their full legitimate and national rights are mistaken.
• Report: Atrocities, War Crimes Pervade Northern Ethiopia Despite Peace Pact VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- A report presented Thursday to the U.N. Human Rights Council accuses all parties to the conflict in northern Ethiopia of widespread atrocities, many amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, despite a peace agreement signed nearly a year ago.
• Somali PM Optimistic About Winning Stronger International Support Against Al-Shabab VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Thursday that his government is appealing for more international support in its long-running war against al-Shahab militants.
• Joint communique of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023 -- The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior officials of the member states of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir met on the side-lines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 20 September 2023. The Secretary General of the OIC chaired the meeting.
• U.S. Urges Kosovo, Serbia To 'Fully Implement' Obligations After Talks Fail RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- The United States expects both Kosovo and Serbia to "fully implement" all of their obligations and commitments to normalized relations and mutual recognition.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Republika Srpska authorities should refrain from further restricting the rights of NGOs Council of Europe 21 Sep 2023
• CAR leader blames West for 'plundering' African resources, triggering migrant crisis Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- The head of the Central African Republic (CAR) has accused the Western countries of triggering a migration crisis by pillaging Africa's natural resources through slavery and colonization.
• The Regional Humanitarian Fund for West and Central Africa allocates US$5.3 million to support the emergency response in Gao, Ménaka and Bandiagara regions UNOCHA 21 Sep 2023 -- For the first allocation to Mali, the Regional Humanitarian Fund for West and Central Africa (FHRAOC) released five million three hundred and fifty thousand US dollars (5.3 million USD) to provide emergency multi-sectoral assistance to populations affected by the nutritional crisis and displacement in the regions of Gao (Ansongo circle), Ménaka (Ménaka circle), and Bandiagara (Koro and Bankass circles).

News Reports

• Biden's Call to Expand UNSC Membership Likely to Go Unheeded VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has again called for an increase in the number of permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
• At UN Assembly, Nepali Prime Minister urges focus on common goals UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prime Minister of Nepal emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling global challenges through peaceful means and diplomatic dialogue.
• Address of President Charles Michel at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly EC/CEU 21 Sep 2023
• European Council President says it's time to put multilateralism back on solid ground UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, appealed on Thursday to the international community to protect the principles of the UN Charter, reform the Organization's governance structures and double down on efforts to fight the climate crisis.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Summit of the Future UN Secretary-General 21 Sep 2023
• Equality among states is non-negotiable, France says at UN UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- At the UN on Thursday, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna declared that her country defends the principle of equality between states - "a principle that no one can or must compromise" - and supports "African solutions to crises in Africa".
• Central African Republic leader slams West for looting Africa's wealth, sparking today's migrant crisis UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- The President of the Central African Republic on Thursday accused Western countries of triggering a migration crisis by pillaging Africa's natural resources and impoverishing the continent through slavery and colonization.
• At UN, Salva Kiir calls for support to help restore peace, ease humanitarian crisis in neighboring Sudan UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- President Salva Kiir of South Sudan on Thursday appealed to the international community to push harder for peace in neighboring Sudan, where five months of conflict has displaced more than five million people and sparked a humanitarian crisis along the border between the two countries.
• U.S. Government Contractor Arrested on Espionage Charges US Dept. of Justice 21 Sep 2023 -- A U.S. government contractor was arrested on Aug. 24 based on espionage charges in a complaint unsealed today. Abraham Teklu Lemma, 50, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Ethiopian descent, of Silver Spring, Maryland, is charged with delivering national defense information to aid a foreign government, conspiracy to deliver national defense information to aid a foreign government, and the willful retention of national defense information.
• Today's Announcement of Espionage Charges Against a State Department Contractor US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2023 -- Following the arrest earlier this year of a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard for the unauthorized disclosure of classified national defense information, in mid-April 2023, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) undertook a self-initiated 60-day Internal Security Review of the Department of State's Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) network, systems, and applications to identify opportunities to strengthen how we safeguard data in the TS/SCI environment.
• Judge sets trial date for New Yorker accused of spying Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- A federal judge on Thursday set a date for the trial of July 15, 2024, in the prosecution of Wang Shujun, 76, of Queens, New York, an historian and a former Columbia University scholar.
• Bulgaria Expels One Russian, Two Belarusian Clerics Accused of Spying RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- Bulgaria on September 21 said it was expelling one Russian and two Belarusian nationals for carrying out "activities directed against" the country's national security and interests.
• Japanese citizen placed under compulsory measures in line with law for suspected engagement in espionage activities: Chinese FM Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- A Japanese citizen who is suspected of engaging in espionage activities, violating China's Criminal Law and the Counter-Espionage Law, has been placed under compulsory measures by the relevant authorities in accordance with the criminal procedure law, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at Thursday's routine press briefing, commenting on whether China will formally arrest a Japanese citizen suspected of engaging in espionage activities.
• Improving future preparedness: Inquiry into the response to the Covid-19 pandemic Prime Minister of Australia 21 Sep 2023 -- An independent Inquiry will be held into Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help better prepare and protect our country for the future.
• Gabon Residents Say They Support Junta's Arrest of Ousted Bongo Cabinet VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- The public in Gabon appears to support the military junta's arrest and detention of the son of ousted president Ali Bongo and members of his cabinet. Military officials in the capital, Libreville, charged them this week with crimes, including treason and corruption.
• Thousands of children in Niger at risk of severe nutritional crisis as border closures leave trucks stranded WFP 21 Sep 2023 -- More than 90,000 moderately malnourished children under five in crisis-hit regions of Niger can no longer access the specialized nutritional foods they desperately need to stop their condition becoming severe. Supplies of the vital humanitarian foods dried up in early September 2023 due to border closures which are preventing humanitarian actors - including the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) - from importing much needed nutritional products into Niger.
• State Council Presidium expanded meeting President of Russia 21 Sep 2023 -- In Veliky Novgorod, the President chaired an expanded meeting of the State Council Presidium on the issue, "Development of the Labour Market in the Russian Federation."
• Meeting with Governor of the Novgorod Region Andrei Nikitin President of Russia 21 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Governor of the Novgorod Region Andrei Nikitin.
• Press release on the results of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council meeting Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's conversation with Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Panpree Phahitthanukorn Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• NB8 statement on Human Rights in Russia, delivered by FM Valtonen Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 21 Sep 2023 -- Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen delivered the Nordic-Baltic statement at 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 21 September 2023. The statement was delivered as part of the Interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the ministerial meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), New York, September 21, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's address at the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future, New York, September 21, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova regarding the expulsion of Russian Orthodox Church priests from Bulgaria Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Sameh Shoukry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2023
• The Teenage Sons Of Kremlin-Backed Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Are In The Spotlight. Why? RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- At first glance, he looks like any other high-school boy in tough-guy clothes and a backwards baseball cap.
• Amid Rumors About His Grave Condition, Another Unverified Video Surfaces Of Chechen Leader Kadyrov RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- The Kremlin-backed leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has published a new video on social media amid speculation his health is failing and he had been hospitalized in a coma.
• Human rights in Russia: 'Significant deterioration' UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- The human rights situation within Russia has significantly deteriorated since the invasion of Ukraine last year, according to a UN-appointed expert on Thursday.
• Top diplomat Wang Yi wraps up Russia visit after meeting with Putin People's Daily 21 Sep 2023 -- China's top diplomat's visit to Russia underscores the stability, sustainability and independence of China-Russia relations, Chinese experts said, after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday wrapped up his four-day trip to Moscow, during which he met with Russian president and senior officials.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee in Moscow on Wednesday, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
• Peak Xi: In a downturn is China's leader the man for the job? Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Only yesterday, or so it seems, the world beat its way to China's door and returned with breathless tales of high-speed trains and giddying architectural triumphs.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 21, 2023 PRC MofA 21 Sep 2023
• China sent who to the UN? Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng told the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday that the world should resist U.S. hegemonism, reject the use of human rights as a "political tool" and never doubt Beijing's plans to reunite China's mainland with the democratic island of Taiwan.
• Strong multilateralism key to international cooperation, says China's Vice-President UN News 21 Sep 2023 -- The international community must move away from "power politics" by embracing the burgeoning multipolar world, with the UN at its core, the Vice-President of China said in his address on Thursday to the General Assembly.
• It's crucial to reject double standards, stand firmly against politicizing counterterrorism efforts: Wang Yi Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- It is crucial to reject double standards and stand firmly against politicizing and instrumentalizing counterterrorism, given the actions of some countries smearing the justified counterterrorism efforts of other countries in the name of human rights, democracy and religion, China's top diplomat Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a written statement at the 13th Ministerial Plenary Meeting of the Global Counterterrorism Forum on Wednesday.
• EU defining China as 'partner, competitor and systemic rival' should be set aside: Chinese diplomat on European affairs Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- EU defining China as partner, competitor, and systemic rival at the same time not only confuses China but also leaves European politicians, business and public bewildered and uncertain, which should be set aside, China's special representative on European Affairs said on Thursday.
• China wants details of local employees from Hong Kong consulates Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- China has demanded that foreign consulates in Hong Kong hand over all personal details of locally hired staff in the next few weeks, and continue to do so whenever they hire anyone new, according to a letter sent to diplomatic missions in the city cited in multiple media reports.
• Hong Kong white lion dance falls flat amid bid to reboot nightlife Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Hong Kong officials are trying to boost the city's flagging economy with a slew of after-dark street activities to boost the night-time economy, sparking skepticism and ridicule from some critics.
• China mulls speeding up new industrialization People's Daily 21 Sep 2023 -- China's State Council is mulling efforts to advance new industrialization at a faster pace, according to a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday.
• Taiwan to emulate U.S. 'friend-shoring,' KMT's Hou tells Silicon Valley CNA 21 Sep 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) told a Silicon Valley event Wednesday that Taiwan would emulate the U.S.' "friend-shoring" policy to reduce reliance on China-based production.
• Peace, stability in the Taiwan Strait beneficial to all: President Tsai CNA 21 Sep 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that Taiwan is a key partner in the international democratic community, and it is in the interest of all people to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 21, 2023 ROC MND 21 Sep 2023
• Russia-North Korea Ties: Will Putin-Kim Bromance Last? VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Warming relations between North Korea and Russia could last as long as the war in Ukraine continues, making Pyongyang either disposable or expandable to Moscow, depending on its need for ammunition and interest in overturning the U.S.-led international order, experts said.
• S Korea sanctions more firms, N Korea individuals as tensions rise Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- South Korea on Thursday imposed unilateral sanctions on companies and North Korean individuals including the North's defense minister - a move aimed at curbing Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions that pose threats to the United States and its regional allies.
• South Korea Hits North Korean Illegal Weapons Trade with New Sanctions VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- South Korea Thursday imposed new sanctions on 10 individuals and two entities for involvement in illegal financial transactions related to North Korea's nuclear program and arms trade with three countries, including Russia.
• S. Korean parliament approves arrest of opposition party leader People's Daily 21 Sep 2023 -- The South Korean parliament on Thursday approved a motion seeking the arrest of Lee Jae-myung, chief of the main opposition Democratic Party.
• S Korea assembly approves opposition leader arrest amid polarization Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- South Korea's National Assembly passed a motion to arrest its opposition leader for bribery on Thursday, as the progressive opposition bloc's approval ratings sank to new lows and with just a few months before the general election in April.
• Iran: Repetition of baseless claims acts against regional interests IRNA 21 Sep 2023 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has warned against the repetition of ungrounded claims and accusations that will jeopardize regional interests.
• Iran will never abandon its nuclear rights, awaits 'practical' steps by US, Europe: President Raeisi Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says Tehran will never abandon its nuclear rights and expects the parties to a 2015 nuclear deal to take "practical" steps to fulfill their commitments under the agreement.
• Main convict of attack on Iran Shah Cheragh sentenced to death IRNA 21 Sep 2023 -- An Iranian court has delivered a verdict against the main convict indicted for the August attack on the Shah Cheragh holy shrine in Iran's southern province of Fars.
• Main accused in terrorist attack on Shah Cheragh shrine sentenced to death Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- The main accused in a terrorist attack on the Shah Cheragh shrine in the Iranian city of Shiraz has been sentenced to death, Chief Justice of Fars Province Kazem Mousavi says.
• Family Of Iranian Teen Calls Off Memorial Amid Heightened Security Presence RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- Plans to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Nika Shakarami, a 16-year-old protester believed to have been killed by Iranian security forces during widespread protests last year, have been abruptly canceled amid an increased security presence around her grave site and the detention of several people who tried to come and pay their respects.
• Iraq's Catholic Leader Seeks Vatican Support as Iran Pressures Grow VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Cardinal, Louis Sako, is asking for more Vatican support to regain his title of patriarch, stripped from him in July by the Iraqi president. Analysts and others say the move was likely instigated by a Chaldean Catholic militia leader with ties to Iran seeking a land grab.
• Iraq reiterates its rejection of foreign combat presence on its soil Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has reiterated the Arab country's position of rejecting the presence of foreign forces on its soil.
• Myanmar junta sacks general for alleged bribery and corruption Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Myanmar's junta said it has sacked a high-ranking general for alleged bribery and corruption.
• Kyaw Moe Tun to remain Myanmar's UN rep Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Myanmar's U.N. ambassador, Kyaw Moe Tun, who was appointed before the 2021 military coup, will remain in the post for another General Assembly session after the body's credentials committee declined to meet, an official told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Q&A: Suu Kyi Adviser Reflects on Prison Term, Myanmar's Struggle for Democracy VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Australian academic Sean Turnell, a former economic adviser to Myanmar's ousted democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, recently spoke with VOA via Zoom about his experiences during his 650-day imprisonment in Myanmar's Insein prison after being arrested in the aftermath of the February 2021 military coup.
• Chandrayaan-3 not an exception, but a result of development of India's social, cultural & scientific trend: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha India PIB 21 Sep 2023 -- The success of Chandrayaan-3 is not an exception, but a result of the development of India's social, cultural and scientific trend
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (September 21, 2023) India MEA 21 Sep 2023
• India Suspends Visa Services to Canadians as Tensions Simmer VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- India suspended visa services for Canadian citizens on Thursday and asked Canada to reduce its staffing in India, as tensions between the two countries grew.
• India suspends visa services for Canadian citizens amid diplomatic row People's Daily 21 Sep 2023 -- India has suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, visa service provider BLS International said Thursday on its website, citing a notice from the Indian mission.
• India suspends visas for Canadians over rising tensions Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- India has suspended visa operations with Canada for an indefinite period amidst an escalating diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
• Canada becomes lonely as allies seemingly reluctant to blame India for Sikh leader's murder Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Canada finds itself in an awkward position as its allies are seemingly reluctant to blame India for the murder of a separatist leader in the North American country, as tension rises through tit-for-tat moves between Ottawa and New Delhi.
• As Canada-India diplomatic row escalates, US finds itself in a dilemma Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- The US finds itself in a difficult position and has been reacting cautiously after Canada's accusation that India may have been involved in the assassination of a Sikh activist on its soil.
• Caretaker Prime Minister meets UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 21 Sep 2023
• Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held a meeting with Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva u>Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 21 Sep 2023
• Pakistan to Hold National Elections in January VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- The official panel responsible for organizing elections in Pakistan announced Thursday the much-awaited national parliamentary polls will take place in the last week of January, confirming a delay of about two months and ending uncertainty about the fate of the electoral process.
• Syrian president starts China visit, 'to take bilateral relations to a new height' Global Times 21 Sep 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad officially kicked off his first official trip to China in almost two decades on Thursday. Chinese observers believe that his visit will push bilateral relations to a new level and a string of practical cooperation projects are likely to be initiated.
• Syria's Assad arrives in China for first visit in almost two decades Press TV 21 Sep 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has arrived in China for high-level talks on the expansion of political and economic relations between the two countries, marking his first official trip to the East Asian country in almost two decades.
• Syrian President Arrives in China to Meet With Xi Sputnik 21 Sep 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Thursday, kicking off his visit to the country at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
• "While enhancing our relations with the U.S. on the political level, we also need to diversify our cooperation in the economic field" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 21 Sep 2023 -- Addressing the 13th Türkiye Investment Conference, President Erdoğan said: "While enhancing our relations with the U.S. on the political level, we also need to diversify our cooperation in the economic field. We see great potential between the two countries, from new and groundbreaking technologies to critical sectors, from innovation to manufacturing, from artificial intelligence to cyber security."
• Joint Statement by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 Sep 2023
• Residents of Libya's Derna Blame Government for Flood Disaster VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- When protests whirled by his home early this week, Khalid Alkowash, 42, a local government worker in Derna, Libya was concerned but not surprised.
• Kenyan President Reiterates His Country's Commitment to Support Haiti VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Kenyan President William Ruto reiterated the country's commitment to support Haiti with a multinational force that will fight gang-related violence.
• Canada imposes additional sanctions against members of Haitian economic elite Canada 21 Sep 2023 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations in response to acts of significant corruption, which are fueling the current security, political and humanitarian crisis in the country.
• Baltic and Nordic Directors for Eastern Europe and Russia meet in Riga Latvia MFA 21 Sep 2023 -- On 21 September 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting of the Baltic States and Nordic country (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8) Directors for Eastern Europe and Russia.
• The Latvian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers in New York discuss developments in Karabakh Latvia MFA 21 Sep 2023 -- On 20 September 2023, during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov.
• Cambodian opposition leader sentenced to 18 months in bad check case Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Cambodia's main opposition Candlelight Party was dealt two more blows on Thursday, one to a prominent leader and another that once again blocked it from competing in future elections.
• Power agreement hastens timeline for Laos' Pak Beng Dam Radio Free Asia 21 Sep 2023 -- Communities on both sides of the Mekong River are expressing concerns after developers of a controversial dam in Laos signed a power agreement with Thailand even though compensation for villagers impacted by the project remains unresolved.
• Kyrgyz Investigative Group Says Charity Led By President's Wife Received Foreign Funding RFE/RL 21 Sep 2023 -- Kyrgyz investigative group Temirov Live said a charity led by the Central Asian nation's first lady received enormous funding from foreign sources, even as the government seeks to adopt a law that would allow authorities to register organizations receiving financing from abroad or foreign nationals as "foreign representatives."
• Thai King's Disavowed Son Suggests Listening to Critics of Royal Defamation Law VOA 21 Sep 2023 -- Thailand has some of the world's strictest laws against criticizing the country's monarchy, with up to 15 years in prison for each offense. At an exhibition in New York this week, which featured the stories of 25 people prosecuted under the law, the Thai King's disavowed son came and told reporters he was there to learn about the issue.